Independent Bank Corp: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2025

General

Independent Bank Corp. (the “Company”) is a state chartered, federally registered bank holding company headquartered in Rockland, Massachusetts that was incorporated under Massachusetts law in 1985. The Company is the sole stockholder of Rockland Trust Company (“Rockland Trust” or the “Bank”), a Massachusetts trust company chartered in 1907. The Bank provides a wide range of banking, investment and financial services, operating with over 150 retail branches, as well as a network of commercial and residential lending centers, and investment management offices primarily in Eastern Massachusetts, as well as in Worcester County, southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Rockland Trust also offers a full suite of mobile, online, and telephone banking services. At December 31, 2025, the Company had total assets of $24.9 billion, total deposits of $20.1 billion, and stockholders’ equity of $3.6 billion.

On July 1, 2025, the Company completed the acquisition of Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (“Enterprise”). For each share of Enterprise common stock, Enterprise stockholders had the right to receive 0.60 shares of the Company’s common stock and $2.00 in cash, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. Total consideration was $503.1 million and consisted of $477.2 million of equity (7,478,906 shares) of the Company’s common stock, plus $25.9 million in cash, including cash paid for stock option cancellations and fractional shares. The transaction qualified as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes and provided a tax-free exchange for Enterprise stockholders for the portion of the transaction consideration consisting of the Company’s common stock.

Subsidiaries

At December 31, 2025, Independent Bank Corp.’s consolidated subsidiaries included the Company’s banking subsidiary, Rockland Trust, which is the Company’s only reportable operating segment. Rockland Trust had the following wholly-owned corporate subsidiaries:

• Six Massachusetts security corporations, namely Rockland Borrowing Collateral Securities Corp., Rockland Deposit Collateral Securities Corp., Taunton Avenue Securities Corp., Goddard Ave Securities Corp., MFLR Securities Corporation, and B.H. Security Corporation;
• RTC LIHTC Investments LLC, and Rockland MHEF Fund LLC, established to invest primarily in Massachusetts-based low-income housing tax credit projects;
• EBTC NMTC Investment Fund - CHC, LLC, established to invest in qualified community development entity new markets tax credit financing;
• Rockland Trust Phoenix LLC, formed for the purpose of holding, maintaining, and disposing of certain foreclosed properties;
• Bright Rock Capital Management LLC, which was established to act as a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940; and,
• Compass Exchange Advisors LLC, which was established to provide like-kind exchange services pursuant to section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The like-kind exchange services provided in connection with this entity ceased during 2023.

In addition, the Company is currently the sponsor of Independent Capital Trust V, a Delaware statutory trust; Central Bancorp Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust; and Central Bancorp Statutory Trust II, a Connecticut statutory trust, each of which was formed to issue trust preferred securities. These statutory trusts are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Market Area and Competition

The Bank contends with considerable competition both in generating loans and attracting deposits. The Bank’s competition for generating loans is primarily from other commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions, mortgage banking companies, finance companies, online lenders or online banks, and other institutional lenders. Competitive factors considered for loan generation include interest rates, terms offered, loan fees charged, loan products offered, services provided, and geographic locations and a simplified application process.

In attracting deposits, the Bank’s primary competitors are savings banks, commercial and co-operative banks, credit unions, internet banks, as well as other non-bank institutions that offer financial alternatives such as brokerage firms and insurance companies. Competitive factors considered in attracting and retaining deposits include deposit and investment products and their respective rates of return, brand awareness, liquidity, and risk, among other factors, such as convenient branch locations and hours of operation, personalized customer service, online and mobile access to accounts and automated teller machines (“ATM”).

The Bank’s market area is attractive and entry into the market area by financial institutions previously not competing there has occurred and may continue to occur, which could impact the Bank’s growth or profitability. The Bank’s primary footprint for branch presence and deposit gathering is comprised of Eastern Massachusetts, Worcester County, and southern New Hampshire.

Lending Activities

The Bank’s gross loan portfolio (loans before allowance for credit losses) amounted to $18.5 billion on December 31, 2025, or 74.3% of total assets. The Bank’s borrowers primarily consist of small-to-upper middle market sized businesses and consumers. Substantially all of the Bank’s commercial, consumer real estate, and other consumer loan portfolios consist of loans made to residents of and businesses located in the Bank’s market area. The majority of the real estate loans in the Bank’s loan portfolio are secured by properties located within this market area.

Although the Bank analyzes the creditworthiness of its borrowers, the risk of deterioration in the ability of borrowers to repay their loans in accordance with their existing loan agreements is inherent in any lending function. Loans are approved based upon a hierarchy of authority, predicated upon the size of the loan, quality of collateral and perceived level of risk. Levels within the hierarchy of lending authorities range from individual lenders to the Company’s Loan Approval Committees. In accordance with federal and state banking law, the Bank is permitted, with certain exceptions, to make loans and commitments to any one borrower, including related entities, in the aggregate amount of not more than 20% of the Bank’s stockholders’ equity, or $775.1 million at December 31, 2025, which is the Bank’s legal lending limit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Bank has established a more restrictive limit, which may only be exceeded with the approval of the Board of Directors (the “Board”). There were no borrowers whose total indebtedness in aggregate exceeded the Bank’s self-imposed restrictive limit. The Bank’s largest relationship as of December 31, 2025 consisted of 56 loans with an aggregate exposure of $168.8 million.

Loan Portfolio The following table shows the balance of the gross average loan portfolio by category, the percentage of the gross average loan portfolio, and the percentage of total interest income that the loans generated, by category, for the fiscal years indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial Loans Commercial loans consist of commercial real estate loans, commercial construction loans, commercial and industrial loans, and the various categories also includes small business loans (which generally consist of loans to businesses with commercial credit needs of less than or equal to $750,000) which are classified within these commercial categories as appropriate based upon the securing collateral. The Bank offers secured and unsecured commercial loans for business purposes. Commercial loans may be structured as term loans or as revolving/non-revolving lines of credit, and include overdraft protection and letters of credit. Secured loans may be collateralized by either owner or non-owner-occupied commercial mortgages or other assets.

The Bank’s commercial real estate portfolio, inclusive of commercial construction, is the Bank’s largest loan type concentration. The Bank believes this portfolio is well diversified with loans secured by a variety of property types, such as non-owner-occupied commercial real estate, retail, office, industrial, warehouse, industrial development bonds and other special purpose properties, such as hotels, motels, nursing homes, restaurants, churches, and recreational facilities. The portfolio also includes loans secured by certain residential-related property types including multi-family apartment buildings, residential development tracts and condominiums. Although terms vary, commercial real estate loans typically are underwritten with maturities up to ten years. These loans generally have amortization periods of 20 to 30 years. It is the Bank’s general practice to obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the borrower on commercial real estate loans, when appropriate. Additionally, the Bank typically obtains financial statements from commercial real estate borrowers at least annually or as deemed appropriate based on size and risk associated with the loans. Construction loans within this category present a degree of risk and may be affected by a variety of factors, such as adverse changes in interest rates and the borrower’s ability to control costs and adhere to time schedules. Development of commercial real estate projects also may be subject to numerous land use and environmental issues. The payment experience on non-owner-occupied commercial real estate projects is typically dependent on the successful operation of the real estate project, which can be significantly impacted by supply and demand conditions within the markets for commercial, retail, office, industrial/warehouse and multi-family tenancy. The current environment continues to create additional considerations over office exposure as the development of hybrid work environments has reduced and may continue to reduce demand for large office spaces and as a result has reduced and may potentially continue to reduce the valuation of collateral to loans within this property type. Amongst other actions, management is actively monitoring upcoming maturities within this subset of loans.

The following pie chart shows the diversification of the commercial real estate portfolio as of December 31, 2025:

* Inclusive of commercial construction balances

(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial and industrial loans consist of both term loans and revolving or non-revolving lines of credit. Term loans generally have a repayment schedule of five years or less and are collateralized by equipment, machinery or other business assets. In addition, the Bank generally obtains personal guarantees from the principal owners of the borrower for its commercial and industrial loans. Lines of credit, including asset-based lines, are typically collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory, or both, as well as other business assets. Commercial lines of credit and asset-based lines generally are reviewed on an annual basis and usually require either a borrowing base formula or reflect varying levels of repayment of principal during the course of a year. Additionally, other commercial term loans are typically secured by machinery and equipment, and/or owner occupied commercial real estate. To limit the risk within this portfolio, the loans are made across a diverse set of industry groups. The following pie chart shows the diversification of the commercial and industrial portfolio as of December 31, 2025:

(Dollars in thousands)

Consumer Loans The Bank’s consumer portfolio consists of real estate loans comprised of residential mortgages and home equity loans and lines, all secured by one-to-four family residential properties, as well as other consumer loans. Residential mortgages are offered in amounts based on up to 97% of the lesser of the appraised value of the residential property securing the loan or the purchase price, and generally require borrowers to obtain private mortgage insurance when the amount of the loan exceeds 80% of the value of the property. The Bank’s residential real estate loans are generally originated under terms, conditions and documentation which permit sale in the secondary market. In order to protect the properties securing its residential mortgage loans, the Bank obtains title insurance protecting the priority of its mortgage lien, as well as fire, extended casualty, and flood insurance, when necessary. Independent appraisers assess properties securing the Bank’s residential mortgages in accordance with regulatory standards. Home equity loans and lines may be secured by a first or second mortgage on the borrower’s residence, second home or residential investment properties. The Bank will typically originate home equity loans and lines in an amount up to 75% of the value, as determined by an appraisal, hybrid valuation method or automated valuation method, reduced for any loans outstanding that are secured by such collateral. Other consumer loans primarily consist of investment management secured lines of credit, installment loans and overdraft protection lines. The consumer loan portfolio at December 31, 2025 was as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Sources of Funds

The Bank’s primary sources of funds are derived from deposits and to a lesser extent, borrowings as well as the amortization, prepayment, and maturities of loans and securities.

Deposits obtained through the Bank’s branch banking network have traditionally been the principal source of the Bank’s funds for use in lending and for other general business purposes. The Bank has built a stable base of in-market core deposits from consumers, businesses, and municipalities. The Bank offers a range of demand deposits, interest checking, money market accounts, savings accounts, and time certificates of deposit, including free checking accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fees. Interest rates on deposits are based on factors that include loan demand, deposit maturities, alternative costs of funds, and interest rates offered by competing financial institutions in the Bank’s market area. The Bank believes it has been able to attract and maintain satisfactory levels of deposits based on the level of service it provides to its customers, the convenience of its banking locations, its electronic banking options, and its interest rates, all of which are generally competitive with those of competing financial institutions.

Rockland Trust’s 151 branch locations are supplemented by internet and mobile banking services as well as ATM cards and debit cards which may be used to conduct various banking transactions at ATMs maintained at each of the Bank’s full-service offices and 57 additional remote ATM locations. The ATM cards and debit cards also allow customers access to a variety of national and international ATM networks. The Bank’s mobile banking services give customers the ability to use a variety of mobile devices to check balances, track account activity, pay bills, search transactions, and set up alerts for text or e-mail messages for changes in their account. Customers can also transfer funds between Rockland Trust accounts, deposit checks into their account, and identify the nearest branch or ATM directly from their mobile device. Rockland Trust also offers person-to-person payment capabilities, allowing for simple and secure funds transfers between most banks and credit unions.

Regulation

The following discussion sets forth certain material elements of the regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies and their subsidiaries and provides certain specific information relevant to the Company. To the extent that the following information describes statutory and regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions. A change in applicable statutes, regulations or regulatory policy may have a material effect on the Company’s business. Additionally, the current federal administration is implementing a regulatory reform agenda that is significantly different than that of the prior administration which affects the rulemaking, supervision, examination and enforcement priorities of the federal banking agencies, which could, in turn, have a material effect on the Company’s business. The laws and regulations governing the Company and the Bank that are described in the following discussion generally have been promulgated to offer protection to customers, including depositors and borrowers and not for the purpose of protecting shareholders.

General The Company is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), and as such is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). Rockland Trust is subject to regulation and examination by the Commissioner of Banks of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the “Commissioner”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

The Bank Holding Company Act The BHCA prohibits the Company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of 5% or more of any class of voting shares of any bank, or increasing such ownership or control of any bank, without prior approval of the Federal Reserve. The BHCA also prohibits the Company from, with certain exceptions, acquiring 5% or more of any class of voting shares of any company that is not a bank and from engaging in any business other than banking or managing or controlling banks.

Under the BHCA, the Federal Reserve is authorized to approve the ownership by the Company of shares in any company, the activities of which the Federal Reserve has determined to be so closely related to banking or to managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. The Federal Reserve has, by regulation, determined that some activities are closely related to banking within the meaning of the BHCA. These activities include, but are not limited to, operating a mortgage company, finance company, credit card company, factoring company, trust company or savings association; performing data processing operations; providing some securities brokerage services; acting as an investment or financial adviser; acting as an insurance agent for types of credit-related insurance; engaging in insurance underwriting under limited circumstances; leasing personal property on a full-payout, non-operating basis; providing tax planning and preparation services; operating a collection agency and a credit bureau; and providing consumer financial counseling and courier services. The Federal Reserve also has determined that other activities, including real estate brokerage and syndication, land development, property management and, except under limited circumstances, underwriting of life insurance not related to credit transactions, are not closely related to banking and are not a proper incident thereto.

Capital Requirements The Federal Reserve has established rules covering a capital framework for U.S. banking organizations, referred to herein as the “Rules.” The FDIC has adopted substantially identical rules.

Under the Rules, the minimum capital ratios for the Company and the Bank are as follows:

• 4.5% Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) to risk-weighted assets.
• 6.0% Tier 1 capital (i.e., CET1 plus Additional Tier 1) to risk-weighted assets.
• 8.0% Total capital (i.e., Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets.
• 4.0% Tier 1 leverage capital ratio.

The Rules also require the Company and the Bank to maintain a “capital conservation buffer” in an amount greater than 2.5%, on top of the minimum risk-weighted asset ratios. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions that meet the minimum capital requirements of 4.5%, 6.0% and 8.0% for CET1, Tier 1 and Total capital, respectively, but fall below the capital conservation buffer, will face constraints on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers based on the amount of the shortfall. The capital conservation buffer effectively increases the minimum CET1 capital ratio to 7.0%, the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio to 8.5%, and the minimum total risk-based capital ratio to 10.5%, for banking organizations seeking to avoid the limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The Company and the Bank maintain all capital ratios above the required capital conservation buffer of 2.5%.

Pursuant to Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDI Act”), federal banking agencies are required to take “prompt corrective action” if an insured depository institution fails to meet certain capital adequacy standards. The following table summarizes the minimum capital levels under the Rules:

The Company is currently in compliance with the above-described regulatory capital requirements. See Note 19, “Regulatory Matters” within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report for more information.

FDIC Deposit Insurance The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured to the maximum extent permitted by law by the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”), which is administered by the FDIC. The FDIC offers insurance coverage on deposits up to the federally insured limit of $250,000. The Bank is currently assessed a deposit insurance charge from the FDIC based upon the Bank’s overall assessment base multiplied by an assessment rate, determined in part from five established risk categories. The Bank’s assessment base is defined as average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity, adjusted for the impact of the risk category factors.

Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) Pursuant to the Federal CRA and similar provisions of Massachusetts law, regulatory authorities review the performance of the Company and the Bank in meeting the credit needs of the communities served by the Bank. The applicable regulatory authorities consider compliance with this law in connection with applications for, among other things, approval of new branches, branch relocations, the engagement in certain additional financial activities under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and acquisitions of banks and bank holding companies. The FDIC and the Massachusetts Division of Banks have assigned the Bank a CRA rating of “Outstanding” as of the latest examination.

Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, does not directly impose new requirements on banks, but requires the U.S. Treasury to issue National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Priorities, and conduct studies and issue regulations that may, over the next few years, significantly alter some of the due diligence, recordkeeping and reporting requirements that the Bank Secrecy Act and Patriot Act impose on banks. The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 also contains provisions that promote increased information-sharing and use of technology and increase penalties for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and includes whistleblower incentives, both of which could increase the prospect of regulatory enforcement.

Bank Secrecy Act The Bank Secrecy Act requires financial institutions to monitor account activity, keep records and file reports that are determined to have a high degree of usefulness in criminal, tax and regulatory matters, and to implement anti-money laundering programs and compliance procedures.

USA Patriot Act The Patriot Act strengthens U.S. law enforcement’s and the intelligence communities’ abilities to work cohesively to combat terrorism on a variety of fronts. The impact of the Patriot Act on financial institutions of all kinds is significant and wide-ranging. The Patriot Act contains sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and imposes various regulations, including standards for verifying client identification at account opening, and rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation (“OFAC”) The U.S. Treasury Department’s “OFAC” administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and regimes, under authority of various laws, including designated foreign countries, nationals and others. OFAC publishes lists of specially designated targets and countries. The Company and the Bank are responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of, and transactions with, such targets and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required.

