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HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INC - Annual Report: 2007 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 2007
Or
 
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 001-11252
Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Nevada
 
87-0447375
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
777 Main Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas
 
76102
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (817) 348-1600
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock $.18 par value
 
Nasdaq Global 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 o No x 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yeso No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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 or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company x
 
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
 
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. $71,259,673
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 20,785,753 shares of common stock, $.18 par value per share, outstanding as of March 15, 2008.
 


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
The information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Unless the context requires otherwise, in this Form 10-K the term “Hallmark” refers solely to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and the terms “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Hallmark and its subsidiaries. The direct and indirect subsidiaries of Hallmark are referred to in this Form 10-K in the manner identified in the chart under “Item 1. Business - Operational Structure.”

Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements Included in this Form 10-K

This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Forward-looking statements include statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or which include words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements include the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans and objectives relating to future growth of our business activities and availability of funds. Statements regarding the following subjects are forward-looking by their nature:
 
·
our business and growth strategies;
 
·
our performance goals;

·
our projected financial condition and operating results;

·
our understanding of our competition;

·
industry and market trends;

·
the impact of technology on our products, operations and business; and

·
any other statements or assumptions that are not historical facts.

The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Assumptions relating to these forward-looking statements involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions, regulatory framework, weather-related events and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying these forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in these forward-looking statements, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation that our objectives and plans will be achieved.
 
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PART I

Item 1. Business.

Who We Are

We are a diversified property/casualty insurance group that serves businesses and individuals in specialty and niche markets. We offer standard commercial insurance, specialty commercial insurance and personal insurance in selected market subcategories that are characteristically low-severity and short-tailed risks. We focus on marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing property/casualty insurance products that require specialized underwriting expertise or market knowledge. We believe this approach provides us the best opportunity to achieve favorable policy terms and pricing. The insurance policies we produce are written by our three insurance company subsidiaries as well as unaffiliated insurers.

We market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products through four operating units, each of which has a specific focus. Our HGA Operating Unit primarily handles standard commercial insurance, our TGA Operating Unit concentrates on excess and surplus lines commercial insurance, our Aerospace Operating Unit specializes in general aviation insurance and our Phoenix Operating Unit focuses on non-standard personal automobile insurance. The subsidiaries comprising our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit were acquired effective January 1, 2006.

Each operating unit has its own management team with significant experience in distributing products to its target markets and proven success in achieving underwriting profitability and providing efficient claims management. Each operating unit is responsible for marketing, distribution, underwriting and claims management while we provide capital management, reinsurance, actuarial, investment, financial reporting, technology and legal services and back office support at the parent level. We believe this approach optimizes our operating results by allowing us to effectively penetrate our selected specialty and niche markets while maintaining operational controls, managing risks, controlling overhead and efficiently allocating our capital across operating units.

We expect future growth to be derived from increased retention of the premiums we write, organic growth in the premium production of our existing operating units and selected, opportunistic acquisitions that meet our criteria. In 2005, we increased the capital of our insurance company subsidiaries, enabling them to retain significantly more of the business produced by our operating units. For the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately 80% of the total premium we produced was retained by our insurance company subsidiaries, while the remaining 20% was written for or ceded to unaffiliated insurers. We expect to continue to increase our retention of the total premium we produce. We believe increasing our overall retention will drive greater near-term profitability than focusing solely on growth in premium production and market share.

What We Do

We market standard commercial, specialty commercial and personal property/casualty insurance products which are tailored to the risks and coverages required by the insured. We believe that most of our target markets are underserved by larger property/casualty underwriters because of the specialized nature of the underwriting required. We are able to offer these products profitably as a result of the expertise of our experienced underwriters. We also believe our long-standing relationships with independent general agencies and retail agents and the service we provide differentiate us from larger property/casualty underwriters.

Our HGA Operating Unit primarily underwrites low-severity, short-tailed commercial property/casualty insurance products in the standard market. These products have historically produced stable loss results and include general liability, commercial automobile, commercial property and umbrella coverages. Our HGA Operating Unit currently markets its products through a network of approximately 200 independent agents primarily serving businesses in the non-urban areas of Texas, New Mexico, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Washington.

Our TGA Operating Unit primarily offers commercial property/casualty insurance products in the excess and surplus lines market. Excess and surplus lines insurance provides coverage for difficult to place risks that do not fit the underwriting criteria of insurers operating in the standard market. Our TGA Operating Unit focuses on small- to medium-sized commercial businesses that do not meet the underwriting requirements of standard insurers due to factors such as loss history, number of years in business, minimum premium size and types of business operation. Our TGA Operating Unit primarily writes general liability, commercial automobile and commercial property policies. Our TGA Operating Unit markets its products through 39 independent general agencies with offices in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas, as well as approximately 730 independent retail agents in Texas.
 
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Our Aerospace Operating Unit offers general aviation property/casualty insurance primarily for private and small commercial aircraft and airports. The aircraft liability and hull insurance products underwritten by our Aerospace Operating Unit are targeted to transitional or non-standard pilots who may have difficulty obtaining insurance from a standard carrier. Airport liability insurance is marketed to smaller, regional airports. Our Aerospace Operating Unit markets these general aviation insurance products through approximately 200 independent specialty brokers in 47 states.

Our Phoenix Operating Unit offers non-standard personal automobile policies which generally provide the minimum limits of liability coverage mandated by state law to drivers who find it difficult to obtain insurance from standard carriers due to various factors including age, driving record, claims history or limited financial resources. Our Phoenix Operating Unit markets this non-standard personal automobile insurance through approximately 1,640 independent retail agents in 11 states.

Our insurance company subsidiaries are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Phoenix Indemnity Insurance Company (“PIIC”) and Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”) (formerly known as Gulf States Insurance Company). Effective January 1, 2006, our insurance company subsidiaries entered into a pooling arrangement, which was subsequently amended on December 15, 2006, pursuant to which AHIC would retain 46.0% of the net premiums written, PIIC would retain 34.1% of the net premiums written and HSIC would retain 19.9% of the net premiums written. As of June 5, 2006, A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), a nationally recognized insurance industry rating service and publisher, pooled its ratings of our three insurance company subsidiaries and assigned a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to each of our individual insurance company subsidiaries and to the pool formed by our insurance company subsidiaries.
 
Our four operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Standard Commercial Segment presently consists solely of the HGA Operating Unit and the Personal Segment presently consists solely of our Phoenix Operating Unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes both our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit. The following table displays the gross premiums produced by these reportable segments for affiliated and unaffiliated insurers for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, as well as the gross premiums written and net premiums written by our insurance subsidiaries for these reportable segments for the same periods.

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Premiums Produced:
             
Standard Commercial Segment
 
$
90,985
 
$
91,679
 
$
81,721
 
Specialty Commercial Segment (1)
   
151,003
   
156,490
   
-
 
Personal Segment
   
55,916
   
45,135
   
36,345
 
Total
 
$
297,904
 
$
293,304
 
$
118,066
 
                     
Gross Premiums Written:
                   
Standard Commercial Segment
 
$
90,868
 
$
91,070
 
$
52,952
 
Specialty Commercial Segment (1)
   
102,688
   
77,740
   
-
 
Personal Segment
   
55,916
   
45,135
   
36,515
 
Total
 
$
249,472
 
$
213,945
 
$
89,467
 
                     
Net Premiums Written:
                   
Standard Commercial Segment
 
$
84,222
 
$
82,220
 
$
51,249
 
Specialty Commercial Segment (1)
   
98,005
   
75,573
   
-
 
Personal Segment
   
55,916
   
45,135
   
37,003
 
 Total
 
$
238,143
 
$
202,928
 
$
88,252
 
 

1
The subsidiaries included in the Specialty Commercial Segment were acquired effective January 1, 2006 and, therefore, are not included in the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
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Operational Structure

Our insurance company subsidiaries retain a portion of the premiums produced by our operating units. The following chart reflects the operational structure of our organization, the subsidiaries comprising our operating units and the operating units included in each reportable segment as of December 31, 2007.

 
chart

 
Standard Commercial Segment / HGA Operating Unit
 
The Standard Commercial Segment of our business presently consists solely of our HGA Operating Unit. Our HGA Operating Unit markets, underwrites and services standard commercial lines insurance primarily in the non-urban areas of Texas, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington. The subsidiaries comprising our HGA Operating Unit include American Hallmark Insurance Services, a regional managing general agency, and ECM, a claims administration company. American Hallmark Insurance Services targets customers that are in low-severity classifications in the standard commercial market, which as a group have relatively stable loss results. The typical customer is a small- to medium-sized business with a policy that covers property, general liability and automobile exposures. Our HGA Operating Unit underwriting criteria exclude lines of business and classes of risks that are considered to be high-severity or volatile, or which involve significant latent injury potential or other long-tailed liability exposures. ECM administers the claims on the insurance policies produced by American Hallmark Insurance Services. Products offered by our HGA Operating Unit include the following:
 
 
·
Commercial automobile. Commercial automobile insurance provides third-party bodily injury and property damage coverage and first-party property damage coverage against losses resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of automobiles and trucks in connection with an insured’s business.
 
 
·
General liability. General liability insurance provides coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from accidents occurring on the insured’s premises or from their general business operations.
 
 
·
Umbrella. Umbrella insurance provides coverage for third-party liability claims where the loss amount exceeds coverage limits provided by the insured’s underlying general liability and commercial automobile policies.
 
 
·
Commercial property. Commercial property insurance provides first-party coverage for the insured’s real property, business personal property, and business interruption losses caused by fire, wind, hail, water damage, theft, vandalism and other insured perils.
 
 
·
Commercial multi-peril. Commercial multi-peril insurance provides a combination of property and liability coverage that can include commercial automobile coverage on a single policy.
 
 
·
Business owner’s. Business owner’s insurance provides a package of coverage designed for small- to medium-sized businesses with homogeneous risk profiles. Coverage includes general liability, commercial property and commercial automobile.
 
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Our HGA Operating Unit markets its property/casualty insurance products through approximately 200 independent agencies operating in its target markets. Our HGA Operating Unit applies a strict agent selection process and seeks to provide its independent agents some degree of non-contractual geographic exclusivity. Our HGA Operating Unit also strives to provide its independent agents with convenient access to product information and personalized service. As a result, the Standard Commercial Segment has historically maintained excellent relationships with its producing agents, as evidenced by the 19-year average tenure of the 24 agency groups which each produced more than $1.0 million in premium during the year ended December 31, 2007. During 2007, the top ten agency groups produced approximately 39%, and no individual agency group produced more than 8%, of the total premium volume of our HGA Operating Unit.
 
Our HGA Operating Unit writes most risks on a package basis using a commercial multi-peril policy or a business owner’s policy. Umbrella policies are written only when our HGA Operating Unit also writes the insured’s underlying general liability and commercial automobile coverage. Through December 31, 2005, our HGA Operating Unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. Our HGA Operating Unit earns a commission based on a percentage of the earned premium it produced for Clarendon. The commission percentage is determined by the underwriting results of the policies produced. ECM receives a claim servicing fee based on a percentage of the earned premium produced, with a portion deferred for casualty claims. On July 1, 2005, our HGA Operating Unit began marketing new policies for AHIC and presently markets all new and renewal policies exclusively for AHIC.
 
All of the commercial policies written by our HGA Operating Unit are for a term of 12 months. If the insured is unable or unwilling to pay for the entire premium in advance, we provide an installment payment plan that allows the insured to pay 20% down and the remaining payments over eight months. We charge a flat $7.50 installment fee per payment for the installment payment plan.
 
Specialty Commercial Segment 
 
The Specialty Commercial Segment of our business includes both our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit. All of the subsidiaries comprising our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit were acquired effective January 1, 2006. Our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit were reported as separate segments during the first three quarters of 2006, but were aggregated into a single segment commencing in the fourth quarter of 2006 in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). During 2007, our TGA Operating Unit accounted for approximately 80% of the aggregate premiums produced by the Specialty Commercial Segment, with the remaining 20% coming from our Aerospace Operating Unit.
 
TGA Operating Unit. Our TGA Operating Unit markets, underwrites, finances and services commercial lines insurance in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma with a particular emphasis on commercial automobile, general liability and commercial property risks produced on an excess and surplus lines basis. Excess and surplus lines insurance provides coverage for difficult to place risks that do not fit the underwriting criteria of insurers operating in the standard market. Our TGA Operating Unit also markets, underwrites and services certain non-strategic legacy personal lines insurance products in Texas, including dwelling fire, homeowners and non-standard personal automobile coverages. During 2007, our TGA Operating Unit completed the transition of new and renewal business for non-standard personal automobile coverages to our Phoenix Operating Unit. The subsidiaries comprising our TGA Operating Unit include Texas General Agency, which is a regional managing general agency, TGASRI, which brokers mobile home insurance, and PAAC, which provides premium financing for policies marketed by Texas General Agency and certain unaffiliated general and retail agents. Texas General Agency accounts for approximately 95% of the premium volume financed by PAAC.
 
Our TGA Operating Unit focuses on small- to medium-sized commercial businesses that do not meet the underwriting requirements of traditional standard insurers due to issues such as loss history, number of years in business, minimum premium size and types of business operation. During 2007, commercial automobile, general liability and commercial property insurance accounted for approximately 97% of the premiums produced by our TGA Operating Unit, with the remaining 3% coming from legacy personal lines products. Target risks for commercial automobile insurance are small- to medium-sized businesses with ten or fewer vehicles which include artisan contractors, local light- to medium-service vehicles and retail delivery vehicles. Target risks for general liability insurance are small business risk exposures including artisan contractors, sales and service organizations, and building and premiums exposures. Target risks for commercial property insurance are low- to mid-value structures including office buildings, mercantile shops, restaurants and rental dwellings, in each case with aggregate property limits of less than $500 thousand. The commercial insurance products offered by our TGA Operating Unit include the following:
 
 
·
Commercial automobile. Commercial automobile insurance provides third-party bodily injury and property damage coverage and first-party property damage coverage against losses resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of automobiles and trucks in connection with an insured’s business.
 
6

 
 
·
General liability. General liability insurance provides coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from accidents occurring on the insured’s premises or from their general business operations.
 
 
·
Commercial property. Commercial property insurance provides first-party coverage for the insured’s real property, business personal property, theft and business interruption losses caused by fire, wind, hail, water damage, theft, vandalism and other insured perils. Windstorm, hurricane and hail are generally excluded in coastal areas.
 
Our TGA Operating Unit produces business through a network of 39 general agents with 57 offices in four states, as well as through approximately 730 retail agents in Texas. Our TGA Operating Unit strives to simplify the placement of its excess and surplus lines policies by providing prompt quotes and signature-ready applications to its independent agents. During 2007, general agents accounted for approximately 79% of total premiums produced by our TGA Operating Unit, with the remaining 21% being produced by retail agents. During 2007, the top ten general agents produced approximately 47%, and no general agent produced more than 10%, of the total premium volume of our TGA Operating Unit. During the same period, the top ten retail agents produced approximately 4%, and no retail agent produced more than 1%, of the total premium volume of our TGA Operating Unit.
 
All business of our TGA Operating Unit is currently produced under a fronting agreement with member companies of the Republic Group (“Republic”) which grants our TGA Operating Unit the authority to develop underwriting programs, set rates, appoint retail and general agents, underwrite risks, issue policies and adjust and pay claims. During 2006 and 2007, AHIC assumed 50% and 60%, respectively, of the premium written under this fronting agreement pursuant to a reinsurance agreement with Republic which expires on December 31, 2008. AHIC may assume a maximum of 70% of the written premium produced in 2008. Commission revenue is also generated under the fronting agreement on the portion of premiums not assumed by AHIC. An additional commission may be earned if certain loss ratio targets are met. Additional revenue is generated from fully earned policy fees and installment billing fees charged on the legacy personal lines products.
 
The majority of the commercial policies written by our TGA Operating Unit are for a term of 12 months. Exceptions include a few commercial automobile policies that are written for a term that coincides with the annual harvest of crops and special event general liability policies that are written for the term of the event, which is generally one to two days. Commercial lines policies are paid in full up front or financed with various premium finance companies, including PAAC.
 
Aerospace Operating Unit. Our Aerospace Operating Unit markets, underwrites and services general aviation property/casualty insurance in 47 states. The subsidiaries comprising our Aerospace Operating Unit include Aerospace Insurance Managers, which markets standard aviation coverages, ASRI, which markets excess and surplus lines aviation coverages, and ACMG, which handles claims management. Aerospace Insurance Managers is one of only a few similar entities in the U.S. and has focused on developing a well-defined niche centering on transitional pilots, older aircraft and small airports and aviation-related businesses. Products offered by our Aerospace Operating Unit include the following:
 
 
·
Aircraft. Aircraft insurance provides third-party bodily injury and property damage coverage and first-party hull damage coverage against losses resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of aircraft.
 
 
·
Airport liability. Airport liability insurance provides coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from accidents occurring on airport premises or from their operations.

Our Aerospace Operating Unit generates its business through approximately 200 aviation specialty brokers. These specialty brokers submit to Aerospace Insurance Managers requests for aviation insurance quotations received from the states in which we operate and our Aerospace Operating Unit selectively determine the risks fitting its target niche for which it will prepare a quote. During 2007, the top ten independent specialty brokers produced approximately 31%, and no broker produced more than 6%, of the total premium volume of our Aerospace Operating Unit.

Our Aerospace Operating Unit independently develops, underwrites and prices each coverage written. We target pilots who may lack experience in the type of aircraft they have acquired or are transitioning between types of aircraft. We also target pilots who may be over the age limits of other insurers. We do not accept aircraft that are used for hazardous purposes such as crop dusting or heli-skiing. Liability limits are controlled, with approximately 93% of the aircraft written in 2007 bearing per-occurrence limits of $1,000,000 and per-passenger limits of $100,000 or less. The average insured aircraft hull value for aircraft written in 2007 was approximately $141,000.

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Prior to July 1, 2006, our Aerospace Operating Unit produced policies for American National Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“ANPAC”) under a reinsurance program which ceded 100% of the business to several reinsurers. Under this arrangement, revenue was generated primarily from commissions based on written premiums net of cancellations and endorsement return premiums. An additional commission may be earned based upon the profitability of the business to the reinsurers. Beginning July 1, 2006, we began issuing general aviation policies through our insurance companies and currently 35 of the 47 states are written through our insurance companies with the remaining 12 states written under a fronting arrangement with ANPAC and reinsured by AHIC.

Personal Segment / Phoenix Operating Unit
 
The Personal Segment of our business presently consists solely of our Phoenix Operating Unit. Our Phoenix Operating Unit markets and services non-standard personal automobile policies in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Louisiana, Missouri and Montana. We conduct this business under the name Phoenix General Agency. Phoenix General Agency provides management, policy and claims administration services to PIIC and includes the operations of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. Our non-standard personal automobile insurance generally provides for the minimum limits of liability coverage mandated by state laws to drivers who find it difficult to purchase automobile insurance from standard carriers as a result of various factors, including driving record, vehicle, age, claims history, or limited financial resources. Products offered by our Phoenix Operating Unit include the following:
 
 
·
Personal automobile liability. Personal automobile liability insurance provides coverage primarily at the minimum limits required by law for automobile liability exposures, including bodily injury and property damage, arising from accidents involving the insured.
 
 
·
Personal automobile physical damage. Personal automobile physical damage insurance provides collision and comprehensive coverage for physical damage exposure to the insured vehicle as a result of an accident with another vehicle or object or as a result of causes other than collision such as vandalism, theft, wind, hail or water.
 
Our Phoenix Operating Unit markets its non-standard personal automobile policies through approximately 1,640 independent agents operating in its target geographic markets. Subject to certain criteria, our Phoenix Operating Unit seeks to maximize the number of agents appointed in each geographic area in order to more effectively penetrate its highly competitive markets. However, our Phoenix Operating Unit periodically evaluates its independent agents and discontinues the appointment of agents whose production history does not satisfy certain standards. During 2007, the top ten independent agency groups produced approximately 14%, and no individual agency group produced more than 3%, of the total premium volume of our Phoenix Operating Unit.
 
During 2007, personal automobile liability coverage accounted for approximately 75% and personal automobile physical damage coverage accounted for the remaining 25% of the total premiums produced by our Phoenix Operating Unit. Phoenix General Agency currently offers one-, two-, three-, six- and twelve-month policies. Our typical non-standard personal automobile customer is unable or unwilling to pay a full or half year's premium in advance. Accordingly, we currently offer a direct bill program where the premiums are directly billed to the insured on a monthly basis. We charge installment fees for each payment under the direct bill program.
 
Our Phoenix Operating Unit markets non-standard personal automobile policies in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Louisiana, Missouri, and Montana directly for PIIC. In Texas, our Phoenix Operating Unit markets non-standard personal automobile policies both through reinsurance arrangements with unaffiliated companies and, since the fourth quarter of 2005, directly for PIIC. We provide non-standard personal automobile coverage in Texas through a reinsurance arrangement with Old American County Mutual Fire Insurance Company (“OACM”). Phoenix General Agency holds a managing general agency appointment from OACM to manage the sale and servicing of OACM policies. PIIC reinsures 100% of the OACM policies produced by Phoenix General Agency under these reinsurance arrangements.
 
Our Competitive Strengths
 
We believe that we enjoy the following competitive strengths:
 
·      Specialized market knowledge and underwriting expertise. All of our operating units possess extensive knowledge of the specialty and niche markets in which they operate, which we believe allows them to effectively structure and market their property/casualty insurance products. Our Phoenix Operating Unit has a thorough understanding of the unique characteristics of the non-standard personal automobile market. Our HGA Operating Unit has significant underwriting experience in its target markets for standard commercial property/casualty insurance products. In addition, our TGA Operating Unit and Aerospace Operating Unit have developed specialized underwriting expertise which enhances their ability to profitably underwrite non-standard property/casualty insurance coverages.
 
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·     Tailored market strategies. Each of our operating units has developed its own customized strategy for penetrating the specialty or niche markets in which it operates. These strategies include distinctive product structuring, marketing, distribution, underwriting and servicing approaches by each operating unit. As a result, we are able to structure our property/casualty insurance products to serve the unique risk and coverage needs of our insureds. We believe that these market-specific strategies enable us to provide policies tailored to the target customer which are appropriately priced and fit our risk profile.
 
·      Superior agent and customer service. We believe that performing the underwriting, billing, customer service and claims management functions at the operating unit level allows us to provide superior service to both our independent agents and insured customers. The easy-to-use interfaces and responsiveness of our operating units enhance their relationships with the independent agents who sell our policies. We also believe that our consistency in offering our insurance products through hard and soft markets helps to build and maintain the loyalty of our independent agents. Our customized products, flexible payment plans and prompt claims processing are similarly beneficial to our insureds.
 
·      Market diversification. We believe that operating in various specialty and niche segments of the property/casualty insurance market diversifies both our revenues and our risks. We also believe our operating units generally operate on different market cycles, producing more earnings stability than if we focused entirely on one product. As a result of the pooling arrangement among our insurance company subsidiaries, we are able to allocate our capital among these various specialty and niche markets in response to market conditions and expansion opportunities. We believe that this market diversification reduces our risk profile and enhances our profitability.
 
·      Experienced management team. Our senior corporate management has an average of over 20 years of insurance experience. In addition, our operating units have strong management teams, with an average of more than 25 years of insurance industry experience for the heads of our operating units and an average of more than 15 years of underwriting experience for our underwriters. Our management has significant experience in all aspects of property/casualty insurance, including underwriting, claims management, actuarial analysis, reinsurance and regulatory compliance. In addition, Hallmark’s senior management has a strong track record of acquiring businesses that expand our product offerings and improve our profitability profile.
 
Our Strategy
 
We are striving to become a leading diversified property/casualty insurance group offering products in specialty and niche markets through the following strategies:

·      Focusing on underwriting discipline and operational efficiency. We seek to consistently generate an underwriting profit on the business we write in hard and soft markets. Our operating units have a strong track record of underwriting discipline and operational efficiency which we seek to continue. We believe that in soft markets our competitors often offer policies at a low or negative underwriting profit in order to maintain or increase their premium volume and market share. In contrast, we seek to write business based on its profitability rather than focusing solely on premium production. To that end, we provide financial incentives to many of our underwriters and independent agents based on underwriting profitability.

·      Increasing the retention of business written by our operating units. Our operating units have a strong track record of writing profitable business in their target markets. Historically, the majority of those premiums were retained by unaffiliated insurers. During 2005, we increased the capital of our insurance company subsidiaries which has enabled us to retain significantly more of the premiums our operating units produce. We expect to continue to increase the portion of our premium production retained by our insurance company subsidiaries. We believe that the underwriting profit earned from this newly retained business will drive our profitability growth in the near-term.

·     Achieving organic growth in our existing business lines. We believe that we can achieve organic growth in our existing business lines by consistently providing our insurance products through market cycles, expanding geographically, expanding our agency relationships and further penetrating our existing customer base. We believe that our extensive market knowledge and strong agency relationships position us to compete effectively in our various specialty and niche markets. We also believe there is a significant opportunity to expand some of our existing business lines into new geographical areas and through new agency relationships while maintaining our underwriting discipline and operational efficiency. In addition, we believe there is an opportunity for some of our operating units to further penetrate their existing customer bases with additional products offered by other operating units.
 
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·      Pursuing selected, opportunistic acquisitions. We seek to opportunistically acquire insurance organizations that operate in specialty or niche property/casualty insurance markets that are complementary to our existing operations. We seek to acquire companies with experienced management teams, stable loss results and strong track records of underwriting profitability and operational efficiency. Where appropriate, we intend to ultimately retain profitable business produced by the acquired companies that would otherwise be retained by unaffiliated insurers. Our management has significant experience in evaluating potential acquisition targets, structuring transactions to ensure continued success and integrating acquired companies into our operational structure.

Distribution
 
We market our property/casualty insurance products solely through independent general agents, retail agents and specialty brokers. Therefore, our relationships with independent agents and brokers are critical to our ability to identify, attract and retain profitable business. Each of our operating units has developed its own tailored approach to establishing and maintaining its relationships with these independent distributors of our products. These strategies focus on providing excellent service to our agents and brokers, maintaining a consistent presence in our target niche and specialty markets through hard and soft market cycles and fairly compensating the agents and brokers who market our products. Our operating units also regularly evaluate independent general and retail agents based on the underwriting profitability of the business they produce and their performance in relation to our objectives.
 
Except for the products of our Aerospace Operating Unit, the distribution of property/casualty insurance products by our business segments is geographically concentrated. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, five states accounted for approximately 79% of the gross premiums retained by our insurance subsidiaries. The following table reflects the geographic distribution of our insured risks, as represented by direct and assumed premiums written by our business segments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007.
 
State
 
Standard Commercial Segment
 
Specialty Commercial Segment
 
Personal Segment
 
Total
 
Percent of Total
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
     
Texas
 
$
22,870
 
$
70,346
 
$
15,839
 
$
109,055
   
43.7
%
Oregon
   
32,467
   
500
   
512
   
33,479
   
13.4
%
New Mexico
   
14,623
   
381
   
9,091
   
24,095
   
9.7
%
Idaho
   
14,062
   
439
   
1,781
   
16,282
   
6.5
%
Arizona
   
-
   
1,154
   
12,824
   
13,978
   
5.6
%
All other states
   
6,846
   
29,868
   
15,869
   
52,583
   
21.1
%
                                 
Total gross premiums written
 
$
90,868
 
$
102,688
 
$
55,916
 
$
249,472
       
Percent of total
   
36.4
%
 
41.2
%
 
22.4
%
 
100.0
%
     
 
10


Underwriting

The underwriting process employed by our operating units involves securing an adequate level of underwriting information, identifying and evaluating risk exposures and then pricing the risks we choose to accept. Each of our operating units offering commercial or aviation insurance products employs its own underwriters with in-depth knowledge of the specific niche and specialty markets targeted by that operating unit. We employ a disciplined underwriting approach that seeks to provide policies appropriately tailored to the specified risks and to adopt pricing structures that will be supported in the applicable market. Our experienced commercial and aviation underwriters have developed underwriting principles and processes appropriate to the coverages offered by their respective operating units.
 
