PARK NATIONAL CORP OH

The disclosures set forth in this Item are qualified by "ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS" and the section captioned "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" in "ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

General

Park National Corporation (“Park”) is a financial holding company subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Bank Holding Company Act”). Park began operations as a bank holding company in 1987. Park’s principal executive offices are located at 50 North Third Street, Newark, Ohio 43055, and its telephone number is (740) 349-8451. Park’s common shares, each without par value (the “common shares”), are listed on NYSE American, under the symbol “PRK.”

Park maintains an internet site which can be accessed athttp://www.parknationalcorp.com. Information contained on Park’s internet site does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Park makes available free of charge on or through its internet site Park’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as Park’s definitive proxy statements filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, in each case as soon as reasonably practicable after Park electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Park’s principal business consists of owning and supervising its subsidiaries. Although Park directs the overall policies of its subsidiaries, including lending policies and financial resources, most day-to-day affairs are managed by the respective officers of Park’s subsidiaries.

Human Capital

Park is a community banking team that delivers an exceptional breadth and depth of resources to individuals and businesses. Our culture is deeply rooted in making an impact within the communities we serve. Our commitment to our community is more than words and is demonstrated through our associates' dedication to rolling up their sleeves to give back in meaningful ways.

At Park, banking is about more than money, and our jobs are more than the work we do. Park provides an experience that ignites a passion to serve, unlocks potential to grow and fuels the life our associates want to build for themselves and those they love. We believe the way we treat our clients, associates, and communities is what sets us apart from the competition and sustains our success. We provide opportunities for growth and advancement by empowering our associates and offering ongoing training to develop knowledge and skills. We strive to provide a safe, fair, caring and courteous work environment.

Associate Profile

Our associates are driven by purpose. We call it Serving More, and it's what drives our associates. We genuinely care about helping our customers and communities and we do the right thing, whether that means taking time to listen, seeing the world through someone else's eyes or doing what's best for them, not us. It all adds up to work that's deeply meaningful and so much more than just a job. We operate 96 financial service offices in Ohio, northern Kentucky, and the Carolinas, with support staff located throughout our footprint and at various administration offices. As of December 31, 2023, we had 1,799 active associates, consisting of 1,653 full-time and 146 part-time resulting in 1,782 full-time equivalent associates. At December 31, 2023, our associate population was 68% female and 32% male, with an average tenure of 9 years. Our branch delivery channels employ 33.4% of those associates.

Talent

We are dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. Our hiring and promotion practices prioritize individuals who best match position requirements and exhibit strong potential for advancement.

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Our Performance Management philosophy emphasizes rewarding associates based on performance. Through an annual goal-setting process and prompted quarterly updates, supervisors and associates collaboratively track progress. The annual associate evaluation process directly influences base salary reviews, fostering a culture that encourages personal and professional improvement. We value and rely on the experience and knowledge of our associates to help identify areas for enhancement.

Career Pathways and Professional Development

Park's professional growth programming is supported by our culture, which puts compassion before competition. Our associates have the freedom to own their journey through genuine support from their leaders. We provide development opportunities to maximize associate performance, strengthen engagement, and drive our competitive advantage. We enhance associates' knowledge and skills with high-quality, accessible training and professional development opportunities to support Park's mission of promoting long-term prosperity of the people and organizations we serve.

Our Learning and Development team is a strategic business partner dedicated to supporting the organization and helping associates meet their objectives. In 2023, this team continued building an infrastructure for the development of associates aligned with overall business outcomes. This included growing the team to further streamline training, enhance the onboarding experience, oversee associate development, implement learning solutions that promote belonging and connection, and support training needs across all lines of business.

Compensation & Benefits

Park's family-first benefits package showcases our value of supporting what matters most to our associates. Our investment in family, life/work balance, health and wellbeing, and financial security fuels the lives our associates want to build for themselves and those they love. Our compensation program includes market-aligned salary grades, an annual incentive compensation program for eligible associates, referral and rewards incentive programs available to associates based on job function, a long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") for select associates, and premium pay for associates working extended hours.

Park offers comprehensive benefit options to encourage and support associates to live healthy and financially secure lives. Available benefits include an employee stock ownership plan ("KSOP") with a company matching contribution, a defined benefit pension plan, health and life insurance, dependent care assistance, a health flexible spending plan, a long-term disability plan, paid time off, tuition reimbursement for qualified schooling and an employee assistance program. As part of our strategic plan, we are conducting a comprehensive review of all associate benefits. The first phase of this review, covering paid time off ("PTO") and the pension plan, was completed in 2022. In 2023, the focus was on the health plan and flexible spending account ("FSA") benefits, including medical, dental, vision, COBRA, health and dependent care FSAs. Enhancements to these benefits, including new administration, took effect January 1, 2024 and better position us to attract and retain associates.

Belonging

The Park National Bank’s ("Park National Bank's" or "PNB's") commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among its employees is integral to cultivating a workplace environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

By actively prioritizing inclusivity through training like PNB's Outward Inclusion and Outward Mindset programs, Park creates a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued and accepted. This sense of belonging goes beyond mere representation and is rooted in the company's dedication to understanding and embracing the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of each employee.

When employees feel a genuine connection to their workplace, it not only enhances their job satisfaction but also encourages them to bring their authentic selves to work. This authenticity, in turn, catalyzes a positive feedback loop, fostering an atmosphere that celebrates differences and encourages open dialogue, which generates creative solutions and out-of-the-box ideas. In essence, a strong sense of belonging serves as the cornerstone for a more profound and lasting impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organizational framework.

Belonging is a thread that Bank is weaving into every touchpoint of the employee life cycle and throughout what the bank calls, “Moments that Matter,” which embody key professional and personal moments such as new hire luncheons, work anniversary milestones, and baby and sympathy announcements.

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Employee Culture & Retention

Park associates are united by a spirit of empathy and compassion and a genuine desire to serve others, whether customers, communities or colleagues. Associates value an environment where they can grow personally and professionally. We believe that is why so many choose to build a career and stay with Park.

Our voluntary turnover was 14.9% for 2023. As of December 31, 2023, 87% of our associates were shareholders through participation in our KSOP, under which we provide a discretionary 50% match for each associate’s regular contribution.

At Park, we pride ourselves on fostering a listening culture and regularly ask our associates to participate in an employee engagement survey so that we can better understand their perspective on all aspects of working for Park and take action on any areas of concern. We also benchmark this survey against other financial institutions. We are proud that 80% of our associates participated, and that our engagement survey scores were higher in 2023 than our previous survey in 2021, and we met or exceeded the industry benchmark in each of the eight metrics measured.

Our associate tenure reflects the effect of our efforts. By the end of 2023, 35% of our associates had been with our organization 10 years or more.

