INDEPENDENT BANK CORP (Form: 10-K, Received: 02/27/2018 16:25:39)

Large Accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

Emerging growth company o

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K



x	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017



o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 1-9047

Independent Bank Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Massachusetts	04-2870273
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Office Address: 2036 Washington Street, Hanover, Massachusetts Mailing Address: 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts (Address of principal executive offices)	02339 02370 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(781) 878-6100

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.0l par value per share	NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,: “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

If and emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Acts. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

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As of June 30, 2017 , the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of such stock on June 30, 2017 was approximately $1,788,617,441 .

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. February 23, 2018 - 27,505,766

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document is incorporated: (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933.

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated into Part III, Items 10-14 of this Form 10-K. The 2018 definitive proxy statement will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2017 .

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INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

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		Page #
Part I
Item 1.	Business	4
	General	4
	Market Area and Competition	5
	Lending Activities	5
	Investment Activities	10
	Sources of Funds	10
	Investment Management	11
	Regulation	11
	Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies	18
	Available Information	18
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	19
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	25
Item 2.	Properties	25
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	25
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	25

Part II
Item 5.	Market for Independent Bank Corp.’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	26
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	29
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
	Table 1 - Securities Portfolio Composition	39
	Table 2 - Securities Portfolio, Amounts Maturing	40
	Table 3 - Closed Residential Real Estate Loans	41
	Table 4 - Mortgage Servicing Asset	42
	Table 5 - Components of Loan Growth/(Decline)	42
	Table 6 - Loan Portfolio Composition	43
	Table 7 - Scheduled Contractual Loan Amortization	43
	Table 8 - Nonperforming Assets	45
	Table 9 - Activity in Nonperforming Assets	46
	Table 10 - Troubled Debt Restructurings	46
	Table 11 - Activity in Troubled Debt Restructurings	46
	Table 12 - Interest Income - Nonaccrual Loans and Troubled Debt	47
	Table 13 - Summary of Changes in the Allowance for Loan Losses	49
	Table 14 - Summary of Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses	50
	Table 15 - Components of Deposit Growth/(Decline)	51
	Table 16 - Maturities of Time Certificate of Deposits $100,000 and over	51
	Table 17 - Borrowings by Category	52
	Table 18 - Summary of Results of Operations	53
	Table 19 - Average Balance, Interest Earned/Paid & Average Yields	53
	Table 20 - Volume Rate Analysis	55
	Table 21 - Noninterest Income	56
	Table 22 - Noninterest Expense	57
	Table 23 - Tax Provision and Applicable Tax Rates	58
	Table 24 - New Markets Tax Credit Recognition Schedule	58
	Table 25 - Interest Rate Sensitivity	62
	Table 26 - Sources of Liquidity	63

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		Page #
	Table 27 - Contractual Obligations, Commitments, Contingencies, and Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments by Maturity	65
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	68
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	69
	Consolidated Balance Sheets	70
	Consolidated Statements of Income	71
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	72
	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity	73
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	75
	Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	77
	Note 2 - Acquisitions	89
	Note 3 - Securities	93
	Note 4 - Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality	97
	Note 5 - Bank Premises and Equipment	108
	Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	108
	Note 7 - Deposits	109
	Note 8 - Borrowings	110
	Note 9 - Earnings Per Share	113
	Note 10 - Stock Based Compensation	114
	Note 11 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities	118
	Note 12 - Balance Sheet Offsetting	122
	Note 13 - Income Taxes	123
	Note 14 - Low Income Housing Project Investments	125
	Note 15 - Employee Benefit Plans	126
	Note 16 - Fair Value Measurements	130
	Note 17 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	137
	Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies	139
	Note 19 - Regulatory Matters	140
	Note 20 - Parent Company Financial Statements	142
	Note 21 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data	145
	Note 22 - Transactions with Related Parties	145
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	146
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	146
Item 9B.	Other Information	149

Part III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	149
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	149
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	149
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	149
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	149

Part IV
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	150
Signatures		153

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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, both in the MD&A and elsewhere, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about management’s confidence and strategies and management’s expectations about new and existing programs and products, acquisitions, relationships, opportunities, taxation, technology, market conditions and economic expectations. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “view,” “opportunity,” “allow,” “continues,” “reflects,” “typically,” “usually,” “anticipate,” or similar statements or variations of such terms. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties and our actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements in addition to those risk factors listed under the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K include, but are not limited to:


•	a weakening in the United States economy in general and the regional and local economies within the New England region and the Company’s market area;


•	adverse changes or volatility in the local real estate market;


•	adverse changes in asset quality including an unanticipated credit deterioration in our loan portfolio including those related to one or more large commercial relationships;


•	acquisitions may not produce results at levels or within time frames originally anticipated and may result in unforeseen integration issues or impairment of goodwill and/or other intangibles;


•	changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;


•	higher than expected tax expense, resulting from failure to comply with general tax laws, changes in tax laws, or failure to comply with requirements of the federal New Markets Tax Credit program;


•	unexpected changes in market interest rates for interest earning assets and/or interest bearing liabilities;


•	unexpected increased competition in the Company’s market area;


•	unanticipated loan delinquencies, loss of collateral, decreased service revenues, and other potential negative effects caused by severe weather or other external events;


•	a deterioration in the conditions of the securities markets;


•	a deterioration of the credit rating for U.S. long-term sovereign debt;


•	the inability to adapt to changes in information technology, including changes to industry accepted delivery models driven by a migration to the internet as a means of service delivery;


•	electronic fraudulent activity within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector;


•	adverse changes in consumer spending and savings habits;


•	the inability to realize expected synergies from merger transactions in the amounts or in the timeframe anticipated;


•	the inability to retain customers and employees, including those acquired in previous acquisitions;


•	the effect of laws and regulations regarding the financial services industry including, but not limited to, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and the Consumer Protection Act and regulatory uncertainty surrounding these laws and regulations;


•	changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) generally applicable to the Company’s business;


•	changes in accounting policies, practices and standards, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and other accounting standard setters;


•	cyber security attacks or intrusions that could adversely impact our businesses; and


•	other unexpected material adverse changes in our operations or earnings.

Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events or otherwise. Any public statements or disclosures by the Company following this Annual Report on Form 10-K which modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K will be deemed to modify or supersede such statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

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” or the “Bank”), a Massachusetts trust company chartered in 1907. Rockland is a community-oriented commercial bank, and the community banking business is the Company’s only reportable operating segment. The community banking business is managed as a single strategic unit and derives its revenues from a wide range of banking services, including lending activities, acceptance of demand, savings, and time deposits, and investment management. At December 31, 2017 , the Company had total assets of $8.1 billion , total deposits of $6.7 billion , stockholders’ equity of $943.8 million , and 1,108 full-time equivalent employees.

On May 12, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of Island Bancorp, Inc., the parent of The Edgartown National Bank ("Island Bancorp"), adding four full service bank branches. The acquisition included $155.6 million in loans and $159.6 million in deposits, at fair value. Total consideration of $28.3 million was comprised of 20% cash and 80% stock consideration. The cash consideration was $4.8 million in the aggregate, inclusive of cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. The total stock consideration was $23.5 million resulting in an increase to the Company's outstanding shares of 369,286 shares.

The Company is currently the sponsor of Independent Capital Trust V, a Delaware statutory trust, Slade's Ferry Statutory Trust I, a Connecticut 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 in accordance with the requirements of the consolidation topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).

As of December 31, 2017 , the Bank had the following corporate subsidiaries, all of which were wholly owned by the Bank and included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements:


•	Five Massachusetts security corporations, namely Rockland Borrowing Collateral Securities Corp., Rockland Deposit Collateral Securities Corp., Taunton Avenue Securities Corp., Goddard Ave Securities Corp. and MFLR Securities Corporation;

•

Rockland Trust Community Development Corporation, which has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Rockland Trust Community Development LLC and Rockland Trust Community Development Corporation II, and which also serves as the manager of three Limited Liability Company subsidiaries wholly-owned by the Bank, Rockland Trust Community Development III LLC, Rockland Trust Community Development IV LLC, and Rockland Trust Community Development V LLC, which are all qualified as community development entities under federal New Markets Tax Credit Program criteria;


•	Rockland MHEF Fund LLC, established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rockland Trust, created with Massachusetts Housing Equity Fund, Inc. as the third party nonmember manager and was established to invest in certain low-income housing tax credit projects;


•	RTC LIHTC Investments LLC, established to invest primarily in Massachusetts-based low-income housing tax credit projects;


•	Rockland Trust Phoenix LLC, formed for the purpose of holding, maintaining, and disposing of certain foreclosed properties;


•	Compass Exchange Advisors LLC, which provides like-kind exchange services pursuant to section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code; and


•	Bright Rock Capital Management LLC, which was established to act as a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940.

Periodically, Compass Exchange Advisors LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, acts as an Exchange Accommodation Titleholder (“EAT”) in connection with customers' like-kind exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. When Compass Exchange Advisors LLC provides EAT services, it establishes an EAT entity to hold title to property for its customers for up to 180 days in accordance with Internal Revenue Service guidelines. EAT entities are considered

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the property owner solely for federal income tax purposes, and in no other instances, in order to facilitate a customer's like kind exchange. A typical EAT entity is a Massachusetts corporation whose directors are all Rockland Trust officers and which has Compass Exchange Advisors LLC as its sole shareholder. The EAT entity owns all of the membership interest in a LLC which holds title to the property and is managed by the customer. All financial benefits and burdens of property ownership are borne by the customer. EAT entities are therefore not consolidated onto Compass Exchange Advisors LLC's balance sheet in accordance with requirements of the consolidation topic of the ASC.

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, 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.

In attracting deposits, the Bank’s primary competitors are savings banks, commercial and co-operative banks, credit unions, internet banks, as well as other nonbank 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.

The Bank’s market area is attractive and entry into the market by financial institutions previously not competing in the market area may continue to occur which could impact the Bank’s growth or profitability. The Bank’s market area is generally comprised of Eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, and Rhode Island.

Lending Activities

The Bank’s gross loan portfolio (loans before allowance for loan losses) amounted to $6.4 billion on December 31, 2017 , or 78.6% of total assets. The Bank classifies loans as commercial, consumer real estate, or other consumer. Commercial loans consist of commercial and industrial loans, asset-based loans, commercial real estate, commercial construction, and small business loans. Commercial and industrial loans generally consist of loans to customers with credit needs in excess of $250,000 and revenue in excess of $2.5 million, and are made for working capital and other business-related purposes and floor plan financing. Asset-based loans consist primarily of revolving lines of credit but also include term loans. Asset-based revolving lines of credit are typically structured as committed lines with terms of three to five years, have variable rates of interest, and are collateralized by accounts receivable and inventory. Asset-based term loans are typically secured by owner occupied commercial real estate and machinery and equipment. Commercial real estate loans are comprised of commercial mortgages, including mortgages for construction purposes that are secured by nonresidential properties, multifamily properties, or one-to-four family rental properties. Small business loans, including real estate loans, generally consist of loans to businesses with commercial credit needs of less than or equal to $250,000 and revenues of less than $2.5 million. Consumer real estate consists of residential mortgages and home equity loans and lines of credit that are secured primarily by owner-occupied residences and mortgages for the construction of residential properties. Other consumer loans are mainly personal loans.

The Bank’s borrowers consist of small-to-medium 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.

Interest rates charged on loans may be fixed or variable and vary with the degree of risk, loan term, underwriting and servicing costs, loan amount, and the extent of other banking relationships maintained with customers. Rates are further subject to competitive pressures, the current interest rate environment, availability of funds, and government regulations.

The Bank’s principal earning assets are its loans. Although the Bank judges its borrowers' creditworthiness, the risk of deterioration in borrowers’ abilities to repay their loans in accordance with their existing loan agreements is inherent in any lending function. Participating as a lender in the credit market requires a strict underwriting and monitoring process to minimize credit risk. This process requires substantial analysis of the loan application, an evaluation of the customer’s capacity to repay according to the loan’s contractual terms, and an objective determination of the value of the collateral. The Bank also utilizes the services of an independent third-party to provide loan review services, which consist of a variety of monitoring techniques performed after a loan becomes part of the Bank’s portfolio.

The Bank’s Controlled Asset and Consumer Collections departments are responsible for the management and resolution of nonperforming loans. Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccrual loans and loans that are more than 90 days past due but still accruing interest. In the course of resolving nonperforming loans, the Bank may choose to foreclose on the loan or restructure

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the contractual terms of certain loans, by modifying the terms of the loan to fit the ability of the borrower to repay in line with its current financial status.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) includes real estate properties, which have primarily served as collateral to secure loans, that are controlled or owned by the Bank.

Origination and Sale of Loans Commercial and industrial, asset-based, commercial real estate, and construction loan applications are obtained through existing customers, solicitation by Bank personnel, referrals from current or past customers, or walk-in customers. Small business loan applications are typically originated by the Bank’s retail staff, through a dedicated team of business officers, by referrals from other areas of the Bank, by referrals from current or past customers, or through walk-in customers. Consumer real estate loan applications primarily result from referrals by real estate brokers, homebuilders, advertising, direct mail, and existing or walk-in customers. Other consumer loan applications are directly obtained through existing or walk-in customers who have been made aware of the Bank’s consumer loan services through advertising, direct mail, and other media.

Loans are approved based upon a hierarchy of authority, predicated upon the size of the loan. Levels within the hierarchy of lending authorities range from individual lenders to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. In accordance with governing banking statutes, 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 $201.6 million , at December 31, 2017 , which is the Bank’s legal lending limit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Bank has established a more restrictive limit of not more than 75% of the Bank’s legal lending limit, or $151.2 million , at December 31, 2017 , which may only be exceeded with the approval of the Board of Directors. 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, 2017 consisted of 51 loans with an aggregate of $86.4 million in exposure.

The Bank’s residential mortgage loans are 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. Currently, the Bank sells the servicing of the sold loans for a servicing released premium, simultaneous with the sale of the loan. In the past, the Bank may have opted to sell loans and retain the servicing. In these instances, a mortgage servicing rights asset would have been recognized. As part of its asset/liability management strategy, the Bank may opt to retain certain adjustable rate and fixed rate residential real estate loan originations for its portfolio. During 2017 , the Bank originated $375.9 million in residential real estate loans of which $144.5 million were retained in its portfolio.

Participation Loans From time to time, the Bank may purchase or sell participating interests in commercial loans to reposition its loan portfolio with the objectives of diversifying credit risk, growing earning assets and/or increasing liquidity. The Bank’s approach to underwriting and approving participation loans, both purchased and sold, is consistent with its underwriting and approval policies and procedures for non-participated loans originated by the Bank. For participation loans purchased by the Bank, prior to deciding to purchase a participating interest in the loan, the Bank completes its own credit analysis that is independent of the lead or agent bank’s analysis of the offering. For loans originated by the Bank where it sells participating interests, the Bank will generally retain the lead servicing position for the loan. As of December 31, 2017 , the unamortized balance of participation loans purchased was $335.2 million , while the sold portion of the unamortized balance of participation loans originated and sold totaled $134.9 million .

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



	As of		% of Total Loans		% of Total Interest Income Generated For the Years Ended December 31,
	December 31, 2017		% of Total Loans		2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial	$	4,539,256	71.4	%	67.0	%	66.8	%	66.5	%
Consumer real estate	1,806,417		28.4	%	24.0	%	23.7	%	24.0	%
Other consumer	9,880		0.2	%	0.3	%	0.5	%	0.7	%
Total	$	6,355,553	100.0	%	91.3	%	91.0	%	91.2	%

Commercial Loans Commercial loans consist of commercial and industrial loans, asset-based loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial construction loans and small business loans. The Bank offers secured and unsecured commercial loans for business purposes. Commercial loans may be structured as term loans or as revolving/nonrevolving lines of credit, and include overdraft protection, credit cards, and automatic clearinghouse (“ACH”) exposure. These loans may be collateralized by either owner or nonowner-occupied commercial mortgages.

The following pie chart shows the diversification of the commercial and industrial portfolio as of December 31, 2017 :



Select Statistics Regarding the Commercial and Industrial Portfolio
	(Dollars in thousands)
Average loan size	$	228
Largest individual commercial and industrial loan outstanding	$	19,860
Commercial and industrial nonperforming loans/commercial and industrial loans	3.61		%

Commercial and industrial term loans generally have a repayment schedule of five years or less and, although the Bank occasionally originates some commercial term loans with interest rates which float in accordance with a designated index rate, the majority of commercial term loans have fixed rates of interest and are collateralized by equipment, machinery or other corporate assets. In addition, the Bank generally obtains personal guarantees from the principal owners of the borrower for its commercial loans. At December 31, 2017 , there were $299.3 million of term loans in the commercial and industrial loan portfolio.

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Collateral for commercial and industrial revolving lines of credit, including asset based lines, may consist of accounts receivable, inventory, or both, as well as other business assets. Commercial revolving lines of credit and asset based lines generally are reviewed on an annual basis and usually require either a borrowing base formula or substantial repayment of principal during the course of a year. The vast majority of these revolving lines of credit have variable rates of interest. At December 31, 2017 , there were $589.2 million of revolving lines of credit in the commercial and industrial loan portfolio.

Also included in the commercial and industrial portfolio are automobile and, to a lesser extent, boat, recreational vehicle, and other vehicle floor plan financing. Floor plan loans are secured by the automobiles, boats, or other vehicles, which constitute the dealer’s inventory. Upon the sale of a floor plan unit, the proceeds of the sale are applied to reduce the loan balance. In the event a unit financed under a floor plan line of credit remains in the dealer’s inventory for an extended period, the Bank requires the dealer to pay-down the outstanding balance associated with such unit. Contractors hired by the Bank make unannounced periodic inspections of each dealer to review the condition of the underlying collateral and ensure that each unit that the Company has financed is accounted for. At December 31, 2017 , there were $79.9 million in floor plan loans, all of which have variable rates of interest.

Small business lending caters to all of the banking needs of businesses with commercial credit requirements and revenues typically less than or equal to $250,000 and $2.5 million, respectively, and uses partially automated loan underwriting capabilities. Additionally, the Company makes use of the Bank’s authority as a preferred lender with the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). At December 31, 2017 , there were $31.0 million of SBA guaranteed loans in the commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loan categories, and $12.5 million of SBA guaranteed loans in the small business loan category.

The Bank’s commercial real estate portfolio, inclusive of commercial construction, is the Bank’s largest loan type concentration. This portfolio is well-diversified with loans secured by a variety of property types, such as owner-occupied and nonowner-occupied commercial, retail, office, industrial, warehouse, industrial development bonds, and other special purpose properties, such as hotels, motels, nursing homes, restaurants, churches, recreational facilities, marinas, and golf courses. Commercial real estate also includes loans secured by certain residential-related property types including multi-family apartment buildings, residential development tracts and condominiums.

The following pie chart shows the diversification of the commercial real estate portfolio as of December 31, 2017 :



Select Statistics Regarding the Commercial Real Estate Portfolio
	(Dollars in thousands)
Average loan size	$	863
Largest individual commercial real estate mortgage outstanding	$	27,341
Commercial real estate nonperforming loans/commercial real estate loans	0.09		%
Owner occupied commercial real estate loans/commercial real estate loans	15.4		%

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Although terms vary, commercial real estate loans typically are underwritten with maturities of five to ten years. These loans generally have amortization periods of 20 to 25 years, with interest rates that float in accordance with a designated index or that are fixed during the origination process. For loans with terms greater than five years, with certain exceptions, interest rates may be fixed for no longer than five years and are reset typically on the fifth anniversary of the loan. It is the Bank’s policy to obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the borrower on commercial real estate loans and to obtain financial statements at least annually from all actively managed commercial and multi-family borrowers.

Commercial real estate lending entails additional risks as compared to residential real estate lending. Commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Development of commercial real estate projects also may be subject to numerous land use and environmental issues. The payment experience on such loans 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.

Also included in the commercial real estate portfolio are industrial developmental bonds. The Bank owns certain bonds issued by various state agencies, municipalities and nonprofit organizations that it categorizes as loans. This categorization is made on the basis that another entity (i.e. the Bank’s customer), not the issuing agency, is responsible for the payment to the Bank of the principal and interest on the debt. Furthermore, credit underwriting is based solely on the credit of the customer (and guarantors, if any), the banking relationship is with the customer and not the agency, there is no active secondary market for the bonds, and the bonds are not available for sale, but are intended to be held by the Bank until maturity. Therefore, the Bank believes that such bonds are more appropriately characterized as loans, rather than securities. At December 31, 2017 , the balance of industrial development bonds was $81.7 million .

Construction loans are intended to finance the construction of residential and commercial properties, including loans for the acquisition and development of land or rehabilitation of existing properties. Nonpermanent construction loans generally have terms of at least six months, but not more than two years. They usually do not provide for amortization of the loan balance during the construction term. The majority of the Bank’s commercial construction loans have floating rates of interest. At December 31, 2017 , the commercial construction portfolio amounted to $401.8 million .

Construction loans are generally considered to present a higher degree of risk than permanent real estate loans 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. Other construction-related risks may include market risk, that is, the risk that “for-sale” or “for-lease” units may not be absorbed by the market within a developer’s anticipated time-frame or at a developer’s anticipated price. When the Company enters into a loan agreement with a borrower on a construction loan, an interest reserve may be included in the amount of the loan commitment to the borrower and it allows the lender to periodically advance loan funds to pay interest charges on the outstanding balance of the loan. The interest may be capitalized and added to the loan balance. Management actively tracks and monitors these accounts. At December 31, 2017 the amount of interest reserves relating to construction loans was approximately $2.9 million .

Consumer Real Estate Loans The Bank’s consumer real estate loans consist of loans and lines secured by one-to-four family residential properties.

The Bank originates both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential real estate loans. The Bank will lend up to 97% of the lesser of the appraised value of the residential property securing the loan or the purchase price, and generally requires borrowers to obtain private mortgage insurance when the amount of the loan exceeds 80% of the value of the property. In certain instances for loans that qualify for the Fannie Mae Home Affordable Refinance Initiative and other similar programs, the Bank will lend up to 125% of the appraised value of the residential property, and such loans are then subsequently sold by the Bank. The rates of these loans are typically competitive with market rates. The Bank’s residential real estate loans are generally originated only under terms, conditions and documentation which permit sale in the secondary market. In order to protect the properties securing its residential and other real estate loans, the Bank requires 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 all of the Bank’s first mortgage real estate loans, as required by regulatory standards.

Home equity loans and lines may be made as fixed rate term loans or under variable rate revolving lines of credit secured by a first or second mortgage on the borrower’s residence or second home. At December 31, 2017 , 58.3% of the home equity portfolio was in first lien position and 41.7% of the portfolio was in a subordinate position. At December 31, 2017 , $389.0 million , or 37.0% , of the home equity portfolio were term loans and $663.0 million , or 63.0% , of the home equity portfolio was comprised of revolving lines of credit. The Bank will typically originate home equity loans and lines in an amount up to 80% of the appraised value or on-line valuation, reduced for any loans outstanding that are secured by such collateral. Home equity loans and lines are underwritten in accordance with the Bank’s loan policy, which includes a combination of credit history, loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio, employment history and debt-to-income ratio.

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The Bank periodically supplements performance data with current Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) and LTV estimates. Current FICO data is purchased and typically appended to all consumer loans on a quarterly basis. In addition, automated valuation services and broker opinions of value are used to supplement original value data for the residential and home equity portfolios. Use of re-score and re-value data enables the Bank to better understand the current credit risk associated with these loans, but is not the only factor relied upon in determining a borrower’s creditworthiness. See Note 4 , “ Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality ” within Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof for more information regarding FICO and LTV estimates.

Other Consumer Loans Consumer loans primarily consist of installment loans and overdraft protection.

Investment Activities

The Bank’s securities portfolio primarily consists of U.S. Government agency securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, agency collateralized mortgage obligations, small business administration pooled securities and equity securities, comprised primarily of investments in mutual funds. Also included in the Company's security portfolio are trading 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 noninsured or nonguaranteed 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. The Bank’s securities portfolio is managed in accordance with the Rockland Trust Company Investment Policy ("Investment Policy") approved by the Board of Directors. Two members of the Asset-Liability Committee of the Bank ("ALCO"), one of whom must be the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer, must approve purchases or sales, between meetings. These purchases are subject to limits on the type, size and quality of all investments, which are specified in the Investment Policy. The Bank’s ALCO, or its appointee, is required to evaluate any purchase from the standpoint of overall diversification of the portfolio. At December 31, 2017 , the Company's securities totaled $946.5 million , and generated interest and dividends of 8.1% , 8.5% , and 8.6% of total interest income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. The Company reviews its security portfolio for impairment and to evaluate collection of principal and interest. If any securities are deferring interest payments, as they may be contractually entitled to do, the Company would place these securities on nonaccrual status and reverse any accrued but uncollected interest.

Sources of Funds

Deposits At December 31, 2017 , total deposits were $6.7 billion . 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. 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, that are generally competitive with those of competing financial institutions. Additionally, the Bank has a municipal banking department that focuses on providing core depository services to local municipalities. As of December 31, 2017 , municipal deposits totaled $530.6 million . Occasionally when rates and terms are favorable, and in keeping with the Bank’s interest rate risk and liquidity strategy, the Bank will supplement its customer deposit base with brokered deposits. As of December 31, 2017 , brokered deposits totaled $54.5 million . Included in this amount are balances associated with the Bank's participation in the Promontory Interfinancial Network, which allows the Bank to provide easy access to multi-million dollar Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance protection on Certificate of Deposit and money market investments for consumers, businesses and public entities. As of December 31, 2017 , deposits within the Promontory Interfinancial Network totaled $48.5 million , or 89.0% of total brokered deposits.

Rockland Trust’s eighty-six branch locations are supplemented by the Bank’s internet and mobile banking services as well as automated teller machine (“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 thirteen 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.

Borrowings As of December 31, 2017 , total borrowings were $323.7 million . Borrowings consist of short-term and long-term obligations and may consist of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances, federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and junior subordinated debentures.

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Rockland is a member of the FHLB of Boston. The primary reason for FHLB membership is to gain access to a reliable source of wholesale funding, particularly term funding, as a tool to manage liquidity and interest rate risk. As a member of the FHLB of Boston, the Bank is required to purchase stock in the FHLB. Accordingly, the Company had invested $11.6 million in FHLB stock and had $53.3 million outstanding in FHLB borrowings with maturities ranging from less than 3 months to 20 years at December 31, 2017 . In addition, the Bank had $954.8 million of borrowing capacity remaining with the FHLB at December 31, 2017 , inclusive of a $5.0 million line of credit.

The Company also has access to other forms of borrowing, such as securities repurchase agreements. In a security repurchase agreement transaction, the Bank will generally sell a security, agreeing to repurchase either the same or a substantially identical security on a specified later date, at a price greater than the original sales price. The difference between the sale price and purchase price is the cost of the proceeds, which is recorded as interest expense. Payments on such borrowings are interest only until the scheduled repurchase date. In a repurchase agreement, the Bank is subject to the risk that the purchaser may default at maturity and not return the securities underlying the agreements. In order to minimize this risk, the Bank either deals with established firms when entering into these transactions or with customers whose agreements stipulate that the securities underlying the agreement are not delivered to the customer and instead are held in segregated safekeeping accounts by the Bank’s safekeeping agents. At December 31, 2017 , the Bank had no repurchase agreements with investment brokerage firms and $162.7 million with customers.

Also included in borrowings at December 31, 2017 were $73.1 million of junior subordinated debentures, which are inclusive of unamortized fair value marks associated with previous acquisitions and net of unamortized issuance costs. Total borrowings also includes $34.7 million of subordinated debt, net of unamortized issuance costs. These instruments provide long-term funding as well as regulatory capital benefits. See Note 8 , “ Borrowings ” within Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof for more information regarding borrowings.

Investment Management

The Rockland Trust Investment Management Group provides investment management and trust services to individuals, institutions, small businesses, and charitable institutions throughout Eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Rhode Island.

Accounts maintained by the Rockland Trust Investment Management Group consist of managed and nonmanaged accounts. Managed accounts are those for which the Bank is responsible for administration and investment management and/or investment advice, while nonmanaged 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. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Investment Management Group generated gross fee revenues of $21.6 million . Total assets under administration as of December 31, 2017 were $3.5 billion , of which $3.3 billion was related to managed accounts. Included in these amounts as of December 31, 2017 are assets under administration of $303.7 million , relating to the Company's registered investment advisor, Bright Rock Capital Management, LLC, which provides institutional quality investment management services to both institutional and high net worth clients.

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 Financial (“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. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the retail investments and insurance group generated gross fee revenues of $2.2 million .

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. 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 depositors and not for the purpose of protecting stockholders.

General The Company is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 as amended (“BHCA”), and as such is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”).

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Rockland Trust is subject to regulation and examination by the Commissioner of Banks of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the “Commissioner”) and the FDIC.

The Bank Holding Company Act The BHCA prohibits the Company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% 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 more than 5% 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, nonoperating 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.

Financial Services Modernization Legislation The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLB”) repealed provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act which restricted the affiliation of Federal Reserve member banks with firms “engaged principally” in specified securities activities, and which restricted officer, director, or employee interlocks between a member bank and any company or person “primarily engaged” in specified securities activities.

In addition, the GLB preempts any state law restricting the establishment of financial affiliations, primarily related to insurance. The general effect of the law has been to establish a comprehensive framework permitting affiliations among commercial banks, insurance companies, securities firms and other financial service providers, by revising and expanding the BHCA framework to permit a holding company to engage in a full range of financial activities through an entity known as a “financial holding company.” “Financial activities” is broadly defined to include not only banking, insurance and securities activities, but also merchant banking and additional activities that the Federal Reserve Board, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines to be financial in nature, incidental to such financial activities or complementary activities that do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally.

The GLB also permits national banks to engage in expanded activities through the formation of financial subsidiaries. A national bank may have a subsidiary engaged in any activity authorized for national banks directly or any financial activity, except for insurance underwriting, insurance investments, real estate investment or development, or merchant banking, which may only be conducted through a subsidiary of a financial holding company. Financial activities include all activities permitted under the BHCA or permitted by regulation.

Because the GLB permits banks, securities firms and insurance companies to affiliate, the financial services industry has experienced further consolidation which has increased the amount of competition that the Company faces from larger institutions and other types of companies offering financial products, many of which may have substantially more financial resources than the Company.

Interstate Banking The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, as amended by the Riegle-Neal Amendments Act of 1997 (the “Interstate Banking Act”), permits bank holding companies to acquire banks in states other than their home state without regard to state laws that previously restricted or prohibited such acquisitions except for any state requirement that the bank has been organized and operating for a minimum period of time, not to exceed five years, and the requirement that the bank holding company, after the proposed acquisition, controls no more than 10 percent of the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions in the United States and no more than 30 percent or such lesser or greater amount set by state law of such deposits in that state. The Interstate Banking Act also facilitates the operation by state-chartered banks of branch networks across state lines.

Pursuant to Massachusetts law, no approval to acquire a banking institution, acquire additional shares in a banking institution, acquire substantially all the assets of a banking institution, or merge or consolidate with another bank holding company, may be given if the bank being acquired has been in existence for a period less than three years or, as a result, the bank holding company would control, in excess of 30% of the total deposits of all state and federally chartered banks in Massachusetts, unless waived by the Commissioner. With the prior written approval of the Commissioner, Massachusetts also permits the establishment of de

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novo branches in Massachusetts to the full extent permitted by the Interstate Banking Act, provided the laws of the home state of such out-of-state bank expressly authorize, under conditions no more restrictive than those of Massachusetts, Massachusetts’ banks to establish and operate de novo branches in such state.

Capital Requirements The Federal Reserve has adopted capital adequacy guidelines pursuant to which it assesses the adequacy of capital in examining and supervising a bank holding company and in analyzing applications to it under the BHCA. In July 2013, the Federal Reserve published final rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations, referred to herein as the "Rules". The FDIC has adopted substantially identical rules (as interim final rules). The Rules implement the Basel Committee’s December 2010 framework, commonly referred to as Basel III, for strengthening international capital standards as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Rules substantially revised the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions, including the Company and the Bank. The Rules became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015 (subject to phase-in periods for certain components).

The Rules, among other things: (i) introduced a new capital measure called “Common Equity Tier 1,” or CET1; (ii) specified that Tier 1 capital consist of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting specified requirements; (iii) applied most deductions/adjustments to regulatory capital measures to CET1 and not to the other components of capital, thus potentially requiring higher levels of CET1 in order to meet minimum ratios; and (iv) expanded the scope of the reductions/adjustments from capital as compared to existing regulations.

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

• 4.5% 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.

When fully phased in on January 1, 2019, the Rules will also require the Company and the Bank to maintain a “capital conservation buffer” in an amount greater than 2.5%, composed entirely of CET1, 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 implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at an amount of 0.625% and will increase by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019. As of January 1, 2018, the Company and the Bank were required to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 1.875%.

The Rules provided for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets dependent upon future taxable income, and significant investments in common equity issued by nonconsolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such categories in the aggregate exceed 15% of CET1. In addition, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive items are not excluded; however, certain banking organizations could make a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items effective as of January 1, 2015. The Company and the Bank each made such election.

The deductions and other adjustments to CET1 have been phased in incrementally between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2018. In November 2017 banking regulations provided that the phase in of certain of these adjustments for non-advanced approaches organizations such as the Bank was frozen.

With respect to the Bank, the Rules also revised the “prompt corrective action” regulations pursuant to Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, by: (i) introducing a CET1 ratio requirement at each capital quality level (other than critically undercapitalized), with the required CET1 ratio being 6.5% for well-capitalized status; (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category, with the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for well-capitalized status being 8% (as compared to the previous 6%); and (iii) requiring a leverage ratio of 5% to be well-capitalized (as compared to the previously required leverage ratio of 3 or 4%). The Rules did not change the total risk-based capital requirement for any “prompt corrective action” category. When the capital conservation buffer is fully phased in, the capital ratios applicable to depository institutions under the Rules will exceed the ratios to be considered well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations.

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The Rules prescribed a standardized approach for calculating risk-weighted assets that expand the risk-weighting categories from the past four Basel I-derived categories (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to a much larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories, depending on the nature of the assets.

The revised minimum capital levels under the Rules are set forth below:

Bank

Holding Company

Total Risk-Based Ratio

Tier 1 Risk-Based Ratio

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital

Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio

Total Risk-Based Ratio

Tier 1 Risk-Based Ratio

Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio

Category

Well capitalized

> 10%

and

> 8%

and

> 6.5%

> 5%

n/a

Adequately capitalized

> 8%

and

> 6%

and

> 4.5%

> 4%

> 8%

and

> 6%

and

> 4%

Undercapitalized

< 8%

< 6%

< 4.5%

< 4%

< 8%

< 6%

< 4%

Significantly undercapitalized

< 6%

< 4%

< 3%

n/a

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

Commitments to Affiliated Institutions Under Federal Reserve policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank. This support may be required at times when the Company may not be able to provide such support. Similarly, under the cross-guarantee provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, in the event of a loss suffered or anticipated by the FDIC - either as a result of default of a banking or thrift subsidiary of a bank holding company such as the Company or related to FDIC assistance provided to a subsidiary in danger of default - the other banking subsidiaries of such bank holding company may be assessed for the FDIC’s loss, subject to certain exceptions.

Limitations on Acquisitions of Common Stock The federal Change in Bank Control Act (“CBCA”) prohibits a person or group of persons from acquiring control of a bank holding company or bank unless the appropriate federal bank regulator has been given 60 days prior written notice of such proposed acquisition and within that time period such regulator has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition or extending for up to another 30 days the period during which such a disapproval may be issued. The acquisition of 25% or more of any class of voting securities constitutes the acquisition of control under the CBCA. In addition, under a rebuttal presumption established under the CBCA regulations, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of a bank holding company or a FDIC insured bank, with a class of securities registered under or subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 would, under the circumstances set forth in the presumption, constitute the acquisition of control.

Any company would be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve under the BHCA before acquiring 25% (5% in the case of an acquirer that is a bank holding company) or more of the outstanding common stock of the Company, or such lesser number of shares as constitute control over the Company. Such approval would be contingent upon, among other things, the acquirer registering as a bank holding company, divesting all impermissible holdings and ceasing any activities not permissible for a bank holding company. The Company does not own more than 5% voting stock in any banking institution other than the Bank.

FDIC Deposit Insurance The Bank's deposit accounts are insured to the maximum extent permitted by law by the Deposit Insurance Fund 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 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. In June 2016, the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio reached a level that triggered changes to the assessment rate, effective July 1, 2016. As a result of these changes the Company's assessment rate decreased, resulting in overall reduced levels of expense. During 2017 , the Company expensed $3.1 million related to this assessment.

Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) Pursuant to the 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

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things, approval of new branches, branch relocations, engaging in certain additional financial activities under the GLB, 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.

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

USA Patriot Act of 2001 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.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”) implemented a broad range of corporate governance and accounting measures to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at public companies, and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of disclosures under federal securities laws. Among other things, SOX and/or its implementing regulations have established new membership requirements and additional responsibilities for the Company’s audit committee, imposed restrictions on the relationship between the Company and its external auditors (including restrictions on the types of non-audit services the external auditors may provide), imposed additional responsibilities for the external financial statements on the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, expanded the disclosure requirements for corporate insiders, required management to evaluate disclosure controls and procedures, as well as internal control over financial reporting, and required the auditors to issue a report on the internal control over financial reporting.

Regulation W Transactions between a bank and its “affiliates” are quantitatively and qualitatively restricted under the Federal Reserve Act. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act applies Sections 23A and 23B to insured nonmember banks in the same manner and to the same extent as if they were members of the Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve Board 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 nonaffiliated 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

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•	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 nonbank and nonsavings association subsidiaries of banks from treatment as affiliates, except to the extent that the Federal Reserve Board decides to treat these subsidiaries as affiliates.

New Markets Tax Credit Program The New Markets Tax Credit Program was created in December 2000 under federal law to provide federal tax incentives to induce private-sector, market-driven investment in businesses and real estate development projects located in low-income urban and rural communities across the nation. The New Markets Tax Credit Program is part of the United States Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The New Markets Tax Credit Program enables investors to acquire federal tax credits by making equity investments for a period of at least seven years in qualified community development entities which have been awarded tax credit allocation authority by, and entered into an allocation agreement with, the United States Treasury. Community development entities must use equity investments to make loans to, or other investments in, qualified businesses and individuals in low-income communities in accordance with New Markets Tax Credit Program criteria. Investors receive an overall tax credit equal to 39% of their total equity investment, credited at a rate of 5% in each of the first 3 years and 6% in each of the final 4 years. More information on the New Markets Tax Credit Program may be obtained at www.cdfifund.gov . (The Company has included the web address only as inactive textual references and does not intend it to be an active link to the New Markets Tax Credit Programs website.) For further details about the Bank’s New Markets Tax Credit Program, see the paragraph entitled “Income Taxes” included in Item 7 below.

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act During 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 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 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 nonbinding 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 with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets will continue to be examined for compliance with consumer laws by their primary bank regulators.


•	debit card and interchange fees must be reasonable and proportional to the issuer’s cost for processing the transaction.

In January 2013, the CFPB issued a series of final rules related to mortgage loan origination and mortgage loan servicing. In particular, the CFPB issued a final rule amending Regulation Z to implement certain amendments to the Truth in Lending Act. The CFPB issued a final rule implementing amendments to the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. The rule amends Regulation Z by expanding the types of mortgage loans that are subject to the protections of the Home Ownership and Equity Protections Act of 1994 (HOEPA), revising and expanding the tests for coverage under HOEPA, and imposing additional restrictions on mortgages that are covered by HOEPA, including a pre-loan counseling requirement. The rule also amends Regulation Z and Regulation X by imposing other requirements related to homeownership counseling.

In addition, the CFPB amended Regulation B to implement changes to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The CFPB also amended Regulation Z to implement requirements and restrictions to the Truth in Lending Act concerning loan originator compensation, qualifications of, and registration or licensing of loan originators, compliance procedures for depository institutions, mandatory arbitration, and the financing of single-premium credit insurance.

The final rules also implement the ability-to-repay and qualified mortgage (QM) provisions of the Truth in Lending Act, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act (the “QM Rule”). The ability-to-repay provision requires creditors to make reasonable, good faith determinations that borrowers are able to repay their mortgages before extending the credit based on a number of factors and

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consideration of financial information about the borrower from reasonably reliable third-party documents. Under the Dodd-Frank Act and the QM Rule, loans meeting the definition of “qualified mortgage” are entitled to a presumption that the lender satisfied the ability-to-repay requirements. The presumption is a conclusive presumption/safe harbor for prime loans meeting the QM requirements, and a rebuttable presumption for higher-priced/subprime loans meeting the QM requirements. The definition of a “qualified mortgage” incorporates the statutory requirements, such as not allowing negative amortization or terms longer than 30 years. The QM Rule also adds an explicit maximum 43 percent debt-to-income ratio for borrowers if the loan is to meet the QM definition, though some mortgages that meet GSE, FHA and VA underwriting and eligibility guidelines may, for a period not to exceed seven years, meet the QM definition without being subject to the 43 percent debt-to-income limit.

The CFPB has continued to issue final rules regarding mortgages including amendments to certain mortgage servicing sales regarding forced-placed insurance notices, policies and procedures and other matters. There is no assurance that existing or future regulations will not have a material adverse impact on the Bank’s residential mortgage loan business or the housing market in which the Bank participates.

In 2017 several bills were proposed in Congress which would modify or repeal certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. It is uncertain at this time whether these bills will be approved by Congress. To the extent the Dodd-Frank Act remains in place or is not materially amended by the new administration, it is likely to continue to increase the Company's cost of doing business, limit the Bank's permissible activities, and affect the competitive balance within the industry and market areas.

Incentive Compensation The Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies and the 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 addition, these regulators must establish regulations or guidelines requiring enhanced disclosure to regulators of incentive-based compensation arrangements. The agencies proposed such regulations in April 2011, and proposed revised regulations in May 2016 but the revised regulations have not been finalized. If the revised regulations are adopted in the form proposed, they will impose limitations on the manner in which the Company may structure compensation for its executives and employees.

In June 2010, the FRB, 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 FRB will review, as part of its 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 will be tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

Volcker Rule On December 10, 2013, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC, the CFTC and the SEC issued final rules to implement the Volcker Rule contained in section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act. 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 funds (defined as “Covered Funds”) subject to certain limited exceptions. The rule also effectively prohibits short-term trading strategies by any U.S. banking entity if those strategies involve instruments other than those specifically permitted for trading and prohibits the use of some hedging strategies. The Company has no investments that met the definition of Covered Funds under the foregoing rules. Congress is currently considering modifying certain aspects of the Volcker Rule.

Consumer Protection Regulations The Bank is subject to federal consumer protection statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to the following:

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•	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, creed, 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 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 automatic 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.

Many of the foregoing laws and regulations are subject to change resulting from the provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act, which in many cases calls for revisions to implementing regulations, such as the amendments described above in the discussion on the Dodd-Frank Act.

Regulation E Federal Reserve Board 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 which 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.

Employees As of December 31, 2017 , the Bank had 1,108 full time equivalent employees. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a labor union and management considers its relationship with employees to be good.

Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies

The statistical disclosure relating to Independent Bank Corp. required under the SEC's Industry Guide 3, "Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies," is included in the section of Independent Bank Corp.'s 2017 SEC Form 10-K captioned, Selected Financial Data in Item 6 hereof , Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 hereof and Note 8 , “ Borrowings ” within Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof, if applicable.

Available Information

Under Section 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the Company must file periodic and current reports with the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street N.E. Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Public Reference Room at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Company electronically files the following reports with the SEC: Form 10-K (Annual Report), Form 10-Q (Quarterly Report), Form 11-K (Annual Report for Employees’ Savings, Profit Sharing and Stock Ownership Plan), Form 8-K (Report of Unscheduled Material Events), Forms S-4, S-3 and 8-A (Registration Statements), Form DEF 14A (Proxy Statement), and the Company may file additional forms as well. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, at www.sec.gov , in which all forms filed electronically may be accessed. Additionally, the Company’s SEC filings and additional shareholder information are available free of charge on the Company’s website: www.RocklandTrust.com (within the Investor Relations section). Information contained on the Company’s website and the SEC website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K. (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 our website or the SEC website.) The Company’s Code of Ethics and other Corporate Governance documents are also available on the Company’s website in the Investor Relations section of the website.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

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. Further, 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. Additionally, some assets such as adjustable-rate mortgages have features, such as rate caps and floors, which restrict changes in applicable interest rates. The Federal Reserve Bank acted to increase interest rates three times in 2017 and may act to implement additional rate increases in the coming year.

Factors such as inflation, 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 environment, prepayments may result in proceeds having to be reinvested at a lower rate than the loan or mortgage-backed security being prepaid.

Potential sovereign debt defaults may severely impact global and domestic economies and may lead to significantly tighter liquidity and impact the availability of credit. Economic growth may slow down and the national or global economy may experience additional downturns, including recessionary periods. Market disruption, including potential disruption resulting from Great Britain's decision to exit the European Union, government and central bank policy actions designed to counteract the effects of recession, 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. 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 be effective in part, and changes in market interest rates can have a material adverse effect on the Company’s profitability.

If the Company experiences loan 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 which 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 loan losses, the Company, in addition to assessing the collectability of its loan portfolio, relies on experience and evaluation of economic conditions. If the assumptions underlying the determination of its allowance for loan losses prove to be incorrect, the current allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in its 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 loan losses. In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and may require it to increase its allowance for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. Material additions to the allowance would materially decrease the Company’s net income.

A significant amount of the Company’s loans are concentrated in the Bank’s geographic footprint and adverse conditions in this geographic footprint could negatively impact its results of operations. Substantially all of the loans the Company originates are secured by properties located in, or are made to businesses which operate in, Massachusetts and, to a lesser extent, Rhode Island. 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 its 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 the Company’s asset quality and the profitability of loans secured by real property and increase the number of defaults and the level of losses within the Company’s loan portfolio. The real estate collateral securing our 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 downturn in the real estate market in the Company’s primary market areas could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on loans

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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 loan losses 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 a prolonged economic recovery and elevated levels of unemployment could drive loan losses beyond the level provided for in the Company’s allowance for loan losses. If this occurs, the Company’s earnings could be adversely affected.

The Company operates in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely impacted by changes in law, regulations, and accounting policies. The Company is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination. See “Regulation” in Item 1 hereof, Business. Any change in the laws or regulations or failure by the Company to comply with applicable law and regulation, or a change in regulators’ supervisory policies or examination procedures, whether by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, other state or federal regulators, the United States Congress, or the Massachusetts legislature could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Changes in accounting policies, practices and standards, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and other accounting standard setters, could also impact the Company’s financial results.

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 that could impact the Company's effective tax rate. 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. The full impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") which was enacted in 2017 will be subject to interpretations and assumptions made by the Company, further guidance or regulations that may be promulgated, and other actions that the Company may take as a result of the Tax Act. Although the Company anticipates a significant decrease in its Federal income tax expense, there is no assurance that the Company will realize the benefits of the Tax Act in the amount that is currently anticipated or at all. The Company's customers are likely to experience varying effects from both the individual and business tax provisions of the Tax Act and those effects, whether positive or negative, may have a corresponding impact on the Company's business and the economy as a whole. Some customers may elect to use their additional cash flow from lower taxes to fund their existing levels of activity, decreasing borrowing needs. In addition, certain limitations on the federal income tax deductibility of business interest expense for certain customers could effectively increase the cost of borrowing and make equity or hybrid funding relatively more attractive, which could have a long-term negative impact on our lending volume.

Changes to and replacement of the LIBOR Benchmark Interest Rate may adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. In July of 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), a regulator of financial services firms and financial markets in the U.K., stated that it will plan for a phase out of regulatory oversight of LIBOR interest rate indices. The FCA has indicated that they will support the LIBOR indices through 2021 to allow for an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate(s). Other financial services regulators and industry groups, including the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), are evaluating the possible phase-out of LIBOR and the development of alternate interest rate indices or reference rate(s). Accordingly, uncertainty as to the nature of such changes may adversely affect the market for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, derivatives and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to the Company, or impact overall financial condition or results of operations.

Change in regulatory capital requirements may have an adverse impact on the Company's future financial results. In 2013, the FDIC, the OCC and the Federal Reserve Board approved new rules that substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to the Company and the Bank. The final rule implemented the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The new rules went into effect on January 1, 2015, although certain portions of the rule, including the capital conservation buffer, are being phased in over a period of several years. The application of more stringent capital requirements, including the phase in of the capital conservation buffer could, among other things, lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, or impact the ability to deploy capital (including, without limitation, to pay dividends or to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock).

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 both in attracting deposits and in the origination of loans. See “Market Area and Competition” in Item 1 hereof, Business . 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.

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The success of the Company is dependent on the Company's ability to attract, hire and retain certain 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 major revenue producing functions, such as loan and deposit generation. The loss of key personnel could adversely affect the Company’s ability to maintain and manage these functions effectively, which could negatively affect the Company’s net income. In addition, loss of key personnel could result in increased recruiting and hiring expenses, which could adversely impact the Company’s net income. The Company’s continued ability to compete effectively depends on its ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate its existing key employees.

Part of the Company’s business strategy is growth through acquisitions and the failure to execute effectively on acquisitions could have an impact on its earnings and results of operations. While focusing on organic growth, the Company's strategy also includes, in part, growth through acquisitions. The Company may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, or complete acquisitions. Further, the success of any acquisition depends on the ability to effectively integrate the acquired business, including integrating operations and achieving synergies and cost efficiencies. Acquisitions can be disruptive as they result in diversion of management's attention from other business activities and can consume significant executive and employee resources as the Company integrates the target's operations and functional business into its operations and business. The Company may experience complications or delays while integrating. In addition, once integrated, acquired businesses may not achieve levels of expected profitability or profitability comparable to those achieved by the Company’s existing operations, or otherwise may not perform as expected. Further acquisitions involve numerous risks, including lower than expected performance or higher than expected costs, potential dilution of stockholder value, changes in relationships with customers, and the potential loss of key employees. In addition, the Company may not be successful in mitigating deposit erosion or loan quality deterioration at acquired institutions. Competition for acquisitions can be highly competitive, and the Company may not be able to acquire other institutions on acceptable terms. The ability to grow may be limited if the Company is unable to successfully make acquisitions in the future.

The Company’s securities portfolio performance in difficult market conditions could have adverse effects on the Company’s results of operations. Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the Company is required to review its investment portfolio periodically for the presence of other-than-temporary impairment of its securities, taking into consideration 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 deem particular securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired, 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 impairments in the value of the Company’s securities portfolio, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial conditions.

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 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 (see Note 6 , “ Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ” within Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof). Goodwill is an intangible asset. 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 impairment tests annually, or more frequently if necessary. The Company evaluates goodwill using a qualitative or two-step impairment testing approach. 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 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. Significant 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 is a cooperative that provides services to its member banking institutions. The primary reason for joining the FHLB is to obtain funding. The purchase of stock in the FHLB is a requirement for a member to gain access to funding. Any deterioration in the FHLB’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 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 the results of operations or financial condition. Similarly, if the Company deems all or part of its investment in FHLB stock impaired, such action could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition.

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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 the deferred tax assets periodically to determine the likelihood of the Company’s ability to realize the 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 the Company 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 the Company believes could be realized. Recording such a valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on the 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/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.