We believe that managing the underwriting process through our operating units capitalizes on the knowledge and expertise of their personnel in specific markets and results in better underwriting decisions. All of our underwriters have established limits of underwriting authority based on their level of experience. We also provide financial incentives to many of our underwriters based on underwriting profitability.
 
To better diversify our revenue sources and manage our risk, we seek to maintain an appropriate business mix among our operating units. At the beginning of each year, we establish a target net loss ratio for each operating unit. We then monitor the actual net loss ratio on a monthly basis. If any line of business fails to meet its target net loss ratio, we seek input from our underwriting, actuarial and claims management personnel to develop a corrective action plan. Depending on the particular circumstances, that plan may involve tightening underwriting guidelines, increasing rates, modifying product structure, re-evaluating independent agency relationships or discontinuing unprofitable coverages or classes of risk.
 
An insurance company's underwriting performance is traditionally measured by its statutory loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, its statutory expense ratio and its statutory combined ratio. The statutory loss and loss adjustment expense ratio, which is calculated as the ratio of net losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to net premiums earned, helps to assess the adequacy of the insurer’s rates, the propriety of its underwriting guidelines and the performance of its claims department. The statutory expense ratio, which is calculated as the ratio of underwriting and operating expenses to net premiums written, assists in measuring the insurer’s cost of processing and managing the business. The statutory combined ratio, which is the sum of the statutory loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the statutory expense ratio, is indicative of the overall profitability of an insurer’s underwriting activities, with a combined ratio of less than 100% indicating profitable underwriting results.
 
The following table shows, for the periods indicated, (i) our gross premiums written (in thousands); and (ii) our underwriting results as measured by the net statutory loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) ratio, the statutory expense ratio, and the statutory combined ratio.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
249,472
 
$
213,945
 
$
89,467
 
Statutory loss & LAE ratio
   
61.7
%
 
61.5
%
 
60.3
%
Statutory expense ratio
   
30.1
%
 
29.4
%
 
32.8
%
Statutory combined ratio
   
91.8
%
 
90.9
%
 
93.1
%
 
Our HSIC insurance company subsidiary was acquired effective January 1, 2006 and, therefore, is not included in the statutory ratios for 2005. These statutory ratios do not reflect the deferral of policy acquisition costs, investment income, premium finance revenues, or the elimination of inter-company transactions required by GAAP.
 
The premium-to-surplus percentage measures the relationship between net premiums written in a given period (premiums written, less returned premiums and reinsurance ceded to other carriers) to policyholders surplus (admitted assets less liabilities), determined on the basis of statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities. Insurance companies are expected to maintain a premium-to-surplus percentage of not more than 300%. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, our consolidated premium-to-surplus ratios were 151%, 151%, 81%, respectively. The increase in premium-to-surplus percentage in 2006 reflects additional retention of premiums produced by the Standard Commercial Segment and Specialty Commercial Segment, as well as increased premiums written in the Personal Segment.
 
11

 
Claims Management and Administration
 
We believe that effective claims management is critical to our success and that our claims management process is cost-effective, delivers the appropriate level of claims service and produces superior claims results. Our claims management philosophy emphasizes the delivery of courteous, prompt and effective claims handling and embraces responsiveness to policyholders and agents. Our claims strategy focuses on thorough investigation, timely evaluation and fair settlement of covered claims while consistently maintaining appropriate case reserves. We seek to compress the cycle time of claim resolution in order to control both loss and claim handling cost. We also strive to control legal expenses by negotiating competitive rates with defense counsel and vendors, establishing litigation budgets and monitoring invoices.
 
Each of our operating units uses its own staff of specialized claims personnel to manage and administer claims arising under policies produced through their respective operations. The claims process is managed through a combination of experienced claims managers, seasoned claims supervisors, trained staff adjusters and independent adjustment or appraisal services, when appropriate. All adjusters are licensed in those jurisdictions for which they handle claims that require licensing. Limits on settlement authority are established for each claims supervisor and staff adjuster based on their level of experience. Independent adjusters have no claim settlement authority. Claim exposures are periodically and systematically reviewed by claim supervisors and managers as a method of quality and loss control. Large loss exposures are reviewed at least quarterly with senior management of the operating unit and monitored by Hallmark senior management.
 
Claims personnel receive in-house training and are required to attend various continuing education courses pertaining to topics such as best practices, fraud awareness, legal environment, legislative changes and litigation management. Depending on the criteria of each operating unit, our claims adjusters are assigned a variety of claims to enhance their knowledge and ensure their continued development in efficiently handling claims. As of December 31, 2007, our operating units had a total of 49 claims managers, supervisors and adjusters with an average of approximately 19 years experience.
 
12


Analysis of Losses and LAE

Our consolidated financial statements include an estimated reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. We estimate our reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses by using case-basis evaluations and statistical projections, which include inferences from both losses paid and losses incurred. We also use recent historical cost data and periodic reviews of underwriting standards and claims management practices to modify the statistical projections. We give consideration to the impact of inflation in determining our loss reserves, but do not discount reserve balances.

The amount of reserves represents our estimate of the ultimate net cost of all unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred. These estimates are subject to the effect of trends in claim severity and frequency. We regularly review the estimates and adjust them as claims experience develops and new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations, including increases and decreases, net of reinsurance, in the estimate of ultimate liabilities for insured events of prior years.

Changes in loss development patterns and claim payments can significantly affect the ability of insurers to estimate reserves for unpaid losses and related expenses. We seek to continually improve our loss estimation process by refining our ability to analyze loss development patterns, claim payments and other information within a legal and regulatory environment which affects development of ultimate liabilities. Future changes in estimates of claim costs may adversely affect future period operating results. However, such effects cannot be reasonably estimated currently.

Reconciliation of reserve for unpaid losses and LAE. The following table provides a reconciliation of our beginning and ending reserve balances on a net-of-reinsurance basis for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, to the gross-of-reinsurance amounts reported in our balance sheets at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
13



   
As of and for Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables, January 1
 
$
72,801
 
$
25,997
 
$
17,700
 
                     
Acquisitions of subsidiaries effective January 1
   
-
   
4,562
   
-
 
                     
Provision for losses and LAE for claims occurring in the current period
   
139,332
   
88,294
   
36,184
 
                     
Increase (decrease) in reserve for unpaid losses and LAE for claims occurring in prior periods
   
(6,414
)
 
(1,177
)
 
(2,400
)
                     
Payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance:
                   
Current period
   
(54,809
)
 
(28,154
)
 
(17,414
)
Prior periods
   
(30,061
)
 
(16,721
)
 
(8,073
)
                     
Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE at December 31, net of reinsurance recoverable
 
$
120,849
 
$
72,801
 
$
25,997
 
                     
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE at December 31
   
4,489
   
4,763
   
324
 
                     
Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE at December 31, gross of reinsurance
 
$
125,338
 
$
77,564
 
$
26,321
 

The $6.4 million, $1.2 million and $2.4 million favorable development in prior accident years recognized in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, represent normal changes in our loss reserve estimates attributable to favorable loss development in each of our segments. The loss reserve estimates for prior years were decreased to reflect this favorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be less than the previous estimates.

SAP/GAAP reserve reconciliation. The differences between the reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses reported in our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP and those reported in our annual statements filed with the Texas Department of Insurance, the Arizona Department of Insurance and the Oklahoma Insurance Department in accordance with statutory accounting practices (“SAP”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 are summarized below.
 
   
 As of December 31,
 
   
 2007
 
 2006
 
   
 (in thousands)
 
Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE on a SAP basis (net of reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses)
 
$
120,798
 
$
72,796
 
Loss reserve discount from the PIIC acquisition
   
-
   
(11
)
Unamortized risk premium reserve discount from the PIIC acquisition
   
1
   
16
 
Estimated future unallocated LAE reserve for claim service subsidiaries
   
50
   
-
 
Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE on a GAAP basis (net of reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses)
 
$
120,849
 
$
72,801
 
 
Analysis of loss and LAE reserve development. The following table shows the development of our loss reserves, net of reinsurance, for years ended December 31, 1997 through 2007. Section A of the table shows the estimated liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance, recorded at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This liability represents the estimated amount of losses and loss adjustment expenses for claims arising in prior years that are unpaid at the balance sheet date, including losses that have been incurred but not yet reported to us. Section B of the table shows the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded liability, based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimate is increased or decreased as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims.

Cumulative Redundancy/Deficiency (Section C of the table) represents the aggregate change in the estimates over all prior years. Thus, changes in ultimate development estimates are included in operations over a number of years, minimizing the significance of such changes in any one year.
 
14


ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LAE DEVELOPMENT
As of and for Year Ended December 31
  
 
 
 
1997 
 
 
1998
 
 
1999
 
 
2000
 
 
2001
 
 
2002
 
 
2003
 
 
2004
 
 
2005
 
 
2006
 
 
2007
 
     
(dollars in thousands) 
 
A. Reserve for Unpaid Losses & LAE, Net of Reinsurance Recoverables
 
$
4,668
 
$
4,580
 
$
5,409
 
$
7,451
 
$
7,919
 
$
8,411
 
$
21,197
 
$
17,700
 
$
25,997
 
$
72,801
 
$
120,849
 
                                                                     
B. Net Reserve Re-estimated as of :
                                                                   
One year later
   
4,985
   
4,594
   
5,506
   
7,974
   
8,096
   
8,875
   
20,003
   
15,300
   
24,820
   
66,387
       
Two years later
   
4,954
   
4,464
   
5,277
   
7,863
   
8,620
   
8,881
   
19,065
   
15,473
   
24,903
             
Three years later
   
4,884
   
4,225
   
5,216
   
7,773
   
8,856
   
8,508
   
19,698
   
13,962
                   
Four years later
   
4,757
   
4,179
   
5,095
   
7,901
   
8,860
   
8,446
   
18,551
                         
Five years later
   
4,732
   
4,111
   
5,028
   
7,997
   
8,855
   
8,478
                               
Six years later
   
4,687
   
4,101
   
5,153
   
7,999
   
8,884
                                     
Seven years later
   
4,695
   
4,209
   
5,153
   
8,026
                                           
Eight years later
   
4,675
   
4,203
   
5,182
                                                 
Nine years later
   
4,674
   
4,227
                                                       
Ten years later
   
4,698
                                                             
                                                                     
C. Net Cumulative Redundancy (Deficiency)
   
(30
)
 
353
   
227
   
(575
)
 
(965
)
 
(67
)
 
2,646
   
3,738
   
1,094
   
6,414
       
                                                                     
D. Cumulative Amount of Claims Paid, Net of Reinsurance Recoveries, through:
                                                                   
One year later
   
3,326
   
2,791
   
3,229
   
5,377
   
5,691
   
5,845
   
12,217
   
8,073
   
16,721
   
30,061
       
Two years later
   
4,287
   
3,476
   
4,436
   
7,070
   
7,905
   
7,663
   
15,814
   
12,004
   
22,990
             
Three years later
   
4,387
   
3,911
   
4,909
   
7,584
   
8,603
   
8,228
   
18,162
   
13,113
                   
Four years later
   
4,571
   
4,002
   
5,014
   
7,810
   
8,798
   
8,374
   
17,997
                         
Five years later
   
4,618
   
4,051
   
4,966
   
7,960
   
8,821
   
8,417
                               
Six years later
   
4,643
   
4,061
   
5,116
   
7,970
   
8,853
                                     
Seven years later
   
4,664
   
4,204
   
5,124
   
7,995
                                           
Eight years later
   
4,675
   
4,203
   
5,151
                                                 
Nine years later
   
4,674
   
4,227
                                                       
Ten years later
   
4,698
                                                             
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Net Reserve, December 31
 
$
120,849
 
$
72,801
 
               
Reinsurance Recoverables
   
4,489
   
4,763
 
Gross Reserve, December 31
 
$
125,338
 
$
77,564
 
Net Re-estimated Reserve
         
66,387
 
Re-estimated Reinsurance Recoverable
         
8,052
 
Gross Re-estimated Reserve
       
$
74,439
 
Gross Cumulative Redundancy
       
$
3,125
 

Reinsurance
 
We reinsure a portion of the risk we underwrite in order to control our exposure to losses and to protect our capital resources. We cede to reinsurers a portion of these risks and pay premiums based upon the risk and exposure of the policies subject to such reinsurance. Ceded reinsurance involves credit risk and is generally subject to aggregate loss limits. Although the reinsurer is liable to us to the extent of the reinsurance ceded, we are ultimately liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables are reported after allowances for uncollectible amounts. We monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Reinsurers are selected based on their financial condition, business practices and the price of their product offerings. Our reinsurance facilities are subject to annual renewal.
 
15

 
The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years.

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
249,472
 
$
213,945
 
$
89,467
 
Ceded premiums written
   
(11,329
)
 
(11,017
)
 
(1,215
)
Net premiums written
 
$
238,143
 
$
202,928
 
$
88,252
 
Gross premiums earned
 
$
238,080
 
$
162,216
 
$
59,632
 
Ceded premiums earned
   
(12,777
)
 
(10,155
)
 
(448
)
Net premiums earned
 
$
225,303
 
$
152,061
 
$
59,184
 
Reinsurance recoveries
 
$
3,862
 
$
5,225
 
$
(492
)
 
Our insurance company subsidiaries presently retain 100% of the risk associated with all non-standard personal automobile policies marketed by our Phoenix Operating Unit. We currently reinsure the following exposures on business generated by our HGA Operating Unit, our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit:
 
 
·
Property catastrophe. Our property catastrophe reinsurance reduces the financial impact a catastrophe could have on our commercial property insurance lines. Catastrophes might include multiple claims and policyholders. Catastrophes include hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, explosions, severe winter weather and fires. Our property catastrophe reinsurance is excess-of-loss reinsurance, which provides us reinsurance coverage for losses in excess of an agreed-upon amount. We utilize catastrophe models to assist in determining appropriate retention and limits to purchase. The terms of our property catastrophe reinsurance, effective July 1, 2007, are:
 
 
·
We retain the first $2.0 million of property catastrophe losses; and
 
 
·
Our reinsurers reimburse us 100% for each $1.00 of loss in excess of our $2.0 million retention up to $28.0 million for each catastrophic occurrence, subject to a maximum of two events for the contractual term.
 
 
·
Commercial property. Our commercial property reinsurance is excess-of-loss coverage intended to reduce the financial impact a single-event or catastrophic loss may have on our results. The terms of our commercial property reinsurance, effective July 1, 2007, are:
 
 
·
We retain the first $1.0 million of loss for each commercial property risk;
 
 
·
Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial property risk; and
 
 
·
Individual risk facultative reinsurance is purchased on any commercial property with limits above $6.0 million.
 
 
·
Commercial casualty. Our commercial casualty reinsurance is excess-of-loss coverage intended to reduce the financial impact a single-event loss may have on our results. The terms of our commercial casualty reinsurance, effective July 1, 2007, are:
 
 
·
We retain the first $1.0 million of any commercial liability risk: and
 
 
·
Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial liability risk.
 
 
·
Aviation.  We purchase reinsurance specific to the aviation risks underwritten by our Aerospace Operating Unit. This reinsurance provides aircraft hull and liability coverage and airport liability coverage on a per occurrence basis on the following terms:
 
 
·
We retain the first $350,000 of each aircraft hull or liability loss or airport liability loss;
 
 
·
Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $1.15 million of each aircraft hull loss and for the next $650,000 of each airport liability loss; and
 
 
·
Our reinsurers provide additional reimbursement of $4.0 million for each airport liability loss and aircraft liability loss, excluding passenger liability.

16

 
Investment Portfolio
 
Our investment objective is to maximize current yield while maintaining safety of capital together with sufficient liquidity for ongoing insurance operations. Our investment portfolio is composed of fixed-income and equity securities. As of December 31, 2007, we had total invested assets of $267.6 million. If market rates were to increase by 1%, the fair value of our fixed-income securities as of December 31, 2007 would decrease by approximately $5.5 million. The following table shows the fair values of various categories of fixed-income securities, the percentage of the total fair value of our invested assets represented by each category and the tax equivalent book yield based on fair value of each category of invested assets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

   
As of December 31, 2007
 
As of December 31, 2006
 
 
 
Fair
 
Percent of
 
 
 
Fair
 
Percent of
 
 
 
 
 
Value
 
Total
 
Yield
 
Value
 
Total
 
Yield
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
(in thousands)
 
Category
                         
Corporate bonds
   
50,096
   
20.0
%
 
6.8
%
 
40,483
   
25.6
%
 
6.6
%
Municipal bonds
   
98,923
   
39.5
%
 
7.2
%
 
52,132
   
32.9
%
 
6.5
%
US Treasury bonds
   
99,047
   
39.5
%
 
4.7
%
 
40,407
   
25.5
%
 
4.0
%
US Treasury bills and other
                                     
short-term
   
2,625
   
1.0
%
 
4.8
%
 
25,275
   
16.0
%
 
3.8
%
Mortgage backed securities
   
3
   
0.0
%
 
6.8
%
 
8
   
0.0
%
 
7.6
%
Total
 
$
250,694
   
100.0
%
 
6.1
%
$
158,305
   
100.0
%
 
5.5
%
 
The weighted average credit rating for our fixed-income portfolio, using ratings assigned by Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.), was AA at December 31, 2007. The following table shows the distribution of our fixed-income portfolio by Standard and Poor’s rating as a percentage of total market value as of December 31, 2007 and 2006:

   
As of
 
As of
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
Rating:
         
"AAA"
   
73.6
%
 
68.5
%
"AA"
   
6.4
%
 
6.4
%
"A"
   
6.3
%
 
3.4
%
"BBB"
   
4.7
%
 
11.6
%
"BB"
   
6.1
%
 
8.8
%
"B"
   
2.9
%
 
1.3
%
"CCC"
   
0.0
%
 
0.0
%
Total
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
17

 
The following table shows the composition of our fixed-income portfolio by remaining time to maturity as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

   
As of December 31, 2007
 
As of December 31, 2006
 
   
   
 
Percentage of
 
 
 
Percentage of
 
       
Total
     
Total
 
   
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
   
(in thousands)
 
(in thousands)
 
Remaining time to maturity:
                 
Less than one year
   
15,189
   
6.1
%
 
67,060
   
42.4
%
One to five years
   
162,524
   
64.8
%
 
44,018
   
27.8
%
Five to ten years
   
53,305
   
21.3
%
 
42,616
   
26.9
%
More than ten years
   
19,673
   
7.8
%
 
4,603
   
2.9
%
Mortgage-backed securities
   
3
   
0.0
%
 
8
   
0.0
%
Total
   
250,694
   
100.0
%
 
158,305
   
100.0
%
 
Our investment strategy is to conservatively manage our investment portfolio by investing primarily in readily marketable, investment-grade fixed-income securities. As of December 31, 2007, 6.3% of our investment portfolio was invested in equity securities. Our investment portfolio is managed internally. We regularly review our portfolio for declines in value. If a decline in value is deemed temporary, we record the decline as an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income on our consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income on our consolidated balance sheet. If the decline is deemed other than temporary, we write down the carrying value of the investment and record a realized loss in our consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2007, we had a net unrealized loss of $1.1 million on our investments. The following table details the net unrealized loss (gain) balance by invested asset category as of December 31, 2007.

   
Net Unrealized
 
Category
 
Loss (Gain) Balance
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Corporate bonds
 
$
1,690
 
Municipal bonds
   
(376
)
Equity securities
   
(79
)
US Treasury securities
   
(147
)
Short term
   
(3
)
   
$
1,085
 

As part of our overall investment strategy, we also maintain an integrated cash management system utilizing on-line banking services and daily overnight investment accounts to maximize investment earnings on all available cash.

Technology
 
The majority of our technology systems are based on products licensed from insurance-specific technology vendors which have been substantially customized to meet the unique needs of our various operating units. Our technology systems primarily consist of integrated central processing computers, a series of server-based computer networks and various communications systems that allow our branch offices to share systems solutions and communicate to the home office in a timely, secure and consistent manner. We maintain backup facilities and systems through a contract with a leading provider of computer disaster recovery services. Each operating unit bears the information services expenses specific to its operations as well as a portion of the corporate services expenses. Vendor license and service fees are capped per annum and are not directly tied to premium volume or geographic expansion.

We believe the implementation of our various technology systems has increased our efficiency in the processing of our business, resulting in lower operating costs. Additionally, our systems enable us to provide a high level of service to our agents and policyholders by processing our business in a timely and efficient manner, communicating and sharing data with our agents and providing a variety of methods for the payment of premiums. We believe these systems have also improved the accumulation and analysis of information for our management.
 
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Ratings

Many insurance buyers, agents and brokers use the ratings assigned by A.M. Best and other rating agencies to assist them in assessing the financial strength and overall quality of the companies from which they are considering purchasing insurance. As of June 5, 2006, A.M. Best pooled its ratings of our three insurance company subsidiaries and assigned a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to each of our individual insurance company subsidiaries and to the pool formed by our insurance company subsidiaries. An “A-” rating is the fourth highest of 15 rating categories used by A.M. Best. In evaluating an insurer’s financial and operating performance, A.M. Best reviews the company’s profitability, indebtedness and liquidity, as well as its book of business, the adequacy and soundness of its reinsurance, the quality and estimated market value of its assets, the adequacy of its loss reserves, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital structure, the experience and competence of its management and its market presence. A.M. Best’s ratings reflect its opinion of an insurer’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders and are not an evaluation directed at investors or recommendations to buy, sell or hold an insurer’s stock.

Competition

The property/casualty insurance market, our primary source of revenue, is highly competitive and, except for regulatory considerations, has very few barriers to entry. According to A.M. Best, there were 3,141 property/casualty insurance companies and 2,017 property/casualty insurance groups operating in North America as of July 23, 2007. Our HGA Operating Unit competes with a variety of large national standard commercial lines carriers such as The Hartford, Zurich North America, St. Paul Travelers and Safeco, as well as numerous smaller regional companies. The primary competition for our TGA Operating Unit’s excess and surplus lines products includes such carriers as Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company, Colony Insurance Company, Burlington Insurance Company, Penn America Insurance Group and, to a lesser extent, a number of national standard lines carriers such as Zurich North America and The Hartford. Our Aerospace Operating Unit considers its primary competitors to be Houston Casualty Corp., Britt-Paulk, Global Aerospace, Phoenix Aviation, W. Brown & Company, AIG and London Aviation Underwriters. Although our Phoenix Operating Unit competes with large national insurers such as Allstate, State Farm and Progressive, as a participant in the non-standard personal automobile marketplace its competition is most directly associated with numerous regional companies and managing general agencies. Our competitors include entities which have, or are affiliated with entities which have, greater financial and other resources than we have.

Generally, we compete on price, customer service, coverages offered, claims handling, financial stability, agent commission and support, customer recognition and geographic coverage. We compete with companies who use independent agents, captive agent networks, direct marketing channels or a combination thereof.

Insurance Regulation

Our insurance operations are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance, the Arizona Department of Insurance and the Oklahoma Insurance Department, as well as the applicable insurance department of each state in which we issue policies. AHIC, PIIC and HSIC are required to file quarterly and annual statements of their financial condition prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices with the Texas Department of Insurance, the Arizona Department of Insurance and the Oklahoma Insurance Department, respectively, and the applicable insurance department of each state in which they write business. The financial conditions of AHIC, PIIC and HSIC, including the adequacy of surplus, loss reserves and investments, are subject to review by the insurance department of their respective states of domicile. We do not write the majority of our Texas non-standard personal automobile insurance directly, but assume business written through a county mutual insurance company. Under Texas insurance regulation, premium rates and underwriting guidelines of county mutuals have historically not been subject to the same degree of regulation imposed on standard insurance companies.
 
Periodic financial and market conduct examinations. The Texas Department of Insurance, the Arizona Department of Insurance and the Oklahoma Insurance Department have broad authority to enforce insurance laws and regulations through examinations, administrative orders, civil and criminal enforcement proceedings, and suspension or revocation of an insurer’s certificate of authority or an agent’s license. The state insurance departments that have jurisdiction over our insurance company subsidiaries may conduct on-site visits and examinations of the insurance companies' affairs, especially as to their financial condition, ability to fulfill their obligations to policyholders, market conduct, claims practices and compliance with other laws and applicable regulations. Typically, these examinations are conducted every three to five years. In addition, if circumstances dictate, regulators are authorized to conduct special or target examinations of insurance companies to address particular concerns or issues. The results of these examinations can give rise to regulatory orders requiring remedial, injunctive or other corrective action on the part of the company that is the subject of the examination, assessment of fines or other penalties against that company. In extreme cases, including actual or pending insolvency, the insurance department may take over, or appoint a receiver to take over, the management or operations of an insurer or an agent’s business or assets.
 
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Guaranty funds. All insurance companies are subject to assessments for state-administered funds which cover the claims and expenses of insolvent or impaired insurers. The size of the assessment is determined each year by the total claims on the fund that year. Each insurer is assessed a pro rata share based on its direct premiums written in that state. Payments to the fund may be recovered by the insurer through deductions from its premium taxes over a specified period of years.
 
Transactions between insurance companies and their affiliates. Hallmark is also regulated as an insurance holding company by the Texas Department of Insurance, the Arizona Department of Insurance and the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Financial transactions between Hallmark or any of its affiliates and AHIC, PIIC or HSIC are subject to regulation. Transactions between our insurance company subsidiaries and their affiliates generally must be disclosed to state regulators, and prior regulatory approval generally is required before any material or extraordinary transaction may be consummated or any management agreement, services agreement, expense sharing arrangement or other contract providing for the rendering of services on a regular, systematic basis is implemented. State regulators may refuse to approve, or may delay approval of such a transaction, which may impact our ability to innovate or operate efficiently.
 
Dividends. Dividends and distributions to Hallmark by AHIC, PIIC or HSIC are restricted by the insurance regulations of the respective state in which each insurance company subsidiary is domiciled. As a property/casualty insurance company domiciled in the State of Texas, AHIC is limited in the payment of dividends to the amount of surplus profits arising from its business. In estimating such profits, AHIC must exclude all unexpired risks, all unpaid losses and all other debts due and payable or to become due and payable by AHIC. In addition, AHIC must obtain the approval of the Texas Department of Insurance before the payment of extraordinary dividends, which are defined as dividends or distributions of cash or other property the fair market value of which combined with the fair market value of each other dividend or distribution made in the preceding 12 months exceeds the greater of: (1) statutory net income as of the prior December 31st or (2) 10% of statutory policyholders' surplus as of the prior December 31st. PIIC, domiciled in Arizona, may pay dividends out of that part of its available surplus funds which is derived from realized net profits on its business. Without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance, PIIC may not pay extraordinary dividends, which are defined as dividends or distributions of cash or other property the fair market value of which combined with the fair market value of each other dividend or distribution made in the preceding 12 months exceeds the lesser of: (1) 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31st or (2) net investment income as of the prior December 31st. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, may only pay dividends out of that part of its available surplus funds which is derived from realized net profits on its business. Without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department, HSIC may not pay extraordinary dividends, which are defined as dividends or distributions of cash or other property the fair market value of which combined with the fair market value of each other dividend or distribution made in the preceding 12 months exceeds the greater of: (1) 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31st or (2) statutory net income as of the prior December 31st, not including realized capital gains.

