The Corporation’s national bank subsidiary, The Park National Bank ("PNB"), is required to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. The average required reserve balance was approximately $89.2 million at December 31, 2019 and $73.9 million at December 31, 2018. No other compensating balance arrangements were in existence at December 31, 2019.

HTM securities are those debt securities that the Corporation has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost. AFS securities are those debt 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. AFS securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses excluded from earnings but included in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes. The Corporation did not hold any trading securities during any period presented. Equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are carried at cost, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment.

Debt 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 that Park will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Declines in the value of 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 other-than-temporary impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis.

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. The fair value of the interest rate lock is recorded at the time the commitment to fund the mortgage loan is executed and is adjusted for the expected exercise of the commitment before the loan is funded. In order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans, the Company enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into. Fair value of these mortgage derivatives is estimated based on the change in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest on the loan is locked. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in "Other service income" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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 nonaccrual interest payments applied to principal, any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, and any unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Late charges on loans are recognized as income when they are collected. Net loan origination fees and costs are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.

Commercial loans include: (1) commercial, financial and agricultural loans; (2) commercial real estate loans; (3) those commercial loans in the construction real estate loan segment; (4) those commercial loans in the residential real estate loan segment; and (5) leases. Consumer loans include: (1) mortgage and installment loans included in the construction real estate segment; (2) mortgage, home equity lines of credit ("HELOCs"), 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. The delinquency status of a loan is based on contractual terms and not on how recently payments have been received. Commercial loans placed on nonaccrual status are considered impaired (see Note 6 - Loans). Park’s charge-off policy for commercial loans requires management to establish a specific reserve or record a charge-off when collection is in doubt or it is probable a loss has been incurred 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, HELOCs, and consumer loans secured by residential real estate 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.

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 Park expects to receive the entire recorded investment of the loan. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Commercial, financial and agricultural: Commercial, financial and agricultural ("C&I") loans are made for a wide variety of general corporate purposes, including financing for commercial and industrial properties, financing for equipment, inventory and accounts receivable, acquisition financing, commercial leasing, and to 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. Risk of loss on C&I loans largely depends upon general economic cycles, as they may adversely impact certain industries, competency of the borrower's management team, the quality of the underlying assets supporting the loans including accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment, and the accuracy of the borrower's financial reporting. Such risks are mitigated by generally requiring the borrower's owners to guaranty the loans.

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. Risk of loss on CRE loans largely depends upon the cash flow of the properties which is influenced by the amount of vacancy experienced by the underlying real estate, the credit capacity of the tenants occupying the underlying real estate, and general economic trends as they may adversely impact the value of the property. These risks are mitigated by generally requiring personal guaranties of the owners of the properties and by requiring appraisals pursuant to government regulations.

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 a short-term construction loan, depending on the needs of the individual borrower. 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 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 PNB division 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 that a default on a construction loan occurs and foreclosure follows, the PNB division must take control of the project and attempt to either arrange for completion of construction or 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. PNB and its divisions attempt to reduce such risks on loans to developers by generally 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 residences or second mortgages of individuals’ primary residences 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 a current independent third-party appraisal providing the market value of the real estate securing the loan. Residential real estate loans typically have longer terms and higher balances with lower yields as compared to consumer loans, but generally carry lower risks of default. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires creditors to make a reasonable and good faith determination of a consumer's ability to repay any consumer credit transaction secured by a dwelling. Documentation and verification of income within defined time frames and not-to-exceed limits are basis for affirming ability to repay. Risk of loss largely depends upon factors affecting the borrower's ability to repay as well as the general economic trends as they may adversely impact the value of the property. These risks are mitigated by completing a comprehensive underwriting of the borrower and by requiring appraisals pursuant to government regulations.

Consumer: The Company originates direct and indirect consumer loans, primarily automobile loans, 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.

Leases: The Company originates financing leases primarily for the purchase of commercial vehicles, operating/manufacturing equipment, and municipal vehicles/equipment. Repayment terms are structured such that the lease will be repaid within the economic useful life of the leased asset. Risk of losses on financing leases largely depends upon general economic cycles, as they may adversely impact certain industries, competency of the borrower’s management team, the quality and residual value of the leased asset, and the accuracy of the borrower’s financial reporting. These risks are mitigated by underwriting leases considering primary and secondary sources of repayment and requiring guaranteed residual values.

Park's commercial loan portfolio includes loans to a wide variety of corporations and businesses across many industrial classifications in the 29 Ohio counties, four North Carolina counties, four South Carolina counties and one Kentucky county where PNB and its divisions operate, 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, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, manufacturing, retail trade, health care, accommodation and food services and other services.

PCI loans are accounted for individually or aggregated into pools of loans based on common characteristics. The Company estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each loan or pool and the expected cash flows in excess of the amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan (accretable yield). The excess of the loan’s or pool's contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

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”). Included in the statistical allocation is a reserve for TDRs within the consumer loan portfolio. Management performs a periodic evaluation to ensure the reserve calculated utilizing the statistical allocation is consistent with a reserve calculated under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 310-10 - Receivables.

