PARK NATIONAL CORP /OH/

Previous wording

Inflation and rapid increases in interest rates have led to a decline in the trading value of previously issued government securities with interest rates below current market interest rates. In addition, inflation generally increases the cost of goods and services we use in our business operations which increases our noninterest expenses. Furthermore, our customers are also affected by inflation and the rising costs of goods and services used in their households and businesses, which could have a negative impact on their ability to repay their loans with us.

Current wording

Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. From 2021 to 2023, there was a significant rise in inflation, and the Federal Reserve Board raised certain benchmark interest rates in an effort to combat it. Inflation and rapid increases in interest rates may lead to a decline in the trading value of previously issued government securities with interest rates below current market interest rates. In addition, inflation generally increases the cost of goods and services we use in our business operations, which increases our noninterest expenses. Furthermore, our customers are also affected by inflation and the rising costs of goods and services used in their households and businesses, which could have a negative impact on their ability to repay their loans with us.

Previous wording

Our success depends, to a certain extent, upon local and national economic and political conditions, as well as governmental fiscal and monetary policies. Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment, changes in interest rates, fiscal and monetary policy, an increasing U.S. federal government budget deficit, the failure of the U.S federal government to raise the federal debt ceiling, slowing gross domestic product, tariffs, a U.S. withdrawal from or significant renegotiation of trade agreements, trade wars, and other factors beyond our control may adversely affect our deposit levels and composition, the quality of our assets including investment securities available for purchase and the demand for loans, which, in turn, may adversely affect our earnings and capital. Recent political developments, such as military conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, have resulted in substantial changes in economic and political conditions for the U.S. and the remainder of the world. In addition, disruptions in U.S. and global financial markets and changes in oil production in the Middle East affect the economy and stock prices in the U.S., which can affect our earnings and our capital, as well as the ability of our customers to repay loans. Because we have a significant number of real estate loans, decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure. Adverse changes in the economy, including those resulting from pandemics, rising inflation, and increases in interest rates, may also have a negative effect on the ability of our borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows.

Current wording

Our success depends, to a certain extent, upon local and national economic and political conditions, as well as governmental fiscal and monetary policies. Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment, changes in interest rates, fiscal and monetary policy, an increasing U.S. federal government budget deficit, the failure of the U.S federal government to raise the federal debt ceiling, slowing gross domestic product, tariffs, a U.S. withdrawal from or significant renegotiation of trade agreements, trade wars, and other factors beyond our control may adversely affect our deposit levels and composition, the quality of our assets including investment securities available for purchase and the demand for loans, which, in turn, may adversely affect our earnings and capital. Recent political developments, such as military conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Venezuela have resulted in substantial changes in economic and political conditions for the U.S. and the remainder of the world. In addition, disruptions in U.S. and global financial markets and changes in oil production in the Middle East affect the economy and stock prices in the U.S., which can affect our earnings and our capital, as well as the ability of our customers to repay loans. Because we have a significant number of real estate loans, decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure. Adverse changes in the economy, including those resulting from pandemics, rising inflation, and increases in interest rates, may also have a negative effect on the ability of our borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our lending and deposit gathering activities are concentrated primarily in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina. Our success depends on the general economic conditions of our primary market areas, particularly given that a significant portion of our lending relates to real estate located in these regions. Adverse changes in the regional and general economic conditions could reduce our growth rate, impair our ability to collect payments on loans, increase loan delinquencies, increase problem assets and foreclosures, increase claims and lawsuits, increase devaluations recognized within our OREO

Current wording

Our lending and deposit gathering activities are concentrated primarily in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and, as of February 1, 2026, Tennessee. Our success depends on the general economic conditions of our primary market areas, particularly given that a significant portion of our lending relates to real estate located in these regions. Adverse

Previous wording

-20- portfolio, decrease the demand for our products and services and decrease the value of collateral for loans, especially real estate values, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