Risk-based capital requirements. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners requires property/casualty insurers to file a risk-based capital calculation according to a specified formula. The purpose of the formula is twofold: (1) to assess the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory capital and surplus based upon a variety of factors such as potential risks related to investment portfolio, ceded reinsurance and product mix; and (2) to assist state regulators under the RBC for Insurers Model Act by providing thresholds at which a state commissioner is authorized and expected to take regulatory action. As of December 31, 2007, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements.
 
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Required licensing. American Hallmark Insurance Services, Texas General Agency, Phoenix General Agency and Aerospace Insurance Managers are each subject to and in compliance with the licensing requirements of the department of insurance in each state in which they produce business. These licenses govern, among other things, the types of insurance coverages, agency and claims services and products that we may offer consumers in these states. Such licenses typically are issued only after we file an appropriate application and satisfy prescribed criteria. Generally, each state requires one officer to maintain an agent license. Claims adjusters employed by us are also subject to the licensing requirements of each state in which they conduct business. Each employed claim adjuster either holds or has applied for the required licenses. Our premium finance subsidiaries are subject to licensing, financial reporting and certain financial requirements imposed by the Texas Department of Insurance, as well as regulations promulgated by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner.
 
Regulation of insurance rates and approval of policy forms. The insurance laws of most states in which our subsidiaries operate require insurance companies to file insurance rate schedules and insurance policy forms for review and approval. State insurance regulators have broad discretion in judging whether our rates are adequate, not excessive and not unfairly discriminatory and whether our policy forms comply with law. The speed at which we can change our rates depends, in part, on the method by which the applicable state's rating laws are administered. Generally, state insurance regulators have the authority to disapprove our rates or request changes in our rates.
 
Restrictions on cancellation, non-renewal or withdrawal. Many states have laws and regulations that limit an insurance company's ability to exit a market. For example, certain states limit an automobile insurance company’s ability to cancel or not renew policies. Some states prohibit an insurance company from withdrawing from one or more lines of business in the state, except pursuant to a plan approved by the state insurance department. In some states, this applies to significant reductions in the amount of insurance written, not just to a complete withdrawal. State insurance departments may disapprove a plan that may lead to market disruption.
 
Investment restrictions. We are subject to state laws and regulations that require diversification of our investment portfolios and that limit the amount of investments in certain categories. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations would cause non-conforming investments to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes of measuring statutory surplus and, in some instances, would require divestiture.
 
Trade practices. The manner in which we conduct the business of insurance is regulated by state statutes in an effort to prohibit practices that constitute unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Prohibited practices include disseminating false information or advertising; defamation; boycotting, coercion and intimidation; false statements or entries; unfair discrimination; rebating; improper tie-ins with lenders and the extension of credit; failure to maintain proper records; failure to maintain proper complaint handling procedures; and making false statements in connection with insurance applications for the purpose of obtaining a fee, commission or other benefit.
 
Unfair claims practices. Generally, insurance companies, adjusting companies and individual claims adjusters are prohibited by state statutes from engaging in unfair claims practices on a flagrant basis or with such frequency to indicate a general business practice. Examples of unfair claims practices include:
 
 
·
misrepresenting pertinent facts or insurance policy provisions relating to coverages at issue;
     
 
·
failing to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under insurance policies;
     
 
·
failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation and settlement of claims arising under insurance policies;
     
 
·
failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a reasonable time after proof of loss statements have been completed;
     
 
·
attempting to settle a claim for less than the amount to which a reasonable person would have believed such person was entitled;
     
 
·
attempting to settle claims on the basis of an application that was altered without notice to, or knowledge and consent of, the insured;
     
 
·
compelling insureds to institute suits to recover amounts due under policies by offering substantially less than the amounts ultimately recovered in suits brought by them; 
     
 
·
refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation;
     
 
·
making claim payments to an insured without indicating the coverage under which each payment is being made;
     
 
·
delaying the investigation or payment of claims by requiring an insured, claimant or the physician of either to submit a preliminary claim report and then requiring the subsequent submission of formal proof of loss forms, both of which submissions contain substantially the same information;
     
 
·
failing, in the case of claim denials or offers of compromise or settlement, to promptly provide a reasonable and accurate explanation of the basis for such actions; and
 
21

 
·
not attempting in good faith to effectuate prompt, fair and equitable settlements of claims in which liability has become reasonably clear.
 
Employees

As of December 31, 2007, we employed 361 people on a full-time basis. None of our employees are represented by labor unions. We consider our employee relations to be good.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.
 
Our success depends on our ability to price accurately the risks we underwrite.
 
Our results of operations and financial condition depend on our ability to underwrite and set premium rates accurately for a wide variety of risks. Adequate rates are necessary to generate premiums sufficient to pay losses, loss settlement expenses and underwriting expenses and to earn a profit. To price our products accurately, we must collect and properly analyze a substantial amount of data; develop, test and apply appropriate pricing techniques; closely monitor and timely recognize changes in trends; and project both severity and frequency of losses with reasonable accuracy. Our ability to undertake these efforts successfully, and as a result price our products accurately, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are outside our control, including:
 
·
the availability of sufficient reliable data and our ability to properly analyze available data;
 
·
the uncertainties that inherently characterize estimates and assumptions;
 
·
our selection and application of appropriate pricing techniques; and
 
·
changes in applicable legal liability standards and in the civil litigation system generally.
 
Consequently, we could underprice risks, which would adversely affect our profit margins, or we could overprice risks, which could reduce our sales volume and competitiveness. In either case, our profitability could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Our results may fluctuate as a result of cyclical changes in the property/casualty insurance industry.
 
Our revenue is primarily attributable to property/casualty insurance, which as an industry is cyclical in nature and has historically been characterized by soft markets followed by hard markets. A soft market is a period of relatively high levels of price competition, less restrictive underwriting standards and generally low premium rates. A hard market is a period of capital shortages resulting in lack of insurance availability, relatively low levels of competition, more selective underwriting of risks and relatively high premium rates. If we find it necessary to reduce premiums or limit premium increases due to competitive pressures on pricing in a softening market, we may experience a reduction in our premiums written and in our profit margins and revenues, which could adversely affect our financial results.
 
Estimating reserves is inherently uncertain. If our loss reserves are not adequate, it will have an unfavorable impact on our results.
 
We maintain loss reserves to cover our estimated ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses for reported and unreported claims incurred as of the end of each accounting period. Reserves represent management’s estimates of what the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost and are not reviewed by an independent actuary. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of future trends in claim severity and frequency, judicial theories of liability, and other factors. These variables are affected by both internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling procedures, inflation, judicial trends and legislative changes. Many of these factors are not quantifiable. Additionally, there may be a significant lag between the occurrence of an event and the time it is reported to us. The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities, particularly those in which the various considerations affecting the type of claim are subject to change and in which long periods of time may elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made. Reserve estimates are continually refined in a regular and ongoing process as experience develops and further claims are reported and settled. Adjustments to reserves are reflected in the results of the periods in which such estimates are changed. For example, a 1% change in December 31, 2007 unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses would have produced a $1.3 million change to pretax earnings. Our gross loss and loss adjustment expense reserves totaled $125.3 million at December 31, 2007. Our loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, net of reinsurance recoverables, were $120.4 million at that date. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, there can be no assurance that the current reserves will prove adequate.
 
22


Our failure to maintain favorable financial strength ratings could negatively impact our ability to compete successfully.
 
Third-party rating agencies assess and rate the claims-paying ability of insurers based upon criteria established by the agencies. During 2005, A.M. Best upgraded the financial strength rating of PIIC from “B” (Fair) to “B+” (Very Good) and upgraded the financial strength rating of AHIC from “B” (Fair) to “A-” (Excellent). Our insurance company subsidiaries have historically been rated on an individual basis. However, effective January 1, 2006, our insurance company subsidiaries entered into a pooling arrangement, which was subsequently amended on December 15, 2006, whereby AHIC would retain 46.0% of the net premiums written, PIIC would retain 34.1% of the net premiums written and HSIC would retain 19.9% of the net premiums written. In June 2006, A.M. Best notified us that our insurance company subsidiaries would be rated on a pooled basis and assigned a rating of “A-” (Excellent) to each of our individual insurance company subsidiaries and to the pool formed by our insurance company subsidiaries.
 
These financial strength ratings are used by policyholders, insurers, reinsurers and insurance and reinsurance intermediaries as an important means of assessing the financial strength and quality of insurers. These ratings are not evaluations directed to potential purchasers of our common stock and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our common stock. Our ratings are subject to change at any time and could be revised downward or revoked at the sole discretion of the rating agencies. We believe that the ratings assigned by A.M. Best are an important factor in marketing our products. Our ability to retain our existing business and to attract new business in our insurance operations depends largely on these ratings. Our failure to maintain our ratings, or any other adverse development with respect to our ratings, could cause our current and future independent agents and insureds to choose to transact their business with more highly rated competitors. If A.M. Best downgrades our ratings or publicly indicates that our ratings are under review, it is likely that we would not be able to compete as effectively with our competitors, and our ability to sell insurance policies could decline. If that happens, our sales and earnings would decrease. For example, many of our agencies and insureds have guidelines that require us to have an A.M. Best financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) or higher. A reduction of our A.M. Best rating below “A-” would prevent us from issuing policies to insureds or potential insureds with such ratings requirements. Because lenders and reinsurers will use our A.M. Best ratings as a factor in deciding whether to transact business with us, the failure of our insurance company subsidiaries to maintain their current ratings could dissuade a lender or reinsurance company from conducting business with us or might increase our interest or reinsurance costs. In addition, a ratings downgrade by A.M. Best below “A-” would require us to post collateral in support of our obligations under certain of our reinsurance agreements pursuant to which we assume business.
 
The loss of key executives could disrupt our business.
 
Our success will depend in part upon the continued service of certain key executives. Our success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain additional executives and personnel. We do not have employment agreements with our Chief Executive Officer or any of our executive officers other than employment agreements entered into in connection with the acquisitions of the subsidiaries now comprising our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit. The loss of key personnel, or our inability to recruit and retain additional qualified personnel, could cause disruption in our business and could prevent us from fully implementing our business strategies, which could materially and adversely affect our business, growth and profitability.
 
Our industry is very competitive, which may unfavorably impact our results of operations.
 
The property/casualty insurance market, our primary source of revenue, is highly competitive and, except for regulatory considerations, has very few barriers to entry. According to A.M. Best, there were 3,141 property/casualty insurance companies and 2,017 property/casualty insurance groups operating in North America as of July 23, 2007. Our HGA Operating Unit competes with a variety of large national standard commercial lines carriers such as The Hartford, Zurich North America, St. Paul Travelers and Safeco, as well as numerous smaller regional companies. The primary competition for our TGA Operating Unit’s excess and surplus lines products includes such carriers as Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company, Colony Insurance Company, Burlington Insurance Company, Penn America Insurance Group and, to a lesser extent, a number of national standard lines carriers such as Zurich North America and The Hartford. Our Aerospace Operating Unit considers its primary competitors to be Houston Casualty Corp., Phoenix Aviation, W. Brown & Company, AIG and London Aviation Underwriters. Although our Phoenix Operating Unit competes with large national insurers such as Allstate, State Farm and Progressive, as a participant in the non-standard personal automobile marketplace its competition is most directly associated with numerous regional companies and managing general agencies. Our competitors include entities which have, or are affiliated with entities which have, greater financial and other resources than we have. In addition, competitors may attempt to increase market share by lowering rates. In that case, we could experience reductions in our underwriting margins, or sales of our insurance policies could decline as customers purchase lower-priced products from our competitors. Losing business to competitors offering similar products at lower prices, or having other competitive advantages, could adversely affect our results of operations.
 
23

 
Our results may be unfavorably impacted if we are unable to obtain adequate reinsurance.
 
As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for significant amounts of risk, especially catastrophe risks that we and our insurance company subsidiaries underwrite. Our catastrophe and non-catastrophe reinsurance facilities are generally subject to annual renewal. We may be unable to maintain our current reinsurance facilities or to obtain other reinsurance facilities in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. The amount, availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market conditions beyond our control, and may affect our ability to write additional premiums as well as our profitability. If we are unable to obtain adequate reinsurance protection for the risks we have underwritten, we will either be exposed to greater losses from these risks or we will reduce the level of business that we underwrite, which will reduce our revenue.
 
If the companies that provide our reinsurance do not pay our claims in a timely manner, we could incur severe losses.
 
We purchase reinsurance by transferring, or ceding, part of the risk we have assumed to a reinsurance company in exchange for part of the premium we receive in connection with the risk. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable to us to the extent the risk is transferred or ceded to the reinsurer, it does not relieve us of our liability to our policyholders. Accordingly, we bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers. We cannot assure that our reinsurers will pay all of our reinsurance claims, or that they will pay our claims on a timely basis. At December 31, 2007, we had a total of $5.2 million due us from reinsurers, including $5.0 million of recoverables from losses and $0.2 million in prepaid reinsurance premiums. The largest amount due us from a single reinsurer as of December 31, 2007 was $1.8 million reinsurance and premium recoverable from QBE Reinsurance Corporation. If any of our reinsurers are unable or unwilling to pay amounts they owe us in a timely fashion, we could suffer a significant loss or a shortage of liquidity, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
 
Catastrophic losses are unpredictable and may adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
 
Property/casualty insurance companies are subject to claims arising out of catastrophes that may have a significant effect on their results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. Catastrophes can be caused by various events, including hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hail storms, explosions, severe winter weather and fires, and may include man-made events, such as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The incidence, frequency, and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Claims from catastrophic events could reduce our net income, cause substantial volatility in our financial results for any fiscal quarter or year or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. Catastrophes may also negatively affect our ability to write new business. Increases in the value and geographic concentration of insured property and the effects of inflation could increase the severity of claims from catastrophic events in the future.
 
Catastrophe models may not accurately predict future losses.
 
Along with other insurers in the industry, we use models developed by third-party vendors in assessing our exposure to catastrophe losses that assume various conditions and probability scenarios. However, these models do not necessarily accurately predict future losses or accurately measure losses currently incurred. Catastrophe models, which have been evolving since the early 1990s, use historical information about various catastrophes and detailed information about our in-force business. While we use this information in connection with our pricing and risk management activities, there are limitations with respect to their usefulness in predicting losses in any reporting period. Examples of these limitations are significant variations in estimates between models and modelers and material increases and decreases in model results due to changes and refinements of the underlying data elements and assumptions. Such limitations lead to questionable predictive capability and post-event measurements that have not been well understood or proven to be sufficiently reliable. In addition, the models are not necessarily reflective of company or state-specific policy language, demand surge for labor and materials or loss settlement expenses, all of which are subject to wide variation by catastrophe. Because the occurrence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable and may vary significantly from year to year, historical results of operations may not be indicative of future results of operations.
 
We are subject to comprehensive regulation, and our results may be unfavorably impacted by these regulations.
 
We are subject to comprehensive governmental regulation and supervision. Most insurance regulations are designed to protect the interests of policyholders rather than of the stockholders and other investors of the insurance companies. These regulations, generally administered by the department of insurance in each state in which we do business, relate to, among other things:
 
 
·
approval of policy forms and rates;
 
24

 
 
·
standards of solvency, including risk-based capital measurements, which are a measure developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and used by the state insurance regulators to identify insurance companies that potentially are inadequately capitalized;
 
 
·
licensing of insurers and their agents;
 
 
·
restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;
 
 
·
restrictions on the ability of insurance company subsidiaries to pay dividends;
 
 
·
restrictions on transactions between insurance company subsidiaries and their affiliates;
 
 
·
requiring certain methods of accounting;
 
 
·
periodic examinations of operations and finances;
 
 
·
the use of non-public consumer information and related privacy issues;
 
 
·
the use of credit history in underwriting and rating;
 
 
·
limitations on the ability to charge policy fees;
 
 
·
the acquisition or disposition of an insurance company or of any company controlling an insurance company;
 
 
·
involuntary assignments of high-risk policies, participation in reinsurance facilities and underwriting associations, assessments and other governmental charges;
 
 
·
restrictions on the cancellation or non-renewal of policies and, in certain jurisdictions, withdrawal from writing certain lines of business;
 
 
·
prescribing the form and content of records of financial condition to be filed;
 
 
·
requiring reserves for unearned premium, losses and other purposes; and
 
 
·
with respect to premium finance business, the federal Truth-in-Lending Act and similar state statutes. In states where specific statutes have not been enacted, premium finance is generally subject to state usury laws that are applicable to consumer loans.
 
State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of insurance companies and require filing of annual and other reports relating to the financial condition of insurance companies, holding company issues and other matters. Our business depends on compliance with applicable laws and regulations and our ability to maintain valid licenses and approvals for our operations. Regulatory authorities may deny or revoke licenses for various reasons, including violations of regulations. Changes in the level of regulation of the insurance industry or changes in laws or regulations themselves or interpretations by regulatory authorities could have a material adverse affect on our operations. In addition, we could face individual, group and class-action lawsuits by our policyholders and others for alleged violations of certain state laws and regulations. Each of these regulatory risks could have an adverse effect on our profitability.
 
State statutes limit the aggregate amount of dividends that our subsidiaries may pay Hallmark, thereby limiting its funds to pay expenses and dividends.
 
Hallmark is a holding company and a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. As a holding company without significant operations of its own, Hallmark’s principal sources of funds are dividends and other sources of funds from its subsidiaries. State insurance laws limit the ability of Hallmark’s insurance company subsidiaries to pay dividends and require our insurance company subsidiaries to maintain specified minimum levels of statutory capital and surplus. The aggregate maximum amount of dividends permitted by law to be paid by an insurance company does not necessarily define an insurance company’s actual ability to pay dividends. The actual ability to pay dividends may be further constrained by business and regulatory considerations, such as the impact of dividends on surplus, by our competitive position and by the amount of premiums that we can write. Without regulatory approval, the aggregate maximum amount of dividends that could be paid to Hallmark in 2008 by our insurance company subsidiaries is $16.3 million. State insurance regulators have broad discretion to limit the payment of dividends by insurance companies and Hallmark’s right to participate in any distribution of assets of one of our insurance company subsidiaries is subject to prior claims of policyholders and creditors except to the extent that its rights, if any, as a creditor are recognized. Consequently, Hallmark’s ability to pay debts, expenses and cash dividends to our stockholders may be limited.
 
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Our insurance company subsidiaries are subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements. Failure to meet these requirements could subject us to regulatory action.
 
Our insurance company subsidiaries are subject to minimum capital and surplus requirements imposed under the laws of their respective states of domicile and each state in which they issue policies. Any failure by one of our insurance company subsidiaries to meet minimum capital and surplus requirements imposed by applicable state law will subject it to corrective action, which may include requiring adoption of a comprehensive financial plan, revocation of its license to sell insurance products or placing the subsidiary under state regulatory control. Any new minimum capital and surplus requirements adopted in the future may require us to increase the capital and surplus of our insurance company subsidiaries, which we may not be able to do.
 
We are subject to assessments and other surcharges from state guaranty funds, mandatory reinsurance arrangements and state insurance facilities, which may reduce our profitability.
 
Virtually all states require insurers licensed to do business therein to bear a portion of the unfunded obligations of impaired or insolvent insurance companies. These obligations are funded by assessments, which are levied by guaranty associations within the state, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in the state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer was engaged. Accordingly, the assessments levied on us by the states in which we are licensed to write insurance may increase as we increase our premiums written. In addition, as a condition to the ability to conduct business in certain states, insurance companies are required to participate in mandatory reinsurance funds. The effect of these assessments and mandatory reinsurance arrangements, or changes in them, could reduce our profitability in any given period or limit our ability to grow our business.
 
We are currently monitoring developments with respect to various state facilities, such as the Texas FAIR Plan and the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, and the various guaranty funds in which we participate. The ultimate impact of recent catastrophe experience on these facilities is currently uncertain but could result in the facilities recognizing a financial deficit or a financial deficit greater than the level currently estimated. They may, in turn, have the ability to assess participating insurers when financial deficits occur, adversely affecting our results of operations. While these facilities are generally designed so that the ultimate cost is borne by policyholders, the exposure to assessments and the availability of recoupments or premium rate increases from these facilities may not offset each other in our financial statements. Moreover, even if they do offset each other, they may not offset each other in financial statements for the same fiscal period due to the ultimate timing of the assessments and recoupments or premium rate increases, as well as the possibility of policies not being renewed in subsequent years.
 
Adverse securities market conditions can have a significant and negative impact on our investment portfolio.
 
Our results of operations depend in part on the performance of our invested assets. As of December 31, 2007, 93.7% of our investment portfolio was invested in fixed-income securities. Certain risks are inherent in connection with fixed-income securities, including loss upon default and price volatility in reaction to changes in interest rates and general market factors. In general, the fair market value of a portfolio of fixed-income securities increases or decreases inversely with changes in the market interest rates, while net investment income realized from future investments in fixed-income securities increases or decreases along with interest rates. In addition, 19.5% of our fixed-income securities have call or prepayment options. This subjects us to reinvestment risk should interest rates fall and issuers call their securities. Furthermore, actual net investment income and/or cash flows from investments that carry prepayment risk, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, may differ from those anticipated at the time of investment as a result of interest rate fluctuations. An investment has prepayment risk when there is a risk that cash flows from the repayment of principal might occur earlier than anticipated because of declining interest rates or later than anticipated because of rising interest rates. The fair value of our fixed-income securities as of December 31, 2007 was $250.7 million. If market interest rates were to change 1%, for example, from 5% to 6%, the fair value of our fixed-income securities would change approximately $5.5 million as of December 31, 2007. The calculated change in fair value was determined using duration modeling assuming no prepayments.
 
In addition to the general risks described above, although 91.0% of our portfolio is investment-grade, our fixed-income securities are nonetheless subject to credit risk. If any of the issuers of our fixed-income securities suffer financial setbacks, the ratings on the fixed-income securities could fall (with a concurrent fall in market value) and, in a worst case scenario, the issuer could default on its obligations. Hallmark has no exposure in its investment portfolio to sub-prime mortgages and $3 thousand total exposure in mortgage backed securities. Future changes in the fair market value of our available-for-sale securities will be reflected in other comprehensive income. Similar treatment is not available for liabilities. Therefore, interest rate fluctuations could adversely affect our stockholders’ equity, total comprehensive income and/or our cash flows.
 
26

 
We rely on independent agents and specialty brokers to market our products and their failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
We market and distribute our insurance programs exclusively through independent insurance agents and specialty insurance brokers. As a result, our business depends in large part on the marketing efforts of these agents and brokers and on our ability to offer insurance products and services that meet the requirements of the agents, the brokers and their customers. However, these agents and brokers are not obligated to sell or promote our products and many sell or promote competitors’ insurance products in addition to our products. Some of our competitors have higher financial strength ratings, offer a larger variety of products, set lower prices for insurance coverage and/or offer higher commissions than we do. Therefore, we may not be able to continue to attract and retain independent agents and brokers to sell our insurance products. The failure or inability of independent agents and brokers to market our insurance products successfully could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We may experience difficulty in integrating future acquisitions into our operations.
 
The successful integration of any newly acquired businesses into our operations will require, among other things, the retention and assimilation of their key management, sales and other personnel; the coordination of their lines of insurance products and services; the adaptation of their technology, information systems and other processes; and the retention and transition of their customers. Unexpected difficulties in integrating any acquisition could result in increased expenses and the diversion of management time and resources. If we do not successfully integrate any acquired business into our operations, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, any potential acquisitions may require significant capital outlays and, if we issue equity or convertible debt securities to pay for an acquisition, the issuance may be dilutive to our existing stockholders.
 
Our geographic concentration ties our performance to the business, economic and regulatory conditions of certain states.
 
The following states accounted for 78.9% of our gross written premiums for 2007: Texas (43.7%), Oregon (13.4%), New Mexico (9.7%), Idaho (6.5%) and Arizona (5.6%). Our revenues and profitability are subject to the prevailing regulatory, legal, economic, political, demographic, competitive, weather and other conditions in the principal states in which we do business. Changes in any of these conditions could make it less attractive for us to do business in such states and would have a more pronounced effect on us compared to companies that are more geographically diversified. In addition, our exposure to severe losses from localized natural perils, such as windstorms or hailstorms, is increased in those areas where we have written significant numbers of property/casualty insurance policies.
 
The exclusions and limitations in our policies may not be enforceable.
 
Many of the policies we issue include exclusions or other conditions that define and limit coverage, which exclusions and conditions are designed to manage our exposure to certain types of risks and expanding theories of legal liability. In addition, many of our policies limit the period during which a policyholder may bring a claim under the policy, which period in many cases is shorter than the statutory period under which these claims can be brought by our policyholders. While these exclusions and limitations help us assess and control our loss exposure, it is possible that a court or regulatory authority could nullify or void an exclusion or limitation, or legislation could be enacted modifying or barring the use of these exclusions and limitations. This could result in higher than anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses by extending coverage beyond our underwriting intent or increasing the number or size of claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. In some instances, these changes may not become apparent until some time after we have issued the insurance policies that are affected by the changes. As a result, the full extent of liability under our insurance contracts may not be known for many years after a policy is issued.
 
We rely on our information technology and telecommunications systems and the failure or disruption of these systems could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our results of operations.
 
Our business is highly dependent upon the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems. We rely on these systems to process new and renewal business, provide customer service, make claims payments and facilitate collections and cancellations, as well as to perform actuarial and other analytical functions necessary for pricing and product development. Our systems could fail of their own accord or might be disrupted by factors such as natural disasters, power disruptions or surges, computer hackers or terrorist attacks. Failure or disruption of these systems for any reason could interrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations.
 
27

 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable

Item 2. Properties.

Our corporate headquarters and HGA Operating Unit are located at 777 Main Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas. The suite is located in a high-rise office building and contains approximately 27,808 square feet of space. The rent is currently $33,485 per month pursuant to a lease which expires June 30, 2011. Our corporate headquarters also occupies ten offices in an executive suite located in the same building for $9,675 per month under a lease which expires September 30, 2008.

Our TGA Operating Unit is located at 7411 John Smith, San Antonio, Texas. The suite is located in a high-rise office building and contains approximately 18,904 square feet of space. The rent is currently $27,175 per month pursuant to a lease which expires June 30, 2010. Our TGA Operating Unit also maintains a small branch office in Lubbock, Texas. Rent on this branch office is currently $1,025 per month under a lease which expires April 30, 2009.

Our Aerospace Operating Unit is located at 14990 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 300, Addison, Texas. The suite is located in a low-rise office building and contains approximately 8,925 square feet of space. The rent is currently $13,666 per month pursuant to a lease which expires September 30, 2010. Our Aerospace Operating Unit also maintains a branch office in Glendale, California. Rent on the 1,196 square foot suite is currently $2,392 per month pursuant to a lease which expires August 1, 2009.

Our Phoenix Operating Unit is located at 14651 Dallas Parkway, Suite 400, Dallas, Texas. The suite is located in a high-rise office building and contains approximately 25,559 square feet of space. The rent is currently $50,075 per month pursuant to a lease which expires November 30, 2008.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

We are engaged in various legal proceedings which are routine in nature and incidental to our business. None of these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, are believed, in our opinion, to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or our results of operations.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we did not submit any matter to a vote of our security holders.
 
