BNCCORP INC
Business   3
Risk Factors   13
Unresolved Staff Comments   15
Properties   15
Legal Proceedings   17
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   17         PART II
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   17
Selected Financial Data   17
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   19
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk   41
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   44
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   84
Controls and Procedures   84
Other Information   85         PART III
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant   86
Executive Compensation   86
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   86
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   86
Principal Accounting Fees and Services   86         PART IV
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules   86                 2          PART I The discussions contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K which are not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and, as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. We caution readers that these forward-looking statements, including without limitation, those relating to future business prospects, revenues, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, interest costs, income and expenses of the Company are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements due to several important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks of loans and investments, including dependence on local and regional economic conditions; competition for our customers from other providers of financial services; possible adverse effects of changes in interest rates, including the effects of such changes on derivative contracts and associated accounting consequences; risks associated with our acquisition and growth strategies; and other risks which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. For a discussion of some of the additional factors that might cause such differences, see Item 1B. “Risk Factors.”   We refer to “we,” “our,” “BNC” or the “Company” when such reference includes BNCCORP, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively; “BNCCORP” when referring only to BNCCORP, Inc.; “the Bank” when referring only to BNC National Bank; “BNC Insurance ” when referring only to BNC Insurance Services Inc.; and “BNC AMI” when referring only to BNC Asset Management, Inc.   Item 1.  Business   General    BNCCORP is a diversified financial services holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “BHCA”) headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.  We are dedicated to providing a broad range of services and products, including banking, insurance and wealth management services and high level customer service to businesses and individuals within the communities we serve.  We operate 27 locations, most of which are located in our primary market areas of Arizona, Minnesota and North Dakota.  We offer a wide variety of traditional and nontraditional financial products and services in order to meet the financial needs of our customer base, establish new relationships in the markets we serve and expand our business opportunities.   We began operations in North Dakota in 1987 as a traditional community bank relying primarily on local relationship banking with small and mid-sized businesses, professionals and consumers.  Our strategic vision was to expand our business into attractive markets that would complement our North Dakota base.  To achieve this vision, we became a public company in 1995 and established banking operations in Minnesota and Arizona in 1996 and 2001, respectively.     Our three core businesses are banking, insurance and wealth management:          •   Banking.  The Bank is a nationally chartered commercial bank headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.  Through the Bank, we provide a wide variety of business banking services to small and mid-sized businesses, business owners, professionals and consumers in our primary market areas of Arizona, Minnesota and North Dakota.  These services include business financing and commercial mortgages, corporate cash management and credit card processing programs.  The Bank also offers a full range of consumer lending and deposit options.  As of December 31, 2005, the Bank had 12 branch locations in North Dakota with deposits of $283.4 million, 4 locations in Minnesota with deposits of $105.2 million, and 4 locations in Arizona with deposits of $124.0 million.  As of December 31, 2005, the Bank also held $36.2 million in brokered and national certificates of deposits.     3                 •   Insurance.  Through BNC Insurance, we provide a full range of insurance and risk management services through its offices located in Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott Valley and Cottonwood, Arizona; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota; Salt Lake City, Utah and Englewood, Colorado.  Its clients range from large, established companies to emerging businesses in nearly every industry.  We acquired BNC Insurance (formerly Milne Scali & Company, Inc.), one of the largest independent insurance brokerage firms in Arizona, in 2002.  Acquisitions in 2002, 2003 and 2004 have significantly broadened the geographical reach of our insurance business and our client base.  For the year ended December 31, 2005, we had insurance revenue of approximately $18.8 million.            •   Wealth Management.  Through BNC AMI and the Bank’s trust and professional service division, we provide an extensive complement of financial services options, including asset management, trust, financial, business, estate and tax planning, estate administration, agency accounts, payroll services, accounting services and employee benefit plan design and administration.  We provide retirement accounts and planning services and tax preparation and also offer financial services alternatives such as securities trading, investment management, mutual funds and annuities in affiliation with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. through our Bismarck and Minneapolis locations.     Diversified Business Base   Our three core segments of banking, insurance and wealth management allows us to offer a wide range of services that is responsive to the financial needs of our customers, while also diversifying and balancing our sources of revenue.   Banking segment BNC National Bank operates 20 banking branch offices in Arizona, Minnesota and North Dakota. Known for its business banking services such as business financing and commercial mortgages, corporate cash management and credit card processing programs, our banking segment also offers a full range of consumer lending and deposit options. The Bank is differentiated by its service culture of “high personal touch,” supported by effective technology. Among the services offered are online banking and bill pay, telephone banking operations, and products such as the “Sweep/Repo” account, the “Wealthbuilder” family of variable rate interest checking and money market deposit products and the BNC cash back debit card.   The banking segment’s loans primarily consist of commercial and industrial loans, real estate mortgage and construction loans, along with our mortgage loan financing program in which the Bank purchases short-term participation interests in residential mortgage loans originated by a mortgage company. In allocating our assets among loans, investments and other earning assets, we attempt to maximize return while managing risk at acceptable levels. Our primary lending focus is on commercial loans and owner-occupied real estate loans to small and mid-sized businesses and professionals. We offer a broad range of commercial and consumer lending services, including commercial revolving lines of credit, residential and commercial real estate mortgage and construction loans, consumer loans and equipment financing. Interest rates charged on loans may be fixed or variable and vary with the degree of risk, size and maturity of the loans, underwriting and servicing costs, the extent of other banking relationships maintained by customers and the Bank’s cost of funds. Rates are further subject to competitive pressures, the current interest rate environment, availability of funds and government regulations. For more information on our lending activities, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Loan Portfolio” included under Item 7 of Part II.   Each of our bank branches offers the usual and customary range of depository products provided by commercial banks, including checking, savings and money market deposits and certificates of deposit.  During 2005, we increased total deposits $93.4 million, or 20.5 percent.    Our Wealthbuilder family of interest checking and money market deposit accounts continues to be popular. These are competitively priced floating rate accounts with rates variable at our discretion. The Bank’s deposits are not received from a single depositor or group of affiliated depositors, the loss of any one of which would have a material adverse effect on our business. Rates paid on deposits vary among the categories of deposits due to    4        different terms, the size of the individual deposit, the nature of other banking relationships with the depositor, the current interest rate environment and rates paid by competitors on similar deposits.   The Bank offers customer repurchase agreements to acquire funds from customers where the customers require or desire to have their funds supported by collateral consisting of investment securities of the Bank and accepts brokered deposits and obtains direct non-brokered certificates of deposit through national deposit networks when management believes such transactions are beneficial to the Bank.   The Bank can place large customer deposits into smaller denomination (fully FDIC-insured) certificates of deposit at multiple institutions through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry ServicesSM (CDARSSM). This provides the Bank’s large deposit customers with FDIC insurance on their entire balances (up to $25.0 million) and the convenience of managing their certificates of deposit investments through a single bank relationship. We had $60.0 million of such deposits at December 31, 2005. For more information on our deposit activities, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Item 7 of Part II.   Our banking segment also offers services such as travelers’ checks, MasterCard and Visa merchant deposit services and, in some markets, safe deposit, lockbox and messenger services.   Insurance segment BNC Insurance has offices in Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson, Cottonwood and Prescott Valley), Minnesota (Minneapolis), North Dakota (Bismarck and Mandan), Utah (Salt Lake City), and Colorado (Englewood, a suburb of Denver). BNC Insurance is an independent insurance agency representing many of the nation’s leading insurance carriers.    BNC Insurance serves local, regional and national businesses. Its clients range from large, established companies with hundreds of millions in sales to emerging businesses with growing needs. It serves clients in nearly every industry, including construction, real estate development, manufacturing, distribution and wholesale, professionals, government, financial institutions, retail, and service industries. The only industry in which BNC Insurance Services has a concentration (defined as 35 percent of commissions or more) is the construction industry in the Arizona market. This customer base includes general contractors and commercial trade contractors.   BNC Insurance provides a wide array of products and services, including but not limited to:   Business insurance such as property, liability, fleet auto, workers’ compensation, errors and omissions, directors and officers, employment practices, crime and employee dishonesty, umbrella and excess, boiler and machinery, surety and bonds, flood and earthquake.   Risk management such as risk and loss control services, risk transfer analysis, risk consulting, risk management program design and implementation.   Group benefits insurance such as health, life, dental, disability, 401(k) s and SEPs, prepaid legal, key man protection, buy/sell protection, estate and business continuation.   Association and affinity group insurance programs such as group auto and homeowners benefit plans, product liability programs, workers’ compensation groups, self-insured pools, risk retention groups, captive and rent-a-captive operations.   Personal lines such as homeowners and renters, personal articles floater, automobile, watercraft, aircraft, flood and earthquake, umbrella and life.   The insurance segment will typically have its strongest performance in the first quarter of each fiscal year as profit sharing payments from insurance carriers are generally received during that quarter. The insurance segment continues to be an important and significant part of our business with a primary focus on profit.   5          Wealth management segment  The wealth management segment, formerly referred to as asset management, is comprised of the Bank’s trust and financial services departments and BNC AMI. Wealth management provides customers with an extensive complement of financial services. The trust and financial services department, presently operating out of Minneapolis and Bismarck, also provides personal trust, business retirement planning design and administration, asset management, estate administration, estate and tax planning, accounting services, and tax preparation. The trust department acts as trustee, agent, or custodian for 401k, profit-sharing, defined benefit and ESOP plans.    Descriptions of the key wealth management services are:   Personal trusts – we serve as trustee, administrator and advisor for clients who wish to develop strategies for transferring wealth to subsequent generations, charitable planning, as well as living and testamentary trusts. We work closely with clients and their other professional advisors to provide a detailed plan for meeting our clients’ long-term financial need, recognizing that each client has unique financial goals.     Employee benefits – we provide complete turn-key services, from plan design, implementation, administration, recordkeeping to investments, to assist business owners in with their employee retirement plans. We serve as trustee, custodian or administrator depending on the client needs, conduct annual group and one-on-one meetings with employees, provide Internet access and daily valuations. The types of plans we offer include 401(k), defined benefit and profit-sharing.   Investment management – we provide our investment services directly through our own investment professionals and indirectly through our relationships with numerous external money management firms.   BNC AMI, in affiliation with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. offers securities trading, investment management, mutual funds and annuities.  Investment representatives operate out of Minneapolis and Bismarck.    Revenues from external customers, measures of profit and/or loss and total assets for each of the segments listed above are presented in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of Part II.   Attractive Markets   Our three primary markets are:  Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Bismarck. Each of these markets enjoys solid economic bases with what we believe are compelling long-term growth potential.   Phoenix has been one of the fastest growing areas of the country in population and personal income for the past several years. The population is expected to continue increasing at a rate of more than 100,000 persons per year. The housing sector’s strength is expected to continue due to the Phoenix metropolitan area’s large stretches of undeveloped land, new jobs and resort climate. Low interest rates and affordable home prices have also helped to make the Phoenix housing market attractive. Tourism, retirement and job creation in such industries as software and biotechnology are among the additional drivers of the economy, according to studies by the University of Arizona.    During 2005 Phoenix led the nation in both job creation and new housing starts.  For 2006 the University of Arizona is projecting that these trends will continue with the metro Phoenix population growing by 130,000 persons and new job creation growing by 77,000.  Local experts are projecting 60,000 new housing starts for 2006.  Major employment sectors include construction and housing, retail and service, tourism, and government.  Job creation diversification will be enhanced by the recent announcements that Intel has started a $3 billion expansion of their facilities for a computer chip plant that will ultimately add over 1,000 new jobs and by Google of their intention to locate an engineering facility in metro Phoenix that will create over 600 new jobs.  Segments with significant operations in the Arizona market include banking and insurance. We expect to expand the wealth management segment in Phoenix in 2006.     6          The Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan area is the 15th largest in the United States. It is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the Midwest and the eighth fastest growing area in the U.S. Sixteen of the FORTUNE 500 "Largest U.S. Corporations" are headquartered in the metro area. The area is also home to a total of 30 FORTUNE 1000 companies and several of the world's largest private companies.   Minneapolis-St. Paul has a strong and diversified business base. Regional strengths include: a highly educated work force, access to advanced technologies, excellent transportation, low cost energy, and available capital.  With over 1,300 technology intensive firms, Minneapolis-St. Paul has one of the largest concentrations of high technology businesses in the nation.  Recent data ranks the Twin Cities 11th in retail sales among major metropolitan areas. Banking and wealth management are the primary segments operating in the Twin Cities area.   Bismarck-Mandan, our largest market area in North Dakota, is characterized by low unemployment and generally favorable economic conditions. Bismarck is not only the state capital, but also the trade and transportation hub for South Central North Dakota. The area is experiencing strong residential and commercial growth, and its diverse economic base includes energy, health care, agriculture and an expanding data processing/customer service component. Several national retail chains have opened new locations in the Bismarck-Mandan area during 2005 and several more are planned for 2006.  The banking, insurance and wealth management services segments are all represented in the North Dakota market.   Our insurance segment also has operations in Englewood, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah.    Individually, each of our key markets presents strong potential demand for our range of financial services offerings. Together, we believe they provide attractive business opportunities and balance our exposure to regional economic cycles.   The following table presents total deposits and gross loans outstanding at each of our banking locations as of December 31, 2005 (in thousands):                    Gross Loans Held                     for Investment     Location       Total Deposits       Outstanding      North Dakota:                             Bismarck       $   154,535        $   102,682      Crosby           19,174            148      Ellendale           11,284            598      Garrison           15,443            503      Kenmare           10,810            191      Linton           42,081            8,660      Stanley           19,469            875      Watford City           10,594            82      North Dakota Totals           283,390            113,739      Minnesota:                             Golden Valley           29,119            6,884      Minneapolis           76,045            101,247      Minnesota Totals           105,164            108,131      Arizona:                             Phoenix           45,982            70,223      Scottsdale           65,626            18,808      Tempe           12,389            202      Arizona Totals           123,997            89,233      Other Deposits:                             Brokered and National market deposits            36,239            -      Total         $   548,790        $   311,103        7          Regional Community Banking Philosophy   In order to meet the demands of the increasingly competitive banking and financial services industries, we employ a regional community banking philosophy. This philosophy is based on our belief that banking and financial services clients value doing business with locally managed institutions that can provide a full service commercial banking relationship through an understanding of the clients’ financial needs and the flexibility to deliver customized solutions through our menu of products and services. With this philosophy we are better able to build successful and broadly based client relationships. The primary focus for our relationship managers is to cultivate and nurture their client relationships. Relationship managers are assigned to each borrowing client to provide continuity in the relationship. This emphasis on personalized relationships requires that all of the relationship managers maintain close ties to the communities in which they serve so that they are able to capitalize on their efforts through expanded business opportunities. While client service decisions and day-to-day operations are maintained at each location, our broad base of financial services offers the advantage of affiliation with service providers who can provide extended products and services to our clients. Additionally, BNCCORP and the Bank provide centralized administrative functions, including credit and other policy development and review, internal audit and compliance services, investment management, data processing, accounting, loan servicing and other specialized support functions.    Distribution methods   We offer our banking and financial products and services through our network of offices and other traditional industry distribution methods. Additionally, we offer 24-hour telephone banking services through BNC Bankline. We also provide internet banking and bill-pay services through our internet banking site at www.bncbank.com. This system allows customers to process account transactions, transfer funds, initiate wire transfers, automated clearing house transactions and stop payments and obtain account history and other information. Messenger services in select markets are also of great convenience to our customers.   Competition   The deregulation of the banking industry and the availability of nationwide interstate banking have increased the level of competition in our already intensely competitive market areas. The increasingly competitive environment is a result of changes in regulation, technology and product delivery systems and the pace of consolidation among financial services providers. The Bank and its subsidiaries compete for deposits, loans, insurance and brokerage, trust and financial services as well as customers with numerous providers of similar products and services. Principal competitors include multi-regional financial institutions as well as large and small thrifts, independent banks, credit unions, many national and regional brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, finance companies, money market funds and other nonbank financial service providers. Some of these competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalizations, including the availability of larger legal lending limits, have greater access to capital markets and offer a broader range of financial services than BNC. In addition, some of the nonbank financial institutions that compete with us are not subject to the extensive Federal regulations that govern our operations.     In order to compete with other financial services providers, the Bank and its subsidiaries principally rely on personal relationships established by officers, directors and employees with their customers, specialized services tailored to meet the needs of the communities served and cross selling efforts among the various segments within our organization. We believe that many of our competitors have emphasized retail banking and financial services for large companies, leaving the small and mid-sized business market underserved. This has allowed us to compete effectively by emphasizing customer service, establishing long-term customer relationships and providing services meeting the needs of such businesses and the individuals associated with them. The banking and financial services industries are highly competitive, and our future profitability will depend on our ability to continue to compete successfully in our market areas.       8          Supervision and Regulation   General BNCCORP and the Bank are extensively regulated under Federal and state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors and the Federal deposit insurance funds, not investors in the securities of BNCCORP. From time to time, legislation, as well as regulation, is enacted that has the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities, or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial services providers. Proposals to change laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks, bank holding companies and other financial institutions and financial services providers are frequently made in the U.S. Congress, in the state legislatures and by various regulatory agencies.    The following information briefly summarizes certain material laws and regulations affecting BNCCORP and the Bank and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions. Any change in applicable laws, regulations or regulatory policies may have a material effect on our business, operations and future prospects. We are unable to predict the nature or extent of the effects that new or revised Federal or state legislation may have on our business and earnings in the future.     Primary Regulators BNCCORP is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (“BHCA”), and is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”). BNCCORP is required to file periodic reports with the Federal Reserve and such other reports as the Federal Reserve may require pursuant to the BHCA. The Bank is a national banking association and is subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). Since the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures the deposits of the Bank, the Bank is also subject to regulation and supervision by the FDIC. Additionally, the Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System. Every state has a Department of Insurance that primarily acts as a consumer advocate. BNC Insurance as a company has an insurance resident license in Arizona, North Dakota, Minnesota, Utah, and Colorado and a nonresident license in almost every other state. All insurance producers are licensed in all relevant states.   If any regulatory agency determines that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of a bank or bank holding company’s operations are unsatisfactory or that the bank or bank holding company or its management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, various remedies are available to these regulatory agencies. Such remedies include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in capital, to restrict the growth of the bank, to assess civil monetary penalties, to remove officers and directors and ultimately to terminate the bank’s deposit insurance and/or revoke the bank’s charter or the bank holding company’s registration.   Acquisitions and Permissible Activities As a registered bank holding company, BNCCORP is restricted in its acquisitions, certain of which are subject to approval by the Federal Reserve. A bank holding company may not acquire, or may be required to give certain notice regarding acquisitions of, companies considered to engage in activities other than those determined by the Federal Reserve to be closely related to banking or managing banks.   Transactions with Affiliates Under Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act (“Act”), certain restrictions are placed on loans and other extensions of credit by the Bank to BNCCORP which is defined as an “affiliate” of the Bank under the Act. Section 23B of the Act places standards of fairness and reasonableness on other transactions of the Bank with its affiliates. The Federal Reserve’s Regulation W implements Sections 23A and 23B of the Act and codifies many previously issued Federal Reserve interpretations of those sections.      9          Anti-Tying Restrictions Bank holding companies and their affiliates are prohibited from tying the provision of certain services, such as extensions of credit, to other services offered by a holding company or its affiliates.   Restrictions on Loans to One Borrower Under Federal law, permissible loans to one borrower by banks are generally limited to 15 percent of the bank’s unimpaired capital, surplus, undivided profits and credit loss reserves. The Bank seeks participations to accommodate borrowers whose financing needs exceed its lending limits or internally established credit concentration limits. The Bank’s legal lending limit was approximately $7.9 million as of December 31, 2005.   Loans to Executive Officers, Directors and Principal Stockholders Certain limitations and reporting requirements are also placed on extensions of credit by the Bank to principal stockholders of BNCCORP and to directors and certain executive officers of the Bank (and BNCCORP and its nonbank subsidiaries provided certain criteria are met) and to “related interests” of such principal stockholders, directors and officers. In addition, any director or officer of BNCCORP or the Bank or principal stockholder of BNCCORP may be limited in his or her ability to obtain credit from financial institutions with which the Bank maintains correspondent relationships. For further information regarding loans to related parties see Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of Part II.    Interstate Banking and Branching The BHCA permits bank holding companies from any state to acquire banks and bank holding companies located in any other state, subject to certain conditions, including certain nationwide and state imposed concentration limits. The Bank has the ability, subject to certain restrictions, to acquire by acquisition or merger branches outside its home state.     Capital Adequacy The capital adequacy of BNCCORP and the Bank is monitored by the Federal regulatory agencies using a combination of risk-based and leverage ratios. Failure to meet the applicable capital guidelines could subject BNCCORP or the Bank to supervisory or enforcement actions. In addition, BNCCORP could be required to guarantee a capital restoration plan of the Bank, should the Bank become “undercapitalized” under capital guidelines. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Financial Condition-Capital Resources and Expenditures” included under Item 7 of Part II and Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of Part II for further discussion regarding the capital status of BNCCORP and the Bank.   Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms Federal banking agencies possess broad powers to take corrective and other supervisory action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions, including but not limited to those institutions that fall below one or more prescribed minimum capital ratios. Each Federal banking agency has promulgated regulations defining the following five categories in which an insured depository institution will be placed, based on its capital ratios: well capitalized; adequately capitalized; undercapitalized; significantly undercapitalized; and critically undercapitalized. At December 31, 2005, the Bank exceeded the required ratios for classification as well capitalized. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of Part II for further information regarding regulatory capital.   An institution that, based upon its capital levels, is classified as well capitalized, adequately capitalized or undercapitalized may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate Federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition or practice warrants such treatment. At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to more restrictions. The Federal banking agencies, however, may not treat a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized unless its capital ratios actually warrant such treatment.     10          In addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action provisions, commercial banking organizations may be subject to potential enforcement actions by Federal regulators for unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their business or for violations of any law, rule, regulation or any condition imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency.   