Evolving information technologies, the need to mitigate against and react to cyber-security risks, and electronic fraud risks require significant resources, and notwithstanding our investment in resources, we remain subject to cyber security risks and electronic fraud. The Company needs to invest in information technology to keep pace with technology changes, and while the Company invests amounts it believes will be adequate, it may fail to invest adequate amounts to meet operation needs. 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, denial of service attacks, stealing information, unauthorized intrusions into internal systems or the systems of the Company's third party vendors 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, system failures and other intentional or unintentional interference, fraud and other unauthorized attempts to access or interfere with the systems. A breach of these security controls and the occurrence of one or more of these incidents could have a material adverse effect on the Company's reputation, business, financial condition or results of operations. Further, any such occurrences could result in regulatory actions (including fines), litigation, unexpected costs and expenses, third-party damages or other loss or liabilities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition.

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 and large 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.

While the Company has adopted policies and procedures aimed at detecting and preventing the use of its banking network for money laundering and related activities, those policies and procedures may not completely eliminate instances in which the Company 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 or improper purposes.

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, 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 which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

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 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. This may also impact customer demand for

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the Company’s products and services. Any financial liability could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Any reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. See the "Other Contingencies" section under Note 18 "Commitments and Contingencies" to the consolidated financial statements for additional information and significant pending lawsuits, if applicable.

If the Company’s risk management framework does not effectively identify or mitigate the Company’s risks, the Company could suffer unexpected losses and the results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. The Company’s risk management framework seeks to mitigate risk and appropriately balance risk and return. The Company has established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor and report the types of risk to which it's subject, including credit risk, operations risk, compliance risk, reputation risk, strategic risk, market risk and liquidity 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 assumption 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.

Some of the Company's accounting policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the value of its assets and liabilities and results of operations and if actual events differ from the Company's estimates and assumptions the 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 identified the accounting policies regarding the allowance for loan losses, security valuations and impairments, goodwill and other intangible assets, 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 assets and liabilities or the 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 U.S. 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, dependent upon the FASB and International Accounting Standards Boards commitment to achieving convergence between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. Changes in U.S. 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 U.S. GAAP may require costly technology changes, additional training and personnel, and other expenses which could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

The Company may be required to increase its allowance for credit losses as a result of changes to an accounting standard. In 2016, the FASB released a new standard for determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses. The new standard will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020. The new credit loss model will be a significant change from the standard in place today, as it requires the allowance for credit losses to be calculated based on current expected credit losses (commonly referred to as the "CECL model") rather than losses inherent in the portfolio as of a point in time. When adopted, the CECL model will likely increase the Company’s allowance for credit losses, which could materially affect its financial condition and future results of operations. The extent of the increase and its impact to the Company’s financial condition is under evaluation, but will ultimately depend upon the nature and characteristics of the Company's portfolio at the adoption date, and the macroeconomic conditions and forecasts at that date; therefore, the potential financial impact is currently unknown.

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 liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding in a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. Liquidity is also 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

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expenditures. The Company's liquidity is derived primarily from funding obtained from the FHLB of Boston; retail 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.

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. Although the Company has policies and procedures regarding performance of an environmental review prior to originating certain commercial real estate loans, as well as before initiating any foreclosure action on real property, these reviews 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.

Changes in debt and equity markets or economic downturns could affect the level of assets under management 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 management and administration. Market volatility that results in customers liquidating investments, as well as lower asset values, can reduce the level of assets under management and administration and decrease the Company's investment management and administration revenues which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

The Company relies on its systems, employees and certain service providers, and if the Company experiences a system failure or if the Company's security measures are compromised or inadequate, the operations could be disrupted or the customer data could be improperly divulged. 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. The Company may also be subject to disruptions of the systems arising or originating from third party services providers or from events that are wholly or partially beyond the Company's control (including, for example, electrical, internet or telecommunications outages), which may adversely impact our ability to provide service to customers and result in loss, cost and expense or liability. Additionally, the Company's risk exposure to security matters may increase in the future if the Company increases in size and prominence in the financial services industry, as the Company expands internet based and mobile banking tools and products and services, and as a consequence of the risk inherent in system and customer account conversions associated with the integration of acquisition targets. The Company is further exposed to the risk that external service providers may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations on matters of internet security and adequacy of services. (The Company's third party service providers are subject to many if not all of the same risks, including internet vulnerability and fraud operational errors by their respective employees.) While the Company conducts due diligence on service providers and engage in other vendor management risk migration activities designed to mitigate service provider risk, no set of risk management protocols can provide full protection against all risks, and the Company's (or service providers) business continuity plans, risk management processes and procedures or security systems (including security against cybercrime) could be inadequate. While the Company maintains a control framework designed to monitor service provider risks, the failure of a service provider to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements and, if applicable, under service level agreements 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.

The Company's ability to make opportunistic acquisitions is contingent on regulators granting any requisite approvals. Part of the Company's business strategy includes seeking to make opportunistic whole or partial acquisitions of other banks, branches, financial institutions, or related businesses from time to time. 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.

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The Company’s effective income tax rate would be adversely affected if the Company's community development entity subsidiaries do not receive additional New Markets Tax Credit awards. As indicated in Item 7 " Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", the Company’s effective tax rate is determined by a number of factors, including the recognition of federal tax credits in connection with New Markets Tax Credit awards. In 2017 , the Company recognized $4.0 million in federal tax credits through New Markets Tax Credit award deployment. Federal government agencies periodically determine New Markets Tax Credit award recipients through a nationwide application process that is highly competitive. While the Company’s community development entity subsidiaries have received four prior New Markets Tax Credit awards, it may not be successful in any current or future New Markets Tax Credit applications. The Company applied for but did not receive a New Markets Tax Credit award in 2017. Further, the New Markets Tax Credit Program is subject to periodic renewal by Congress and it is possible the proposed changes to the Internal Revenue code may reduce or eliminate the program altogether. If the Company does not obtain additional awards the Company's effective tax rate will increase substantially in the future, adversely affecting net income, as existing federal tax credits run off.

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 a security interest 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, 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 enforceable.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

At December 31, 2017 , the Bank conducted its business from its main office located at 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts, eighty-three banking offices, and two limited service branches located within Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester counties in Eastern Massachusetts. In addition to its main office, the Bank leased fifty-three of its branches and owned the remaining thirty-two branches. Also, the Bank had thirteen remote ATM locations, twelve of which were leased and one was owned.

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, there are a number of sales 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 18 , “ Commitments and Contingencies ,” respectively, within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

At December 31, 2017 , Rockland Trust was involved in pending lawsuits that arose in the ordinary course of business. Management has reviewed these pending lawsuits 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.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

(a.) Independent Bank Corp.’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol INDB. The Company declared cash dividends of $1.28 and $1.16 per share in 2017 and in 2016 , respectively. The ratio of dividends paid to earnings in 2017 and 2016 was 39.04% and 38.76% , respectively.

Payment of dividends by the Company on its common stock is subject to various regulatory restrictions and guidelines. Since substantially all of the funds available for the payment of dividends are derived from the Bank, future dividends 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 deem appropriate. Management believes that the Bank will continue to generate adequate earnings to continue to pay common dividends on a quarterly basis.

The following schedule summarizes the closing price range of common stock and the cash dividends paid for the fiscal years 2017 and 2016 :



	2017
	High		Low		Dividend
4th Quarter	$	76.15	$	67.90	$	0.32
3rd Quarter	74.65		66.15		0.32
2nd Quarter	67.35		60.45		0.32
1st Quarter	71.45		60.35		0.32

	2016
	High		Low		Dividend
4th Quarter	$	70.95	$	52.21	$	0.29
3rd Quarter	54.09		44.26		0.29
2nd Quarter	49.81		42.60		0.29
1st Quarter	47.66		41.35		0.29

As of December 31, 2017 , there were 27,450,190 shares of common stock outstanding which were held by approximately 2,703 holders of record. The number of record-holders may not reflect the number of persons or entities holding stock in nominee name through banks, brokerage firms, and other nominees. The closing price of the Company’s stock on December 31, 2017 was $69.85.

The information required by S-K Item 201(d) is incorporated by reference from Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters hereof.

Comparative Stock Performance Graph

The stock performance graph below and associated table compare the cumulative total shareholder return of the Company’s common stock from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2017 to the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Composite Index (U.S. Companies) and the SNL Bank NASDAQ Index. The lines in the graph and the numbers in the table below represent yearly index levels derived from compounded daily returns that include reinvestment or retention of all dividends. If the yearly interval, based on the last day of a fiscal year, was not a trading day, the preceding trading day was used. The index value for all of the series was set to 100.00 on December 31, 2012 (which assumes that $100.00 was invested in each of the series on December 31, 2012 ).

The following information in this Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such a filing. The stock price performance shown on the stock performance graph and associated table below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance. Information used in the graph and table was obtained from a third party provider, a source believed to be reliable, but the Company is not responsible for any errors or omissions in such information.

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The following chart depicts the total return performance of the Company:

Source: SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA

(b.) Not applicable

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(c.) The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s repurchases of its common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2017 :



	Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program(2)	Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Program
October 1 to October 31, 2017	120	$	74.10	—	—
November 1 to November 30, 2017	571	71.55		—	—
December 1 to December 31, 2017	120	69.44		—	—
Total	811			—	—


(1)	Shares repurchased relate to the surrendering of mature shares for the exercise and/or vesting of stock compensation grants and related tax withholding.


(2)	The Company does not currently have a stock repurchase program or plan in place.

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ITEM 6. 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.



	As of or for the Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Financial condition data
Securities available for sale	$	447,498		$	363,644		$	367,249		$	348,554		$	356,862
Securities held to maturity	497,688			487,076			477,507			375,453			350,652
Loans	6,355,553			5,999,605			5,547,721			4,970,733			4,718,307
Allowance for loan losses	(60,643		)	(61,566		)	(55,825		)	(55,100		)	(53,239		)
Goodwill and other intangibles	241,147			231,374			212,909			180,306			182,642
Total assets	8,082,029			7,709,375			7,209,469			6,364,318			6,098,869
Deposits	6,729,253			6,412,253			5,990,703			5,210,466			4,986,418
Borrowings	323,698			335,474			343,933			406,061			448,123
Stockholders’ equity	943,809			864,690			771,463			640,527			591,540
Nonperforming loans	49,638			57,407			27,690			27,512			34,659
Nonperforming assets	50,250			61,580			29,849			38,894			43,833
Operating data
Interest income	$	277,194		$	246,637		$	235,545		$	216,459		$	205,914
Interest expense	18,334			18,793			20,617			20,417			23,336
Net interest income	258,860			227,844			214,928			196,042			182,578
Provision for loan losses	2,950			6,075			1,500			10,403			10,200
Noninterest income	82,994			82,428			75,888			69,943			68,009
Noninterest expenses	204,359			192,122			197,138			171,838			173,649
Net income	87,204			76,648			64,960			59,845			50,254
Per share data
Net income — basic	$	3.19		$	2.90		2.51			2.50			2.18
Net income — diluted	3.19			2.90			2.50			2.49			2.18
Cash dividends declared	1.28			1.16			1.04			0.96			0.88
Book value	34.38			32.02			29.40			26.69			24.85
Tangible book value (1)	25.60			23.45			21.29			19.18			17.18
Performance ratios
Return on average assets	1.11		%	1.04		%	0.93		%	0.95		%	0.87		%
Return on average common equity	9.55		%	9.43		%	8.79		%	9.66		%	9.09		%
Net interest margin (on a fully tax equivalent basis)	3.60		%	3.40		%	3.42		%	3.45		%	3.51		%
Equity to assets	11.68		%	11.22		%	10.70		%	10.06		%	9.70		%
Dividend payout ratio	39.04		%	38.76		%	40.29		%	37.50		%	30.09		%
Asset quality ratios
Nonperforming loans as a percent of gross loans	0.78		%	0.96		%	0.50		%	0.55		%	0.73		%
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets	0.62		%	0.80		%	0.41		%	0.61		%	0.72		%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans	0.95		%	1.03		%	1.01		%	1.11		%	1.13		%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of nonperforming loans	122.17		%	107.24		%	201.61		%	200.28		%	153.61		%
Capital ratios
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio	10.04		%	9.77		%	9.33		%	8.84		%	8.64		%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio	11.20		%	10.82		%	10.44		%	n/a			n/a
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio	12.31		%	11.99		%	11.71		%	10.88		%	10.88		%
Total risk-based capital ratio	13.82		%	13.60		%	13.36		%	13.15		%	12.58		%

(1) Represents a non-GAAP measurement. For reconciliation to GAAP book value per share, see Item 7 " Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Executive Level Overview - Non-GAAP Measures ".

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 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. When necessary, certain amounts in prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. 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 can provide a satisfactory financial return. The Company completed the acquisition of Island Bancorp Inc. ("Island Bancorp") in the second quarter of 2017.

Interest-Earning Assets

Management’s balance sheet strategy emphasizes commercial and home equity lending. The results depicted in the following table reflect an overall increase in total loans over the past five years due to the results of that strategy, as well as the impact from recent acquisitions. Organic loan growth in 2017 was driven primarily by increases in the commercial real estate, commercial construction and home equity categories, partly offset by a decline in commercial and industrial related balances.

Management strives to be disciplined about loan pricing and considers interest rate sensitivity when generating loan assets. The Company has gradually and intentionally shifted its balance sheet composition so that its interest-rate risk position is fundamentally asset-sensitive. Management takes a disciplined approach to credit underwriting, seeking to avoid undue credit risk and loan losses.

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Funding and the Net Interest Margin

The Company's overall sources of funding reflect strong business and retail deposit growth, supporting management's emphasis on core deposit growth to fund loans, as depicted by the following chart:

As of December 31, 2017 , core deposits comprised 90.1% of total deposits. The continued emphasis on core deposits has resulted in a cost of deposits of 0.19% for the year ended 2017 , which is an increase of one basis point when compared to the prior year.

The Company's net interest margin was 3.60% for the year ended December 31, 2017 , a twenty basis point increase from the prior year, reflecting the Company's asset sensitive position, as shown by the following chart:

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Noninterest Income

Management continues to focus on noninterest income growth, which is primarily comprised of deposit account fees, interchange and ATM fees, investment management fees and mortgage banking income. The following chart shows the components of noninterest income over the past five years:

Expense Control

Management seeks to take a balanced approach to noninterest expense control by monitoring the management of 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 noninterest expense by the sum of noninterest income and net interest income), as well as the Company's efficiency ratio on a non-GAAP operating basis, if applicable, (calculated by dividing noninterest expense, excluding certain noncore items, by the sum of noninterest income, excluding certain noncore items, and net interest income) over the past five years:

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

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Tax Effectiveness

The Company participates in federal and state tax credit programs designed to promote economic development, affordable housing, and job creation. The Company continues to participate in the federal New Markets Tax Credit program and has also made low-income housing tax credit investments. The Company has also established security corporation subsidiaries and, through its subsidiaries, purchased tax-exempt bonds. Federal and state tax credit program participation and other tax strategies help the Company operate in a more tax effective manner and sometimes also create a competitive advantage for Rockland Trust and its community development subsidiaries. During 2017 , the Company’s effective tax rate was 35.19% . The effective tax rate reflected additional tax expense of $1.9 million and $466,000 associated with the Company’s revaluation of net deferred tax assets and Low Income Housing Tax Credit ("LIHTC") investments, respectively, as a result of the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act"). Effective January 1, 2018, the provisions of the Tax Act also reduced the maximum federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, which will significantly reduce the Company's effective tax rate in 2018 and future years.

Capital

The Company's disciplined approach with respect to revenue, expense, and tax effectiveness is designed to promote long-term earnings growth. Strong earnings growth has resulted in healthy capital growth. Book value per share increased 7.37% in 2017 and has increased 38.4% over the past four years. In addition, tangible book value per share increased 9.17% in 2017 compared to the prior year and has increased 49.0% over the past four years. Stockholders' equity as a percentage of total assets was 11.68% at December 31, 2017 , compared to 11.22% in the prior year. Tangible common equity as a percentage of tangible assets increased to 8.96% at December 31, 2017 , as compared to 8.47% in the prior year (see "Non-GAAP Measures" below for a reconciliation to GAAP financial measures). 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.

The Company's strong growth in capital enables the payment of cash dividends, which increased from $1.16 per share in 2016 to $1.28 per share in 2017 , an increase of 10.3% .

2017 Results

Net income for 2017 computed in accordance with GAAP was $87.2 million , or $3.19 on a diluted earnings per share basis, as compared to $76.6 million , or $2.90 per diluted share, for the prior year. Net income for 2017 and 2016 included items that are considered noncore, which are excluded for purposes of assessing operating earnings. Net operating earnings for 2017 were $91.7 million , or $3.35 on a diluted earnings per share basis, an increase of 14.1% and 10.2% , respectively, when compared to net operating earnings of $80.4 million , or $3.04 per diluted share, for the year ending December 31, 2016 . See "Non-GAAP Measures" below for a reconciliation of net operating earnings and diluted earnings per share to GAAP net income and earnings per share, respectively.

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2018 Outlook

During the Company's fourth quarter 2017 earnings call, the Company stated that it anticipated the following for the full year ending December 31, 2018 (as compared with the year ending December 31, 2017 and as of December 31, 2017, as applicable):


•	Loan and deposit growth, barring significant competitive changes, in line with recent experience and generally consistent with economic growth;


•	With the most recent increase in Fed Funds and an additional increase as expected in March, the NIM should expand by 10 to 15 basis points versus the full year 2017;


•	Both non-interest income and non-interest expense are expected to increase at a low to mid-single digit rate;


•	It is important to note that our expectations for non-interest expense growth, while contained overall, include some additional investments made affordable by tax reform that will;


◦	help us retain and attract talented colleagues, and maintain our position as a top employer;


◦	improve the customer experience and ease of doing business;


◦	expand our product and service offerings, and;


◦	serve to further enhance our operational efficiency in the coming years


•	Regarding credit quality, while we don’t foresee any near-term pressure, a gradual normalization of credit within the industry is inevitable;


•	The tax rate is expected to be approximately 23% for the year.

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 noninterest or fee income, reduced by operating expenses, the provision for loan losses, and the impact of income taxes and other noncore 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, loss on extinguishment of debt, impairment, and other items, such as one-time adjustments as a result of changes in laws and regulations. Management, therefore, computes the Company’s non-GAAP operating earnings and operating EPS, noninterest income on an operating basis and efficiency ratio on an operating basis, which exclude items management considers to be noncore. 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 an 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) and with the Company's tangible common equity ratio (which is computed by dividing tangible common equity by tangible assets) which are non-GAAP measures. The Company has included information on these tangible ratios because management believes that investors may find it useful to have access to the same analytical tools used by management to assess performance and identify trends. The Company has recognized goodwill and other intangible assets in conjunction with merger and acquisition activities. 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, facilitates comparison of 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 financial results determined in accordance with GAAP. An item which management deems to be noncore and excludes when computing these non-GAAP measures can be of substantial importance to the Company’s results for any particular period. The Company’s non-GAAP performance measures are not necessarily comparable to similarly named non-GAAP performance measures which may be presented by other companies.

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The following table summarizes the impact of noncore items recorded for the time periods indicated below and reconciles them in accordance with GAAP:




	Net Income						Diluted Earnings Per Share
	2017			2016			2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net income available to common shareholders (GAAP)	$	87,204		$	76,648		$	3.19		$	2.90
Non-GAAP adjustments
Noninterest expense components
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			437			—			0.02
Merger and acquisition expenses	3,393			5,455			0.12			0.20
Total impact of noncore items	3,393			5,892			0.12			0.22
Net tax benefit associated with noncore items (1)	(1,241		)	(2,163		)	(0.05		)	(0.08		)
2017 Tax Act: revaluation of net deferred tax assets	1,895			—			$	0.07		—
2017 Tax Act: revaluation of LIHTC investments	466			—			$	0.02		—
Total tax impact	1,120			(2,163		)	$	0.04		(0.08		)
Net operating earnings (Non-GAAP)	$	91,717		$	80,377		$	3.35		$	3.04


(1)	The net tax benefit associated with noncore items is determined by assessing whether each noncore 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.

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The following table summarizes the impact of noncore items with respect to the Company's total revenue, noninterest income as a percentage of total revenue, and the efficiency ratio for the periods indicated:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income	$	258,860		$	227,844		$	214,928		$	196,042		$	182,578		(a)

Noninterest income (GAAP)	$	82,994		$	82,428		$	75,888		$	69,943		$	68,009		(b)
Less:
Gain on extinguishment of debt	—			—			—			—			763
Gain on life insurance benefits	—			—			—			1,964			227
Gain on sale of fixed income securities	—			—			798			121			258
Noninterest income on an operating basis (non-GAAP)	$	82,994		$	82,428		$	75,090		$	67,858		$	66,761		(c)

Noninterest expense (GAAP)	$	204,359		$	192,122		$	197,138		$	171,838		$	173,649		(d)
Less:
Impairment on acquired facilities	—			—			109			524			—
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			437			122			—			—
Loss on sale of fixed income securities	—			—			1,124			21			—
Loss on termination of derivatives	—			—			—			1,122			—
Merger & acquisition expenses	3,393			5,455			10,501			1,339			8,685
Severance	—			—			—			—			325
Noninterest expense on an operating basis (non-GAAP)	$	200,966		$	186,230		$	185,282		$	168,832		$	164,639		(e)

Total revenue (GAAP)	$	341,854		$	310,272		$	290,816		$	265,985		$	250,587		(a+b)
Total operating revenue (non-GAAP)	$	341,854		$	310,272		$	290,018		$	263,900		$	249,339		(a+c)

Ratios
Noninterest income as a % of revenue	24.28		%	26.57		%	26.09		%	26.30		%	27.14		%	(b/(a+b))
Noninterest income as a % of revenue on an operating basis	24.28		%	26.57		%	25.89		%	25.71		%	26.78		%	(c/(a+c))

Efficiency ratio (GAAP)	59.78		%	61.92		%	67.79		%	64.60		%	69.30		%	(d/(a+b))
Efficiency ratio on an operating basis (non-GAAP)	58.79		%	60.02		%	63.89		%	63.98		%	66.03		%	(e/(a+c))

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



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Tangible common equity
Stockholders’ equity	$	943,809		$	864,690		$	771,463		$	640,527		$	591,540		(a)
Less: Goodwill and other intangibles	241,147			231,374			212,909			180,306			182,642
Tangible common equity (Non-GAAP)	702,662			633,316			558,554			460,221			408,898			(b)
Tangible assets
Assets (GAAP)	8,082,029			7,709,375			7,209,469			6,364,318			6,098,869			(c)
Less: Goodwill and other intangibles	241,147			231,374			212,909			180,306			182,642
Tangible assets (Non-GAAP)	$	7,840,882		$	7,478,001		$	6,996,560		$	6,184,012		$	5,916,227		(d)

Common shares	27,450,190			27,005,813			26,236,352			23,998,738			23,805,984			(e)

Common equity to assets ratio (GAAP)	11.68		%	11.22		%	10.70		%	10.06		%	9.70		%	(a/c)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (Non-GAAP)	8.96		%	8.47		%	7.98		%	7.44		%	6.91		%	(b/d)
Book value per share (GAAP)	$	34.38		$	32.02		$	29.40		$	26.69		$	24.85		(a/e)
Tangible book value per share (Non-GAAP)	$	25.60		$	23.45		$	21.29		$	19.18		$	17.18		(b/e)

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Financial Position

Securities Portfolio The Company’s securities portfolio consists of trading securities, securities available for sale and securities which management intends to hold until maturity. Securities increased by $95.0 million , or 11.2% , at December 31, 2017 as compared to December 31, 2016 . The increase was attributable to periodic purchases throughout the year, partially offset by paydowns. The ratio of securities to total assets as of December 31, 2017 was 11.71% , compared to 11.05% at December 31, 2016 .

The Company monitors investment securities for the presence of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). For debt securities, the primary consideration in determining whether impairment is OTTI is whether or not the Bank expects to collect all contractual cash flows. Further analysis of the Company’s OTTI can be found in Note 3 , “ Securities ” within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.

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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 1 - Securities Portfolio Composition



	December 31
	2017				2016				2015
	Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fair value of securities available for sale
U.S. government agency securities	$	35,430	7.9	%	$	24,244	6.7	%	$	30,215	8.2	%
Agency mortgage-backed securities	215,764		48.2	%	175,384		48.2	%	210,937		57.4	%
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	122,012		27.3	%	99,868		27.5	%	63,584		17.3	%
State, county and municipal securities	2,274		0.5	%	3,793		1.0	%	4,659		1.3	%
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks	2,016		0.4	%	2,311		0.6	%	2,792		0.8	%
Pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	1,640		0.4	%	1,584		0.4	%	1,572		0.4	%
Small business administration pooled securities	47,778		10.7	%	37,189		10.2	%	40,449		11.0	%
Equity securities	20,584		4.6	%	19,271		5.4	%	13,041		3.6	%
Total fair value of securities available for sale	447,498		100.0	%	363,644		100.0	%	367,249		100.0	%
Amortized Cost of Securities Held to Maturity
U.S. treasury securities	1,006		0.2	%	1,007		0.2	%	1,009		0.2	%
Agency mortgage-backed securities	204,768		41.1	%	156,088		32.0	%	167,134		35.0	%
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	262,998		52.9	%	297,445		61.1	%	267,348		56.0	%
State, county and municipal securities	—		—	%	—		—	%	225		—	%
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks	1,500		0.3	%	1,500		0.3	%	1,500		0.3	%
Small business administration pooled securities	27,416		5.5	%	31,036		6.4	%	35,291		7.4	%
Corporate debt securities	—		—	%	—		—	%	5,000		1.1	%
Total amortized cost of securities held to maturity	497,688		100.0	%	487,076		100.0	%	477,507		100.0	%
Total	$	945,186			$	850,720			$	844,756

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. As of December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the Company had $1.6 million of securities categorized as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

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The following tables set forth contractual maturities of the Bank’s securities portfolio at December 31, 2017 . 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 2 - Securities Portfolio, Amounts Maturing



	Within One Year				One Year to Five Years				Five Years to Ten Years				Over Ten Years				Total
	Amount		Weighted Average Yield		Amount		Weighted Average Yield		Amount		Weighted Average Yield		Amount		Weighted Average Yield		Amount		Weighted Average Yield
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fair value of securities available for sale
U.S. government agency securities	$	2,993	1.5	%	$	20,076	2.1	%	$	12,361	2.6	%	$	—	—		$	35,430	2.2	%
Agency mortgage-backed securities	200		4.5	%	28,204		2.5	%	93,799		2.6	%	93,561		2.8	%	215,764		2.7	%
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	22		4.0	%	—		—	%	—		—	%	121,990		2.3	%	122,012		2.3	%
State, county and municipal securities	—		—		1,032		2.9	%	1,242		2.8	%	—		—		2,274		2.8	%
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks	—		—		—		—		—		—		2,016		5.1	%	2,016		5.1	%
Pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	—		—		—		—		—		—		1,640		2.0	%	1,640		2.0	%
Small business administration pooled securities	—		—		—		—		—		—		47,778		2.6	%	47,778		2.6	%
Equity securities(1)	—		—		—		—		—		—		20,584		—		20,584		—
Total fair value of securities available for sale	3,215		1.7	%	49,312		2.4	%	107,402		2.6	%	287,569		2.6	%	447,498		2.5	%
Amortized cost of securities held to maturity
U.S. Treasury securities	—		—		1,006		3.0	%	—		—		—		—		1,006		3.0	%
Agency mortgage-backed securities	—		—		14,630		2.5	%	15,136		2.9	%	175,002		2.7	%	204,768		2.7	%
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	—		—		—		—	%	1,665		3.0	%	261,333		2.3	%	262,998		2.3	%
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks	—		—		—		—		—		—		1,500		8.3	%	1,500		8.3	%
Small business administration pooled securities	—		—		—		—		—		—		27,416		2.6	%	27,416		2.6	%
Total amortized cost of securities held to maturity	—		—	%	15,636		2.6	%	16,801		2.9	%	465,251		2.5	%	497,688		2.5	%
Total	$	3,215	1.7	%	$	64,948	2.4	%	$	124,203	2.6	%	$	752,820	2.5	%	$	945,186	2.5	%


(1)	Equity securities have no contractual maturity and typically do not pay contractual interest or dividend income, therefore they are reported above in the over ten year maturity column with no weighted average yield.

As of December 31, 2017 , the weighted average life of the securities portfolio was 5.0 years and the modified duration was 4.4 years.

At December 31, 2017 , the aggregate book value of securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac exceeded 10% of stockholders' equity. The aggregate book value and market value of securities issued by Fannie Mae at December 31, 2017 was $498.2 million and $495.7 million , respectively. The aggregate book value and market value of securities issued by Freddie Mac at December 31, 2017 was $282.9 million and $280.4 million , respectively.

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Residential Mortgage Loan Sales The Company’s primary loan sale activity arises from the sale of government sponsored enterprise eligible residential mortgage loans. During 2017 and 2016 , the Bank originated residential loans with the intention of selling them in the secondary market or holding them in the Company's residential 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 breached. The Company has incurred minimal losses during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 related to repurchased loans.

The following table shows the total residential loans that were closed and whether the amounts were held in the portfolio or sold/held for sale in the secondary market during the period indicated:

Table 3 - Closed Residential Real Estate Loans



	Years Ended December 31
	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Held in portfolio	$	144,482	$	118,735	$	72,274
Sold or held for sale in the secondary market	231,437		304,402		240,943
Total closed loans	$	375,919	$	423,137	$	313,217

The Company sold $234.2 million and $304.3 million in residential loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. All loans sold during these periods were sold with servicing rights released.

Currently, the Bank sells the servicing of sold loans for a servicing release premium, simultaneous with the sale of the loan. In the past, the Bank may have opted to sell loans and retain the servicing. 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 amounted to $277.8 million at December 31, 2017 and $311.3 million at December 31, 2016 .

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

Table 4 - Mortgage Servicing Asset



	2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	2,048		$	2,581
Acquired portfolio	28			—
Amortization	(404		)	(527		)
Change in valuation allowance	25			(6		)
Ending balance	$	1,697		$	2,048

Forward sale contracts of mortgage loans, considered derivative instruments for accounting purposes, may be utilized by the Company in its efforts to manage risk of loss associated with its mortgage loan commitments and mortgage loans held for sale. Prior to closing and funding certain one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, an interest rate lock commitment is generally extended to the borrower. During the period from commitment date to closing date, the Company is subject to the risk that market rates of interest may change. If market rates rise, investors generally will pay less to purchase such loans, resulting in a reduction in the gain on sale of the loans or, possibly, a loss. In an effort to mitigate such risk, forward delivery sales commitments are executed, under which the Company agrees to deliver whole mortgage loans to investors which economically hedges this market risk. See Note 11 , “ Derivatives and Hedging Activities ” within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof for more information on mortgage activity and mortgage related derivatives.

Loan Portfolio Management continues to focus on growth in the commercial and home equity lending categories. Management believes this emphasis is prudent, given the prevailing interest rate and economic environment, as well as strategic priorities. The Company’s loan portfolio increased by $355.9 million during 2017 due in part to the acquired loan portfolio from the Island Bancorp acquisition and continued modest growth in the commercial real estate, commercial construction, and home equity portfolios.

Excluding the effects of the Island Bancorp acquisition, the Company has experienced organic loan growth across most major loan categories, with the exception of commercial and industrial, which has declined due to lower utilization rates. The following table summarizes loan growth/decline during the periods indicated:

Table 5 - Components of Loan Growth/(Decline)



	December 31		December 31		Island Bancorp		Organic			Organic
	2017		2016		Acquisition		Growth/(Decline) $			Growth/(Decline) %
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	$	888,528	$	902,053	$	4,271	$	(17,796	)	(2.0	)%
Commercial real estate	3,116,561		3,010,798		44,510		61,253			2.0	%
Commercial construction	401,797		320,391		106		81,300			25.4	%
Small business	132,370		122,726		57		9,587			7.8	%
Residential real estate	754,329		644,426		87,450		22,453			3.5	%
Home equity	1,052,088		988,147		18,921		45,020			4.6	%
Other consumer	9,880		11,064		236		(1,420		)	(12.8	)%
Total loans	$	6,355,553	$	5,999,605	$	155,551	$	200,397		3.3	%

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

Table 6 - Loan Portfolio Composition



	December 31
	2017					2016					2015					2014					2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent		Amount			Percent
Commercial and industrial	$	888,528		14.0	%	$	902,053		15.0	%	$	843,276		15.2	%	$	860,839		17.3	%	$	784,202		16.6	%
Commercial real estate	3,116,561			48.9	%	3,010,798			50.3	%	2,653,434			47.8	%	2,347,323			47.2	%	2,249,260			47.7	%
Commercial construction	401,797			6.3	%	320,391			5.3	%	373,368			6.7	%	265,994			5.4	%	223,859			4.7	%
Small business	132,370			2.1	%	122,726			2.0	%	96,246			1.7	%	85,247			1.7	%	77,240			1.6	%
Residential real estate	754,329			11.9	%	644,426			10.7	%	638,606			11.5	%	530,259			10.7	%	541,443			11.5	%
Home equity	1,052,088			16.6	%	988,147			16.5	%	927,803			16.8	%	863,863			17.4	%	822,141			17.5	%
Other consumer	9,880			0.2	%	11,064			0.2	%	14,988			0.3	%	17,208			0.3	%	20,162			0.4	%
Gross loans	6,355,553			100.0	%	5,999,605			100.0	%	5,547,721			100.0	%	4,970,733			100.0	%	4,718,307			100.0	%
Allowance for loan losses	(60,643		)			(61,566		)			(55,825		)			(55,100		)			(53,239		)
Net loans	$	6,294,910				$	5,938,039				$	5,491,896				$	4,915,633				$	4,665,068

The following table sets forth the scheduled contractual amortization of the Bank’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2017 . Loans having no schedule of repayments or no stated maturity are reported as being due in greater than five years. The following table also sets forth the rate structure of loans scheduled to mature after one year:

Table 7 - Scheduled Contractual Loan Amortization



	December 31, 2017
	Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Commercial Construction (1)		Small Business		Residential Real Estate		Home Equity		Consumer Other		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Amounts due in:
One year or less	$	216,648	$	612,241	$	111,023	$	42,158	$	33,130	$	26,180	$	7,370	$	1,048,750
After one year through five years	405,457		1,444,314		168,077		50,319		101,877		108,421		1,607		2,280,072
Beyond five years	266,423		1,060,006		122,697		39,893		619,322		917,487		903		3,026,731
Total	$	888,528	$	3,116,561	$	401,797	$	132,370	$	754,329	$	1,052,088	$	9,880	$	6,355,553
Interest rate terms on amounts due after one year:
Fixed rate	$	360,068	$	778,418	$	48,925	$	55,034	$	516,200	$	364,430	$	2,510	$	2,125,585
Adjustable rate	$	311,812	$	1,725,902	$	241,849	$	35,178	$	204,999	$	661,478	$	—	$	3,181,218


(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.

As of December 31, 2017 , $31.8 million of loans scheduled to mature within one year were nonperforming.

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.

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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, impaired, nonperforming and/or put on nonaccrual status. Additionally, in the course of resolving such loans, the Company may choose to restructure the contractual terms of certain loans to match the borrower’s ability to repay the loan based on their current financial condition. If a restructured loan meets certain criteria, it may be categorized as a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR").

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.

Nonaccrual Loans As a general rule, loans more than 90 days past due with respect to principal or interest are classified as nonaccrual loans. However, certain loans that are more than 90 days past due may be kept on an accruing status if the loans are well secured and/or in the process of collection. The Company may also put a junior lien mortgage on nonaccrual status as a result of delinquency with respect to the first position, which is held by another financial institution, while the junior lien is currently performing. Income accruals are suspended on all nonaccrual loans and all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against current income. A loan remains on nonaccrual status until it becomes current with respect to principal and interest (and in certain instances remains current for up to six months), the loan is liquidated, or when the loan is determined to be uncollectible and is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses.

Troubled Debt Restructurings In the course of resolving problem loans, the Company may choose to restructure 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. Loans that are modified are reviewed by the Company to identify if a TDR has occurred, which is when, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, the Bank grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Terms may be modified to fit the ability of the borrower to repay in line with its current financial status and the restructuring of the loan may include adjustments to interest rates, extensions of maturity, consumer loans where the borrower's obligations have been effectively discharged through Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt to the Bank, and other actions intended to minimize economic loss and avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. If such efforts by the Bank 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 Bank may terminate foreclosure proceedings if the borrower is able to work out a satisfactory payment plan.

It is the Company’s policy to have any restructured loans which are on nonaccrual status prior to being modified remain on nonaccrual status for six months, subsequent to being modified, before management considers its return to accrual status. If the restructured loan is on accrual status prior to being modified, it is reviewed to determine if the modified loan should remain on accrual status. Loans that are considered TDRs are classified as performing, unless they are on nonaccrual status or greater than 90 days delinquent. Loans classified as TDRs remain classified as such for the life of the loan, except in limited circumstances, when it may be determined that the borrower is performing under modified terms and the restructuring agreement specified an interest rate greater than or equal to an acceptable market rate for a comparable new loan at the time of the restructuring.

Purchased Credit Impaired Loans Purchased Credit Impaired (“PCI”) loans are acquired loans which had evidence of deterioration in credit quality at the purchase date and for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected. PCI loans are recorded at fair value without any carryover of the allowance for loan losses. The excess cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying amount of the loans, referred to as the "accretable yield," is accreted into interest income over the life of the loans using the effective yield method. Accordingly, PCI loans are not subject to classification as nonaccrual in the same manner as originated loans, rather they are generally considered to be accruing loans because their interest income recognized relates to the accretable yield and not to contractual interest payments. See Note 4 , " Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality " within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof for more information.

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Nonperforming Assets Nonperforming assets are comprised of nonperforming loans and other real estate owned (“OREO”). Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccrual loans and loans that are more than 90 days 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 loan 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 noninterest expense. In the event the real estate is utilized as a rental property, net rental income and expenses are recorded as incurred within noninterest expense.

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

Table 8 - Nonperforming Assets



	December 31
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis (1)
Commercial and industrial	$	32,055		$	37,455		$	3,699		$	2,822		$	4,178
Commercial real estate	3,123			6,266			8,160			7,590			11,834
Small business	230			302			239			246			633
Residential real estate	8,129			7,782			8,795			8,697			10,329
Home equity	6,022			5,553			6,742			8,038			7,068
Other consumer	71			47			55			—			92
Total	49,630			57,405			27,690			27,393			34,134
Loans past due 90 days or more but still accruing
Residential real estate (2)	—			—			—			106			462
Other consumer	8			2			—			13			63
Total	8			2			—			119			525
Total nonperforming loans	49,638			57,407			27,690			27,512			34,659
Nonaccrual securities (3)	—			—			—			3,639			1,541
Other assets in possession	—			—			—			—			167
Other real estate owned	612			4,173			2,159			7,743			7,466
Total nonperforming assets	$	50,250		$	61,580		$	29,849		$	38,894		$	43,833
Nonperforming loans as a percent of gross loans	0.78		%	0.96		%	0.50		%	0.55		%	0.73		%
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets	0.62		%	0.80		%	0.41		%	0.61		%	0.72		%


(1)	Included in these amounts were TDRs on nonaccrual of $6.1 million at December 31, 2017 , $5.2 million at December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , and $7.5 million at December 31, 2013 .


(2)	Represents purchased credit impaired loans that are accruing interest due to expectations of future cash collections.


(3)	Amounts represent the fair value of nonaccrual securities. The Company had no nonaccrual securities in 2017, 2016, and 2015 and five nonaccrual securities in 2014 and 2013.

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The following table summarizes the changes in nonperforming assets for the periods indicated:

Table 9 - Activity in Nonperforming Assets



	2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Nonperforming assets beginning balance	$	61,580		$	29,849
New to nonperforming	13,503			47,371
Loans charged-off	(6,209		)	(3,472		)
Loans paid-off	(11,440		)	(9,632		)
Loans transferred to other real estate owned/other assets	(564		)	(1,322		)
Loans restored to accrual status	(3,197		)	(3,447		)
New to other real estate owned	564			1,322
Acquired other real estate owned	—			2,100
Valuation write down	(372		)	(206		)
Sale of other real estate owned	(3,700		)	(1,406		)
Capital improvements to other real estate owned	—			203
Other	85			220
Nonperforming assets ending balance	$	50,250		$	61,580

The following table sets forth information regarding troubled debt restructured loans as of the dates indicated:

Table 10 - Troubled Debt Restructurings



	December 31
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Performing troubled debt restructurings	$	25,852		$	27,093		$	32,849		$	38,382		$	38,410
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings	6,067			5,199			5,225			5,248			7,454
Total	$	31,919		$	32,292		$	38,074		$	43,630		$	45,864
Performing troubled debt restructurings as a % of total loans	0.41		%	0.45		%	0.59		%	0.77		%	0.81		%
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings as a % of total loans	0.10		%	0.09		%	0.09		%	0.11		%	0.16		%
Total troubled debt restructurings as a % of total loans	0.50		%	0.54		%	0.69		%	0.88		%	0.97		%

The following table summarizes changes in TDRs for the periods indicated:

Table 11 - Activity in Troubled Debt Restructurings



	2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs beginning balance	$	32,292		$	38,074
New to TDR status	4,943			4,282
Transfer to OREO	(322		)	—
Paydowns	(4,975		)	(9,984		)
Charge-offs	(19		)	(80		)
Loans removed from TDR status	—			—
TDRs ending balance	$	31,919		$	32,292

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Income accruals are suspended on all nonaccrual loans and all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against current income. The table below shows interest income that was recognized or collected on all nonaccrual loans and TDRs as of the dates indicated:

Table 12 - Interest Income - Nonaccrual Loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings



	Years Ended December 31
	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
The amount of incremental gross interest income that would have been recorded if nonaccrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms	$	2,461	$	1,131	$	1,270
The amount of interest income on nonaccrual loans and performing TDRs that was included in net income	$	1,826	$	1,872	$	2,274

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

Impaired loans include all commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial construction and small business loans that are on nonaccrual status, TDRs, and other loans that have been categorized as impaired. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by comparing the loan’s value to either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. For impaired loans deemed collateral dependent, where impairment is measured using the fair value of the collateral, the Bank will either order a new appraisal or use another available source of collateral assessment such as a broker’s opinion of value to determine a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the collateral.

Total impaired loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $72.8 million and $77.3 million , respectively. For additional information regarding the Bank’s asset quality, including delinquent loans, nonaccruals, TDRs, and impaired loans, see Note 4 , “ Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality ” within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.

Potential problem loans are any loans which are not included in nonaccrual or nonperforming loans, where known information about possible credit problems of the borrowers causes management to have concerns as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms. At December 31, 2017 , there were 55 relationships, with an aggregate balance of $84.6 million, deemed to be potential problem loans. These potential problem loans continued to perform with respect to payments. Management actively monitors these loans and strives to minimize any possible adverse impact to the Company.

Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that management considers appropriate to provide for probable loan losses based upon evaluation of known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. The allowance is increased by providing for loan losses through a charge to expense and by credits for recoveries of loans previously charged-off and is reduced by loans being charged-off.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on increases in nonperforming loans, changes in economic conditions, or for other reasons. Additionally, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the Bank's examination process, periodically assess the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to ensure its in accordance with GAAP and applicable guidance.

The allowance for loan losses is allocated to loan types using both a formula-based approach applied to groups of loans and an analysis of certain individual loans for impairment. The formula-based approach emphasizes loss factors derived from actual historical portfolio loss rates, which are combined with an assessment of certain qualitative factors to determine the allowance amounts allocated to the various loan categories. Allowance amounts are determined based on an estimate of the historical average annual percentage rate of loan loss for each loan category, an estimate of the incurred loss emergence and confirmation period for each loan category, and certain qualitative risk factors considered in the computation of the allowance for loan losses. Additionally,

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the Company reviews numerous credit quality indicators when assessing the risk in its loan portfolio. For the commercial portfolio, the Company utilizes a 10-point commercial risk-rating system, which assigns a risk-grade to each borrower based on a number of quantitative and qualitative factors associated with a commercial loan transaction. Factors considered include industry and market conditions, position within the industry, earnings trends, operating cash flow, asset/liability values, debt capacity, guarantor strength, management and controls, financial reporting, collateral and other considerations.

As of December 31, 2017 , the allowance for loan losses totaled $60.6 million , or 0.95% of total loans, as compared to $61.6 million , or 1.03% of total loans, at December 31, 2016 .

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The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for loan losses and other selected statistics for the periods presented:

Table 13 - Summary of Changes in the Allowance for Loan Losses



	December 31
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Average total loans	$	6,191,099		$	5,670,427		$	5,394,464		$	4,871,197		$	4,556,351
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of year	$	61,566		$	55,825		$	55,100		$	53,239		$	51,834
Charged-off loans:
Commercial and industrial	3,891			593			2,010			2,097			2,683
Commercial real estate	39			414			330			5,454			3,587
Commercial construction	—			—			—			—			308
Small business	302			228			267			605			773
Residential real estate	207			28			285			826			622
Home equity	276			602			710			750			1,370
Other consumer	1,494			1,607			1,316			1,215			1,175
Total charged-off loans	6,209			3,472			4,918			10,947			10,518
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off
Commercial and industrial	615			859			1,593			462			272
Commercial real estate	385			564			1,073			404			206
Commercial construction	—			—			—			—			100
Small business	114			195			264			275			279
Residential real estate	31			299			133			424			143
Home equity	198			141			356			249			135
Other consumer	993			1,080			724			591			588
Total recoveries	2,336			3,138			4,143			2,405			1,723
Net loans charged-off (recoveries)
Commercial and industrial	3,276			(266		)	417			1,635			2,411
Commercial real estate	(346		)	(150		)	(743		)	5,050			3,381
Commercial construction	—			—			—			—			208
Small business	188			33			3			330			494
Residential real estate	176			(271		)	152			402			479
Home equity	78			461			354			501			1,235
Other consumer	501			527			592			624			587
Total net loans charged-off	3,873			334			775			8,542			8,795
Provision for loan losses	2,950			6,075			1,500			10,403			10,200
Total allowances for loan losses, end of year	$	60,643		$	61,566		$	55,825		$	55,100		$	53,239
Net loans charged-off as a percent of average total loans	0.06		%	0.01		%	0.01		%	0.18		%	0.19		%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans	0.95		%	1.03		%	1.01		%	1.11		%	1.13		%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of nonperforming loans	122.17		%	107.24		%	201.61		%	200.28		%	153.61		%
Net loans charged-off as a percent of allowance for loan losses	6.39		%	0.54		%	1.39		%	15.50		%	16.52		%
Recoveries as a percent of gross charge-offs	37.62		%	90.38		%	84.24		%	21.97		%	16.38		%

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For purposes of the allowance for loan losses, management segregates the loan portfolio into the portfolio segments detailed in the table below. The allocation of the allowance for loan losses is made to each loan category using the analytical techniques and estimation methods described herein. While these amounts represent management’s best estimate of the distribution of probable losses at the evaluation dates, they are not necessarily indicative of either the categories in which actual losses may occur or the extent of such 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 loan losses by loan category at the dates indicated:

Table 14 - Summary of Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses



	December 31
	2017				2016				2015				2014				2013
	Allowance Amount		Percent of Loans In Category To Total Loans		Allowance Amount		Percent of Loans In Category To Total Loans		Allowance Amount		Percent of Loans In Category To Total Loans		Allowance Amount		Percent of Loans In Category To Total Loans		Allowance Amount		Percent of Loans In Category To Total Loans
	(Dollars in thousands)
Allocated Allowance
Commercial and industrial	$	13,256	14.0	%	$	16,921	15.0	%	$	13,802	15.2	%	$	15,573	17.3	%	$	15,622	16.6	%
Commercial real estate	31,453		48.9	%	30,369		50.2	%	27,327		47.8	%	25,873		47.2	%	24,541		47.7	%
Commercial construction	5,698		6.3	%	4,522		5.3	%	5,366		6.7	%	3,945		5.4	%	3,371		4.7	%
Small business	1,577		2.1	%	1,502		2.1	%	1,264		1.7	%	1,171		1.7	%	1,215		1.6	%
Residential real estate	2,822		11.9	%	2,621		10.7	%	2,590		11.5	%	2,834		10.7	%	2,760		11.5	%
Home equity	5,390		16.6	%	5,238		16.5	%	4,889		16.7	%	4,956		17.4	%	5,036		17.5	%
Other consumer	447		0.2	%	393		0.2	%	587		0.4	%	748		0.3	%	694		0.4	%
Total	$	60,643	100.0	%	$	61,566	100.0	%	$	55,825	100.0	%	$	55,100	100.0	%	$	53,239	100.0	%

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 loan 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 loan losses, see Note 1 , “ Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ” and Note 4 , “ Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality ” within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock The Bank held an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston, of $11.6 million and $11.5 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. 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, particularly term funding, as a tool to manage interest rate risk. The purchase of stock in the FHLB is a requirement for a member to gain access to funding. The Company purchases and/or is subject to redemption of FHLB stock proportional to the volume of funding received and views the holdings as a necessary long-term investment for the purposes of balance sheet liquidity and not for investment return.

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets were $241.1 million and $231.4 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The increase is due to the Island Bancorp acquisition, partially offset by amortization of definite-lived intangibles.

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. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment testing during the third quarter of 2017 and determined that the Company's goodwill was not impaired. Other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. There were no events or changes that indicated impairment of other intangible assets. For additional information regarding the goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 6 , “ Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ” within 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 $151.5 million and $144.5 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, with $2.7 million of the increase attributable to policies obtained in the Island Bancorp acquisition. The Company recorded tax exempt income from the life insurance policies of $4.1 million in both 2017 and 2016 , and $3.7 million in 2015 .

Deposits As of December 31, 2017 , total deposits were $6.7 billion , representing a $317.0 million , or 4.9% , increase from the prior year-end. The increase is due partially to the impact of the Island Bancorp acquisition combined with solid core deposit growth, which now represents 90.07% of total deposits at December 31, 2017 . The total cost of deposits was 0.19% for the year ended December 31, 2017 , representing an increase from the prior year of 1 basis point.

Excluding the effects of the Island Bancorp acquisition, the Company has experienced net organic deposit growth as summarized in the table below during the periods indicated:

Table 15 - Components of Deposit Growth/(Decline)




	December 31 2017		December 31 2016		Island Bancorp Acquisition		Organic Growth/(Decline) $			Organic Growth/(Decline) %
	(Dollars in thousands)
Demand deposits	$	2,159,396	$	2,057,086	$	33,599	$	68,711		3.3	%
Savings and interest checking	2,599,922		2,469,237		47,095		83,590			3.4	%
Money market	1,325,634		1,236,778		63,915		24,941			2.0	%
Time certificates of deposits	644,301		649,152		14,971		(19,822		)	(3.1	)%
Total	$	6,729,253	$	6,412,253	$	159,580	$	157,420		2.5	%

The following table sets forth the maturities of the Bank’s time certificates of deposits in the amount of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2017 :

Table 16 - Maturities of Time Certificates of Deposits $100,000 and Over



	Balance		Percentage
	(Dollars in thousands)
1 to 3 months	$	43,892	15.8	%
4 to 6 months	35,605		12.8	%
7 to 12 months	78,093		28.0	%
Over 12 months	120,941		43.4	%
Total	$	278,531	100.0	%

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The Bank also participates in the Promontory Interfinancial Network, allowing the Bank to provide easy access to multi-million dollar Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") deposit insurance protection on certificate of deposit and money market investments for consumers, businesses and public entities. In addition, the Company may occasionally raise funds through brokered certificates of deposit. This channel allows the Company to seek additional funding in potentially large quantities by attracting deposits from outside the Bank’s core market. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had brokered deposits of $54.5 million and $14.7 million , respectively, primarily consisting of deposits associated with the Promontory Network.