28

 
PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market for Common Stock

Our common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “HALL.” Prior to October 6, 2006, our common stock traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “HAF”. The following table shows the high and low sales prices of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market or the American Stock Exchange for each quarter since January 1, 2006.

Period
 
High Sale
 
Low Sale
 
Year Ended December 31, 2007:
         
First quarter
 
$
12.25
 
$
9.64
 
Second quarter
   
13.15
   
11.86
 
Third quarter
   
15.29
   
9.97
 
Fourth quarter
   
17.62
   
13.29
 
               
Year Ended December 31, 2006:
             
First quarter
 
$
12.30
 
$
8.16
 
Second quarter
   
12.00
   
8.52
 
Third quarter
   
14.40
   
10.15
 
Fourth quarter
   
11.40
   
8.50
 
 
Holders

As of March 7, 2008 there were approximately 2,418 shareholders of record of our common stock.

Dividends

Hallmark has never paid dividends on its common stock. Our board of directors intends to continue this policy for the foreseeable future in order to retain earnings for development of our business.

Hallmark is a holding company and a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. As a holding company, Hallmark is dependent on dividend payments and management fees from its subsidiaries to pay dividends and make other payments. State insurance laws limit the ability of our insurance company subsidiaries to pay dividends to Hallmark. As a property/casualty insurance company domiciled in the State of Texas, AHIC is limited in the payment of dividends to Hallmark in any 12-month period, without the prior written consent of the Texas Department of Insurance, to the greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders surplus as of the prior year end. Dividends may only be paid from unassigned surplus funds. PIIC, domiciled in Arizona, is limited in the payment of dividends to the lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders surplus or prior year's net investment income, without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, is limited in the payment of dividends to the greater of 10% of prior year policyholders surplus or prior year's statutory net income, without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
 
29


Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table sets forth information regarding shares of our common stock authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2007.
 
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)
 
               
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders1
   
831,334
 
$
10.58
   
115,834
 
                     
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders2
   
16,666
 
$
2.25
   
- 0 -
 
                     
Total
   
848,000
 
$
10.41
   
115,834
 
 
1
Includes shares of our common stock authorized for issuance under our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, as well as shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding under our 1994 Key Employee Long Term Incentive Plan and our 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, both of which terminated in accordance with their terms in 2004.
 
2
Represents shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of non-qualified stock options granted to our non-employee directors in lieu of cash compensation for their service on the board of directors during fiscal 1999. The options became fully exercisable on August 16, 2000, and terminate on March 15, 2010, to the extent not previously exercised.

Issuer Repurchases

We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2007.
 
30


Performance Graph

The line graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2007, with the return on the Nasdaq Composite Index, Nasdaq Insurance Index, and S&P Property & Casualty Insurance Index for the same period. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the measurement assumes a $100 initial investment in our common stock with all dividends reinvested, and a $100 initial investment in the indices.
 
graph
 
31

 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
(1)
 
(1)
 
           
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                     
Gross premiums written
 
$
249,472
 
$
213,945
 
$
89,467
 
$
33,389
 
$
43,338
 
Ceded premiums written
   
(11,329
)
 
(11,017
)
 
(1,215
)
 
(322
)
 
(6,769
)
Net premiums written
   
238,143
   
202,928
   
88,252
   
33,067
   
36,569
 
Change in unearned premiums
   
(12,840
)
 
(50,867
)
 
(29,068
)
 
(622
)
 
5,406
 
Net premiums earned
   
225,303
   
152,061
   
59,184
   
32,445
   
41,975
 
                                 
Investment income, net of expenses
   
13,180
   
10,461
   
3,836
   
1,386
   
1,198
 
Realized gains (losses)
   
2,586
   
(1,466
)
 
58
   
(27
)
 
(88
)
Finance charges
   
4,702
   
3,983
   
2,044
   
2,183
   
3,544
 
Commission and fees
   
28,054
   
35,343
   
16,703
   
21,100
   
17,544
 
Processing and service fees
   
657
   
2,330
   
5,183
   
6,003
   
4,900
 
Other income
   
16
   
29
   
27
   
31
   
486
 
Total revenues
   
274,498
   
202,741
   
87,035
   
63,121
   
69,559
 
                                 
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
132,918
   
87,117
   
33,784
   
19,137
   
30,188
 
Other operating costs and expenses
   
94,272
   
83,583
   
38,492
   
35,290
   
37,386
 
Interest expense
   
3,914
   
5,798
   
1,264
   
64
   
1,271
 
Interest expense from amortization of discount on
                               
convertible notes (2)
   
-
   
9,625
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
2,293
   
2,293
   
27
   
28
   
28
 
Total expenses
   
233,397
   
188,416
   
73,567
   
54,519
   
68,873
 
                                 
Income before income tax and extraordinary gain
   
41,101
   
14,325
   
13,468
   
8,602
   
686
 
                                 
Income tax expense
   
13,672
   
5,134
   
4,282
   
2,753
   
25
 
                                 
Income before extrordinary gain
   
27,429
   
9,191
   
9,186
   
5,849
   
661
 
                                 
Extraordinary gain (3)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
8,084
 
                                 
Net income
 
$
27,429
 
$
9,191
 
$
9,186
 
$
5,849
 
$
8,745
 
                                 
Common stockholders basic earnings per share:
                               
                                 
Income before extraordinary gain
 
$
1.32
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.76
 
$
0.83
 
$
0.14
 
Extraordinary gain (3)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1.66
 
Net income
 
$
1.32
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.76
 
$
0.83
 
$
1.80
 
                                 
Common stockholders diluted earnings per share:
                               
                                 
Income before extraordinary gain
 
$
1.32
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.76
 
$
0.82
 
$
0.13
 
Extraordinary gain (3)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1.64
 
Net income
 
$
1.32
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.76
 
$
0.82
 
$
1.77
 
 
32


   
As of December 31, 2007
 
Balance Sheet Items:
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
Total investments (4)
 
$
267,562
 
$
162,885
 
$
102,956
 
$
34,727
 
$
34,958
 
Total assets
 
$
606,314
 
$
415,953
 
$
208,906
 
$
82,511
 
$
83,853
 
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses
 
$
125,338
 
$
77,564
 
$
26,321
 
$
19,648
 
$
28,456
 
Unearned premiums
 
$
102,998
 
$
91,606
 
$
36,027
 
$
6,192
 
$
5,862
 
Total liabilities
 
$
427,127
 
$
265,222
 
$
123,718
 
$
49,855
 
$
56,456
 
Total stockholders' equity
 
$
179,187
 
$
150,731
 
$
85,188
 
$
32,656
 
$
27,397
 
                                 
Book value per share (5)
 
$
8.63
 
$
7.26
 
$
5.89
 
$
5.37
 
$
4.52
 
 
1
Includes the results of the Specialty Commercial Segment, all of which was acquired effective as of January 1, 2006.
 
2
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 98-5, “Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios,” and Issue No. 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments,” at the time of issuance we booked a $9.6 million deemed discount to convertible notes attributable to their conversion feature. Prior to conversion, this deemed discount was amortized as interest expense over the term of the notes, resulting in a $1.1 million non-cash interest expense during the first quarter of 2006. As a result of the subsequent conversion of the convertible notes, the $8.5 million balance of the deemed discount was written off as a non-cash interest expense during the quarter ending June 30, 2006. Neither the deemed discount on the convertible notes nor the resulting interest expense have any ultimate impact on cash flow or book value.
 
3
In January 2003, we acquired PIIC in satisfaction of $7.0 million of a $14.85 million balance on a note receivable due from Millers American Group, Inc. This resulted in us recognizing an $8.1 million extraordinary gain in 2003.
 
4
Investment balances that we reported in Restricted Cash and Investments on the balance sheet prior to 2007 have been reclassified to debt securities, available-for-sale, at market value, to conform to current year presentation.
 
5
Book value per share is calculated as consolidated stockholders’ equity on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles divided by the number of outstanding common shares. Book value per share for years prior to 2006 has been adjusted to reflect a one-for-six reverse stock split effected July 31, 2006.
 
33

 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. This discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please see “Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements in this Form 10-K” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of some of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

Overview

Hallmark is an insurance holding company which, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing commercial insurance in nine states; marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing non-standard personal automobile insurance in 11 states; marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing general aviation insurance in 47 states; and providing other insurance related services. We pursue our business activities through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into producing units and are supported by our insurance carrier subsidiaries.
 
Our non-carrier insurance activities are organized by producing units into the following reportable segments:
 
 
·
Standard Commercial Segment. The Standard Commercial Segment includes the standard lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our HGA Operating Unit which is comprised of our American Hallmark Insurance Services and ECM subsidiaries.

 
·
Specialty Commercial Segment. The Specialty Commercial Segment primarily includes the excess and surplus lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our TGA Operating Unit and the general aviation insurance products and services handled by our Aerospace Operating Unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment also includes a relatively small amount of non-strategic legacy personal lines insurance products handled by our TGA Operating Unit. Our TGA Operating Unit is comprised of our Texas General Agency, PAAC and TGARSI subsidiaries. Our Aerospace Operating Unit is comprised of our Aerospace Insurance Managers, ASRI and ACMG subsidiaries. All of the subsidiaries included in the Specialty Commercial Segment were acquired effective January 1, 2006.

 
·
Personal Segment. The Personal Segment includes the non-standard personal automobile insurance products and services handled by our Phoenix Operating Unit which is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc., both of which do business as Phoenix General Agency.

The retained premium produced by these reportable segments is supported by the following insurance company subsidiaries:

 
·
American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas presently retains all of the risks on the commercial property/casualty policies marketed within the Standard Commercial Segment and assumes a portion of the risks on the commercial and aviation property/casualty policies marketed within the Specialty Commercial Segment.

 
·
Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company, which was acquired effective January 1, 2006, presently assumes a portion of the risks on the commercial property/casualty policies marketed within the Specialty Commercial Segment.

 
·
Phoenix Indemnity Insurance Company presently assumes all of the risks on the non-standard personal automobile policies marketed within the Personal Segment and assumes a portion of the risks on the aviation property/casualty products marketed within the Specialty Commercial Segment.

Effective January 1, 2006, our insurance company subsidiaries entered into a pooling arrangement which was subsequently amended on December 15, 2006 pursuant to which AHIC retains 46.0% of the total net premiums written, PIIC retains 34.1% of our total net premiums written and HSIC retains 19.9% of our total net premiums written.
 
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Standard Commercial Segment was referred to as our Commercial Insurance Operation and the Personal Segment was referred to as our Personal Insurance Operation. The retained premium produced by our operating units prior to January 1, 2006 was supported by our AHIC and PIIC insurance subsidiaries. Discussions for periods prior to January 1, 2006 do not include the operations of the Specialty Commercial Segment, all of which was acquired on January 1, 2006.
 
34

 
Each of our four operating units was reported as a separate segment during the first three quarters of 2006. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2006, our HGA Operating Unit was designated as the sole component of the Standard Commercial Segment, our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit were aggregated in the Specialty Commercial Segment and our Phoenix Operating Unit was designated as the sole component of the Personal Segment.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments
 
The significant accounting policies requiring our estimates and judgments are discussed below. Such estimates and judgments are based on historical experience, changes in laws and regulations, observance of industry trends and information received from third parties. While the estimates and judgments associated with the application of these accounting policies may be affected by different assumptions or conditions, we believe the estimates and judgments associated with the reported consolidated financial statement amounts are appropriate in the circumstances. For additional discussion of our accounting policies, see Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this report.
 
Valuation of investments. We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether any decline in the fair value of any investment below cost is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with an unrealized loss are reviewed. Unless other factors cause us to reach a contrary conclusion, investments with a fair market value significantly less than cost for more than 180 days are deemed to have a decline in value that is other-than-temporary. A decline in value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is charged to earnings based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security.
 
Risks and uncertainties are inherent in our other-than-temporary decline in value assessment methodology. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, incorrect or overly optimistic assumptions about financial condition or liquidity, incorrect or overly optimistic assumptions about future prospects, unfavorable changes in economic or social conditions and unfavorable changes in interest rates or credit ratings.
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal business are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. Ceding commissions from reinsurers, which include expense allowances, are deferred and recognized over the period premiums are earned for the underlying policies reinsured.
 
The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. A premium deficiency exists if the sum of expected claim costs and claim adjustment expenses, unamortized acquisition costs, and maintenance costs exceeds related unearned premiums and expected investment income on those unearned premiums, as computed on a product line basis. We routinely evaluate the realizability of deferred policy acquisition costs. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, there was no premium deficiency related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
 
Goodwill. Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $30.0 million. This amount has been recorded as a result of prior business acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, which we adopted as of January 1, 2002, goodwill is tested for impairment annually. We completed our last annual test for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2007 and determined that there was no indication of impairment.
 
A significant amount of judgment is required in performing goodwill impairment tests. Such tests include estimating the fair value of our reporting units. As required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, we compare the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, fair value refers to the amount for which the entire reporting unit may be bought or sold. Methods for estimating reporting unit values include market quotations, asset and liability fair values and other valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flows and multiples of earnings or revenues. With the exception of market quotations, all of these methods involve significant estimates and assumptions.
 
Deferred tax assets. We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes. A valuation allowance is provided against our deferred tax assets to the extent that we do not believe it is more likely than not that future taxable income will be adequate to realize these future tax benefits.
 
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are established for claims which have already been incurred by the policyholder but which we have not yet paid. Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through each balance sheet date. The reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These reserves are revised periodically and are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. (See, “Item 1. Business - Analysis of Losses and LAE” and “-Analysis of Loss and LAE Reserve Development.”)
 
35

 
Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that our reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate. Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, the actual ultimate amounts may differ from the recorded amounts. A small percentage change could result in a material effect on reported earnings. For example, a 1% change in December 31, 2007 reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses would have produced a $1.3 million change to pretax earnings. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.
 
An actuarial range of ultimate unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is developed independent of management’s best estimate and is only used to check the reasonableness of that estimate. There is no exclusive method for determining this range, and judgment enters into the process. The primary actuarial technique utilized is a loss development analysis in which ultimate losses are projected based upon historical development patterns. The primary assumption underlying this loss development analysis is that the historical development patterns will be a reasonable predictor of the future development of losses for accident years which are less mature. An alternate actuarial technique, known as the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method, combines an analysis of loss development patterns with an initial estimate of expected losses or loss ratios. This approach is most useful for recent accident years. In addition to assuming the stability of loss development patterns, this technique is heavily dependent on the accuracy of the initial estimate of expected losses or loss ratios. Consequently, the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method is primarily used to confirm the results derived from the loss development analysis.
 
The range of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses estimated by our actuary as of December 31, 2007 was $106.0 million to $135.4 million. Our best estimate of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2007 is $125.3 million. Our carried reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2007 is comprised of $61.5 million in case reserves and $63.8 million in incurred but not reported reserves. In setting this estimate of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, we have assumed, among other things, that current trends in loss frequency and severity will continue and that the actuarial analysis was empirically valid. In the absence of any specific factors indicating actual experience at either extreme of the actuarial range, we have established a best estimate of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses which is approximately $4.6 million higher than the midpoint of the actuarial range. It would be expected that management’s best estimate would move within the actuarial range from year to year due to changes in our operations and changes within the marketplace. Due to the inherent uncertainty in reserve estimates, there can be no assurance that the actual losses ultimately experienced will fall within the actuarial range. However, because of the breadth of the actuarial range, we believe that it is reasonably likely that actual losses will fall within such range.
 
Our reserve requirements are also interrelated with product pricing and profitability. We must price our products at a level sufficient to fund our policyholder benefits and still remain profitable. Because claim expenses represent the single largest category of our expenses, inaccuracies in the assumptions used to estimate the amount of such benefits can result in our failing to price our products appropriately and to generate sufficient premiums to fund our operations.
 
Recognition of profit sharing commissions. Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We receive a provisional commission as policies are produced as an advance against the later determination of the profit sharing commission actually earned. The profit sharing commission is an estimate that varies with the estimated loss ratio and is sensitive to changes in that estimate.
 
The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue sensitivity of the Standard Commercial Segment to the actual ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty at 5.0% above and below the current estimate, which we believe is a reasonably likely range of variance ($ in thousands).
 
   
Treaty Effective Dates
 
   
7/1/01
 
7/1/02
 
7/1/03
 
7/1/04
 
Provisional loss ratio
   
60.0
%
 
59.0
%
 
59.0
%
 
64.2
%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio booked to at December 31, 2007
   
63.5
%
 
64.5
%
 
67.0
%
 
54.6
%
                           
Effect of actual 5.0% above estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
($2,793
)
Effect of actual 5.0% below estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2007
 
$
1,850
 
$
3,055
 
$
3,360
 
$
2,793
 
 
36

 
The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue sensitivity of the Specialty Commercial Segment for the effective quota share treaty with Republic at 5.0% above and below the current estimate, which we believe is a reasonably likely range of variance ($ in thousands).

   
Treaty Effective Date
 
Treaty Effective Date
 
   
1/1/06
 
1/1/07
 
Provisional loss ratio
   
65.0
%
 
65.0
%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio booked to at December 31, 2007
   
56.0
%
 
65.0
%
Effect of actual 5.0% above estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2007
   
($3,092
)
 
-
 
Effect of actual 5.0% below estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2007
 
$
1,237
 
$
1,897
 
 
Results of Operations
 
Comparison of Years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
 
Management overview. During fiscal 2007, our total revenues were $274.5 million, representing an approximately 35% increase over the $202.7 million in total revenues for fiscal 2006. Increased retention of business produced by our Specialty Commercial Segment and Standard Commercial Segment and increased production by our Personal Segment were the primary causes of the increase in revenue. Specialty Commercial Segment revenues increased $45.6 million during 2007 as compared to 2006. Revenues from our Personal Segment increased $11.3 million during 2007, due largely to geographic expansion into new states. The retention of business produced by the Standard Commercial Segment that was previously retained by third parties was the primary reason for that segment’s $10.8 million increase in revenue during 2007. Net gain on investments of $2.6 million for the period ended December 31, 2007, as compared to a net loss on investments of $1.5 million for 2006, was the primary reason for an increase in revenue for Corporate.
 
We reported net income of $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. On a diluted per share basis, net income was $1.32 for fiscal 2007 as compared to $0.53 for fiscal 2006. During the period ended December 31, 2006, we recorded $9.6 million of interest expense from amortization attributable to the deemed discount on convertible promissory notes issued in January, 2006 and subsequently converted to common stock during the second quarter of 2006. The increase in net income was also attributable to increased revenue as discussed above, including additional investment income from a larger investment portfolio, primarily resulting from increased retention of premiums. Prior year favorable loss reserve development of $6.4 million during 2007 as compared to $1.2 million of prior year favorable development recognized during 2006 also contributed to the increase in net income.
 
37

 
Segment information. The following is additional business segment information for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

   
Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
   
Standard
 
Specialty
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Commercial
 
Personal
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment
 
Segment
 
Segment
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Produced premium
   
90,985
   
151,003
   
55,916
   
-
   
297,904
 
 
                               
Gross premiums written
   
90,868
   
102,688
   
55,916
   
-
   
249,472
 
Ceded premiums written
   
(6,646
)
 
(4,683
)
 
-
   
-
   
(11,329
)
Net premiums written
   
84,222
   
98,005
   
55,916
   
-
   
238,143
 
Change in unearned premiums
   
(840
)
 
(9,589
)
 
(2,411
)
       
(12,840
)
Net premiums earned
   
83,382
   
88,416
   
53,505
   
-
   
225,303
 
 
                               
Total revenues
   
86,139
   
126,255
   
58,268
   
3,836
   
274,498
 
 
                               
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
48,480
   
48,484
   
35,969
   
(15
)
 
132,918
 
 
                               
Pre-tax income (loss)
   
12,042
   
28,043
   
7,523
   
(6,507
)
 
41,101
 
 
                               
Net loss ratio (1)
   
58.1
%
 
54.8
%
 
67.2
%
       
59.0
%
Net expense ratio (2)
   
28.9
%
 
31.2
%
 
23.2
%
       
28.4
%
Net combined ratio (3)
   
87.0
%
 
86.0
%
 
90.4
%
       
87.4
%
 
   
 Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
   
 Standard
 
 Specialty
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Commercial
 
 Commercial
 
 Personal
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Segment
 
 Segment
 
 Segment
 
 Corporate
 
 Consolidated
 
   
 (in thousands)        
 
Produced premium
   
91,679
   
156,490
   
45,135
   
-
   
293,304
 
                                 
Gross premiums written
   
91,070
   
77,740
   
45,135
   
-
   
213,945
 
Ceded premiums written
   
(8,850
)
 
(2,167
)
 
-
   
-
   
(11,017
)
Net premiums written
   
82,220
   
75,573
   
45,135
   
-
   
202,928
 
Change in unearned premiums
   
(12,146
)
 
(35,903
)
 
(2,818
)
 
-
   
(50,867
)
Net premiums earned
   
70,074
   
39,670
   
42,317
   
-
   
152,061
 
                                 
Total revenues
   
75,325
   
80,689
   
46,998
   
(271
)
 
202,741
 
                                 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
38,799
   
21,908
   
26,443
   
(33
)
 
87,117
 
                                 
Pre-tax income (loss)
   
11,757
   
14,309
   
8,760
   
(20,501
)
 
14,325
 
                                 
Net loss ratio (1)
   
55.4
%
 
55.2
%
 
62.5
%
       
57.3
%
Net expense ratio (2)
   
29.4
%
 
30.5
%
 
24.9
%
       
28.4
%
Net combined ratio (3)
   
84.8
%
 
85.7
%
 
87.4
%
       
85.7
%
 
1
Net loss ratio is calculated as total net losses and loss adjustment expenses divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
2
Net expense ratio is calculated as total underwriting expenses of our insurance company subsidiaries, including allocated overhead expenses and offset by agency fee income, divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
3
Net combined ratio is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio and the net expense ratio.
 
38


Standard Commercial Segment. Gross premiums written for the Standard Commercial Segment were $90.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, which was slightly less than the $91.1 million reported for the same period in 2006. Net premiums written were $84.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to $82.2 million reported for the same period in 2006. Increased competition and rate pressure challenged premium volume growth by the Standard Commercial Segment throughout 2007.
 
Total revenue for the Standard Commercial Segment of $86.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $10.8 million more than the $75.3 million reported during the year ended December 31, 2006. This approximately 14% increase in total revenue was primarily due to increased net premiums earned of $13.3 million and increased net investment income of $1.6 million. These increases in revenue were partially offset by lower ceding commission revenue of $2.3 million and lower processing and service fees of $1.5 million, in both cases due to the shift from a third party agency structure to an insurance underwriting structure. Increased contingent commission adjustments related to adverse development on prior accident years of $0.3 million also partially offset the increases in revenue.

Pre-tax income for our Standard Commercial Segment of $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $0.3 million, or approximately 2%, from the $11.8 million reported for the same period of 2006. Increased revenue as discussed above was the primary reason for the increase in pre-tax income, partially offset by increased losses and loss adjustment expenses of $9.7 million and additional operating expenses of $0.8 million, mostly due to the earning of increased premium retention.

The net loss ratio for the year ended December 31, 2007 was 58.1% as compared to the 55.4% reported for the same period of 2006. The net loss ratio was unfavorably impacted by lower ceded losses of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2006. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 56.0% for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to 55.4% for the same period the prior year. The gross loss results for the year ended December 31, 2007 included $1.7 million of favorable prior year development as compared to $0.2 million of favorable prior year development for the year ended December 31, 2006. Absent prior year development, the gross incurred losses and loss adjustment expense before reinsurance for the Standard Commercial Segment were higher by $2.2 million primarily due to competitive market conditions in the current accident year.

The Standard Commercial Segment reported net expense ratios of 28.9% and 29.4% for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The net expense ratio for 2006 was slightly higher primarily due to costs to assume from Clarendon National Insurance Company the unearned premium previously produced by the Standard Commercial Segment.

Specialty Commercial Segment.  The $126.3 million of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $45.6 million over the $80.7 million reported for 2006. This approximately 56% increase in revenue was largely due to increased net premiums earned of $48.7 million as a result of the increased retention of business. The Specialty Commercial Segment recognized $5.6 million of contingent ceding commission under quota share agreements for treaty effective 2006, due to improved underwriting results. Increased net investment income contributed an additional $1.7 million to the increase in revenue. These increases in revenue were partially offset by lower ceding commission revenue of $10.3 million due to the shift from a third party agency structure to an insurance underwriting structure, as well as a decrease in finance charges of $0.2 million.

Pre-tax income for the Specialty Commercial Segment of $28.0 million was $13.7 million higher than the $14.3 million reported in 2006.  Increased revenue, discussed above, was the primary reason for the increase in pre-tax income, partially offset by increased losses and loss adjustment expenses of $26.6 million and increased operating expenses of $5.4 million due mostly to production related expenses that are directly related to increased earned premium. The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net loss ratio of 54.8% for 2007 as compared to 55.2% for 2006. Favorable prior year development of $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 was the primary cause for the decrease in the net loss ratio. The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net expense ratio of 31.2% for 2007 as compared to 30.5% for 2006.
 
Personal Segment. Net premium written for our Personal Segment increased $10.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 to $55.9 million compared to $45.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in premium was due mostly to continued geographic expansion that began in 2006.

Total revenue for the Personal Segment increased approximately 24% to $58.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $47.0 million the prior year. Higher earned premium of $11.2 million was the primary reason for the increase in revenue for the period. Increased finance charges of $0.9 million were offset by lower investment income of $0.6 million due to the reallocation of capital to other segments for their increased retention of premium and lower third party commission and processing fee revenue of $0.2 million.
 
39


Pre-tax income for the Personal Segment was $7.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to $8.8 million the prior year. The increased revenue, as discussed above, was offset by increased losses and loss adjustment expenses of $9.5 million and increased operating expenses of $3.0 million due mostly to production related expenses attributable to the increased earned premium. The Personal Segment reported a net loss ratio of 67.2% for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to 62.5% for the prior year. A competitive pricing environment and the new business impact associated with geographic expansion were the primary reasons for the increase in the net loss ratio. We recognized $0.9 million of favorable prior accident year development during the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. The Personal Segment reported a net expense ratio of 23.2% for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to 24.9% for the prior year. The decrease in the net expense ratio was mainly due to increased finance charges in relation to earned premium, as well as fixed overhead allocations to PIIC in each period.
 
Corporate. Total revenue for corporate increased by $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year. The increase was due to $2.6 million of net gains on our investment portfolio during 2007 as compared to $1.5 million of net losses recognized during 2006.
 
Corporate pre-tax loss was $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to $20.5 million for the prior year. The decreased loss was mostly due to the absence of the $9.6 million of interest expense incurred in 2006 from amortization attributable to the deemed discount on convertible promissory notes issued in January, 2006. These notes were converted to common stock during the second quarter of 2006. Also contributing to the decreased loss was the net gain on investments of $2.6 million in 2007 compared to a net loss on investments of $1.5 million in 2006. Interest expense was also $1.8 million lower due to the permanent financing of debt used to acquire the subsidiaries comprising the Specialty Commercial Segment in 2006. Most of this debt was either converted to equity in the second quarter of 2006 or repaid with proceeds from our public equity offering in the fourth quarter of 2006. Partially offsetting these improvements were increased operating expenses of $1.5 million for 2007 due mostly to increased consulting costs related to compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 requirements and new employees.

Comparison of Years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005
 
Management overview. During fiscal 2006, our total revenues were $202.7 million, representing a 132.9% increase over the $87.0 million in total revenues for fiscal 2005. The acquisition of the subsidiaries included in the Specialty Commercial Segment in the first quarter of 2006 contributed $80.7 million to the increase in total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2005. The following table provides additional information concerning the increases in revenue contributed by these acquisitions.
 
