10-K 1 bnl200710k.htm BNL FINANCIAL 2007 10K bnl200710k.htm
 
 

 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007

or
[   ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________to_____________

Commission File No. 0-16880

BNL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
 IOWA
42-1239454
(State of incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
   
7010 Hwy 71 W., Suite 100
 
Austin, TX
78735
(Address of principal executive offices)
 (Zip Code)
   
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (512) 383-0220

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, No Par Value
(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of Securities Act.  Yes [   ] No [ X ]

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act . Yes [   ] No [ X ]

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form
10-K. [ X ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (check one):
 Large accelerated filer [   ]  Accelerated filer [   ]
 Non-accelerated filer [ X ]  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 [ X ]
The estimated aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of December 31, 2007 cannot be determined due to the limited trading in the Company’s stock throughout the year (see also Item 5 of Form 10-K regarding the limited trading market for the Company's shares).

As of December 31, 2007, the Registrant had outstanding 15,213,712 shares (excluding treasury shares) of Common Stock, no par value (which includes 10,939,400 shares owned by affiliates of the Registrant).

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Selected portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for May 22, 2008 have been incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K

 
 

 


 
PART 1
 
ITEM 1. Business
 
General
BNL Financial Corporation (the "Company" or "Registrant" or “BNLF”) is an insurance holding company incorporated in Iowa in January 1984.  The Company's administrative offices are located at 7010 Hwy. 71 West, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78735; its telephone number is (512) 383-0220.

In March 2004, BNL Equity Corporation (“BNLE”), the immediate subsidiary of the Company was dissolved and its assets, including the stock of Brokers National Life Assurance Company (“BNLAC”), were distributed to BNLF.  All outstanding shares of BNLAC are now owned directly by BNLF.

The Company has three wholly owned subsidiaries, Brokers National Life Assurance Company,  BNL Brokerage Corporation and Consumers Protective Association (formerly National Dental Benefit Association, Inc.).  Consumers Protective Association is an inactive association that was purchased for the purpose of marketing services, including insurance products to members.

   
 
BNL Financial Corporation
 
----------->
 
 
Consumer's Protective Association
(Inactive Association)
   
||
   
   
 
Brokers National Life Assurance Company
 
   
   
||
   
   
 
BNL Brokerage Corporation
 
   

Industry Segments
The operations of the Company are conducted through BNLAC, which in 2007 marketed life and accident and health insurance.  In 1987 BNLAC began selling insurance in Iowa.  In 1992, BNLAC redomesticated to Arkansas and expanded its sales to other states through the acquisition of Statesman Life Insurance Company.  The Company has no foreign operations.
 
In 2007, BNLAC was granted a certificate of authority in North Carolina, Virginia, Vermont, Maine, Maryland and District of Columbia and in the first quarter of 2008 the Company received a certificate of authority in Hawaii.  This makes 44 states and the District of Columbia the Company is able to offer life and accident and health insurance on an individual and group basis.

The Company conducts business in the “life, accident and health insurers” industry segment.  Most of BNLAC’s premium revenues are from sales of group dental insurance sold primarily on a payroll deduction basis. BNLAC also markets group and individual vision insurance products that are underwritten by other insurance companies, on which  BNLAC does not have any exposure to underwriting (claims) losses.  Financial information relating thereto is contained in the Selected Financial Data below and the Financial Statements included as Exhibits to this Report.

Sales and Marketing
The Company markets its products through independent agents and brokers.  BNLAC emphasizes the marketing of specialized or "niche" life and health insurance products including: individual and group term life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, group and individual dental insurance, short term disability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and cancer insurance.  Most of these products are designed to be sold on a group or payroll deduction basis.

BNLAC also markets group vision insurance products that are underwritten (issued) by other insurance companies.  BNLAC "co-brands" these products with its name and logo and markets them through its sales force. BNLAC collects overwrite commissions and/or administrative fees on these products and does not have any exposure to underwriting (claims) losses.


 
  2

 

Statistics by line of business are as follows (gross before reinsurance):

   
2007
 
2006
I. Annualized Premiums and Annuity Deposits In Force:
       
Ordinary Life Insurance
 
$      292,000
 
$     263,000
Individual Annuities(1)
 
 70,000
 
 83,000
Group Dental Insurance
 
42,299,000
 
43,084,000
Miscellaneous A&H insurance
 
 2,356,000
 
 2,219,000
         
          Total
 
$45,017,000
 
$45,649,000

II. Collected Premiums and Annuity Deposits:
       
Ordinary Life Insurance
 
$     284,000
 
$     303,000
Individual Annuities(1)
 
  61,000
 
  73,000
Group Dental Insurance
 
41,926,000
 
42,132,000
Miscellaneous A&H insurance
 
2,069,000
 
2,242,000
         
          Total
 
$44,340,000
 
$44,750,000
 
III. Face Value of Insurance:
       
Ordinary Life Insurance
 
$43,879,000
 
$43,645,000
Accidental Death Insurance
 
120,655,000
 
112,085,000
         
          Total
 
$164,534,000
 
$155,730,000
 
(1) Classified as a deposit liability on the financial statements.
 

Premiums collected by state are reflected in the following table:
 
 
State
 
 
 
Life Premiums
 
 
 
Annuity
 
 
Accident and
Health
 
 
 
Total
Georgia
 
 $       20,000
 
$-
 
$3,667,000
 
$3,687,000
Louisiana
 
 18,000
 
 -
 
3,562,000
 
3,580,000
Oregon
 
 1,000
 
-
 
2,867,000
 
2,868,000
Arkansas
 
26,000
 
-
 
2,600,000
 
2,626,000
Indiana
 
12,000
 
-
 
2,522,000
 
2,534,000
Minnesota
 
 8,000
 
-
 
2,504,000
 
2,512,000
Michigan
 
12,000
 
  -
 
2,426,000
 
2,438,000
Ohio
 
3,000
 
      -
 
2,315,000
 
2,318,000
Idaho
 
       1,000
 
      -
 
2,234,000
 
2,235,000
All Other States
 
  183,000
 
 61,000
 
19,298,000
 
19,542,000
Total
 
$284,000
 
$ 61,000
 
$43,995,000
 
$44,340,000

The following chart shows group and individual dental insurance premiums collected for each of the past five years ended December 31.

   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
Group Dental
 
Individual Dental
   
Gross Premiums Collected
 
Gross Premiums Collected
2007
 
$41,926,000
 
$1,785,000
2006
 
42,132,000
 
1,988,000
2005
 
41,629,000
 
2,033,000
2004
 
 40,681,000
 
1,594,104
2003
 
38,813,000
 
872,000


 
  3

 

The following chart shows group dental insurance claims paid and incurred claims ratios for each of the five years ended December 31.  The incurred claims loss ratio represents the ratio of incurred claims to premiums earned.
       
Incurred
   
Gross
 
Claims
Group Dental Insurance
 
 Claims Paid
 
Ratio
2007
 
$26,340,000
 
  61.8%
2006
 
27,127,000
 
  64.1%
2005
 
26,046,000
 
  63.1%
2004
 
25,044,000
 
62.3%
2003
 
24,279,000
 
        62.7%
 
Agents' Commissions
On December 31, 2007, BNLAC had 4,478 general agents and brokers that market its policies in 44 states compared to 4,728 agents and brokers on December 31, 2006.

On all of its products BNLAC believes it pays competitive commissions to agents. There is considerable competition for insurance agents and BNLAC competes with larger, well-established life insurance companies for the services of agents. BNLAC believes it is able to attract competent agents by offering competitive compensation, efficient service to agents and customers and by developing products to fill special needs within the marketplace.

Reinsurance
BNLAC reinsures with other insurance companies portions of the risks it underwrites on sales of life and accident and health insurance.  Reinsurance enables BNLAC, as the “ceding company,” to reduce the amount of its risk on any particular policy and to write policies in amounts larger than it could without such agreements.

The reinsurer receives a portion of the premium on the reinsured policies.  BNLAC remains directly liable to policyholders to perform all policy obligations, and bears the contingent risk of the reinsurer’s insolvency. Before submitting an application for a policy to the reinsurer, BNLAC determines whether the applicant is insurable, but BNLAC rejects any application which is not accepted by the reinsurer.

BNLAC reinsures its life insurance under agreements which are classified as either "automatic" or "facultative." Under an "automatic" treaty, the reinsurer agrees that it will assume liability automatically for the excess over the ceding company’s retention limits on any application acceptable to the ceding company. Under a "facultative" treaty, the reinsurer retains the right to accept or reject any reinsurance submitted after reviewing each application.

In 2007, BNLAC’s accidental death benefit riders were reinsured 100% through a Bulk ADB reinsurance agreement with  Optimum Re.  Optimum Re was rated “A-“(Excellent) by AM Best Company for 2007.

In  2007, BNLAC’s individual life insurance products in excess of $35,000 were reinsured with Optimum Re under an automatic treaty up to $175,000 and under a facultative treaty for amounts over $175,000.  Optimum Re was rated “A-“ (Excellent) by AM Best Company for 2007.

BNLAC entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company for its group life and accidental death and dismemberment plans effective January 1, 2005 whereby Hartford accepts 90% of the risk up to a maximum of $100,000 per life.  This reinsurance replaced Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America.  Hartford was rated “A+” (Superior) by AM Best Company for 2007.

BNLAC entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America for its accidental death and dismemberment plan including common carrier effective January 1, 2007. The Company retains a 10% quota share up to a maximum of $25,000 for AD&D and Common Carrier combined.  Hannover will accept, on an automatic basis, 90% to 100% quota share up to a maximum of $250,000 per life depending on the Company’s retention.   Hannover was rated “A” (Excellent) by AM Best Company for 2007

BNLAC’s Short Term Disability insurance is reinsured under a quota share reinsurance agreement with Union Security Insurance Company, Des Moines, Iowa, (formerly Fortis Benefits Insurance Company of Kansas City, Missouri).  The reinsurer is liable for 75% of the risk on each policy.  Union Security Insurance Company was rated “A” (Excellent) by AM Best Company for 2007.

 
4 

 

Group and individual dental is not reinsured due to the economics of the dental business and the small annual maximum liability per policy.

The following chart shows life insurance and accidental death insurance in force net of reinsurance for each of the five past years ended December 31.

   
Gross
         
Net
   
Insurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Reinsurance
 
Insurance
   
In Force
 
Ceded
 
Assumed
 
In Force
Life Insurance
               
2007
 
$43,879,000
 
$14,074,000
 
$               0
 
$  29,805,000
2006
 
43,645,000
 
15,333,000
 
               0
 
28,312,000
2005
 
39,992,000
 
14,531,000
 
               0
 
25,461,000
2004
 
37,207,000
 
11,752,000
 
              0
 
25,455,000
2003
 
37,832,000
 
 12,782,000
 
0
 
25,050,000
                 
                 
Accidental Death Insurance
               
2007
 
$120,655,000
 
$108,590,000
 
$              0
 
$  12,065,000
2006
 
112,085,000
 
100,877,000
 
              0
 
11,208,000
2005
 
79,643,000
 
71,834,000
 
              0
 
7,809,000
2004
 
65,629,000
 
59,238,000
 
        0
 
6,391,000
2003
 
52,095,000
 
46,885,500
 
0
 
5,209,500
                 

Investments
BNLAC invests its available funds in certificates of deposit, US Treasury Bills, US Government and Agency bonds and corporate bonds and common stocks.  The earnings from such investments represent a substantial part of BNLAC's income. For each of the five years ended December 31, BNLAC's statutory net investment income and ratio of net return on mean invested assets were as follows:

 
 
 
Year
 
 
 
BNLAC Statutory Net Investment  Income
 
 
 
 
Net Return on Mean Invested Assets
2007
 
$1,123,716
 
4.8%
2006
 
1,005,774
 
4.6%
2005
 
853,563
 
4.0%
2004
 
 879,351
 
4.4%
2003
 
  854,548
 
4.2%

For information concerning realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities see Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-11 and the table on page 17.

Special Factors Relating to Accounting and Regulatory Reporting of Insurance Companies
State insurance laws and regulations govern the accounting practices and the form of financial reports of insurance companies filed with state insurance regulatory agencies.  Most states have adopted the uniform rules established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC").  Reports prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices reflect primarily the ability of an insurance company to meet its obligations to policyholders.  Certain statutory accounting practices differ from generally accepted accounting principles as applied to the Company’s audited financial statements.

Life insurance company revenues are generated primarily from premiums and investment income.  Commissions and other sales cost may exceed the amount of first year life premiums but are generally less in later policy years.  Life insurance lapses and surrenders tend to occur more frequently in the earlier years after a policy is sold.  Statutory accounting rules for life insurance companies require all life insurance policy acquisition costs be expensed immediately and not spread over the expected duration of the policies.  Health insurance premiums are recorded the same for both Statutory and GAAP.

 

 

Statutory accounting practices also require that a relatively large portion of life premiums be held as reserves for the protection of policyholders.  The amount of such reserves is based upon actuarial calculations and the annual increase in reserves is treated as an expense.  Such calculations are based upon conservative assumptions concerning mortality costs and earnings.  Life premiums are earnings only to the extent that they exceed reserve requirements and commissions.  BNLAC calculates reserves using the Commissioner's Reserve Valuation Method.  This method provides a lower reserve in the early years of a policy to partially offset the higher first-year costs of the policy.  Although such reserves are treated as liabilities and are not available for use in operations, a company is free to invest such reserves in accordance with applicable state laws.  Interest earned on invested reserves is operating income to the life insurance company to the extent that it exceeds the interest required to be added to the reserves.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are required to be prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The objective of these financial statements is to provide reliable financial information about economic resources and obligations of a business enterprise and changes in net resources resulting from its business activities, measured as a going concern. To the extent that the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by state regulatory authorities differ from generally accepted accounting principles, appropriate adjustments will be made to bring such financial statements into accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, including (but not limited to) the following:
 
 
a) Premiums are reported as earned over the premium paying period.  Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as to result in the matching of expenses with the related premiums over the life of the contracts.  This is accomplished through the provision for liabilities for future policy benefits and the deferral and amortization of acquisition costs;
 
 
b) Certain assets designated as "non-admitted assets" for statutory purposes are reinstated to the accounts;
 
 
c) The asset valuation reserve is reclassified as retained earnings rather than as a liability.  The interest maintenance reserve is reclassified from a liability to investment income;
 
 
d) Premium payments received on annuities are not reported as revenue but are recorded as increases to a deposit liability account. The profits are then deferred over the life of the policy instead of being realized when the payments are received;
 
 
e) Realized gains and losses from the sale of investments are reclassified to a separate component of summary of operations.  Taxes thereon are included in the tax provision; and
 
 
f) Investments in fixed maturity securities that are available for sale are carried at fair value with the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recorded to shareholders’ equity.

The ability of BNLAC to pay dividends to the Company is restricted under Arkansas insurance laws and must be approved by the insurance commissioner of the State of Arkansas, if it exceeds the lesser of 10% of surplus or net gain from operations for the year.

Insurance Regulations
BNLAC is subject to regulation and supervision by the states in which it is admitted to transact business.  Each state has an insurance department which has broad administrative and supervisory powers to grant and revoke licenses to transact business, regulate trade practices, establish guaranty associations, license agents, approve policy forms, regulate premium rates for some lines of business, establish reserve requirements, regulate competitive matters, prescribe the form and content of required financial statements and reports, determine the reasonableness and adequacy of statutory capital and surplus, and regulate the type and amount of investments permitted.

Most states have also enacted legislation which regulates insurance holding company activities, including acquisitions, extraordinary dividends, the terms of surplus notes, the terms of affiliate transactions and other related matters.  The Company and BNLAC are registered as a holding company group pursuant to such legislation in Arkansas and BNLAC routinely reports to other jurisdictions as well.

The NAIC, through the member regulatory staffs, attempts to coordinate the state regulatory process and continually re-examines existing laws and regulations and their application to insurance companies.  Recently, this re-examination has focused on insurance interpretations of existing law, the development of new laws and the implementation of non-statutory guidelines.  The NAIC has formed committees and appointed advisory groups to study and formulate regulatory proposals on such diverse issues as the use of surplus debentures, accounting for reinsurance transactions and the adoption of risk-based capital (“RBC”) rules.  In addition, in connection with its accreditation of states to conduct periodic company examinations, the NAIC has

 

 

encouraged states to adopt model NAIC laws on specific topics, such as holding company regulations and the definition of extraordinary dividends.  It is not possible to predict the future impact of changing state and federal regulation on the operations of BNLAC.

The NAIC has adopted model RBC requirements to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and surplus in relation to investment and insurance risks associated with: (i) asset quality; (ii) mortality and morbidity; (iii) asset and liability matching; and (iv) other business factors.  The RBC formula is designed to be used by the states as an early warning tool to identify possible weakly capitalized companies for the purpose of initiating regulatory action.  In addition, the formula defines a new minimum capital standard which will supplement the prevailing system of low fixed minimum capital and surplus requirements on a state-by-state basis.

