HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INC - Quarter Report: 2014 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014

Commission file number 001-11252

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (817) 348-1600

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 ¨

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

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common Stock, par value $.18 per share – 19,263,457 shares outstanding as of May 8, 2014.

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

($ in thousands, except share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part

of the consolidated financial statements

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

($ in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

($ in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

($ in thousands)

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

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. 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 our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services.

We pursue our business activities primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into five business units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit handles commercial insurance products and services in the standard market. Our Workers Compensation business unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business. Our E&S Commercial business unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services in the excess and surplus lines market. Our Hallmark Select business unit offers (i) general aviation insurance products and services, (ii) low and middle market commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance, (iii) medical professional liability insurance products and services, and (iv) satellite launch insurance products. Our Personal Lines business unit handles personal insurance products and services. Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these business units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas, Hallmark Insurance Company, Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company, Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company, Hallmark National Insurance Company and Texas Builders Insurance Company.

These five business units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Standard Commercial Segment includes our Standard Commercial P&C business unit and our Workers Compensation business unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our E&S Commercial business unit and our Hallmark Select business unit, as well as certain specialty risk programs which are managed by Hallmark. The Personal Segment presently consists solely of our Personal Lines business unit.

2. Basis of Presentation

Our unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial reporting. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

The interim financial data as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 is unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. The results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year.

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations.” The base cash purchase price plus the estimated fair value of any non-cash or contingent consideration given for an acquired business is allocated to the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values of such assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of the total consideration given for an acquired business over the aggregate net fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The valuation of contingent consideration requires assumptions regarding anticipated cash flows, probabilities of cash flows, discount rates and other factors. Significant judgment is employed in determining the propriety of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Indirect and general expenses related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis 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.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements

Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities and our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements, as well as our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Refer to “Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments” under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for information on accounting policies that we consider critical in preparing our consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data as well as the best information available about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates for financial instruments for which no or limited observable market data is available are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, credit and interest rate risk. These estimates involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. As a result, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the instrument. In addition, changes in the underlying assumptions used in the fair value measurement technique, including discount rate and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect these fair value estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: 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.

Revolving Credit Facility Payable: The carrying value of our bank revolving credit facility approximates the fair value based on the current interest rate.

Subordinated Debt Securities: Our trust preferred securities have a carried value of $56.7 million and a fair value of $51.3 million as of March 31, 2014. The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on discounted cash flows using a current yield to maturity of 8.0%, which is based on similar issues to discount future cash flows. Our trust preferred securities would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value.

For reinsurance balances, premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.

Variable Interest Entities

On June 21, 2005, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $30.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $30.9 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust I, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust I.

On August 23, 2007, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities. Trust II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark. The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust II, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust II.

We evaluate on an ongoing basis our investments in Trust I and II (collectively the “Trusts”) and we do not have a variable interest in the Trusts.  Therefore, the Trusts are not included in our consolidated financial statements.

We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities (“VIE’s”) primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party VIE’s. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets.

3. Business Combinations

Effective July 1, 2011, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of TBIC Holding Corporation (“TBIC Holding”) for initial consideration of $1.6 million paid in cash on July 1, 2011. In addition, a holdback purchase price of $350 thousand was paid during the third quarter of 2012. A contingent purchase price of up to $3.0 million may become payable following 16 full calendar quarters after closing based upon a formula contained in the acquisition agreement.

4. Fair Value

ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. ASC 820, among other things, requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. In addition, ASC 820 precludes the use of block discounts when measuring the fair value of instruments traded in an active market, which were previously applied to large holdings of publicly traded equity securities.

We determine the fair value of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820. In accordance with ASC 820, we utilize the following fair value hierarchy:

This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available.

Under ASC 820, we determine fair value based on the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above. Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities where there exists limited or no observable market data are calculated based upon our pricing policy, the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors as appropriate. These estimated fair values may not be realized upon actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.

Where quoted prices are available on active exchanges for identical instruments, investment securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 investment securities include common and preferred stock.