Safety and Soundness Standards The Federal banking agencies have adopted guidelines designed to assist in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before capital becomes impaired. The guidelines set forth operational and managerial standards relating to: internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; loan documentation; credit underwriting; asset growth; earnings; and compensation, fees and benefits. Additionally, the Federal banking agencies have also adopted safety and soundness guidelines with respect to asset quality and earnings standards. These guidelines provide six standards for establishing and maintaining a system to identify problem assets and prevent those assets from deteriorating. Under these standards, an insured depository institution should: conduct periodic asset quality reviews to identify problem assets; estimate the inherent losses in problem assets and establish reserves that are sufficient to absorb estimated losses; compare problem asset totals to capital; take appropriate corrective action to resolve problem assets; consider the size and potential risks of material asset concentrations; and provide periodic asset quality reports with adequate information for management and the board of directors to assess the level of asset risk. These guidelines also set forth standards for evaluating and monitoring earnings and for ensuring that earnings are sufficient for the maintenance of adequate capital and reserves.   Dividend Restrictions Dividends from bank subsidiaries often constitute a principal source of income to a bank holding company. Federal rules limit a bank’s ability to pay dividends to its parent bank holding company in excess of amounts generally equal to the bank’s net profits from the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding two years or if the payment would result in the bank being considered “undercapitalized” under regulatory capital guidelines. Bank regulatory agencies also have authority to prohibit a bank from engaging in activities that, in the opinion of the applicable bank regulatory authority, constitute unsafe or unsound practices in conducting its business. It is possible, depending upon the financial condition of the bank in question and other factors, that the applicable bank regulatory authority could assert that the payment of dividends or other payments might, under some circumstances, be such an unsafe or unsound practice. At December 31, 2005 approximately $11.4 million of retained earnings were available for Bank dividend declaration without prior regulatory approval.   Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Developments The Bank is subject to certain fair lending requirements and reporting obligations involving home mortgage lending operations and Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) activities. The CRA generally requires the Federal banking agencies to evaluate the record of a financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local communities, including low- and moderate-income areas. A bank may be subject to substantial penalties and corrective measures for a violation of certain fair lending laws. The Federal banking agencies may take compliance with such laws and CRA obligations into account when regulating and supervising other activities of the Bank. A Bank’s compliance with its CRA obligations is based on a performance-based evaluation system that bases CRA ratings on its lending service and investment performance. When a bank holding company applies for approval to acquire a bank or other bank holding company, the Federal Reserve will review the assessment of each subsidiary bank of the applicant bank holding company, and such records may be the basis for denying the application. In connection with its assessment of CRA performance, the appropriate bank regulatory agency assigns a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve” or “substantial noncompliance.” As a result of its most recent CRA assessment, the Bank was rated satisfactory under this rating system.   Deposit Insurance Through the Bank Insurance Fund (the “BIF”) and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (the “SAIF”), the FDIC insures the deposits of the Bank up to prescribed limits for each depositor. FDIC-insured depository institutions that are members of the BIF and SAIF pay insurance premiums at rates based on their assessment risk classification, which is determined in part based on the institution’s capital ratios and in part on factors that the FDIC deems relevant to determine the risk of loss to the insurance funds. Assessment rates currently range from    11        zero to 27 cents per $100 of deposits. The FDIC may increase or decrease the assessment rate schedule on a semi-annual basis. An increase in the assessment rate could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, depending on the amount of the increase. The FDIC may terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding by the FDIC that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or has violated any applicable rule, regulation, order or condition enacted or imposed by the institution’s regulatory agency. The termination of deposit insurance for the Bank could have a material adverse effect on our earnings.   All FDIC-insured depository institutions must pay an annual assessment to provide funds for the payment of interest on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, a Federal corporation chartered under the authority of the Federal Housing Finance Board. The bonds, commonly referred to as FICO bonds, were issued to capitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The FDIC established the FICO assessment rates effective for the fourth quarter of 2005 at approximately $0.0033 per $100 of assessable deposits. The FICO assessments are adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the assessment bases of the FDIC’s insurance funds and do not vary depending on a depository institution’s capitalization or supervisory evaluations.   Cross-Guarantee The Financial Institutions, Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 provides for cross-guarantees of the liabilities of insured depository institutions pursuant to which any bank subsidiary of a bank holding company may be required to reimburse the FDIC for any loss or anticipated loss to the FDIC that arises from a default of any of such holding company’s other subsidiary banks or assistance provided to such an institution in danger of default.   Support of Banks Bank holding companies are also subject to the “source of strength doctrine” which requires such holding companies to serve as a source of “financial and managerial” strength for their subsidiary banks and to conduct its operations in a safe and sound manner. Additionally, it is the Federal Reserve’s policy that in serving as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks, a bank holding company should stand ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to its subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and should maintain the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks. A bank holding company’s failure to meet its obligations to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks will generally be considered by the Federal Reserve to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of the Federal Reserve’s regulations or both.   Registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission BNCCORP’s securities are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Exchange Act. As such, BNCCORP is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading and other requirements and restrictions of the Exchange Act.   Conservator and Receivership Powers Federal banking regulators have broad authority to place depository institutions into conservatorship or receivership to include, among other things, appointment of the FDIC as conservator or receiver of an undercapitalized institution under certain circumstances. If the Bank were placed into conservatorship or receivership, because of the cross-guarantee provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, BNCCORP, as the sole stockholder of the Bank, would likely lose its investment in the Bank.   Bank Secrecy Act The Bank Secrecy Act requires financial institutions to keep records and file reports that are determined to have a high degree of usefulness in criminal, tax and regulatory matters, and to implement counter-money laundering programs and compliance procedures. The Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations are presently the subject of increased regulatory focus and several financial institutions have been penalized due to deficiencies in their Bank Secrecy Act programs.     12          Consumer Laws and Regulations The Bank is also subject to certain consumer laws and regulations that are designed to protect customers in transactions with banks. These include, but are not limited to, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Flood Disaster Protection Act, the Fair Housing Act and the Right to Financial Privacy Act. These laws mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits or making loans to such customers.     Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act expands the powers of banks and bank holding companies to sell any financial product or service, closes the unitary thrift loophole, reforms the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) System to increase community banks’ access to loan funding, protects banks from discriminatory state insurance regulation and establishes a new framework for the regulation of bank and bank holding company securities brokerage and underwriting activities. The Financial Modernization Act also includes provisions in the privacy area, restricting the ability of financial institutions to share nonpublic personal customer information with third parties.    USA Patriot Act of 2001 The USA Patriot Act of 2001 contains sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and requires various regulations including: due diligence requirements for financial institutions that administer, maintain or manage private bank accounts or correspondent accounts for non U.S. persons; standards for verifying customer identification at the time of account opening; rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering; reports by nonfinancial trades and business filed with the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network for transactions exceeding $10,000 and; filing of suspicious activity reports by brokers and dealers if they believe a customer may be violating U.S. laws and regulations.    Changing Regulatory Structure The Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC have extensive authority to police unsafe or unsound practices and violations of applicable laws and regulations by depository institutions and their holding companies. The agencies’ authority has been expanded by Federal legislation in recent years.  In addition, state banking authorities possess significant authority to address violations of their state’s banking laws by banks operating in their respective states.   Employees   At December 31, 2005, we had 319 employees, including 303 full-time equivalent employees. None of our employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relationships with our employees to be satisfactory. Approximate employees by segment were as follows as of December 31, 2005: banking, 163; insurance, 138; bank holding company, 5; and wealth management services, 13.    Item 1A. Risk Factors   In addition to the other information contained in this report, the following risks may affect us. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be adversely affected.   Failure to successfully execute our growth strategy can negatively impact our profitability. Our financial performance and profitability depends on our ability to execute our growth strategy.  Future acquisitions, expansion into new markets and continued growth can present operating and other issues that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our financial performance will also depend on our ability to maintain profitable operations through implementation of our banking and financial services philosophies, including our efforts to leverage our existing client relationships. There can be no assurance that we will be able to execute our growth strategy or maintain any particular level of profitability.   13          Our strategy of increasing our efforts to expand our wealth management segment may be unsuccessful. We expect to devote significant managerial resources toward the continued development of our wealth management business.  We also anticipate attracting financial professionals who may require high levels of compensation commensurate with their experience levels and existing client relationships.  Our business strategy may not be successful, and we can provide no assurances that we can manage this expansion adequately or profitably.  We may encounter unforeseen expenses, as well as difficulties and complications in integrating expanded operations and new employees without disruption to our overall operations.   Regional presences and related economic conditions could adversely affect our operating results. Our focus in the Arizona, Minnesota and North Dakota regions could adversely affect our results of operations if economic and business conditions in any of these regions were to exhibit weaknesses. A prolonged decline in economic or business conditions in our market areas, in particular in those industries, in which we have credit concentrations, could have a material impact on the quality of our loan portfolio or the demand for our other products and services, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Weakening in the national economy might further exacerbate local or regional economic conditions. The extent of the future impact of these events on economic and business conditions cannot be predicted.   Changes in market interest rates can significantly impact our earnings and directly influence the performance of our banking and insurance segments. Changes in interest rates impact the demand for new loans, the credit profile of existing loans, the rates received on loans and investment securities, rates paid on deposits and borrowings and the value of our derivative contracts and their associated impact on earnings. The relationship between the interest income received on loans and investment securities and interest expense paid on deposits and borrowings is known as net interest income. The level of net interest income can fluctuate given changes in market interest rates. We measure interest rate risk under various rate scenarios and using specific criteria and assumptions. Although we believe our current level of interest rate sensitivity is reasonable and effectively managed, significant fluctuations in interest rates may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.   Interest rate movements directly affect insurance company investments in bonds and, as a result, the rates they subsequently charge for insurance policies. A rising interest rate environment increases investment returns for insurers and generally allows those insurers to compete more aggressively with lower insurance rates. During the past three years, interest rates have been at historical lows and, subsequently, insurance rates have been higher than in past periods. Over the next several years, interest rates could move up and lower insurance rates would be expected, which in turn would create lower premiums and commissions and affect our overall profitability. We cannot predict, with any degree of certainty, interest rate developments, and the resulting impact on insurance premiums and commissions, in future periods.   Government regulation can result in limitations on our operations. The financial services industry is extensively regulated. Federal and state regulation is designed primarily to protect the deposit insurance funds and consumers, and not to benefit our stockholders. Such regulations can at times impose significant limitations on our operations. Additionally, these regulations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time. Significant new laws, such as those issued in recent years, or changes in or repeal of existing laws may cause our results to differ materially. Further, federal monetary policy, particularly as implemented through the Federal Reserve System, significantly affects interest rate and credit conditions, which are material considerations for us.   Competition from other financial services providers could adversely impact our results of operations. The banking and financial services business is highly competitive. We face competition in making loans, attracting deposits and providing insurance, brokerage, trust and other financial services. Increased competition in the banking and financial services businesses may reduce our market share, impair our growth or cause the prices we charge for our services to decline. Our results of operations may differ in future periods depending upon the level and nature of competition we encounter in our various market areas.     14          Failure to perform on behalf of borrowers, guarantors and related parties exposes us to risk of loss that can materially adversely affect our results of operations. We encounter significant sources of risk from the possibility that losses will be sustained if a significant number of our borrowers, guarantors or related parties fail to perform in accordance with the terms of their loans, commitments or letters of credit. We have adopted underwriting and credit monitoring procedures and credit policies, including the establishment and methodological review and analysis of the allowance for credit losses. We believe these processes and procedures are appropriate to minimize this risk by assessing the likelihood of nonperformance, tracking loan performance and diversifying our credit portfolio. These policies and procedures, however, may not prevent unexpected losses that could materially adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, as noted earlier, the performance of borrowers, guarantors and related parties can be negatively impacted by prevailing economic conditions over which we have no control. Such negative impacts on these parties could also materially adversely affect our results of operations.   Loss of key employees may disrupt relationships with certain customers. Our business is primarily relationship-driven in that many of our key employees have extensive customer relationships. Loss of a key employee with such customer relationships may lead to the loss of business if the customers were to follow that employee to a competitor.  While we believe our relationship with our key producers is good, we cannot guarantee that all of our key personnel will remain with our organization. Loss of such key personnel could result in the loss of some of our customers.   Impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets could require charges to earnings, which could result in a negative impact on our results of operations. Under current accounting standards, goodwill and certain other intangible assets with indeterminate lives are no longer amortized but, instead, are assessed for impairment periodically or when impairment indicators are present. Assessment of goodwill and such other intangible assets could result in circumstances where the applicable intangible asset is deemed to be impaired for accounting purposes. Under such circumstances, the intangible asset’s impairment would be reflected as a charge to earnings in the period during which such impairment is identified. Further information regarding intangible assets is presented in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of Part II.   Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments   None   Item 2.  Properties   The principal offices of BNCCORP are located at 322 East Main Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota. The principal office of the Bank is located at 2425 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona.  The principal office of BNC Insurance is located at 1750 East Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona.   15           The following table lists all properties where the banking, insurance and wealth management services are provided.                     Wealth Mgmt             Property       Banking    Insurance   Services   Own    Lease     North Dakota:   Address                         Bismarck   322 East Main Avenue   x   x       x         Bismarck   219 South 3rd Street   x           x         Bismarck   801 East Century Avenue   x           x         Bismarck   116 North 4th Street       x   x   x         Bismarck   1144 College Drive   x               x     Bismarck   1000 West Century Avenue   x               x     Mandan   502 West Main Street       x           x     Linton   104 North Broadway   x   x       x         Crosby   107 North Main Street   x           x         Ellendale   83 Main Street   x           x         Garrison   92 North Main   x               x     Kenmare   103 1st Avenue SE   x           x         Stanley   210 South Main   x           x         Watford City   205 North Main   x           x         Minnesota:                             Minneapolis   333 South Seventh Street   x   x   x       x     Golden Valley   650 Douglas Drive   x           x         Crystal   2900 North Douglas Drive   x               x     Crystal   3000 North Douglas Drive   x               x     Arizona:                             Tempe   640 South Mill Avenue   x               x     Scottsdale   17045 North Scottsdale Road   x   x       x         Phoenix   2425 East Camelback Road   x   x           x     Phoenix   1750 East Glendale Avenue   x   x       x         Cottonwood   2400 East Highway 89A       x           x     Tucson   6501 East Grant Road       x       x         Prescott Valley   8101 East Florentine Road       x           x     Colorado:                             Englewood   8310 South Valley Highway       x           x     Utah:                             Salt Lake City   175 South Main Street       x           x     The Bank also owns land in Shakopee, Minnesota, where construction of a branch office is expected to commence during 2006, and at East Grant Road in Tucson, Arizona, where we anticipate construction of a banking branch sometime in the future. During 2005, the Bank also purchased land in Gilbert, Arizona and entered into a lease for land in Glendale, Arizona. We anticipate constructing branches at these locations in the future. We entered into a lease for space in the Alltel Ice Den complex, in Phoenix, Arizona, where a bank branch is expected to open in 2006.   We believe that all owned and leased properties are well maintained and considered in good operating condition. They are believed adequate for the Company’s present operations; however, future expansion could result in the leasing or construction of additional facilities. We do not anticipate any difficulty in renewing our leases or leasing additional suitable space upon expiration of present lease terms.       16          Item 3.  Legal Proceedings   From time to time, we may be a party to legal proceedings arising out of our lending, deposit operations or other activities. We engage in foreclosure proceedings and other collection actions as part of our loan collection activities. From time to time, borrowers may also bring actions against us, in some cases claiming damages. Some financial services companies have been subjected to significant exposure in connection with litigation, including class action litigation and punitive damage claims. While we are not aware of any such actions or allegations that should reasonably give rise to any material adverse effect, it is possible that we could be subjected to such a claim in an amount that could be material. Based upon a review with our legal counsel, we believe that the ultimate disposition of such pending litigation will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.   Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter ended December 31, 2005.   PART II   Item 5.  Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.   BNCCORP’s common stock, $.01 par value (“Common Stock”), is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “BNCC.”   The following table lists the high and low sales prices of our Common Stock for the periods indicated as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market. The quotes reflect the high and low closing sales prices for our Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq.          2005       2004     Period   High       Low       High       Low     First Quarter   $    16.91        $    14.17        $    18.40        $    15.16      Second Quarter       15.22            13.69            17.51            15.00      Third Quarter       14.50            12.81            18.10            13.62      Fourth Quarter       13.40            11.91            16.60            14.38                     On March 15, 2006, there were 103 record holders of the Company’s Common Stock as reported by the Company’s stock transfer agent and registrar, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.   BNCCORP’s policy is to retain its earnings to support the growth of its business. Our board of directors has never declared cash dividends on our Common Stock and does not plan to do so in the foreseeable future. In making the determination to pay dividends, we will consider all relevant factors including, among other things, our capital position and current tax law as it relates to the treatment of dividends. “Supervision and Regulation – Dividend Restrictions” included under Item 1 of Part I discusses regulatory restrictions on dividends payable by the Bank to BNCCORP.   Item 6.  Selected Financial Data   The selected consolidated financial data presented below under the captions “Income Statement Data” and “Balance Sheet Data” as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001 are derived from the historical audited consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Consolidated Balance Sheets    17        and the related Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Stockholders’ Equity and Cash Flows for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2005 were audited by KPMG LLP, independent public accountants. The financial data below should be read in conjunction with and is qualified by the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included under Item 8.    Selected Financial Data (1)        For the Years Ended December 31,         2005       2004       2003       2002       2001         (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)     Income Statement Data:                                                             Total interest income    $   37,264        $   30,141        $   28,646        $   31,818        $   37,586      Total interest expense        19,716            14,100            15,268            18,736            24,033      Net interest income        17,548            16,041            13,378            13,082            13,553      Provision for credit losses        250            175            1,475            1,202            1,699      Noninterest income        24,883            23,450            20,812            16,296            8,714      Noninterest expense        36,702            34,768            27,290            25,329            18,182      Income tax provision        1,376            1,144            1,581            822            691      Income from continuing operations    $   4,103        $   3,404        $   3,844        $   2,025        $   1,695      Balance Sheet Data: (at end of period)                                                             Total assets    $   740,016        $   673,710        $   621,477        $   602,228        $   555,967      Investments        227,185            235,916            262,568            208,072            211,801      Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock        5,791            7,541            7,596            7,071            7,380      Loans held for sale        101,602            60,197            -            -            -      Loans held for investment, net of unearned income        310,368            293,814            283,555            335,794            297,924      Allowance for credit losses         (3,188)            (3,335)            (4,763)            (5,006)            (4,325)     Total deposits        548,790            455,343            395,942            398,245            375,277      Short-term borrowings        21,416            33,697            31,833            28,120            760      Federal Home Loan Bank advances        82,200            97,200            112,200            97,200            117,200      Long-term borrowings        3,850            10,079            8,640            8,561            13      Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in Company’s subordinated debentures        22,648            22,509            22,397            22,326            22,244      Common stockholders’ equity        51,612            42,596            38,686            36,223            30,679      Book value per common share outstanding    $   14.97        $   14.77        $   14.07        $   13.41        $   12.79      Tangible book value per common share   $   6.63       $   4.42       $   5.54       $   5.60       $   11.88     Earnings Performance / Share Data (1):                                                             Return on average total assets        0.57%           0.54%           0.64%           0.36%           0.31%     Return on average common stockholders’ equity        8.84%           8.01%           9.92%           5.77%           5.51%     Net interest margin        2.79%           2.86%           2.47%           2.51%           2.63%     Net interest spread        2.58%           2.72%           2.29%           2.29%           2.25%     Basic earnings per common share (1)    $   1.36        $   1.18        $   1.38        $   0.74        $   0.71      Diluted earnings per common share (1)    $   1.34        $   1.14        $   1.35        $   0.74        $   0.70      Cash dividends per common share        -              -              -              -              -        Cash dividends per preferred share    $   360.00        $   700.00        $   800.00        $   526.67        $   -        Total cash dividends – preferred stock    $   29        $   93        $   120        $   79        $   -      Average common shares outstanding        2,988,440           2,813,531           2,705,602           2,611,629           2,395,353     Average common and common equivalent shares        3,048,139           2,896,241           2,764,816           2,628,798           2,421,113     Shares outstanding at year end        3,447,945           2,884,876           2,749,196           2,700,929           2,399,170     Balance Sheet and Other Key Ratios (1):                                                             Nonperforming assets to total assets        0.02%           0.08%           1.28%           1.27%           0.80%     Nonperforming loans to total loans        0.05%           0.19%           2.80%           2.27%           1.47%     Net loan charge-offs to average loans        (0.13)%           (0.58)%           (0.56)%           (0.17)%           (0.33)%     Allowance for credit losses to total loans        1.03%           1.14%           1.68%           1.49%           1.45%     Allowance for credit losses to                                                                                                nonperforming loans        2,229%           607%           60%           66%           99%     Average common stockholders’ equity to average total assets        6.46%           6.50%           6.25%           5.93%           5.64%     (1) From continuing operations for 2002 and 2001.   18          Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   Overview   The following table summarizes net income and basic and diluted earnings per share for the 12 months ended December 31 (amounts in thousands):          2005       2004       2003     Net income    $   4,103        $   3,404        $   3,844      Basic earnings per common share        1.36            1.18            1.38      Diluted earnings per common share        1.34            1.14            1.35      Executive Summary. The following information highlights key developments during 2005:          •   Net income increased 20.5 percent to $4.1 million and earnings per share on a diluted basis increased 17.5 percent to $1.34.          •   Net interest income increased $1.5 million to $17.5 million.          •   Noninterest income increased $1.4 million to $24.9 million.          •   Insurance income accounted for $18.8 million, or 75.4 percent of noninterest income.          •   Noninterest expense increased 5.6 percent to $36.7 million.           •   Total assets were $740.0 million at December 31, 2005.          •   Loans held for sale increased 68.8 percent to $101.6 million.          •   Loans held for investment increased $16.6 million to $310.3 million.          •   Total deposits increased 20.5 percent to $548.8 million.          •   Total common stockholders’ equity increased to $51.6 million through the issuance of 575,000 shares of common stock and net income.          •   Tangible book value per common share increased 50.0 percent $6.63 per share.          •   Trust assets under administration increased 223.7 percent to $240.5 million.     We believe that our 2005 results show continued growth and demonstrate the value of our strategic focus on surrounding our customers with quality and innovative banking, insurance, and wealth management services.  The results also show the ability of our people to successfully execute our business plan.   We also believe that our results for 2005 give us confidence that our expanded base of banking, insurance and wealth management’s offices provide the base to support our continued growth.  We see potential for more growth in loans, core deposits, assets under administration and noninterest income.  