-19- changes in the regional and general economic conditions could reduce our growth rate, impair our ability to collect payments on loans, increase loan delinquencies, increase problem assets and foreclosures, increase claims and lawsuits, increase devaluations recognized within our OREO portfolio, decrease the demand for our products and services and decrease the value of collateral for loans, especially real estate values, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our assets at risk for cybersecurity attacks include financial assets and non-public information belonging to customers. We use several third-party vendors who have access to our assets via electronic media. Certain cybersecurity risks arise due to this access, including cybersecurity espionage, blackmail, ransom, malware, and theft. We employ many preventive and detective controls to protect our assets, and we provide mandatory recurring information security training to all employees. To date, we have not experienced any material losses relating to cybersecurity attacks or other information security breaches, but there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such attacks or attempted breaches, or incur resulting losses in the future. Our

Current wording

Our assets at risk for cybersecurity attacks include financial assets and non-public information belonging to customers. We use several third-party vendors who have access to our assets via electronic media. Certain cybersecurity risks arise due to this access, including cybersecurity espionage, blackmail, ransom, malware, and theft. We employ many preventive and

Previous wording

-21- risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened due to, among other factors, the evolving nature of these threats, our plans to continue to implement or expand Internet and mobile banking to meet customer demand, and the current economic and political environment. As cybersecurity and other data security threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify and enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.

Current wording

-20- detective controls to protect our assets, and we provide mandatory recurring information security training to all employees. To date, we have not experienced any material losses relating to cybersecurity attacks or other information security breaches, but there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such attacks or attempted breaches, or incur resulting losses in the future. Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened due to, among other factors, the evolving nature of these threats, our plans to continue to implement or expand Internet and mobile banking to meet customer demand, and the current economic and political environment. As cybersecurity and other data security threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify and enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.

Previous wording

All of the types of cybersecurity incidents discussed above could result in damage to our reputation, loss of customer business, increased costs of incentives to customers or business partners in order to maintain their relationships, litigation, increased regulatory scrutiny and potential enforcement actions, repairs of system damage, increased investments in cybersecurity (such as obtaining additional technology, making organizational changes, deploying additional personnel, training personnel and engaging consultants), increased insurance premiums, and loss of investor confidence and a reduction in the price of our common shares, all of which could result in financial loss and material adverse effects on our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

All of the types of cybersecurity incidents discussed above could result in damage to our reputation, loss of customer business, increased costs of incentives to customers or business partners in order to maintain their relationships, litigation, increased regulatory scrutiny and potential enforcement actions, repairs of system damage, increased investments in cybersecurity (such as obtaining additional technology, making organizational changes, deploying additional personnel, training personnel and engaging consultants), increased insurance premiums, and loss of investor confidence and a reduction in the price

Previous wording

Up until 2020, Park's provision for credit losses had declined since the end of the most recent recession, which ended in June 2009, primarily due to improvement in general economic conditions, as well as actions taken by us to better manage our loan portfolio. During 2020, Park experienced elevated provision for credit losses primarily due to the impact of COVID-19. During 2021-2024, the provision fluctuated as a result of changes in economic forecasts and other assumptions. If we were to experience higher levels of provision for credit losses, it could result in lower levels of net income.

Current wording

The provision for credit losses fluctuates as a result of changes in charge-offs, economic forecasts and other assumptions. If we were to experience higher levels of provision for credit losses, it could result in lower levels of net income.

Previous wording

Our expansion into Kentucky, South Carolina and North Carolina may also expose Park to additional geographic risk.

Current wording

Our expansion into Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and, as of February 1, 2026, Tennessee may also expose Park to additional geographic risk.

Previous wording

The accounting guidance under the CECL model requires banks to record, at the time of origination, credit losses expected throughout the life of financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables, HTM debt securities and reinsurance receivables, and off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor. Under the CECL model, we are required to use historical information, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts to estimate the expected credit losses. If the methodologies and assumptions we use in the CECL model prove to be incorrect, or inadequate, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient, resulting in the need for additional provisions for credit losses to be recorded, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

The accounting guidance under ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses," requires banks to utilize the CECL model and record, at the time of origination, credit losses expected throughout the life of financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables, HTM debt securities and reinsurance receivables, and off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor. Under the CECL model, we are required to use historical information, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts to estimate the expected credit losses. If the methodologies and assumptions we use in the CECL model prove to be incorrect, or inadequate, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient, resulting in the need for additional provisions for credit losses to be recorded, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

As a result of the implementation of the CECL model, the time horizon over which we are required to estimate future credit losses expanded, which could result in increased volatility in future provisions for credit losses. We may also experience a higher or more volatile provision for credit losses due to higher levels of nonperforming loans and net charge-offs if commercial and consumer customers are unable to make scheduled loan payments.