Level 2 investment securities include corporate bonds, collateralized corporate bank loans, municipal bonds, and U.S. Treasury securities for which quoted prices are not available on active exchanges for identical instruments. We use third party pricing services to determine fair values for each Level 2 investment security in all asset classes. Since quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available, these prices are determined using observable market information such as quotes from less active markets and/or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, among other things. We have reviewed the processes used by the pricing services and have determined that they result in fair values consistent with the requirements of ASC 820 for Level 2 investment securities. In addition, using the prices received for the securities from the third party pricing services, we compare a sample of the prices against additional sources. We have not adjusted any prices received from the third party pricing services.

In cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, investment securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 3 investments are valued based on the best available data in order to approximate fair value. This data may be internally developed and consider risk premiums that a market participant would require. Investment securities classified within Level 3 include other less liquid investment securities.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities during the periods presented.

The following table presents for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

Due to significant unobservable inputs into the valuation model for certain municipal bonds and a collateralized corporate bank loan in illiquid markets, we classified these investments as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. We used an income approach in order to derive an estimated fair value of the municipal bonds classified as Level 3, which included inputs such as expected holding period, benchmark swap rate, benchmark discount rate and a discount rate premium for illiquidity. The fair value of the collateralized corporate bank loan classified as Level 3 is based on discounted cash flows using current yield to maturity of 9.0%, which is based on the relevant spread over LIBOR for this particular loan to discount future cash flows. Significant changes in the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of our municipal bonds and collateralized corporate bank loan could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement.

The following table summarizes the changes in fair value for all financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

5. Investments

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities by category is as follows (in thousands):

Major categories of net realized gains (losses) on investments are summarized as follows (in thousands):

We realized gross gains on investments of $0.2 million and $1.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We realized gross losses on investments of $28 thousand and $8 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.   We recorded proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $11.3 million and $8.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method.

The following schedules summarize the gross unrealized losses showing the length of time that investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

At March 31, 2014, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 61 debt security positions. At December 31, 2013, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 84 debt security positions. We consider these losses as a temporary decline in value as they are predominately on bonds that we do not intend to sell and do not believe we will be required to sell prior to recovery of our amortized cost basis. We see no other indications that the decline in values of these securities is other-than-temporary.

Based on evidence gathered through our normal credit evaluation process, we presently expect that all debt securities held in our investment portfolio will be paid in accordance with their contractual terms. Nonetheless, it is at least reasonably possible that the performance of certain issuers of these debt securities will be worse than currently expected resulting in additional future write-downs within our portfolio of debt securities.

Also, as a result of the challenging market conditions, we expect the volatility in the valuation of our equity securities to continue in the foreseeable future. This volatility may lead to additional impairments on our equity securities portfolio or changes regarding retention strategies for certain equity securities.

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. We recognize an impairment loss when an investment's value declines below cost, adjusted for accretion, amortization and previous other-than-temporary impairments and it is determined that the decline is other-than-temporary.

Debt Investments:   We assess whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, a fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit losses.  For fixed maturity investments that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired and that we do not intend to sell and will not be required to sell, we separate the amount of the impairment into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors.  The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows.  The remaining difference between the investment’s fair value and the present value of future expected cash flows is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Equity Investments:  Some of the factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value for an equity investment is other-than-temporary include: (1) our ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value; (2) the recoverability of cost; (3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and (4) the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects for the issuer, including the relevant industry conditions and trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices. When it is determined that an equity investment is other-than-temporarily impaired, the security is written down to fair value, and the amount of the impairment is included in earnings as a realized investment loss. The fair value then becomes the new cost basis of the investment, and any subsequent recoveries in fair value are recognized at disposition. We recognize a realized loss when impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary even if a decision to sell an equity investment has not been made. When we decide to sell a temporarily impaired available-for-sale equity investment and we do not expect the fair value of the equity investment to fully recover prior to the expected time of sale, the investment is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in the period in which the decision to sell is made.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2014 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.

6. Pledged Investments

We have pledged certain of our securities for the benefit of various state insurance departments and reinsurers. These securities are included with our available-for-sale debt securities because we have the ability to trade these securities. We retain the interest earned on these securities. These securities had a carrying value of $21.4 million and $29.1 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

7. Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through each balance sheet date. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE 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. Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating unpaid losses and LAE, the actual ultimate amounts may differ from the recorded amounts. The estimates are periodically reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.