We believe 2006 will bolster our initiatives to increase shareholder value and to make our community banking, insurance and wealth management services even stronger contributors to BNCCORP’s future success. We will also strive to continue to derive benefits from our investments in expanding all segments of our business and implementing programs to encourage cross-selling across all of our business lines.   Results of Operations    Net Interest Income The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain information relating to our average balance sheet and reflects the yield on average assets and cost of average liabilities. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income and expense by the average balance of assets and liabilities. All average balances have been derived from monthly averages, which are indicative of daily averages:     19          Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income         For the Years ended December 31,   For the Years ended December 31,   For the Years ended December 31,         2005       2004       2003                 Interest       Average                 Interest       Average               Interest       Average         Average       earned       yield or       Average       earned       yield or       Average       earned       yield or         balance       or owed       Cost       balance       or  owed       cost       balance       or owed       cost         (dollars in thousands)   (dollars in thousands)   (dollars in thousands)     Assets                                                                                                 Federal funds sold/interest-bearing due from    $   8,151        $   304        3.73%       $   495        $   8        1.62%       $   1,447        $   11        0.76%     Taxable investments        192,990            7,949        4.12%           236,854            9,664        4.08%           203,051            7,803        3.84%     Tax-exempt investments        43,494            1,942        4.46%           34,538            1,604        4.64%           32,982            1,535        4.65%     Loans held for sale        83,566            4,552        5.45%           15,818            718        4.54%           -            -              Loans and leases held for investment (1)        305,074            22,517        7.38%           276,653            18,147        6.56%           308,115            19,297        6.26%     Allowance for credit losses         (3,377)           -                       (3,757)           -                       (4,909)           -                Total interest-earning assets (2)        629,898            37,264        5.92%           560,601            30,141        5.38%           540,686            28,646        5.30%     Noninterest-earning assets:                                                                                                 Cash and due from banks        15,476                                11,938                                11,733                          Other        68,508                                63,600                                48,249                          Total assets    $   713,882                            $   636,139                            $   600,668                                                                                                                            Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                                                                                 Deposits:                                                                                                 Interest checking and money market accounts    $   236,832            5,036        2.13%       $   198,992            2,130        1.07%       $   186,796            2,189        1.17%     Savings        7,935            63        0.79%           6,695            47        0.70%           6,052            51        0.84%     Certificates of deposit:                                                                                                 Under $100,000        114,157            3,547        3.11%           95,509            2,439        2.55%           94,820            3,012        3.18%     $100,000 and over        79,977            3,196        4.00%           58,625            1,916        3.27%           55,928            2,186        3.91%     Total interest-bearing deposits        438,901            11,842        2.70%           359,821            6,532        1.82%           343,596            7,438        2.16%     Borrowings:                                                                                                 Short-term borrowings        24,001            757        3.15%           29,663            519        1.75%           21,942            382        1.74%     FHLB advances        96,997            4,613        4.76%           109,195            4,898        4.49%           111,777            5,333        4.77%     Long-term borrowings        8,316            468        5.63%           9,371            393        4.19%           8,623            387        4.49%     Subordinated debentures        22,358            2,036        9.11%           22,239            1,758        7.91%           22,141            1,728        7.80%     Total interest-bearing liabilities        590,573            19,716        3.34%           530,289            14,100        2.66%           508,079            15,268        3.01%     Noninterest-bearing demand accounts        65,707                                52,822                                40,022                          Total deposits and interest-bearing liabilities        656,280                                583,111                                548,101                          Other noninterest-bearing liabilities        11,132                                10,551                                13,542                          Total liabilities        667,412                                593,662                                561,643                          Stockholders’ equity        46,470                                42,477                                39,025                          Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity    $   713,882                            $   636,139                            $   600,668                          Net interest income                $   17,548                            $   16,041                            $   13,378                                                                                                                Net interest spread                             2.58%                               2.72%                               2.29%     Net interest margin (3)                            2.79%                               2.86%                               2.47%     Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities        106.66%                               105.72%                               106.42%                                                             (1)   Average balances of loans and leases include nonaccrual loans and leases, and are presented net of unearned income. Loan fee amortization totaling approximately $1.9, $2.0 and $1.5 million is included in loan interest income for the 12-month periods ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.      (2)   Tax-exempt income has not been presented on a taxable equivalent basis. Tax-exempt income of $1.9, $1.6, and $1.5 million was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.      (3)   Net interest margin equals net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets for the period.     The following table illustrates, for the periods indicated, the dollar amount of changes in our interest income and interest expense for the major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and distinguishes between the increase related to higher outstanding balances and the volatility of interest rates. Changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate:     20          Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income         For the Years Ended December 31,         2005 Compared to 2004       2004 Compared to 2003         Change Due to                Change Due to                  Volume       Rate       Total       Volume       Rate       Total             (in thousands)     Interest Earned on Interest-Earning Assets                                                                         Federal funds sold/interest-bearing due from    $   273        $   23        $   296        $   4        $    (7)       $    (3)     Taxable investments           (1,808)           93            (1,715)           1,358            503            1,861      Tax-exempt investments          397             (59)            338            72             (3)           69      Loans held for sale         3,663            171            3,834            665            1            666      Loans held for investment         1,969            2,401            4,370            (2,065)           967             (1,098)     Total increase (decrease) in interest income        4,494            2,629            7,123            34            1,461            1,495      Interest Expense on Interest-Bearing Liabilities                                                                         Interest checking and money market accounts        470            2,436            2,906            181             (240)            (59)     Savings       9            7            16            7             (11)            (4)     Certificates of Deposit:                                                                         Under $100,000        525            583            1,108            22             (595)            (573)     $100,000 and over        794            486            1,280            112             (382)            (270)     Short-term borrowings         (74)           312           238            135            1            136      FHLB advances         (619)           334            (285)            (121)            (314)            (435)     Long-term borrowings         (37)           112           75            25             (19)           6      Subordinated debentures        9            269            278            8            23            31      Total increase (decrease) in interest expense        1,077            4,539            5,616            369            (1,537)            (1,168)     Increase (decrease) in net interest income    $   3,417        $    (1,910)        $   1,507        $    (335)       $   2,998        $   2,663                              Year ended December 31, 2005 compared to year ended December 31, 2004. Interest income increased approximately $7.2million in 2005. The $58.0 million increase in loans contributed to the increase in interest income.  The rising interest rate environment also contributed to the increase in interest income. Interest expense increased approximately $5.6 million in 2005.  Interest expense increased due to higher balances in checking, money market accounts and certificates of deposits.  Lower balances in borrowings and FHLB advances reduced interest expense.  The rising interest rate environment caused interest expense to increase significantly.  Overall, net interest income increased by approximately $1.5 million.   21           Net Interest Income Analysis – 2005 vs. 2004         For the Years Ended December 31,       Change             2005       2004                                 (amounts in millions)                             Total interest income increased    $   37.3        $   30.1        $   7.2        23.9%         Due to:                                                 Increase in average earning assets    $   629.9        $   560.6        $   69.3        12.4%   (a)     Driven by:                                                 Increase in average loans held for sale    $   83.6        $   15.8        $   67.8        429.1%   (b)     Increase in average loans held for investment     $   305.1        $   276.7        $   28.4        10.3%   (c)     Offset by:                                                 Decrease in average investments     $   236.5        $   271.4        $    (34.9)       (12.9)%   (d)     The overall increase in average earning assets was coupled with:                                                 Increase in yield on interest-earnings assets        5.92%           5.38%           0.54%       10.0%         Driven by:                                                 Increase in yield on loans held for investment         7.38%           6.56%           0.82%       12.5%   (e)     Increase in yield on investments         4.18%           4.15%           0.03%       0.7%                                                           Total interest expense increased    $   19.7        $   14.1        $   5.6        39.7%         Due to:                                                 Increase in cost of interest-bearing liabilities        3.34%           2.66%           0.68%       25.6%   (f)     Driven by:                                                 Increase in cost of interest-bearing deposits         2.70%           1.82%           0.88%       48.4%         Increase in cost of borrowings         5.19%           4.44%           0.75%       16.9%         These increases were coupled with:                                                 Increase in average interest-bearing liabilities    $   590.6        $   530.2        $   60.4        11.4%   (g)     Driven by:                                                 Increase in average interest-bearing deposits     $   438.9        $   359.8        $   79.1        22.0%   (h)     Offset by:                                                 Decrease in average borrowings     $   151.7        $   170.5        $    (18.8)       (11.0)%   (i)            (a)   Average earning assets increased due to an increase in both average loans held for sale and loans held for investment, offset by a decrease in average investments.          (b)   Average loans held for sale increased due to an increase in mortgage and student loan financing programs initiated in 2004.          (c)   Average loans held for investment increased due to increased activity in our Arizona and Minnesota markets.          (d)   Average investments decreased in order to provide liquidity to support the increase in other earning assets, in particular, the growth in loans held for sale.          (e)   The average yield on loans held for investment increased due to the 200bp increase in short-term interest rates that occurred over the course of the year, as much of the portfolio is variable and indexed to the Prime rate.          (f)   Increased cost of interest bearing liabilities due to the 200bp rise in the short-term market interest rates along with a growth in deposits.          (g)   Interest bearing liabilities increased due to the deposit growth in our Arizona and Minnesota markets offset by a reduction of borrowings.          (h)   Deposits increased due to growth in our Arizona and Minnesota markets.          (i)   Borrowing decreased as increases in core deposits were somewhat offset by a decreased borrowing, along with the paydown of borrowings at Bank of North Dakota with the proceeds of the company’s private placement.      Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to year ended December 31, 2003. Net interest income increased $2.7 million, or 19.9 percent, and totaled $16.0 million for 2004. Net interest spread and net interest margin increased to 2.72 and 2.86 percent, respectively, for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2004 from 2.29 and 2.47, respectively, for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2003.    Net interest income and margin for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2004 were favorably impacted by the recovery of cash basis interest income of approximately $408,000 on a $4.5 million loan that had been classified as nonaccrual at December 31, 2003 and was paid in full during the first quarter of 2004. Net interest income and margin for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2003 were negatively impacted by the charge-off of interest income of approximately $287,000 on the same loan, Additionally, net interest income and margin for the 12-   22        month periods ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 were slightly impacted by derivative contract-related transactions during the periods which decreased net interest income by $55,000 and $80,000, respectively. Without these interest income variances and derivative transactions, net interest margin for the 2004 and 2003 periods would have been 2.80 percent and 2.54 percent, respectively.   Net Interest Income Analysis – 2004 vs. 2003         For the Years Ended December 31,       Change             2004       2003                                 (amounts in millions)                             Total interest income increased    $   30.1        $   28.6        $   1.5        5.2%         Due to:                                                 Increase in average earning assets    $   560.6        $   540.7        $   19.9        3.7%         Driven by:                                                 Increase in average loans held for sale    $   15.8        $   -         $   15.8        -     (a)     Increase in average investments    $   271.4        $   236.0        $   35.4        15.0%   (b)     Offset by:                                                 Decrease in average loans held for investment    $   276.7        $   308.1        $    (31.4)       (10.2)%   (c)     The overall increase in average earning assets was coupled with:                                                 Increase in yield on interest-earnings assets        5.38%           5.30%           0.08%       1.5%         Driven by:                                                 Increase in yield on loans held for investment         6.56%           6.26%           0.30%       4.8%   (d)     Increase in yield on investments        4.15%           3.96%           0.19%       4.8%   (e)                                                       Total interest expense decreased    $   14.1        $   15.3        $    (1.2)       (7.8)%         Due to:                                                 Decrease in cost of interest-bearing liabilities        2.66%           3.01%           (0.35)%       (11.6)%         Driven by:                                                 Decrease in cost of interest-bearing deposits         1.82%           2.16%           (0.34)%       (15.7)%         Decrease in cost of borrowings        4.44%           4.76%           (0.32)%       (6.7)%   (f)     These decreases were offset by:                                                 Increase in average interest-bearing liabilities    $   530.2        $   508.1        $   22.1        4.3%         Driven by:                                                 Increase in average borrowings     $   170.5        $   164.5        $   6.0        3.6%   (g)     Increase in average interest-bearing deposits     $   359.8        $   343.6        $   16.2        4.7%   (h)                             (a)   Average loans held for sale increased due to mortgage loan and student loan financing programs initiated during 2004.           (b)   Outstanding investments were increased to replace a reduction in loans held for investment that occurred due to general planned loan payoffs of approximately $15.0 million, general paydowns on revolving lines of credit and the payoff of a $4.5 million loan that was on nonaccrual status at December 31, 2003.          (c)   Loans held for investment declined in early 2004 but finished out the year with increases ending at $294.7 million at December 31, 2004. Average loans held for investment were as low as $261.2 million in April 2004 compared with $303.6 million in December 31, 2003.           (d)   Our increased loan yield reflects the Federal Reserve interest rate increases during 2004. The daily average prime rate in 2004 was 4.35 percent as compared to 4.12 percent for 2003. The higher prime rate caused floating rate loans to reprice at higher rates and new loans, which, as discussed above, came on primarily in the second half of 2004, to be originated at higher interest rate levels.          (e)   The increased yield on investments reflects the higher interest rate environment during 2004 combined with the lower levels of prepayments mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations relative to 2003.            (f)   The decrease in cost of borrowings was primarily a result of a decrease in the average cost of FHLB borrowings. $15 million of FHLB advances priced at a weighted average rate of 4.77 percent matured during 2004.           (g)   The increase in average borrowings is primarily attributable to higher use of Federal funds purchased and the $1.5 million increase in our long-term borrowings that occurred during 2004.          (h)   The increase in average interest-bearing deposits is primarily attributable to the increase in average interest checking and money market accounts due to growth in our Wealthbuilder family of deposit products. The growth was generated primarily in the Arizona market with some growth attributable to our new Golden Valley, Minnesota branch office.     23           Noninterest Income Noninterest income rose to $24.9 million for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2005, an increase of $1.4 million over the same period of 2004. The increase reflected increased insurance income from having a full year of contribution from three insurance agencies acquired in 2004, fees on loans, and wealth management income. The Minneapolis commercial real estate department had a record year for loan fees.  A nonrecurring gain of $527,000 from the final resolution of a reinsurance program previously associated with BNC Insurance was reflected in other income during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2004.    Our noninterest income increased approximately $2.6 million, or 12.7 percent, in 2004 largely due to increased insurance commissions, including commissions related to acquisitions made during 2003 and 2004. Fees on loans and brokerage income increased in 2004 while service charges, trust and financial services income, net gain on sales of securities and rental income declined. Noninterest income increased approximately $4.5 million, or 27.7 percent, in 2003 largely due to a full year of insurance commission income generated by newly acquired branches of BNC Insurance. Service charges, trust and financial services income and rental income also increased, while fees on loans, brokerage income and net gain on sale of securities declined.     The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of our noninterest income as well as the amount and percent of change between each of the periods presented. Related information and significant changes are discussed in lettered explanations following the table:   Noninterest Income                                             Increase (Decrease)             For the Years Ended December 31,       2005 – 2004       2004 – 2003                2005       2004       2003       $       %       $       %                (in thousands)                                                            Insurance commissions    $   18,751        $   17,490        $   14,568        $   1,261        7    %       $   2,922        20    %   (a)     Fees on loans        3,171            2,175            2,022            996        46    %           153        8    %   (b)     Service charges        789            827            909             (38)        (5)   %            (82)        (9)   %         Trust and financial services        638            486            1,009            152        31    %            (523)        (52)   %   (c)     Brokerage income        379            538            420             (159)        (30)   %           118        28    %   (d)     Rental income        21            109            212             (88)        (81)   %            (103)        (49)   %         Net (loss) gain on sales of securities          (67)           269            968             (336)        (125)   %            (699)        (72)   %   (e)     Other        1,201            1,556            704             (355)        (23)   %           852        121    %   (f)     Total noninterest income    $   24,883        $   23,450        $    20,812        $   1,433        6    %       $   2,638        13    %                                                             (a)   The 2004 increase in insurance commissions was due to commissions generated from 2004 acquisitions by BNC Insurance.          (b)   Fees on loans increased significantly in 2005 due to transactions generated by Minneapolis commercial real estate lending.          (c)   The decrease in trust and financial services income in 2004 was attributable to a $488,000 fee recognized in 2003 for management of the sale of two companies on behalf of a customer.          (d)   The increase in brokerage income in 2004 was primarily due to increased production in the Minnesota market.  In 2005 the Bank had fewer brokers on staff in Minnesota.          (e)   Net gain (loss) on sales of securities varies depending on the nature of the investment securities sales transacted during the respective periods.            (f)   Other income in 2004 increased primarily due to the receipt of $527,000 by BNC Insurance.  The payment related to the final resolution of a reinsurance program.  Other income also includes bank owned life insurance income, the program of which was initiated during the second half of 2003.       Noninterest Expense Noninterest expense increased approximately $1.9 million or 5.6 percent. The increases in salary, employee benefits and occupancy expenses were mainly attributable to the expansion of the wealth management business segment and having 12 months of operations for the Golden Valley branch and insurance offices that were opened or acquired in 2004. The increase in professional services related to legal expenses for two litigation matters that were successfully resolved in 2005.     24          Noninterest expense increased approximately $7.5 million, or 27.4 percent, in 2004 primarily as a result of our expanding presence in the Arizona and Minnesota markets.    The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of our noninterest expense as well as the amount and percent of change between each of the periods presented:    Noninterest Expense                                             Increase (Decrease)             For the Years Ended December 31,       2005 – 2004       2004 – 2003             2005       2004       2003       $       %       $       %             (in thousands)                                                         Salaries and employee benefits   $   22,445        $   21,662        $   16,478        $   783        4    %       $   5,184        31    %   (a)     Occupancy       2,944            2,700            2,306            244        9    %           394        17    %   (b)     Professional Services       2,195            1,471            1,146            724        49    %           325        28    %   (c)     Depreciation and amortization       1,592            1,640            1,458             (48)        (3)   %           182        12    %         Office supplies, telephone and postage       1,446            1,414            1,214            32        2    %           200        16    %   (d)     Amortization of intangible assets       1,175            1,274            1,063             (99)        (8)   %           211        20    %         Marketing and promotion       970            1,098            803             (128)        (12)   %           295        37    %   (e)     FDIC and other assessments       226            205            201            21        10    %           4        2    %         Other        3,709            3,304            2,621            405        12    %           683        26    %   (f)     Total noninterest expense   $   36,702        $   34,768            27,290        $   1,934        6    %       $   7,478        27    %         Efficiency ratio       86.50%           88.04%           79.82%           (1.54)%                       8.22%                                                                                                               Total operating expenses as a percent of average assets       5.14%           5.47%           4.54%           (0.33)%                       0.93%                                                             (a)   The increase of salaries and benefits in 2004 was due primarily to the growth and expansion in our banking and insurance segments, particularly in our Arizona and Minnesota markets. 2004 also included new management team members as well as a $688,000 payment related to the termination of a former officer.          (b)   Occupancy expenses increased in both periods due to the additions of branches in Esplanade and Golden Valley and four acquired insurance agencies.          (c)   The increases in professional services were due primarily to legal expenses associated with the litigation of two matters that were successfully resolved in 2005. In addition, there were increased brokerage retainage and clearing fees, software support fees and other consulting fees in both periods.          (d)   2004 office supplies, telephone, and postage expenses increased due to the expansions previously mentioned.          (e)   2004 marketing and promotion expenses increased due to market expansion and associated advertising.          (f)   The increase in other noninterest expense is due to several different increased expenses including travel, insurance and correspondent bank charges.     Income taxes We recorded income tax expense of $1.4, $1.1, and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Our effective tax rates were 25.11, 25.15, and 29.14 percent for the 12-month periods ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The effective tax rates were lower than the statutory rates principally due to tax-exempt income on municipal securities and, for part of 2003 and all of 2004 and 2005, tax-exempt income associated with $10.0 million of bank-owned life insurance.    Financial Condition   Overview Subsequent sections of this discussion and analysis of financial condition address certain aspects of our major assets and liabilities in detail.   Total assets increased approximately $66.3 million, or 9.8 percent, between December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2005 and approximately $52.2 million, or 8.4 percent, between December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004. Our total assets at December 31, 2005 were approximately $740.0 million.   25          The following table presents our assets by category as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, as well as the amount and percent of change between the dates (amounts are in thousands):   Assets                Increase (Decrease)              As of December 31,       2005 – 2004       2004 – 2003             2005       2004       2003       $       %       $       %                                                                                                   Cash and due from banks   $   28,824        $   11,867        $   12,520        $   16,957        143    %       $    (653)        (5)   %   (a)     Interest-bearing deposits with banks       -              14            -               (14)       N/A   %           14        N/A   %         Investment securities available for sale       227,185            235,916            262,568            (8,731)        (4)   %           (26,652)       (10)   %         Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock       5,791            7,541            7,596            (1,750)        (23)   %            (55)        (1)   %   (b)     Loans held for sale       101,602            60,197            -              41,405        69    %           60,197        N/A    %   (c)     Loans and leases held for investment, net       307,180            290,479            278,792            16,701        6    %           11,687        4    %         Premises and equipment, net       23,514            21,799            18,570            1,715        8    %           3,229        17    %         Interest receivable       3,330            2,686            2,462            644        24    %           224        9    %         Other assets       13,851            13,357            15,507            494        4    %            (2,150)       (14)   %         Goodwill       21,839            21,779            15,089            60        0    %           6,690        44    %   (d)     Other intangible assets, net       6,900            8,075            8,373            (1,175)        (15)   %            (298)        (4)   %         Total assets   $   740,016        $    673,710        $    621,477        $    66,306        10    %       $    52,233        8    %                (a)   The increase of cash and due from banks at December 31, 2005 was due to cash letter items that cleared that we did not receive credit for until the following business day.          (b)   FHLB stock decreased due to a reduction in borrowings from the FHLB and the resulting reduction in amount of required holdings of activity stock.          (c)   Loans held for sale represent loans originated under the mortgage loan financing program.          (d)   Goodwill increased during 2005 due to an earnout payment relating to one of the insurance agency acquisitions.  