Current wording

The CECL model uses a life-of-loan time horizon over which we are required to estimate future credit losses, which could result in volatility in future provisions for credit losses. We may also experience a higher or more volatile provision for credit losses due to higher levels of nonperforming loans and net charge-offs if commercial and consumer customers are unable to make scheduled loan payments.

Previous wording

-24- could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws and evolving regulation may require us to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws and regulations or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws or regulations may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Environmental reviews of real property before initiating foreclosure actions may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, we foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws and evolving regulation may require us to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws and regulations or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws or regulations may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Environmental reviews of real property before initiating foreclosure actions may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, prior debt offerings could potentially have important consequences to us and our debt and equity investors, including:

Current wording

In addition, debt offerings could potentially have important consequences to us and our debt and equity investors, including:

Previous wording

Although we have paid a dividend on our common shares every quarter since becoming a public company, our Board of Directors reviews the dividend on a quarterly basis and establishes the dividend rate based on our financial condition, results of operations, capital and other regulatory requirements, and other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant. As a financial holding company, we are a legal entity separate and distinct from our subsidiaries and affiliates. Our principal source of funds to pay dividends on our common shares and service our debt is dividends from our subsidiaries. In the event our

Current wording

Although we have paid a dividend on our common shares every quarter since becoming a public company, our Board of Directors reviews the dividend on a quarterly basis and establishes the dividend rate based on our financial condition, results of operations, capital and other regulatory requirements, and other factors that they deem relevant. As a financial holding company, we are a legal entity separate and distinct from our subsidiaries and affiliates. Our principal source of funds to pay dividends on our common shares and service our debt is dividends from our subsidiaries. In the event our subsidiaries become unable to pay dividends to us, we may not be able to service our debt, pay our other obligations or pay dividends on our common shares. Accordingly, our inability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We are party to a number of derivative transactions. Many of these derivative instruments are individually negotiated and non-standardized, which can make exiting, transferring or settling the position difficult. We carry borrowings which contain embedded derivatives. These borrowing arrangements require that we deliver underlying securities to the counterparty as collateral. We are dependent on the creditworthiness of the counterparties and are therefore susceptible to credit and operational risk in these situations.

Current wording

We are currently party to a limited number of derivative transactions. However, some of these derivative instruments are individually negotiated and non-standardized, which can make exiting, transferring or settling the position difficult. We are dependent on the creditworthiness of the counterparties and are therefore susceptible to credit and operational risk in these situations.

Previous wording

In light of conditions in the global financial markets and the global economy that occurred in the last two decades, regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. Most recently, the U.S. Congress and the federal agencies regulating the financial services industry have acted on an unprecedented scale in responding to the stresses experienced in the global financial markets. Some of the laws enacted by the U.S. Congress and regulations promulgated by federal bank regulatory agencies subject us, and other financial institutions to which such laws and regulations apply, to additional restrictions, oversight and costs that may have an impact on our business, results of operations or the trading price of our common shares. In addition to laws, regulations and supervisory and enforcement actions directed at the operations of financial institutions, proposals to reform the housing finance market consider significant changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which could negatively affect our sales of loans.

Current wording

In light of conditions in the global financial markets and the global economy that occurred in the last two decades, regulators have, at times, increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. The current administration has pursued a regulatory reform agenda that is significantly different than the prior administration, including a lessening of certain regulatory burdens and enforcement priorities for the federal banking agencies. This evolving regulatory and supervisory environment creates uncertainty about the timing and scope of future laws, regulations, policies and priorities. Further, it is possible that future administrations may have a different view of regulatory reform and supervision of the financial services industry. Increased rules or regulations promulgated by federal bank regulatory agencies in the future may subject us, and other financial institutions to which such laws and regulations apply, to additional restrictions, oversight and costs that may have an impact on our business, results of operations or the trading price of our common shares.