Banking Operations

Park’s banking operations are conducted through Park National Bank, a national banking association. Park National Bank engages in the commercial banking and trust business, generally in small and medium population areas in Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina communities in addition to operations within the metropolitan areas of Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Louisville, Kentucky. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Park National Bank operated 96 financial service offices, including 91 branches, in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina. Park National Bank delivers financial products and services through its 96 financial service offices and a network of 115 automated teller machines, as well as telephone and internet-based banking through both personal computers and mobile devices, including ParkDirect, a mobile bank experience.

There is one reportable segment for the Corporation.

Consumer Finance Subsidiary

Guardian Finance, an Ohio consumer finance company, operates as a separate subsidiary of Park. Guardian Finance formerly provided consumer finance services in the central Ohio area. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Guardian Finance had one administrative office in Licking County, Ohio. During 2019, Guardian Finance stopped seeking new loans. At December 31, 2023, Guardian Finance loans outstanding totaled $101,000.

SE Property Holdings, LLC ("SEPH")

SEPH is a limited liability company, organized in 2011 under the laws of the State of Ohio, and a direct subsidiary of Park. The initial purpose of SEPH was to purchase other real estate owned (“OREO”) from Vision Bank, a bank subsidiary of Park until February 16, 2012, and continue to market such properties for sale. By letter dated January 30, 2012, the Federal Reserve Board authorized Park to engage in the business of extending credit through SEPH. As a result, SEPH is permitted to engage in lending activities and was able to succeed to the rights and obligations of Vision Bank in respect of the loans held by Vision Bank when Vision Bank merged into SEPH on February 16, 2012 (the "Vision Bank-SEPH Merger"). SEPH has operations in Ohio, with the sole purpose of such operations being to sell OREO in an effective and efficient manner and work out or sell problem loan situations with the respective borrowers.

Scope Leasing, Inc.

Scope Leasing, Inc. (which does business as “Scope Aircraft Finance”), a subsidiary of Park National Bank, specializes in aircraft financing. The customers of Scope Aircraft Finance include small businesses and entrepreneurs who utilize the aircraft for business or pleasure. Scope Aircraft Finance serves customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

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Vision Bancshares Trust I

In connection with the merger of Vision Bancshares, Inc. (“Vision”) into Park in March of 2007 (the “Vision Merger”), Park became the successor to Vision under (i) the Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2005 (the “Indenture”), pursuant to which Vision issued $15.5 million of junior subordinated notes to Vision Bancshares Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Vision Trust”). The junior subordinated notes were issued by Vision in connection with the sale by the Vision Trust of $15.0 million of floating rate preferred securities to institutional investors on December 5, 2005. Park also became the successor to Vision in (i) the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Vision Trust, dated as of December 5, 2005 (the “Trust Agreement”), and (ii) the Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 5, 2005 (the “Guarantee Agreement”). Through these contractual obligations, Park has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the Vision Trust’s obligations with respect to the floating rate preferred securities.

Both the junior subordinated notes and the floating rate preferred securities mature on December 30, 2035 (which maturity may be shortened), and carried a floating interest rate per annum, reset quarterly, equal to the sum of three-month LIBOR plus 148 basis points until the cessation of LIBOR on June 30, 2023. Since July 1, 2023, they carry a floating rate based on three-month CME Term SOFR plus 174 basis points. Payment of interest on the junior subordinated notes, and payment of cash distributions on the floating rate preferred securities, may be deferred at any time or from time to time for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters, subject to specified conditions.

Under the terms of the Indenture and the related Guarantee Agreement, Park, as successor to Vision, is prohibited, subject to limited exceptions, from declaring or paying dividends or distributions on, or redeeming, repurchasing, acquiring or making any liquidation payments with respect to, any shares of Park’s capital stock (i) if an event of default under the Indenture has occurred and continues; (ii) if Park is in default with respect to the payment of any obligations under the Guarantee Agreement; or (iii) during any period in which the payment of interest on the junior subordinated notes by Park (and the payment of cash distributions on the floating rate preferred securities by the Vision Trust) is being deferred. The floating rate preferred securities are considered Tier 1 Capital under regulatory capital standards.

Other Subsidiaries

Park Investments, Inc. ("PII"), which is a subsidiary of Park National Bank, operates as an asset management company. Commencing in 2015, Park began purchasing and holding municipal bonds within PII. As of December 31, 2023, PII held municipal securities with an amortized cost of $251.5 million.

NSCB 2, LLC; River Park Properties, LLC; Park ABQ, LLC; and X Holdings, LLC are subsidiaries of Park National Bank that hold certain OREO properties or other nonperforming assets. The operations of these subsidiaries are not significant to the consolidated Park entity.

87A Orange Beach, LLC; Morningside Holding, LLC; Swindall Holdings, LLC; Swindall Partnership Holdings, LLC; Farm Holdings, LLC; Marina Holdings Z, LLC; Marina Holding WE, LLC; Alabama Apartment Holdings, LLC; and Vision-Park Properties, L.L.C. are subsidiaries of SEPH that hold certain OREO properties. The operations of these subsidiaries are not significant to the consolidated Park entity.

Services Provided by Park’s Subsidiaries

Park National Bank provides the following principal services:

•the acceptance of deposits for demand, savings and time accounts and the servicing of those accounts;

•commercial, industrial, consumer and real estate lending, including installment loans, credit cards (which are offered through a third party), home equity lines of credit and commercial leasing;

•a national portfolio of loans to non-bank consumer finance companies;

•trust and wealth management services;

•aircraft financing;

•cash management;

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•safe deposit operations;

•electronic funds transfers;

•internet and mobile banking solutions with bill pay service; and

•ParkDirect, a personal banking app.

Park believes that the deposit mix of Park National Bank is currently such that no material portion has been obtained from a single customer and, consequently, the loss of any one customer of Park National Bank would not have a materially adverse effect on the business of Park National Bank.

Lending Activities

Park National Bank deals with consumers and a wide cross-section of businesses and corporations located primarily in the 26 Ohio counties, one Kentucky county, four North Carolina counties and four South Carolina counties served by the financial service offices of Park National Bank. At December 31, 2023, Park National Bank had no concentration of loans to borrowers engaged in the same or similar industries that exceeded 10% of total loans nor did it have any loans outstanding to persons domiciled outside the U.S. As a result of the Vision Bank-SEPH Merger, SEPH holds loans originated by Vision Bank previously serviced by the financial service offices of Vision Bank. It is expected that SEPH will originate loans only to further the collection efforts with respect to the loans transferred to SEPH by operation of law as a result of the Vision Bank-SEPH Merger. Such origination (or modification) volume has been and is expected to continue to be insignificant to the consolidated Park entity.