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.

During 2017 the Company assumed, at fair value, $2.5 million of FHLB borrowings as a result of the Island Bancorp acquisition.

During 2016 the Company assumed, at fair value, $51.5 million of FHLB borrowings as a result of the November 2016 acquisition of New England Bancorp, Inc. ("NEB"). The Company repaid $102.8 million in borrowings throughout 2016, inclusive of the amount acquired from NEB. The pay off these borrowings resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $437,000 .

The following table sets forth the balance of borrowings, net of applicable debt issuance costs, at the periods indicated:

Table 17 - Borrowings by Category



	December 31
	2017		2016		% Change
	(Dollars in thousands)
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	$	53,264	$	50,819	4.8	%
Customer repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings	162,679		176,913		(8.0	)%
Junior subordinated debentures	73,073		73,107		—	%
Subordinated debentures	34,682		34,635		0.1	%
Total	$	323,698	$	335,474	(3.5	)%

See Note 8 , " Borrowings " within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof for more information regarding borrowings.

Capital Resources The Federal Reserve Board (Federal Reserve), the FDIC, and other regulatory agencies have established capital guidelines for banks and bank holding companies. Effective January 1, 2015, risk-based capital guidelines issued by the federal regulatory agencies require banks to meet a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%, Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0% and a total capital ratio of 8.0%. A minimum requirement of 4.0% Tier 1 leverage capital is also mandated. In addition, the Company is required to maintain a minimum capital conservation buffer, in the form of common equity, in order to avoid restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses. The required amount of the capital conservation buffer is being phased-in, beginning at 0.625% on January 1, 2016 and ultimately increasing to 2.5% on January 1, 2019. At December 31, 2017 , 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 required capital conservation buffer. See Note 19 , “ Regulatory Matters ” within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof for more information regarding capital requirements.

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Results of Operations

Table 18 - Summary of Results of Operations



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net income	$	87,204		$	76,648
Diluted earnings per share	$	3.19		$	2.90
Return on average assets	1.11		%	1.04		%
Return on average equity	9.55		%	9.43		%
Stockholders' equity as % of assets	11.68		%	11.22		%
Net interest margin	3.60		%	3.40		%

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 $260.4 million in 2017 , a 13.5% increase from 2016 net interest income of $229.4 million . The overall increase is due in part to higher interest earning assets, which is driven by both recent acquisitions and organic growth, as well as increased market rates on short-term indexed assets, lower borrowings cost, and the reinvestment of excess liquidity.

The following table presents the Company’s average balances, net interest income, interest rate spread, and net interest margin for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . Nontaxable 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



	Years Ended December 31
	2017						2016						2015
	Average Balance		Interest Earned/ Paid		Average Yield		Average Balance		Interest Earned/ Paid		Average Yield		Average Balance		Interest Earned/ Paid		Average Yield
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets
Interest-earning deposits with banks, federal funds sold, and short term investments	$	124,014	$	1,418	1.14	%	$	228,861	$	1,190	0.52	%	$	138,694	$	349	0.25	%
Securities
Securities - trading	1,223		—		—	%	701		—		—	%	389		—		—	%
Securities - taxable investments	901,891		22,465		2.49	%	826,131		20,851		2.52	%	787,781		20,120		2.55	%
Securities - nontaxable investments (1)	3,186		135		4.24	%	4,486		180		4.01	%	5,101		195		3.82	%
Total securities	906,300		22,600		2.49	%	831,318		21,031		2.53	%	793,271		20,315		2.56	%
Loans held for sale	4,760		92		1.93	%	9,213		235		2.55	%	9,244		225		2.43	%
Loans(2)
Commercial and industrial	875,056		36,048		4.12	%	848,434		33,206		3.91	%	858,043		33,569		3.91	%
Commercial real estate (1)	3,067,077		127,512		4.16	%	2,748,337		111,977		4.07	%	2,590,482		106,801		4.12	%
Commercial construction	365,277		16,387		4.49	%	365,590		15,094		4.13	%	304,545		12,838		4.22	%
Small business	128,559		7,145		5.56	%	108,619		5,875		5.41	%	90,081		4,900		5.44	%
Total commercial	4,435,969		187,092		4.22	%	4,070,980		166,152		4.08	%	3,843,151		158,108		4.11	%
Residential real estate	713,608		28,179		3.95	%	633,313		25,487		4.02	%	641,218		25,603		3.99	%
Home equity	1,030,881		38,388		3.72	%	952,736		32,889		3.45	%	892,920		30,777		3.45	%
Total consumer real estate	1,744,489		66,567		3.82	%	1,586,049		58,376		3.68	%	1,534,138		56,380		3.68	%
Other consumer	10,641		944		8.87	%	13,398		1,185		8.84	%	17,175		1,664		9.69	%
Total loans	6,191,099		254,603		4.11	%	5,670,427		225,713		3.98	%	5,394,464		216,152		4.01	%

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Total Interest-Earning Assets	7,226,173		278,713		3.86	%	6,739,819		248,169		3.68	%	6,335,673		237,041		3.74	%
Cash and Due from Banks	97,694						91,107						110,202
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	12,781						12,831						31,080
Other Assets	554,117						544,917						512,908
Total Assets	$	7,890,765					$	7,388,674					$	6,989,863

Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits
Savings and interest checking accounts	$	2,541,845	$	3,656	0.14	%	$	2,399,147	$	3,173	0.13	%	$	2,242,245	$	3,556	0.16	%
Money market	1,298,598		4,224		0.33	%	1,178,262		2,996		0.25	%	1,102,892		2,878		0.26	%
Time certificates of deposits	622,909		4,822		0.77	%	649,678		4,971		0.77	%	708,094		5,142		0.73	%
Total interest bearing deposits	4,463,352		12,702		0.28	%	4,227,087		11,140		0.26	%	4,053,231		11,576		0.29	%
Borrowings
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	59,204		1,385		2.34	%	61,398		1,653		2.69	%	106,686		2,208		2.07	%
Customer repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings	166,152		257		0.15	%	149,042		208		0.14	%	138,363		210		0.15	%
Wholesale repurchase agreements	—		—		—	%	—		—		—	%	32,192		746		2.32	%
Junior subordinated debentures	73,074		2,281		3.12	%	73,207		4,083		5.58	%	73,407		4,026		5.48	%
Subordinated debt	34,658		1,709		4.93	%	34,612		1,709		4.94	%	38,692		1,851		4.78	%
Total borrowings	333,088		5,632		1.69	%	318,259		7,653		2.40	%	389,340		9,041		2.32	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	4,796,440		18,334		0.38	%	4,545,346		18,793		0.41	%	4,442,571		20,617		0.46	%
Demand deposits	2,098,501						1,924,173						1,704,253
Other liabilities	82,840						106,766						103,839
Total liabilities	6,977,781						6,576,285						6,250,663
Stockholders’ equity	912,984						812,389						739,200
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	7,890,765					$	7,388,674					$	6,989,863
Net interest income(1)			$	260,379					$	229,376					$	216,424
Interest rate spread(3)					3.48	%					3.27	%					3.28	%
Net interest margin(4)					3.60	%					3.40	%					3.42	%
Supplemental Information
Total deposits, including demand deposits	$	6,561,853	$	12,702			$	6,151,260	$	11,140			$	5,757,484	$	11,576
Cost of total deposits					0.19	%					0.18	%					0.20	%
Total funding liabilities, including demand deposits	$	6,894,941	$	18,334			$	6,469,519	$	18,793			$	6,146,824	$	20,617
Cost of total funding liabilities					0.27	%					0.29	%					0.34	%

(1)

The total amount of adjustment to present interest income and yield on a fully tax-equivalent basis is $1.5 million for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . The FTE adjustment relates to nontaxable investment securities with average balances of $3.2 million , $4.5 million, and $5.1 million in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, and nontaxable industrial development bonds with average balances of $69.9 million at both 2017 and 2016 , and $67.7 million at 2015 .


(2)	Average nonaccruing loans are included in loans.


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


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

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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



	Years Ended December 31
	2017 Compared To 2016									2016 Compared To 2015									2015 Compared To 2014
	Change Due to Rate			Change Due to Volume			Total Change			Change Due to Rate			Change Due to Volume			Total Change			Change Due to Rate			Change Due to Volume			Total Change
	(Dollars in thousands)
Income on interest-earning assets
Interest-earning deposits, federal funds sold and short term investments	$	773		$	(545	)	$	228		$	614		$	227		$	841		$	3		$	67		$	70
Securities
Taxable securities	(298		)	1,912			1,614			(248		)	979			731			(414		)	1,924			1,510
Nontaxable securities(1)	7			(52		)	(45		)	9			(24		)	(15		)	(5		)	(33		)	(38		)
Total securities							1,569									716									1,472
Loans held for sale	(29		)	(114		)	(143		)	11			(1		)	10			(112		)	(68		)	(180		)
Loans
Commercial and industrial	1,800			1,042			2,842			13			(376		)	(363		)	336			791			1,127
Commercial real estate	2,548			12,987			15,535			(1,332		)	6,508			5,176			(3,213		)	12,043			8,830
Commercial construction	1,306			(13		)	1,293			(317		)	2,573			2,256			(206		)	2,362			2,156
Small business	191			1,079			1,270			(33		)	1,008			975			(106		)	575			469
Total commercial							20,940									8,044									12,582
Residential real estate	(539		)	3,231			2,692			200			(316		)	(116		)	32			4,109			4,141
Home equity	2,801			2,698			5,499			50			2,062			2,112			(590		)	1,799			1,209
Total consumer real estate							8,191									1,996									5,350
Total other consumer	3			(244		)	(241		)	(113		)	(366		)	(479		)	(19		)	(49		)	(68		)
Loans(1)(2)							28,890									9,561									17,864
Total							$	30,544								$	11,128								$	19,226
Expense of interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits
Savings and interest checking accounts	$	294		$	189		$	483		$	(632	)	$	249		$	(383	)	$	(281	)	$	264		$	(17	)
Money market	922			306			1,228			(79		)	197			118			58			333			391
Time certificates of deposits	56			(205		)	(149		)	253			(424		)	(171		)	92			71			163
Total interest-bearing deposits							1,562									(436		)							537
Borrowings
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	(209		)	(59		)	(268		)	382			(937		)	(555		)	(744		)	168			(576		)
Customer repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings	25			24			49			(18		)	16			(2		)	18			(8		)	10
Wholesale repurchase agreements	—			—			—			—			(746		)	(746		)	—			(412		)	(412		)
Junior subordinated debentures	(1,795		)	(7		)	(1,802		)	68			(11		)	57			30			(12		)	18
Subordinated debt	(2		)	2			—			53			(195		)	(142		)	451			172			623
Total borrowings							(2,021		)							(1,388		)							(337		)
Total							$	(459	)							$	(1,824	)							$	200
Change in net interest income							$	31,003								$	12,952								$	19,026


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


(2)	Loans include portfolio loans and nonaccrual loans, however unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans has not been included for purposes of determining interest income.

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Provision For Loan Losses The provision for loan losses represents the charge to expense that is required to maintain an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses. The provision for loan losses totaled $3.0 million in 2017 , compared with $6.1 million in 2016 . The decrease in provision was primarily due to a specific reserve for one large commercial relationship which was placed on nonaccrual status in the fourth quarter of 2016 and subsequently charged off in 2017. The Company’s allowance for loan losses, as a percentage of total loans, was 0.95% at December 31, 2017 , as compared to 1.03% at December 31, 2016 . The decrease is attributable to the impact of loans acquired in connection with the Island Bancorp acquisition, as well as a charge-off recorded for the aforementioned large commercial relationship. These acquired loans are recorded at fair value, including a reduction for estimated credit losses, and without carryover of the respective portfolio's historical allowance for loan losses. Net charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 totaled $3.9 million and $334,000 , respectively, an increase of $3.5 million .

Economic conditions remained generally healthy and stable within New England heading into the fourth quarter of 2017. Hiring activity was modest with unemployment levels remaining quite low. Shortages in labor supply noted during the summer months continued through the fall which has led to more widespread upward movement on wages. Prices on most items remained stable with only minor increases in some retail segments. Retail sales through October and early November remained flat or increased slightly with comparable-store sales unchanged to slightly lower. Commercial real estate fundamentals remained relatively flat versus the previous period. Office leasing activity was strong and condominium development showed signs of strengthening while apartment construction in the Boston market appears to be moderating. The residential real estate market remained strong even as inventories continue to decline, placing further upward pressure on valuations. The passage of the tax reform bill has lowered the mortgage interest tax deduction cap, suggesting there could be some pricing pressure in certain markets where this change could make some homes less affordable. General expansion or continued strength of most economic metrics within the Bank’s footprint is expected to continue into 2018.

Management’s periodic evaluation of the appropriate allowance for loan losses considers past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks within the loan portfolio, adverse situations which may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, if any, and current economic conditions. Substantial portions of the Bank’s loans are secured by real estate in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Bank’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in property values within those states.

Noninterest Income The following table sets forth information regarding noninterest income for the periods shown:

Table 21 - Noninterest Income



	Years Ended December 31
					Change
	2017		2016		Amount			%
	(Dollars in thousands)
Deposit account fees	$	17,822	$	18,652	$	(830	)	(4.4	)%
Interchange and ATM fees	17,291		16,210		1,081			6.7	%
Investment management	23,802		21,809		1,993			9.1	%
Mortgage banking income	4,960		6,607		(1,647		)	(24.9	)%
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies	4,127		4,089		38			0.9	%
Gain on sale of equity securities	19		6		13			216.7	%
Loan level derivative income	3,836		6,155		(2,319		)	(37.7	)%
Other noninterest income	11,137		8,900		2,237			25.1	%
Total	$	82,994	$	82,428	$	566		0.7	%

The primary reasons for significant variances in the noninterest income category shown in the preceding table are noted below:

Deposit account fees decreased as a result of decreased overdraft fees.

Interchange and ATM fees increased as a result of the continued successful growth of core checking accounts, and to a lesser degree by the Island Bancorp acquisition which closed in May 2017.

Investment management revenue increased primarily due to an increase in assets under administration, which grew from $2.9 billion at December 31, 2016 to $3.5 billion at December 31, 2017 , reflecting strong new business results as well as market appreciation.

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Mortgage banking income decreased , primarily driven by overall sold loan volume, as a higher percentage of closed loans were retained in the Company's portfolio during 2017 as compared to the prior year.

Loan level derivative income decreased due to lower customer demand during the year.

Other noninterest income increased during the year, mainly due to increases in rental income related to an equipment leasing initiative entered into during the second quarter of 2017, as well as gains on the sale of loans.

Noninterest Expense The following table sets forth information regarding noninterest expense for the periods shown:

Table 22 - Noninterest Expense



	Years Ended December 31
					Change
	2017		2016		Amount			%
	(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits	$	116,600	$	108,636	$	7,964		7.3	%
Occupancy and equipment	24,693		22,867		1,826			8.0	%
Data processing and facilities management	4,988		4,975		13			0.3	%
FDIC assessment	3,068		3,380		(312		)	-9.2	%
Advertising	4,989		5,202		(213		)	(4.1	)%
Consulting	4,038		3,486		552			15.8	%
Debit card expense	3,430		2,993		437			14.6	%
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—		437		(437		)	nm
Loss on sale of equity securities	16		32		(16		)	-50.0	%
Merger & acquisitions	3,393		5,455		(2,062		)	-37.8	%
Software maintenance	3,636		3,061		575			18.8	%
Other noninterest expense	35,508		31,598		3,910			12.4	%
Total	$	204,359	$	192,122	$	12,237		6.4	%

nm - the percentage is not meaningful.

The primary reasons for significant variances in the noninterest expense category shown in the preceding tables are noted below:

The increase in salaries and employee benefits reflects overall increases in the employee base during 2017 (including the recent acquisitions) along with increases in expenses associated with medical insurance, payroll taxes, commissions, and retirement benefits.

Occupancy and equipment expense increases were attributable to depreciation, including equipment associated with the Company's leasing initiative that started in the second quarter of 2017, as well as increases in snow removal, and equipment maintenance and repairs.

FDIC assessment decreased due to a reduction in assessment rates effective July 1, 2016, combined with strong financial results driving further reductions in the rate.

Advertising expenses decreased during 2017 due to timing of various campaigns.

Consulting expense increased during 2017 due primarily to process improvement and strategic initiatives, as well as increased loan work out related costs.

Debit card expense has increased driven mainly by increased volume/usage by customers.

The majority of merger and acquisition expense in 2017 was related to compensation and severance agreements, as well as contract termination costs, associated with the Island Bancorp acquisition which closed in the second quarter of 2017. The majority of the merger and acquisition expenses in 2016 related to compensation and severance agreements, as well as legal and consulting fees associated with the fourth quarter 2016 closing of the NEB acquisition.

Software maintenance increases reflect additional investments in technology to support the Company's growth.

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Other noninterest expenses increased due primarily to increases in loan work out costs, the provision for unfunded commitments, internet banking expense and increased director fees.

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



	December 31
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Combined federal and state income tax provisions	$	47,341		$	35,427		$	27,218
Effective income tax rates	35.19		%	31.61		%	29.53		%
Blended Statutory tax rate	40.93		%	40.90		%	40.83		%

The effective income tax rate for 2017 noted in the table above reflects additional tax expense of $1.9 million and $466,000 associated with the Company’s revaluation of net deferred tax assets and LIHTC investments, respectively, in accordance with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act"). In general, when excluding these items, the effective tax rates above are lower than the blended statutory tax rate due to certain tax preference assets such as life insurance policies and tax exempt bonds, as well as federal tax credits recognized primarily in connection with the New Markets Tax Credit program and investments in low income housing project investments. The effective tax rate when compared to the year ago period was unfavorably impacted by the aforementioned impact of the Tax Act as well as a reduction in benefits recognized from the New Markets Tax Credit program, partially offset by discrete benefits recognized as a result of the Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017, which required that recognition of excess tax benefits on certain stock compensation transactions be recorded through earnings as a discrete item within the Company’s effective tax rate during the period of the transaction.

The Company's subsidiaries have received several awards of tax credit allocation authority under the federal New Markets Tax Credit program which enable the Company to recognize federal tax credits over a seven year period totaling 39.0% of the total award. The Company recognizes federal tax credits as capital investments are made into its subsidiaries to fund below market interest rate loans to qualifying businesses in low income communities. The following table details the remaining tax credit recognition by year associated with this program:

Table 24 - New Markets Tax Credit Recognition Schedule



	Investment		2017		2018		2019		Total Remaining Credits
	(Dollars in thousands)
2012	$	21,400	$	1,285	$	1,285	$	—	$	2,570
2013	44,600		2,675		2,675		2,675		8,025
Total	$	66,000	$	3,960	$	3,960	$	2,675	$	10,595

T he Company invests in various low income housing projects which are real estate limited partnerships that acquire, develop, own and operate low and moderate-income housing developments. As a limited partner in these operating partnerships, the Company will receive tax credits and tax deductions for losses incurred by the underlying properties. The investments are accounted for using the proportional amortization method and will be amortized over various periods through 2032, which represents the period that the tax credits and other tax benefits will be utilized. The total committed investment in these partnerships is $47.4 million , of which $42.9 million has been funded. The Company recognized a net tax benefit of approximately $1.3 million for the 2017 calendar year, and anticipates additional net tax benefits of $7.9 million over the remaining life of the investments from the combination of tax credits and operating losses.

For additional information related to the Company's income taxes see Note 13 , " Income Taxes " and Note 14 , " Low Income Housing Project Investments " within Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.

Dividends The Company declared cash dividends of $1.28 per common share in 2017 and $1.16 per common share in 2016 . The 2017 and 2016 ratio of dividends paid to earnings was 39.04% and 38.76% , respectively.

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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 deem appropriate.

Comparison of 2016 vs. 2015 In November of 2016, the Company completed the NEB acquisition, acquiring loans of $225.7 million and deposits of $175.7 million, at fair value. In February of 2015, the Company completed acquisition of the Peoples Federal Bancshares, Inc., the parent of Peoples Federal Savings Bank ("Peoples"), acquiring loans of $463.9 million and deposits of $432.3 million, at fair value. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company’s total assets were $7.7 billion , which represented an increase of $499.9 million , or 6.9% , as compared to December 31, 2015 . Total average assets were $7.4 billion and $7.0 billion in 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Total securities of $851.5 million , at December 31, 2016 , increased $6.4 million compared to the $845.1 million reported on December 31, 2015 . Total loans of $6.0 billion , at December 31, 2016 , increased $451.9 million compared to the prior year end. Total deposits of $6.4 billion at December 31, 2016 reflected an increase of $421.6 million , or 7.0% , compared to December 31, 2015 . Borrowings decreased by $8.5 million , or 2.5% , during the year ended December 31, 2016 . Stockholders’ equity increased by $93.2 million in 2016 .

Net income for 2016 was $76.6 million , or $2.90 per diluted share, compared to $65.0 million , or $2.50 per diluted share, in 2015 . Return on average assets and return on average common equity were 1.04% and 9.43% , respectively, for 2016 and 0.93% and 8.79% , respectively, for 2015 .

On a fully tax-equivalent basis, net interest income was $229.4 million in 2016 , a 6.0% increase from 2015 net interest income of $216.4 million . The increase in net interest income was driven primarily by loan growth exceeding the impact of a continued decreasing interest rate environment.

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased to $18.8 million from $20.6 million recorded in 2015 , driven by a decrease in the total cost of funds of five basis points to 0.29% for 2016 , as compared to 0.34% for 2015 . Average interest-bearing deposits increased $173.9 million , or 4.3% , over the prior year while the cost of these deposits decreased to 0.18% in 2016 from 0.20% in 2015 .

The provision for loan losses totaled $6.1 million in 2016, compared with $1.5 million in 2015. The increase in provision was primarily due to a specific reserve for one large commercial relationship which was placed on nonaccrual status in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company’s allowance for loan losses, as a percentage of total loans, was 1.03% at December 31, 2016, as compared to 1.01% at December 31, 2015.

The primary reasons for significant variances in the noninterest income category between 2016 and 2015 are noted below:

Interchange and ATM fees increased $1.5 million, or 10.1%, as a result the continued successful growth of core checking accounts, and to a lesser degree by the NEB acquisition which closed in November 2016.

Investment management revenue increased by $1.1 million, or 5.2%, due primarily to a 9.29% increase in assets under administration, which grew from $2.7 billion at December 31, 2015 to $2.9 billion at December 31, 2016.

Mortgage banking income increased $1.4 million, or 28.0%, due to increased volumes of loan closings in 2016.

Increases in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies rose in 2016 as the related insurance policy's values continued to increase.

Gain on the sale of fixed income securities during 2015 reflected the sales of mortgage backed securities and certain pooled trust preferred securities. There were no such gains during 2016.

Loan level derivative income increased due to increased customer demand during the year.

Other noninterest income increased during the year, mainly due to increases in 1031 exchange income, merchant processing income, foreign currency exchange fees, asset based lending fee income, and wire transfer fees. These increases were partially offset by decreased dividend income from the Company's investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock.

The primary reasons for significant variances in the noninterest expense category between 2016 and 2015 are noted below:

The increase in salaries and employee benefits reflects overall increases in the employee base during 2016 (including the NEB acquisition) along with increases in expenses associated with retirement benefits and medical insurance, partially offset by an increase in deferred loan origination costs.

Data processing and facilities management increased during 2016 due to increased transactional volume and continued investments in technology.

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Our FDIC assessment decreased by $599,000 during 2016 due to a decrease in the Company's assessment rate. In June 2016, the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio reached a level that triggered changes to the assessment rate, effective July 1, 2016, which drove the decrease.

Advertising expenses increased during 2016 due to increased television advertising.

Consulting expense decreased during 2016 due to the timing of various initiatives.

Loss on the sale of fixed income securities during 2015 reflected the sales of mortgage backed securities and certain pooled trust preferred securities. There were no such losses during 2016.

The majority of the merger and acquisition expenses in 2016 related to compensation and severance agreements, as well as legal and consulting fees associated with the fourth quarter 2016 closing of the NEB acquisition. Also included in 2016 were expenses incurred relating to the then pending acquisition of Island Bancorp, which closed in the second quarter of 2017. Merger and acquisition expenses in 2015 were due to the closing of the Peoples acquisition in February of 2015.

Other noninterest expenses decreased in 2016 compared to 2015 due primarily to decreases in loan workout costs, the provision for unfunded commitments and other losses and charge-offs, partially offset by increases in mortgage operations and software maintenance.

Risk Management

The Company’s Board of Directors and Executive Management have identified significant risk categories which affect the Company. The risk categories include: credit risk, operations risk, compliance risk, strategic and reputation risk, market risk and liquidity risk. The Board of Directors has approved an Enterprise Risk Management Policy that addresses each category of risk. The Senior Portfolio Risk Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director of Residential Lending, Compliance Officer, Executive Vice President of Commercial Lending and other members of management provide regular reports to the Board of Directors, identifying key risk issues and plans to address these issues. The Board of Directors seeks to ensure the level of risk is within limits established by both the Risk Management Policy and other previously approved policies.

Credit Risk Credit risk represents the possibility that the Company's borrowing customers or other counterparties may not repay loans or other contractual obligations according to their terms due to changes in the financial capacity, ability and willingness of such borrowing customers or counterparties to meet their obligations. In some cases, the collateral securing the payment of the loans may be sufficient to assure repayment, but in other cases the Company may experience significant credit losses which could have an adverse effect on its operating results. The Company makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of its borrowers and counterparties and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as 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 4 , “ Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality ” within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.

Operations Risk Operations risk is the risk of loss due to human behavior, inadequate or failed internal systems and controls, and external influences such as market conditions, fraudulent activities, natural disasters and security risks. The potential for operational risk exposure exists throughout the organization. Integral to the Company's performance is the continued effectiveness of the Company's technical systems, operational infrastructure, relationships with third parties and the associates and key executives in day-to-day and ongoing operations. Failure by any or all of these resources subjects the Company to risks that may vary in size, scale and scope. These risks include, but are not limited to, operational or technical failures, unlawful tampering with technical systems, cyber security, terrorist activities, ineffectiveness or exposure due to interruption in third party support, as well as the loss of key individuals or failure on the part of the key individuals to perform properly. The Bank has an Operations Risk Management Committee that meets monthly and reports to the Board quarterly or more frequently if warranted. The Committee is chaired by the Director of Risk Management and members of the Committee include representatives from Audit, Finance, Technology, Operations, Information Security, Compliance and periodic attendance from business units throughout the organization. An operations risk management dashboard is updated quarterly and reviewed with the Board.

Compliance Risk Compliance risk represents the risk of regulatory sanctions or financial loss resulting from the Company’s failure to comply with rules and regulations issued by the various banking agencies, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the NASDAQ Stock Market, and standards of good banking practice. Activities which may expose the Company to compliance risk include, but are not limited to, those dealing with the prevention of money laundering, privacy and data protection, adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, community reinvestment initiatives and employment and tax matters. Compliance risk is mitigated through the use of written policies and procedures, training of staff, and monitoring of activities for adherence to those procedures. The Bank has a Compliance Committee that meets quarterly and updates the Board and Management quarterly or more frequently if warranted. The Committee is chaired by the Director of Compliance, and members of the Committee

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include representatives from each of the principal business lines as well as Enterprise Risk Management, Audit, Finance, Technology and Information Security.

Strategic and Reputation Risk Strategic and reputation risk represent the risk of loss due to impairment of reputation, failure to fully develop and execute business plans, and failure to assess current and new opportunities and threats in business, markets, and products. Management mitigates strategic and reputational risk through robust annual strategic planning, frequent executive strategic reviews, ongoing competitive and technological observation, rigorous assessment processes of new product, new branch, and new business initiatives, adherence to ethical standards, a philosophy of customer advocacy, a structured process of customer complaint resolution, and ongoing reputational monitoring, crisis management plan, and management tools.

Market Risk Market risk is the sensitivity of income to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices and other market-driven rates or prices. Interest rate sensitivity is the most significant market risk to which the Company is exposed.

Interest rate risk is the sensitivity of income to changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates, as well as fluctuations in the level and duration of assets and liabilities, affect net interest income, the Company’s primary source of revenue. Interest rate risk arises directly from the Company’s core banking activities. In addition to directly impacting 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, as well as other effects.

The primary goal of interest rate risk management is to control this risk within limits approved by the Board of Directors. These limits reflect the Company’s tolerance for interest rate risk over both short-term and long-term horizons. The Company attempts to manage interest rate risk by identifying, quantifying, and where appropriate, hedging its exposure. If assets and liabilities do not re-price simultaneously and in equal volume, the potential for interest rate exposure exists. It is management’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 prudent limits, through the use of off-balance sheet hedging instruments such as interest rate swaps, floors and caps.

The Company quantifies its interest rate exposures using net interest income simulation models, as well as simpler gap analysis, and Economic Value of Equity analysis. Key assumptions in these simulation 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 mortgage assets (including mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities) and the life and sensitivity of nonmaturity deposits (e.g. DDA, NOW, savings and money market). In the case of prepayment of mortgage assets, assumptions are derived from published dealer median prepayment estimates for comparable mortgage loans. The risk of prepayment tends to increase when interest rates fall. Since future prepayment behavior of loan customers is uncertain, the resultant interest rate sensitivity of loans cannot be determined exactly.

The Company’s policy on interest-rate risk simulation specifies that for all "core" interest rate scenarios, estimated net interest income for the subsequent one-year period should not decline by more than 10%. The Company's core scenarios for December 31, 2017 included five instantaneous parallel shifts (“shocks”) to market interest rates and four gradual (12 to 24 months) shifts in interest. The Company also regularly analyzes other "noncore" scenarios as it deems appropriate.

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The results of all scenarios are outlined in the table below:

Table 25 - Interest Rate Sensitivity



	Years Ended December 31
	2017		2016
	Year 1	Year 2	Year 1	Year 2
Parallel rate shocks (basis points)
-100	(8.6)%	(10.8)%	(5.7)%	(8.0)%
+100	5.4%	9.3%	6.0%	10.0%
+200	10.3%	16.4%	11.7%	18.4%
+300	15.3%	23.7%	17.3%	26.8%
+400	20.2%	30.8%	22.9%	35.1%

Gradual rate shifts (basis points)
-100 over 12 months	(3.7)%	(9.5)%	(3.1)%	(7.0)%
+200 over 12 months	5.0%	14.7%	5.5%	16.3%
+400 over 24 months	5.0%	19.5%	5.6%	21.8%
Flat +500 over 12 months	6.3%	23.6%	6.9%	26.0%

Alternative scenarios
Flat up 200 basis points scenario	5.1%	14.1%	5.4%	14.4%

In addition, the Company's policy on interest rate risk simulation specifies that estimated net interest income for the second year of all “core scenarios” should not decline by more than 15.0%. The Company was within policy limits at December 31, 2017 and 2016 . It should be emphasized, however, that the results are dependent on material assumptions such as those discussed above. For instance, asymmetrical rate behavior can have a material impact on the simulation results. If competition for deposits forced the Company to raise rates on those liabilities more quickly than is assumed in the simulation analysis without a corresponding increase in asset yields, net interest income may be negatively impacted. Alternatively, if the Company is able to lag increases in deposit rates as loans re-price upward, net interest income would be positively impacted.

The most significant factors affecting market risk exposure of the Company’s net interest income during the year ended December 31, 2017 were the shape of the U.S. Government securities and interest rate swap yield curve, the level of U.S. prime interest rate and LIBOR rates, and the level of interest rates being offered on long-term fixed rate loans.

The Company manages the interest rate risk inherent in both its loan and borrowing portfolios by utilizing interest rate swap agreements and interest rate caps and floors. An interest rate swap is an agreement whereby 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 of time from a second party. Interest rate caps and floors are agreements whereby one party agrees to pay a floating rate of interest on a notional principal amount for a predetermined period of time to a second party if certain market interest rate thresholds are realized. The amounts relating to the notional principal amount are not actually exchanged. Additionally, the Company may manage the interest rate risk inherent in its mortgage banking operations by entering into forward sales contracts. Prior to closing and funding certain 1- 4 family residential mortgage loans, an interest rate lock commitment is generally extended to the borrower. During the period from commitment date to closing date, the Company is subject to the risk that market rates of interest may change. If market rates rise, investors generally will pay less to purchase such loans resulting in a reduction in the gain on sale of the loans or, possibly, a loss. In an effort to mitigate such risk, forward delivery sales commitments are executed, under which the Company agrees to deliver whole mortgage loans to various investors. See Note 11 , “ Derivatives and Hedging Activities ” within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof for additional information regarding the Company’s Derivative Financial Instruments.

The Company’s earnings are not directly or materially impacted by movements in foreign currency rates or commodity prices. Movements in equity prices may have a modest impact on earnings by affecting the volume of activity or the amount of

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fees from investment-related business lines. See Note 3 , “ Securities ” within Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 hereof.

Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not have the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash in the most economical way for the institution to meet its ongoing obligations to pay deposit withdrawals, service borrowings, and to fund loan commitments. 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 stable base of in-market core deposits. These funds are principally comprised of demand deposits, interest checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. Deposit levels are greatly influenced by interest rates, economic conditions, and competitive factors.

The Company actively manages its liquidity position under the direction of the Asset-Liability Committee of the Bank ("ALCO"). The Company’s primary measure of short-term liquidity is the Total Basic Surplus/Deficit as a percentage of assets. This ratio, which is an analysis of the relationship between liquid assets plus available funding at the FHLB less short-term liabilities relative to total assets, was within policy limits at December 31, 2017 . The Total Basic Surplus/Deficit measure is affected primarily by changes in deposits, securities and short-term investments, loans and borrowings. An increase in deposits, without a corresponding increase in nonliquid assets, will improve the Total Basic Surplus/Deficit measure, whereas, an increase in loans, with no increase in deposits, will decrease the measure. Other factors affecting the Total Basic Surplus/Deficit measure include collateral requirements at the FHLB, changes in the securities portfolio, and the mix of deposits.

The Bank is careful to increase deposits without adversely impacting the weighted average cost of those funds. As part of a prudent liquidity risk management practice, the Company maintains various liquidity sources, some of which are only accessed on a contingency basis. Accordingly, management has implemented funding strategies that include FHLB advances, Federal Reserve Bank borrowing capacity and repurchase agreement lines. These nondeposit funds are also viewed as a contingent source of liquidity and, when profitable lending and investment opportunities exist, access to such funds provides a means to grow the balance sheet.

Borrowing capacity at the FHLB and the Federal Reserve is impacted by the amount and type of assets available to be pledged. For example, a prime, one-to-four family, residential loan, may provide 75 cents of borrowing capacity for every $1.00 pledged, whereas, a commercial loan may provide a lower amount. As a result, the Company’s strategic lending decisions can also affect its liquidity position.

The Company can raise additional liquidity through the issuance of equity or unsecured debt privately or publicly. Additionally, the Company is able to enter into additional repurchase agreements or acquire brokered deposits at its discretion. The availability and cost of equity or debt on an unsecured basis is dependent on many factors. Some factors that will impact this source of liquidity are the Company’s financial position, the market environment, and the Company’s credit rating. As such, the Company is careful to monitor the various factors that could impact its ability to raise liquidity through these channels.

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

Table 26 - Sources of Liquidity



	December 31
	2017					2016
	Outstanding		Additional Borrowing Capacity			Outstanding		Additional Borrowing Capacity
	(Dollars in thousands)
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	$	53,264	$	954,789	(2)	$	50,819	$	793,118	(2)
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston	—		720,005		(3)	—		696,085		(3)
Unpledged securities	—		398,013			—		368,585
Customer repurchase agreements	162,679		—		(4)	176,913		—		(4)
Junior subordinated debentures	73,073		—		(4)	73,107		—		(4)
Subordinated debt	34,682		—		(4)	34,635		—		(4)
Brokered deposits (1)	54,541		—		(4)	14,724		—		(4)
	$	378,239	$	2,072,807		$	350,198	$	1,857,788

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(1)	Inclusive of $48.5 million and $13.7 million of brokered deposits acquired through participation in the Promontory Interfinancial Network as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.


(2)	Loans with a carrying value of $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, have been pledged to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston resulting in this additional borrowing capacity.


(3)	Loans with a carrying value of $1.2 billion at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, have been pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston resulting in this additional unused borrowing capacity.


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

In addition to policies used for managing operational liquidity, the Board of Directors and the ALCO recognize the need to establish reasonable guidelines for managing through an environment of heightened liquidity risk. Catalysts for elevated liquidity risk can be Bank-specific issues and/or systemic industry-wide events. It is therefore the responsibility of the Board and the ALCO to institute systems and controls to provide advanced detection of potentially significant funding shortages, establish methods for assessing and monitoring risk levels, and institute prompt responses that may alleviate/circumvent a potential liquidity crisis. As such, the Board of Directors and the ALCO have put a Liquidity Contingency Plan in place. The overall goal of this plan is to provide a framework for the Bank to help detect liquidity problems promptly and appropriately address potential liquidity problems in a timely manner. In a period of perceived heightened liquidity risk, the Liquidity Contingency Plan provides for the establishment of a Liquidity Crisis Task Force. The Liquidity Crisis Task Force is responsible for monitoring the potential for a liquidity crisis and for establishing and executing an appropriate response.

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

The Company has entered into contractual obligations, commitments, and off-balance sheet financial instruments. The amounts below assume the contractual obligations and commitments will run through the end of the applicable term and, as such, do not include early termination fees or penalties where applicable. The following tables summarize the Company’s contractual obligations, other commitments, contingencies, and off-balance sheet financial instruments at December 31, 2017 :

Table 27 - Contractual Obligations, Commitments, Contingencies, and Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments by Maturity



	Payments Due — By Period
Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies	Total		Less than One Year		One to Three Years		Four to Five Years		After Five Years (2)
	(Dollars in thousands)
FHLB advances (1)	$	53,264	$	52,475	$	—	$	—	$	789
Customer repurchase agreements	162,679		162,679		—		—		—
Junior subordinated debentures (1)	73,198		—		—		—		73,198
Subordinated debt (1)	35,000		—		—		—		35,000
Time certificates of deposits	644,301		393,452		176,960		73,889		—
All other deposits with no maturity	6,084,952		—		—		—		6,084,952
Lease obligations	44,761		9,023		16,579		10,945		8,214
Vendor contracts	40,465		17,216		22,904		345		—
Retirement benefit obligations (3)	50,485		936		2,013		1,996		45,540
Total Contractual Obligations	$	7,189,105	$	635,781	$	218,456	$	87,175	$	6,247,693

	Amount of Commitment Expiring — By Period
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments	Total		Less than One Year		One to Three Years		Four to Five Years		After Five Years (2)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit	$	2,443,478	$	336,170	$	182,108	$	47,657	$	1,877,543
Standby letters of credit	15,534		7,025		2,758		—		5,751
Mortgage derivatives - notional value	16,099		16,099		—		—		—
Interest rate swaps - notional value	100,000		25,000		—		75,000		—
Customer-related positions
Foreign exchange contracts - notional value	30,162		26,382		3,780		—		—
Loan level interest rate swaps - notional value	952,342		36,023		213,787		176,084		526,448
Total Commitments	$	3,557,615	$	446,699	$	402,433	$	298,741	$	2,409,742


(1)	The Company has hedged certain short-term borrowings and variable rate junior subordinated debentures, effectively converting the borrowings to a fixed rate. Amounts maturing represent contractual amounts due and does not include any issuance costs, which may be presented on a net basis in the financial statements.


(2)	Items with no maturity are presented in the table in the after five year's category.

(3)

Retirement benefit obligations include expected contributions to the Company’s frozen pension plan, post retirement plans, and supplemental executive retirement plans. Expected contributions for the pension plan have been included only through plan year July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 and reflect only the expected minimum required contribution. Contributions beyond this plan year cannot be quantified as they will be determined based upon the return on the investments in the plan and the discount rate used to quantify the liability. Expected contributions for the post retirement plans and supplemental executive retirement plans include obligations that are payable over the life of the participants.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto presented elsewhere herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require 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.

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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 Policies and 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. Management believes that the Company’s most critical accounting policies upon which the Company’s financial condition depends, and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, are as follows:

Allowance for Loan Losses The Company’s allowance for loan losses provides for probable losses based upon evaluations of known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. Arriving at an appropriate amount of allowance for loan losses involves a high degree of judgment.

The Company makes use of two types of allowances for loan losses: specific and general. A specific allowance may be assigned to a loan that is considered to be impaired. Certain loans are evaluated individually for impairment and are judged to be impaired when management believes it is probable that the Bank will not collect all of the contractual interest and principal payments as scheduled in the loan agreement. Judgment is required with respect to designating a loan as impaired and determining the amount of the required specific allowance. Management’s judgment is based upon its assessment of probability of default, loss given default, and exposure at default. Changes in these estimates 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 general allowance is determined based upon the application of the Company’s methodology for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, which considers historical and expected loss factors, loan portfolio composition and other relevant indicators. This methodology involves management’s judgment regarding the application and use of such factors, including the effects of changes to the prevailing economic environment in its estimate of the required amounts of general allowance.

The allowance is increased by provisions for loan losses and by recoveries of loans previously charged-off and is reduced by loans charged-off. For additional discussion of the Company’s methodology of assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, see Note 4 , “ Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality ” within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.

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 13 , “ Income Taxes ” within Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof.

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 nonbanking entities. For all acquisitions, the Company is required

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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. 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 the two step quantitative impairment test is performed. Step one of the quantitative impairment testing compares book value to the fair value of the reporting unit. If test one is failed, a more detailed analysis is performed, which involves measuring the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in step one, over the aggregate fair value of the individual assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. Step one of the impairment testing was passed for all reporting units during 2017 . The remainder of 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 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 receivable. If applicable, the Company tests each of the 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 Securities and Analysis for Impairment 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 securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other noninterest 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.

On a quarterly basis, the Company makes an assessment to determine whether there have been any events or circumstances to indicate that a security for which there is an unrealized loss is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. The Company considers many factors, including the severity and duration of the impairment; the Company’s intent to sell the security, or whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, recent events specific to the issuer or industry; and for debt securities, external credit ratings and recent downgrades. The term other-than-temporary is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent. It indicates that the prospects for near-term recovery are not necessarily favorable or that there is a lack of evidence to support fair values greater than or equal to the carrying value of the investment. Estimates of the expected cash flows for investment securities that potentially may be deemed to have OTTI begin with the contractual cash flows of the security. This amount is then reduced by an estimate of probable credit losses associated with the security. When estimating the extent of probable losses on the securities, management considers the strength of the underlying issuers of the securities. Indicators of diminished credit quality of the issuers include defaults, interest deferrals, or “payments in kind.” Numerous factors are considered when estimating the ultimate realizability of the cash flow for each individual security. The resulting estimate of cash flows after considering credit is then subject to a present value computation using a discount rate equal to the current yield used to accrete the beneficial interest or, the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition. If the present value of the estimated cash flows is less than the current amortized cost basis, an OTTI is considered to have occurred and the security is written down to the fair value indicated by the cash flows analysis. Any portion of decline in fair value considered to be an OTTI charge that is not due to the reduction in cash flows due to credit is considered a decline due to other factors such as liquidity or interest rates and accordingly is recorded in other comprehensive income. Any portion of the decline which is related to credit is recorded in earnings.

Recent Accounting Developments

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

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of

Independent Bank Corp.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Independent Bank Corp. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 , in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 27, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. 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 audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2009

Boston, Massachusetts

February 27, 2018

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INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)



	December 31
	2017			2016
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	103,485		$	97,196
Interest-earning deposits with banks	109,631			191,899
Securities
Securities - trading	1,324			804
Securities - available for sale	447,498			363,644
Securities - held to maturity (fair value $494,194 and $485,650)	497,688			487,076
Total securities	946,510			851,524
Loans held for sale (at fair value)	4,768			6,139
Loans
Commercial and industrial	888,528			902,053
Commercial real estate	3,116,561			3,010,798
Commercial construction	401,797			320,391
Small business	132,370			122,726
Residential real estate	754,329			644,426
Home equity - first position	612,990			577,006
Home equity - subordinate positions	439,098			411,141
Other consumer	9,880			11,064
Total loans	6,355,553			5,999,605
Less: allowance for loan losses	(60,643		)	(61,566		)
Net loans	6,294,910			5,938,039
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	11,597			11,497
Bank premises and equipment, net	94,722			78,480
Goodwill	231,806			221,526
Other intangible assets	9,341			9,848
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	151,528			144,503
Other real estate owned and other foreclosed assets	612			4,173
Other assets	123,119			154,551
Total assets	$	8,082,029		$	7,709,375
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deposits
Demand deposits	$	2,159,396		$	2,057,086
Savings and interest checking accounts	2,599,922			2,469,237
Money market	1,325,634			1,236,778
Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over	278,531			266,190
Other time certificates of deposits	365,770			382,962
Total deposits	6,729,253			6,412,253
Borrowings
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	53,264			50,819
Customer repurchase agreements	162,679			176,913
Junior subordinated debentures (less unamortized debt issuance costs $125 and $136)	73,073			73,107
Subordinated debentures (less unamortized debt issuance costs of $318 and $365)	34,682			34,635
Total borrowings	323,698			335,474
Other liabilities	85,269			96,958
Total liabilities	7,138,220			6,844,685
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. authorized: 1,000,000 shares, outstanding: none	—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value. authorized: 75,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding: 27,450,190 shares at December 31, 2017 and 27,005,813 shares at December 31, 2016 (includes 177,191 and 212,698 shares of unvested participating restricted stock awards, respectively)	273			268
Value of shares held in rabbi trust at cost: 164,438 shares at December 31, 2017 and 170,036 shares at December 31, 2016	(4,590		)	(4,277		)
Deferred compensation obligation	4,590			4,277
Additional paid in capital	479,430			451,664
Retained earnings	465,937			414,095
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(1,831		)	(1,337		)
Total stockholders' equity	943,809			864,690
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	8,082,029		$	7,709,375

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Years Ended December 31
	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans	$	253,131	$	224,244	$	214,724
Taxable interest and dividends on securities	22,465		20,851		20,120
Nontaxable interest and dividends on securities	88		117		127
Interest on loans held for sale	92		235		225
Interest on federal funds sold and short-term investments	1,418		1,190		349
Total interest and dividend income	277,194		246,637		235,545
Interest expense
Interest on deposits	12,702		11,140		11,576
Interest on borrowings	5,632		7,653		9,041
Total interest expense	18,334		18,793		20,617
Net interest income	258,860		227,844		214,928
Provision for loan losses	2,950		6,075		1,500
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	255,910		221,769		213,428
Noninterest income
Deposit account fees	17,822		18,652		18,560
Interchange and ATM fees	17,291		16,210		14,728
Investment management	23,802		21,809		20,735
Mortgage banking income	4,960		6,607		5,163
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies	4,127		4,089		3,692
Gain on sale of equity securities	19		6		20
Gain on sale of fixed income securities	—		—		798
Loan level derivative income	3,836		6,155		3,830
Other noninterest income	11,137		8,900		8,362
Total noninterest income	82,994		82,428		75,888
Noninterest expenses
Salaries and employee benefits	116,600		108,636		105,068
Occupancy and equipment expenses	24,693		22,867		23,020
Data processing & facilities management	4,988		4,975		4,631
FDIC assessment	3,068		3,380		3,979
Advertising expense	4,989		5,202		4,645
Consulting expense	4,038		3,486		3,680
Debit card expense	3,430		2,993		2,456
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—		437		122
Loss on sale of fixed income securities	—		—		1,124
Loss on sale of equity securities	16		32		99
Merger and acquisition expense	3,393		5,455		10,501
Software maintenance	3,636		3,061		2,759
Other noninterest expenses	35,508		31,598		35,054
Total noninterest expenses	204,359		192,122		197,138
Income before income taxes	134,545		112,075		92,178
Provision for income taxes	47,341		35,427		27,218
Net Income	$	87,204	$	76,648	$	64,960
Basic earnings per share	$	3.19	$	2.90	$	2.51
Diluted earnings per share	$	3.19	$	2.90	$	2.50
Weighted average common shares (basic)	27,294,028		26,404,071		25,891,382
Common share equivalents	78,076		51,847		68,566
Weighted average common shares (diluted)	27,372,104		26,455,918		25,959,948
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	1.28	$	1.16	$	1.04

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net income	$	87,204		$	76,648		$	64,960
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Net change in fair value of securities available for sale	(677		)	(1,133		)	(2,083		)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges	443			2,170			1,199
Net change in other comprehensive income for defined benefit postretirement plans	(260		)	78			564
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(494		)	1,115			(320		)
Total comprehensive income	$	86,710		$	77,763		$	64,640

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY



	Common Stock Outstanding	Common Stock		Value of Shares Held in Rabbi Trust at Cost			Deferred Compensation Obligation		Additional Paid in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Total
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Balance December 31, 2014	23,998,738	$	237	$	(3,666	)	$	3,666	$	311,978		$	330,444		$	(2,132	)	$	640,527
Net income	—	—		—			—		—			64,960			—			64,960
Other comprehensive loss	—	—		—			—		—			—			(320		)	(320		)
Common dividend declared ($1.04 per share)	—	—		—			—		—			(27,235		)	—			(27,235		)
Common stock issued for acquisition	2,052,137	21		—			—		86,394			—			—			86,415
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net of cash paid	100,794	1		—			—		1,366			—			—			1,367
Tax benefit related to equity award activity	—	—		—			—		1,042			—			—			1,042
Stock based compensation	—	—		—			—		2,490			—			—			2,490
Restricted stock awards issued, net of awards surrendered	23,851	1		—			—		(658		)	—			—			(657		)
Shares issued under direct stock purchase plan	60,832	—		—			—		2,695			—			—			2,695
Deferred compensation and other retirement benefit obligations	—	—		(292		)	292					—			—			—
Tax benefit related to deferred compensation distributions	—	—		—			—		179			—			—			179
Balance December 31, 2015	26,236,352	$	260	$	(3,958	)	$	3,958	$	405,486		$	368,169		$	(2,452	)	$	771,463
Net income	—	—		—			—		—			76,648			—			76,648
Other comprehensive income	—	—		—			—		—			—			1,115			1,115
Common dividend declared ($1.16 per share)	—	—		—			—		—			(30,722		)	—			(30,722		)
Common stock issued for acquisition	672,665	7		—			—		40,723			—			—			40,730
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	13,449	—		—			—		201			—			—			201
Tax benefit related to equity award activity	—	—		—			—		476			—			—			476
Stock based compensation	—	—		—			—		2,965			—			—			2,965
Restricted stock awards issued, net of awards surrendered	33,432	1		—			—		(697		)	—			—			(696		)
Shares issued under direct stock purchase plan	49,915	—		—			—		2,323			—			—			2,323
Deferred compensation and other retirement benefit obligations	—	—		(319		)	319		—			—			—			—
Tax benefit related to deferred compensation distributions	—	—		—			—		187			—			—			187
Balance December 31, 2016	27,005,813	$	268	$	(4,277	)	$	4,277	$	451,664		$	414,095		$	(1,337	)	$	864,690
Cumulative effect accounting adjustment (1)	—	—		—			—		542			(365		)	—			177
Net income	—	—		—			—		—			87,204			—			87,204
Other comprehensive loss	—	—		—			—		—			—			(494		)	(494		)
Common dividend declared ($1.28 per share)	—	—		—			—		—			(34,997		)	—			(34,997		)
Common stock issued for acquisition	369,286	4		—			—		23,464			—			—			23,468
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net of cash paid	19,340	—		—			—		214			—			—			214
Stock based compensation	—	—		—			—		3,333			—			—			3,333
Restricted stock awards issued, net of awards surrendered	31,665	1		—			—		(1,423		)	—			—			(1,422		)
Shares issued under direct stock purchase plan	24,086	—		—			—		1,636			—			—			1,636
Deferred compensation and other retirement benefit obligations	—	—		(313		)	313		—			—			—			—
Balance December 31, 2017	27,450,190	$	273	$	(4,590	)	$	4,590	$	479,430		$	465,937		$	(1,831	)	$	943,809

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(1)

Represents adjustment needed to reflect the cumulative impact on retained earnings for previously recognized stock based compensation, which included an adjustment for estimated forfeitures. Pursuant to the Company's adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, the Company has elected to recognize stock based compensation without inclusion of a forfeiture estimate, and as such has recognized this adjustment to present retained earnings consistent with this election.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income	$	87,204		$	76,648		$	64,960
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	15,681			14,354			12,307
Provision for loan losses	2,950			6,075			1,500
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	9,211			(5		)	10,220
Tax expense related to write-down of investments in low income housing projects	466			—			—
Net (gain) loss on sale of sec urities	(3		)	26			405
Net (gain) loss on bank premises and equipment	(108		)	114			221
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			437			122
Net loss on other real estate owned and foreclosed assets	288			29			1,152
Realized gain on sale leaseback transaction	(1,034		)	(1,034		)	(1,034		)
Stock based compensation	3,333			2,965			2,490
Excess tax benefit related to equity award activity	—			(476		)	(1,042		)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies	(4,127		)	(4,089		)	(3,692		)
Change in fair value on loans held for sale	113			(87		)	22
Net change in:
Trading assets	(520		)	(448		)	(356		)
Loans held for sale	1,258			(62		)	876
Other assets	20,022			7,627			3,842
Other liabilities	(3,825		)	(8,738		)	(2,450		)
Total adjustments	43,705			16,688			24,583
Net cash provided by operating activities	130,909			93,336			89,543
Cash flows used in investing activities
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale	1,027			618			14,199
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of securities available for sale	54,191			69,775			78,497
Purchases of securities available for sale	(140,885		)	(69,671		)	(73,064		)
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments of securities held to maturity	78,757			90,991			60,168
Purchases of securities held to maturity	(89,033		)	(100,198		)	(162,021		)
Net redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	386			5,229			23,054
Investments in low income housing projects	(7,645		)	(7,626		)	(15,055		)
Purchases of life insurance policies	(164		)	(163		)	(162		)
Net increase in loans	(204,702		)	(227,838		)	(114,550		)
Net cash acquired (used) in business combinations	6,289			8,668			(13,448		)
Purchases of bank premises and equipment	(25,080		)	(10,395		)	(10,488		)
Proceeds from the sale of bank premises and equipment	6,306			345			1,233
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned and foreclosed assets	3,784			1,583			7,667
Net payments relating to other real estate owned and foreclosed assets	—			(204		)	(1,571		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(316,769		)	(238,886		)	(205,541		)
Cash flows provided by financing activities
Net decrease in time deposits	(19,509		)	(104,803		)	(80,726		)
Net increase in other deposits	177,241			350,739			428,713
Net repayments of short-term Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	—			(37,000		)	(10,000		)
Repayments of long-term Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	—			(65,791		)	(9,000		)
Net increase (decrease) in customer repurchase agreements	(14,234		)	42,955			(13,932		)
Repayments of wholesale repurchase agreements	—			—			(50,000		)
Repayments of subordinated debentures	—			—			(30,000		)
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options	214			201			1,367
Restricted stock awards issued, net of awards surrendered	(1,422		)	(696		)	(657		)
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	—			476			1,042
Tax benefit from deferred compensation distribution	—			187			179
Proceeds from shares issued under direct stock purchase plan	1,636			2,323			2,695

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Common dividends paid	(34,045		)	(29,711		)	(26,172		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	109,881			158,880			213,509
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(75,979		)	13,330			97,511
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	289,095			275,765			178,254
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	213,116		$	289,095		$	275,765
Cash paid during the year for
Interest on deposits and borrowings	$	18,626		$	18,963		$	20,773
Income taxes	$	32,865		$	33,473		$	11,841
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned and foreclosed assets	$	511		$	1,322		$	1,522
Other net transfers to other real estate owned	$	—		$	—		$	142
Net increase in capital commitments relating to low income housing project investments	$	20		$	5,180		$	1,658
In conjunction with the Company's acquisitions, assets were acquired and liabilities were assumed as follows
Value of common stock issued for acquisition	$	23,468		$	40,730		$	86,415
Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash acquired	$	179,252		$	266,242		$	598,376
Fair value of liabilities assumed	$	162,073		$	234,180		$	498,513

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

Independent Bank Corp. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company whose principal subsidiary is Rockland Trust Company (“Rockland Trust” or the “Bank”). Rockland Trust is a state-chartered commercial bank, which operates eighty-four full service and two limited service retail branches, thirteen commercial banking centers, six investment management offices and one mortgage lending center, all of which are located in Eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, with the exception of an investment management group/commercial lending office located in Providence, Rhode Island. Rockland Trust deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, subject to regulatory limits. The Company’s primary source of income is from providing loans to individuals and small-to-medium sized businesses in its market area. Rockland Trust is a community-oriented commercial bank, and the community banking business is the Company's only reportable operating segment.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Bank and other wholly-owned subsidiaries, except subsidiaries that are not deemed necessary to be consolidated. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity under GAAP. Voting interest entities are entities in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and provides the equity holders with the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. The Company would consolidate voting interest entities in which it has all, or at least a majority of, the voting interest. As defined in applicable accounting standards, variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when the Company has both the power and ability to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company also owns the common stock of various trusts which have issued trust preferred securities. These trusts are VIEs in which the Company is not the primary beneficiary and, therefore, are not consolidated. The trust's only assets are junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company, which were acquired by the trust using the proceeds from the issuance of the trust preferred securities and common stock. The junior subordinated debentures are included in long-term debt and the Company’s equity interest in the trust is included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest expense on the junior subordinated debentures is reported in interest expense on long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

Reclassification

Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could vary from these estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, income taxes, valuation and potential impairment of investment securities, other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of certain investment securities, as well as valuation of goodwill and other intangibles and their respective analyses of impairment.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk

The vast majority of the Bank’s lending activities are conducted in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Bank originates commercial and industrial loans, commercial and residential real estate loans, including construction loans, small business loans, home equity loans, and other consumer loans for its portfolio. The Bank considers a concentration of credit to a particular industry to exist when the aggregate credit exposure which includes direct, indirect or contingent obligations to a borrower, an affiliated group of borrowers or a nonaffiliated group of borrowers engaged in one industry, exceeds 10% of the Bank’s loan portfolio.

