Hallmark Financial Services
Annual Report 2014

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annual report 2014 H a l l m a r k F i n a n c i a l s e r v i c e s , i n c . a n n u a l r e p o r t 2 0 1 4 777 main street, suite 1000 i Fort Worth, texas 76102 i p (817) 348-1600 i www.hallmarkgp.com Corporate Information BoarD oF Directors Mark E. Schwarz executive chairman Scott T. Berlin managing Director, Brown, Gibbons, lang & company James H. Graves partner, erwin, Graves & associates, lp Jim W. Henderson Chairman & Chief Executive Officer assuredpartners, inc. manaGement team Mark E. Schwarz executive chairman Naveen Anand President & Chief Executive Officer Kevin T. Kasitz executive vice president & president of standard commercial Jeffrey R. Passmore senior vice president & Chief Accounting Officer Donald E. Meyer president of e&s specialty James A. Damonte president of primary & excess casualty, professional liability & aviation Michael P. Binns president of personal lines inDepenDent reGistereD puBlic accountants Ernst & Young LLP 425 Houston street suite 600 Ft. Worth, texas 76102 stock sYmBol Hallmark Financial services, inc. common stock is listed on the nasDaQ Global market under the symbol “HALL.” transFer aGent Securities Transfer Corporation 2591 Dallas parkway suite 102 Frisco, texas 75034 (469) 633-0101 leGal counsel McGuire, Craddock & Strother, P.C. 2501 n. Harwood suite 1800, Dallas, texas 75201 stockHolDer meetinG the annual meeting of stockholders will be held at 10:00 a.m. cDt on may 29, 2015 in the training center on the concourse level at 777 main street, Ft. Worth, texas 76102. corporate HeaDQuarters Hallmark Financial services, inc. 777 main street suite 1000 Ft. Worth, texas 76102 (817) 348-1600 www.hallmarkgrp.com Hallmark's Business Plan is to operate as a diversified underwriter of niche property and casualty insurance products. this plan is executed by wholly owned business units, each with a separate specialty product focus. Our Corporate Strategy is to create a “Best-in-class” specialty insurance company focused on under writing profitability and long-term growth of stockholders’ book value per share. our specialty product focus and niche market strategy enable us to develop and retain in-house underwriting expertise and spe- cialized market knowledge, which helps differentiate Hallmark from our competitors. each business unit tailors its products and product distribu- tion to the unique nature of the risk and coverages they provide. Our Financial Goal is to earn a consistent underwriting profit and build long-term share- holder value by focusing on profitability and operating efficiency versus topline premium growth and market share. ) 0 0 0 $ ( E M O C N I T E N $27,863 $24,575 $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $13.11 $14 $12 $13,429 $10 $12,899 $10,000 $9,186 $9.191 $7,403 $8,245 $3,524 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 $5,000 $0 ($5,000) ($10,000) $8 $6 $4 $2 $0 B O O K V A L U E P E R S H A R E “ H A L L ” ($10,891) Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Premium Breakdown by Hallmark Business Units’ components 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Other Programs $85 Excess & Umbrella $12,679 E&S Specialty $126,255 E&S Specialty $121,390 E&S Specialty $108,145 General Aviation $30,235 General Aviation $29,607 General Aviation $25,145 Workers Compensation $3,116 Workers Compensation $7,977 Workers Compensation $9,089 Workers Compensation $10,408 Other Programs $247 Excess & Umbrella $25,007 E&S Specialty $94,948 General Aviation $24,029 Other Programs $2,108 Excess & Umbrella $33,762 Other Programs $11,473 Excess & Umbrella $40,687 Other Programs $8,773 Excess & Umbrella $51,847 Other Programs $10,529 Excess & Umbrella $57,972 E&S Specialty $122,412 E&S Specialty $159,223 E&S Specialty $212,255 E&S Specialty $235,774 General Aviation $20,451 General Aviation $18,690 General Aviation $18,188 General Aviation $15,496 Excess & Umbrella $28,089 E&S Specialty $101,094 General Aviation $22,538 Standard Commercial $75,808 Standard Commercial $81,721 Standard Commercial $91,679 Standard Commercial $90,988 Standard Commercial $80,193 Standard Commercial $72,511 Standard Commercial $67,844 Standard Commercial $66,304 Standard Commercial $69,113 Standard Commercial $78,057 Standard Commercial $74,271 Personal Lines $43,497 Personal Lines $36,345 Personal Lines $45,135 Personal Lines $55,919 Personal Lines $60,834 Personal Lines $71,708 Personal Lines $95,292 Personal Lines $96,226 Personal Lines $77,068 Personal Lines $76,772 Personal Lines $63,992 $119,305 $118,066 $293,304 $297,904 $287,081 $288,450 $314,857 $344,379 $384,231 $454,981 $468,442 ) s d n a s u o h t n i $ ( ” P P G “ d e c u d o r P s m u m e r P s s o r G i Highlights For the Years Ended December 31, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) For the Years Ended December 31, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) Operating Results Gross premiums written Net premiums earned Net operating income (loss) Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Per Share Net income—diluted Book value Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 $473,218 321,217 18,782 13,429 $ 460,027 360,541 11,080 8,245 $ 389,842 319,436 3,374 3,524 $ 354,881 293,041 (19,787) (10,891) $ 320,973 278,271 8,371 7,403 $ 0.69 $ 13.11 19,366 $ 0.43 $ 12.36 19,361 $ 0.18 $ 11.45 19,269 $ (0.55) $ 11.19 19,673 $ 0.37 $ 11.69 20,175 Selected Balance Sheet Items Total cash and investments Total assets Reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses Unearned premiums Total liabilities Total stockholders’ equity GAAP Ratios Loss ratio Expense ratio Combined ratio $650,128 $980,869 $ 615,181 $ 909,023 $ 539,212 $ 790,468 $ 508,471 $ 746,059 $ 498,237 $ 736,557 $ 415,135 $ 196,826 $ 728,832 $ 252,037 $ 382,640 $ 185,303 $ 670,905 $ 238,118 $ 313,416 $ 162,502 $ 569,931 $ 220,537 $ 296,945 $ 146,104 $ 529,203 $ 215,572 $ 251,677 $ 140,965 $ 499,919 $ 235,278 65.4% 30.5% 95.9% 72.5% 29.2% 101.7% 70.9% 30.8% 101.7% 81.6% 30.8% 112.4% 72.8% 29.6% 102.4% Letter from Our Chairman MARk E. SCHWARz In 2014, Hallmark’s book value per share increased 6% to $13.11. It was a year characterized by moderate growth, steadily improving earnings and important initiatives taken to further improve the value of our company and its performance in future periods. Hallmark’s 2014 gross premiums written increased 3% to $473 million, while policies in-force declined 12%. Premium growth came primarily from rate increases rather than expansion as improved pricing was achieved across nearly all our businesses, with the highest increases realized in our Specialty Commercial and Personal Segments. Net premiums written decreased 10% to $324 million due to the full-year effect of a quota share rein- surance agreement entered into during 2013. This quota share agreement was reduced in 2014 and its impact on net premi- ums will reverse in future periods. Despite the decrease in net premiums, income before tax (excluding realized investment gains) increased dramatically to roughly $19 million from less than $1 million in the prior year. This increase in profitability is due to a 95.9% combined ratio, a much anticipated improve- ment in results compared to the prior four years, and marks a return to profitable consolidated underwriting results. Hallmark’s 2014 total investment return was nearly $16 million or 3.3%, roughly equivalent to our book yield. At times, returns on insurance float may seem unexciting, but they add up. Our cumulative total return over the past 5 years has been $113 mil- lion, equivalent to 45% of current book value on a pretax basis. Total investments and cash increased 6% to $650 million, or approximately $34 per share. Net cash provided by operations was $34 million in 2014 and year-end cash balances totaled $143 million. Over the past few years our cash balances have more than doubled as the amount of incoming cash exceeded new investment commitments. This year, for the first time in recent history, incoming cash was offset with new investment purchases. In 2014, our equities performed in line with stock market aver- ages and our fixed income portfolio underperformed bond indic- ies, owing to our significantly shorter duration. It should be noted that, in an up market, we will always underperform if our duration is shorter than benchmarks. This is precisely what occurred in 2014 as interest rates declined. The 10-year U.S. Treasury, with a modest plus 2% yield, produced an 11% total return, mostly due to price appreciation. The extent to which this bond math works in reverse is easily illustrated by considering the 30-year U.S. Treasury, which currently yields 2.6%. If long rates were to rise to 5%, a not unreasonable level, this bond 69% Cash & Investments Debt Securities Cash & Equivalents Equities 69% 22% 9% would suffer a devastating 40% loss – not an outcome generally expected with a risk-free government security. The risk today’s yield curve poses to the insurance industry is not without prece- dent. There was a period, around 1980, when many major prop- erty and casualty insurers had unrealized losses on their bond portfolios that exceeded their surplus. At the time, held-to-matu- rity accounting treatment, which allows bonds to be carried at amortized cost without realizing price declines, was widely employed. If these losses had been marked to market, the com- panies would have been rendered insolvent. While such insol- vencies were avoided through accounting convention, these companies suffered a painful constraint on financial flexibility for many years. The situation confronting our industry today could lead to similar scenarios, a fate we are focused on avoiding, but which comes with the opportunity cost of foregoing higher cur- rent investment income associated with longer duration securities. The value of an insurance company derives from its two primary sources of earnings – underwriting profits and investment returns. It should be noted that both of these sources of earn- ings continue to suffer from lingering effects of the recent Great Recession. The Federal Reserve policy of artificially depressing interest rates to historically low levels for an extended period of time has greatly reduced the value of insurance float. By example, our investment income was $12 million this year compared to $16 million in 2008, despite owning more investment securities than ever before. The decline we have experienced in our investment income is shared by the insurance industry, where aggregate investment income remains significantly below pre-recession levels. While interest rates may remain low longer than any of us might imagine, inevitably higher rates are likely to occur. When this happens, higher yields, in conjunction with ongoing growth in invested assets, will accelerate increases in investment income causing insurance float to regain lost value. In our case, a 1.5% increase in yield on $500 million of invested assets would produce $7.5 million additional investment income. If $7.5 million were capitalized at 10% on a pretax basis, it would result in $75 million of incremental value, equal to 30% of our current book equity. Weighing on the underwriting side of the insurance company earnings equation, economic sectors critical to our industry remain well below their pre-recession peaks. In particular, the construction sector – both private and public, both residential and non-residential – while moving in a positive direction remains well below pre-recession levels. While the manufactur- ing sector has exceeded its pre-recession peak and is expand- ing, it is doing so at a slow rate and has recently softened. Auto sales have recovered but remain below average volume levels predating the crisis. The energy sector has recently slowed dra- matically. All of these sectors produce a vast amount of insur- able exposures written by our industry. Recovery and continued strength across these sectors will contribute to growth in insur- able exposures written by Hallmark, including commercial prop- erty, commercial auto, excess and many liability coverages. Hallmark commenced its insurance operations in 1990, when it acquired, through several acquisitions, a small group of insur- ance related entities. Today, 25 years later, our company has total assets of nearly $1 billion, annual premiums approaching $500 million and approximately 400 employees. The journey over this period has been one of constant evolution and change. Just as the capital requirements to support growth have increased, so too have the managerial talents needed to provide leadership for a growing organization. As we progress towards our goal of becoming a larger, more profitable company, we must match increased investment in financial capital with greater investment in human capital. Recent leadership changes have significantly strengthened our management team and produced speedy actions needed to improve functional controls, aggressively address unprofitable segments, focus our strategies, reduce persistent small CAT vol- atility, and commence overdue investment in technology needed to enhance our commercial and personal lines platforms. Related to this last item, many industries, including ours, are going through transformations driven by information technology. Better customer-level information and sophisticated analytics are among factors that will impact future success. As we go for- ward, we will continue to invest in ways that advance our com- petitive advantages in underwriting, better serve our marketplace constituencies and foster strong analytical capabilities. In addition to stepped up investments in people and technology, we continue to look for opportunities to generate greater produc- tivity and create value through improved processes, efficiency gains and better execution. As our organization has expanded, meaningful savings may be possible through better utilization of Cash & Investments ($ in millions) $700 $600 $500 $400 $300 $200 $100 $0 $650 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 shared services across our operations and centralizing certain key functions, while continuing to preserve the benefits of a decentralized system. 2014 ended with our sixth consecutive quarter of underwriting results, evidencing the return to overall profitable underwriting that began mid-2013 and has characterized our longer-term his- tory. In 2015, we will continue to accelerate the activities and initiatives we have been pursuing this year. We believe these changes will contribute to meaningful improvement in underwrit- ing profitability in the new year. Separately, continued strength in the economy should positively influence growth across most lines of business written by Hallmark. We also ended 2014 with the highest year-end share price since the peak level attained in 2007. The price action in our stock this year reflects some degree of catch-up in valuation. Logic sug- gests demonstrating further improvement in our earnings growth and return on equity offers reason for additional share price appreciation in the future. As always, we will continue to persistently pursue our objectives of expanding and enhancing the value of our current operations, finding suitable acquisitions at sensible prices and identifying investment opportunities that carry acceptable levels of risk and offer possibility of meaningful gains. Mark E. Schwarz Executive Chairman of the Board April 16, 2015 Letter from Our President & CEO NAvEEN ANAND For 2014, our company reported a 95.9% combined ratio, as compared to 101.7% for fiscal 2013, and a year-end book value per share of $13.11, a 6% increase for the period. The underwriting results show a marked improvement on a year- over-year basis and have been driven by actions taken across the entire portfolio. We continue to improve our underwriting quality and have accelerated our focus on the development of our Specialty segments and taken steps to mitigate the volatility that has impacted our business in past years. I joined Hallmark Financial Services in September of 2014 and have had the opportunity to conduct a thorough review of our businesses and capabilities. With the continued execution of our strategic direction, investments in expertise and technology, and strengthened operational control and guidance, I am confi- dent that we can create a larger, more profitable “best-in-class” specialty insurance group. I am personally thrilled to be a part of the organization. Looking back on the year, there are a few highlights that I’d like to comment on: Improved Underwriting 2014 marked six consecutive quarters of underwriting profitabil- ity. Many actions have been taken across the portfolio to drive this improvement. Rate increases across all of our key busi- nesses were achieved in 2014 and were the primary driver of our growth. We walked away from new and renewal customers where we could not achieve our targeted pricing. We have aggressively and appropriately addressed profit-challenged seg- ments and geographies across our entire portfolio. In order to sustain and continue to improve our results, we are making sig- nificant data and analytics investments across the organization to enhance our pricing and underwriting decisions. We are also strengthening the company’s core analytic capabilities through the application of new and existing technologies, enhanced man- agement skills and continuing education. Product Portfolio Hallmark is comprised of three reporting segments with a diverse and balanced portfolio of seven product-specific components. Three Reporting Product Segments HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. SPECIALTY COMMERCIAL SEGMENT STANDARD COMMERCIAL SEGMENT PERSONAL SEGMENT Primary & Excess Casualty E&S Specialty Standard Commercial P&C Workers Compensation Personal Lines Professional Liability Aviation/ Space Personal Segment Standard Commercial Segment In our specialty personal lines portfolio, we have now exited nineteen states and focused our efforts on fourteen go-forward states. In these go-forward states, we see good prospects to achieve underwriting profitability and growth. Additionally, we have exited or significantly reduced our portfolio of ancillary products such as homeowners, dwelling fire and motorcycle pol- icies. These products lacked scale, were distracting us from our core products, and were potential drivers of volatility. This action has allowed us to sharpen our focus on our key product lines of non-standard automobile policies and companion renters packages. We are also investing in the future and implementing a new tech- nology platform that brings significantly greater pricing sophisti- cation and claims management discipline to the Personal Segment and will allow us to grow profitably for years to come. Personal Lines Operating Trends In Standard Commercial, where recent years’ results have been impacted by severe convective storm activity, we continued to mitigate volatility by reducing exposure to these types of events. This has been accomplished through tighter underwriting and risk selection guidelines, the use of coverage restrictions and higher deductibles, and improved reinsurance structures. We are also implementing enhanced risk modeling and mapping tools to improve the way we manage risk aggregation moving forward. In addition to the work being done on risk aggregation manage- ment, we are also evolving our underwriting appetite from a gen- eralist view to a more focused strategy targeting specific industry segments. The targeted segments are those that have histori- cally provided profitable results and offer favorable demograph- ics for future growth. This strategy includes the development of specialized products to serve the unique needs of each industry segment. This specialty approach should allow us to improve margins and add significant value to our distribution partners and customers. While there is still more to be done in the evolution of our stan- dard commercial business these changes are beginning to pay off. For 2014, our Standard Commercial Segment improved to a 98.6% combined ratio as compared to 104% for the prior year. We see a bright future for this business. Standard Commercial Operating Trends Specialty Commercial Segment Investment in Expertise Our Specialty Commercial Segment turned in another year of strong performance. Hallmark started down the road towards a specialty focus a few years ago and has now accelerated our development into a national, diversified, US-focused specialty insurer. This segment now represents over two-thirds of our total premium and achieved a combined ratio result of 91.1% in 2014, as compared to a 96.4% for fiscal 2013. We continue to emphasize profitable growth in our niche specialty lines where we enjoy strong market positions and profit opportunities. I firmly believe that consistent and prolonged success as a spe- cialty insurer is driven by expertise. In order for us to become a best-in-class specialty insurer, we will need to continually invest in building our human capital across the organization. This includes investments in training and developing our current teams, as well as attracting and retaining additional talented individuals necessary to build an integrated, energized, highly motivated, performance driven team that works collaboratively and drives a high performance culture. I am confident that spe- cialized and focused expertise will drive results and significantly improve our competitive position. Specialty Commercial Operating Trends Looking Ahead In the year ahead, we will continue to seek organic growth oppor- tunities, as well as opportunities to improve our underwriting margins. We will continue to sharpen our focus within our cur- rent books of business and position them for sustained profit- able growth. I expect that we will also look to differentiate ourselves by enhancing our specialty portfolio through the addi- tion of products that are market leading, innovative and relevant to our targeted customers. Each year brings its own set of challenges, whether they are driven by macro-economic or geo-political issues, natural catastrophes or other events. While I do not know what those challenges will be, I do believe that Hallmark is on firm footing to meet them head on. I very much appreciate your support of Hallmark and I hope you share in my optimism for a bright future. Conservative Financial Management Through the course of 2014, we improved our financial position and strengthened our balance sheet. We have maintained our conservative loss reserve position and overall saw modest favor- able development on our loss reserves. In terms of capital man- agement, we increased our statutory surplus by 7% last year to $210 million and our overall capitalization position improved to $309 million from $295 million in 2013. We have maintained modest financial leverage with a 18.4% debt to capital ratio. Naveen Anand President and Chief Executive Officer April 15, 2015 Portfolio Breakdown Gross Premiums Written ($ in millions) 2% 4% 14% 14% 2014 50% 16% E&S Specialty Standard Commercial Personal Lines Primary & Excess Casualty / Professional Liailty General Aviation/Space & Satellite Workers Compensation $500 $450 $400 $350 $300 $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 $0 $473 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Segment Breakdown Hallmark continued our emphasis on niche specialty product lines in 2014, where we have benefited from good market positions and unique profit opportunities. The Specialty Commercial Segment accounted for nearly 70% in the product portfolio for 2014. 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Personal 36% Personal 31% Personal 45% Personal 100% Standard Comm. 64% Standard Comm. 69% Standard Comm. 55% Personal 16% Personal 19% Personal 21% Personal 25% Personal 30% Personal 28% Standard Comm. 31% Standard Comm. 30% Standard Comm. 28% Standard Comm. 25% Standard Comm. 22% Standard Comm. 20% Specialty Comm. 53% Specialty Comm. 51% Specialty Comm. 51% Specialty Comm. 50% Specialty Comm. 52% Specialty Comm. 48% Personal 20% Personal 17% Personal 14% Standard Comm. 19% Standard Comm. 20% Specialty Comm. 64% Specialty Comm. 60% Standard Comm. 18% Specialty Comm. 68% 10-K Financial Report UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One)  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 2014 Or  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 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 777 Main Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas (Address of Principal Executive Offices) 87-0447375 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 76102 (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 Common Stock $.18 par value Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered 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  No  Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  No  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  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  No  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.  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  Smaller reporting company  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No  Non-accelerated filer  Accelerated filer  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. $151.0 million Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 19,229,307 shares of common stock, $.18 par value per share, outstanding as of March 12, 2015. 1 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, legislative initiatives, 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. 2 Item 1. Business. Who We Are PART I 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 predominately 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 six insurance company subsidiaries as well as unaffiliated insurers. We market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products primarily through five business units, each of which has a specific focus. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit primarily handles standard commercial insurance and occupational accident insurance, our Workers Compensation business unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business, and 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 focuses on non-standard personal automobile insurance and complementary personal insurance products and services. Each business 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 business unit is responsible for marketing, distribution, underwriting and claims management while we provide capital management, reinsurance, actuarial, legal services and other administrative 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 business units. We expect future growth to be derived from organic growth in the premium production of our existing business units and selected opportunistic acquisitions that meet our criteria. investment, financial reporting, technology and What We Do We market commercial and personal lines of 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 insurers 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 insurers. Our Standard Commercial P&C business 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 Standard Commercial P&C business unit currently markets its products through a network of 358 independent agents primarily serving businesses in the non-urban areas of Texas, New Mexico, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Utah, Wyoming, Arkansas, Hawaii and Missouri. In addition our Standard Commercial P&C business unit offers occupational accident coverage in Texas through an underwriting agency that specializes in the occupational accident insurance market. Our Workers Compensation business unit offers small and middle market workers compensation insurance products. Our Workers Compensation business unit currently markets its products through a network of 108 independent agents in Texas and Montana, with a predominate portion of its distribution in Texas. Our E&S Commercial business 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 3 underwriting criteria of insurers operating in the standard market. Our E&S Commercial business unit focuses on middle market commercial risks 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 E&S Commercial business unit primarily writes commercial automobile, general liability, commercial property and excess casualty. Our E&S Commercial business unit markets its products in 26 states through 9 wholesale brokers, a program underwriter and 83 general agency offices, as well as 162 independent retail agents in Texas and Oregon. Our Hallmark Select business unit offers small and middle market commercial excess liability, umbrella and general liability insurance on both an admitted and non-admitted basis; general aviation property/casualty insurance primarily for private and small commercial aircraft and airports; satellite launch property/casualty insurance products; and medical professional liability insurance on an excess and surplus lines basis. The small and middle market commercial excess liability, umbrella and general liability insurance underwritten by our Hallmark Select business unit focuses primarily on trucking, specialty automobile, and non-fleet automobile coverage. Typical risks range from one power unit to fleets of up to 200 power units. Our Hallmark Select business unit markets these products through 113 wholesale brokers in 49 states. The aircraft liability and hull insurance products underwritten by our Hallmark Select business 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 Hallmark Select business unit markets these general aviation insurance products through 182 independent specialty brokers in 48 states. The satellite launch property/casualty policies produced by our Hallmark Select business unit are marketed through underwriting agencies with technical knowledge of space insurance. We can retain up to $2.0 million per risk for satellite launches and in-orbit coverage for up to 12 months. The medical professional liability insurance underwritten on an excess and surplus basis by our Hallmark Select business unit focuses on healthcare professionals 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 Hallmark Select business unit markets these medical professional liability insurance products through 21 wholesale brokers in 49 states. Our Personal Lines business 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 Personal Lines business unit also provides a renters insurance product that complements our non-standard auto offering and fits well in our distribution channel. During the fourth quarter of 2014, our Personal Lines business unit discontinued the low value dwelling/homeowner’s and manufactured homes insurance products it previously offered. Our Personal Lines business unit markets these policies through 3,302 independent retail agents in 14 states. Our insurance company subsidiaries are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”). AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC have entered into a pooling arrangement, pursuant to which AHIC retains 30% of the net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 27% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 30% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 13% of the net premiums written by any of them. A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), a nationally recognized insurance industry rating service and publisher, has pooled its ratings of these four insurance company subsidiaries and assigned a financial strength rating of “A–” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to each of these individual insurance company subsidiaries and to the pool formed by these four insurance company subsidiaries. Also, A.M. Best has assigned a financial strength rating of “A–” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to HCM. A.M. Best does not assign a financial strength rating or an issuer credit rating to TBIC. Our five business units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Standard Commercial Segment consists of the Standard Commercial P&C business unit and the Workers Compensation business unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our E&S Commercial business unit and Hallmark Select business unit, as well as certain specialty risk programs (“Specialty Programs”) which are managed at the parent level. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Personal Lines business unit. The following table displays the gross premiums written and net premiums by these reportable segments for affiliated and unaffiliated insurers for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. 4 Gross Premiums Written: Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Total Net Premiums Written: Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Total $ $ $ $ 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands) 2012 84,679 $ 324,547 63,992 473,218 $ 76,912 $ 230,638 16,802 324,352 $ 87,147 $ 296,108 76,772 460,027 $ 79,466 $ 235,655 45,644 360,765 $ 77,091 235,695 77,056 389,842 70,091 186,053 76,345 332,489 5 Operational Structure Our insurance company subsidiaries retain a portion of the premiums produced by our business units. The following chart reflects the operational structure of our organization, including the subsidiaries comprising our business units and the business units included in each reportable segment as of December 31, 2014. Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark”) Standard Commercial Segment Personal Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Standard Commercial P&C § American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) § TBIC Holding Corporation (“TBIC Holding”) TBIC Risk Management, Inc. (“TBICRM”) Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”) § Texas Builders Insurance Company § § Workers Compensation Personal Lines E&S Commercial Hallmark Select § § American Hallmark General Agency Inc. (d/b/a Hallmark Insurance Company) Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (d/b/a Hallmark Insurance Company) § § § Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (”HSU”) TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”) Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) § § § § § Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”) Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”) Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”) Heath XS, LLC (“HXS”) Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC (“HDS”) American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas Hallmark Insurance Company Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company Texas Builders Insurance Company Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company Hallmark National Insurance Company Standard Commercial Segment The Standard Commercial Segment of our business includes our Standard Commercial P&C business unit and our Workers Compensation business unit. During 2014, our Standard Commercial P&C business unit accounted for approximately 88% and our Workers Compensation business unit accounted for the remaining 12% of the aggregate premiums produced by the Standard Commercial Segment. Standard Commercial P&C business unit. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit markets, underwrites and services standard commercial lines insurance primarily in the non-urban areas of Texas, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Utah, Wyoming, Arkansas, Hawaii and Missouri. The subsidiaries comprising our Standard Commercial P&C business 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 midsize business with a policy that covers property, general liability and automobile exposures. Our Standard Commercial P&C business 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. In addition our Standard Commercial P&C business unit offers occupational accident coverage in Texas through an underwriting agency 6 that is a specialist in the occupational accident insurance market. Products offered by our Standard Commercial P&C business 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 midsize businesses with homogeneous risk profiles. Coverage includes general liability, commercial property and commercial automobile. • Occupational accident. Occupational accident insurance provides an alternative to statutory workers compensation insurance in Texas. Coverage includes medical, short term disability and accidental death and dismemberment. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit markets its property/casualty insurance products through 358 independent agencies operating in its target markets. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit applies a strict agent selection process and seeks to provide its independent agents some degree of non-contractual geographic exclusivity. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit also strives to provide its independent agents with convenient access to product information and personalized service. As a result, the Standard Commercial P&C business unit has historically maintained excellent relationships with its producing agents, as evidenced by the 22 year average tenure of the 15 agency groups that each produced more than $1.0 million in premium during the year ended December 31, 2014. During 2014, the top ten agency groups produced approximately 37%, and no individual agency group produced more than 9%, of the total premium volume of our Standard Commercial P&C business unit. Our Standard Commercial P&C business 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 Standard Commercial P&C business unit also writes the insured’s underlying general liability and commercial automobile coverage. Through December 31, 2005, our Standard Commercial P&C business unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. Our Standard Commercial P&C business 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. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit presently markets all new and renewal policies exclusively for AHIC. All of the commercial policies written by our Standard Commercial P&C business 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 requires the insured to pay 20% or 25% down and the remaining payments over eight months. We charge installment fees of up to $7.50 per payment for the installment payment plan. Workers Compensation business unit. Our Workers Compensation business unit markets, underwrites and services workers compensation insurance in Texas and Montana. The subsidiaries comprising our Workers Compensation business unit include TBIC Holding which has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, TBIC, a Texas domiciled workers compensation insurance carrier and TBICRM, which provides risk management services to customers of TBIC. Our Workers 7 Compensation business unit markets its products through 108 independent agencies operating in Texas and Montana, with a predominate portion of its distribution in Texas. During 2014, the top ten agency groups produced approximately 59%, and no individual agency group produced more than 20%, of the total premium volume of our Workers Compensation business unit. Specialty Commercial Segment The Specialty Commercial Segment of our business includes our E&S Commercial business unit and our Hallmark Select business unit, as well as certain Specialty Programs which are managed at the parent level. During 2014, our E&S Commercial business unit accounted for approximately 73% of the aggregate premiums produced by the Specialty Commercial Segment, with our commercial umbrella and excess liability, general aviation, medical professional liability and satellite launch insurance products handled by our Hallmark Select business unit accounting for 18%, 5%, 2% and 1%, respectively. Our Specialty Programs accounted for the remaining 1% of the premium produced by the Specialty Commercial Segment during 2014. E&S Commercial business unit. Our E&S Commercial business unit markets, underwrites, finances and services commercial lines insurance in 26 states 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. The subsidiaries comprising our E&S Commercial business unit include HSU, which is a regional managing general underwriter, TGASRI which is a Texas managing general agency, and PAAC, which provides premium financing for policies marketed by HSU and certain unaffiliated general and retail agents. HSU accounts for approximately 99% of the premium volume financed by PAAC. Our E&S Commercial business unit focuses on middle market commercial risks 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 2014, commercial automobile, general liability and commercial property accounted for approximately 83%, 12% and 4%, respectively, of the premiums produced by our E&S Commercial business unit. Target risks for commercial automobile insurance are business auto and trucking for hire fleets, excluding hazardous or flammable materials haulers. Target risks for general liability insurance are small business risk exposures including artisan contractors, sales and service organizations, and building and premises liability 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 $500,000. The commercial insurance products offered by our E&S Commercial business 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. • • • 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, vandalism and other insured perils. Windstorm, hurricane and hail are generally excluded in coastal areas. Commercial excess liability. Commercial excess liability insurance is designed to provide an extra layer of protection for bodily injury, personal and advertising injury, or property damage losses above the primary layer of commercial automobile, general liability and employer’s liability insurance. The excess insurance does not begin until the limits of liability in the primary layer have been exhausted. The excess layer provides not only higher limits, but catastrophic protection from large losses. Commercial umbrella. Commercial umbrella insurance protects businesses for bodily injury, personal and advertising injury, or property damage claims in excess of the limits of their primary commercial automobile, general liability and employers liability policies, and for some claims excluded by their primary policies (subject to a deductible). Umbrella insurance provides not only higher limits, but catastrophic protection for large losses. 8 Our E&S Commercial business unit markets its products in 26 states through 9 wholesale brokers, a program underwriter and 83 general agency offices, as well as 162 independent retail agents in Texas and Oregon. Our E&S Commercial business unit strives to simplify the placement of its excess and surplus lines policies by providing our general agents with a web rating portal which allows for instantaneous quoting and signature-ready applications which can be emailed or faxed to its independent retail agents. During 2014, general agents produced 81%, the program underwriter produced 13%, retail agents produced 4% and wholesale brokers produced 2% of total premiums produced by our E&S Commercial business unit. During 2014, the top ten general agents produced approximately 46%, the top ten wholesale brokers produced approximately 2% and no general agent produced more than 9%, of the total premium volume of our E&S Commercial business unit. During the same period, the top ten retail agents produced approximately 3%, and no retail agent produced more than 1%, of the total premium volume of our E&S Commercial business unit. Through 2008, all business of our E&S Commercial business unit was produced under a fronting agreement with member companies of the Republic Group (“Republic”), which granted our E&S Commercial business unit the authority to develop underwriting programs, set rates, appoint retail and general agents, underwrite risks, issue policies and adjust and pay claims. We assumed 70% of the risk under this arrangement in 2008. In 2009, our E&S Commercial business unit wrote a portion of its policies under a fronting arrangement with Republic pursuant to which we assumed 100% of the risk. Commission revenue was 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 was generated from fully earned policy fees and installment billing fees charged on legacy personal lines products. Since 2010, in states where we were not yet licensed to offer a non-admitted product, we utilized a fronting arrangement with a third party pursuant to which we assumed all of the risk and then retroceded a portion of the risk to third party reinsurers. The majority of the commercial policies written by our E&S Commercial business unit are for a term of 12 months. Exceptions include certain 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. Hallmark Select business unit. Our Hallmark Select business unit offers small and middle market commercial excess liability, umbrella and general liability insurance on both an admitted and non-admitted basis focusing primarily on trucking, specialty automobile, and non-fleet automobile coverage, general aviation property/casualty insurance primarily for private and small commercial aircraft and airports, satellite launch insurance products and medical professional liability insurance on an excess and surplus lines basis. The small and middle market commercial excess liability, umbrella and general liability insurance underwritten by our Hallmark Select business unit is offered on an admitted and non-admitted basis in 49 states. Limits of liability offered are from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 in coverage in excess of the primary carrier’s limits of liability. The principal focus of the excess & umbrella insurance products offered is transportation, specifically trucking for hire, specialty automobile and non-fleet automobile coverage. The Hallmark Select business unit also provides umbrella and excess liability coverage for small to midsize businesses in class categories such as contracting, manufacturing, hospitality and service. The majority of the excess & umbrella and general liability insurance policies written by our Hallmark Select business unit are on an annual basis. However, exceptions are common in an attempt to have policy effective dates coincide with those of the primary insurance policies. Policy premiums are due in full 30 days from the inception date of the policy. Our excess & umbrella insurance and general liability insurance products are offered through 113 wholesale brokers. During 2014, the top ten wholesale brokers accounted for 48% of our excess & umbrella and general liability premium volume, with no single wholesale broker accounting for more than 15%. During 2014, commercial excess liability risks accounted for 91% of the premiums, with the remaining 9% coming from commercial umbrella and general liability risks. The commercial excess & umbrella and general liability insurance products offered by our Hallmark Select business unit include the following: • • Commercial excess liability. Commercial excess liability insurance is designed to provide an extra layer of protection for bodily injury, personal and advertising injury, or property damage losses above the primary layer of commercial automobile, general liability and employer’s liability insurance. The excess insurance does not begin until the limits of liability in the primary layer have been exhausted. The excess layer provides not only higher limits, but catastrophic protection from large losses. Commercial umbrella. Commercial umbrella insurance protects businesses for bodily injury, personal and 9 advertising injury, or property damage claims in excess of the limits of their primary commercial automobile, general liability and employers liability policies, and for some claims excluded by their primary policies (subject to a deductible). Umbrella insurance provides not only higher limits, but catastrophic protection for large losses. • Commercial 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. We presently cede 80% of the excess & umbrella and general liability risk on policies written by our Hallmark Select business unit. Our Hallmark Select business unit markets, underwrites and services general aviation property/casualty insurance in 48 states. The subsidiaries marketing our general aviation insurance products 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. In addition, our Hallmark Select business unit offers satellite launch property/casualty policies marketed through underwriting agencies with technical knowledge of space insurance. The general aviation and satellite launch products offered by our Hallmark Select business 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. • Satellite. We can retain up to $2.0 million per risk for satellite launches and in-orbit coverage for up to 12 months. Our Hallmark Select business unit distributes its general aviation insurance products through 182 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 Hallmark Select business unit selectively determines the risks fitting its target niche for which it will prepare a quote. During 2014, the top ten independent specialty brokers produced approximately 30%, and no broker produced more than 6%, of the total general aviation premium volume of our Hallmark Select business unit. Our Hallmark Select business unit independently develops, underwrites and prices each general aviation 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 87% of the aircraft written in 2014 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 2014 was approximately $137,000. All general aviation policies produced by our Hallmark Select business unit are written through our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Hallmark Select business unit markets medical professional liability insurance on an excess and surplus lines basis. Medical professional liability insurance provides coverage for third-party bodily injury claims resulting from professional services provided by physicians, surgeons, podiatrists and medical entities. Our Hallmark Select business unit distributes its medical professional liability insurance products through 21 wholesale brokers in 49 states. Specialty Programs. Our Specialty Programs consist of fronting and agency arrangements which are managed at the parent level. The Specialty Programs business presently consists primarily of a fronting arrangement in Texas for a third party insurance company. Personal Segment / Personal Lines Business Unit The Personal Segment of our business consists solely of our Personal Lines business unit. Our Personal Lines business unit markets and services non-standard personal automobile policies and renters insurance in 14 states. We conduct this business under the name Hallmark Insurance Company. Hallmark Insurance Company provides management, policy and 10 claims administration services to HIC 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 Personal Lines business unit include the following: • Personal automobile. Personal automobile insurance is the primary product offered by our Personal Lines business unit. Our policies typically provide coverage to individuals for bodily injury and property damage at the minimum limits required by law, and for physical damage to an insured’s own vehicle from collision and various other perils. In addition, many states require policies to provide for first party personal injury protection, frequently referred to as no-fault coverage. • Renters. Renters insurance provides coverage for the contents of a renter’s home or apartment and for liability. Renter’s policies are similar to homeowners insurance, except they do not cover the structure. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Personal Lines business unit discontinued the low value dwelling/homeowner’s and manufactured homes insurance products it previously offered. Our Personal Lines business unit markets its products through 3,302 independent retail agents operating in its target geographic markets. Non-standard automobile represented 93% of the premiums produced during 2014. Our Personal Lines business unit qualifies new agent appointments in order to establish an efficient network of independent agents to effectively penetrate its highly competitive markets. Our Personal Lines business unit periodically evaluates its independent agents and discontinues the appointment of agents whose production history does not satisfy certain standards. During 2014, the top ten independent agency groups produced approximately 30%, and no individual agency group produced more than 8%, of the total premium volume of our Personal Lines business unit. During 2014, personal automobile liability coverage accounted for approximately 82% and personal automobile physical damage coverage accounted for the remaining 18% of the total non-standard automobile premiums produced by our Personal Lines business unit. Our most common policy term is a six month policy. We do offer additional terms of one-, two-, three- and twelve-month policies in certain markets. Our typical non-standard personal automobile customer is unable or unwilling to pay a full or half year 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 Personal Lines business unit markets its products in 14 states directly for HIC, AHIC, HCM and HNIC. Our Competitive Strengths We believe that we enjoy the following competitive strengths: • • • Specialized market knowledge and underwriting expertise. All of our business 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 Personal Lines business unit has a thorough understanding of the unique characteristics of the non-standard personal automobile market. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit and Workers Compensation business unit have significant underwriting experience in their target markets for standard commercial property/casualty insurance products. In addition, our E&S Commercial business unit and Hallmark Select business unit have developed specialized underwriting expertise which enhances their ability to profitably underwrite non- standard property/casualty insurance coverages. Tailored market strategies. Each of our business 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 business 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 these market-specific strategies enable us to provide policies tailored to the target customer that are appropriately priced and fit our risk profile. Superior agent and customer service. We believe performing the underwriting, billing, customer service 11 and claims management functions at the business 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 business units enhance their relationships with the independent agents who sell our policies. We also believe 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 operating in various specialty and niche segments of the property/casualty insurance market diversifies both our revenues and our risks. We also believe our business 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 four of our insurance company subsidiaries, we are able to efficiently allocate our capital among these various specialty and niche markets in response to market conditions and expansion opportunities. We believe 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 business units have strong management teams, with an average of more than 20 years of insurance industry experience for the heads of our business 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 strive to become a “Best in Class” specialty insurance company 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 business 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. Achieving organic growth in our existing business lines. We believe we can achieve organic growth in our existing business lines by consistently providing our insurance products through market cycles, expanding geographically, expanding our product offerings, expanding our agency relationships and further penetrating our existing customer base. We believe 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 business units to further penetrate their existing customer bases with additional products offered by other business units. 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. • Maintaining a strong balance sheet. We seek to maintain a strong balance sheet by employing conservative investment, reinsurance and reserving practices and to measure our performance based on 12 long-term growth in book value per share. Distribution We market our property/casualty insurance products predominately 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 business 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 business 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 Hallmark Select business unit, the distribution of property/casualty insurance products by our business units is geographically concentrated. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, five states accounted for approximately 65% of the gross premiums written by our insurance company 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, 2014. State Texas Louisiana Arizona New Mexico Oregon All other states Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Total Percent of Total $ (dollars in thousands) 33,864 $ - - 9,047 14,211 27,557 183,796 $ 24,347 1,125 986 886 113,407 17,745 $ - 17,506 5,097 - 23,644 235,405 24,347 18,631 15,130 15,097 164,608 49.8% 5.1% 3.9% 3.2% 3.2% 34.8% Total gross premiums written $ 84,679 $ 324,547 $ 63,992 $ 473,218 Percent of total Underwriting 17.9% 68.6% 13.5% 100.0% The underwriting process employed by our business 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 business units offering commercial, healthcare professional or aviation insurance products employs its own underwriters with in-depth knowledge of the specific niche and specialty markets targeted by that business unit. We employ a disciplined underwriting approach that seeks to provide policies appropriately tailored to the specified risks and to adopt price structures that will be supported in the applicable market. Our experienced commercial, healthcare professional and aviation underwriters have developed underwriting principles and processes appropriate to the coverages offered by their respective business units. We believe that managing the underwriting process through our business 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 business units. At the beginning of each year, we establish a target net loss ratio for each business 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 13 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 (“LAE”) 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 LAE 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 LAE ratio, the statutory expense ratio, and the statutory combined ratio. Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 Gross premiums written $ 473,218 $ 460,027 $ 389,842 Statutory loss & LAE ratio Statutory expense ratio Statutory combined ratio 64.8% 33.1% 97.9% 72.2% 34.7% 106.9% 72.0% 33.5% 105.5% 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“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. State insurance department regulators expect insurance companies to maintain a premium-to- surplus percentage of not more than 300%. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, our consolidated premium-to-surplus ratios were 154%, 184% and 188%, respectively. 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 business units maintains its own dedicated 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. Certain independent adjusters have limited authority to settle claims. 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 business unit and monitored by Hallmark senior management. 14 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 business 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, 2014, our business units had a total of 91 claims managers, supervisors and adjusters with an average experience of approximately 16 years. Analysis of Losses and LAE Our consolidated financial statements include an estimated reserve for unpaid losses and LAE. We estimate our reserve for unpaid losses and LAE 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 cost of all unpaid losses and LAE 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 that 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. 15 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, to the gross-of-reinsurance amounts reported in our balance sheets at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables, January 1 Provision for losses and LAE for claims occurring in the current period (Decrease) increase in reserve for unpaid losses and LAE for claims occurring in prior periods Payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance: Current period Prior periods Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE at December 31, net of reinsurance recoverable Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE at December 31 Reserve for unpaid losses and LAE at December 31, gross of reinsurance As of and for Year Ended December 31 2014 2013 2012 (dollars in thousands) $ 312,468 $ 263,832 $ 254,901 215,258 251,391 230,089 (5,203) 9,954 (3,675) (76,231) (101,897) (107,945) (123,100) (110,812) (109,538) 323,192 312,468 263,832 91,943 70,172 49,584 $ 415,135 $ 382,640 $ 313,416 The $5.2 million favorable development, $10.0 million unfavorable development and $3.7 million favorable development in prior accident years recognized in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, represent normal changes in our loss reserve estimates. In 2014 and 2012, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were decreased to reflect favorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be less than the previous estimates. In 2013, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were increased to reflect unfavorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be more than the previous estimates. Generally, changes in reserves are caused by variations between actual experience and previous expectations and by reduced emphasis on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method due to the aging of the accident years. (See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments - Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses.”) The $5.2 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2014 was attributable to $7.2 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year, $4.4 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year and $2.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit, Personal Lines business unit, Workers Compensation business unit and Hallmark Select business unit accounted for $4.1 million, $2.9 million, $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2014. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit was primarily related to our commercial auto and general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Personal Lines business unit was primarily attributable to the 2013 accident year. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation business unit was attributable to the 2013, 2012 and 2011 and prior accident years. The decrease in reserves for our Hallmark Select business unit was primarily related to $0.9 million favorable development in our commercial excess liability line of business and $0.4 million favorable development in our medical professional liability products, partially offset by a $0.3 million unfavorable development in our general aviation line of business. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable development of $4.7 million in our E&S Commercial business unit primarily related to our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business. 16 The $10.0 million increase in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2013 was attributable to $5.0 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year, $1.7 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year and $3.3 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 and prior accident years. Our E&S Commercial business unit and Personal Lines business unit accounted for $16.0 million and $1.8 million of the increase in reserves recognized during 2013. The increase in reserves for our E&S Commercial business unit was primarily related to commercial auto liability line of business. The increase in reserves for our Personal Lines business unit was primarily related to personal auto in the 2012 accident year. These unfavorable developments were partially offset by favorable prior years’ loss development of $3.7 million in our Standard Commercial P&C business unit, $2.6 million in our Hallmark Select business unit and $1.5 million in our Workers Compensation business unit. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit was primarily related to commercial auto and general liability line of business. The decrease in reserves for our Hallmark Select business unit was driven by $2.3 million of favorable claims development in the 2011 and prior accident years related to our aircraft liability lines of business, partially offset by $0.1 million unfavorable claims development in the 2012 accident year related to our aircraft hull coverage. Further contributing to the decrease in reserves for our Hallmark Select business unit was $0.4 million of favorable claims development in our excess & umbrella lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation business unit was related to the 2012 and 2011 accident years. The $3.7 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2012 was attributable to $0.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year, $0.8 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 accident year and $2.5 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2009 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit, Hallmark Select business unit and E&S Commercial business unit accounted for $3.7 million, $3.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2012. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit was primarily related to commercial auto, commercial property and general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Hallmark Select business unit was primarily related to our aircraft liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our E&S Commercial business unit was primarily related to general liability. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable prior years’ loss development of $3.6 million in our Personal Lines business unit related to auto liability claims spread throughout various states and our low value dwelling/homeowners line of business. 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, 2004 through 2014. Section A of the table shows the estimated liability for unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, recorded at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This liability represents the estimated amount of losses and LAE 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. 17 ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LAE DEVELOPMENT As of and for Year Ended December 31 A. Reserve for unpaid loss & LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables $ 17,700 $ 25,997 $ 72,801 $ 120,849 $ 150,025 $ 176,250 $ 213,723 $ 254,901 $ 263,832 $ 312,468 $ 323,192 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 B. Net reserve re-estimated as of: One year later Two years later 15,300 24,820 66,387 119,034 151,645 185,440 230,089 251,226 273,786 307,265 15,473 24,903 68,490 118,646 155,155 183,689 226,856 256,198 275,778 Three years later 13,962 23,144 68,809 120,444 154,738 181,268 230,145 253,814 Four years later Five years later Six years later Seven years later Eight years later Nine years later Ten years later C. Net cumulative (deficiency) redundancy D. Cumulative amount of claims paid, net of reserve recoveries One year later Two years later Three years later Four years later Five years later Six years later Seven years later Eight years later Nine years later Ten years later Net reserve-December 31 Reinsurance recoverables 14,166 23,455 69,847 119,771 155,520 185,848 227,555 13,163 24,425 71,879 123,949 158,842 184,995 17,857 25,403 78,396 128,006 159,151 17,597 30,704 79,939 128,907 17,605 32,395 80,439 18,108 32,825 18,005 (305) (6,828) (7,638) (8,058) (9,126) (8,745) (13,832) 1,087 (11,946) 5,203 8,073 16,721 30,061 50,458 64,810 73,647 105,848 109,538 110,812 123,100 12,004 22,990 46,860 78,314 95,385 13,113 24,562 58,322 93,286 13,750 27,231 65,084 105,251 121,222 156,176 163,803 174,684 146,956 162,704 188,044 207,484 200,637 120,133 131,912 13,102 28,833 71,082 112,029 140,618 172,330 17,498 30,367 75,225 118,171 146,581 17,557 31,058 75,141 122,410 17,551 33,171 83,865 17,915 34,552 18,158 17,700 25,997 72,801 120,849 1,948 324 4,763 150,025 176,250 213,723 323,192 4,489 6,338 8,412 37,954 42,044 49,584 70,172 91,943 254,901 263,832 312,468 Gross reserve-December 31 19,648 26,321 77,564 125,338 156,363 184,662 251,677 296,945 313,416 382,640 415,135 Net re-estimated reserve Re-estimated reinsurance bl 18,005 32,825 80,439 128,907 1,050 1,776 6,704 159,151 7,919 10,400 184,995 227,555 253,814 275,778 307,265 9,178 37,977 42,190 49,664 68,599 Gross re-estimated reserve 19,055 34,601 87,143 136,826 169,551 194,173 265,532 296,004 325,442 375,864 Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency) $ 593 $ (8,280) $ (9,579) $ (11,488) $ (13,188) $ (9,511) $ (13,855) $ 941 (12,026) $ 6,776 $ 18 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. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of December 31, 2014 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit. The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years (in thousands). Gross premiums written Ceded premiums written Net premiums written Gross premiums earned Ceded premiums earned Net premiums earned Reinsurance recoveries Year Ended December 31 2014 2013 2012 473,218 $ (148,866) 460,027 $ (99,262) 389,842 (57,353) 324,352 $ 360,765 $ 332,489 461,694 $ (140,477) 437,226 $ (76,685) 373,849 (54,413) 321,217 $ 360,541 $ 319,436 99,911 $ 45,456 $ 29,014 $ $ $ $ $ We currently reinsure the following exposures on business generated by our business units: • Property catastrophe. Our property catastrophe reinsurance reduces the financial impact a catastrophe could have on our commercial and personal 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. Effective July 1, 2014 the terms of our property catastrophe reinsurance are: o We retain the first $3.0 million of property catastrophe losses; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us 100% for any loss occurrence in excess of our $3.0 million retention up to $32.0 million for each catastrophic occurrence, subject to an aggregate limit of $64.0 million. • 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 are: 19 o We retain the first $1.0 million of loss for each commercial property risk; o Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial property risk, and $10.0 million for all commercial property risk involved in any one occurrence, in all cases subject to an aggregate limit of $30.0 million for all commercial property losses occurring during the treaty period; and o 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 are: o We retain the first $1.0 million of any commercial liability risk; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial liability risk. • Aviation. We purchase proportional reinsurance where we currently cede 80% of the risk to reinsurers on the aviation risks produced in all states by our Hallmark Select business unit. • Occupational Accident. We purchase excess-of-loss reinsurance coverage for the occupational accident insurance product produced by our Standard Commercial P&C business unit. The terms of our occupational accident reinsurance are: o We retain the first $1.0 million of any occupational accident risk; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each occupational accident risk up to $10.0 million for each occurrence. • Workers Compensation. We purchase excess of loss reinsurance specific to the workers compensation risks underwritten by our Workers Compensation business unit. The terms of our workers compensation reinsurance are: o We retain the first $1.0 million of each workers compensation loss; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us 100% for the next $14.0 million for each workers compensation loss, subject to a maximum limit of $10.0 million for any one person and an aggregate limit of $28.0 million for all workers compensation losses. Person • Personal Property. Effective March 1, 2014, we purchased proportional reinsurance where we cede 80% of the risks to reinsurers on the low value dwelling/homeowners, renters and manufactured homes coverages produced in all states by our Personal Lines business unit. For policies written effective February 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014, we ceded 60% of these risks to reinsurers. • • Personal Auto. Effective October 1, 2014 we purchased proportional reinsurance where we cede 50% of the risks to reinsurers on the nonstandard automobile risks produced in certain states by our Personal Lines business unit. For policies written effective October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, we ceded 90% of these risks to reinsurers. Standard Commercial P&C. We purchase proportional reinsurance where we currently cede 100% of the risks to reinsurers on the equipment breakdown coverage on our commercial multi-peril property and business owner’s risks and on the employment practices liability coverage on certain commercial multi-peril, general liability and business owner’s risks. Hallmark • Excess & Umbrella. We purchase proportional reinsurance where we currently retain 20% of each risk and cede the remaining 80% to reinsurers on the commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance produced by our Hallmark Select business unit. 20 • Professional Liability. Effective June 1, 2014, we purchased excess of loss reinsurance on our medical professional liability risks produced by our Hallmark Select business unit. The terms of our professional liability reinsurance are as follows: o We retain the first $1.0 million of any professional liability risk; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $2.0 million for each professional liability loss occurrence. Prior to June 1, 2014, we purchased proportional reinsurance on our medical professional liability risks produced by our Hallmark Select business unit where we retained 60% of each risk and ceded the remaining 40% to the reinsurers. • E&S Commercial. We purchase facultative reinsurance on our commercial umbrella and excess liability risks produced by our E&S Commercial business unit where we currently retain 10% of the first $1.0 million of risk and cede the remaining 90% to reinsurers. We currently cede to reinsurers 100% of our commercial umbrella and excess liability risks in excess of $1.0 million. Effective May 1, 2014 we purchased proportional reinsurance on the commercial auto liability risks produced by a program underwriter in our E&S Commercial business unit where we retain 20% of each risk and cede the remaining 80% to reinsurers. • Hallmark County Mutual. HCM is used to front certain lines of business in our Specialty Commercial and Personal Segments in Texas. In addition, HCM is used to front business produced by unaffiliated third parties. HCM does not retain any business. 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, 2014, we had total invested assets of $507.2 million. If market rates were to increase by 1%, the fair value of our fixed-income securities as of December 31, 2014 would decrease by approximately $13.4 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, 2014 and 2013. As of December 31, 2014 Fair Value Percent of Total Yield As of December 31, 2013 Percent of Total Fair Value Yield (in thousands) (in thousands) Category: $ Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank loans Municipal bonds US Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Mortgage backed 29,442 113,649 162,329 93,305 52,060 6.5% 25.2% 36.0% 20.7% 11.6% 3.5% $ 4.0% 4.5% 43,875 102,178 157,552 0.7% 2.3% 78,753 27,737 10.7% 24.9% 38.4% 19.2% 6.8% 3.8% 4.0% 5.0% 0.5% 2.7% Total $ 450,785 100.0% 3.3% $ 410,095 100.0% 3.6% 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 A- at December 31, 2014. The following table shows the distribution of our fixed-income portfolio by Standard and Poor’s rating as a percentage of total fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013: 21 Rating: "AAA" "AA" "A" "BBB" "BB" "B" "CCC" "NR" Total As of December 31, 2014 As of December 31, 2013 8.1% 43.7% 8.1% 15.3% 17.7% 3.2% 0.0% 3.9% 100.0% 0.9% 33.7% 22.4% 18.9% 18.6% 4.5% 0.7% 0.3% 100.0% The following table shows the composition of our fixed-income portfolio by remaining time to maturity as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. As of December 31, 2014 As of December 31, 2013 Fair Value (in thousands) Percentage of Total Fair Value Percentage of Total Fair Value Fair Value (in thousands) Remaining time to maturity: Less than one year One to five years Five to ten years More than ten years Mortgage-backed Total $ $ 50,329 185,525 109,925 52,946 52,060 450,785 11.2% $ 41.2% 24.4% 11.7% 11.5% 100.0% $ 71,969 163,006 108,761 38,622 27,737 410,095 17.6% 39.7% 26.5% 9.4% 6.8% 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, 2014, 11% of our investment portfolio was invested in equity securities. Our investment portfolio is managed internally. We regularly review our portfolio for declines in value. 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. The following table details the net unrealized gain balance by invested asset category as of December 31, 2014. 22 Category Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank loans Municipal bonds Equity securities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Mortgage-backed Total Net Unrealized Gain Balance (in thousands) $ $ 799 (1,709) 783 31,084 25 117 31,099 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 that have been substantially customized to meet the unique needs of our various business 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 various operations to share systems solutions and communicate to the corporate 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 business unit bears the information services expenses specific to its operations as well as a portion of the corporate services expenses. Increases to vendor license and service fees are capped per annum. 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. 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. A.M. Best has pooled its ratings of our AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC subsidiaries and assigned a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to each of these individual insurance company subsidiaries and to the pool formed by the four insurance company subsidiaries. A.M. Best has also assigned a financial strength rating of “A-” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to HCM. A.M. Best does not assign a financial strength rating or an issuer credit rating to TBIC. 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 fair 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 23 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 3,087 property/casualty insurance companies and 2,134 property/casualty insurance groups operating in North America as of July 14, 2014. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit competes with a variety of large national standard commercial lines carriers such as Liberty Mutual Group, Travelers Companies, Inc., Cincinnati Financial Corporation and The Hartford Financial Services Group, as well as numerous smaller regional companies. The primary competition for the occupational accident insurance product offered by our Standard Commercial P&C unit includes such carriers as Great American Insurance Group, One Beacon Insurance Company, North American Insurance Company and Service Lloyds. The primary competition for our Workers Compensation business unit includes such carriers as Texas Mutual Insurance Company, Service Lloyds Insurance Company, Employers Insurance Company, The Hartford Financial Services Group and FirstComp Insurance Company. The primary competition for our E&S Commercial business unit includes such carriers as Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company, Colony Insurance Company, National Casualty Company, National Liability & Fire Insurance Company, Northland Insurance Company, Scottsdale Insurance Company and Progressive County Mutual. Our Hallmark Select business unit considers its primary competition for our excess & umbrella and general liability insurance products to include such carriers as American International Group, Inc., First Mercury Insurance Company, Axis Insurance Company, XL Specialty Insurance, W.R. Berkley Corporation and, to a lesser extent, a number of national standard lines carriers such as Travelers Companies, Inc. and Liberty Mutual Group. The primary competitors for our general aviation insurance products produced by our Hallmark Select business unit are Phoenix Aviation Managers, Starr Aviation, Chartis, United States Specialty Insurance Company, W. Brown & Company, United States Aircraft Insurance Group, Global Aerospace and Allianz Aviation Managers. The primary competition for the medical professional liability insurance products produced by our Hallmark Select business unit are Admiral Insurance Company, Catlin Insurance Company, CNA Financial Corporation, Evanston Insurance Company, Kinsale Insurance Company, Lexington Insurance Company, ProAssurance Corporation, RSUI Group and TDC Companies. Although our Personal Lines business unit competes with large national insurers such as Allstate Corporation, GEICO Corporation and Progressive Insurance Company, 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 that have, or are affiliated with entities that 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 AHIC, HCM and TBIC are domiciled in Texas, HIC and HNIC are domiciled in Arizona and HSIC is domiciled in Oklahoma. Therefore, 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. Our insurance company subsidiaries are required to file quarterly and annual statements of their financial condition prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices with the insurance departments of their respective states of domicile and the applicable insurance department of each state in which they write business. The financial conditions of our insurance company subsidiaries, including the adequacy of surplus, loss reserves and investments, are subject to review by the insurance department of their respective states of domicile. Periodic financial and market conduct examinations. The insurance departments of the states of domicile for our insurance company subsidiaries 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 injunctive relief, regulatory orders requiring remedial 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. 24 Guaranty funds. All insurance companies are subject to assessments for state-administered funds that 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 generally 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 our insurance company subsidiaries 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 our insurance company subsidiaries are restricted by the insurance regulations of the respective state in which each insurance company subsidiary is domiciled. As property/casualty insurance companies domiciled in the state of Texas, AHIC and TBIC may only pay dividends from unassigned surplus funds. In addition, AHIC and TBIC 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 31. HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, may pay dividends out of that part of its available surplus funds that is derived from realized net profits on its business. Without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance, HIC and HNIC 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 31 or (2) net investment income as of the prior December 31. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, may only pay dividends out of that part of its available surplus funds that 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 31 or (2) statutory net income as of the prior December 31, not including realized capital gains. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders. 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, 2014, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements. Required licensing. Our non-insurance company subsidiaries are 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 25 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; 26 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 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, 2014, we employed 393 people on a full-time basis. None of our employees are represented by labor unions. We consider our employee relations to be good. Available Information The Company’s executive offices are located at 777 Main Street, Suite 1000 Fort Worth, Texas 76102. The Company’s mailing address is 777 Main Street, Suite 1000 Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Its telephone number is (817) 348-1600. The Company’s website address is www.hallmarkgrp.com. The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information and documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are made available to read and copy at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by contacting the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Reports filed with the SEC are also made available at www.sec.gov. The Company makes available free of charge on its website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practical after it electronically files them with or furnishes them to the SEC. 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 27 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 LAE 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, 2014 unpaid losses and LAE would have produced a $4.2 million change to pretax earnings. Our gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $415.1 million at December 31, 2014. Our loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and LAE, were $323.2 million at that date. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, there can be no assurance that the current reserves will prove adequate. 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. AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC have entered into a pooling arrangement, pursuant to which AHIC retains 30% of the net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 27% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 30% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 13% of the net premiums written by any of them. A.M. Best has pooled its ratings of these four insurance company subsidiaries and assigned a financial strength rating of “A–” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-” to each of these individual insurance company subsidiaries and to the pool formed by these four insurance company subsidiaries. Also, A.M. Best has assigned HCM a financial strength rating of “A– ” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of “a-”. A.M. Best does not assign a financial strength rating or an issuer credit rating to TBIC. 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 happened, 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. Lenders and reinsurers also 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. 28 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 other executive officers. 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 3,087 property/casualty insurance companies and 2,134 property/casualty insurance groups operating in North America as of July 14, 2014. Our competitors include entities that have, or are affiliated with entities that 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. 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, 2014, we had a total of $163.1 million due us from reinsurers, including $109.7 million of recoverables from losses and $53.4 million in ceded unearned premiums. The largest amount due us from a single reinsurer as of December 31, 2014 was $20.4 million reinsurance and premium recoverable from Swiss Reinsurance America 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 terrorist attacks. 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. 29 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; 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; 30 • • 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 2015 by our insurance company subsidiaries is $16.2 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. 