Park National Bank makes lending decisions in accordance with the written loan policies adopted by Park, which are designed to maintain acceptable loan quality. Park National Bank originates and retains for its own portfolio commercial and commercial real estate loans, commercial leases, residential real estate loans, home equity lines of credit, and installment loans. Park National Bank also originates fixed-rate residential real estate loans for sale to the secondary market.

There are certain risks inherent in making loans. These risks include changes in the credit worthiness of borrowers over the time period in which loans may be repaid, interest rate changes over the time period in which loans may be repaid, risks resulting from changes in the national and local economies, risks inherent in dealing with borrowers and, in the case of loans secured by collateral, risks resulting from uncertainties about the future value of the collateral.

Commercial Loans

At December 31, 2023, Park’s subsidiaries (including Scope Aircraft Finance) had approximately $3,196 million in commercial loans (commercial, financial and agricultural loans and commercial real estate loans) and commercial leases outstanding, representing approximately 42.7% of their total aggregate loan portfolio as of that date. Of this amount, approximately $1,296 million represented commercial, financial and agricultural loans, $1,876 million represented commercial real estate loans, and $24 million represented commercial leases.

Commercial loans are made for a wide variety of general corporate purposes, including financing for industrial and commercial properties, financing for equipment, inventory and accounts receivable, acquisition financing, commercial leasing, and loans originated by consumer finance companies. The term of each commercial loan varies by its purpose. Repayment terms are structured such that commercial loans will be repaid within the economic useful life of the underlying asset. Information concerning the loan maturity distribution within the commercial loan portfolio is provided in "Table 8 - Loan Maturity Distribution" included in "ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The commercial loan portfolio of Park’s current subsidiaries includes loans to a wide variety of corporations and businesses across many industrial classifications in the counties where Park National Bank operates, with the exception of nationwide aircraft loans and nationwide asset-based lending to consumer finance companies. The primary industries represented by these customers include real estate rental and leasing, finance and insurance, construction, accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, other services, manufacturing, retail trade, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and professional, scientific, and technical services.

Commercial loans are evaluated for the adequacy of repayment sources at the time of approval and are regularly reviewed for any possible deterioration in the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. The credit information required

-5- generally includes, depending on the amount of money lent, financial statements, third-party prepared financial statements, two years of federal income tax returns and a current credit report. Loan terms include amortization schedules commensurate with the purpose of each loan, identification of the source of each repayment and the risk involved. In most instances, collateral is required to provide an additional source of repayment in the event of default by a commercial borrower. The structure of the collateral package, including the type and amount of the collateral, varies from loan to loan depending on the financial strength of the borrower, the amount and terms of the loan and the collateral available to be pledged by the borrower. Most often, the collateral is inventory, machinery, accounts receivable and/or real estate. The guarantee of the business owners/principals is generally required on loans made to closely-held business entities.

Commercial real estate loans (“CRE loans”) include mortgage loans to developers and owners of commercial real estate. The lending policy for CRE loans is designed to address the unique risk attributes of CRE lending. The collateral for CRE loans is the underlying commercial real estate. Park National Bank generally requires that the CRE loan amount be no more than 85% of the purchase price or the appraised value of the commercial real estate securing the CRE loan, whichever is less. CRE loans made for Park National Bank’s portfolio generally have a variable interest rate. For more information concerning the loan maturity distribution in the CRE loan portfolio, please see "Table 8 - Loan Maturity Distribution" included in "ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The regulatory limit for loans made to one borrower by Park National Bank was $150.0 million at December 31, 2023. Participations in a loan by Park National Bank in an amount larger than $49.0 million are generally sold to third-party banks or financial institutions. While Park National Bank has a loan limit of $150.0 million, the total exposure of the largest single borrower within the commercial portfolio was $75.0 million at December 31, 2023.

Park has an independent, internal loan review program which annually evaluates all commercial loan relationships greater than $1.0 million, all new commercial loans greater than $1.0 million in its metropolitan markets of Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; and Charlotte, North Carolina, all new commercial loans greater than $500,000 in all other markets, and a risk-based sample of commercial relationships less than $1.0 million. If a loan has deteriorated, Park takes prompt action designed to increase the likelihood that it will be repaid. Upon detection of the reduced ability of a borrower to service interest and/or principal on a loan, Park may downgrade the loan and, under certain circumstances, place the loan on nonaccrual status. Park then works with the borrower to develop a payment schedule which it anticipates will permit service of the principal and interest on the loan by the borrower. Loans which deteriorate and show the inability of a borrower to repay principal are charged down to the net realizable value of collateral. A collection specialist/work-out officer is available to assist when a credit deteriorates. Information about Park’s policy for placing loans on nonaccrual status is included under the caption “Loans” in "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements found in "ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Commercial loans are generally viewed as having a higher credit risk than consumer loans because commercial loans typically involve larger loan balances to a single borrower and are more susceptible to a risk of default during an economic downturn. Commercial loans also generally have variable interest rates. Park uses several indices for commercial loans that help determine loan interest rates, but the national prime rate and short-term FHLB of Cincinnati advance rates are the most common indices used. Credit risk for commercial loans arises from borrowers lacking the ability or willingness to pay principal or interest and, in the case of secured loans, by a shortfall in the collateral value in relation to the outstanding loan balance in the event of a default and subsequent liquidation of collateral. The underwriting of generally all commercial loans, regardless of type, includes cash flow analyses with rates shocked by 300 basis points. In the case of commercial loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of each borrower to collect amounts due from the borrower's customers. In the case of Park's commercial loans to non-bank consumer finance companies, the underlying cash flows are supported at times by sub-prime individual borrowers and present a higher level of risk compared to a more typical commercial loan to a business. Other collateral securing commercial loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the borrower’s business. Information concerning the loan loss experience and the allocation of the allowance for credit losses related to the commercial, financial and agricultural loan portfolio, the commercial real estate portfolio and the commercial lease portfolio is provided in "Table 24 - Summary of Loan Credit Loss Experience" and "Table 26 - Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses", respectively, included in "ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" found in Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Loans to Non-Bank Consumer Finance Companies

At December 31, 2023, Park National Bank had $414 million in loans outstanding to non-bank consumer finance companies. This is a national lending unit of Park National Bank. These asset-based loans are collateralized by cash flows from

-6- individuals, typically auto loans issued by a consumer finance company that is, in turn, a borrower from Park National Bank. These loans typically present a higher level of risk due to the underlying collateral and such risks are mitigated by more conservative underwriting and an intensive loan monitoring regimen commensurate with asset-based lending.