Regulation W Transactions between a bank and its “affiliates” are quantitatively and qualitatively restricted under the Federal Reserve Act. The FDI Act applies Sections 23A and 23B to insured non-member banks in the same manner and to the same extent as if they were members of the Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve has also issued Regulation W, which codifies prior regulations under Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and interpretative guidance with respect to affiliate transactions. Regulation W incorporates the exemption from the affiliate transaction rules, but expands the exemption to cover the purchase of any type of loan or extension of credit from an affiliate. Affiliates of a bank include, among other entities, the bank’s holding company and companies that are under common control with the bank. The Company is considered to be an affiliate of the Bank. In general, subject to certain specified exemptions, a bank and its subsidiaries are limited in their ability to engage in “covered transactions” with affiliates:

• to an amount equal to 10% of the bank’s capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with any one affiliate; and
• to an amount equal to 20% of the bank’s capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with all affiliates.

In addition, a bank and its subsidiaries may engage in covered transactions and other specified transactions only on terms and under circumstances that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the bank or its subsidiary, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-affiliated companies. A “covered transaction” includes:

• a loan or extension of credit to an affiliate;
• a purchase of, or an investment in, securities issued by an affiliate;
• a purchase of assets from an affiliate, with some exceptions;
• the acceptance of securities issued by an affiliate as collateral for a loan or extension of credit to any party; and
• the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate.

In addition, under Regulation W:

• a bank and its subsidiaries may not purchase a low-quality asset from an affiliate;
• covered transactions and other specified transactions between a bank or its subsidiaries and an affiliate must be on terms and conditions that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices; and
• with some exceptions, each loan or extension of credit by a bank to an affiliate must be secured by collateral with a market value ranging from 100% to 130%, depending on the type of collateral, of the amount of the loan or extension of credit.

Regulation W generally excludes all non-bank and non-savings association subsidiaries of banks from treatment as affiliates, except to the extent that the Federal Reserve decides to treat these subsidiaries as affiliates.

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act In 2010, Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). This significant law affects the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies.

Key provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are as follows:

• eliminated the federal prohibitions on paying interest on demand deposits, thus allowing businesses to have interest-bearing checking accounts.
• broadened the base for FDIC insurance assessments. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor.
• requires publicly traded companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments. The Company provides its shareholders with the opportunity to vote on executive compensation every year.
• broadened the scope of derivative instruments, and the Company is subject to increased regulation of its derivative business, including record-keeping, reporting requirements, and heightened supervision.
• created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws.
• debit card and interchange fees must be reasonable and proportional to the issuer’s cost for processing the transaction.

Under the Durbin Amendment contained in the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve adopted rules that apply to banks with more than $10 billion in assets, which establish a maximum permissible interchange fee equal to no more than 21 cents plus 5 basis points of the transaction value for many types of debit interchange transactions. The Federal Reserve also adopted a rule to allow a debit card issuer to recover 1 cent per transaction for fraud prevention purposes if the issuer complies with certain fraud-related requirements required by the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve also has rules governing routing and exclusivity that require issuers to offer two unaffiliated networks for routing transactions on each debit or prepaid product.

In 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”) was signed into law, making certain limited amendments to the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as certain targeted modifications to other post-financial crisis regulations. While the EGRRCPA eased some regulatory obligations imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act, including the requirement to conduct stress testing, it had minimal impact on the Company’s operations.

Incentive Compensation The Dodd-Frank Act required the federal bank regulatory agencies and the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to establish joint regulations or guidelines prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities, with at least $1 billion in total assets such as the Company and the Bank, that encourage inappropriate risks by providing an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder with excessive compensation, fees, or benefits or that could lead to material financial loss to the entity.

In 2010, the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC issued comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors. These three principles are incorporated into the proposed joint compensation regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act.

The Federal Reserve reviews, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Company, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews are tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements.

Volcker Rule The Volcker Rule prohibits an insured depository institution and its affiliates from: (i) engaging in “proprietary trading” and (ii) investing in or sponsoring certain types of investment funds (defined as “Covered Funds”). The rule also effectively prohibits short-term trading strategies and prohibits the use of some hedging strategies. The Company has no investments that met the definition of Covered Funds under the foregoing rules.

Collins Amendment The Collins Amendment includes provisions which are intended to subject bank holding companies to the same capital requirements as bank subsidiaries and to eliminate, or significantly reduce, the use of hybrid capital instruments, especially trust preferred securities, as regulatory capital. Accordingly, under the Collins Amendment, trust preferred securities are generally excluded from regulatory capital, except in certain instances based upon asset thresholds established under the Collins Amendment.

Consumer Protection Regulations The Bank is supervised by the CFPB for consumer protection purposes. The CFPB’s regulation of the Bank is focused on risks to consumers and compliance with the federal consumer financial laws and includes regular examinations of the Bank. The CFPB, along with the U.S. Department of Justice and bank regulatory authorities, also seeks to enforce discriminatory lending laws. In such actions, the CFPB and others have used a disparate impact analysis, which measures discriminatory results without regard to intent. Consequently, unintentional actions by the Bank could have a material adverse impact on our lending and results of operations if the actions are found to be discriminatory by our regulators. Although the future authority of the CFPB is not clear under the current federal administration, if adopted, new CFPB regulations, and changes to CFPB regulations and enforcement priorities, could have a material impact on our compliance costs, compliance risk, and operations of the Bank.

The Bank is subject to federal consumer protection statutes and regulations promulgated under those laws, including, but not limited to the following:

• Truth-In-Lending Act and Regulation Z, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
• Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and Regulation C, requiring financial institutions to provide certain information about home mortgage and refinanced loans;
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
• Fair Credit Reporting Act and Regulation V, governing the provision of consumer information to credit reporting agencies and the use of consumer information; and
• Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies.

The Bank’s deposit operations are also subject to the following federal statutes and regulations, among others:

• The Truth in Savings Act and Regulation DD, which requires disclosure of deposit terms to consumers;
• Regulation CC, which relates to the availability of deposit funds to consumers;
• The Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain the confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records; and
• Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, governing electronic deposits to, and withdrawals from, deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services.

The CFPB examines the Bank’s compliance with such laws and the regulations under them.

Regulation E Federal Reserve Regulation E governs electronic fund transfers and provides a basic framework that establishes the rights, liabilities, and responsibilities of participants in electronic fund transfer systems such as automated teller machine transfers, telephone bill-payment services, point-of-sale terminal transfers in stores, and preauthorized transfers from or to a consumer’s account (such as direct deposit and social security payments). The term “electronic fund transfer” generally refers to a transaction initiated through an electronic terminal, telephone, computer, or magnetic tape that instructs a financial institution either to credit or to debit a consumer’s asset account. Regulation E describes the disclosures that financial institutions are required to make to consumers who engage in electronic fund transfers and generally limits a consumer’s liability for unauthorized electronic fund transfers, such as those arising from loss or theft of an access device, to $50 for consumers who notify their bank in a timely manner.

Human Capital

At Rockland Trust, Where Each Relationship Matters®, management is fully committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is given the chance to succeed.

Rockland Trust has been named one of the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work for 17 years running and has continued to be the top-rated bank in its size category since 2015. In addition to the Boston Globe’s ranking, Rockland Trust has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work” for LGBTQ Equality, scoring 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index since 2016.

As of December 31, 2025, Rockland Trust employed 2,294 total colleagues, 1,019 of whom are officers of the Bank. The Company’s largest business units, in terms of total headcount, include Retail, Commercial, and Operations, employing 42.9%, 17.3% and 7.8% of colleagues, respectively. Other business units include Audit, Consumer Lending, Corporate Services, Executive, Executive Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Investment Management Group, Information Technology, Loan Operations, Marketing, Mortgage, and Risk. Rockland Trust’s average full time equivalent was 2,219, as of December 31, 2025.

Colleague Engagement Rockland Trust is committed to a culture of inclusion, respect, teamwork, and employee engagement. Colleagues are provided with competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package and an environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. The Company surveys its colleagues quarterly and annually utilizing effective listening and feedback tools to monitor colleague sentiments around the work experience. The Company is frequently recognized for being a top workplace in areas such as employee appreciation and well-being, professional development, and work-life flexibility. According to a June 2025 internal survey, 84% of colleagues would recommend working at Rockland Trust.

Rockland Trust’s competitive benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) voluntary savings plan, an additional defined contribution retirement savings plan, paid time off, illness/personal time, paid parental leave, childcare assistance, tuition reimbursement, wellness program RockFit, dedicated Employee Assistance Program, paid volunteer days, supplemental insurance, pet insurance, and more.

In 2025, Rockland Trust University (“RT University”) was established to create a holistic learning environment by centralizing training and development resources to better support and enhance the skills and capabilities needed for the Company’s workforce. Through RT University, colleagues are offered a full suite of learning and development programs designed to support professional growth and career advancement in areas such as communication skills, critical thinking, and digital and data skills. Formal colleague development programs include the Rising Stars Development Program (for entry-level colleague career advancement), Strategies and Tactics for Emerging Professionals, the Commercial Lender Development Program, and the Retail Management Training Program. Career journeys were developed for some of the Company’s major business units, such as Retail, to offer guidance and transparency on the steps needed to advance within the organization. These journeys provide detail on required trainings, promotion guidelines, position descriptions, mentoring opportunities, and talent development opportunities, all designed to help colleagues navigate and grow their careers.

Colleagues are invited to participate in RT University’s online learning offerings and facilitator-led training opportunities. Rockland Trust also offers tuition reimbursement through a decades-long partnership with Bay Path University and other colleges and universities. The partnership with Bay Path University allows part-time and full-time colleagues to earn their degree at discounted tuition rates, making it virtually cost-free. The partnership also includes access to Bay Path University professors who facilitate many of the Company’s training programs.

The Company’s leadership philosophy is created using Gestalt-based leadership principles, developed by the Gestalt International Study Center (“GISC”). Through this partnership with GISC, the Company’s flagship leadership development program, Principles of Management, was designed to help all Rockland Trust Managers optimize team performance aligned with the Company’s corporate culture, “Where Each Relationship Matters,” while creating a great place to work for colleagues. Throughout the course of the Company’s relationship with GISC, a suite of leadership development programs have been designed to address the specific development needs of both emerging leaders and long-time managers as the organization grows. Topics such as inclusive leadership, managing up, and the creation of alumni networks have all enabled stronger adoption of the Company’s leadership philosophy and principles that support its culture.

The growth and development of future leaders is also supported by a robust succession planning process for senior leaders and critical positions in the organization. This process allows the Company to identify high potential talent, especially in areas like our Commercial Lending and Commercial Credit teams, and accelerate their path to expanding leadership roles while ensuring our future success and sustainability as a growing organization.

Rockland Trust encourages colleagues to continually seek ways to learn and grow. The Company’s Performance Management and Feedback System allows managers to formally recognize colleagues’ achievements and identify goals and areas for improvement. In addition to this annual feedback, colleagues are also periodically spotlighted in many other ways. Colleagues are encouraged to recognize each other’s excellent internal and external customer service through a peer recognition, “You Make a Difference” award, of which 3,154 awards were earned in 2025. Managers are also provided the opportunity to recognize colleagues privately, through “Kudos” awards. In order to celebrate the academic achievements of colleagues, an annual celebration is hosted by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer to honor degree and certification recipients for that year. Colleagues are also recognized for extraordinary efforts through annual “Shining Star” awards and other awards at the annual all employee meeting.

Community Outreach In 2025, the affiliated charitable foundation of Rockland Trust, Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation Inc., donated approximately $2.3 million to over 340 non-profit organizations throughout the Company’s footprint. In total, the Bank and its affiliated foundation contributed over $4.8 million to over 1,100 local non-profit and community organizations. In addition, Rockland Trust employees volunteered over 37,500 service hours in our communities in 2025.

Commitment to Relationships At Rockland Trust, management believes each relationship matters, and that statement goes far beyond the Company’s customers. Rockland Trust deliberately nurtures an inclusive workplace so that each employee is valued and respected. The Company believes creating this culture enables the Company to better perform for its customers and the communities in which it operates. The Company is committed to respecting all colleagues as individuals and to be courteous and considerate to each colleague.

Rockland Trust strives to ensure colleagues have an opportunity to be heard, valued and engaged. Rockland Trust offers six Employee Resource Groups which are open to all employees: Inclusion Network, EmpowHer Alliance, Pride Alliance, Unidos, Momentum, and The Money Circle. These voluntary, employee-led groups join together to provide opportunities for colleagues to network and engage with one another as well as to get involved in educational and social engagements, including collective charitable works.

Available Information

Under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Company files periodic and current reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the SEC. These filings can be accessed on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov (http://www.sec.gov). Additionally, the Company’s SEC filings, including its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to these reports, and additional shareholder information are available free of charge on the Company’s website: www.RocklandTrust.com (http://www.RocklandTrust.com) (within the Investor Relations section) as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The Company’s Code of Ethics and other Corporate Governance documents are also available free of charge on the Company’s website in the Investor Relations section. Information contained on the Company’s website and the SEC website is not incorporated by reference into this Report. (The Company has included its web address and the SEC website address only as inactive textual references and does not intend them to be active links to the Company’s website or the SEC website.)

An investment in the Company’s securities is subject to risks inherent in its business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect the Company are described below. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or that management currently deems immaterial may also impact the Company’s business operations. If any of the events described in the risk factors occur, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of the Company’s securities could decline significantly, which would impact the value of your investment in the Company’s stock.

External and Market-Related Risks

Changes in global, national or local economic conditions, including those in the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, may pose significant challenges for the Company and could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s business is impacted by factors outside of its control as economic growth may slow down and the global, national or local economies may experience downturns, including recessionary periods. Market disruption, including potential disruption resulting from inflation, tariffs and global supply chain interruptions, government and central bank policy actions, changes in investor expectations regarding compensation for market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk and changing economic data could impact both the volatility and magnitude of the directional movements of interest rates and negatively impact the Company’s business. Additionally, potential sovereign debt defaults or actions taken by the U.S. government to avoid exceeding the debt ceiling may severely impact global and domestic economies and may lead to significantly tighter liquidity and impact the availability of credit. Additionally, as described further below, changes in market interest rates can have a material adverse effect on the Company’s profitability.

Substantially all of the loans the Company originates are secured by properties located in, or are made to businesses that operate in, Massachusetts and the broader New England area. Because of the current concentration of the Company’s loan origination activities in its geographic footprint, in the event of adverse economic conditions impacting the region (including, but not limited to, increased unemployment, downward pressure on the value of residential or commercial real estate, or political or business developments that may affect the ability of property owners and businesses to make payments of principal and interest on the underlying loans in the Bank’s geographic footprint), the Company would likely experience higher rates of loss and delinquency on its loans than if its loan portfolio were more geographically diversified, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Although inflation has slowed from the levels experienced in recent years, possible inflationary pressures and any increases in market interest rates could cause the value of investment securities, particularly those with longer maturities, to decrease, although this effect can be less pronounced for floating rate instruments. In addition, inflation generally increases the cost of goods and services the Company uses in business operations, such as electricity and other utilities, which increases the Company’s non-interest expenses. Furthermore, the Company’s customers are also affected by inflation and the rising costs of goods and services used in their households and businesses, which could have a negative impact on their deposits and/or ability to repay their loans or other obligations increasing the Company’s credit risk. The Company is currently operating in an environment in which the Federal Reserve has shifted toward reducing interest rates, having implemented modest interest rate cuts in the fourth quarter of 2025. However, the inflationary outlook in the United States is currently uncertain. If inflationary pressures do not sufficiently subside, sustained higher interest rates by the Federal Reserve may be needed to tame persistent inflationary price pressures, which could push down asset prices and weaken economic activity.

Negative developments in the banking industry could adversely affect the Company’s financial conditions and results of operations. Certain events impacting the financial services industry, including the bank failures of 2023, have in the past had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on the market price and volatility of the Company’s common stock. Moreover, these events have resulted in, and may continue to result in, decreased confidence in banks among certain depositors, as well as increased regulatory scrutiny and expectations, and could lead to further changes to laws or regulations applicable to the Company, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and result in increased costs necessary to comply with any such changes. Any further negative developments in the financial services industry may result in decreased confidence in banks among depositors, investors and other counterparties, as well as competition for deposits and significant disruption, volatility and depressed valuations of equity and other securities of banks in the capital markets.