Previous wording

We have limited ability to control the amount of premiums we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. The DIF is funded by fees assessed on insured depository institutions. If the costs of future bank failures increase, deposit insurance premiums may also increase. The FDIC has adopted rules revising the FDIC's assessments in a manner benefiting banks with assets totaling less than $10 billion. There can be no assurance, however, that assessments will not be changed in the future. Federal deposit insurance is described in more detail in the section captioned "Supervision and Regulation of Park and Park's Subsidiaries – Federal Deposit Insurance" in "ITEM 1. BUSINESS" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current wording

We have limited ability to control the amount of premiums we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. The DIF is funded by fees assessed on insured depository institutions. If the costs of future bank failures increase, deposit insurance premiums may also increase. The FDIC has adopted rules revising the FDIC's assessments in a manner benefiting banks with assets totaling less than $10 billion. With the acquisition of First Citizen's on February 1, 2026, 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. There can be no assurance, however, that assessments will not be changed in the future. Federal deposit insurance is described in more detail in the section captioned "Supervision and Regulation of Park and Park's Subsidiaries – Federal Deposit Insurance" in "ITEM 1. BUSINESS" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

The processes we use to estimate our credit losses and to measure the fair value of financial instruments, as well as the processes used to estimate the effects of changing interest rates and other market measures on our financial condition and results of operations, depends upon the use of analytical and, in some cases, forecasting models. These models reflect assumptions that may not be accurate, particularly in times of market stress or other unforeseen circumstances. Even if these assumptions are adequate, the models may prove to be inadequate or inaccurate because of other flaws in their design or their implementation. If the models we use for interest rate risk and asset-liability management are inadequate, we may incur increased or unexpected losses upon changes in market interest rates or other market measures. If the model we use for determining our expected credit losses is inadequate, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to support charge-offs. If the models we use to measure the fair value of financial instruments are inadequate, the fair value of such financial

Current wording

The processes we use to estimate our credit losses and to measure the fair value of financial instruments, as well as the processes used to estimate the effects of changing interest rates and other market measures on our financial condition and results of operations, depends upon the use of analytical and, in some cases, forecasting models. These models reflect assumptions that may not be accurate, particularly in times of market stress or other unforeseen circumstances. Even if these assumptions are adequate, the models may prove to be inadequate or inaccurate because of other flaws in their design or their implementation. If the models we use for interest rate risk and asset-liability management are inadequate, we may incur increased or unexpected losses upon changes in market interest rates or other market measures. If the model we use for determining our expected credit losses is inadequate, the allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to support charge-offs. If the models we use to measure the fair value of financial instruments are inadequate, the fair value of such financial instruments may fluctuate unexpectedly or may not accurately reflect what we could realize upon sale or settlement of such financial instruments. Any such failure in our analytical or forecasting models could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We may acquire other financial institutions, or branches or assets of other financial institutions, in the future. We may also open new branches and enter into new lines of business or offer new products or services. Any such expansion of our business will involve a number of expenses and risks, which may include:

Current wording

We have completed various acquisitions of other financial institutions and branches and assets of other financial institutions in the past, including our recent acquisition of First Citizens and its banking subsidiary, First Citizens National Bank, on February 1, 2026. We may acquire other financial institutions, or branches or assets of other financial institutions, in the future. We may also open new branches and enter into new lines of business or offer new products or services. Any such expansion of our business will involve a number of expenses and risks, which may include:

Previous wording

We have significant investments in financial service office premises and equipment for our financial service office network, including 87 financial service offices as well as our retail work force and other financial service office banking assets. Advances in technology such as e-commerce, telephone, internet and mobile banking, and in-branch self-service technologies including automatic teller machines and other equipment, as well as changing customer preferences for these other methods of accessing our products and services, could affect the value of our financial service office network or other retail distribution assets and may cause us to change our retail distribution strategy, close and/or sell certain financial service offices and restructure or reduce our remaining financial service offices and work force. Further advances in technology and/or changes in customer preferences including those related to social media, digital or cryptocurrency, blockchain, and other “fintech” technologies could result in additional changes in our retail distribution strategy and/or financial service office network. These actions could lead to losses on these assets or could adversely impact the carrying value of other long-lived assets and may lead to increased expenditures to renovate and reconfigure remaining financial service offices or to otherwise reform our retail distribution channel.

