Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements:

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Park National Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Park”, the “Company” or the “Corporation”). Material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management has identified the allowance for loan losses, accounting for Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”), fair value accounting and accounting for goodwill as significant estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or shareholders' equity.

Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks

The Corporation’s bank subsidiary is required to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank. The average required reserve balance was approximately $41.0 million at December 31, 2012 and $38.1 million at December 31, 2011. No other compensating balance arrangements were in existence at December 31, 2012.

Investment Securities

Investment securities are classified upon acquisition into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading (see Note 4 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Held-to-maturity securities are those securities that the Corporation has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost. Available-for-sale securities are those securities that would be available to be sold in the future in response to the Corporation’s liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates, and asset-liability management strategies, among other reasons. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses excluded from earnings but included in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The Corporation did not hold any trading securities during any period presented.

Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are evaluated quarterly for potential other-than-temporary impairment. Management considers the facts related to each security including the nature of the security, the amount and duration of the loss, the credit quality of the issuer, the expectations for that security’s performance and whether Park intends to sell, or it is more likely than not to be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Declines in equity securities that are considered to be other-than-temporary are recorded as a charge to earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Declines in debt securities that are considered to be other-than-temporary are separated into (1) the amount of the total impairment related to credit loss and (2) the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated.

Gains and losses realized on the sale of investment securities are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification basis.

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) Stock

Park’s subsidiary bank, The Park National Bank (PNB) is a member of the FHLB. Additionally, PNB is a member of the FRB. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on their level of borrowings and other factors and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock and FRB stock are classified as restricted securities and are carried at their redemption value within other investment securities on the balance sheet. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Park has purchased life insurance policies on directors and certain key officers. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value (or the amount that can be realized).

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at their fair value. Mortgage loans held for sale were $25.7 million and $11.5 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts are included in loans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the residential real estate loan segments in Notes 5 and 6. The contractual balance was $25.2 million and $11.4 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The gain expected upon sale was $568,000 and $182,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. None of these loans are 90 days or more past due or on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2012 or 2011.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives

Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest on the loan is locked. The Company enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into, in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in net gains on sales of loans.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff, are reported at their outstanding principal balances adjusted for any charge-offs, any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, and any unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Interest income is reported on the interest method and includes amortization of net deferred loan origination fees and costs over the loan term. Commercial loans include: (1) commercial, financial and agricultural loans; (2) commercial real estate loans; (3) those commercial loans in the real estate construction loan segment; and (4) those commercial loans in the residential real estate loan segment. Consumer loans include: (1) mortgage and installment loans included in the real estate construction segment; (2) mortgage, home equity lines of credit (HELOC), and installment loans included in the residential real estate segment; and (3) all loans included in the consumer segment.

Generally, commercial loans are placed on nonaccrual status at 90 days past due and consumer and residential mortgage loans are placed on nonaccrual status at 120 days past due. Accrued interest on these loans is considered a loss, unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. Commercial loans placed on nonaccrual status are considered impaired (See Note 5 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). For loans which are on nonaccrual status, it is Park’s policy to reverse interest previously accrued on the loans against interest income. Interest on such loans may be recorded on a cash basis and be included in earnings only when cash is actually received. Park’s charge-off policy for commercial loans requires management to establish a specific reserve or record a charge-off as soon as it is apparent that the borrower is troubled and there is, or likely will be, a collateral shortfall related to the estimated value of the collateral securing the loan. The Company’s charge-off policy for consumer loans is dependent on the class of the loan. Residential mortgage loans and HELOC are typically charged down to the value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs, at 180 days past due. The charge-off policy for other consumer loans, primarily installment loans, requires a monthly review of delinquent loans and a complete charge-off for any account that reaches 120 days past due.

The delinquency status of a loan is based on contractual terms and not on how recently payments have been received. Loans are removed from nonaccrual status when loan payments have been received to cure the delinquency status, the borrower has demonstrated the ability to pay and the loan is deemed to be well-secured by management.

A description of each segment of the loan portfolio, along with the risk characteristics of each segment, is included below:

Commercial, financial and agricultural: Commercial, financial and agricultural loans are made for a wide variety of general corporate purposes, including financing for commercial and industrial businesses, financing for equipment, inventories and accounts receivable, acquisition financing and commercial leasing. 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. The commercial loan portfolio includes loans to a wide variety of corporations and businesses across many industrial classifications in the 28 Ohio counties and one Kentucky county where PNB operates. The primary industries represented by these customers include manufacturing, retail trade, health care and other services.

Commercial real estate: Commercial real estate (“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 these CRE loans is the underlying commercial real estate. PNB and its divisons generally require 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 each subsidiary bank’s portfolio generally have a variable interest rate. A CRE loan may be made with a fixed interest rate for a term generally not exceeding five years.