Aircraft Financing

Scope Aircraft Finance specializes in aircraft financing. The customers of Scope Aircraft Finance include small businesses and entrepreneurs intending to use the aircraft for business or pleasure. The customers of Scope Aircraft Finance are located throughout the United States. The lending officers of Scope Aircraft Finance are experienced in the aircraft financing industry and rely upon such experience and certain industry guides in determining whether to grant an aircraft loan or lease. At December 31, 2023, Scope Aircraft Finance had $295 million in loans outstanding, primarily secured by aircraft (which are included in the commercial loan portfolio).

Consumer Loans

At December 31, 2023, Park's subsidiaries had outstanding consumer loans (including automobile loans) in an aggregate amount of $1,946 million, constituting approximately 26.0% of their aggregate total loan portfolio. Park makes installment credit available to customers and prospective customers in their primary market areas through direct and indirect loans. Indirect loans are facilitated through an automobile and other vehicle dealer; whereas, direct loans are originated through direct customer interaction within Park's regions. For both direct and indirect loans, the final credit decisions are made by Park with the assistance of an automated underwriting platform (system). At December 31, 2023, of the $1,946 million in consumer loans, $1,734 million were originated through indirect lending, while the remaining $212 million were considered direct loans. At December 31, 2023, GFSC had no consumer loans with outstanding balances.

Credit approval for direct and indirect consumer loans requires income sufficient to repay principal and interest due, stability of employment, an established credit record and sufficient collateral for secured loans. It is the policy of Park to adhere strictly to all laws and regulations governing consumer lending. A compliance officer, along with the appropriate line of business leaders, is responsible for monitoring performance and advising and updating loan personnel in this area. Loans are charged off in accordance with Park's policy. Information about Park’s policy for placing loans on nonaccrual status and charging off loans is included under the caption “Loans” in "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements found in "ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Consumer loans typically have shorter terms and lower balances with higher yields as compared to real estate mortgage loans, but generally carry higher risks of default. Consumer loan collections are dependent on borrowers' continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on these loans. Information concerning the loan credit loss experience and the allocation of the allowance for credit losses related to the consumer loan portfolio is provided in "Table 24 - Summary of Loan Credit Loss Experience" and "Table 26 - Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses", respectively, included in "ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Residential Real Estate and Construction Loans

At December 31, 2023, Park's subsidiaries had outstanding approximately $2,335 million in construction real estate loans and residential real estate loans, representing approximately 31.2% of total loans outstanding. Of the $2,335 million, approximately $2,030 million was included within the residential real estate loan segment, which included $609 million of commercial loans secured by residential real estate, $1,240 million of mortgage loans, $174 million of home equity lines of credit and $6 million of installment loans. The remaining $305 million was included within the construction real estate loan segment, which included $209 million of commercial land and development loans and $96 million of 1-4 family residential construction loans. The market area for real estate lending by Park National Bank is concentrated in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Credit approval for residential real estate loans requires demonstration of sufficient income to repay the principal and interest and the real estate taxes and insurance, stability of employment, an established credit record and a current independent third-party appraisal providing the market value of the real estate securing the loan. Residential real estate loans are generally analyzed through an automated underwriting platform (system) to determine a risk classification. All loans receiving a risk classification of caution require review by a senior lender and generally require additional documentation if the loan is approved.

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Park National Bank generally requires that the residential real estate loan amount be no more than 80% of the purchase price or the appraised value of the real estate securing the loan, whichever is less, unless private mortgage insurance is obtained by the borrower. Loans in this lending category that are made to be held in Park National Bank's portfolio are both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate, fully amortized mortgages. The rates used are generally fully-indexed rates. From time to time, Park may offer a limited-time promotional rate on funds advanced on newly-originated home equity lines of credit. Park National Bank also originates fixed-rate real estate loans for sale to the secondary market. Park’s management may decide to retain certain 15-year, fixed-rate residential mortgage loans, rather than sell in the secondary market. Park's management made a decision to retain certain 15-year, fixed-rate residential mortgage loans in 2023. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, Park reported $551 million and $550 million, respectively, of 15-year, fixed-rate residential mortgage loans on Park's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Real estate loans are typically secured by first mortgages with evidence of title in favor of the lender in the form of an attorney’s opinion of title or a title insurance policy. Park National Bank has also required proof of hazard insurance with the lender named as the mortgagee and as the loss payee. Independent third-party appraisals are generally obtained for consumer real estate loans.

Home equity lines of credit are generally secured by second mortgages in favor of Park National Bank. The maximum amount of a home equity line of credit is generally limited to 85% of the appraised value of the property less the balance of the first mortgage. The home equity lines of credit are written with ten-year terms. A variable interest rate is generally charged on the home equity lines of credit.

Information concerning the loan credit loss experience and the allocation of the allowance for credit losses related to the residential real estate portfolio is provided in "Table 24 - Summary of Loan Credit Loss Experience" and "Table 26 - Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses", respectively, included in "ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Construction loans include commercial construction loans as well as residential construction loans. Construction loans may be in the form of a permanent loan or a short-term construction loan, depending on the needs of the individual borrower. Generally, the permanent construction loans have a variable interest rate although a permanent construction loan may be made with a fixed interest rate for a term generally not exceeding five years. Short-term construction loans are generally made with variable interest rates. Information concerning the loan maturity distribution within the construction financing portfolio is provided in "Table 8 - Loan Maturity Distribution" included in "ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved, occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction and the estimated cost (including interest) of construction. If the estimate of construction cost proves to be inaccurate, Park National Bank may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to permit completion of the project. If the estimate of value proves inaccurate, Park National Bank may be confronted, at or prior to the maturity of the loan, with a project having a value insufficient to assure full repayment, should the borrower default. In the event a default on a construction loan occurs and foreclosure follows, Park National Bank must take control of the project and attempt either to arrange for completion of construction or to dispose of the unfinished project. Additional risk exists with respect to a loan made to a developer who does not have a buyer for the property, as the developer may lack funds to pay the loan if the property is not sold upon completion. Park National Bank attempts to reduce such risks on loans to developers by requiring personal guarantees and reviewing current personal financial statements and tax returns as well as other projects undertaken by the developer. For additional information concerning the loan credit loss experience, please see“ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS – Economic, Political and Market Risks – Changes in economic and political conditions could adversely affect our earnings and capital through declines in deposits, quality of investment securities, loan demand, our borrowers’ ability to repay loans, and the value of the collateral securing our loans.” and“– Business Operations Risks – Our allowance for credit losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb the expected, lifetime losses in our loan portfolio.” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Information concerning the loan credit loss experience and the allocation of the allowance for credit losses related to the construction financing portfolio is provided in "Table 24 - Summary of Loan Credit Loss Experience" and "Table 26 - Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses", respectively, included in "ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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SEPH

SEPH is a non-bank subsidiary of Park that holds OREO property and non-performing loans. In addition to approximately $983,000 in OREO property, SEPH also held non-performing loans that were fully charged off as of December 31, 2023, all of which were on nonaccrual status. SEPH has one office in Licking County, Ohio. The SEPH employees work with a third-party work-out specialist to ensure effective and efficient resolution to the non-performing loans and OREO, while working closely with the borrowers of the loans to maximize collection efforts. Park expects that the OREO will reduce over time and result in cash inflow to Park.