The RBC requirements provide for four different levels of regulatory attention depending on the ratio of a company’s total adjusted capital (defined as the total of its statutory capital, surplus, asset valuation reserve and 50% of apportioned dividends) to its RBC.  The “Company Action Level” is triggered if a company’s total adjusted capital is less than 100% but greater than or equal to 75% of its RBC, or if total adjusted capital is less than 125% of RBC and a negative trend has occurred.  The trend test calculates the greater of any decreases in the margin (i.e., the amount in dollars by which a company’s total adjusted capital exceeds its RBC) between the current year and the prior year and between the current year and the average of the past three years, and assumes that the decrease could occur again in the coming year.  If a similar decrease in the margin in the coming year would result in an RBC of less than 95%, then the Company Action Level would be triggered.  At the Company Action Level, a company must submit a comprehensive plan to the regulatory authority which discusses proposed corrective actions to improve its capital position.  The “Regulatory Action Level” is triggered if a company’s total adjusted capital is less than 75% but greater than or equal to 50% of its RBC.  At the Regulatory Action Level the regulatory authority will perform a special examination of the company and issue an order specifying corrective actions that must be followed.  The “Authorized Control Level” is triggered if a company’s total adjusted capital is less than 50% but greater than or equal to 35% of its RBC, and the regulatory authority may take any action it deems necessary, including placing the company under regulatory control.  The “Mandatory Control Level” is triggered if a company’s total adjusted capital is less than 35% of its RBC, and the regulatory authority is mandated to place the company under its control.  Calculations using the NAIC formula at December 31, 2007 indicated that the ratios of total adjusted capital to RBC for BNLAC would have been in excess of 1,097% and, therefore, significantly above the Company Action Level.

As part of their routine regulatory process, approximately once every five years, insurance departments conduct detailed examinations of the books, records and accounts of insurance companies domiciled in their states.   Such examinations are generally conducted in cooperation with the departments of other states under guidelines promulgated by the NAIC.

In September 2005, the Arkansas Insurance Department conducted its statutory examination for the period ended December 31, 2004.  No adjustments were made to the financial statements of the Company as a result of the examination.

BNLAC's management is not aware of any failure to comply with any significant insurance regulatory requirement to which BNLAC is subject at this time.

Competition
The life and health insurance business is highly competitive, and BNLAC competes in many instances with individual companies and groups of affiliated companies that have substantially greater financial resources, larger sales forces and more widespread agency and brokerage relationships than BNLAC.  Certain of these companies operate on a mutual basis, which may give them an advantage over BNLAC since their profits accrue to the policyholders rather than the shareholders.

BNLAC focuses its marketing efforts on sales of its products to small and medium size groups of employees, association members and others.  These groups range in size from three to approximately 1,083 persons.  BNLAC also sells its products to individuals.  BNLAC is a small insurance company which has no identifiable market share.  BNLAC is not ranked according to its size or volume of sales.

BNLAC competes for the services of agents and brokers in several ways.  First, the Company’s dental insurance products are attractive to brokers and general agents because of their popularity in the employee benefit market.  Second, BNLAC strives to provide a high level of service to agents by offering products that meet their clients’ needs and by providing individualized service in the administration of such products. Finally, BNLAC attempts to structure the levels of premiums, benefits and commissions on insurance products to compare favorably with competitors.


 

 

Personnel
At December 31, 2007 BNLAC had four executive officers and 68 full-time administrative personnel.  BNLAC’s administrative staff supervises services for the agency force, policy underwriting, policy issuance and service, billing and collections, life claims, accounting and bookkeeping, preparation of reports to regulatory authorities and other matters.  The Company has not experienced any work stoppages or strikes and considers its relations with its employees and agents to be excellent.  The Company currently has no employees which are represented by a labor union.  BNLAC uses a third party administrator to process dental claims.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

The Company is not aware of any risk factors which may relate to speculative or risky circumstances to the Company’s outstanding common stock.

To the extent which any matters presented in Item 1, Business, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or Item 7A, Quantitive and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk may be applicable, they are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.
 
ITEM 2. Properties
 

Neither the Company, nor any of its subsidiaries own any real estate.

During the first quarter of 2005 the Company entered into a lease for 20,337 square feet of office space in Austin, Texas, under an eight year, triple net lease. The base rent was $0 in the first year (June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2006), $157,612 in the second year and payments escalate to $264,384 in the final year of the lease.  Leasehold improvements totaled approximately $872,000 ($203,000 funded by landlord) on the new lease space that was occupied in December 2005.  Leasehold improvements are being amortized over the lease term.  The $117,000 initial rent holiday and $203,000 of landlord-funded leasehold improvements will be amortized over the lease term and reduce lease expense.  Deferred rent credits are included in other liabilities and were approximately $355,000 and $380,000 for 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 

BNLF leases approximately 1,400 square feet of office space in Sherwood, Arkansas at a rental of $18,750 per year.  BNLAC incurs 100% of the rental expense.

In November of 2007, BNLAC terminated its lease of 288 square feet of office space in Des Moines, IA.  At December 31, 2007, employees of the Des Moines office worked from their homes and there are no plans to lease additional office space in Des Moines at this time.

The Company and its subsidiaries own the majority of the furniture and equipment used in the operation of its business.
 
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
 

In 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company and BNL Equity Corporation approved a settlement in the class action case brought by certain shareholders.  The settlement, which was approved by the Pulaski County Circuit Court and the Arkansas Insurance Commissioner, was subject to various conditions, including the approvals by any other applicable regulatory authorities and conditioned upon compliance with federal and state securities laws.  As of December 31, 2002, all requisite approvals were received and redemption of the stock began in 2003.

 
5

 

As part of the settlement agreement, the Company issued its Bonds in the principal amount of $1.50 in exchange for each share of common stock of BNL owned by the members of the Class.  The balance of Bonds Payable was $1,607,576 and $1,639,984 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The bonds are for a term of twelve years, effective December 15, 2002, with principal payable at maturity and bear interest at the rate of 6% per annum payable annually from the previous fiscal year’s earnings of BNL. The estimated annual impact to earnings per share was approximately $.013 per share.  If any interest payment is not made, it will be added to the principal and paid at maturity.  The Bonds are fully callable and redeemable at par at any time by BNL.

The Company has made cash offers to bond holders for the purchase of bonds.  Bond purchases resulted in a reduction of Bonds Payable of $32,408, and $107,194 in 2007 and 2006; respectively.  Gains from early extinguishments of the debt were $10,803, $35,732 and $102,067 in 2007, 2006 and 2005; respectively.

 
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of  Security Holders
 
 
No matters were submitted for a vote during the fourth quarter of 2007.
 































 

 

PART II
 
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters
 
 
 and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities
 

Market for Stock

The Company made an issuer tender offer effective June 8, 2007 (with a Form TO filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission) at a purchase price of $1.25 per share ("2007 Issuer Tender Offer").  The 2007 Issuer Tender Offer terminated on September 10, 2007, and as a result the Company purchased 420,247 shares of its Common Stock for a total amount of $525,309.  The Company purchased an additional 183,100 shares at the request of shareholders at $1.25 per share in 2007.

During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company retired 1,749,205 treasury shares.

Beginning on June 8, 2006 the Company made an issuer tender offer (with a Form TO filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission) at a purchase price of $1.00 per share ("2006 Issuer Tender Offer").  The 2006 Issuer Tender Offer terminated on September 8, 2006, and as a result the Company purchased 1,192,729 shares of its Common Stock for a total amount of $1,192,729.  The Company purchased an additional 55,562 shares at the request of shareholders at $1.00 per share in 2006.

The stock is not traded on any established trading market.

Purchases of Common Stock During Last Quarter

The following table sets forth the shares of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock which the Company purchased during each of the three months within the fourth quarter of fiscal year ending December 31, 2007:

 
 
 
Period
(a)
 
Total number of shares purchased Note 1
(b)
 
 
Average price paid per share
(c)
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
(d)
Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
Month #1 (October 1–31)
1,980
      $1.25
NA
NA
Month #2 (November 1-30)
51,502
      $1.25
NA
NA
Month #3 (December 1-31)
6,005
      $1.25
NA
NA
             Total
59,487
      $1.25
NA
NA

Note 1 to the above table:  During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company did not have any publicly announced plan or program to repurchase its outstanding Common Stock.  From time to time, some shareholders of the Company request the Company to purchase their stock and the Company does, from time to time, make such repurchases but only does so in its sole and absolute discretion and the Company is under no obligation to make any such repurchases in the future.

Holders
As of December 31, 2007 there were 2,013 record holders of the Company's common stock.

Dividends
The Company has not declared any dividends on its common stock to date and has no present plans to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company's ability to declare and pay dividends in the future will be dependent upon its earnings and the cash needs for expansion.  In addition, payment of dividends by BNLAC is regulated under Arkansas insurance laws.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

In 1994, the Board of Directors and Shareholders approved the 1994 Brokers and Agents’ Nonqualified Stock Option Plan.  This plan was established as an incentive to sales persons of BNLAC.  Initially 250,000 shares were available under the plan.  The Board of Directors authorized options for an additional 1.75 million shares.  The option period may not exceed a term of five years and the duration of the plan was ten years, expiring December 14, 2004.

 
10 

 




Of the options granted through December 2004, there were 110,425 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007.  The number of options expiring or forfeited were 122,675 and 148,205 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  There were 12,475 options exercised in 2007 and 1,000 options exercised in 2006. The remaining options expire in 2008.  The options do not have a dilutive effect on earnings per share at this time, but may have such an effect in the future.  See Note 1.

In March 2002, the Board of Directors approved the 2002 Non-Director, Non-Executive Stock Option Plan, subject to any necessary authorizations from any regulatory authority.  The plan is intended to assist the Company in attracting and retaining individuals of outstanding ability and to promote concurrence of their interests with those of the Shareholders of the Company.  The Company granted options for 116,000 shares prior to 2006.  No options were granted in 2007 and 2006.  The fair value of options granted is estimated at $11,000 in 2005 and $10,940 in 2003.  This value was computed using a binomial method as prescribed in SFAS No. 123(R).  There were 103,000 options outstanding at December 31, 2007.  The estimated weighted average remaining life of the options is 6.4 years and weighted average exercise price is $.63.  The options do not have a dilutive effect on earnings per share at this time, but may have such an effect in the future.  See Note 1.

The table below sets forth the Equity Compensation Plans as of December 31, 2007.
 
 
 
 
Plan Category
 
 
A
Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options
 
B
 
Weighted Average exercise price of outstanding options
 
C
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)
             
Approved by security holders
           
             
Brokers and Agents Plan
 
110,425
 
$1.00
 
-
             
Not approved by security holders
           
             
Employee Plan
 
103,000
 
$.63
 
134,000

Transfer Agent and Registrar
BNL Financial Corporation is the Registrar and Transfer Agent for the Company's common stock.
 
ITEM 6.  Selected Financial Data
 

The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of the end of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2007 are derived from the Company's consolidated financial statements.  The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007 are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
 
 
2007*
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
Total Income............................................................
$48,084,920
 
$47,646,337
 
$46,614,276
 
$44,906,665
 
$42,505,179
Net Income ...............................................................
$  3,449,368
 
$  2,564,243
 
$  2,303,089
 
$  2,652,503
 
$  2,736,355
Net Income Per
  Common Share...........................................................
 
$            .22
 
 
$            .16
 
 
$            .13
 
 
$             .14
 
 
$             .14
Total Assets................................................................
$30,301,075
 
$27,009,634
 
$26,621,477
 
$26,058,520
 
$24,555,254
Total Liabilities........................................................
$13,004,202
 
$12,497,130
 
$13,498,115
 
$12,798,984
 
$13,204,072
Average Shares Outstanding................................
15,602,725
 
16,481,342
 
17,495,881
 
19,184,245
 
20,082,075

 
*This information should be read in conjunction with the disclosure concerning the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the audited Financial Statements and Notes thereto set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 
 11

 


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

In this section, we review the consolidated financial condition of the Company at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated results of operations for the periods ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.  Please read this discussion in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statement, trend analyses and other information contained in this report and elsewhere (such as in filings by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, presentations by us or our management or oral statements) relative to markets for our products and trends in our operations or financial results, as well as other statements including words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among other things: (i) general economic conditions and other factors, including prevailing interest rate levels and stock and credit market performance which may affect (among other things) our ability to sell our products, our ability to access capital resources and the costs associated therewith, the market value of our investments and the lapse rate and profitability of policies; (ii) world conflict, including but not limited to the war in Iraq, which may affect consumers spending trends and priorities (iii) customer response to new products and marketing initiatives: (iv) mortality, morbidity and other factors which may affect the profitability of our products (v) changes in the federal income tax laws and regulations which may affect the relative income tax advantages of our products (vi) regulatory changes or actions, including those relating to regulation of financial services affecting (among other things) bank sales and underwriting of insurance products and regulation of the sale, underwriting and pricing of products (vii) the risk factors or uncertainties listed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Management believes the Company's current critical accounting policies are comprised of the following:

Liabilities for unpaid policy claims are a sensitive accounting estimate unique to the insurance industry.  Management uses an independent actuary to formulate this estimate.  Differences in the estimates and actual results may result in revised claims expense which is recognized in the period in which the difference is determined.  See Note 1, 7 and 11 to our financial statements for the effect on the year 2007.

Claim Liability Methodology
The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, BNLAC, has a single line of business which is life and accident and health insurance.  The Company’s SIC code is 6311 which is a standard industrial classification used by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Using such SIC code, an interested person can research the internet website of the SEC, www.sec.gov, to find and review business and financial information of other companies which are in the same line of business.

The following is a summary description of the Company’s methodology for estimating its claim liabilities for its insurance policies.  The Company and management believe that this discussion constitutes forward-looking statements and, therefore, this discussion is given full safe-harbor.

 
It should be understood that there is no assurance that anything which the Company and its management have done in the past regarding its claim liability methodology will be done in the future.  The Company and its management are afforded full and complete authority and judgment in determining and implementing its claim liability methodology which includes any and all changes which may be made from time to time.
 
The Company’s significant insurance product types are presently dental (group and individual), life (group and individual), and annuities.
 
In the life and accident and health insurance industry, the liabilities for claims and the related expensing of those liabilities are evaluated and recorded using estimates of claim liabilities.  The Company estimates its claim liabilities using the general methodology described herein.
 

 

 
 12

 

The liability for claims generally consists of the following:  (1) due and unpaid claims, (2) claims in the course of settlement, and (3) claims incurred but unreported.  The Company records the actual liability for all claims that are due but unpaid, Item (1).  But, with regard to the last Items (2) and (3), the Company must make estimates.  The estimates are based on actuarial principles. The Company’s independent consulting actuary works with Company financial personnel and management in determining the estimates and the independent consulting actuary annually gives the Company a certification as to the amounts of the liabilities.
 
The Company calculates and maintains claim liabilities for the estimated future payments on claims incurred before the statement date.  These calculations are based on actuarial principles in accordance with industry standards and applicable GAAP requirements.  Development of such liabilities is done with Company financial personnel and management working with the Company’s independent consulting actuary.  These liabilities involve many considerations including but not limited to economic and social conditions, inflation, and healthcare costs.  The claim liabilities developed include significant estimates and assumptions based on management’s review of historical experience in consultation with its independent actuary.  The extent to which future payments match the claims liabilities is dependent on how well actual future experience matches the assumptions management makes regarding the future experience.  The Company’s liabilities are estimates that require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain.

It is common in the life and accident and health insurance industry for a consulting actuary to give either (A) a liability certification where the liabilities are expressed as a range of numbers for each relevant liability (the “Range Estimate”), or (B) a liability certification where the liabilities are expressed as a single number for each relevant liability (the “Single Point Estimate”).

Where the Range Estimate method is used, the management of an insurance company makes its own choice to record an amount within the range.  The Company does not use the Range Estimate for any of its insurance products.  Instead, for all of its insurance products, the Company uses the Single Point Estimate.
 
For the Company’s group and individual dental insurance, the Company’s financial personnel develop and make a Single Point Estimate for the claim liabilities which work results in the Company’s Single Point Estimate for the end of each fiscal quarter and year end.  The Company’s independent consulting actuary develops and makes its separate Single Point Estimate for such liabilities.  The Company’s financial personnel and independent consulting actuary compare their Single Point Estimates, reconcile any differences and agree on a Single Point Estimate for such liabilities.  Annually, the Company’s independent consulting actuary gives a Single Point Estimate liability certification to the Company with the agreed amount and the Company uses such certified amount without change.
 
For the Company’s group and individual life and annuity insurance, the Company’s financial personnel make the Single Point Estimate for each such claim liability.  Annually, the Company’s consulting actuary independently reviews the Single Point Estimates.  If the independent consulting actuary agrees with the Single Point Estimates, he gives a certification to the Company.
 
The Company’s financial personnel have significant experience and knowledge in developing claim estimates for the Company’s insurance products.  However, the Company’s financial personnel are not formally trained, certified or recognized as actuaries.  The Company continually engages independent consulting actuaries.  The Company makes extensive use of its independent consulting actuaries which includes the actuaries’ assistance in the development and creation of policy assumptions, the development and modification of reserve and claim liability methodologies and assumptions, estimations and calculations of reserves and claim liabilities, and the annual certification of the amount of the Company’s liabilities for its products.
 
While claim liabilities are estimated as an inherent part of the insurance industry, management of the Company believes that it follows standard industry practices in estimating claim liabilities.

The following discussions of claim liability methodology are separated by the Company’s product types as indicated by the section headings.