We recorded $1.2 million of favorable development in reserve estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2014. The $1.2 million of favorable development recognized during the first quarter of 2014 was attributable to $2.6 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year and $0.3 million of favorable development recognized in the 2011 accident year, partially offset by $1.2 million of unfavorable development recognized in the 2012 accident year and $0.5 million of unfavorable development in the 2010 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit accounted for $1.1 million of the favorable development recognized during the first quarter of 2014. Our Personal Lines business unit accounted for $0.7 million of the favorable development. Our Hallmark Select business unit accounted for $0.1 million of the favorable development. Our Workers Compensation business unit accounted for $0.1 million of the favorable development. These favorable developments were offset by $0.8 million of unfavorable development in our E&S Commercial business unit.

The favorable development of $1.1 million for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit in the first quarter of 2014 was primarily driven by favorable claims development in our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business in the 2011 accident year and our general liability line of business in the 2010 and prior accident years. The favorable development of $0.7 million in our Personal Lines business unit was primarily attributable to the 2013 accident year. The favorable development in our Hallmark Select business unit of $0.1 million was attributable to our general aviation line of business. The favorable development in our Workers Compensation business unit was attributable to the 2012 and prior accident years. The unfavorable development in our E&S Commercial business unit was attributable to the 2012 and prior accident years in both commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business, partially offset by favorable development in the 2013 accident year in commercial auto liability lines of business.

We recorded $2.0 million of unfavorable development in reserve estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The $2.0 million unfavorable development recognized in the first quarter of 2013 was attributable to $0.7 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year, $1.6 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year, $0.1 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 accident year partially offset by $0.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2009 and prior accident years. Our E&S Commercial business unit accounted for $3.5 million of the unfavorable development recognized during the first quarter of 2013. These unfavorable developments were partially offset by favorable development of $0.5 million in our Hallmark Select business unit, $0.3 million in our Personal Lines business unit and $0.7 million in our Standard Commercial P&C business unit.

The unfavorable development for our E&S Commercial business unit of $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2013 was primarily driven by unfavorable claims development in the 2011 and 2010 accident years as a result of unfavorable loss development in commercial auto liability. The favorable development for our Hallmark Select business unit of $0.5 million was driven by favorable claims development in the 2011 and prior accident years related to our aircraft liability lines of business, partially offset by unfavorable claims development in the 2012 accident year related to our aircraft hull coverage. The favorable loss development for our Personal Lines business unit of $0.3 million was attributable to the 2012 and 2011 accident years, partially offset by unfavorable development in the 2010 and prior accident years. The favorable loss development for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit of $0.7 million was primarily related to commercial auto liability in the 2010 and prior accident years, partially offset by unfavorable loss development related to commercial property in the 2012 accident year.

8. 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 initially approved by the shareholders on May 26, 2005. There are 2,000,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 2005 LTIP. As of March 31, 2014, there were outstanding incentive stock options to purchase 1,083,332 shares of our common stock, non-qualified stock options to purchase 304,157 shares of our common stock and restricted stock units representing the right to receive up to 355,277 shares of our common stock. There are 241,401 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2005 LTIP. 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.

Stock Options:

Incentive stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP prior to 2009 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. Incentive stock options granted in 2009 and one grant of 5,000 incentive stock options in 2011 vest in equal annual increments on each of the first seven anniversary dates and terminate ten years from the date of grant. One grant of 25,000 incentive stock options in 2010 vest in equal annual increments on each of the first three anniversary dates and terminate ten years from the date of grant. Non-qualified stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP generally vest 100% six months after the date of grant and terminate ten years from the date of grant. One grant of 200,000 non-qualified stock options in 2009 vests in equal annual increments on each of the first seven anniversary dates and terminates ten years from the date of grant.

A summary of the status of our stock options as of March 31, 2014 and changes during the three months then ended is presented below:

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):

As of March 31, 2014, there was $412 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under our plans, of which $153 thousand is expected to be recognized for the remainder of 2014, $203 thousand is expected to be recognized during 2015, $53 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2016 and $3 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2017.

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 the historical volatility of Hallmark’s and similar companies’ common stock for a period equal to the expected term. 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. Expected term is determined based on the simplified method as we do not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a basis for estimating the expected term. There were no stock options granted during the first quarter of 2014 or 2013.