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. 31 We monitor developments with respect to various state facilities, such as the Texas FAIR Plan and the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. The impact of any catastrophe experience on these facilities 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, 2014, 89% 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 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, 35% 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, 2014 was $450.8 million. If market interest rates were to increase 1%, the fair value of our fixed-income securities would decrease by approximately $13.4 million as of December 31, 2014. The calculated change in fair value was determined using duration modeling assuming no prepayments. In addition to the general risks described above, although 75% 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. As of December 31, 2014, Hallmark had $0.3 million exposed in its investment portfolio to sub-prime mortgages and $52.1 million total exposure in mortgage-backed securities. Future changes in the fair 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 cash flows. 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 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 32 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 internal controls are not fail-safe. We continually enhance our operating procedures and internal controls to effectively support our business and comply with our regulatory and financial reporting requirements. As a result of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no system of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control objectives have been or will be met, and that every instance of error or fraud has been or will be detected. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by individual acts or by collusion of two or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Internal controls may also become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Further, the design of a control system must reflect resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. As a result of the inherent limitations in a cost- effective control system, misstatement due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Accordingly, our internal controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control objectives are met. Our geographic concentration ties our performance to the business, economic and regulatory conditions of certain states. The following states accounted for 65% of our gross written premiums for 2014: Texas (50%), Louisiana (5%), Arizona (4%), New Mexico (3%) and Oregon (3%). 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 LAE 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 sometime 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. 33 Cyber security risks in particular are evolving and include malicious software, unauthorized access to data and other electronic security breaches. We have not experienced cyber security attacks in the past and believe that we have adopted appropriate measures to mitigate potential risks to our information technology systems. However, the timing, nature and scope of cyber security attacks are difficult to predict and prevent. Therefore, we could be subject to operational delays, compromised confidential or proprietary information, destruction or corruption of data, manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks, financial losses from remedial actions and/or damage to our reputation from cyber security attacks. A cyber security attack on our information technology systems could disrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. Global climate change may have an adverse effect on our financial statements. Although uncertainty remains as to the nature and effect of greenhouse gas emissions, we could suffer losses if global climate change results in an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters. As with traditional natural disasters, claims arising from these incidents could increase our exposure to losses and have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and/or financial condition. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. Not applicable Item 2. Properties. Our corporate headquarters and Standard Commercial P&C business unit are located at 777 Main Street, Suite 1000, Fort Worth, Texas. The suite is located in a high-rise office building and contains 27,808 square feet of space. The rent is currently $48,664 per month pursuant to a lease which expires June 30, 2022. Our Workers Compensation business unit is presently located at 11612 Bee Caves Road, Austin, Texas. The suite is located in a low-rise office building and contains 8,373 square feet of space of which 1,037 square feet is sub-leased. The gross rent is currently $17,269 per month pursuant to a lease which expires October 31, 2017. Our E&S Commercial business unit is presently located at 7550 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas. These leased premises consist of a 16,599 square foot office suite and 800 square feet of storage space. The rent is currently $32,632 per month pursuant to a lease that expires November 30, 2020. Our Hallmark Select business unit is located at 15280 Addison Road, Suite 250, Addison, Texas. The suite is located in a low-rise office building and contains an aggregate of 8,219 square feet of space. The rent is currently $9,564 per month pursuant to a lease that expires July 31, 2018. Our Hallmark Select business unit also maintains branch offices in the following locations: Location Monthly Rent Lease Expiration Atlanta, Georgia $1,200 May 31, 2015 Glendale, California $2,500 July 31, 2015 Chicago, Illinois $8,472 April 30, 2017 Our Personal Lines business unit is located at 6500 Pinecrest, Suite 100, Plano, Texas. The suite is located in a one story office building and contains 23,941 square feet of space. The rent is currently $27,931 per month pursuant to a lease that expires December 31, 2020. 34 Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 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, in our opinion, likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or our results of operations. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Not applicable. 35 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.” The following table shows the high and low sales prices of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market for each quarter since January 1, 2013. Period Year Ended December 31, 2014: First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Year Ended December 31, 2013: First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Holders High Sale Low Sale $ $ 9.25 $ 11.06 11.05 12.43 9.67 $ 9.40 10.03 9.52 8.15 8.05 8.66 9.96 8.36 8.03 8.18 8.05 As of March 2, 2015, there were 1,855 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 property/casualty insurance companies domiciled in the state of Texas, AHIC and TBIC are 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. HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, are 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. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders. 36 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, 2014. 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)](1) (a) (b) (c) 1,062,134 $ - 1,062,134 $ 9.51 - 9.51 358,850 - 358,850 Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders Total (1) Securities remaining available for future issuance are net of a maximum of 427,824 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding restricted stock units, subject to applicable vesting requirements and performance criteria. See Note 13 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this report. Issuer Repurchases Our stock buyback program initially announced on April 18, 2008, authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions (the “Stock Repurchase Plan”). On January 24, 2011, we announced an increased authorization to repurchase up to an additional 3,000,000 shares. The Stock Repurchase Plan does not have an expiration date. The following table furnishes information for purchases made pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan during the quarter ended December 31, 2014: Cumulative Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan Average Price Paid Per Share Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan (b) (c) (d) Total Number of Shares Purchased (a) October 1st - October 31st November 1st – November 30th December 1st – December 31st 39,683 $ 10.35 - - $ - $ - 1,807,003 1,807,003 1,807,003 2,192,997 2,192,997 2,192,997 37 Performance Graph The following graph compares the five year cumulative total return provided shareholders on Hallmark’s common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite Index, the NASDAQ Insurance Index, and the S&P Property & Casualty Insurance Index. An investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) is assumed to have been made in our common stock and in each index on December 31, 2009 and its relative performance is tracked through December 31, 2014. COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN* Among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., the NASDAQ Composite Index, the S&P Property & Casualty Insurance Index, and the NASDAQ Insurance Index $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 $0 12/09 12/10 12/11 12/12 12/13 12/14 Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. NASDAQ Composite S&P Property & Casualty Insurance NASDAQ Insurance *$100 invested on 12/31/09 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31. Copyright© 2015 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved. 38 Item 6. Selected Financial Data Statement of Operations Data: Gross premiums written Ceded premiums written Net premiums written Change in unearned premiums Net premiums earned Investment income, net of expenses Net realized gains Finance charges Commission and fees Other income Total revenues Loss and loss adjustment expenses Operating expenses Interest expense Amortization of intangible assets Total expenses Income (loss) before tax Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Less: Net income attributable to non- controlling interest Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. Net income (loss) per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders: Year Ended December 31 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 (in thousands, except per share data) $ 473,218 $ (148,866) 324,352 (3,135) 321,217 460,027 $ (99,262) 360,765 (224) 360,541 389,842 $ (57,353) 332,489 (13,053) 319,436 354,881 $ (51,005) 303,876 (10,835) 293,041 12,383 134 5,279 (1,694) 47 337,366 210,055 101,427 4,576 2,526 318,584 12,884 10,540 5,830 (487) 120 389,428 261,345 109,289 4,599 3,115 378,348 18,782 5,353 13,429 11,080 2,835 8,245 15,293 1,943 5,957 (1,145) 316 341,800 226,414 103,792 4,634 3,586 338,426 3,374 (474) 3,848 15,880 3,633 6,826 3,175 216 322,771 239,235 95,106 4,631 3,586 342,558 (19,787) (8,954) (10,833) 320,973 (39,332) 281,641 (3,370) 278,271 14,849 8,402 7,054 (1,575) 59 307,060 202,544 87,882 4,598 3,665 298,689 8,371 863 7,508 - - 324 58 105 13,429 8,245 3,524 (10,891) 7,403 Basic Diluted $ $ 0.70 $ 0.43 $ 0.18 $ (0.55) $ 0.69 $ 0.43 $ 0.18 $ (0.55) $ 0.37 0.37 39 As of December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet Items: 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Total investments Total assets Reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses Unearned premiums Total liabilities Total stockholders' equity $ $ $ $ $ $ 507,229 $ 980,869 $ 461,325 $ 909,023 $ 445,360 $ 790,468 $ 424,628 $ 746,059 $ 432,441 736,557 415,135 $ 382,640 $ 313,416 $ 296,945 $ 251,677 196,826 $ 185,303 $ 162,502 $ 146,104 $ 140,965 728,832 $ 252,037 $ 670,905 $ 238,118 $ 569,931 $ 220,537 $ 529,203 $ 215,572 $ 499,919 235,278 Book value per share $ 13.11 $ 12.36 $ 11.45 $ 11.19 $ 11.69 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” 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 our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services. We pursue our business activities primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into business units and are supported by our insurance carrier subsidiaries. Our insurance activities are organized by business units into the following reportable segments: • • Standard Commercial Segment. The Standard Commercial Segment includes the standard lines commercial property/casualty and occupational accident insurance products and services handled by our Standard Commercial P&C business unit and the workers compensation insurance products handled by our Workers Compensation business unit. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit is comprised of our American Hallmark Insurance Services and ECM subsidiaries. Our Workers Compensation business unit is comprised of our TBIC Holdings, TBIC and TBICRM subsidiaries. Specialty Commercial Segment. Our Specialty Commercial Segment includes the excess and surplus lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our E&S Commercial business unit and the general aviation, satellite launch, commercial umbrella and excess liability and medical professional liability insurance products and services handled by our Hallmark Select business unit, as well as certain Specialty Programs which are managed at the parent level. Our E&S Commercial business unit is comprised of our HSU, PAAC and TGASRI subsidiaries. Our Hallmark Select business unit is comprised of our Aerospace Insurance Managers, ASRI, ACMG, HXS and HDS subsidiaries. • Personal Segment. The Personal Segment includes the non-standard personal automobile, low value dwelling/homeowners, renters and manufactured homes insurance products and services handled by our Personal Lines business unit that is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. and Hallmark Claims 40 Services, Inc., both of which do business as Hallmark Insurance Company. The retained premium produced by these reportable segments is supported by our American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas, Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company, Hallmark Insurance Company, Hallmark National Insurance Company and Texas Builders Insurance Company insurance subsidiaries. In addition, control and management of Hallmark County Mutual 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 net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 27% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 30% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 13% of the net premiums written by any of them. Neither HCM nor TBIC is a party to the intercompany pooling arrangement. 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. Impairment 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. 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. Fair values of financial instruments. Accounting Standards Codification (“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 41 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: • • • Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets; Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, inputs of identical assets for less active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology that are unobservable for the asset or liability. 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 stock and preferred stock. Level 2 investment securities include corporate bonds, collateralized corporate bank loans, municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury securities, other obligations of the U.S. Government and mortgage-backed securities for which quoted prices are not available on active exchanges for identical instruments. We use a third party pricing service 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 service and have determined that they result in fair values consistent with the requirements of ASC 820 for Level 2 investment securities. We have not adjusted any prices received from third-party pricing sources. 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. Deferred policy acquisition costs. Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that vary with and are primarily related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts 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, 2014 and 2013, there was no premium deficiency related to deferred policy acquisition costs. Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (October 1) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. For purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our business units except for the Hallmark Select business unit for which reporting units are at the component level (“one level below”). Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $44.7 million that is 42 assigned to our business units as follows: Standard Commercial P&C business unit - $2.1 million; E&S Commercial business unit - $19.8 million; Hallmark Select business unit- $17.4 million (comprised of $7.7 million for the excess & umbrella component and $9.7 million for the general aviation and satellite component); and Personal Lines business unit - $5.4 million. This amount has been recorded as a result of prior business acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under ASC 350, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other,” goodwill is tested for impairment annually. We completed our last annual test for impairment on the first day of the fourth quarter of 2014 and determined that there was no 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 ASC 350, we compare the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Under ASC 350, fair value refers to the amount for which the entire reporting unit may be bought or sold. The determination of fair value was based on an income approach utilizing discounted cash flows. The valuation methodology utilized is subject to key judgments and assumptions. Estimates of fair value are inherently uncertain and represent management’s reasonable expectation regarding future developments. These estimates and the judgments and assumptions upon which the estimates are based will, in all likelihood, differ in some respects from actual future results. Declines in estimated fair value could result in goodwill impairments in future periods which could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial position. The income approach to determining fair value computed the projections of the cash flows that the reporting unit is expected to generate converted into a present value equivalent through discounting. Significant assumptions in the income approach model include income projections, discount rates and terminal growth values. The income projections reflect an improved premium rate environment across most of our lines of business that continued throughout 2014. The income projections also include loss and LAE assumptions which reflect recent historical claim trends and the movement towards a more favorable pricing environment. The income projections also include assumptions for expense growth and investment yields which are based on business plans for each of our business units. The discount rate was based on a risk free rate plus a beta adjusted equity risk premium and specific company risk premium. The assumptions were based on historical experience, expectations of future performance, expected market conditions and other factors requiring judgment and estimates. While we believe the assumptions used in these models were reasonable, the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance and market conditions may change over time and influence the outcome of future testing. The fair values of each of our business units were in excess of their respective carrying values, including goodwill, as a result of our annual test for impairment during the fourth quarter 2014. However, a 7% decline in the fair value of our Standard Commercial P&C business unit, a 13% decline in the fair value of our E&S Commercial business unit, a 28% decline in the fair value of our Personal Lines business unit, a 52% decline in the fair value of our excess & umbrella component or a 12% decline in the fair value of our general aviation and satellite component would have caused the carrying value of the respective reporting unit to be in excess of its fair value, resulting in the need to perform the second step of impairment testing prescribed by ASC 350, which could have resulted in an impairment to our goodwill. The market capitalization of Hallmark’s common stock has been below book value during 2014. We consider our market capitalization in assessing the reasonableness of the fair values estimated for our business units in connection with our goodwill impairment testing. We believe the current financial market conditions, as well as the limited daily trading volume of Hallmark shares has resulted in a decrease in our market capitalization that is not representative of a long- term decrease in value. The valuation analysis discussed above supports our view that goodwill was not impaired at October 1, 2014. Through December 31, 2014, there were no indicators of impairment. While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair value of our business units were reasonable, actual results could vary materially. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used to calculate fair value, we may be required to perform the second step of impairment testing prescribed by ASC 350 in future periods and impairment of goodwill could result. We cannot predict future events that might impact the fair value of our business units and goodwill impairment. Such events include, but are not limited to, increased competition in insurance markets and global economic changes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities. 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 43 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 LAE. Reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are established for claims that have already been incurred by the policyholder but which we have not yet paid. Unpaid losses and 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. (See “Item 1. Business – Analysis of Losses and LAE” and “-Analysis of Loss and LAE Reserve Development.”) Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that our reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are adequate. Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating unpaid losses and LAE, 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, 2014 reserves for unpaid losses and LAE would have produced a $4.2 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 LAE is developed independent of management’s best estimate and is only used to assess 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 LAE estimated by our actuary as of December 31, 2014 was $356.1 million to $438.1 million. Our best estimate of unpaid losses and LAE as of December 31, 2014 is $415.1 million. Our carried reserve for unpaid losses and LAE as of December 31, 2014 is comprised of $223.1 million in case reserves and $192.0 million in incurred but not reported reserves. In setting this estimate of unpaid losses and LAE, we have assumed, among other things, that current trends in loss frequency and severity will continue and that the actuarial analysis was empirically valid. We have established a best estimate of unpaid losses and LAE, which is approximately $18.0 million higher than the midpoint or 94.8% of the high end of the actuarial range at December 31, 2014 as compared to $19.5 million above the midpoint or 98.5% of the high end of the actuarial range at December 31, 2013. We expect our best estimate to move within the actuarial range from year to year due to changes in our operations and changes within the marketplace. Due to the inherent uncertainty in reserve estimates, there can be no assurance that the actual losses ultimately experienced will fall within the actuarial range. However, because of the breadth of the actuarial range, we believe that it is reasonably likely that actual losses will fall within such range. Our reserve requirements are also interrelated with product pricing and profitability. We must price our products at a level sufficient to fund our policyholder benefits and still remain profitable. Because claim expenses represent the single largest category of our expenses, inaccuracies in the assumptions used to estimate the amount of such benefits can result in our failing to price our products appropriately and to generate sufficient premiums to fund our operations. Recognition of profit sharing commissions. Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We receive a provisional commission as policies are produced as an advance against the later determination of the profit sharing commission actually earned. The profit sharing commission is an estimate that varies with the estimated loss ratio and is sensitive to changes in that estimate. The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue sensitivity of the Standard Commercial P&C business unit to the actual ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty at 5.0% above and below the current estimate, which we believe is a reasonably likely range of variance ($ in thousands). 44 Provisional loss ratio Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2014 Treaty Effective Dates 7/1/2001 7/1/2002 7/1/2003 7/1/2004 60.0% 63.5% 59.0% 64.5% 59.0% 61.2% 64.2% 66.0% Effect of actual 5.0% above estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2014 - - $ (3,360) $ (3,790) Effect of actual 5.0% below estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2014 $ 1,850 $ 3,055 $ 2,734 $ 3,790 The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue sensitivity of the E&S Commercial business unit 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). Provisional loss ratio Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2014 Effect of actual 5.0% above estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2014 Effect of actual 5.0% below estimated loss ratio at December 31, 2014 $ $ Results of Operations Treaty Effective Dates 1/1/2006 1/1/2007 1/1/2008 65.0% 65.0% 58.7% 63.6% 65.0% 59.5% (3,096) $ (658) $ (1,618) 2,911 $ 2,351 $ 1,618 Comparison of Years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 Management overview. During fiscal 2014, our total revenues were $337.4 million, representing an approximately 13% decrease over the $389.4 million in total revenues for fiscal 2013. The decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to lower net earned premiums in our Personal Segment due to a new quota share reinsurance contract entered into during the fourth quarter of 2013 on our non-standard automobile risk produced in certain states. Further contributing to the decrease in revenue were significant realized gains recognized in our investment portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2013, lower net investment income and adverse profit share commission revenue adjustments in our Standard Commercial Segment for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 was offset by decreased loss and LAE of $51.3 million as compared to the same period of 2013. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 we recorded $5.2 million of favorable prior year loss development. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 we recorded $10.0 million of unfavorable prior year loss development. The decrease in loss and LAE occurred despite a $4.8 million increase in net catastrophe losses to $15.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 from $10.2 million reported for the same period of 2013. Other operating expenses also decreased due mostly to decreased production related expenses in our Specialty Commercial Segment and Personal Segment, partially offset by $3.0 million of costs related to higher salary and related expenses due mostly to increased incentive compensation accruals compared to the prior period, $0.7 million of CEO transition costs and $0.2 million of costs related to a previously announced public debt offering. 45 We reported net income of $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to net income of $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. On a diluted per share basis, net income was $0.69 per share for fiscal 2014 as compared to net income of $0.43 per share for fiscal 2013. Segment information The following is additional business segment information for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2014 Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Corporate Consolidated 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 84,679 $ 87,147 $ 324,547 $ 296,108 $ 63,992 $ 76,772 $ - $ - $ 473,218 $ 460,027 (7,767) (7,681) (93,909) (60,453) (47,190) (31,128) Net premiums written 76,912 79,466 230,638 235,655 16,802 45,644 Change in unearned premiums 1,399 (1,290) (1,815) (17,090) (2,719) 18,156 Net premiums earned 78,311 78,176 228,823 218,565 14,083 63,800 - - - - - (148,866) (99,262) - 324,352 360,765 - (3,135) (224) - 321,217 360,541 Gross premiums written $ Ceded premiums written Total revenues 81,464 83,306 241,920 229,734 20,404 71,081 (6,422) 5,307 337,366 389,428 Losses and loss adjustment expenses 51,130 56,143 149,961 152,546 8,964 52,656 - - 210,055 261,345 Pre-tax income (loss) 4,595 1,980 34,237 19,527 1,226 (3,416) (21,276) (7,011) 18,782 11,080 Net loss ratio (1) 65.3% 71.8% 65.5% 33.3% 32.2% 25.6% 98.6% 104.0% 91.1% 82.5% 63.7% 69.8% 26.6% 43.3% 26.7% 96.4% 107.0% 109.2% 65.4% 72.5% 30.5% 29.2% 95.9% 101.7% Net expense ratio (1) Net combined ratio (1) Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development 6,033 5,235 (3,721) (13,381) 2,891 (1,808) 5,203 (9,954) 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 as total underwriting expenses 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 $84.