   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Earned premium on retained business
 
$
39,670
 
Third party commission revenue
   
36,111
 
Investment income, finance charges and
       
other revenue items
   
4,908
 
Revenue contributions from acquisitions
 
$
80,689
 
 
The retention of business produced in the Standard Commercial Segment that was previously retained by third parties also contributed $48.3 million to the increase in revenue, but was partially offset by lower ceding commission revenue of $15.7 million and lower processing and service fees of $2.7 million primarily attributable to the shift from a third-party agency structure to an insurance underwriting structure. Earned premium from the Personal Segment contributed $4.9 million and additional finance charges contributed $0.4 million to the increase in revenue, but were partially offset by lower ceding commission revenue of $1.8 million and lower processing and service fees of $0.3 million attributable to increased retention of the policies produced. The investment of funds derived from the implementation of our 2005 capital plan and a trust account to secure the future guaranteed payments to the sellers of acquired subsidiaries contributed another $3.4 million to revenue for fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. These increases were partially offset by realized losses on our investment portfolio of $1.5 million in 2006.
 
40

 
We reported net income of $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, which is the same as the year ended December 31, 2005. On a diluted per share basis, net income was $0.53 for fiscal 2006 as compared to $0.76 for fiscal 2005. The decrease in diluted earnings per share was partially due to issuing an additional 6.3 million shares during fiscal 2006. In addition, during fiscal 2006 we recorded $9.6 million of interest expense from amortization attributable to the deemed discount on convertible promissory notes issued in January, 2006 and converted to common stock during the second quarter of 2006. In the absence of this non-cash expense, our net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 would have been $15.3 million representing an approximately 66% increase over the year ended December 31, 2005.
 
The following is a reconciliation of our net income without such interest expense to our reported results. Management believes this reconciliation provides useful supplemental information in evaluating the operating results of our business. This disclosure should not be viewed as a substitute for net income determined in accordance with GAAP.

   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31, 2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Income excluding interest expense
       
from amortization of discount, net of tax
 
$
15,257
 
         
Interest expense from amortization of discount
   
9,625
 
Less related tax effect
   
(3,559
)
     
6,066
 
Net income
 
$
9,191
 
 
Excluding the interest expense from amortization of discount, the increase in net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 versus the year ended December 31, 2005 was primarily attributable to the results of the newly acquired subsidiaries of the Specialty Commercial Segment, additional investment income and the retention of business produced by the Standard Commercial Segment beginning in the third quarter of 2005. These increases were partially offset by (i) additional interest expense on borrowings to finance the acquisitions of the subsidiaries in the Specialty Commercial Segment, (ii) lower results from the Personal Segment due primarily to favorable prior accident year loss development recognized in 2005 and the runoff of third party revenue recognized in 2005 from assuming 100% of the Texas non-standard auto business beginning in the fourth quarter of 2004, (iii) increased corporate operating expenses, (iv) realized losses on our investment portfolio and (v) additional income tax due to an increase in our federal statutory rate from 34% to 35% in 2006 attributable to higher taxable income.
 
41

 
Segment information. The following is additional business segment information for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005:
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
   
Standard
 
Specialty
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Commercial
 
Personal
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance
 
Insurance
 
Insurance
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
 
Produced premium
   
91,679
   
156,490
   
45,135
   
-
   
293,304
 
 
                               
Gross premiums written
   
91,070
   
77,740
   
45,135
   
-
   
213,945
 
Ceded premiums written
   
(8,850
)
 
(2,167
)
 
-
   
-
   
(11,017
)
Net premiums written
   
82,220
   
75,573
   
45,135
   
-
   
202,928
 
Change in unearned premiums
   
(12,146
)
 
(35,903
)
 
(2,818
)
       
(50,867
)
Net premiums earned
   
70,074
   
39,670
   
42,317
   
-
   
152,061
 
 
                               
Total revenues
   
75,325
   
80,689
   
46,998
   
(271
)
 
202,741
 
 
                               
Loss and loss adjustment expenses
   
38,799
   
21,908
   
26,443
   
(33
)
 
87,117
 
                                 
Pre-tax income
   
11,757
   
14,309
   
8,760
   
(20,501
)
 
14,325
 
 
                               
Loss ratio (1)
   
55.4
%
 
55.2
%
 
62.5
%
       
57.3
%
Expense ratio (2)
   
29.4
%
 
30.5
%
 
24.9
%
       
28.4
%
Combined ratio (3)
   
84.8
%
 
85.7
%
 
87.4
%
       
85.7
%
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2005
 
   
Standard
 
Specialty
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
 
Commercial
 
Personal
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment
 
Segment
 
Segment
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Produced premium
   
81,721
   
-
   
36,345
   
-
   
118,066
 
                                 
Gross premiums written
   
52,952
   
-
   
36,515
   
-
   
89,467
 
Ceded premiums written
   
(1,703
)
 
-
   
488
   
-
   
(1,215
)
Net premiums written
   
51,249
   
-
   
37,003
   
-
   
88,252
 
Change in unearned premiums
   
(29,498
)
 
-
   
430
   
-
   
(29,068
)
Net premiums earned
   
21,751
   
-
   
37,433
   
-
   
59,184
 
                                 
Total revenues
   
43,067
   
-
   
43,907
   
61
   
87,035
 
                                 
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
12,610
   
-
   
21,239
   
(65
)
 
33,784
 
                                 
Pre-tax income (loss)
   
6,651
   
-
   
11,647
   
(4,830
)
 
13,468
 
                                 
Net loss ratio (1)
   
58.0
%
       
56.7
%
       
57.1
%
Net expense ratio (2)
   
34.4
%
       
28.8
%
       
30.8
%
Net combined ratio (3)
   
92.4
%
       
85.5
%
       
87.9
%
 
1
Net loss ratio is calculated as total net losses and loss adjustment expenses divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
2
Net expense ratio is calculated as total underwriting expenses of our insurance company subsidiaries, including allocated overhead expenses and offset by agency fee income, divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we adopted the widely used industry calculation that offsets expenses with agency fee income. Prior period comparative expense ratios have been restated.
 
3
Net combined ratio is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio and the net expense ratio.
 
42

 
Standard Commercial Segment. Net written premium for the Standard Commercial Segment was $82.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, or approximately 60% more than the $51.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the Standard Commercial Segment began retaining written premium through AHIC that was previously retained by third parties. On July 1, 2005, the Standard Commercial Segment assumed $20.1 million of in-force policies previously produced for Clarendon.
 
The total revenue for the Standard Commercial Segment of $75.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $32.3 million more than the $43.1 million reported the prior year. This approximately 75% increase in total revenue was primarily due to an increase of $48.3 million in net premiums earned. Increased net investment income contributed an additional $2.2 million to the increase in total revenue. These increases were partially offset by lower ceding commission revenue of $15.6 million primarily due to the shift from a third party agency structure to an insurance underwriting structure and also affected by lower than expected profit sharing commission. The increase in total revenue was also partially offset by lower processing and service fees of $2.7 million attributable to the change to an insurance underwriting structure.
 
Pre-tax income for the Standard Commercial Segment of $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased $5.1 million, or approximately 77%, over the $6.7 million reported for the prior year. Increased revenue, as discussed above, was the primary reason for the increase in pre-tax income, partially offset by increased losses and loss adjustment expenses of $26.2 million and additional operating expenses of $1.0 million, mostly due to increased premium production. The Standard Commercial Segment reported a net loss ratio of 55.4% for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to a net loss ratio of 58.0% for the prior year. The loss ratios gross of reinsurance were 55.4% and 55.7% for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The slight decrease in the gross loss ratio was partially impacted by $0.2 million of favorable reserve development from prior accident years recognized during 2006. There was no prior year reserve development recognized during the year ended December 31, 2005 as we began retaining this business during the third quarter of 2005. The Standard Commercial Segment reported net expense ratios of 29.4% and 34.4% for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The net expense ratio for 2005 was higher primarily due to costs to assume from Clarendon the unearned premium previously produced by the Standard Commercial Segment.
 
Specialty Commercial Segment.  All of the subsidiaries included in the Specialty Commercial Segment were acquired effective January 1, 2006. The $80.7 million of total revenue was derived mostly from $39.7 million of earned premium on produced business that was assumed by our insurance company subsidiaries and third party commission revenue of $36.1 million on the portion of business produced by the Specialty Commercial Segment that was retained by third parties. The remaining $4.9 million of revenue was primarily derived from investment income and finance charges.
 
Pre-tax income for the Specialty Commercial Segment of $14.3 million was primarily due to revenue as discussed above less (i) $42.0 million in operating expenses, comprised mostly of commission expense and salary related expenses, (ii) incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses of $21.9 million on the portion of business assumed by our insurance company subsidiaries, (iii) $2.3 million of amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisitions of the subsidiaries included in the Specialty Commercial Segment, and (iv) $0.2 million in interest expense
 
Personal Segment. Net premium written in the Personal Segment increased $8.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2006 to $45.1 million compared to $37.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in premium was due mostly to new state expansion during 2006.
 
Total revenue for the Personal Segment increased approximately 7% to $47.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 from $43.9 million the prior year. Higher earned premium of $4.9 million and higher finance charges of $0.4 million was partially offset by lower ceding commission revenue of $1.8 million and lower processing and service fees of $0.3 million due to the 100% assumption of the Texas non-standard automobile premium beginning late in 2004.
 
Pre-tax income for the Personal Segment decreased $2.9 million, or approximately 25%, for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the prior year. The primary reason for the decline in pre-tax income for the year ended December 31, 2006 was increased losses and loss adjustment expenses of $5.2 million as evidenced by an increase in the net loss ratio to 62.5% versus 56.7% reported in 2005. The increase in the net loss ratio was primarily attributable to a competitive pricing environment and favorable reserve development of $2.4 million recognized during 2005 as compared to $0.9 million recognized during 2006. In addition, new business written as a result of new programs and expansion into new states had not yet benefited from the reduced loss ratios typically associated with renewals of seasoned business. The increase in losses and loss adjustment expenses was partially offset by the increase in revenue discussed above. The Personal Segment reported net expense ratios of 24.9% and 28.8% for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The decrease in the net expense ratio was primarily a function of increased earned premium and policy fees income in 2006 without corresponding increases in expenses.
 
43

 
Corporate. Total revenue for corporate decreased by $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to $1.5 million in realized losses on our investment portfolio in 2006. This was partially offset by $1.0 million in interest earned on a trust account established in the first quarter of 2006 securing the guaranteed future payments to the sellers of acquired subsidiaries. (See Note 1, “Accounting Policies” and Note 7, “Structured Settlements.”)
 
Corporate pre-tax loss was $20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to $4.8 million for the prior year. The increased pre-tax loss was primarily due to $9.6 million in interest expense from amortization attributable to the deemed discount on convertible promissory notes issued in January, 2006. This interest expense had no impact on our cash flow or book value. Also contributing to the increased corporate pre-tax loss was additional interest expense of $4.3 million comprised of: (i) $1.1 million from the trust preferred securities issued in the second quarter of 2005 (see Note 6, “Notes Payable”); (ii) $1.1 million of amortization of the discount on the future guaranteed payments to the sellers of acquired subsidiaries (see Note 7, “Structured Settlements”); (iii) $1.0 million from a related party promissory note issued in January 2006; (iv) $0.8 million from borrowings under our revolving credit facility in January 2006 (see Note 6, “Notes Payable” and Note 8, “Credit Facilities”); and (v) $0.3 million from the convertible notes issued in January 2006. Also contributing to the increase in pre-tax loss was increased salary and related expenses of $0.9 million, professional services of $0.4 million, decreased revenue discussed above and travel expenses of $0.2 million.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Sources and Uses of Funds
 
Our sources of funds are from insurance-related operations, financing activities and investing activities. Major sources of funds from operations include premiums collected (net of policy cancellations and premiums ceded), commissions and processing and service fees. As a holding company, Hallmark is dependent on dividend payments and management fees from its subsidiaries to meet operating expenses and debt obligations. As of December 31, 2007, Hallmark had $25.7 million in unrestricted cash and invested assets. Unrestricted cash and invested assets of our non-insurance subsidiaries were $5.4 million as of December 31, 2007.
 
AHIC, domiciled in Texas, is limited in the payment of dividends to their stockholders in any 12-month period, without the prior written consent of the Texas Department of Insurance, to the greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders surplus as of the prior year end. Dividends may only be paid from unassigned surplus funds. PIIC, domiciled in Arizona, is limited in the payment of dividends to the lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders surplus or prior year's net investment income, without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, is limited in the payment of dividends to the greater of 10% of prior year policyholders surplus or prior year's statutory net income, without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. During 2008, our insurance company subsidiaries’ ordinary dividend capacity is $16.3 million. None of our insurance company subsidiaries paid a dividend to Hallmark during the year ended December 31, 2007 or 2006.
 
The state insurance departments also regulate financial transactions between our insurance subsidiaries and their affiliated companies. Applicable regulations require approval of management fees, expense sharing contracts and similar transactions. Phoenix General Agency paid $1.9 million, $1.3 million and $1.8 million in management fees to Hallmark during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. PIIC paid $1.2 million in management fees to Phoenix General Agency during each of 2007, 2006 and 2005. AHIC did not pay any management fees during 2007, 2006 or 2005. HSIC did not pay any management fees during 2007 or 2006.
 
Statutory capital and surplus is calculated as statutory assets less statutory liabilities. The various state insurance departments that regulate our insurance company subsidiaries require us to maintain a minimum statutory capital and surplus. As of December 31, 2007, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory capital and surplus of $132.0 million, substantially greater than the minimum requirements for each state. Each of our insurance company subsidiaries is also required to satisfy certain risk-based capital requirements. (See, “Item 1. Business - Insurance Regulation - Risk-based Capital Requirements.”) As of December 31, 2007, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements. Our total statutory premium-to-surplus percentage was 151% for each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
 
Comparison of December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2006
 
On a consolidated basis, our cash and investments, excluding restricted cash and investments, at December 31, 2007 were $413.4 million compared to $244.4 million at December 31, 2006. Net cash provided by our operating activities and the issuance of trust preferred securities during the third quarter of 2007 contributed to this increase in our cash and investments as of December 31, 2007.

44

 
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 
 
Net cash provided by our consolidated operating activities was $80.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $76.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily due to increased collected premiums resulting from increased retained premium volume, partially offset by additional retained paid losses and loss adjustment expenses and additional paid operating expenses.

Cash used by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2007 was $26.0 million as compared to $91.6 million for the prior year. The higher cash used in investing activities during 2006 was mostly due to the acquisitions of the subsidiaries comprising our Specialty Commercial Segment which used $26.0 million, net of cash acquired. The withdrawal of $15.0 million from a trust account securing the future guaranteed payments to the sellers of the subsidiaries comprising our TGA Operating Unit to make the first installment payment in the first quarter of 2007 contributed to the reduction in cash used by investing activities during 2007. Also contributing to the reduction in cash used by investing activities was an increase of $128.3 million from maturities and redemptions of investment securities, a $35.7 million decrease in net purchase of short-term investments and a $9.4 million decrease in transfers to other restricted cash. Net premium finance notes repaid were $0.7 million during 2007 versus net premium finance notes repaid of $2.8 million during 2006. Partially offsetting these reductions was a $151.0 million increase in purchases of debt and equity securities.
 
Cash provided in financing activities during 2007 was $10.1 million as compared to $52.6 million provided by financing activities for the same period of 2006. The cash provided in 2007 was from the issuance of trust preferred securities of $25.1 million partially offset by the payment of a portion of the structured settlement to the sellers of the subsidiaries comprising our TGA Operating Unit of $15.0 million. The cash provided in 2006 was primarily from the issuance of three debt instruments in January. The first was a promissory note payable to Newcastle Partners, L.P. (“Newcastle Partners”) in the amount of $12.5 million to fund the cash required to close the acquisition of the subsidiaries now comprising our Aerospace Operating Unit. The second debt instrument was $25.0 million in subordinated convertible promissory notes to the Newcastle Special Opportunity Fund I, L.P. and Newcastle Special Opportunity Fund II, L.P. (the “Opportunity Funds”). The principal and accrued interest on the convertible notes was converted to approximately 3.3 million shares of our common stock during the second quarter of 2006. The $25.0 million raised with these notes was used to fund a trust account securing future guaranteed payments to the sellers of the subsidiaries now comprising our TGA Operating Unit. The third debt instrument was $15.0 million borrowed under our revolving credit facility to fund the cash required to close the acquisition of the subsidiaries now comprising our TGA Operating Unit. Our public equity offering in 2006 also contributed $24.7 million to cash provided by financing activities. In October 2006, we repaid the promissory note to Newcastle Partners and repaid $12.2 million of the outstanding principal balance of our revolving credit facility, in each case with proceeds received from our public equity offering. Newcastle Partners and the Opportunity Funds are each an affiliate of our Executive Chairman, Mark E. Schwarz.
 
Credit Facilities
 
On June 29, 2005, we entered into a credit facility with The Frost National Bank. The credit facility was amended and restated on January 27, 2006 to a $20.0 million revolving credit facility, with a $5.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. The credit facility was further amended effective May 31, 2007 to increase the revolving credit facility to $25.0 million and establish a new $5.0 million revolving credit sub-facility for the premium finance operations of PAAC. The credit agreement was again amended effective February 20, 2008 to extend the termination to January 27, 2010, revise various affirmative and negative covenants and decrease the interest rate in most instances to the three month Eurodollar rate plus 1.90 percentage points, payable quarterly in arrears. We pay letter of credit fees at the rate of 1.00% per annum. Our obligations under the revolving credit facility are secured by a security interest in the capital stock of all of our subsidiaries, guaranties of all of our subsidiaries and the pledge of substantially all of our assets. The revolving credit facility contains covenants which, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial and operating ratios and restrict certain distributions, transactions and organizational changes. As of December 31, 2007, we were in compliance with all of our covenants.

PAAC had a $5.0 million revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank which terminated June 30, 2007. This facility was replaced with the new $5.0 million premium finance sub-facility with The Frost National Bank discussed above.

Trust Preferred Securities
 
On June 21, 2005, an unconsolidated trust subsidiary completed a private placement of $30.0 million of 30-year floating-rate trust preferred securities. Simultaneously, we borrowed $30.9 million from the trust subsidiary and contributed $30.0 million to AHIC in order to increase policyholder surplus. The note bears an initial interest rate of 7.725% until June 15, 2015, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.25 percentage points. As of December 31, 2007, the note balance was $30.9 million.
 
45

 
On August 23, 2007, a newly formed unconsolidated trust subsidiary completed a private placement of $25.0 million of 30-year floating trust preferred securities. Simultaneously, we borrowed $25.8 million from the trust subsidiary for working capital and general corporate purposes. The note bears an initial interest rate at 8.28% until September 15, 2017, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage points. As of December 31, 2007 the note balance was $25.8 million.
 
Structured Settlements
 
In connection with our acquisition of the subsidiaries now comprising our TGA Operating Unit, we issued to the sellers promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $23.7 million, of which $14.2 million was paid on January 2, 2007, and $9.5 million was paid on January 2, 2008. We were also obligated to pay to the sellers an additional $1.3 million, of which $0.8 million was paid on January 2, 2007 and an additional $0.5 million was paid on January 2, 2008, in consideration of the sellers’ compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including a covenant not to compete for a period of five years after closing. We secured payment of these future installments of purchase price and restrictive covenant consideration by depositing $25.0 million in a trust account for the benefit of the sellers. We recorded a payable for future guaranteed payments to the sellers of $25.0 million discounted at 4.4%, the rate of two-year U.S. Treasuries (the only permitted investment of the trust account). As of December 31, 2007, the balance of the structured settlements was $10.0 million.

Long-Term Contractual Obligations
 
Set forth below is a summary of long-term contractual obligations as of December 31, 2007. Amounts represent estimates of gross undiscounted amounts payable over time. In addition, certain unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are ceded to others under reinsurance contracts and are, therefore, recoverable. Such potential recoverables are not reflected in the table.
 
   
Estimated Payments by Period
 
   
Total
 
2008
 
2009-2010
 
2011-2012
 
After 2012
 
Notes payable
   
60,814
   
420
   
2,432
   
1,120
   
56,842
 
Interest on note payable
   
125,906
   
4,650
   
9,106
   
8,860
   
103,290
 
Structured settlements
   
10,000
   
10,000
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Unpaid losses and loss
                               
adjustment expenses
   
125,338
   
60,423
   
49,713
   
12,862
   
2,340
 
Operating leases
   
3,909
   
1,711
   
1,914
   
284
   
-
 
Purchase obligations
   
6,322
   
1,564
   
1,674
   
1,550
   
1,534
 
 
Conclusion
 
Based on 2008 budgeted and year-to-date cash flow information, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet our projected insurance obligations, operational expenses and capital expenditure requirements for the next 12 months.
 
Effects of Inflation
 
We do not believe that inflation has a material effect on our results of operations, except for the effect that inflation may have on interest rates and claim costs. The effects of inflation are considered in pricing and estimating reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. The actual effects of inflation on results of operations are not known until claims are ultimately settled. In addition to general price inflation, we are exposed to the upward trend in the judicial awards for damages. We attempt to mitigate the effects of inflation in the pricing of policies and establishing reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses.
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
We believe that interest rate risk, credit risk and equity risk are the types of market risk to which we are principally exposed.
 
Interest rate risk. Our investment portfolio consists principally of investment-grade, fixed-income securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale. Accordingly, the primary market risk exposure to these securities is interest rate risk. In general, the fair market value of a portfolio of fixed-income securities increases or decreases inversely with changes in market interest rates, while net investment income realized from future investments in fixed-income securities increases or decreases along with interest rates. The fair value of our fixed-income securities as of December 31, 2007 was $250.7 million. The effective duration of our portfolio as of December 31, 2007 was 2.2 years. Should interest rates increase 1.0%, our fixed-income investment portfolio would be expected to decline in market value by 2.2%, or $5.5 million, representing the effective duration multiplied by the change in market interest rates. Conversely, a 1.0% decline in interest rates would be expected to result in a 2.2%, or $5.5 million, increase in the market value of our fixed-income investment portfolio.
 
46

 
Credit risk. An additional exposure to our fixed-income securities portfolio is credit risk. We attempt to manage the credit risk by investing primarily in investment-grade securities and limiting our exposure to a single issuer. As of December 31, 2007, our fixed-income investments were in the following: U.S. Treasury bonds - 39.5%; municipal bonds - 39.5%; corporate bonds - 20.0%; and U.S. Treasury bills and other short-term - 1.0%. As of December 31, 2007, 91.0% of our fixed-income securities were rated investment-grade by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations.
 
We are also subject to credit risk with respect to reinsurers to whom we have ceded underwriting risk. Although a reinsurer is liable for losses to the extent of the coverage it assumes, we remain obligated to our policyholders in the event that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, we use financially strong reinsurers with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” (Excellent) or better.
 
Equity price risk. Investments in equity securities which are subject to equity price risk made up 6.3% of our portfolio as of December 31, 2007. The carrying values of equity securities are based on quoted market prices as of the balance sheet date. Market prices are subject to fluctuation and, consequently, the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the issuer, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions. Furthermore, amounts realized in the sale of a particular security may be affected by the relative quantity of the security being sold.
 
The fair value of our equity securities as of December 31, 2007 was $16.9 million. The fair value of our equity securities would increase or decrease by $5.1 million assuming a hypothetical 30% increase or decrease in market prices as of the balance sheet date. This would increase or decrease stockholders’ equity by 1.8%. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what should be considered the best or worse case scenario.
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this report.
 
Description 
 
Page Number
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
F-2
 
         
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006
   
F-3
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
   
F-4
 
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
       
         
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
   
F-5
 
for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
       
         
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
   
F-7
 
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
       
         
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
F-8
 
         
Unaudited Selected Quarterly Information
   
F-36
 
         
Financial Statement Schedules
   
F-37
 

47


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.
 
Item 9A(T). Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate “internal control over financial reporting”, as such phrase is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting was conducted based upon the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based upon that evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007. During the most recent fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
This report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this report.
 
48

 

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
 
49

 
PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1)
Financial Statements
     
   
The following consolidated financial statements, notes thereto and related information are included in Item 8 of this report:
     
    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006
    Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
   
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended
  December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
     
  (a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
     
    The following financial statement schedules are included in this report:
     
    Unaudited Selected Quarterly Information 
   
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Hallmark
Financial Services, Inc. (Parent Company Only)
    Schedule III - Supplemental Insurance Information 
    Schedule IV - Reinsurance  
   
Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty
Insurance Operations 
 
(a)(3)
Exhibit Index

The following exhibits are either filed with this report or incorporated by reference:

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
3.1
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed September 8, 2006).
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 1, 2007).
     
4.1
 
Specimen certificate for common stock, $0.18 par value, of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed September 8, 2006).
     
4.2
 
Indenture dated June 21, 2005, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2005).
     
4.3
 
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Hallmark Statutory Trust I dated as of June 21, 2005, among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., as sponsor, Chase Bank USA, National Association, as Delaware trustee, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as institutional trustee, and Mark Schwarz and Mark Morrison, as administrators (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2005).

4.4
 
Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security Due 2035 (included in Exhibit 4.2 above).
     
4.5
 
Form of Capital Security Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.3 above).
     
4.6
 
First Restated Credit Agreement dated January 27, 2006, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and The Frost National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 2, 2006).
 
50

 
4.7
 
Form of Registration Rights Agreement dated January 27, 2006, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Newcastle Special Opportunity Fund I, Ltd. and Newcastle Special Opportunity Fund II, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 2, 2006).
     
4.8
 
Indenture dated as of August 23, 2007, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and The Bank of New York Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2007).
     
4.9
 
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Hallmark Statutory Trust II dated as of August 23, 2007, among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., as sponsor, The Bank of New York (Delaware), as Delaware trustee, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, National Association, as institutional trustee, and Mark Schwarz and Mark Morrison, as administrators (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2007).
     
4.10
 
Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security Due 2037 (included in Exhibit 4.8 above).
     
4.11
 
Form of Capital Security Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.9 above).
     
10.1
 
Office Lease for 14651 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, dated January 1, 1995, between American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas and Fults Management Company, as agent for The Prudential Insurance Company of America (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994).
     
10.2
 
Tenth Amendment to Office Lease for 14651 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, dated May 5th, 2003, between American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas and Fults Management Company, as agent for The Prudential Insurance Company of America (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2003).
     
10.3
 
Lease Agreement for 777 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas, dated June 12, 2003 between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Crescent Real Estate Funding I, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
     
10.4
 
Lease Agreement for 7411 John Smith Drive, San Antonio, Texas, dated February 18, 1997, between Pan American Acceptance Corporation and Medical Plaza Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
     
10.5
 
Amendment No. 1 to Lease Agreement for 7411 John Smith Drive, San Antonio, Texas, dated June 10, 2002, between Pan American Acceptance Corporation and San Antonio Technology Center Corporation, as successor to Medical Plaza Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
     
10.6
 
Amendment No. 2 to Lease Agreement for 7411 John Smith Drive, San Antonio, Texas, dated February 27, 2003, between Pan American Acceptance Corporation and San Antonio Technology Center Corporation, as successor to Medical Plaza Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
     
10.7
 
Amendment No. 3 to Lease Agreement for 7411 John Smith Drive, San Antonio, Texas, dated November 10, 2004, between Pan American Acceptance Corporation and San Antonio Technology Center Corporation, as successor to Medical Plaza Partners, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
     
10.8
 
Amended and Restated Lease Agreement for 14990 Landmark Boulevard, Addison, Texas, dated December 13, 2005, between Aerospace Managers, Inc. and Donnell Investments, L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
 
51

 
10.9*
 
1994 Key Employee Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994).
     
10.10*
 
First Amendment to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 1994 Key Employee Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(bm) to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
     
10.11*
 
1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994).
     