Dental Insurance – Group and Individual

For the Company’s group and individual dental insurance policies, the Company and its independent consulting actuary use a completion factor approach (sometimes referred to as the development method) which provides best estimates of the factors to determine claim liabilities.

 
 13

 

In implementing the completion factor approach, a review of payment history develops the completion factors.  These completion factors relate what percentage of an ultimate claim is paid based upon its duration from date of service.  Such completion factors are monitored over time and have been relatively stable.   The completion factors are used to estimate the liabilities for the months in which the claims are incurred where they are deemed to be credible.

However, with respect to claims incurred in the most recent months, the completion factors may not be fully credible (the payment history is not complete).  So, as is common in the industry, a review is made of developing claims per insured by month and loss ratios by month for the most recent months.  The Company’s financial personnel and management and the Company’s independent consulting actuary make a Single Point Estimate based upon their determination of the loss ratios and claims per insured for the most recent months.

Of all the assumptions made by the Company’s financial personnel and management and the Company’s independent consulting actuary, the loss ratio and the claims per insured per month for the most recent months are the most sensitive ones for liability estimation.  If the loss ratios and claims per insured per month increase, claim liabilities will likely increase by some amount.  If the loss ratios and claims per insured per month decrease, claim liabilities will likely decrease by some amount.
 
Management reviews trends in loss ratios and claims per insured per month in determining its estimate for the most recent months.  Generally, while fluctuations do occur, the Company’s loss ratio and claims per insured per month are stable.  In estimating claim liabilities (the policy claims payable on the Company’s balance sheet), the Company consistently uses the assumptions of loss ratio and claims per insured per month which are based on actual, historical data.  See, the discussion in the section herein entitled “Trends in Completion Factors, Loss Ratio, and Claims per Insured per Month”.
 
As to the consistency of the Company’s estimation of its claim liabilities (the policy claims payable on the Company’s balance sheet), you may reference Notes 7 and 11 to the Company’s Financial Statements.  Notes 7 and 11 present data indicating the actual claims paid in a subsequent fiscal year for a prior fiscal year; actual claims incurred in a subsequent year for a prior fiscal year; and the claim liabilities for the prior fiscal year.  Notes 7 and 11 are limited to the most recent fiscal year being reported, December 31, 2007, and the previous fiscal years of 2006 and 2005.
 
Life  Insurance – Group and Individual – and Annuities

The Company reinsures a substantial portion of its life insurance and the associated risks and liabilities.  See Item 1, Business, Reinsurance; and Note 8, Reinsurance, to the Company’s financial statements.

The Company determines its life insurance claim liabilities by recording three items:  (1) actual claims due and unpaid; (2) the claims received during the 30 day period following year end (this is done by taking an inventory of claims received during the thirty day period); and (3) estimating a liability amount for claims which have been incurred but not yet reported by the end of the thirty day period.

The Company’s annuity policies are simple deferred annuities.  The Company does not explicitly establish a claim liability for its annuities since the liability is already held in the annuity deposit liability.

Trends in Completion Factors, Loss Ratio and Claims Per Insured Per Month

Claim liabilities for the Group Dental line are the most significant part of the Company’s claim liability.  As stated above, the Company uses the completion factor method for calculating the liability.  Two main assumptions are made in this approach.  First, for months the claims are incurred where the completion factor is credible, the Company uses that completion factor to calculate the liability associated with that month the claim occurred.   Second, for the most recent months before the Company’s financial statement date where it is determined that the completion factors are not fully credible, the Company reviews loss ratios and claims per insured per month to determine the liability for those months.

The discussion in this paragraph relates to the months where the completion factors are deemed to be fully credible which are typically the months prior to November and December.    The completion factors have been relatively stable in the recent past.  In the future, there could be changes in the trend of completion factors.  The Company and its independent consulting actuary review the trends in the completion factors and when necessary make judgments as to the Single Point Estimate value for these items.  Such estimates are based on observable trends and would also reflect any known major changes.  Professional judgments are made based on the experience of the actuary and Company’s financial personnel and management.  To observe the possible sensitivity of assuming 100% reliance on completion factors for claims incurred during the months for which completion factors are believed to be fully credible, if the associated claim liabilities for those months had increased by 5%, the year-end December 31, 2007, claim liabilities would have been increased by approximately $19,000.

 
14 

 


The discussion in this paragraph relates to the months where the completion factors are deemed to be not fully credible which are typically the months of November and December.  The choice of the loss ratio assumption or claims per insured per month assumption for the most recent month of the claim was incurred may also have an impact on the liability estimate. These assumptions are monitored for trends.  The Company and its consulting actuary monitor the loss ratio and claims per insured month and override the completion factor approach for the most recent months before the Company’s financial statement date where the completion factors are not fully credible, i.e. November and December.  To observe the possible sensitivity of assuming 100% reliance on loss ratio or claims per insured per month factors for claims incurred during the months for which completion are believed to be not fully credible (typically November and December of a fiscal year), if the loss ratio or claims per insured per month had increased by 3% for those months (a multiple of 1.03), the associated claim liabilities for those months and the year end December 31, 2007, claim liability would have been increased by approximately $127,000.

The Company believes that its recorded claim liabilities are reasonable and adequate to satisfy its ultimate claims liability.  The Company’s recorded claim liabilities are, in accordance with industry practice, estimates of such liabilities.

The reader must recognize that the completion factors, loss ratios and claims per insured per month may, and probably will, be affected by events and conditions which are or will be unknown to the Company’s financial personnel or management or the Company’s consulting actuary.  The reader must also recognize that any trending of the completion factors, loss ratios or claims per insured per month may not be indicative of changes in the Company’s financial condition.

While a presentation such as described above provides some mathematical and hypothetical numerical calculations, such calculations may or may not have any relevance to the Company’s future financial condition, earnings or cash flow.

Deferred Tax Asset

The valuation allowance against deferred taxes is a sensitive accounting estimate.  The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which prescribes the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes.  Under the liability method, companies establish a deferred tax liability or asset for the future tax effects of temporary differences between book and tax basis of assets and liabilities.

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, the Company had gross deferred tax assets of $1,129,371 and $1,397,439 with corresponding valuation allowances of $812,466 and $1,072,825, and gross deferred tax liabilities of $346,506 and $303,614, resulting from net operating loss carryovers and temporary differences primarily related to the life insurance subsidiary. The valuation allowance is primarily due to statutory limitations on the use of net operating losses and uncertainty as to usage of AMT credit carryover.  The resulting net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2007 is $29,601 compared to a deferred tax asset of $21,000 at December 31, 2006.  Realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the loss carry forward. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the net deferred tax asset will be realized. However, the amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced.

The provision for income tax is as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
             
Current tax provisions
$ 773,032
 
$ 514,377
 
$ 448,040
 
Deferred tax provision
 40,602
 
 4,025
 
 79,001
 
             
Total income tax provision
$813,634
 
$518,402
 
$527,041
 

 
 
 
15

 
 
The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the federal statutory income tax rate to total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 
   
          2007
 
          2006
 
2005
             
Book income before tax
 
$4,263,002
 
$    3,082,645
 
$2,830,130
             
Income tax computed at statutory rate (34%)
 
 
$1,449,421
 
 
$   1,048,099
 
 
$   962,244
Valuation allowance for AMT credit
 
(85,000)
 
110,461
 
106,891
Revision of valuation allowance
 
173,923
 
(116,108)
 
51,499
Rate differential
 
(724,710)
 
(524,050)
 
(593,593)
             
Total income tax provision (benefit)
 
$     813,634
 
$     518,402
 
$   527,041
             

The Company has net operating loss carry forwards for income tax purposes at December 31, 2007 as follows:
       Expiring
   
     
2008
 
$     203,000
2009
 
162,000
2010
 
186,000
2011
 
66,000
2012
 
193,000
2018
 
105,000
2019
 
86,000
2020
 
65,000
     
   
$1,066,000

Financial Condition

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
Income from Operations before Income Taxes
 
 
$4,263,002
 
 
$3,082,645
 
 
$2,830,130
Book Value Per Share
 
$1.14
 
$0.92
 
$0.78
Stockholders' Equity
 
$17,296,872
 
$14,512,504
 
$13,123,361
Statutory Capital and Surplus of Insurance Subsidiary
 
 
$15,834,457
 
 
$13,223,044
 
 
$12,114,024
A.M. Best Financial Rating
 
B+
 
B+
 
B+
             
 
The statutory capital and surplus of the insurance subsidiary increased in 2007 and 2006 primarily due to income from operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 31, 2007 the Company had liquid assets of $4,937,983 in cash, T-Bills, receivable on fixed securities, money market savings accounts, and short-term certificates of deposit.   All of the non-cash liquid assets can readily be converted into cash.

The major components of operating cash flows are premiums and investment income while policy benefits are the most significant cash outflow.  In 2007, BNLAC collected approximately $44.2 million of premiums and annuity deposits (gross before reinsurance) and $1,150,335 of net investment income. Another source of cash flow in 2007 was overwrite commissions of $1,979,359 on vision products. During the year the Company incurred $33,496,995 in policy benefits and other insurance costs.

The net cash flow for 2007 was $3,264,925 versus operating income of $4,263,002.   The difference is primarily due to the purchase of $780,352 of the Company’s treasury stock and the purchase of fixed assets and leasehold improvements of $252,506.



 
16 

 

Approximately $599,600 of the bond portfolio is classified as Available for Sale and carried on the Balance Sheet at market value with the unrealized gain or loss recorded in the surplus section of the Balance Sheet. The bonds include auto industry  bonds, government agencies and U. S. Treasury Bonds that have unrealized profits.  The Company may sell these bonds before they mature.

Approximately $19.1 million of the bond portfolio is classified as Held to Maturity and is carried on the Balance Sheet at amortized cost.  This classification reflects management's ability and intent to hold the bonds until maturity.  No adjustments to surplus are made as bond values change.

The table below discloses the unrealized gains and losses on the "Held to Maturity" bonds.
Portfolio Designated “Held to Maturity”
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 
 
Estimated Market Value
US Treasury securities and obligations of
   US government corporations and agencies
 
 
$13,330,227
 
 
$     29,588
 
 
$   43,188
 
 
$13,316,627
Corporate securities
 
3,441,590
 
49,117
 
71,705
 
3,419,002
Mortgage-backed securities
   GNMA & FNMA CMO
 
 
2,315,930
 
 
     4,074
 
 
 27,720
 
 
2,292,284
                 
Totals
 
$19,087,747
 
$    82,779
 
$ 142,613
 
$19,027,913

The Company’s investments are primarily in U.S. Government and Government Agencies ($15,646,157 amortized book value), other investment grade bonds ($2,886,306 amortized book value) and less than investment grade ($422,343 amortized book value).

The table below discloses the unrealized gains and losses on the bonds that are less than investment grade.

Less Than Investment Grade Bonds
 
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
S&P
Rating
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 
 
Estimated Market Value
Ford Motor Company
CCC+
 
$187,592
 
$ -
 
$   59,592
 
$128,000
General Motors Acceptance Corporation
BB+
 
100,000
 
    -
 
10,000
 
90,000
Provident Companies Inc.
BB+
 
136,239
 
10,461
 
-
 
146,700
                   
Totals
   
$423,831
 
$10,461
 
$69,592
 
$364,700

  The Company does not hedge its investment income through the use of derivatives.

Other long term investments of $1,470,054 consists of, in part, a convertible debenture loan in the amount of $1,357,407 from the Company, to EPSI Benefits, Inc. (EBI), a Texas Corporation.  The loan bears interest at an annual rate of 14%, payable monthly, with principal payments commencing September 15, 2008 and a maturity date of August 15, 2015.  To protect its interest,  BNLF may convert the debenture into 51% of the outstanding common stock of EBI, subject to regulatory approval.  The note is one of several agreements entered into by the Company's subsidiaries which expand the business relationship with EBI and its subsidiary, Employer Plan Services, Inc. (EPSI), which provides substantially all of the A&H claims processing and adjudication for the Company's insurance subsidiary, BNLAC.  In 2008 discussions began with EBI regarding a possible acquisition of a controlling interest in EBI (see Note 12 to the financial statements).  BNLF receives a marketing fee from EBI under a related marketing agreement.

Other long-term investments also include an operating line of credit agreement in the amount of $112,647 and $150,402 in 2007 and 2006 respectively.  The agreement provided EPSI with a $200,000 line of credit maturing August, 2011.  The line of credit is at 8.00% with interest and principal payable monthly to BNLAC.

On November 5, 2001 the Company’s Board of Directors approved a settlement of the class action lawsuit (see "Legal Proceedings").  One term of the settlement was the issuance of Company bonds in the principal amount of $1.50 in exchange for each share of the Company’s common stock owned by the members of the class.  The bonds have a 12-year term and bear interest at the rate of 6% per annum, effective December 15, 2002 payable annually from the previous fiscal year’s earnings.  The total principal amount of bonds payable at December 31, 2007 is $1,607,576 compared to $1,639,948 at December 31, 2006.  Bond interest expense was $112,322, and $86,700 in 2007 and 2006; respectively.  BNLAC will pay dividends to BNL

 
 17

 

Financial Corporation for the payment of interest to the bondholders. The maximum amount of dividends, which can be paid by Arkansas domiciled insurance companies to shareholders without prior approval of the insurance commissioner, is subject to restrictions relating to statutory surplus.  The Arkansas Insurance Commissioner has reviewed and approved the settlement.  The Company does not expect the dividend restrictions to impact its ability to meet its cash needs.  The Company has no plan to start a sinking fund for payment of the principal at maturity.
 

 
In 2007, BNLAC paid dividends totaling $1,000,000 to BNLF for the purchase of Company stock and for other general operating funds compared to $1,450,000 dividends paid in 2006 for operating funds and to purchase common stock.

The following table reflects all long-term contractual obligations of the Company as of December 31, 2007.
 
Long-Term Contractual Obligations *
 
Total
 
             < 1 Year
 
1-3 Years
 
3-5 Years
 
> 5 Years
Bonds and Related Future Interest Payable**
$ 2,166,000
$       96,000
$    192,000
$   192,000
$1,686,000
Operating Lease Obligations
$ 1,733,000
$     337,000
$    610,000
$   608,000
$     178,000
Liability for Future Policy Benefits
      (Note A.)
 
$ 9,731,655
 
$  1,317,066
 
$ 2,122,810
 
$1,495,170
 
$4,796,609
Policy Claims Payable (Note B.)
$ 2,306,288
$  2,306,288
-
-
-
Liability for Annuity Deposits (Note C.)
$ 5,430,377
$       87,241
$    131,660
$  151,473
$5,060,003
Supplementary Contracts (Note D.)
$      33,874
$         1,495
$        2,959
$      2,909
$26,511
* The notes to this long-term contractual obligations table are part of the table and are important.
**  Interest payments are made only if the Company is profitable.

 
Notes to Long-Term Contractual Obligations Table:
 
Special Note  Relating to Notes A, B, C and D and the information and presentation for liabilities for future policy benefits, policy claims payable, annuity deposits and supplementary contracts.
 
The data, information and presentation in this Long-term Contractual Obligations Table relating to the Company’s Liabilities for Future Policy Benefits, Policy Claims Payable, Annuity Deposits and Supplementary Contracts are all, separately and collectively, forward looking statements and are given full safe harbor protection.
 

NOTE A, Liabilities for Future Policy Benefits.
 
In calculating the payments above, BNLAC used models of the business created for statutory asset adequacy analysis.  The modeled life block was assumed to surrender for its reserve at the end of 20 years.  Health blocks tested were projected using approximate means beyond 20 years.  Payments on blocks not initially modeled were projected on an approximate basis.  The total estimated future payments to be made relating to the Liability for Future Policy Benefits is stated as $9,731,655 which does not match the balance sheet liability total of $2,255,045 and the difference is $7,476,610.  This is primarily due to the fact that the estimated future payments presented in the long term contractual obligations table for Future Policy Benefits includes consideration for future premiums, investment income and maintenance expenses and such assumptions, and perhaps other assumptions, may differ from the assumptions initially used to establish the balance sheet liability.  The estimated future payments presented in the long term contractual obligations table are based on current assumptions while the balance sheet liability is based on assumptions locked in at the date the policy was approved for issue. Assumptions for estimating future payments are made regarding such items as interest earnings, mortality, morbidity, and persistency. It is likely that the actual experience will deviate from these assumptions – sometimes materially. A number of factors can have an effect such as economic conditions, changes in policyholder actions regarding premium payments and withdrawals, mortality and morbidity improvement or deterioration, and inflation.  Random fluctuation in experience could also have an effect.   The determination of the amount of the future payments is based upon estimates and the timing and amount of future payments is not always reasonably fixed and determinable. Because of the above considerations, the amounts and timing of future payments will likely vary from that presented in the above table.

Future payments related to short duration contracts such as group dental are not included in the above table in the line item Liabilities for Future Policy Benefits.

 
NOTE B, Policy Claims Payable.
 
The total estimated future payments to be made relating to Policy Claims Payable do match the balance sheet liability total.  The estimated future payments are estimates of future occurrences based on many significant assumptions and are forward looking statements which are to be given the full protection of safe harbor.  In developing the Policy Claims Payable, assumptions are made regarding such items as loss ratios, claims per insured or certificate holder per month, completion factors, morbidity trends, speed at which incurred claims are submitted,

 
 18

 

and speed at which they are processed. It is likely that the actual experience will deviate from these assumptions – sometimes materially. Random fluctuation is likely.  The determination of the liability amounts is based upon estimates and the timing of payments is not always reasonably fixed and determinable. Because of the above considerations, the amounts and timing of payments will likely vary from that presented in the above table.