Changes in debt and equity markets or economic downturns could affect the level of assets under administration and the demand for other fee-based services. Economic downturns could affect the volume of income earned from and demand for fee-based services. Revenues from the investment management business depend in large part on the level of assets under administration. Market volatility that results in customers liquidating investments, as well as lower asset values, can reduce the level of assets under administration and decrease the Company’s investment management revenues, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect the Company’s liquidity and operations. The Company’s ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. The Company has exposure to many different counterparties, and routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, government sponsored entities, investment banks, and other institutional clients. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by other institutions. Credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the Company cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the financial instrument exposure due the Company. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

Risks Related to Changes in Interest Rates

Changes in interest rates and other factors could adversely impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s ability to make a profit, like that of most financial institutions, substantially depends upon its net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and the interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. However, certain assets and liabilities may react differently to changes in market interest rates. Given the Company is unable to predict fluctuations in market interest rates, interest rates on some types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate prior to changes in broader market interest rates, while rates on other types of assets and liabilities may lag behind. Changes in market interest rates could either positively or negatively affect the Company’s net interest income and profitability, depending upon the magnitude, direction and duration of the change. Further, any substantial, unexpected, or prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Factors such as inflation, tariffs, recession, unemployment, money supply, global disorder, instability in domestic and foreign financial markets, political uncertainty, and other factors beyond the Company’s control, may affect interest rates. Changes in market interest rates also affect the level of voluntary prepayments on loans and the receipt of payments on mortgage-backed securities, which can impact the expected timing of receipt of proceeds. Particularly in a decreasing interest rate environment, prepayments may result in proceeds having to be reinvested at a lower rate than the loan or mortgage-backed security being prepaid. Conversely, in a period of rising interest rates, the interest income earned on the Company’s assets may not increase as rapidly as the interest that the Company pays on its liabilities. Additionally, increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand or make it more difficult for borrowers to repay variable rate loans. Although the Company pursues an asset/liability management strategy designed to manage its risk arising from changes in interest rates, the Company’s strategy may not be fully effective, or may only be effective in part, and changes in market interest rates can have a material adverse effect on the Company’s profitability.

Negative developments in the banking industry could adversely affect the Company’s financial conditions and results of operations. Certain events impacting the financial services industry, including the bank failures of 2023, have in the past had, and may in the future have, an adverse impact on the market price and volatility of the Company’s common stock. Moreover, these events have resulted in, and may continue to result in, decreased confidence in banks among certain depositors, as well as increased regulatory scrutiny and expectations, and could lead to further changes to laws or regulations applicable to the Company, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and result in increased costs necessary to comply with any such changes. Any further negative developments in the financial services industry may result in decreased confidence in banks among depositors, investors and other counterparties, as well as competition for deposits and significant disruption, volatility and depressed valuations of equity and other securities of banks in the capital markets.

Changes in debt and equity markets or economic downturns could affect the level of assets under administration and the demand for other fee-based services. Economic downturns could affect the volume of income earned from and demand for fee-based services. Revenues from the investment management business depend in large part on the level of assets under administration. Market volatility that results in customers liquidating investments, as well as lower asset values, can reduce the level of assets under administration and decrease the Company’s investment management revenues, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect the Company’s liquidity and operations. The Company’s ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. The Company has exposure to many different counterparties, and routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, government sponsored entities, investment banks, and other institutional clients. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by other institutions. Credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the Company cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the financial instrument exposure due the Company. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

Risks Related to the Company’s Lending Activities

If the Company experiences credit losses at a level higher than anticipated in the Company’s models, its earnings could materially decrease. The Company’s loan customers may not repay loans according to their terms, and the collateral securing the payment of loans may be insufficient to assure repayment or cover losses. If loan customers fail to repay loans according to the terms of the loans, the Company may experience significant credit losses that could have a material adverse effect on its operating results and capital ratios. The Company makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers, the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans, and the enforceability of its loan documents. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, the Company, in addition to assessing the collectability of its loan portfolio, relies on an evaluation of economic conditions, which involves a high level of subjectivity, as well as significant estimates of current credit risks and trends using existing qualitative and quantitative information and reasonable supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, all of which may undergo frequent and material changes. If the assumptions underlying the determination of the Company’s allowance for credit losses prove to be incorrect, the current allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio and an adjustment may be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in its loan portfolio. A problem with one or more loans could require the Company to significantly increase the level of its allowance for credit losses. In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review the Company’s allowance for credit losses and may require it to increase its allowance for credit losses or recognize further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. Material additions to the allowance would materially decrease the Company’s net income and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

A significant portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively impact the real estate market could adversely affect asset quality and the profitability of loans secured by real property including potentially increasing the number of defaults and loan loss levels. The real estate collateral securing the Company’s loans provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower. Should real estate values deteriorate during the time the credit is extended, the Company is potentially exposed to greater losses. A real estate downturn in the Company’s primary market areas could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on loans and a reduction in the value of the collateral securing loans, which in turn could have an adverse effect on the Company’s profitability and asset quality. Further, if the Company is required to liquidate collateral securing a loan to satisfy the related debt during a period of reduced real estate values, the Company may experience higher credit losses and costs than expected and its earnings and shareholders’ equity could be adversely affected. Any declines in real estate prices in the Company’s primary markets may also result in increases in delinquencies and losses in its loan portfolios. Unanticipated decreases in real estate prices coupled with certain events, such as a prolonged economic downturn or elevated levels of unemployment could drive credit losses beyond the level provided for in the Company’s allowance for credit losses. If this occurs, the Company’s earnings could be adversely affected.

The Company’s emphasis on originating commercial loans may increase lending risks. At December 31, 2025, 77.2% of the Company’s loan portfolio consisted of commercial loans. The Company’s commercial loan portfolio is comprised of commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial construction loans, which also includes small business banking loans. Commercial and industrial loans may expose the Company to additional risks since their underwriting is typically based on the borrower’s ability to make repayments from the cash flow of its business and may be secured by non-real estate collateral that may depreciate over time, or by owner-occupied real estate, the value of which is subject to market fluctuations and may deteriorate over the life of the loan. Commercial real estate loans and small business loans generally expose the Company to greater risk of non-payment and loss than residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans typically depends on the successful operation of the property and the continuity of tenant rental payments. Commercial real estate loans also typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to residential mortgage loans. Factors such as increased prevalence of remote or hybrid work arrangements and consumer preference for online shopping have led and continue to lead to a decreased demand for office and retail space creating increased property vacancies and declining rent growth, which could impact the value of the future cash flow and value of the involved property that serves as loan collateral. Such trends have resulted in and may continue to result in a shrinkage of the commercial real estate market, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and possibly the Company’s long-term business strategy because commercial real estate loans are currently the Company’s largest loan category. Commercial construction loans are generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on owner-occupied residential 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 as compared to estimated costs. Changes in economic conditions that are outside of the control of the borrower and lender could impact the value of the future cash flow and value of the underlying loan collateral.

The Company may experience losses and expenses if security interests granted for loans are not enforceable. When the Bank makes loans, it sometimes obtains liens, such as real estate mortgages or other asset pledges, to provide the Bank with one or more security interests in collateral. If there is a loan default, the Bank may seek to foreclose upon collateral and enforce the security interests to obtain repayment and eliminate or mitigate the Company’s loss. Drafting errors, granting errors, recording errors, other defects or imperfections in the security interests granted to the Bank and/or changes in law may render liens granted to the Bank unenforceable. The Company may incur losses or expenses if security interests granted to the Bank are not properly perfected or are otherwise unenforceable.

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

Risks Related to Legal, Regulatory and Policy Matters

The Company operates in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely impacted by changes in industry practices, laws, regulations, and accounting standards. Any changes in industry practices, laws, regulations or accounting standards, failure by the Company to comply with any such changes, or any changes in regulators’ supervisory policies or examination procedures, whether by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, other state or federal regulators, the U.S. Congress, or the Massachusetts legislature, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, personnel changes at such regulatory agencies may result in differing interpretations of existing rules and guidelines, including more stringent enforcement and more severe penalties, which may be unpredictable. For example, new appointments to the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve, or increased political pressures on the Federal Reserve, could impact monetary policy. Any such changes may lead to increased costs of compliance as well an increased risk of formal or informal regulatory actions. Additionally, certain aspects of regulatory or legislative changes to laws applicable in the financial services industry, including the adoption of new rules or more aggressive examination and enforcement by the Company’s regulators over its overdraft protection practices, have led and may in the future lead certain banking organizations to modify their overdraft protection programs, including the imposition of overdraft transaction fees. Any such competitive pressures from the Company’s peers could cause the Company to modify its program and practices in ways that may negatively impact the profitability of the Company’s business activities and expose it to increased business and compliance costs, which, in turn could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The costs of compliance with fair lending laws or negative outcomes with respect to challenges of the Company’s compliance with such laws, inclusive of laws impacting banks exceeding $10 billion in total assets, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations or could damage the Company’s reputation. The CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose non-discriminatory lending and other requirements on financial institutions. The U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies, including the FDIC, are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful challenge to an institution’s performance under the CRA and fair lending laws and regulations could result in, among other sanctions, the required payment of damages and civil monetary penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on acquisitions and restrictions on expansion. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. The costs of defending, and any adverse outcome from, any challenge with respect to the Company’s compliance with fair lending laws could damage the Company’s reputation or could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The impact of changes to the Internal Revenue Code or federal, state or local taxes may adversely affect the Company’s financial results or business. The Company is subject to changes in tax law which could impact the Company’s effective tax rate. Changes in U.S. federal, state and local tax law, interpretation of existing tax law, or adverse determinations by tax authorities, could increase the Company’s tax burden or otherwise adversely affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company’s results of operations may be impacted by changes resulting from different political philosophies governing individual and corporate taxation, as well as regulation. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), enacted in December 2017, made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code. Additionally, on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law, which included a broad range of tax reform provisions affecting businesses, including extending and modifying certain key provisions from the TCJA and accelerating the phase-out of certain incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Tax law changes may or may not be retroactive to previous periods and could negatively affect the current and future financial performance of the Company. Changes in enacted tax rates are recognized when promulgated and therefore could have a material impact on the Company’s results.

Claims and litigation could result in losses and damage to the Company’s reputation. From time to time as part of the Company’s normal course of business, customers, bankruptcy trustees, former customers, contractual counterparties, third parties and former employees make claims and take legal action against the Company based on its alleged actions or inactions. If such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to the Company, they may result in financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of the Company and its products and services. A judgment significantly in excess of any reserve, or in excess of any applicable insurance coverage or third-party indemnity, could also materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Even unfounded claims can result in substantial legal costs, management distraction, and potential settlements or penalties. Litigation may also generate negative publicity, harming the Company’s reputation, customer relationships, and financial performance. This may also impact customer demand for the Company’s products and services. Any material financial liability or reputational damage resulting from claims or litigation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in U.S. trade policies and other global political factors beyond the Company’s control, including the imposition of tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, or other sanctions, may adversely impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. There have been, and may be in the future, extensive changes and discussions with respect to U.S. and international trade policies, legislation, treaties and tariffs, embargoes, sanctions and other trade restrictions. Tariffs, retaliatory tariffs or other trade restrictions on products and materials that customers import or export, including tariffs imposed by the U.S. presidential administration, or a trade war or other related governmental actions related to tariffs, international trade agreements or policies or other trade restrictions have the potential to negatively impact the Company’s and/or the Bank’s customers’ costs, demand for the Bank’s customers’ products, and/or the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, could adversely impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, to the extent changes in the global political environment, including existing and future conflicts, may have a negative impact on the global economy and financial markets, including the financial services industry generally and, as a result, the Company and the markets in which it operates, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted in the future.

The Company may not be able to detect money laundering and other illegal or improper activities fully or on a timely basis, which could expose it to additional liability and could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company is required to comply with anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism and other laws and regulations in the United States. These laws and regulations require the Company, among other things, to adopt and enforce “know-your-customer” policies and procedures and to report suspicious transactions to applicable regulatory authorities. These laws and regulations have become increasingly complex and detailed, require improved systems and sophisticated monitoring and compliance personnel and have become the subject of enhanced government supervision.

The policies and procedures the Company has adopted for the purposes of detecting and preventing the use of its banking network for money laundering and related activities may not completely eliminate instances in which the Company’s platforms may be used by customers to engage in money laundering and other illegal or improper activities. To the extent the Company fails to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations, banking agencies have the authority to impose fines and other penalties on the Company. In addition, the Company’s business and reputation could suffer if customers use its banking network for money laundering or illegal purposes.

Risks Related to the Company’s Strategic Activities

Acquisitions may be more difficult, costly or time consuming than expected, and the expected benefits of such acquisitions may not be realized. While focusing on organic growth, the Company’s strategy also includes, in part, growth through opportunistic whole or partial acquisitions of other banks, branches, financial institutions, or related businesses. The Company may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or complete such acquisitions in the future. Competition for acquisitions can be highly competitive, and the Company may not be able to acquire other institutions on acceptable terms. Any possible acquisition may be subject to regulatory approval, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain any such approval in a timely manner or at all. Acquisitions may also result in potential dilution of stockholder value or possible future impairment of goodwill and other intangibles.

In addition, fees, expenses and charges associated with any acquisition transaction may be higher than anticipated. Costs or difficulties relating to integration matters might be greater than expected and the Company may be unable to realize expected cost savings and synergies from its acquisitions, including the merger with Enterprise, in the amounts and in the timeframe anticipated. For example, it is possible that any integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of the Company’s ongoing business or diversion of management’s attention from other business activities or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect the combined company’s ability to maintain relationships with customers and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits and cost savings of a merger. With respect to the merger with Enterprise, there remains a possibility that the integration process may present unexpected challenges or may not achieve all anticipated benefits in the expected timeframe or at all. The loss of key employees could adversely affect the Company’s ability to successfully conduct its business in the markets in which an acquired company operates, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial results and the value of its common stock.

Further, following any acquisition, the combined company’s actual cost savings and revenue enhancements, if any, cannot be quantified in advance. Any actual cost savings or revenue enhancements will depend on future expense levels and operating results, the timing of certain events and general industry, regulatory and business conditions. In addition, the

Company may not be successful in mitigating deposit erosion or loan quality deterioration at acquired institutions. Many of these events will be beyond the control of the combined company.

The Company may not realize the value of strategic investments and strategic initiatives that it pursues and such investments and initiatives could divert resources or introduce unforeseen risks to the Company’s business. The Company may execute strategic initiatives or make other strategic investments in businesses, products, technologies or platforms to enhance or grow its business. These strategic initiatives and investments may introduce new costs or liabilities which could impact the Company’s ability to grow or maintain acceptable performance. The Company may be unable to integrate systems, personnel or technologies from its strategic investments and initiatives. Strategic investments and initiatives may also present unforeseen legal, regulatory or other challenges that the Company may not be able to manage effectively. The planning and integration of a strategic investment or initiative may shift employee time and other resources which could impair the Company’s ability to focus on its core business. New strategic investments and strategic initiatives may not perform as expected due to lack of acceptance by customers or employees, higher than forecasted costs or losses, lengthy transition periods, synergies or savings not being realized and a variety of other factors. This may result in a delay or unrealized benefit, or in some cases, increased costs or other unforeseen risks to the Company’s business.