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was $2.4 million, or approximately 3%, less than the $87.1 million reported for the same period in 2013. Net premiums written were $76.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $79.5 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 of $81.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1.8 million less than the $83.3 million reported during the year ended December 31, 2013. This 2% decrease in total revenue 46 was mostly due to an increased adverse profit share commission revenue adjustment of $1.6 million and lower net investment income of $0.3 million, partially offset by higher net earned premiums of $0.1 million. Our Standard Commercial Segment reported pre-tax income of $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 which was $2.6 million higher than the $2.0 million reported for the same period of 2013. The increase in pre-tax income for the Standard Commercial Segment was the result of lower loss and LAE of $5.0 million, partially offset by higher operating expenses of $0.6 million primarily consisting of higher professional services and higher salary and related expenses. The increase in pre-tax income for the Standard Commercial Segment was further partially offset by the decreased revenue discussed above. The net loss ratio for the year ended December 31, 2014 was 65.3% as compared to the 71.8% reported for the year ended December 31, 2013. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 71.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 67.8% for the prior year. The increase in the gross loss ratio was primarily due to $16.9 million of gross catastrophe losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $6.0 million for the same period during 2013. The net loss ratio improved primarily due to $10.7 million of ceded loss recoveries during the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $2.1 million reported for the same period in 2013. The Standard Commercial Segment reported $13.4 million of net catastrophe losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $6.0 million for the same period during 2013. Specialty Commercial Segment. Gross premiums written for the Specialty Commercial Segment were $324.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was $28.4 million, or approximately 10%, more than the $296.1 million reported for the same period in 2013. Net premiums written were $230.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $235.7 million reported for the same period in 2013. The lower net premiums written was primarily due to a quota share reinsurance agreement entered into during the third quarter of 2013 in our Hallmark Select business unit on our general aviation line of business and a quota share agreement entered into during the second quarter of 2014 on business produced by a program underwriter in our E&S Commercial business unit. The $241.9 million of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $12.2 million higher than the $229.7 million reported for 2013. This 5% increase in revenue was due to higher net premiums earned of $10.3 million due predominately to increased production discussed above. Further contributing to this increased revenue was higher net investment income of $1.6 million and higher commissions and fees revenue of $0.3 million. Pre-tax income for the Specialty Commercial Segment of $34.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $14.7 million higher than the $19.5 million reported for the same period in 2013. The increase in pre-tax income was primarily due to the increased revenue discussed above, lower loss and LAE expenses of $2.6 million and lower amortization of intangible assets of $0.3 million, partially offset by higher operating expenses of $0.4 million. Our E&S Commercial business unit reported a $0.2 million decrease in loss and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013. In addition, our Hallmark Select business unit reported a $2.3 million decrease in loss and LAE which consisted of (a) a $7.1 million decrease in loss and LAE primarily due to increased reinsurance recoveries on the general aviation quota share agreement entered into during the third quarter of 2013, (b) a $2.1 million increase in loss and LAE due to increased premium production in our commercial umbrella and excess liability line of business, (c) a $0.8 million increase in loss and LAE attributable to our medical professional liability insurance products and (d) a $1.9 million increase in loss and LAE in our satellite insurance products due primarily to the increased occurrence of insured satellite losses during the year. The increase in operating expense was the combined result of higher salary and related expenses of $1.5 million due primarily to increased incentive compensation accruals and higher other operating expenses of $0.4 million partially offset by lower production related expenses of $1.3 million due to increased ceding commissions on the quota share reinsurance agreements discussed above and lower professional services of $0.2 million. The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net loss ratio of 65.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 69.8% for the same period during 2013. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 65.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 68.5% for the same period in 2013. The lower gross and net loss ratio included $3.7 million of unfavorable prior year loss reserve development for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $13.4 million of unfavorable prior year loss reserve development for the same period during 2013. The Specialty Commercial Segment reported $1.0 million in net catastrophe losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $1.6 million for the same period of 2013. The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net expense ratio of 25.6% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 26.6% reported for the same period the prior year. The decrease in the 47 net expense ratio is due primarily to the effect of increased net earned premium on fixed operating expenses and the increased ceding commission on quota share reinsurance agreements discussed above. Personal Segment. Gross premiums written for the Personal Segment were $64.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was $12.8 million less than the $76.8 million reported for the same period in 2013. Net premiums written for our Personal Segment were $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was a decrease of $28.8 million, or 63%, from the $45.6 million reported for the same period of 2013. The decrease in gross premiums written was due mostly to reduced business in our discontinued states and programs to focus on our ongoing core profitable business. The decrease in net premium written was due mostly to a new quota share reinsurance contract entered into during the fourth quarter of 2013 on our non-standard automobile risks produced in certain states. Total revenue for the Personal Segment decreased 71% to $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $71.1 million the prior year. Lower net premiums earned of $49.7 million, lower net investment income of $0.4 million, decreased finance charges of $0.5 million and decreased other income of $0.1 million were the primary reasons for the decrease in revenue for the period. Our Personal Segment reported pre-tax income of $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to a pre-tax loss of $3.4 million for the same period of 2013. The pre-tax income was the result of decreased losses and LAE of $43.7 million and lower operating expenses of $11.3 million, primarily due to lower production related expenses driven by increased ceding commission on the quota share agreements entered into during 2013, as well as lower amortization of intangible assets of $0.3 million. These increases in pre-tax income were partially offset by the decreased revenue discussed above. The Personal Segment reported a net loss ratio of 63.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 82.5% for 2013. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 70.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 80.6% for the same period in 2013. The lower gross and net loss ratios were primarily the result of favorable prior year net loss reserve development. The loss and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $2.9 million of favorable prior years’ net loss reserve development as compared to $1.8 million of unfavorable prior years’ net loss reserve development for the same period of 2013. The Personal Segment reported $0.6 million of net catastrophe losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2013. The Personal Segment reported a net expense ratio of 43.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 26.7% for the same period of 2013. The increase in the expense ratio was due predominately to the impact of the quota share reinsurance agreement entered into during the fourth quarter of 2013. Corporate. Total revenue for Corporate decreased by $11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period the prior year. This decrease in total revenue was due primarily to lower net realized gains on our investment portfolio of $10.4 million as compared to the same period of the prior year and lower net investment income of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Corporate pre-tax loss was $21.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to a $7.0 million pre-tax loss for the same period the prior year. The increase in pre-tax loss was the result of decreased revenue and higher operating expenses of $2.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period the prior year due primarily to $0.8 million higher salary and related costs due mostly to increased incentive compensation accruals compared to the prior period, $0.7 million of CEO transition costs, $0.2 million of costs related to a previously announced public debt offering, $0.4 million of professional service fee expense and $0.5 million due primarily to increases recorded to the expected earn-out payable in conjunction with the previous acquisition of TBIC. Comparison of Years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 Management overview. During fiscal 2013, our total revenues were $389.4 million, representing an approximately 14% increase over the $341.8 million in total revenues for fiscal 2012. The growth in revenue was primarily attributable to increased premium production and resulting earned premium driven largely from our Specialty Commercial Segment and our Standard Commercial Segment. Further contributing to the increase in revenue were higher net realized gains on our investment portfolio and a lower adverse profit share commission revenue adjustment in our Standard Commercial 48 Segment. These increases in revenue were partially offset by lower net investment income and lower year to date earned premium in our Personal Segment due mostly to the impact of discontinued products and a reduction of premium written in underperforming states. The increase in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 was accompanied by increased loss and LAE of $34.9 million as compared to the same period of 2012. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 we recorded $10.0 million of unfavorable prior year loss development. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 we recorded $3.7 million of favorable prior year loss development. The increase in loss and LAE occurred despite a $1.5 million decrease in catastrophe losses to $10.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 from $11.7 million reported for the same period of 2012. Other operating expenses also increased due mostly to increased production related expenses in our E&S Commercial business unit. We reported net income of $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to net income of $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. On a diluted per share basis, net income attributable to Hallmark was $0.43 per share for fiscal 2013 as compared to net income of $0.18 per share for fiscal 2012. Segment information. The following is additional business segment information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2013 Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Corporate Consolidated 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 Gross premiums written $ Ceded premiums written 87,147 $ 77,091 $ 296,108 $ 235,695 $ 76,772 $ 77,056 $ - $ - $ 460,027 $ 389,842 (7,681) (7,000) (60,453) (49,642) (31,128) (711) Net premiums written 79,466 70,091 235,655 186,053 45,644 76,345 Change in unearned premiums (1,290) (936) (17,090) (17,223) 18,156 5,106 Net premiums earned 78,176 69,155 218,565 168,830 63,800 81,451 - - - - - (99,262) (57,353) - 360,765 332,489 - (224) (13,053) - 360,541 319,436 Total revenues 83,306 73,119 229,734 178,917 71,081 89,149 5,307 615 389,428 341,800 Losses and loss adjustment expenses Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest Net loss ratio (1) Net expense ratio (1) Net combined ratio (1) Favorable (Unfavorable) Prior Year Development 56,143 52,828 152,546 103,980 52,656 69,606 - - 261,345 226,414 1,980 (2,486) 19,527 25,932 (3,416) (8,535) (7,011) (11,861) 11,080 3,050 71.8% 76.4% 32.2% 33.2% 104.0% 109.6% 69.8% 26.6% 96.4% 82.5% 85.5% 61.6% 28.3% 26.7% 28.5% 89.9% 109.2% 114.0% 72.5% 29.2% 70.9% 30.8% 101.7% 101.7% 5,235 3,744 (13,381) 3,577 (1,808) (3,646) (9,954) 3,675 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 as total underwriting expenses 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. 49 Standard Commercial Segment. Gross premiums written for the Standard Commercial Segment were $87.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was $10.0 million, or approximately 13%, more than the $77.1 million reported for the same period in 2012. Net premiums written were $79.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $70.1 million reported for the same period in 2012. The increase in premium volume was primarily due to increased premium production in both our Standard Commercial P&C and Workers Compensation business units. Total revenue for the Standard Commercial Segment of $83.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $10.2 million more than the $73.1 million reported during the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase in total revenue was the result of increased net earned premiums of $9.0 million, higher net investment income of $0.1 million and a $1.1 million lower adverse profit share commission revenue adjustment during the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the same period during 2012. Our Standard Commercial Segment reported pre-tax income was $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to a pre-tax loss of $2.5 million for the same period of 2012. The increased revenue discussed above was the primary driver of the increased pre-tax income for the year ended December 31, 2013, partially offset by higher loss and LAE of $3.3 million and higher operating expenses of $2.4 million consisting primarily of higher production related expenses due to increased premium production. The net loss ratio for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 71.8% as compared to the 76.4% reported for 2012. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 67.8% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to 74.8% for the prior year. The lower gross and net loss ratios for the year ended December 31, 2013 were aided by lower catastrophe losses coupled with increased favorable prior year loss reserve development. The net loss ratios for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 included catastrophe losses of $6.0 million and $9.5 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Standard Commercial Segment reported favorable loss reserve development of $5.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The Standard Commercial Segment reported a net expense ratio of 32.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to 33.2% reported for the same period the prior year. The decrease in net expense ratio was due primarily to the increased premium volume. Specialty Commercial Segment. Gross premiums written for the Specialty Commercial Segment were $296.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was $60.4 million, or 26%, more than the $235.7 million reported for the same period in 2012. Net premiums written were $235.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $186.1 million reported for the same period in 2012. The increase in premium volume was due to increased premium production in both our E&S Commercial and Hallmark Select business units. The $229.7 million of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $50.8 million higher than the $178.9 million reported for 2012. This 28% increase in revenue was due to higher net premiums earned of $49.7 million due predominately to increased production discussed above. Further contributing to this increased revenue was higher net investment income of $1.6 million partially offset by lower profit share commission revenue adjustment of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the same period of 2012. Pre-tax income for the Specialty Commercial Segment of $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $6.4 million lower than the $25.9 million reported for the same period in 2012. The decrease in pre-tax income was primarily due to higher loss and LAE expenses of $48.6 million and higher operating expenses of $9.4 million, partially offset by lower amortization of intangible assets of $0.5 million, lower non-controlling interest of $0.3 million and the increased revenue discussed above. Our E&S Commercial business unit reported a $45.7 million increase in loss and LAE due primarily to increased premium volume and $16.0 million of unfavorable prior year loss reserve development as compared to $0.3 million of favorable development during the same period of 2012. In addition, our Hallmark Select business unit reported a $2.9 million increase in loss and LAE which consisted of (a) a $1.4 million increase in loss and LAE due to increased premium production in our commercial umbrella and excess liability line of business, (b) a $2.5 million increase in loss and LAE primarily due to large loss volatility in our aircraft hull coverage during fiscal 2013, (c) a $0.3 million increase in loss and LAE attributable to our medical professional liability insurance products and (d) a $1.3 million decrease in loss and LAE in our satellite insurance products due primarily to decreased premium volume as well as lower 50 current accident year loss trends. The increase in operating expense was the combined result of increased production related expenses of $8.7 million, higher salary and related expenses of $0.4 million, higher professional service fees of $0.5 million partially offset by lower other operating expenses of $0.2 million. The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net loss ratio of 69.8% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to 61.6% for the same period during 2012. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 68.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to 61.1% for the same period in 2012. The higher gross and net loss ratios included $13.4 million of unfavorable prior year loss reserve development for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $3.6 million of favorable prior year loss reserve development for the same period during 2012. The Specialty Commercial Segment reported a net expense ratio of 26.6% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to 28.3% reported for the same period the prior year. The decrease in the net expense ratio was due primarily to increased net premium volume. Personal Segment. Gross premiums written for the Personal Segment were $76.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was $0.3 million less than the $77.1 million reported for the same period in 2012. Net premiums written for our Personal Segment were $45.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, which was a decrease of $30.7 million, or 40%, from the $76.3 million reported for the same period of 2012. The decrease in net premium written was due mostly to exiting certain underperforming states and programs and 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 decreased 20% to $71.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $89.1 million the prior year. Lower net premiums earned of $17.7 million and lower net investment income of $0.4 million, partially offset by higher other income of $0.1 million, were the primary reason for the decrease in revenue for the period. Our Personal Segment reported a pre-tax loss of $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to a pre-tax loss of $8.5 million for the same period of 2012. The lower pre-tax loss was the result of lower losses and LAE of $16.9 million and lower operating expenses of $6.2 million, primarily due to lower production related expenses driven by increased ceding commission on the quota share agreements entered into during 2013. The decline in pre-tax loss was partially offset by lower revenue discussed above. The Personal Segment reported a net loss ratio of 82.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to 85.5% for 2012. The gross loss ratio before reinsurance was 80.6% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to 85.6% for the same period in 2012. The lower gross and net loss ratio were primarily the result of lower current accident year loss trends as well as lower unfavorable prior year loss reserve development for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the same period of 2012. Loss and LAE during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 included unfavorable prior years’ loss reserve development of $1.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The Personal Segment reported a net expense ratio of 26.7% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to 28.5% for the same period of 2012. The decrease in the expense ratio was due predominately to lower production related expenses. Corporate. Total revenue for Corporate was $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $0.6 million for the same period of 2012. Net realized gains recognized on our investment portfolio were $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $1.9 million during the same period during 2012. Net investment income decreased $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the same period during 2012. Other income decreased $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the same period during 2012. Corporate pre-tax loss was $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to a $11.9 million pre-tax loss for the same period the prior year. The decrease in pre-tax loss was the result of the increased revenue discussed above and lower operating expenses of $0.2 million due primarily to lower salary and related expenses during the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the same period the prior year. 51 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, 2014, Hallmark had $11.8 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of our non-insurance subsidiaries were $5.3 million as of December 31, 2014. As of that date, our insurance subsidiaries held $113.9 million of cash and cash equivalents as well as $450.8 million in debt securities with an average modified duration of 3.0 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. HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, are 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. For all our insurance companies, dividends may only be paid from unassigned surplus funds. During 2015, the aggregate ordinary dividend capacity of these subsidiaries is $24.3 million, of which $16.2 million is available to Hallmark. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders. During the year ended December 31, 2014, our insurance company subsidiaries paid $8.0 million in dividends to Hallmark. None of our insurance company subsidiaries paid a dividend during the year ended December 31, 2013. 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. The net amount paid in management fees by our insurance subsidiaries to Hallmark and our non-insurance company subsidiaries was $1.1 million, $8.2 million and $9.0 million during each of 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 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, 2014, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory capital and surplus of $210.0 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, 2014, 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 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 154% and 184%, respectively. Comparison of December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2013 On a consolidated basis, our cash and investments, excluding restricted cash and investments, at December 31, 2014 were $638.2 million compared to $603.0 million at December 31, 2013. Cash flow from operations and an increase in investment fair values were the primary reasons for this increase. Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 Net cash provided by our consolidated operating activities was $33.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $68.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in operating cash flow was primarily due to increased ceded premium payments, partially offset by lower net paid losses and increased collected provisional ceding commission. Cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $42.2 million as compared to $11.8 million for the prior year. The increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to a $68.0 million decrease in maturities, sales and redemptions of investment securities, partially offset by a $33.7 million decrease in 52 purchases of investment securities, a $0.1 million decrease in purchases of property and equipment and a $3.8 million decrease in cash flow into restricted cash accounts. Cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $2.1 million as a result of a $1.5 million repayment on our revolving credit facility and $1.8 million related to the repurchase of our common stock, partially offset by $1.2 million related to proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options. There were no financing cash flow activities during the year ended December 31, 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 December 31, 2014, we had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility. 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 Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“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 uncollateralized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of December 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 Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“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 uncollateralized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of December 31, 2014, the balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million. Long-Term Contractual Obligations Set forth below is a summary of long-term contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014. Amounts represent estimates of gross undiscounted amounts payable over time. In addition, certain unpaid losses and LAE are ceded to others under reinsurance contracts and are, therefore, recoverable. Such potential recoverables are not reflected in the table. 53 Estimated Payments by Period (in thousands) Total 2015 2016-2017 2018-2019 After 2019 Subordinated debt securities $ 56,702 $ - $ - $ - $ 56,702 Interest on subordinated debt securities Unpaid losses and LAE (1) Operating leases Purchase obligations 75,409 415,135 10,940 3,083 4,388 169,468 1,922 2,154 7,761 145,310 3,659 929 6,477 43,512 2,927 - 56,783 56,845 2,432 - (1) The payout pattern for unpaid losses and LAE is based upon historical payment patterns and does not represent actual contractual obligations. The timing and amount ultimately paid will likely vary from these estimates. Based on 2015 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 LAE. 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 LAE. 54 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 largely 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 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, 2014 was $450.8 million. The effective duration of our portfolio as of December 31, 2014 was 3.0 years. Should interest rates increase 1.0%, our fixed-income investment portfolio would be expected to decline in market value by 3.0%, or $13.4 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 3.0%, or $13.4 million, increase in the fair value of our fixed-income investment portfolio. 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, 2014, our fixed-income investments were in the following: U.S. Treasury bonds – 20.7%; municipal bonds – 36.0%; collateralized corporate bank loans – 25.2%; corporate bonds – 6.5%; and asset-backed – 11.6%. As of December 31, 2014, 75.2% 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, most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of December 31, 2014 was with reinsurers having an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better. Equity price risk. Investments in equity securities that are subject to equity price risk made up 11.1% of our portfolio as of December 31, 2014. 