 
NOTE C, Annuity Deposits.
 
In calculating the payments above, BNLAC used models of the business created for statutory asset adequacy analysis.  The modeled annuity block was assumed to surrender for its reserve at the end of 20 years.  The total estimated future payments to be made relating to the Annuity Deposits liability is stated as $5,430,377 which does not match the balance sheet liability total of $2,463,546 and the difference is $2,966,831.   The balance sheet Annuity Deposit liability represents such items as deposits, premiums, investment income, expenses, and withdrawals which have already occurred while the total estimated future payments presented in this long term contractual obligations table are estimated using assumptions for future occurrences of such factors and other factors.  The estimated future payments are based on many significant assumptions regarding future occurrences such as future premium payments, interest earnings, mortality, and persistency. It is likely that the actual experience will deviate from these assumptions – sometimes materially. A number of factors can have an effect such as economic conditions, changes in policyholder actions regarding annuity deposits and withdrawals, mortality improvement or deterioration, and inflation.  Random fluctuation in experience could also have an effect. The determination of the Annuity Deposit estimated future payments is based upon estimates and the timing and amount of estimated future payments is not always reasonably fixed and determinable. Because of the above considerations, the amounts and timing of estimated future payments will likely vary from that presented in the above table.

NOTE D, Supplementary Contracts.
 
The total estimated future payments to be made relating to the Supplementary Contracts without life contingencies liability is stated as $33,874 which does not match the balance sheet liability total of $5,905 and the difference is $27,969. This is primarily due to the fact that the estimated future payments in this long term contractual obligations table for Supplementary Contracts includes consideration of future investment income, withdrawals (if permitted) and maintenance expenses and such assumptions, and perhaps other assumptions, may differ from the assumptions initially used to establish the balance sheet liability.  The estimated future payments presented in the long term contractual obligations table are based on current assumptions while the balance sheet liability is based on assumptions locked in at the date the policy was approved for issue. The estimated future payments are based on many significant assumptions regarding future occurrences such as interest earnings, mortality, and persistency. It is likely that the actual experience will deviate from these assumptions – sometimes materially. A number of factors can have an effect such as economic conditions, changes in policyholder actions regarding withdrawals (if allowed), and mortality improvement or deterioration.  Random fluctuation in experience could also have an effect. The Supplementary Contracts estimated future payments are based upon estimates and the timing and amount of future payments is not always reasonably fixed and determinable. Because of the above considerations, the amounts and timing of estimated future payments will likely vary from that presented in the above table.
 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We believe liquid assets, along with investment income, premium income and marketing fees will be sufficient to meet our long and short-term liquidity needs.  We do not have any current plans to borrow money for operations.
 
BNLAC reports to state regulatory authorities on a statutory accounting basis that differs from the basis used herein.  Due to an Arkansas regulatory requirement associated with the redomestication in 1994, BNLAC must maintain a minimum of $2,300,000 in capital and surplus.  Additionally, each state in which BNLAC is licensed has statutory minimum capital requirements required for maintaining its license to sell.  Minimum capital and surplus requirements vary from $300,000 to as much as $5,000,000 in the states in which BNLAC is licensed.

Results of Operations
Premium income was $44,564,173 in 2007, $44,646,393 in 2006 and $44,303,827 in 2005.  The decrease in 2007 was due to a decrease in first year group and individual insurance premiums.  New sales of dental insurance were down in 2007 primarily due to increased competition from additional companies marketing dental insurance   The increase in 2006 was due to new sales of group dental insurance which was offset by approximately a $1.1 million reduction in group dental premium due to the termination of an agreement between the Company and Southeast Managers, Inc. (“SEMI”).  This agreement allowed SEMI to market a dental product of BNLAC’s in Tennessee and the Company received 5.0% of premium revenue with no exposure to underwriting losses.  As part of the termination agreement, the block of business was transferred to another company associated with SEMI.

Net investment income was $1,320,614 in 2007, $1,191,583 in 2006 and $1,003,613 in 2005, an increase of 11% in 2007, and an increase of 18% in 2006.  The increase in 2007 was due to an increase in investment in fixed maturities and an increase in interest rates.  The increase in 2006 was primarily due to delinquent interest received on bonds previously in default and an increase in fixed maturities investment yield.  Interest rates declined in the fourth quarter of 2007, resulting in several government agency bonds called in the first quarter of 2008. The decrease in interest rates and the challenged financial markets has made it difficult to purchase investment grade bonds with yields equivalent to bonds purchased over the last few years.

 
19 

 


The Company receives marketing fees from EBI per the marketing agreement mentioned above.  The Company received marketing fees of  $198,843 in 2007, $143,315 in 2006 and $115,233 in 2005.  The increase in marketing fees in 2007 and 2006 was due to additional funds available at EPSI from higher profits during the year.  EPSI has temporarily ceased paying the Company marketing fees in the first quarter of 2008 due to the termination of one of its largest customers.

BNLAC markets group and individual vision insurance products that are underwritten by other insurance companies, on which BNLAC does not have any exposure to underwriting (claims) losses.  The Company had vision insurance income of $1,979,359, $1,603,767 and $1,051,720 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The vision income increased by 23% and 49% in 2007 and 2006, respectively, primarily due to the addition of group voluntary vision plans that require lower participation rates.

The Company had a realized gain on debt extinguishments of $10,803 in 2007, $35,732 in 2006 and $102,067 in 2005 due to the purchase of debentures payable at less than par value.  The Company purchased fewer debentures in 2007 and 2006 than it did in 2005, which resulted in less realized gain in debt extinguishments.

Realized capital gains and (losses) on investments were $11,128 in 2007, $25,547 in 2006 and $37,816 in 2005.  The realized gain in 2007, 2006 and 2005 was primarily from the sale of equity securities.

Increases (decreases) in liability for future policy benefits were ($213,867), ($123,066) and $308,563 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The decrease in 2007 is primarily due to a decrease in additional contract reserves on individual dental policies and a decrease in life liabilities.  The number of individual dental policies in force decreased in 2007 and the seasoned block of life business continued to decline. The decrease in future policy benefits in 2006 was primarily due to a reduction in life liabilities from an increase in surrenders on life policies and the decrease in future policy benefits liability as a result of the terminated agreement between the Company and SEMI mentioned above.  As part of the termination agreement, the block of business was transferred to another company associated with SEMI and the liability for future policy benefits was reduced by $95,000.  In 2005 the increase is comprised primarily of an increase in unearned premium liabilities on group and individual dental business.

Policy benefits and other insurance costs increased from $33,317,136 in 2005, to $34,374,507 in 2006 and decreased to $33,496,995 in 2007.  The decrease in 2007 was primarily due to an approximately $1.2 million decrease in claims expense, $450,000 of which resulted from an overestimation of claims payable at December 31, 2006. The increase in 2006 was due to an increase in claims of approximately $740,000 and a $344,000 increase in commissions resulting from the increase in group dental premium collected.  The claims ratio on group dental insurance, which represents the ratio of claims incurred to premium earned, was 61.8% in 2007, 64.1% in 2006 and 63.1% in 2005.

Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs was $16,060 in 2007, $26,219 in 2006 and $22,467 in 2005. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs are primarily costs associated with a seasoned block of business written between 1988 and 1990. The decrease in amortization expense trend should continue in subsequent years until the acquisition costs are completely amortized.  Amortization expense per year may vary in relation to lapses or surrenders of the existing block of business.

Operating expenses were $9,012,950 in 2007, $8,759,605 in 2006 and $8,558,205 in 2005. The increase in expenses in 2007 was due primarily to an increase in payroll expense, executive incentive bonuses, agent recruiting bonuses and independent accounting fees.  Payroll expense increased due to an increase in the variety of products available and an increase in the number of states in which we are authorized to operate.  Executive incentive bonuses increased due to a 2% increase in the amount of the bonus and an increase in profit.  The Company implemented agent bonus programs in 2007 to increase the number of agents marketing its products.  The increase for 2006 is primarily due to an increase in payroll expense associated with the issuance of policies, customer service and information systems.

Taxes other than on income were $1,509,780 in 2007, $1,526,427 in 2006 and $1,577,775 for 2005. The decrease in 2007 was due to a decrease in property taxes from a prior year accrual adjustment.  The decrease for 2006 is due to an over accrual in 2005 for state taxes.

In 2007, the consolidated income from operations before taxes was $4,263,002 compared to $3,082,645 in 2006 and  $2,830,130 in 2005.  The increase in income from operations for 2007 was primarily due to the decrease in the group dental claims ratio and change in 2006 claims payable estimate, which added approximately $1.2 million to income.  The increase in 2006 was primarily due to the increase in vision insurance income and investment income.

 
 20

 

Earnings per share was $.22, $.16, and $.13 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The effect of the treasury shares acquired in 2007, 2006 and 2005 (see Market for Stock) increased earnings per share by $.01, $.01 and $.02, respectively.

The provision for income taxes was $813,634 in 2007, $518,402 in 2006 and $527,041 in 2005.   For the periods ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company had $773,033, $514,377 and $448,040 of current tax expense and $40,601, $4,025 and $79,001 of deferred tax expense; respectively.   Fluctuations in tax expense are primarily due to changes in taxable income, limitations on net operating losses utilized and adjustments in estimates for income taxes in prior years.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, other comprehensive income (losses) was $54,274 compared to $57,735 in 2006 and  ($79,542) or the same period in 2005.  Comprehensive income for 2007 and 2006 was primarily due to an increase in the market value of equity securities in both years.  The comprehensive losses in 2005 were due to an increase in interest rates that decreased the market value of the Company’s bond portfolio.

Future Marketing Plans
BNLAC has applied for authority to market insurance products in additional states.  In  2007 we received a certificate of authority in North Carolina, Virginia, Vermont, Maine, Maryland and District of Columbia and in the first part of 2008 we were approved in Hawaii.

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market risk represents the potential loss resulting from adverse changes in the value of financial instruments, either derivative or non-derivative, caused by fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity security prices. We handle market risks in accordance with our established policies.  The Company’s conservative investment philosophies minimize market risk and risk of default by investing in high quality debt instruments, with staggered maturity dates.  We did not have financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes in interest rates at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. We held various financial instruments at December 31, 2007 and 2006, consisting of financial assets reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets (refer to Note 4).  See page 17 for information on less than investment grade bonds held by the Company.

Interest Rate Risk – We are subject to interest rate risk through the investment in fixed maturity securities, such as U.S. Government and Government Agency securities and other investment grade bonds.  The fair market value of long-term, fixed-interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair value of fixed-interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and will decrease as interest rates rise.  The estimated fair value of our fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 was $19,627,513 and $19,395,602 respectively.

A one percentage point increase in prevailing interest rates would result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities held at December 31, 2007 of approximately $422,000.  Initial fair values were determined using the current rates at which we could enter into comparable financial instruments with similar remaining maturities. The estimated earnings and cash flows impact for the twelve months of 2007, resulting from a one percentage point increase in interest rates, would be immaterial, holding other variables constant.

Foreign-Exchange Rate Risk - We currently have no exposure to foreign exchange rate risk because all of our financial instruments are denominated in U.S. dollars and because we do not currently engage in any operations outside of the United States.

Commodity Price Risk – We have no financial instruments subject to commodity price risk.

Equity Security Price Risk - Fair value of equity securities at December 31, 2007 totaled $534,725, or only 2.3% of total investments and cash on a consolidated basis.   We do not hedge our equity price risk.  As of December 31, 2007 a 20% adverse change in equity prices would result in an approximate $131,000 decrease in the fair value of our equity securities.

The preceding discussion of estimated fair value of our financial instruments and the sensitivity analyses resulting from hypothetical changes in interest rates are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect our current expectations and involve uncertainties. These forward-looking market risk disclosures are selective in nature and only address the potential impact from financial instruments. They do not include other potential effects which could impact our business as a result of changes in interest rates, foreign-exchange rates, commodity prices, or equity security prices.

 
  21

 


 
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
The information in response to this Item 8 is set forth on pages F-1 through F-22 attached to this Report which pages are hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None
 
 
 
ITEM 9A(T). Internal Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures.  Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.  Based upon our evaluation, these officers have concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 in recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting. 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 reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This included policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the maintenance of records in reasonable detail which accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (b) provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and our receipts and expenditures are being made in accordance with authorizations of our management or directors, as applicable; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets which could have a material effect on our financial statements.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007.  In making its assessment, management has used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Management concluded that based on its assessment, our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.  This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

In addition, during our last fiscal quarter for 2007, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting which was identified by management’s evaluation that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
This Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is deemed to be “furnished” and not “filed” under Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section and it is not incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

 

 
 

 
  22

 

 
ITEM 9B. Other Information
 
The Company did not file reports on Form 8-K for the fourth quarter of the year covered by this report.

 

 

 

 
 
23

 

 
PART III
 
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance of the Registrant
 
 
The directors and executive officers of the Company are as follows:
 
 
 
Name
 
 
 
 
Age
 
 
 
 
First Became Director or Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Position
Wayne E. Ahart
 
67
 
1984
 
Chairman of the Board and Director
C. Donald Byrd
 
66
 
1984
 
Vice Chairman of the Board and Director
Kenneth Tobey
 
49
 
1994
 
President and Director
Barry N. Shamas
 
60
 
1984
 
Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Cecil Alexander
 
71
 
1994
 
Director
Richard Barclay
 
70
 
1994
 
Director
Eugene A. Cernan
 
73
 
1994
 
Director
Hayden Fry
 
78
 
1984
 
Director
John Greig
 
72
 
1984
 
Director
Roy Ledbetter
 
77
 
1994
 
Director
John E. Miller
 
78
 
1994
 
Director
C. James McCormick
 
82
 
1984
 
Director
Robert R. Rigler
 
84
 
1989
 
Director
L. Stan Schoelerman
 
82
 
1984
 
Director

The term of office of each director expires at the annual meeting of shareholders upon the election and qualification of such director's successor.  The Company's executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.  The above officers and directors serve in the same capacity with BNLAC.

Identification of Certain Significant Employees
Not applicable.

Family Relationships
No family relationship exists between any director and executive officer of the Company.

 
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Business Experience
The following is a brief description of the business experience during the past five years of the directors and executive officers of the Company.

Wayne E. Ahart has served as Chairman of the Board of BNL since 1984 and BNLAC since 1986.  He served as Chairman of the Board of BNLE from 1988 to 2004 and as Chairman of the Board of United Arkansas Life from 1990 to 1994.  Prior to that time, Mr. Ahart served as Board Chairman of:  Investors Trust, Inc. ("ITI") and its subsidiary, Investors Trust Assurance Company ("ITAC"), both of Indianapolis, Indiana (1973-1987); Liberty American Corporation ("LAC")(President since 1981) and its subsidiary Liberty American Assurance Company ("LAAC"), both of Lincoln, Nebraska (1975-1987); and (President) American Investors Corporation ("AIC") and its subsidiary, Future Security Life Insurance Company ("FSL"), both of Austin, Texas (1980-1987).  Mr. Ahart has been owner and Chairman of the Board of Lone Star Pizza Garden Inc. from 1986 to the present.

C. Don Byrd has been Vice Chairman of the Board of BNL, BNLE and BNLAC since August 1, 1994.  Mr. Byrd was President and a Director of BNL and BNLAC since 1984 and 1986, respectively.  Mr. Byrd was Agency Director of FSL from 1983 to 1984 and Regional Director of AIC 1981 to 1983.  He was an agent and Regional Director of ITI and ITAC from 1974 to 1981.

Kenneth Tobey has been President and Director of BNLAC and BNL since August 1, 1994.  Mr. Tobey has served as President of BNLE since 1988 and served as President of United Arkansas Life from 1990 to 1994.  He served as Assistant to the President and Training Director of BNLAC from 1986 to 1988.  From 1981 to 1986, Mr. Tobey served in various capacities for AIC and FSL, including Agent, Regional Manager, Executive Sales Director and Assistant to the President.

Barry N. Shamas has served as Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of BNLE since 1988 and United Arkansas Life from 1990 to 1994.  Since 1984 and 1986, respectively, he has served as Executive Vice President and Director of BNL and BNLAC, which positions he presently holds. He was named Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of BNL and BNLAC in 2006.  He served in various capacities for ITI and ITAC, including Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Financial Vice President beginning in 1976 through 1987.  Mr. Shamas served as Executive Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and as Director of AIC and FSL from 1980 and 1983, respectively, until 1987.  From 1978 through 1987, Mr. Shamas served as a Director and a member of the Executive Committee of LAC and LAAC.  Mr. Shamas has been a Director of the Arkansas  Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association since July 2007.

Cecil L. Alexander retired Vice President of Public Affairs for Arkansas Power & Light Company, where he has been employed since 1980.  Prior to joining the AP&L Executive Staff, Mr. Alexander served for 16 years in the Arkansas General Assembly, and during 1975-76, was Speaker of the House of Representatives.  From 1971 – 1980 Mr. Alexander was  involved in the real estate business as a partner in Heber Springs Realty.  He is a past president of the Cleburne County Board of Realtors and has served on the governmental affairs committee of the Arkansas Association of Realtors.  Alexander is currently on the Advisory Board of Directors of V.E. Bank of Heber Springs, the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation, and the Board of Directors of the Baptist Foundation.

