Park National (PRK) 8-K Park National Corporation reports third quarter 2009 performance and declares fourth quarter cash dividend

Exhibit 99.1

News Release

October 19, 2009

Park National Corporation reports third quarter 2009 performance
and declares fourth quarter cash dividend

NEWARK, Ohio— Park National Corporation (Park) (NYSE Amex: PRK) today announced operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009, including record earnings for Ohio-based operations for the first three quarters of the year. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009, Park reported net income of $19.2 million and $61.9 million, respectively. Net income per diluted common share was $1.25 for the third quarter of 2009 and was $4.10 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

The third quarter of 2008 included a goodwill impairment charge of $55.0 million at Vision Bank, resulting in a net loss of $38.4 million, or $2.75 per diluted common share. For the first three quarters of 2008, Park reported net income of $2.8 million, or $0.20 per diluted common share. Absent the goodwill impairment charge, Park’s net income for the third quarter 2008 would have been $16.6 million, or $1.19 per diluted common share. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $57.7 million, or $4.14 per diluted common share, prior to the impairment charge.

“We are especially pleased with the continued record performance of our Ohio-based operations,” said Park Chairman C. Daniel DeLawder. “Our strong earnings are a direct result of consistent and dedicated personal attention delivered by our associates. Current technology, up-to-date deposit services and reliable home loans combined with extraordinary local service are all reasons why people trust us to keep our promises.”

Net income for Park’s Ohio-based operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $79.0 million, an increase of $6.0 million from the $73.0 million reported for the same period in 2008.

Park’s Board of Directors declared a $0.94 per common share quarterly cash dividend. The dividend is payable on December 10, 2009 to common shareholders of record as of November 25, 2009.

Park’s net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2009 totaled $9.7 million or an annualized 0.84 percent of average loans outstanding. This compares to net loan charge-offs of $12.8 million or an annualized 1.15 percent of average loans outstanding for the same period in 2008.

Park’s loan loss provision for the third quarter of 2009 was $15.0 million, compared to $15.9 million for the third quarter of 2008. Park subsidiary Vision Bank (headquartered in Panama City, Fla.) had a third quarter 2009 loan loss provision of $10.0 million, compared to $11.5 million for the same period in 2008. The Ohio-based operations had a loan loss provision of $5.0 million for the third quarter of 2009, compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2008.

Park continues to proactively address the impact of current economic conditions within the loan portfolio through increases in the allowance for loan losses. As of September 30, 2009, the loan loss allowance was $110.0 million, an increase of 9.9 percent over the balance of $100.1 million at December 31, 2008. Non-performing loans were $207.2 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $206.6 million at June 30, 2009 and $162.4 million at December 31, 2008. For the three month period ended September 30, 2009, Park’s classified commercial loans, the type that represent the largest risk of potential future loss, declined by 6.0 percent.

Park experienced $123.8 million loan growth (or 3.7 percent annualized) for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009. Park also reported continued deposit growth for the same period, with $353.2 million (or 9.9 percent annualized) growth in deposits.

“We have experienced excellent deposit growth in 2009, which has helped fund solid loan growth throughout the year,” DeLawder said. “Additionally, home loan origination and refinance activity have been exceptional throughout 2009.” Park originated $531 million in fixed rate residential mortgages through September 30, 2009, compared to $134 million for the same period in 2008.

Park National Corporation
50 N. Third Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
www.parknationalcorp.com

News Release

“Strong financial performance puts us in a unique position to help even more families take advantage of recently lowered home loan rates. It’s a great time to borrow money, ” DeLawder added.

Park continued its disciplined approach within the At-the-Market common stock offering. Through September 30, 2009, it has sold 288,272 common shares at an average price of $60.83. Net of all selling and due diligence expenses, the offering has generated additional capital of $16.7 million.

