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Park National Corp. (PRK)
:PRK

Park National (PRK) AI Stock Analysis

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PRK

Park National

(PRK)

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Outperform 73 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$185.00
▲(11.53% Upside)
Action:UpgradedDate:02/24/26
The score is driven primarily by strong fundamentals—improving profitability and a strengthened, conservatively levered balance sheet—partly tempered by inconsistent cash-flow trends. Valuation is supportive with a moderate P/E and a solid dividend yield, while technicals are mixed with neutral momentum and mild near-term weakness. Recent corporate events are a net positive due to the completed acquisition and dividend increase.
Positive Factors
Completed Strategic Acquisition
The First Citizens all‑stock merger materially increases scale and geographic diversification with pro forma assets, deposits and loan balances. Greater scale should improve funding diversity, revenue mix and regional market share, supporting durable growth and cross‑sell opportunities during integration.
Strengthened Balance Sheet
Marked reduction in leverage and continued equity build strengthen loss-absorption capacity and capital flexibility. A conservatively levered balance sheet increases resilience to stress, supports prudent loan growth, dividend policy and M&A execution without straining capital ratios over the medium term.
Improving Profitability and Revenue Growth
Rising top-line momentum and expanding net margins indicate stronger core banking profitability driven by loan growth and improved yields. Structural improvement in operating profitability supports internal capital generation, dividend capacity and reinvestment into the franchise over the next several quarters.
Negative Factors
Cash‑Flow Volatility
Sharp FCF decline and uneven operating cash flows reduce the reliability of earnings conversion to cash, which can constrain organic reinvestment, M&A funding and payout flexibility. Persistent volatility raises the probability of short‑term liquidity or funding strain during integration or stress periods.
Limited Balance‑Sheet Growth
Flat asset growth suggests growth has relied on margin improvements rather than expanding the loan/deposit base. Without stronger organic loan growth or successful integration uplifts from acquisitions, revenue expansion may be constrained and returns could be harder to sustain long term.
Board Leadership Transition
Retirement of a long‑tenured board leader removes deep institutional knowledge and creates a governance gap during a major integration and growth phase. Board and committee realignment could affect oversight of strategy, risk and succession, influencing execution consistency over the coming months.

Park National (PRK) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Park National Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPark National Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Park National Bank that provides commercial banking and trust services in small and medium population areas. The company offers deposits for demand, savings, and time accounts; trust and wealth management services; cash management services; safe deposit operations; electronic funds transfers; Internet and mobile banking solutions with bill pay service; credit cards; and various additional banking-related services for individual customers. It also provides commercial loans, including financing for industrial and commercial properties, financing for equipment, inventory and accounts receivable, acquisition financing, and commercial leasing, as well as for consumer finance companies; commercial real estate loans comprising mortgage loans to developers and owners of commercial real estate; consumer loans, such as automobile loans and leases; consumer finance services; home equity lines of credit; and residential real estate and construction loans, as well as installment loans and commercial loans. In addition, the company offers aircraft financing and asset management services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 96 financial service offices and a network of 116 automated teller machines in 26 Ohio counties, 1 Kentucky county, 3 North Carolina counties, and 4 South Carolina counties. The company was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Newark, Ohio.
How the Company Makes MoneyPark National generates revenue primarily through interest income from loans and investments, as well as non-interest income from fees for various banking services. The company's key revenue streams include interest earned on consumer loans, commercial loans, and mortgages, which are funded by customer deposits. Additionally, PRK earns fees from services such as wealth management, asset management, and transaction services. The bank also benefits from partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, enhancing its customer base and contributing to its overall earnings. The management of non-performing loans and effective cost control further supports the company's profitability.

Park National Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong and improving profitability with accelerating revenue and a notably more conservative balance sheet. The main offset is cash-flow volatility, including a sharp free-cash-flow decline in 2025 despite generally positive cash generation.
Income Statement
82
Very Positive
Revenue shows a strong upward trajectory, accelerating in 2024 and especially 2025, alongside improving profitability (net margin rising from ~23% in 2024 to ~27% in 2025). Operating profitability also strengthened year-over-year. The key offset is that margins are below the 2021–2022 peak levels, indicating some pressure versus prior cycle highs even though the near-term trend is positive.
Balance Sheet
86
Very Positive
Leverage has improved meaningfully, with debt-to-equity stepping down sharply from higher levels earlier in the period to a very conservative level in 2025, while equity continues to build. Profitability on shareholder capital remains solid and consistent (roughly low-to-mid teens), supporting balance-sheet quality. The main watch item is that total assets are essentially flat across recent years, implying limited balance-sheet growth despite stronger earnings.
Cash Flow
58
Neutral
Cash generation remains positive, and free cash flow broadly tracks earnings (near ~1x net income in 2025), which is constructive. However, free cash flow dropped sharply in 2025 versus 2024 (a steep negative growth rate), and operating cash flow has been choppy across years. Overall, cash flow quality is adequate but less consistent than profitability.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue664.42M645.55M564.30M514.18M475.80M
Gross Profit545.70M506.06M462.84M478.44M471.75M
EBITDA229.89M196.92M167.62M194.28M201.50M
Net Income180.07M151.42M126.73M148.35M153.94M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets9.81B9.81B9.84B9.85B9.56B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments977.71M1.16B1.55B1.92B1.97B
Total Debt81.71M296.59M425.75M435.30M441.33M
Total Liabilities8.45B8.56B8.69B8.79B8.45B
Stockholders Equity1.35B1.24B1.15B1.07B1.11B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow187.43M169.66M142.91M126.92M143.24M
Operating Cash Flow193.81M178.85M150.50M134.86M157.33M
Investing Cash Flow-4.20M-19.15M64.16M-403.70M-412.14M
Financing Cash Flow-303.00M-217.40M-186.12M239.38M103.52M

Park National Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price165.88
Price Trends
50DMA
163.20
Positive
100DMA
158.54
Positive
200DMA
160.57
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.38
Positive
RSI
47.75
Neutral
STOCH
26.63
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PRK, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 165.88 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 169.72, above the 50-day MA of 163.20, and above the 200-day MA of 160.57, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 2.38 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 47.75 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 26.63 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for PRK.