Richard L. Barclay, a Certified Public Accountant, recently retired as Director of Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and as the state's Chief Fiscal Officer.  He has returned to private practice with Beall, Barclay & Co., Certified Public Accountants in Rogers, Arkansas.  He was an advisory Director of Regions Bank of Rogers from 1998 to December 2006.  He joined United Bank, January 2007.  He serves as past President and Board member of the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  He was a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1977 until 1992.

Eugene A. Cernan has been President and Chairman of the Board of The Cernan Corporation since 1981.  Captain Cernan retired from the U. S. Navy in 1976 after serving 20 years as a naval aviator, 13 of which were dedicated to direct involvement with the U. S. Space Program as a NASA Astronaut.  Captain Cernan was the pilot on the Gemini 9 mission and the second American to walk in space; lunar module pilot of Apollo 10; and Spacecraft Commander of Apollo 17, which resulted in the distinction of being the last man to have left his footprints on the surface of the moon.  In 1973, he served as a Senior United States Negotiator in discussions with USSR on the Apollo-Soyuz Mission.  Mr. Cernan served as Executive Consultant of Aerospace and Government of Digital Equipment Corporation from 1986 to 1992, and he was a Director and Vice President-International of Coral Petroleum, Inc., Houston, Texas from 1976 to 1981.  Captain Cernan is presently a Director of National Air and Space Museum and Smithsonian Educational Foundation. Captain Cernan is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the U. S. Naval Aviation Museum, NFL Alumni and Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.  In addition, Captain Cernan has served as a consultant commentator to ABC News.

Hayden Fry was Head Football Coach at the University of Iowa from 1979 to 1998, now retired.  He was Head Football Coach at North Texas State University from 1973 to 1978 and at Southern Methodist University from 1962 to 1972.  He was named Football Coach of the Year in the Big Ten (1981, 1990, 1991), the Missouri Valley Conference (1973), and the Southwest Conference (1962, 1966 and 1968).  He is on the Board of Advisors of Wilson Sporting Goods (1962 to date); the Board of Trustees of Pop Warner Football (1962 to date); and the American Football Coaches Association (1983 to date) and was the 1993 President of the AFCA.  He was President of Hawkeye Marketing Group from 1979 - 1984.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of the PPI Group and Berthel Fisher Co.

John Greig has been President of Greig and Co. from 1967 - 2007.  He is a Director of Northstar Bank, NW., Estherville, Iowa.  He has been President of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association (1975-1976) and a member of the Executive Committee of the National Cattlemen's Association (1975-1976).  He was a member of the Iowa Board of Regents from 1985 to 1991.  He was elected as an Iowa State Representative from 1993 to 1999.
 
25 

 


Roy E. Ledbetter is retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of Highland Industrial Park, a division of Highland Resources, Inc. in East Camden, Arkansas.  He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Southern Arkansas University at Magnolia, a Masters Degree in Education from Henderson State University at Arkadelphia and an AMP from Harvard Business School at Boston.  In 1966, Mr. Ledbetter joined Highland Resources, Inc. and coordinated organization of Southern Arkansas University Technical Branch; was promoted to Division Manager (1972), Vice President and Division Manager (1975), Senior Vice President (1980), and President in 1984.  He is past President of the Camden Chamber of Commerce; was 1977 Camden Jaycee's Man of the Year; was awarded first annual Camden Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award in 1983; served on Education Standards Committee of the State of Arkansas; and presently serves on the Boards of East Camden and Highland Railroad, Shumaker Public Service Corporation, Merchants and Planters Bank of Camden, and First United Bancshares of El Dorado.

C. James McCormick is former Chairman of the Board of McCormick, Inc., Best Way Express, Inc., Emeritus, Inc., and President of JAMAC Corporation, all of Vincennes, Indiana.  He is also the former Vice Chairman of Golf Hosts, Inc.  He is the owner of CJ Leasing, LLC.  Mr. McCormick is former Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of First Bancorp, Vincennes, Indiana; former Chairman of the Vincennes University board of trustees and a Life Director of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce; and a former member of the Young President's Organization.  He is a former Chairman of the Board of the American Trucking Associations.  Mr. McCormick is a Past Chairman of the National Board of Trustees of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

John E. Miller was a member of the State of Arkansas House of Representatives from 1959 to 2000.  He has been self-employed in the insurance, abstract, real estate, heavy construction and farming business for more than 20 years.  He presently serves on the Board of Directors of Calico Rock Medical Center, Easy K Foundation, National Conference of Christians and Jews, State Advocacy Services, Lions World Services for the Blind, State Board of Easter Seals, Williams Baptist College Board of Trustees and Izard County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Robert R. Rigler has been Chairman of the Board of Security State Bank, New Hampton, Iowa since 1989; he served as its President and CEO from 1968 to 1989.  Mr. Rigler was Iowa Superintendent of Banking from 1989 to 1991.  He was a member of the Iowa Transportation Commission from 1971 to 1986 and served as its Chairman from 1973 to 1986.  He was a member of the Iowa State Senate from 1955 to 1971 and served as a Majority and Minority Floor Leader.

L. Stanley Schoelerman was President and a Partner of Petersen Sheep & Cattle Co., Spencer, Iowa from 1964 to 2001.  He was a Director of Home Federal Savings & Loan, Spencer, Iowa, from 1969 to 1988; and Honeybee Manufacturing, Everly, Iowa, from 1974 to 1986.  He was President of Topsoil-Schoenewe, Everly, Iowa, from 1974 to 1986.  Mr. Schoelerman was Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Transportation from 1974 to 1978 and was a member of the National Motor Carrier Advisory Board of the Federal Highway Administration from 1981 to 1985.

Audit Committee

The Company’s audit committee consists of three members of the board of directors, Richard Barclay, Robert Rigler and John Greig.  Mr. Barclay, a Certified Public Accountant, is the committee’s financial expert and is independent of management.  See description of board members for additional information.

Compensation Committee

The Company’s compensation committee consists of three members of the board of directors, C. James McCormick, Roy Ledbetter and Hayden Fry.  C. James McCormick is Chairman of the committee.  See description of board members for additional information.

Code of Ethics

The Company has a code of ethics that applies to all employees of the Company.  To receive a copy of the Company’s code of ethics without charge, contact:

Ms. Pam Randolph
BNL Financial Corporation
7530 Hwy. 107
Sherwood, Arkansas  72120

 
26 

 


Additional information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2008 Proxy Statement for its annual meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 22, 2008 and the sections therein entitled “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock,” “Corporate Governance,” “Audit Committee Charter and Report,” “Compensation Committee Charter,” “Purposes and Processes and Report,” “Compensation of Executive Officers,” and “Compensation of Directors.”
 
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2008 Proxy Statement for its annual meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 22, 2008 and the sections therein entitled “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock,” “Corporate Governance,” “Audit Committee Charter and Report,” “Compensation Committee Charter,” “Purposes and Processes and Report,” “Compensation of Executive Officers,” and “Compensation of Directors.”

 
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
 
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The following table reflects the persons known to the Company to be the beneficial owners of 5% or more of the Company's voting securities as of December 31, 2007

 
 
 
Title of Class
 
 
 
 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 
 
 
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1)
 
 
 
Percent of Class as of
December 31, 2007
             
Common Stock
 
Wayne E. Ahart
 
4,712,216(2)
 
30.97%
   
8017 Cobblestone
       
   
Austin, TX  78735
       
             
Common Stock
 
Barry N. Shamas
 
2,801,816(3)
 
18.42%
   
1095 Hidden Hills Dr
       
   
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
       
             
Common Stock
 
C. Don Byrd
 
1,852,719 (4)
 
12.18%
   
1725 S. 50th Unit 144
       
   
W. Des Moines, IA 50265
       
             
Common Stock
 
Kenneth Tobey
 
1,161,762
 
7.64%
   
23 Tennyson
       
   
N. Little Rock, AR 72116
       

 
 
(1) To the Company's knowledge, all shares are beneficially owned by, and the sole voting and investment power is held by the persons named, except as otherwise indicated.

 
(2) This includes 133,290 shares owned directly by Wayne Ahart and Wayne Ahart’s indirect ownership of   1,200,000 shares which are owned by National Iowa Corporation and 686,037 shares which are owned by Arkansas National Corporation.  Wayne Ahart controls both National Iowa Corporation and Arkansas National Corporation and votes the shares of the Company’s common stock owned by both corporations.   LeRene Ahart, as a shareholder in National Iowa Corporation and Arkansas National Corporation, has an indirect pecuniary interest in 1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by National Iowa Corporation and 649,363 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by Arkansas National Corporation.  Wayne Ahart has voting control of all 2,400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by  National Iowa Corporation and all 2,178,926 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by Arkansas National Corporation plus the 133,290 shares which are owned directly by Wayne Ahart.  Consequently, Wayne Ahart has voting control of 4,712,216 (30.97%) shares of the Company’s common stock.
 
 
 (3) Includes 1,400,000 shares held in the name of Life Industries of Iowa, Inc., and 1,335,171 shares held in the name of Arkansas Industries   Corporation, both of which are controlled by Mr. Shamas.
 
 
(4) All of Mr. Byrd's shares are subject to a right of first refusal of the Company to acquire said shares on the same terms and conditions as any proposed sale or other transfer by Mr. Byrd.






 
27 

 


Security Ownership of Management
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2007, certain information concerning the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock by each director of the Company and by all directors and officers as a group:

 
 
Title of Class
 
 
Name of Beneficial Owner
 
 
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership1
 
 
Percent of Class as of December 31, 2007
Common
Wayne E. Ahart
4,712,2162
30.97%
Common
Cecil L. Alexander
37,088
 0.24%
Common
Richard L Barclay
46,088
0.29%
Common
Tammy Barr
600
0.00%
Common
C. Donald Byrd
1,852,7193
12.18%
Common
Eugene A. Cernan
37,088
0.24%
Common
Jeffrey A. Drees
18,843
0.12%
Common
Hayden Fry
69,047
0.45%
Common
John Greig
50,102
0.33%
Common
Roy E. Ledbetter
37,088
0.24%
Common
C. James McCormick
 13,708
0.09%
Common
John E. Miller
47,111
0.31%
Common
Jerry Ouzts
300
0.00%
Common
Pamela C. Randolph
2,905
0.02%
Common
Robert R Rigler
3,295
0.02%
Common
Barry N. Shamas
2,801,8164
18.42%
Common
Kenneth Tobey
1,161,762
7.64%
Common
 
All Officers and Directors as a group (17 persons)
 
10,891,776
 
71.59%
 
 
 (1) To the Company's knowledge all shares are beneficially owned by the persons named, except as otherwise indicated, and they hold the sole voting and investment power.

 
(2) This includes 133,290 shares owned directly by Wayne Ahart and Wayne Ahart’s indirect ownership of   1,200,000 shares which are owned by National Iowa Corporation and 686,037 shares which are owned by Arkansas National Corporation.  Wayne Ahart controls both National Iowa Corporation and Arkansas National Corporation and votes the shares of the Company’s common stock owned by both corporations.   LeRene Ahart, as a shareholder in National Iowa Corporation and Arkansas National Corporation, has an indirect pecuniary interest in 1,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by National Iowa Corporation and 649,363 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by Arkansas National Corporation.  Wayne Ahart has voting control of all 2,400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by National Iowa Corporation and all 2,178,926 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by Arkansas National Corporation plus the 133,290 shares which are owned directly by Wayne Ahart.  Consequently, Wayne Ahart has voting control of 4,712,216 (30.97%) shares of the Company’s common stock.
 
 
(3) All of Mr. Byrd's shares are subject to a right of first refusal of the Company to acquire said shares on the same terms and conditions as any proposed sale or other transfer by Mr. Byrd.
 
 
(4) Includes 1,400,000 shares held in the name of Life Industries of Iowa, Inc., and 1,335,171 shares held in the name of Arkansas Industries Corporation, both of which are controlled by Mr. Shamas.
 

 
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Directors Independence
 
 
 
None
 
 
ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
 
The information required under this item is incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2008 Proxy Statement for its annual meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 22, 2008.
 


 
28 

 

 

 
PART IV
 
ITEM 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)   1.  Financial Statements
The information required by this section is set forth on pages F-1 to F-19 of this Report which are incorporated herein by reference.

2.  The following financial statement schedule required to be filed by Paragraph (d) of Item 15 of Form 10-K is submitted as a separate section of this report.

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant  F-20 to F-22

Schedules I and IV have been omitted as all required data is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.

        3.  Exhibits
No.
 
Description
 
Page or Method of Filing
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation of BNL Financial Corporation, dated January 27, 1984 and Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of BNL Financial Corporation, dated November 13, 1987.
 
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1993.
3.2
 
By-laws of BNL Financial Corporation.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-70318
 
4.1
 
Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Company's Registration Statement No. 2-94538 and Exhibits 3.5 and 4 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 thereto.
 
4.2
 
Articles of Incorporation of BNL Financial Corporation, dated January 27, 1984 and Amendment to Articles of Incorporation on BNL Financial Corporation, dated November 13, 1987.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.2 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the period ending December 31, 1998.
 
10.1
 
Form of Agreement between Commonwealth Industries Corporation, American Investors Corporation and Wayne E. Ahart regarding rights to purchase shares of the Company.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit I of the Company's Quarterly Report on 10-QSB for the period ended September 30, 1994.
 
 
10.2
 
Agreement dated December 21, 1990 between Registrant and C. Donald Byrd granting Registrant right of first refusal as to future transfers of Mr. Byrd's shares of the Company's common stock.
 
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit I of the Company's Quarterly Report on 10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 1996.
 
 
10.3
 
Convertible Debenture Agreement dated July 25, 2001 between BNL Equity Corporation and EPSI Benefits Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company's Annual Report on 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005.
 
10.4
 
Claims Service Agreement dated  June 1, 1999 between Brokers National Life Assurance Company and Employer Plan Services Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Annual Report on 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005.
 
10.5
 
Office lease agreement dated January 21, 2006, between Brokers National Life Assurance Company and KIMCO for premises in Austin.
 
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Annual Report on 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005.
 
10.6
 
Line of Credit Agreement dated October 15, 2004 between Brokers National Life Assurance Company and Employer Plan Services Inc.
 
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's Annual Report on 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005.
 
10.7
 
Marketing Agreement dated July 25, 2001 between BNL Equity Corporation and Employer Plan Services Inc. and EPSI Benefits Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report on 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005.
 
10.8
 
Outsourcing Agreement dated May 1, 2007 between Brokers National Life Assurance Company and Virtual Item Processing Systems, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company's Annual Report on 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2006.
 
 
11
 
Statement Re computation of per share earnings.
 
Reference is made to the explanation of the computation of per share earnings as shown in Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed herewith under Item 14(a)(1) above which clearly describes the same.
 
12
 
Statements re computation of ratios.
 
Not applicable.
 
16
 
Letter Re Change in Certifying Accountant.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit I of the Company's periodic Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 1995.
 
21
 
Subsidiaries of Registrant.
 
Filed herewith.
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 Section 302
 
 
Filed herewith – E1
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Section 302
 
 
Filed herewith – E3
32
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Section 906
 
 
Attached hereto – E5



 
29 

 






SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 28th day of March 2008

BNL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

/s/ Wayne E. Ahart
____________________________________
By: Wayne E. Ahart, Chairman of the Board

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:

         
SIGNATURE
 
TITLE
 
DATE
 
 
/S/ Wayne E. Ahart
     
 
 
03/28/2008
Wayne E. Ahart
 
Chairman of the Board, Director (Principal Executive Officer)
   
 
 
/S/ C. Donald Byrd
 
     
 
 
03/27/2008
C. Donald Byrd
 
Vice Chairman of the Board and Director
   
 
 
/S/ Kenneth Tobey
     
 
 
03/27/2008
Kenneth Tobey
 
President and Director
   
 
 
/S/ Barry N. Shamas
     
 
 
03/28/2008
Barry N. Shamas
 
Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
   
 
 
/S/ Hayden Fry
     
 
 
03/27/2008
Hayden Fry
 
Director
   
 
 
/S/ John Greig
     
 
 
03/27/2008
John Greig
 
Director
   
 
 
/S/ C. James McCormick
     
 
 
03/27/2008
C. James McCormick
 
Director
   
 
 
/S/ Robert R. Rigler
     
 
 
03/23/2008
Robert R. Rigler
 
Director
   
 
 
/S/ Stanley Schoelerman
     
 
 
03/27/2008
Stanley Schoelerman
 
Director
   
 
 
/S/ Cecil Alexander
     
 
 
03/27/2008
Cecil Alexander
 
Director
   
 
 
/S/ Richard Barclay
     
 
 
03/27/2008
Richard Barclay
 
Director
   
 
 
/S/ Eugene A. Cernan
     
 
 
03/27/2008
Eugene A. Cernan
 
Director
   
 
 
/S/ Roy Ledbetter
     
 
 
03/27/2008
Roy Ledbetter
 
Director
   
 
 
/S/ John E. Miller
     
 
 
03/27/2008
John E. Miller
 
Director
   


 
  31

 



ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

ITEM 15 (a) AND 15 (d)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007

BNL FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

DES MOINES, IOWA



 
Table of Contents
 

   
Page Number of 2007
Form 10-K
Item 15(a) Financial Statements
   
     
Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statements
 
F-2
     
Consolidated Balance Sheet, December 31, 2007 and 2006
 
F-3
     
Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
 
F-4
     
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
 
F-5
     
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
 
F-6
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
F-7
     
Item 15(d) - Schedule II, Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
 
F-20
     


F- 1
 
 

 


BNL Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
BNL Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of BNL Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index.  In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States.)  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of BNL Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of its operations and its consolidated cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be set forth therein.