Risks Related to Financial and Accounting Matters

The Company’s securities portfolio performance in difficult market conditions could have adverse effects on the Company’s results of operations. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), the Company measures expected credit losses on its securities portfolios in accordance with the CECL methodology, taking into consideration quantitative and qualitative factors such as current market conditions, the extent and nature of changes in fair value, issuer rating changes and trends, volatility of earnings, current analysts’ evaluations, the Company’s ability and intent to hold investments until a recovery of amortized cost, as well as other factors. Adverse developments with respect to one or more of these factors could require the Company to recognize an allowance for credit losses, with the credit related portion of the reduction in the value required to be recognized as a charge to the Company’s earnings. Market volatility can make it extremely challenging to accurately value certain securities the Company holds. Subsequent periodic valuations of securities, taking into consideration then prevailing factors, may result in changes to valuations. Significant negative changes to valuations could result in the recognition of an allowance for credit losses within the Company’s securities portfolio, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Impairment of goodwill and/or intangible assets could require charges to earnings, which could result in a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations. Goodwill is an intangible asset that arises when the Company acquires a business for an amount greater than the net fair value of the assets of the acquired business. The Bank has recognized goodwill as an asset on the balance sheet in connection with several acquisitions. When an intangible asset is determined to have an indefinite useful life, it is not amortized, and instead is evaluated for impairment. The Company conducts goodwill and other intangible asset impairment tests annually, or more frequently if necessary, first by using qualitative approach, and if deemed necessary, a quantitative assessment. A significant and sustained decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in the Company’s expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, slower growth rates or other factors could result in a finding of impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets. If the Company were to conclude that a future write-down of goodwill or other intangible assets is necessary, then the Company would record the appropriate charge to earnings, which could have material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Deterioration in the performance or financial position of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston might restrict the FHLB of Boston’s ability to meet the funding needs of its members, cause a suspension of its dividend, and cause its stock to be determined to be impaired. When necessary, components of the Bank’s liquidity needs are met through its access to funding pursuant to its membership in the FHLB of Boston. The FHLB of Boston is a cooperative that provides services to its member banking institutions. The primary reason for joining the FHLB of Boston is to obtain funding and the purchase of stock in the FHLB of Boston is a requirement for a member to gain access to funding. Any unexpected changes to the underwriting guidelines for wholesale borrowings or lending policies of the FHLB of Boston may limit or restrict our ability to borrow. Additionally, any deterioration in the FHLB of Boston’s performance or financial condition may affect the Company’s ability to access funding and/or require the Company to deem the required investment in FHLB of Boston stock to be impaired. If the Company is not able to access funding, it may not be able to meet its liquidity needs, which could have an adverse effect on its results of operations or financial condition. Similarly, if the Company deems all or part of its investment in FHLB of Boston stock impaired, such action could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Reductions in the value of the Company’s deferred tax assets could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. A deferred tax asset is created by the tax effect of the differences between an asset’s book value and its tax basis. The Company assesses its deferred tax assets periodically to determine the likelihood of the Company’s ability to realize available benefits. These assessments consider the performance of the associated business and its ability to generate future taxable income. If the information available to the Company at the time of assessment indicates there is a greater than 50% chance that it will not realize the deferred tax asset benefit, the Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for the deferred tax asset and reduce its future deferred tax assets to the amount that can be be realized. Recording such a valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. Additionally, the deferred tax assets are determined using effective tax rates expected to apply to the Company’s taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Accordingly, a change in statutory tax rates may result in a decrease or increase to the Company’s deferred tax assets. A decrease in the Company’s deferred tax assets could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Some of the Company’s accounting policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the value of the Company’s assets and liabilities and results of operations and if actual events differ from the Company’s estimates and assumptions, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Certain accounting policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of the Company’s assets and liabilities and results of operations. The Company has identified the accounting policies regarding the allowance for credit losses, security valuations and allowance for credit losses, valuation of goodwill, and income taxes to be critical because these policies require management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments, estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Under each of these policies, it is possible that materially different values and results of operations would be reported under different conditions, different judgments, or different estimates or assumptions. Further, as new information becomes available, the Company may make a determination to refine or change its judgments, estimates and assumptions, any of which could materially adversely affect the value of the Company’s assets and liabilities or its results of operations.

From time to time, the FASB and the SEC change applicable guidance governing the form and content of the Company’s financial statements. In addition, accounting standard setters and those who interpret GAAP, such as the FASB, SEC, and banking regulators, may change or even reverse their previous interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. Such changes are expected to continue and may accelerate. Changes in GAAP and current interpretations are beyond the Company’s control, can be hard to predict and could materially impact how the Company reports its financial results and condition. In certain cases, the Company could be required to apply new or revised guidance retroactively or apply existing guidance differently (also retroactively), which may result in the Company restating prior period financial statements for material amounts. Additionally, significant changes to GAAP may require costly technology changes, additional training and personnel, and other expenses that could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

Risks Related to Information Security and Technology

The need to mitigate against and react to cyber-security risks, and electronic fraud risks require significant resources, and any system failure, a cyber-security attack or electronic fraud which impacts the Company or its third-party service providers could result in increased operating costs as well as litigation and other liabilities. The risk of electronic fraudulent activity within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector, due to cyber-attacks (crime committed through or involving the internet, such as phishing, hacking, ransomware, denial of service attacks, stealing information, unauthorized intrusions into internal systems or the systems of the Company’s third-party vendors, including through the use of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies) continues to increase and could adversely impact the Company’s operations or damage its reputation. The Company’s information technology infrastructure and systems may be vulnerable to cyber-terrorism, computer viruses, damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event, system or third-party software failures and other intentional or unintentional interference, fraud, and other unauthorized attempts to access or interfere with the systems.

Information security risks exist because of the proliferation of modern technologies, as well as the sophistication and level of activity of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. The use of AI technologies by cybercriminals continues to be a major concern, including with respect to deep-fake technologies, which continue to improve, allowing bad actors to manipulate or fabricate visual and audio content and convincingly fake identities. Many financial institutions and service providers to financial institutions have reported significant breaches in the security of their websites or other systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and targeted attacks intended to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, deny service, or sabotage systems, often through the introduction of computer viruses or malware, cyber-attacks and other means. The Company has seen attempts to gain unauthorized access to its systems and expects such attempts will continue, and may intensify, in the future. While the Company has implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and program to strengthen the control environment, there can be no assurance these risk mitigation strategies will be sufficient to prevent future significant breaches or losses.

The Company expects risk exposure to cyber-attacks will remain elevated or increase in the future due to, among other things, the increasing size and prominence of the Company in the financial services industry, its expansion of internet and mobile banking tools and products based on customer needs, and its increasing use of operational software hosted on the Internet as more and more software solutions used in the Company’s operations migrate from solutions hosted within the Company’s firewalls to internet-hosted solutions at third-party locations.

The Company relies extensively on third-party service providers for its core operations. A successful cyber-security attack on one of the Company’s third-party service providers could disrupt operations, adversely affect the Company’s business, or result in the disclosure or misuse of the Company’s confidential information, including customer confidential information. There can be no assurance that the precautions the Company takes to seek to manage cyber risk related to third-party service providers will be effective or prevent a cyber-attack that could expose the Company to significant operational costs and damages or reputational harm.

Although the Company maintains an insurance policy covering cyber risks, there can be no assurance that this policy will afford coverage for all possible losses or would be adequate to cover all financial losses, damages, and penalties, including lost revenues, should the Company experience any system failure or cyber-attack in one or more Company or third-party systems.

The Company’s risk-based technology and systems or the personnel who monitor such technology and systems may not identify and/or prevent or effectively mitigate successful cyber-attacks when they occur. Significant operational costs and damages or reputational harm may occur if the Company fails to identify and prevent or effectively mitigate, or there is a delay in identifying or mitigating, a cyber-attack on its systems or those of its third-party service providers. Any breach, damage or failure that causes an interruption in operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, including as a result of the time and money needed to correct the issue. Computer break-ins, ransomware, phishing and other disruptions could also jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through Company computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in litigation or significant liability or penalties to the Company, reputational damage, and may cause existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with the Company. Finally, depending on the type of incident, banking regulators may impose restrictions on the Company’s business and consumer laws may require reimbursement of customer losses.

The pace of technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace and may present challenges for the Company to understand and adapt to these changes. The financial services industries continually experience rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services, such as AI, including generative AI, machine learning, and similar tools and technologies that collect, aggregate, analyze or generate data or other materials or content. These new technologies may be superior to, or render obsolete, the technologies currently used in the Company’s products and services.

An effective use of technology can increase efficiency, enable financial institutions to better serve customers, and reduce costs. Additionally, as a result of the shift toward remote banking, the Company’s customers have become more reliant on, and their expectations have increased with respect to, new technology-driven products and services. In addition, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for “non-banks” to offer traditional bank products and services using innovative technological platforms such as fintech and blockchain. These “digital banks” may be able to achieve economies of scale and offer better pricing than the Company offers for banking products and services, and they may have fewer regulatory burdens than traditional banks such as the Company. However, some modern technologies needed to compete effectively result in incremental operating costs and capital investments. The Company’s future success depends in part upon its ability to continue to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in operations. Many of the Company’s competitors, because of their larger size and available capital, have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services, including the planned 2026 core system upgrade, or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers within the same time frame as its large competitors or within the time frame expected by its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could lead to loss of customers and could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and, in turn, its financial condition and results of operations.

The development and use of AI presents risks and challenges that may adversely impact the Company’s business. The Company or its third-party vendors, clients and counterparties may develop or incorporate AI technology in certain business processes, services or products. The development and use of AI present a number of risks and challenges to the Company’s business. The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and rapidly evolving and includes regulatory expectations targeted specifically at AI as well as provisions in intellectual property, privacy, consumer protection, employment, and other laws applicable to the use of AI. These evolving laws and regulations could increase the Company’s compliance costs and the risk of non-compliance and could require changes with respect to any use or implementation of AI technology by the Company. AI models, particularly generative AI models, may produce output or take action that is incorrect, that reflects biases included in the data on which they are trained, that results in the release of private, confidential or proprietary information, that infringes on the intellectual property rights of others, or that is otherwise harmful. In addition, the complexity of many AI models makes it difficult to understand why they are generating particular outputs. This limited transparency increases the challenges associated with assessing the proper operation of AI models, understanding and monitoring the capabilities of AI models, reducing erroneous output, eliminating bias, and complying with regulations that require documentation or explanation of the basis on which decisions are made. Further, the Company may rely on AI models developed by third parties, and, to that extent, would be dependent in part on the manner in which those third parties develop and train their models, including risks arising from the inclusion of any unauthorized material in the training data for their models and the effectiveness of the steps these third parties have taken to limit the risks associated with the output of their models, matters over which the Company may have limited visibility. Any of these risks could expose the Company to liability or adverse legal or regulatory consequences and harm the Company’s reputation and the public perception of its business or the effectiveness of its security measures.

The Company is subject to laws regarding the privacy, information security and protection of personal information and any violation of these laws or an incident involving personal, confidential, or proprietary information of individuals could damage the Company’s reputation and otherwise adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition. The Company regularly collects, processes, transmits and stores confidential information regarding its customers and employees. In some cases, this confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on the Company’s behalf. Legislation and regulation governing the privacy and protection of personal information of individuals (including customers, employees, suppliers and other third parties) have been evolving, expanding and increasing in complexity in recent years, and although the Company makes and will continue to make reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be subject to regulatory action or monetary penalties in the event of an incident.

The Company is subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which, among other things: (i) imposes certain limitations on the ability to share non-public personal information about customers with non-affiliated third parties; (ii) requires that the Company provide certain disclosures to customers about its information collection, sharing and security practices and afford customers the right to “opt out” of any information sharing by the Company with non-affiliated third parties (with certain exceptions); and (iii) requires that the Company develop, implement and maintain a written comprehensive information security program containing appropriate safeguards based on its size and complexity, the nature and scope of its activities, and the sensitivity of customer information processed by the Company, as well as plans for responding to data security breaches. Various state and federal banking regulators and states have also enacted data security breach notification requirements with varying levels of individual, consumer, regulatory or law enforcement notification in certain circumstances in the event of a security breach. Ensuring that the collection, use, transfer, and storage of personal information by the Company complies with all applicable laws and regulations can increase costs. Furthermore, the Company may not be able to ensure that all its customers, suppliers, counterparties and other third parties have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of information exchanged with them, particularly where such information is transmitted by electronic means. If personal, confidential, or proprietary information of customers or others were to be mishandled or misused, the Company could be exposed to litigation or regulatory sanctions under personal information laws and regulations. Concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s measures to safeguard personal information, or even the perception that such measures are inadequate, could cause the Company to lose customers or potential customers and thereby reduce revenues. Accordingly, any failure or perceived failure to comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws and regulations may subject the Company to inquiries, examinations and investigations that could result in requirements to modify or cease certain operations or practices or in significant liabilities, fines or penalties, and could damage the Company’s reputation and otherwise adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s controls and procedures may be inadequate, and failure to comply with controls and procedures or related regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. The Company faces the risk that the design of its controls and procedures, including those designed to mitigate the risk of fraud by employees or outside third parties, may be inadequate or be circumvented, thereby causing delays or failures in detection of errors or inaccuracies in data and information. The Company regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the Company’s controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, while the Company maintains a control framework designed to monitor service provider risks, including those relating to internet vulnerability, fraud and operational errors of employees, the failure of a service provider to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements could be disruptive to the Company’s operations, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, and the Company’s (or the service provider’s) business continuity plans, risk management processes and procedures or security systems may not adequately mitigate such risk.

Risks Related to Liquidity

The Company may be unable to adequately manage its liquidity risk, which could affect its ability to meet its obligations as they become due, capitalize on growth opportunities, or pay dividends on its common stock. Liquidity risk refers to managing the Company’s liquidity so that it can meet its obligations as the obligations become due, opportunistically capitalize on potential growth opportunities as they arise, or pay dividends on its common stock. The Company’s liquidity arises from its ability to generate sufficient cash, liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. Liquidity is required to fund various obligations, including credit commitments to borrowers, mortgage and other loan originations, withdrawals by depositors, repayment of borrowings, dividends to shareholders, operating expenses and capital expenditures. The Company’s liquidity is derived primarily from funding obtained from the FHLB of Boston; retail core deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments on investment securities the Company issues; sale, maturity and prepayment of investment securities the Company holds; net cash provided from operations; and access to other funding sources. Any substantial, unexpected or prolonged changes in the level or cost of liquidity could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. Factors that could detrimentally impact the Company’s access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of business activity as a result of a downturn in the markets in which the Company’s loans are concentrated or an adverse regulatory action against the Company. The Company’s ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to the Company, such as a disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about prospects for banks of the Company’s size or the financial services industry generally.

Risks Related to Environmental and Social Matters

Responses to climate change could adversely affect the Company’s business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on its customers. Concerns over the long-term impacts of climate change have led and could continue to lead to governmental efforts in certain regions of the world to mitigate those impacts. Consumers and businesses also may change their behavior on their own as a result of these concerns. The Company and its customers will need to respond to new laws and regulations as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. The Company and its customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions, operating process changes, and the like. Impacts to the Company could include a drop in demand for its products and services, particularly in certain sectors. In addition, the Company could face reductions in creditworthiness on the part of some customers or in the value of assets securing loans.

Environmental, social and governance risks could adversely affect the Company’s reputation, business and performance and the trading price of its common stock. The Company may face scrutiny from some federal and state government agencies, regulatory bodies, investors, customers, regulators and other stakeholders related to its environmental, social and governance practices. Some investors, investor advocacy groups and investment funds are focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, climate change, diversity and inclusion, workplace conduct and human capital management. These stakeholders often have differing priorities and expectations regarding these issues, and in some cases conflicting priorities. In addition, sentiment against certain environmental, social and governance practices has gained momentum across the U.S., as evidenced by executive orders, policies, legislation, as well as other initiatives issued and enacted at the federal and state levels.

The subjective nature of methods used by various stakeholders to assess a company with respect to environmental, social and governance-related criteria could result in erroneous perceptions or a misrepresentation of the Company’s actual policies and practices. Organizations that provide ratings information to investors on environmental, social and governance-related matters may also assign unfavorable ratings to the Company.

Failure to adapt to or comply with changing investor or stakeholder expectations and standards on environmental, social and governance matters could negatively impact the Company’s reputation, its ability to do business with certain customers, vendors, suppliers or other third parties, its ability to attract and retain employees and its stock price. The Company could also face negative publicity or reputational harm based on the identity of those with whom it chooses to do business. Any of the foregoing could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to the Company’s Business and Industry Generally

The Company’s business depends on maintaining the trust and confidence of customers and other market participants, and the Company’s reputation is critical to its business. The Company’s ability to originate and maintain accounts and business is highly dependent upon the perceptions of borrowers and deposit holders and other external perceptions of the Company’s business practices and financial health. The Company’s reputation is vulnerable to threats that can be difficult or impossible to control, and costly or impossible to remediate. Regulatory inquiries and actual or alleged incidents of employee misconduct and rumors, among other things, can substantially damage the Company’s reputation, even if the inquiries, allegations, or rumors are baseless or satisfactorily addressed. Adverse perceptions regarding the Company’s reputation in the consumer, commercial and funding markets could result in difficulties in generating and maintaining accounts and business, as well as in financing accounts and the Company’s business. Further, adverse perceptions can result in decreases in the levels of deposits that customers and potential customers choose to maintain with the Company. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

If the Company’s risk management framework does not effectively identify or mitigate the Company’s risks, the Company could suffer unexpected losses and its results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. The Company’s risk management framework seeks to identify and mitigate risk while appropriately balancing risk and return. The Company has established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor and report the types of risk to which it is subject, including strategic and emerging risk, culture/reputation risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, market and interest rate risk, operations risk, compliance risk, and technology and cyber risk. The Company seeks to monitor and control its risk exposure through a framework of policies, procedures and reporting requirements. Management of the Company’s risks in some cases depends upon the use of analytical and/or forecasting models, which, in turn, rely on assumptions and estimates. If the models used to mitigate these risks are inadequate, or the assumptions or estimates are inaccurate or otherwise flawed, the Company may fail to adequately protect against risks and may incur losses. In addition, there may be risks that exist, or that develop in the future, that the Company has not appropriately anticipated, identified or mitigated, which could lead to unexpected losses and the Company’s results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The Company has strong competition within its market area which may constrain the Company’s ability to grow and achieve profitability. The Company faces significant competition in its market area both in attracting deposits and in the origination of loans. See “Market Area and Competition” in Item 1. Business of this Report. Mergers and acquisitions of financial institutions within the Company’s market area may occur, which could add more competitive pressure as the Company would be competing with the resultant larger financial institutions with greater financial resources on a combined basis. Additionally, the Company’s market share and income may be adversely affected by its inability to successfully compete against larger and more diverse financial service providers. If the Company is unable to compete effectively, it may lose market share or fail to maintain its market share, and income generated from loans, deposits, and other financial products may decline.