Construction real estate: The Company defines construction loans as both commercial construction loans and residential construction loans where the loan proceeds are used exclusively for the improvement of real estate as to which the Company holds a mortgage. Construction loans may be in the form of a permanent loan or 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 made with variable interest rates. 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, the PNB banking division making the loan may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to permit completion of the project. If the estimate of value proves inaccurate, the subsidiary 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, the subsidiary 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 loans made to developers who do 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’s subsidiary banks attempt 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.

Residential real estate: The Company defines residential real estate loans as first mortgages on individuals’ primary residence or second mortgages of individuals’ primary residence in the form of HELOCs or installment loans. 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 an appropriately appraised value of the real estate securing the loan. Each banking division 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 made for each banking division’s portfolio in this lending category are adjustable rate, fully amortized mortgages or 15-year, fixed rate mortgages. The rates used are generally fully-indexed rates. Park generally does not price residential loans using low introductory “teaser” rates. Home equity lines of credit are generally made as second mortgages by Park’s banking divisions. 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.

Consumer: The Company originates direct and indirect consumer loans, primarily automobile loans and home equity based credit cards to customers in its primary market areas. Credit approval for consumer loans requires income sufficient to repay principal and interest due, stability of employment, an established credit record and sufficient collateral for secured loans. 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 the borrower’s financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is that amount believed adequate to absorb probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio based on management’s evaluation of various factors. The determination of the allowance requires significant estimates, including the timing and amounts of expected cash flows on impaired loans, consideration of current economic conditions, and historical loss experience pertaining to pools of homogeneous loans, all of which may be susceptible to change. The allowance is increased through a provision for loan losses that is charged to earnings based on management’s quarterly evaluation of the factors previously mentioned and is reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries.

The allowance for loan losses includes both (1) an estimate of loss based on historical loss experience within both commercial and consumer loan categories with similar characteristics (“statistical allocation”) and (2) an estimate of loss based on an impairment analysis of each commercial loan that is considered to be impaired (“specific allocation”).

In calculating the allowance for loan losses, management believes it is appropriate to utilize historical loss rates that are comparable to the current period being analyzed, giving consideration to losses experienced over a full cycle. For the historical loss factor at December 31, 2012, the Company utilized an annual loss rate (“historical loss experience”), calculated based on an average of the net charge-offs and the annual change in specific reserves for impaired commercial loans, experienced during 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 within the individual segments of the commercial and consumer loan categories. Management believes the 48-month historical loss experience methodology is appropriate in the current economic environment, as it captures loss rates that are comparable to the current period being analyzed. The loss factor applied to Park’s consumer portfolio as of December 31, 2012 is based on the historical loss experience over the past 48 months, plus an additional judgmental reserve, increasing the total allowance for loan loss coverage in the consumer portfolio to approximately 1.52 years of historical loss. The loss coverage ratio was 1.38 years at December 31, 2011. The loss factor applied to Park’s commercial portfolio as of December 31, 2012 is based on the historical loss experience over the past 48 months, plus additional reserves for consideration of (1) a loss emergence period factor, (2) a loss migration factor and (3) a judgmental or environmental loss factor. These additional reserves increased the total allowance for loan loss coverage in the commercial portfolio to approximately 2.59 years of historical loss. The loss coverage ratio was 2.80 years at December 31, 2011. Park’s commercial loans are individually risk graded. If loan downgrades occur, the probability of default increases, and accordingly management allocates a higher percentage reserve to those accruing commercial loans graded special mention and substandard.

The judgmental increases discussed above incorporate management’s evaluation of the impact of environmental qualitative factors which pose additional risks and assign a component of the allowance for loan losses in consideration of these factors. Such environmental factors include: national and local economic trends and conditions; experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff; effects of any changes in lending policies and procedures; and levels of, and trends in, consumer bankruptcies, delinquencies, impaired loans and charge-offs and recoveries.

U.S. GAAP requires a specific allocation to be established as a component of the allowance for loan losses for certain loans when it is probable that all amounts due pursuant to the contractual terms of the loans will not be collected, and the recorded investment in the loans exceeds their measure of impairment. Management considers the following related to commercial loans when determining if a loan should be considered impaired: (1) current debt service coverage levels of the borrowing entity; (2) payment history over the most recent 12-month period; (3) other signs of deterioration in the borrower’s financial situation, such as changes in beacon scores; and (4) consideration of the current collateral supporting the loan. The recorded investment is the carrying balance of the loan, plus accrued interest receivable, both as of the end of the year. Impairment is measured using either the present value of expected future cash flows based upon the initial effective interest rate on the loan, the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral. If a loan is considered to be collateral dependent, the fair value of collateral, less estimated selling costs, is used to measure impairment.

Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDRs)

Management classifies loans as TDRs when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and Park has granted a concession. In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under the Company’s internal underwriting policy. Management’s policy is to modify loans by extending the term or by granting a temporary or permanent contractual interest rate below the market rate, not by forgiving debt. TDRs are separately identified for impairment disclosures and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral.

Income Recognition

Income earned by the Corporation and its subsidiaries is recognized on the accrual basis of accounting, except for nonaccrual loans as previously discussed, and late charges on loans which are recognized as income when they are collected.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is generally provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the remaining lease period or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Upon the sale or other disposal of an asset, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is recognized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred while renewals and improvements that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Premises and equipment are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a particular asset may not be recoverable.

The range of depreciable lives over which premises and equipment are being depreciated are:



Buildings	5 to 50 Years
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	3 to 20 Years
Leasehold improvements	1 to 10 Years

Buildings that are currently placed in service are depreciated over 30 years. Equipment, furniture and fixtures that are currently placed in service are depreciated over 3 to 12 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lives of the related leases which range from 1 to 10 years.

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)

OREO is recorded at fair value less anticipated selling costs (net realizable value) and consists of property acquired through foreclosure and real estate held for sale. If the net realizable value is below the carrying value of the loan at the date of transfer, the difference is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent declines in the value of real estate are classified as OREO devaluations, are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount of OREO and are expensed within “other income”. In certain circumstances where management believes the devaluation may not be permanent in nature, Park utilizes a valuation allowance to record OREO devaluations, which is also expensed through “other income”. Costs relating to development and improvement of such properties are capitalized (not in excess of fair value less estimated costs to sell) and costs relating to holding the properties are charged to other expense.

Mortgage Loan Servicing Rights

When Park sells mortgage loans with servicing rights retained, servicing rights are recorded at an amount not to exceed fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sale of loans. Capitalized servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated future servicing income of the underlying loan and is included within “Other service income”.

Mortgage servicing rights are assessed for impairment periodically, based on fair value, with any impairment recognized through a valuation allowance. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is determined by discounting estimated future cash flows from the servicing assets, using market discount rates and expected future prepayment rates. In order to calculate fair value, the sold loan portfolio is stratified into homogeneous pools of like categories. (See Note 20 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Fees received for servicing mortgage loans owned by investors are based on a percentage of the outstanding monthly principal balance of such loans and are included in income as loan payments are received. The cost of servicing loans is charged to expense as incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that have no physical property but represent some future economic benefit to their owner and are capable of being sold or exchanged on their own or in combination with a related asset or liability.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized to expense, but are subject to impairment tests annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Intangible assets with definitive useful lives (such as core deposit intangibles) are amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives.

Management considers several factors when performing the annual impairment tests on goodwill. The factors considered include the operating results for the particular Park segment for the past year and the operating results budgeted for the current year (including multi-year projections), the deposit and loan totals of the Park segment and the economic conditions in the markets served by the Park segment.

The following table reflects the activity in goodwill and other intangible assets for the years 2012, 2011 and 2010.



(In thousands)	Goodwill		Core Deposit Intangibles			Total
December 31, 2009	$	72,334	$	9,465		$	81,799
Amortization	—		(3,422		)	(3,422		)
December 31, 2010	$	72,334	$	6,043		$	78,377
Amortization	—		(3,534		)	(3,534		)
December 31, 2011	$	72,334	$	2,509		$	74,843
Amortization	—		(2,172		)	(2,172		)
December 31, 2012	$	72,334	$	337		$	72,671

U.S. GAAP requires a company to perform an impairment test on goodwill annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, by assessing qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If after assessing these events or circumstances, it is concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge must be recorded in an amount equal to the excess.

Park evaluates goodwill for impairment on April 1 of each year, with financial data as of March 31. Based on the analysis performed as of April 1, 2012, the Company determined that goodwill for Park’s subsidiary bank (PNB) was not impaired.

Goodwill and other intangible assets (as shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) totaled $72.7 million at December 31, 2012, $74.8 million at December 31, 2011 and $78.4 million at December 31, 2010.

The core deposit intangibles are being amortized to expense principally on the straight-line method, over a period of six years. The amortization period for the core deposit intangibles related to Vision Bank was accelerated in the 4th quarter of 2011 and 1st quarter of 2012 due to the pending sale of the Vision Bank business to Centennial Bank. (See Note 3 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the sale of the Vision Bank business.) Core deposit intangible amortization expense was $2.2 million in 2012, $3.5 million in 2011 and $3.4 million in 2010.