Headquartered in Newark, Ohio, Park National Corporation holds $7.0 billion in total assets (as of September 30, 2009). Park consists of 13 community bank divisions and two specialty finance companies. Park’s Ohio-based banking operations are conducted through Park subsidiary The Park National Bank and its divisions which include Fairfield National Bank, Richland Bank, Century National Bank, First-Knox National Bank, Farmers and Savings Bank, United Bank, Second National Bank, Security National Bank, Unity National Bank and The Park National Bank of Southwest Ohio & Northern Kentucky. Park’s other banking subsidiary is Vision Bank (headquartered in Panama City, Florida), and its Vision Bank Division (of Gulf Shores, Alabama). Park also includes Scope Leasing, Inc. (d.b.a. Scope Aircraft Finance) and Guardian Finance Company.

Complete financial tables are included below.

###

Media Contacts: Bethany Lewis, Communications Specialist, 740.349.0421 or John Kozak, Chief Financial Officer, 740.349.3792

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are provided to assist in the understanding of anticipated future financial performance. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation: deterioration in the asset value of Park’s loan portfolio may be worse than expected; Park’s ability to execute its business plan successfully and within the expected timeframe; general economic and financial market conditions, and weakening in the economy, specifically, the real estate market and credit market, either national or in the states in which Park and its subsidiaries do business, may be worse than expected which could decrease the demand for loan, deposit and other financial services and increase loan delinquencies and defaults; changes in market rates and prices may adversely impact the value of securities, loans, deposits and other financial instruments and the interest rate sensitivity of our consolidated balance sheet; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits; our liquidity requirements could be adversely affected by changes in our assets and liabilities; our ability to convert our Ohio-based banking divisions into one operating system; competitive factors among financial institutions increase significantly, including product and pricing pressures and our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified bank professionals; the nature, timing and effect of changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the respective businesses of Park and its subsidiaries, including changes in laws concerning taxes, banking, securities and other aspects of the financial services industry; the effect of fiscal and governmental policies of the United States federal government; demand for loans in the respective market areas served by Park and its subsidiaries, and other risk factors relating to the banking industry as detailed from time to time in Park’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission including those described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Part I of Park’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Part II of Park’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Park does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the events or circumstances after the date on which the forward-looking statement is made, or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.

Park National Corporation
50 N. Third Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
www.parknationalcorp.com

PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	THREE MONTHS ENDED									NINE MONTHS ENDED
	SEPTEMBER 30,									SEPTEMBER 30,
							PERCENT									PERCENT
INCOME STATEMENT AND RATIOS	2009			2008			CHANGE			2009			2008			CHANGE
NET INTEREST INCOME	$	68,462		$	65,228			4.96	%	$	204,689		$	191,038			7.15	%
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES		14,958			15,906			-5.96	%		43,101			37,869			13.82	%
OTHER INCOME		18,165			17,088			6.30	%		57,132			56,670			0.82	%
GAIN ON SALE OF SECURITIES		—			—						7,340			896
GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT CHARGE		—			54,986			-100.00	%		—			54,986			-100.00	%
OTHER EXPENSE		46,052			44,493			3.50	%		142,065			132,203			7.46	%
INCOME BEFORE TAXES		25,617			(33,069	)		N.M.			83,995			23,546			N.M.
NET INCOME (LOSS)		19,199			(38,412	)		N.M.			61,896			2,757			N.M.
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS (a)		17,759			(38,412	)		N.M.			57,575			2,757			N.M.
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE-BASIC (a)		1.25			(2.75	)		N.M.			4.10			0.20			N.M.
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE-DILUTED (a)		1.25			(2.75	)		N.M.			4.10			0.20			N.M.
RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS (a)		1.01	%		-2.25	%					1.10	%		0.06	%
RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY (a)		12.18	%		-26.72	%					13.62	%		0.64	%
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE		0.94			0.94			0.00	%		2.82			2.82			0.00	%
INCOME STATEMENT AND RATIOS (NON GAAP)
NET INCOME BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE (c)		19,199			16,574			15.84	%		61,896			57,743			7.19	%
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE (a)(c)		17,759			16,574			7.15	%		57,575			57,743			-0.29	%
NET INCOME BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE PER SHARE-DILUTED (c)		1.25			1.19			5.04	%		4.10			4.14			-0.97	%
RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE ASSETS BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE (g)		1.02	%		0.99	%					1.11	%		1.18	%
RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE (a)(c)		1.01	%		0.97	%					1.10	%		1.15	%
RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE REALIZED COMMON EQUITY BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE (a)(d)		14.53	%		15.00	%					16.37	%		17.78	%
RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE (a)(c)		12.18	%		11.53	%					13.62	%		13.36	%
RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE ASSETS(f)(a)		1.02	%		-2.30	%					1.11	%		0.06	%
RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE REALIZED COMMON EQUITY (b)(a)		14.53	%		-34.76	%					16.37	%		0.85	%
OTHER RATIOS
YIELD ON EARNING ASSETS		5.66	%		6.25	%					5.72	%		6.48	%
COST OF PAYING LIABILITIES		1.73	%		2.42	%					1.78	%		2.67	%
NET INTEREST MARGIN		4.22	%		4.17	%					4.23	%		4.18	%
NET LOAN CHARGE-OFFS	$	9,722		$	12,756					$	33,149		$	35,776
NET CHARGE-OFFS AS A PERCENT OF AVERAGE LOANS		0.84	%		1.15	%					0.97	%		1.11	%