The increase in 2004 was due to the payment of the remaining earnout payment relating to the insurance acquisitions and goodwill generated by the acquisitions of three insurance agencies and a mortgage company.     Our total liabilities increased approximately $58.5 million, or 9.2 percent, between December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2005 and increased approximately $48.6 million, or 8.4 percent, between December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004. Total liabilities at December 31, 2004 were approximately $688.4 million. Stockholders’ equity was approximately $51.6, $43.8 and $40.2 million at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.   The following table presents our liabilities and stockholders’ equity by category as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, as well as the amount and percent of change between the dates. (amounts are in thousands):   26           Liabilities, Subordinated Debentures and Stockholders' Equity            Increase (Decrease)              As of December 31,       2005 – 2004       2004 – 2003             2005       2004       2003       $       %       $       %         Deposits:                                                                                         Noninterest-bearing   $   72,977        $   63,386        $   44,725        $   9,591        15    %       $   18,661        42    %   (a)     Interest-bearing-                                                                                         Savings, interest checking and money market       260,807            210,887            215,525            49,920        24    %            (4,638)        (2)   %   (a)     Time deposits $100,000 and over       71,287            83,952            46,569            (12,665)       (15)   %           37,383        80    %   (b)     Other time deposits       143,719            97,118            89,123            46,601        48    %           7,995        9    %   (b)     Short-term borrowings       21,416            33,697            31,383            (12,281)       (36)   %           2,314        7    %   (c)     FHLB advances       82,200            97,200            112,200            (15,000)       (15)   %           (15,000)        (13)   %   (d)     Long-term borrowings       3,850            10,079            8,640             (6,229)       (62)   %           1,439        17    %   (e)     Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in Company's subordinated debentures       22,648            22,509            22,397            139        1    %           112        1    %         Other liabilities       9,500            11,036            10,729             (1,536)       (14)   %           307        3    %         Total liabilities       688,404            629,864            581,291            58,540        9    %           48,573        8    %         Stockholders' equity       51,612            43,846            40,186            7,766        18    %           3,660        9    %   (f)     Total     $   740,016        $   673,710        $   621,477        $   66,306        10    %       $   52,233        8    %                (a)   Deposits increased in 2004 and 2005 primarily due to growth in our Arizona and Minnesota markets.          (b)   The increase in 2004 was due to additional brokered certificates of deposit as well as additional deposits in the CDARs program.          (c)   The decrease in short-term borrowings were due to a lower use of federal funds purchased because of the growth of deposits.           (d)   $15.0 million of the FHLB advances matured during 2005 and were not replaced.          (e)   The 2005 decrease in long-term borrowings was due to the paydown of our note with the Bank of North Dakota.          (f)   The increase in stockholders equity was due to the common stock offering of 575,000 shares and net income for 2005.     Investment Securities Available for Sale Our investment policy is designed to enhance net income and return on equity through prudent management of risk, ensure liquidity for cash-flow requirements, help manage interest rate risk, ensure collateral is available for public deposits, advances and repurchase agreements and manage asset diversification. In managing the portfolio, we seek a balance between current income (yield) and future market value volatility, while simultaneously managing credit and liquidity risks. The goal of this process is to maximize our longer term profitability as well as the economic performance of the portfolio over the long term.    The following table presents the composition of the available-for-sale investment portfolio by major category:    Investment Portfolio Composition         December 31,         2005       2004       2003                 Estimated               Estimated               Estimated         Amortized       fair market       Amortized       fair market       Amortized       fair market         cost       value       cost       value       cost       value         (in thousands)     U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities    $   8,586        $   8,550        $   9,715        $   9,877        $   14,374        $   14,755      U.S. government agency securities        -            -            981            1,036            961            1,083      Collateralized mortgage obligations         176,065            171,663            189,783            187,704            210,760            209,676      State and municipal bonds        44,915            46,972            33,390            35,301            32,909            35,056      Corporate bonds        -            -            1,941            1,998            1,939            1,998      Total investments    $   229,566        $   227,185        $   235,810        $   235,916        $   260,943        $   262,568          27          The following table presents maturities for all securities available for sale (other than equity securities) and yields for all securities in our investment portfolio at December 31, 2005:   Investment Portfolio - Maturity and Yields                                                                                   After 1 but within 5 years       After 5 but  within 10 years       After 10 years       Total         Amount       Yield (1)       Amount       Yield (1)       Amount       Yield (1)       Amount       Yield (1)     U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities (2) (3)    $   254        5.49%       $   -        -        $   8,332        5.31%       $   8,586        5.32%     Collateralized mortgage obligations (2) (3)        -        -            56,295        3.67%           119,770        4.18%           176,065        4.02%     State and municipal bonds (2)        3,061        7.93%           6,607        6.47%           35,247        6.61%           44,915        6.68%     Total book value of investment securities    $   3,315        7.74%       $   62,902        3.96%       $   163,349        4.76%           229,566        4.59%     Unrealized holding gain on securities available for sale                                                                     (2,381)             Total investment in securities available for sale (4)                                                                $   227,185        4.63%                                                (1)   Yields include adjustments for tax-exempt income; yields do not reflect changes in fair value that are reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity except as noted in (4) below.          (2)   Based on amortized cost/book value.          (3)   Maturities of mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") are based on contractual maturities. Actual maturities may vary because obligors may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.          (4)   Yield reflects changes in fair value that are reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity.     As of December 31, 2005, we had $227.2 million of available-for-sale securities in the investment portfolio as compared to $235.9 and $262.6 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, based on fair value of the securities on those dates.   During 2005, the amount of available-for-sale securities decreased $8.7 million.  In managing the overall risk/reward profile of the available-for-sale portfolio in the context of the overall balance sheet, during the first half of 2005, much of the principal cash flow from collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) was utilized to purchase state and municipal bonds.  This resulted in an increase in the volume of state and municipal bonds for 2005, relative to 2004, of $11.7 million.  During the second half of 2005, most of the proceeds from maturities and principal cash flow from the portfolio provided liquidity to fund growth in other earnings assets, in particular, loans held for sale.  During 2005, the total volume of CMOs, decreased by $16.0 million relative to 2004.  In addition, U.S. government agency securities, corporate bonds, and U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities decreased by $1.0 million, $2.0 million, and $1.3 million respectively.  In the process of managing the risk/reward profile of the portfolio as a whole, during 2005 a limited number of securities were sold and in the process, $66,750 of book losses were realized.   During the first quarter of 2004, the available-for-sale portfolio increased $25.8 million from $262.6 million as of December 31, 2003 to $288.4 million in order to maintain the level of earning assets while planned loan reductions and the completion of some financed commercial real estate projects reduced the loans held for investment by $29.6 million during the same period. Over the remaining three quarters of 2004, the available-for-sale portfolio decreased by $52.5 million to end the year at $235.9 million as proceeds from sales and maturities, net of new purchases were directed toward an increase in loan volume for the latter three quarters of 2004. Finally, the overall level of market interest rates increased during 2004 and the yield curve experienced a flattening relative to the end of 2003. We engaged in securities transactions that generated net realized securities gains of $269,000 during 2004.    During 2003, the amount of available-for-sale securities increased $54.5 million in order to maintain earning asset portfolio levels while planned loan reductions and the completion of some financed commercial real estate projects reduced the loan portfolio by $52.2 million. Much of the increase in available-for-sale securities was directed    28        toward CMOs because of their economic risk/reward profiles (due to the structure of the CMO cash flows) relative to mortgage-backed or other types of securities and the ability to pledge such securities as collateral for borrowings at the FHLB. We decreased U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities and U.S. government agency securities by $32.8 and $4.1 million, respectively, and increased CMOs and state and municipal bonds by $85.2 and $6.2 million, respectively. Given our forecasted level of future earnings, we increased our holdings of state and municipal bonds by $6.2 million in order to increase our level of tax-exempt income.    At December 31, 2005, we held no securities of any single issuer, other than U.S. government agency securities and agency mortgage-backed securities and CMOs that exceeded 10 percent of stockholders’ equity. A significant portion of our investment securities portfolio (approximately $214.6 million at December 31, 2005) was pledged as collateral for public deposits and borrowings, including borrowings with the FHLB.   Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock Our equity securities consisted of $1.3, $1.3 and $1.2 million of Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $4.5, $6.3 and $6.4 million of FHLB stock at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Our holdings in FRB stock increased due to the amount of capital stock issued by the Bank.    Loan Portfolio The banking segment’s primary source of income is interest earned on loans held for investment. Total loans held for investment, net of unearned income and unamortized fees and costs, increased $16.6 million, or 5.6 percent, to $310.4 million at December 31, 2005 as compared to $293.8 million at December 31, 2003. In 2005, net loans increased $16.7 million, or 5.7 percent, as compared to December 31, 2004.    The following table presents the composition of our loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:   Loan Portfolio Composition (1)        December 31,         2005       2004       2003       2002       2001         Amount       %       Amount       %       Amount       %       Amount       %       Amount       %             (dollars in thousands)     Commercial and industrial     $   88,467        28.8.        $   75,460        26.0        $   73,001        26.2        $   94,075        28.4        $   103,883        35.4      Real estate mortgage        122,785        40.0            129,321        44.5            129,443        46.4            147,825        44.7            123,727        42.1      Real estate construction         80,296        26.1            68,967        23.7            60,056        21.5            62,926        19.0            34,225        11.7      Agricultural        12,706        4.1            13,919        4.8            12,529        4.5            18,023        5.4            19,069        6.5      Consumer/other        4,718        1.5            5,480        1.9            6,277        2.3            8,227        2.5            9,953        3.4      Lease financing        2,131        0.7            1,540        0.5            2,757        1.0            5,584        1.7            7,578        2.6      Total principal amount of loans        311,103        101.2            294,687        101.4            284,063        101.9            336,660        101.8            298,435        101.6      Unearned income and net unamortized deferred fees and costs        (735)        (0.2)            (873)        (0.3)            (508)        (0.2)            (866)        (0.3)            (511)        (0.2)     Loans, net of unearned income and unamortized fees and costs        310,368        101.0            293,814        101.1            283,555        101.7            335,794        101.5            297,924        101.5      Less allowance for credit  losses         (3,188)        (1.0)            (3,335)        (1.1)            (4,763)        (1.7)            (5,006)        (1.5)            (4,325)        (1.5)     Net loans    $   307,180        100.0        $   290,479        100.0        $   278,792        100.0        $   330,788        100.0        $   293,599        100.0                                    (1) From continuing operations for 2002 and 2001.   The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the amount and percent of change in each category of loans in our loan portfolio:    29           Change in Loan Portfolio Composition         Increase (Decrease)                 2005-2004       2004-2003             $       %       $       %             (dollars in thousands)         Commercial and industrial    $    13,007        17    %       $   2,459        3    %   (a)     Real estate mortgage         (6,536)        (5)   %            (122)        (0)   %         Real estate construction        11,329        16    %           8,911        15    %   (b)     Agricultural         (1,213)        (9)   %           1,390        11    %         Consumer/other         (762)         (14)    %            (797)        (13)   %         Lease financing         591        38    %            (1,217)        (44)   %   (c)     Total principal amount of loans        16,416        6    %           10,624        4    %         Unearned income/unamortized fees and costs        138        16    %            (365)       72    %         Loans, net of unearned income/unamortized fees and costs        16,554        6    %           10,259        4    %         Allowance for credit losses        147        4    %           1,428        30    %         Net Loans    $    16,701        6    %       $   11,687        4    %                                  (a)   The increase in 2005 was due to a commercial line of credit originated from the Bismarck office.          (b)   The increases in 2004 and 2005 are primarily attributable to commercial real estate construction loan growth in our Arizona and Minnesota markets.          (c)   The increase in 2005 was due to a higher volume of one to five year leases with a customer from the Bismarck branch.      While prospects for loan growth appear to be favorable in our markets, future loan growth potential is subject to volatility. Our loan portfolio is concentrated in commercial, industrial and real estate and construction loans and we have credit concentrations in certain industries (Concentrations of Credit) and certain geographic concentrations that relate to our primary market areas. A downturn in certain sectors of the economy could adversely impact our borrowers. This could, in turn, reduce the demand for loans and impact the borrowers’ ability to repay their loans, while also decreasing our net interest margin. Taking a conservative posture relative to credit underwriting, we believe, is a prudent course of action. We cannot predict with any degree of certainty the full impact of current or future economic conditions on our ability to generate loan volume or the ultimate impact of economic conditions on our currently existing portfolio of loans. See “Factors That May Affect Future Results of Operations” included under Item 1 of Part I.    Credit Policy, Underwriting, Approval and Review Procedures We follow a uniform credit policy that sets forth underwriting and loan administration criteria. The Board of Directors (the “Board”) establishes our loan policy, including lending guidelines for the various types of credit we offer based upon the recommendations of senior lending management. We have an Executive Credit Committee that approves loans over a certain size. Our loan policy is reviewed and reaffirmed by the Board at least annually.    We delegate lending decision authority among various lending officers and the Executive Credit Committee based on the size of the customer’s credit relationship with BNC. All loans and commitments approved in excess of $300,000 are presented to the Board on a quarterly basis for summary review. Any exceptions to loan policies and guidelines, to the extent the credit relationship amount exceeds individual loan officer lending authorities, are subject to special approval by the Bank’s Chief Credit Officer or the appropriate credit committee.   Underwriting criteria are based upon the risks associated with each type of credit offered, the related borrowers and types of collateral. In underwriting commercial loans, we emphasize the borrower’s earnings history, capitalization and secondary sources of repayment. In most instances, we require third party guarantees or highly liquid collateral.     30          Our credit administration function includes an internal loan review department that reviews established levels of our loan portfolio on a continuous basis. Loan review personnel are not involved in any way in the credit approval process. Additionally, our lenders, loan review staff, Chief Credit Officer, Executive Credit Committee and various management team members review credit-related information monthly. Such information includes, but may not be limited to, delinquencies, classified and nonperforming assets, and other information. Such reviews are conducted in order to evaluate credit risk within our credit portfolio and to review and establish the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.   Loan Participations Pursuant to our lending policy, loans may not exceed 85 percent of the Bank’s legal lending limit (except to the extent collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities or Bank deposits and, accordingly, excluded from the Bank’s legal lending limit) unless the Chief Credit Officer and the Executive Credit Committee grant prior approval. To accommodate customers whose financing needs exceed lending limits and internal loan restrictions relating primarily to industry concentration, the Bank sells loan participations to outside participants without recourse. The Bank generally retains the right to service the loans as well as the right to receive a portion of the interest income on the loans. Loan participations sold on a nonrecourse basis to outside financial institutions were as follows as of the dates indicated:      Loan Participations Sold     December 31,     (in thousands)                   2005   $   183,795     2004       131,317     2003       146,988     Concentrations of Credit Our credit policies emphasize diversification of risk among industries, geographic areas and borrowers. For purposes of the analysis of concentrations of credit as of December 31, 2005 the total outstanding loans as well as all outstanding loan commitments were included. As of December 31, 2005, we identified two concentrations of loans exceeding 10 percent of total loans and loan commitments outstanding. These concentrations were in real estate and construction, which represented 28.1 and 13.6 percent, respectively, of total loans and loan commitments outstanding.     Our real estate loans and commitments were extended to 115 customers who are diversified across our market areas and who can generally be categorized as indicated below:                            Percent of total                 Outstanding       outstanding loans         Number of       loans and loan       and loan     As of December 31, 2005   customers       commitments       commitments     Non-residential and apartment building operators, developers and lessors of real property    108       $   125,249        27.5%     Real estate holding and other investment companies    7           2,514        0.6%     Total    115       $   127,763        28.1%       31           Loans and commitments in the construction category were extended to 61 customers who are located primarily in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota and who can generally be categorized as indicated below:                              Percent of total                 Outstanding       outstanding loans         Number of       loans and loan       and loan     As of December 31, 2005   customers       commitments       commitments     Residential and nonresidential buildings   29       $   32,177        7.1%     Heavy and civil engineering   17           25,975        5.7%     Specialty trade contractors   15           3,563        0.8%     Total    61       $   61,715        13.6%     The contractors are involved in various aspects of the construction industry, including highway and street construction, water/sewer drilling, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, commercial painting, electrical, concrete and excavating and foundation contractors. Loans in this category are secured, in many cases, by construction equipment.   Loan Maturities The following table sets forth the remaining maturities of loans in each major category of our portfolio as of December 31, 2005. Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities shown below as a result of renewals and prepayments. Loan renewals are evaluated in the same manner as new credit applications:   Maturities of Loans                     Over 1 year through 5 years       Over 5 years                     One year       Fixed       Floating       Fixed       Floating                 or less   rate   Rate   rate   rate   Total         (in thousands)     Commercial and industrial    $   52,027        $   11,607        $   10,529        $   5,034        $   9,270        $   88,467      Real estate mortgage        27,330            22,849            38,042            21,196            13,368            122,785      Real estate construction        64,779            513            14,075            -            929            80,296      Agricultural        5,807            2,348            2,562            141            1,848            12,706      Consumer/other        1,926            2,183            473            136            -            4,718      Lease financing        72            2,059            -            -            -            2,131      Total principal amount of loans    $   151,941        $   41,559        $   65,681        $   26,507        $   25,415        $   311,103                            Nonperforming Loans and Assets Nonperforming loans consist of loans 90 days or more delinquent and still accruing interest, nonaccrual and restructured loans. Other nonperforming assets includes other real estate owned and repossessed assets. Our lending personnel are responsible for continuous monitoring of the quality of the loan portfolio. Officers are expected to maintain loan quality and deal with credit issues in a timely and proactive manner. Loan officers are responsible for regular reviews of past due loans in their respective portfolios. The loan portfolio is also monitored regularly and examined by our loan review personnel. Loans demonstrating weaknesses are downgraded in a timely fashion and the Board receives a listing of all such loans on a quarterly basis.    The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, the amounts of nonperforming loans and other assets, the allowance for credit losses and certain related ratios:   32           Nonperforming Assets (1)        December 31,          2005           2004           2003           2002           2001         (dollars in thousands)     Nonperforming loans:                                                             Loans 90 days or more delinquent and still accruing interest    $   -        $   25        $   38        $   5,081        $   983      Nonaccrual loans         143            524            7,913            2,549            3,391      Restructured loans         -            -            -            -            5      Total nonperforming loans        143            549            7,951            7,630            4,379      Other real estate owned and repossessed assets        -            -            -            8            70      Total nonperforming assets   $    143        $    549        $    7,951        $    7,638        $    4,449      Allowance for credit losses    $    3,188        $    3,335        $    4,763        $    5,006        $    4,325      Ratio of total nonperforming loans to total loans held for investment       0.05%           0.19%           2.80%           2.27%           1.47%     Ratio of total nonperforming assets to total assets        0.02%           0.08%           1.28%           1.27%           0.80%     Ratio of allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans       2,229%           607%           60%           66%           99%     (1) From continuing operations for 2002 and 2001.   Loans 90 days or more delinquent and still accruing interest include loans over 90 days past due which we believe, based on our specific analysis of the loans, do not present doubt about the collection of interest and principal in accordance with the loan contract. Loans in this category must be well secured and in the process of collection. Our lending and management personnel monitor these loans closely.    Nonaccrual loans include loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued. Accrual of interest is discontinued when we believe, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts that the borrower’s financial condition is such that the collection of interest is doubtful. A delinquent loan is generally placed on nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days or more past due unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, accrued but uncollected interest income applicable to the current reporting period is reversed against interest income of the current period. Accrued but uncollected interest income applicable to previous reporting periods is charged against the allowance for credit losses. No additional interest is accrued on the loan balance until the collection of both principal and interest becomes reasonably certain. When a problem loan is finally resolved, there may ultimately be an actual write down or charge-off of the principal balance of the loan which may necessitate additional charges to earnings.    Restructured loans are those for which concessions, including a reduction of the interest rate or the deferral of interest or principal, have been granted due to the borrower’s weakened financial condition. Interest on restructured loans is accrued at the restructured rates when it is anticipated that no loss of original principal will occur. We had no restructured loans in our portfolio at December 31, 2005.   Other real estate owned and repossessed assets represent properties and other assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure. They are initially recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition establishing a new cost basis. Write-downs to fair value at the time of acquisition are charged to the allowance for credit losses. After foreclosure, we perform valuations periodically and the real estate or assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Write-downs, revenues and expenses incurred subsequent to foreclosure are charged to operations as recognized/incurred. We had no outstanding other real estate owned or repossessed assets at December 31, 2005.   Our ratios of total nonperforming loans to total loans, and total nonperforming assets to total assets, decreased between December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2005. The ratio of the allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans increased between December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2005. This ratio at December 31, 2005 was 2,229 percent as compared to 607 percent at December 31, 2004. These improvements in nonperforming loan/asset ratios    33        are primarily the result of a sharp decrease in nonperforming loans, which declined to $143,000 at December 31, 2005, from $549,000 at December 31, 2004.    Potential Problem Loans In accordance with accounting standards, we identify loans considered impaired and the valuation allowance attributable to these loans. Impaired loans generally include loans on which we believe, based on current information and events; it is probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement and which are analyzed for a specific reserve allowance. We generally consider all loans risk-graded substandard and doubtful as well as nonaccrual and restructured loans as impaired. Potential problem loans at December 31, 2005 totaled $1.3 million as compared to $3.0 million at December 31, 2004. A significant portion of these potential problem loans are not in default but may have characteristics such as recent adverse operating cash flows or general risk characteristics that the loan officer feels might jeopardize the future timely collection of principal and interest payments. The ultimate resolution of these credits is subject to changes in economic conditions and other factors. These loans are closely monitored to ensure that our position as creditor is protected to the fullest extent possible.   Provision for Credit Losses We determine a provision for credit losses which we consider sufficient to maintain our allowance for credit losses at a level considered adequate to provide for an estimate of probable losses related to specifically identified loans as well as probable losses in the remaining loan and lease portfolio that have been incurred as of each balance sheet date. The provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $250,000 as compared to $175,000 in 2004 and $1.5 million in 2003. Loan and lease charge-offs were $589,000, or 0.13 percent of average loans and leases in 2005 compared with $1.9 million, or 0.58 percent in 2004 and $1.8 million, or 0.56 percent in 2003. Recoveries of amounts previously charged off were $192,000, $280,000, and $102,000 in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. The decrease in the provision for credit losses in 2004 reflected the resolution of a significant amount of nonperforming loans that were reserved for at December 31, 2003 and were reduced to $549,000 at December 31, 2004 from $8.0 million at December 31, 2003. Of the $1.9 million of charge-offs in 2004, $1.2 million related to one commercial loan. $975,000 had been reserved for on that loan at December 31, 2003.   Allowance for Credit Losses Credit risk is the risk of loss from a customer default. We have in place a process to identify and manage our credit risk. The process includes initial credit review and approval, periodic monitoring to measure compliance with credit agreements and internal credit policies, internal credit review, monitoring changes in the risk ratings of loans and leases, identification of problem loans and leases and special procedures for collection of problem loans and leases. The risk of loss is difficult to quantify and is subject to fluctuations in values and general economic conditions and other factors. As discussed previously, the determination of the allowance for credit losses is a critical accounting policy, which involves estimates and our judgment on a number of factors such as net charge-offs, delinquencies in the loan and lease portfolio and general and economic conditions.   Our allowance for credit losses was $3.2 million at December 31, 2005.  