10.12*
 
First Amendment to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(bn) to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
     
10.13*
 
Second Amendment to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 2001).
     
10.14*
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its officers and directors, adopted July 19, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 2002).
     
10.15*
 
Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 3, 2005).
     
10.16*
 
Form of Incentive Stock Option Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 3, 2005).
     
10.17*
 
Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 3, 2005).
     
10.18*
 
Employment Agreement dated as of February 1, 2006, among Aerospace Holdings, LLC, Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Curtis R. Donnell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
     
10.19*
 
Employment Agreement dated as of February 1, 2006, between Texas General Agency, Inc. and Donald E. Meyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
     
10.20
 
Guarantee Agreement dated as of June 21, 2005, by Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. for the benefit of the holders of trust preferred securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 27, 2005).
     
10.21
 
Guarantee Agreement dated as of August 23, 2007, by Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. for the benefit of the holders of trust preferred securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2007).
     
10.22
 
Purchase Agreement dated November 9, 2005, by and among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Samuel M. Cangelosi, Donate A. Cangelosi and Donald E. Meyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 14, 2005).
     
10.23
 
Purchase Agreement dated December 12, 2005, by and among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Donnell Children Revocable Trust and Curtis R. Donnell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 13, 2005).
     
10.24
 
Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty Attaching January 1, 2006 by and among American Hallmark Insurance Company, Phoenix Indemnity Insurance Company and Gulf States Insurance Company (n/k/a Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
 
52

 
10.25
 
Amendment No. 1 to Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty Attaching January 1, 2006 by and among American Hallmark Insurance Company, Phoenix Indemnity Insurance Company and Gulf States Insurance Company (n/k/a Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
     
10.26
 
Amendment No. 2 to Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty Attaching January 1, 2006 by and among American Hallmark Insurance Company, Phoenix Indemnity Insurance Company and Gulf States Insurance Company (n/k/a Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 [Registration No. 333-136414] filed August 8, 2006).
     
10.27
 
Amendment No. 3 to Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty attaching January 1, 2006 by and among American Hallmark Insurance Company, Phoenix Indemnity Insurance Company and Gulf States Insurance Company (n/k/a Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006).
21+
 
List of subsidiaries of the registrant.
     
23+
 
Consent of KPMG LLP
     
31(a)+
 
Certification of principal executive officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(b).
     
31(b)+
 
Certification of principal financial officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(b).
     
32(a)+
 
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350.
     
32(b)+
 
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350.
     
*
 
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
     
+
 
Filed herewith.

53

 
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.
     
 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: March 17, 2008
/s/ Mark J. Morrison
 
Mark J. Morrison,
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
     
Date: March 17, 2008
/s/ Jeffrey R. Passmore
 
Jeffrey R. Passmore,
Chief Accounting Officer and Senior Vice President
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
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.
 
     
Date: March 17, 2008
/s/ Mark E. Schwarz
 
Mark E. Schwarz,
  Executive Chairman
 
     
Date: March 17, 2008
/s/ James H. Graves
 
James H. Graves,
Director
 
     
Date: March 17, 2008
/s/ George R. Manser
 
George R. Manser,
Director
 
     
Date: March 17, 2008
/s/ Scott T. Berlin
 
Scott T. Berlin,
Director
 
54

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Description 
 
Page Number
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
F-2
 
         
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006
   
F-3
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
   
F-4
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
   
F-5 F-6
 
         
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
   
F-7
 
         
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
F-8
 
         
Unaudited Selected Quarterly Information
   
F-36
 
         
Financial Statement Schedules
   
F-37
 

F-1

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules II, III, IV and VI. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
As described in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2006 the Company changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation.
 

/s/ KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 17, 2008
F-2


HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands)
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
ASSETS
         
Investments:
         
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value
 
$
248,069
 
$
133,030
 
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value
   
16,868
   
4,580
 
Short-term investments, available-for-sale, at fair value
   
2,625
   
25,275
 
               
Total investments
   
267,562
   
162,885
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
   
145,884
   
81,474
 
Restricted cash and investments
   
16,043
   
24,569
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
274
   
1,629
 
Premiums receivable
   
46,026
   
44,644
 
Accounts receivable
   
5,219
   
7,852
 
Receivable for securities
   
27,395
   
5,371
 
Reinsurance recoverable
   
4,952
   
5,930
 
Deferred policy acquisition costs
   
19,757
   
17,145
 
Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired
   
30,025
   
31,427
 
Intangible assets
   
23,781
   
26,074
 
Deferred federal income taxes
   
275
   
-
 
Prepaid expenses
   
1,240
   
1,769
 
Other assets
   
17,881
   
5,184
 
               
   
$
606,314
 
$
415,953
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Liabilities:
             
Notes payable
 
$
60,814
 
$
35,763
 
Structured settlements
   
10,000
   
24,587
 
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
125,338
   
77,564
 
Unearned premiums
   
102,998
   
91,606
 
Unearned revenue
   
2,949
   
5,734
 
Reinsurance balances payable
   
-
   
1,060
 
Accrued agent profit sharing
   
2,844
   
1,784
 
Accrued ceding commission payable
   
12,099
   
3,956
 
Pension liability
   
1,669
   
3,126
 
Deferred federal income taxes
   
-
   
2,310
 
Payable for securities
   
91,401
   
-
 
Current federal income tax payable
   
630
   
2,132
 
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses
   
16,385
   
15,600
 
               
     
427,127
   
265,222
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
             
               
Stockholders’ equity:
             
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares in 2007 and 2006;
             
issued 20,776,080 shares in 2007 and 2006
   
3,740
   
3,740
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
118,459
   
117,932
 
Retained earnings
   
58,909
   
31,480
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(1,8447
)
 
(2,3444 (2,3447
)
Treasury stock, 7,828 shares in 2007 and 2006, at cost
   
(77
)
 
(77
)
               
Total stockholders’ equity
   
179,187
   
150,731
 
               
   
$
606,314
 
$
415,953
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of the consolidated financial statements
 
F-3

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
   
2007 
 
 2006 
 
2005 
 
Gross premiums written
 
$
249,472
 
$
213,945
 
$
89,467
 
Ceded premiums written
   
(11,329
)
 
(11,017
)
 
(1,215
)
Net premiums written
   
238,143
   
202,928
   
88,252
 
Change in unearned premiums
   
(12,840
)
 
(50,867
)
 
(29,068
)
Net premiums earned
   
225,303
   
152,061
   
59,184
 
                     
Investment income, net of expenses
   
13,180
   
10,461
   
3,836
 
Gain (loss) on investments
   
2,586
   
(1,466
)
 
58
 
Finance charges
   
4,702
   
3,983
   
2,044
 
Commission and fees
   
28,054
   
35,343
   
16,703
 
Processing and service fees
   
657
   
2,330
   
5,183
 
Other income
   
16
   
29
   
27
 
                     
Total revenues
   
274,498
   
202,741
   
87,035
 
                     
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
132,918
   
87,117
   
33,784
 
Other operating costs and expenses
   
94,272
   
83,583
   
38,492
 
Interest expense
   
3,914
   
5,798
   
1,264
 
Interest expense from amortization of discount on convertible notes
   
-
   
9,625
   
-
 
Amortization of intangible asset
   
2,293
   
2,293
   
27
 
                     
Total expenses
   
233,397
   
188,416
   
73,567
 
                     
Income before income tax
   
41,101
   
14,325
   
13,468
 
                     
Income tax expense
   
13,672
   
5,134
   
4,282
 
                     
Net income
 
$
27,429
 
$
9,191
 
$
9,186
 
                     
Common stockholders net income per share:
                   
Basic
 
$
1.32
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.76
 
Diluted
 
$
1.32
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.76
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements

F-4

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
(in thousands)
 
 
   
Number
 
 
 
Capital In Excess
 
 
 
Accumulated Other
 
 
 
Number
 
Total
 
Comprehensive
 
 
 
of
 
Par
 
of  Par
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Treasury
 
of
 
Stockholders'
 
Income
 
 
 
Shares
 
Value
 
Value
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Stock
 
Shares
 
Equity
 
(Loss)
 
Balance at December 31, 2004
   
6,143
 
$
1,106
 
$
19,647
 
$
13,103
 
$
(759
)
$
(441
)
 
63
 
$
32,656
       
                                                         
Rights offering
   
8,333
   
1,500
   
43,391
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
44,891
       
Amortization of fair value of stock options granted
   
-
   
-
   
63
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
63
       
Stock options exercised
   
-
   
-
   
(194
)
 
-
   
-
   
424
   
(61
)
 
230
       
                                                         
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9,186
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9,186
 
$
9,186
 
                                                         
Other comprehensive income:
                                                       
Additional minimum pension liability
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(761
)
 
-
   
-
   
(761
)
 
(761
)
Net unrealized holding losses arising during period
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(1,949
)
 
-
   
-
   
(1,991
)
 
(1,991
)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(90
)
 
-
   
-
   
(48
)
 
(48
)
Net unrealized losses on securities
                           
(2,039
)
             
(2,039
)
 
(2,039
)
Total other comprehensive loss before tax
                           
(2,800
)
             
(2,800
)
 
(2,800
)
Tax effect on other comprehensive loss
                           
962
               
962
   
962
 
Other comprehensive loss after tax
                           
(1,838
)
             
(1,838
)
 
(1,838
)
                                                     
7,348
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
   
14,476
 
$
2,606
 
$
62,907
 
$
22,289
 
$
(2,597
)
$
(17
)
 
2
 
$
85,188
       
                                                         
Stock offering
   
3,000
   
540
   
24,149
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
24,689
       
Amortization of fair value of stock options granted
   
-
   
-
   
157
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
157
       
Stock options exercised
   
-
   
5
   
91
   
-
   
-
   
(60
)
 
6
   
36
       
                                                         
Discount on convertible note, net of tax
   
-
   
-
   
6,066
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
6,066
       
                                                         
Conversion of note payable to common stock
   
3,300
   
589
   
24,562
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
25,151
       
                                                         
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9,191
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9,191
 
$
9,191
 
                                                         
Other comprehensive income:
                                                       
Change in net actuarial loss
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(226
)
 
-
   
-
   
(226
)
 
(226
)
Net unrealized holding loss arising during period
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(653
)
 
-
   
-
   
(653
)
 
(653
)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,242
   
-
   
-
   
1,242
   
1,242
 
Net unrealized gains on securities
                           
589
               
589
   
589
 
Total other comprehensive gain before tax
                           
363
               
363
   
363
 
Tax effect on other comprehensive gain
                           
(110
)
             
(110
)
 
(110
)
Other comprehensive gain after tax
                           
253
               
253
   
253
 
Comprehensive income
                                                 
$
9,444
 
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2006
   
20,776
 
$
3,740
 
$
117,932
 
$
31,480
 
$
(2,344
)
$
(77
)
 
8
 
$
150,731
       
 
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of the consolidated financial statements
 
F-5


 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Continued)
 
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
(in thousands)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Capital In
 
 
 
Accumlated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
 
 
 
Excess
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
Number
 
Total
 
Comprehensive
 
 
 
of
 
Par
 
of Par
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Treasury
 
of
 
Stockholders'
 
Income
 
 
 
Shares
 
Value
 
Value
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Stock
 
Shares
 
Equity
 
(Loss)
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
   
20,776
 
$
3,740
 
$
117,932
 
$
31,480
 
$
(2,344
)
$
(77
)
 
8
 
$
150,731
       
                                                         
Amortization of fair value of stock options granted
   
-
   
-
   
527
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
527
       
                                                         
                                                         
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
27,429
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
27,429
 
$
27,429
 
                                                         
Other comprehensive income:
                                                       
Change in net actuarial loss
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,378
   
-
   
-
   
1,378
   
1,378
 
                                                         
Net unrealized holding losses arising during period
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(339
)
 
-
   
-
   
(339
)
 
(339
)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(270
)
 
-
   
-
   
(270
)
 
(270
)
Net unrealized losses on securities
                           
(609
)
             
(609
)
 
(609
)
                                                         
Total other comprehensive income before tax
                           
769
               
769
   
769
 
Tax effect on other comprehensive income
                           
(269
)
             
(269
)
 
(269
)
Other comprehensive income after tax
                           
500
               
500
   
500
 
                                                         
Comprehensive income
                                                 
$
27,929
 
                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2007
   
20,776
 
$
3,740
 
$
118,459
 
$
58,909
 
$
(1,844
)
$
(77
)
 
8
 
$
179,187
       
 
F-6


HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
(In thousands)
 
 
   
2007
 
 2006
 
 2005
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
 
$
27,429
 
$
9,191
 
$
9,186
 
                     
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
                   
Depreciation and amortization expense
   
3,119
   
3,214
   
413
 
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature
   
-
   
9,625
   
-
 
Amortization of discount on structured settlement
   
413
   
1,045
   
-
 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
   
(1,481
)
 
(6,529
)
 
2,143
 
Realized (gain) loss on investments
   
(2,586
)
 
1,466
   
(58
)
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums
   
1,355
   
(862
)
 
(767
)
Change in premiums receivable
   
(1,382
)
 
6,392
   
(22,427
)
Change in prepaid commissions
   
487
   
1,306
   
-
 
Change in accounts receivable
   
2,632
   
(4,484
)
 
1,411
 
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs
   
(2,612
)
 
(7,981
)
 
(1,689
)
Change in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
47,774
   
41,753
   
6,673
 
Change in unearned premiums
   
11,392
   
51,635
   
29,835
 
Change in unearned revenue
   
(2,785
)
 
(7,861
)
 
(7,228
)
Change in accrued agent profit sharing
   
1,060
   
(389
)
 
298
 
Change in reinsurance recoverable
   
978
   
(4,846
)
 
2,639
 
Change in reinsurance balances payable
   
(1,060
)
 
295
   
116
 
Change in current federal income tax payable/recoverable
   
(1,502
)
 
1,745
   
(1,043
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
   
-
   
(25
)
 
-
 
Change in accrued ceding commission payable
   
8,143
   
(7,474
)
 
9,735
 
Change in all other liabilities
   
(673
)
 
(13,075
)
 
3,817
 
Change in all other assets
   
(10,364
)
 
1,821
   
(3,400
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
80,337
   
75,962
   
29,654
 
                     
Cash flows from investing activities:
                   
Purchases of property and equipment
   
(455
)
 
(685
)
 
(532
)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash received
   
-
   
(25,964
)
 
-
 
Premium finance notes repaid, net of finance notes originated
   
(723
)
 
(2,750
)
 
-
 
Change in restricted cash
   
8,526
   
(15,857
)
 
(1,987
)
Purchases of debt and equity securities
   
(226,476
)
 
(75,478
)
 
(60,565
)
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of securities
   
170,207
   
41,944
   
1,747
 
Net redemptions (purchases) of short-term investments
   
22,894
   
(12,776
)
 
(11,832
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(26,027
)
 
(91,566
)
 
(73,169
)
                     
Cash flows from financing activities:
                   
Proceeds from borrowings
   
25,774
   
52,500
   
30,928
 
Debt issuance costs
   
(674
)
 
-
   
(907
)
Proceeds from equity offerings
   
-
   
24,689
   
44,891
 
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options
   
-
   
36
   
230
 
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
   
-
   
25
   
-
 
Repayment of borrowings
   
(15,000
)
 
(24,700
)
 
-
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
10,100
   
52,550
   
75,142
 
                     
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
64,410
   
36,946
   
31,627
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
81,474
   
44,528
   
12,901
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
145,884
 
$
81,474
 
$
44,528
 
                     
Supplemental cash flow information:
                   
Interest (paid)
 
$
(3,402
)
$
(4,678
)
$
(1,167
)
Income taxes (paid)
 
$
(16,655
)
$
(9,830
)
$
(3,182
)
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements
 
F-7

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
1.
Accounting Policies:

General

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, “we,” “us” or “our”) is an insurance holding company engaged in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing commercial insurance in nine states; marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing non-standard personal automobile insurance in 11 states; marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing general aviation insurance in 47 states; and providing other insurance related services.

We pursue our business activities through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into four operating units which are supported by our three insurance company subsidiaries. Our HGA Operating Unit handles commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) and Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”). Our TGA Operating Unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of TGA Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Texas General Agency”), Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) and TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”). Our Aerospace Operating Unit handles general aviation insurance products and services and is comprised of Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”), Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”) and Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”). The subsidiaries comprising our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit were all acquired effective January 1, 2006. Our Phoenix Operating Unit handles non-standard personal automobile insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (both of which do business as Phoenix General Agency). Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these operating units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Phoenix Indemnity Insurance Company (“PIIC”) and Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”) (f/k/a Gulf States Insurance Company).

These four operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Standard Commercial Segment presently consists solely of the HGA Operating Unit and the Personal Segment presently consists solely of our Phoenix Operating Unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes both our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Hallmark and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which, as to AHIC, PIIC and HSIC, differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by insurance regulatory authorities.
 
Investments

Debt and equity securities available for sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects. Debt and equity securities that are determined to have other than temporary impairment are recognized as a realized loss in the Statement of Operations. Debt security premiums and discounts are amortized into earnings using the effective interest method. Maturities of debt securities are recorded in receivable for securities until the cash is settled. Purchases of equity securities are recorded in payable for securities until the cash is settled.

Short-term investments consist of treasury bills, municipal bonds, and a certificate of deposit which are reported at fair value.

Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method.

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
F-8


HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

Recognition of Premium Revenues

Insurance premiums and policy fees are earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Upon cancellation, any unearned premium is refunded to the insured. Insurance premiums written include gross policy fees of $4.9 million, $5.0 million and $3.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

Relationship with Third Party Insurers

Through December 31, 2005, our HGA Operating Unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. All business of our TGA Operating Unit is currently produced under a fronting agreement with member companies of the Republic Group (“Republic”), a third-party insurer. These insurance contracts on third party paper are accounted for under agency accounting. Ceding commissions and other fees received under these arrangements are classified as unearned revenue until earned pro rata over the terms of the policies.

Recognition of Commission Revenues of Our Standard and Specialty Commercial Segments
 
Commission revenues and commission expenses related to insurance policies issued by American Hallmark Insurance Services and Texas General Agency on behalf of Clarendon and Republic, respectively, are recognized pro rata during the period covered by the policy. Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We receive a provisional commission as policies are produced as an advance against the later determination of the profit sharing commission actually earned. The profit sharing commission is an estimate that varies with the estimated loss ratio and is sensitive to changes in that estimate.

The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue sensitivity to the actual ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty between the Standard Commercial Segment and Clarendon at 5.0% above and below the current estimate (dollars in thousands).

   
Treaty Effective Dates
 
   
7/1/01
 
7/1/02
 
7/1/03
 
7/1/04
 
Provisional loss ratio
   
60.0
%
 
59.0
%
 
59.0
%
 
64.2
%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio booked to at December 31, 2007
   
63.5
%
 
64.5
%
 
67.0
%
 
54.6
%
                           
Effect of actual 5.0% above estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
($2,793
)
Effect of actual 5.0% below estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2007
 
$
1,850
 
$
3,055
 
$
3,360
 
$
2,793
 
 
As of December 31, 2007, we recorded a $2.1 million profit sharing payable for the quota share treaty effective July 1, 2001, a $4.6 million payable on the quota share treaty effective July 1, 2002, a $5.4 million payable on the quota share treaty effective July 1, 2003 and a $5.4 million receivable on the quota share treaty effective July 1, 2004. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.

The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue sensitivity to the actual ultimate loss ratio for the effective quota share treaty between the Specialty Commercial Segment and Republic at 5% above and below the current estimate (dollars in thousands).
 
F-9

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
   
Treaty Effective Date
 
Treaty Effective Date
 
   
1/1/06
 
1/1/07
 
Provisional loss ratio
   
65.0
%
 
65.0
%
Ultimate loss ratio booked to at December 31, 2007
   
56.0
%
 
65.0
%
               
Effect of actual 5.0% above estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2007
   
($3,092
)
 
-
 
Effect of actual 5.0% below estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2007
 
$
1,237
 
$
1,897
 
 
As of December 31, 2007 we recorded a $5.6 million profit share receivable for the quota share treaty effective January 1, 2006 and had not recorded a profit share receivable or payable on the January 1, 2007 quota share treaty since the loss experience on this business has not developed sufficiently to conclude that we will realize any additional profit share revenue.

Recognition of Claim Servicing Fees
 
Claim servicing fees are recognized in proportion to the historical trends of the claim cycle. We use historical claim count data that measures the close rate of claims in relation to the policy period covered to substantiate the service period. The following table summarizes the year in which claim fee revenue is recognized by type of business.
 
   
Year Claim Fee Revenue Recognized
 
   
1st
 
2nd
 
3rd
 
4th
 
Commercial property fees
   
80
%
 
20
%
 
-
   
-
 
Commercial liability fees
   
60
%
 
30
%
 
10
%
 
-
 
Personal property fees
   
90
%
 
10
%
 
-
   
-
 
Personal liability fees
   
49
%
 
33
%
 
12
%
 
6
%

Finance Charges

PAAC provides premium financing for policies produced by Texas General Agency and certain unaffiliated general and retail agents. Interest earned on the premium finance notes issued by PAAC for the financing of insurance premiums are recorded as finance charges. This interest is earned on the Rule of 78’s method which approximates the interest method for such short-term notes.

We receive premium installment fees for each direct bill payment from policyholders. Installment fee income is classified as finance charges on the statement of operations and is recognized as the fee is invoiced.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements), aggregating $7.7 million and $7.3 million, at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which is included in other assets, is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (three to ten years). Depreciation expense for 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $0.8 million, $0.9 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $6.4 million and $5.6 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Premiums Receivable
 
Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders or independent agents for premiums written and uncollected. These balances are carried at net realizable value.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal business are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, losses and loss adjustment expenses and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. If the computation results in an estimated net realizable value less than zero, a liability will be accrued for the premium deficiency. During 2007, 2006 and 2005, we deferred ($57.7) million, ($40.5) million and ($33.3) million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $55.1 million, $32.5 million and $26.8 million of deferred policy acquisition costs, respectively. Therefore, the net deferrals of policy acquisition costs were ($2.6) million, ($8.0) million and ($6.5) million for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
F-10

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007


Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Losses and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that the reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.
 
Retail Agent Commissions

We pay monthly commissions to retail agents based on written premium produced but recognize the expense pro rata over the term of the policy. If the policy is cancelled prior to its expiration, the unearned portion of the agent commission is refundable to us. The unearned portion of commissions paid to retail agents is included in deferred policy acquisition costs.

Agent Profit Sharing Commissions

We annually pay a profit sharing commission to our independent agency force based upon the results of the business produced by each agent. We estimate and accrue this liability to commission expense in the year the business is produced.

Reinsurance
 
We are routinely involved in reinsurance transactions with other companies. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. (See Note 5.)

Leases

We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2011. Some of these leases include rent escalation provisions throughout the term of the lease. We expense the average annual cost of the lease with the difference to the actual rent invoices recorded as deferred rent which is classified as other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheet.

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Earnings Per Share

The computation of earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect) the effect of common shares potentially issuable, primarily from stock options. (See Notes 10 and 12.)

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations using the purchase method of accounting pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations.” The cost of an acquired entity is allocated to the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is an asset referred to as “excess of cost over net assets acquired” or “goodwill.” Indirect and general expenses related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.
 
F-11

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
Effective January 1, 2006, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Texas General Agency, PAAC and TGASRI for an aggregate cash purchase price of up to $45.6 million, consisting of unconditional consideration of $37.6 million and contingent consideration of $8.0 million. Of the unconditional consideration, $13.9 million was paid at closing, $14.3 million was paid on January 2, 2007, and $9.5 million was paid on January 2, 2008. The payment of any contingent consideration is conditioned on the sellers complying with certain restrictive covenants and the TGA Operating Unit achieving certain operational objectives related to premium production and loss ratios. The contingent consideration, if any, will be payable on or before March 30, 2009, unless the sellers elect to defer payment until March 30 of any subsequent year in order to permit further development of the loss ratios. In addition to the purchase price, we will pay $2.0 million to the sellers in consideration of their compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including a covenant not to compete for a period of five years after closing. Of this additional amount, $750 thousand was paid at closing, $750 thousand was paid on January 2, 2007, and $500 thousand was paid on January 2, 2008.

Texas General Agency is a managing general agency involved in the marketing, underwriting and servicing of property and casualty insurance products, with a particular emphasis on commercial automobile, general liability and commercial property risks produced on an excess and surplus lines basis. Other affiliated companies acquired were HSIC, which reinsures a portion of the business written by Texas General Agency; TGASRI, which brokers mobile home insurance; and PAAC, which finances premiums on property and casualty insurance products marketed by Texas General Agency and certain unaffiliated general and retail agents. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition, January 1, 2006 (in thousands).

Investments
 
$
19,597
 
Cash and equivalents
   
2,199
 
Premium receivable
   
17,556
 
Premium finance notes receivable
   
6,146
 
Reinsurance recoverable
   
640
 
Tradename
   
1,973
 
Customer relationships
   
19,417
 
Non-compete/employment agreements
   
2,477
 
Goodwill
   
15,476
 
Other assets
   
7,178
 
 
       
Total assets acquired
   
92,659
 
         
Total liabilities assumed
   
54,260
 
 
       
Net assets acquired
 
$
38,399
 


Net assets of $38.4 million acquired equals the $39.6 million unconditional purchase price and restrictive covenant payments discounted at 4.40% (which is the rate of two-year U.S. Treasuries, which is the only permitted investment of the trust account guaranteeing the future payments to the sellers) plus $232 thousand of direct acquisition expenses. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Certain purchased items above are subject to amortization over their estimated useful life as presented in the following table.

 
Years
Tradename
15
Customer relationships
15
Non-compete agreements
5

The aggregate weighted average period to amortize the above captioned assets is approximately 14 years.
 
F-12

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

The results of operations of Texas General Agency, PAAC and TGASRI are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations from the effective date of the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 as if we had acquired Texas General Agency, PAAC and TGASRI at January 1, 2005 are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
2005
 
Revenues
 
$
137,078
 
Net income
   
10,103
 
Net income per share:
       
Basic
 
$
0.84
 
Diluted
 
$
0.75
 
 
F-13

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
Effective January 1, 2006, we also acquired all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in the subsidiaries now comprising the Aerospace Operating Unit, for an aggregate consideration of up to $15.0 million, consisting of unconditional consideration of $12.5 million due in cash at closing and contingent consideration of up to $2.5 million. The unconditional consideration of $12.5 million is allocated $11.9 million to the purchase price and $0.6 million to the seller’s compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including a covenant not to compete for a period of five years after closing. The payment of contingent consideration is conditioned on the seller complying with its restrictive covenants and the Aerospace Operating Unit achieving certain operational objectives related to premium production and loss ratios. The contingent consideration, if any, will be payable in cash on or before March 30, 2009, unless the seller elects to defer a portion of the payment in order to permit further development of loss ratios. Our Aerospace Operating Unit is involved in the marketing and servicing of general aviation property and casualty insurance products with a particular emphasis on private and small commercial aircraft and airports.