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 fair 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, 2014 was $56.4 million. The fair value of our equity securities would increase or decrease by $16.9 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 4.4%. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what should be considered the best or worsed case scenario. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. The following consolidated financial statements of Hallmark and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this report. Description Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Statement Schedules Page Number F-2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 F-8 F-43 55 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. None. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Evaluation of Disclosure 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 three month period ended December 31, 2014, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 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 (2013 Framework). Based upon that evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014. Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. The Ernst & Young LLP attestation report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, is included in this Item under the heading “ Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.” 56 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries We have audited Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated March 12, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Fort Worth, Texas March 12, 2015 57 Item 9B. Other Information. None. Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. PART III 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. 58 Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. PART IV (a)(1) (a)(2) (a)(3) 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, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Statement Schedules The following financial statement schedules are included in this report: Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) Schedule III – Supplemental Insurance Information Schedule IV – Reinsurance Schedule VI – Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations Exhibit Index The following exhibits are either filed with this report or incorporated by reference: Exhibit Number 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Description 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security Due 2035 (included in Exhibit 4.2 above). Form of Capital Security Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.3 above). 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). 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 59 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 on Form 8-K filed August 24, 2007). 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). Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security Due 2037 (included in Exhibit 4.7 above). Form of Capital Security Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.8 above). Fifth Amendment to First Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries and The Frost National Bank dated February 20, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 25, 2008). Sixth Amendment to First Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries and The Frost National Bank dated January 21, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 25, 2010). Seventh Amendment to First Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries and The Frost National Bank dated May 27, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 17, 2010). Eighth Amendment to First Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries and The Frost National Bank dated March 21, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 21, 2011). Ninth Amendment to First Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries and Frost Bank dated July 10, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 12, 2012). Tenth Amendment to First Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries and Frost Bank dated September 30, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 1, 2012). Eleventh Amendment to First Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries and Frost Bank dated July 26, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 30, 2013). Twelfth Amendment to First Restated Credit Agreement among Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries and Frost Bank dated August 8, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 12, 2014). Office Lease for 6500 Pinecrest, Plano, Texas, dated July 22, 2008, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Legacy Tech IV Associates, Limited Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 29, 2008). 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). Office Lease by and between SAOP Northwest Center, L.P. and Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. dated January 29, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 2, 2010). Office Lease by and between Minol Center, L.P. and Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. dated August 9, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17, 2010). 60 10.5 10.6 10.7* 10.8* 10.9* Office Lease by and between Civic Opera, L.P. and Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. dated December 27, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 4, 2011). First Amendment to Office Lease between MS Crescent One SPV, LLC and Hallmark Financial Services, Inc., dated February 28, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 1, 2011). 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). 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). 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). 10.10* 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). 10.11 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). 10.12* Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 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, 2013). 10.13* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the registrant’s Form 10-K filed March 12, 2014). 10.14 10.15 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). Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 25, 2011, between American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas and Robert C. Siddons, Stephen W. Gurasich, Andrew J. Reynolds, Paul W. Keller, Kerry A. Keller and Austin Engineering Co., Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 25, 2011). 10.16* Letter agreement dated August 13, 2014, between Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and Naveen Anand (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2014). 21+ List of subsidiaries of the registrant. 23 (a)+ Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 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. 101 INS+ XBRL Instance Document. 61 101 SCH+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. 101 CAL+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. 101 LAB+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. 101 PRE+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. 101 DEF+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. * Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. + Filed herewith. 62 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. SIGNATURES Date: March 12, 2015 Date: March 12, 2015 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. (Registrant) By: /s/ Naveen Anand Naveen Anand, Chief Executive Officer and President By: /s/ Jeffrey R. Passmore Jeffrey R. Passmore, Chief Accounting Officer and Senior Vice President 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 12, 2015 /s/ Naveen Anand Date: March 12, 2015 Naveen Anand, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Jeffrey R. Passmore Jeffrey R. Passmore, Chief Accounting Officer and Senior Vice President (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) Date: March 12, 2015 /s/ Mark E. Schwarz Mark E. Schwarz, Executive Chairman Date: March 12, 2015 Date: March 12, 2015 Date: March 12, 2015 /s/ James H. Graves James H. Graves, Director /s/ Jim W. Henderson Jim W. Henderson, Director /s/ Scott T. Berlin Scott T. Berlin, Director 63 Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. Name of Subsidiary Jurisdiction of Incorporation o Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc.* o Aerospace Flight, Inc.* o Aerospace Holdings, LLC* o Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc.* o Aerospace Special Risk, Inc.* o American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. (d/b/a Hallmark Insurance Company) o American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas* o American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc.* o CYR Insurance Management Company* o Effective Claims Management, Inc.* o Hallmark Claims Service, Inc. (d/b/a Hallmark Insurance Company) o Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company* (controlled through a management agreement) o Hallmark Finance Corporation* o Hallmark Insurance Company* o Hallmark National Insurance Company* o Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company* o Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC* o Heath XS, LLC* o Pan American Acceptance Corporation* o TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc.* o TBIC Risk Management, Inc.* o Texas Builders Insurance Company* o Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc.* o TGA Special Risk, Inc.* * Conducts business under its corporate name. Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Arizona Arizona Oklahoma New Jersey New Jersey Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas 64 Exhibit 23(a) Consent Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements: (1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-41220) pertaining to the Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 1991 Key Employee Stock Option Plan, Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 1994 Key Employee Long Term Incentive Plan and Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan; (2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-140000) pertaining to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan; (3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-160050) pertaining to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan; (4) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-171696) and related Prospectus pertaining to the registration of 3,274,830 shares of common stock; and (5) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-196613) and related Prospectus pertaining to the registration of $30,000,000 of senior unsecured debt securities; of our reports dated March 12, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2014. Fort Worth, Texas March 12, 2015 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP 65 Exhibit 31(a) CERTIFICATIONS I, Naveen Anand, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures [as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)] and internal control over financial reporting [as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)] for the Registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 12, 2015 /s/ Naveen Anand Naveen Anand, Chief Executive Officer 66 Exhibit 31(b) CERTIFICATIONS I, Jeffrey R. Passmore, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures [as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)] and internal control over financial reporting [as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)] for the Registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 12, 2015 /s/ Jeffrey R. Passmore Jeffrey R. Passmore, Chief Accounting Officer 67 Exhibit 32(a) CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350 I, Naveen Anand, Chief Executive Officer of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certify that the accompanying annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. I further certify that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: March 12, 2015 /s/ Naveen Anand Naveen Anand, Chief Executive Officer 68 Exhibit 32(b) CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350 I, Jeffrey R. Passmore, Chief Accounting Officer of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certify that the accompanying annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. I further certify that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: March 12, 2015 /s/ Jeffrey R. Passmore Jeffrey R. Passmore, Chief Accounting Officer 69 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Description Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Statement Schedules Page Number F-2 F-3 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 F-8 F-43 F-1 Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, 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 financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. We also have audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and our report dated March 12, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Fort Worth, Texas March 12, 2015 F-2 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands) 2014 2013 $ $ $ ASSETS Investments: Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost; $450,770 in 2014 and $408,627 in 2013) Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost; $25,360 in 2014 and $24,902 in 2013) Total investments Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Ceded unearned premiums Premiums receivable Accounts receivable Receivable for securities Reinsurance recoverable Deferred policy acquisition costs Goodwill Intangible assets, net Prepaid expenses Other assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities: Revolving credit facility payable Subordinated debt securities Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Unearned premiums Reinsurance balances payable Pension liability Payable for securities Federal income tax payable Deferred federal income taxes, net Accounts payable and other accrued expenses Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 16) Stockholders’ equity: Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2014 and 2013 Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income Treasury stock (1,655,306 shares in 2014 and 1,609,374 in 2013), at cost Total stockholders’ equity 450,785 $ 56,444 507,229 130,985 11,914 53,376 71,003 3,141 932 109,719 20,746 44,695 17,427 1,823 7,879 980,869 $ - $ 56,702 415,135 196,826 26,403 2,619 1,321 968 3,092 25,766 728,832 3,757 123,194 119,638 17,801 (12,353) 252,037 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 980,869 $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements F-3 410,095 51,230 461,325 141,666 12,190 44,988 71,157 2,382 1,320 76,818 22,586 44,695 19,953 1,531 8,412 909,023 1,473 56,702 382,640 185,303 20,598 1,433 206 719 2,825 19,006 670,905 3,757 122,827 106,209 16,883 (11,558) 238,118 909,023 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) Gross premiums written Ceded premiums written Net premiums written Change in unearned premiums Net premiums earned Investment income, net of expenses Net realized gains Finance charges Commission and fees Other income Total revenues Losses and loss adjustment expenses Operating expenses Interest expense Amortization of intangible assets Total expenses Income before tax Income tax expense (benefit) Net income Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. Net income per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders: Basic Diluted 2014 2013 2012 473,218 $ (148,866) 324,352 (3,135) 321,217 12,383 134 5,279 (1,694) 47 337,366 210,055 101,427 4,576 2,526 318,584 18,782 5,353 13,429 - 460,027 $ (99,262) 360,765 (224) 360,541 12,884 10,540 5,830 (487) 120 389,428 261,345 109,289 4,599 3,115 378,348 11,080 2,835 8,245 - 389,842 (57,353) 332,489 (13,053) 319,436 15,293 1,943 5,957 (1,145) 316 341,800 226,414 103,792 4,634 3,586 338,426 3,374 (474) 3,848 324 13,429 $ 8,245 $ 3,524 0.70 $ 0.69 $ 0.43 $ 0.43 $ 0.18 0.18 $ $ $ $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements F-4 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 ($ In thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income: Change in net actuarial (loss) gain Tax effect on change in net actuarial (loss) gain Unrealized holding gains arising during the period Tax effect on unrealized holding gains arising during the period Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax $ Comprehensive income Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest Comprehensive income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. $ 2014 2013 2012 $ 13,429 $ 8,245 $ 3,848 (1,723) 603 3,543 (1,240) (408) 143 918 14,347 $ - 2,268 (794) 22,094 (7,733) (10,540) 3,689 8,984 17,229 $ - 14,347 $ 17,229 $ 37 (13) 4,388 (1,536) (2,189) 766 1,453 5,301 324 4,977 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 For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 ($ In thousands) Number of Shares Par Value Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Treasury Stock Number of Shares Total Stockholders' Equity Balance at January 1, 2012 20,873 $ 3,757 $ 122,487 $ 94,440 $ 6,446 Equity incentive plan activity Accretion of redeemable non- controlling interest Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax - - - - Balance at December 31, 2012 Equity incentive plan activity Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax 20,873 $ 3,757 - - - - 380 - - - - $ - - - (392) - - 3,524 - - 1,453 122,475 $ 97,964 $ 7,899 352 - - 8,245 - - 8,984 $ - - - $ - - (11,558) 1,609 $ 215,572 - - - - - - - - (11,558) 1,609 $ - - - - - - (11,558) 1,609 $ (1,805) - 1,010 - 181 - (135) - 380 (392) 3,524 1,453 220,537 352 8,245 8,984 238,118 (1,805) 222 1,155 13,429 Balance at December 31, 2013 20,873 $ 3,757 $ 122,827 $ 106,209 $ 16,883 $ Acquisition of treasury stock Equity incentive plan activity Stock options exercised Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax - - - - - - - - - - - 222 145 - - - - - 13,429 - - - - - 918 - - 918 Balance at December 31, 2014 20,873 $ 3,757 $ 123,194 $ 119,638 $ 17,801 $ (12,353) 1,655 $ 252,037 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements F-6 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: 2014 2013 2012 $ 13,429 $ 8,245 $ 3,848 Depreciation and amortization expense Deferred federal income taxes Net realized gains Share-based payments expense Change in ceded unearned premiums Change in premiums receivable Change in accounts receivable Change in deferred policy acquisition costs Change in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses Change in unearned premiums Change in reinsurance recoverable Change in reinsurance balances payable Change in current federal income tax payable Change in all other liabilities Change in all other assets Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment, net Net transfers from (into) restricted cash Purchases of investment securities Maturities, sales and redemptions of investment securities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Activity under revolving credit facility, net Redemption of non-controlling interest Distribution to non-controlling interest Payment of contingent consideration Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options Purchase of treasury shares Net cash used in financing activities (Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental cash flow information: Interest paid Income taxes (paid) recovered Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities: Change in receivable for securities related to investment disposals that settled after the balance sheet date Change in payable for securities related to investment purchases that settled after the balance sheet date 3,224 (393) (134) 222 (8,388) 154 (759) 1,840 32,495 11,523 (32,901) 5,805 249 7,946 (628) 33,684 4,300 (257) (10,540) 352 (22,577) (4,474) 728 2,325 69,224 22,801 (24,848) 13,268 (799) (6,551) 17,141 68,338 4,421 (2,851) (1,943) 380 (2,941) (13,170) 836 (2,357) 16,471 16,398 (9,236) 4,191 8,256 5,396 5,983 33,682 (546) 276 (188,749) 146,777 (42,242) (673) (3,483) (222,399) 214,738 (11,817) (107) 665 (167,626) 148,968 (18,100) (1,473) - - - 1,155 (1,805) (2,123) (10,681) 141,666 130,985 $ - - - - - - - 56,521 85,145 141,666 $ (2,577) (1,700) (281) (350) - - (4,908) 10,674 74,471 85,145 (4,576) $ (4,599) $ (4,656) (5,497) $ (3,891) $ 5,879 388 $ (1,317) $ 2,614 1,115 $ 206 $ (203) $ $ $ $ $ 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 Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 1. Accounting Policies: General Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, the “Company”, “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 and is comprised of American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) and Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”). Our Workers Compensation business unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business and is comprised of TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc. (“TBIC Holding”), Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”) and TBIC Risk Management (“TBICRM”). Our E&S Commercial business unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (“HSU”), Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) and TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”). 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 Hallmark Select business unit is comprised of Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”), Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”), Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”), Heath XS, LLC (“HXS”) and Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC (“HDS”). Our Personal Lines business unit handles personal insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (both of which do business as Hallmark Insurance Company). Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these business units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and TBIC. 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 (“Specialty Programs”) which are managed by Hallmark. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Personal Lines business 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 our insurance company subsidiaries, differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by insurance regulatory authorities. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment may be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. Fair Value of Financial Instruments F-8 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 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 are reported at carry value of $56.7 million and $56.7 million, and have a fair value of $47.6 million and $53.2 million, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on discounted cash flows using current yields to maturity of 8.0% and 8.0% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are based on similar issues to discount future cash flows and 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. 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. Equity securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Debt securities that are determined to have other- than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations for the portion that is related to credit deterioration with the remaining portion recognized in other comprehensive income. Debt security premiums and discounts are amortized into earnings using the effective interest method. Maturities of debt securities and sales of equity securities are recorded in receivable for securities until the cash is settled. Purchases of debt and equity securities are recorded in payable for securities until the cash is settled. Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash We collect premiums from customers and, after deducting authorized commissions, remit these premiums to the Company’s consolidated insurance subsidiaries. Unremitted insurance premiums are held in a fiduciary capacity until disbursed to the Company’s consolidated insurance subsidiaries. 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. Reinsurance We are routinely involved in reinsurance transactions with other companies. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) 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 7.) F-9 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts 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, expected investment income, losses and LAE 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 2014, 2013 and 2012, we deferred $39.1 million, $55.0 million and $62.2 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $40.9 million, $57.3 million and $59.8 million of deferred policy acquisition costs, respectively. Therefore, the net (amortization) deferrals of policy acquisition costs were ($1.8) million, ($2.3) million and $2.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 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. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net We account for our goodwill and intangible assets according to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” ASC 350 (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 testing of definite-lived intangible assets if the occurrence of an event or circumstances indicates an impairment, (4) requires that reporting units be identified for the purpose of assessing potential future impairments of goodwill, and (5) removes the forty- year limitation on the amortization period of intangible assets that have finite lives. We have elected to perform our goodwill impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter, October 1, of each year. Leases We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. 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 in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets. F-10 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Property and Equipment Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements), aggregating $14.8 million and $14.3 million, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $13.2 million and $12.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 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 Trust II (collectively, (the “Trusts”)) and we do not have variable interests in the Trusts. Therefore, the Trusts are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities primarily as a passive investor in mortgage- backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party variable interest entities. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets. Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Losses and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE 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 LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations. Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest We accreted the redeemable non-controlling interest to its redemption value from the date of issuance to the redemption date using the interest method. Changes in redemption value were considered a change in accounting estimate. We follow the two class method of computing earnings per share. We treat only the portion of the periodic adjustment to the redeemable non-controlling interest carrying amount that reflects a redemption in excess of fair value as being akin to an actual dividend. Effective September 30, 2012, we exercised our call option and acquired the remaining 20% membership interests in the subsidiaries for $1.7 million. Recognition of Premium Revenues Insurance premiums are earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Insurance policy fees are earned as of the effective date of the policy. Upon cancellation, any unearned premium is refunded to the insured. Insurance premiums written include gross policy fees of $11.5 million, $13.2 million and $11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Insurance premiums on monthly reporting workers’ compensation policies are earned on the conclusion of the monthly coverage period. Deposit premiums for workers’ compensation policies are earned upon the expiration of the policy. F-11 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Finance Charges We receive premium installment fees for each direct bill payment from policyholders. Installment fee income is classified as finance charges on the consolidated statement of operations and is recognized as the fee is invoiced. Relationship with Third Party Insurers Through December 31, 2005, our Standard Commercial P&C business unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. Through December 31, 2008, all business of our E&S Commercial business unit was 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 were classified as unearned commission revenue until earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We received a provisional commission as policies were 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. Profit share commission is classified as commissions and fees on the consolidated statement of operations The following table details the profit sharing commission provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty between the Standard Commercial P&C business unit and Clarendon. Provisional loss ratio Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2014 7/1/2001 7/1/2002 60.0% 63.5% 59.0% 64.5% 7/1/2003 59.0% 61.2% 7/1/2004 64.2% 66.0% Treaty Effective Dates As of December 31, 2014, we had a payable of $1.3 million on these profit share treaties. 