This included a $2.2 million allowance for homogeneous loan pools, $209,000 for specific reserves and $741,000 for qualitative reserves. We consider the allowance for credit losses of $3.2 million adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio as of December 31, 2005. However, no assurance can be given that we will not, in any particular period, sustain loan and lease losses that are sizable in relation to the amount reserved, or that subsequent evaluations of the loan and lease portfolio, in light of factors then prevailing, including economic conditions and our ongoing credit review process, will not require significant increases in the allowance for credit losses. A protracted economic slowdown and/or a decline in commercial, industrial or real estate segments may have an adverse impact on the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses by increasing credit risk and the risk of potential loss. See Notes 1 and 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 and “-Critical Accounting Policies” for further information concerning accounting policies associated with the allowance for credit losses.   The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, activity in the allowance for credit losses, including amounts of loans charged-off, amounts of recoveries, additions to the allowance charged to operating expense, the    34        ratio of net charge-offs to average total loans, the ratio of the allowance to total loans at the end of each period and the ratio of the allowance to nonperforming loans:   Analysis of Allowance for Credit Losses (1)        For the Years ended December 31,         2005       2004       2003       2002       2001             (dollars in thousands)     Balance of allowance for credit losses, beginning of period     $   3,335        $   4,763        $    5,006         $   4,325         $   3,588          Charge-offs:                                                             Commercial and industrial        534            1,578            1,508             408             542       Real estate mortgage        24            -            189             9             99       Real estate construction       -            -            -            -            -      Agricultural        -            97            10             -            -      Consumer/other        31            208            23             75             213       Lease financing        -            --            90             165             411       Total charge-offs        589            1,883            1,820             657             1,265       Recoveries:                                                             Commercial and industrial        95            141            73             86             140       Real estate mortgage        10            33            7             8             30       Real estate construction       16            -            -            -            -      Agricultural        -            -            -            4             1       Consumer/other        69            97            11             11             132       Lease financing        2            9            11             27             -      Total recoveries        192            280            102             136             303       Net charge-offs         (397)            (1,603)            (1,718)            (521)            (962)     Provision for credit losses charged to operations        250            175            1,475            1,202             1,699       Balance of allowance for credit losses, end of period    $   3,188        $   3,335        $   4,763         $   5,006         $   4,325       Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans        (0.13)%           (0.58)%           (0.56)%           (0.17)%           (0.33)%     Average gross loans outstanding during the period    $   305,073        $   276,652        $   308,115         $   307,227         $   293,716       Ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans        1.03%           1.14%           1.68%           1.49%           1.45%     Ratio of allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans        2,229%           607%           60%           66%           99%                                            (1) From continuing operations for 2002 and 2001.   Allowance for Credit Losses; Impact on Earnings. As indicated above, the determined level of the allowance for credit losses involves assumptions underlying our estimates that reflect highly uncertain matters in the current period. Additionally, a different estimate that could have been used in the current period could have had a material impact on reported financial condition or results of operations. We are not aware, at this time, of known trends, commitments, events or other uncertainties reasonably likely to occur that would materially affect our methodology or the assumptions used, although changes in the qualitative and quantitative factors noted above could occur at any time and such changes could be of a material nature. We have used our assumptions to arrive at the level of the allowance for credit losses that we consider adequate to provide for an estimate of probable losses related to specifically identified loans as well as probable losses in the remaining loan and lease portfolio that have been incurred as of December 31, 2005.   From period to period, economic situations change, credits may deteriorate or improve and the other factors we consider in arriving at our estimates may change. However, our basic methodology for determining an appropriate allowance for credit losses has remained relatively stable. This methodology has resulted in allowance levels of $3.2, $3.3 and $4.8 million at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. As noted above, the amount of the provision for credit losses charged to operations is directly related to our estimates of the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses. Charge-offs and recoveries during the applicable periods also impact the level of the    35        allowance for credit losses resulting in a provision for credit losses that could be higher or lower in order to bring the allowance for credit losses in line with our estimates.   Our ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.03 percent at December 31, 2005 compared with 1.14 percent one year earlier. The ratio at December 31, 2004 reflects $1.9 million of charge-offs over the course of the 12-month period ended December 31, 2004, as well as the reduced reserve requirement related to the sharp decrease in nonperforming loans during the same period.    The table below presents, for the periods indicated an allocation of the allowance for credit losses among the various loan categories and sets forth the percentage of loans in each category to gross loans. The allocation of the allowance for credit losses as shown in the table should neither be interpreted as an indication of future charge-offs, nor as an indication that charge-offs in future periods will necessarily occur in these amounts or in the indicated proportions.   Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses (1)        December 31,         2005       2004       2003       2002       2001         Amount of allowance       Loans in category  as a percentage of total gross loans       Amount of allowance       Loans in category as a percentage of total gross loans       Amount of allowance       Loans in category  as a percentage of total gross loans       Amount of allowance       Loans in category   as a percentage of total gross loans       Amount of allowance       Loans in category   as a percentage of total gross loans             (dollars in thousands)     Commercial and industrial   $   1,632        24%       $   1,583        25%       $   2,093        26%       $   2,344        28%       $   2,586        34%     Real estate mortgage        846        39%           1,116        44%           1,976        46%           1,836        44%           1,038        42%     Real estate construction        467        26%           379        23%           395        21%           398        19%           137        11%     Agricultural        158        4%           186        5%           211        4%           231        5%           267        6%     Consumer/other        73        6%           62        2%           68        2%           85        2%           118        5%     Lease financing        12        1%           9        1%           20        1%           112        2%           179        2%     Total    $   3,188        100%       $   3,335        100%       $   4,763        100%       $   5,006        100%       $   4,325        100%     (1) From continuing operations for 2002 and 2001.   Deposits Our core deposits consist of noninterest- and interest-bearing demand deposits, savings deposits, money market deposit accounts, certificates of deposit under $100,000, and certain certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over, public funds and certificates of deposit in the CDARSsm program. Total deposits were $548.8 million at December 31, 2005 compared with $455.3 and $395.9 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. We use these deposits, along with other borrowed funds, to support our asset base.     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the distribution of our average deposit account balances and average cost of funds rates on each category of deposits. See “Results of Operations-Net Interest Income” for an explanation of changes in deposit volume and costs during the periods presented:   36           Average Deposits and Deposit Costs             For the Years Ended December 31,         2005       2004       2003                     Percent       Wgtd.                    Percent       Wgtd.                    Percent       Wgtd.          Average       of       avg.       Average       of       avg.       Average       of       avg.         balance       deposits       rate       balance       deposits       rate       balance       deposits       rate             (dollars in thousands)     Interest checking and MMDAs    $   236,832        46.93%       2.13%       $   198,992        48.22%       1.07%       $   186,796        48.69%       1.17%     Savings deposits        7,935        1.57%       0.79%           6,695        1.62%       0.70%           6,052        1.58%       0.84%     Time deposits (CDs):                                                                                     CDs under $100,000        114,157        22.62%       3.11%           95,509        23.15%       2.55%           94,820        24.72%       3.18%     CDs $100,000 and over        79,977        15.85%       4.00%           58,625        14.21%       3.27%           55,928        14.58%       3.91%     Total time deposits        194,134        38.47%       3.47%           154,134        37.36%       2.83%           150,748        39.30%       3.45%     Total interest-bearing deposits        438,901        86.98%       2.70%           359,821        87.20%       1.82%           343,596        89.57%       2.16%     Noninterest-bearing demand deposits        65,707        13.02%       -            52,822        12.80%       -            40,022        10.43%       -      Total deposits    $   504,608        100.00%       2.35%       $   412,643        100.00%       1.58%       $   383,618        100.00%       1.94%                               At times earning asset growth can outpace core deposit growth resulting in the use of brokered deposits and out of market certificates of deposit and other borrowed funds. This trend has been common in the banking industry because of the proliferation of nonbank competitors and the multitude of financial and investment products available to customers as well as the need to utilize such funds in the process of our overall balance sheet management. At times, access to brokered and out of market deposits is available at maturities and rates more favorable than those available in our local markets. As of December 31, 2005, we held a total of $1.9 million of national market certificates of deposit and $24.3 million of deposits acquired through brokers.    Time deposits in denominations of $100,000 and more totaled $71.3 million at December 31, 2005 as compared to $83.9 and $46.6 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2005:      Time Deposits of $100,000 and Over      (in thousands)     Maturing in:             3 months or less    $   4,599      Over 3 months through 6 months        5,925      Over 6 months through 12 months        31,303      Over 12 months        29,460      Total    $   71,287      Borrowed Funds We use short-term borrowings, FHLB advances and long-term borrowings to support our asset base. Short-term borrowings include Federal funds purchased and U.S. Treasury tax and loan note option accounts and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. At December 31, 2005, short-term borrowings were $21.4 million compared to $33.7 million at December 31, 2004 and $31.4 million at December 31, 2003.    The following table provides a summary of our short-term borrowings and related cost information as of, or for the periods ended, December 31:     37          Short-Term Borrowings         2005       2004       2003         (dollars in thousands)     Short-term borrowings outstanding at period end    $   21,416        $   33,697        $    31,383      Weighted average interest rate at period end        3.98%           2.40%           1.41%     Maximum month-end balance during the period    $   48,516        $   50,566        $    37,670      Average short-term borrowings outstanding for the period    $   24,001        $   29,663        $    21,942      Weighted average interest rate for the period        3.15%           1.75%           1.74%     Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 summarizes the general terms of our short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2005 and 2004, including interest rates, maturity dates, weighted average yields and other applicable terms.   FHLB advances totaled $82.2, $97.2, and $112.2 million at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively while long-term borrowings totaled $3.9, $10.1 and $8.6 million, respectively, for the same periods.    Notes 11 and 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 summarize the general terms of our FHLB advances and long-term borrowings at December 31, 2005 and 2004, including interest rates, maturity dates, weighted average yields and other applicable terms.   Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company’s Subordinated Debentures See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 for a complete description of the fixed rate subordinated debentures.   Capital Resources and Expenditures We actively monitor compliance with regulatory capital requirements, including risk-based and leverage capital measures. Under the risk-based capital method of capital measurement, the ratio computed is dependent on the amount and composition of assets recorded on the balance sheet, and the amount and composition of off-balance-sheet items, in addition to the level of capital. Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 include a summary of the risk-based and leverage capital ratios of BNCCORP and the Bank as of December 31, 2005 and 2004. The capital ratios of the Company and the Bank were as follows as of those dates:          Tier 1       Total                 Risk-   Risk-   Tier 1         Based   Based   Leverage     As of December 31, 2005   Ratio   Ratio   Ratio     BNCCORP, consolidated    8.48%       10.12%       5.90%     BNC National Bank    10.03%       10.67%       6.98%                               As of December 31, 2004                         BNCCORP, consolidated    6.35%       8.85%       4.51%     BNC National Bank    9.61%       10.36%       6.83%     The increase in capital ratios between December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2005 are primarily due to the increase in capital from the private placement of 575,000 shares of common stock (see Note 14 for more information regarding the private placement) and 2005 net income, partially offset by an increase in total risk-weighted assets from $449.2 million at December 31, 2004 to $495.9 million at December 31, 2005.   During 2005, we remodeled the exterior of our building at 322 East Avenue in Bismarck, North Dakota and the interior of the BNC Insurance building in Phoenix. We also purchased property in Gilbert Arizona for a future bank site. Capital expenditures for 2006 will include leasehold improvements to the banking branch at the Alltel    38        Ice Den in Scottsdale, Arizona, a new in-house ATM system, an IP Telephony phone systems and access control to certain locations.  Capital expenditures could also include the purchase or lease of additional facilities in our various market areas should such facilities or properties be deemed to add additional franchise value.   Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements   In the normal course of business, we are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk. These instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit, performance and financial standby letters of credit and interest rate swaps, caps and floors.  Such instruments help us to meet the needs of our customers, manage our interest rate risk and effectuate business combination transactions. These instruments and commitments, which we enter into for purposes other than trading, carry varying degrees of credit, interest rate or liquidity risk in excess of the amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. We have also entered into certain guarantee arrangements that are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. See Notes 19 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8. For a detailed description of each of these instruments.   Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments  As disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8, we have certain contractual obligations, contingent liabilities and commitments. At December 31, 2005, the aggregate contractual obligations (excluding bank deposits), contingent liabilities and commitments were as follows (in thousands):           Payments due by period        Contractual Obligations:   Less than 1 Year       1 to 3 years       3 to 5 years       After 5 years       Total                                                                      Total borrowings    $    42,099        $   1,333        $    63,533        $    23,149        $   130,114      Annual rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases        978            1,342            548            316            3,184      Total    $    43,077        $   2,675        $    64,081        $    23,465        $   133,298                                Amount of Commitment - Expiration by Period     Other Commitments:   Less than 1 year       1 to 3 years       3 to 5 years       After 5 years       Total                                                                   Commitments to lend   $   112,517        $   16,302        $   6,702        $   2,142        $   137,663      Standby and commercial letters of credit       10,935            2,047            10            -           12,992      Total    $   123,452        $   18,349        $   6,712        $   2,142        $   150,655      Liquidity Risk Management   Liquidity risk is the possibility of being unable to meet all present and future financial obligations in a timely manner. Liquidity risk management encompasses our ability to meet all present and future financial obligations in a timely manner. The objectives of liquidity management policies are to maintain adequate liquid assets, liability diversification among instruments, maturities and customers and a presence in both the wholesale purchased funds market and the retail deposit market.    The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of Part II present data on cash and cash equivalents provided by and used in operating, investing and financing activities. In addition to liquidity from core deposit growth, together with repayments and maturities of loans and investments, we utilize brokered deposits, sell securities under agreements to repurchase and borrow overnight Federal funds. The Bank is a member of the FHLB, which affords it the opportunity to borrow funds in terms ranging from overnight to 10 years and beyond. Advances from the FHLB are generally collateralized by the Bank’s mortgage loans and various investment securities. See “-Investment Securities” and Note 11 to the    39        Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of Part II. We have also obtained funding through the issuance of subordinated notes, subordinated debentures and long-term borrowings. See “-Borrowed Funds,” “Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company’s Subordinated Debentures” and Notes 12 and 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of Part II for further information on these instruments.   The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, a summary of our major sources and (uses) of funds. This summary information is derived from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included under Item 8 of Part II:          For the Years Ended December 31,         2005       2004       2003         (in thousands)     Proceeds from FHLB advances    $    260,000        $    382,000        $    175,300      Net increase (decrease) in deposits        93,447            59,401             (2,303)     Proceeds from maturities of investment securities        28,455            38,049            56,598      Proceeds from sales of investment securities        2,572            74,363            76,652      Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock        -            1,500            -      Net (decrease) increase in long-term borrowings         (6,229)           1,439            279      Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings         (12,281)           2,314            3,263      Repayments of FHLB advances         (275,000)            (397,000)            (160,300)     Net (increase) decrease in loans         (99,772)            (10,670)           50,419      Purchases of investment securities         (27,141)            (89,904)            (193,653)     Additions to premises and equipment         (3,422)            (5,035)            (9,012)     Repurchase of preferred stock         (1,250)            (1,750)           -      Cash paid for Milne Scali earnouts         (60)            (6,012)            (2,315)     Our liquidity is measured by our ability to raise cash when we need it at a reasonable cost and with a minimum of loss. Given the uncertain nature of our customers’ demands as well as our desire to take advantage of earnings enhancement opportunities, we must have adequate sources of on- and off-balance-sheet funds that can be acquired in time of need.    We measure our liquidity position on a monthly basis. Key factors that determine our liquidity are the reliability or stability of our deposit base, the pledged/non-pledged status of our investments and potential loan demand. Our liquidity management system divides the balance sheet into liquid assets, and short-term liabilities that are assumed to be vulnerable to non-replacement under abnormally stringent conditions. The excess of liquid assets over short-term liabilities is measured over a 30-day planning horizon. Assumptions for short-term liabilities vulnerable to non-replacement under abnormally stringent conditions are based on a historical analysis of the month-to-month percentage changes in deposits. The excess of liquid assets over short-term liabilities and other key factors such as expected loan demand as well as access to other sources of liquidity such as lines with the FHLB, Federal funds and those other supplemental sources listed above are tied together to provide a measure of our liquidity. We have a targeted range and manage our operations such that these targets can be achieved. We believe that our prudent management policies and guidelines will ensure adequate levels of liquidity to fund anticipated needs of on- and off-balance-sheet items. In addition, a contingency funding policy statement identifies actions to be taken in response to an adverse liquidity event.    Forward-Looking Statements   Statements included in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. We caution readers that these forward-looking statements, including without limitation, those relating to our future business prospects, revenues, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, interest costs, income    40        and expenses, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements due to several important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to:  risks of loans and investments, including dependence on local and regional economic conditions; competition for our customers from other providers of financial services; possible adverse effects of changes in interest rates including the effects of such changes on derivative contracts and associated accounting consequences; risks associated with our acquisition and growth strategies; and other risks which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control.   Effects of Inflation Unlike most industrial companies, the assets and liabilities of financial institutions are primarily monetary in nature. Therefore, banking organizations do not necessarily gain or lose due to the effects of inflation. Changes in interest rates, which are a major determinant of a financial service organization’s profitability, do not necessarily correspond to changes in the prices of goods and services; however, interest rates may change in response to changes in expectations of future inflation. An analysis of a banking organization’s asset and liability structure provides the best indication of how the organization is positioned to respond to changing interest rates and maintain profitability.   The financial statements and supplementary financial data have been prepared, primarily, on a historical basis, which is mandated by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Fluctuations in the relative value of money due to inflation or recession are generally not considered.   Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements  Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 includes a summary of recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements and their related or anticipated impact on the Company.    Critical Accounting Policies Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 includes a summary of our critical accounting policies and their related impact on the Company.   Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   Market risk arises from changes in interest rates, exchange rates, and commodity prices and equity prices and represents the possibility that changes in future market rates or prices will have a negative impact on our earnings or value. Our principal market risk is interest rate risk.   Interest rate risk arises from changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk can result from: (1) Repricing risk – timing differences in the maturity/repricing of assets, liabilities, and off-balance-sheet contracts; (2) Options risk – the effect of embedded options, such as loan prepayments, interest rate caps/floors, and deposit withdrawals; (3) Basis risk – risk resulting from unexpected changes in the spread between two or more different rates of similar maturity, and the resulting impact on the behavior of lending and funding rates; and (4) Yield curve risk – risk resulting from unexpected changes in the spread between two or more rates of different maturities from the same type of instrument. We have risk management policies to monitor and limit exposure to interest rate risk. To date we have not conducted trading activities as a means of managing interest rate risk. Our asset/liability management process is utilized to manage our interest rate risk. The measurement of interest rate risk associated with financial instruments is meaningful only when all related and offsetting on-and off-balance-sheet transactions are aggregated, and the resulting net positions are identified.    Our interest rate risk exposure is actively managed with the objective of managing the level and potential volatility of net interest income in addition to the long-term growth of equity, bearing in mind that we will always be in the business of taking on rate risk and that rate risk immunization is not entirely possible. Also, it is recognized that as exposure to interest rate risk is reduced, so too may the overall level of net interest income and equity. In general, the assets and liabilities generated through ordinary business activities do not naturally create offsetting positions with respect to repricing or maturity characteristics. Access to the derivatives market can be an important element    41        in maintaining our interest rate risk position within policy guidelines. Using derivative instruments, principally interest rate floors, caps, and interest rate swaps, the interest rate sensitivity of specific transactions, as well as pools of assets or liabilities, is adjusted to maintain the desired interest rate risk profile. See “-Loan Portfolio-Interest Rate Caps and Floors” “-Borrowings-Interest Rate Caps and Floors” and Notes 1 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 for a summary of our accounting policies pertaining to such instruments.     Our primary tool for measuring and managing interest rate risk is net interest income simulation. This exercise includes our assumptions regarding the level of interest rates and their impact on our current balance sheet. Interest rate caps and floors are included to the extent that they are exercised in the 12-month simulation period. Additionally, changes in prepayment behavior of the residential mortgage, CMOs, and mortgage-backed securities portfolios in each rate environment are captured using industry estimates of prepayment speeds for various coupon segments of the portfolio. For purposes of this simulation, projected month-end balances of the various balance sheet accounts are held constant at their December 31, 2005 levels. Cash flows from a given account are reinvested back into the same account so as to keep the month-end balance constant at its December 31, 2005 level. The static balance sheet assumption is made so as to project the interest rate risk to net interest income embedded in the existing balance sheet. With knowledge of the balance sheet’s existing net interest income profile, more informed strategies and tactics may be developed as it relates to the structure/mix of growth.     We monitor the results of net interest income simulation on a quarterly basis at regularly scheduled ALCO meetings. Each quarter net interest income is generally simulated for the upcoming 12-month horizon in seven interest scenarios. The scenarios generally modeled are parallel interest ramps of +/- 100bp, 200bp, and 300bp along with a rates unchanged scenario. The parallel movement of interest rates means all projected market interest rates move up or down by the same amount. A ramp in interest rates means that the projected change in market interest rates occurs over the 12-month horizon on a pro-rata basis. For example, in the +100bp scenario, the projected prime rate will increase from its starting point at December 31, 2005 of 7.25 percent to 8.25 percent 12 months later. The prime rate in this example will increase 1/12th of the overall increase of 100 basis points each month. As the yield curve flattened over the course of 2005 with short-term rates increasing more than long-term rates, the parallel movement of interest rates takes the level of the 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield in the -300bp scenario to 1.42 percent. This is nearly 170bp below the June 13, 2003 low for the 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield of 3.11 percent. Therefore, the level of mortgage prepayment activity built into the model is significantly greater than the record levels experienced during the 2003 lows in mortgage rates.   The net interest income simulation result for the 12-month horizon that covers the calendar year of 2006 is shown below: See Notes 1 and 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of Part II for further discussion related to our interest rate caps and accounting policies related to these derivative instruments.      Net Interest Income Simulation     (amounts in thousands)     Movement in interest rates       -300bp           -200bp           -100bp           Unchanged           +100bp           +200bp           +300bp                                                                                           Projected 12-month net interest income     $   15,222        $   16,279        $   17,430        $   18,251        $   18,762        $   19,002        $   19,137      Dollar change from unchanged scenario    $    (3,029)       $    (1,972)       $    (821)       $   -        $   511        $   751        $   886      Percentage change from unchanged scenario        (16.60)%           (10.80)%           (4.50)%           -            2.80%           4.11%           4.85%     Policy guidelines (decline limited to)        (15.00)%           (10.00)%           (5.00)%           -            (5.00)%           (10.00)%           (15.00)%     Our rate sensitivity position over the projected 12-month horizon is asset sensitive. This is evidenced by the projected increase in net interest income in the rising interest rate scenarios and projected decrease in net interest income in the declining rate scenarios.   