Restricted Stock Units:

The 2005 LTIP was amended by the stockholders on May 30, 2013 to authorize the grant of restricted stock units, in addition to the other types of awards available thereunder. Restricted stock units represent the right to receive shares of common stock upon the satisfaction of vesting requirements, performance criteria and other terms and conditions. On July 27, 2012 and April 10, 2013, an aggregate of 129,463 and 122,823 restricted stock units, respectively, were conditionally granted to certain employees of the Company subject to shareholder approval of the amendments to the 2005 LTIP at the May 30, 2013 shareholder meeting. One conditional grant of 9,280 restricted stock units was forfeited prior to approval at the shareholder meeting.

The performance criteria for all restricted stock units require that the Company achieve certain compound average annual growth rates in book value per share over the vesting period in order to receive shares of common stock in amounts ranging from 50% to 150% of the number of restricted stock units granted. In addition, certain restricted stock units contain an additional performance criteria related to the attainment of an average combined ratio percentage over the vesting period. If and to the extent specified performance criteria have been achieved, the restricted stock units granted on July 27, 2012 will vest on March 31, 2015, and the restricted stock units granted on April 10, 2013 will vest on March 31, 2016.

Compensation cost is measured as an amount equal to the fair value of the restricted stock units and is expensed over the vesting period if achievement of the performance criteria is deemed probable, with the amount of the expense recognized based on the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate achievement level. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units is $9.20 per unit. The Company incurred $62 thousand of compensation expense related to the restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2014. No compensation expense was incurred related to the restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of March 31, 2014 and changes during the three months then ended is presented below:

As of March 31, 2014, there was $444 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units granted under our 2005 LTIP, of which $186 thousand is expected to be recognized during the remainder of 2014, $209 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2015 and $49 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2016.

9. Segment Information

The following is business segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

The following is additional business segment information as of the dates indicated (in thousands):

10. 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. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of March 31, 2014 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A–” or better.

The following table shows earned premiums ceded and reinsurance loss recoveries by period (in thousands):

We currently reinsure the following exposures on business generated by our business units:

11. Revolving Credit Facility Payable

Our First Restated Credit Agreement with The Frost National Bank dated January 27, 2006, as amended to date, provides a revolving credit facility of $15.0 million. We pay interest on the outstanding balance at our election at a rate of the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.5%.  We pay an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily unused balance of the credit facility. 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, guarantees of all of our subsidiaries and the pledge of all of our non-insurance company assets.  The revolving credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial and operating ratios and restrict certain distributions, transactions and organizational changes.  We are in compliance with all of our covenants.  As of March 31, 2014, the balance on the revolving note was $1.5 million. The revolving note currently bears interest at 2.73% per annum.

12. Subordinated Debt Securities

On June 21, 2005, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $30.9 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2035. To effect the transaction, we formed Trust I as a Delaware statutory trust. Trust I issued $30.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.9 million of common securities to us. Trust I used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. Our Trust I subordinated debt securities bear 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. Trust I pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust I subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of March 31, 2014, the balance of our Trust I subordinated debt was $30.9 million.

On August 23, 2007, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $25.8 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2037. To effect the transaction, we formed Trust II as a Delaware statutory trust. Trust II issued $25.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.8 million of common securities to us. Trust II used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. Our Trust II subordinated debt securities bear an initial interest rate of 8.28% until September 15, 2017, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage points. Trust II pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust II subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of March 31, 2014, the balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million.

13. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

The following table shows total deferred and amortized policy acquisition cost activity by period (in thousands):

14. Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the periods indicated (in thousands):

For each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 779,999 shares of common stock potentially issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options were excluded from the weighted average number of shares outstanding on a diluted basis because the effect of such options would be anti-dilutive.

15. Net Periodic Pension Cost

The following table details the net periodic pension cost incurred by period (in thousands):

Refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more discussion of our retirement plans.

16. Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 29.1% and 21.7%, respectively, which varied from the statutory tax rate due in large part to significant tax exempt income in both periods.

17. Commitments and Contingencies

We are engaged in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, are believed likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, in the opinion of management. The various legal proceedings to which we are a party are routine in nature and incidental to our business.

18. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

Item 2. 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-Q” for a discussion of some of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

Introduction

Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, “we,” “us” or “our”) is an insurance holding company that, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals. Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services. Our business is geographically concentrated in the south central and northwest regions of the United States, except for our Hallmark Select business which is written on a national basis. We pursue our business activities through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into five business units, which are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries.

Our non-carrier insurance activities are segregated by business units into the following reportable segments:

The retained premium produced by these reportable segments is supported by our American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”) insurance subsidiaries. In addition, control and management of Hallmark County Mutual (“HCM”) is maintained through our wholly owned subsidiary, CYR Insurance Management Company (“CYR”). CYR has as its primary asset a management agreement with HCM which provides for CYR to have management and control of HCM. HCM is used to front certain lines of business in our Specialty Commercial and Personal Segments in Texas. HCM does not retain any business.

AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC have entered into a pooling arrangement pursuant to which AHIC retains 30% of the total net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 27% of our total net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 30% of our total net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 13% of our total premiums written by any of them. Neither HCM nor TBIC is a party to the intercompany pooling arrangement.

Results of Operations

Management Overview During the three months ended March 31, 2014 our total revenues were $87.1 million, representing a 6.5% decrease from the $93.1 million in total revenues for the same period of 2013.  The decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to lower net premiums earned in our Personal Segment due to quota share reinsurance contracts entered into during 2013. Further contributing to the decrease in revenue were lower net realized gains on our investment portfolio, lower net investment income and an adverse profit share commission revenue adjustment in our Standard Commercial Segment compared to a favorable profit share commission adjustment for the three months ended March 31, 2013. These decreases in revenue were partially offset by increased premium production and resulting earned premium driven largely from our Specialty Commercial Segment.

The decrease in revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was offset by decreased loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) of $9.0 million as compared to the same period in 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 we recorded $1.2 million of favorable prior year loss reserve development as compared to $2.0 million of unfavorable prior year loss reserve development for the same period of 2013. Further contributing to the lower loss and LAE were lower current accident year loss trends in our Specialty Commercial Segment primarily driven by our Hallmark Select business unit. Other operating expenses also decreased due mostly to lower production related expenses in our Personal Segment, partially offset by increased production related expenses in our Specialty Commercial Segment.

We reported net income of $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to $1.7 million net income for the same period during 2013. On a diluted basis per share, we reported net income of $0.23 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to net income of $0.09 per share for the same period in 2013.  

First Quarter 2014 as Compared to First Quarter 2013

The following is additional business segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

(1) The net loss ratio is calculated as incurred losses and LAE divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. The net expense ratio is calculated for our business units that retain 100% of produced premium as total operating expenses for the unit offset by agency fee income divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. For the business units that do not retain 100% of the produced premium, the net expense ratio is calculated as underwriting expenses of the insurance company subsidiaries for the unit offset by agency fee income, divided by net premiums earned, each determined in accordance with GAAP. Net combined ratio is calculated as the sum of the net loss ratio and the net expense ratio.

Standard Commercial Segment

Gross premiums written for the Standard Commercial Segment were $21.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which was $0.6 million, or 3%, less than the $21.6 million reported for the same period in 2013. Net premiums written were $19.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to $19.6 million reported for the same period in 2013. The decrease in premium volume was primarily due to decreased premium production in our Standard Commercial P&C business unit.

Total revenue for the Standard Commercial Segment was $20.3 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Net premiums earned increased $0.9 million, partially offset by a $0.4 million adverse profit share commission revenue adjustment reported during the first quarter of 2014 as compared to a favorable $0.3 million profit share commission revenue adjustment during the first quarter of 2013, as well as lower net investment income of $0.1 million and lower finance charges of $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.

Our Standard Commercial Segment reported pre-tax income of $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 which was $0.3 million lower than the $1.5 million reported for the same period of 2013. Higher loss and LAE of $0.2 million and higher operating expenses of $0.1 million were the primary drivers for the lower pre-tax income.

The Standard Commercial Segment reported a net loss ratio of 66.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 67.9% for the same period of 2013. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 64.8% as compared to the 64.9% reported for the same period of 2013. The lower gross and net loss ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were primarily the result of favorable loss reserve development of $1.2 million as compared to favorable loss reserve development of $0.7 million during the same period of 2013. The Standard Commercial Segment reported a net expense ratio of 32.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 33.7% for the same period in 2013. The decrease in the expense ratio is due in large part to the increase in net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period during 2013.