Competition

The financial services industry is highly competitive. Park’s subsidiaries compete with other local, regional and national service providers, including banks, savings associations, credit unions and other types of financial institutions and finance companies. Other competitors include securities dealers, brokers, mortgage bankers, investment advisors and financial services subsidiaries of commercial and manufacturing companies. Competition for quality customers has intensified as a result of changes in regulations, mergers and acquisitions, advances in technology and product delivery systems, consolidation among financial service providers, bank failures and the conversion of former investment banks to bank holding companies.

The primary factors in competing for loans are the terms of the loan, interest rates charged and overall services provided to borrowers. The primary factors in competing for deposits are interest rates paid on deposits, account liquidity, convenience and hours of office locations, convenience and availability of mobile banking options, and accessibility to trained and competent staff. Competitors of Park may have greater resources and, as such, additional technology offerings and higher lending limits, which may adversely affect the ability of Park to compete. In addition, certain nonfinancial institutions with which Park competes enjoy the benefits of fewer regulatory constraints, broader geographic service areas, greater capital and lower cost structures. Financial technology companies, or "fintechs," are also providing nontraditional, but increasingly strong competition for our borrowers, depositors and other customers.

Associates

At December 31, 2023, Park and its subsidiaries had 1,799 active associates, consisting of 1,653 full-time and 146 part-time, resulting in 1,782 full-time equivalent associates.

Supervision and Regulation of Park and Park's Subsidiaries

Park, Park National Bank and Park’s other subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation by federal and state agencies. The regulation of financial holding companies and their subsidiaries is intended primarily for the protection of consumers, depositors, borrowers, the Deposit Insurance Fund (the "DIF") of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") and the banking system as a whole and not for the protection of shareholders. Applicable laws and regulations restrict permissible activities and investments and require actions to protect loan, deposit, brokerage, fiduciary and other customers, as well as the DIF. Such laws and regulations may also restrict Park’s ability to repurchase its common shares or to receive dividends from Park National Bank and may impose capital adequacy and liquidity requirements.

As a financial holding company, Park is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act and to inspection, examination and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board. Park is also subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and the Exchange Act, as administered by the SEC. Park’s common shares are listed on NYSE American under the trading symbol “PRK,” which subjects Park to the requirements under the applicable sections of the NYSE American Company Guide for listed companies.

Park National Bank, as a national banking association, is subject to regulation, supervision and examination primarily by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC") and secondarily by the FDIC.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as amended (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB"), which regulates consumer financial products and services and certain financial services providers. The CFPB is authorized to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices and ensures consistent enforcement of laws so that consumers have access to fair, transparent and competitive markets for consumer financial products and services. Since its establishment, the CFPB has extensively exercised its rulemaking and interpretative authority.

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Guardian Finance, a subsidiary of Park and an Ohio state-chartered consumer finance company, is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions (the "ODFI") and the Federal Reserve Board.

As a subsidiary of Park, SEPH is also subject to inspection, examination and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board.

The following information describes selected federal and state statutory and regulatory provisions and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such provisions. These statutes and regulations are continually under review by the U.S. Congress and state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to Park and Park's subsidiaries could have a material effect on their respective businesses.

Regulation of Financial Holding Companies

As a financial holding company, Park’s activities are subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board. Park is subject to regular examinations by the Federal Reserve Board and is required to file reports and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require.

The Federal Reserve Board also has enforcement authority over financial holding companies, including, but not limited to, the ability to:

•assess civil money penalties;

•issue cease and desist or removal orders; and

•require that a financial holding company divest subsidiaries (including a subsidiary bank).

In general, the Federal Reserve Board may initiate enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices.

A financial holding company is required by law and Federal Reserve Board policy to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support each such subsidiary bank. The Federal Reserve Board may require a financial holding company to contribute additional capital to an undercapitalized subsidiary bank and may disapprove of the payment of dividends to shareholders if the Federal Reserve Board believes the payment of such dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice.

The Bank Holding Company Act requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board in any case where a financial holding company proposes to:

•acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank that is not already majority-owned by the financial holding company;

•acquire all or substantially all of the assets of another bank or another financial or bank holding company; or

•merge or consolidate with any other financial or bank holding company.

A qualifying bank holding company may elect to become a financial holding company and thereby affiliate with securities firms and insurance companies and engage in other activities that are financial in nature and not otherwise permissible for a bank holding company, if: (i) the holding company is "well managed" and "well capitalized" and (ii) each of its subsidiary banks (a) is well capitalized under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Act of 1991 prompt corrective action provisions, (b) is well managed, and (c) has at least a "satisfactory" rating under the Community Reinvestment Act (the “CRA”). Park became a financial holding company in 2014. No regulatory approval is required for a financial holding company to acquire a company, other than a bank or savings association, engaged in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to activities that are financial in nature, as determined by the Federal Reserve Board.

The Financial Services Modernization Act defines “financial in nature” to include:

•securities underwriting, dealing and market making;

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•sponsoring mutual funds and investment companies;

•insurance underwriting and agency;

•merchant banking; and

•activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be closely related to banking.

A national bank also may engage, subject to limitations on investment, in activities that are financial in nature, other than insurance underwriting, insurance company portfolio investment, real estate development and real estate investment, through a financial subsidiary of the bank if the bank is well capitalized and well managed and has at least a satisfactory CRA rating. If a financial holding company or a subsidiary bank fails to maintain all requirements for the holding company to maintain financial holding company status, material restrictions may be placed on the activities of the holding company and its subsidiaries and on the ability of the holding company to enter into certain transactions and obtain regulatory approvals for new activities and transactions. The holding company could also be required to divest itself of subsidiaries that engage in activities that are not permitted for bank holding companies that are not financial holding companies. If restrictions are imposed on the activities of a financial holding company, the existence of such restrictions may not be made publicly available pursuant to confidentiality regulations of the bank regulatory agencies.

Each subsidiary bank of a financial holding company is subject to certain restrictions on the maintenance of reserves against deposits, extensions of credit to the financial holding company and its subsidiaries, investments in the stock and other securities of the financial holding company and its subsidiaries and the taking of such stock and securities as collateral for loans to borrowers. Further, a financial holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tying arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, lease or sale of property or furnishing of any services. Various consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of these subsidiaries.