42          Our general policy is to limit the percentage decrease in projected net interest income to 5, 10, and 15 percent from the rates unchanged scenario for the +/- 100bp, 200bp, and 300bp interest rate ramp scenarios, respectively. When a given scenario falls outside of these limits, such as is the case with the -200bp and -300bp scenarios above, the ALCO reviews the circumstances surrounding the exception and, considering the level of net interest income generated in the scenario and other related factors, may approve the exception to the general policy or recommend actions aimed at bringing the respective scenario within the general limits noted above. A targeted level of net interest income is established and approved by the Board and ALCO. This target is reevaluated and reset as appropriate at each quarterly ALCO meeting.   Static gap analysis is another tool that may be used for interest rate risk measurement. The net differences between the amount of assets, liabilities, equity and off-balance-sheet instruments repricing within a cumulative calendar period is typically referred to as the “rate sensitivity position” or “gap position.” The following table sets forth our rate sensitivity position as of December 31, 2005. Assets and liabilities are classified by the earliest possible repricing date or maturity, whichever occurs first:   Interest Sensitivity Gap Analysis        Estimated maturity or repricing at December 31, 2005         0–3 months       4–12 months       1–5 years       Over  5 years       Total             (dollars in thousands)     Interest-earning assets:                                                             Interest-bearing deposits with banks    $   -        $   -        $   -        $   -        $   -      Investment securities (1)        6,478            19,580            134,060            67,067            227,185      FRB and FHLB stock        5,791            -            -            -            5,791      Loans held for sale, fixed rate        266            -            -            -            266      Loans held for sale, floating rate        41,418            59,918            -            -            101,336      Loans held for investment, fixed rate (2)        6,845            29,215            38,826            13,486            88,372      Loans held for investment, floating rate (2)        208,773            3,126            10,097            -            221,996      Total interest-earning assets    $    269,571        $   111,839        $   182,983        $   80,553        $   644,946      Interest-bearing liabilities:                                                             Interest checking and money market accounts    $    252,522        $   -        $   -        $   -        $   252,522      Savings        8,285            -            -            -            8,285      Time deposits under $100,000        55,587            66,284            19,012            2,836            143,719      Time deposits $100,000 and over        4,599            37,228            4,507            24,953            71,287      Short-term borrowings        21,416            -            -            -            21,416      FHLB advances        -            20,000            62,200            -            82,200      Long-term borrowings        683            -            2,666            501            3,850      Subordinated debentures        -            -            -            22,648            22,648      Total interest-bearing liabilities    $    343,092        $   123,512        $   88,385        $   50,938        $   605,927      Interest rate gap    $     (73,521)       $    (11,673)       $   94,598        $   29,615        $   39,019      Cumulative interest rate gap at December 31, 2005   $     (73,521)       $    (85,194)       $   9,404        $   39,019                  Cumulative interest rate gap to total assets        (9.94)%           (11.51)%           1.27%           5.27%                    (a)   Investment securities are generally reported in the timeframe representing the earliest of repricing date; call date (for callable securities), estimated life or maturity date. Estimated lives of mortgage-backed securities and CMOs are based on published industry prepayment estimates for securities with comparable weighted average interest rates and contractual maturities.      (b)   Loans are stated gross of the allowance for credit losses and are placed in the earliest timeframe in which maturity or repricing may occur. The table assumes that all savings and interest-bearing demand deposits reprice in the earliest period presented, however, we believe a significant portion of these accounts constitute a core component and are generally not rate sensitive. Our position is supported by the fact that aggressive reductions in interest rates paid on these deposits historically have not caused notable reductions in balances.      The table does not necessarily indicate the future impact of general interest rate movements on our net interest income because the repricing of certain assets and liabilities is discretionary and is subject to competitive and other    43        pressures. As a result, assets and liabilities indicated as repricing within the same period may in fact reprice at different times and at different rate levels.   Static gap analysis does not fully capture the impact of embedded options, lagged interest rate changes, administered interest rate products, or certain off-balance-sheet sensitivities to interest rate movements. Therefore, this tool generally cannot be used in isolation to determine the level of interest rate risk exposure in banking institutions.    Since there are limitations inherent in any methodology used to estimate the exposure to changes in market interest rates, these analyses are not intended to be a forecast of the actual effect of changes in market interest rates such as those indicated above on the Company.  Further, these analyses are based on our assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2005 and do not contemplate any actions we might undertake in response to changes in market interest rates.   Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data         Index to Consolidated Financial Statements                   Consolidated Financial Statements:    Page               Independent Auditors' Report   45               Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004   46               Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003   47               Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003   49               Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003.   50               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003   51               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   52       44          Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders BNCCORP, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BNCCORP, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.   We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.   In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BNCCORP, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.   [signed]  KPMG LLP   Minneapolis, Minnesota March 27, 2006   45          BNCCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31 (In thousands, except share and per share data)      ASSETS       2005       2004                                   CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS        $   28,824        $   11,881      INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE           227,185            235,916      FEDERAL RESERVE BANK AND FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK           5,791            7,541      LOANS HELD FOR SALE            101,602            60,197      LOANS AND LEASES, net            310,368            293,814      ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES            (3,188)            (3,335)     Net loans and leases            307,180            290,479      PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, net            23,514            21,799      INTEREST RECEIVABLE            3,330            2,686      OTHER ASSETS            13,851            13,357      GOODWILL            21,839            21,779      OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net           6,900            8,075              $    740,016        $    673,710                                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                             DEPOSITS:                             Noninterest-bearing        $   72,977        $   63,386      Interest-bearing –                             Savings, interest checking and money market           260,807            210,887      Time deposits $100,000 and over            71,287            83,952      Other time deposits            143,719            97,118      Total deposits           548,790            455,343      SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS            21,416            33,697      FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES           82,200            97,200      LONG-TERM BORROWINGS            3,850            10,079      GUARANTEED PREFERRED BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN COMPANY’S SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES           22,648            22,509      OTHER LIABILITIES           9,500            11,036      Total Liabilities           688,404            629,864      STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                             Preferred stock, $.01 par value – 2,000,000 shares authorized; 0 and 125 shares issued and outstanding           -            -      Capital surplus – preferred stock            -            1,250      Common stock, $.01 par value – 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,447,945 and 2,884,876 shares issued and outstanding (excluding shares held in treasury)           35            29      Capital surplus – common stock            25,108            18,601      Retained earnings           28,504            24,430      Treasury stock (46,123 and 43,901 shares, respectively)             (559)            (530)     Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax                  (1,476)           66      Total stockholders’ equity            51,612            43,846              $    740,016        $    673,710      See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.   46          BNCCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income For the Years Ended December 31 (In thousands, except share and per share data)              2005       2004       2003     INTEREST INCOME:                                         Interest and fees on loans        $    27,069        $    18,865        $    19,297      Interest and dividends on investments -                                         Taxable            7,708            9,455            7,545      Tax-exempt            1,942            1,604            1,535      Dividends            241            209            259      Other            304            8            10      Total interest income            37,264            30,141            28,646      INTEREST EXPENSE:                                         Deposits            11,842            6,532            7,438      Short-term borrowings            757            519            382      Federal Home Loan Bank advances            4,613            4,898            5,333      Long-term borrowings            468            393            387      Subordinated debentures            2,036            1,758            1,728      Total interest expense            19,716            14,100            15,268      Net interest income            17,548            16,041            13,378      PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES            250            175            1,475      NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES           17,298            15,866            11,903      NONINTEREST INCOME:                                         Insurance income            18,751            17,490            14,568      Fees on loans            3,171            2,175            2,022      Service charges            789            827            909      Trust and financial services            638            486            1,009      Brokerage income            379            538            420      Rental income            21            109            212      Net (loss) gain on sales of securities             (67)           269            968      Other            1,201            1,556            704      Total noninterest income            24,883            23,450            20,812      NONINTEREST EXPENSE:                                         Salaries and employee benefits            22,445            21,662            16,478      Occupancy            2,944            2,700            2,306      Professional services            2,195            1,471            1,146      Depreciation and amortization            1,592            1,640            1,458      Office supplies, telephone and postage            1,446            1,414            1,214      Amortization of intangible assets            1,175            1,274            1,063      Marketing and promotion            970            1,098            803      FDIC and other assessments            226            205            201      Other            3,709            3,304            2,621      Total noninterest expense            36,702            34,768            27,290      Income before income taxes            5,479            4,548            5,425      Income tax provision            1,376            1,144            1,581      Net income        $    4,103        $    3,404        $    3,844      See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.              47          BNCCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income, continued For the Years Ended December 31 (In thousands, except per share data)              2005       2004       2003     Dividends on preferred stock             (29)            (93)            (120)     Income available to common    stockholders        $    4,074        $    3,311        $    3,724                                                Basic earnings per common share        $    1.36        $    1.18        $    1.38      Diluted earnings per common share        $    1.34        $    1.14        $    1.35      See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.     48           BNCCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the Years Ended December 31 (In thousands)              2005       2004       2003                                               NET INCOME        $    4,103        $    3,404        $    3,844      OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) -                                         Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:                                         Unrealized holding losses arising during the period, net of income taxes of $963, $539, and $668             (1,591)            (711)            (1,122)     Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income, net of income taxes             49             (201)            (600)     OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS             (1,542)            (912)            (1,722)                                               COMPREHENSIVE INCOME        $    2,561        $    2,492        $    2,122      See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.   49          BNCCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity For the Periods Indicated (In thousands, except share data)                          Capital                       Capital                       Accumulated                                 Surplus                       Surplus                       Other                 Preferred Stock       Preferred        Common Stock       Common       Retained       Treasury       Comprehensive                 Shares       Amount       Stock       Shares       Amount       Stock       Earnings       Stock       Income       Total                                                                                                                       BALANCE,  December 31, 2002   150        $   -        $   1,500       2,743,809        $   27        $   16,614        $   17,395        $    (513)       $   2,700        $    37,723     Net income    -            -            -        -            -            -            3,844            -            -            3,844      Other comprehensive loss -                                                                                                                 Change in unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustment    -            -            -        -            -            -            -            -            (1,722)            (1,722)     Preferred stock dividends    -            -            -        -            -            -             (120)           -            -            (120)     Issuance of common Stock     -            -            -        48,267            1            460                         -            -            -            461                                                                                                                            BALANCE, December 31, 2003    150            -            1,500        2,792,076            28            17,074            21,119            (513)           978            40,186      Net income    -            -            -        -            -            -            3,404            -            -            3,404      Other comprehensive loss -                                                                                                                 Change in unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustment    -            -              -        -            -            -            -            -            (912)           (912)     Repurchase of preferred stock     (150)           -             (1,500)       -            -            -            -            -            -            (1,500)     Issuance of preferred stock    150            -            1,500        -            -            -            -            -            -            1,500      Repurchase of preferred stock     (25)           -             (250)       -            -            -            -            -            -             (250)     Preferred stock dividends    -            -            -        -            -            -             (93)           -            -             (93)     Other     -            -            -        136,701            1           1,527                        -            (17)           -            1,511                                                                                                                        BALANCE, December 31, 2004    125            -            1,250        2,928,777            29            18,601               24,430            (530)           66            43,846      Net income    -            -            -        -            -            -            4,103            -            -            4,103      Other comprehensive loss -                                                                                                                 Change in unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustment    -            -            -        -            -            -            -            -            (1,542)           (1,542)     Repurchase of preferred stock     (125)           -            (1,250)       -            -            -            -            -            -            (1,250)     Preferred stock dividends    -            -            -        -            -            -             (29)           -            -            (29)     Issuance of common stock     -            -            -        565,291           6            6,507            -            (29)           -            6,484                                                                                                                        BALANCE, December 31, 2005    -        $   -        $   -        3,494,068        $   35        $   25,108        $   28,504        $    (559)       $   (1,476)       $   51,612     See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.     50           BNCCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31 (In thousands)            2005       2004       2003     OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                         Net income        $   4,103        $   3,404        $   3,844      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities -                                         Provision for credit losses            250            175            1,475      Depreciation and amortization           1,592            1,640            1,458      Amortization of intangible assets            1,175            1,274            1,063      Net premium amortization on investment securities            2,291            2,894            4,116      Proceeds from loans recovered            12            280            102      Write down of other real estate owned and repossessed assets            4            44            40      Change in interest receivable and other assets, net             (1,142)           2,148             (10,946)     Loss on sale of bank premises and equipment            102            25            17      Net realized loss (gains) on sales of investment securities            67             (269)            (968)     Deferred income taxes            512            537            874      Change in dividend distribution payable            53            26             (15)     Change in other liabilities, net             (1,102)           147            71      Originations of loans held for sale            (763,073)            (210,070)           -      Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale            804,477               148,400            -      Originations of loans to be participated             (155,044)            (65,194)            (81,706)     Proceeds received from participations of loans sold           155,044            65,194            81,706      Net cash (used) provided by operating activities            49,321            (49,345)           1,131      INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                         Purchases of investment securities             (27,141)            (89,904)            (193,653)     Proceeds from sales of investment securities            2,572            74,363            76,652      Proceeds from maturities of investment securities            28,455            38,049            56,598      Purchases of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock             (5,341)            (7,862)            (3,007)     Redemptions of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock            7,091            7,917            2,482      Net (increase) decrease in loans            (99,772)            (10,670)           50,419      Additions to bank premises and equipment             (3,422)            (5,035)            (9,012)     Cash paid for acquisition of insurance assets            -             (462)            (260)     Cash paid for acquisition of mortgage company            -             (150)           -      Cash paid related to insurance acquisition earnout            (60)            (6,012)            (2,315)     Other           13           153               108     Net cash (used) provided by investing activities            (97,605)           387             (21,988)     FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                         Net increase in demand, savings, interest checking and money market accounts           59,511            10,803            28,357      Net increase in time deposits            33,936            48,598             (30,660)     Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings             (12,281)           2,314            3,263      Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances             (275,000)            (397,000)            (160,300)     Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances            260,000            382,000            175,300      Repayments of long-term borrowings             (6,229)            (61)            (62)     Proceeds from long-term borrowings            -            1,500            141      Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock           -           1,500            -      Repurchase of preferred stock            (1,250)            (1,750)           -        Payment of preferred stock dividends             (29)            (93)            (120)     Proceeds from issuance of common stock           5,839            -            -      Amortization of discount on subordinated debentures            86            86            86      Proceeds from restricted stock and stock options           440            -           -     Stock issued for acquisition of insurance subsidiary installment           233            -           -     Purchase of treasury stock            (29)           422            235      Net cash provided by financing activities            65,227            48,319            16,240      NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS            16,943             (639)            (4,617)     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period            11,881            12,520            17,137      CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period        $   28,824        $   11,881        $   12,520      SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                                         Interest paid        $   19,026          $   13,699        $   15,693      Income taxes paid        $   467          $   594        $   817      See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.   51          BNCCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2005 and 2004   1.  Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies   Description of Business. BNCCORP, Inc. (“BNCCORP”) is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Delaware. It is the parent company of BNC National Bank (together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, BNC Insurance Services, Inc. (“BNC Insurance Services”) and BNC Asset Management, Inc., the “Bank”). BNCCORP, through these wholly owned subsidiaries, which operate from 27 locations in Arizona, Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado and Utah, provides a broad range of banking, insurance, and wealth management services to small and mid-sized businesses and individuals.   The accounting and reporting policies of BNCCORP and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices within the financial services industry. The more significant accounting policies are summarized below.    Principles of Consolidation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of BNCCORP and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.    Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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. Ultimate results could differ from those estimates.   Critical Accounting Policies   Critical accounting policies are dependent on estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change and include the determination of the allowance for credit losses, income taxes and impairment testing related to goodwill and other intangible assets. The following have been identified as “critical accounting policies.”   Allowance for Credit Losses.  The Bank maintains its allowance for credit losses at a level considered adequate to provide for an estimate of probable losses related to specifically identified loans as well as probable losses in the remaining loan and lease portfolio that have been incurred as of each balance sheet date. The loan and lease portfolio and other credit exposures are reviewed regularly to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. The Bank evaluates the allowance necessary for specific nonperforming loans and also estimates losses in other credit exposures. The resultant three allowance components are as follows:   Specific Reserves. The amount of specific reserves is determined through a loan-by-loan analysis of problem loans over a minimum size. Included in this group are those nonaccrual or renegotiated loans that meet the criteria as being “impaired” under the definition in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan” (“SFAS 114”). A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Problem loans also include those credits that have been internally classified as credits requiring management’s attention due to underlying problems in the borrower’s business or collateral concerns. Under SFAS 114, any allowance on impaired loans is generally based on one of three methods. The accounting standard requires that impaired loans be measured at either the present value of expected cash flows at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral of the loan.      52          Reserves for Homogeneous Loan Pools. The Bank makes a significant number of loans and leases that, due to their underlying similar characteristics, are assessed for loss as “homogeneous” pools. Included in the homogeneous pools are consumer loans and commercial loans under a certain size, which have been excluded from the specific reserve allocation, previously discussed. The Bank segments the pools by type of loan or lease and, using historical loss information, estimates a loss reserve for each pool.   Qualitative Reserve. The Bank’s senior lending management also allocates reserves for special situations which are unique to the measurement period. These include economic trends, such as economic conditions in certain geographic or industry segments of the portfolio and economic trends in the retail lending sector, management’s assessment of credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio, delinquency trends, historical loss experience and peer-group loss history.   Continuous credit monitoring processes and the analysis of loss components is the principal method relied upon by management to ensure that changes in estimated credit loss levels are reflected in the Bank’s allowance for credit losses on a timely basis. Management also considers experience of peer institutions and regulatory guidance in addition to the Bank’s own experience. In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for credit losses. Such agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.   Loans, leases and other extensions of credit deemed uncollectible are charged to the allowance. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The amount of the allowance for credit losses is highly dependent upon management’s estimates of variables affecting valuation, appraisals of collateral, evaluations of performance and status, and the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans. These estimates are reviewed periodically. Actual losses may vary from current estimates and the amount of the provision may be either greater than or less than actual net charge-offs. The related provision for credit losses, which is charged to income, is the amount necessary to adjust the allowance to the level determined appropriate through application of the above processes.   Income Taxes. The Company files consolidated Federal and unitary state income tax returns. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Such differences can relate to differences in accounting for credit losses, depreciation timing differences, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, deferred compensation and leases, which are treated as operating leases for tax purposes and loans for financial statement purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.    The determination of current and deferred income taxes is based on complex analyses of many factors including interpretation of Federal and state income tax laws, the difference between tax and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities (temporary differences), estimates of amounts due or owed, the timing of reversals of temporary differences and current financial accounting standards. Actual results could differ significantly from the estimates and interpretations used in determining the current and deferred income tax liabilities.    Impairment Testing Related to Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company tests goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment annually or when impairment indicators are present. These tests are required to be conducted at the reporting unit level. Goodwill and other intangible assets are impaired when the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the reporting unit.    The North Dakota banking group was used as the reporting unit for goodwill and other intangible assets related to the acquisition of various branches and deposits in North Dakota. The mortgage branch was used as the reporting unit for the goodwill related to the acquisition of the mortgage consulting and brokerage firm. The financial    53        services group was used as the reporting unit for the intangible assets related to acquisition of customer lists and a management contract. BNC Insurance Services was used as the reporting unit for goodwill and other intangible assets related to all insurance acquisitions.     