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 provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for the effective quota share treaty between the E&S Commercial business unit and Republic. 1/1/2006 1/1/2007 1/1/2008 Treaty Effective Dates Provisional loss ratio Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2014 65.0% 58.7% 65.0% 63.6% 65.0% 59.5% As of December 31, 2014, we had a net payable of $0.7 million on these profit share treaties. 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. F-12 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Agent Commissions We pay monthly commissions to agents based on written premium produced, but generally 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 agents is included in deferred policy acquisition costs. 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. Commission expense is classified as other operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. 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. Earnings Per Share The computation of earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of common shares potentially issuable (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect), primarily from stock options. (See Notes 11 and 13.) Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition. Insurance contracts are excluded from the scope of the new guidance. Under the guidance, the transaction price is attributed to underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract may be capitalized to the extent the entity expects to recover those costs. The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is to be applied retrospectively. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption, which is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations and financial position. F-13 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 2. Investments: The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities by category is as follows (in thousands): Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value As of December 31, 2014 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank loans Municipal bonds Mortgage-backed Total debt securities Total equity securities $ 93,280 $ 28,643 115,358 161,546 51,943 450,770 25,360 29 $ 884 206 2,384 487 3,990 31,086 Total debt and equity securities $ 476,130 $ 35,076 $ As of December 31, 2013 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank loans Municipal bonds Mortgage-backed Total debt securities Total equity securities $ 78,894 $ 42,946 102,053 156,950 27,784 408,627 24,902 24 $ 1,379 614 2,577 460 5,054 26,642 (4) $ (85) (1,915) (1,601) (370) (3,975) (2) (3,977) $ (165) $ (450) (489) (1,975) (507) (3,586) (314) 93,305 29,442 113,649 162,329 52,060 450,785 56,444 507,229 78,753 43,875 102,178 157,552 27,737 410,095 51,230 Total debt and equity securities $ 433,529 $ 31,696 $ (3,900) $ 461,325 F-14 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows (in thousands): U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank loans Municipal bonds Mortgage-backed Equity securities Cash and cash equivalents Investment expenses Investment income, net of expenses Twelve Months Ended December 31 2014 2013 2012 $ $ 395 $ 1,378 4,400 5,232 995 509 230 13,139 (756) 12,383 $ 143 $ 2,341 4,653 5,245 737 484 157 13,760 (876) 12,884 $ 53 4,218 5,261 5,616 106 534 246 16,034 (741) 15,293 No investments in any entity or its affiliates exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2014 or 2013. Major categories of net realized gains on investments are summarized as follows (in thousands): U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank loans Municipal bonds Mortgage-backed Equity securities Gain on investments Other-than-temporary impairments Net realized gain Twelve Months Ended December 31 2014 2013 2012 $ $ - $ 263 109 (140) 32 144 408 (274) 134 $ - $ 853 373 (156) - 9,470 10,540 - 10,540 $ - 13 391 (441) - 2,226 2,189 (246) 1,943 We realized gross gains on investments of $0.6 million, $10.9 million, and $2.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We realized gross losses on investments of $0.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We recorded proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $15.3 million, $33.4 million and $12.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method. F-15 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands): 12 months or less Longer than 12 months Total As of December 31, 2014 Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses $ U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank Municipal bonds Mortgage-backed Total debt securities Total equity securities Total debt and equity securities $ 15,005 $ 7,552 64,712 50,546 20,469 158,284 129 158,413 $ (4) $ (85) (824) (945) (365) (2,223) (2) (2,225) $ - $ - 8,898 15,684 2,966 27,548 - 27,548 $ - $ - (1,091) (656) (5) (1,752) 15,005 $ 7,552 73,610 66,230 23,435 185,832 - (1,752) $ 129 185,961 $ (4) (85) (1,915) (1,601) (370) (3,975) (2) (3,977) 12 months or less Longer than 12 months Total As of December 31, 2013 Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses $ U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank Municipal bonds Mortgage-backed Total debt securities Total equity securities Total debt and equity securities $ 47,162 $ 5,649 23,026 35,719 1,383 112,939 316 113,255 $ (165) $ (56) (422) (413) (229) (1,285) (2) (1,287) $ - $ 4,421 6,968 34,684 4,840 50,913 2,721 53,634 $ - $ (394) (67) (1,562) (278) (2,301) (312) (2,613) $ 47,162 $ 10,070 29,994 70,403 6,223 163,852 3,037 166,889 $ (165) (450) (489) (1,975) (507) (3,586) (314) (3,900) At December 31, 2014, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 24 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 future write-downs within our portfolio of debt securities. F-16 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 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 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. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our debt securities portfolio of $0.3 million during 2014. 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 December 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. Due in one year or less Due after one year through five years Due after five years through ten years Due after ten years Mortgage-backed Amortized Cost Fair Value (in thousands) 49,977 $ 185,036 111,008 52,806 51,943 450,770 $ 50,329 185,525 109,925 52,946 52,060 450,785 $ $ We have certain of our securities pledged 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 $20.3 million at December 31, 2014 and a carrying value of $29.1 million at December 31, 2013. F-17 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 3. 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: • • • Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets; Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, inputs of identical assets for less active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology that are unobservable for the asset or liability. 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, U.S. Treasury securities, other obligations of the U.S. Government and mortgage-backed 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. We have not adjusted any prices received from third party pricing services. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities. 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. F-18 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands). U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank loans Municipal bonds Mortgage-backed Total debt securities Total equity securities Total debt and equity securities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Corporate bonds Collateralized corporate bank loans Municipal bonds Mortgage-backed Total debt securities Total equity securities Total debt and equity securities As of December 31, 2014 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total $ $ - $ - - - - - 56,444 56,444 $ 93,305 $ 29,442 113,402 147,978 52,060 436,187 - 436,187 $ - $ - 247 14,351 - 14,598 - 14,598 $ 93,305 29,442 113,649 162,329 52,060 450,785 56,444 507,229 As of December 31, 2013 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total $ $ - $ - - - - - 51,230 51,230 $ 78,753 $ 43,875 101,585 140,628 27,737 392,578 - 392,578 $ - $ - 593 16,924 - 17,517 - 17,517 $ 78,753 43,875 102,178 157,552 27,737 410,095 51,230 461,325 F-19 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 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 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 year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands). Beginning balance as of January 1 Sales Settlements Purchases Issuances Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income Net gains included in other comprehensive income Transfers into Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Ending balance as of December 31 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets: $ $ 2014 2013 17,517 $ (3,490) - - - - 571 - - 14,598 $ 19,668 (3,157) - - - - 1,006 - - 17,517 Effective August 29, 2008, we acquired 80% of the issued and outstanding membership interests in Heath XS, LLC and Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC for consideration of $15.0 million. In connection with the acquisition, we executed an operating agreement for each subsidiary. The operating agreements granted us the right to purchase the remaining 20% membership interests in the subsidiaries and granted an affiliate of the seller the right to require us to purchase such remaining membership interests. Effective September 30, 2012, we exercised our call option and acquired the remaining 20% membership interests in the subsidiaries for $1.7 million. Effective July 1, 2011, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of 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. We recorded a bargain purchase gain of $165 thousand on the acquisition which was reported in other income. The gain resulted from the difference in the estimated purchase price and the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 1, 2011. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (October 1) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. For purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our business units except for the Hallmark Select business unit for which reporting units are at the component level (“one level below”). Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $44.7 million that is assigned to our business units as follows: Standard Commercial P&C business unit - $2.1 million; E&S Commercial business unit - $19.8 million; Hallmark Select business unit- $17.4 million (comprised of $7.7 million for the excess & umbrella component and $9.7 million for the general aviation and satellite component); and Personal Lines business unit - $5.4 million. This amount has been recorded as a result of prior business acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under ASC 350, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other,” goodwill is tested for impairment annually. We completed our last annual test for impairment on the first day of the fourth quarter of 2014 and determined that there was no impairment. F-20 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 The income approach to determining fair value computed the projections of the cash flows that the reporting unit was expected to generate converted into a present value equivalent through discounting. Significant assumptions in the income approach model included income projections, discount rates and terminal growth values. The income projections reflect an improved premium rate environment across most of our lines of business that continued throughout 2014. The income projections also included loss and LAE assumptions which reflected recent historical claim trends and the movement towards a more favorable pricing environment. The income projections also included assumptions for expense growth and investment yields which were based on business plans for each of our business units. The discount rate was based on a risk free rate plus a beta adjusted equity risk premium and specific company risk premium. The assumptions were based on historical experience, expectations of future performance, expected market conditions and other factors requiring judgment and estimates. While we believe the assumptions used in these models were reasonable, the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance and market conditions may change over time and influence the outcome of future testing. During 2014, 2013, and 2012, we completed the first step prescribed by ASC 350 for testing for impairment and determined that there was no impairment. We have obtained various 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): Gross Carrying Amount: Customer/agent relationships Tradename Management agreement Non-compete & employment agreements Insurance licenses Total gross carrying amount Accumulated Amortization: Customer/agent relationships Tradename Management agreement Non-compete & employment agreements Total accumulated amortization $ December 31 2014 2013 32,177 $ 3,440 3,232 4,235 1,300 44,384 (17,561) (1,929) (3,232) (4,235) (26,957) 32,177 3,440 3,232 4,235 1,300 44,384 (15,322) (1,700) (3,232) (4,177) (24,431) Total net carrying amount $ 17,427 $ 19,953 F-21 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Insurance licenses are not amortized because they have an indefinite life. We amortize definite-lived intangible assets straight line over their respective lives. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is as follows (in thousands): 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 $ $ $ $ $ 2,468 2,468 2,468 2,468 2,468 The weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets by major class is as follows: Tradename Customer relationships Management agreement Non-compete agreements The aggregate weighted average period to amortize these assets is approximately 13 years. Years 15 15 4 5 F-22 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 5. Other Assets: The following table details our other assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): Profit sharing commission receivable Accrued investment income Debt issuance costs Investment in unconsolidated trust subsidiaries Fixed assets Other assets 2014 2013 $ $ 274 $ 2,974 1,104 1,702 1,620 205 7,879 $ 6. Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses: Activity in the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE is summarized as follows (in thousands): Balance at January 1 Less reinsurance recoverable Net Balance at January 1 Incurred related to: Current year Prior years Total incurred Paid related to: Current year Prior years Total paid Net Balance at December 31 Plus reinsurance recoverable Balance at December 31 2014 2013 2012 $ $ 382,640 $ 70,172 312,468 215,258 (5,203) 210,055 76,231 123,100 199,331 323,192 91,943 415,135 $ 313,416 $ 49,584 263,832 251,391 9,954 261,345 101,897 110,812 212,709 312,468 70,172 382,640 $ 641 3,030 1,156 1,702 1,773 110 8,412 296,945 42,044 254,901 230,089 (3,675) 226,414 107,945 109,538 217,483 263,832 49,584 313,416 The $5.2 million favorable development, $10.0 million unfavorable development and $3.7 million favorable development in prior accident years recognized in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, represent normal changes in our loss reserve estimates. In 2014 and 2012, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were decreased to reflect favorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be less than the previous estimates. In 2013, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were increased to reflect unfavorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be more than the previous estimates. Generally, changes in reserves are caused by variations between actual experience and previous expectations and by reduced emphasis on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method due to the aging of the accident years. F-23 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 The $5.2 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2014 was attributable to $7.2 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year, $4.4 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year and $2.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit, Personal Lines business unit, Workers Compensation business unit and Hallmark Select business unit accounted for $4.1 million, $2.9 million, $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2014. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit was primarily related to our commercial auto and general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Personal Lines business unit was primarily attributable to the 2013 accident year. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation business unit was attributable to the 2013, 2012 and 2011 and prior accident years. The decrease in reserves for our Hallmark Select business unit was primarily related to $0.9 million favorable development in our commercial excess liability line of business and $0.4 million favorable development in our medical professional liability products, partially offset by a $0.3 million unfavorable development in our general aviation line of business. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable development of $4.7 million in our E&S Commercial business unit primarily related to our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business. The $10.0 million increase in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2013 was attributable to $5.0 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year, $1.7 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year and $3.3 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 and prior accident years. Our E&S Commercial business unit and Personal Lines business unit accounted for $16.0 million and $1.8 million of the increase in reserves recognized during 2013. The increase in reserves for our E&S Commercial business unit was primarily related to commercial auto liability line of business. The increase in reserves for our Personal Lines business unit was primarily related to personal auto in the 2012 accident year. These unfavorable developments were partially offset by favorable prior years’ loss development of $3.7 million in our Standard Commercial P&C business unit, $2.6 million in our Hallmark Select business unit and $1.5 million in our Workers Compensation business unit. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit was primarily related to commercial auto and general liability line of business. The decrease in reserves for our Hallmark Select business unit was driven by $2.3 million of favorable claims development in the 2011 and prior accident years related to our aircraft liability lines of business, partially offset by $0.1 million unfavorable claims development in the 2012 accident year related to our aircraft hull coverage. Further contributing to the decrease in reserves for our Hallmark Select business unit was $0.4 million of favorable claims development in our excess & umbrella lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Workers Compensation business unit was related to the 2012 and 2011 accident years. The $3.7 million decrease in reserves for unpaid losses and LAE recognized in 2012 was attributable to $0.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year, $0.8 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 accident year and $2.5 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2009 and prior accident years. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit, Hallmark Select business unit and E&S Commercial business unit accounted for $3.7 million, $3.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of the decrease in reserves recognized during 2012. The decrease in reserves for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit was primarily related to commercial auto, commercial property and general liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our Hallmark Select business unit was primarily related to our aircraft liability lines of business. The decrease in reserves for our E&S Commercial business unit was primarily related to general liability. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable prior years’ loss development of $3.6 million in our Personal Lines business unit related to auto liability claims spread throughout various states and our low value dwelling/homeowners line of business. 7. 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 December 31, 2014 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit. F-24 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years (in thousands): Premium Written : Direct Assumed Ceded Premium Earned: Direct Assumed Ceded Reinsurance recoveries 2014 2013 2012 $ $ $ $ $ 473,233 $ (15) (148,866) 324,352 $ 461,367 $ 327 (140,477) 321,217 $ 458,020 $ 2,007 (99,262) 360,765 $ 434,022 $ 3,204 (76,685) 360,541 $ 99,911 $ 45,456 $ 385,624 4,218 (57,353) 332,489 369,735 4,114 (54,413) 319,436 29,014 Included in reinsurance recoverable on the consolidated balance sheets are paid loss recoverables of $17.0 million and $6.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We currently reinsure the following exposures on business generated by our business units: • Property catastrophe. Our property catastrophe reinsurance reduces the financial impact a catastrophe could have on our commercial and personal 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. Effective July 1, 2014 the terms of our property catastrophe reinsurance are: and o We retain the first $3.0 million of property catastrophe losses; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us 100% for any loss occurrence in excess of our $3.0 million retention up to $32.0 million for each catastrophic occurrence, subject to an aggregate limit of $64.0 million. • 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 are: o We retain the first $1.0 million of loss for each commercial property risk; o Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial property risk, and $10.0 million for all commercial property risk involved in any one occurrence, in all cases subject to an aggregate limit of $30.0 million for all commercial property losses occurring during the treaty period; and o 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 are: F-25 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 o We retain the first $1.0 million of any commercial liability risk; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial liability risk. • Aviation. We purchase proportional reinsurance where we currently cede 80% of the risk to reinsurers on the aviation risks produced in all states by our Hallmark Select business unit. • Occupational Accident. We purchase excess-of-loss reinsurance coverage for the occupational accident insurance product produced by our Standard Commercial P&C business unit. The terms of our occupational accident reinsurance are: o We retain the first $1.0 million of any occupational accident risk; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each occupational accident risk up to $10.0 million for each occurrence. • Workers Compensation. We purchase excess of loss reinsurance specific to the workers compensation risks underwritten by our Workers Compensation business unit. The terms of our workers compensation reinsurance are: o We retain the first $1.0 million of each workers compensation loss; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us 100% for the next $14.0 million for each workers compensation loss, subject to a maximum limit of $10.0 million for any one person and an aggregate limit of $28.0 million for all workers compensation losses. Personal Property. Effective March 1, 2014, we purchased proportional reinsurance where we cede 80% of the risks to reinsurers on the low value dwelling/homeowners, renters and manufactured homes coverages produced in all states by our Personal Lines business unit. For policies written effective February 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014, we ceded 60% of these risks to reinsurers. Personal Auto. . Effective October 1, 2014 we purchased proportional reinsurance where we cede 50% of the risks to reinsurers on the nonstandard automobile risks produced in certain states by our Personal Lines business unit. For policies written effective October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, we ceded 90% of these risks to reinsurers. Standard Commercial P&C. We purchase proportional reinsurance where we currently cede 100% of the risks to reinsurers on the equipment breakdown coverage on our commercial multi-peril property and business owners risks and on the employment practices liability coverage on certain commercial multi-peril, general liability and business owners risks. Excess & Umbrella. We purchase proportional reinsurance where we currently retain 20% of each risk and cede the remaining 80% to reinsurers on the commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance produced by our Hallmark Select business unit. • • • • • Professional Liability. Effective June 1, 2014, we purchased excess of loss reinsurance on our medical professional liability risks produced by our Hallmark Select business unit. The terms of our professional liability reinsurance are as follows: o We retain the first $1.0 million of any professional liability risk; and o Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $2.0 million for each professional liability loss occurrence. Prior to June 1, 2014, we purchased proportional reinsurance on our medical professional liability risks produced by our Hallmark Select business unit where we retained 60% of each risk and ceded the remaining 40% to reinsurers. • E&S Commercial. We purchase facultative reinsurance on our commercial umbrella and excess liability risks produced by our E&S Commercial business unit where we currently retain 10% of the first $1.0 million of risk and cede the remaining 90% to reinsurers. We currently cede to reinsurers 100% of our commercial umbrella and excess liability risks in excess of $1.0 million. Effective May 1, 2014, we purchased proportional reinsurance on the commercial auto liability risks produced by a program underwriter in our E&S Commercial business unit where we retain 20% of each risk and cede the remaining 80% to reinsurers. • Hallmark County Mutual. HCM is used to front certain lines of business in our Specialty Commercial and Personal Segments in Texas. In addition, HCM is used to front business produced by unaffiliated third parties. HCM does not retain any business. F-26 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 8. Revolving Credit Facility and Notes 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. As of December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our covenants. As of December 31, 2014 we had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2013, the balance on the revolving note was $1.5 million. 9. 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 December 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 December 31, 2014, the balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million. 10. Segment Information: We pursue our business activities primarily 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 business units into the following reportable segments: • • Standard Commercial Segment. The Standard Commercial Segment lines commercial property/casualty and occupational accident insurance products and services handled by our Standard Commercial P&C business unit and the workers compensation insurance products handled by our Workers Compensation business unit. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit is comprised of our American Hallmark Insurance Services and ECM subsidiaries. Our Workers Compensation business unit is comprised of our TBIC Holdings, TBIC and TBICRM subsidiaries. includes the standard Specialty Commercial Segment. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes the excess and surplus lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our E&S Commercial business unit and the general aviation, commercial umbrella and excess liability, medical professional liability and satellite launch insurance products and services handled by our Hallmark Select business unit, as well as certain Specialty Programs which are managed at the parent level. Our E&S Commercial business unit is comprised of our HSU, PAAC and TGASRI subsidiaries. Our Hallmark Select business F-27 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 unit is comprised of our Aerospace Insurance Managers, ASRI, ACMG, HXS and HDS subsidiaries. • Personal Segment. The Personal Segment includes the non-standard personal automobile and renters insurance products and services handled by our Personal Lines business unit which is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc., both of which do business as Hallmark Insurance Company. During the fourth quarter of 2014, our Personal Lines business unit discontinued the low value dwelling/homeowner’s and manufactured homes insurance products it previously offered. The retained premium produced by these reportable segments is supported by our AHIC, HSIC, HIC, HNIC and TBIC insurance company subsidiaries. In addition, control and management of 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 net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 27% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 30% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 13% of the net premiums written by any of them. Neither HCM nor TBIC is a party to the intercompany pooling arrangement. F-28 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 The following is additional business segment information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands): Revenues Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Corporate Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Corporate Consolidated Interest Expense Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Corporate Consolidated Tax Expense (Benefit) Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Corporate Consolidated Pre-tax Income (Loss), net of non-controlling interest Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Corporate Consolidated 2014 2013 2012 81,464 $ 241,920 20,404 (6,422) 337,366 $ 83,306 $ 229,734 71,081 5,307 389,428 $ 73,119 178,917 89,149 615 341,800 183 $ 2,503 515 23 3,224 $ - $ - - 4,576 4,576 $ 622 $ 9,690 (574) (4,385) 5,353 $ 201 $ 2,896 1,111 92 4,300 $ - $ - - 4,599 4,599 $ 312 $ 3,613 (398) (692) 2,835 $ 186 2,892 1,230 113 4,421 - - - 4,634 4,634 372 1,875 (968) (1,753) (474) 4,595 $ 34,237 1,226 (21,276) 18,782 $ 1,980 $ 19,527 (3,416) (7,011) 11,080 $ (2,486) 25,932 (8,535) (11,861) 3,050 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ F-29 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 The following is additional business segment information as of the following dates (in thousands): Assets Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Personal Segment Corporate Consolidated 11. Earnings Per Share: December 31 2014 2013 $ $ 145,355 $ 590,852 222,183 22,479 980,869 $ 142,143 536,894 210,825 19,161 909,023 We have adopted the provisions of ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share,” 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 is presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts): Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share: Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. $ 13,429 $ 8,245 $ 3,524 2014 2013 2012 Denominator, basic shares Effect of dilutive securities: Stock-based compensation awards Denominator, diluted shares Basic earnings per share: Diluted earnings per share: 19,197 19,263 19,263 169 19,366 98 19,361 6 19,269 $ $ 0.70 $ 0.69 $ 0.43 $ 0.18 0.43 $ 0.18 We had 544,999 shares, 779,999 shares and 794,999 shares of common stock potentially issuable upon exercise of employee stock options for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that were excluded from the weighted average number of shares outstanding on a diluted basis because the effect of such options would be anti-dilutive. These instruments expire at varying times from 2016 to 2021. F-30 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 12. Regulatory Capital Restrictions: Hallmark, as a holding company, is dependent on dividend payments and management fees from its subsidiaries to fund its operating expenses, debt obligations and capital needs, including the ability to pay dividends to its stockholders. Hallmark has never paid dividends on its common stock. Hallmark intends to continue this policy for the foreseeable future in order to retain earnings for development of its business. There are no regulatory or contractual restrictions on the ability of Hallmark to pay dividends other than customary default provisions and the impact of any dividend payment on financial ratio covenants in certain credit agreements. However, there are restrictions on the ability of Hallmark’s insurance carrier subsidiaries to transfer funds to the holding company. The amount of retained earnings that is unrestricted for the payment of dividends by Hallmark to its shareholders was $32.5 million as of December 31, 2014. 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. HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, are 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. For all our insurance companies, dividends may only be paid from unassigned surplus funds. During 2015, the aggregate ordinary dividend capacity of these subsidiaries is $24.3 million, of which $16.2 million is available to Hallmark. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders. During the year ended December 31, 2014, our insurance company subsidiaries paid $8.0 million in dividends to Hallmark. None of our insurance company subsidiaries paid a dividend during the year ended December 31, 2013. The total restricted net assets of our insurance company subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014, was approximately $219.5 million. 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. The net amount paid in management fees by our insurance subsidiaries to Hallmark and our non-insurance company subsidiaries was $1.1 million, $8.2 million and $9.0 million during each of 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 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, 2014 and 2013, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory capital and surplus of $210.0 million and $196.3 million, respectively, substantially greater than the minimum requirements for each state. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, respectively, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $22.3 million, $6.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively. 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, 2014, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements. F-31 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 13. 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 December 31, 2014, there were outstanding incentive stock options to purchase 757,977 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 427,824 shares of our common stock. There are 358,850 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 vests in equal annual increments on each of the first three anniversary dates and terminates 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 December 31, 2014 and changes during the year then ended is presented below: Outstanding at January 1, 2014 Granted Exercised Forfeited or expired Outstanding at December 31, 2014 Exercisable at December 31, 2014 Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Instrinsic Value ($000) 1,387,489 $ - (135,359) $ (189,996) $ 1,062,134 $ 948,561 $ 9.66 8.53 11.29 9.51 9.85 3.3 $ 3.2 $ 2,877 2,260 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): Intrinsic value of options exercised Cost of share-based payments (non-cash) Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income 2014 2013 2012 $ $ $ 412 $ 173 $ 30 $ - $ 207 $ 30 $ - 380 38 As of December 31, 2014, there was $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under our plans, of which $0.2 million is expected to be recognized in 2015, $44 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2016 and $3 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2017. F-32 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 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 in 2014, 2013 or 2012. 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. Subsequently on September 8, 2014, an aggregate of 175,983 restricted stock units were granted to certain employees. 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, the restricted stock units granted on April 10, 2013 vest on March 31, 2016, the restricted stock units granted on September 8, 2014 (except for one grant) vest on March 31, 2017 and one grant of restricted stock units granted on September 8, 2014 vests on March 31, 2018. Grantees of restricted stock units do not have any rights of a stockholder of the Company, and do not participate in any distributions to common stockholders of the Company, until the award fully vests upon satisfaction of the vesting schedule, performance criteria and other conditions set forth in the agreement. Therefore, the unvested restricted stock units do not contain nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalent payments and are not considered participating securities for the purposes of ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share.” 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 granted in 2012 and 2013 is $9.20 per unit. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted in 2014 is $9.66 per unit. The Company incurred compensation expense of $49 thousand and $145 thousand related to the restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $17 thousand and $51 thousand related to the restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the year then ended is presented below: Nonvested at January 1, 2014 Granted Vested Forfeited Nonvested at December 31, 2014 F-33 Number of Restricted Stock Units 236,851 175,983 - (127,618) 285,216 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 As of December 31, 2014, there was $0.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units granted under our 2005 LTIP, of which $0.4 million is expected to be recognized in 2015, $0.3 million is expected to be recognized in 2016, $0.2 million is expected to be recognized in 2017 and $32 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2018. 14. 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands) using a measurement date of December 31. F-34 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Assumptions (end of period): Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation Rate of compensation increase Reconciliation of funded status (end of period): Accumulated benefit obligation Projected benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets Funded status Net actuarial loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Prepaid pension cost Net amount recognized as of December 31 Changes in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation as of beginning of period Interest cost Actuarial liability (gain)/loss Benefits paid 2014 2013 2012 3.86% N/A 4.49% N/A 3.89% N/A $ $ $ $ $ (13,909) $ (12,284) $ (13,439) (13,909) $ 11,290 (2,619) $ (12,284) $ 10,851 (1,433) $ (13,439) 9,754 (3,685) (4,000) (4,000) 1,381 (2,277) (2,277) 844 (4,545) (4,545) 860 (2,619) $ (1,433) $ (3,685) 12,284 $ 532 1,947 (854) 13,439 $ 505 (824) (836) 12,990 564 700 (815) Benefit obligation as of end of period $ 13,909 $ 12,284 $ 13,439 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of period Actual return on plan assets (net of expenses) Employer contributions Benefits paid Fair value of plan assets as of end of period Net periodic pension cost: Service cost - benefits earned during the period Interest cost on projected benefit obligation Expected return on plan assets Recognized actuarial loss Net periodic pension cost Discount rate Expected return on plan assets Rate of compensation increase $ 10,851 $ 760 533 (854) 9,754 $ 1,565 368 (836) $ 11,290 $ 10,851 $ $ - $ - $ 532 (698) 162 505 (615) 495 $ (4) $ 385 $ 4.49% 6.50% N/A 3.89% 6.50% N/A 9,019 839 711 (815) 9,754 - 564 (584) 482 462 4.50% 6.50% N/A F-35 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Estimated future benefit payments by fiscal year (in thousands): 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020-2024 $ $ $ $ $ $ 923 913 913 909 896 4,279 As of December 31, 2014, the fair value of the plan assets was composed of cash and cash equivalents of $0.4 million, debt securities of $3.7 million and equity securities of $7.2 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. The expected return on plan assets uses the fair market value as of December 31, 2014. To develop the discount rate used in determining the benefit obligation we used the Wells Fargo AA Pension Discount Curve at the measurement date to match the timing and amounts of projected future benefits. A corridor approach is used to amortize actuarial gains and losses. We are applying the 10% threshold set forth in ASC 715. In addition, since all accrued benefits under the plan are frozen, we are amortizing the unrecognized gains and losses outside of the corridor by the average life expectancy of the plan participants. We are not required to make a contribution to the defined benefit cash balance plan during 2015. We expect our 2015 periodic pension cost to be $(0.1) million, the components of which are interest cost of $0.5 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, 2014 and 2013. Asset Category: Debt securities Equity securities Other Total F-36 December 31 2014 2013 33% 64% 3% 100% 32% 65% 3% 100% HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 Effective January 1, 2008, we determine the fair value of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820. (See Note 3.) The following table presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands). As of December 31, 2014 Debt securities Equity securities Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) $ $ - $ 7,230 7,230 $ 3,718 $ - 3,718 $ - $ - - $ Total 3,718 7,230 10,948 As of December 31, 2013 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Debt securities Equity securities Total $ $ - $ 7,080 7,080 $ 3,448 $ - 3,448 $ Total 3,448 7,080 10,528 - $ - - $ Our plan assets also include cash and cash equivalents of $0.4 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are carried at cost which approximates fair value. 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 $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. F-37 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 15. Income Taxes: The composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related tax effects as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands): Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition costs Net unrealized holding gain on investments Agency relationship Intangible assets Goodwill Fixed assets Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets: Unearned premiums Alternative minimum tax Amortization of non-compete agreements Pension liability Net operating loss carry-forward Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense Rent reserve Reinsurance payable Bonus accrual Investment impairments Other Total deferred tax assets 2014 2013 $ (7,261) $ (10,886) (75) (5,613) (479) (432) (133) (24,879) 10,042 - 357 1,400 518 6,871 355 387 809 625 423 21,787 (7,905) (9,730) (85) (6,129) (325) (499) (263) (24,936) 9,822 442 417 797 611 8,173 366 238 215 660 370 22,111 Deferred federal income taxes, net $ (3,092) $ (2,825) A reconciliation of the income tax provisions based on the statutory tax rate to the provision reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows (in thousands): Computed expected income tax expense at statutory regulatory tax rate Meals and entertainment Tax exempt interest Dividends received deduction State taxes (net of federal benefit) Other Income tax expense (benefit) Current income tax expense Deferred tax benefit Income tax expense (benefit) 2014 2013 2012 $ $ $ $ 6,574 $ 27 (1,276) (107) 259 (124) 5,353 $ 5,746 $ (393) 5,353 $ 3,878 $ 25 (1,314) (101) 276 71 2,835 $ 3,092 $ (257) 2,835 $ 1,181 28 (1,631) (111) 298 (239) (474) 2,377 (2,851) (474) F-38 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 We have available, for federal income tax purposes, unused net operating loss of approximately $1.5 million at December 31, 2014. The losses were acquired as part of the HIC and HCM acquisitions 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 provides 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 will expire if unused, as follows (in thousands): Year 2021 2022 2028 2029 2031 2032 2033 2034 $ $ 325 878 2 25 45 77 73 56 1,481 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 2011. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. There were no uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2014. F-39 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 16. Commitments and Contingencies: We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. Certain of these leases contain renewal options. Rental expense amounted to $2.3 million, $2.2 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands): Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 and thereafter Total minimum lease payments $ $ 1,922 1,887 1,772 1,494 1,433 2,432 10,940 From time to time, assessments are levied on us by the guaranty association of the states where we offer our insurance products. Such assessments are made primarily to cover the losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurers. Since these assessments can generally be recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes paid, we capitalize the assessments that can be recovered as they are paid and amortize the capitalized balance against our premium tax expense. We did not receive an assessment during 2014. We paid an assessment of $29 thousand in 2013. We are engaged in 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. F-40 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 17. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances: The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows (in thousands): Pension Liability Unrealized Gains (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at January 1, 2012 Other comprehensive income: Change in net actuarial gain Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain Unrealized holding gains arising during the period Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense Other comprehensive income, net of tax $ (2,978) $ 9,424 $ 37 (13) - - - - 4,388 (1,536) - (2,189) - 24 766 1,429 Balance at December 31, 2012 Other comprehensive income: Change in net actuarial gain Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain Unrealized holding gains arising during the period Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period $ (2,954) $ 10,853 $ 2,268 (794) - - - - 22,094 (7,733) 6,446 37 (13) 4,388 (1,536) (2,189) 766 1,453 7,899 2,268 (794) 22,094 (7,733) Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense Other comprehensive income, net of tax Balance at December 31, 2013 Other comprehensive income: Change in net actuarial gain Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain Unrealized holding gains arising during the period Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense Other comprehensive income, net of tax - (10,540) (10,540) - 1,474 3,689 7,510 $ (1,480) $ 18,363 $ (1,723) 603 - - - - (1,120) - - 3,543 (1,240) (408) 143 2,038 3,689 8,984 16,883 (1,723) 603 3,543 (1,240) (408) 143 918 Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (2,600) $ 20,401 $ 17,801 F-41 HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 18. Concentrations of Credit Risk: We maintain cash and 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 existed at December 31, 2014. 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 balances as of December 31, 2014 were with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit. 19. Unaudited Selected Financial Quarterly Information: Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share data). In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for such periods have been made. 2014 2013 Total revenue Total expense Income (loss) before tax Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Q1 87,109 $ Q2 80,836 $ Q3 81,417 $ 88,004 $ Q4 Q1 93,141 $ $ Q2 99,299 $ 108,613 $ Q3 Q4 80,697 6,412 1,864 4,548 $ 78,794 2,042 391 1,651 $ 76,689 4,728 1,265 3,463 82,404 5,600 1,833 3,767 $ 90,978 2,163 469 1,694 $ 104,616 (5,317) (2,166) (3,151) $ 99,141 9,472 3,198 6,274 $ 88,375 83,613 4,762 1,334 3,428 Basic earnings (loss) per share: $ 0.24 $ 0.09 $ 0.18 $ 0.20 $ 0.09 $ (0.16) $ 0.33 $ 0.18 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: $ 0.23 $ 0.09 $ 0.18 $ 0.19 $ 0.09 $ (0.16) $ 0.32 $ 0.18 F-42 Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2014 and 2013 (In thousands) ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Investment in subsidiaries Deferred federal income taxes Other assets 2014 2013 $ 11,839 $ 325,608 747 4,061 8,063 316,295 930 3,729 $ 342,255 $ 329,017 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities: Revolving credit facility payable Subordinated debt securities Current federal income tax payable Accounts payable and other accrued expenses $ Stockholders’ equity: Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2014 and in 2013 Capital in excess of par value Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income Treasury stock (1,655,306 shares in 2014 and 1,609,374 in 2013), at cost Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity - $ 56,702 64 33,452 90,218 3,757 123,194 119,638 17,801 (12,353) 252,037 1,473 56,702 3,353 29,371 90,899 3,757 122,827 106,209 16,883 (11,558) 238,118 $ 342,255 $ 329,017 See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. F-43 Schedule II (Continued) – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (In thousands) Investment income (loss), net of expenses $ 133 $ (190) $ 2014 2013 2012 Dividend income from subsidiaries Management fee income Operating expenses Interest expense Amortization of intangible assets 8,000 9,614 17,747 9,759 4,576 - - 8,518 8,328 7,764 4,599 - (181) - 8,485 8,304 8,079 4,634 17 Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit Income tax benefit 14,335 12,363 12,730 3,412 (4,035) (1,623) (1,227) (4,426) (1,627) Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 5,035 (2,808) (2,799) Equity in undistributed share of earnings in subsidiaries 8,394 11,053 6,323 Net income Comprehensive income $ $ 13,429 $ 8,245 $ 3,524 14,347 $ 17,229 $ 4,977 See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. F-44 Schedule II (Continued) – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income 2014 2013 2012 $ 13,429 $ 8,245 $ 3,524 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization expense Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Undistributed share of earnings of subsidiaries Change in current federal income tax (recoverable)payable Change in all other liabilities Change in all other assets Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment, net Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options Purchase of treasury shares Activity under revolving credit facility, net Net cash used in financing activities Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 68 183 (8,394) (3,290) 4,081 (131) 5,946 (47) (47) 1,155 (1,805) (1,473) (2,123) 3,776 8,063 92 1,182 (11,053) (3,694) 12,232 63 7,067 (116) (116) - - - - 6,951 1,112 113 (1,725) (6,323) 4,030 357 450 426 (46) (46) - - (2,577) (2,577) (2,197) 3,309 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 11,839 $ 8,063 $ 1,112 Supplemental cash flow information: Interest paid Income taxes (paid) recovered $ $ (4,576) $ (4,599) $ (4,656) (1,481) $ (1,285) $ 3,932 See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. F-45 Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (In thousands) Column A Segment 2014 Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Column K Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims, and Loss Adjustment Expenses Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable Unearned Premiums Premium Revenue Net Investment Income Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other Operating Expenses Net Premiums Written Personal Segment $ 729 $ 29,595 $ 15,483 $ - $ 14,083 $ 1,633 $ 8,964 $ 9,315 $ 9,977 $ 16,802 Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Corporate Consolidated 2013 5,892 14,125 - 109,672 34,822 275,868 146,521 - - - - - 78,311 4,663 51,130 3,389 25,479 76,912 228,823 12,643 149,961 28,186 53,851 230,638 - (6,556) - - 10,279 - $ 20,746 $ 415,135 $ 196,826 $ - $ 321,217 $ 12,383 $ 210,055 $ 40,890 $ 99,586 $ 324,352 Personal Segment $ 660 $ 38,294 $ 17,989 $ - $ 63,800 $ 2,065 $ 52,656 $ 17,759 $ 16,957 $ 45,644 Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Corporate Consolidated 2012 6,124 15,802 - 111,473 36,309 232,873 131,005 - - - - - 78,176 5,031 56,143 8,254 25,313 79,466 218,565 11,021 152,546 31,264 56,974 235,655 - (5,233) - - 7,720 - $ 22,586 $ 382,640 $ 185,303 $ - $ 360,541 $ 12,884 $ 261,345 $ 57,277 $ 106,964 $ 360,765 Personal Segment $ 4,952 $ 40,387 $ 21,125 $ - $ 81,451 $ 2,449 $ 69,606 $ 17,250 $ 26,413 $ 76,345 Standard Commercial Segment Specialty Commercial Segment Corporate Consolidated 5,968 13,991 - 103,610 35,073 169,419 106,304 - - - - - 69,155 4,925 52,828 10,825 22,742 70,091 168,830 9,435 103,980 31,730 49,170 186,053 - (1,516) - - 7,825 - $ 24,911 $ 313,416 $ 162,502 $ - $ 319,436 $ 15,293 $ 226,414 $ 59,805 $ 106,150 $ 332,489 See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. F-46 Schedule IV – Reinsurance (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Life insurance in force Premiums Life insurance Accident and health insurance Property and liability insurance Title Insurance Total premiums Year Ended December 31, 2013 Life insurance in force Premiums Life insurance Accident and health insurance Property and liability insurance Title Insurance Total premiums Year Ended December 31, 2012 Life insurance in force Premiums Life insurance Accident and health insurance Property and liability insurance Title Insurance Total premiums FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Column B Gross Amount Column C Ceded to Other Companies Column D Assumed from Other Companies Column E Net Amount Column F Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ - $ - $ - $ - - $ - 461,367 - 461,367 $ - $ - 140,477 - 140,477 $ - $ - 327 - 327 $ - - 321,217 - 321,217 - $ - $ - $ - - $ - 434,022 - 434,022 $ - $ - 76,685 - 76,685 $ - $ - 3,204 - 3,204 $ - - 360,541 - 360,541 - $ - $ - $ - - $ - 369,735 - 369,735 $ - $ - 54,413 - 54,413 $ - $ - 4,114 - 4,114 $ - - 319,436 - 319,436 0.10% 0.10% 0.89% 0.89% 1.29% 1.29% See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. F-47 FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 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 Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Discount if any, Deducted In Column C Unearned Premiums Earned Premiums Net Investment Income Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisitions Costs Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses Net Premiums Written (1) Current Year (2) Prior Years Affiliation With Registrant (a) Consolidated property-casualty Entities 2014 2013 2012 $ $ $ 20,746 $ 22,586 $ 24,911 $ 415,135 $ 382,640 $ 313,416 $ - $ - $ - $ 196,826 $ 185,303 $ 162,502 $ 321,217 $ 360,541 $ 319,436 $ 12,383 $ 12,884 $ 15,293 $ 215,258 $ 251,391 $ 230,089 $ (5,203) $ 9,954 $ (3,675) $ 40,890 $ 57,277 $ 59,805 $ 199,331 $ 212,709 $ 217,483 $ 324,352 360,765 332,489 See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm. F-48 (This page intentionally left blank.) Corporate Information BoarD oF Directors Mark E. Schwarz executive chairman Scott T. Berlin managing Director, Brown, Gibbons, lang & company James H. Graves partner, erwin, Graves & associates, lp Jim W. Henderson Chairman & Chief Executive Officer assuredpartners, inc. manaGement team Mark E. Schwarz executive chairman Naveen Anand President & Chief Executive Officer Kevin T. Kasitz executive vice president & president of standard commercial Jeffrey R. Passmore senior vice president & Chief Accounting Officer Donald E. Meyer president of e&s specialty James A. Damonte president of primary & excess casualty, professional liability & aviation Michael P. Binns president of personal lines inDepenDent reGistereD puBlic accountants Ernst & Young LLP 425 Houston street suite 600 Ft. Worth, texas 76102 stock sYmBol Hallmark Financial services, inc. common stock is listed on the nasDaQ Global market under the symbol “HALL.” transFer aGent Securities Transfer Corporation 2591 Dallas parkway suite 102 Frisco, texas 75034 (469) 633-0101 leGal counsel McGuire, Craddock & Strother, P.C. 2501 n. Harwood suite 1800, Dallas, texas 75201 stockHolDer meetinG the annual meeting of stockholders will be held at 10:00 a.m. cDt on may 29, 2015 in the training center on the concourse level at 777 main street, Ft. Worth, texas 76102. corporate HeaDQuarters Hallmark Financial services, inc. 777 main street suite 1000 Ft. Worth, texas 76102 (817) 348-1600 www.hallmarkgrp.com Hallmark's Business Plan is to operate as a diversified underwriter of niche property and casualty insurance products. this plan is executed by wholly owned business units, each with a separate specialty product focus. Our Corporate Strategy is to create a “Best-in-class” specialty insurance company focused on under writing profitability and long-term growth of stockholders’ book value per share. our specialty product focus and niche market strategy enable us to develop and retain in-house underwriting expertise and spe- cialized market knowledge, which helps differentiate Hallmark from our competitors. each business unit tailors its products and product distribu- tion to the unique nature of the risk and coverages they provide. Our Financial Goal is to earn a consistent underwriting profit and build long-term share- holder value by focusing on profitability and operating efficiency versus topline premium growth and market share. ) 0 0 0 $ ( E M O C N I T E N $27,863 $24,575 $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $13.11 $14 $12 $13,429 $10 $12,899 $10,000 $9,186 $9.191 $7,403 $8,245 $3,524 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 $5,000 $0 ($5,000) ($10,000) $8 $6 $4 $2 $0 B O O K V A L U E P E R S H A R E “ H A L L ” ($10,891) Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. annual report 2014 H a l l m a r k F i n a n c i a l s e r v i c e s , i n c . a n n u a l r e p o r t 2 0 1 4 777 main street, suite 1000 i Fort Worth, texas 76102 i p (817) 348-1600 i www.hallmarkgp.com

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