The success of the Company is dependent on the Company’s ability to attract, hire and retain key personnel. The Company’s business is complex and specialized and performance is largely dependent on the knowledge, talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. The Company relies on key personnel to manage and operate its business, including its major revenue producing functions and key operational functions, such as loan and deposit generation and the Company’s investment management services. The loss of key personnel or challenges attracting and retaining adequate skilled professionals could adversely affect the Company’s ability to maintain and manage these functions effectively and could also adversely impact the achievement of strategic growth objectives. The loss of key personnel or challenges attracting and retaining adequate skilled professionals could also result in increased compensation costs and higher recruiting and hiring expenses, which could adversely impact the Company’s net income. Additionally, if the Company does not maintain effective succession planning, including identifying and developing internal talent, identifying and attracting external talent, and preparing for orderly leadership transitions, it may face disruptions in essential business functions. The Company’s ability to continue to compete effectively depends on its ability to attract new skilled employees, and to retain and motivate its existing key employees. Competition for skilled employees in the Company’s markets and businesses can be intense, and the Company may not be able to hire or retain skilled employees in adequate numbers, in particular due to an increasingly competitive labor market. The labor market continues to be highly competitive with sustained pressure on the availability and retention of skilled professionals. The Company operates in an environment marked by ongoing competition for talent across all areas of its business. In addition to competitive dynamics, the labor market is being influenced by broader structural and macroeconomic factors, including demographic shifts driven by retirements within the financial services industry, a limited pipeline of experienced mid-level and senior banking professionals, evolving employee expectations related to career development and purpose, and increased demand for specialized skills in areas such as commercial credit, risk management, compliance, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital banking. Employers across the financial services sector continue to offer enhanced compensation, benefits, and flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and remote models, as long-term features of their employment value proposition. Ongoing regulatory complexity, heightened compliance requirements, and increased workload demands may further intensify competition for highly qualified professionals with relevant subject matter expertise. As competition for experienced banking, technology, credit, lending, and investment management, and commercial relationship management talent remains strong, the Company may be required to invest additional resources in recruitment, compensation, training, development, succession planning, and retention initiatives. Wage inflation, benefit cost increases, and investments in programs designed to retain, develop, or attract skilled employees could increase operating expenses and adversely impact earnings.

Natural disasters, severe weather, public health crises or other catastrophic or man-made events could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business or results of operations. The nature and level of such natural disasters, public health crises, pandemics or epidemics, or man-made events, including political events such as war, civil unrest or terrorist attacks, and other catastrophic events cannot be predicted. Additionally, the Company’s market area includes coastal regions that are susceptible to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters which cannot be predicted and may be exacerbated by global climate change, including, but not limited to, rain storms, hurricanes, blizzards and nor’easters and related flooding and wind damage. Such events can disrupt operations, result in damage to properties and negatively affect the local economies in the markets where the Company operates. The Company’s borrowers may suffer property damage, experience interruption of their businesses or lose their jobs, which may negatively impact the ability of these borrowers to make deposits with the Company or repay their loans or negatively impact values of collateral securing loans, any of which could result in losses and increased provisions for credit losses. Additionally, the occurrence of these events could harm the Company’s operations thorough interference with communications, including the interruption or loss of its computer systems which could prevent the gathering of deposits, originating loans and processing and controlling business flow, as well as through the destruction of facilities and operational, financial and management information systems, and could cause us to incur significant costs to repair any resulting damage to the Company’s property or business relationships.

Risks of Owning Stock in the Company

Our stock price can be volatile. The Company’s stock price can fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, including: actual or anticipated variations in the Company’s quarterly operating results; recommendations by securities analysts; acquisitions or business combinations; capital commitments by or involving the Company; operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to the Company; new technology used or services offered by the Company’s competitors; new reports relating to trends, concerns and other issues in the financial services industry; and changes in government regulations. General market fluctuations, industry factors and general economic and political conditions and events have caused a decline in the Company’s stock price in the past, and these factors, as well as, interest rate changes, unfavorable credit loss trends, or unforeseen events such as geopolitical conflicts could cause volatility in the Company’s stock price regardless of its operating results.

Cybersecurity threats pose a risk to the Company, as crimes committed through or involving the internet, such as phishing, hacking, denial of service attacks, stealing information, unauthorized intrusions into the Company’s internal systems or the systems of the Company’s third-party vendors could adversely impact the Company’s operations or damage its reputation. The Bank manages cybersecurity threats proactively and maintains robust controls to protect its critical systems and data by investing in secure, reliable, and resilient technology infrastructure, fostering a culture of technology risk awareness, and continuously improving its technology risk management practices. The Company’s process for monitoring and mitigating cybersecurity risk is designed in conjunction with its overall Enterprise Risk Management Policy. The Company’s Information Security Program follows ISO 27002, an international standard for information security controls, as well as references to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Information Examination Handbook, and other regulatory guidance and industry standards such as those of the Center for Internet Security (CIS).

The Company has several processes in place to oversee and identify these risks, such as the Information Technology Risk Governance Committee (“ITRGC”), which is responsible for oversight of information technology (“IT”) risk and the Information Security Committee, which oversees information security (“IS”) risk. These committees oversee the establishment and revision of IT and IS key risk and key performance indicators and ongoing monitoring of these metrics. As part of the independent second line of defense and reporting to the Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”), the Company’s Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) is responsible for cybersecurity initiatives at the Company, including identifying and managing security risks, and escalating elevated risks to the CRO where applicable. Together, the CISO and the CRO report on emerging and existing threats and mitigation strategies to the Board, which has oversight of cybersecurity risk, on a semi-annual basis, or more frequently, if needed. The CRO has over 30 years of experience in overseeing risk management functions. The CISO has over 30 years of information security experience, with experienced team members that come from a wide range of industries and possess substantial knowledge and expertise in how to manage information security and cybersecurity risks. Additionally, the team of employees supporting the CISO maintain education and certification requirements necessary to fulfill their responsibilities.

As part of its cyber and information security defense, the Company has deployed a layered security approach to identify, measure, monitor and control information technology risks. The Company regularly tests the implementation of these controls. The Company also maintains a documented Incident Management Standard and Technology and Cyber Incident Response Plan. These documents address the detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents, and include appropriate timely incident escalations to be followed during an incident, up to and including executive leadership, management committees and depending on incident severity, the Board, or a Board committee. The volume, severity, and root cause of security incidents are reported at monthly management committees. The Company will regularly engage independent third parties to assist in its cybersecurity preparedness, including but not limited to vulnerability scan assessments, secure code scan reviews, and cybersecurity incident response simulations. The Company’s internal audit department also performs annual cybersecurity penetration testing over the Company’s internal and external networks. Additionally, for third party related technologies, the Company’s Third-Party Risk Management Program (“TPRM”) is involved with onboarding all vendors, including ongoing monitoring of higher risk vendor relationships. TPRM documents the Company’s view of applicable third-party vendors assessing the vendor’s technological capability to provide products and/or services in a viable and risk adverse manner.

As part of its efforts to mitigate risks related to cybersecurity threats, the Company has proactively implemented required tailored training for all employees, including training on the Company’s security and privacy policies, which are mandatory as part of the onboarding process, with refresher trainings required annually thereafter. Additionally, the Company conducts regular phishing simulation tests throughout the year to keep employees alert, spread awareness and ensure that employees have the knowledge and resources necessary to identify and report suspicious activity.

While the Company has seen attempts to gain access to its systems, and expects such attacks to continue, or possibly intensify in the future, the Company has not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches as of December 31, 2025. As a protective measure, the Company maintains insurance coverage for cybersecurity incidents experienced by the Company, or by one or more of the Company’s third-party providers, however such insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all losses incurred. As of the date of this Report, no risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. For further discussion surrounding risks from cybersecurity threats, refer to the section captioned “Risks Related to Information Security and Technology” within Part I. Item 1A of this Report.

At December 31, 2025, the Bank conducted its business from its main retail branch located at 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts, 149 retail branches and one mobile branch located within Eastern Massachusetts, Worcester County, and southern New Hampshire. In addition to its main office, the Bank leased 88 of its branches and owned the remaining 62 branches. In addition to these branch locations, the Bank had 57 remote ATM locations, all of which are leased.

The Bank’s executive administration offices are located in Hanover, Massachusetts while the remaining administrative and operations locations are housed in several different campuses. Additionally, the Bank operates a number of commercial banking and mortgage lending centers, as well as investment management offices not associated with a branch location throughout the Bank’s footprint.

For additional information regarding the Bank’s premises and equipment and lease obligations, see Notes 5, “Bank Premises and Equipment” and 17 “Leases,” respectively, within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

At December 31, 2025, the Bank was involved in pending lawsuits, which management has reviewed with legal counsel and has taken into consideration the view of counsel as to their outcome. In the opinion of management, the final disposition of pending lawsuits is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

The Company is a state chartered, federally registered bank holding company, incorporated in 1985. The Company is the sole stockholder of Rockland Trust, a Massachusetts trust company chartered in 1907. For a full list of corporate entities see Item 1 “Business — General.”

All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation, including a reclassification of the Company’s small business portfolio, with the majority of the portfolio reclassified into the commercial and industrial category, and the remainder of the portfolio, consisting of loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate, reclassified to the commercial real estate category.

The following should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes.

Executive Level Overview

Management evaluates the Company’s operating results and financial condition using measures that include net income, earnings per share, return on assets and equity, return on tangible common equity, net interest margin, tangible book value per share, asset quality indicators, and many others. These metrics are used by management to make key decisions regarding the Company’s balance sheet, liquidity, interest rate sensitivity, and capital resources and assist with identifying opportunities for improving the Company’s financial position or operating results. The Company is focused on organic growth, but will also consider acquisition opportunities that are expected to provide a satisfactory financial return, including the recent acquisition of Enterprise, which closed on July 1, 2025. The transaction included the acquisition of $3.9 billion in loans and $4.4 billion in deposits, each at fair value, and resulted in the addition of twenty-seven branch locations in northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

2025 Results

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $205.1 million, or $4.44 on a diluted earnings per share basis, as compared to $192.1 million, or $4.52, on a diluted earnings per share basis for the year ended December 31, 2024, representing increases of 6.8% and a decrease of 1.8%, respectively. Financial results for 2025 and 2024 also reflected pre-tax merger-related costs of $39.6 million and a $34.5 million provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans attributable to the closing of the Enterprise acquisition. Excluding these merger-related expenses and provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans, and their related tax effects, full year 2025 operating net income was $260.4 million, or $5.64, on a diluted earnings per share basis compared to full year 2024 operating net income of $193.4 million, or $4.55, on a diluted earnings per share basis. See “Non-GAAP Measures” below for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.

Full year 2025 results reflected the following key drivers:

• Successful close of Enterprise acquisition on July 1, 2025
• Net interest margin increase of 29 basis points to 3.57% as compared to the full year 2024;
• Loan growth of 27.5% mainly due to the Enterprise acquisition, robust organic commercial and industrial loan growth;
• Deposit growth of 31.5%, mainly due to the Enterprise acquisition, organic growth in the demand deposit and money market categories;
• Total loan loss provision was $65.5 million for the year, inclusive of $34.5 million recognized for non-PCD loans acquired from Enterprise;
• Wealth assets under administration increased to $9.2 billion;
• Focused expense management;
• Tangible book value per share of $47.55, grew by $0.59 for the year; and
• Repurchase of approximately 936,000 shares for $62.4 million.

Interest-Earning Assets

The results depicted in the following table reflect the trend of the Company’s interest-earning assets over the past five years. The Company employs a longer term strategy that typically emphasizes loan growth commensurate with overall economic growth. For the year-ended 2025, the increase in interest-earning assets was driven primarily the Enterprise acquisition, which included the addition of $3.9 billion in loans and $590.3 million in available for sale securities. The following table summarizes the Company’s period end interest-earning assets for each year presented:

Management strives to be disciplined about loan pricing and considers interest rate sensitivity when generating loan assets. In addition, management takes a disciplined approach to credit underwriting, seeking to avoid undue credit risk and credit losses.

Funding and the Net Interest Margin

The Company’s overall sources of funding reflect strong business and retail deposit growth with a management emphasis on core deposit growth to fund loans. The increase in funding sources during 2025 were driven primarily by the addition of $4.4 billion in deposits acquired from Enterprise during the third quarter of 2025. The following chart shows the period end balances of the Company’s funding sources for each of the trailing five years:

The net interest margin of 3.57% increased 29 basis points when compared to the prior year, including an 8 basis point lift from acquired loan purchase accounting accretion. The remaining increase was driven by the acquisition of a slightly higher adjusted margin from Enterprise and continued benefit from long term asset repricing. The following table shows the net interest margin and cost of deposits trends for the trailing five year period:

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income is primarily comprised of deposit account fees, interchange and ATM fees, investment management fees and mortgage banking income. The increases in non-interest income during 2025 were driven primarily by the impact of the Enterprise acquisition. The following chart shows the components of non-interest income over the past five years:

Expense Control

Management seeks to take a balanced approach to non-interest expense control by monitoring ongoing operating expenses while making needed capital expenditures and prudently investing in growth initiatives. The Company’s primary expenses arise from Rockland Trust’s employee salaries and benefits, as well as expenses associated with buildings and equipment.

The following chart depicts the Company’s efficiency ratio on a GAAP basis (calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of non-interest income and net interest income), as well as the Company’s efficiency ratio on a non-GAAP operating basis, (calculated by dividing non-interest expense, excluding certain non-core items, by the sum of non-interest income, excluding certain non-core items, and net interest income), over the past five years:

*See “Non-GAAP Measures” below for a reconciliation to GAAP financial measures.

Capital

The Company’s approach with respect to revenue and expense is designed to promote long-term earnings growth, which in turn contributes to capital growth. Capital is primarily impacted by earnings retention, dividends, changes in other comprehensive income, and opportunistic share repurchases. In addition, during 2025 capital results were impacted by the closing of the Enterprise acquisition. The following chart shows the Company’s book value and tangible book value per share over the past five years:

*See “Non-GAAP Measures” below for a reconciliation to GAAP financial measures.

Cash dividends declared by the Company increased from an aggregate of $2.28 per share in 2024 to $2.36 per share in 2025, representing an increase of 3.5%. Additionally, during 2025, the Company repurchased approximately 936,000 shares of its common stock for $62.4 million.

Non-GAAP Measures

When management assesses the Company’s financial performance for purposes of making day-to-day and strategic decisions, it does so based upon the performance of its core banking business, which is primarily derived from the combination of net interest income and non-interest or fee income, reduced by operating expenses, the provision for credit losses, and the impact of income taxes and other non-core items shown in the table that follows. There are items that impact the Company’s results that management believes are unrelated to its core banking business such as gains or losses on the sales of securities, merger and acquisition expenses, provision for credit losses on acquired portfolios, loss on extinguishment of debt, impairment and other items. Management, therefore, excludes items management considers to be non-core when computing the Company’s non-GAAP operating earnings and operating EPS, non-interest income on an operating basis, non-interest expense on an operating basis, and efficiency ratio on an operating basis. Management believes excluding these items facilitates greater visibility into the Company’s core banking business and underlying trends that may, to some extent, be obscured by inclusion of such items.

Management also supplements its evaluation of financial performance with analysis of tangible book value per share (which is computed by dividing stockholders’ equity less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, or “tangible common equity,” by common shares outstanding), the tangible common equity ratio (which is computed by dividing tangible common equity by “tangible assets,” defined as total assets less goodwill and other intangibles), and return on average tangible common equity (which is computed by dividing net income by average tangible common equity). The Company has included information on tangible book value per share, the tangible common equity ratio and return on average tangible common equity because management believes that investors may find it useful to have access to the same analytical tools used by management. As a result of merger and acquisition activity, the Company has recognized goodwill and other intangible assets in conjunction with business combination accounting principles. Excluding the impact of goodwill and other intangibles in measuring asset and capital values for the ratios provided, along with other bank standard capital ratios, provides a framework to compare the capital adequacy of the Company to other companies in the financial services industry.