Loans originated by the Bank to lessors of nonresidential buildings represented 15.4% of the total loan portfolio at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Within this concentration category, the Company believes it is well diversified among collateral property types and tenant industries.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents may include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, inclusive of interest-earning deposits held at banks, and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for up to two week periods.

Securities

Investment securities are classified at the time of purchase as “available for sale,” “held to maturity,” or “trading.” Classification is constantly re-evaluated for consistency with corporate goals and objectives. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value recorded in earnings. Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity” and recorded at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity or trading, including equity securities with readily determinable fair values, are classified as “available for sale” and recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income, net of related tax. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income, using the interest method, to arrive at periodic interest income at a constant effective yield, thereby reflecting the securities market yield. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

Declines in the fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their amortized cost deemed to be OTTI are written down to fair value as determined by a cash flow analysis. To the extent the estimated cash flows do not support the amortized cost, the deficiency is considered to be due to credit loss and recognized in earnings. Unless the Company intends to sell the security, or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, the remainder of the OTTI charge is considered to be due to other factors, such as liquidity or interest rates, and thus is not recognized in earnings, but rather through other comprehensive income, net of related tax. The Company evaluates individual securities that have fair values below cost for six months or longer, or for a shorter period of time if considered appropriate by management, to determine if the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. Consideration is given to the obligor of the security, whether the security is guaranteed, whether there is a projected adverse change in cash flows, the liquidity of the security, the type of security, the capital position of security issuers, and payment history of the security, amongst other factors when evaluating such securities.

Loans Held for Sale

The Bank primarily classifies new residential real estate mortgage loans as held for sale based on intent, which is determined when loans are underwritten. Residential real estate mortgage loans not designated as held for sale are retained based upon available liquidity, for interest rate risk management and other business purposes.

The Company has elected the fair value option to account for originated closed loans intended for sale. Accordingly, changes in fair value relating to loans intended for sale are recorded in earnings and are offset by changes in fair value relating to interest rate lock commitments and forward sales commitments. Gains and losses on residential loan sales (sales proceeds minus carrying amount) are recorded in mortgage banking income. Upfront costs and fees related to items for which the fair value option is elected are recognized in earnings as incurred and are not deferred.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Loans

Loans are carried at the principal amounts outstanding, or amortized acquired fair value in the case of acquired loans, adjusted by partial charge-offs and net of deferred loan costs or fees. For originated loans, loan fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized into interest income over the expected term of the loan using the level-yield method. When a loan is paid off, the unamortized portion is recognized in interest income. Interest income on loans is accrued based upon the daily principal amount outstanding except for loans on nonaccrual status. For acquired loans which did not show signs of credit deterioration at acquisition, interest income is also accrued based upon the daily principal amount outstanding and is then further adjusted by the accretion of any discount or amortization of any premium associated with the loan.

As a general rule, loans more than 90 days past due with respect to principal or interest are classified as nonaccrual loans, or sooner if management considers such action to be prudent. However, loans that are more than 90 days past due may be kept on an accruing status if the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. The Company may also put a junior lien mortgage on nonaccrual status as a result of delinquency with respect to the first position, which is held by the Bank or by another financial institution, while the junior lien is currently performing. Income accruals are suspended on all nonaccrual loans and all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against current income. A loan remains on nonaccrual status until it becomes current with respect to principal and interest (and in certain instances remains current for up to six months), the loan is liquidated, or when the loan is determined to be uncollectible and is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses. When doubt exists as to the collectability of a loan, any payments received are applied to reduce the recorded investment in the asset to the extent necessary to eliminate such doubt. For all loan portfolios, a charge-off occurs when the Company determines that a specific loan, or portion thereof, is uncollectible. This determination is made based on management's review of specific facts and circumstances of the individual loan, including assessing the viability of the customer’s business or project as a going concern, the expected cash flows to repay the loan, the value of the collateral and the ability and willingness of any guarantors to perform.

In cases where a borrower experiences financial difficulties and the Company makes certain concessionary modifications to contractual terms, the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). Modifications may include adjustments to interest rates, extensions of maturity, consumer loans where the borrower's obligations have been effectively discharged through Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt to the Bank, and other actions intended to minimize economic loss and avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. The recorded investment of loans classified as TDRs is adjusted to reflect the changes in value, if any, resulting from the granting of a concession. Nonaccrual loans that are restructured remain on nonaccrual for a period of six months to demonstrate that the borrower can meet the restructured terms. If the restructured loan is on accrual status prior to being modified, it is reviewed to determine if the modified loan should remain on accrual status. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is not reasonably assured, the loan is classified as a nonaccrual loan. Loans classified as TDRs remain classified as such for the life of the loan, except in limited circumstances, when it is determined that the borrower is performing under the modified terms and the restructuring agreement specified an interest rate greater than or equal to an acceptable market rate for a comparable new loan at the time of the restructuring.

Acquired loans

All acquired loans are recorded at fair value with no carryover of the allowance for loan losses. At acquisition, loans are also reviewed to determine if the loan has evidence of deterioration in credit quality and to review if it is probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments will not be collected. Such loans are deemed to be purchased credit impaired ("PCI") loans. Under the accounting model for PCI loans, the excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying amount of the loans, referred to as the "accretable yield", is accreted into interest income over the life of the loans using the effective yield method. Accordingly, PCI loans are not subject to classification as nonaccrual in the same manner as originated loans. Rather, acquired loans are generally considered to be accruing loans because their interest income relates to the accretable yield recognized and not to contractual interest payments at the loan level. The difference between contractually required principal and interest payments and the cash flows expected to be collected, referred to as the "nonaccretable difference", includes estimates of both the impact of prepayments and future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans.

The estimate of cash flows expected to be collected is regularly re-assessed subsequent to acquisition. These re-assessments involve updates, as necessary, of the key assumptions and estimates used in the initial estimate of fair value. Generally speaking, expected cash flows are affected by:

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•	Changes in the expected principal and interest payments over the estimated life - Changes in expected cash flows may be driven by the credit outlook and actions taken with borrowers. Changes in expected future cash flows resulting from loan modifications are included in the assessment of expected cash flows.


•	Change in prepayment assumptions - Prepayments affect the estimated life of the loans, which may change the amount of interest income expected to be collected.


•	Change in interest rate indices for variable rate loans - Expected future cash flows are based, as applicable, on the variable rates in effect at the time of the assessment of expected cash flows.

A decrease in expected cash flows in subsequent periods may indicate that the loan is impaired which would likely require the recognition of a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses or an establishment of a specific reserve. An increase in expected cash flows in subsequent periods serves, first, to reduce any previously established specific reserve by the increase in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected. Any increase above the previously established specific reserve results in a recalculation of the amount of accretable yield for the loan. The adjustment of accretable yield due to an increase in expected cash flows is accounted for as a change in estimate. The additional cash flows expected to be collected are reclassified from the nonaccretable difference to the accretable yield, and the amount of periodic accretion is adjusted accordingly over the remaining life of the loans.

A PCI loan may be resolved either through receipt of payment (in full or in part) from the borrower, the sale of the loan to a third party, or foreclosure of the collateral. In the event of a sale of the loan, a gain or loss on sale would be recognized and reported within noninterest income based on the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the loan. For PCI loans accounted for on an individual loan basis and resolved directly with the borrower, any amount received from resolution in excess of the carrying amount of the loan is recognized and reported within interest income.

A refinancing or modification of a PCI loan accounted for individually is assessed to determine whether the modification represents a TDR. If the loan is considered to be a TDR, it will be included in the total impaired loans reported by the Company. The loan will continue to recognize interest income based upon the excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying amount of the loan.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established based upon the level of estimated probable losses in the current loan portfolio. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the collectability of a loan balance is doubtful. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The qualitative risk factors impacting the inherent risk of loss within the portfolio include the following:


•	National and local economic and business conditions


•	Level and trend of delinquencies


•	Level and trend of charge-offs and recoveries


•	Trends in volume and terms of loans


•	Risk selection, lending policy and underwriting standards


•	Experience and depth of management


•	Banking industry conditions and other external factors


•	Concentration risk

The formula-based approach evaluates groups of loans with common characteristics, which consist of similar loan types with similar terms and conditions, to determine the appropriate allocation within each portfolio section. This approach incorporates qualitative adjustments based upon management’s assessment of various market and portfolio specific risk factors

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into its formula-based estimate. Due to the imprecise nature of the loan loss estimation process and ever changing conditions, the qualitative risk attributes may not adequately capture amounts of incurred loss in the formula-based loan loss components used to determine the Bank’s analysis of the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses.

The Bank evaluates certain loans within the commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, commercial construction and small business portfolios individually for specific impairment. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, contractual interest rates and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Loans are selected for evaluation based upon a change in internal risk rating, occurrence of delinquency, loan classification, troubled debt restructuring or nonaccrual status. A specific allowance amount is allocated to an individual loan when such loan has been deemed impaired and when the amount of the probable loss is able to be estimated. Estimates of loss may be determined by the present value of anticipated future cash flows, the loan’s observable fair market value, or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. However, for collateral dependent loans, the amount of the recorded investment in a loan that exceeds the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses in lieu of an allocation of a specific allowance amount when such an amount has been identified definitively as uncollectible.

Large groups of small-balance homogeneous loans such as the residential real estate, residential construction, home equity and other consumer portfolios are collectively evaluated for impairment. As such, the Bank does not typically identify individual loans within these groupings as impaired loans for impairment evaluation and disclosure. However, the Bank evaluates all TDRs for impairment on an individual loan basis regardless of loan type.

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank enters into commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become payable. The credit risk associated with these commitments is evaluated in a manner similar to the allowance for loan losses. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities in the balance sheet. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the reserve for unfunded loan commitments was $972,000 and $954,000 , respectively.

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights released, however if rights are retained, servicing assets are recognized as separate assets. Servicing rights are originally recorded at fair value within other assets, but subsequently are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, and are assessed for impairment at each reporting date. Fair value is 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, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds, default rates and losses. 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.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans for investors. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan, and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is recorded as a reduction of loan servicing fee income.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The Company, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB. Based on redemption provisions, the stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost. The Company continually reviews its investment to determine if OTTI exists. The Company reviews recent public filings, rating agency analysis and other factors, when making its determination.

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Bank Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line convention method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Expected terms include lease option periods to the extent that the exercise of such options is reasonably assured, not to exceed fifteen years.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized and is assigned to one reporting unit. 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, the two step quantitative impairment test is performed. Step one of the quantitative impairment test compares book value to the fair value of the reporting unit. If step one is failed, a detailed step two analysis is performed, which involves measuring the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in step one, over the aggregate fair value of the individual assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination.

Other intangible assets subject to amortization consist of core deposit intangibles, noncompete agreements, customer lists and market-based favorable or unfavorable lease positions at time of acquisition, and are amortized over the estimated lives of the intangibles using a method that approximates the amount of economic benefits that are realized by the Company. Other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The range of useful lives is as follows:



Core deposit intangibles	10 years
Noncompete agreements	1-3 years
Leases	3-29 years

The determination of which intangible assets have finite lives is subjective, as is the determination of the amortization period for such intangible assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

The Company reviews long-lived assets, including premises and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the remaining useful life may warrant revision or that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs undiscounted cash flow analysis to determine if impairment exists. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value. Impairment losses on assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies

Increases in the cash surrender value (“CSV”) of life insurance policies, as well as benefits received net of any CSV, are recorded in other noninterest income, and are not subject to income taxes. The CSV of the policies is recorded as an asset of the Bank, with liabilities recognized for any split dollar arrangements associated with the policies. The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carriers prior to the purchase of life insurance policies and no less than annually thereafter. Regulatory requirements limit the total amount of CSV to be held with any individual carrier to 15% of Tier 1 capital (as defined for regulatory purposes) and the total CSV of all life insurance policies is limited to 25% of Tier 1 capital.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Other Real Estate Owned and Other Foreclosed Assets

Real estate properties and other assets, which have served as collateral to secure loans, are held for sale and are initially 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 loan 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. Upon a sale of a foreclosed asset, any excess of the carrying value over the sale proceeds is recognized as a loss on sale. Any excess of sale proceeds over the carrying value of the foreclosed asset is first applied as a recovery to the valuation allowance, if any, with the remainder being recognized as a gain on sale. Operating expenses and changes in the valuation allowance relating to foreclosed assets are included in other noninterest expense.

Customer Repurchase Agreements

In a security repurchase agreement transaction, the Company will generally sell a security, agreeing to repurchase either the same or substantially identical security on a specified later date, at a greater price than the original sales price. The difference between the sale price and purchase price is the cost of the proceeds, which is recorded as interest expense. The securities underlying the agreements are delivered to counterparties as security for the repurchase obligations. Since the securities are treated as collateral and the agreement does not qualify for a full transfer of effective control, the transactions do not meet the criteria to be classified as a sale, and are therefore considered a secured borrowing transaction for accounting purposes.

Derivatives

Derivative instruments are carried at fair value in the Company’s financial statements. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument is determined by whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, and further, by the type of hedging relationship. At the inception of a hedge, the Company documents certain items, including but not limited to the following: the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, the Company's risk management objectives, hedging strategies, and the evaluation of hedge transaction effectiveness. Documentation includes linking all derivatives designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific forecasted transactions.

For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify for special hedge accounting, the Company designates the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as either a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income, net of related tax, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item (i.e., the ineffective portion), if any, is recognized in current earnings during the period. For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as a fair value hedge (i.e., hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or liability or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to the hedged risk), the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current earnings during the period of the change in fair values. Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when (1) a derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flow of a hedged item, (2) a derivative expires or is settled, (3) it is no longer likely that a forecasted transaction associated with the hedge will occur, or (4) it is determined that designation of a derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate.

To the extent the Company enters into new or re-designates existing hedging relationships, it is the Company's policy to include the Overnight Index Swap Rate in the spectrum of available benchmark interest rates for hedge accounting.

For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, such as loan level derivatives, foreign exchange contracts and mortgage derivatives, changes in fair value are recognized in other noninterest income during the period of change.

Retirement Plans

The Company has various retirement plans in place for current and former employees, including postretirement benefit plans, supplemental executive retirement plans, frozen multiemployer pension plans, deferred compensation plans, as well as other benefits.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The postretirement benefit plans and the supplemental executive retirement plans are unfunded and therefore have no plan assets. The actuarial cost method used to compute the benefit liabilities and related expense is the projected unit credit method. The projected benefit obligation is principally determined based on the present value of the projected benefit distributions at an assumed discount rate. The discount rate which is utilized is based on the investment yield of high quality corporate bonds available in the market place with maturities approximately equal to projected cash flows of future benefit payments as of the measurement date. Periodic benefit expense (or income) includes service costs and interest costs based on the assumed discount rate, amortization of prior service costs due to plan amendments and amortization of actuarial gains and losses. The amortization of actuarial gains and losses is determined using the 10% corridor minimum amortization approach and is taken over the average remaining future working lifetime of the plan participants. The underfunded status of the plans is recorded as a liability on the balance sheet.

The multiemployer pension plans' assets are determined based on fair value, generally representing observable market prices. The actuarial cost method used to compute the pension liabilities and related expense is the unit credit method. The pension expense is equal to the plan contribution requirement of the Company for the plan year.

The Director Deferred Compensation and 401(k) Restoration plans allow directors and employees to invest their funds within a rabbi trust, including both Company stock and other investment alternatives offered by the plan. The plans do not permit diversification after initial election and therefore elections made to defer into Company stock result in both the investment and obligation recognized within Stockholders' Equity. Alternatively, investments not in Company stock are included in Securities-trading, with the correlating obligation classified as a liability.

The Company has obligations with various individuals related to certain post-retirement benefits. The obligations are based on the individual's service through retirement, with the associated cost recognized over the requisite service period. The accrual methodology results in an accrued amount at the full eligibility date equal to the then present value of all of the future benefits expected to be paid.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the award, with no adjustment for estimated forfeitures, as forfeitures are recognized when they occur. For restricted stock awards and units, the Company recognizes compensation expense ratably over the vesting period for the fair value of the award, measured at the grant date. For stock option awards, the Company values awards granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense for these awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award (straight-line attribution method), ensuring that the amount of compensation cost recognized at any date at least equals the portion of the grant-date fair value of the award that is vested at that time. The Company recognizes excess tax benefits on certain stock compensation transactions. The excess tax benefits are recorded through earnings as a discrete item within the Company’s effective tax rate during the period of the transaction.

Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the asset and liability (or balance sheet) method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in enacted tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Income taxes are allocated to each entity in the consolidated group based on its share of taxable income. Management exercises significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income. Additionally, a liability for unrecognized tax benefits is recorded for 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.

Tax credits generated from the New Markets Tax Credit program are reflected in earnings when realized for federal income tax purposes.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Low Income Housing Tax Credits

The Company accounts for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method the Company amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received, and recognizes the net investment benefit as a component of income tax expense (benefit).

Assets Under Administration

Assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity for customers are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, as such assets are not assets of the Company. Revenue from administrative and management activities associated with these assets is recorded on an accrual basis.

Extinguishment of Debt

Upon extinguishment of an outstanding debt, the Company records the difference between the exit price and the net carrying amount of the debt as a gain or loss on the extinguishment. The gain or loss is recorded as a component of other noninterest income or other noninterest expense, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula under which earnings per share is calculated from common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings distributed and undistributed, are allocated to participating securities and common shares based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities (i.e. unvested time-vested restricted stock), not subject to performance based measures. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (inclusive of participating securities). Diluted earnings per share have been calculated in a manner similar to that of basic earnings per share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares (such as those resulting from the exercise of stock options or the attainment of performance measures) were issued during the period, computed using the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, unrealized losses related to factors other than credit on debt securities, if applicable, unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, deferred gains on hedge accounting transactions, and changes in the funded status of the Company’s postretirement and supplemental retirement plans.

Fair Value Measurements

In general, fair values of financial instruments are based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and the Company’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters.

Recent Accounting Standards

Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" Update No. 2016-09. Update No. 2016-09 was issued in March 2016 and affects all entities that issue share-based awards to their employees. This update was issued as part of the FASB’s simplification initiative. The areas for simplification in this update involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017. Upon adoption, the Company elected to no longer estimate forfeitures on stock compensation and instead recognize forfeitures when they occur. The election required a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings which did not materially impact

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

the Company's consolidated financial position. Additionally, the disclosure requirements of this standard will be applied on a prospective basis.

FASB ASC Topic 230 "Statement of Cash Flows" Update No. 2016-15. Update No. 2016-15 was issued in August 2016 to reduce diversity of practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update provide guidance on the following eight specific cash flow issues; (1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, (2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, (3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, (4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, (5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, (6) distributions received from equity method investees, (7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and (8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendments in this topic will provide guidance for these eight issues, thereby reducing the current and potential future diversity in practice. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 and the impact on the Company's consolidated financial position was immaterial.

FASB ASC Topic 220 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" Update No. 2018-02. Updated No. 2018-02 was issued in February 2018 to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for amounts considered to be stranded in other comprehensive income as are result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act"). These amendments eliminate these stranded tax effects and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. However, because these amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. The amendments in this update also require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position.

FASB ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" Update No. 2017-12. Update No. 2017-12 was issued in August 2017 to better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. To meet that objective, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's existing hedging relationships.

FASB ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" Update No. 2017-09 . Update No. 2017-09 was issued in May 2017 to provide clarity and reduce diversity in practice when applying guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all the following are met: (1) The fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the modified award is the same as the fair value of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. If the modification does not affect any of the inputs to the valuation technique that the entity uses to value the award, the entity is not required to estimate the value immediately before and after the modification. (2) The vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. (3) The classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. The current disclosure requirements in Topic 718 apply regardless of whether an entity is required to apply modification accounting under the amendments in this update. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. Upon adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018, there was no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position.

FASB ASC Topic 310-20 "Receivables - Nonrefundable fees and Other Costs" Update No. 2017-08. Update No. 2017-08 was issued in March 2017 to shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018.

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Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company early adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017 and the impact on the Company's consolidated financial position was immaterial.

FASB ASC Topic 715 "Compensation - Retirement Benefits" Update No. 2017-07 . Update No. 2017-07 was issued in March 2017 to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit costs. This update requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items are used to present the other components of net benefit cost, that line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. The amendments in this update also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which the financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. That is, early adoption should be within the first interim period if an employer issues interim financial statements. Disclosures of the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle are required in the first interim and annual periods of adoption. Upon adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018, there was no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position.

FASB ASC Subtopic 610-20 "Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets" Update No. 2017-05. Update No. 2017-05 was issued in February 2017 to clarify that a financial asset is within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 if it meets the definition of an in substance nonfinancial asset. The amendments define the term in substance nonfinancial asset, in part, as a financial asset promised to a counterparty in a contract if substantially all of the fair value of the assets (recognized and unrecognized) that are promised to the counterparty in the contract is concentrated in nonfinancial assets. The amendments in this update also clarify that nonfinancial assets within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 may include nonfinancial assets transferred within a legal entity to a counterparty. A contract that includes the transfer of ownership interests in one or more consolidated subsidiaries is within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 if substantially all of the fair value of the assets that are promised to the counterparty in a contract is concentrated in nonfinancial assets. For purposes of that evaluation, the amendments require an entity to evaluate the underlying assets in consolidated subsidiaries to determine whether those assets are within the scope of Subtopic 610-20. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The guidance may be applied earlier but only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods in that reporting period. Upon adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018, there was no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position.

FASB ASC Topic 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other " Update No. 2017-04. Update No. 2017-04 was issued in January 2017 to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, by eliminating Step 2 for the goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this update modify the concept of impairment from the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. An entity is no longer required to determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit has been acquired in a business combination. An entity should apply the amendments in this update on a prospective basis. An entity is required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition. That disclosure should be provided in the first annual period and in the interim period within the first annual period when the entity initially adopts the amendments in this update. A public business entity that is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)filer should adopt the amendments in this Update for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position.

FASB ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" Update No. 2014-09. Update No. 2014-09 was issued in May 2014 to address the previous revenue recognition requirements in GAAP that differ from those in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Accordingly, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) initiated a joint project to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The largely converged revenue recognition standards will supersede virtually all revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and IFRS. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Since the issuance of Update 2014-09, the FASB has finalized various amendments to the standard as summarized below:

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FASB ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" Update No. 2016-20

FASB ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" Update No. 2016-12

FASB ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" Update No. 2016-10

FASB ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" Update No. 2016-08 .

FASB ASC Topic 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" Update No. 2015-14.

The amendments in Update 2016-20 make minor corrections or minor improvements to the codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities.

Through Updates 2016-12, 2016-10 and 2016-08, the FASB amended its new revenue guidance on licenses of intellectual property, identification of performance obligations, collectability, noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes. The FASB also clarified the definition of a completed contract at transition and added a practical expedient to ease transition for contracts that were modified prior to adoption. The FASB also amended the new revenue recognition guidance on determining whether an entity is a principal or an agent in an arrangement which affects whether revenue should be reported gross or net.

Following the issuance of Update 2015-14, Update 2014-09, as amended, is effective for the Company for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. A full or modified retrospective transition method is required. The Company's revenue is comprised of net interest income on financial assets and liabilities, and noninterest income. Interest income, mortgage banking income, gain on sale of equity securities, increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies and loan level derivative income are accounted for under other U.S. GAAP standards, and are therefore out of scope of the ASC 606 revenue standard. Deposit account fees, interchange and ATM fees, investment management and certain categories of other noninterest income are within the scope of the ASC 606 revenue standard. The Company has adopted the revenue recognition standard as of January 1, 2018 and is using the modified retrospective transition method upon adoption. The Company completed its review of relevant contracts related to these revenue streams and determined that there were no material changes to be made to revenue recognition upon adoption.

FASB ASC Topic 326 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses" Update No. 2016-13. Update No. 2016-13 was issued in June 2016 to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the amendments in this update replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The amendments affect entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier adoption permitted as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods with those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this standard on the Company's consolidated financial position.

FASB ASC Topic 842 "Leases" Update No. 2016-02. Update No. 2016-02 was issued in February 2016 and affects any entity that enters into a lease (as that term is defined in this update), with some specified scope exemptions. The core principle of this update is that a lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease have not significantly changed from previous GAAP. In addition, the accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under previous GAAP. For public companies, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently in the process of reviewing its current lease agreements to assess the impact of the adoption of this standard.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 2 ACQUISITIONS

Island Bancorp, Inc.

On May 12, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of Island Bancorp, Inc., the parent of The Edgartown National Bank ("Island Bancorp"). The transaction qualified as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes and Island Bancorp shareholders received, for each share of Island Bancorp common stock, the right to receive either $500 in cash per share or 9.525 shares of the Company's stock (valued at $605.31 per share, based upon the highest trading value of the Company's stock on May 12, 2017 of $63.55 ). The total deal consideration was $28.3 million and was comprised of 20% cash and 80% stock consideration. The cash consideration was $4.8 million in the aggregate, inclusive of cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. The total stock consideration was $23.5 million resulting in an increase to the Company's outstanding shares of 369,286 shares. In addition to increasing its loan and deposit base, the Company will be able to provide a deeper product set to new customers, as well as benefit from increased operating synergies, improving the long-term operating and financial results of the Company.

The Company accounted for the Island Bancorp acquisition using the acquisition method pursuant to the Business Combinations Topic of the FASB ASC. Accordingly, the Company recorded merger and acquisition expenses of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the Island Bancorp acquisition. Additionally, the acquisition method requires the acquirer to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition:



	Net Assets Acquired at Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Cash	$	11,137
Loans	155,551
Premises and equipment	5,828
Goodwill	10,280
Core deposit and other intangibles	2,964
Other assets	4,629
Total assets acquired	190,389
Liabilities
Deposits	159,580
Borrowings	2,475
Other liabilities	18
Total liabilities assumed	162,073
Purchase price	$	28,316

Fair value adjustments to assets acquired and liabilities assumed are generally amortized using either an effective yield or straight-line basis over periods consistent with the average life, useful life and/or contractual term of the related assets and liabilities.

Fair values of the major categories of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined as follows:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents approximate the respective carrying amounts because the instruments are payable on demand or have short-term maturities.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Loans

The loans acquired were recorded at fair value without a carryover of the allowance for loan losses. Fair value of the loans is determined using market participant assumptions in estimating the amount and timing of both principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected, as adjusted for an estimate of future credit losses and prepayments, and then applying a market-based discount rate to those cash flows. The overall discount on the loans acquired in this transaction was due to anticipated credit loss, as well as considerations for liquidity and market interest rates. In addition, the acquired loans were reviewed to determine if the loan had evidence of deterioration of credit quality at the purchase date and also reviewed to determine if it was probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected. Based on the review of the loan portfolio at the time of the acquisition, it was deemed that there was no evidence to show that any of the acquired loans were purchased credit impaired.

Premises and Equipment

The fair value of the premises, including land, buildings and improvements, was determined based upon appraisals by licensed real estate appraisers. The appraisals were based upon the best and highest use of the property with final values determined based upon an analysis of the cost, sales comparison and income capitalization approaches for each property appraised.

Core Deposit Intangible

The fair value of the core deposit intangible is derived by comparing the interest rate and servicing costs that the financial institution pays on the core deposit liability versus the current market rate for alternative sources of financing, while factoring in estimates over the remaining life and attrition rate of the deposit accounts. The intangible asset represents the stable and relatively low cost source of funds that the deposits and accompanying relationships provide the Company, when compared to alternative funding sources.

Deposits

The fair value of acquired savings and transaction deposit accounts was assumed to approximate the carrying value as these accounts have no stated maturity and are payable on demand. The fair value of time deposits were determined based on the present value of the contractual cash flows over the remaining period to maturity using a market interest rate.

Borrowings

The fair values of Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances were derived based upon the present value of the principal and interest payments using a current market discount rate.

Selected Pro Forma Results

The following summarizes the unaudited pro forma results of operations as if the Company acquired Island Bancorp on January 1, 2017 (2016 amounts represent combined results for the Company and Island Bancorp). The selected pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial results of the combined companies had the acquisition actually been completed at the beginning of the periods presented, nor does it indicate future results for any other interim or full-year period.



		Years Ended
		December 31
		2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		$	258,017	$	227,429
Net income		90,025		78,150

Excluded from the pro forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 are merger-related costs of $2.6 million , net of tax, recognized by both the Company and Island Bancorp in the aggregate. These costs were primarily made up of contract terminations arising due to the change in control, the acceleration of certain compensation and benefit costs, and other merger expenses.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

New England Bancorp, Inc.

On November 10, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of New England Bancorp, Inc. ("NEB"), the parent of Bank of Cape Cod. The transaction qualified as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes and NEB shareholders received, for each share of NEB common stock, the right to receive 0.25 shares of the Company's stock (valued at $15.14 per share, based upon the highest trading value of the Company's stock on November 10, 2016 of $60.55 ). The deal consideration was $41.7 million in the aggregate, inclusive of cash paid in lieu of fractional shares and resulted in an increase to the Company's outstanding shares of 672,665 shares. In addition to increasing its loan and deposit base, the Company will be able to provide a deeper product set to new customers, as well as benefit from increased operating synergies, improving the long-term operating and financial results of the Company.

The Company accounted for the NEB acquisition using the acquisition method pursuant to the Business Combinations Topic of the FASB ASC. Accordingly, the Company recorded merger and acquisition expenses of $5.0 million , during the year ended December 31, 2016, related to the NEB transaction. Additionally, the acquisition method requires the acquirer to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the acquisition:



	Net Assets Acquired at Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Cash	$	9,679
Loans	225,731
Premises and equipment	201
Goodwill	20,443
Core deposit and other intangibles	670
Other assets	19,197
Total assets acquired	275,921
Liabilities
Deposits	175,686
Borrowings	51,150
Other liabilities	7,344
Total liabilities assumed	234,180
Purchase price	$	41,741

Fair values of the major categories of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined as follows:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents approximate the respective carrying amounts because the instruments are payable on demand or have short-term maturities.

Loans

The loans acquired were recorded at fair value without a carryover of the allowance for loan losses. Fair value of the loans is determined using market participant assumptions in estimating the amount and timing of both principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected, as adjusted for an estimate of future credit losses and prepayments, and then applying a market-based discount rate to those cash flows. The overall discount on the loans acquired in this transaction was due to estimated credit risk, as well as considerations for liquidity and market interest rates. In addition, the acquired loans were reviewed to determine if the loan had evidence of deterioration of credit quality at the purchase date and also reviewed to

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

determine if it was probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected. Based on the review of the loan portfolio at the time of the acquisition it was deemed that there was no evidence to show that any of the acquired loans were purchased credit impaired.

Core Deposit Intangible

Deposits

Borrowings

The fair values of FHLB advances were derived based upon the present value of the principal and interest payments using a current market discount rate. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company paid off all acquired borrowings at their recognized fair value amounts, resulting in no gain or loss on extinguishment.

Selected Pro Forma Results

The following summarizes the unaudited pro forma results of operations as if the Company acquired NEB on January 1, 2016 (2015 amounts represent combined results for the Company and NEB). The selected pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial results of the combined companies had the acquisition actually been completed at the beginning of the periods presented, nor does it indicate future results for any other interim or full-year period.



	Years Ended December 31
	2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$	228,927	$	221,252
Net income	$	80,411	$	65,623

Excluded from the pro forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 are merger-related costs of $6.3 million recognized by both the Company and NEB in the aggregate and the corresponding tax benefit. These costs were primarily made up of contract terminations arising due to the change in control, the acceleration of certain compensation and benefit costs, and other merger expenses.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 3 SECURITIES

Trading Securities

As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 the Company had trading securities of $1.3 million and $804,000 , respectively. These securities are held in a rabbi trust and will be used for future payments associated with the Company's non-qualified 401(k) Restoration Plan and Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities

The following table presents a summary of the amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains and losses and fair value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity for the periods indicated:



	December 31, 2017									December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale securities
U.S. government agency securities	$	35,475	$	86	$	(131	)	$	35,430	$	24,006	$	238	$	—		$	24,244
Agency mortgage-backed securities	214,934		1,897		(1,067		)	215,764		173,268		2,852		(736		)	175,384
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	124,098		78		(2,164		)	122,012		101,094		106		(1,332		)	99,868
State, county, and municipal securities	2,237		37		—			2,274		3,743		50		—			3,793
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks	2,012		4		—			2,016		2,311		3		(3		)	2,311
Pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	2,179		—		(539		)	1,640		2,200		—		(616		)	1,584
Small business administration pooled securities	47,852		44		(118		)	47,778		37,561		—		(372		)	37,189
Equity securities	19,432		1,594		(442		)	20,584		19,183		641		(553		)	19,271
Total available for sale securities	448,219		3,740		(4,461		)	447,498		363,366		3,890		(3,612		)	363,644
Held to maturity securities
U.S. treasury securities	1,006		29		—			1,035		1,007		47		—			1,054
Agency mortgage-backed securities	204,768		1,791		(736		)	205,823		156,088		2,274		(858		)	157,504
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	262,998		397		(4,987		)	258,408		297,445		1,002		(3,797		)	294,650
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks	1,500		29		—			1,529		1,500		44		—			1,544
Small business administration pooled securities	27,416		183		(200		)	27,399		31,036		189		(327		)	30,898
Total held to maturity securities	497,688		2,429		(5,923		)	494,194		487,076		3,556		(4,982		)	485,650
Total	$	945,907	$	6,169	$	(10,384	)	$	941,692	$	850,442	$	7,446	$	(8,594	)	$	849,294

When securities are sold, the adjusted cost of the specific security sold is used to compute the gain or loss on the sale.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The actual maturities of certain securities may differ from the contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. A schedule of the contractual maturities of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2017 is presented below:



	Available for Sale				Held to Maturity
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	3,213	$	3,215	$	—	$	—
Due after one year to five years	49,241		49,312		15,636		15,711
Due after five to ten years	107,417		107,402		16,801		17,098
Due after ten years	268,916		266,985		465,251		461,385
Total debt securities	428,787		426,914		497,688		494,194
Equity securities	19,432		20,584		—		—
Total	$	448,219	$	447,498	$	497,688	$	494,194

Inclusive in the table above is $9.4 million of callable securities at December 31, 2017 .

The carrying value of securities pledged to secure public funds, trust deposits, repurchase agreements and for other purposes, as required or permitted by law, was $547.2 million and $482.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had no investments in obligations of individual states, counties, or municipalities, which exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity .

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

The Company continually reviews investment securities for the existence of OTTI, taking into consideration current market conditions, the extent and nature of changes in fair value, issuer rating changes and trends, the credit worthiness of the obligor of the security, volatility of earnings, current analysts’ evaluations, the Company’s intent to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, as well as other qualitative factors. The term “other-than-temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospects for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments in an unrealized loss position, which the Company has not deemed to be OTTI, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:



		December 31, 2017
		Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
Description of securities	# of holdings	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. government agency securities	4	$	24,343	$	(131	)	$	—	$	—		$	24,343	$	(131	)
Agency mortgage-backed securities	84	$	235,411	$	(1,493	)	$	14,886	$	(310	)	$	250,297	$	(1,803	)
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	42	178,142		(1,579		)	159,506		(5,572		)	337,648		(7,151		)
Pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	1	—		—			1,640		(539		)	1,640		(539		)
Small business administration pooled securities	4	34,553		(223		)	9,647		(95		)	44,200		(318		)
Equity securities	28	3,290		(39		)	7,619		(403		)	10,909		(442		)
Total temporarily impaired securities	163	$	475,739	$	(3,465	)	$	193,298	$	(6,919	)	$	669,037	$	(10,384	)

		December 31, 2016
		Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
Description of securities	# of holdings	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
		(Dollars in thousands)
Agency mortgage-backed securities	57	$	137,949	$	(1,594	)	$	—	$	—		$	137,949	$	(1,594	)
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	32	243,051		(3,140		)	47,403		(1,989		)	290,454		(5,129		)
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	1	—		—			1,036		(3		)	1,036		(3		)
Pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	1	—		—			1,583		(616		)	1,583		(616		)
Small business administration pooled securities	5	59,846		(699		)	—		—			59,846		(699		)
Equity securities	25	3,625		(77		)	6,334		(476		)	9,959		(553		)
Total temporarily impaired securities	121	$	444,471	$	(5,510	)	$	56,356	$	(3,084	)	$	500,827	$	(8,594	)

The Company does not intend to sell these investments and has determined based upon available evidence that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. As a result, the Company does not consider these investments to be OTTI. The Company made this determination by reviewing various qualitative and quantitative factors regarding each investment category, such as current market conditions, extent and nature of changes in fair value, issuer rating changes and trends, volatility of earnings, and current analysts’ evaluations.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

As a result of the Company’s review of these qualitative and quantitative factors, the causes of the impairments listed in the table above by category are as follows at December 31, 2017 :

•

U.S. Government Agency Securities, Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities, Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations and Small Business Administration Pooled Securities: These portfolios have contractual terms that generally do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the current par value of the investment. The decline in market value of these securities is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality. Additionally, these securities are implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies.

•

Pooled Trust Preferred Securities: This portfolio consists of one below investment grade security which is performing. The unrealized loss on this security is attributable to the illiquid nature of the trust preferred market in the current economic and regulatory environment. Management evaluates collateral credit and instrument structure, including current and expected deferral and default rates and timing. In addition, discount rates are determined by evaluating comparable spreads observed currently in the market for similar instruments.

•

Equity Securities : This portfolio consists of mutual funds and other equity investments. During some periods, the mutual funds in the Company’s investment portfolio may have unrealized losses resulting from market fluctuations as well as the risk premium associated with that particular asset class. For example, emerging market equities tend to trade at a higher risk premium than U.S. government bonds and thus, will fluctuate to a greater degree on both the upside and the downside. In the context of a well-diversified portfolio, however, the correlation amongst the various asset classes represented by the funds serves to minimize downside risk. The Company evaluates each mutual fund in the portfolio regularly and measures performance on both an absolute and relative basis. A reasonable recovery period for positions with an unrealized loss is based on management’s assessment of general economic data, trends within a particular asset class, valuations, earnings forecasts and bond durations. The Company has the ability and intent to hold these equity securities until a recovery of fair value.

There was no OTTI recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . Additionally, there was no cumulative credit related component of OTTI as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , as securities with $10.0 million of cumulative credit related OTTI were sold during 2015.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 4 LOANS, ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES AND CREDIT QUALITY

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan category and bifurcates the amount of allowance allocated to each loan category based on collective impairment analysis and loans evaluated individually for impairment:



	December 31, 2017
	Commercial and Industrial			Commercial Real Estate			Commercial Construction			Small Business			Residential Real Estate			Home Equity			Other Consumer			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses
Beginning balance	$	16,921		$	30,369		$	4,522		$	1,502		$	2,621		$	5,238		$	393		$	61,566
Charge-offs	(3,891		)	(39		)	—			(302		)	(207		)	(276		)	(1,494		)	(6,209		)
Recoveries	615			385			—			114			31			198			993			2,336
Provision (benefit)	(389		)	738			1,176			263			377			230			555			2,950
Ending balance	$	13,256		$	31,453		$	5,698		$	1,577		$	2,822		$	5,390		$	447		$	60,643
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	13,246		$	31,411		$	5,698		$	1,576		$	1,815		$	5,125		$	430		$	59,301
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	10		$	42		$	—		$	1		$	1,007		$	265		$	17		$	1,342
Financing receivables ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	853,885		$	3,093,945		$	401,797		$	131,667		$	733,809		$	1,045,053		$	9,573		$	6,269,729
Individually evaluated for impairment	34,643			16,638			—			703			13,684			6,826			307			72,801
Purchased credit impaired loans	—			5,978			—			—			6,836			209			—			13,023
Total loans by group	$	888,528		$	3,116,561		$	401,797		$	132,370		$	754,329		$	1,052,088		$	9,880		$	6,355,553		(1)

	December 31, 2016
	Commercial and Industrial			Commercial Real Estate			Commercial Construction			Small Business			Residential Real Estate			Home Equity			Other Consumer			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses
Beginning balance	$	13,802		$	27,327		$	5,366		$	1,264		$	2,590		$	4,889		$	587		$	55,825
Charge-offs	(593		)	(414		)	—			(228		)	(28		)	(602		)	(1,607		)	(3,472		)
Recoveries	859			564			—			195			299			141			1,080			3,138
Provision (benefit)	2,853			2,892			(844		)	271			(240		)	810			333			6,075
Ending balance	$	16,921		$	30,369		$	4,522		$	1,502		$	2,621		$	5,238		$	393		$	61,566
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	13,260		$	30,173		$	4,522		$	1,494		$	1,535		$	4,996		$	372		$	56,352
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	3,661		$	196		$	—		$	8		$	1,086		$	242		$	21		$	5,214
Financing receivables ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	862,875		$	2,983,642		$	320,391		$	121,855		$	622,392		$	982,095		$	10,666		$	5,903,916
Individually evaluated for impairment	39,178			16,813			—			871			14,175			5,863			397			77,297
Purchased credit impaired loans	—			10,343			—			—			7,859			189			1			18,392
Total loans by group	$	902,053		$	3,010,798		$	320,391		$	122,726		$	644,426		$	988,147		$	11,064		$	5,999,605		(1)

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)



	December 31, 2015
	Commercial and Industrial			Commercial Real Estate			Commercial Construction		Small Business			Residential Real Estate			Home Equity			Other Consumer			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses
Beginning balance	$	15,573		$	25,873		$	3,945	$	1,171		$	2,834		$	4,956		$	748		$	55,100
Charge-offs	(2,010		)	(330		)	—		(267		)	(285		)	(710		)	(1,316		)	(4,918		)
Recoveries	1,593			1,073			—		264			133			356			724			4,143
Provision (benefit)	(1,354		)	711			1,421		96			(92		)	287			431			1,500
Ending balance	$	13,802		$	27,327		$	5,366	$	1,264		$	2,590		$	4,889		$	587		$	55,825
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment	$	13,619		$	27,123		$	5,366	$	1,260		$	1,312		$	4,651		$	564		$	53,895
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment	$	183		$	204		$	—	$	4		$	1,278		$	238		$	23		$	1,930
Financing receivables ending balance:
Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	838,129		$	2,619,294		$	373,064	$	95,225		$	614,014		$	921,563		$	14,427		$	5,475,716
Individually evaluated for impairment	5,147			22,986			304		1,021			15,405			5,989			558			51,410
Purchase credit impaired loans	—			11,154			—		—			9,187			251			3			20,595
Total loans by group	$	843,276		$	2,653,434		$	373,368	$	96,246		$	638,606		$	927,803		$	14,988		$	5,547,721		(1)


(1)	The amount of net deferred costs on originated loans included in the ending balance was $6.1 million , $5.1 million , and $4.3 million at December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Net unamortized discounts on acquired loans not deemed to be PCI included in the ending balance was $9.4 million , $8.6 million , and $6.6 million at December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.

For the purpose of estimating the allowance for loan losses, management segregates the loan portfolio into the portfolio segments detailed in the above tables. Each of these loan categories possesses unique risk characteristics that are considered when determining the appropriate level of allowance for each segment. Some of the risk characteristics unique to each loan category include:

Commercial Portfolio

•

Commercial and Industrial : Loans in this category consist of revolving and term loan obligations extended to business and corporate enterprises for the purpose of financing working capital and/or capital investment. Collateral generally consists of pledges of business assets including, but not limited to: accounts receivable, inventory, plant and equipment, or real estate, if applicable. Repayment sources consist of primarily, operating cash flow, and secondarily, liquidation of assets.

•

Commercial Real Estate : Loans in this category consist of mortgage loans to finance investment in real property such as multi-family residential, commercial/retail, office, industrial, hotels, educational and healthcare facilities and other specific use properties. Loans are typically written with amortizing payment structures. Collateral values are determined based upon third party appraisals and evaluations. Loan to value ratios at origination are governed by established policy and regulatory guidelines. Repayment sources consist of, primarily, cash flow from operating leases and rents and, secondarily, liquidation of assets.