Prior to the Company’s acquisition of the Aerospace Operating Unit in January, 2006, the primary subsidiary within such operating unit entered into an agreement to lease office space from Donnell Investments, L.L.C., an entity wholly owned and controlled by Curtis R. Donnell, the current president of the Aerospace Operating Unit. The lease pertains to an approximately 8,925 square foot suite in a low-rise office building and expires September 30, 2010. The rent is currently $13,666 per month.
 
Intangible Assets

We account for our intangible assets according to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”). SFAS 142 (1) prohibits the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, (2) requires testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis for impairment (and more frequently if the occurrence of an event or circumstance indicates an impairment), (3) requires that reporting units be identified for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, and (4) removes the forty-year limitation on the amortization period of intangible assets that have finite lives.

Pursuant to SFAS 142, we have identified the components of goodwill and assigned the carrying value of these components among our four operating units, as follows: HGA Operating Unit - $2.1 million; TGA Operating Unit - $15.5 million; Aerospace Operating Unit - $9.7 million; and Phoenix Operating Unit - $2.7 million. As of December 31, 2007, the balance of our goodwill asset is $30.0 million, of which $25.2 million was acquired in 2006 with the acquisition of the subsidiaries now comprising our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit. During 2007, 2006 and 2005, we completed the first step prescribed by SFAS 142 for testing for impairment and determined that there was no impairment.

We have obtained various amortizable intangible assets from several acquisitions since 2002. The table below details the gross and net carrying amounts of these assets by major category (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Gross Carrying Amount:
         
Customer/agent relationships
 
$
22,729
 
$
22,729
 
Tradename
   
2,682
   
2,682
 
Non-compete & employment agreements
   
3,040
   
3,040
 
Total gross carrying amount
   
28,451
   
28,451
 
               
Accumulated Amortization:
             
Customer/agent relationships
   
(3,096
)
 
(1,590
)
Tradename
   
(358
)
 
(179
)
Non-compete & employment agreements
   
(1,216
)
 
(608
)
Total accumulated amortization
   
(4,670
)
 
(2,377
)
               
Total net carrying amount
 
$
23,781
 
$
26,074
 

F-14

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

 
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for these assets for the next five years is as follows (in thousands):

2008
 
$
2,293
 
2009
 
$
2,293
 
2010
 
$
2,293
 
2011
 
$
1,685
 
2012
 
$
1,685
 

The weighted average amortization period for all intangible assets by major class is as follows:


 
Years
Tradename
15
Customer relationships
15
Non-compete agreements
5

The aggregate weighted average period to amortize the above captioned assets is approximately 14 years.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

Investment Securities: Fair values for fixed income securities and equity securities are obtained from an independent pricing service or based on quoted market prices. (See Note 2.)

Cash and Short-term Investments: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.

Restricted Cash : The carrying amount for restricted cash reported in the balance sheet approximates the fair value.

Notes Payable: The carrying value for notes payable approximates their fair value based on the current interest rate for each note.

Structured Settlements: The carrying value for the structured settlements approximates their fair value based on the current interest rate of two-year U.S. Treasuries.

For accrued investment income, amounts recoverable from reinsurers, federal income tax payable and receivable and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS 148”). SFAS 148 amended Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”) to provide alternative methods of transition for voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS 148 amended the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted the prospective method provisions of SFAS 148. Under the prospective method, we have applied the fair value based method of accounting for our stock-based payments for option grants after December 31, 2002.
 
In December 2004, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”), which revises SFAS 123 and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”). SFAS 123R eliminates an entity’s ability to account for share-based payments using APB 25 and requires that all such transactions be accounted for using a fair value based method. We adopted SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006 using the modified-prospective transition method.
 
F-15

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
Under the modified-prospective transition method, compensation cost recognized during the period should include compensation cost for all share-based payments granted, but not yet vested, as of January 1, 2006, based on grant date fair value estimates in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123 and compensation cost for all share-based payments granted after January 1, 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123R. Since we adopted the fair value method of SFAS 123 under the prospective method provision of SFAS 148 beginning January 1, 2003, we have a small amount of unvested share-based payments for grants prior to January 1, 2003. During 2007, we recognized approximately $10 thousand of additional compensation expense under SFAS 123R. SFAS 123R also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized stock compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as previously required. (See Note 12.)
 
The following table illustrates the effect on net income and net income per share if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards in each period.
 
   
 2005
 
Net income
 
$
9,186
 
Add: stock-based employee compensation expenses included in reported net income, net of tax
   
41
 
         
Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax
   
(48
)
Pro forma net income
 
$
9,179
 
         
Net income per share:
       
Basic - as reported
 
$
0.76
 
Basic - pro forma
 
$
0.76
 
Diluted - as reported
 
$
0.76
 
Diluted - pro forma
 
$
0.76
 

In June 2006, FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), was issued. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. FIN 48 also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, as well as providing guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 with earlier application permitted as long as the company has not yet issued financial statements, including interim financial statements, in the period of adoption. We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. Since we had no unrecognized tax benefits, we recognized no additional liability or reduction in deferred tax asset as a result of the adoption of FIN 48. We are no longer subject to U. S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2003.

In September 2006, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires (1) balance sheet recognition of the funded status of defined benefit plans, (2) recognition in other comprehensive income of various items before they are recognized in periodic benefit cost, (3) the measurement date for plan assets and the benefit obligation to be the balance sheet date, and (4) additional disclosure. Requirements (1), (2), and (4) of SFAS 158 are effective as of the end of the first fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006. As of December 31, 2006, the measurement date for our plan assets and benefit obligation is the balance sheet date. The adoption of SFAS 158 did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

In September 2005, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position 05-1 “Accounting by Insurance Enterprises for Deferred Acquisition Costs in Connection With Modifications or Exchanges of Insurance Contracts” (“SOP 05-1”). This statement provides guidance on accounting for deferred acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance and investment contracts other than those specifically described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 97, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration Contracts and for Realized Gains and Losses from the Sale of Investments,” previously issued by the FASB. SOP 05-1 is effective for internal replacements occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of SOP 05-1 had no material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
F-16

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
In September 2006, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 establishes a separate framework for determining fair values of assets and liabilities that are required by other authoritative GAAP pronouncements to be measured at fair value. In addition, SFAS 157 incorporates and clarifies the guidance in FASB Concepts Statement 7 regarding the use of present value techniques in measuring fair value. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 157 on our financial statements.

In February 2007, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value with changes in fair value included in current earnings. The election is made on specified election dates, can be made on an instrument-by-instrument basis, and is irrevocable. SFAS 159 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 159 had no impact on our financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141R”), a replacement of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations”. FAS 141R provides revised guidance on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. In addition, it provides revised guidance on the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in the business combination. FAS 141R also provides guidance specific to the recognition, classification, and measurement of assets and liabilities related to insurance and reinsurance contracts acquired in a business combination. FAS 141R applies to business combinations for acquisitions occurring on or after January 1, 2009. The Company does not expect the provisions of FAS 141R to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity. FAS 141R will impact the accounting for any future acquisition.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. In addition, it clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. FAS 160 is effective on a prospective basis beginning January 1, 2009, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which are applied on a retrospective basis for all periods presented. The Company does not expect the provisions of FAS 160 to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Reclassification

Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Such reclassification had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity. Investment balances that were previously reported in Restricted Cash and Investments on the balance sheet have been reclassified to debt securities, available-for-sale, at market value during the current period. The amount reclassified from the December 31, 2006 presentation is $7.2 million. Amounts previously reported for net unrealized holding losses arising during the period and the reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income were revised in our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income in this year’s presentation. The result of this reclassification had no effect on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net Income, Comprehensive Income or Stockholders’ Equity for any period.
 
F-17

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

Redesignation of Segments

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Standard Commercial Segment was referred to as our Commercial Insurance Operation and the Personal Segment was referred to as our Personal Insurance Operation. Each of our four operating units was reported as a separate segment during the first three quarters of 2006. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2006, our HGA Operating Unit was designated as the sole component of the Standard Commercial Segment, our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit were aggregated in the Specialty Commercial Segment and our Phoenix Operating Unit was designated as the sole component of the Personal Segment.
 
Reverse Stock Split
 
All share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect a one-for-six reverse split of all issued and unissued shares of our authorized common stock effected July 31, 2006, and a corresponding increase in the par value of our authorized common stock from $0.03 per share to $0.18 per share.
 
F-18

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
2.
Investments:
 
 
 
Major categories of net investment income (in thousands) are summarized as follows:
  
 
 
 Years ended December 31,
 
 
 
 2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
 
$
7,436
 
$
6,587
 
$
2,806
 
Equity securities
 
 
300
 
 
160
 
 
90
 
Short-term investments
 
 
1,765
 
 
1,154
 
 
161
 
Cash equivalents
 
 
3,890
 
 
2,683
 
 
832
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,391
 
 
10,584
 
 
3,899
 
Investment expenses
 
 
(211
)
 
(123
)
 
(53
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$
13,180
 
$
10,461
 
$
3,836
 
 
 
At December 31, 2007 we had an investment of $89.6 million in a U.S. Treasury Note with a maturity date of January 31, 2009 which exceeded 10% of our stockholders equity. No other investment in any entity or its affiliates exceeded 10% of stockholders' equity at December 31, 2007, 2006 or 2005.

 
Major categories of recognized gains (losses) on investments (in thousands) are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
 Years ended December 31,
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
 
$
70
 
$
(461
)
$
14
 
Equity securities
 
 
2,889
 
 
155
 
 
99
 
Short-term investments
 
 
103
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
Realized gains (losses)
 
 
3,062
 
 
(306
)
 
113
 
Other than temporary impairments
 
 
(476
)
 
(1,160
)
 
(55
)
Recognized gains (losses)
 
$
2,586
 
$
(1,466
)
$
58
 
 
We realized gross gains on investments of $4.9 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. We realized gross losses on investments of $1.8 million, $0.5 million and $0.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
F-19

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities (in thousands) by category is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
Gross
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
As of December 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
98,900
 
$
147
 
$
-
 
$
99,047
 
Corporate debt securities
 
 
51,786
 
 
46
 
 
1,736
 
 
50,096
 
Municipal bonds
 
 
98,547
 
 
628
 
 
252
 
 
98,923
 
Mortgage backed securities
 
 
3
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt securities
 
 
249,236
 
 
821
 
 
1,988
 
 
248,069
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
 
16,789
 
 
397
 
 
318
 
 
16,868
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short term securities
 
 
2,622
 
 
4
 
 
1
 
 
2,625
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt and equity securities
 
$
268,647
 
$
1,222
 
$
2,307
 
$
267,562
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
40,417
 
$
48
 
$
58
 
$
40,407
 
Corporate debt securities
 
 
41,288
 
 
83
 
 
888
 
 
40,483
 
Municipal bonds
 
 
52,244
 
 
192
 
 
304
 
 
52,132
 
Mortgage backed securities
 
 
8
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt securities
 
 
133,957
 
 
323
 
 
1,250
 
 
133,030
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
 
4,146
 
 
453
 
 
19
 
 
4,580
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short term securities
 
 
25,258
 
 
17
 
 
-
 
 
25,275
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt and equity securities
 
$
163,361
 
$
793
 
$
1,269
 
$
162,885
 
 
F-20

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
2.
Investments, continued:
 
 
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities with a gross unrealized loss position at December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands) is as follows:
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
 
As of December 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 Equity Positions
 
$
7,272
 
$
6,954
 
$
318
 
45 Bond Positions
 
 
71,510
 
 
69,522
 
 
1,988
 
1 Short Term Position
 
 
353
 
 
352
 
 
1
 
 
 
$
79,135
 
$
76,828
 
$
2,307
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 Equity Positions
 
$
249
 
$
230
 
$
19
 
195 Bond Positions
 
 
73,589
 
 
72,339
 
 
1,250
 
 
 
$
73,838
 
$
72,569
 
$
1,269
 
 
 
Of the gross unrealized loss at December 31, 2007, $1.0 million is more than twelve months old, consisting of 22 bond positions. Of the gross unrealized loss at December 31, 2006, $1.2 million is more than twelve months old, consisting of 139 bond positions. We consider these losses as a temporary decline in value as they are predominately on bonds where we believe we have the ability to hold our positions until maturity and whose decline in fair value is driven by interest rate increases. We see no other indications that the decline in value of these securities is other than temporary.
 
 
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2007 by contractual maturity are as follows. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
 
Maturity (in thousands):
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Due in one year or less
 
$
15,185
 
$
15,189
 
Due after one year through five years
 
 
162,972
 
 
162,524
 
Due after five years through ten years
 
 
53,942
 
 
53,305
 
Due after ten years
 
 
19,756
 
 
19,673
 
Mortgage-backed securities
 
 
3
 
 
3
 
 
 
$
251,858
 
$
250,694
 
 
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, investments in debt securities with an approximate carrying value of $18.5 million and $23.8 million, respectively, were pledged for the benefit of various state insurance departments, reinsurers and the sellers of our TGA Operating Unit.
  
F-21

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
3.
Other Assets:

The following table details our other assets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):

 
 
2007
 
2006
 
Profit sharing commission receivable
 
$
10,961
 
$
649
 
Accrued investment income
 
 
4,104
 
 
2,002
 
Debt issuance costs
 
 
1,465
 
 
826
 
Fixed assets
 
 
1,272
 
 
1,644
 
Other assets
 
 
79
 
 
63
 
 
 
$
17,881
 
$
5,184
 

Our profit sharing commission receivable increased $10.3 million in 2007 due to favorable loss development on the 2004 and 2006 treaty years for our Standard Commercial and Specialty Commercial Segments, respectively, partially offset by unfavorable loss development on the 2001-2003 treaty years for our Standard Commercial Segment. Our accrued investment income increased $2.1 million due to a larger investment portfolio in 2007 as compared to 2006. Our debt issuance costs increased $0.6 million due to the issuance of trust preferred securities during 2007.

F-22

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

4.
Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses:
 
Activity in the reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (in thousands) is summarized as follows: 
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1
 
$
77,564
 
$
26,321
 
$
19,648
 
Plus acquisition of Phoenix at January 1
 
 
-
 
 
4,562
 
 
-
 
Less reinsurance recoverable
 
 
4,763
 
 
324
 
 
1,948
 
Net Balance at January 1
 
 
72,801
 
 
30,559
 
 
17,700
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Incurred related to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current year
 
 
139,332
 
 
88,294
 
 
36,184
 
Prior years
 
 
(6,414
)
 
(1,177
)
 
(2,400
)
Total incurred
 
 
132,918
 
 
87,117
 
 
33,784
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paid related to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current year
 
 
54,809
 
 
28,154
 
 
17,414
 
Prior years
 
 
30,061
 
 
16,721
 
 
8,073
 
Total paid
 
 
84,870
 
 
44,875
 
 
25,487
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Balance at December 31
 
 
120,849
 
 
72,801
 
 
25,997
 
Plus reinsurance recoverable
 
 
4,489
 
 
4,763
 
 
324
 
Balance at December 31
 
$
125,338
 
$
77,564
 
$
26,321
 
 
The $6.4 million, $1.2 million and $2.4 million favorable development in prior accident years recognized in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, represent normal changes in our loss reserve estimates primarily attributable to favorable loss development in each of our segments. The loss reserve estimates for prior years were decreased to reflect this favorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be less than the previous estimates.
 
F-23

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
5.
Reinsurance:

We reinsure a portion of the risk we underwrite in order to control the exposure to losses and to protect capital resources. We cede to reinsurers a portion of these risks and pay premiums based upon the risk and exposure of the policies subject to such reinsurance. Ceded reinsurance involves credit risk and is generally subject to aggregate loss limits. Although the reinsurer is liable to us to the extent of the reinsurance ceded, we are ultimately liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables are reported after allowances for uncollectible amounts. We monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Reinsurers are selected based on their financial condition, business practices and the price of their product offerings.

The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years:

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Premium Written :
             
Direct
 
$
157,202
 
$
129,669
 
$
44,237
 
Assumed
   
92,270
   
84,276
   
45,230
 
Ceded
   
(11,329
)
 
(11,017
)
 
(1,215
)
   
$
238,143
 
$
202,928
 
$
88,252
 
                     
Premium Earned:
                   
Direct
 
$
151,276
 
$
97,082
 
$
23,747
 
Assumed
   
86,804
   
65,134
   
35,885
 
Ceded
   
(12,777
)
 
(10,155
)
 
(448
)
   
$
225,303
 
$
152,061
 
$
59,184
 
                     
Reinsurance recoveries
 
$
3,862
 
$
5,225
 
$
(492
)
 
F-24

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

Our insurance company subsidiaries presently retain 100% of the risk associated with all non-standard personal automobile policies marketed by our Phoenix Operating Unit. We currently reinsure the following exposures on business generated by our HGA Operating Unit, our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit:
 
 
·
Property catastrophe. Our property catastrophe reinsurance reduces the financial impact a catastrophe could have on our commercial property insurance lines. Catastrophes might include multiple claims and policyholders. Catastrophes include hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, explosions, severe winter weather and fires. Our property catastrophe reinsurance is excess-of-loss reinsurance, which provides us reinsurance coverage for losses in excess of an agreed-upon amount. We utilize catastrophe models to assist in determining appropriate retention and limits to purchase. The terms of our property catastrophe reinsurance, effective July 1, 2007, are:
 
 
·
We retain the first $2.0 million of property catastrophe losses; and
 
 
·
Our reinsurers reimburse us 100% for each $1.00 of loss in excess of our $2.0 million retention up to $28.0 million for each catastrophic occurrence, subject to a maximum of two events for the contractual term.
 
 
·
Commercial property. Our commercial property reinsurance is excess-of-loss coverage intended to reduce the financial impact a single-event or catastrophic loss may have on our results. The terms of our commercial property reinsurance, effective July 1, 2007, are:
 
 
·
We retain the first $1.0 million of loss for each commercial property risk;
 
 
·
Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial property risk; and
 
 
·
Individual risk facultative reinsurance is purchased on any commercial property with limits above $6.0 million.
 
 
·
Commercial casualty. Our commercial casualty reinsurance is excess-of-loss coverage intended to reduce the financial impact a single-event loss may have on our results. The terms of our commercial casualty reinsurance, effective July 1, 2007, are:
 
 
·
We retain the first $1.0 million of any commercial liability risk; and
 
 
·
Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial liability risk.
 
 
·
Aviation.  We purchase reinsurance specific to the aviation risks underwritten by our Aerospace Operating Unit. This reinsurance provides aircraft hull and liability coverage and airport liability coverage on a per occurrence basis on the following terms:
 
 
·
We retain the first $350,000 of each aircraft hull or liability loss or airport liability loss;
 
 
·
Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $1.15 million of each aircraft hull loss and for the next $650,000 of each airport liability loss; and
 
 
·
Our reinsurers provide additional reimbursement of $4.0 million for each airport liability loss and aircraft liability loss, excluding passenger liability.

6. Notes Payable:

On June 21, 2005, an unconsolidated trust subsidiary completed a private placement of $30.0 million of 30-year floating rate trust preferred securities. Simultaneously, we borrowed $30.9 million from the trust subsidiary and contributed $30.0 million to one of our insurance company subsidiaries in order to increase policyholder surplus. The note bears an initial interest rate of 7.725% until June 15, 2015, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three month LIBOR rate plus 3.25 percentage points. Under the terms of the note, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the note balance was $30.9 million.

On January 27, 2006, we borrowed $15.0 million under our revolving credit facility to fund the cash required to close the acquisition of the subsidiaries now comprising our TGA Operating Unit. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the balance on the revolving note was $2.8 million, which currently bears interest at 6.73% per annum. Also included in notes payable as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 is $1.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, outstanding under PAAC’s revolving credit facility, which also currently bears interest at 6.73% per annum. (See Note 8.)
 
F-25

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

On August 23, 2007, a newly formed unconsolidated trust subsidiary completed a private placement of $25.0 million of 30-year floating trust preferred securities. Simultaneously, we borrowed $25.8 million from the trust subsidiary for working capital and general corporate purposes. The note bears an initial interest rate at 8.28% until September 15, 2017, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage points. Under the terms of the note, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. As of December 31, 2007 the note balance was $25.8 million.

7.
Structured Settlements

In connection with our acquisition of the subsidiaries now comprising our TGA Operating Unit, we recorded a payable for future guaranteed payments of $25.0 million discounted at 4.4%, the rate of two-year U.S. Treasuries (the only investment permitted on the trust account securing such future payments). As of December 31, 2007, the balance of the structured settlements was $10.0 million.
 
8.
Credit Facilities:

On June 29, 2005, we entered into a credit facility with The Frost National Bank. The credit facility was amended and restated on January 27, 2006 to a $20.0 million revolving credit facility, with a $5.0 million letter of credit sub-facility. The credit facility was further amended effective May 31, 2007 to increase the revolving credit facility to $25.0 million and establish a new $5.0 million revolving credit sub-facility for the premium finance operations of PAAC. The credit agreement was again amended effective February 20, 2008 to extend the termination to January 27, 2010, revise various affirmative and negative covenants and decrease the interest rate in most instances to the three month Eurodollar rate plus 1.90 percentage points, payable quarterly in arrears. We pay letter of credit fees at the rate of 1.00% per annum. Our obligations under the revolving credit facility are secured by a security interest in the capital stock of all of our subsidiaries, guaranties of all of our subsidiaries and the pledge of substantially all of our assets. The revolving credit facility contains covenants which, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial and operating ratios and restrict certain distributions, transactions and organizational changes. As of December 31, 2007, we were in compliance with all of our covenants.

PAAC had a $5.0 million revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank which terminated June 30, 2007. This facility was replaced with the new $5.0 million premium finance sub-facility with The Frost National Bank as discussed above. As of December 31, 2007, there was $1.3 million outstanding under this credit facility.

9.
Segment Information:

We pursue our business activities through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into producing units and are supported by our insurance carrier subsidiaries. Our non-carrier insurance activities are organized by producing units into the following reportable segments:
 
 
·
Standard Commercial Segment. The Standard Commercial Segment includes the standard lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our HGA Operating Unit which is comprised of our American Hallmark Insurance Services and ECM subsidiaries.

 
·
Specialty Commercial Segment. The Specialty Commercial Segment primarily includes the excess and surplus lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our TGA Operating Unit and the general aviation insurance products and services handled by our Aerospace Operating Unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment also includes a relatively small amount of non-strategic legacy personal lines insurance products handled by our TGA Operating Unit. Our TGA Operating Unit is comprised of our Texas General Agency, PAAC and TGARSI subsidiaries. Our Aerospace Operating Unit is comprised of our Aerospace Insurance Managers, ASRI and ACMG subsidiaries. All of the subsidiaries included in the Specialty Commercial Segment were acquired effective January 1, 2006.
 
F-26

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
 
·
Personal Segment. The Personal Segment includes the non-standard personal automobile insurance products and services handled by our Phoenix Operating Unit which is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc., both of which do business as Phoenix General Agency.

The retained premium produced by these reportable segments is supported by the following insurance company subsidiaries:

 
·
American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas presently retains all of the risks on the commercial property/casualty policies marketed within the Standard Commercial Segment and assumes a portion of the risks on the commercial and aviation property/casualty policies marketed within the Specialty Commercial Segment.

 
·
Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company, which was acquired effective January 1, 2006, presently assumes a portion of the risks on the commercial property/casualty policies marketed within the Specialty Commercial Segment.

 
·
Phoenix Indemnity Insurance Company presently assumes all of the risks on the non-standard personal automobile policies marketed within the Personal Segment and assumes a portion of the risks on the aviation property/casualty products marketed within the Specialty Commercial Segment.

Effective January 1, 2006, our insurance company subsidiaries entered into a pooling arrangement which was subsequently amended on December 15, 2006 pursuant to which AHIC retains 46.0% of the total net premiums written, PIIC retains 34.1% of our total net premiums written and HSIC retains 19.9% of our total net premiums written.
 
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Standard Commercial Segment was referred to as our Commercial Insurance Operation and the Personal Segment was referred to as our Personal Insurance Operation. The retained premium produced by our operating units prior to January 1, 2006 was supported by our AHIC and PIIC insurance subsidiaries. Periods prior to January 1, 2006 do not include the operations of the Specialty Commercial Segment, all of which was acquired on January 1, 2006.
 
Each of our four operating units was reported as a separate segment during the first three quarters of 2006. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2006, our HGA Operating Unit was designated as the sole component of the Standard Commercial Segment, our TGA Operating Unit and our Aerospace Operating Unit were aggregated in the Specialty Commercial Segment and our Phoenix Operating Unit was designated as the sole component of the Personal Segment.
 
F-27

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

The following is additional business segment information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 (in thousands):

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenues
             
Standard Commercial Segment
 
$
86,139
 
$
75,325
 
$
43,067
 
Speciality Commercial Segment
   
126,255
   
80,689
   
-
 
Personal Segment
   
58,268
   
46,998
   
43,907
 
Corporate
   
3,836
   
(271
)
 
61
 
Consolidated
 
$
274,498
 
$
202,741
 
$
87,035
 
                     
Depreciation Expense
                   
Standard Commercial Segment
 
$
188
 
$
183
 
$
144
 
Speciality Commercial Segment
   
343
   
468
   
-
 
Personal Segment
   
222
   
238
   
226
 
Corporate
   
73
   
32
   
16
 
Consolidated
 
$
826
 
$
921
 
$
386
 
                     
Interest Expense
                   
Standard Commercial Segment
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Speciality Commercial Segment
   
151
   
258
   
-
 
Personal Segment
   
1
   
4
   
10
 
Corporate
   
3,762
   
5,536
   
1,254
 
Consolidated
 
$
3,914
 
$
5,798
 
$
1,264
 
                     
Tax Expense
                   
Standard Commercial Segment
 
$
3,211
 
$
2,759
 
$
1,194
 
Speciality Commercial Segment
   
8,426
   
4,279
   
-
 
Personal Segment
   
1,956
   
2,072
   
3,225
 
Corporate
   
79
   
(3,976
)
 
(137
)
Consolidated
 
$
13,672
 
$
5,134
 
$
4,282
 
                     
Pre-tax Income
                   
Standard Commercial Segment
 
$
12,042
 
$
11,757
 
$
6,651
 
Speciality Commercial Segment
   
28,043
   
14,309
   
-
 
Personal Segment
   
7,523
   
8,760
   
11,647
 
Corporate
   
(6,507
)
 
(20,501
)
 
(4,830
)
Consolidated
 
$
41,101
 
$
14,325
 
$
13,468
 
 
F-28

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
9.
Segment Information, continued

The following is additional business segment information as of the following dates (in thousands): 
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Assets
         
Standard Commercial Segment
 
$
211,428
 
$
133,697
 
Specialty Commercial Segment
   
229,138
   
162,441
 
Personal Segment
   
100,986
   
71,754
 
Corporate
   
64,762
   
48,061
 
Consolidated
 
$
606,314
 
$
415,953
 
 
10.
Earnings Per Share

We have adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings per Share,” (“SFAS 128”) requiring presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share calculations (in thousands, except per share amounts) is presented below:

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share:
             
Net income
 
$
27,429
 
$
9,191
 
$
9,186
 
                     
Denominator, basic shares
   
20,768
   
17,181
   
12,008
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Stock options
   
-
   
13
   
96
 
Denominator, diluted shares
   
20,768
   
17,194
   
12,104
 
                     
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
$
1.32
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.76
 
                     
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
$
1.32
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.76
 
                     
Options to purchase 109,166 shares of common stock priced at $11.34 were outstanding at December 31, 2006, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect in the period where the option exercise price exceeded the average market price per share for the period.