The Company uses current, comparable transactions to estimate the fair value of the respective reporting units and calculates an estimated fair value based on multiples of revenues, earnings, and book value of the comparable transactions. When such comparable transactions are not available the Company uses other methods which may include the discounted cash flow approach, the same methodology used to establish the initial purchase price or the average of several methods.   Assessing impairment of the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets involves considerable judgment and the use of estimates. Specific factors and rates used to assess value are based on management’s best estimates of variables affecting the valuation analyses. The estimates are assessed periodically and any identified impairment would result in a change to earnings. Such charges could materially affect the Company’s results of operations due to the significant amount of goodwill and other intangible assets that must be assessed periodically or when impairment indicators are present.    The effect of any impairment is recorded in earnings in the period it is determined. There was no goodwill impairment recorded during the reporting periods included in these consolidated financial statements.   Other Significant Accounting Policies   Investment Securities.  Investment securities that the Bank intends to hold for indefinite periods of time as part of its asset/liability strategy, or that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment risk, change in liquidity needs, the need to increase regulatory capital or similar factors are classified as available for sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at market value. Net unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, on investments available for sale are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized (see “Comprehensive Income”). All securities, other than the securities of the Federal Reserve Bank Stock (“FRB”) and the Federal Home Loan Bank Stock (“FHLB”), were classified as available for sale as of December 31, 2005 and 2004. Investment securities that the Bank intends to hold until maturity are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using a level yield method over the period to maturity. The Bank did not have any securities classified as held to maturity as of December 31, 2005 or 2004.   Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined using the specific-identification method and recognized in noninterest income on the trade date.   Declines in the fair value of individual available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities below their cost, which are deemed other than temporary, could result in a charge to earnings and the corresponding establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Such write-downs would be included in noninterest income as realized losses. There were no such write-downs during 2005, 2004 or 2003. Note 3 to these consolidated financial statements includes a summary of investment securities in a loss position at December 31, 2005 and a discussion concerning such securities.   Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. Investments in FRB and FHLB stock are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.   Loans Held for Sale. Loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or market value. The Bank has a financing program in which it purchases short-term participation interests in residential mortgage loans originated by a mortgage company. The maximum term for these loans is 120 days. It is anticipated that additional residential mortgage loans will be purchased under the program.      54          Loans and Leases.  Loans and leases held for investment are stated at their outstanding principal amount net of unearned income, net unamortized deferred fees and costs and an allowance for credit losses. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the interest method prescribed in the loan agreement except when collectibility is in doubt.   Loans and leases, including loans that are considered to be impaired, are reviewed regularly by management and are placed on nonaccrual status when the collection of interest or principal is 90 days or more past due, unless the loan or lease is adequately secured and in the process of collection. When a loan or lease is placed on nonaccrual status, unless collection of all principal and interest is considered to be assured, uncollected interest accrued in prior years is charged off against the allowance for credit losses. Interest accrued in the current year is reversed against interest income of the current period. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans and leases are generally applied to principal unless the remaining principal balance has been determined to be fully collectible. Accrual of interest is resumed when it can be determined that all amounts due under the contract are expected to be collected and the loan has exhibited a sustained level of performance, generally at least six months.   All impaired loans are measured at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s initial effective interest rate. The fair value of collateral of an impaired collateral-dependent loan or an observable market price may be used as an alternative to discounting. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment will be recognized as a charge-off through the allowance for credit losses. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All loans are reviewed for impairment on an individual basis.   Loan Origination Fees and Costs.  Loan origination fees and costs incurred to extend credit are deferred and amortized over the term of the loan as a yield adjustment. Loan fees representing adjustments of yield are generally deferred and amortized into interest income over the term of the loan using the interest method. Loan commitment fees are generally deferred and amortized into noninterest income on a straight-line basis over the commitment period. Loan fees not representing adjustments of yield are also included in noninterest income.   Loan Servicing and Transfers of Financial Assets. The Bank regularly sells loans to others on a non-recourse basis. Sold loans are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Bank generally retains the right to service the loans as well as the right to receive a portion of the interest income on the loans. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Bank was servicing loans for the benefit of others with aggregate unpaid principal balances of $183.8 and $131.3 million, respectively.    Premises and Equipment. Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization for financial reporting purposes is charged to operating expense using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are up to 40 years for buildings and three to 10 years for furniture and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvement. The costs of improvements are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs, as well as gains and losses on dispositions of premises and equipment, are included in noninterest income or expense as incurred.     Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Property. Real estate properties and other assets acquired through loan foreclosure are included in other assets in the balance sheets, and are stated at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. When an asset is acquired, the excess of the recorded investment in the asset over fair value less estimated costs to sell, if any, is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent declines in the estimated fair value, net operating results and gains and losses on disposition of the asset are included in other noninterest expense. The Bank had no outstanding other real estate owned or repossessed property at either December 31, 2005 or December 31, 2004.   Goodwill. Goodwill represents the aggregate excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair value of their net assets at dates of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment annually or when    55        impairment indicators are present. Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements includes other disclosures related to goodwill.   Other Intangible Assets. Other intangible assets include premiums paid for deposits assumed, insurance books of business and other miscellaneous intangibles. Deposit premiums were amortized over their estimated lives of 10 years. Insurance books of business intangibles are being amortized over their estimated lives of 12.5 or 10 years for commercial lines and 9.8 or 10 years for personal lines. The Company’s other intangible assets with identifiable lives are amortized over those lives and are monitored to assess recoverability and determine whether events and circumstances require adjustment to the recorded amounts or amortization periods.  Intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are tested for impairment annually or when impairment indicators are present. Note 8 to these consolidated financial statements includes additional information related to the Company’s other intangible assets.   Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property and equipment, certain identifiable intangibles and goodwill for impairment periodically or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such asset may not be recoverable. If impairment is identified, the assets are written down to their fair value through a charge to noninterest expense. No such impairment losses were recorded during 2005, 2004 or 2003.   Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase. From time to time, the Bank enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase, generally for periods of less than 90 days. Fixed coupon agreements are treated as financings, and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. The costs of securities underlying the agreements remain in the asset accounts.   Fair Values of Financial Instruments. The Company is required to disclose the estimated fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Fair value estimates are subjective in nature, involving uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Non-financial instruments are excluded from fair value of financial instrument disclosure requirements. The following methods and assumptions are used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures for its financial instruments, all of which are issued or held for purposes other than trading (see Note 18 to these consolidated financial statements):   Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noninterest-Bearing Deposits and Demand Deposits. The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity of the instruments. The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as interest checking, savings and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.   Investment Securities Available for Sale. The fair value of the Company’s securities equals the quoted market price.   Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. The carrying amount of FRB and FHLB stock is their cost, which approximates fair value.   Loans held for sale. The value of the Company’s loans held for sale is stated as the lower of cost or market value of the loans.   Loans and Leases. Fair values for loans and leases are estimated by discounting future cash flow payment streams using rates at which current loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings and similar loan maturities are being made.   Accrued Interest Receivable. The fair value of accrued interest receivable equals the amounts receivable due to their current nature.     56          Derivative Financial Instruments. The fair value of the Company’s derivatives equals the market price.   Interest-Bearing Deposits. Fair values of interest-bearing deposit liabilities are estimated by discounting future cash flow payment streams using rates at which comparable current deposits with comparable maturities are being issued. The intangible value of long-term customer relationships with depositors is not taken into account in the fair values disclosed.   Borrowings and Advances. The carrying amount of short-term borrowings approximates fair value due to the short maturity and the instruments’ floating interest rates, which are tied to market conditions. The fair values of long-term borrowings are estimated by discounting future cash flow payment streams using rates at which comparable borrowings are currently being offered.   Accrued Interest Payable. The fair value of accrued interest payable equals the amount payable due to their current nature.   Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests In Company’s Subordinated Debentures. The fair values of the Company’s subordinated debentures are estimated by discounting future cash flow payment streams using discount rates estimated to reflect those at which comparable instruments could currently be offered.   Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk. The fair values of the Company’s commitments to extend credit and commercial and standby letters of credit are estimated using fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements.    Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company may enter into derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps, caps and floors as part of managing its interest rate risk. Interest rate swaps are used to exchange fixed and floating rate interest payment obligations and caps and floors are used to protect the Company’s balance sheet from unfavorable movements in interest rates while allowing benefit from favorable movements.   Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 133), as amended and interpreted, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities.  As required by SFAS 133, the Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. All derivative instruments that qualify for specific hedge accounting are recorded at fair value and classified either as a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (“fair value” hedge) or as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction (“cash flow” hedge). All relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items are formally documented, including the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.   Changes in the fair values of a derivative that is highly effective and designated as a fair value hedge and the offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item are recorded in income. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly by earnings. The Company performs an assessment comparing the changes in cash flow of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction at the inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter to determine whether these derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the value of the hedged items. Any change in fair value resulting from hedge ineffectiveness is immediately recorded in income.   Revenue Recognition.  The Company recognizes revenue on an accrual basis for interest and dividend income on loans, investment securities, Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from accounts. Noninterest income is recognized when it has been realized and has been earned. In accordance with existing accounting and industry standards, as well as guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company considers revenue to be realized or realizable and earned when the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an    57        arrangement exists (generally, there is contractual documentation); delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured. Additionally, there can be no outstanding contingencies that could ultimately cause the revenue to be passed back to the payor. In the isolated instances where these criteria have not been met, receipts are generally placed in escrow until such time as they can be recognized as revenue.     Earnings Per Common Share. Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Such potential dilutive instruments include stock options and contingently issuable stock. Note 23 to these consolidated financial statements includes disclosure of the Company’s EPS calculations.   Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income is the total of net income and other comprehensive income, which for the Company, is generally comprised of unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and unrealized gains on hedging instruments qualifying for cash flow hedge accounting treatment pursuant to SFAS 133, as amended. The Company presents consolidated statements of comprehensive income.   Segment Disclosures. BNCCORP segments its operations into separate business activities: banking, insurance, and wealth management services. Segment disclosures are provided in Note 15 to these consolidated financial statements.     Stock-Based Compensation. At December 31, 2005, the Company had two stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 26 to these consolidated financial statements. No stock-based employee compensation expense is reflected in net income for stock options granted under the plans as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense is reflected in net income for the periods presented below for restricted stock issued under the stock plans and its net effect on net income is reflected in the table below.    The following table illustrates the effect on net income to common shareholders and EPS if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”) to stock-based employee compensation for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):              2005       2004       2003     Net income available to common shareholders        $    4,074        $    3,311        $    3,724      Add: total stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects            151            114            96      Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of related tax effects             (190)            (154)            (147)     Pro forma net income        $    4,035        $    3,271        $    3,673      Earnings per share:                                         Basic – as reported       $    1.36        $    1.18        $    1.38       Basic – pro forma            1.32            1.13            1.30       Diluted – as reported            1.34            1.14            1.35       Diluted – pro forma            1.30            1.10            1.27           58          Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Pronouncements    On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (FAS 123R), which replaces FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. FAS 123R requires the Company to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. That cost must be recognized in the income statement over the vesting period of the award. Because market prices are generally not available for most employee stock options, the grant-date fair value must be estimated using an option-pricing model. On April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission delayed the effective date for SFAS 123R, which allows companies to implement the statement at the beginning of their first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005, which would be January 1, 2006 for the Company. The Company does not expect that the adoption of the revised Statement will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. We anticipate that this expense will reduce 2006 earnings per share by less than $.01.   In May 2005, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, which establishes, unless impractical, retrospective application as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to a newly adopted accounting principle.  This statement will be effective for the Company for all accounting changes and any error corrections occurring after January 1, 2006.   Regulatory Environment. BNCCORP and its subsidiaries are subject to regulations of certain state and Federal agencies, including periodic examinations by those regulatory agencies. BNCCORP and the Bank are also subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements. At December 31, 2005, capital levels exceeded minimum capital requirements (see Note 17 to these consolidated financial statements).   Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the financial statements for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.   2. Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks:   The Bank is required to maintain reserve balances in cash on hand or with the FRB under the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation D. Required reserve balances were $25,000 as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.    3. Investment Securities Available For Sale:   Investment securities have been classified in the consolidated balance sheets according to management’s intent. The Company had no securities designated as trading or held-to-maturity in its portfolio at December 31, 2005 or 2004. The carrying amount of available-for-sale securities and their approximate fair values were as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):   59                                   Gross       Gross       Estimated             Amortized       Unrealized       Unrealized       Fair     2005       Cost       Gains       Losses       Value     U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities       $   8,586        $   71        $    (107)       $   8,550      Collateralized mortgage obligations            176,065            37             (4,439)           171,663      State and municipal bonds            44,915            2,111             (54)           46,972              $   229,566        $   2,219        $    (4,600)       $   227,185                                                                    Gross       Gross       Estimated             Amortized       Unrealized       Unrealized       Fair     2004       Cost       Gains       Losses       Value     U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities       $   9,715        $   167        $    (5)       $   9,877      U.S. government agency securities            981            55            -            1,036      Collateralized mortgage obligations            189,783            190             (2,269)           187,704      State and municipal bonds            33,390            2,028             (117)           35,301      Corporate debt securities           1,941            57            -            1,998              $   235,810        $   2,497        $    (2,391)       $   235,916                       The amortized cost and estimated fair market value of available-for-sale securities classified according to their contractual maturities at December 31, 2005, were as follows (in thousands):              Amortized Cost       Estimated Fair Value     Due in one year or less        $    -        $    -      Due after one year through five years            3,315            3,500      Due after five years through ten years            62,902            61,529      Due after ten years            163,349            162,156      Total        $    229,566        $    227,185     Securities carried at approximately $214.6 million and $206.6 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public and trust deposits and borrowings, including borrowings with the FHLB and repurchase agreements with customers.   Sales proceeds and gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):              2005       2004       2003     Sales proceeds        $    2,572        $    74,363        $    76,652      Gross realized gains            -            886            1,573      Gross realized losses             (67)            (617)             (605)      The following table shows the Company’s investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value; aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2005 (amounts are in thousands):   60                         Less than 12 months       12 months or more       Total     Description of Securities       #       Fair Value           Unrealized Loss       #       Fair Value       Unrealized Loss       #       Fair Value       Unrealized Loss     U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities        3       $   5,116        $    (104)       3       $   617        $    (3)       6        $   5,733        $    (107)     Collateralized mortgage obligations        5           23,338             (223)       24           146,969             (4,216)       29            170,307             (4,439)     State and municipal bonds        11            10,344             (54)       -            -            -        11            10,344             (54)     Total temporarily impaired securities        19        $   38,798        $    (381)       27        $    147,586        $    (4,219)       46        $   186,384        $     (4,600)     In reaching the conclusion that the impairments disclosed in the table above are temporary and not other-than-temporary in nature, the Company considered the nature of the securities, the associated guarantees and collateralization, the securities ratings and the level of impairment of the securities. There were six U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities, five issued and guaranteed by GNMA, and one by FNMA. There were 29 collateralized mortgage obligations, 28 of which are issued and guaranteed by FNMA and FHLMC and one that is issued and guaranteed by GNMA. The sum of the fair value of the 24 collateralized mortgage obligation positions that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or more as of December 31, 2005 was only 2.79 percent below the sum of their amortized cost. There were eleven state and municipal bonds, all of which are insured, AAA rated general obligation bonds that have been at an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. None of the impairments were due to deterioration in credit quality that might result in the non-collection of contractual principal and interest. The cause of the impairments is, in general, attributable to changes in interest rates.   4. Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock:   The carrying amounts of FRB and FHLB stock, which approximate their fair values, consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):              2005       2004     Federal Reserve Bank Stock, at cost        $   1,275        $   1,268      Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost            4,516            6,273      Total       $   5,791        $   7,541      There is no contractual maturity on these investments; they represent required regulatory investments in Federal Reserve Bank Stock and required membership and activity stock with the Federal Home Loan Bank.     61           5. Loans and Leases:   Composition of Loan and Lease Portfolio. The composition of the loan and lease portfolio was as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):              2005       2004     Commercial and industrial        $   88,467        $   75,460      Real estate:                             Mortgage            122,785            129,321      Construction            80,296            68,967      Agricultural            12,706            13,919      Consumer            4,638            5,091      Lease financing            2,131            1,540      Other            80            389      Total            311,103            294,687      Less:                             Unearned income and net unamortized deferred fees and costs             (735)            (873)     Loans and leases, net            310,368            293,814      Allowance for credit losses             (3,188)            (3,335)     Net loans and leases        $   307,180        $   290,479      Geographic Location and Types of Loans.  Loans were to borrowers located in the following market areas as of December 31:        2005       2004           North Dakota    $    108,535    35    %       $    96,185    33    %        Minnesota        100,400    32                88,397    30             Arizona        81,767    26                88,255    30             Other        20,401    7                21,850    7             Totals    $    311,103    100    %       $    294,687    100    %                       Commercial loan borrowers are generally small and mid-sized corporations, partnerships and sole proprietors in a wide variety of businesses. Real estate loans are fixed or variable rate and include both amortizing and revolving line-of-credit loans. Real estate mortgage loans include various types of loans for which the Bank holds real property as collateral.  Agricultural loans include loans to grain and/or livestock producers, agricultural real estate loans, machinery and equipment and other types of loans. Loans to consumers are both secured and unsecured. Lease financing represents credit to each borrower under direct finance lease obligations. Single- and multi-family residential mortgage loans totaling $8.4 and $11.9 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were pledged as collateral for FHLB borrowings. Commercial loans totaling $40.9 and $39.3 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were pledged as collateral for borrowings, including FHLB borrowings.   Concentrations of Credit. The Bank’s credit policies emphasize diversification of risk among industries, geographic areas and borrowers. The only concentrations of loans exceeding 10 percent of total loans at December 31, 2005 were real estate loans, such as loans to non-residential and apartment building operators and lessors of real property ($97.3 million) and construction loans ($37.3 million). Loans within these categories are diversified across different types of borrowers, geographically dispersed, and secured by many different types of real estate and other collateral.     62          Impaired Loans. As of December 31, the Bank’s recorded investment in impaired loans and the related valuation allowance was as follows (in thousands):              2005       2004             Recorded Investment       Valuation Allowance       Recorded Investment       Valuation Allowance     Impaired loans -                                                     Valuation allowance required        $    1,469        $    300        $    3,508        $    1,043      No valuation allowance required            -              -              39            -        Total impaired loans        $    1,469        $    300        $    3,547        $    1,043      Impaired loans generally include loans on which management believes it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement and which are analyzed for a specific reserve allowance. The Bank generally considers all loans risk-graded substandard and doubtful, as well as nonaccrual and restructured loans, as impaired loans. The valuation allowance on impaired loans is included in the Bank’s allowance for credit losses.   The average recorded investment in impaired loans, and approximate interest income recognized for such loans, were as follows for the years ended December 31 (amounts in thousands):              2005       2004       2003     Average recorded investment in impaired loans        $    2,430        $    4,991        $    13,415      Interest income recognized on impaired loans        $    212        $    273        $    758      Average recorded investment in impaired loans as a percentage of average total loans            0.80%           1.80%           4.40%     Past Due, Nonaccrual and Restructured Loans. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Bank had $0 and $25,000, respectively, of loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Bank had $143,000 and $524,000, respectively, of nonaccrual loans and nonrestructured loans (included as impaired loans above). The following table indicates the effect on income if interest on such loans outstanding at year end had been recognized at original contractual rates during the year ended December 31 (in thousands):              2005       2004       2003     Interest income that would have been recorded        $   14        $   72        $   121      Interest income recorded            -              43            56      Effect on interest income        $   14        $   29        $   65      As of December 31, 2005 the Bank had no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers with loans whose terms had been modified in troubled debt restructurings.   Loans to Related Parties. Note 21 to these consolidated financial statements include information relating to loans to executive officers, directors, principal shareholders and associates of such persons.   Leases. The Bank extends credit to borrowers under direct finance lease obligations. The direct finance lease obligations are stated at their outstanding principal amount net of unearned income and net unamortized deferred fees and costs.     