Oklahoma City, Oklahoma                                                                                                   SMITH, CARNEY & CO., p.c.
March 28, 2008                                                                                                        /s/ Smith, Carney & Co.

























F- 2
 
 

 


BNL Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2007 and 2006

     
December 31,
   
ASSETS
 
2007
   
2006
 
   Cash and cash equivalents
$
    4,937,983
 
$
    1,673,058
 
   Investments in fixed maturities at fair value, Available for Sale  (amortized cost $ 590,473; $590,133, respectively)
 
 
   599,600
   
 
   596,800
 
   Investments in fixed maturities at amortized cost, Held to Maturity  (fair value $19,027,913; $18,798,802, respectively)
 
 
19,087,747
   
 
19,128,637
 
   Other long-term investments - (Note 4)
 
1,470,054
   
1,507,809
 
   Investment in equity securities, at fair value
       (cost $373,603, $442,574, respectively)
 
 
534,725
   
 
509,381
 
               Total Investments, Including Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
26,630,109
   
23,415,685
 
             
   Accrued investment income
 
220,461
   
223,295
 
   Leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment, net
 
1,147,453
   
1,322,369
 
   Deferred policy acquisition costs
 
324,125
   
359,491
 
   Policy loans
 
171,889
   
153,798
 
   Receivable from reinsurer
 
53,383
   
52,820
 
   Premiums due and unpaid
 
  1,461,467
   
  1,086,103
 
   Income tax assets
 
 -
   
 21,000
 
   Intangible assets
 
137,038
   
142,853
 
   Other assets
 
 155,150
   
 232,220
 
             
               Total Assets
$
30,301,075
 
$
27,009,634
 
             
LIABILITIES
           
   Liabilities for future policy benefits
$
2,255,045
 
$
2,472,849
 
   Policy claims payable
 
2,306,288
   
2,508,125
 
   Annuity deposits
 
2,463,546
   
2,536,225
 
   Deferred annuity profits
 
253,159
   
288,389
 
   Premium deposit funds
 
25,318
   
28,458
 
   Supplementary contracts without life contingencies
 
 5,905
   
17,241
 
   Advanced and unallocated premium
 
  2,219,429
   
  875,089
 
   Commissions payable
 
514,014
   
555,159
 
   Accrued taxes and expenses
 
356,393
   
615,700
 
   Bonds payable
 
1,607,576
   
1,639,984
 
   Deferred income tax liability
 
29,601
   
-
 
   Other liabilities
 
         967,929
   
         959,911
 
               Total Liabilities
 
13,004,203
   
12,497,130
 
             
             
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
   Common stock, $.02 stated value, 45,000,000 shares authorized, 15,463,965; 17,213,170; shares issued and outstanding, respectively
 
 
309,279
   
 
344,264
 
   Additional paid-in capital
 
 5,751,240
   
 7,582,733
 
   Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 122,630
   
 68,356
 
   Accumulated surplus
 
11,426,539
   
7,977,171
 
   Treasury stock, at cost, 250,252; 1,502,270; shares, respectively
 
(312,816)
   
(1,460,020)
 
               Total Shareholders' Equity
 
17,296,872
   
14,512,504
 
             
               Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$
30,301,075
 
$
27,009,634
 


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


F-3
 
 

 

BNL Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   
Year Ended December 31,
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
Income
           
   Premium income
$
44,564,173
$
44,646,393
$
44,303,827
   Net investment income
 
  1,320,614
 
  1,191,583
 
  1,003,613
   Marketing fees (Note 4)
 
198,843
 
143,315
 
115,233
   Vision insurance income
 
1,979,359
 
1,603,767
 
1,051,720
   Realized gain on debt retirements
 
 10,803
 
 35,732
 
102,067
   Realized gains
 
 11,128
 
 25,547
 
 37,816
             
               Total Income
 
48,084,920
 
47,646,337
 
46,614,276
             
Expenses
           
   Increase (decrease) in liability for future policy benefits
 
(213,867)
 
(123,066)
 
308,563
   Policy benefits and other insurance costs
 
33,496,995
 
34,374,507
 
33,317,136
   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
 
16,060
 
26,219
 
22,467
   Operating expenses
 
9,012,950
 
8,759,605
 
8,558,205
   Taxes, other than on income
 
1,509,780
 
1,526,427
 
1,577,775
             
                Total Expenses
 
43,821,918
 
44,563,692
 
43,784,146
             
                Income from Operations before
                     Income Taxes
 
 
4,263,002
 
 
3,082,645
 
 
2,830,130
             
   Provision for income taxes
 
813,634
 
518,402
 
527,041
             
               Net Income
$
 3,449,368
$
 2,564,243
$
 2,303,089
             
Net income per common share (basic and diluted)
$
0.22
$
0.16
$
0.13
             
Weighted average number of fully
    paid common shares
 
 
15,602,725
 
 
16,481,342
 
 
17,495,881
             
               Net Income (as above)
$
 3,449,368
$
 2,564,243
$
 2,303,089
             
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
           
     Unrealized gains on securities:
           
          Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during period (net of $10,175 and $11,532 of deferred taxes in 2007 and 2006; respectively)
 
 
     65,626
 
 
     73,496
 
 
     (51,490)
Reclassification adjustment for gain included in net income
 
(11,352)
 
(15,761)
 
(28,052)
             
                Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
54,274
 
57,735
 
(79,542)
             
                Comprehensive Income
$
3,503,642
$
2,621,978
$
2,223,547





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




F- 4
 
 

 

BNL Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
                    Accumulated Other       
   
 Common
 S
tock 
  Additional Paid-In    Accumulated     Comprehensive   Treasury   
    Shares    Amount    Capital    Surplus   
Income  
  Stock   
 
Balance, December 31, 2004
20,980,760
$
419,616
$
10,829,800
$
3,109,839
$
90,165
$
(1,189,884)
 
                           
 
Accumulated other  comprehensive income
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(79,543)
 
 
-
 
 
Sale of treasury stock
-
 
-
 
(29,693)
 
-
 
-
 
94,243
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(2,435,698)
 
 
Stock options exercised
-
 
  -
 
 4,634
 
-
 
-
 
 6,796
 
 
Retirement of treasury stock
(3,767,590)
 
(75,352)
 
(3,196,222)
 
-
 
-
 
 3,271,574
 
 
Net income
                -
 
-
 
-
 
2,303,089
 
-
 
-
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2005
17,213,170
$
344,264
$
 7,608,519
$
5,412,928
$
10,622
$
(252,969)
 
                           
 
Accumulated other  comprehensive income
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
57,734
 
 
-
 
 
Sale of treasury stock
-
 
-
 
(25,936)
 
-
 
-
 
90,370
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(1,297,871)
 
 
Stock options exercised
-
 
  -
 
  150
 
-
 
-
 
 450
 
 
Net income
                -
 
-
 
-
 
2,564,243
 
-
 
-
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2006
17,213,170
$
344,264
$
 7,582,733
$
7,977,171
$
68,356
$
(1,460,020)
 
                           
 
Accumulated other  comprehensive income
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
54,274
 
 
-
 
 
Sale of treasury stock
-
 
-
 
48,325
 
-
 
-
 
102,995
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(789,184)
 
 
Stock options exercised
-
 
  -
 
  5,736
 
-
 
-
 
 20,494
 
 
Retirement of treasury stock
(1,749,205)
 
(34,985)
 
(1,885,554)
 
-
 
-
 
1,812,899
 
 
Net income
                -
 
-
 
-
 
3,449,368
 
-
 
-
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2007
15,463,965
$
309,279
$
 5,751,240
$
11,426,539
$
122,630
$
(312,816)
 





















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


F-5
 
 

 

BNL Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

           
Year Ended December 31,
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
           
     Net income
$
3,449,368
$
2,564,243
$
2,303,089
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
        provided by operating activities:
           
            Realized gain on investments
 
 (13,677)
 
 (17,367)
 
 (41,060)
            Realized (gain) loss on sale of furniture and equipment
 
2,549
 
(8,180)
 
 3,244
            Realized gain on debt extinguishments
 
(10,803)
 
(35,732)
 
(102,067)
            Depreciation
 
381,064
 
311,489
 
234,632
            Decrease in deferred tax asset
 
  40,602
 
  4,000
 
  79,000
            Increase in and amortization of deferred acquisition costs, and bond issuance cost
 
21,875
 
(24,932)
 
28,282
            Accretion of bond premium (discount)
 
(11,528)
 
(5,623)
 
(1,031)
        Change in assets and liabilities:
           
             (Increase) decrease in accrued investment income
 
  2,833
 
  (38,009)
 
  (2,089)
             Increase in receivable from reinsurer
 
(563)
 
(4,435)
 
(14,264)
             (Increase) in premiums due and unpaid
 
(375,364)
 
(58,420)
 
(171,724)
             Increase (decrease) in liability for future policy benefits
 
(217,804)
 
(118,631)
 
322,827
             Increase (decrease) in policy claims payable
 
(201,837)
 
(50,440)
 
322,636
             Increase (decrease) in annuity deposits and deferred profits
 
 (107,909)
 
 (350,367)
 
 17,158
             Decrease in premium deposit funds
 
(3,140)
 
(3,349)
 
(4,217)
             Increase  in advanced and unallocated premium
 
 1,344,340
 
 71,799
 
143,792
             Increase (decrease) in commissions payable
 
(41,145)
 
53,338
 
18,166
             Other, (decrease)
 
(279,162)
 
(138,876)
 
(92,908)
                    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
3,979,699
 
2,150,508
 
3,043,466
             
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
           
     Proceeds from sales of investments
 
       129,753
 
     150,452
 
     64,129
     Proceeds from maturity or redemption - Available for Sale Investments
 
      -
 
      -
 
206,460
     Proceeds from maturity or redemption - Held to Maturity Investments
 
5,623,542
 
4,244,735
 
3,158,405
     Proceeds from sale of furniture and equipment
 
     43,809
 
     12,786
 
     -
     Purchase of equity securities
 
     (47,105)
 
   (223,281)
 
        -
     Purchase of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements
 
(252,506)
 
(466,286)
 
(618,235)
     Purchase of fixed maturity securities, Held to Maturity
 
(5,605,447)
 
(3,853,309)
 
(6,193,619)
     Other Investments - Line of credit - receipt (advanced)
 
37,755
 
35,632
 
13,966
                     Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
 
(70,199)
 
(99,271)
 
(3,368,894)
             
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
           
     Sale of treasury stock
 
 164,226
 
 64,550
 
 62,563
     Purchase of treasury stock
 
(780,352)
 
(1,297,948)
 
(2,435,698)
     Net change in supplementary contracts
 
(11,336)
 
(19,740)
 
(18,818)
     Stock options exercised
 
   4,492
 
   150
 
11,430
     Debt extinguishments
 
(21,605)
 
(71,463)
 
(157,690)
                      Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
 
(644,575)
 
(1,324,451)
 
(2,538,213)
 
                      Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
3,264,925
 
 
726,786
 
 
(2,863,641)
 
                      Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
 
 
  1,673,058
 
 
  946,272
 
 
3,809,913
             
                    
  Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
 
$
 
4,937,983
 
$
 
1,673,058
 
$
 
946,272

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

F-6
 
 

 


1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of BNL Financial Corporation (“BNLF”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Brokers National Life Assurance Company (BNLAC), BNL Brokerage Corporation and Consumers Protective Association, Inc.  All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
The Company’s principal activity is the sale of individual and group life and accident and health insurance within the United States.    The most significant income component is sales of dental insurance for which the maximum annual risk per policy is $2,000.  See Note 10.  The Company is licensed to sell in 44 states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2007.  See Note 2.  Substantially all of the Company's life insurance in force is nonparticipating business.
 
Premiums from group accident and health insurance are reported as earned when due since these policies are short duration contracts.
 
Individual dental and individual life insurance policies are long duration contracts.  Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as to result in recognition over the life of the policy.  Such recognition is accomplished by means of the provision for future policy benefits and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.
 
Costs of acquiring new business and certain expenses of policy issuance and underwriting have been deferred; these deferred policy acquisition costs are being amortized over the premium-paying period of the policies (maximum of 30 years) in proportion to the ratio of annual premium revenue to total premium revenue anticipated.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets, including tax loss and credit carry-forwards, and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  Deferred income tax expense represents the change during the period in the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  See Note 3.
 
Liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited-payment contracts has been determined primarily by the net level premium method using the 1975 through 1980 Select and Ultimate Mortality Table, interest assumptions starting at 7% graded to 5% at the end of the sixteenth year and estimated future withdrawals based upon Linton Tables B or C.
 
For annuity contracts without mortality risk, net premium deposits and benefit payments are recorded as increases or decreases in a liability account rather than as revenue and expense.  Expenses incurred and fees charged upon issuance are deferred and recognized in relationship to the amount of funds held.  This deferred annuity profit is being amortized based on lapse and mortality assumptions (maximum of 30 years) which are revised periodically to reflect actual experience.  Increases in the liability account for interest credited to contracts are charged to expense.  The interest rate assumptions ranged from 3.0% to 5.0% during 2007 and 2006.
 
The liability for policy claims payable is composed of claims reported but not paid and claims incurred but not reported.  The Company has developed a procedure for calculating incurred but not reported dental claims based on prior years’ claims using dates incurred, reported to the insurance company and subsequently paid.  Differences in estimates may result in revised claims expense which is recognized in the period in which the difference is determined.

The Company has divided its fixed maturity investments into two classes “available for sale” and “held to maturity” in accordance with management’s intent in regard to these investments. Investments available for sale may be sold prior to maturity due to changes that might occur in market interest rates, changes in the security’s prepayment risk, the Company’s liquidity needs, and similar factors, including the Company’s asset/liability management strategy.  Investments available for sale are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the valuation of fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.




F-7
 
 

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The “held to maturity” classification reflects management's intent and ability to hold this block of securities to their maturity.  Investments designated by management as part of the held to maturity portfolio are presented on the financial statements at amortized book value and, therefore, unlike the available for sale portfolio, no adjustments to surplus are made as bond values change.

Realized gains or losses on sale of all investments are determined on a specific identification basis.  Investments in equity securities are carried at fair value.
 
Cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.  Cash equivalents represent other short-term securities.  For purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, the Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments to be cash equivalents.  The Company made debenture interest payments of $78,331 $86,700 and $83,855 in 2007, 2006 and 2005; respectively.  The Company made cash payments for income taxes of $670,000, $500,000 and $533,540 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Leasehold improvements and furniture and equipment are recorded at cost.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.  Provision for depreciation is made on the basis of estimated useful lives of 3 to 10 years utilizing the straight-line method.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lease term.  Accumulated depreciation and amortization totaled $1,099,320 and $781,706 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization expense was $381,064, $311,488, and $234,631, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Other assets include agents’ balances of $49,710 and $57,054 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, after reduction for allowance of doubtful accounts.  The allowance account had a credit recorded of $4,400, $4,313 and $8,627 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Intangible assets include the cost of 26 state licenses acquired in 1991 as part of the Statesmen Life Insurance Company acquisition and certain loan acquisition costs. These assets must be periodically tested for impairment of their market value and written off immediately to the extent the value is found to be impaired.  The Company tested its intangible assets for impairment by evaluating the future benefit of the underlying investments or rights acquired in association with these assets.  No impairment expense was recognized in 2007, 2006 or 2005.  Amortization expense of approximately $5,815 was recorded for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
The Company accounts for the 1994 Brokers and Agents Stock Option Plan and the 2002 Nondirector, Nonexecutive Stock Option Plan using the fair value method as required by SFAS No. 123(R).  Under this method the fair value of the options granted is recorded as expense at the date of grant for fully vested instruments.  See Note 9.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.  In addition, it also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.  SFAS 159 does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value.  SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007.  Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157, (“Fair Value Measurements”).  BNL Financial Corporation has not elected early adoption of this standard and does not expect that SFAS 159 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results from operations or cash flows.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which clarifies accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions. FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We have evaluated the impact of adopting FIN No. 48 on our consolidated financial statements, and the adoption of FIN No. 48 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.
 
Net gain per share is based on net gain divided by the weighted average number of shares.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with the current year presentation.  BNLAC markets group and individual vision insurance products that are underwritten by other insurance companies and as a result, BNLAC does not have any exposure to underwriting losses. The Company’s vision insurance income increased to more than a million dollars in 2005 and is reported as a separate line item on the income statement.