In April 2020, the Federal Reserve Board adopted a final rule to revise its regulations related to determinations of whether a company has the ability to exercise a controlling influence over another company for purposes of the Bank Holding Company Act. The final rule expands and codifies the presumptions for use in such determinations. By codifying the presumptions, the final rule provides greater transparency on the types of relationships that the Federal Reserve Board generally views as supporting a facts-and-circumstances determination that one company controls another company. The Federal Reserve Board’s final rule applies to questions of control under the Bank Holding Company Act, but does not extend to the Change in Bank Control Act.

Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act

On May 25, 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (the "Regulatory Relief Act") was enacted, which repealed or modified certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and eased restrictions on all but the largest banks (those with consolidated assets in excess of $250 billion). Bank holding companies with consolidated assets of less than $100 billion, including Park, are no longer subject to enhanced prudential standards. The Regulatory Relief Act also relieves bank holding companies and banks with consolidated assets of less than $100 billion, including Park, from certain record-keeping, reporting and disclosure requirements. Certain other regulatory requirements applied only to banks with consolidated assets in excess of $50 billion and so did not apply to Park even before the enactment of the Regulatory Relief Act.

Transactions with Affiliates, Directors, Executive Officers and Shareholders

Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Board Regulation W generally:

•limit the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10.0% of the bank's capital stock and surplus;

•limit the extent to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20.0% of the bank's capital stock and surplus; and

•require that all such transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the bank or subsidiary, as those provided to a non-affiliate.

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An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans to the affiliate, the purchase of assets from the affiliate, the issuance of a guarantee on behalf of the affiliate, the purchase of securities issued by the affiliate and other similar types of transactions.

A bank’s authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and greater than 10.0% shareholders, as well as entities such persons control, is subject to Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O promulgated thereunder by the Federal Reserve Board. Among other things, these loans must be made on terms (including interest rates charged and collateral required) substantially similar to those offered to unaffiliated individuals or be made as part of a benefit or compensation program on terms widely available to employees and must not involve a greater than normal risk of repayment. In addition, the amount of loans a bank may make to these persons is based, in part, on the bank’s capital position, and specified approval procedures must be followed in making loans which exceed specified amounts.

Regulation of Nationally-Chartered Banks

As a national banking association, Park National Bank is subject to regulation under the National Bank Act and is periodically examined by the OCC. OCC regulations govern permissible activities, capital requirements, dividend limitations, investments, loans and other matters. Furthermore, Park National Bank is subject, as a member bank, to certain rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, many of which restrict activities and prescribe documentation to protect consumers. Park National Bank is an insured depository institution and a member of the DIF. As a result, it is subject to regulation and deposit insurance assessments by the FDIC. In addition, the establishment of branches by Park National Bank is subject to prior approval of the OCC. The OCC has broad enforcement powers over national banks, including the power to impose fines and other civil and criminal penalties and to appoint a conservator or receiver if any of a number of conditions are met.

The CFPB regulates consumer financial products and services provided by Park National Bank through regulations designed to protect consumers. Currently, the OCC is primarily responsible for examining Park National Bank’s compliance with the CFPB regulations and federal consumer financial protection laws. However, should Park’s total consolidated assets exceed $10.0 billion for four consecutive quarters, the CFPB will become primarily responsible for examining Park National Bank’s compliance with such laws and regulations.

Federal Deposit Insurance

The FDIC is an independent federal agency which insures the deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally-insured banks and savings associations and safeguards the safety and soundness of the financial institution industry. The general insurance limit is $250,000 per separately insured depositor. This insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

As insurer, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by insured institutions, including Park National Bank, to prohibit any insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a threat to the DIF, and to take enforcement actions against insured institutions. The FDIC may terminate insurance of deposits of any insured institution if the FDIC finds that the insured institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC or any other regulatory agency.

The FDIC assesses a quarterly deposit insurance premium on each insured institution based on perceived risk characteristics of the insured institution to the DIF, with institutions deemed less risky paying lower rates. Currently, assessments for institutions of less than $10.0 billion of total assets are based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical models estimating the probability of failure within three years. The FDIC may increase or decrease the range of assessments uniformly, except that no adjustment can deviate more than two basis points from the base assessment rate without notice and comment rulemaking. The FDIC may also impose special assessments in emergency situations. The premiums fund the DIF.

The FDIC has established 2.0% as the designated reserve ratio ("DRR"), which is the amount in the DIF as a percentage of all DIF insured deposits. In March 2016, the FDIC adopted final rules designed to meet the statutory minimum DRR of 1.35% by September 30, 2020, the deadline imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to offset the effect on insured institutions with assets of less than $10.0 billion of the increase in the statutory minimum DRR to 1.35% from the former statutory minimum of 1.15%. Although the FDIC's rules reduced assessment rates on all banks, they imposed a surcharge on banks with assets of $10.0 billion or more to be paid until the DRR reached 1.35%. The DRR reached 1.35% on September 30, 2018. As a result, the previous surcharge imposed on banks with assets of $10.0 billion or more was

-12- lifted. In addition, preliminary assessment credits were determined by the FDIC for banks with assets of less than $10 billion for the portion of their assessments that contributed to the increase of the DRR to 1.35%. On June 30, 2019, the DRR reached 1.40%, and the FDIC applied credits for banks with assets of less than $10.0 billion ("small bank credits") beginning September 30, 2019. As of June 30, 2020, the DRR fell below the minimum DRR to 1.30%. As a result, the FDIC adopted a restoration plan requiring the restoration of the DRR to 1.35% within eight years of the plan establishment, by September 30, 2028. The DRR was 1.26% as of September 30, 2022. Since the DRR remained below the statutory minimum, the FDIC adopted a final rule in October 2022 increasing the assessment rate from three basis points to five basis points beginning with the first quarterly assessment period of 2023 (i.e., January 1 through March 31, 2023). The revised rate schedules are intended to increase the likelihood that the DRR reaches the statutory minimum level of 1.35% by September 30, 2028. As of December 31, 2023, the DRR remained below the statutory minimum of 1.35%.

The FDIC rules further changed the method of determining risk-based assessment rates for established banks with less than $10.0 billion in assets to better ensure that banks taking on greater risks pay more for deposit insurance than banks that take on less risk. In the event Park’s total consolidated assets exceed $10.0 billion for four consecutive quarters, Park National Bank will become subject to the FDIC’s large bank pricing methodology, which may result in a different, and potentially higher, assessment rate.

Federal Home Loan Bank

The Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLB”) provide credit to their members in the form of advances. Park National Bank is a member of the FHLB of Cincinnati. As an FHLB member, Park National Bank must maintain an investment in the capital stock of the FHLB of Cincinnati.