Specialty Commercial Segment

Gross premiums written for the Specialty Commercial Segment were $74.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which was $9.6 million, or 15%, more than the $65.3 million reported for the same period in 2013. Net premiums written were $60.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to $54.4 million reported for the same period in 2013. The increase in premium volume was primarily due to increased premium production in our E&S Commercial business unit.

The $62.5 million of total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $10.8 million higher than the $51.7 million reported by the Specialty Commercial Segment for the same period in 2013. This 21% increase in revenue was primarily due to higher net premiums earned of $10.4 million largely from increased production in our E&S Commercial business unit and higher net investment income of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period during 2013.

Pre-tax income for the Specialty Commercial Segment of $9.9 million for the first quarter of 2014 was $6.2 million higher than the $3.7 million reported for the same period in 2013. The increase in pre-tax income was primarily due to the increased revenue discussed above, partially offset by higher loss and LAE expenses of $2.5 million and higher operating expenses of $2.2 million. Lower amortization of intangible assets of $0.1 million further contributed to the increase in pre-tax income. Our E&S Commercial business unit reported a $4.3 million increase in loss and LAE due primarily to increased premium production partially offset by lower adverse prior year loss reserve development. Our Hallmark Select business unit reported a $1.8 million decrease in loss and LAE which consisted of (a) a $2.1 million decrease in loss and LAE due primarily to lower current accident year loss trends in our general aviation lines of business, (b) a $0.5 million decrease in loss and LAE in our satellite launch products due to lower current accident year loss trends, partially offset by (c) a $0.1 million increase in loss and LAE attributable to our medical professional liability insurance products, and (d) a $0.7 million increase in loss and LAE due to increased premium production in our commercial umbrella and excess liability line of business. The increase in operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily the result of increased production related expenses of $1.7 million and increased salary and related expenses of $0.5 million.

The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net loss ratio of 62.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 70.5% for the same period during 2013. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 61.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 68.8% for the same period in 2013. The lower gross and net loss ratios include $0.7 million unfavorable prior years’ loss reserve development for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to $3.0 million unfavorable prior years’ loss reserve development for the same period of 2013.

Personal Segment

Gross premiums written for the Personal Segment were $20.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which was $1.0 million less than the $21.2 million reported for the same period in 2013. Net premiums written for our Personal Segment were $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2014, which was a decrease of $16.7 million from the $19.9 million reported for the same period of 2013. The decrease in net premium written was due mostly to quota share reinsurance contracts entered into during the first quarter of 2013 on our low value dwelling/homeowners, renters, and manufactured homes lines of business and during the fourth quarter of 2013 on our non-standard automobile risks produced in certain states.

Total revenue for the Personal Segment was $5.6 million for the first quarter of 2014, which was $15.4 million less than the $21.0 million reported for the same period of 2013. Lower net premiums earned of $15.2 million, decreased net investment income of $0.1 million and decreased other income of $0.1 million were the primary reasons for the decrease in revenue for the period.

Pre-tax loss for the Personal Segment was $31 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to pre-tax loss of $64 thousand for the same period of 2013. The lower pre-tax loss was primarily the result of decreased losses and LAE of $11.7 million, lower operating expenses of $3.6 million primarily due to lower production related expenses driven by increased ceding commission on the quota share agreements entered into during 2013, and lower amortization of intangible assets of $0.1 million. The decline in pre-tax loss was partially offset by lower revenue discussed above.

The Personal Segment reported a net loss ratio of 77.0% for both the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 71.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 75.0% for the same period in 2013. The lower gross loss ratio is primarily the result of lower current accident year loss trends for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013. The loss and LAE during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 included favorable prior years’ loss reserve development of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The Personal Segment reported a net expense ratio of 37.5% for the first quarter of 2014 as compared to 27.1% for the same period of 2013. The increase in the net expense ratio was due predominately to the impact of the quota share reinsurance agreements entered into during 2013, partially offset by lower operating expenses.

Corporate

Total revenue for Corporate decreased by $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period the prior year. This decrease in total revenue was due to lower net realized gains on our investment portfolio of $1.0 million as compared to the same period of the prior year and lower net investment income of $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year.