The accumulated amortization of core deposit intangibles was $21.8 million as of December 31, 2012 and $19.6 million at December 31, 2011. The expected core deposit intangible amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows:



(In thousands)
2013	$	337
2014	—
2015	—
2016	—
2017	—
Total	$	337

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and cash items, amounts due from banks and money market instruments. Generally, money market instruments are purchased and sold for one-day periods.

Net cash provided by operating activities reflects cash payments as follows:



December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Interest paid on deposits and other borrowings	$	51,877	$	59,552	$	74,680
Income taxes paid	7,000		17,700		24,600

Non-cash Items

Non-cash items included in cash provided by operating activities:



December 31,
(In thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Transfers to OREO	$	23,634	$	36,209	$	35,507

Loss Contingencies and Guarantees

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.

Income Taxes

The Corporation accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. To the extent that Park does not consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is recorded. All positive and negative evidence is reviewed when determining how much of a valuation allowance is recognized on a quarterly basis. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

An uncertain tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more-likely-than-not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination being presumed to occur. The benefit recognized for a tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” criteria is measured based on the largest benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized, taking into consideration the amounts and probabilities of the outcome upon settlement. For tax positions not meeting the “more-likely-than-not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Park recognizes any interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Treasury Shares

The purchase of Park’s common shares is recorded at cost. At the date of retirement or subsequent reissuance, the treasury shares account is reduced by the weighted average cost of the common shares retired or reissued.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, changes in the funded status of the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan, and the unrealized net holding gains and losses on the cash flow hedge, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.

Stock Based Compensation

Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and stock awards issued to employees and directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of Park’s common shares at the date of grant is used for stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. Park did not grant any stock options during 2012, 2011 or 2010. No stock options vested in 2012, 2011 or 2010. Park granted 6,120 common shares to its directors in 2012, and 7,020 in 2011 and 2010.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include off‑balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Derivative Instruments

At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. These three types are: (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”); (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”); or (3) an instrument with no hedging designation (“stand-alone derivative”). For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. For both types of hedges, changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in fair value or expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income.

The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.

When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest income. When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 21 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Retirement Plans

Pension expense is the net of service and interest cost, return on plan assets and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. Employee 401(k) plan expense is the amount of matching contributions. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options, warrants and convertible securities. Earnings and dividends per common share are restated for any stock splits and stock dividends through the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements.

Operating Segments

Prior to February 16, 2012, the operating segments for the Corporation were its two chartered bank subsidiaries, PNB (headquartered in Newark, Ohio) and Vision Bank ("Vision" or "VB") (headquartered in Panama City, Florida). On February 16, 2012, Vision sold certain assets and liabilities to Centennial Bank (See Note 3 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Promptly following the closing of the transaction, Vision surrendered its Florida banking charter to the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and became a non-bank Florida corporation (the "Florida Corporation"). The Florida Corporation merged with and into a wholly-owned non-bank subsidiary of Park, SE Property Holdings, LLC ("SEPH"), with SEPH being the surviving entity. The closing of this transaction prompted Park to add SEPH as a reportable segment. Additionally, due to the increased significance of the entity, Guardian Financial Services Company ("GFSC") was added as a reportable segment in the first quarter of 2012.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements:

No. 2011-04 – Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirement in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs: In May 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirement in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (ASU 2011-04). The new guidance in this ASU results in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. Certain amendments clarify FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. These amendments also enhance disclosure requirements surrounding fair value measurement. Most significantly, an entity is required to disclose additional information regarding Level 3 fair value measurements including quantitative information about unobservable inputs used, a description of the valuation processes used by the entity, and a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the measurements. The new guidance became effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The adoption of the new guidance on January 1, 2012 impacted the fair value disclosures in Note 21.

No. 2011-05 – Presentation of Comprehensive Income: In June 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). The ASU eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. An entity can elect to present the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The ASU does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income, when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income, or how earnings per share is calculated or presented. The new guidance became effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and must be applied retrospectively. The adoption of the new guidance impacted the presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

No. 2011-08 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: In September 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (ASU 2011-08). The ASU allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The new guidance became effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

No. 2011-12 Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05: In December 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 (ASU 2011-12). This ASU defers only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. Entities are to continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before ASU 2011-05. The other requirements in ASU 2011-05 were not affected by this ASU. Further guidance surrounding the reclassification of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income was provided by FASB in ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.

No. 2012-02 Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment: In July 2012, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (ASU 2012-02). The ASU allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

No. 2013-02 Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: In February 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02). The ASU requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about these amounts. The new guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is expected to impact financial statement disclosures.