Park National Risk Analysis

Park National disclosed 40 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Park National reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Park National Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$3.06B16.5711.70%3.99%3.40%23.04%
73
Outperform
$3.01B14.9313.69%2.96%6.29%28.28%
73
Outperform
$2.66B12.8321.27%4.00%-8.43%3.75%
72
Outperform
$3.13B23.906.98%1.34%10.50%-6.22%
69
Neutral
$2.98B16.296.50%2.03%20.64%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
62
Neutral
$3.17B20.346.33%2.25%6.83%23.44%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PRK
Park National
166.57
8.91
5.65%
BOH
Bank Of Hawaii
76.83
8.77
12.88%
CVBF
Cvb Financial
19.62
0.65
3.44%
BANC
Banc of California
19.20
4.84
33.69%
SBCF
Seacoast Banking Of Florida
32.37
5.11
18.76%
FBK
FB Financial
56.48
7.88
16.20%

Park National Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Park National Completes First Citizens Bancshares Acquisition Expansion
Positive
Feb 9, 2026

Park National Corporation has released an investor presentation intended for use with analysts and investors on or after February 9, 2026, detailing its financial position and strategic developments. As of December 31, 2025, the company reported $9.8 billion in assets, strong capital and funding profiles, and top-quartile profitability, supported by a long-tenured management team and a diversified revenue base.

The presentation highlights the closing on February 1, 2026, of Park’s previously announced acquisition of First Citizens Bancshares, Inc., a Tennessee-based bank holding company with $2.6 billion in assets, through a merger that expands Park’s scale and geographic reach. Management underscores historically strong credit quality, a high share of non-interest-bearing deposits, and robust capital levels, positioning the combined institution competitively within the banking sector and potentially enhancing returns for stakeholders through increased diversification and scale.

The most recent analyst rating on (PRK) stock is a Buy with a $180.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Park National stock, see the PRK Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesM&A Transactions
Park National completes all-stock merger with First Citizens
Positive
Feb 2, 2026

On February 1, 2026, Park National Corporation completed its all‑stock merger with First Citizens Bancshares, Inc., converting each First Citizens share into 0.52 of a Park common share and immediately consolidating First Citizens National Bank into The Park National Bank, which remains the surviving bank. The deal expands Park’s footprint into Tennessee, creates a combined institution with pro forma assets of $12.6 billion, deposits of $10.5 billion and loans of $9.6 billion as of December 31, 2025, and will see First Citizens National Bank operate as a division of Park National Bank until systems conversion is completed later in 2026, with no immediate changes required for customers of either bank. As part of the transaction, former First Citizens chairman and CEO Jeffrey D. Agee joined Park’s board of directors effective February 1, 2026, signed an employment agreement with Park National Bank, and will lead the company’s newly formed Tennessee Region, reinforcing leadership continuity and local-market expertise as Park executes its growth strategy in the state.

The most recent analyst rating on (PRK) stock is a Hold with a $174.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Park National stock, see the PRK Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial DisclosuresM&A TransactionsShareholder Meetings
Park National Boosts Dividend Amid Ongoing First Citizens Merger
Positive
Jan 26, 2026

For 2025, Park National Corporation reported strong earnings growth, with full-year net income rising 18.9% to $180.1 million and fourth-quarter net income increasing 10.4% year-on-year to $42.6 million, driven by higher net interest income from loan growth, improved loan yields and lower interest expense, alongside modest credit costs and stable asset quality. Total loans expanded 3.0% and total deposits grew 1.2% (1.1% including off-balance-sheet balances) during 2025, while the efficiency ratio improved and the allowance for credit losses increased in line with loan growth; on January 26, 2026, the board raised the quarterly cash dividend to $1.10 per share, and the company moved closer to closing its previously announced merger with First Citizens Bancshares, Inc., which is expected to further expand its banking franchise and reinforce its competitive position once completed, following regulatory approvals and shareholder approval on January 21, 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (PRK) stock is a Hold with a $173.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Park National stock, see the PRK Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Park National announces retirement of longtime board leader
Neutral
Jan 5, 2026

On December 29, 2025, Park National Corporation announced that long-serving director C. Daniel DeLawder will retire and not stand for re-election to the boards of Park National Corporation and Park National Bank, with his director term ending immediately before the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. DeLawder, whose 55-year career at the bank included 15 years as CEO and leadership roles such as Chair of the Executive Committee and Chair of the PNB Wealth Management Committee, will leave a significant leadership vacancy that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee plans to address at its next meeting, potentially shaping the company’s future governance and strategic direction.

The most recent analyst rating on (PRK) stock is a Buy with a $177.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Park National stock, see the PRK Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 24, 2026