Upon the origination or renewal of a loan or advance, each FHLB is required by law to obtain and maintain a security interest in certain types of collateral. Each FHLB is required to establish standards of community investment or service that its members must maintain for continued access to long-term advances from the FHLB. The standards take into account a member’s performance under the CRA, and the member’s record of lending to first-time home buyers.

Regulatory Capital

The Federal Reserve Board has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for financial holding companies and other bank holding companies as well as state member banks. The OCC and the FDIC have adopted risk-based capital guidelines for national banks and state non-member banks, respectively. The guidelines provide a systematic analytical framework which makes regulatory capital requirements sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banking organizations, takes off-balance sheet exposures expressly into account in evaluating capital adequacy, and minimizes disincentives to holding liquid, low-risk assets. Capital levels, as measured by these standards, are also used to categorize financial institutions for purposes of certain prompt corrective action regulatory provisions.

In July 2013, the U.S. banking regulators issued capital rules applicable to smaller banking organizations which also implement certain of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act (the “Basel III Capital Rules”). Community banking organizations, including Park and Park National Bank, began transitioning to the new rules on January 1, 2015. The minimum capital requirements became effective on January 1, 2015; whereas, the capital conservation buffer and deductions from common equity capital phased in from January 1, 2016 through January 1, 2019, and most deductions from common equity tier 1 capital phased in from January 1, 2015 through January 1, 2019.

The Basel III Capital Rules include: (i) a minimum common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a minimum tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0%; (iii) a minimum total capital ratio of 8.0%; and (iv) a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%.

Common equity for the common equity tier 1 capital ratio generally consists of common stock (plus related surplus), retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income (unless an institution elects to exclude such income from regulatory capital), and limited amounts of minority interests in the form of common stock, subject to applicable regulatory adjustments and deductions.

Tier 1 capital generally consists of common equity as defined for the common equity tier 1 capital ratio, plus certain non-cumulative preferred stock and related surplus, cumulative preferred stock and related surplus, trust preferred securities that have been grandfathered (but which are not otherwise permitted), and limited amounts of minority interests in the form of additional tier 1 capital instruments, less certain deductions.

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Tier 2 capital, which can be included in the total capital ratio, generally consists of other preferred stock and subordinated debt meeting certain conditions plus limited amounts of the allowance for credit losses, subject to specified eligibility criteria, less applicable deductions.

The deductions from common equity tier 1 capital include goodwill and other intangibles, certain deferred tax assets, mortgage-servicing assets above certain levels, gains on sale in connection with a securitization, investments in a banking organization’s own capital instruments and investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions (above certain levels).

Under the guidelines, capital is compared to the relative risk included in the balance sheet. To derive the risk included in the balance sheet, one of several risk weights is applied to different balance sheet and off-balance sheet assets, primarily based on the relative credit risk of the counterparty. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

The Basel III Capital Rules also place restrictions on the payment of capital distributions, including dividends and stock repurchases, and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if the banking organization does not hold a capital conservation buffer of greater than 2.5% composed of common equity tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements, or if its eligible retained income is negative in that quarter and its capital conservation buffer ratio was less than 2.5% at the beginning of the quarter.

In December 2018, the federal banking agencies issued a final rule to address regulatory treatment of credit loss allowances under CECL. The rule revised the federal banking agencies’ regulatory capital rules to identify which credit loss allowances under the CECL model are eligible for inclusion in regulatory capital and to provide banking organizations the option to phase in over three years the day-one adverse effects on regulatory capital that may result from the adoption of the CECL model. Concurrent with the enactment of the CARES Act, in March 2020, federal banking agencies issued an interim final rule that delayed the estimated impact on regulatory capital resulting from the adoption of CECL. The interim final rule provided banking organizations that implemented CECL prior to the end of 2020 the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital relative to regulatory capital determined under the prior incurred loss methodology, followed by a three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of capital benefit provided during the initial two-year delay. On August 26, 2020, the federal banking agencies issued a final rule that made certain technical changes to the interim final rule, including expanding the pool of eligible institutions. The changes in the final rule applied only to those banking organizations that elected the CECL transition relief provided for under the rule. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, bank holding companies and their affiliates had the option of postponing implementation of CECL until the earlier of (i) the first day of the fiscal year that begins after the date on which the national emergency concerning COVID-19 terminates or (ii) January 1, 2022. Congress provided this reprieve for a variety of reasons, including the fact that COVID-19 had created a volatile, uncertain lending environment that may result in significant credit losses for banks. Park adopted CECL on January 1, 2021.

In September 2019, consistent with Section 201 of the Regulatory Relief Act, the Federal Reserve Board, along with the other federal bank regulatory agencies, issued a final rule, effective January 1, 2020, that gave community banks, including Park National Bank, the option to calculate a simple leverage ratio to measure capital adequacy, if the community banks met certain requirements. Under the rule, a community bank was eligible to elect the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (“CBLR”) framework if it had less than $10.0 billion in total consolidated assets, limited amounts of certain trading assets and liabilities, limited amounts of off-balance sheet exposures and a leverage ratio greater than 9.0%. Pursuant to the CARES Act, on August 26, 2020, the federal banking agencies adopted a final rule, effective on October 1, 2020, that temporarily lowered the CBLR threshold and provided a gradual transition back to the prior level. Specifically, the CBLR threshold was reduced to 8.0% for the remainder of 2020, increased to 8.5% for 2021, and returned to 9.0% on January 1, 2022. Park did not utilize the CBLR in assessing capital adequacy.

In October 2021, effective in November 2021, the FDIC issued a final rule to incorporate the CBLR rule into the Real Estate Lending Standards. This rule calculates the ratio of loans in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value limits (“LTV Limits”) using tier 1 capital plus the appropriate allowance for credit losses in the denominator. This rule was adopted to allow a consistent approach for calculating the ratio of loans in excess of the supervisory LTV Limits at all FDIC supervised institutions, and to avoid any regulatory burden that could arise if an FDIC supervised institution subsequently decides to switch between different capital frameworks.

The federal banking agencies have established a system of prompt corrective action to resolve certain of the problems of undercapitalized depository institutions. This system is based on five capital level categories for insured depository

-14- institutions: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized.”

The federal banking agencies may (or in some cases must) take certain supervisory actions depending upon a bank’s capital level. For example, the federal banking agencies must appoint a receiver or conservator for a bank within 90 days after the bank becomes “critically undercapitalized” unless the bank’s primary regulator determines, with the concurrence of the FDIC, that other action would better achieve regulatory purposes. Banking operations otherwise may be significantly affected depending on a bank’s capital category. For example, a bank that is not “well capitalized” generally is prohibited from accepting brokered deposits and offering interest rates on deposits higher than the prevailing rate in its market, and the holding company of any undercapitalized depository institution must guarantee, in part, specific aspects of the bank’s capital plan for the plan to be acceptable.