	September 30,			June 30,			December 31,			September 30,
BALANCE SHEET	2009			2009			2008			2008
INVESTMENTS	$	1,873,953		$	1,913,620		$	2,059,051		$	1,807,464
LOANS		4,615,101			4,620,026			4,491,337			4,466,671
LOAN LOSS RESERVE		110,040			104,804			100,088			89,195
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES		82,735			83,672			85,545			86,551
TOTAL ASSETS		6,970,678			7,007,610			7,070,720			6,799,733
TOTAL DEPOSITS		5,114,976			5,053,424			4,761,750			4,774,509
BORROWINGS		1,066,757			1,180,688			1,554,754			1,404,746
EQUITY		687,327			665,141			642,663			529,685
COMMON EQUITY		591,035			569,039			546,942			529,685
TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY (e)		508,300			485,367			461,397			443,134
COMMON BOOK VALUE PER SHARE		41.45			40.20			39.15			37.93
TANGIBLE COMMON BOOK VALUE PER SHARE (e)		35.65			34.29			33.02			31.73
NONPERFORMING LOANS		207,212			206,581			162,357			127,911
NONPERFORMING ASSETS		254,227			247,860			188,205			147,661
PAST DUE 90 DAY LOANS AND STILL ACCRUING		4,849			4,417			5,421			4,388
RATIOS
LOANS/ASSETS		66.21	%		65.93	%		63.52	%		65.69	%
NONPERFORMING LOANS/LOANS		4.49	%		4.47	%		3.61	%		2.86	%
PAST DUE 90 DAY LOANS/LOANS		0.11	%		0.10	%		0.12	%		0.10	%
LOAN LOSS RESERVE/LOANS		2.38	%		2.27	%		2.23	%		2.00	%
TOTAL EQUITY/ASSETS		9.86	%		9.49	%		9.09	%		7.79	%
COMMON EQUITY/ASSETS		8.48	%		8.12	%		7.74	%		7.79	%
TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY/TANGIBLE ASSETS (h)		7.38	%		7.01	%		6.61	%		6.60	%

N.M. — Not meaningful
(a)	Reported measure excludes the impact of the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program and uses net income available to common shareholders.
(b)	Net Income (loss) available to common shareholders for each period divided by average tangible realized common equity during the period. Average tangible realized common equity equals average stockholders’ equity during the applicable period less (i) average goodwill and other intangibles during the period, (ii) average accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, during the period, and (iii) average preferred stock.
(c)	Net income (loss) available to common shareholders for the three months and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 has been adjusted for the impairment charge to goodwill. Net income before impairment charge equals net income (loss) for the period plus the impairment charge to the Vision Bank goodwill of $54,986.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO NET INCOME BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE:

	THREE MONTHS ENDED					NINE MONTHS ENDED
	SEPTEMBER 30,					SEPTEMBER 30,
	2009		2008			2009		2008
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	19,199	$	(38,412	)	$	61,896	$	2,757
Plus:
Goodwill impairment charge				54,986					54,986
NET INCOME BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE	$	19,199	$	16,574		$	61,896	$	57,743

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE-DILUTED TO NET INCOME BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE PER SHARE DILUTED:

	THREE MONTHS ENDED					NINE MONTHS ENDED
	SEPTEMBER 30,					SEPTEMBER 30,
	2009		2008			2009		2008
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE-DILUTED	$	1.25	$	(2.75	)	$	4.10	$	0.20
Plus:
Impairment charge to goodwill per share-diluted		—		3.94			—		3.94
NET INCOME BEFORE IMPAIRMENT CHARGE PER SHARE-DILUTED	$	1.25	$	1.19		$	4.10	$	4.14

(d) Net income before impairment charge for each period divided by average tangible realized common equity during the period. Average tangible realized common equity equals average stockholders’ equity during the applicable period less (i) average preferred stock, (ii) average goodwill and other intangibles during the period and (iii) average accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, during the period.

RECONCILIATION OF AVERAGE STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO AVERAGE TANGIBLE REALIZED COMMON EQUITY:

	THREE MONTHS ENDED					NINE MONTHS ENDED
	SEPTEMBER 30,					SEPTEMBER 30,
	2009		2008			2009		2008
AVERAGE STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	674,541	$	571,910		$	661,174	$	577,251
Less: Average preferred stock		96,183		—			95,994		—
Average goodwill and other intangibles		83,261		141,511			84,194		142,903
Average accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		10,160		(9,184	)		10,752		456
AVERAGE TANGIBLE REALIZED COMMON EQUITY	$	484,937	$	439,583		$	470,234	$	433,892

(e) Tangible common equity equals ending stockholders’ equity less preferred stock and goodwill and other intangibles at the end of the period.

RECONCILIATION OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TO TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY:

	September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
	2009		2008		2008
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	687,327	$	642,663	$	529,685
Less: Preferred stock		96,292		95,721		—
Goodwill and other intangibles		82,735		85,545		86,551
TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY	$	508,300	$	461,397	$	443,134

(f) Net income (loss) available to common shareholders divided by average tangible assets. Average tangible assets equals average assets less average goodwill and other intangibles.

RECONCILIATION OF AVERAGE ASSETS TO AVERAGE TANGIBLE ASSETS:

	THREE MONTHS ENDED				NINE MONTHS ENDED
	SEPTEMBER 30,				SEPTEMBER 30,
	2009		2008		2009		2008
AVERAGE ASSETS	$	6,975,918	$	6,797,792	$	7,021,726	$	6,681,524
Less average goodwill and other intangibles		83,261		141,511		84,194		142,903
AVERAGE TANGIBLE ASSETS	$	6,892,657	$	6,656,281	$	6,937,532	$	6,538,621

(g)	Net income available to common shareholders before impairment charge divided by average tangible assets during the period. Average tangible assets equals average assets less average goodwill and other intangibles (see (f) above).
(h)	Tangible common equity (see (e) above) divided by tangible assets. Tangible assets equals total assets less goodwill and other intangibles.

RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL ASSETS TO TANGIBLE ASSETS:

	September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
	2009		2008		2008
TOTAL ASSETS	$	6,970,678	$	7,070,720	$	6,799,733
Less: Goodwill and other intangibles		82,735		85,545		86,551
TANGIBLE ASSETS	$	6,887,943	$	6,985,175	$	6,713,182

PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Income
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2009		2008			2009		2008
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans	$	69,339	$	75,167		$	206,923	$	229,109
Interest on:
Obligations of U.S. Government, its agencies and other securities		22,204		22,204			69,233		65,538
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		316		488			1,131		1,707
Other interest income		9		88			38		262
Total interest income		91,868		97,947			277,325		296,616
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits:
Demand and savings deposits		2,768		5,573			8,482		18,266
Time deposits		13,362		15,527			41,536		51,344
Interest on borrowings		7,276		11,619			22,618		35,968
Total interest expense		23,406		32,719			72,636		105,578
Net interest income		68,462		65,228			204,689		191,038
Provision for loan losses		14,958		15,906			43,101		37,869
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		53,504		49,322			161,588		153,169
Other income		18,165		17,088			57,132		56,670
Gain on sale of securities		—		—			7,340		896
Other expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		25,589		25,105			76,410		74,262
Occupancy expense		2,772		2,850			8,812		8,758
Furniture and equipment expense		2,463		2,412			7,339		7,305
Goodwill impairment charge		—		54,986			—		54,986
Other expense		15,228		14,126			49,504		41,878
Total other expense		46,052		99,479			142,065		187,189
Income (loss) before income taxes		25,617		(33,069	)		83,995		23,546
Income taxes		6,418		5,343			22,099		20,789
Net income (loss)	$	19,199	$	(38,412	)	$	61,896	$	2,757
Preferred stock dividends		1,440		—			4,321		—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	17,759	$	(38,412	)	$	57,575	$	2,757
Per Common Share:
Net income (loss) — basic	$	1.25	$	(2.75	)	$	4.10	$	0.20
Net income (loss) — diluted	$	1.25	$	(2.75	)	$	4.10	$	0.20
Weighted average shares — basic		14,193,411		13,964,549			14,055,580		13,964,561
Weighted average shares — diluted		14,193,411		13,964,549			14,055,580		13,964,561

PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands, except share data)

	September 30,
	2009			2008
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	127,079		$	161,591
Money market instruments		10,583			22,379
Investment securities		1,873,953			1,807,464
Loans		4,615,101			4,466,671
Allowance for loan losses		110,040			89,195
Loans, net		4,505,061			4,377,476
Bank premises and equipment, net		67,194			69,562
Goodwill and other intangibles		82,735			86,551
Other Real Estate Owned		47,015			19,750
Other assets		257,058			254,960
Total assets	$	6,970,678		$	6,799,733
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing	$	817,897		$	725,859
Interest bearing		4,297,079			4,048,650
Total deposits		5,114,976			4,774,509
Borrowings		1,066,757			1,404,746
Other liabilities		101,618			90,793
Total liabilities	$	6,283,351		$	6,270,048
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred Stock (200,000 shares authorized in 2009 and -0- in 2008; 100,000 shares issued in 2009 and -0- in 2008)	$	96,292		$	—
Common stock (No par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized in 2009 and 2008; 16,151,123 shares issued in 2009 and 16,151,162 in 2008)		301,209			301,211
Common stock warrant		4,297			—
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		20,018			(4,390	)
Retained earnings		447,122			440,968
Treasury stock (1,891,152 shares in 2009 and 2,186,624 shares in 2008)		(181,611	)		(208,104	)
Total stockholders’ equity		687,327			529,685
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	6,970,678		$	6,799,733

PARK NATIONAL CORPORATION
Consolidated Average Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2009			2008			2009			2008
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	109,935		$	145,365		$	111,988		$	144,879
Money market instruments		31,661			17,971			25,571			14,734
Investment securities		1,881,061			1,817,128			1,957,788			1,803,391
Loans		4,610,716			4,409,188			4,582,037			4,317,204
Allowance for loan losses		104,763			85,512			101,821			85,786
Loans, net		4,505,953			4,323,676			4,480,216			4,231,418
Bank premises and equipment, net		67,124			69,545			67,846			69,246
Goodwill and other intangibles		83,261			141,511			84,194			142,903
Other Real Estate Owned		44,155			20,231			36,535			18,857
Other assets		252,768			262,365			257,588			256,096
Total assets	$	6,975,918		$	6,797,792		$	7,021,726		$	6,681,524
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing	$	817,625		$	747,978		$	805,488		$	730,436
Interest bearing		4,315,622			3,873,958			4,186,578			3,803,386
Total deposits		5,133,247			4,621,936			4,992,066			4,533,822
Borrowings		1,058,303			1,514,906			1,257,673			1,476,378
Other liabilities		109,827			89,040			110,813			94,073
Total liabilities	$	6,301,377		$	6,225,882		$	6,360,552		$	6,104,273
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock	$	96,183		$	—		$	95,994		$	—
Common stock		301,209			301,211			301,209			301,212
Common stock warrant		4,297			—			4,297			—
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes		10,160			(9,184	)		10,752			456
Retained earnings		450,506			487,986			449,007			483,686
Treasury stock		(187,814	)		(208,103	)		(200,085	)		(208,103	)
Total stockholders’ equity	$	674,541		$	571,910		$	661,174		$	577,251
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	6,975,918		$	6,797,792		$	7,021,726		$	6,681,524