These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results and other financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. An item which management excludes when computing these non-GAAP measures can be of substantial importance to the Company’s results for any particular quarter or year. The Company’s non-GAAP performance measures, including operating net income, operating EPS, operating return on average assets, operating return on average common equity, adjusted margin, tangible book value per share and the tangible common equity ratio, are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be presented by other companies.

The following table summarizes the impact of non-core items on net income and reconciles non-GAAP net operating earnings to net income available to common shareholders for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(1) The net tax benefit associated with non-core items is determined by assessing whether each non-core item is included or excluded from net taxable income and applying the Company’s combined marginal tax rate only to those items included in net taxable income.

The following table summarizes the impact of non-core items with respect to the Company’s total revenue, non-interest income as a percentage of total revenue, and the efficiency ratio for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands)

41

The following table summarizes the calculation of the Company’s tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share for the periods indicated:

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

42

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected consolidated financial and other data of the Company set forth below does not purport to be complete and should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed information, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes, appearing elsewhere herein.

Table 1 - Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(1) Represents a non-GAAP measurement. For reconciliation to GAAP measurement, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Executive Level Overview - Non-GAAP Measures”.

Financial Position

Securities Portfolio The Company’s securities portfolio primarily consists of U.S. Treasury, U.S. government agency securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, agency collateralized mortgage obligations, taxable and non-taxable municipal securities and small business administration pooled securities. Also included in the Company’s securities portfolio are trading and equity securities related to certain employee benefit programs. The majority of these securities are investment grade debt obligations with average lives of five years or less. U.S. government agency securities entail a lesser degree of risk than loans made by the Bank by virtue of the guarantees that back them, require less capital under risk-based capital rules than non-insured or non-guaranteed mortgage loans, are more liquid than individual mortgage loans, and may be used to collateralize borrowings or other obligations of the Bank. The Bank views its securities portfolio as a source of income and liquidity. Interest and principal payments generated from securities provide a source of liquidity to fund loans and meet short-term cash needs.

Total securities increased by $598.2 million, or 22.1%, at December 31, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024, primarily attributable to the acquisition of the Enterprise available for sale securities portfolio. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, new purchases of $426.2 million and $55.4 million in unrealized gains in the available for sale portfolio were offset by sales, maturities, calls, and paydowns in the combined available for sale and held to maturity portfolios. The ratio of securities to total assets decreased to 13.3% at December 31, 2025 as compared to 14.0% at December 31, 2024. The Company estimates expected credit losses for its available for sale and held to maturity securities in accordance with the CECL methodology, as described in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

The following table sets forth the fair value of available for sale securities and the amortized cost of held to maturity securities along with the percentage distribution:

Table 2 - Securities Portfolio Composition

(Dollars in thousands)

The Company’s available for sale securities are carried at fair value and are categorized within the fair value hierarchy based on the observability of model inputs. Securities which require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable are classified as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had no securities categorized as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

The following table sets forth the weighted average yield for each range of contractual maturities of the Bank’s available for sale and held to maturity securities portfolios at December 31, 2025. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Weighted average yields in the table below have been calculated based on the amortized cost of the security.

Table 3 - Securities Portfolio, Weighted Average Yields

As of December 31, 2025, the weighted average life of the securities portfolio was 3.7 years and the modified duration was 3.3 years.

At December 31, 2025, the aggregate book value of securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the U.S. Department of the Treasury exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity. Accordingly, the following table discloses the aggregate book value and market value of these securities at December 31, 2025:

Table 4 - Aggregate Book Value and Market Value of Select Securities

(Dollars in thousands)

45

Residential Mortgage Loan Sales The Bank’s residential mortgage loans are generally originated in compliance with terms, conditions and documentation which permit the sale of such loans to investors in the secondary market. Loan sales in the secondary market provide funds for additional lending and other banking activities. Depending on market conditions, the Bank may sell the servicing of the sold loans for a servicing released premium, simultaneous with the sale of the loan. For the remainder of the sold loans for which the Company retains the servicing, a mortgage servicing asset is recognized. Additionally, as part of its asset/liability management strategy, the Bank may opt to retain certain residential real estate loan originations for its portfolio. When a loan is sold, the Company enters into agreements that contain representations and warranties about the characteristics of the loans sold and their origination. The Company may be required to either repurchase mortgage loans or to indemnify the purchaser from losses if representations and warranties are found to be not accurate in all material respects. The Company incurred no material losses related to mortgage repurchases during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

The volume of residential real estate loan sales fluctuate based on customer demands, which is often driven by the interest rate environment. The following table shows the total residential loans that were closed and whether the amounts were held in the portfolio or sold (or held for sale) in the secondary market for the periods indicated:

Table 5 - Closed Residential Real Estate Loans

(Dollars in thousands)

When a loan is sold, the Company may decide to also sell the servicing of sold loans for a servicing release premium, simultaneously with the sale of the loan, or the Company may opt to sell the loan and retain the servicing. The table below reflects additional information related to loans which were sold during the periods indicated:

Table 6 - Residential Mortgage Loan Sales

(Dollars in thousands)

(1) All loans sold with servicing rights retained during the above periods were sold without recourse.

In the event of a sale with servicing rights retained, a mortgage servicing asset is established, which represents the then current estimated fair value based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. Servicing rights are recorded in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, and are assessed for impairment based on fair value at each reporting date. Impairment is determined by stratifying the rights based on predominant characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. The principal balance of loans serviced by the Bank on behalf of investors was $266.0 million at December 31, 2025 and $280.2 million at December 31, 2024.

The following table shows the adjusted cost of the servicing rights associated with these loans and the changes for the periods indicated:

Table 7 - Mortgage Servicing Asset

(Dollars in thousands)

See Note 10, “Derivatives and Hedging Activities,” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report for more information on mortgage activity and mortgage related derivatives.

Loan Portfolio The Company’s total loan portfolio at December 31, 2025 increased $4.0 billion, or 27.5%, when compared to December 31, 2024, primarily due to the Enterprise acquisition. On the commercial side, the commercial and industrial portfolio increased organically by 9.1% but was offset by a decline in the commercial real estate and commercial construction portfolios. Organically, the consumer real estate portfolio increased by 1.2%, driven by growth within the home equity portfolio.

The following table summarizes loan growth/decline during the periods indicated:

Table 8 - Components of Loan Growth/(Decline)

(Dollars in thousands)

47

The following table sets forth information concerning the composition of the Bank’s loan portfolio by loan type at the dates indicated:

Table 9 - Loan Portfolio Composition

(Dollars in thousands)

The following table summarizes loans by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2025, along with the indication of whether interest rates are fixed or adjustable:

Table 10 - Scheduled Contractual Loan Amortization

(Dollars in thousands)

(1) Includes certain construction loans that will convert to commercial mortgages and will be reclassified to commercial real estate upon the completion of the construction phase.

(2) Loans having no schedule of repayments or no stated maturity are reported as being due in the 5-15 years category above.

Generally, the actual maturity of loans is substantially shorter than their contractual maturity due to prepayments and, in the case of real estate loans, due-on-sale clauses, which generally give the Bank the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event that, among other things, the borrower sells the property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid. The average life of real estate loans tends to increase when current real estate loan rates are higher than rates on mortgages in the portfolio and, conversely, tends to decrease when rates on mortgages in the portfolio are higher than current real estate loan rates. Due to the fact that the Bank may, consistent with industry practice, renew a significant portion of commercial and commercial real estate loans at or immediately prior to their maturity by renewing the loans on substantially similar or revised terms, the principal repayments actually received by the Bank are anticipated to be significantly less than the amounts contractually due in any particular period. In other circumstances, a loan, or a portion of a loan, may not be repaid due to the borrower’s inability to satisfy the contractual obligations of the loan.

Asset Quality The Company continually monitors the asset quality of the loan portfolio using all available information. Based on this assessment, loans demonstrating certain payment issues or other weaknesses may be categorized as delinquent, non-performing and/or put on non-accrual status. Further details surrounding relevant asset quality categories are summarized below:

Delinquency The Company’s philosophy toward managing its loan portfolios is predicated upon careful monitoring, which stresses early detection and response to delinquent and default situations. The Company seeks to make arrangements to resolve any delinquent or default situation over the shortest possible time frame. Generally, the Company requires that a delinquency notice be mailed to a borrower upon expiration of a grace period (typically no longer than 15 days beyond the due date). Reminder notices may be sent and telephone calls may be made prior to the expiration of the grace period. If the delinquent status is not resolved within a reasonable time frame following the mailing of a delinquency notice, the Bank’s personnel charged with managing its loan portfolios contacts the borrower to ascertain the reasons for delinquency and the prospects for payment. Any subsequent actions taken to resolve the delinquency will depend upon the nature of the loan and the length of time that the loan has been delinquent. The borrower’s needs are considered as much as reasonably possible without jeopardizing the Bank’s position. A late charge is usually assessed on loans upon expiration of the grace period as permitted by loan agreements.

Non-accrual Loans As a general rule, loans 90 days or more past due with respect to principal or interest are classified as non-accrual loans, or sooner if management considers such action to be prudent. However, certain loans that are 90 days or more past due may be kept on an accruing status if the loans are well secured and in the process of collection. Income accruals are suspended on all non-accrual loans and all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against current income. A loan remains on non-accrual status until it becomes current with respect to principal and interest and remains current for a minimum period of six months, the loan is liquidated, or when the loan is determined to be uncollectible and is charged-off against the allowance for credit losses.

Loan Modifications In the course of resolving problem loans, the Company may choose to modify the contractual terms of certain loans. The Company attempts to work out an alternative payment schedule with the borrower in order to avoid or cure a default. Terms may be modified to fit the ability of the borrower to repay in line with its current financial status and may include adjustments to term extensions, interest rates, and accommodations for other than insignificant payment delays and/or a combination thereof. These actions are intended to minimize economic loss and avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. If such efforts by the Company do not result in satisfactory performance, the loan is referred to legal counsel, at which time foreclosure proceedings are initiated. At any time prior to a sale of the property at foreclosure, the Company may terminate foreclosure proceedings if the borrower is able to work out a satisfactory payment plan. All loan modifications are reviewed by the Company to identify if a borrower is deemed to be experiencing financial difficulty at time of the modification.

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) loans are acquired loans which have shown a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination. PCD loans are recorded at amortized cost with an allowance for credit losses recorded upon purchase.

Non-performing Assets Non-performing assets are typically comprised of non-performing loans and other real estate owned (“OREO”). Non-performing loans consist of non-accrual loans and loans that are 90 days or more past due but still accruing interest.

OREO consists of real estate properties, which have primarily served as collateral to secure loans, that are controlled or owned by the Bank. These properties are recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date control is established, resulting in a new cost basis. The amount by which the recorded investment in the loan exceeds the fair value (net of estimated costs to sell) of the foreclosed asset is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent declines in the fair value of the foreclosed asset below the new cost basis are recorded through the use of a valuation allowance. Subsequent increases in the fair value are recorded as reductions in the valuation allowance, but not below zero. All costs incurred thereafter in maintaining the property are generally charged to non-interest expense. In the event the real estate is utilized as a rental property, net rental income and expenses are recorded as incurred within non-interest expense.

The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing assets held by the Bank at the dates indicated:

Table 11 - Non-performing Assets

(Dollars in thousands)

The following table summarizes the changes in non-performing assets for the periods indicated:

Table 12 - Activity in Non-performing Assets

(Dollars in thousands)

Allowance for Credit Losses The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level that management considers appropriate to provide for the Company’s current estimate of expected lifetime credit losses on loans measured at amortized cost. The allowance is increased by providing for credit losses through a charge to expense and by credits for recoveries of loans previously charged-off and is reduced by loans being charged-off.

In accordance with its Allowance for Credit Losses Program, the Company uses the Current Expected Credit Losses (or “CECL”) model methodology to estimate credit losses for financial assets on a collective basis for loans sharing similar risk characteristics using a quantitative model combined with an assessment of certain qualitative factors designed to address forecast risk and model risk inherent in the quantitative model output. The model estimates expected credit losses using loan level data over the contractual life of the exposure, which is adjusted for estimated prepayments. Economic forecasts are incorporated into the estimate over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of 12 months, beyond which is a reversion to the Company’s historical long-run average over a period of six months. The Company’s qualitative assessment is structured based upon nine qualitative risk factors impacting the expected risk of loss within the loan portfolio, with an additional factor designed to capture model imprecision. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with any pools of assets are subject to individual assessment and are removed from the collectively assessed pools to avoid double counting. For the loans that will be individually assessed, the Company uses either a discounted cash flow approach or a fair value of collateral approach. The latter approach is used for loans deemed to be collateral dependent or when foreclosure is probable.

Management’s allowance for credit loss estimate incorporates an economic forecast over a reasonable and supportable period of 12 months. As of December 31, 2025, management utilized the Moody’s Baseline forecast to estimate the effect of anticipated current and future economic conditions on the Company’s allowance for credit losses. This scenario selected by management assumes that general economic conditions will reflect a slight increase in momentum in the near term, that monetary policy will be impacted by a gradual reduction in Federal Reserve policy rates, and that progress toward inflation will be slowed as a result of changes in international trade policies. Additionally, the allowance for credit losses is qualitatively adjusted on a quarterly basis in order to ensure coverage for relationships that are deemed to be more at risk within certain industries, specific collateral types, or other specific characteristics that may be highly impacted by the current economic environment.

The balance of allowance for credit losses increased by $19.9 million to $189.9 million as of December 31, 2025, as compared to $170.0 million at December 31, 2024. The increase was driven primarily by $43.5 million in initial allowance reserves recorded on the acquired Enterprise portfolio, including $34.5 million and $9.0 million attributable to non-PCD and PCD loans, respectively, as well as additional specific reserve allocations on certain commercial loans during 2025. These increases were partially offset by charge-offs on several classified commercial loans which had been previously reserved for.

The following table summarizes the ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding within each major loan category for the periods presented:

Table 13 - Summary Net Charge-Offs to Average Loans Outstanding

(Dollars in thousands)

(1) Other consumer portfolio is inclusive of deposit account overdrafts recorded as loan balances and the associated net charge-offs.

Net charge-offs were $54.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The elevated charge-off activity for the year ended December 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to charge-offs recognized on several classified commercial loans during the year.

For purposes of the allowance for credit losses, management segregates the portfolio based upon loans sharing similar risk characteristics. The allocation of the allowance for credit losses is made to each loan category using the analytical techniques and estimation methods described in this Report. While these amounts represent management’s best estimate of credit losses at the evaluation dates, they are not necessarily indicative of either the categories in which actual losses may occur or the extent of actual losses that may be recognized within each category. Each of these loan categories possess unique risk characteristics that are considered when determining the appropriate level of allowance for each segment. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any segment of the loan portfolio.

The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for credit losses by loan category at the dates indicated:

Table 14 - Summary of Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses

(Dollars in thousands)

To determine if a loan should be charged-off, all possible sources of repayment are analyzed. Possible sources of repayment include the potential for future cash flows, the value of the Bank’s collateral, and the strength of co-makers or guarantors. When available information confirms that specific loans or portions thereof are uncollectible, these amounts are promptly charged-off against the allowance for credit losses and any recoveries of such previously charged-off amounts are credited to the allowance.

Regardless of whether a loan is unsecured or collateralized, the Company charges off the amount of any confirmed loan loss in the period when the loans, or portions of loans, are deemed uncollectible. For troubled, collateral-dependent loans, loss-confirming events may include an appraisal or other valuation that reflects a shortfall between the value of the collateral and the carrying value of the loan or receivable, or a deficiency balance following the sale of the collateral.

For additional information regarding the Bank’s allowance for credit losses, see Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 4, “Loans, Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality” within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock The FHLB is a cooperative that provides services to its member banking institutions. The primary reason for the FHLB of Boston membership is to gain access to a reliable source of wholesale funding as a tool to manage liquidity and interest rate risk. The purchase of stock in the FHLB is a requirement for a member to gain access to funding. The Company either purchases additional FHLB stock or is subject to redemption of FHLB stock proportional to the volume of funding received. The Company views the holdings as a necessary long-term investment for the purpose of balance sheet liquidity and not for investment return. The Company’s investments in FHLB of Boston stock decreased to $21.8 million at December 31, 2025 compared to $31.6 million at December 31, 2024 in conjunction with paydowns of FHLB term borrowings during the twelve months of 2025, including the paydown of approximately $50.0 million of FHLB borrowings assumed from the Enterprise acquisition.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets were $1.2 billion and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

The Company typically performs its annual goodwill impairment testing during the third quarter of the year, unless certain indicators suggest earlier testing to be warranted, using a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. The initial qualitative approach assesses whether the existence of events or circumstances led to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is performed to compare carrying value to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company’s annual impairment test was performed as of August 31, 2025 and it was determined that the Company’s goodwill was not impaired.