In calculating the allowance for loan losses, management believes it is appropriate to consider 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, 2019, 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 2010 through 2019 within the individual segments of the commercial and consumer loan categories. The 120-month historical loss period captures all annual periods subsequent to June 2009, the end of the most recent recession, thus encompassing the full economic cycle to date.

The loss factor applied to Park’s consumer loan portfolio as of December 31, 2019 was based on the historical loss experience over the preceding 120 months, plus an additional judgmental reserve, increasing the total allowance for loan loss coverage in the consumer loan portfolio to approximately 1.90 years of historical losses, compared to 1.87 years at December 31, 2018. Historical loss experience over the preceding 120 months for the consumer loan portfolio was 0.31% for 2019. Historical loss experience over the preceding 108 months for the consumer loan portfolio was 0.33% for 2018.

The loss factor applied to Park’s commercial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2019 was based on the historical loss experience over the preceding 120 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 loan portfolio to approximately 3.40 years of historical losses at December 31, 2019, compared to 3.39 years at December 31, 2018. Historical loss experience over the preceding 120 months for the commercial loan portfolio was 0.34% for 2019. Historical loss experience over the preceding 108 months for the commercial loan portfolio was 0.35% for 2018. 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.

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 credit scores; and (4) consideration of global cash flows of financially sound guarantors that have previously supported loan payments. The recorded investment is the balance of the loan, plus accrued interest receivable. Impairment is measured using either the present value of expected future cash flows based upon the initial effective interest rate on 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.

Loans acquired as part of the acquisition of NewDominion Bank were recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, July 1, 2018. Loans acquired as part of the acquisition of Carolina Alliance Bank were recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, April 1, 2019. An allowance is only established on acquired NewDominion Bank loans and Carolina Alliance Bank loans as a result of credit deterioration post acquisition. As of December 31, 2019, there was no allowance related to performing acquired NewDominion Bank loans and Carolina Alliance Bank loans.

Management classifies loans as TDRs when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty 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 the borrower's 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. A court's discharge of a borrower's debt in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is considered a concession when the borrower does not reaffirm the discharged debt. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception, or if a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. Commercial TDRs are separately identified for impairment disclosures.

Land is carried at cost and is not subject to depreciation. Premises and equipment are carried 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.

Management transfers a loan to OREO at the time that Park takes deed/title to the asset. OREO is initially recorded at fair value less anticipated selling costs (net realizable value), establishing a new cost basis, 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. These assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. Subsequent changes in the value of real estate are classified as OREO valuation adjustments, are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount of OREO and are recorded 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".

Foreclosed assets include non-real estate assets where Park, as creditor, has received physical possession of a borrower’s assets, regardless of whether formal foreclosure proceedings take place. Additionally, TDRs in which Park obtains one of more of the debtor’s non-real estate assets in place of all or part of the receivable are accounted for as foreclosed assets. Foreclosed assets are initially recorded as fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Park had $4.2 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of foreclosed assets included within “Other assets.”

MSRs are assessed for impairment quarterly, based on fair value, with any impairment recognized through a valuation allowance. The fair value of MSRs 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 26 - Loan Servicing.)

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is not amortized to expense, but is subject to impairment tests 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 the performance of additional analysis 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, not to exceed the total goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

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, 2019, the Company determined that goodwill for PNB was not impaired. There have been no subsequent circumstances or events triggering an additional evaluation. (See Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Note 30 - Segment Information for operating segment results.)

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangibles and a trade name intangible. Core deposit intangibles are amortized on an accelerated basis over a period of ten years. The trade name intangible when initially recorded, assumed an indefinite useful life. During 2019, the trade name intangible was deemed impaired, and a $1.3 million charge was recorded in "other expense". (See Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.)

The Corporation accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Under this method, deferred tax assets and deferred tax 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.

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale, changes in the funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan and unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges which are also recognized as separate components of equity.

Compensation cost is recognized for restricted stock units and stock awards issued to employees and directors, respectively, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. The market price of Park’s common shares at the date of grant is used to estimate the fair value of restricted stock units and stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period and is recorded in "Salaries" expense. (See Note 19 - Share-Based Compensation.) The Company's accounting policy is to recognize forfeitures as they occur.

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 28 - Fair Value. 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.

At the inception of a derivative contract, Park designates the derivative as one of three types based on its intentions and belief as to the 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”). Park does not have any fair value hedges. 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. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income.

Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow under the same item as the cash flows of the items being hedged.

Park 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. The documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Park 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 cash flows of the hedged items. Park discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, 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 cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods that the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

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.

Pension expense is the net of service and interest cost, return on plan assets and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. The service cost component of pension expense is recorded within "Employee benefits" on the Consolidated Statements of Income. All other components of pension expense are recorded within "Other components of net periodic benefit income" on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Employee KSOP plan expense is the amount of matching contributions to Park's Employees Stock Ownership Plan. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service. (See Note 20 - Benefit Plans.)

Basic earnings per common share is net income 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 restricted stock unit awards. 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. (See Note 19 - Share-Based Compensation and Note 23 - Earnings Per Common Share.)