•

Commercial Construction : Loans in this category consist of short-term construction loans, revolving and nonrevolving credit lines and construction/permanent loans to finance the acquisition, development and construction or rehabilitation of real property. Project types include residential 1-4 family, condominium and multi-family homes, commercial/retail, office, industrial, hotels, educational and healthcare facilities and other specific use properties. Loans may be written with nonamortizing or hybrid payment structures depending upon the type of project. Collateral values are determined based upon third party appraisals and evaluations. Loan to value ratios at origination are governed by established policy and regulatory guidelines. Repayment sources vary depending upon the type of project and may consist of sale or lease of units, operating cash flows or liquidation of other assets.

•

Small Business: Loans in this category consist of revolving, term loan and mortgage obligations extended to sole proprietors and small businesses for purposes of financing working capital and/or capital investment. Collateral generally consists of pledges of business assets including, but not limited to, accounts receivable, inventory, plant and equipment, or real estate if applicable. Repayment sources consist primarily of operating cash flows and, secondarily, liquidation of assets.

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

For the commercial portfolio it is the Company’s policy to obtain personal guarantees for payment from individuals holding material ownership interests of the borrowing entities.

Consumer Portfolio

•

Residential Real Estate : Residential mortgage loans held in the Company’s portfolio are made to borrowers who demonstrate the ability to make scheduled payments with full consideration to underwriting factors such as current and expected income, employment status, current assets, other financial resources, credit history and the value of the collateral. Collateral consists of mortgage liens on 1-4 family residential properties. Residential mortgage loans also include loans to construct owner-occupied 1-4 family residential properties.

•

Home Equity : Home equity loans and credit lines are made to qualified individuals and are primarily secured by senior or junior mortgage liens on owner-occupied 1-4 family homes, condominiums or vacation homes. Each home equity loan has a fixed rate and is billed in equal payments comprised of principal and interest. Each home equity line of credit has a variable rate and is billed in interest-only payments during the draw period. At the end of the draw period, the home equity line of credit is billed as a percentage of the then outstanding principal balance plus all accrued interest over a predetermined repayment period, as set forth in the note. Additionally, the Company has the option of renewing each line of credit for additional draw periods. Borrower qualifications include favorable credit history combined with supportive income requirements and combined loan to value ratios within established policy guidelines.

•

Other Consumer: Other consumer loan products include personal lines of credit and amortizing loans made to qualified individuals for various purposes such as education, debt consolidation, personal expenses or overdraft protection. Borrower qualifications include favorable credit history combined with supportive income and collateral requirements within established policy guidelines. These loans may be secured or unsecured.

Credit Quality

The Company continually monitors the asset quality of the loan portfolio using all available information. Based on this information, loans demonstrating certain payment issues or other weaknesses may be categorized as adversely risk-rated, delinquent, impaired, nonperforming and/or put on nonaccrual status. Additionally, in the course of resolving such loans, the Company may choose to restructure the contractual terms of certain loans to match the borrower’s ability to repay the loan based on their current financial condition. If a restructured loan meets certain criteria, it may be categorized as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”).

The Company reviews numerous credit quality indicators when assessing the risk in its loan portfolio. For the commercial portfolio, the Company utilizes a 10-point credit risk-rating system, which assigns a risk-grade to each loan obligation based on a number of quantitative and qualitative factors associated with a commercial or small business loan transaction. Factors considered include industry and market conditions, position within the industry, earnings trends, operating cash flow, asset/liability values, debt capacity, guarantor strength, management and controls, financial reporting, collateral, and other considerations. The risk-ratings categories are defined as follows:

•

1- 6 Rating — Pass: Risk-rating grades “1” through “6” comprise those loans ranging from ‘Substantially Risk Free’ which indicates borrowers are of unquestioned credit standing and the pinnacle of credit quality, well established companies with a very strong financial condition, and loans fully secured by cash collateral, through ‘Acceptable Risk’, which indicates borrowers may exhibit declining earnings, strained cash flow, increasing or above average leverage and/or weakening market fundamentals that indicate below average asset quality, margins and market share. Collateral coverage is protective.


•	7 Rating — Potential Weakness: Borrowers exhibit potential credit weaknesses or downward trends deserving management’s close attention. If not checked or corrected, these trends will weaken the Company’s asset and position. While potentially weak, currently these borrowers are marginally acceptable; no loss of principal or interest is envisioned.

•

8 Rating — Definite Weakness Loss Unlikely: Borrowers exhibit well defined weaknesses that jeopardize the orderly liquidation of debt. Loan may be inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Normal repayment from the borrower is in jeopardy, although no loss of principal is envisioned. However, there is a distinct possibility that a partial loss of interest and/or principal will occur if the deficiencies are not corrected. Collateral coverage may be inadequate to cover the principal obligation.


•	9 Rating — Partial Loss Probable: Borrowers exhibit well defined weaknesses that jeopardize the orderly liquidation of debt with the added provision that the weaknesses make collection of the debt in full, on the basis of currently existing facts,

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Serious problems exist to the point where partial loss of principal is likely.


•	10 Rating — Definite Loss: Borrowers deemed incapable of repayment. Loans to such borrowers are considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuation as active assets of the Company is not warranted.

The credit quality of the commercial loan portfolio is actively monitored and any changes in credit quality are reflected in risk-rating changes. Risk-ratings are assigned or reviewed for all new loans, when advancing significant additions to existing relationships (over $50,000 ), at least quarterly for all actively managed loans, and any time a significant event occurs, including at renewal of the loan.

The Company utilizes a comprehensive strategy for monitoring commercial credit quality. Actively managed commercial borrowers are required to provide updated financial information at least annually which is carefully evaluated for any changes in credit quality. Larger loan relationships are subject to a full annual credit review by an experienced credit analysis group, while continuous portfolio monitoring techniques are employed to evaluate changes in credit quality for smaller loan relationships. Additionally, the Company retains an independent loan review firm to evaluate the credit quality of the commercial loan portfolio. The independent loan review process achieves significant penetration into the commercial loan portfolio and reports the results of these reviews to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.

The following table details the amount of outstanding principal balances relative to each of the risk-rating categories for the Company’s commercial portfolio:



		December 31, 2017
Category	Risk Rating	Commercial and Industrial		Commercial Real Estate		Commercial Construction		Small Business		Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Pass	1 - 6	$	806,331	$	3,007,672	$	400,964	$	130,265	$	4,345,232
Potential weakness	7	16,563		69,788		—		1,471		87,822
Definite weakness - loss unlikely	8	59,415		38,637		833		631		99,516
Partial loss probable	9	6,219		464		—		3		6,686
Definite loss	10	—		—		—		—		—
Total		$	888,528	$	3,116,561	$	401,797	$	132,370	$	4,539,256
		December 31, 2016
Category	Risk Rating	Commercial and Industrial		Commercial Real Estate		Commercial Construction		Small Business		Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Pass	1 - 6	$	783,825	$	2,876,570	$	317,099	$	120,304	$	4,097,798
Potential weakness	7	46,176		84,641		1,363		1,859		134,039
Definite weakness - loss unlikely	8	71,991		47,164		1,929		556		121,640
Partial loss probable	9	61		2,423		—		7		2,491
Definite loss	10	—		—		—		—		—
Total		$	902,053	$	3,010,798	$	320,391	$	122,726	$	4,355,968

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For the Company’s consumer portfolio, the quality of the loan is best indicated by the repayment performance of an individual borrower. However, the Company does supplement performance data with current Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) scores and Loan to Value (“LTV”) estimates. Current FICO data is purchased and appended to all consumer loans on a regular basis. In addition, automated valuation services and broker opinions of value are used to supplement original value data for the residential and home equity portfolios, periodically. The following table shows the weighted average FICO scores and the weighted average combined LTV ratios as of the periods indicated below:



	December 31
	2017		2016
Residential portfolio
FICO score (re-scored)(1)	745		743
LTV (re-valued)(2)	59.2	%	63.2	%
Home equity portfolio
FICO score (re-scored)(1)	766		767
LTV (re-valued)(2)(3)	50.1	%	55.9	%


(1)	The average FICO scores at December 31, 2017 are based upon rescores available from August 2017 and origination score data for loans booked between September and December 2017. The average FICO scores at December 31, 2016 are based upon rescores available from November 2016 and origination score data for loans booked in December 2016.

(2)

The combined LTV ratios for December 31, 2017 are based upon updated automated valuations as of August 2017, when available, and/or the most current valuation data available as of December 31, 2017. The combined LTV ratios for December 31, 2016 are based upon updated automated valuations as of March 2015, when available, and /or the most current valuation data for loans as of December 31, 2016. The updated automated valuations provides new information on loans that may be available since the previous valuation was obtained. If no new information is available, the valuation will default to the previously obtained data or most recent appraisal.


(3)	For home equity loans and lines in a subordinate lien, the LTV data represents a combined LTV, taking into account the senior lien data for loans and lines.

Asset Quality

The Bank’s philosophy toward managing its loan portfolios is predicated upon careful monitoring, which stresses early detection and response to delinquent and default situations. Delinquent loans are managed by a team of seasoned collection specialists and the Company seeks to make arrangements to resolve any delinquent or default situation over the shortest possible time frame. As a general rule, loans more than 90 days past due with respect to principal or interest are classified as nonaccrual loans. The Company also may use discretion regarding the accrual status of other loans over 90 days delinquent if the loan is well secured and in process of collection.

The following table shows the carrying value of nonaccrual loans at the dates indicated:



	December 31
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	$	32,055	$	37,455
Commercial real estate	3,123		6,266
Small business	230		302
Residential real estate	8,129		7,782
Home equity	6,022		5,553
Other consumer	71		47
Total nonaccrual loans (1)	$	49,630	$	57,405


(1)	Included in these amounts were $6.1 million and $5.2 million of nonaccruing TDRs at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The following table shows information regarding foreclosed residential real estate property at the date indicated:



	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor	$	612	$	3,775
Recorded investment in mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure	$	2,971	$	1,715

The following table shows the age analysis of past due financing receivables as of the dates indicated:



	December 31, 2017
	30-59 days			60-89 days			90 days or more			Total Past Due			Current		Total Financing Receivables		Recorded Investment >90 Days and Accruing
	Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Current		Total Financing Receivables		Recorded Investment >90 Days and Accruing
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	2	$	195	2	$	370	14	$	32,007	18	$	32,572	$	855,956	$	888,528	$	—
Commercial real estate	7	3,060		—	—		9	1,793		16	4,853		3,111,708		3,116,561		—
Commercial construction	—	—		—	—		—	—		—	—		401,797		401,797		—
Small business	17	339		11	144		10	57		38	540		131,830		132,370		—
Residential real estate	6	870		13	2,385		22	3,471		41	6,726		747,603		754,329		—
Home equity	22	1,310		6	451		20	2,025		48	3,786		1,048,302		1,052,088		—
Other consumer (1)	265	197		16	27		17	45		298	269		9,611		9,880		8
Total	319	$	5,971	48	$	3,377	92	$	39,398	459	$	48,746	$	6,306,807	$	6,355,553	$	8



	December 31, 2016
	30-59 days			60-89 days			90 days or more			Total Past Due			Current		Total Financing Receivables		Recorded Investment >90 Days and Accruing
	Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Number of Loans	Principal Balance		Current		Total Financing Receivables		Recorded Investment >90 Days and Accruing
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial	8	$	100	32	$	253	6	$	2,480	46	$	2,833	$	899,220	$	902,053	$	—
Commercial real estate	5	1,518		8	1,957		8	3,105		21	6,580		3,004,218		3,010,798		—
Commercial construction	—	—		—	—		—	—		—	—		320,391		320,391		—
Small business	9	323		—	—		19	140		28	463		122,263		122,726		—
Residential real estate	11	1,277		9	1,950		27	3,507		47	6,734		637,692		644,426		—
Home equity	19	1,117		11	767		16	1,209		46	3,093		985,054		988,147		—
Other consumer (1)	249	184		12	17		15	7		276	208		10,856		11,064		2
Total	301	$	4,519	72	$	4,944	91	$	10,448	464	$	19,911	$	5,979,694	$	5,999,605	$	2


(1)	Other consumer portfolio is inclusive of deposit account overdrafts recorded as loan balances.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

In the course of resolving nonperforming loans, the Bank may choose to restructure the contractual terms of certain loans. The Bank attempts to work out an alternative payment schedule with the borrower in order to avoid foreclosure actions. Any loans that are modified are reviewed by the Bank to identify if a TDR has occurred, which is when, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, the Bank grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Terms may be modified to fit the ability of the borrower to repay in line with its current financial status and the restructuring of the loan may include the transfer of assets from the borrower to satisfy the debt, a modification of loan terms, or a combination of the two.

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The following table shows the Company’s total TDRs and other pertinent information as of the dates indicated:



	December 31
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs on accrual status	$	25,852	$	27,093
TDRs on nonaccrual status	6,067		5,199
Total TDRs	$	31,919	$	32,292
Amount of specific reserves included in the allowance for loan loss associated with TDRs:	$	1,342	$	1,417
Additional commitments to lend to a borrower who has been a party to a TDR:	$	487	$	1,378

The Company’s policy is to have any restructured loan which is on nonaccrual status prior to being modified remain on nonaccrual status for six months subsequent to being modified before management considers its return to accrual status. If the restructured loan is on accrual status prior to being modified, it is reviewed to determine if the modified loan should remain on accrual status. Additionally, loans classified as TDRs are adjusted to reflect the changes in value of the recorded investment in the loan, if any, resulting from the granting of a concession. For all residential loan modifications, the borrower must perform during a 90 day trial period before the modification is finalized.

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The following table shows the modifications which occurred during the periods indicated and the change in the recorded investment subsequent to the modifications occurring:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017
	Number of Contracts	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment(1)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Troubled debt restructurings
Commercial and industrial	12	$	1,787	$	1,787
Commercial real estate	6	2,705		2,705
Small business	9	369		369
Residential real estate	10	1,284		1,326
Home equity	17	1,985		1,988
Total	54	$	8,130	$	8,175

	2016
Troubled debt restructurings
Commercial and industrial	10	$	1,623	$	1,623
Commercial real estate	10	2,959		2,959
Small business	3	188		188
Residential real estate	8	1,808		1,850
Home equity	13	932		932
Other consumer	6	153		153
Total	50	$	7,663	$	7,705

	2015
Troubled debt restructurings
Commercial and industrial	13	$	1,314	$	1,314
Commercial real estate	6	2,941		2,941
Small business	9	293		293
Residential real estate	8	843		870
Home equity	8	694		694
Total	44	$	6,085	$	6,112


(1)	The post-modification balances represent the legal principal balance of the loan on the date of modification. These amounts may show an increase when modifications include a capitalization of interest.

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The following table shows the Company’s post-modification balance of TDRs listed by type of modification as of the periods indicated:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Extended maturity	$	5,881	$	5,044	$	2,936
Adjusted interest rate	—		92		—
Combination rate and maturity	568		1,035		2,199
Court ordered concession	1,726		1,534		977
Total	$	8,175	$	7,705	$	6,112

The Company considers a loan to have defaulted when it reaches 90 days past due. The following table shows loans that were modified during the prior twelve months and subsequently defaulted during the periods indicated:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016			2015
	Number of Contracts	Recorded Investment		Number of Contracts	Recorded Investment		Number of Contracts	Recorded Investment
	(Dollars in thousands)
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted
Commercial & industrial	1	$	122	—	$	—	3	$	339
Commercial real estate	—	—		1	249		1	502
Residential real estate	—	—		—	—		2	326
Home equity	—	—		—	—		1	100
Total	1	$	122	1	$	249	7	$	1,267

All TDR loans are considered impaired and therefore are subject to a specific review for credit losses. The impairment analysis appropriately discounts the present value of the anticipated cash flows by the loan’s contractual rate of interest in effect prior to the loan’s modification. The amount of impairment, if any, is recorded as a specific loss allocation to each individual loan in the allowance for loan losses. Commercial loans (commercial and industrial, commercial construction, commercial real estate and small business loans), residential loans, and home equity loans that have been classified as TDRs and which subsequently default are reviewed to determine if the loan should be deemed collateral dependent. In such an instance, any shortfall between the value of the collateral and the carrying value of the loan is determined by measuring the recorded investment in the loan against the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. The Company charges off the amount of any confirmed loan loss in the period when the loans, or portion of loans, are deemed uncollectible. Smaller balance consumer TDR loans are reviewed for performance to determine when a charge-off is appropriate.

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

105

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The table below sets forth information regarding the Company’s impaired loans. The information for average recorded investment and interest income recognized is reflective of the full period being presented and does not take into account the date at which a loan was deemed to be impaired. See information below as of the dates indicated:



	As of and For the Years Ended December 31
	2017
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)
With no related allowance recorded
Commercial and industrial	$	34,267	$	38,329	$	—	$	36,631	$	446
Commercial real estate	13,245		14,374		—		13,683		559
Small business	556		619		—		569		21
Residential real estate	4,264		4,397		—		4,332		218
Home equity	4,950		5,056		—		5,063		198
Other consumer	91		92		—		102		7
Subtotal	57,373		62,867		—		60,380		1,449
With an allowance recorded
Commercial and industrial	376		376		10		391		19
Commercial real estate	3,393		3,399		42		3,447		198
Small business	147		153		1		238		14
Residential real estate	9,420		10,154		1,007		9,575		284
Home equity	1,876		2,110		265		1,916		55
Other consumer	216		217		17		233		7
Subtotal	15,428		16,409		1,342		15,800		577
Total	$	72,801	$	79,276	$	1,342	$	76,180	$	2,026
	2016
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)
With no related allowance recorded
Commercial and industrial	$	28,776	$	29,772	$	—	$	26,472	$	927
Commercial real estate	11,628		12,891		—		12,744		437
Small business	494		569		—		534		20
Residential real estate	4,216		4,427		—		4,302		185
Home equity	4,485		4,572		—		4,602		184
Other consumer	146		146		—		160		11
Subtotal	49,745		52,377		—		48,814		1,764
With an allowance recorded
Commercial and industrial	10,402		10,440		3,661		10,760		325
Commercial real estate	5,185		5,533		196		5,491		200
Small business	377		392		8		408		21
Residential real estate	9,959		10,530		1,086		10,065		332
Home equity	1,378		1,547		242		1,403		50
Other consumer	251		252		21		268		8
Subtotal	27,552		28,694		5,214		28,395		936
Total	$	77,297	$	81,071	$	5,214	$	77,209	$	2,700

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)



	2015
	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(Dollars in thousands)
With no related allowance recorded
Commercial and industrial	$	2,613	$	3,002	$	—	$	3,024	$	71
Commercial real estate	12,008		13,128		—		11,676		375
Commercial construction	304		305		—		308		—
Small business	527		618		—		584		22
Residential real estate	3,874		4,033		—		3,958		157
Home equity	4,893		5,005		—		5,023		195
Other consumer	184		185		—		201		15
Subtotal	24,403		26,276		—		24,774		835
With an allowance recorded
Commercial and industrial	2,534		2,648		183		2,848		48
Commercial real estate	10,978		11,047		204		10,789		592
Small business	494		523		4		535		30
Residential real estate	11,531		12,652		1,278		11,669		460
Home equity	1,096		1,287		238		655		14
Other consumer	374		389		23		408		14
Subtotal	27,007		28,546		1,930		26,904		1,158
Total	$	51,410	$	54,822	$	1,930	$	51,678	$	1,993

Purchased Credit Impaired Loans

Certain loans acquired by the Company may have shown evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and it was deemed unlikely that the Company would be able to collect all contractually required payments. As such, these loans were deemed to be PCI loans and the carrying value and prospective income recognition are predicated upon future cash flows expected to be collected. The following table displays certain information pertaining to PCI loans at the dates indicated:



	December 31
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Outstanding balance	$	14,485	$	20,477
Carrying amount	$	13,023	$	18,392

The following table summarizes activity in the accretable yield for the PCI loan portfolio:



	2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	2,370		$	2,827
Accretion	(1,475		)	(1,540		)
Other change in expected cash flows (1)	748			953
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference for loans which have paid off (2)	148			130
Ending balance	$	1,791		$	2,370


(1)	Represents changes in cash flows expected to be collected resulting in increased interest income as a prospective yield adjustment over the remaining life of the loan(s).


(2)	Results in increased income during the period when a loan pays off at amount greater than originally expected.

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 5 BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Bank premises and equipment at December 31, were as follows:



	2017			2016			Estimated Useful Life
	(Dollars in thousands)						(In years)
Cost
Land	$	23,719		$	20,585		n/a
Bank premises	49,159			43,553			5-40
Leasehold improvements	25,184			24,387			1-27
Furniture and equipment	62,521			58,237			1-12
Leased equipment	10,644			—			7
Total cost	171,227			146,762
Accumulated depreciation	(76,505		)	(68,282		)
Net bank premises and equipment	$	94,722		$	78,480

Depreciation expense related to bank premises and equipment was $8.5 million in 2017 , $7.3 million in 2016 , and $7.0 million in 2015 , which is primarily included in occupancy and equipment expenses. Depreciation expense relating to computer software is included within other noninterest expense.

During 2017, the Company purchased equipment that was subject to a master lease agreement with a third party lessee. As such, the Company assumed the role of lessor in conjunction with the purchase, which was deemed to be an operating lease for accounting purposes. The Company purchased a total of $10.6 million of equipment subject to the lease agreement in 2017. In addition, the Company recognized rental income of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as well as depreciation expense of $939,000 , which is included in the totals above.

NOTE 6 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table sets forth the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, at December 31:



	2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balances not subject to amortization
Goodwill	$	231,806	$	221,526
Balances subject to amortization
Core deposit intangibles	8,636		8,527
Other intangible assets	705		1,321
Total other intangible assets	9,341		9,848
Total goodwill and other intangible assets	$	241,147	$	231,374

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the periods indicated were as follows:



	2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year	$	221,526	$	201,083
Acquisitions	10,280		20,443
Balance at end of year	$	231,806	$	221,526

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets were as follows at the dates indicated:

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)



	December 31
	2017							2016
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	(Dollars in thousands)
Core deposit intangibles	$	26,736	$	(18,100	)	$	8,636	$	23,917	$	(15,390	)	$	8,527
Other intangible assets	3,165		(2,460		)	705		3,020		(1,699		)	1,321
Total	$	29,901	$	(20,560	)	$	9,341	$	26,937	$	(17,089	)	$	9,848

Amortization of intangible assets was $3.5 million for 2017 and $2.8 million for both 2016 and 2015 .

The following table sets forth the estimated annual amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years:



Year	Amount
	(Dollars in thousands)
2018	$	2,394
2019	$	1,687
2020	$	1,414
2021	$	1,245
2022	$	948

The original weighted average amortization period for intangible assets is 9.8 years .

NOTE 7 DEPOSITS

The following is a summary of the scheduled maturities of time deposits as of December 31:



	2017				2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
1 year or less	$	393,452	61.1	%	$	430,834	66.4	%
Over 1 year to 2 years	119,341		18.5	%	82,627		12.7	%
Over 2 years to 3 years	57,619		8.9	%	44,190		6.8	%
Over 3 years to 4 years	41,183		6.4	%	49,446		7.6	%
Over 4 years to 5 years	32,706		5.1	%	42,055		6.5	%
Total	$	644,301	100.0	%	$	649,152	100.0	%

The amount of overdraft deposits that were reclassified to the loan category were $2.3 million at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 .

The Company has pledged assets as collateral covering certain deposits in the amount of $349.2 million and $299.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

The Bank's deposit accounts are insured to the maximum extent permitted by law by the Deposit Insurance Fund which is administered by the FDIC. The FDIC offers insurance coverage on deposits up to the federally insured limit of $250,000. The amount of time deposit accounts equal to or greater than $250,000 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is $80.0 million and $75.3 million , respectively.

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 8 BORROWINGS

Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings

Advances payable to the Federal Home Loan Bank as of December 31 are summarized as follows:



	2017				2016
			Weighted				Weighted
			Average				Average
	Total		Contractual		Total		Contractual
	Outstanding		Rate		Outstanding		Rate
	(Dollars in thousands)
Stated Maturity
2017	$	—	—	%	$	50,000	2.43	%
2018	52,475		1.58	%	—		—	%
Subtotal	52,475		1.58	%	50,000		2.43	%
Amortizing advances	789				819
Total Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	$	53,264			$	50,819

To manage the interest rate risk of these advances, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix the rate of the borrowing. Inclusive of the impact of these swap arrangements, the weighted average rate of the FHLB borrowings was 2.47% and 3.42% at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

During 2016, exclusive of the impact from the NEB acquisition, the Company repaid $49.0 million of FHLB borrowings prior to the maturity date of the borrowings. This prepayment resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $437,000 . The Company also repaid $13.0 million of FHLB borrowings in 2015, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $122,000 . There were no prepayments made during 2017.

The Company’s FHLB advances are collateralized by a blanket pledge agreement on the Bank’s FHLB stock, certain qualified investment securities, deposits at the FHLB, and by residential mortgages, and certain commercial real estate loans held in the Bank’s portfolio. The carrying value of the loans pledged as collateral for these borrowings totaled $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Bank’s unused remaining available borrowing capacity at the FHLB was approximately $954.8 million and $793.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, inclusive of a $5.0 million line of credit. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had sufficient collateral at the FHLB to support its obligations and was in compliance with the FHLB's collateral pledging program.

Short-Term Debt

The Company’s short-term borrowings consist of customer repurchase agreements, and amounted to $162.7 million and $176.9 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

The interest expense on short-term borrowings was $257,000 , $208,000 , and $210,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.

Customer Repurchase Agreements . The Company can raise additional liquidity by entering into repurchase agreements at its discretion. These repurchases are accounted for as a secured borrowing transaction for accounting purposes. Payments on such borrowings are interest only until the scheduled repurchase date. In a repurchase agreement the Company is subject to the risk that the purchaser may default at maturity and not return the securities underlying the agreements. In order to minimize this potential risk, the Company enters into repurchase agreements that stipulate that the securities underlying the agreement are not delivered to the customer and instead are held in segregated safekeeping accounts by the Company's safekeeping agents.

110

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The table below sets forth the remaining contractual maturity of the Company’s repurchase agreements allocated by source of collateral at the dates indicated:



	December 31
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Sources of Collateral
U.S. government agency securities	$	16,867	$	20,233
Agency mortgage-backed securities	51,273		79,079
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	94,539		77,601
Total customer repurchase agreements (1)	$	162,679	$	176,913

(1) All customer repurchase agreements have an overnight and continuous maturity date.

For further information regarding the Company's repurchase agreements see Note 12 , Balance Sheet Offsetting .

Long-Term Debt

The following table summarizes long-term debt, net of debt issuances costs, as of the periods indicated:



	December 31
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Junior subordinated debentures
Capital Trust V	$	51,503	$	51,500
Slades Ferry Trust I	10,229		10,224
Central Trust I	5,258		5,302
Central Trust II	6,083		6,081
Subordinated debentures	34,682		34,635
Total long-term debt	$	107,755	$	107,742

The interest expense on long-term debt was $4.0 million , $5.8 million , and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.

Junior Subordinated Debentures : The junior subordinated debentures are issued to various trust subsidiaries of the Company. These trusts are considered to be variable interest entities for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary, and therefore the accounts of the trusts are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. These trusts were formed for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities, which were then sold in a private placement offering. The proceeds from the sale of the securities and the issuance of common stock by these trusts were invested in these Junior Subordinated Debentures issued by the Company.

For regulatory purposes, bank holding companies are allowed to include trust preferred securities in Tier 1 capital up to a certain limit. Provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act generally exclude trust preferred securities from Tier 1 capital, however, holding companies with consolidated assets of less than $15 billion, such as the Company, are able to continue to include these instruments in Tier 1 capital, but no such securities issued in the future will count as Tier 1 capital.

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Information relating to these trust preferred securities are as follows:



Trust	Description of Capital Securities
Capital Trust V	$50.0 million due in 2037, interest at a variable rate of 3 month LIBOR plus 1.48% (3.07% at December 31, 2017),which, effective on January 17, 2017, has been converted to a fixed rate of 2.84% through the use of an interest rate swap. Prior to 2017, this borrowing had been converted to a fixed rate of 6.52%, through the use of an interest rate swap which expired on December 28, 2016. These securities are callable quarterly, until maturity.
Slades Ferry Trust I	$10.0 million due in 2034, bearing interest at a variable rate of 3 month LIBOR plus 2.79% (4.39% at December 31, 2017). These securities are callable quarterly, until maturity.
Central Trust I	$5.1 million due in 2034, bearing interest at a variable rate of 3 month LIBOR plus 2.44% (4.03% at December 31, 2017). These securities are callable quarterly, until maturity.
Central Trust II	$5.9 million due in 2037, bearing interest at a variable rate of 3 month LIBOR plus 1.65% (3.24% at December 31, 2017), beginning in March of 2017. Previously, the interest was at a fixed rate of 7.015%. These securities are callable quarterly, until maturity.

All obligations under these trust preferred securities are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.

Subordinated Debentures : At December 31, 2017 and 2016 there was $35.0 million of outstanding principal amount subordinated debentures at the bank holding company. The subordinated debentures were issued to several investors via private placement on November 17, 2014. The subordinated debt matures on November 15, 2024, however with regulatory approval, the Bank may redeem the subordinated debt without penalty at any scheduled payment date on or after November 15, 2019 with 30 days notice. The interest rate is fixed at 4.75% through November 15, 2019, after which it converts to LIBOR plus 2.98% .

The following table sets forth the contractual maturities of long-term debt over the next five years:



	2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		Thereafter		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Junior subordinated debentures
Capital trust V	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	51,547	$	51,547
Slades ferry trust I	—		—		—		—		—		10,310		10,310
Central trust I	—		—		—		—		—		5,258		5,258
Central trust II	—		—		—		—		—		6,083		6,083
Subordinated debentures	—		—		—		—		—		35,000		35,000
Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	108,198	$	108,198

112

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 9 EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31:



	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net income	$	87,204	$	76,648	$	64,960

Weighted Average Shares
Basic shares	27,294,028		26,404,071		25,891,382
Effect of dilutive securities	78,076		51,847		68,566
Diluted shares	27,372,104		26,455,918		25,959,948

Net income per share
Basic EPS	$	3.19	$	2.90	$	2.51
Effect of dilutive securities	—		—		(0.01		)
Diluted EPS	$	3.19	$	2.90	$	2.50

For the year ended December 31, 2017 there were 103 options to purchase common stock and no shares of performance-based restricted stock that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. There were no options to purchase common stock or shares of performance-based restricted stock that were considered anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 .

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

NOTE 10 STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company's stock based plans include the Second Amended and Restated 2005 Employee Stock Plan (“2005 Plan”) and the 2010 Nonemployee Director Stock Plan (“2010 Plan”) both of which have been approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and shareholders. The Company may award shares from these plans as either stock options or restricted stock from its pool of authorized but unissued shares.

The following table presents the amount of cumulatively granted stock options and restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures, through December 31, 2017 :



	Authorized Awards	Cumulative Granted, Net of Forfeitures		Total	Authorized but Unissued
		Stock Option Awards	Restricted Stock Awards
		Stock Option Awards	Restricted Stock Awards
2005 Plan	1,650,000	537,941	695,546	1,233,487	416,513
2010 Plan	314,600	42,000	93,245	135,245	179,355

The following table presents the pre-tax expense associated with stock option and restricted stock awards and the related tax benefits recognized for the years presented:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Stock based compensation expense
Restricted stock awards(1)	$	2,730	$	2,590	$	2,296
Directors’ fee expense
Stock options	76		72		—
Restricted stock awards	527		303		194
Total stock based award expense	$	3,333	$	2,965	$	2,490
Related tax benefits recognized in earnings	$	1,362	$	1,211	$	1,122


(1)	Inclusive of compensation expense associated with time-vested and performance-based restricted stock awards.

Expense related to awards issued to directors are recognized as directors’ fees within other noninterest expense.

The Company has standard form agreements used for stock option and restricted stock awards. The standard form agreements used for the Chief Executive Officer and all other Executive Officers have previously been disclosed in Securities and Exchange Commission filings and generally provide that: (1) any unvested options or unvested restricted stock vest upon a Change of Control; and, that (2) any stock options which vest pursuant to a Change of Control, which is an event described in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, will be cashed out at the difference between the acquisition price and the exercise price of the stock option.

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Stock Options

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants under the identified plans:


•	Expected volatility is based on the standard deviation of the historical volatility of the weekly adjusted closing price of the Company’s shares for a period equivalent to the expected life of the option.


•	Expected life represents the period of time that the option is expected to be outstanding, taking into account the contractual term, historical exercise/forfeiture behavior, and the vesting period, if any.


•	Expected dividend yield is an annualized rate calculated using the most recent dividend payment at time of grant and the Company’s average trailing twelve-month daily closing stock price.


•	The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a period equivalent to the expected life of the option.

•

Prior to January 1, 2017, the stock based compensation expense recognized in earnings was based on the amount of awards ultimately expected to vest, therefore a forfeiture assumption was estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differed from those estimates. Stock based compensation expense recognized was reduced for annualized estimated forfeitures of 4.5% in both 2016 and 2015 based on historical experience. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted new accounting guidance and elected to no longer estimate forfeitures on stock compensation and instead recognize forfeitures when they occur. The election required a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings which did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial position.

The Company made the following awards of nonqualified options to purchase shares of common stock in 2017 and 2016 . There were no such awards made in 2015 .



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016
Date of grant	11/7/2017			7/14/2016			2/20/2016
Plan	2010			2010			2010
Options granted	5,000			5,000			5,000
Vesting period (beginning on the grant date)	14 months			18 months			22 months
Expiration date	11/7/2027			7/14/2026			2/20/2026
Expected volatility	20.80		%	32.28		%	32.44		%
Expected life (years)	5.5			5.5			5.5
Expected dividend yield	1.87		%	2.37		%	2.28		%
Risk free interest rate	2.02		%	1.14		%	1.29		%
Fair value per option	$	12.43		$	11.46		$	10.59

Under all of the Company’s stock based plans, the option exercise price is based upon the average of the high and low trading value of the stock on the date of grant. Stock option awards granted to date under all plans expire through 2027 .

The following table presents relevant information relating to the Company’s stock options for the periods indicated:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Fair value of stock options vested based on grant date fair value	$	72	$	37	$	14
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	1,082	$	494	$	3,362
Cash received from stock option exercises	$	918	$	680	$	6,105
Tax benefit realized on stock option exercises/repurchase	$	442	$	204	$	1,362
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (per share)	$	12.43	$	11.03	$	—

115

Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

A summary of stock option activity of the Company’s Stock Option Grants for the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented in the table below:



	Outstanding								Nonvested
	Stock Option Awards			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1)		Stock Option Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Balance at January 1, 2017	109,650			$	29.93				6,666		$	11.03
Granted	5,000			70.28					5,000		12.43
Exercised	(30,150	)		30.43					—		—
Vested	n/a			n/a					(6,667	)	10.85
Forfeited	—			—					—		—
Expired	(500	)		28.88					—		—
Balance at December 31, 2017	84,000		(2)	$	32.16	3.04 years	$	3,258	4,999		$	12.11
Options outstanding and expected to vest at December 31, 2017	84,000		(3)	$	32.16	3.04 years	$	3,258
Options exercisable at December 31, 2017	79,001		(4)	$	30.21	2.64 years	$	3,218
Unrecognized compensation cost													$	22
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)													1.00


(1)	The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding tables represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the average of the high price and low price at which the Company’s common stock traded on December 31, 2017 of $70.95 , which would have been received by the option holders had they all exercised their options as of that date.


(2)	Inclusive of 38,000 stock options outstanding to Directors.

(3) Inclusive of 38,000 vested stock options and expected to vest to Directors.

(4) Inclusive of 33,001 vested stock options outstanding to Directors.

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Restricted Stock

The Company grants both time-vested restricted stock awards as well as performance-based restricted stock awards. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 the Company has made the following restricted stock award grants:



	Shares Granted		Plan	Fair Value (1)		Vesting Period
Time-vested
2017
2/13/2017	1,200	1,200	2005	$	62.53	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
2/16/2017	34,150	34,150	2005	$	63.10	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
3/31/2017	500	500	2005	$	65.63	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
4/3/2017	1,500	1,500	2005	$	64.14	Once on November 30, 2017 (2)
5/15/2017	1,000	1,000	2005	$	64.03	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
5/23/2017	7,000	7,000	2010	$	61.95	At the end of 5 years from grant date (3)
6/15/2017	950	950	2005	$	66.18	Ratably over 5 years from grant date

2016
2/11/2016	51,475		2005	$	41.96	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
3/1/2016	600		2005	$	44.37	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
5/24/2016	8,700		2010	$	48.34	At the end of 5 years from grant date (3)
9/19/2016	800		2005	$	52.92	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
11/7/2016	500		2005	$	54.28	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
11/14/2016	725		2010	$	63.43	Once on May 24, 2021 (4)
2015
2/11/2015	31,500		2005	$	39.42	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
2/12/2015	25,910		2005	$	40.03	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
3/19/2015	3,800		2005	$	43.56	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
4/27/2015	625		2005	$	41.61	At the end of 3 years from grant date
4/27/2015	1,875		2005	$	41.61	At the end of 5 years from grant date
5/27/2015	8,800		2010	$	45.02	At the end of 5 years from grant date (3)
7/14/2015	800		2010	$	47.82	Once on May 27, 2020 (5)
10/13/2015	1,000		2005	$	46.09	Ratably over 5 years from grant date
10/20/2015	2,000		2005	$	46.47	Ratably over 5 years from grant date

Performance-based
2/16/2017	14,400		2005	$	63.10	The earlier of: the date on which it is determined if the performance goal has been achieved; or, March 31, 2020.
2/11/2016	20,450		2005	$	41.96	The earlier of: the date on which it is determined if the performance goal has been achieved; or, March 31, 2019.
2/12/2015	21,780		2005	$	40.03	The earlier of: the date on which it is determined if the performance goal has been achieved; or, March 31, 2018.

(1)

The fair value of the restricted stock awards are based upon the average of the high and low prices at which the Company’s common stock traded on the date of grant. The holders of time-vested restricted stock awards participate fully in the rewards of stock ownership of the Company, including voting and dividend rights. The holders of performance-based restricted stock awards do not participate in the rewards of stock ownership of the Company until vested. The holders of all restricted stock awards are not required to pay any consideration to the Company for the awards.


(2)	This restricted stock grant fully vested upon an employee's termination, on November 30, 2017.

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(3)	These restricted stock grants will vest at the end of a five year period, or earlier if the director ceases to be a director for any reason other than cause, such as, for example, by retirement.


(4)	These restricted stock grants will vest on May 24, 2021, or earlier if the director ceases to be a director for any reason other than cause, such as, for example, by retirement.


(5)	These restricted stock grants will vest on May 27, 2020, or earlier if the director ceases to be a director for any reason other than cause, such as, for example, by retirement.

The following table presents the fair value of restricted stock awards vesting during the periods presented:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Fair value of restricted stock awards upon vesting	$	5,717	$	3,019	$	2,610

A summary of the status of the Company’s Restricted Stock Award Grants for the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented in the table below:



	Outstanding Restricted Stock Awards			Weighted Average Grant Price ($)
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Balance at January 1, 2017	264,315			$	38.88
Granted	60,700			63.07
Vested/released	(89,436	)		36.79
Forfeited	(9,614	)		39.49
Balance at December 31, 2017	225,965		(1)	$	46.18
Unrecognized compensation cost (inclusive of directors’ fees)						$	6,355
Weighted average remaining recognition period (years)						3.00


(1)	Inclusive of 38,445 restricted stock awards outstanding to Directors.

NOTE 11 DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally to manage the Company’s interest rate risk. Additionally, the Company enters into interest rate derivatives and foreign exchange contracts to accommodate the business requirements of its customers (“customer related positions”). The Company minimizes the market and liquidity risks of customer related positions by entering into similar offsetting positions with broker-dealers. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value in the Company’s financial statements. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument is dependent upon whether or not it qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes, and further, by the type of hedging relationship.

The Company does not enter into proprietary trading positions for any derivatives.

Interest Rate Positions

The Company currently utilizes interest rate swap agreements as hedging instruments against interest rate risk associated with the Company’s borrowings. An interest rate swap is an agreement whereby 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 of time, from a second party. The amounts relating to the notional principal amount are not actually exchanged. The maximum length of time over which the Company is currently hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments is five years.

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The following table reflects the Company’s derivative positions for the periods indicated below for interest rate swaps which qualify as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes:



December 31, 2017
Notional Amount		Trade Date	Effective Date	Maturity Date	Receive (Variable) Index	Current Rate Received		Pay Fixed Swap Rate		Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
$	25,000	9-Dec-08	10-Dec-08	10-Dec-18	3 Month LIBOR	1.54	%	2.94	%	$	(264	)
25,000		1-Apr-16	17-Jan-17	15-Dec-21	3 Month LIBOR	1.59	%	1.36	%	772
25,000		1-Apr-16	17-Jan-17	15-Dec-21	3 Month LIBOR	1.59	%	1.36	%	763
25,000		18-Jul-17	15-Aug-17	15-Aug-22	3 Month LIBOR	1.42	%	1.88	%	345
$	100,000									$	1,616

December 31, 2016
Notional Amount		Trade Date	Effective Date	Maturity Date	Receive (Variable) Index	Current Rate Received		Pay Fixed Swap Rate		Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
$	25,000	9-Dec-08	10-Dec-08	10-Dec-18	3 Month LIBOR	0.95	%	2.94	%	$	(740	)
25,000		1-Apr-16	17-Jan-17	15-Dec-21	3 Month LIBOR	N/A		1.36	%	689
25,000		1-Apr-16	17-Jan-17	15-Dec-21	3 Month LIBOR	N/A		1.36	%	675
$	75,000									$	624

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gains or losses is reported as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI"), and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The Company expects approximately $202,000 (pre-tax) to be reclassified as an offset to interest expense from OCI, related to the Company’s cash flow hedges, in the next twelve months. This reclassification is due to anticipated payments that will be made and/or received on the swaps based upon the forward curve as of December 31, 2017 .

The Company recognized $244,000 of net amortization income that was an offset to interest expense related to previously terminated swaps for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 .

The Company had no fair value hedges during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 .

Customer Related Positions

Loan level derivatives, primarily interest rate swaps, offered to commercial borrowers through the Company’s loan level derivative program do not qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. The Company believes that its exposure to commercial customer derivatives is limited because these contracts are simultaneously matched at inception with an offsetting dealer transaction. The commercial customer derivative program allows the Company to retain variable-rate commercial loans while allowing the customer to synthetically fix the loan rate by entering into a variable-to-fixed interest rate swap. The amounts relating to the notional principal amount are not actually exchanged.

Foreign exchange contracts offered to commercial borrowers through the Company’s derivative program do not qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. The Company acts as a seller and buyer of foreign exchange contracts to accommodate its customers. To mitigate the market and liquidity risk associated with these derivatives, the Company enters into similar offsetting positions. The amounts relating to the notional principal amount are exchanged.

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The following table reflects the Company’s customer related derivative positions for the periods indicated below for those derivatives not designated as hedging:



	Number of Positions (1)	Notional Amount Maturing
	Number of Positions (1)	Less than 1 year		Less than 2 years		Less than 3 years		Less than 4 years		Thereafter		Total		Fair Value
	December 31, 2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loan level swaps
Receive fixed, pay variable	246	$	36,023	$	61,500	$	152,287	$	111,147	$	591,385	$	952,342	$	3,875
Pay fixed, receive variable	231	$	36,023	$	61,500	$	152,287	$	111,147	$	591,385	$	952,342	$	(3,880	)
Foreign exchange contracts
Buys foreign currency, sells U.S. currency	15	$	26,382	$	3,780	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	30,162	$	1,202
Buys U.S. currency, sells foreign currency	15	$	26,382	$	3,780	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	30,162	$	(1,188	)
	December 31, 2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loan level swaps
Receive fixed, pay variable	222	$	30,245	$	21,708	$	63,771	$	165,783	$	567,897	$	849,404	$	12,005
Pay fixed, receive variable	207	$	30,245	$	21,708	$	63,771	$	165,783	567,897		$	849,404	$	(12,008	)
Foreign exchange contracts
Buys foreign currency, sells U.S. currency	33	$	45,711	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	45,711	$	(2,250	)
Buys U.S. currency, sells foreign currency	33	$	45,711	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	45,711	$	2,277


(1)	The Company may enter into one dealer swap agreement which offsets multiple commercial borrower swap agreements.

Mortgage Derivatives

Prior to closing and funding certain 1- 4 family residential mortgage loans, an interest rate lock commitment is generally extended to the borrower. During the period from commitment date to closing date, the Company is subject to the risk that market rates of interest may change. If market rates rise, investors generally will pay less to purchase such loans resulting in a reduction in the gain on sale of the loans or, possibly, a loss. In an effort to mitigate such risk, forward delivery sales commitments are executed, under which the Company agrees to deliver whole mortgage loans to various investors. These forward commitments carry a market price that has a strong inverse relationship to that of mortgage prices. Certain assumptions, including pull through rates and rate lock periods, are used in managing the existing and future economic hedges. The effectiveness of the economic hedges rely on the accuracy of these assumptions.

The change in fair value on the interest rate lock commitments and forward delivery sale commitments are recorded in current period earnings as a component of mortgage banking income. In addition, the Company has elected the fair value option to carry loans held for sale at fair value. The change in fair value of loans held for sale is recorded in current period earnings as a component of mortgage banking income in accordance with the Company's fair value election. The change in fair value associated with loans held for sale was a decrease of $113,000 , an increase of $87,000 and a decrease of $22,000 for the years ended December 31 , 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. These amounts were offset in earnings by the change in the fair value of mortgage derivatives. Additionally, the aggregate amount of net realized gains or losses on sales of such loans included within mortgage banking income amounted to $4.7 million , $6.1 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31 , 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

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The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the balance sheet at the periods indicated:



	Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives
		Fair Value at		Fair Value at			Fair Value at		Fair Value at
	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016		Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedges
Interest rate derivatives	Other assets	$	1,880	$	1,364	Other liabilities	$	264	$	740
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Customer Related Positions:
Loan level derivatives	Other assets	14,236		18,629		Other liabilities	14,241		18,632
Foreign exchange contracts	Other assets	1,202		2,338		Other liabilities	1,188		2,311
Mortgage Derivatives
Interest rate lock commitments	Other assets	149		430		Other liabilities	—		—
Forward sales agreements	Other assets	9		—		Other liabilities	—		233
		15,596		21,397			15,429		21,176
Total		$	17,476	$	22,761		$	15,693	$	21,916

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments included in OCI and current earnings for the periods indicated:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedges
Gain in OCI on derivatives (effective portion), net of tax	$	443		$	2,170		$	1,199
Loss reclassified from OCI into interest expense (effective portion)	$	(441	)	$	(2,520	)	$	(2,828	)
Loss recognized in income on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)
Interest expense	$	—		$	—		$	—
Other expense	—			—			—
Total	$	—		$	—		$	—
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Changes in fair value of customer related positions
Other income	$	6		$	73		$	60
Other expenses	(21		)	(82		)	(53		)
Changes in fair value of mortgage derivatives
Mortgage banking income	(39		)	(35		)	(50		)
Total	$	(54	)	$	(44	)	$	(43	)

The Company's derivative agreements with institutional counterparties contain various credit-risk related contingent provisions, such as requiring the Company to maintain a well-capitalized capital position. If the Company fails to meet these conditions, the counterparties could request the Company make immediate payment or demand that the Company provide immediate and ongoing full collateralization on derivative positions in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk related contingent features that were in a net liability position was $4.2 million and $12.8 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Although none of the contingency provisions have applied

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as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company has posted collateral to offset the net liability exposure with institutional counterparties.

By using derivatives, the Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent that counterparties to the derivative contracts do not perform as required. Should a counterparty fail to perform under the terms of a derivative contract, the Company’s credit exposure on interest rate swaps is limited to the net positive fair value and accrued interest of all swaps with each counterparty. The Company seeks to minimize counterparty credit risk through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures, and obtaining collateral, where appropriate. Institutional counterparties must have an investment grade credit rating and be approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. As such, management believes the risk of incurring credit losses on derivative contracts with those counterparties is remote. The Company's exposure relating to institutional counterparties was $7.1 million and $4.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company’s exposure relating to customer counterparties was approximately $9.5 million and $16.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Credit exposure may be reduced by the amount of collateral pledged by the counterparty.

NOTE 12 BALANCE SHEET OFFSETTING

The Company does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments or repurchase agreements. The Company does net the amount recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral against the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. Collateral legally required to be maintained at dealer banks by the Company is monitored and adjusted as necessary.

The following tables present the Company's asset and liability derivative positions and the potential effect of netting arrangements on its financial position, as of the periods indicated:



							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position		Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		Net Amounts Presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments (1)		Collateral Pledged (Received)		Net Amount
	December 31, 2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Derivative Assets
Interest rate swaps	$	1,880	$	—	$	1,880	$	805	$	—	$	1,075
Loan level derivatives	14,236		—		14,236		4,578		—		9,658
Customer foreign exchange contracts	1,202		—		1,202		—		—		1,202
	$	17,318	$	—	$	17,318	$	5,383	$	—	$	11,935
Derivative Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	264	$	—	$	264	$	—	$	264	$	—
Loan level derivatives	14,241		—		14,241		5,383		3,675		5,183
Customer foreign exchange contracts	1,188		—		1,188		—		—		1,188
	$	15,693	$	—	$	15,693	$	5,383	$	3,939	$	6,371

Customer repurchase agreements	$	162,679	$	—	$	162,679	$	—	$	162,679	$	—


(1)	Reflects offsetting derivative positions with the same counterparty.

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							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
	Gross Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Position		Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		Net Amounts Presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments (1)		Collateral Pledged (Received)		Net Amount
	December 31, 2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Derivative Assets
Interest rate swaps	$	1,364	$	—	$	1,364	$	961	$	—	$	403
Loan level derivatives	18,629		—		18,629		3,261		—		15,368
Customer foreign exchange contracts	2,338		—		2,338		—		—		2,338
	$	22,331	$	—	$	22,331	$	4,222	$	—	$	18,109
Derivative Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	740	$	—	$	740	$	—	$	740	$	—
Loan level derivatives	18,632		—		18,632		4,222		11,106		3,304
Customer foreign exchange contracts	2,311		—		2,311		—		—		2,311
	$	21,683	$	—	$	21,683	$	4,222	$	11,846	$	5,615

Customer repurchase agreements	$	176,913	$	—	$	176,913	$	—	$	176,913	$	—


(1)	Reflects offsetting derivative positions with the same counterparty.

NOTE 13 INCOME TAXES

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. At December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed its accounting for the tax effect of enactment of the Tax Act; however, it made a reasonable estimate of the effects on its existing deferred tax balances. One of the provisions included in the Tax Act was the reduction in the maximum federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. As a result of this rate reduction, the Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21% for Federal tax purposes. However, the Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Tax Act and redefining its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The provisional amount recorded related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities was $1.9 million . The Company also recognized a provisional estimate of $466,000 to reassess the value of its low income housing projects investments ("LIHTC investments"), The impact of these provisional estimates are included in the disclosures below.