Corporate pre-tax loss was $4.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to a pre-tax loss of $2.9 million for the same period during 2013. The increase in pre-tax loss was primarily due to the decreased revenue discussed above and higher operating expenses of $0.3 million due primarily to higher salary and related expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period during 2013.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

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 March 31, 2014, Hallmark had $8.9 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at the holding company. Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of our non-insurance subsidiaries were $5.4 million as of March 31, 2014. As of that date, our insurance subsidiaries held $139.0 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents as well as $415.5 million in debt securities with an average modified duration of 2.8 years. Accordingly, we do not anticipate selling long-term debt instruments to meet any liquidity needs.

AHIC and TBIC, domiciled in Texas, are 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. HIC, 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, not including realized capital gains, without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. HNIC, domiciled in Ohio, is limited in the payment of dividends to the greater of 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior December 31 or statutory net income as of the prior December 31 without prior written approval from the Ohio Insurance Department. During 2014, the aggregate ordinary dividend capacity of these subsidiaries is $22.5 million, of which $15.6 million is available to Hallmark. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders. During the first three months of 2014, our insurance company subsidiaries paid $2.0 million in dividends to Hallmark. None of our insurance company subsidiaries paid a dividend to Hallmark during the 2013 fiscal year.

Comparison of March 31, 2014 to December 31, 2013

On a consolidated basis, our cash and investments (excluding restricted cash) at March 31, 2014 were $618.8 million compared to $603.0 million at December 31, 2013. Cash flow from operations and the acquisition of debt securities settled subsequent to March 31, 2014 were the primary reasons for this increase.

Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013

Net cash provided by our consolidated operating activities was $5.1 million for the first three months of 2014 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $5.8 million for the first three months of 2013. The decrease in operating cash flow is primarily due to increased ceded premium payments and the timing of profit sharing commission settlements, partially offset by lower net paid losses, increased collected provisional ceding commission and lower taxes paid.

Net cash provided by investing activities during the first three months of 2014 was $6.5 million as compared to cash provided by investing activities during the first three months of 2013 of $0.5 million.  The increase in cash provided by investing activities during the first three months of 2014 was due to a $11.0 million decrease in purchases of debt and equity securities, a $1.1 million increase in cash flow from restricted cash and a $0.1 million decrease in purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by a $6.2 million decrease in maturities, sales and redemptions of investment securities.

There were no financing cash flow activities during the first three months of either 2014 or 2013.

Credit Facilities

Our First Restated Credit Agreement with The Frost National Bank dated January 27, 2006, as amended to date, provides a revolving credit facility of $15.0 million. We pay interest on the outstanding balance at our election at a rate of the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.5%.  We pay an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily unused balance of the credit facility. 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, guarantees of all of our subsidiaries and the pledge of all of our non-insurance company assets.  The revolving credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial and operating ratios and restrict certain distributions, transactions and organizational changes.  We are in compliance with all of our covenants.  As of March 31, 2014, the balance on the revolving note was $1.5 million. The revolving note currently bears interest at 2.73% per annum.

Subordinated Debt Securities

On June 21, 2005, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $30.9 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2035. To effect the transaction, we formed a Delaware statutory trust, Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”). Trust I issued $30.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.9 million of common securities to us. Trust I used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. Our Trust I subordinated debt securities bear 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. Trust I pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust I subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of March 31, 2014, the balance of our Trust I subordinated debt was $30.9 million.

On August 23, 2007, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $25.8 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2037. To effect the transaction, we formed a Delaware statutory trust, Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”). Trust II issued $25.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.8 million of common securities to us. Trust II used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities. Our Trust II subordinated debt securities bear an initial interest rate of 8.28% until September 15, 2017, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage points. Trust II pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate. Under the terms of our Trust II subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity. The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of March 31, 2014, the balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

There have been no material changes to the market risks discussed in Item 7A to Part II of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

The principal executive officer and principal financial officer of Hallmark have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is timely recorded, processed, summarized and reported. The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under such Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 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.

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

This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. 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. The forward-looking statements included herein are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Assumptions relating to the foregoing 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 the 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-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

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

There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in Item 1A to Part I of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

None.

None.

None.

None.

The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference:

SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

(Registrant)