Other intangible assets are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. There were no other events or changes during the fourth quarter of 2025 that indicated impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets. For additional information regarding the goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 6, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies The Bank holds life insurance policies for the purpose of offsetting its future obligations to its employees under its retirement and benefits plans. The cash surrender value of life insurance policies was $378.6 million and $304.0 million at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, reflecting approximately $68.4 million of policies obtained from the Enterprise acquisition.

The Company recorded tax exempt income from life insurance policies in the amounts of $9.4 million, $8.1 million, and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company also recorded gains on life insurance benefits of $2.0 million, $457,000, and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Deposits At December 31, 2025, total deposits were $20.1 billion, representing a $4.8 billion, or 31.5% increase compared to $15.3 billion at December 31, 2024. Total non-interest bearing demand deposits comprised 27.8% of total deposits at December 31, 2025, down only slightly from 28.7% at December 31, 2024. The total cost of deposits was 1.53% for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing a decrease of 10 basis points from the prior year.

The Company’s deposits are comprised primarily of core deposits (demand, savings and money market), as well as time deposits. The 2025 growth in deposit balances was driven primarily by $4.4 billion in balances acquired from Enterprise, as well as organic growth of $458.1 million, or 2.3%, during the twelve months ended 2025. The Company’s ratio of core deposits, inclusive of reciprocal money market deposits, to total deposits represented 83.7% at December 31, 2025 compared to 81.7% at December 31, 2024. In addition, the Company may also utilize brokered deposit sources, as needed, with balances of $6.0 million and $61.2 million outstanding at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The decrease was due to the maturity of $55.3 million of brokered certificates of deposit during 2025.

Excluding the effects of the Enterprise acquisition, the Company’s deposits have increased on a net organic basis as compared to the prior year end as summarized in the table below:

Table 15 - Components of Deposit Growth/(Decline)

(Dollars in thousands)

The Company’s deposit accounts are insured to the maximum extent permitted by the Deposit Insurance Fund which is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The FDIC offers insurance coverage on deposits up to the federally insured limit of $250,000. The Company participates in the IntraFi Network, allowing it to provide easy access to multi-million dollar FDIC deposit insurance protection on certificate of deposit and money market investments for consumers, businesses and public entities. This channel allows the Company to access a reciprocal deposit exchange that can be used to benefit customers seeking increased FDIC insurance protection, and amounted to $1.6 billion and $1.1 billion in deposits, at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The estimated balance of uninsured deposits at the Bank were $6.5 billion and $5.0 billion as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Included in these amounts are $932.0 million and $814.0 million of collateralized deposits, which offer additional protection.

Scheduled maturities of time deposits not covered by deposit insurance at December 31, 2025, were as follows:

Table 16 - Maturities of Uninsured Time Deposits

(Dollars in thousands)

(1) Amounts of uninsured time deposits presented in the table above are estimates determined based upon a relative proportion of customer account balances in excess of FDIC insurance limits, and in a manner consistent with the Company’s regulatory reporting requirements.

Borrowings The Company’s borrowings consist of both short-term and long-term borrowings and provide the Bank with one of its primary sources of funding. Maintaining available borrowing capacity provides the Bank with a contingent source of liquidity. Borrowings were $825.8 million at December 31, 2025, representing an increase of $124.5 million, compared to December 31, 2024. The increase was driven primarily by a $300.0 million subordinated debt raise completed by the Company in March 2025, as well as a $50.0 million line of credit advance during the fourth quarter of 2025. These increases were partially offset by $237.0 million in paydowns on FHLB borrowings during the twelve months ended December 31, 2025. Additionally, at the July 15, 2025 call date, the Company redeemed in full $60.0 million in subordinated notes assumed as part of the Enterprise merger. The Company also paid down approximately $50.0 million in FHLB borrowings acquired from Enterprise. See Note 8, “Borrowings” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report for more information regarding borrowings.

Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company proactively manages its liquidity and cash flow requirements with the intent to maintain stable, cost-effective funding and to promote the strength of its overall balance sheet. The liquidity position of the Company is continuously monitored by management and adjustments are made to appropriately balance sources and uses of funds, as needed. For further details surrounding the Company’s liquidity risks and related strategy, see the “Risk Management – Liquidity Risk” section below within Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within this Report.

At December 31, 2025, the Company and the Bank exceeded the minimum requirements for Common Equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital, total capital, and Tier 1 leverage capital, inclusive of the capital conservation buffer. See Note 19, “Regulatory Matters” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report for more information regarding capital requirements.

Investment Management

The following table presents total assets under administrations and number of accounts held by the Rockland Trust Investment Management Group at the following dates:

Table 17 - Assets Under Administration

(Dollars in thousands)

The Company’s Investment Management Group provides investment management and trust services to individuals, institutions, small businesses, and charitable institutions.

Accounts maintained by the Investment Management Group consist of managed and non-managed accounts. Managed accounts are those for which the Bank is responsible for administration and investment management and/or investment advice, while non-managed accounts are those for which the Bank acts solely as a custodian or directed trustee. The Bank receives fees dependent upon the level and type of service(s) provided. The Investment Management Group generated gross fee revenues of $45.0 million, $38.3 million, and $34.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Total assets under administration as of December 31, 2025 were $9.2 billion, including $444.3 million of investment solutions designed by Rockland Trust that are administered and executed through its agreement with LPL Financial (“LPL”), compared to $7.0 billion and $418.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2024. The Company also has a subsidiary that is a registered investment advisor, Bright Rock Capital Management, LLC, which provides institutional quality investment management services to both institutional and high net worth clients. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, included in the assets under administration amounts above, there were $520.5 million and $491.5 million, respectively, relating to the Company’s registered investment advisor.

The administration of trust and fiduciary accounts is monitored by the Trust Committee of the Bank’s Board of Directors. The Trust Committee has delegated administrative responsibilities to three committees, one for investments, one for administration, and one for operations, all of which are comprised of Investment Management Group officers who meet no less than quarterly.

The Bank has an agreement with LPL and its affiliates and their insurance subsidiary, LPL Insurance Associates, Inc., to offer the sale of mutual fund shares, unit investment trust shares, general securities, fixed and variable annuities and life insurance. Registered representatives who are both employed by the Bank and licensed and contracted with LPL are onsite to offer these products to the Bank’s customer base. These same agents are also approved and appointed with various other broker general agents for the purposes of processing insurance solutions for clients. The retail investments and insurance revenues were $5.1 million, $4.4 million, and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

Results of Operations

Table 18 - Summary of Results of Operations

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net Interest Income The amount of net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates and by the volume, mix, and interest rate sensitivity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

On a fully tax-equivalent basis, net interest income was $713.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing a 26.0% increase from net interest income of $566.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The 2025 increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to increased average interest earning assets obtained from the Enterprise acquisition, as well as higher yields on interest earning assets, which were positively impacted by the accretion of purchase accounting marks from the Enterprise acquisition, and decreased funding costs. These factors resulted in a net interest margin of 3.57%, representing an increase of 29 basis point, as compared to 3.28% for the prior year.

The following table presents the Company’s average balances, net interest income, interest rate spread, and net interest margin for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. Non-taxable income from loans and securities is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis by adjusting tax-exempt income upward by an amount equivalent to the prevailing federal income taxes that would have been paid if the income had been fully taxable.

Table 19 - Average Balance, Interest Earned/Paid & Average Yields

(Dollars in thousands)

57

(1) The total amount of adjustment to present interest income and yield on a fully tax-equivalent basis is $5.1 million, $4.7 million, and $4.5 million for 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

(2) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average costs of interest-bearing liabilities.

(3) Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

The following table presents certain information on a fully-tax equivalent basis regarding changes in the Company’s interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided with respect to changes attributable to (1) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume), (2) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior year rate) and (3) changes in volume/rate (change in rate multiplied by change in volume) which is allocated to the change due to rate column:

Table 20 - Volume Rate Analysis

(Dollars in thousands)

(1) The table above reflects income determined on a fully tax equivalent basis. See footnote to Table 19 above for the related adjustments.

Provision For Credit Losses The provision for credit losses represents the charge to expense that is required to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses. The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $65.5 million, $36.3 million and $23.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The increase in the current period includes $34.5 million related to non-PCD loans acquired from Enterprise. The increases between 2024 and 2023 are attributable to idiosyncratic events within the commercial portfolios.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses, as a percentage of total loans, was 1.03%, 1.17% and 1.00% at December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease from the prior periods is due to charge-offs taken on loans that were specifically reserved for at those periods. See Note 4, “Loans, Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report, for further details surrounding the primary drivers of the provision for credit losses during the period.

Non-interest Income The following table sets forth information regarding non-interest income for the periods shown:

Table 21 - Non-interest Income

(Dollars in thousands)

The primary reasons for significant variances in the non-interest income categories shown in the preceding table are noted below:

• Deposit account fees were higher than the year ago period as a result of increases in overdraft and cash management fees, as well as increased volume attributable to Enterprise acquisition.
• Interchange and ATM fees increased year-over-year primarily due to increased volume due to the Enterprise acquisition and timing of vendor rebates.
• Investment management and advisory income increased year-over-year, and is primarily attributable to higher asset-based revenue resulting from higher levels of assets under administration, which increased by $2.2 billion, or 31.0%, from $7.0 billion at December 31, 2024 to $9.2 billion at December 31, 2025, including the addition of $1.5 billion in assets under administration acquired from Enterprise. This increase was partially offset by lower insurance commissions recognized in 2025 as compared to 2024.
• Mortgage banking income increased year-over-year, driven by higher origination volume as compared to the same prior year period.
• The increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies were primarily attributable to policies obtained in connection with the Enterprise acquisition.
• Gain on life insurance benefits increased year-over-year as the Company received higher levels of proceeds on life insurance policies.
• Loan level derivative income increased year-over-year, reflecting fluctuations in customer demand fueled by changes in the macroeconomic environment.
• Other noninterest income increased year-over-year, driven primarily by business owner advisory services of $533,000, credit card fee income of $502,000, checkbook fees of $319,000, and payment processing income of $294,000. These increases were partially offset by decreases in FHLB dividend income and less equity securities unrealized gains.

Non-interest Expense The following table sets forth information regarding non-interest expense for the periods shown:

Table 22 - Non-interest Expense

(Dollars in thousands)

The primary reasons for significant variances in the non-interest expense categories shown in the preceding tables are noted below:

• Salaries and employee benefits increased year-over-year primarily attributable to increases in general salaries of $30.4 million, including the impact of an expanded employee base as a result of the Enterprise acquisition, as well as increases in incentive programs of approximately $6.9 million, medical plan insurance of $4.3 million, payroll taxes of $3.5 million and commissions of $2.4 million.
• Occupancy and equipment expense increased year-over-year, primarily attributable to the expanded branch network, real estate and other fixed assets obtained from the Enterprise acquisition.
• Data processing increases reflect overall increased levels of transactional activity in conjunction with the Company’s growth, including the Enterprise acquisition.
• Software and subscriptions increased primarily due to the Company’s continued investment in its technology infrastructure.
• FDIC assessment expense increased in comparison to the prior year, primarily attributable to an increased assessment rate following the Enterprise acquisition.
• Debit card expenses increased year-over-year, driven primarily by a one-time credit of $1.1 million recognized during 2024.
• Consulting expense decreased year-over-year due primarily to the timing of strategic initiatives.
• Amortization of intangible assets increased, driven by increased amortization attributable to the core deposit intangible, customer list and other intangible assets established as part of the Enterprise acquisition.
• The Company incurred merger and acquisition expenses of $39.6 million and $1.9 million during the years ended 2025 and 2024, respectively, related to the Company’s acquisition of Enterprise. The majority of the merger expense related to change in control and severance contracts, vendor systems contract terminations, as well as legal and professional fees.
• Other non-interest expenses increased year-over year, driven primarily by increases in internet banking expense of $837,000, examinations and audits of $784,000, loan workout costs of $739,000, director fees of $619,000, telecommunications costs of $592,000, contract labor of $395,000, reciprocal deposit fees of $372,000, business development and customer events of $310,000, along with other miscellaneous expenses. These increases were partially offset by decreases in card issuance costs, losses on equity securities, defined benefit plan costs, and other losses and change-offs .

Income Taxes The tax effect of all income and expense transactions is recognized by the Company in each year’s consolidated statements of income, regardless of the year in which the transactions are reported for income tax purposes. The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s tax provision and applicable tax rates for the periods indicated:

Table 23 - Tax Provision and Applicable Tax Rates

(Dollars in thousands)

The effective tax rate is impacted by pre-tax income levels, a decrease in the statutory state tax rate, as well as increased tax benefits from low-income housing tax credits. The effective tax rates in the table are lower than the blended statutory tax rates due to the impact of discrete items, including tax benefits related to equity compensation, as well as certain tax preference assets such as life insurance policies, tax exempt bonds and federal tax credits, such as low income housing tax credits.

For additional information related to the Company’s income taxes see Note 11, “Income Taxes” and Note 12, “Low Income Housing Project Investments” within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) was enacted on July 4, 2025. Among other things, the new law makes permanent certain expiring business tax provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These include provisions which allow businesses to immediately expense, for tax purposes, the cost of new investments in certain qualified depreciable assets and the cost of qualified domestic research and development. The OBBBA also imposes a floor on tax deductions taken on charitable contributions. Further, the OBBBA significantly changes U.S. tax law related to foreign operations and certain tax credits; however, such changes are not anticipated to have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements.

Dividends The Company declared quarterly cash dividends totaling $2.36 per common share in 2025 and $2.28 per common share in 2024. The 2025 and 2024 ratio of dividends paid to earnings was 50.65% and 50.08%, respectively.

Since substantially all of the funds available for the payment of dividends are derived from the Bank, future dividends of the Company will depend on the earnings of the Bank, its financial condition, its need for funds, applicable governmental policies and regulations, and other such matters as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.

Comparison of 2024 vs. 2023 For a discussion of our results for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, please see *Item 7. “*Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025.

Risk Management

The Board of Directors has approved an Enterprise Risk Management Policy and Risk Appetite Statement to state the Company’s goals and objectives in identifying, measuring, and managing the risks associated with the Company’s current and near future anticipated size and complexity. Management is responsible for comprehensive enterprise risk management, and continually strives to adopt and implement practices that strike an appropriate balance between risk and reward and permit the achievement of strategic goals in a controlled environment.

The Company has implemented the “three lines of defense” enterprise risk management model . The first line of defense represents all operating business units, and corporate functions. Under the purview of the Chief Risk Officer, the second line of defense monitors and provides risk management advice across all risk domains, and is comprised of Enterprise Risk Management/Operational Risk, Enterprise Compliance, and Information Security. The activities of the second line of defense are overseen by and reported to the Board Risk Committee on a regular basis. Under the purview of the Chief Internal Auditor, the third line of defense is the independent assurance function primarily executed by the Company’s internal audit department. Third line of defense audit activities are overseen by and reported to the Company’s Board Audit Committee on a regular basis. Risk management efforts are further supported and bolstered through a formal and robust risk governance structure comprised of various management level committees that are designed to identify, monitor, report and mitigate top risks faced by the Company based on its risk taxonomy as described below.

The Board of Directors, with the assistance of its Risk Committee, exercised oversight of the Company’s risk management program and practices. As risks must be taken to create value, the Board of Directors has approved a Risk Appetite Statement that defines the acceptable residual risk appetite for the Company and the nine major risk types identified as having the potential to create significant adverse impacts on the Company, such as financial losses, reputational damage, legal or regulatory actions, failure to achieve strategic objectives, diminished customer experience, and/or cultural erosion. The nine major risk categories identified by the Company and addressed in the Risk Appetite Statement are strategic and emerging risk, culture risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, market and interest rate risk, operational risk, reputation risk, regulatory and compliance risk, and technology and cyber risk, each of which is discussed below.

Strategic and Emerging Risk Strategic and emerging risk is the risk arising from adverse strategic or business decisions, misalignment of strategic direction with the Company’s mission and values, failure to execute strategies or tactics, or an inadequate adaptation or lack of responsiveness to industry and/or operating environment changes. Management seeks to mitigate strategic and emerging risk through strategic planning, frequent executive review of strategic plan progress, monitoring of competitors and technology, assessment of new products, new branches, and new business initiatives, customer advocacy, and crisis management planning.