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following components:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017		2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Current expense
Federal	$	28,852	$	26,549		$	11,946
State	9,278		8,883			5,052
Total current expense	38,130		35,432			16,998
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal	7,953		153			8,466
State	1,258		(158		)	1,754
Total deferred expense (benefit)	9,211		(5		)	10,220
Total expense	$	47,341	$	35,427		$	27,218

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The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% and the effective income tax rate reported for the last three years is detailed below:



	Years Ended December 31
	2017					2016					2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Computed statutory federal income tax provision	$	47,091		35.00	%	$	39,226		35.00	%	$	32,262		35.00	%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit	6,817			5.07	%	5,643			5.03	%	4,500			4.88	%
Revaluation of net deferred tax assets	1,895			1.41	%	—			—	%	—			—	%
Merger and other related costs (non-deductible)	213			0.16	%	210			0.19	%	185			0.20	%
Change in valuation allowance	31			0.02	%	28			0.02	%	41			0.04	%
New Markets Tax Credits	(3,960		)	(2.94	)%	(6,360		)	(5.67	)%	(6,514		)	(7.07	)%
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance	(1,445		)	(1.07	)%	(1,431		)	(1.28	)%	(1,292		)	(1.40	)%
Stock-based compensation	(1,258		)	(0.94	)%	—			—	%	—			—	%
Low Income Housing Project Investments	(1,253		)	(0.93	)%	(1,641		)	(1.46	)%	(1,182		)	(1.28	)%
Nontaxable interest, net	(987		)	(0.73	)%	(996		)	(0.89	)%	(973		)	(1.06	)%
Other, net	197			0.15	%	748			0.67	%	191			0.22	%
Total expense	$	47,341		35.20	%	$	35,427		31.61	%	$	27,218		29.53	%

The tax-effected components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31 were as follows:



	2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred tax assets
Accrued expenses not deducted for tax purposes	$	9,268		$	15,401
Allowance for loan losses	16,702			24,681
Deferred gain on sale leaseback transaction	909			1,744
Employee and director equity compensation	1,559			2,095
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings fair value adjustment	26			82
Loan basis difference fair value adjustment	3,070			4,336
Net operating loss carry-forward	127			69
Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale	106			—
Other	527			1,015
Gross deferred tax assets	32,294			49,423
Valuation allowance	(121		)	(69		)
Total deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance	$	32,173		$	49,354
Deferred tax liabilities
Core deposit and other intangibles	$	2,057		$	3,040
Deferred loan fees, net	4,275			5,407
Fixed assets	5,270			6,168
Goodwill	10,265			14,737
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale	—			105
Derivatives fair value adjustment	524			454
Other	4,307			3,909
Gross deferred tax liabilities	$	26,698		$	33,820
Total net deferred tax asset	$	5,475		$	15,534

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Deferred tax assets are to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of the tax benefit depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carry-back and future periods.

The Company believes that it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017 , excluding the deferred tax asset on certain state net operating losses, will be realized through the utilization of carry-back provisions to taxable income on prior years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and by offsetting other future taxable income. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset related to certain state net operating losses generated from the Company's investments in low income housing partnerships, which expire over a 20-year period, will not be realized and has recorded a valuation allowance of $121,000 at December 31, 2017 , attributable to this deferred tax asset.

The Company has utilized all federal net operating loss carry forwards acquired from recent acquisitions that were subject to annual change in ownership limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 as of December 31, 2017 . In addition, the Company does not have a federal net operating loss carry forward or general business credit carry forward subject to expiration as of December 31, 2017 .

Uncertainty in Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as in various states. The Company is subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the 2014 through 2016 tax years including any related income tax filings from its recent acquisitions. The Company believes that its income tax returns have been filed based upon applicable statutes, regulations and case law in effect at the time of filing, however, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and /or state jurisdictions could disagree with the Company's interpretation upon examination. The Company accounts for uncertainties in income taxes by providing a tax reserve for certain positions. The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits:



	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	81
Reduction of tax positions for prior years	—
Increase for prior year tax position	—
Increase for current year tax positions	30
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	111
Reduction of tax positions for prior years	—
Increase for prior year tax positions	—
Increase for current year tax positions	31
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	142

Increases to the Company's unrealized tax positions occur as a result of accruing for the unrecognized tax benefit as well the accrual of interest and penalties related to prior year positions. Decreases in the Company's unrealized tax positions occur as a result of the statute of limitation lapsing on prior year positions and/or settlements relating to outstanding positions. The table above does not include the indirect federal benefit of state tax positions of approximately $21,000 . All of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, including the indirect federal benefit of state tax positions, are recorded as a component of income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized approximately $18,000 and $11,000 in the provision for income taxes for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. There were no such amounts recorded in the tax provision in 2015. As such, the Company has accrued approximately $29,000 and $11,000 for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which are not included in the table above.

NOTE 14 LOW INCOME HOUSING PROJECT INVESTMENTS

The Company has invested in low income housing projects that generate Low Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”) which provide the Company with tax credits and operating loss tax benefits over a period of approximately 15 years. None of the original investment is expected to be repaid.

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The following table presents certain information related to the Company's investments in low income housing projects as of December 31:



	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Original investment value	$	47,399	$	47,379	$	42,199
Current recorded investment	$	35,225	$	39,606	$	38,151
Unfunded liability obligation	$	4,536	$	12,161	$	14,607
Tax credits and benefits earned during the year	$	5,654	$	5,366	$	3,632
Amortization of investments during the year (1)	$	4,402	$	3,725	$	2,450
Net income tax benefit recognized during the year	$	1,253	$	1,641	$	1,182


(1)	The 2017 amount is inclusive of $466,000 related to the revaluation of Low Income Housing tax credit investments as a result of the 2017 Tax Act.

NOTE 15 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Pension

The Company maintains a multiemployer defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”) administered by Pentegra Retirement Services (the “Fund” or “Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions”). The Fund does not segregate the assets or liabilities of all participating employers and accordingly, disclosure of plan assets, accumulated vested and nonvested benefits is not possible. Effective July 1, 2006, the Company froze the defined benefit plan by eliminating all future benefit accruals.

In conjunction with the acquisition of Peoples Federal Bancshares, Inc., the parent of Peoples Federal Savings Bank ("Peoples") in 2015, the Company acquired the Peoples Federal Defined Benefit Pension Plan (“Peoples Plan”). The Peoples Plan was frozen at the date of acquisition and will be maintained in the same manner as the Pension Plan. The Peoples Plan is also administered by Pentegra Retirement Services under the same Fund as the Pension Plan.

Additionally, in conjunction with the acquisition of Island Bancorp, the Company acquired the Edgartown National Bank Employee’s Retirement Plan. This pension plan was frozen at the date of acquisition and was subsequently dissolved.

The Company’s participation in the Pension Plan and the Peoples Plan (the "Pension Plans") for the annual period ended December 31, 2017 , is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number. The funding status of the Pension Plans is determined on the basis of the financial statements provided by the Fund using total plan assets and accumulated benefit obligation. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented. The “Expiration Date of Collective-Bargaining Agreement” column lists the expiration dates of any collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the Pension Plans are subject.

Funding Status
of Pension Plan

FIP/RP Status
Pending/
Implemented

Surcharge
Imposed

Expiration
Date of
Collective-
Bargaining
Agreement

Minimum
Contributions
Required for
Future
Periods

EIN/Pension
Plan Number

2017

2016

Pentegra defined benefit plan for financial institutions

13-5645888/333

At least 80 percent

N/A

—

Contributions to the Fund are based on each individual employer’s experience. The Company bears the market risk relating to the Pension Plan and will continue to fund the Pension Plan as required. The Pension Plan year is July 1 ^st through June 30 ^th . The Company’s total contributions to the Pension Plans did not represent more than 5% of the total contributions to the Pension Plan as indicated in the Pension Plan’s most recently available annual report dated June 30, 2017 . The comparability of employer contributions is impacted by asset performance, discount rates and the reduction in the number of covered employees year over year.

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The Company’s contributions to the Pension Plans were as follows for the periods indicated:



							Required Contributions - Plan Year Allocation
	Cash Payment		Future period funding		2017-2018		2016-2017		2015-2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
2017	$	6,432	$	5,000	$	1,432	$	—	$	—
2016	$	6,245	$	4,000	$	—	$	2,245	$	—
2015	$	2,983	$	1,215	$	—	$	—	$	1,768

The Company’s total defined benefit plan expense was $1.9 million , $2.0 million , and $1.6 million , for the years ending December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.

Financial information for the Fund is made available through the public Form 5500 which is available by April 15 ^th of the year following the plan year end.

Postretirement Benefit Plans

Employees retiring from the Bank after attaining age 65 , who have rendered at least 10 years of continuous full time service with Rockland Trust are entitled to a fixed contribution toward the premium for postretirement health care benefits and a $5,000 benefit paid upon death. The health care benefits are subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. The Bank may amend or change these benefits periodically. Additionally, the Company has acquired small postretirement plans and/or agreements in conjunction with various acquisitions. The expense related to these plans for the years ending December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was not material.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

The Bank maintains frozen defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plans (“SERP”) for certain highly compensated employees designed to offset the impact of regulatory limits on benefits under qualified pension plans. The Bank also maintains defined benefit SERPs acquired from previous acquisitions. The Bank has established and funded Rabbi Trusts to accumulate funds in order to satisfy the contractual liability of these supplemental retirement plan benefits. These agreements provide for the Bank to pay all benefits from its general assets, and the establishment of these trust funds does not reduce nor otherwise affect the Bank’s continuing liability to pay benefits from such assets except that the Bank’s liability shall be offset by actual benefit payments made from the trusts. The related trust assets included in the Company's available for sale securities portfolio totaled $16.2 million and $16.0 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

The following table shows the defined benefit supplemental retirement expense, and the contributions paid to the plans which were used only to pay the current year benefits as of the dates indicated:



	2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Retirement expense	$	1,580	$	1,513	$	1,834
Contributions paid	$	367	$	320	$	276

Expected future benefit payments for the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plans are presented below:



	Defined Benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans Expected Benefit Payments
	(Dollars in thousands)
2018	$	408
2019	$	481
2020	$	467
2021	$	461
2022	$	454
2023-2027	$	5,366

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The measurement date used to determine the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plans' benefits is December 31 for each of the years reported. The following table illustrates the status of the defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plans at December 31 for the years presented:



	Defined Benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in accumulated benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	14,177		$	13,290		$	12,537
Accumulated service cost	423			395			742
Interest cost	547			539			470
Actuarial loss/(gain)	969			273			(183		)
Benefits paid	(367		)	(320		)	(276		)
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	15,749		$	14,177		$	13,290
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—		$	—
Employer contribution	367			320			276
Benefits paid	(367		)	(320		)	(276		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	—		$	—		$	—
Funded status at end of year	$	(15,749	)	$	(14,177	)	$	(13,290	)
Assets	—			—			—
Liabilities	(15,749		)	(14,177		)	(13,290		)
Accrued benefit cost	$	(15,749	)	$	(14,177	)	$	(13,290	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”)
Net loss	$	3,465		$	2,830		$	2,859
Prior service cost	1,047			1,323			1,599
Amounts recognized in AOCI	$	4,512		$	4,153		$	4,458
Information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	$	15,749		$	14,177		$	13,290
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	15,749		$	14,177		$	13,290
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	423		$	395		$	742
Interest cost	547			539			470
Amortization of prior service cost	276			276			305
Recognized net actuarial loss	334			303			317
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,580		$	1,513		$	1,834
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost over next fiscal year
Net actuarial loss	$	415		$	338		$	270
Net prior service cost	$	276		$	276		$	276
Discount rate used for benefit obligation	2.48-3.45%			2.49-3.94%			2.49-4.16%
Discount rate used for net periodic benefit cost	2.49-3.94%			2.49-4.16%			2.24-3.84%
Rate of compensation increase	n/a			n/a			n/a

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Other Employee Benefits

The Bank from time to time creates an incentive compensation plan for senior management and other officers to participate in at varying levels. In addition, the Bank may also pay a discretionary bonus to senior management, officers, and/or non-officers of the Bank. The expense for the incentive plans and the discretionary bonus amounted to $10.9 million in 2017 and $10.3 million in both 2016 and 2015 .

The Bank has an Employee Savings Plan that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the Employee Savings Plan, participating employees may defer a portion of their earnings, not to exceed the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limits. The Bank matches 25% of each employee’s contributions up to the first 6% of the employee’s earnings. The 401(k) Plan incorporates an Employee Stock Ownership Plan for contributions invested in the Company’s common stock. This Plan also provides nondiscretionary contributions in which employees, with one year and 1,000 hours of service, receive a 5% cash contribution of eligible pay up to the social security limit and a 10% cash contribution of eligible pay over the social security limit up to the maximum amount permitted by law. Benefits contributed to employees under this defined contribution plan vest immediately. The defined contribution plan expense was $5.0 million , $4.8 million and $4.5 million for the years ended December 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

The Company has a non-qualified deferred compensation plan which allows for deferrals of incentive payments until an elected distribution date in the future. This deferred compensation plan is available to certain highly compensated employees. Deferrals are invested at the election of the participant into one of the actively managed funds made available to the participant through the Company's Investment Management Group. The funds are held in a Rabbi Trust until the elected date of distribution.

The Company has a non-qualified 401(k) Restoration Plan ("Restoration Plan") for certain executive officers. The Restoration Plan is intended to contribute to each participant the amount of matching and discretionary contributions which would have been made to the existing Rockland Trust 401(k) plan on the participant's behalf, but were prohibited due to Internal Revenue Code limitations. Deferrals are invested at the election of the participant into one of the actively managed funds made available to the participant through the Company's Investment Management Group or in the Company's stock. These funds are held in a Rabbi Trust until the elected date of distribution. The Company recognized expense of $267,000 , $425,000 and $232,000 related to this plan for services performed for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

As a result of the acquisition of Peoples in 2015, the Company assumed an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and a 401(k) Plan. The Company received approval and terminated both plans during 2016, and as such, there was no expense associated with either plan during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 .

Also as part of the Peoples acquisition, the Company assumed various Salary Continuation Agreements with certain current and former senior executives. The agreements require the payment of specified benefits upon retirement over periods of ten or twenty years as described in each agreement. Expense related to the Salary Continuation Agreements was $279,000 , $272,000 and $222,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

The Company also assumed a Peoples supplemental retirement plan with a former executive, whereby the amounts paid under this plan commenced upon the executive's retirement and continue for his lifetime. Expense related to the supplemental retirement plan was $11,000 , $13,000 and $11,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Director Benefits

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan for the Company’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is entitled to elect to defer their director’s fees until retirement. If the Director elects to do so, their compensation is invested in the Company’s stock and maintained within the Company’s Investment Management Group. The amount of compensation deferred during 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $143,000 , $142,000 , and $149,000 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had 161,961 and 168,352 of shares provided for the plan with a related liability of $4.5 million and $4.2 million established within shareholders’ equity, respectively.

As a result of the Peoples acquisition during 2015, the Company assumed several Director Retirement Agreements. The agreements require the payment of specified benefits upon retirement over periods of ten or twenty years as described in each agreement. Expense for the Director Retirement Agreements was $38,000 , $40,000 and $35,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

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NOTE 16 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, regardless of the valuation technique(s) used, the objective of a fair value measurement remains the same. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from one level to another.

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC defines fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC are described below:

Level 1 – Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Valuation Techniques

There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used during the current period.

Securities:

Trading and Equity Securities

These equity securities are valued based on market quoted prices. These securities are categorized in Level 1 as they are actively traded and no valuation adjustments have been applied.

U.S. Government Agency Securities

Fair value is estimated using either multi-dimensional spread tables or benchmarks. The inputs used include benchmark yields, reported trades, and broker/dealer quotes. These securities are classified as Level 2.

Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

Fair value is estimated using either a matrix or benchmarks. The inputs used include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads. These securities are categorized as Level 2.

Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations and Small Business Administration Pooled Securities

The valuation model for these securities is volatility-driven and ratings based, and uses multi-dimensional spread tables. The inputs used include benchmark yields, reported trades, new issue data, broker dealer quotes, and collateral performance. If there is at least one significant model assumption or input that is not observable, these securities are categorized as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy; otherwise, they are classified as Level 2.

State, County, and Municipal Securities

The fair value is estimated using a valuation matrix with inputs including bond interest rate tables, recent transaction, and yield relationships. These securities are categorized as Level 2.

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Single and Pooled Issuer Trust Preferred Securities

The fair value of trust preferred securities, including pooled and single issuer preferred securities, is estimated using external pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques. The inputs used in these valuations include benchmark yields, reported trades, new issue data, broker dealer quotes, and collateral performance. If there is at least one significant model assumption or input that is not observable, these securities are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy; otherwise, they are classified as Level 2.

Loans Held for Sale

The Company has elected the fair value option to account for originated closed loans intended for sale. The fair value is measured on an individual loan basis using quoted market prices and when not available, comparable market value or discounted cash flow analysis may be utilized. These assets are typically classified as Level 2.

Derivative Instruments

Derivatives

The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings. Additionally, in conjunction with fair value measurement guidance, the Company has made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio. Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and its counterparties. However, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2.

Mortgage Derivatives

The fair value of mortgage derivatives is determined based on current market prices for similar assets in the secondary market and, therefore, classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Impaired Loans

Collateral dependent loans that are deemed to be impaired are valued based upon the lower of cost or fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell. The inputs used in the appraisals of the collateral are not always observable, and therefore the loans may be classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy; otherwise, they are classified as Level 2.

Other Real Estate Owned and Other Foreclosed Assets

The fair values are generally estimated based upon recent appraisal values of the property less costs to sell the property, as Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") and Other Foreclosed Assets are valued at the lower of cost or fair value of the property, less estimated costs to sell. Certain inputs used in appraisals are not always observable, and therefore OREO and Other Foreclosed Assets are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and identified intangible assets are subject to impairment testing. The Company conducts an annual impairment test of goodwill in the third quarter of each year, or more frequently if necessary, and other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. To estimate the fair value of goodwill and, if necessary, other intangible assets, the Company utilizes both a comparable analysis of relevant price multiples in recent market transactions and discounted cash flow analysis. Both valuation models require a significant degree of management judgment. In the event the fair value as determined by the valuation model is less than the carrying value, the intangibles may be impaired. If the impairment testing resulted in impairment, the Company would classify the impaired goodwill and other intangible assets subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments as Level 3.

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis were as follows as of the dates indicated:



			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balance		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	December 31, 2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements
Assets
Trading securities	$	1,324	$	1,324	$	—	$	—
Securities available for sale
U.S. Government agency securities	35,430		—		35,430		—
Agency mortgage-backed securities	215,764		—		215,764		—
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	122,012		—		122,012		—
State, county, and municipal securities	2,274		—		2,274		—
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	2,016		—		2,016		—
Pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	1,640		—		—		1,640
Small business administration pooled securities	47,778		—		47,778		—
Equity securities	20,584		20,584		—		—
Loans held for sale	4,768		—		4,768		—
Derivative instruments	17,476		—		17,476		—
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	15,693		—		15,693		—
Total recurring fair value measurements	$	455,373	$	21,908	$	431,825	$	1,640

Nonrecurring fair value measurements
Assets
Collateral dependent impaired loans	$	33,567	$	—	$	—	$	33,567
Other real estate owned and other foreclosed assets	612		—		—		612
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements	$	34,179	$	—	$	—	$	34,179

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			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balance		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	December 31, 2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements
Assets
Trading securities	$	804	$	804	$	—	$	—
Securities available for sale
U.S. Government agency securities	24,244		$	—	24,244		—
Agency mortgage-backed securities	175,384		—		175,384		—
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	99,868		—		99,868		—
State, county, and municipal securities	3,793		—		3,793		—
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	2,311		—		2,311		—
Pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks and insurers	1,584		—		—		1,584
Small business administration pooled securities	37,189		—		37,189		—
Equity securities	19,271		19,271		—		—
Loans held for sale	6,139		—		6,139		—
Derivative instruments	22,761		—		22,761		—
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	21,916		—		21,916		—
Total recurring fair value measurements	$	371,432	$	20,075	$	349,773	$	1,584

Nonrecurring fair value measurements:
Assets
Collateral dependent impaired loans	$	33,974	$	—	$	—	$	33,974
Other real estate owned and other foreclosed assets	4,173		—		—		4,173
Total nonrecurring fair value measurements	$	38,147	$	—	$	—	$	38,147

All assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were valued using pricing models and discounted cash flow methodologies, as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . This reconciliation is presented in the table below, for the periods indicated:



	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Pooled Trust Preferred Securities
Beginning balance	$	1,584		$	1,572		$	6,321
Gain and (losses) (realized/unrealized)
Included in other comprehensive income	77			29			14
Sales	—			—			(4,679		)
Settlements	(21		)	(17		)	(84		)
Ending Balance	$	1,640		$	1,584		$	1,572

It is the Company’s policy to recognize the transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy for any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 .

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The following table sets forth certain unobservable inputs regarding the Company's financial instruments that are classified as Level 3 as of December 31st for the years indicated:



Valuation Technique	Fair Value				Unobservable Inputs	Range		Weighted Average
	2017		2016			2017	2016	2017	2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Discounted cash flow methodology
Pooled trust preferred securities	$	1,640	$	1,584	Cumulative prepayment	0% - 61%	0% - 62%	2.5%	2.5%
					Cumulative default	5% - 100%	5% - 100%	12.4%	12.8%
					Loss given default	85% - 100%	85% - 100%	94.3%	94.2%
					Cure given default	0% - 75%	0% - 75%	60.9%	60.9%
Appraisals of collateral (1)
Collateral dependent impaired loans	$	33,567	$	33,974
Other real estate owned and foreclosed assets	$	612	$	4,173


(1)	Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which generally include various Level 3 inputs which are not identifiable. Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic factors and estimated liquidation expenses. The range of these possible adjustments may vary.

For the fair value measurements in the table above, which are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s Treasury and Finance groups determine the valuation policies and procedures. For the pricing of the securities, the Company uses third-party pricing information, without adjustment. Depending on the type of the security, management employs various techniques to analyze the pricing it receives from third parties, such as analyzing changes in market yields and in certain instances reviewing the underlying collateral of the security. Management reviews changes in fair value from period to period and performs testing to ensure that prices received from the third parties are consistent with their expectation of the market. For the securities whose market is deemed to be inactive and which are categorized as Level 3, the fair value models are calibrated and significant inputs are back tested on a quarterly basis, to the extent possible. This testing is done by the third party service provider, who performs this testing by comparing anticipated inputs to actual results. Significant changes in fair value from period to period are closely scrutinized to ensure fair value models are not flawed. The driver(s) of the respective change in fair value and the method for forecasting the driver(s) is closely considered by management.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s pooled trust preferred securities are cumulative prepayment rates, cumulative defaults, loss given defaults and cure given defaults. Significant increases (decreases) in deferrals or defaults, in isolation, would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Alternatively, significant increases (decreases) in cure rates, in isolation, would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Additionally, the Company has certain assets which are marked to fair value on a nonrecurring basis which are categorized within Level 3. These assets include collateral dependent impaired loans and OREO. The determination of the fair value amount is derived from the use of independent third party real estate appraisals and evaluations. Real estate appraisals are prepared by firms from a predetermined list of qualified and approved appraisers or evaluators. Upon receipt of a real estate appraisal or evaluation, the Company's Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Department will review the report for compliance with regulatory and Company standards, as well as reasonableness and acceptance of the value conclusions. Any issues or concerns regarding compliance or value conclusions will be addressed with the engaged firm and the report may be adjusted or revised. If a disagreement cannot be resolved, the Company will either address the key issues and modify the report for acceptance or reject the report and re-order a new report. Ultimately, the Company will confirm the collateral value as part of its review process.

The estimated fair values and related carrying amounts for assets and liabilities for which fair value is only disclosed are shown below as of the periods indicated:

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					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	December 31, 2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Financial assets
Securities held to maturity(a)
U.S. Treasury securities	$	1,006	$	1,035	$	—	$	1,035	$	—
Agency mortgage-backed securities	204,768		205,823		—		205,823		—
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	262,998		258,408		—		258,408		—
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks	1,500		1,529		—		1,529		—
Small business administration pooled securities	27,416		27,399		—		27,399		—
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses(b)	6,261,343		6,116,051		—		—		6,116,051
Federal Home Loan Bank stock(c)	11,597		11,597		—		11,597		—
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies(d)	151,528		151,528		—		151,528		—
Financial liabilities
Deposit liabilities, other than time deposits(e)	$	6,084,952	$	6,084,952	$	—	$	6,084,952	$	—
Time certificates of deposits(f)	644,301		639,060		—		639,060		$	—
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings(f)	53,264		52,111		—		52,111		—
Customer repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings(f)	162,679		162,679		—		—		162,679
Junior subordinated debentures(g)	73,073		74,680		—		74,680		—
Subordinated debentures(f)	34,682		32,707		—		—		32,707

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					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	December 31, 2016
Financial assets	(Dollars in thousands)
Securities held to maturity(a)
U.S. Treasury securities	$	1,007	$	1,054	$	—	$	1,054	$	—
Agency mortgage-backed securities	156,088		157,504		—		157,504		—
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	297,445		294,650		—		294,650		—
Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by banks	1,500		1,544		—		1,544		—
Small business administration pooled securities	31,036		30,898		—		30,898		—
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses(b)	5,904,065		5,784,778		—		—		5,784,778
Federal Home Loan Bank stock(c)	11,497		11,497		—		11,497		—
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies(d)	144,503		144,503		—		144,503		—
Financial liabilities
Deposit liabilities, other than time deposits(e)	$	5,763,101	$	5,763,101	$	—	$	5,763,101	$	—
Time certificates of deposits(f)	649,152		647,038		—		647,038		—
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings(f)	50,819		50,898		—		50,898		—
Customer repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings(f)	176,913		176,913		—		—		176,913
Junior subordinated debentures(g)	73,107		72,510		—		72,510		—
Subordinated debentures(f)	34,635		34,241		—		—		34,241


(a)	The fair values presented are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments and/or discounted cash flow analysis.


(b)	Fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities or cash flows. Additionally, this amount excludes collateral dependent impaired loans, which are deemed to be marked to fair value on a nonrecurring basis.


(c)	FHLB stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost, therefore the carrying amount approximates fair value.


(d)	Cash surrender value of life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value (or the amount that can be realized upon surrender of the policy), therefore carrying amount approximates fair value.


(e)	Fair value of demand deposits, savings and interest checking accounts and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.


(f)	Fair value was determined by discounting anticipated future cash payments using rates currently available for instruments with similar remaining maturities.


(g)	Fair value was determined based upon market prices of securities with similar terms and maturities.

This summary excludes certain financial assets and liabilities for which the carrying value approximates fair value. For financial assets, these may include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and short-term investments. For financial liabilities, these may include federal funds purchased. These instruments would all be considered to be classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Also excluded from the summary are financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis, as previously described.

The Company considers its financial instruments' current use to be the highest and best use of the instruments.

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NOTE 17 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table presents a reconciliation of the changes in the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the dates indicated, including the amount of income tax (expense) benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss):



	December 31, 2017
	Pre Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After Tax Amount
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in fair value of securities available for sale	$	(996	)	$	321		$	(675	)
Less: net security gains reclassified into other noninterest income (expense)	3			(1		)	2
Net change in fair value of securities available for sale	(999		)	322			(677		)

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	307			(125		)	182
Less: net cash flow hedge losses reclassified into interest on borrowings expense (1)	(441		)	180			(261		)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges	748			(305		)	443

Net unamortized loss related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement adjustments arising during the period	(995		)	407			(588		)
Amortization of net actuarial losses	278			(113		)	165
Amortization of net prior service cost	276			(113		)	163
Net change in other comprehensive income for defined benefit postretirement plans (2)	(441		)	181			(260		)
Total other comprehensive loss	$	(692	)	$	198		$	(494	)

	Year Ended December 31, 2016
	Pre Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After Tax Amount
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in fair value of securities available for sale	$	(1,858	)	$	710		$	(1,148	)
Less: net security losses reclassified into other noninterest income (expense)	(26		)	11			(15		)
Net change in fair value of securities available for sale	(1,832		)	699			(1,133		)

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	1,133			(453		)	680
Less: net cash flow hedge losses reclassified into interest on borrowings expense (1)	(2,520		)	1,030			(1,490		)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges	3,653			(1,483		)	2,170

Net unamortized loss related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement adjustments arising during the period	(383		)	157			(226		)
Amortization of net actuarial losses	238			(97		)	141
Amortization of net prior service cost	276			(113		)	163
Net change in other comprehensive income for defined benefit postretirement plans (2)	131			(53		)	78
Total other comprehensive income	$	1,952		$	(837	)	$	1,115

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)



	Year Ended December 31, 2015
	Pre Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			After Tax Amount
	(Dollars in thousands)
Change in fair value of securities available for sale	$	(3,757	)	$	1,434		$	(2,323	)
Less: net security losses reclassified into other noninterest income (expense)	(405		)	165			(240		)
Net change in fair value of securities available for sale	(3,352		)	1,269			(2,083		)

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	(776		)	299			(477		)
Less: Net cash flow hedge losses reclassified into interest on borrowings expense (1)	(2,828		)	1,152			(1,676		)
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges	2,052			(853		)	1,199

Net unamortized gain related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement adjustments arising during the period	438			(193		)	245
Amortization of net actuarial losses	243			(99		)	144
Amortization of net prior service cost	294			(119		)	175
Net change in other comprehensive income for defined benefit postretirement plans (2)	975			(411		)	564
Total other comprehensive loss	$	(325	)	$	5		$	(320	)

(1)

Includes the amortization of the remaining balance of a realized but unrecognized gain, net of tax, from the termination of interest rate swaps in 2009. The original gain of $1.4 million , net of tax, will be recognized in earnings through December 2018 , the original maturity date of the swap. The balance of this gain had amortized to $137,000 , $281,000 , and $427,000 at December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.


(2)	The amortization of prior service costs is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs as disclosed in Note 15 - Employee Benefit Plans .

Information on the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, is comprised of the following components as of the periods indicated:



	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities			Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge			Deferred Gain on Hedge Transactions			Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Beginning balance: January 1, 2015	$	3,389		$	(3,298	)	$	571		$	(2,794	)	$	(2,132	)
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,083		)	1,343			(144		)	564			(320		)
Ending balance: December 31, 2015	$	1,306		$	(1,955	)	$	427		$	(2,230	)	$	(2,452	)
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,133		)	2,316			(146		)	78			1,115
Ending balance: December 31, 2016	$	173		$	361		$	281		$	(2,152	)	$	(1,337	)
Net change in other comprehensive income (loss)	(677		)	587			(144		)	(260		)	(494		)
Ending balance: December 31, 2017	$	(504	)	$	948		$	137		$	(2,412	)	$	(1,831	)

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NOTE 18 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various transactions to meet the financing needs of its customers, which, in accordance with GAAP, are not included in its consolidated balance sheets. These transactions include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company minimizes its exposure to loss under these commitments by subjecting them to credit approval and monitoring procedures.

The Company enters into contractual commitments to extend credit, normally with fixed expiration dates or termination clauses, at specified rates and for specific purposes. Substantially all of these commitments to extend credit are contingent upon customers maintaining specific credit standards at the time of loan funding.

Standby letters of credit are written conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, the Company would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount of the commitment. If the commitment were funded, the Company would be entitled to seek recovery from the customer. The Company’s policies generally require that standby letter of credit arrangements contain security and debt covenants similar to those contained in loan agreements.

The fees collected in connection with the issuance of standby letters of credit are representative of the fair value of its obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. In accordance with applicable accounting standards related to guarantees, fees collected in connection with the issuance of standby letters of credit are deferred. The fees are then recognized in income proportionately over the life of the standby letter of credit agreement. The deferred standby letter of credit fees represent the fair value of the Company's potential obligations under the standby letter of credit guarantees.

The following table summarizes the above financial instruments at the dates indicated:



	As of December 31
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit	$	2,443,478	$	2,227,955
Standby letters of credit	$	15,534	$	18,190
Deferred standby letter of credit fees	$	102	$	108

Lease Commitments

The Company leases office space, space for ATM locations, and certain branch locations under noncancelable operating leases. The following is a schedule of minimum future lease payments under such leases as of December 31, 2017 :



	(Dollars in thousands)
2018	$	9,023
2019	8,808
2020	7,771
2021	6,508
2022	4,437
Thereafter	8,214
Total future minimum lease commitments	$	44,761

Rent expense incurred under operating leases was approximately $8.6 million in 2017 , $8.5 million in 2016 , and $8.2 million in 2015 . Renewal options ranging from 4 months -10 years exist for several of these leases.

Other Contingencies

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The Bank is required to maintain certain reserve requirements of vault cash and/or deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The amount of this reserve requirement was $35.8 million and $31.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

NOTE 19 REGULATORY MATTERS

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

At December 31, 2017 the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation indicated that the Bank's capital levels met or exceeded the minimum levels to be considered "well capitalized" for bank regulatory purposes. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Common equity Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There are no conditions or events since the notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category. Management believes, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , that the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

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Table of Contents NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are also presented in the table that follows:



	Actual				For Capital Adequacy Purposes					To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio		Amount			Ratio		Amount			Ratio
	December 31, 2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Independent Bank Corp.
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	886,807	13.82	%	$	513,398	≥	8.0	%	N/A			N/A
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	718,995	11.20	%	$	288,787	≥	4.5	%	N/A			N/A
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	789,992	12.31	%	$	385,049	≥	6.0	%	N/A			N/A
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	789,992	10.04	%	$	314,756	≥	4.0	%	N/A			N/A
Rockland Trust Company
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	846,147	13.19	%	$	513,175	≥	8.0	%	$	641,469	≥	10.0	%
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	784,014	12.22	%	$	288,661	≥	4.5	%	$	416,955	≥	6.5	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	784,014	12.22	%	$	384,881	≥	6.0	%	$	513,175	≥	8.0	%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	784,014	9.97	%	$	314,630	≥	4.0	%	$	393,288	≥	5.0	%
	December 31, 2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Independent Bank Corp.
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	824,265	13.60	%	$	484,942	≥	8.0	%	N/A			N/A
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	656,080	10.82	%	$	272,780	≥	4.5	%	N/A			N/A
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	727,070	11.99	%	$	363,706	≥	6.0	%	N/A			N/A
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	727,070	9.77	%	$	297,748	≥	4.0	%	N/A			N/A
Rockland Trust Company
Total capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	788,320	13.01	%	$	484,834	≥	8.0	%	$	606,042	≥	10.0	%
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	725,760	11.98	%	$	272,719	≥	4.5	%	$	393,927	≥	6.5	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)	$	725,760	11.98	%	$	363,625	≥	6.0	%	$	484,834	≥	8.0	%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	725,760	9.76	%	$	297,589	≥	4.0	%	$	371,986	≥	5.0	%

In addition to the minimum risk-based capital requirements outlined in the table above, the Company is required to maintain a minimum capital conservation buffer, in the form of common equity, in order to avoid restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses. The required amount of the capital conservation buffer is being phased-in, beginning at 0.625% on January 1, 2016 and ultimately increasing to 2.5% on January 1, 2019. The Company's capital levels exceeded the minimum requirement plus the fully phased-in buffer of 2.5% as of December 31, 2017 .

Dividend Restrictions

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is dependent upon dividends from the Bank to provide funds for the payment of dividends to shareholders and to provide for other cash requirements. Banking regulations may limit the amount of dividends that may be paid. Approval by regulatory authorities is required if the effect of dividends declared would cause the regulatory capital of the Bank to fall below specified minimum levels. Approval is also required if dividends declared exceed the net profits for that year combined with the retained net profits for the preceding two years. Under the foregoing dividend restrictions and while maintaining its "well capitalized" status, dividends paid by the Bank to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 totaled $46.9 million and $44.5 million , respectively.

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Trust Preferred Securities

In accordance with the applicable accounting standard related to variable interest entities, the common stock of trusts which have issued trust preferred securities have not been included in the consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $71.0 million in trust preferred securities have been included in the Tier 1 capital of the Company for regulatory reporting purposes pursuant to the Federal Reserve's capital adequacy guidelines.

NOTE 20 PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Condensed financial information relative to the Parent Company’s balance sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related statements of income and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 are presented below. The statement of stockholders’ equity is not presented below as the parent company’s stockholders’ equity is that of the consolidated Company.

BALANCE SHEETS



	December 31
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Cash(1)	$	48,131	$	42,596
Investments in subsidiaries(2)	1,010,125		935,778
Prepaid income taxes	786		625
Deferred tax asset	96		216
Derivative instruments(1)	1,535		1,364
Total assets	$	1,060,673	$	980,579
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Dividends payable	$	8,786	$	7,834
Junior subordinated debentures	73,073		73,107
Subordinated debentures	34,682		34,635
Other liabilities	323		313
Total liabilities	116,864		115,889
Stockholders’ equity	943,809		864,690
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,060,673	$	980,579


(1)	Entire balance eliminates in consolidation.


(2)	$1.0 billion and $933.6 million eliminate in consolidation at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

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STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Income
Dividends received from subsidiaries(1)	$	47,006		$	44,598		$	38,153
Interest income(2)	50			98			78
Total income	47,056			44,696			38,231
Expenses
Interest expense	3,995			5,901			5,769
Other expenses	—			—			29
Total expenses	3,995			5,901			5,798
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	43,061			38,795			32,433
Income tax benefit	(1,523		)	(1,791		)	(2,301		)
Income of parent company	44,584			40,586			34,734
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	42,620			36,062			30,226
Net income	$	87,204		$	76,648		$	64,960


(1)	Income of $67,000 , $62,000 and $55,000 was not eliminated in consolidation for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.


(2)	Entire balance eliminated in consolidation.

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STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Years Ended December 31
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	87,204		$	76,648		$	64,960
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities
Amortization (accretion)	12			(154		)	(150		)
Deferred income tax expense	51			678			3,266
Change in other assets	(99		)	423			7,488
Change in other liabilities	(562		)	(5,532		)	(254		)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	(42,620		)	(36,062		)	(30,226		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	43,986			36,001			45,084
Cash flows used in investing activities
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (1)	(4,834		)	(950		)	(51,680		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(4,834		)	(950		)	(51,680		)
Cash flows used in financing activities
Restricted stock awards issued, net of awards surrendered	(1,422		)	(696		)	(657		)
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options	214			201			1,367
Proceeds from shares issued under the direct stock purchase plan	1,636			2,323			2,695
Common dividends paid	(34,045		)	(29,711		)	(26,172		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(33,617		)	(27,883		)	(22,767		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,535			7,168			(29,363		)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year	42,596			35,428			64,791
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year	$	48,131		$	42,596		$	35,428


(1)	The majority of the net assets acquired at the parent company represented each of the acquired companies' investments in their wholly owned subsidiaries, which were eliminated in consolidation at December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.

144

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NOTE 21 SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)



	First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
					(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest income	$	64,407	$	59,741	$	68,133	$	61,160	$	71,778	$	62,308	$	72,876	$	63,428
Interest expense	4,207		4,850		4,378		4,627		4,705		4,640		5,044		4,676
Net interest income	60,200		54,891		63,755		56,533		67,073		57,668		67,832		58,752
Provision for loan losses	600		525		1,050		600		—		950		1,300		4,000
Total noninterest income	18,912		19,155		21,398		21,095		20,770		20,416		21,914		21,762
Total noninterest expenses	48,773		46,482		52,809		47,146		51,310		46,857		51,467		51,637
Provision for income taxes	9,014		8,428		10,731		9,508		12,681		9,793		14,915		7,698
Net income	$	20,725	$	18,611	$	20,563	$	20,374	$	23,852	$	20,484	$	22,064	$	17,179
Basic earnings per share	$	0.77	$	0.71	$	0.75	$	0.77	$	0.87	$	0.78	$	0.80	$	0.64
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.76	$	0.71	$	0.75	$	0.77	$	0.87	$	0.78	$	0.80	$	0.64

Weighted average common shares (basic)	27,029,640		26,275,323		27,257,799		26,304,129		27,436,792		26,324,316		27,445,739		26,710,029
Common stock equivalents	81,283		43,409		74,497		47,885		76,307		53,072		77,615		60,022
Weighted average common shares (diluted)	27,110,923		26,318,732		27,332,296		26,352,014		27,513,099		26,377,388		27,523,354		26,770,051

Unusual or infrequently occurring items
Items within noninterest expense
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$	—	$	437	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Merger and acquisition expense	484		334		2,909		206		—		151		—		4,764
Total	$	484	$	771	$	2,909	$	206	$	—	$	151	$	—	$	4,764
Items within provision for income taxes
2017 Tax Act: revaluation of net deferred tax assets	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,895	$	—
2017 Tax Act: revaluation of LIHTC investments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	466	$	—
Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	2,361	$	—

NOTE 22 TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Certain directors and officers (including their affiliates, certain family members and entities in which they are principal owners) of the Company are customers of and have had, and are expected to have, transactions with the Company, within the ordinary course of business. These transactions include, but are not limited to, lending activities, deposit services, investment management, and property lease commitments. In the opinion of management, such transactions are consistent with prudent banking practices and are within applicable banking regulations. Further details relating to certain related party transactions are outlined below:

145

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Lending Activities

The following information represents annual activity of loans to related parties for the periods indicated:



	2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Principal balance of loans outstanding at beginning of year	$	22,795		$	24,653
Loan advances (1)	36,800			1,718
Loan payments/payoffs	(7,137		)	(3,576		)
Principal balance of loans outstanding at end of year	$	52,458		$	22,795

(1) Includes $31.3 million of loans associated with a newly appointed director during the year, which represent the outstanding loan balances at the effective date of appointment.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , there were no loans to related parties which were past due, on nonaccrual status or that had been restructured as part of a troubled debt restructuring.

Deposits

At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the amount of deposit balances of related parties totaled $18.3 million and $14.7 million , respectively.

Lease Commitments

There were no leases with related parties during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 .

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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 along with the Company’s 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s 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 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 Independent Bank Corp. 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. Independent Bank Corp.’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 reflects 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

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(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, 2017 . 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, 2017 .

Independent Bank Corp.’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued a report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which appears below:

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of

Independent Bank Corp.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Independent Bank Corp.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , 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, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , 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 2017 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2018 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.

Boston, Massachusetts

February 27, 2018

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the Company’s proxy statement relating to its May 17, 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Definitive Proxy Statement”) that will be filed with the Commission within 120 days following the fiscal year end December 31, 2017 under the headings of "Board of Director Information," "Executive Officer Information," and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance."

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the Definitive Proxy Statement under the heading "Executive Officer Information" and "Board of Directors Information."

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2017 about the securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans, consisting of the 2005 Employee Stock Plan and the 2010 Nonemployee Director Stock Plan. The Company’s shareholders previously approved each of these plans and all amendments that were subject to shareholder approval. The Company has no other equity compensation plans that have not been approved by shareholders.

Equity Compensation Plans



Equity Compensation Plan Category	Number of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights	Weighted- Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a))
	(a)	(b)		(c)
Plans approved by security holders	84,000	$	32.16	595,868	(1)
Plans not approved by security holders	—	—		—
TOTAL	84,000	$	32.16	595,868


(1)	There are 416,513 shares available for future issuance under the 2005 Employee Stock Plan. There are 179,355 shares available for future issuance under the 2010 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan. Shares under the 2005 and 2010 Plans may be issued as stock options or restricted stock awards.

The information required herein by Item 403 of Regulation S-K regarding the security ownership of management and certain beneficial owners is incorporated by reference from the Definitive Proxy Statement under the heading "Stock Ownership and Other Matters."

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the Definitive Proxy Statement under the heading "Board of Director Information - Related Party Transactions" and "Board of Director Information - Director Independence."

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the Definitive Proxy Statement under the heading "Proposals to be Voted upon at the Annual Meeting - Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Proposal 2)."

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Documents Filed as Part of this Report

(1) The following financial statements are incorporated herein by reference from Item 8 hereto:

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 .

Consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 .

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 .

Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 .

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2) All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.

(3) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K, and this list includes the Exhibit Index.

(b) See (a)(3) above for all exhibits filed herewith and the Exhibit Index.

(c) All schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable or the information is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or related notes.

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Exhibits Index



No.	Exhibit
3.1	Restated Articles of Organization, as adopted July 16, 2015, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2015 .
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as adopted October 19, 2017, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2017 .
4.1	Specimen Common Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992, filed on March 29, 1993 (SEC File No. 001-09047).
4.2	Indenture of Registrant relating to the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities issued to Independent Capital Trust V, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on February 28, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-09047).
4.3	Forms of Capital Securities Purchase Agreements for Independent Capital Trust V, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on February 28, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-09047).
4.4	Form of Certificate of Junior Subordinated Debt Security for Independent Capital Trust V (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.3).
4.5	Form of Capital Security Certificate for Independent Capital Trust V (included as Exhibit A-1 to Exhibit 4.3).
4.6	Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust for Independent Capital Trust V, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on February 28, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-09047).
4.7	Guarantee Agreement relating to Independent Capital Trust V, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on February 28, 2007 (SEC File No. 001-09047).
4.8	Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement between Independent Bank Corp. and U.S.Bank National Association, as the issuing and paying agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2014 (SEC File No. 001-09047).
4.9	Form of Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinate Notes Due 2024, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2014 (SEC File No. 001-09047).
4.10	Independent Bank Corp. 2014 Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Form S-3 filed on October 31, 2017 (SEC File No. 333-221227) .#
10.1	Independent Bank Corp. Deferred Compensation Program for Directors (restated as amended as of December 1, 2000), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed on March 29, 2001 (SEC File No. 001-09047) . #
10.2	Rockland Trust Company Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.8 to Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-09047) .#
10.3	Rockland Trust Company Employee Savings, Profit Sharing and Stock Ownership Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form S-8 filed on April 16, 2010 (SEC File No. 333-166124) .#
10.4	Rockland Trust Company Third Amended and Restated 401(k) Restoration Plan . *#
10.5	Independent Bank Corp. and Rockland Trust Company Amended and Restated Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan .*#
10.6	Revised Employment Agreements between Christopher Oddleifson and the Company and/or Rockland Trust, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1, to Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-09047). #
10.7	Revised Employment Agreements between Gerard F. Nadeau and the Company and/or Rockland Trust, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.5, to Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-09047). #
10.8	Revised Employment Agreements between Edward H. Seksay and the Company and/or Rockland Trust, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.6, to Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2008 (SEC File No. 001-09047) . #
10.9	Employment Agreements between Barry H. Jensen and Robert D. Cozzone and the Company and/or Rockland Trust dated September 5, 2013, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, filed on November 6, 2013. #
10.10	Independent Bank Corp. 2017 Executive Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 filed on May 4, 2017. #
10.11	Independent Bank Corp. Second Amended and Restated 2005 Employee Stock Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Annex A to the Definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 25, 2014. #
10.12	Specimen Forms of Stock Option Agreements for the Company's Chief Executive Officer, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-09047) .#

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10.13	Specimen Forms of Stock Option Agreements for the Company's Executive Officers, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2005 (SEC File No. 001-09047) .#
10.14	Forms of Independent Bank Corp. Performance Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Chief Executive Officer .*#
10.15	Forms of Independent Bank Corp. Performance Based Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Executive Officers .*#
10.16	Form of Independent Bank Corp. Chief Executive Officer Time Vesting Restricted Stock Agreement . *#
10.17	Form of Independent Bank Corp. Executive Officer Time Vesting Restricted Stock Agreemen t.*#
10.18	Independent Bank Corp. 2010 Nonemployee Director Stock Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2010. #
10.19	Independent Bank Corp. 2010 Stock Option Agreement for Nonemployee Director, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2010. #
10.20	Independent Bank Corp. 2010 Restricted Stock Agreement for Nonemployee Director, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2010. #
10.21	Master Data Processing Services Agreement dated and effective as of May 15, 2012 between Rockland Trust Company and Q2 Software, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K/A filed on July 18, 2012. ++
10.22	Information Technology Services Agreement by and between Fidelity Information Services, LLC and Independent Bank Corp., effective as of January 1, 2015, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K/A filed on March 6, 2015. ++
10.23	New Markets Tax Credit Program Allocation Agreement between the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the United States Department of the Treasury and Rockland Trust Community Development Corporation, with an Allocation Effective Date of April 17, 2012, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 26, 2012 .



23.1	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm *
31.1	Section 302 Certification of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 .*
31.2	Section 302 Certification of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 .*
32.1	Section 906 Certification of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 .+
32.2	Section 906 Certification of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 .+
101	Interactive Data File +



*	Filed herewith



+	Furnished herewith



#	Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.



++	Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions of this exhibit pursuant to a confidential treatment order granted by the SEC. The omitted portions have been separately filed with the SEC.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

I NDEPENDENT B ANK C ORP .

/s/ C HRISTOPHER O DDLEIFSON

C hristopher Oddleifson ,

Chief Executive Officer and President

Date: February 27, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Each person whose signature appears below hereby makes, constitutes and appoints Christopher Oddleifson and Robert Cozzone and each of them acting individually, his true and lawful attorneys, with full power to sign for such person and in such person’s name and capacity indicated below any and all amendments to this Form 10-K, hereby ratifying and confirming such person’s signature as it may be signed by said attorneys to any and all amendments.

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/s/ CHRISTOPHER ODDLEIFSON	Director, CEO/President	Date:	February 27, 2018
Christopher Oddleifson	(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ DONNA L. ABELLI	Director and Chairman of the Board	Date:	February 27, 2018
Donna L. Abelli

/s/ ROBERT D. COZZONE	CFO (Principal Financial Officer)	Date:	February 27, 2018
Robert D. Cozzone

/s/ MARK RUGGIERO	Controller	Date:	February 27, 2018
Mark Ruggiero	(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/MICHAEL P. HOGAN	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Michael P. Hogan

/s/ KEVIN J. JONES	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Kevin J. Jones

/s/ MARY L. LENTZ	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Mary L. Lentz

/s/ EILEEN C. MISKELL	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Eileen C. Miskell

/s/ JOHN J. MORRISSEY	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
John J. Morrissey

/s/ GERARD F. NADEAU	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Gerard F. Nadeau

/s/ DANIEL F. O’BRIEN	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Daniel F. O’ Brien

/s/ CARL RIBEIRO	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Carl Ribeiro

/s/ JOHN H. SPURR, JR.	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
John H. Spurr, Jr.

/s/ FREDERICK TAW	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Frederick Taw

/s/ BRIAN S. TEDESCHI	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Brian S. Tedeschi

/s/ THOMAS R. VENABLES	Director	Date:	February 27, 2018
Thomas R. Venables

154

Exhibit 10.4

As approved by the Board of Directors on January 18, 2018

ROCKLAND TRUST COMPANY

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED 401(k) RESTORATION PLAN

Rockland Trust Company (the “Bank”) has approved this Third Amended and Restated 401(k) Restoration Plan (as amended, the “Plan”) to revise the Plan as originally adopted effective as of January 1, 2015. This Plan is intended to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (“Section 409A”) and any regulatory or other guidance issued under Section 409A. The Bank intends the Plan to be considered an unfunded arrangement, maintained primarily to provide nonqualified deferred compensation for the Participants, for tax purposes and for purposes of ERISA. Capitalized terms used in this Plan have the meanings set forth below in Section VIII, Definitions.

SECTION I

ELIGIBILITY AND VESTING

1.1

Eligibility . The Plan is available to a select group of management or highly compensated employees of the Bank and/or the Company, within the meaning of ERISA and as determined by the Administrator. The Administrator shall, by written vote, determine the Participants. A Participant shall remain a Participant until (i) the Bank no longer employs the Participant in a select group of management or as a highly compensated employee or (ii) the Administrator has removed the Participant.