In order to be “well-capitalized,” a bank must have a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, a total risk-based capital of at least 10.0%, a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0% and a leverage ratio of at least 5.0%, and the bank must not be subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. Park’s management believes that Park National Bank meets the ratio requirements to be deemed “well-capitalized” according to the guidelines described above. See "Note 28 - Capital Ratios" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements found in "ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Fiscal and Monetary Policies

The business and earnings of Park and Park's subsidiaries are affected significantly by the fiscal policies of the U.S. government and its agencies. Park National Bank is particularly affected by the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the U.S. primarily through open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate on bank borrowings, and changes in the reserve requirements against deposits of depository institutions. These policies are used in varying degrees and combinations to directly affect the overall growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, as well as the interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. In light of the changing conditions in the U.S. economy, including with respect to inflation, the money markets and the activities of fiscal and monetary authorities, Park can make no definitive predictions as to future changes in interest rates, credit availability or deposit levels.

Limits on Dividends and Other Payments

There are various legal limitations on the extent to which a subsidiary bank may finance or otherwise supply funds to its parent holding company. Under applicable federal and state laws, a subsidiary bank may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, make loans or extensions of credit to, or investments in the securities of, its parent holding company. A subsidiary bank is also subject to collateral security requirements for any loan or extension of credit permitted by such exceptions.

The ability of Park to obtain funds for the payment of dividends and for other cash requirements is largely dependent on the amount of dividends which may be declared by Park National Bank. The Federal Reserve Board also expects Park to serve as a source of strength to Park National Bank, which may require Park to retain capital for further investment in Park National Bank, rather than pay dividends to the Park shareholders.

Park National Bank may not pay dividends out of its surplus if, after paying these dividends, Park National Bank would fail to satisfy all of the capital adequacy regulations and guidelines established by the OCC, including having a capital conservation buffer that is greater than 2.5%. In addition, Park National Bank must have the approval of the OCC if a dividend in any year would cause the total dividends for that year to exceed the sum of Park National Bank’s net income for the current year and the retained net income for the preceding two years, less required transfers to surplus. Payment of dividends by Park National Bank may be restricted at any time at the discretion of its regulatory authorities, if such regulatory authorities deem such dividends to constitute unsafe and/or unsound banking practices or if necessary to maintain adequate capital. These provisions could have the effect of limiting Park’s ability to pay dividends on Park's common shares.

At December 31, 2023, approximately $112.9 million of the total shareholders’ equity of Park National Bank was available for payment to Park without the approval of the OCC. See "Note 25 - Dividend Restrictions" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements found in "ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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The Federal Reserve Board has also issued a policy statement with regard to the payment of cash dividends by financial holding companies and other bank holding companies. The policy statement provides that, as a matter of prudent banking, a financial holding company or bank holding company should not maintain a rate of cash dividends unless its net income available to common shareholders over the past year has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends, and the prospective rate of earnings retention appears to be consistent with the financial holding company's or bank holding company’s capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition. Accordingly, a financial holding company or a bank holding company should not pay cash dividends that exceed its net income or that can only be funded in ways that weaken the financial holding company's or bank holding company’s financial health, such as by borrowing. In addition, Park may not pay dividends that would cause Park to fail to satisfy the capital adequacy regulations applicable to bank holding companies which qualify as financial holding companies, including having a capital conservation buffer that is greater than 2.5%.

Park is subject to contractual restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends under the terms of certain of Park's debt instruments.

Under the terms of the Indenture governing the $15.5 million of junior subordinated notes issued by Vision to the Vision Trust and the related Guarantee Agreement, Park, as successor to Vision in accordance with the First Supplemental Indenture, is prohibited, subject to limited exceptions, from declaring or paying any dividends or distributions on any shares of its capital stock: (i) if an event of default under the Indenture has occurred and continues; (ii) if Park is in default with respect to the payment of any obligations under the Guarantee Agreement; or (iii) during any period in which the payment of interest on the junior subordinated notes by Park (and the payment of cash distributions on the floating rate preferred securities of the Vision Trust) is being deferred.

The Federal Reserve Board requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts, primarily checking accounts. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent effective on March 26, 2020, to support lending to households and businesses. At December 31, 2023, the reserve requirement ratio remains at zero percent.

Volcker Rule

In December 2013, five federal agencies adopted a final regulation implementing the Volcker Rule provision of the Dodd-Frank Act (the "Volcker Rule"). The Volcker Rule placed limits on the trading activity of insured depository institutions and entities affiliated with depository institutions, subject to certain exceptions. Such trading activity included the purchase or sale as principal of a security, derivative, commodity future, option or similar instrument in order to benefit from short-term price movements or to realize short-term profits. The Volcker Rule exempted trading in specified U.S. government, agency, state and/or municipal obligations. The Volcker Rule also excepted (i) trading conducted in certain capacities, including as a broker or other agent, through a deferred compensation or pension plan, as a fiduciary on behalf of customers; (ii) trading to satisfy a debt previously contracted; (iii) trading under certain repurchase and securities lending agreements; and (iv) trading in connection with risk-mitigating hedging activities. In addition, the Volcker Rule prohibited a banking entity from having an ownership interest in, or certain relationships with, a hedge fund or private equity fund, also known as “covered funds,” subject to a number of exceptions.

In July 2019, the federal bank regulatory agencies that adopted the Volcker Rule adopted a final rule to exempt certain community banks, including Park National Bank, from such rule consistent with the Regulatory Relief Act. Under the final rule, community banks with $10.0 billion or less in total consolidated assets and total trading assets and liabilities of 5.0% or less of total consolidated assets were excluded from the restrictions of the Volcker Rule. However, in the event Park’s total consolidated assets exceed $10.0 billion for four consecutive quarters, Park National Bank will become subject to the Volcker Rule. On June 25, 2020, the federal bank regulatory agencies also finalized a rule modifying the Volcker Rule’s prohibition on banking entities investing in or sponsoring covered funds. Such rule permits certain banking entities to offer financial services and engage in other activities that do not raise concerns that the Volcker Rule was originally intended to address.

To the extent that Park National Bank engages in any of the trading activities or has any ownership interest in or relationship with any of the types of funds regulated by the Volcker Rule, Park National Bank believes that its activities and relationships comply with such rule, as amended.

Financial Privacy Provisions

Federal and state regulations limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to a non-

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Park National Bank is also subject to regulatory guidelines establishing standards for safeguarding customer information. These guidelines describe the federal bank regulatory agencies' expectations for the creation, implementation and maintenance of an information security program, which is to include administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the size and complexity of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities. The standards set forth in the guidelines are intended to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such records and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such records or information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.