11.
Regulatory Capital Restrictions:

AHIC, as a property/casualty insurance company domiciled in the State of Texas, is limited in the payment of dividends in any 12-month period, without the prior written consent of the Texas Department of Insurance, to the greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders surplus as of the prior year end. Dividends may only be paid from unassigned surplus funds. PIIC, domiciled in Arizona, is limited in the payment of dividends to the lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders surplus or prior year's net investment income, without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, is limited in the payment of dividends to the greater of 10% of prior year policyholders surplus or prior year's statutory net income, without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. During 2008, our insurance company subsidiaries’ ordinary dividend capacity is $16.3 million. None of our insurance company subsidiaries paid a dividend to Hallmark during the year ended December 31, 2007 or 2006.
 
The state insurance departments also regulate financial transactions between our insurance subsidiaries and their affiliated companies. Applicable regulations require approval of management fees, expense sharing contracts and similar transactions. Phoenix General Agency paid $1.9 million, $1.3 million and $1.8 million in management fees to Hallmark during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. PIIC paid $1.2 million in management fees to Phoenix General Agency during each of 2007, 2006 and 2005. AHIC did not pay any management fees during 2007, 2006 or 2005. HSIC did not pay any management fees during 2007 or 2006.
 
F-29

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
Statutory capital and surplus is calculated as statutory assets less statutory liabilities. The various state insurance departments that regulate our insurance company subsidiaries require us to maintain a minimum statutory capital and surplus. As of December 31, 2007, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory capital and surplus of $132.0 million, substantially greater than the minimum requirements for each state. For the year ended December 31, 2007, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $19.6 million.
 
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners requires property/casualty insurers to file a risk-based capital calculation according to a specified formula. The purpose of the formula is twofold: (1) to assess the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory capital and surplus based upon a variety of factors such as potential risks related to investment portfolio, ceded reinsurance and product mix; and (2) to assist state regulators under the RBC for Insurers Model Act by providing thresholds at which a state commissioner is authorized and expected to take regulatory action. As of December 31, 2007, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements.
 
12.
Share-based Payment Arrangements:

Our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2005 LTIP”) is a stock compensation plan for key employees and non-employee directors that was approved by the shareholders on May 26, 2005. There are 833,333 shares authorized for issuance under the 2005 LTIP. Our 1994 Key Employee Long Term Incentive Plan (the “1994 Employee Plan”) and 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Director Plan”) both expired in 2004 but have unexercised options outstanding.
 
As of December 31, 2007, there were incentive stock options to purchase 717,499 shares of our common stock outstanding under the 2005 LTIP, leaving 115,834 shares reserved for future issuance. As of December 31, 2007, there were incentive stock options to purchase 93,001 shares outstanding under the 1994 Employee Plan and non-qualified stock options to purchase 20,834 shares outstanding under the 1994 Director Plan. In addition, as of December 31, 2007, there were outstanding non-qualified stock options to purchase 16,666 shares of our common stock granted to certain non-employee directors outside the 1994 Director Plan in lieu of fees for service on our board of directors in 1999. The exercise price of all such outstanding stock options is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.
 
Incentive stock options granted under the 1994 Employee Plan prior to October 31, 2003, vest 40% six months from the date of grant and an additional 20% on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant and terminate ten years from the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP and the 1994 Employee Plan after October 31, 2003, vest 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the grant, respectively, and terminate five to ten years from the date of grant. Non-qualified stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP vest 100% six months after the date of grant and terminate ten years from the date of grant. All non-qualified stock options granted under the 1994 Director Plan vest 40% six months from the date of grant and an additional 10% on each of the first six anniversary dates of the grant and terminate ten years from the date of grant. The options granted to non-employee directors outside the Director Plan fully vested six months after the date of grant and terminate ten years from the date of grant. We recognize the compensation expense related to these option grants on a straight-line basis over the required service period for each separately vesting portion of the award.
 
F-30

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
A summary of the status of our stock options as of and changes during the year-to-date ended December 31, 2007 is presented below:

   
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
Remaining
 
Aggregate
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
Contractual
 
Intrinsic
 
 
 
Number of
 
Exercise
 
Term
 
Value
 
 
 
Shares
 
Price
 
(Years)
 
($000)
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2007
   
332,334
 
$
7.04
   
-
   
-
 
Granted
   
520,000
 
$
12.52
   
-
   
-
 
Exercised
   
-
 
$
-
   
-
   
-
 
Forfeited or expired
   
4,334
 
$
5.08
   
-
   
-
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
   
848,000
 
$
10.41
   
7.9
 
$
4,620
 
Exercisable at December 31, 2007
   
176,250
 
$
6.54
   
4.7
 
$
1,643
 
 
The following table details the intrinsic value of options exercised, total cost of share-based payments charged against income before income tax benefit and the amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income for the periods indicated (in thousands):

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Intrinsic value of options exercised
 
$
-
 
$
162
 
$
260
 
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)
 
$
527
 
$
157
 
$
63
 
Income tax benefit of share-based payments
                   
recognized in income
 
$
185
 
$
55
 
$
22
 
 
As of December 31, 2007, there was $2.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under our plans, of which $0.6 million is expected to be recognized in 2008, $0.8 million is expected to be recognized in each of 2009 and 2010 and $0.4 million is expected to be recognized in 2011.
 
The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of our common stock. The risk-free interest rates for periods within the contractual term of the options are based on rates for U.S. Treasury Notes with maturity dates corresponding to the options’ expected lives on the dates of grant. The following table details the grant date fair value and related assumptions for the periods indicated:

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Grant date fair value per share
 
$
4.04
 
$
6.26
 
$
4.01
 
                     
Expected term
   
6
   
5
   
5
 
Expected volatility
   
19.4
%
 
59.1
%
 
62.5
%
Risk free interest rate
   
4.5
%
 
4.9
%
 
3.9
%
 
13.
Retirement Plans:

Certain employees of the Standard Commercial Segment were participants in a defined cash balance plan covering all full-time employees who had completed at least 1,000 hours of service. This plan was frozen in March 2001 in anticipation of distribution of plan assets to members upon plan termination. All participants were vested when the plan was frozen.
 
The following tables provide detail of the changes in benefit obligations, components of benefit costs, weighted-average assumptions, and plan assets for the retirement plan as of and for the twelve months ending December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) using a measurement date of December 31.
 
F-31

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
Assumptions (end of period):
             
Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation
   
5.75
%
 
5.75
%
 
5.50
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
                     
Reconciliation of funded status (end of period):
                   
Accumulated benefit obligation
 
$
(12,053
)
$
(12,994
)
$
(12,959
)
                     
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
(12,053
)
$
(12,994
)
$
(12,959
)
Fair value of plan assets
   
10,384
   
9,868
   
10,027
 
Funded status
 
$
(1,669
)
$
(3,126
)
$
(2,932
)
                     
Net actuarial loss
   
(1,752
)
 
(3,130
)
 
(2,847
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(1,752
)
 
(3,130
)
 
(2,847
)
Prepaid/(accrued) pension cost
   
83
   
4
   
(85
)
Net amount recognized as of December 31
 
$
(1,669
)
$
(3,126
)
$
(2,932
)
                     
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
                   
Benefit obligation as of beginning of period
 
$
12,994
 
$
12,959
 
$
13,081
 
Interest cost
   
720
   
720
   
724
 
Actuarial liability (gain)/loss
   
(749
)
 
198
   
352
 
Benefits paid
   
(912
)
 
(883
)
 
(1,198
)
Benefit obligation as of end of period
 
$
12,053
 
$
12,994
 
$
12,959
 
                     
Change in plan assets:
                   
Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of period
 
$
9,868
 
$
10,027
 
$
10,901
 
Actual return on plan assets (net of expenses)
   
1,073
   
321
   
192
 
Employer contributions
   
355
   
403
   
132
 
Benefits paid
   
(912
)
 
(883
)
 
(1,198
)
Fair value of plan assets as of end of period
 
$
10,384
 
$
9,868
 
$
10,027
 
                     
Net periodic pension cost:
                   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
   
720
   
720
   
724
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(642
)
 
(633
)
 
(682
)
Recognized actuarial loss
   
199
   
227
   
81
 
Net periodic pension cost
 
$
277
 
$
314
 
$
123
 
                     
Discount rate
   
5.75
%
 
5.50
%
 
5.75
%
Expected return on plan assets
   
6.50
%
 
6.50
%
 
6.50
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
 

F-32

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

Estimated future benefit payments by fiscal year (in thousands):
     
       
2008
 
$
892
 
2009
 
$
883
 
2010
 
$
881
 
2011
 
$
880
 
2012
 
$
878
 
2013-2017
 
$
4,362
 
 
As of December 31, 2007, the fair value of the plan assets was composed of cash and cash equivalents of $0.2 million, bonds and notes of $3.6 million and equity securities of $6.6 million.
 
Our investment objectives are to preserve capital and to achieve long-term growth through a favorable rate of return equal to or greater than 5% over the long-term (60 year) average inflation rate as measured by the consumer price index. The objective of the equity portion of the portfolio is to achieve a return in excess of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index. The objective of the fixed income portion of the portfolio is to add stability, consistency, safety and total return to the total fund portfolio.
 
We prohibit investments in options, futures, precious metals, short sales and purchase on margin. We also restrict the investment in fixed income securities to “A” rated or better by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating services and restrict investments in common stocks to only those that are listed and actively traded on one or more of the major United States stock exchanges, including NASDAQ. We manage to an asset allocation of 45% to 75% in equity securities. An investment in any single stock issue is restricted to 5% of the total portfolio value and 90% of the securities held in mutual or commingled funds must meet the criteria for common stocks.
 
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we consider the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio. This resulted in the selection of the 6.5% long-term rate of return on assets assumption. To develop the discount rate used in determining the benefit obligation we used Moody’s Aaa corporate bond yields at the measurement date to match the timing and amounts of projected future benefits.
 
We estimate contributing $0.8 million to the defined benefit cash balance plan during 2008. We expect our 2008 periodic pension cost to be $0.1 million, the components of which are interest cost of $0.7 million, expected return on plan assets of ($0.7) million and amortization of actuarial loss of $0.1 million.
 
The following table shows the weighted-average asset allocation for the defined benefit cash balance plan held as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

   
12/31/07
 
12/31/06
 
Asset Category:
         
Fixed income securities
   
35
%
 
34
%
Equity securities
   
63
%
 
62
%
Other
   
2
%
 
4
%
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
We sponsor two defined contribution plans. Under these plans, employees may contribute a portion of their compensation on a tax-deferred basis, and we may contribute a discretionary amount each year. We contributed $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million for each of the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
F-33

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007

14.
Income Taxes:
   
 
The composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related tax effects (in thousands) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, are as follows:

 
 
2007
 
2006
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
         
Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
$
(6,915
)
$
(6,425
)
Profit sharing commission
   
(-
)
 
(257
)
Agency relationship
   
(142
)
 
(151
)
Intangible assets
   
(8,182
)
 
(8,975
)
Fixed assets
   
(100
)
 
(166
)
Purchase discount
   
(2
)
 
(156
)
Other
   
(242
)
 
(183
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
 
$
(15,583
)
$
(16,313
)
Deferred tax assets:
             
Unearned premiums
 
$
7,197
 
$
6,398
 
Deferred ceding commissions
   
942
   
1,315
 
Amortization of non-compete agreements
   
774
   
-
 
Pension liability
   
584
   
1,096
 
Net operating loss carry-forward
   
1,217
   
1,217
 
Unrealized holding losses on investments
   
380
   
166
 
Allowance for bad debt
   
-
   
9
 
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense
   
3,280
   
2,030
 
Goodwill
   
929
   
1,083
 
Rent reserve
   
57
   
80
 
Investment impairments
   
408
   
242
 
Unearned revenue
   
-
   
20
 
Capital loss
   
-
   
410
 
Other
   
90
   
140
 
Total deferred tax assets
 
$
15,858
 
$
14,206
 
 
             
Net deferred tax asset (liability) before valuation allowance
   
275
   
(2,107
)
Valuation allowance
   
-
   
203
 
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
 
$
275
 
$
(2,310
)
 
F-34

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
14.
Income Taxes, continued:
   
 
A reconciliation of the income tax provisions (in thousands) based on the statutory tax rate to the provision reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, is as follows:

 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Computed expected income tax expense
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
at statutory regulatory tax rate
 
$
14,385
 
$
5,014
 
$
4,579
 
Meals and entertainment
   
23
   
15
   
6
 
Tax exempt interest
   
(813
)
 
(507
)
 
(302
)
Dividends received deduction
   
(43
)
 
(9
)
 
(11
)
State taxes (net of federal benefit)
   
194
   
301
   
158
 
Valuation allowance
   
(203
)
 
203
   
-
 
Other
   
129
   
117
   
(148
)
Income tax expense
 
$
13,672
 
$
5,134
 
$
4,282
 
 
             
Current income tax expense
 
$
15,153
 
$
11,663
 
$
2,139
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
   
(1,481
)
 
(6,529
)
 
2,143
 
Income tax expense
 
$
13,672
 
$
5,134
 
$
4,282
 
  
Approximately $0.1 million of the 2007 current income tax provision results from tax deductible goodwill from the PIIC acquisition.
 
We have available, for federal income tax purposes, unused net operating loss of approximately $3.5 million at December 31, 2007. The losses were acquired as part of the PIIC acquisition and may be used to offset future taxable income. Utilization of the losses is limited under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Internal Revenue Code has provided that effective with tax years beginning September 1997, the carry-back and carry-forward periods are 2 years and 20 years, respectively, with respect to newly generated operating losses. The net operating losses (in thousands) will expire, if unused, as follows:
 
Year
     
2021
 
$
2,600
 
2022
   
878
 
   
$
3,478
 
 
15.
Commitments and Contingencies:
   
 
We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2011. Certain of these leases contain renewal options. Rental expense amounted to $2.1 million, $1.9 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 
   
 
Future minimum lease payments (in thousands) under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2007 are as follows: 
 
Year
     
       
2008
 
$
1,711
 
2009
   
1,074
 
2010
   
840
 
2011
   
284
 
2012
   
-
 
2013 and thereafter
   
-
 
 
       
Total minimum lease payments
 
$
3,909
 

From time to time, assessments are levied on us by the guaranty association of the State of Texas. Such assessments are made primarily to cover the losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurers. Since these assessments can be recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes paid, we capitalize the assessments as they are paid and amortize the capitalized balance against our premium tax expense. There were no assessments during 2007 or 2005. We were assessed $34 thousand in 2006.
 
F-35

 
HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
 
Payments of license and maintenance fees for computer software presently under development will become due after implementation and acceptance of various software modules. We presently estimate that, if the software developer satisfactorily performs, a total of $4.1 million will become due in approximately equal amounts in 2009 through 2015.

16.
Concentrations of Credit Risk:

We maintain cash equivalents in accounts with seven financial institutions in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We monitor the financial stability of the depository institutions regularly and do not believe excessive risk of depository institution failure exists at December 31, 2007.

We are also subject to credit risk with respect to reinsurers to whom we have ceded underwriting risk. Although a reinsurer is liable for losses to the extent of the coverage it assumes, we remain obligated to our policyholders in the event that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, we monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of December 31, 2007 are with reinsurers that have an A.M. Best rating of “A-“ or better.
 
Unaudited Selected Quarterly Information

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
Q1
 
Q2
 
Q3
 
Q4
 
Q1
 
Q2
 
Q3
 
Q4
 
Total revenue
 
$
63,958
 
$
68,736
 
$
72,218
 
$
69,586
 
$
44,520
 
$
47,187
 
$
56,365
 
$
54,669
 
Total expense
   
56,245
   
55,804
   
62,409
   
58,939
   
40,991
   
50,969
   
48,733
   
47,723
 
Income (loss) before tax
   
7,713
   
12,932
   
9,809
   
10,647
   
3,529
   
( 3,782
)
 
7,632
   
6,946
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
2,743
   
4,117
   
3,227
   
3,585
   
1,103
   
(940
)
 
2,755
   
2,216
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
4,970
 
$
8,815
 
$
6,582
 
$
7,062
 
$
2,426
   
($2,842
)
$
4,877
 
$
4,730
 
                                                   
Basic earnings per share:
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.42
 
$
0.32
 
$
0.34
 
$
0.17
   
($0.18
)
$
0.27
 
$
0.23
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.42
 
$
0.32
 
$
0.34
 
$
0.17
   
($0.18
)
$
0.27
 
$
0.23
 

F-36

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands)
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
ASSETS
         
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value
 
$
-
 
$
4,969
 
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value
   
11,467
   
998
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
14,226
   
2,910
 
Restricted cash
   
10,644
   
20,862
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
214,335
   
184,792
 
Accounts receivable
   
-
   
184
 
Current federal income tax receivable
   
-
   
1,920
 
Deferred federal income taxes
   
289
   
-
 
Other assets
   
2,651
   
2,201
 
               
   
$
253,612
 
$
218,836
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Liabilities:
             
Notes payable
 
$
59,503
 
$
33,729
 
Structured settlements
   
10,000
   
24,587
 
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
1
   
16
 
Current federal income tax payable
   
724
   
-
 
Deferred federal income taxes
   
-
   
101
 
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses
   
4,197
   
9,672
 
               
     
74,425
   
68,105
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
             
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares;
             
issued 20,776,080 shares in 2007 and 2006
   
3,740
   
3,740
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
118,459
   
117,932
 
Retained earnings
   
58,909
   
31,480
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
(1,844
)
 
(2,344
)
Treasury stock, 7,828 shares in 2007 and 2006, at cost
   
(77
)
 
(77
)
               
Total stockholders’ equity
   
179,187
   
150,731
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity
 
$
253,612
 
$
218,836
 
 
See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
 
F-37

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
Schedule II (Continued) - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
(In thousands)
               
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Investment income, net of expenses
 
$
457
 
$
1,195
 
$
61
 
Realized gain (loss)
   
508
   
(3
)
 
-
 
Management fee income
   
7,205
   
9,413
   
4,830
 
                     
     
8,170
   
10,605
   
4,891
 
                     
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
(15
)
 
(33
)
 
(65
)
Other operating costs and expenses
   
6,596
   
5,102
   
3,701
 
Interest expense
   
3,762
   
5,536
   
1,254
 
Interest expense from amortization of discount on
                   
convertible notes
   
-
   
9,625
   
-
 
                     
     
10,343
   
20,230
   
4,890
 
                     
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and income tax expense
   
(2,173
)
 
(9,625
)
 
1
 
                     
Income tax benefit
   
(653
)
 
(3,464
)
 
(137
)
                     
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
(1,520
)
 
(6,161
)
 
138
 
Equity in undistributed share of net earnings in subsidiaries
   
28,949
   
15,352
   
9,048
 
                     
Net income
 
$
27,429
 
$
9,191
 
$
9,186
 
 
See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

F-38


FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
Schedule II (Continued) - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
(In thousands)
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
             
Net income
 
$
27,429
 
$
9,191
 
$
9,186
 
                     
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities:
                   
Depreciation and amortization expense
   
486
   
1,077
   
16
 
Amortization of discount on convertible notes
   
-
   
9,625
   
-
 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
   
170
   
(3,877
)
 
14
 
Change in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
(15
)
 
(33
)
 
(65
)
Undistributed share of net earnings of subsidiaries
   
(28,949
)
 
(15,352
)
 
(9,048
)
Recognized investment losses (gains)
   
(508
)
 
3
   
-
 
Change in accounts receivable
   
184
   
(184
)
 
-
 
Change in current federal income tax payable/recoverable
   
2,644
   
(2,413
)
 
(566
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments
   
-
   
(25
)
 
-
 
Change in all other liabilities
   
(5,475
)
 
2,930
   
2,928
 
Change in all other assets
   
209
   
699
   
(286
)
                     
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
(3,825
)
 
1,641
   
2,179
 
                     
Cash flows from investing activities:
                   
Purchases of property and equipment
   
(50
)
 
(206
)
 
(30
)
Acquisition of subsidiaries
   
-
   
(27,396
)
 
-
 
Change in restricted cash
   
10,218
   
(20,862
)
 
-
 
Purchase of fixed maturity and equity securities
   
(60,580
)
 
(24,747
)
 
(928
)
Maturities and redemptions of investment securities
   
55,453
   
19,989
   
-
 
Capital contributed to insurance company subsidiaries
   
-
   
-
   
(75,000
)
                     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
5,041
   
(53,222
)
 
(75,958
)
                     
Cash flows from financing activities:
                   
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options
   
-
   
36
   
230
 
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments
   
-
   
25
   
-
 
Proceeds from borrowings
   
25,774
   
52,500
   
30,928
 
Debt issuance costs
   
(674
)
 
-
   
(907
)
Proceeds from equity offerings
   
-
   
24,689
   
44,891
 
Repayment of borrowings
   
(15,000
)
 
(24,700
)
 
-
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
10,100
   
52,550
   
75,142
 
                     
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
11,316
   
969
   
1,363
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
2,910
   
1,941
   
578
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
14,226
 
$
2,910
 
$
1,941
 
                     
Supplemental cash flow information:
                   
Interest paid
 
$
(3,250
)
$
(4,417
)
$
(1,157
)
                     
Income taxes recovered (paid)
 
$
2,957
 
$
(2,516
)
$
(415
)
 
See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
 
F-39

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Hallmark Financial Services
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information
(In thousands)
 
Column A
 
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
 
Column E
 
Column F
 
Column G
 
Column H
 
Column I
 
Column J
 
Column K
 
Segment
 

Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Cost
 
Future
Policy
Benefits,
Losses,
Claims and
Loss
Adjustment
Expenses
 


Unearned
Premiums
 

Other
Policy
Claims
and Benefits
Payable
 



Premium
Revenue
 

Net
Investment
Income
 
Benefits,
Claims, Losses
and Settlement
Expenses
 

Amortization
of Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs
 



Other
Operating
Expenses
 
Premiums
Written
 
2007
                                         
Personal Segment
 
$
2,436
 
$
19,939
 
$
10,991
 
$
-
 
$
53,505
 
$
1,717
 
$
35,969
 
$
11,459
 
$
15,291
 
$
55,916
 
Standard Commercial Segment
   
8,019
   
81,417
   
42,664
   
-
   
83,382
   
5,304
   
48,480
   
23,006
   
25,869
   
84,222
 
Specialty Commercial Segment
   
9,302
   
23,981
   
49,343
   
-
   
88,416
   
4,911
   
48,484
   
20,642
   
49,128
   
98,005
 
Corporate
   
-
   
1
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,248
   
(15
)
 
-
   
6,596
   
-
 
                                                               
Consolidated
 
$
19,757
 
$
125,338
 
$
102,998
 
$
-
 
$
225,303
 
$
13,180
 
$
132,918
 
$
55,107
 
$
96,884
 
$
238,143
 
                                                               
2006
                                                             
Personal Segment
 
$
1,919
 
$
17,597
 
$
8,581
 
$
-
 
$
42,317
 
$
2,301
 
$
26,443
 
$
9,382
 
$
12,392
 
$
45,135
 
Standard Commercial Segment
   
7,740
   
36,596
   
43,272
   
-
   
70,074
   
3,737
   
38,799
   
16,520
   
24,636
   
82,220
 
Specialty Commercial Segment
   
7,486
   
23,355
   
39,753
   
-
   
39,670
   
3,228
   
21,908
   
6,651
   
49,432
   
75,573
 
Corporate
   
-
   
16
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,195
   
(33
)
 
-
   
5,102
   
-
 
                                                               
Consolidated
 
$
17,145
 
$
77,564
 
$
91,606
 
$
-
 
$
152,061
 
$
10,461
 
$
87,117
 
$
32,553
 
$
91,562
 
$
202,928
 
                                                               
2005
                                                             
Personal Segment
 
$
1,318
 
$
16,457
 
$
5,762
 
$
-
 
$
37,433
 
$
2,283
 
$
21,239
 
$
11,626
 
$
10,839
 
$
37,003
 
Standard Commercial Segment
   
7,846
   
9,815
   
30,265
   
-
   
21,751
   
1,492
   
12,610
   
15,216
   
30,448
   
51,249
 
Corporate
   
-
   
49
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
61
   
(65
)
 
-
   
3,701
   
-
 
                                                               
Consolidated
 
$
9,164
 
$
26,321
 
$
36,027
 
$
-
 
$
59,184
 
$
3,836
 
$
33,784
 
$
26,842
 
$
44,988
 
$
88,252
 
 
See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
 
F-40

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Hallmark Financial Services
                     
Schedule IV - Reinsurance
                     
(In thousands)
                     
                       
Column A
 
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
 
Column E
 
Column F
 
 
 

Gross
Amount
 

Ceded to
Other
Companies
 

Assumed
From Other
Companies
 

Net
Amount
 
Percentage
of Amount
Assumed to
Net
 
Year Ended December 31, 2007
                     
Life insurance in force
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
       
                                 
Premiums
                               
Life insurance
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
       
Accident and health insurance
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
       
Property and liability insurance
   
151,276
   
12,777
   
86,804
   
225,303
   
38.5
%
Title Insurance
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
       
                                 
Total premiums
 
$
151,276
 
$
12,777
 
$
86,804
 
$
225,303
   
38.5
%
                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2006
                               
Life insurance in force
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
       
                                 
Premiums
                               
Life insurance
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
       
Accident and health insurance
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
       
Property and liability insurance
   
97,082
   
10,155
   
65,134
   
152,061
   
42.8
%
Title Insurance
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
       
                                 
Total premiums
 
$
97,082
 
$
10,155
 
$
65,134
 
$
152,061
   
42.8
%
                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2005
                               
Life insurance in force
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
       
                                 
Premiums
                               
Life insurance
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
       
Accident and health insurance
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
       
Property and liability insurance
   
23,747
   
448
   
35,885
   
59,184
   
60.6
%
Title Insurance
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
       
                                 
Total premiums
 
$
23,747
 
$
448
 
$
35,885
 
$
59,184
   
60.6
%
                                 
See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.
 
F-41

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Hallmark Financial Services
Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations
(In thousands)
                                       
                                               
Column A
 
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
 
Column E
 
Column F
 
Column G
 
Column H
 
Column I
 
Column J
 
Column K
 
             
Claims and Claim Adjustment
       
       
 
 
 
   
Expenses Incurred Related to
     
 
 

Affiliation
With
Registrant
 
Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs
 
Reserves
for Unpaid
Claims and
Claim Adjustment
Expenses
 
Discount
if any,
Deducted
In
Column C
 


Unearned
Premiums
 

Earned
Premiums
 

 
Net
Investment
Income
 

(1)
Current
Year
 


(2)
Prior
Years
 
Amortization
of Deferred
Policy
Acquisition
Costs
 

Paid
Claims and
Claims
Adjustment
Expenses
 


Premiums
Written
 
(a) Consolidated
                                             
property-casualty
                                             
Entities
                                             
                                               
2007
 
$
19,757
 
$
125,338
 
$
-
 
$
102,998
 
$
225,303
 
$
13,180
 
$
139,332
 
$
(6,414
)
$
55,107
 
$
84,870
 
$
238,143
 
                                                                     
2006
 
$
17,145
 
$
77,564
 
$
-
 
$
91,606
 
$
152,061
 
$
10,461
 
$
88,294
 
$
(1,177
)
$
32,553
 
$
44,875
 
$
202,928
 
                                                                     
2005
 
$
9,164
 
$
26,321
 
$
-
 
$
36,027
 
$
59,184
 
$
3,836
 
$
36,184
 
$
(2,400
)
$
26,842
 
$
25,487
 
$
88,252
 

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

F-42