1.2	Vesting .

(a) All contributions to a Participant’s Account are fully vested when made.

(b) The Administrator may vote to make additional discretionary contributions to a Participant’s Account. Additional discretionary contributions (and any earnings thereon) shall be subject to whatever vesting schedule the Administrator determines when additional discretionary contributions are approved.

SECTION II

EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS; ELECTIVE DEFERRALS; EARNINGS

2.1

Employer Contributions . The intention of this Plan is to credit to each Participant the matching, non-elective, supplemental non-elective, and discretionary contributions which might have been made to the Bank’s tax-qualified 401(k) Plan for the Participant based on the Participant’s Compensation but were prohibited due to the IRS Annual Limits for 401(k) Plan contributions. This Plan may also be used to make additional discretionary contributions for designated Participants. Each Plan Year, the Bank shall contribute to the Plan on behalf of each Participant all of the applicable employer contributions described below. If a Participant initially becomes entitled to participate after the beginning of the Plan Year, employer contributions made on that Participant’s behalf shall be limited to the pro-rata portion of the Participant’s Compensation for the Plan Year earned after the individual was named a Participant.

(a) Matching Contributions . The employer shall contribute to this Plan an amount equal to the employer matching contributions that would have been credited to the Participant under the

401(k) Plan during that Plan Year if the Participant had been able to make salary deferral contributions under the 401(k) Plan with respect to six percent (6%) of the Participant’s Base Salary in excess of the IRS Annual Limits. The matching contribution to this Plan shall be computed based on the Participant’s Compensation without regard to whether the Participant actually deferred any portion of Compensation pursuant to a deferred compensation plan. The matching contribution provisions under this Plan are subject to automatic adjustment to align with the matching contribution provisions in the 401(k) Plan if and as it is amended.

(b) Non-Elective Contributions . The employer shall contribute to this Plan the non-elective contributions that would have been credited to the Participant under the 401(k) Plan during that Plan Year but were not provided under the 401(k) Plan solely due to the applicable IRS Annual Limit, provided that the Participant (i) has completed a Year of Service (as defined in the 401(k) Plan) during the Plan Year and (ii) is employed by the Company or the Bank as of the last day of the Plan Year, unless the Participant’s termination of employment is due to death, disability, normal retirement (which shall mean attaining age 65 with 10 years of service, measured from date of hire) or involuntary termination without Cause. The employer non-elective contribution amount is subject to automatic adjustments to align with the 401(k) Plan if and as it is amended.

(c) Supplemental Non-Elective Contributions . The employer shall contribute to this Plan the supplemental non-elective contributions that would have been credited to the Participant under the 401(k) Plan during that Plan Year, but were not provided solely due to the applicable IRS Annual Limit on contributions to the 401(k) Plan, provided that the Participant (i) has completed a Year of Service (as defined in the 401(k) Plan) during the Plan Year and (ii) is employed by the Company or the Bank as of the last day of the Plan Year, unless the Participant’s termination of employment is due to death, disability, normal retirement (which shall mean attaining age 65 with 10 years of service, measured from date of hire) or involuntary termination without Cause. The employer supplemental non-elective contribution amount is subject to automatic adjustment if and as the 401(k) Plan is amended.

(d) Discretionary Contributions to 401(k) Plan . The employer shall contribute to this Plan any discretionary contributions that would have been credited to the Participant under the 401(k) Plan during that Plan Year, but were not provided under the 401(k) Plan solely due to the applicable IRS Annual Limit on contributions to the 401(k) Plan, provided that the Participant (i) has completed a Year of Service (as defined in the 401(k) Plan) during the Plan Year and (ii) is employed by the Company or the Bank as of the last day of the Plan Year, unless the Participant’s termination of employment is due to death, disability or involuntary termination without Cause.

(e) Additional Discretionary Contributions . The Administrator may make additional employer discretionary contributions to any Participant under this Plan, without regard to linking any additional discretionary contributions to the 401(k) Plan. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may apply a vesting schedule to any additional discretionary contributions. Additional discretionary contributions need not be uniformly made to all Participants.

2.2

Distribution Elections . A Participant may enter into a 401(k) Restoration Plan Distribution Election Form in order to specify the form of distribution for the Participant’s account. A Participant’s 401(k) Restoration Plan Distribution Election Form shall remain in place unless affirmatively changed by a Participant prior to the beginning of the applicable Plan Year for which the election is made.


2.3	Account Credits and Investments .


(a)	Crediting of Employer Contributions . No later than 60 days following the end of each Plan Year, the Administrator shall credit each Participant’s Account under this Plan with an amount equal to the aggregate employer contributions which are made to the Plan for the Participant for that Plan Year.

(b)

Investments . Participants shall have the right to direct the investment of their Accounts by choosing from among investment alternatives made available by the Administrator. The Administrator shall credit each Participant’s Account with earnings or losses as reported to the Administrator by the trustee of the trust (if any) or as reported from an investment source. If the Participant does not provide timely or proper investment directions, the Administrator shall in its sole discretion select a default investment.

Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if any portion of a Participant’s Account is invested in Company Stock, then it shall remain invested in Company Stock and shall be distributed in Company Stock (even if the Plan or Participation Agreement otherwise states that distributions will be made in cash). Any cash dividends paid on the Company Stock during the deferral period will be invested as per the direction of the Participant in the investment alternatives made available by the Administrator.

SECTION III

BENEFIT PAYMENTS

3.1

Separation from Service . If the Participant has a Separation from Service other than due to death or Disability, the Participant shall be paid the Participant’s Account, which shall continue to be credited with earnings until paid to the Participant. Except to the extent set forth below, the Participant’s Account shall be paid in a cash lump sum no later than 60 days after the Participant’s Separation from Service date, unless the Participant timely and properly elected annual installments.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant is a Specified Employee and payment of his or her Account is triggered due to Separation from Service (other than due to Disability or death), then solely to the extent necessary to avoid penalties under Code Section 409A, no payment shall be made during the first six (6) months following the Participant’s Separation from Service. Rather, any payment which would otherwise be paid to the Participant during such period shall be accumulated and paid to the Participant in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the Separation from Service. All subsequent payments of the Participant’s Account shall be paid in the manner specified in the Plan (i.e., if paid in installments, the second and subsequent distributions would be made on or within 60 days of each anniversary of the Participant’s date of Separation from Service).


3.2	Company Stock . To the extent that any portion of the Participant’s Account is invested in Company Stock, it shall be paid in Company Stock, together with any cash dividends paid on the Company Stock during the deferral period as invested per the direction of the Participant in the investment alternatives made available by the Administrator.


3.3	Death Benefit . If a Participant dies while employed at the Company or the Bank, the Participant’s Beneficiary shall be entitled to payment of the Participant’s Account, which shall be paid as a cash lump sum, less applicable withholdings, no later than 60 days after the Participant’s date of death,

unless the Participant elected annual installments. If a Participant dies following Separation from Service but prior to receiving all payments under the Plan, the Participant’s Beneficiary shall be paid all remaining payments as a lump sum, less applicable withholdings, no later than 60 days after the Participant’s date of death.

3.4

Disability Benefit . If a Participant becomes Disabled while employed at the Company or the Bank, the Participant shall be entitled to receive payment of his or her entire Account, calculated at time of the Disability determination and paid in a cash lump sum, less applicable withholdings, no later than 60 days after the Participant’s date of Disability, unless the Participant has elected annual installments.

3.5

Code Section 409A . This Plan shall be interpreted to comply with Code Section 409A, and all provisions of the Plan shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A. With respect to payments from the Plan attributable to amounts deferred prior to January 1, 2018, each installment payment is intended to constitute a “separate payment” for purposes of the rules on subsequent deferral elections contained in Section 3.7 and in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(ii). With respect to installment payments from the Plan attributable to amounts deferred on or after January 1, 2018, such payments will be treated as a “single payment” for purposes of the rules on subsequent deferral elections contained in Section 3.7.

3.6

Cash Out of Small Amounts . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if the Participant’s Account balance is equal to or less than either (i) $50,000 (computed by aggregating all Plan Years for which contributions have been made to a Participant’s Account) or (ii) the Code Section 402(g) limit as in effect for the Plan Year of the Participant’s Separation from Service, the Account shall be paid in a lump sum, regardless of whether the Participant has elected to receive installments.


3.7	Change in Time or Form of Payments (Subsequent Deferral Elections) . A Participant may amend a Deferral Election for a previous year to delay the timing or change the form of payments, subject to the following conditions. Any such amendment:


(a)	must take effect not less than twelve (12) months after it is made; and,


(b)	must, delay the commencement of distributions for a minimum of five (5) years from the date the first distribution was originally scheduled to be made.

ARTICLE IV

ADMINISTRATION


4.1	Administrator’s Duties . This Plan shall be administered by the Administrator. The Administrator shall have the authority to make, amend, interpret, and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Plan and decide or resolve any and all questions regarding interpretation of this Plan.


4.2	Agents . The Administrator may employ other agents (including Bank officers or employees) and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit, and may consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Company or the Bank.


4.3	Binding Effect of Decisions . The decision or action of the Administrator in respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation, and application of

the Plan and the rules of regulations under this Plan shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Plan.


4.4	Indemnification . The Bank and the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless all individuals acting as the Administrator against any and all claims, loss, damage, expense, or liability arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

ARTICLE V

CLAIMS PROCEDURE


5.1	Claim . Any person claiming a benefit, requesting an interpretation or ruling under the Plan, or requesting information under the Plan, shall present the request in writing to the Administrator, which shall respond in writing within 30 days.


5.2	Denial of Claim . If the claim or request is denied, the written notice of denial shall state:


(a)	The reasons for denial, with specific reference to the Plan provisions on which the denial is based.


(b)	A description of any additional material or information required and an explanation of why it is necessary.

5.3

Review of Claim . Any person whose claim or request is denied, or who has not received a response within 30 days, may request review by notice given in writing to the Administrator. The claim or request shall be reviewed by the Administrator who may, but shall not be required to, grant the claimant a hearing. On review, the claimant may have representation, examine pertinent documents, and submit issues and comments in writing.


5.4	Final Decision . The decision on review shall normally be made within 60 days. If an extension of time is required for a hearing or other special circumstances, the claimant shall be notified and the time limit shall be 120 days. The decision shall be in writing and shall state the reasons and relevant Plan provisions.

5.5

Arbitration . If a claimant continues to dispute the benefit denial based upon completed performance of this Plan and the 401(k) Restoration Plan Election Form or the meaning and effect of the terms and conditions of them, then the claimant may submit the dispute to mediation, administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) (or a mediator selected by the parties) in accordance with the AAA’s Commercial Mediation Rules. If mediation is not successful in resolving the dispute, it shall be settled by arbitration administered by the AAA under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

ARTICLE VI

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF PLAN


6.1	Amendment . Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, the Board reserves the exclusive right to freeze or to amend the Plan at any time, provided that no amendment to the Plan shall decrease or restrict any amount accrued prior to the amendment date. If the Plan is frozen or

terminated other than under circumstances described in Section 6.2, benefits shall be paid to each Participant in the ordinary course, pursuant to the terms of the Plan and the Participant’s elections.


6.2	Complete Termination and Payment of Benefits . Subject to the requirements of Code Section 409A, in the event of complete termination of the Plan, the Plan shall cease to operate and the Bank shall pay out to each Participant his or her entire Account as of the date of termination of the Plan. A complete termination of the Plan shall occur only under the following circumstances and conditions:

(a)

The Board may terminate the Plan within 12 months of a corporate dissolution taxed under Code Section 331, or with approval of a bankruptcy court pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §503(b)(1)(A), provided that the amounts deferred under the Plan are included in the Participant’s gross income in the latest of: (i) the Plan Year in which the Plan terminates; (ii) the Plan Year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first Plan Year in which the payment is administratively practicable.

(b)

The Board may terminate the Plan by irrevocable action within the 30 days preceding, or 12 months following, a Change in Control, provided that the Plan shall only be treated as terminated if all substantially similar arrangements sponsored by the Company and the Bank are terminated so that the Participant and all participants under substantially similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts of compensation deferred under the terminated arrangements within 12 months of the date of the irrevocable termination of the arrangements. For these purposes, “Change in Control” shall be defined in accordance with the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.

(c)

The Board may terminate the Plan provided that: (i) the termination and liquidation does not occur proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Company or the Bank; (ii) all arrangements sponsored by the Company or the Bank that would be aggregated with this Plan under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(c) if the Participants covered by this Plan were also covered by any of those other arrangements are also terminated; (iii) no payments other than payments that would be payable under the terms of the arrangement if the termination had not occurred are made within 12 months of the termination of the arrangement; (iv) all payments are made within 24 months of the termination of the arrangements; and (v) the Company and the Bank do not adopt a new arrangement that would be aggregated with any terminated arrangement under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(c) if the Participants participated in both arrangements, at any time within three years following the date of termination of the arrangement.

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1

Unfunded Plan . This Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan maintained primarily to provide deferred compensation benefits for a select group of management or highly compensated employees, within the meaning of ERISA. This Plan is not intended to create an investment contract, but to provide tax planning opportunities and retirement benefits to eligible individuals who participate in the Plan. Participants are select officers who, by virtue of their position with the Bank, are uniquely informed as to the Bank’s operations and have the ability to materially affect the Bank’s profitability and operations.

At no time shall any Participant be deemed to have any lien, right, title or interest in or to any

specific investment or asset of the Company or the Bank. The rights of the Participants, any Beneficiary, or any other person claiming through the Participant under this Plan, shall be solely those of an unsecured general creditor of the Company and the Bank. The Participants, the Beneficiary, or any other person claiming through the Participant, shall only have the right to receive from the Company or the Bank those payments so specified under this Plan. Neither the Participants nor any Beneficiary under this Plan shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecate, mortgage, commute, modify or otherwise encumber in advance any benefits payable, nor shall any benefits be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance owed by the Participants or their Beneficiaries, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or otherwise.

7.2

Unsecured Creditor . The Participant’s interest in his or her Account is limited to the right to receive payments under the Plan, and the Participant’s position is that of a general unsecured creditor of the Company and the Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator, in its discretion, may elect to establish a fund containing assets equal to the amounts credited to the Participant’s Account, and may elect in its discretion to designate a trustee and/or custodian to hold the fund in trust, provided, however that the fund shall remain a general asset of the Company or the Bank, subject to the rights of creditors of the Company and the Bank.

7.3

Trust Fund . The Company or the Bank shall be responsible for the payment of all benefits provided under the Plan. At its discretion, the Company or the Bank may establish one or more rabbi trusts, with such trustees as the Administrator may approve, for the purpose of providing for the payment of such benefits. Any rabbi trust or trusts may be irrevocable, but the assets they hold shall be subject to the claims of the Company’s or the Bank’s creditors. To the extent any benefits provided under the Plan are actually paid from any trust, the Company or the Bank shall have no further obligation with respect to them, but to the extent not so paid, such benefits shall remain the obligation of, and shall be paid by, the Company or the Bank.

7.4

Payment to Participant, Legal Representative or Beneficiary . Any payment to any Participant or the legal representative, Beneficiary, or to any guardian or committee appointed for such Participant or Beneficiary shall, to the extent of the payments made, be in full satisfaction of all claims against the Company or the Bank under this Plan. The Bank may require the Participant, legal representative, Beneficiary, guardian or committee, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release in a form as shall be determined by the Company or the Bank.

7.5

Nonassignability . Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, hypothecate or convey in advance of actual receipt any amounts payable, which are, and all rights to payments are expressly declared to be un-assignable and nontransferable. No part of the amounts payable shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance owed by an Participant or any other person, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant’s or any other person’s bankruptcy or insolvency.


7.6	Validity . In case any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of this Plan, but this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal and invalid provision had never been included.


7.7	Notice . Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Administrator under the Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to the

Administrator. Notice shall be deemed given as of the date of receipt.


7.8	Successors . The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Bank, and their successors and assigns. The term “successors” shall include any corporate or other business entity which shall, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase, or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the business and assets of the Company or the Bank.

7.9

Payment of Employment and Code Section 409A Taxes . Any distribution under this Plan shall be reduced by the amount of any taxes required to be withheld from such distribution. This Plan shall permit the acceleration of the time or schedule of a payment to pay employment related taxes as permitted under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j) or to pay any taxes that may become due at any time that the arrangement fails to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder. In the latter case, such payments shall not exceed the amount required to be included in income as the result of the failure to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A.

7.10

Acceleration of Payments . Except as specifically permitted by this Plan, no acceleration of the time or schedule of any payment may be made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments may be accelerated by the Bank, in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4) and any subsequent guidance issued by the United States Department of the Treasury. Accordingly, payments may be accelerated, in accordance with requirements and conditions of the Treasury Regulations (or subsequent guidance) in the following circumstances: (i) as a result of certain domestic relations orders; (ii) in compliance with ethics agreements with the federal government; (iii) in compliance with ethics laws or conflicts of interest laws; (iv) in limited cash-outs (but not in excess of the limit under Code Section 402(g)(1)(B)); (v) to apply certain offsets in satisfaction of a debt of the Participant to the Bank; (vi) in satisfaction of certain bona fide disputes between the Participant and the Bank; or (vii) for any other purpose set forth in the Treasury Regulations and subsequent guidance.


7.11	Required Provisions . Any payments made to the Participant pursuant to this Plan or otherwise are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. § 1828(k) and 12 C.F.R. Part 359 Golden Parachute and Indemnification Payments or any other rules and regulations promulgated under them.


7.12	Governing Law . The Plan is established under, and will be construed according to, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to the extent they are not preempted by federal law.

SECTION VIII

DEFINITIONS

Capitalized terms shall have the meaning set forth below:


8.1	“Account” means the amount employer contributions credited to a Participant, including any gains or losses thereon.


8.2	“Administrator” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.


8.3	“Bank” means Rockland Trust Company.


8.4	“Beneficiary” means the person or persons (and their heirs) designated as Beneficiary by a Participant to whom a deceased Participant’s benefits are payable. A Participant shall designate a

Beneficiary by completing a form and filing it with the Administrator. If no Beneficiary is so designated, then the Participant’s surviving spouse will be deemed the Beneficiary and, if there is no surviving spouse, then the Participant’s estate will be deemed the Beneficiary. The Participant shall make an initial designation of primary and secondary Beneficiaries upon execution of his or her 401(k) Restoration Plan Election Form and shall have the right to change such designation, at any subsequent time, by submitting to the Administrator a form with a new, subsequent designation of primary and secondary Beneficiaries. Any Beneficiary designation made subsequent to execution of the 401(k) Restoration Plan Election Form shall become effective only when receipt is acknowledged in writing by the Administrator. Spousal consent is not required in order for a Participant to change his or her Beneficiary under this Plan.


8.5	“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Bank.

8.6

“Cause” shall refer to the Company’s termination of a Participant’s service with the Bank and/or Company because the Participant has (A) refused or failed, in any material respect, other than due to illness, injury or absence authorized by the Company or required by law, to devote full normal working time, skills, knowledge, and abilities to the business of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and in promotion of their respective interests; or (B) engaged in (1) activities involving personal profit as a result of the Participant’s dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation or breach of fiduciary duty, or (2) dishonest activities involving the Participant’s relations with the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates or any of their respective employees, customers or suppliers; or (C) committed larceny, embezzlement, conversion or any other act involving the misappropriation of Company or customer funds in the course of the Participant’s employment; or (D) been convicted of any crime which reasonable could affect in a materially adverse manner the reputation of the Company or the Participant’s ability to perform required duties; or (E) committed an act involving gross negligence on the part of the Participant in the conduct of required duties; or (F) evidenced a drug addiction or dependence; or (G) otherwise material breached the Participant’s employment agreement with the Company or the Bank.


8.7	“Company” shall mean Independent Bank Corp.


8.8	“Company Stock” shall mean the Company’s common stock.


8.9	“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.


8.10	“Compensation” means “Compensation” as defined in the 401(k) Plan but without regard to the IRS Annual Limit set forth under Code Section 401(a)(17), plus cash annual incentive compensation paid during the Plan Year, but excluding bonuses.

8.11

“Disability” means the first to occur of the following, where the Participant is (i) unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the disability insurance, if any, covering employees of the Company, or (iii) determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration.


8.12	“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.


8.13	“401(k) Plan” means the Rockland Trust Company Employee Savings, Profit Sharing and Stock Ownership Plan, Amended and Restated January 1, 2010, and any amendment and restatement thereof or any successor thereto.

8.14

“IRS Annual Limit(s)” means, generally, the limits imposed under Code Section 401(a)(17) (with respect to compensation, however defined, taken into account for purposes of the contributions to tax-qualified plans) and under Code Section 415(c)(1)(A) (relating to the dollar limit on contributions to defined contribution plans). As it may relate to elective salary deferral contributions, the IRS Annual Limit shall refer to the limit under Code Section 402(g).


8.15	“Participant” means an officer of the Bank and/or the Company who has been selected by the Administrator to participate in this Plan.


8.16	“Plan” means this Rockland Trust Company Third Amended and Restated 401(k) Restoration Plan.


8.17	“Plan Year” means the Plan’s accounting year of twelve (12) months commencing on January 1st of each year and ending on the following December 31st.

8.18

“Separation from Service” means Participant’s death, retirement, or other termination of employment with the Company or the Bank within the meaning of Code Section 409A. No Separation from Service shall be deemed to occur due to military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six months or, if longer, so long as Participant’s right to reemployment is provided by law or contract. If the leave exceeds six months and Participant’s right to reemployment is not provided by law or by contract, then Participant shall have a Separation from Service on the first date immediately following such six-month period.

Whether a Separation from Service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the employer and employee reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the employee would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) would permanently decrease to less than 50% of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding 36 months (or such lesser period of time in which the Participant performed services for the Company or the Bank). The determination of whether the Participant has had a Separation from Service shall be made by applying the presumptions set forth in the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.

8.19

“Specified Employee” means a “Key Employee” as such term is defined in Code Section 416(i) without regard to paragraph 5 thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event a Participant is a Specified Employee and becomes entitled to a payment hereunder due to Separation from Service for any reason (other than death or Disability), the payments to the Participant shall not commence until the first day of the seventh month following such Separation from Service. Whether and the extent to which a person is a Specified Employee shall be determined on the “Specified Employee Determination Date” which shall be December 31 of each Plan Year and shall be applicable commencing on the following April 1, in accordance with the rules set forth in the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.

ROCKLAND TRUST COMPANY

By: /s/Maria Harris

Maria Harris

Senior Vice President

Its duly authorized representative

Exhibit 10.5

As approved by the Board of Directors December 14, 2017

INDEPENDENT BANK CORP. AND ROCKLAND TRUST COMPANY

AMENDED AND RESTATED

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

This Independent Bank Corp. and Rockland Trust Company Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) was initially effective as of January 1, 2014 and is amended and restated on January 1, 2018. This Plan is intended to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and any regulatory or other guidance issued under that Section. Capitalized items used in this Plan have the meanings set forth below in Article VIII, Definitions.

ARTICLE I - ELIGIBILITY AND VESTING


1.1	Eligibility . The Plan is available to a select group of management or highly compensated employees of the Company and/or the Bank, within the meaning of ERISA and as determined by the Administrator. Selection as a Participant for one calendar year does not guarantee selection as a Participant in the future.


1.2	Annual Enrollment . Each Participant who is eligible to participate in the Plan for any calendar year shall enroll by executing a Participation Agreement and completing all other forms as the Administrator may request. Participation in the Plan shall commence as of the date specified in the Participation Agreement.

1.3

Vesting; Clawback . The Participant’s Account shall be fully vested at all times. Amounts deferred under this Plan from incentive compensation, however, may be subject to the Claw Back Policy if a Participant is subject to the Claw Back Policy. If the Claw Back Policy is triggered and applicable to a Participant the Company and/or the Bank may recover from the Account any amounts due from the Participant pursuant to the Claw Back Policy. Any Base Salary deferrals are not subject to clawback.

ARTICLE II - DEFERRALS; EARNINGS


2.1	Deferral Elections . Participants may elect to defer receipt of all or any portion of their Base Salary or Incentive Compensation, subject to the deferral election timing rules set forth below.

(a) Base Salary Deferral Elections .

(1) General Rule . Before the beginning of a Plan Year, any Participant who wishes to defer receipt of any amount of Base Salary must elect the amount of Base Salary to be deferred under the Plan for the upcoming Plan Year by completing a Participation Agreement. A Base Salary deferral election shall expire at the end of that calendar year ( i.e. , Base Salary deferral elections are not “evergreen”) and a new election must be made for each new calendar year. Deferral elections cannot be revoked or changed for a calendar year once the year has begun.

(2) Special Rule for Initial Eligibility to Participate in the Plan. Within the first 30 days after a Participant is first eligible to participate in the Plan, the Participant may elect to defer Base Salary that has not yet been earned in the current Plan Year by completing the Participation

Agreement provided by the Plan Administrator. The Base Salary deferral election shall expire at the end of that calendar year ( i.e. , Base Salary deferral elections are not “evergreen”) and a new election must be made for each new calendar year. Deferral elections cannot be revoked or changed for a calendar year once the year has begun.

(b) Incentive Compensation Deferral Elections .

(1) A Participant may elect to defer Incentive Compensation on or before the date that is six months before the end of the performance period for the Incentive Compensation, provided that (i) the performance period is at least 12 months long; (ii) the Participant performs services continuously from the later of (X) the beginning of the performance period or (Y) the date the performance criteria are established, through the date the deferral election is made; and (iii) the election to defer performance-based compensation is not made after such compensation has become “readily ascertainable” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(a)(8). The Incentive Compensation deferral election shall expire at the end of that calendar year ( i.e. , Incentive Compensation deferral elections are not “evergreen” and a new election must be made for each new calendar year). Deferral elections for performance-based compensation cannot be revoked or changed for a calendar year after the date that is six months before the end of the performance period.

(2) Special Rule for Initial Eligibility to Participate in the Plan . Within the first 30 days after a Participant is first eligible to participate in the Plan, or if later, up to the date that is six months before the end of the performance period, the Participant may elect to defer Incentive Compensation that has not yet been earned in the current calendar year. The Incentive Compensation deferral election shall expire at the end of that calendar year ( i.e. , Incentive Compensation deferral elections are not “evergreen”) and a new election must be made for each new calendar year. Deferral elections cannot be revoked or changed for a calendar year once the year has begun.

(3) Examples . The following examples illustrate how deferral rules are applied. Both examples assume that Incentive Compensation was earned for the calendar year, that the performance targets for the Incentive Compensation were set on March 1, and that no amount of the Incentive Compensation is readily ascertainable at the time the deferral election is being made by the Participant.

Example 1 : A Participant is hired before March 1 ( i.e. , the date performance targets are set). He can make an election to defer his entire Incentive Compensation on or before June 30 ( i.e. , the date that is six months before the end of the performance period). He is able to use the six-month exception because he will be performing services continuously from the later of (a) the beginning of the performance period ( i.e. , January 1) or (b) the date the performance criteria are established ( i.e. , March 1), through the date the election is made ( i.e. , June 30).

Example 2 : A Participant is hired after March 1 ( i.e. the date the performance targets are set). She cannot wait until June 30 ( i.e. , the date that is six months before the end of the performance period) and use the six-month exception to make an election to defer the Incentive Compensation because she will not be performing services continuously from the later of (a) the beginning of the performance period ( i.e. , January 1) or (b) the date the performance criteria are established ( i.e. , March 1) through the date the election would be made. Accordingly, she can elect to defer her Incentive Compensation only if the election is made within 30 days after the date of hire (using the initial eligibility rule) and, the election can relate only to the portion of her

Incentive Compensation that relates to the post-election period.


2.2	Account Credits .

(a)

Crediting of Contributions . The Administrator shall credit each Participant’s Account under this Plan with an amount equal to the Participant’s Base Salary Percentage and/or Incentive Compensation Percentage, as specified on such Participant’s Participation Agreement, at the time that such amount would otherwise have been payable to the Participant. The Administrator will establish separate accounts for Base Salary deferrals and Incentive Compensation deferrals for any Participant who is subject to the Claw Back Policy.

(b)

Investments . Participants shall have the right to direct the investment of their Accounts by choosing from among the investment alternatives made available by the Administrator. The Administrator shall credit each Participant’s Account with earnings or losses as reported to the Administrator by the trustee of the rabbi trust (if any) or as reported from an investment source. If the Participant does not provide timely or proper investment directions, the Administrator shall select a default investment in the sole discretion of the Administrator.


(1)	Investment of Base Salary Deferrals . Participants may not direct the investment of Base Salary deferrals under this Plan in any investment alternative which provides for actual or deemed investment in whole or in part in Company common stock.

(2)

Incentive Compensation Deferrals . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if a Participant’s Incentive Compensation is awarded in Company Stock, that portion of the Participant’s Account shall remain invested in Company Stock and shall be distributed in Company Stock (even if the Plan or Participation Agreement otherwise states that distributions will be made in cash). If a Participant’s Incentive Compensation is awarded in Company Stock, any cash dividends paid on the Company Stock during the deferral period will be invested as per the direction of the Participant in the investment alternatives made available by the Administrator from time to time.

ARTICLE III - BENEFIT PAYMENTS


3.1	Benefit Payment Dates .

(a)

Initial Selection of Benefit Payment Dates . The Participant shall specify his Benefit Payment Date(s) on his Participation Agreement with respect to amounts deferred for a calendar year. Benefits will be paid in cash, less applicable withholdings, no later than 60 days after each of the specified Benefit Payment Dates, unless the Participant elects annual installments on the Participation Agreement (and to the extent any portion of the Participant’s Account is invested in Company Stock, it shall be paid in Company Stock).


(b)	Delaying Benefit Payment Dates . A Participant may delay the timing of any Benefit Payment Date, provided that such change:

(i) must take effect not less than twelve (12) months after the date on which the change is made;

(ii) except for payments upon the Participant’s death, or Disability, the first of a stream of payments for which the subsequent election is made shall be deferred for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date on which such payment would otherwise have been made; and;

(iii) for payments scheduled to be made on a specified date or to commence under a fixed schedule, the subsequent election must be made at least 12 months before the date of the first scheduled payment; and

(iv) may not accelerate the time or schedule of any distribution.

3.2

Separation from Service. With respect to amounts initially deferred under this Plan, if the Participant has a Separation from Service before the Participant’s next scheduled Benefit Payment Date, other than due to death or Disability, the Participant shall be paid the Participant’s Account, which shall continue to be credited with earnings until paid to the Participant. Such amount shall be paid in a cash lump sum no later than 60 days after the Participant’s Separation from Service date, unless the Participant timely and properly elected annual installments on his Participation Agreement (but may be delayed until 6 months after Separation from Service if the Participant is a Specified Employee) (and to the extent any portion of the Participant’s Account is invested in Company Stock, it shall be paid in Company Stock, together with any cash dividends paid on the Company Stock during the deferral period).

3.3

Death Benefit . If a Participant dies while employed at the Company or the Bank, the Participant’s Beneficiary shall be entitled to payment of the Participant’s Account, which shall be paid as a cash lump sum, less applicable withholdings, no later than 60 days after the Participant’s date of death, unless the Participant elects annual installments on the Participation Agreement (and to the extent any portion of the Participant’s Account is invested in Company Stock, it shall be paid in Company Stock, together with any cash dividends paid on the Company stock during the deferral period ). If a Participant dies following Separation from Service but prior to the receiving all payments under the Plan, the Participant’s Beneficiary shall be paid all remaining payments as a lump sum, less applicable withholdings, no later than 60 days after the Participant’s date of death.

3.4

Disability Benefit . If an Participant becomes Disabled while employed at the Company or the Bank, the Participant shall be entitled to receive payment of his entire Account, calculated at time of the Disability determination and paid in a lump sum, less applicable withholdings, within 60 days after the date of the Disability determination, unless the Participant elects annual installments on his Participation Agreement.


3.5	Code Section 409A . The Plan shall be interpreted to comply with or be exempt from Code Section 409A, and all provisions of the Plan shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A. With respect to amounts

deferred prior to January 1, 2018, each installment payment that is payable pursuant to this Plan is intended to constitute a “separate payment” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(ii). With respect to installment payments from the Plan attributable to amounts deferred on or after January 1, 2018, such payments will be treated as a “single payment” for purposes of the rules on subsequent deferral elections made in accordance with this Plan.

ARTICLE IV - ADMINISTRATION


4.1	Administrator’s Duties . This Plan shall be administered by the Administrator. The Administrator shall have the authority to make, amend, interpret, and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Plan and decide or resolve any and all questions, including interpretations of this Plan, as may arise.


4.2	Agents . The Administrator may, from time to time, employ other agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit, and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Company or the Bank.


4.3	Binding Effect of Decisions . The decision or action of the Administrator in respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation, and application of the Plan and the rules of regulations under this Plan shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Plan.


4.4	Indemnification . The Bank and the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless all individuals acting as the Administrator against any and all claims, loss, damage, expense, or liability arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

ARTICLE VI - CLAIMS PROCEDURE


5.1	Claim . Any person claiming a benefit, requesting an interpretation or ruling under the Plan, or requesting information under the Plan shall present the request in writing to the Administrator, which shall respond in writing within 30 days.


5.2	Denial of Claim . If the claim or request is denied, the written notice of denial shall state:

(a) The reasons for denial, with specific reference to the Plan provisions on which the denial is based.

(b) A description of any additional material or information required and an explanation of why it is necessary.

5.3


5.4	Final Decision . The decision on review shall normally be made within 60 days. If an extension of time is required for a hearing or other special circumstances, the claimant shall be notified and the

time limit shall be 120 days. The decision shall be in writing and shall state the reasons and the relevant Plan provisions.

5.5

Arbitration . If a claimant continues to dispute the benefit denial based upon completed performance of this Plan and the Participation Agreement or the meaning and effect of the terms and conditions of them, then the claimant may submit the dispute to mediation, administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) (or a mediator selected by the parties) in accordance with the AAA’s Commercial Mediation Rules. If mediation is not successful in resolving the dispute, it shall be settled by arbitration administered by the AAA under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF PLAN


6.1	Amendment . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, the Board reserves the exclusive right to freeze or to amend this Plan at any time, provided that no amendment to the Plan shall decrease or restrict any amount accrued prior to the amendment date.


6.2	Complete Termination . Subject to the requirements of Code Section 409A, in the event of complete termination of the Plan, the Plan shall cease to operate and the Bank shall pay out to each Participant his or her entire Account as of the date of termination of the Plan. A complete termination of the Plan shall occur only under the following circumstances and conditions:

(a) The Board may terminate the Plan within 12 months of a corporate dissolution taxed under Code Section 331, or with approval of a bankruptcy court pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §503(b)(1)(A), provided that the amounts deferred under the Plan are included in the Participant’s gross income in the latest of: (i) the calendar year in which the Plan terminates; (ii) the calendar year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first calendar year in which the payment is administratively practicable.

(b) The Board may terminate the Plan by irrevocable action within the 30 days preceding, or 12 months following, a Change in Control, provided that the Plan shall only be treated as terminated if all substantially similar arrangements sponsored by the Company and the Bank are terminated so that the Participant and all participants under substantially similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts of compensation deferred under the terminated arrangements within 12 months of the date of the irrevocable termination of the arrangements.

(c) The Board may terminate the Plan provided that: (i) the termination and liquidation does not occur proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Company or the Bank; (ii) all arrangements sponsored by the Company or the Bank that would be aggregated with this Plan under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(c) if the Participants covered by this Plan were also covered by any of those other arrangements are also terminated; (iii) no payments other than payments that would be payable under the terms of the arrangement if the termination had not occurred are made within 12 months of the termination of the arrangement; (iv) all payments are made within 24 months of the termination of the arrangements; and (v) the Company and the Bank do not adopt a new arrangement that would be aggregated with any terminated arrangement under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(c) if the Participants participated in both arrangements, at any time within three years following the date of termination of the arrangement.

ARTICLE VII - MISCELLANEOUS

7.1

At no time shall any Participant be deemed to have any lien, right, title or interest in or to any specific investment or asset of the Company or the Bank. The rights of the Participants, any Beneficiary, or any other person claiming through the Participant under this Plan, shall be solely those of an unsecured general creditor of the Company and the Bank. The Participants, the Beneficiary, or any other person claiming through the Participant, shall only have the right to receive from the Company or the Bank those payments so specified under this Plan. Neither the Participants nor any Beneficiary under this Plan shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecate, mortgage, commute, modify or otherwise encumber in advance any benefits payable, nor shall any of said benefits be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance owed by the Participants or their Beneficiaries, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or otherwise.

7.2

7.3

Trust Fund . The Company or the Bank shall be responsible for the payment of all benefits provided under the Plan. At its discretion, the Company or the Bank may establish one or more rabbi trusts, with such trustees as the Board may approve, for the purpose of providing for the payment of such benefits. Such rabbi trust or trusts may be irrevocable, but the assets thereof shall be subject to the claims of the Company’s or the Bank’s creditors. To the extent any benefits provided under the Plan are actually paid from any such trust, the Company or the Bank shall have no further obligation with respect to them, but to the extent not so paid, such benefits shall remain the obligation of, and shall be paid by, the Company or the Bank.

7.4

Payment to Participant, Legal Representative or Beneficiary . Any payment to any Participant or the legal representative, Beneficiary, or to any guardian or committee appointed for the Participant or Beneficiary shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims hereunder against the Company or the Bank, which may require the Participant, legal representative, Beneficiary, guardian or committee, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release in a form as shall be determined by the Company or the Bank.


7.5	Nonassignability . Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, hypothecate or convey in advance of actual receipt any amounts, payable which are, and all rights to which are, expressly declared to be un-assignable and nontransferable. No part of the amounts payable shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure or sequestration

for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony, or separate maintenance owed by an Participant or any other person, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant’s or any other person’s bankruptcy or insolvency.


7.6	Validity . In case any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of this Plan, but this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal and invalid provision had never been included.


7.7	Notice . Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Administrator under the Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to the Administrator. Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of receipt.

7.8

Successors . The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Bank, and their successors and assigns. The term “successors” as used shall include any corporate or other business entity which shall, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the business and assets of the Company or the Bank, and successors of any such corporation or other business entity.

7.9

7.10


7.11	Required Provisions . Any payments made to the Participant pursuant to this Plan or otherwise are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. § 1828(k) and 12 C.F.R. Part 359 Golden Parachute and Indemnification Payments or any other rules and regulations promulgated under them.


7.12	Governing Law . The Plan is established under, and will be construed according to, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to the extent such laws are not preempted by federal law.

ARTICLE VIII - DEFINITIONS

The following words and phrases shall have the meanings below unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:


8.1	“Account” means the amount credited to a Participant, including any gains or losses thereon.


8.2	“Administrator” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.


8.3	“Bank” means Rockland Trust Company.


8.4	“Base Salary” means the base salary which a Participant is paid by the Company and/or the Bank.


8.5	“Base Salary Deferral Percentage” means a fixed percentage of a Participant’s Base Salary that a Participant elects to have contributed to the Participant’s Account for a particular Plan Year. The Base Salary Deferral Percentage shall be set forth in the Participant’s Participation Agreement under this Plan.

8.6

“Beneficiary” means the person or persons (and their heirs) designated as Beneficiary by the Participant to whom the deceased Participant’s benefits are payable. Such beneficiary designation shall be made on a form filed with the Plan Administrator. If no Beneficiary is so designated, then the Participant’s estate will be deemed the Beneficiary. The Participant shall make an initial designation of primary and secondary Beneficiaries upon execution of his or her Participation Agreement and shall have the right to change such designation, at any subsequent time, by submitting a form to the Administrator. Any Beneficiary designation made subsequent to execution of the Participation Agreement shall become effective only when receipt is acknowledged in writing by the Administrator.


8.7	“Benefit Payment Date” means each of the dates set forth in a Participant’s Participation Agreement


8.8	“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.


8.9	“Change in Control” means a change in ownership of the Company under paragraph (a) below, or a change in effective control of the Company under paragraph (b) below, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company under paragraph (c) below:

(a) Change in ownership of the Company. A change in ownership of the Company shall occur on the date that any one person or more than one person acting as a group acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with any stock already held, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company; or

(b) Change in the effective control of the Company. A change in the effective control of the Company shall occur on the date that either (i) any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; or (ii) a majority of members of the Company’s Board is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election; or

(c) Change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. There is no Change in Control event under this paragraph (c) when there is a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the transferring corporation immediately after the transfer.

For all purposes hereunder, the definition of Change in Control shall be construed to be consistent with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5), except to the extent modified herein.


8.10	“Claw Back Policy” means the Company’s Incentive Compensation Recovery Policy and/or any revisions to it that the Company may subsequently adopt.


8.11	“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.


8.12	“Company” means Independent Bank Corp.


8.13	“Company Stock” means Independent Bank Corp. common stock.

8.14


8.15	“ERISA” means the Employer Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.


8.16	“Incentive Compensation” means the Participant’s annual incentive compensation earned under a cash inventive plan which the Company or the Bank has adopted.

8.17

“Incentive Compensation Percentage” means a fixed percentage of an Participant’s Incentive Compensation that will be contributed to the Participant’s Account for a particular calendar year. The Incentive Compensation Percentage shall be set forth in the Participant’s Participation Agreement and shall apply only to that portion of the Participant’s Incentive Compensation that has not become readily ascertainable at the time of the Participant’s deferral election.


8.18	“Participant” means any officer who has been selected to participate in this Plan and has executed a Participation Agreement.


8.19	“Participation Agreement” means the agreement between Participant and the Company or the Bank which sets forth the particulars of Participant’s benefits under the Plan.


8.20	“Plan” means this Independent Bank Corp. and Rockland Trust Company Amended and Restated Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

8.21

“Separation from Service” means Participant’s death, retirement or other termination of employment with the Company or the Bank within the meaning of Code Section 409A. No Separation from Service shall be deemed to occur due to military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six months or, if longer, so long as Participant’s right to reemployment is provided by law or contract. If the leave exceeds six months and Participant’s right to reemployment is not provided by law or by contract, then Participant shall have a Separation from Service on the first date immediately following such six-month period.

Whether a Separation from Service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the employer and employee reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the employee would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) would permanently decrease to less than 50% of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding 36 months (or such lesser period of time in which Participant performed services for the Company or the Bank). The determination of whether an Participant has had a Separation from Service shall be made by applying the presumptions set forth in the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.

8.22

“Specified Employee” means a “Key Employee” as such term is defined in Code Section 416(i) without regard to paragraph 5 thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event a Participant is a Specified Employee and becomes entitled to a payment hereunder due to Separation from Service for any reason (other than death or Disability), the payments to the Participant shall not commence until the first day of the seventh month following such Separation from Service. Whether and the extent to which a person is a Specified Employee shall be determined on the “Specified Employee Determination Date” which shall be December 31 of each calendar year and shall be applicable commencing on the following April 1, in accordance with the rules set forth in the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.

INDEPENDENT BANK CORP

By: /s/Edward H. Seksay

Edward H. Seksay, General Counsel

ROCKLAND TRUST COMPANY

By: /s/Maria Harris

Maria Harris, Director of Human Resources

Exhibit 10.14

Agreement Form Revised 2-13-18

INDEPENDENT BANK CORP. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PERFORMANCE BASED RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Notification and Acceptance of Performance Based Restricted Stock Award

The Independent Bank Corp. 2005 Employee Stock Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”), permits the granting of Restricted Stock Awards to employees of Independent Bank Corp. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries who are expected to contribute to the Company’s future growth. The Company greatly appreciates your ongoing efforts, and believes that you will contribute to the Company’s future success. The Company is therefore extremely pleased to offer you the following Performance Based Restricted Stock Award:



Effective Date of Agreement	{GRANT DATE}
Employee Name And Residential Address:	{NAME} {ADDRESS}
Restricted Shares: Number of shares of common stock awarded subject to the terms and conditions of this Performance Based Restricted Stock Agreement	{SHARES GRANTED} shares of the Company’s common stock
Performance Period	{PERFORMANCE PERIOD}
Vesting Date	The earlier of: the date after the Performance Period on which the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee determines if the performance goal has been achieved; or, March 31, {YEAR AFTER END OF PERFORMANCE PERIOD}.
Vesting Period	Period of time from the Effective Date through the Vesting Date (or such earlier date that the Restricted Shares become vested or forfeited in accordance with the terms of the Agreement)

This Performance Based Restricted Stock Award is subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement set forth below (the “Agreement”). By clicking “ACCEPT” in the Certent software system you both accept this Performance Based Restricted Stock Award and acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Performance Based Restricted Stock Agreement

The Company agrees to issue to the employee named above (the “Employee”) the number of shares of the Company’s common stock (collectively, the “ Restricted Shares ” ) set forth above subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, as follows:

Section 1 . Issuance of Common Stock to Employee .

(a) Consideration . The Employee shall not be required to pay any consideration to the Company for the Restricted Shares.

right of survivorship), or shall direct the Company’s transfer agent to make entries in its records for the Restricted Shares that are equivalent to issuance of a certificate or certificates to the Employee. The Company shall cause the Restricted Shares to be deposited in escrow in accordance with this Agreement. The issuance of the Restricted Shares shall occur at the offices of the Company or at such other place and time as the parties may agree.

(c) Escrow . Upon issuance, the certificate(s) for the Restricted Shares shall be deposited by the Employee with the Company, the Company’s stock transfer agent, and/or the Company’s other agent, together with a stock power endorsed in blank to be held in escrow in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement for the Vesting Period. Alternatively, if actual certificates for the Restricted Shares are not issued the Company shall direct its stock transfer agent to make entries in its records for the Restricted Shares to reflect that they are being held in escrow for the Vesting Period. Prior to vesting, the Employee shall not be entitled to vote the Restricted Shares or to receive for the Restricted Shares any cash dividends paid by the Company to holders of its common stock The Restricted Shares shall (i) automatically revert to the Company for cancellation without any payment by the Company to the Employee in the event the Restricted Shares are forfeited in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or, (ii) subject to achievement of the performance goal set forth in this Agreement, be released to the Employee upon the lapse of the Vesting Period, when they are no longer Restricted Shares.

(d) Withholding Taxes . The Company shall have the right to deduct from payments of any kind otherwise due to the Employee from the Company or any of its subsidiaries any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld due to vesting of the Restricted Shares. The Employee may pay any taxes owed due to the vesting of the Restricted Shares in cash. The Employee may elect to satisfy withholding obligations, in whole or in part, (a) by directing the Company to retain vested Restricted Shares otherwise issuable to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement or (b) by delivering to the Company shares of the Company’s common stock already owned by the Employee. Any shares so delivered or retained shall have a fair market value that is at least equal to the withholding obligation. The fair market value of any shares used to satisfy a withholding obligation shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Plan as of the Vesting Date. The Employee may only satisfy a withholding obligation with shares of the Company’s common stock which are not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting, or other similar requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Reporting Person (as defined in the Plan), no election to use shares for the payment of withholding taxes shall be effective unless made in compliance with any applicable requirements of SEC Rule 16b-3 (unless it is intended that the transaction not qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3).

(e) Plan and Defined Terms . The issuance of the Restricted Shares pursuant to this Agreement is in all respects subject to the terms, conditions, and definitions of the Plan, which are incorporated in this Agreement by reference. The Employee accepts the Restricted Shares subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and agrees that all decisions under and interpretations of the Plan by the Board of Directors (or a Committee of the Board of Directors, if applicable) shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon the Employee and his or her permitted heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. Capitalized defined terms in this Agreement shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Plan unless they are specifically defined in this Agreement.

Section 1. Vesting .

(a) Vesting . Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 2 and in Section 4 below, the Restricted Shares shall vest on the Vesting Date subject to achievement of the performance goal described in Exhibit A to this Agreement and subject to the Employee’s continuous employment through the Vesting Date.

(b) Accelerated Vesting at Company’s Discretion . The Board of Directors (or a Committee of the Board of Directors, if applicable) may, in its sole and absolute discretion, accelerate the vesting of the Restricted Shares by providing a written notice of accelerated vesting to the Employee.

(c) Vesting In The Event of Death, Permanent and Total Disability, or Retirement . If, prior to the Vesting Date, the Employee dies or the employment of the Employee is terminated on the account of permanent and total disability as such term is defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or any successor provision thereto, or the employment of the Employee ceases as a result of the Employee’s retirement from the Company and/or its subsidiaries, the Restricted Shares shall vest in the Employee or his/her heirs on the Vesting Date in the number of shares equal to the total number of Restricted Shares earned under this Agreement based on achievement of the performance goal described in Exhibit A multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of days the Employee was employed by the Company during the Performance Period and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Performance Period, rounded to the nearest whole share. By way of example, if the Employee was continuously employed by the Company for two out of three years of the Performance Period, he would be entitled on the Vesting Date to vest in two-thirds of the amount of Restricted Shares earned based on achievement of the performance goal described in Exhibit A to this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the determination as to whether an Employee has ceased employment with the Company due to “retirement” shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

(d) Vesting In The Event of Termination Without Cause; Resignation for Good Reason . If prior to the Vesting Date, either (A) the Company terminates the Employee’s employment without Cause (as defined in Section 4(b)) or (B) the Employee resigns for Good Reason (as defined in Section 4(c)) from the Company, the Employee shall vest in the number of shares equal to the total number of Restricted Shares earned under this Agreement based on achievement of the performance goal described in Exhibit A multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of days the Employee was employed by the Company during the Performance Period and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Performance Period, rounded to the nearest whole share. By way of example, if the Employee was continuously employed by the Company for two out of three years of the Performance Period, he would be entitled on the Vesting Date to vest in two-thirds of the amount of Restricted Shares earned based on achievement of the performance goal described in Exhibit A to this Agreement.

(e) Accelerated Vesting In The Event of A Change In Control .

(i) If a “Change of Control” of the Company occurs prior to the Vesting Date the Employee shall fully and immediately vest in the Restricted Shares as of the effective date of the Change of Control without regard to performance achievement. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if, subsequent to the Effective Date and during the Vesting Period (A) any “Person,” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (other than the Company, any of its subsidiaries, or any trustee, fiduciary or other person or entity holding securities under any employee benefit plan or trust of the Company or any of its subsidiaries), together with all “affiliates” and “associates” (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) of such person, shall become the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50 percent or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s or the Rockland Trust Company’s (“Rockland”) then outstanding securities having the right to vote in an election of the Company’s Board of Directors (“Voting Securities”) (in such case other than as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company or Rockland); or (B) during any period of two (2) consecutive years following the date hereof, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease, at any time during such two (2) year period, for any reason, including, without limitation, as a result of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or similar transaction, to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director of the Company subsequent to the beginning of any such two (2) year period shall be considered an Incumbent Director if such person’s election was approved by or such person was nominated for election by either (x) a vote of at

least a majority of the Incumbent Directors or (y) a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors who are members of a nominating committee comprised, in the majority, of Incumbent Directors; but provided further , that any such person whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of members of the Board of Directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board, including by reason of agreement intended to avoid or settle any such actual or threatened contest or solicitation, shall not be considered an Incumbent Director; or (C) the consummation of a consolidation, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Corporate Transaction”); excluding, however, a Corporate Transaction in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the Corporate Transaction, would, immediately after the Corporate Transaction, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate more than 50 percent of the voting shares of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the Corporate Transaction (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any); or (D) the approval by the Company’s stockholders of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (A) of this Section 2(e)(i) solely as the result of an acquisition of securities by the Company that, by reducing the number of shares of Voting Securities outstanding, increases the proportionate number of shares of Voting Securities beneficially owned by any person to 50 percent or more of the combined voting power of all then outstanding Voting Securities; provided , however , that if any person referred to in this sentence shall thereafter become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting Securities (other than pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction or as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company) and immediately thereafter beneficially owns 50 percent or more of the combined voting power of all then outstanding Voting Securities, then a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (A) of this Section 2(e)(i).