Culture Risk Culture risk is the risk arising from failed leadership and/or ineffective colleague engagement and workplace management that causes the Company to lose sight of core values and, through acts or omissions, damage the relationship-based culture that has been one of the foundations of the Company’s success. Management seeks to mitigate culture risk through effective employee relations, leadership that encourages continuous improvement, cultural development and reinforcement of core values, communication of clear ethical and behavioral standards, consistent enforcement of policies and programs, discipline of misbehavior, alignment of incentives and compensation, and by promoting a company-wide focus on respect for individual differences and differing perspectives.

Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk arising from the failure of a borrower or a counterparty to a contract to make payments as agreed, and includes the risks arising from inadequate collateral and mismanagement of loan concentrations. While the collateral securing loans may be sufficient in some cases to recover the amount due, in other cases the Company may experience significant credit losses that could have an adverse effect on its operating results. The Company makes assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of its borrowers and counterparties and the value of collateral for the repayment of loans. For further discussion regarding the credit risk and the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, see Note 5, “Loans, Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk arising from the Company being unable to meet obligations when due. Liquidity risk includes the inability to access funding sources or manage fluctuations in available funding levels. Liquidity risk also results from a failure to recognize or address market condition changes that affect the ability to liquidate assets quickly with minimal value loss.

The Company’s primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, and the amortization, prepayment, and maturities of loans and securities. The Bank utilizes its extensive branch network to access retail customers who provide a base of in-market core deposits. These funds are principally comprised of demand deposits, interest checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. Interest rates, economic conditions, and competitive factors greatly influence deposit levels.

The Company measures funds availability and surplus under both stress and non-stress conditions. In addition, liquidity monitoring ensures appropriate oversight of funding exposures and reliance, as well as available capacity. The Company continually monitors both on and off balance sheet liquidity sources to understand vulnerabilities and when adjustments to the balance between sources and uses of funds may be necessary. Management regularly performs liquidity stress testing to assess potential liquidity outflows or funding concerns resulting from economic or industry disruptions, volatility in the financial markets, or unforeseen credit events. The results of these scenarios are used to inform the Company’s Contingency Funding Plan and help provide the basis for its liquidity needs.

The Company prioritizes core deposits as a primary funding source and continues to maintain a variety of available liquidity sources, including FHLB advances, and Federal Reserve borrowing capacity. These funding sources serve as a contingent source of liquidity and, when profitable lending and investment opportunities exist, the Company may access them to provide the liquidity needed to grow the balance sheet. The amount and type of assets that the Company has available to pledge affects the Company’s FHLB and Federal Reserve borrowing capacity. The Company’s lending decisions, therefore, can also affect its liquidity position.

The Company may also have the ability to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or unsecured debt privately or publicly, as demonstrated by the $300.0 million subordinated debt issuance completed by the Company during the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, the Company is able to acquire brokered certificates of deposits at its discretion. The availability and cost of equity or debt on an unsecured basis is dependent on many factors, including the Company’s financial position, the market environment, and the Company’s credit rating. The Company monitors the factors that could affect its ability to raise liquidity through these channels.

The table below shows current and unused liquidity capacity from various sources at the dates indicated:

Table 24 - Sources of Liquidity

(Dollars in thousands)

(1) Loans and securities with a carrying value of $4.5 billion and $3.8 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, were pledged to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

(2) Represents line of credit available to the parent Company.

(3) Loans and securities with a carrying value of $8.3 billion and $4.6 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, were pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

(4) The additional borrowing capacity has not been assessed for these categories.

In addition to customary operational liquidity practices, the Board and management recognize the need to establish reasonable guidelines to manage a heightened liquidity risk environment. Catalysts for elevated liquidity risk can be Company-specific issues and/or systemic macro-economic or industry-wide events. Management is therefore responsible for instituting systems and controls designed to provide advanced detection of potentially significant funding shortages, establishing methods for assessing and monitoring risk levels, and instituting responses that may alleviate or circumvent a potential liquidity crisis.

Management has established a Contingency Funding Plan to provide a framework to detect potential liquidity problems and appropriately address them in a timely manner.

Market and Interest Rate Risk Market risk refers to the risk of potential losses arising from changes in interest rates and the value of assets due to market conditions or other external factors or events. Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk to which the Company has exposure to due to the nature of its operations.

Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of income to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes, as well as fluctuations in the level and duration of assets and liabilities, affect net interest income, which is the Company’s primary source of revenue. Interest rate risk arises directly from the Company’s core banking activities. In addition to directly affecting net interest income, changes in the level of interest rates can also affect the amount of loans originated, the timing of cash flows on loans and securities, and the fair value of securities and derivatives, and have other effects.

Management strives to control interest rate risk within limits approved by the Board of Directors that reflect the Company’s tolerance for interest rate risk over short-term and long-term horizons. The Company attempts to manage interest rate risk by identifying, quantifying, and, where appropriate, hedging exposure. If assets and liabilities do not re-price simultaneously and in equal volume, the potential for interest rate exposure exists. It is the Company’s objective to maintain stability in the growth of net interest income through the maintenance of an appropriate mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and, when necessary within limits management deems prudent, with hedging instruments such as interest rate swaps, floors, and caps.

The Company quantifies its interest rate exposures using net interest income and Economic Value of Equity analysis. Key assumptions in these analyses relate to behavior of interest rates and behavior of the Company’s deposit and loan customers. The most material assumptions relate to the prepayment of loans and securities and the life and sensitivity of non-maturity deposits (e.g., demand deposit, savings, and money market accounts). The risk of prepayment tends to increase when interest rates fall. Since future prepayment behavior of loan customers is uncertain, interest rate sensitivity of loans cannot be determined with precision and actual behavior may differ from assumptions to a significant degree. Non-maturity deposits, assumptions over customer behavior, shifts in deposits categories, and magnitude of impact to the cost of deposits all may differ from what is currently anticipated by the models or analyses.

Given the volatility associated with market rates, and the uncertainty surrounding future rate movements, management has continued to maintain a more neutral interest rate risk position. The Company runs numerous scenarios to quantify and effectively assist in managing interest rate risk, including instantaneous parallel shifts over one and two year horizons, and a series of non-parallel shocks to evaluate the impact of different yield curve shape. Key highlights of the Company’s net interest income sensitivity is summarized in the following table:

Table 25 - Interest Rate Sensitivity

The results depicted in the table above are dependent on material assumptions, such as prepayment rates, decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and other factors, which management believes are reasonable. These assumptions may be impacted by customer preferences or competitive influences and therefore actual experience may differ from the assumptions in the model. Accordingly, although the tables provide an indication of the Company’s interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates, and actual results may differ.

The most significant market factors affecting the Company’s net interest income during the year ended December 31, 2025 were the shape of the U.S. Government securities and interest rate swap yield curve, the U.S. prime interest rate, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, and other interest rates offered on long-term fixed rate loans.

The Company manages the interest rate risk inherent in both its loan and borrowing portfolios by using interest rate swap agreements and interest rate caps and floors. An interest rate swap is an agreement in which one party agrees to pay a floating rate of interest on a notional principal amount in exchange for receiving a fixed rate of interest on the same notional amount for a predetermined period from the other party. Interest rate caps and floors are agreements where one party agrees to pay a floating rate of interest on a notional principal amount for a predetermined period to a second party if certain market interest rate thresholds are realized. While interest is paid or received in swap, cap, and floors agreements, the notional principal amount is not exchanged. The Company may also manage the interest rate risk inherent in its mortgage banking operations by entering into forward sales contracts under which the Company agrees to deliver whole mortgage loans to various investors. See Note 10, “Derivatives and Hedging Activities” within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative financial instruments.

Movements in foreign currency rates or commodity prices do not directly or materially affect the Company’s earnings. Movements in equity prices may have a modest impact on earnings by affecting the volume of activity or the amount of fees from investment-related business lines. See Note 3, “Securities” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

Operational Risk Operational risk is the risk arising from human error or misconduct, transaction errors or delays, inadequate or failed internal systems or processes, data unavailability, loss, or poor quality, or adverse external events. Operational risk includes fraud risk and model risk. Potential operational risk exposure exists throughout the Company. The continued effectiveness of colleagues and operational infrastructure are integral to mitigating operational risk, and any shortcomings subject the Company to risks that vary in size, scale and scope.

Reputation Risk Reputation risk is the risk arising from negative public opinion of the Company and the Bank. Management seeks to mitigate reputational risk through actions that include a structured process of customer complaint resolution and ongoing reputational monitoring.

Regulatory and Compliance Risk Regulatory and Compliance risk is the risk arising from violations of laws or regulations, non-conformance with prescribed practices, internal bank policies and procedures, or ethical standards. Compliance risk includes consumer compliance risk, legal risk, and regulatory compliance risk. Management seeks to mitigate compliance risk through compliance training and regulatory change management processes.

Technology and Cyber Risk Technology and Cyber risk is the risk of losses or other impacts arising from the failure of technology systems to function in accordance with expectations and business requirements. Technology risks include technical failures, unlawful tampering with technical systems, cyber security, terrorist activities, ineffectiveness or exposure due to interruption in third party support. Management seeks to mitigate technology risk through appropriate security and controls over data and its technological environment. The Bank manages cybersecurity threats proactively and maintains robust controls to protect its critical systems and information assets by investing in secure, reliable and resilient technology infrastructure, fostering a culture of technology risk awareness and continuously improving its technology risk management practices.

Contractual Obligations, Commitments, Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Obligations

In the ordinary course of business the Company has entered into contractual obligations, commitments, residential loans sold with recourse and other off-balance sheet financial instruments. Refer to the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements in this report for further information and the expected timing of the applicable payments as of December 31, 2025. These include payments related to (i) borrowings (Note 8 - Borrowings), (ii) lease obligations (Note 17 - Leases), (iii) time deposits with stated maturity dates (Note 7 - Deposits), (iv) commitments to extend credit (Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies), (v) derivative positions (Note 10 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities), and (vi) unfunded commitments on low income housing project investments (Note 12 - Low Income Housing Project Investments). Also refer to Table 24 - Sources of Liquidity within Item 7 of this Report for further details surrounding the Company’s current and unused liquidity resources.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto presented in Item 8 of this Report have been prepared in accordance with GAAP which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

The financial nature of the Company’s consolidated financial statements is more clearly affected by changes in interest rates than by inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily fluctuate in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. However, inflation does affect the Company because, as prices increase, the money supply grows and interest rates are affected by inflationary expectations. The impact on the Company is a noted increase in the size of loan requests with resulting growth in total assets. In addition, operating expenses may increase without a corresponding increase in productivity. There is no precise method, however, to measure the effects of inflation on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, any examination or analysis of the financial statements should take into consideration the possible effects of inflation.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. Certain estimates associated with these policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of assumptions and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. These critical accounting estimates are defined as estimates made in accordance with GAAP that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a material impact on financial condition or results of operations. Management believes that the Company’s most critical accounting policies and estimates upon which the Company’s financial condition depends, and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, are as follows:

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Held for Investment The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses in accordance with the CECL methodology for loans measured at amortized cost. The allowance for credit losses is established based upon the Company’s current estimate of expected lifetime credit losses. Arriving at an appropriate amount of allowance for credit losses involves a high degree of judgment.

The Company estimates credit losses on a collective basis for loans sharing similar risk characteristics using a quantitative model combined with an assessment of certain qualitative factors designed to address forecast risk and model risk inherent in the quantitative model output. Management’s judgment is required for the selection and application of these factors which are derived from historical loss experience as well as assumptions surrounding expected future losses and economic forecasts.

Loans that no longer share similar risk characteristics with any pools of assets are subject to individual assessment and are removed from the collectively assessed pools to avoid double counting. For the loans that are individually assessed, the Company uses either a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) approach or a fair value of collateral approach. The latter approach is used for loans deemed to be collateral dependent or when foreclosure is probable. Changes in these judgments and assumptions could be due to a number of circumstances which may have a direct impact on the provision for loan losses and may result in changes to the amount of allowance. The allowance for credit losses is increased by the provision for credit losses and by recoveries of loans previously charged off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management’s assessments confirm that the Company will not collect the full amortized cost basis of a loan.

Management performs periodic sensitivity and stress testing using available economic forecasts in order to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses under varying scenarios. Given the Company’s benign loss history, the analyses performed have not resulted in a material change to the quantitative allowance but have informed management’s determination of qualitative adjustments and act as corroborating evidence as to the appropriateness of the allowance as a whole. For additional discussion of the Company’s methodology of assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses, see Note 4, “Loans, Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using two components of income tax expense, current and deferred. Current taxes represent the net estimated amount due to or to be received from taxing authorities in the current year. In estimating accrued taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions, taking into account statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance in the context of the Company’s tax position. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future effects on income taxes that result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, and carry-forwards that exist at the end of a period. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and provisions of the enacted tax law and are not discounted to reflect the time-value of money. The effect of any change in enacted tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are assessed for recoverability and the Company may record a valuation allowance if it believes based on available evidence that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets recognized will not be realized before their expiration. The amount of the deferred tax asset recognized and considered realizable could be reduced if projected income is not achieved due to various factors such as unfavorable business conditions. If projected income is not expected to be achieved, the Company may record a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that it believes can be realized in its future tax returns. Additionally, deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated based on tax rates expected to be in effect in future periods. Previously recorded tax assets and liabilities need to be adjusted when the expected date of the future event is revised based upon current information. The Company may also record an unrecognized tax benefit related to uncertain tax positions taken by the Company on its tax returns for which there is less than a 50% likelihood of being recognized upon a tax examination. All movements in unrecognized tax benefits are recognized through the provision for income taxes. Taxes are discussed in more detail in Note 11, “Income Taxes” within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

Business Combinations In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values as of the date of acquisition, with the related transaction costs expensed in the period incurred. The Company may use third party valuation specialists to assist in the determination of fair value of certain assets and liabilities at the acquisition date, including loans, core deposit intangibles and time deposits. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date, the estimates are inherently uncertain. The allowance for credit losses on PCD loans is recognized within business combination accounting. The allowance for credit losses on non-PCD loans is recognized as a provision expense in the same period as the business combination. For further discussion of the Company’s accounting policies for estimating credit losses on acquired loans, see Note 4, “Loans, Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

Valuation of Goodwill/Intangible Assets and Analysis for Impairment The Company has increased its market share through the acquisition of entire financial institutions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, as well as from the acquisition of branches (not the entire institution) and other non-banking entities. For all acquisitions, the Company is required to record assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair value, which is an estimate determined by the use of internal or other valuation techniques, which may include the use of third-party specialists. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually, or more often if warranted, using a combined qualitative and quantitative impairment approach. The initial qualitative approach assesses whether the existence of events or circumstances led 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 the totality of events and circumstances, the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is performed to compare carrying value to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

The Company’s goodwill relates to acquisitions that are fully integrated into the retail banking operations, which management does not consider to be at risk of failing step one in the near future. The Company’s other intangible assets are subject to amortization and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. When applicable, the Company tests each of the other intangibles by comparing the carrying value of the intangible to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.

Valuation of Investment Securities Securities that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity are classified as securities held-to-maturity and are accounted for using historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Trading and equity securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other non-interest income. All other securities are classified as securities available-for-sale and are carried at fair market value. The fair values of securities are based on either quoted market price or third-party pricing services. In general, the third-party pricing services employ various methodologies, including but not limited to, broker quotes and proprietary models. Management does not typically adjust the prices received from third-party pricing services. Depending upon the type of security, management employs various techniques to analyze the pricing it receives from third-parties, such as reviewing model inputs, reviewing comparable trades, analyzing changes in market yields and, in certain instances, reviewing the underlying collateral of the security. Management reviews changes in fair values from period to period and performs testing to ensure that the prices received from the third parties are consistent with their expectation of the market.

Management determines if the market for a security is active primarily based upon the frequency of which the security, or similar securities, are traded. For securities which are determined to have an inactive market, fair value models are calibrated and to the extent possible, significant inputs are back tested on a quarterly basis. The third-party service provider performs calibration and testing of the models by comparing anticipated inputs to actual results, on a quarterly basis. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale are reported, on an after-tax basis, as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Recent Accounting Developments

See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management” in Item 7 of this Report.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of the assets of the Company;

(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).

Based on our assessment and those criteria, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP (PCAOB Auditor Firm ID: 42), has issued a report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which appears below:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Independent Bank Corp.

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Independent Bank Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Independent Bank Corp. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2025 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2026 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 27, 2026