Current wording

We have significant investments in financial service office premises and equipment for our financial service office network, including, as of December 31, 2025, 87 financial service offices as well as our retail work force and other financial service office banking assets. Advances in technology such as e-commerce, telephone, internet and mobile banking, and in-branch self-service technologies including automatic teller machines and other equipment, as well as changing customer preferences for these other methods of accessing our products and services, could affect the value of our financial service office network or other retail distribution assets and may cause us to change our retail distribution strategy, close and/or sell certain financial service offices and restructure or reduce our remaining financial service offices and work force. Further advances in technology and/or changes in customer preferences including those related to social media, digital or cryptocurrency, blockchain, and other “fintech” technologies could result in additional changes in our retail distribution strategy and/or financial service office network. These actions could lead to losses on these assets or could adversely impact the carrying value of other long-lived assets and may lead to increased expenditures to renovate and reconfigure remaining financial service offices or to otherwise reform our retail distribution channel.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, Park had total consolidated assets of $9.8 billion. However, should our total consolidated assets exceed $10.0 billion, Park and Park National Bank will become subject to heightened regulatory requirements stemming largely from the Dodd-Frank Act. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) supervision, examination and enforcement by the CFPB with respect to federal consumer financial protection laws; (ii) a modified methodology and scorecard for calculating FDIC insurance assessments and, depending on the result of Park National Bank’s performance under the scorecard, potentially higher assessment rates; (iii) limitations on interchange transaction fees for debit card transactions; (iv) heightened compliance standards under the Volcker Rule; (v) enhanced supervision by the OCC and the Federal Reserve Board; and (vi) no longer being eligible to elect to be subject to the CBLR. The imposition of these regulatory requirements and increased supervision, should the $10.0 billion threshold be crossed, may require the additional commitment of financial resources to regulatory compliance and may increase Park National Bank’s cost of operations and provide greater limitations on the products and services that can be offered.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, Park had total consolidated assets of $9.8 billion. With the February 1, 2026 acquisition of First Citizens, Park expects that the total consolidated assets of Park will exceed $10.0 billion at December 31, 2026, subjecting Park and Park National Bank to heightened regulatory requirements stemming largely from the Dodd-Frank Act. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) supervision, examination and enforcement by the CFPB with respect to federal consumer financial protection laws; (ii) a modified methodology and scorecard for calculating FDIC insurance assessments and, depending on the result of Park National Bank’s performance under the scorecard, potentially higher assessment rates; (iii) limitations on interchange transaction fees for debit card transactions; (iv) heightened compliance standards under the Volcker Rule; (v) enhanced supervision by the OCC and the Federal Reserve Board; and (vi) no longer being eligible to elect to be subject to the CBLR. The imposition of these regulatory requirements and increased supervision, may require the additional commitment of financial resources to regulatory compliance and may increase Park National Bank’s cost of operations and provide greater limitations on the products and services that can be offered.

Previous wording

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local taxes, including income, excise, sales/use, payroll, franchise, withholding and ad valorem taxes. Changes to our taxes could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, fair values of net deferred tax assets and obligations of states and political subdivisions held in our investment securities portfolio. In addition, our customers are subject to a wide variety of federal, state and local taxes. Changes in taxes paid by our customers

Current wording

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local taxes, including income, excise, sales/use, payroll, franchise, withholding and ad valorem taxes. Changes to our taxes could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, fair values of net deferred tax assets and obligations of states and political subdivisions held in our investment securities portfolio. In addition, our customers are subject to a wide variety of federal, state and local taxes. Changes in taxes paid by our customers may adversely affect their ability to purchase homes or consumer products, which could adversely affect their demand for our loans and deposit products. In addition, such negative effects on our customers could result in defaults on the loans we have made and decrease the value of mortgage-backed securities in which we have invested.