(ii) In the event any Restricted Shares would otherwise vest pursuant to Section 2(e) hereof and the Change of Control pursuant to which the Restricted Shares would vest is an event described in Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the Code, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, then in lieu of vesting, such Restricted Shares shall be cancelled and the Company shall pay the Employee therefor an amount equal to the fair market value (as defined in the Plan) of the shares of common stock as of the date of the Change of Control; provided, however, that such Change in Control must also satisfy the definition of “change in control” set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) for a payment to be made under this Section. Any payment hereunder shall be made to Employee in cash no more than thirty (30) days after the date of the Change in Control.

The Employee is party to an employment agreement with the Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. The Employee’s rights under that employment agreement are in addition to any rights conferred on the Employee by this Agreement.

Section 2. No Transfer or Assignment of Restricted Shares . The Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company (which may be withheld in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion), sell, dispose of, assign, encumber, pledge, gift or otherwise transfer any of the Restricted Shares prior to vesting, other than (a) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (as defined in SEC Rule 16b-3), (b) by will or the laws of intestacy.

Section 3. Forfeiture Of Employee Rights In Restricted Shares If Terminated For Cause or Upon Resignation Without Good Reason

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan to the contrary, the Employee’s rights to vest in the Restricted Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be forfeited if prior to

the Vesting Date the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company (including for purposes of this Section 4(a), any of the Company’s subsidiaries) for Cause, as defined below in Section 4(b) or if the Employee resigns from his/her employment for any reason other than for Good Reason, as defined below in Section 4(c), or retirement as determined in accordance with Section 2(c).

(b) Termination for “Cause” shall mean the Company’s termination of the Employee’s service with the Company at any time because the Employee has: (A) refused or failed, in any material respect (other than due to illness, injury or absence authorized by the Company or required by law) to devote his/her full normal working time, skills, knowledge, and abilities to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and in promotion of their respective interests pursuant to the Employee’s employment agreement; or (B) engaged in (1) activities involving his/her personal profit as a result of his/her dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation or breach of fiduciary duty, or (2) dishonest activities involving the Employee’s relations with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates or any of their respective employees, customers or suppliers; or (C) committed larceny, embezzlement, conversion or any other act involving the misappropriation of Company or customer funds in the course of his/her employment; or (D) been convicted of any crime or committed any act abhorrent to the community which reasonably could affect in a materially adverse manner the reputation of the Company or its subsidiaries and affiliates the Company or the Employee’s ability to perform the duties required under the Employee’s employment agreement; or (E) committed an act involving gross negligence on the part of the Employee in the conduct of his/her duties under the Employee’s employment agreement; or (F) evidenced a drug addiction or dependency; or (G) materially breached the Employee’s employment agreement; provided , however , that, in the case of any termination pursuant to clauses (A), (E),(F) or (G) above, the Company shall give the Employee thirty (30) business days’ written notice thereof, an opportunity to cure within such thirty (30) day period, and a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the Board to show just cause for his/her actions, and to have the Compensation Committee of the Board, in its discretion, reverse or rescind the prior action of the Board under the clause(s).

(c) Resignation for “Good Reason” shall mean the resignation of the Employee after (A) the Company or its subsidiaries without the express written consent of the Employee, materially breaches any terms of any written employment agreement he/she has with the Company to the substantial detriment of the Employee; or (B) the Board, without Cause (as defined in Section 4(b) above), substantially changes the Employee’s core duties or removes the Employee’s responsibility for those core duties, so as to effectively cause the Employee to no longer be performing the duties of Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and its subsidiaries; or (C) the Board, without Cause (as defined in Section 4(b) above), places another executive above the Employee in the Company or its subsidiaries; provided , however , that, in the case of resignation pursuant to this subsection (c), the Employee shall give the Company thirty (30) business days’ written notice thereof and, during such thirty-day period, an opportunity to cure.

Section 4. Miscellaneous Provisions .

(a) No Retention Rights . Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Employee any right to continue to serve as an employee of the Company or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall interfere with or otherwise restrict the rights of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or of the Employee to terminate the Employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

Claw Back Policy that the Company may subsequently adopt; and, that if the Claw Back Policy is triggered the Company has the right to cancel any Restricted Shares awarded to the Employee under this Agreement if still owned by the Employee or, if the Restricted Shares are no longer owned by the Employee or the Company is otherwise unable to cancel the Shares, to recover from the Employee the value as of the Vesting Date of the Restricted Shares as and to the extent required under the Claw Back Policy.

(c) Notice . Any notice required by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effective upon (i) personal delivery, (ii) deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier or (iii) deposit with the United States Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid. Notice shall be addressed to the Company at 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370 or at its then principal executive office address if different, with simultaneous copies to the Human Resources Department and General Counsel of the Company, and to the Employee at the residential address set forth above or to the residential address that the Employee has most recently provided to the Company in writing if different.

(d) Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any other agreements, representations, or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which relate to the subject matter hereof.

(e) Choice of Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to its choice of law principles.

(f) Remedies . The Employee agrees that the Company will be irreparably damaged if this Agreement is not specifically enforced. Upon a breach or threatened breach of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement by the Employee, the Company shall, in addition to all other remedies available, be entitled to a temporary or permanent injunction or other equitable relief against the Employee, without showing any actual damage, and/or a decree for specific enforcement in accordance with the provisions hereof

(g) Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable or illegal, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

(h) Amendments; Waivers . This Agreement may only be amended or modified in a writing signed by the Employee and the Company. No party shall be deemed to waive any rights hereunder unless the waiver is in writing and signed by the party waiving rights. A waiver in writing on one or more occasions shall not be deemed to be a waiver for any future occasions.

(i) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(j) Section 83(b) Tax Election . The acquisition of the Restricted Shares may result in adverse tax consequences that may be avoided or mitigated by the Employee’s filing of an election under Section 83(b) of the Code. Under Section 83 of the Code, the fair market value of the Restricted Shares on the date that any Forfeiture Restrictions applicable to the Restricted Shares lapse will be reportable as ordinary income of the Employee. The term “Forfeiture Restrictions” means, for purposes of this Agreement, the lapse of the Vesting Period. The Employee may elect under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed at the time the Restricted Shares are acquired by the Employee, rather than when such Restricted Shares cease to be subject to Forfeiture Restrictions. A Section 83(b) election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date.

The form for making a Section 83(b) election is available to be printed from the Equity Administration Solutions, Inc. software system. The Employee understands that a failure to make a

Section 83(b) election within the thirty (30) day period will result in the recognition of ordinary income when the Forfeiture Restrictions lapse.

The Employee should consult with his or her tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of acquiring the Restricted Shares and the potential advantages and potential disadvantages of filing the Section 83(b) election. The Employee acknowledges that it is his or her sole responsibility, and not that of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to file a timely election under Section 83(b).

EXHIBIT A to

PERFORMANCE BASED RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Performance Goal: Return On Average Tangible Common Equity

The Restricted Shares will be subject to vesting on the Vesting Date if the following levels of Return On Average Tangible Common Equity as measured against the companies in the Peer Group during the Performance Period are achieved:


•	Threshold Performance: 25% of the Restricted Shares will vest if the Company’s Return On Average Tangible Common Equity is equal to the 25 ^th percentile of the Peer Group. If Threshold Performance is not achieved, the Employee shall not vest in any Restricted Shares.


•	Median Performance: 50% of the Restricted Shares will vest if the Company’s Return On Average Tangible Common Equity is equal to the 50 ^th percentile of the Peer Group.


•	Maximum Performance: 100% of the Restricted Shares will vest if the Company’s Return On Average Tangible Common Equity is equal to or exceeds the 75 ^th percentile of the Peer Group.

If Return On Average Tangible Common Equity exceeds Threshold Performance but does not equal or exceed Median Performance, the Employee shall vest in an amount of Restricted Shares on the Vesting Date determined by linear interpolation on a straight-line basis rounded to the nearest whole share between Threshold Performance and Median Performance. If Return On Average Tangible Common Equity exceeds Median Performance but does not equal or exceed Maximum Performance, the Employee shall vest in an amount of Restricted Shares on the Vesting Date determined by linear interpolation on a straight-line basis rounded to the nearest whole share between Median Performance and Maximum Performance.

Required Pre-Condition for Vesting of Restricted Shares: The Employee shall not vest in any of the Restricted Shares if the Tangible Book Value per share of the Company measured as of the last day of the Performance Period does not exceed the Tangible Book Value per share of the Company measured as of the first day of the Performance Period.

Definitions :

Capitalized terms in Exhibit A are either already defined in the Agreement or have the definition provided below:

first year of the Performance Period. If a Peer Group company is acquired by or merged with another Peer Group company, the performance of the surviving company is tracked for the remainder of the Performance Period. If a Peer Group company is acquired by a non-Peer Group company, the acquired company is disregarded. A Peer Group company which becomes bankrupt or insolvent during the Performance Period shall be deemed to have Return On Average Tangible Common Equity of negative 100%. The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may adjust the Peer Group if it determines that the Peer Group is of insufficient size for comparison to the Company due to mergers, acquisitions, or other events involving Peer Group companies during the Performance Period.

“Return On Average Tangible Common Equity” shall mean net income, adjusted for tax-affected amortization of intangibles, as a percent of average tangible common equity for the Performance Period. The Compensation Committee will determine Return On Average Tangible Common Equity for the Company and the Peer Group using data reported by SNL Financial LC or such other information which the Compensation Committee determines to be appropriate.

“Tangible Book Value per share” shall mean the total equity of the Company, less good will and any other intangibles, divided by the number of outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.

Exhibit 10.15

Agreement Form Revised 2-13-18

INDEPENDENT BANK CORP. EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PERFORMANCE BASED RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Notification and Acceptance of Performance Based Restricted Stock Award

The Company greatly appreciates your ongoing efforts, and believes that you will contribute to the Company’s future success. The Company is therefore extremely pleased to offer you the following Performance Based Restricted Stock Award:



Effective Date of Agreement	[[GRANTDATE]]
Employee Name And Residential Address:	[[FIRSTNAME]] [[LASTNAME]] [[RESADDR1]] [[RESCITY]], [[RESSTATEORPROV]] [[RESPOSTALCODE]]
Restricted Shares: Number of shares of common stock awarded subject to the terms and conditions of this Performance Based Restricted Stock Agreement	[[SHARESGRANTED]] shares of the Company’s common stock.
Performance Period:	{PERFORMANCE PERIOD}
Vesting Date:	The earlier of: the date after the Performance Period on which the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee determines if the performance goal has been achieved; or, March 31, { YEAR AFTER END OF PEFORMANCE PERIOD}.
Vesting Period:	Period of time from the Effective Date through the Vesting Date (or such earlier date that the Restricted Shares become vested or forfeited in accordance with the terms of the Agreement)

Performance Based Restricted Stock Agreement

Section 1 . Issuance of Common Stock to Employee .

(a) Consideration . The Employee shall not be required to pay any consideration to the Company for the Restricted Shares.

(b) Issuance of Shares . After receiving a signed original of this Agreement back from the Employee the Company shall act with reasonable speed to either cause to be issued a certificate or certificates for the Restricted Shares, which shall be registered in the name of the Employee (or in the names of Employee and the Employee’s spouse as community property or as joint tenants with right of survivorship), or shall direct the Company’s transfer agent to make entries in its records for the Restricted Shares that are equivalent to issuance of a certificate or certificates to the Employee. The Company shall cause the Restricted Shares to be deposited in escrow in accordance with this Agreement. The issuance of the Restricted Shares shall occur at the offices of the Company or at such other place and time as the parties may agree.

(d) Withholding Taxes . The Company shall have the right to deduct from payments of any kind otherwise due to the Employee from the Company or any of its subsidiaries any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld due to vesting of the Restricted Shares. The Employee may pay any taxes owed due to the vesting of the Restricted Shares in cash. The Employee may also elect to satisfy withholding obligations, in whole or in part, (a) by directing the Company to retain vested Restricted Shares otherwise issuable to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement or (b) by delivering to the Company shares of the Company’s common stock already owned by the Employee. Any shares so delivered or retained shall have a fair market value that is at least equal to the withholding obligation. The fair market value of any shares used to satisfy a withholding obligation shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Plan as of the Vesting Date. The Employee may only satisfy a withholding obligation with shares of the Company’s common stock which are not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting, or other similar requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Reporting Person (as defined in the Plan), no election to use shares for the payment of withholding taxes shall be effective unless made in compliance with any applicable requirements of SEC Rule 16b-3 (unless it is intended that the transaction not qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3).

Section 1. Vesting .

(c) Vesting In The Event of Death, Permanent and Total Disability, or Retirement . If, prior to the Vesting Date, the Employee dies or the employment of the Employee is terminated on the account of permanent and total disability as such term is defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or any successor provision thereto, or the employment of the Employee ceases as a result of the Employee’s retirement from the Company and/or its subsidiaries, the Restricted Shares shall vest in the Employee or his/her heirs or estate on the Vesting Date in the number of shares equal to the total number of Restricted Shares earned under this Agreement based on achievement of the performance goal described in Exhibit A multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the total number of days the Employee was employed by the Company during the Performance Period and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Performance Period, rounded to the nearest whole share. By way of example, if the Employee was continuously employed by the Company for two out of three years of the Performance Period, he would be entitled on the Vesting Date to vest in two-thirds of the amount of Restricted Shares earned based on achievement of the performance goal described in Exhibit A to this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the determination as to whether an Employee has ceased employment with the Company due to “retirement” shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

(e) Accelerated Vesting In The Event of A Change In Control .

Board of Directors of the Company, unless the election of each new director was nominated or approved by at least two thirds of the directors of the Board then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such two year period or whose election or whose nomination for election was previously so approved.

The Employee is party to an employment agreement with the Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. The Employee’s rights under this Agreement are in addition to the rights under, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the employment agreement.

Section 3. Forfeiture Of Employee Rights In Restricted Shares If Terminated For Cause or Upon Resignation Without Good Reason .

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan to the contrary, the Employee’s rights to vest in the Restricted Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be forfeited if prior to the Vesting Date the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company (including for purposes of this Section 4(a), any of the Company’s subsidiaries) for Cause, as defined below in Section 4(b) or if the Employee resigns from his/her employment for any reason other than for Good Reason, as defined below in Section 4(c), or retirement as determined in accordance with Section 2(c).

(b) Termination for “Cause” shall mean the Company’s termination of the Employee’s service with the Company at any time because the Employee has: (A) refused or failed, in any material respect, to devote his/her full normal working time, skills, knowledge, and abilities to the business of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and in promotion of their respective interests pursuant to the Employee’s employment agreement; or (B) engaged in (1) activities involving his/her personal profit as a result of his/her dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation or breach of fiduciary duty, or (2) dishonest activities involving the Employee’s relations with the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates or any of their respective employees, customers or suppliers; or (C) committed larceny, embezzlement, conversion or any other act involving the misappropriation of Company or customer funds in the course of his/her employment; or (D) been convicted of any crime which reasonably could affect in a materially adverse manner the reputation of the Company or the Employee’s ability to perform the duties required of him/her under the Employee’s employment agreement; or (E) committed an act involving gross negligence on the part of the Employee in the conduct of his/her duties under the Employee’s employment agreement; or (F) evidenced a drug addiction or dependency; or (G) materially breached the terms of any written employment agreement he/she has with the Company; provided , however , that, the Company shall give the Employee thirty (30) business days’ written notice thereof during which period the Employee, and the Company shall give the Employee an opportunity to cure within such thirty-day period, and a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the Compensation Committee of the Board to show just cause for his/her actions, and to have the Compensation Committee of the Board, in its discretion, reverse or rescind the prior action of the Company under the clause(s).

(c) Resignation for “Good Reason” shall mean the resignation of the Employee after (A) the Company or its subsidiaries, without the express written consent of the Employee, materially breaches any terms of any written employment agreement he/she has with the Company to the substantial detriment of the Employee; or (B) the Board or the President and Chief Executive Officer, without Cause (as defined in Section 4(b) above), substantially changes the Employee’s core duties or removes the Employee’s responsibility for those core duties, so as to effectively cause the Employee to no longer be performing the duties of an Employee in the capacity for which the Employee was hired; provided , however , that, in the case of resignation pursuant to this subsection (c), the Employee shall give the Company thirty (30) business days’ written notice thereof and, during such thirty day period, an opportunity to cure. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, any reduction in the Employee’s base salary other than a prorated reduction for part time work shall be deemed a material breach of the Employee’s employment agreement. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, a termination by the Employee for any reason during the 30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of the effective date of a Change of Control shall be deemed to be a resignation for Good Reason for all purposes hereof.

Section 4. Miscellaneous Provisions .

(b) Claw Back Provision . The Employee understands and acknowledges that: the award of Restricted Shares pursuant to this Agreement is expressly subject to the Company’s Incentive Compensation Recovery Policy (the “Claw Back Policy”) and/or any revisions or amendments of the Claw Back Policy that the Company may subsequently adopt; and, that if the Claw Back Policy is triggered the Company has the right to cancel any Restricted Shares awarded to the Employee under this Agreement if still owned by the Employee or, if the Restricted Shares are no longer owned by the Employee or the Company is otherwise unable to cancel the Shares, to recover from the Employee the value as of the Vesting Date of the Restricted Shares as and to the extent required under the Claw Back Policy.

(e) Choice of Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to its choice of law principles.

Employee, without showing any actual damage, and/or a decree for specific enforcement in accordance with the provisions hereof.

(g) Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable or illegal, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

(i) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

The form for making a Section 83(b) election is available to be printed from the Equity Administration Solutions, Inc. software system. The Employee understands that a failure to make a Section 83(b) election within the thirty (30) day period will result in the recognition of ordinary income when the Forfeiture Restrictions lapse.

EXHIBIT A to

PERFORMANCE BASED RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Performance Goal: Return On Average Tangible Common Equity


•	Threshold Performance: 25% of the Restricted Shares will vest if the Company’s Return On Average Tangible Common Equity is equal to the 25 ^th percentile of the Peer Group. If Threshold Performance is not achieved, the Employee shall not vest in any Restricted Shares.


•	Median Performance: 50% of the Restricted Shares will vest if the Company’s Return On Average Tangible Common Equity is equal to the 50 ^th percentile of the Peer Group.


•	Maximum Performance: 100% of the Restricted Shares will vest if the Company’s Return On Average Tangible Common Equity is equal to or exceeds the 75 ^th percentile of the Peer Group.

Definitions :

Capitalized terms in Exhibit A are either already defined in the Agreement or have the definition provided below:

“Peer Group” shall mean the companies identified as the Company’s peers in the Company’s Proxy Statement delivered to shareholders in connection with its annual meeting of shareholders held during the first year of the Performance Period. If a Peer Group company is acquired by or merged with another Peer Group company, the performance of the surviving company is tracked for the remainder of the Performance Period. If a Peer Group company is acquired by a non-Peer Group company, the acquired company is disregarded. A Peer Group company which becomes bankrupt or insolvent during the Performance Period shall be deemed to have Return On Average Tangible Common Equity of negative 100%. The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may adjust the Peer Group if it determines that the Peer Group is of insufficient size for comparison to the Company due to mergers, acquisitions, or other events involving Peer Group companies during the Performance Period.

“Tangible Book Value per share” shall mean the total equity of the Company, less good will and any other intangibles, divided by the number of outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.

Exhibit 10.16

Agreement Form Revised 2-13-18

INDEPENDENT BANK CORP. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

TIME VESTING RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Notification and Acceptance of Restricted Stock Award

The Independent Bank Corp. Second Amended and Restated 2005 Employee Stock Plan (the “Plan”) permits the granting of Restricted Stock Awards to employees of Independent Bank Corp. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries who are expected to contribute to the Company’s future growth.



Effective Date of Restricted Stock Agreement	{GRANT DATE}
Employee Name And Residential Address:	{NAME} {ADDRESS}
Number of shares of common stock granted in this Restricted Stock Award:	{SHARES GRANTED} shares of the Company’s common stock.
Vesting Period:	Five years, with 20% of the Restricted Stock Award vesting on each anniversary of the Effective Date. Please see Section 2 below for more information about vesting.
Vesting Schedule:	DateShares Vested {VESTING SCHEDULE}

This Restricted Stock Award is subject to the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Agreement set forth below (the “Agreement”). By clicking “ACCEPT” in the Certent software system you both accept this Restricted Stock Award and acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement set forth below.

Restricted Stock Agreement

Section 1 . Issuance of Common Stock to Employee .


(a)	Consideration . The Employee shall not be required to pay any consideration to the Company for the Restricted Shares.


(b)	Issuance of Shares . After receiving a signed original of this Agreement back from the Employee the Company shall act with reasonable speed to either cause to be issued a certificate or certificates for the Restricted Shares, which certificate or certificates shall be registered in the name of the Employee (or in the names of Employee and the Employee’s spouse as community property or as

joint tenants with right of survivorship), or shall direct the Company’s transfer agent to make entries in its records for the Restricted Shares that are equivalent to issuance of a certificate or certificates to the Employee. The Company shall cause the Restricted Shares to be deposited in escrow in accordance with this Agreement. The issuance of the Restricted Shares shall occur at the offices of the Company or at such other place and time as the parties hereto may agree.

(c)

Withholding Taxes . The Company shall have the right to deduct from payments of any kind otherwise due to the Employee from the Company or any of its subsidiaries any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld due to the vesting of the Restricted Shares. The Employee may pay any taxes owed due to the vesting of the Restricted Shares in cash. Subject to the prior approval of the Company, which may be withheld by the Company in its sole discretion, the Employee may also elect to satisfy withholding obligations, in whole or in part, (a) by directing the Company to retain vested Restricted Shares otherwise issuable to the Employee pursuant to this Agreement or (b) by delivering to the Company shares of the Company’s common stock already owned by the Employee. Any shares so delivered or retained shall have a fair market value that is at least equal to the withholding obligation. The fair market value of any shares used to satisfy a withholding obligation shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Plan as of the date of the vesting of the Restricted Shares. The Employee may only satisfy a withholding obligation with shares of the Company’s common stock which are not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting, or other similar requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Reporting Person (as defined in the Plan), no election to use shares for the payment of withholding taxes shall be effective unless made in compliance with any applicable requirements of SEC Rule 16b-3 (unless it is intended that the transaction not qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3).

(d)

Plan and Defined Terms . The issuance of the Restricted Shares pursuant to this Agreement is in all respects subject to the terms, conditions, and definitions of the Plan, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The Employee accepts the Restricted Shares subject to all the terms and provisions of the Plan and agrees that all decisions under and interpretations of the Plan by the Board of Directors (or a Committee of the Board of Directors, if applicable) shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon the Employee and his permitted heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. Capitalized defined terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Plan, unless such terms are otherwise specifically defined in this Agreement.

Section 2. Vesting Period and Acceleration

(a) Vesting Period . The Restricted Shares shall vest over the period and pursuant to the schedule set forth on the first page of this Agreement (the “Vesting Period”).

(b) Accelerated Vesting at Company’s Discretion . The Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, accelerate the vesting of the Restricted Shares by providing a written notice of accelerated vesting to the Employee.

(c) Vesting In The Event of Death, Permanent and Total Disability, or Retirement . If, prior to the end of the Vesting Period, the Employee dies or the employment of the Employee is terminated on the account of permanent and total disability as such term is defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or any successor provision, or the employment of the Employee ceases as a result of the Employee’s retirement from the Company and/or its subsidiaries, any unvested Restricted Shares shall vest in the Employee or his/her heirs in the number of shares equal to the amount of unvested Restricted Shares which were to vest during the year of the Vesting Period in which death, permanent and total disability, or retirement occurs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days the Employee was employed by the Company during that year of the Vesting Period and the denominator of which is 365, rounded to the nearest

whole share. The Employee shall forfeit any unvested Restricted Shares scheduled to vest in subsequent years of the Vesting Period. By way of example, if the Employee was employed by the Company for 73 days during the year of the Vesting Period, the Employee would be entitled to vest in (73 divided by 365 = twenty percent (20%)) of the amount of Restricted Shares which were to vest during that year. For purposes of this Agreement, the determination as to whether an Employee ceased employment with the Company due to “retirement” shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

(d) Vesting In The Event of Termination Without Cause; Resignation for Good Reason . If during the Vesting Period either (A) the Company terminates the Employee’s employment without Cause (as such term is defined in Section 4(a)(ii) of this Agreement) or (B) the Employee resigns for Good Reason (as such term is defined in Section 4(a)(iii) of this Agreement) from the Company, any unvested Restricted Shares shall vest in the Employee in the number of shares equal to the amount of unvested Restricted Shares which were to vest during the year of the Vesting Period in the termination of employment occurs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days the Employee was employed by the Company during that year of the Vesting Period and the denominator of which is 365, rounded to the nearest whole share. The Employee shall forfeit any unvested Restricted Shares scheduled to vest in subsequent years of the Vesting Period. By way of example, if the Employee was employed by the Company for 73 days during the year of the Vesting Period, the Employee would be entitled to vest in (73 divided by 365 = twenty percent (20%)) of the amount of Restricted Shares which were to vest during that year.


(e)	Accelerated Vesting In The Event of A Change Of Control .

(i)

The Restricted Shares shall immediately and fully vest if a “Change of Control” of the Company occurs. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if, subsequent to the Effective Date and during the Vesting Period (A) any “Person,” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (other than the Company, any of its subsidiaries, or any trustee, fiduciary or other person or entity holding securities under any employee benefit plan or trust of the Company or any of its subsidiaries), together with all “affiliates” and “associates” (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) of such person, shall become the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50 percent or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s or the Rockland Trust Company’s (“Rockland”) then outstanding securities having the right to vote in an election of the Company’s Board of Directors (“Voting Securities”) (in such case other than as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company or Rockland); or (B) during any period of two (2) consecutive years following the date hereof, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease, at any time during such two (2) year period, for any reason, including, without limitation, as a result of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or similar transaction, to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director of the Company subsequent to the beginning of any such two (2) year period shall be considered an Incumbent Director if such person’s election was approved by or such person was nominated for election by either (x) a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors or (y) a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors who are members of a nominating committee comprised, in the majority, of Incumbent Directors; but provided further , that any such person whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of members of the Board of Directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board, including by reason of agreement intended to avoid or settle any such actual or threatened contest or solicitation,

shall not be considered an Incumbent Director; or (C) the consummation of a consolidation, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Corporate Transaction”); excluding, however, a Corporate Transaction in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the Corporate Transaction, would, immediately after the Corporate Transaction, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate more than 50 percent of the voting shares of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the Corporate Transaction (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any); or (D) the approval by the Company’s stockholders of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (A) of this Section 2(e)(i) solely as the result of an acquisition of securities by the Company that, by reducing the number of shares of Voting Securities outstanding, increases the proportionate number of shares of Voting Securities beneficially owned by any person to 50 percent or more of the combined voting power of all then outstanding Voting Securities; provided , however , that if any person referred to in this sentence shall thereafter become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting Securities (other than pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction or as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company) and immediately thereafter beneficially owns 50 percent or more of the combined voting power of all then outstanding Voting Securities, then a “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (A) of this Section 2(e)(i).

(ii)

In the event any Restricted Shares would otherwise vest pursuant to Section 2(e) hereof and the Change of Control pursuant to which the Restricted Shares would vest is an event described in Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, then in lieu of vesting, such Restricted Shares shall be canceled and the Company shall pay the Employee therefor an amount equal to the fair market value (as defined in the Plan) of the shares of Common Stock as of the date of the Change of Control; provided, however, that such Change of Control must also satisfy the definition of “change in control” set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) for a payment to be made under this Section. Any payment hereunder shall be made to Employee in cash no more than thirty (30) days after the date of the Change of Control.

Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any compensation, payment or distribution to or for the benefit of Employee, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (the “Payments”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by Employee with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then Employee shall be entitled to receive an additional payment ( a “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount retained by Employee, after deduction of any Excise Tax on the Payments, any federal, state, and local income tax, employment tax and Excise Tax upon the payment provided by this subsection, and any interest and/or penalties assessed with respect to such Excise Tax, shall be equal to the Payments; provided, however, that, in order to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(v), any Gross-Up Payment shall be paid in a cash lump sum to the Employee no later than the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which the Employee remits the applicable taxes to the appropriate taxing authority.

(iii)

Subject to the provisions of Section 2(e)(iv), all determinations required to be made under this Section 2(e)(iii), including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, shall be made by the Company’s independent auditors or any nationally recognized accounting firm selected by the Company (the “Accounting Firm”), which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Employee within fifteen (15) business days of the date of termination, if applicable, or at such earlier time as is reasonably requested by the Company or Employee. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Employee shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation applicable to individuals for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rates of individual taxation in the state and locality of Employee’s residence on the date of termination, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes. The initial Gross-Up Payment, if any, as determined pursuant to this Section 2(e)(iii), shall be paid to Employee within five (5) days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s determination; provided, however, that, in order to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(v), any Gross-Up Payment shall be paid in a cash lump sum to the Employee no later than the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which the Employee remits the applicable taxes to the appropriate taxing authority. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Employee, the Accounting Firm shall be required to (A) conclude that either (i) there has not occurred a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company (as such terms are defined in Section 280G of the Code) or (ii) no portion of the Payments constitutes “parachute payments” (within the meaning of said Section 280G), in either case on the basis of “substantial authority” (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. § 1.6661-3), and (B) provide an opinion to that effect to both the Company and Employee, including the reasons therefore and an opinion that Employee has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his federal tax return. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and Employee. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made should have been made (an “Underpayment”). In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 2(e)(iv) and Employee thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred, consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder, and any such Underpayment, and any interest and penalties imposed on the Underpayment and required to be paid by Employee in connection with the proceedings described in Section 2(e)(iv), shall be paid to Employee within five (5) days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s determination; provided, however, that, in order to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(v), any Gross-Up Payment shall be paid in a cash lump sum to the Employee no later than the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which the Employee remits the applicable taxes to the appropriate taxing authority.

(iv)

Employee shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after Employee knows of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. Employee shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect

to such claim is due). If the Company notifies Employee in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, provided that the Company has set aside adequate reserves to cover the Underpayment and any interest and penalties thereon that may accrue, Employee shall: (A) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim, (B) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney selected by the Company, (C) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order to effectively contest such claim, and (D) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim; provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 2(e)(iv), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim. Furthermore, the Company’s control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and Employee shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issues raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

Section 3. No Transfer or Assignment of Restricted Shares . The Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company (which may be withheld in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion), sell, dispose of, assign, encumber, pledge, gift or otherwise transfer any of the Restricted Shares prior to vesting, other than (a) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (as defined in SEC Rule 16b-3) or (b) by will or the laws of intestacy.

Section 4. Forfeiture .

(a) Termination of Employment .

(i)

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan to the contrary, there will be an automatic and immediate forfeiture of Restricted Shares that have not yet vested at the time the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company (including for purposes of this Section 4(a), any of the Company’s subsidiaries) for Cause, as defined below in Section 4(a)(ii), or if the Employee resigns from his employment for any reason other than for Good Reason, as defined below in Section 4(a)(iii).

(ii) Termination for “Cause” shall mean the Company’s termination of the Employee’s service with the Company at any time because the Employee has: (A) refused or failed, in any material respect (other than due to illness, injury or absence authorized by the Company or required by law), to devote his full normal working time, skills, knowledge, and abilities to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and in promotion of their respective interests pursuant to the Employee’s employment agreement; or (B) engaged in (1) activities involving his personal profit as a result of his dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation or breach of fiduciary duty, or (2) dishonest activities involving the Employee’s relations with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates or any of their respective employees, customers or suppliers; or (C) committed larceny, embezzlement, conversion or any other act involving the misappropriation of Company or customer funds in the course of his employment; or (D) been convicted of any

crime or committed any act abhorrent to the community which reasonably could affect in a materially adverse manner the reputation of the Company or its subsidiaries and affiliates, the Company or the Employee’s ability to perform the duties required of him under his employment agreement; or (E) committed an act involving gross negligence on the part of the Employee in the conduct of his duties under the Employee’s employment agreement; or (F) evidenced a drug addiction or dependency; or (G) materially breached the Employee’s employment agreement; provided, however, that, in the case of any termination pursuant to clauses (A), (E),(F) or (G) above, the Company shall give the Employee thirty (30) business days’ written notice thereof, an opportunity to cure within such thirty (30) day period, and a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the Board to show just cause for his actions, and to have the Compensation Committee of the Board, in its discretion, reverse or rescind the prior action of the Board under the clause(s).

(iii)Resignation for “Good Reason” shall mean the resignation of the Employee after (A) the Company or its subsidiaries without the express written consent of the Employee, materially breaches any terms of any written employment agreement he has with the Company to the substantial detriment of the Employee; or (B) the Board, without Cause (as defined in Section 4(a)(ii) above), substantially changes the Employee’s core duties or removes the Employee’s responsibility for those core duties, so as to effectively cause the Employee to no longer be performing the duties of Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and its subsidiaries; or (C) the Board, without Cause (as defined in Section 4(a)(ii) above), places another executive above the Employee in the Company or its subsidiaries; or (D) a Change of Control (as defined above) shall have occurred; provided, however, that, in the case of resignation pursuant to this subsection (iii), the Employee shall give the Company thirty (30) business days’ written notice thereof and, during such thirty-day period, an opportunity to cure.

(b) Escrow . Upon issuance, the certificate(s) for the Restricted Shares shall be deposited by the Employee with the Company, the Company’s stock transfer agent, and/or the Company’s other agent, together with a stock power endorsed in blank to be held in escrow in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement for the Vesting Period. Alternatively, if actual certificates for the Restricted Shares are not issued the Company shall direct its stock transfer agent to make entries in its records for the Restricted Shares to reflect that they are being held in escrow for the Vesting Period. All regular cash dividends on Restricted Shares shall be paid directly to the Employee and shall not be held in escrow. Unvested Restricted Shares, however, may not be enrolled in the Company’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan. The Employee may also exercise all voting rights on the Restricted Shares while they are held in escrow. The Restricted Shares shall be (i) surrendered and automatically revert to the Company upon forfeiture of any such shares or (ii) released to the Employee once the Vesting Period has lapsed and they are no longer Restricted Shares.

Section 5. Miscellaneous Provisions .

(a)

No Retention Rights . Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Employee any right to continue to serve as an employee of the Company or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall interfere with or otherwise restrict the rights of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or of the Employee to terminate the Employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.


(b)	Notice . Any notice required by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effective upon (i) personal delivery, (ii) deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier or (iii) deposit with the United States Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, with

postage and fees prepaid. Notice shall be addressed to the Company at 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370 or at its then principal executive office address if different, with simultaneous copies to the Human Resources Department and General Counsel of the Company, and to the Employee at the residential address set forth above or to the residential address that the Employee has most recently provided to the Company in writing if different.


(c)	Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any other agreements, representations, or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which relate to the subject matter hereof.


(d)	Choice of Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to its choice of law principles.

(e)

Remedies . The Employee agrees that the Company will be irreparably damaged if this Agreement is not specifically enforced. Upon a breach or threatened breach of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement by the Employee, the Company shall, in addition to all other remedies available, be entitled to a temporary or permanent injunction or other equitable relief against the Employee, without showing any actual damage, and/or a decree for specific enforcement in accordance with the provisions hereof.


(f)	Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable or illegal, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.


(g)	Amendments; Waivers . This Agreement may only be amended or modified in a writing signed by the Employee and the Company. No party shall be deemed to waive any rights hereunder unless the waiver is in writing and signed by the party waiving rights. A waiver in writing on or more occasions shall not be deemed to be a waiver for any future occasions.


(h)	Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including counterparts by telecopier, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(i)

Section 83(b) Tax Election . The acquisition of the Restricted Shares may result in adverse tax consequences that may be avoided or mitigated by the Employee’s filing of an election under Section 83(b) of the Code. Under Section 83 of the Code, the fair market value of the Restricted Shares on the date that any Forfeiture Restrictions applicable to the Restricted Shares lapse will be reportable as ordinary income of the Employee. The term “Forfeiture Restrictions” means, for purposes of this Agreement, either the lapse of the Vesting Period or the forfeiture of Restricted Shares. The Employee may elect under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed at the time the Restricted Shares are acquired, rather than when and as such Restricted Shares cease to be subject to Forfeiture Restrictions. A Section 83(b) election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date.

The Employee should consult with his tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of acquiring the Restricted Shares and the potential advantages and potential disadvantages of filing the Section 83(b) election. The Employee acknowledges that, if so desired, it is his sole responsibility, and not that of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to file a timely election under Section 83(b).

Exhibit 10.17

Agreement Form Revised 2-13-18

INDEPENDENT BANK CORP. EXECUTIVE OFFICER

TIME VESTING RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Notification and Acceptance of Restricted Stock Award



Effective Date of Restricted Stock Agreement:	[[GRANTDATE]]
Employee Name And Residential Address:	[[FIRSTNAME]] [[LASTNAME]] [[RESADDR1]] [[RESCITY]], [[RESSTATEORPROV]] [[RESPOSTALCODE]]
Number of shares of common stock granted in this Restricted Stock Award:	[[SHARESGRANTED]] shares of the Company’s common stock.
Vesting Period:	Five years, with 20% of the Restricted Stock Award vesting on each anniversary of the Effective Date. Please see Section 2 below for more information about vesting.
Vesting Schedule:	[[ALLVESTSEGS]]

Restricted Stock Agreement

The Company agrees to issue to the employee named above (the “Employee”) the number of shares of the Company’s common stock (collectively, the “Restricted Shares”) set forth above subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, as follows:

Section 1 . Issuance of Common Stock to Employee .


(a)	Consideration . The Employee shall not be required to pay any consideration to the Company for the Restricted Shares.

(b)

Issuance of Shares . After receiving a signed original of this Agreement back from the Employee the Company shall act with reasonable speed to either cause to be issued a certificate or certificates for the Restricted Shares, which certificate or certificates shall be registered in the name of the Employee (or in the names of Employee and the Employee’s spouse as community property or as joint tenants with right of survivorship), or shall direct the Company’s transfer agent to make entries in its records for the Restricted Shares that are equivalent to issuance of a certificate or certificates to the Employee. The Company shall cause the Restricted Shares to be deposited in escrow in accordance with this Agreement. The issuance of the Restricted Shares shall occur at the offices of the Company or at such other place and time as the parties hereto may agree.

(c)

(d)

Plan and Defined Terms . The issuance of the Restricted Shares pursuant to this Agreement is in all respects subject to the terms, conditions, and definitions of the Plan, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The Employee accepts the Restricted Shares subject to all the terms and provisions of the Plan and agrees that all decisions under and interpretations of the Plan by the Board of Directors (or a Committee of the Board of Directors, if applicable) shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon the Employee and his or her permitted heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. Capitalized defined terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Plan, unless such terms are otherwise specifically defined in this Agreement.

Section 2. Vesting Period and Acceleration


(a)	Vesting Period . The Restricted Shares shall vest over the period and pursuant to the schedule set forth on the first page of this Agreement (the “Vesting Period”).


(b)	Accelerated Vesting at Company’s Discretion. The Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, accelerate the vesting of the Restricted Shares by providing a written notice of accelerated vesting to the Employee.

(c)

Vesting In The Event of Death, Permanent and Total Disability, or Retirement . If, prior to the end of the Vesting Period, the Employee dies or the employment of the Employee is terminated on the account of permanent and total disability as such term is defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or any successor provision, or the employment of the

Employee ceases as a result of the Employee’s retirement from the Company and/or its subsidiaries, any unvested Restricted Shares shall vest in the Employee or his/her heirs in the number of shares equal to the amount of unvested Restricted Shares which were to vest during the year of the Vesting Period in which death, permanent and total disability, or retirement occurs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days the Employee was employed by the Company during that year of the Vesting Period and the denominator of which is 365, rounded to the nearest whole share. The Employee shall forfeit any unvested Restricted Shares scheduled to vest in subsequent years of the Vesting Period. By way of example, if the Employee was employed by the Company for 73 days during the year of the Vesting Period, the Employee would be entitled to vest in (73 divided by 365 = twenty percent (20%)) of the amount of Restricted Shares which were to vest during that year. For purposes of this Agreement, the determination as to whether an Employee ceased employment with the Company due to “retirement” shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

(d)

Vesting In The Event of Termination Without Cause; Resignation for Good Reason. If during the Vesting Period either (A) the Company terminates the Employee’s employment without Cause (as such term is defined in Section 4(a)(ii) of this Agreement) or (B) the Employee resigns for Good Reason (as such term is defined in Section 4(a)(iii) of this Agreement) from the Company, any unvested Restricted Shares shall vest in the Employee in the number of shares equal to the amount of unvested Restricted Shares which were to vest during the year of the Vesting Period in the termination of employment occurs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days the Employee was employed by the Company during that year of the Vesting Period and the denominator of which is 365, rounded to the nearest whole share. The Employee shall forfeit any unvested Restricted Shares scheduled to vest in subsequent years of the Vesting Period. By way of example, if the Employee was employed by the Company for 73 days during the year of the Vesting Period, the Employee would be entitled to vest in (73 divided by 365 = twenty percent (20%)) of the amount of Restricted Shares which were to vest during that year.


(e)	Accelerated Vesting In The Event of A Change of Control.

(i)


(ii)	In the event any Restricted Shares would otherwise vest pursuant to Section 2(e) hereof and the Change of Control pursuant to which the Restricted Shares would vest is an event described in Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, then in lieu of vesting, such Restricted Shares shall be cancelled and the Company

shall pay the Employee therefor an amount equal to the fair market value (as defined in the Plan) of the shares of Common Stock as of the date of the Change of Control; provided, however, that such Change of Control must also satisfy the definition of “change in control” set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) for a payment to be made under this Section. Any payment hereunder shall be made to Employee in cash no more than thirty (30) days after the date of the Change of Control.

(iii)

In the event any amount payable as compensation to the Employee under this Agreement when aggregated with any other amounts payable as compensation to the Employee other than pursuant to this Agreement would constitute a Parachute Payment (as hereinafter defined), the amount payable as compensation under Section 2 of this Agreement shall be reduced (but not below zero) to the largest amount which is not a Parachute Payment (as hereinafter defined) when aggregated with any other amounts payable as compensation to the Employee other than pursuant to this Agreement. For purposes hereof, the term Parachute Payment shall have the meaning given to parachute payments set out in Code Section 280G(b)(2)(A) (relating to the quantification of parachute payments) as then in effect determined without regard to the provisions of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code (relating to the exclusion of reasonable compensation from parachute payments) as then in effect. The initial determination of amounts that constitute Parachute Payments shall be made in good faith by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Employee proves to the satisfaction of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (if no such Compensation Committee then is in existence, then any other committee of the Board of Directors of Company then performing the functions of a compensation committee) with clear and convincing evidence that all or any portion of the amount of the reduction provided in the preceding sentence would not constitute a Parachute Payment within the meaning of such term as defined in Section 280G(b)(2)(A) of the Code as then in effect determined with regard to the provisions of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code as then in effect and that the Company’s tax reporting position in regard to the payment is overwhelmingly likely to be sustained, then the reduction provided in the preceding sentence shall be adjusted to permit payment of so much of such reduction as the said Compensation Committee determines will result in the largest amount which would not constitute a parachute payment within the meaning of such term as defined in Section 280G(b)(2)(A) of the as then in effect determined with regard to the provisions of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code as then in effect.

Section 3. No Transfer or Assignment of Restricted Shares. The Employee shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company (which may be withheld in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion), sell, dispose of, assign, encumber, pledge, gift or otherwise transfer any of the Restricted Shares prior to vesting, other than (a) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (as defined in SEC Rule 16b-3) or (b) by will or the laws of intestacy.

Section 4. Forfeiture.


(a)	Termination of Employment.

(i)

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan to the contrary, there will be an automatic and immediate forfeiture of Restricted Shares that have not yet vested at the time the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company (including for purposes of this Section 4(a), any of the Company’s subsidiaries) for Cause, as defined below in Section 4(a)(ii), or if the Employee resigns from his/her employment for any reason other than for Good Reason, as defined below in Section 4(a)(iii).

(ii)

Termination for “Cause” shall refer to the Company’s termination of the Employee’s service with the Company at any time because the Employee has: (A) refused or failed, in any material respect, to devote his/her full normal working time, skills, knowledge, and abilities to the business of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and in promotion of their respective interests pursuant to the Employee’s employment agreement; or (B) engaged in (1) activities involving his/her personal profit as a result of his/her dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation or breach of fiduciary duty, or (2) dishonest activities involving the Employee’s relations with the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates or any of their respective employees, customers or suppliers; or (C) committed larceny, embezzlement, conversion or any other act involving the misappropriation of Company or customer funds in the course of his/her employment; or (D) been convicted of any crime which reasonably could affect in a materially adverse manner the reputation of the Company or the Employee’s ability to perform the duties required of him/her under the Employee’s employment agreement; or (E) committed an act involving gross negligence on the part of the Employee in the conduct of his/her duties under the Employee’s employment agreement; or (F) evidenced a drug addiction or dependency; or (G) materially breached the terms of any written employment agreement he/she has with the Company; provided, however, that, the Company shall give the Employee thirty (30) business days’ written notice thereof during which period the Employee, and the Company shall give the Employee an opportunity to cure within such thirty-day period, and a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the Compensation Committee of the Board to show just cause for his/her actions, and to have the Compensation Committee of the Board, in its discretion, reverse or rescind the prior action of the Company under the clause(s).

(iii)

Resignation for “Good Reason” shall mean the resignation of the Employee after (A) the Company or its subsidiaries, without the express written consent of the Employee, materially breaches any terms of any written employment agreement he/she has with the Company to the substantial detriment of the Employee; or (B) the Board or the President and Chief Executive Officer, without Cause (as defined in Section 4(a)(ii) above), substantially changes the Employee’s core duties or removes the Employee’s responsibility for those core duties, so as to effectively cause the Employee to no longer be performing the duties of an Employee in the capacity for which the Employee was hired; provided, however , that, in the case of resignation pursuant to this subsection (iii), the Employee shall give the Company thirty (30) business days’ written notice thereof and, during such thirty day period, an opportunity to cure. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, any reduction in the Employee’s base salary other than a prorated reduction for part time work shall be deemed a material breach of the Employee’s employment agreement. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, a termination by the Employee for any reason during the 30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of the effective date of a Change of Control shall be deemed to be a resignation for Good Reason for all purposes hereof.

(b)

Escrow . Upon issuance, the certificate(s) for the Restricted Shares shall be deposited by the Employee with the Company, the Company’s stock transfer agent, and/or the Company’s other agent, together with a stock power endorsed in blank to be held in escrow in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement for the Vesting Period. Alternatively, if actual certificates for the Restricted Shares are not issued the Company shall direct its stock transfer agent to make entries in its records for the Restricted Shares to reflect that they are being held in escrow for the Vesting Period. All regular cash dividends on Restricted Shares shall be paid directly to the Employee and shall not be held in

escrow. Unvested Restricted Shares, however, may not be enrolled in the Company’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan. The Employee may also exercise all voting rights on the Restricted Shares while they are held in escrow. The Restricted Shares shall be (i) surrendered and automatically revert to the Company upon forfeiture of any such shares or (ii) released to the Employee once the Vesting Period has lapsed and they are no longer Restricted Shares.

Section 5. Miscellaneous Provisions.

(a)

No Retention Rights. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Employee any right to continue to serve as an employee of the Company or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall interfere with or otherwise restrict the rights of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or of the Employee to terminate the Employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

(b)

Notice . Any notice required by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effective upon (i) personal delivery, (ii) deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier or (iii) deposit with the United States Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid. Notice shall be addressed to the Company at 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370 or at its then principal executive office address if different, with simultaneous copies to the Human Resources Department and General Counsel of the Company, and to the Employee at the residential address set forth above or to the residential address that the Employee has most recently provided to the Company in writing if different.


(c)	Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any other agreements, representations, or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which relate to the subject matter hereof.


(d)	Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to its choice of law principles.

(e)


(f)	Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable or illegal, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.


(g)	Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may only be amended or modified in a writing signed by the Employee and the Company. No party shall be deemed to waive any rights hereunder unless the waiver is in writing and signed by the party waiving rights. A waiver in writing on or more occasions shall not be deemed to be a waiver for any future occasions.


(h)	Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including counterparts by telecopier, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(i)

Section 83(b) Tax Election. The acquisition of the Restricted Shares may result in adverse tax consequences that may be avoided or mitigated by the Employee’s filing of an election under Section 83(b) of the Code. Under Section 83 of the Code, the fair market value of the Restricted Shares on the date that any Forfeiture Restrictions applicable to the Restricted Shares lapse will be reportable as ordinary income of the Employee. The term “Forfeiture Restrictions” means, for purposes of this Agreement, either the lapse of the Vesting Period or the forfeiture of Restricted Shares. The Employee may elect under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed at the time the Restricted Shares are acquired, rather than when and as such Restricted Shares cease to be subject to Forfeiture Restrictions. A Section 83(b) election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date.

The Employee should consult with his or her tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of acquiring the Restricted Shares and the potential advantages and potential disadvantages of filing the Section 83(b) election. The Employee acknowledges that, if so desired, it is his or her sole responsibility, and not that of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to file a timely election under Section 83(b).

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:


•	Registration Statement (Form S-3 ASR No. 333-221227) pertaining to the Independent Bank Corp. 2014 Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan.


•	Registration Statement (Form S-3 ASR No. 333-206481) of Independent Bank Corp.


•	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-174991) pertaining to the Independent Bank Corp. Amended and Restated 2005 Employee Stock Plan


•	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-167046) pertaining to the Independent Bank Corp. 2010 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan


•	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-166124) pertaining to The Rockland Trust Company Employee Savings, Profit Sharing, and Stock Ownership Plan


•	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-126986) pertaining to the Independent Bank Corp. 2005 Employee Stock Plan


•	Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-203525) pertaining to the Rockland Trust Company Amended and Restated 401(k) Restoration Plan

of our reports dated February 27, 2018 , with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Independent Bank Corp., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Independent Bank Corp., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2017 .

Boston, Massachusetts

February 27, 2018

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Christopher Oddleifson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Independent Bank Corp.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 27, 2018

/s/ CHRISTOPHER ODDLEIFSON

Christopher Oddleifson

Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Robert Cozzone, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Independent Bank Corp.;

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 27, 2018

/s/ ROBERT D. COZZONE

Robert D. Cozzone

Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Independent Bank Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2017 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the undersigned’s best knowledge and belief:


(a)	the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended; and


(b)	the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: February 27, 2018

Independent Bank Corp.

(“Company”)

/s/ C HRISTOPHER O DDLEIFSON

Christopher Oddleifson

Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Independent Bank Corp. and will be retained by Independent Bank Corp. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


(a)	the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended; and


(b)	the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: February 27, 2018

Independent Bank Corp.

(“Company”)

/s/ ROBERT D. COZZONE

Robert D. Cozzone

Chief Financial Officer