F-8
 
 

 

2.  Shareholders' Equity

During 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company made cash offers to shareholders for the purchase of stock.  These offerings resulted in stock purchases amounting to $789,184 for 611,214 shares in 2007, $1,297,948 for 1,248,291 shares in 2006 and $132,056 for 148,667 shares in 2005.  In order to purchase company common stock, the Company was required to file a Schedule TO in 2006 and 2007 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Included in the cost of the Treasury Stock purchased in 2006 and 2007 is $43,657 and $35,000, respectively; which represents a portion of the cost to complete the TO filings.

On March 21, 2005, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company (“UGL”).  UGL owned 2,216,776 shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, which represented approximately 11.6% of the Company’s total issued and outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2005. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased all of the Shares for the purchase price of $2,300,000 and placed them in treasury stock.

The Company retired 1,749,205 treasury shares during the fourth quarter of 2007 and during the second quarter of 2005 the Company retired 3,767,590 treasury shares.

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, shareholders' equity includes approximately $17,275,172 and $14,789,381, respectively, of BNLAC net assets.  The ability of BNLAC to pay dividends to the Company is restricted under Arkansas insurance laws and must be approved by the insurance commissioner if it exceeds the lesser of 10% of surplus or net gain from operations for the year.  BNLAC paid the Company $1,000,000 of ordinary dividends in 2007 which were used to purchase the company’s common stock and for operating expenses.  In 2006, BNLAC paid $1,450,000 of ordinary dividends to the Company, primarily for the purchase of the company’s common stock.  In April of 2005 BNLAC received approval to pay a dividend of $2,600,000 to the Company to purchase $2,300,000 of company common stock and $300,000 for operating expenses.  BNLAC paid dividends of $1,000,000, $1,450,000 and $2,950,000 to the Company in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
BNLAC reports to state regulatory authorities on a statutory accounting basis that differs from the basis used herein.  Due to an Arkansas regulatory requirement associated with the redomestication in 1994, BNLAC must maintain a minimum of $2,300,000 in capital and surplus.  Additionally, each state in which BNLAC is licensed has statutory minimum capital requirements required for maintaining its license to sell.  Minimum capital and surplus requirements vary from $300,000 to as much as $5,000,000 in the states in which BNLAC is licensed.
 
The states periodically increase minimum capital requirements, often allowing companies with existing Certificates of Authority to continue doing business in the state under the previous existing requirements (grandfathering).  States in which BNLAC is licensed to do business have increased minimum requirements to as much as $5,000,000.  Management actively monitors these developments to maintain compliance with the requirements of each state.

Capital and surplus and net income of BNLAC as reported on a statutory basis are as follows:

 
 
         
 December 31
   
     
2007
 
2006
 
2005
               
 
Capital and Surplus
 
$15,834,458
 
$13,223,044
 
$12,114,024
               
 
Net Income
 
$ 3,350,129
 
$ 2,490,537
 
$ 2,263,342
               

 









F-9
 
 

 

2.  Shareholders' Equity (continued)
 
The following is a reconciliation of consolidated net income and shareholders’ equity per the financial statements included herein to BNLAC unconsolidated net income and capital and surplus on a statutory basis:

 
 
 December 31 
 ,   2007  
  December 31 
 ,  2006  
December 31
 , 
 2005
 
 
Income
 
Capital and
Surplus
 
 
Income
 
Capital and
Surplus
 
 
Income
 
Capital and
Surplus
Consolidated reporting under
                     
  generally accepted accounting principles
$3,449,368
 
$17,296,873
 
$2,564,243
 
$14,512,504
 
$2,303,089
 
$13,123,361
Attributable to Parent Company and BNL
  Equity
 
 14,075
 
 
21,701
 
 
 63,937
 
 
(276,877)
 
 
 74,933
 
 
(559,877)
                       
Brokers National Life Assurance Company
3,435,293
 
17,275,172
 
2,500,306
 
14,789,381
 
2,228,156
 
13,683,239
                       
Deferred acquisition costs
 16,062
 
(324,125)
 
 29,620
 
(359,491)
 
 (42,734)
 
(389,110)
Reserve and premium adjustments
 (113,047)
 
 201,923
 
 20,207
 
 28,009
 
125,718
 
200,520
Interest maintenance reserve/AVR
 26,619
 
(612,140)
 
 20,204
 
(623,563)
 
 22,467
 
(602,271)
Unrealized appreciation of securities
         -
 
  161,767
 
         -
 
  66,807
 
         -
 
 145,714
Annuity deposits and related adjustments
(35,230)
 
253,159
 
(51,040)
 
560,430
 
(97,569)
 
295,996
Income tax credit
 25,000
 
106,000
 
 (1,000)
 
86,000
 
 45,000
 
61,000
Other
(4,568)
 
(1,227,299)
 
(27,760)
 
(1,324,529)
 
(17,696)
 
(1,281,064)
                       
   BNLAC Statutory Basis
$3,350,129
 
$15,834,457
 
$2,490,537
 
$13,223,044
 
$2,263,342
 
$12,114,024

3.  Income Taxes

The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which prescribes the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes.  Under the liability method, companies establish a deferred tax liability or asset for the future tax effects of temporary differences between book and tax basis of assets and liabilities.  Changes in future tax rates will result in immediate adjustments to deferred taxes.   The Company and its Subsidiaries file consolidated income tax returns.

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, the Company had gross deferred tax assets of $1,129,371 and $1,397,439 with corresponding valuation allowances of $812,466 and $1,072,825, and gross deferred tax liabilities of $346,506 and $303,614, resulting from net operating loss carryovers and temporary differences primarily related to the life insurance subsidiary. The valuation allowance is primarily due to statutory limitations on the use of net operating losses and uncertainty as to usage of AMT credit carryover. The resulting net deferred tax liability is $29,601 as of December 31, 2007 and a tax asset of $21,000 at December 31, 2006. Realization of a deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the loss carry forward. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the net deferred tax asset will be realized. However, the amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced.

The provision (benefit) for income tax is as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
             
Current tax provisions
$ 773,033
 
$ 514,377
 
$ 448,040
 
Deferred tax provision
40,601
 
4,025
 
79,001
 
             
Total income tax provision
$813,634
 
$518,402
 
$527,041
 
             

 








F-10
 
 

 

3.  Income Taxes (continued)
 
The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the federal statutory income tax rate to total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 
   
          2007
 
          2006
 
2005
             
Book income before tax
 
$4,263,002
 
$    3,082,645
 
$2,830,130
             
Income tax computed at statutory rate (34%)
 
$1,449,421
 
$   1,048,099
 
$   962,244
Valuation allowance for AMT credit
 
(85,000)
 
110,461
 
106,891
Revision of valuation allowance
 
173,923
 
(116,108)
 
51,499
Rate differential
 
(724,710)
 
(524,050)
 
(593,593)
             
Total income tax provision
 
$   813,634
 
$     518,402
 
$   527,041
             

The Company has net operating loss carry forwards for income tax purposes at December 31, 2007 as follows:

       Expiring
   
     
2008
 
$     203,000
2009
 
162,000
2010
 
186,000
2011
 
66,000
2012
 
193,000
2018
 
105,000
2019
 
86,000
2020
 
65,000
     
   
$ 1,066,000
 
 

 
4.  Investments

The amortized cost and estimated market value of investments in fixed maturity securities are as follows:

Portfolio Designated “Held to Maturity”
(Note 1)
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 
 
Estimated Market Value
US Treasury securities and obligations of
   US government corporations and agencies
 
 
$13,330,227
 
 
$     29,588
 
 
$   43,188
 
 
$13,316,627
Corporate securities
 
3,441,590
 
49,117
 
71,705
 
3,419,002
Mortgage-backed securities
   GNMA and FNMA CMO
 
 
2,315,930
 
 
     4,074
 
 
 27,720
 
 
2,292,284
                 
Totals
 
$19,087,747
 
$    82,779
 
$ 142,613
 
$19,027,913
Portfolio Designated “Available for Sale”
(Note 1)
 
December 31, 2007
               
US Treasury securities and obligations of
   US government corporations and agencies
 
 
$    402,881
 
 
$   72,844
 
 
  $     4,125
 
 
$   471,600
Corporate securities
 
  187,592
 
       -
 
   59,592
 
  128,000
                 
Totals
 
$    590,473
 
$  72,844
 
$   63,717
 
$   599,600




F- 11
 
 

 

4.  Investments (continued)

Portfolio Designated “Held to Maturity”
(Note 1)
 
 
December 31, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 
 
 
Estimated Market Value
US Treasury securities and obligations of
   US government corporations and agencies
 
 
$14,325,106
 
 
$               -
 
 
$  262,543
 
 
$14,062,563
Corporate securities
 
3,308,649
 
48,947
 
50,856
 
3,306,740
Mortgage-backed securities
   GNMA
 
 
1,494,882
 
 
     765
 
 
 66,148
 
 
1,429,499
                 
Totals
 
$19,128,637
 
$    49,712
 
$ 379,547
 
$18,798,802
Portfolio Designated “Available for Sale”
(Note 1)
 
December 31, 2006
               
US Treasury securities and obligations of
   US government corporations and agencies
 
 
$    402,794
 
 
$   63,706
 
 
  $     7,900
 
 
$   458,600
Corporate securities
 
  187,339
 
       -
 
   49,139
 
  138,200
                 
Totals
 
$    590,133
 
$  63,706
 
$   63,353
 
$   596,800

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2007 by contractual maturity are shown below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties and because most mortgage-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their life.

   
Held to Maturity
 
Available for Sale
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
 
Estimated
 Market Value
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
 
Estimated
 Market Value
 
                 
Due in one year or less
$ 2,496,407
 
$  2,486,390
 
$                 -
 
$                -
 
Due after one year through five years
5,215,712
 
5,254,590
 
-
 
-
 
Due after five years through ten years
6,573,644
 
6,513,486
 
-
 
-
 
Due after ten years
2,486,054
 
2,481,163
 
  590,473
 
  599,600
 
 
16,771,817
 
16,735,629
 
  590,473
 
  599,600
 
                 
Mortgage-backed securities
2,315,930
 
2,292,284
 
-
 
-
 
                 
 
$19,087,747
 
$19,027,913
 
$  590,473
 
$  599,600
 

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments in fixed maturity securities and equity securities for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $5,774,799, $3,605,879, and $4,263,935 respectively.  Gross gains were $13,677, $23,059 and $ 41,060 and gross losses were $0, $5,692 and $107 as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.







F-12
 
 

 

4.  Investments (continued)

Investment in equity securities at December 31, 2007 and 2006 represents common and preferred stock investments as follows:

 
2007
 
2006
 
 
 
Cost
 
Market
Value
 
 
Cost
 
Market
Value
 
                 
Banks, trusts and
     insurance companies
 
$    81,183
 
 
 
$     84,345
 
 
$    81,183
 
 
 
$     92,300
 
Industrial, savings
     and loans and other
 
292,420
 
 
450,380
 
 
361,391
 
 
417,081
 
                 
 
$373,603
 
$534,725
 
$442,574
 
$509,381
 


Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
             
Interest on debt securities and
     cash investments
 
 
$ 1,325,720
 
 
$ 1,196,221
 
 
$ 1,005,399
Dividends on equity securities
 
                6,215
 
                7,680
 
                11,484
             
   
 1,331,935
 
 1,203,901
 
 1,016,883
Investment expenses
 
(11,321)
 
(12,318)
 
(13,270)
             
Net Investment Income
 
$1,320,614
 
$1,191,583
 
$1,003,613

Net realized gains and losses are summarized below:

 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
           
Debt securities
               $                -
 
$      3,678
 
$      3,273
Equity securities
13,677
 
13,689
 
31,299
Fixed assets
(2,549)
 
8,180
 
3,244
           
 
$    11,128
 
$    25,547
 
$    37,816

Other long-term investments of $1,470,054 and $1,507,809 in 2007 and 2006 respectively, consists of, in part, a convertible debenture loan in the amount of $1,357,407 from the Company, to EPSI Benefits, Inc. (EBI), a Texas Corporation.  The loan bears interest at an annual rate of 14%, payable monthly, with principal payments commencing September 15, 2008 and a maturity date of August 15, 2015.  To protect its interest,  the Company may convert the debenture into 51% of the outstanding common stock of EBI, subject to regulatory approval.  The note is one of several agreements entered into by the Company's subsidiaries which expand the business relationship with EBI and its subsidiary, Employer Plan Services, Inc. (EPSI), which provides substantially all of the A&H claims  processing and adjudication for the Company's insurance subsidiary, BNLAC.   In 2008 discussions began with EBI regarding a possible acquisition of a controlling interest in EBI.  See Note 12.  BNLF receives a marketing fee from EBI under a related marketing agreement.

Other long-term investments also include an operating line of credit agreement in the amount of $112,647 and $150,402 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The agreement provided EPSI with a $200,000 line of credit maturing August, 2011.  The line of credit is at 8.00% with interest and principal payable monthly to BNLAC.






F- 13
 
 

 

4. Investments (continued)

Regulatory authorities require certain Company investments to be deposited or pledged for the benefits of policyholders as a condition of doing business in certain states.  The carrying values of these investment deposits are approximately $4,600,000 and $4,000,000 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The Company’s conservative investment philosophies minimize market risk and risk of default by investing in high quality debt instruments with staggered maturity dates.  The Company does not hedge investment risk through the use of derivative financial instruments.  The market value of the Company’s investments in debt instruments varies with changes in interest rates.  A significant increase in interest rates could cause decreases in the market values of investments and have a negative effect on comprehensive income and capital.

5.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 
2007
 
2006
     
 
Carrying
Fair
 
Carrying
Fair
     
Assets
Amount
Value
 
Amount
Value
     
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
               
       (Note 1)
$4,937,983
$4,937,983
(a)
$1,673,058
$1,673,058
(a)
   
Investments-fixed maturity, available for sale
       (Note 4 & Note 1)
 
  599,600
 
  599,600
 
(b)
 
  596,800
 
  596,800
 
(b)
   
Investments-fixed maturity, held to maturity
       (Note 4 & Note 1)
 
19,087,747
 
19,027,913
 
(b)
 
19,128,637
 
18,798,802
 
(b)
   
Investments –equity securities
               
       (Note 4 & Note 1)
534,725
534,725
(b)
509,381
509,381
(b)
   
Other long term investments (Note 4)
1,470,054
1,470,054
(a)
1,507,809
1,507,809
(a)
   
Other financial instruments-Assets
431,430
431,430
(a)
434,146
434,146
(a)
   
                 
Total financial instruments-Assets
$27,061,539
$27,001,705
 
$23,849,831
$23,519,996
     
           
Liabilities
               
                 
Premium deposit funds
$       25,318
$       25,318
(a)
$       28,458
$       28,458
(a)
   
Bonds payable
1,607,576
1,607,576
(a)
1,639,984
1,639,984
(a)
   
Supplementary contracts without life contingencies
               
       (Note 1)
 5,905
 5,905
(a)
17,241
17,241
(a)
   
Annuity deposits
               
       (Note 1)
2,463,546
2,463,546
(a)
2,536,225
2,536,225
(a)
   
                 
Total financial instruments-Liabilities
$  4,102,345
$ 4,102,345
 
$  4,221,908
$ 4,221,908
     
                 
(a) The indicated assets and liabilities are carried at book value, which approximates fair value.
(b) Fair value of investments is based on quoted market price or dealer quotes, when available.  If quotes are not available, fair values are based on quoted prices of comparable instruments.
 














F- 14
 
 

 


6.  Commitments and Contingencies

The balance of Bonds Payable was $1,607,576 and $1,639,784 at December 31, 2007 and 2006 respectively.  The bonds were issued in conjunction with a settlement with certain shareholders in 2001.  The Bonds are for a term of twelve years, effective December 15, 2002, with principal payable at maturity and bear interest at the rate of 6% per annum payable annually from the previous fiscal year’s earnings of BNL.  If any interest payment is not made, it will be added to the principal and paid at maturity.  The Bonds are fully callable and redeemable at par at any time by BNL.

In 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company made cash offers to bond holders for the purchase of bonds.  Bond purchases resulted in a reduction of Bonds Payable of $32,408, $107,194 and $259,757 in 2007, 2006 and 2005; respectively.  Gains from early extinguishments of the debt were $10,803, $35,732 and $102,067 in 2007, 2006 and 2005; respectively.

In 2003 and 2004, the Company became a third party indemnitor by entering into a series of bond indemnity and guarantee agreements with various terms totaling approximately $545,000 in conjunction with a marketing agreement with third parties, EPSI Benefits Inc. (EBI) and Employer Plan Services Inc. (EPSI).  The purpose of these agreements is to assist EPSI in becoming licensed in additional states. The Company received personal guarantees from the owners of EPSI to effectively limit potential liability under the guarantee agreements.  With regard to the bond indemnity, the Company will be obligated only if EPSI, EPSI’s parent and its shareholders, who are the primary obligors, were all to become insolvent.  Management considers the likelihood of the Company realizing a liability under these agreements to be remote.

The Company has entered into noncancelable operating leases for office space and equipment.  Future minimum payments under the leases are as follows:
 
2008
$   337,000
2009
  293,000
2010
 317,000
2011
292,000
2012
316,000
2013
  178,000
   
Total
$ 1,733,000
   

During the first quarter of 2005 the Company entered into a lease for 20,337 square feet of office space in Austin, Texas, under an eight year, triple net lease. The base rent was $0 in the first year (June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2006), $157,612 in the second year and payments escalate to $264,384 in the final year of the lease.  Leasehold improvements totaled approximately $872,000 ($203,000 funded by landlord) on the new lease space that was occupied in December 2005.  Leasehold improvements are being amortized over the lease term.  The $117,000 initial rent holiday and $203,000 of landlord-funded leasehold improvements are being amortized over the lease term and reduce lease expense.  Deferred rent credits are included in other liabilities and were approximately $355,000 and $380,000 for 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Related lease cost incurred for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $389,000, $393,000, and $296,000. respectively.

The Company's wholly owned insurance subsidiary may be subject to losses related to guaranty fund assessments.  Such assessments result from liquidation of troubled insurers by state regulators.  The assessment to BNLAC, if any, is not reasonably estimable, nor expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.

Periodically in the ordinary course of business the Company exceeds federally insured limits in its operating accounts.  Cash deposits in excess of federally insured limits are approximately $180,000 at December 31, 2007.

See Note 2 for information regarding minimum capital requirements to maintain a license to sell in various states.







F- 15
 
 

 


7.  Liability for Unpaid Claims

Activity in the liability for accident and health unpaid claims net of reinsurance is summarized as follows.

           
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
Balance at January 1
$ 2,517,366
 
$ 2,558,565
 
$ 2,235,929
   Less reinsurance recoverable
9,241
 
-
 
-
Net Balance at January 1
2,508,125
 
2,558,565
 
2,235,929
           
Incurred related to:
         
   Current year
27,850,499
 
28,361,878
 
27,633,450
   Prior years
(571,329)
 
(34,030)
 
(28,226)
Total Incurred
27,279,170
 
28,327,848
 
27,605,224
           
Paid related to:
         
   Current year
25,553,705
 
25,844,512
 
25,074,885
   Prior years
1,926,996
 
2,524,535
 
2,207,703
Total Paid
27,480,701
 
28,369,047
 
27,282,588
           
Net Balance at December 31
2,306,288
 
2,508,125
 
2,558,565
   Plus reinsurance recoverable
306
 
   9,241
 
   -
Balance at December 31
$ 2,306,594
 
$ 2,517,366
 
$ 2,558,565


 
The activity summary in the liability for unpaid accident and health claims net of reinsurance shows that claims liabilities were overstated by $571,329, $34,030 and $28,226 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  Such liability adjustments, which affected current operations during 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively, resulted in part from developed claims for prior years being different than were anticipated when the liabilities for unpaid accident and health claims were originally estimated.  These trends have been considered in establishing the current year liability for unpaid accident and health claims.  Included in the unpaid accident and health claims are an estimate of claim adjustment expenses of $121,491, $116,854 and $121,349 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Netting out claim adjustment expenses would make accident and health liabilities understated in 2006 and 2005 by $82,824 and $93,123, respectively and overstated by $449,838 in 2007.
 
8.  Reinsurance

Liability for future policy benefits is reported before the effects of reinsurance.  Reinsurance receivable (including amounts related to insurance liabilities) is reported as an asset.  Estimated reinsurance receivable is recognized in a manner consistent with the liabilities related to the underlying reinsurance contracts.  Such amounts have been presented in accordance with Statement of Financial Standards No. 113, “Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short Duration and Long Duration Contracts.”  The Company is liable if the reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements.


In 2007, BNLAC’s accidental death benefit riders were reinsured 100% through a Bulk ADB reinsurance agreement with Optimum Re.  Optimum Re was rated “A-“(Excellent) by AM Best Company for 2007.

In  2007, BNLAC’s individual life insurance products in excess of $35,000 were reinsured with Optimum Re under an automatic treaty up to $175,000 and under a facultative treaty for amounts over $175,000.  Optimum Re was rated “A-“ (Excellent) by AM Best Company for 2007.

BNLAC entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company for its group life and accidental death and dismemberment plans effective January 1, 2005 whereby Hartford accepts 90% of the risk up to a maximum of $100,000 per life.  This reinsurance replaced Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America.  Hartford was rated “A+” (Superior) by AM Best Company for 2007.



F-16
 
 

 


8.  Reinsurance (continued)

Effective January 1, 2007, BNLAC entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement with Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America for its accidental death and dismemberment plan including common carrier, whereby the Company retains a 10% quota share up to a maximum of $25,000 for AD&D and Common Carrier combined.  Hannover will accept, on an automatic basis 90% to 100% quota share up to a maximum of $250,000 per life depending on the Company’s retention.   Hannover was rated “A” (Excellent) by AM Best Company for 2007.

BNLAC’s Short Term Disability insurance is reinsured under a quota share reinsurance agreement with Union Security Insurance Company, Des Moines, Iowa, (formerly Fortis Benefits Insurance Company of Kansas City, Missouri).  The reinsurer is liable for 75% of the risk on each policy.  Union Security Insurance Company was rated “A” (Excellent) by AM Best Company for 2007.

Group and individual dental is not reinsured due to the economics of the dental insurance business and the small annual maximum liability per policy.

Following is a summary of reinsurance for December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

 
 
 
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
 Gross Amount
 
 
 
 
Ceded To Other Companies
 
 
 
 
Assumed From Other Companies
 
 
 
 
 
Net Amounts
 
 
 
Percentage Of Amount Assumed To Net
Life insurance in force  (in thousands)
$       43,879
 
$    14,074
 
$   -
 
$     29,805
 
0.0%
                   
Premiums-life insurance
$     348,714
 
$   62,805
 
$   -
 
$     285,909
 
0.0%
Premiums-accident and health
44,383,582
 
87,334
 
     -
 
44,296,248
 
0.0%
Total insurance premiums
$44,732,296
 
$  150,139
 
$   -
 
$44,582,157
 
0.0%
                   
December 31, 2006
                 
Life insurance in force  (in thousands)
$       43,645
 
$    15,333
 
$   -
 
$     28,312
 
0.0%
                   
Premiums-life insurance
$     378,533
 
$   71,370
 
$   -
 
$     307,163
 
0.0%
Premiums-accident and health
44,435,776
 
74,521
 
     -
 
44,361,255
 
0.0%
Total insurance premiums
$44,814,309
 
$  145,891
 
$   -
 
$44,668,418
 
0.0%
                   
December 31, 2005
                 
Life insurance in force  (in thousands)
$       39,992
 
$    14,531
 
$   -
 
$     25,461
 
0.0%
                   
Premiums-life insurance
$     294,370
 
$   62,430
 
$   -
 
$     231,940
 
0.0%
Premiums-accident and health
44,090,958
 
55,051
 
     -
 
44,035,907
 
0.0%
Total insurance premiums
$44,385,328
 
$  117,481
 
$   -
 
$44,267,847
 
0.0%

9. Benefit Plans for Certain Brokers/Agents and Employees

In 1994, the Board of Directors and Shareholders approved the 1994 Brokers and Agents’ Nonqualified Stock Option Plan.  This plan was established as an incentive to sales persons of BNLAC.  Initially 250,000 shares were available under the plan.  The Board of Directors authorized options for an additional 1.75 million shares.  The option period may not exceed a term of five years and the duration of the plan was ten years, expiring December 14, 2004.

Of the options granted through December 2004, there were 110,425 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007.  The number of options expiring or forfeited were 122,675 and 148,205 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  There were 12,475 options exercised in 2007 and 1,000 options exercised in 2006. The remaining options expire in 2008.  The options do not have a dilutive effect on earnings per share at this time, but may have such an effect in the future.  See Note 1.



F-17
 
 

 


In March 2002, the Board of Directors approved the 2002 Non-Director, Non-Executive Stock Option Plan, subject to any necessary authorizations from any regulatory authority.  The plan is intended to assist the Company in attracting and retaining individuals of outstanding ability and to promote concurrence of their interests with those of the Shareholders of the Company.  The Company granted options for 116,000 shares prior to 2006.  No options were granted in 2007.  The fair value of options granted is estimated at $11,000 in 2005 and $10,940 in 2003.  This value was computed using a binomial method as prescribed in SFAS No. 123(R).  There were 103,000 options outstanding at December 31, 2007.  The estimated weighted average remaining life of the options is 6.4 years and weighted average exercise price is $.63.  The options do not have a dilutive effect on earnings per share at this time, but may have such an effect in the future.  See Note 1.

In 2001, the Board of Directors approved the 2001 Incentive Bonus Plan for the benefit of certain Officers of the Company. The plan provides for monthly payment of cash bonuses based on 12% of consolidated pre-tax operating income. Bonus expense was $511,562, $308,266 and $283,013 under this plan for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The Company had a stock bonus plan for the benefit of certain Officers of the corporation.  The plan provided for a bonus based on consolidated after-tax profits subject to specified limits.  The bonus amount, net of taxes, was used to purchase stock in the Company.  Stock bonuses in the amount of $74,866 and $100,000 were granted and charged to expense in each of the years 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The maximum of 400,000 shares per officer was reached in 2006.

The Company has an Employee Pension Plan that is a qualified retirement plan under the Internal Revenue Code.  All employees who have attained age 21 and have completed one year of service are eligible to contribute.  Employer contributions are discretionary.  The Company contributed $64,795, $61,853 and $65,219 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

10.  Concentrations

The majority of the Company’s premium income and gross income continues to be generated by the dental insurance products.  This concentration makes the Company increasingly dependent upon the success of this block of business and any economic factors and risks unique to dental insurance.   See Note 1.  The Company has no distinctly reportable business segments.

11.  Change in Accounting Estimate

Based on claims experience in 2007 and 2006, the estimate of claims liability at December 31, 2006  was overstated by approximately $450,000 and understated by $83,000 at December 2005 as described in Note 7.  The change in estimate of this liability has contributed a corresponding decrease in claims expense in 2007 and increase in claims expense in 2006.
 
12.  Subsequent Events

 
b
In 2008 preliminary discussions began with EPSI Benefits, Inc. (EBI), regarding possible acquisition of a controlling interest in EBI in exchange for the convertible debenture loan in the amount of $1,357,407 included in other long-term investments on the balance sheet of the Company.  If the controlling interest were acquired, it would be valued for purposes of determining whether any loss is recognized on exchange for the convertible debenture.  The acquisition would then be accounted for under the purchase method, so that 51% of the assets, liabilities and profit or loss of EBI would be included in the Company's consolidated financial statements.  The 51% of assets and liabilities included in the consolidated financial statements would be recorded at current fair value.   Since any such transaction is in the discussion stage, and since no valuations have been obtained, it is not possible to estimate the effect on the Company's financial statements, although management believes that the full amount of the loan will be realized either through the value of EBI shares obtained, or through continued debt service.

There have been no other events subsequent to December 31, 2007 that will have a material impact on the financial condition of the Company.









F- 18
 
 

 

13. Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations

The summary unaudited quarterly results of operations were as follows:

 
                                                                          Quarter Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
2007
             
Premium Income
 $  11,270,566
 
 $ 11,125,135
 
$ 11,187,480
 
$ 10,980,992
Net Investment Income
 325,047
 
 300,793
 
 337,856
 
 356,918
Marketing Fees
33,874
 
33,673
 
100,448
 
 30,848
Vision Insurance Income
509,505
 
487,250
 
482,579
 
500,025
Realized Gains (Losses)
 5,403
 
  7,836
 
  5,993
 
        2,700
Expenses
 (11,269,135)
 
(11,281,522)
 
(11,292,402)
 
 (10,792,491)
               
Net Income
 $      875,260
 
 $     673,165
 
 $   821,954
 
 $     1,078,992
               
Earnings Per Share (Basic and Diluted)
$             0.06
 
 $           0.04
 
$         0.05
 
$           0.07
               
Comprehensive Income
$       936,892
 
$     653,391
 
$   895,527
 
$     1,017,832

 
Quarter Ended
   
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
2006
             
 
Premium Income
 $  11,316,687
 
 $ 11,032,159
 
$ 11,081,025
 
$ 11,216,523
 
Net Investment Income
 272,364
 
 321,674
 
 312,502
 
 285,043
 
Marketing Fees
33,960
 
33,726
 
39,027
 
 36,602
 
Vision Insurance Income
392,024
 
332,830
 
445,745
 
433,168
 
Realized Gains (Losses)
26,285
 
  5,263
 
  3,654
 
   26,075
 
Expenses
 (11,522,217)
 
(11,227,573)
 
(11,011,115)
 
 (11,321,188)
                 
 
Net Income
 $      519,103
 
 $     498,079
 
 $   870,838
 
 $     676,223
                 
 
Earnings Per Share (Basic and Diluted)
$             0.03
 
 $           0.03
 
$         0.05
 
$           0.05
                 
 
Comprehensive Income
$       505,645
 
$     486,941
 
$   926,155
 
$     703,237





















F-19
 
 

 


Item 15(d) - Schedule II, Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
BNL Financial Corporation (Parent Company)
Balance Sheets
           
   
2007
 
2006
 
Assets
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$        64,342
 
$       74,502
 
Investments, at fair value
 
 195,875
 
 192,100
 
            Total Investments, Including Cash and Cash
                 Equivalents
 
 
 260,217
 
 
 266,602
 
           
Accrued investment income
 
 10,630
 
 10,630
 
Loan to EPSI
 
1,357,407
 
1,357,407
 
 Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries at equity (eliminated in consolidated statements)
 
 
 17,275,173
 
 
 14,789,381
 
Income tax asset
 
 21,399
 
 37,000
 
Other assets
 
 147,757
 
154,126
 
           
                  Total Assets
 
 $ 19,072,583
 
 $ 16,615,146
 

Liabilities
         
Bonds payable
 
$1,607,576
 
$1,639,984
 
Loan from Brokers National Life Assurance Co.
 
 50,688
 
320,782
 
Other liabilities
 
117,445
 
141,877
 
                Total Liabilities
 
 1,775,709
 
 2,102,643
 
           
Shareholders' Equity
         
           
Common stock, $.02 stated value, 45,000,000 shares authorized; 15,463,965; 17,213,170, shares issued and outstanding respectively
 
 
309,279
 
 
344,264
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
  5,751,240
 
  7,582,732
 
 Retained earnings
 
 11,426,540
 
 7,977,171
 
Treasury stock, at cost, 250,252; 1,502,720 shares,
         respectively
 
 
(312,816)
 
 
(1,460,020)
 
Unrealized appreciation of securities
 
 122,631
 
 68,356
 
                         Total Shareholders' Equity
 
17,296,874
 
14,512,503
 
           
                         Total Liabilities and Shareholders’
                                Equity
 
 
 $  19,072,583
 
 
 $  16,615,146
 












F-20
 
 

 



Item 15(d) - Schedule II, Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
BNL Financial Corporation (Parent Company)
Statement of Operations

             
 
          2007
 
          2006
 
          2005
Income
           
    Net investment income
 
 $      204,656
 
 $      223,021
 
 $      202,003
    Marketing fees
 
198,843
 
143,315
 
115,232
    Realized gain on debt extinguishment
 
  10,803
 
 35,730
 
102,067
    Realized gains (losses)
 
-
 
     (1,621)
 
     -
                Total Income
 
 414,302
 
 400,445
 
 419,302
             
Expenses
           
    General and administrative
 
 259,888
 
 211,236
 
 141,873
     Interest expense
 
124,738
 
120,246
 
168,496
                 Total Expenses
 
 384,626
 
 331,482
 
 310,369
             
     Income from operations before income taxes
 
   29,676
 
   68,963
 
  108,933
     Provision for income taxes
 
 15,601
 
 5,025
 
34,000
             
     Net income before equity in undistributed
          income of subsidiaries
 
 
  14,075
 
 
  63,938
 
 
  74,933
      Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
 
 3,435,293
 
 2,500,306
 
 2,228,156
             
                   Net Income
 
 $  3,449,368
 
 $  2,564,244
 
 $  2,303,089
             
 Net Income Per Common Share (Basic and Diluted)
 
$             .22
 
$             .16
 
$             .13

























F- 21
 
 

 





Item 15(d) - Schedule II, Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
BNL Financial Corporation (Parent Company)
Statements of Cash Flows
             
   
 2007
 
 2006
 
 2005
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
           
      Net income
 
 $  3,449,368
 
 $  2,564,244
 
 $  2,303,089
         Adjustments to compute cash provided by
            operating activities
 
 
(3,491,331)
 
 
(2,420,083)
 
 
(2,468,796)
               Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating
                  Activities
 
 
(41,963)
 
 
144,161
 
 
(165,707)
             
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
           
      Dividend from subsidiary
 
1,000,000
 
1,450,000
 
2,950,000
              
                Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities
 
 
   1,000,000
 
 
  1,450,000
 
   
2,950,000
             
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
           
      Purchase of treasury stock
 
(789,184) 
 
(1,297,948) 
 
(2,432,056)
      Sale of treasury stock
 
  102,995
 
  64,550
 
  64,550
      Stock options exercised
 
   20,494
 
   150
 
11,430
      Payments on long term debt
 
(270,094)
 
(249,005)
 
(231,014)
      Debt extinguishments
 
(32,408)
 
(107,194)
 
(157,690)
               Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
 
($968,197)
 
($1,589,447)
 
$2,744,780)
               Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash
                   Equivalents
 
 
   (10,160)
 
 
   4,714
 
 
 39,513
             
               Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of
                  Period
 
 
74,502
 
 
69,788
 
 
30,275
             
               Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
 
$      64,342
 
$      74,502
 
$      69,788




















F- 22