63          At December 31, 2005, the total minimum annual lease payments for direct finance lease obligations with remaining terms of greater than one year were as follows (in thousands):      2006       $   645      2007           488      2008           322      2009           229      2010           -      Thereafter            -      Total future minimum lease payments            1,684      Unguaranteed residual values            590      Total of all payments            2,274      Unearned income             (215)     Net outstanding principal amount        $    2,059      6. Allowance for Credit Losses:   Transactions in the allowance for credit losses were as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):            2005       2004       2003     Balance, beginning of year        $    3,335        $    4,763        $    5,006      Provision for credit losses            250            175            1,475      Loans charged off             (589)            (1,883)            (1,820)     Loans recovered            192            280            102      Balance, end of year        $    3,188        $    3,335        $    4,763      7. Premises and Equipment   Premises and equipment consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):            2005       2004     Land and improvements        $   6,761       $   4,913     Buildings and improvements            13,818           13,269     Leasehold improvements            1,731           1,755     Furniture, fixtures and equipment            10,250           10,692     Total cost            32,560           30,629     Less accumulated depreciation and amortization            (9,046)           (8,830)     Net premises, leasehold improvements and equipment        $   23,514       $   21,799     Depreciation and amortization expense on premises and equipment charged to continuing operations totaled approximately $1.6, $1.6 and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.   8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets    Goodwill has been assessed for impairment at the reporting unit and qualifying subsidiary levels by applying a fair-value-based test at least annually or if impairment indicators are present. The Company has $257,000 of unamortized goodwill related to four separate transactions completed prior to July 1, 2001 and $21.5 million of goodwill related to transactions completed during 2002, 2003 and 2004.     64          Core deposit intangibles are amortized based on a useful life of 10 years. All core deposit intangibles have been fully amortized as of December 31, 2005. Insurance books of business intangibles are being amortized over their estimated lives of 12.5 years for commercial lines and 9.8 years for personal lines for the books of business acquired in the BNC Insurance Services acquisition and 10 years for the books of business acquired in the IASW, the Salt Lake City agency, the Prescott Valley agency and the Denver surety business acquisitions.    The gross carrying amount of intangible assets and the associated accumulated amortization at December 31, 2005 is presented in the table below (in thousands):             Gross                   Net             Carrying       Accumulated       Carrying             Amount       Amortization       Amount     Intangible assets:                                         Core deposit intangibles        $    3,497        $    3,497        $    -      Insurance books of business intangibles            9,379            2,702            6,677      Other            1,138            915            223      Total        $    14,014        $    7,114        $    6,900      Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.2, $1.3 and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.   The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five years, for amortized intangible assets existing on the Company’s books at December 31, 2005 (in thousands). Projections of amortization expense are based on existing asset balances as of December 31, 2005. Actual amortization expense may differ significantly depending upon changes in market conditions:              Insurance Commercial and Personal Books of Business Intangibles       Other       Total     Year ended December 31,                                         2006       $    801        $    112        $   913      2007           801            112            913      2008           801            -            801      2009           801            -            801      2010           801            -            801      The following table shows the change in goodwill, by reporting segment, between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005 (in thousands):              Segment             Banking       Insurance       Total     Balance, January 1, 2005         $    410        $    21,369        $    21,779      Goodwill attributable to earnout payments             -            60            60      Balance, December 31, 2005        $    410        $    21,429        $    21,839          65          9.  Deposits:   The scheduled maturities of time deposits as of December 31, 2005 are as follows (in thousands):      2006        $   163,699      2007            21,128      2008            2,260      2009            1,790      2010            1,027      Thereafter            25,102              $   215,006      At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Bank had $1.9 and $3.8 million, respectively, of time deposits that had been acquired in the national market and $24.3 and $51.8 million, respectively, of time deposits that had been acquired through a broker.   At December 31, 2005 and 2004 collateralized mortgage obligations and state and municipal bonds with an amortized cost of approximately $24.2 million and $21.2 million, respectively were pledged as collateral for certain deposits and $3.2 million and $4.8 million, respectively of bank depository guaranty bonds from a bankers surety company were pledged as additional collateral on Bank deposits.   Deposits Received from Related Parties. Note 21 to these consolidated financial statements includes information relating to deposits received from executive officers, directors, principal shareholders and associates of such persons.   10. Short-Term Borrowings:     The following table sets forth selected information for short-term borrowings (borrowings with an original maturity of less than one year) as of December 31 (in thousands):            2005       2004     Federal funds purchased and U.S. Treasury tax and loan retainer        $   7,090        $   21,314      Repurchase agreements with customers, renewable daily, interest payable monthly, rates ranging from 2.00% to 5.13%, and 2.00% to 3.19%, respectively, secured by government agency collateralized mortgage obligations             14,326            12,383              $   21,416        $   33,697      The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 was 3.98% and 2.40% respectively.   Customer repurchase agreements are used by the Bank to acquire funds from customers where the customers are required or desire to have their funds supported by collateral consisting of government, government agency or other types of securities. A repurchase agreement is a promise to sell these securities to a customer at a certain price and repurchase them at a future date at that same price plus interest accrued at an agreed upon rate. The Bank uses customer repurchase agreements in its liquidity plan as well as an accommodation to customers. At December 31, 2005, $14.3 million of securities sold under repurchase agreements, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.95%, maturing in 2006, were collateralized by government agency collateralized mortgage obligations having a carrying value of $23.3 million, a market value of $23.3 million and unamortized principal balances of $23.8 million.     66          As of December 31, 2005, the Bank had established federal funds purchase programs with three banks, totaling $17.5 million. At December 31, 2005, the Bank had purchased federal funds of $4.0 million under these programs leaving $13.5 million available. The borrowings mature daily with interest rates that float at the Federal funds rate. The Bank has also been approved for repurchase agreement lines of up to $100.0 million with a major financial institution. The lines, if utilized, would be collateralized by investment securities.   11. Federal Home Loan Bank Advances:   FHLB advances consisted of the following at December 31 (amounts are in thousands):              2005       2004                         Weighted                   Weighted                         Average                   Average     Year of Maturity           Amount       Rate           Amount       Rate     2005       $   -        -      %       $   15,000        2.30    %     2006           20,000        2.06                20,000        2.06          2009           10,000        5.64                10,000        5.64          2010           52,200        6.09                52,200        6.09                  $    82,200        5.05   %       $    97,200        4.63   %     Some of the advances listed above have call provisions that allow the FHLB to request that the advance be paid back or refinanced at the rates then being offered by the FHLB. As of December 31, 2005, the Bank had $62.2 million of callable FHLB advances all callable quarterly during the first quarter of 2006.   At December 31, 2005, the advances from the FHLB were collateralized by the Bank’s mortgage loans with unamortized principal balances of approximately $49.4 million resulting in a FHLB collateral equivalent of $30.3 million. In addition, the advances from the FHLB were collateralized by securities with unamortized principal balances of approximately $141.5 million. The Bank has the ability to draw additional advances of $83.9 million based upon the mortgage loans and securities that are currently pledged, subject to a requirement to purchase additional FHLB stock.    12. Long-Term Borrowings:   The following table sets forth selected information for long-term borrowings (borrowings with an original maturity of greater than one year) as of December 31 (in thousands):                2005           2004     Note payable to the Bank of North Dakota, principal and interest due each March 31, beginning on March 31, 2005 and ending March 31, 2019, interest payable at 30-day LIBOR plus 2.45%, secured by the stock of BNC National Bank          $   3,833        $   10,000      Other             17            79              $   3,850        $   10,079      The loan from the Bank of North Dakota includes various covenants that are primarily operational rather than financial in nature. As of December 31, 2005, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.   13. Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company’s Subordinated Debentures:   In July 2001, BNCCORP established a special purpose trust, BNC Statutory Trust II, for the purpose of issuing $15.0 million of floating rate trust preferred securities. The floating rate trust preferred securities were issued at an    67        initial rate of 7.29 percent and adjust quarterly to a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.58 percent. The interest rate at December 31, 2005 was 7.82 percent. Prior to July 31, 2011, the rate shall not exceed 12.5 percent. The proceeds from the issuance, together with the proceeds of the related issuance of $464,000 of common securities of the trust, were invested in $15.5 million of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of BNCCORP. The floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures were issued at an initial rate of 7.29 percent and adjust quarterly to a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.58 percent. The interest rate at December 31, 2005 was 7.82 percent. Prior to July 31, 2011, the rate shall not exceed 12.5 percent. The trust preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption on July 31, 2031. On or after July 31, 2006, the trust preferred securities may be redeemed and the corresponding debentures may be prepaid at the option of BNCCORP, subject to Federal Reserve Board approval, at declining redemption prices.   In July 2000, BNCCORP established a special purpose trust, BNC Capital Trust I, for the purpose of issuing $7.5 million of 12.045 percent trust preferred securities. The proceeds from the issuance, together with the proceeds of the related issuance of $232,000 of 12.045 percent common securities of the trust, were invested in $7.7 million of 12.045 percent junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of BNCCORP. The trust preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption on July 19, 2030. On or after July 19, 2010, the trust preferred securities may be redeemed and the corresponding debentures may be prepaid at the option of BNCCORP, subject to Federal Reserve Board approval, at declining redemption prices.   The trust preferred securities provide BNCCORP with a more cost-effective means of obtaining Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes than if BNCCORP itself were to issue preferred stock because BNCCORP is allowed to deduct, for income tax purposes, amounts paid in respect of the debentures and ultimately distributed to the holders of the trust preferred securities. The sole assets of the special purpose trusts are the debentures. BNCCORP owns all of the common securities of the trusts. The preferred securities issued by the trust rank senior to the common securities. For presentation in the consolidated balance sheet, the securities are shown net of discount and direct issuance costs. Concurrent with the issuance of the preferred securities by the trusts, BNCCORP fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of the special purpose trusts related to the trust preferred securities.    Pursuant to SFAS 150 and FIN 46, the subordinated debentures are presented as debt in the consolidated financial statements. The subordinated debentures qualify as Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital purposes, up to a certain allowed amount. Any excess over the amount allowed in Tier 1 capital can be included in Tier 2 capital, up to certain allowed amounts. (See Note 17 for further discussion of the impact of the subordinated debentures on the Company’s consolidated regulatory capital calculations).   14. Stockholders’ Equity:   BNCCORP and the Bank are subject to certain minimum capital requirements (see Note 17 to these consolidated financial statements). BNCCORP is also subject to certain restrictions on the amount of dividends it may declare without prior regulatory approval in accordance with the Federal Reserve Act. In addition, certain regulatory restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to BNCCORP in the form of cash dividends. Approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), the Bank’s principal regulator, is required for the Bank to pay dividends to BNCCORP in excess of the Bank’s net profits from the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding two years. At December 31, 2005 approximately $11.4 million of retained earnings were available for Bank dividend declaration without prior regulatory approval.   Pursuant to an asset purchase and sale agreement, on December 31, 2005, BNCCORP issued 18,500 shares of its common stock to the Insurance Alliance of the South West (“IASW”) for the second installment related to BNC Insurance Service’s acquisition of certain of its assets.   On September 21, 2005, BNCCORP issued 575,000 shares of its common stock in a private placement offering resulting in gross proceeds of $6.61 million.  Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. served as the exclusive placement agent and received a fee of seven percent of the gross proceeds, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.  The net proceeds were approximately $5.84 million.       68          On April 27, 2005, BNCCORP repurchased 100 shares of its noncumulative preferred stock from a trust controlled by Richard W. Milne, Jr. for cash. The repurchased shares had a preferential noncumulative dividend at an annual rate of 8.00 percent and a preferred liquidation value of $10,000 per share.   On February 15, 2005, BNCCORP repurchased 25 shares of its noncumulative preferred stock from a trust controlled by Richard W. Milne, Jr. for cash. The repurchased shares had a preferential noncumulative dividend at an annual rate of 8.00 percent and a preferred liquidation value of $10,000 per share.   Pursuant to an asset purchase and sale agreement, on December 31, 2004, BNCCORP issued 15,692 shares of its common stock to IASW for the second installment related to BNC Insurance Services acquisition of certain assets of IASW.    On October 29, 2004, BNCCORP repurchased 25 shares of its noncumulative preferred stock from a trust controlled by Richard W. Milne, Jr. for cash. The repurchased shares had a preferential noncumulative dividend at an annual rate of 8.00 percent and a preferred liquidation value of $10,000 per share.   On September 14, 2004, BNCCORP issued 150 shares of its noncumulative preferred stock to a trust controlled by Richard W. Milne, Jr. for cash. Each share has a preferential noncumulative dividend at an annual rate of 8.00 percent and a preferred liquidation value of $10,000 per share. The noncumulative preferred stock is not redeemable by BNCCORP and carries no conversion rights. The proceeds of the issuance were used for general corporate purposes.   On June 30, 2004, BNCCORP repurchased the then-outstanding 150 shares of its noncumulative preferred stock from trusts controlled by Richard W. Milne, Jr. and Terrence M. Scali for cash. The repurchased shares had a preferential noncumulative dividend at an annual rate of 8.00 percent and a preferred liquidation value of $10,000 per share.   Pursuant to an asset purchase and sale agreement, on June 30, 2004, BNCCORP issued 26,607 shares of its common stock to the owners of Finkbeiner Insurance, Inc. in connection with BNC Insurance Services acquisition of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of the insurance agency.    Pursuant to an asset purchase and sale agreement, on March 31, 2004, BNCCORP issued 22,470 shares of its common stock to owners of The Richard Q. Perry Agency in connection with BNC Insurance Services acquisition of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of the insurance agency.    On May 30, 2001, BNCCORP’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted a rights plan intended to protect stockholder interests in the event BNCCORP becomes the subject of a takeover initiative that BNCCORP’s Board believes could deny BNCCORP’s stockholders the full value of their investment. This plan does not prohibit the Board from considering any offer that it deems advantageous to its stockholders. BNCCORP has no knowledge that anyone is considering a takeover.     The rights were issued to each common stockholder of record on May 30, 2001, and they will be exercisable only if a person acquires, or announces a tender offer that would result in ownership of, 15 percent or more of BNCCORP’s outstanding common stock. The rights will expire on May 30, 2011, unless redeemed or exchanged at an earlier date.   15. Segment Disclosures:   The Company segments its operations into three separate business activities, based on the nature of the products and services for each segment: banking, insurance operations and wealth management services.   Banking provides traditional banking services to individuals and small and mid-sized businesses, such as accepting deposits, consumer and mortgage banking activities and making commercial loans. The mortgage and commercial    69        banking activities include the origination and purchase of loans as well as the sale to and servicing of commercial loans for other institutions. Banking operations also engage in financing programs related to residential mortgage loans and student loans.   The insurance segment provides a full range of insurance services including commercial insurance, surety bonds, employee benefits-related insurance, personal insurance and claims management.   Wealth management services provide securities brokerage, trust and other financial services to individuals and businesses. Brokerage investment options include individual equities, fixed income investments and mutual funds. Trust and financial services operations provide a wide array of trust and other financial services including personal trust administration services, financial, tax, business and estate planning, estate administration, agency accounts, employee benefit plan design and administration, individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), including custodial self-directed IRAs, asset management, tax preparation, accounting and payroll services.    The accounting policies of the three segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in Note 1 to these consolidated financial statements.   The Company’s financial information for each segment is derived from the internal profitability reporting system used by management to monitor and manage the financial performance of the Company. The operating segments have been determined by how executive management has organized the Company’s business for making operating decisions and assessing performance.   The following tables present segment profit or loss, assets and a reconciliation of segment information as of, and for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):              2005       2005                                     Wealth            Bank                   Intersegment       Consolidated             Banking        Insurance           Mgmt           Holding  Co.           Totals        Elimination        Total     Net interest income     $   19,324        $   91        $   589        $    (2,516)       $   17,488        $   60        $   17,548      Other revenue-external customers       4,796            19,030            1,019            160            25,005             (122)           24,883      Segment profit (loss)        4,014            1,942             (183)            (1,670)           4,103            -            4,103      Segment assets        662,918            35,646            41,460            81,245            821,269             (81,253)           740,016      Efficiency Ratios       77.35%           83.33%           124.94%           (54.80)%           89.17%                       86.50%                                                                                               2004       2004                                     Wealth           Bank                   Intersegment       Consolidated             Banking       Insurance           Mgmt           Holding  Co.       Totals       Elimination       Total     Net interest income    $   17,890        $   46        $   223        $    (2,169)       $   15,990        $   51        $   16,041      Other revenue-external customers       4,169            18,298            1,017            88            23,572            (122)           23,450      Segment profit (loss)        3,755            1,467             (115)            (1,703)           3,404            -            3,404      Segment assets        653,484            33,438            16,747            77,714            781,383            (107,673)           673,710      Efficiency Ratios       76.86%           86.87%           122.98%           (68.62)%           90.60%                       88.04%     16. Derivatives:   During May and June 2001, the Bank purchased, for $1.2 million, interest rate cap contracts with notional amounts totaling $40.0 million to mitigate interest rate risk in rising-rate scenarios. The referenced interest rate is three-month LIBOR with $20.0 million of 4.50 percent contracts having three-year original maturities (matured during    70        May and June of 2004) and $20.0 million of 5.50 percent contracts having five-year original maturities (maturing during May and June of 2006). The remaining $20.0 million of contracts, classified as other assets, are reflected in the Company’s December 31, 2005 consolidated balance sheet at their then combined fair value of $18. The contracts are not being accounted for as hedges under SFAS 133. As a result, the impact of marking the contracts to fair value has been, and will continue to be, included in net interest income. During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the impact of marking the contracts to market (reflected as an increase in interest expense) was $1,000, $55,000 and $80,000.     The Company entered into an interest rate floor agreement during the first quarter of 2006.  The floor is designated as a cash flow hedge. The terms of the floor result in the Company receiving payments when the Prime interest rate is below the strike rate of 7.00%. The Company was not entitled to receive a payment under the terms of the agreement. The floor was used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with $50 million of the Company’s existing variable-rate assets.     17. Regulatory Capital:   BNCCORP and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory - and possibly additional discretionary - actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial results. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, BNCCORP and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications of BNCCORP and the Bank are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.   Quantitative measures established by the regulations to ensure capital adequacy require BNCCORP and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. Management believes that, as of December 31, 2005, BNCCORP and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.   Under current regulatory capital regulations, BNCCORP’s subordinated debentures qualify as Tier 1 capital for purposes of the consolidated capital calculations up to 25 percent of Tier 1 capital prior to the deduction of intangible assets. The remainder of the subordinated debentures qualify as Tier 2 capital provided that the total of Tier 2 capital does not exceed Tier 1 capital. As of December 31, 2005, $17.7 million of the subordinated debentures qualified as Tier 1 capital with the remaining $4.9 million qualifying as Tier 2 capital. As of December 31, 2004, $14.6 million of the subordinated debentures qualified as Tier 1 capital with the remaining $7.9 million qualifying as Tier 2 capital. These amounts are reflected in the consolidated capital amounts presented in the table below.   As of December 31, 2005, the most recent notifications from the OCC categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category.    71           Actual capital amounts and ratios of BNCCORP and the Bank as of December 31 are also presented in the tables (amounts are in thousands):              Actual           For Capital Adequacy Purposes       To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions             Amount       Ratio       Amount       Ratio       Amount       Ratio     2005                                                                             Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets):                                                                             Consolidated        $   50,186        10.12   %       $   39,673        8.0   %       $   N/A        N/A         BNC National Bank            52,925        10.67               39,686        8.0               49,607        10.0   %     Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets):                                                                             Consolidated            42,045        8.48               19,836        4.0               N/A        N/A         BNC National Bank            49,737        10.03               19,843        4.0               29,764        6.0         Tier 1 Capital (to average assets):                                                                             Consolidated            42,045        5.90               28,503        4.0               N/A        N/A         BNC National Bank            49,737        6.98               28,499        4.0               35,624        5.0                                                                                       2004                                                                             Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets):                                                                             Consolidated        $   39,770        8.85   %       $   35,940        8.0   %       $   N/A        N/A         BNC National Bank            46,451        10.36               35,885        8.0               44,856        10.0   %     Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets):                                                                             Consolidated            28,520        6.35               17,970        4.0               N/A        N/A         BNC National Bank            43,116        9.61               17,942        4.0               26,914        6.0         Tier 1 Capital (to average assets):                                                                             Consolidated            28,520        4.51               25,268        4.0               N/A        N/A         BNC National Bank            43,116        6.83               25,237        4.0               31,457        5.0         The change in capital ratios over the 12-month period ended December 31, 2005 reflected an increase in total risk-weighted assets, for the consolidated group, to $495.9 million at December 31, 2005 from $449.2 million at December 31, 2004 and, for the bank, to $496.1 million at December 31, 2005 from $448.6 million at December 31, 2004.     72           18. Fair Value of Financial Instruments:   The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):              2005       2004             Carrying        Fair        Carrying        Fair              Amount        Value        Amount        Value      Assets:                                                     Cash and cash equivalents        $   28,824        $   28,824        $   11,881        $   11,881      Investment securities available for sale           227,185            227,185            235,916            235,916      Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock            5,791            5,791            7,541            7,541      Loans held for sale            101,602            101,602            60,197            60,197      Loans and leases, net            307,180            302,834            290,479            289,351      Accrued interest receivable            3,330            3,330            2,686            2,686      Derivative financial instruments            -            -            1            1                  673,912        $   669,566            608,701        $   607,573      Other assets            66,104                        65,009                          $   740,016                    $   673,710                  Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:                                                     Deposits, noninterest-bearing        $   72,977        $   72,977        $   63,386        $   63,386      Deposits, interest-bearing            475,813            476,176            391,957            392,538      Borrowings and advances            107,466            109,791            140,976            145,835      Accrued interest payable            2,274            2,274            1,584            1,584      Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in Company’s subordinated debentures            22,648            23,682            22,509            23,867                  681,178        $   684,900            620,412        $   627,210      Other liabilities            7,226                        9,452                                                                        Stockholders’ equity            51,612                        43,846                          $   740,016                    $   673,710                  Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk:                                                     Commitments to extend credit                    $   388                    $   442      Standby and commercial letters of credit                         130                        175                          $   518                    $   617      19. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk:   In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk, primarily to meet the needs of its customers as well as to manage its interest rate risk. These instruments, which are issued by the Company for purposes other than trading, carry varying degrees of credit, interest rate or liquidity risk in excess of the amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.   Commitments to Extend Credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer, provided there is no violation of any condition in the contract, and are legally binding and generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The contractual amount represents the Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of default by the borrower; however, at December 31, 2005, based on current information, no losses were anticipated as a result of these commitments. The Bank manages this credit risk by using the same credit policies it applies to loans. Collateral is obtained to secure commitments based on    73        management’s credit assessment of the borrower. The collateral may include marketable securities, receivables, inventory, equipment and real estate. Since the Bank expects many of the commitments to expire without being drawn, total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent the Bank’s future liquidity requirements related to such commitments.    Standby and Commercial Letters of Credit. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Commercial letters of credit are issued on behalf of customers to ensure payment or collection in connection with trade transactions. In the event of a customer’s nonperformance, the Bank’s credit loss exposure is the same as in any extension of credit, up to the letter’s contractual amount; however, at December 31, 2005, based on current information, no losses were anticipated as a result of these commitments. Management assesses the borrower’s credit to determine the necessary collateral, which may include marketable securities, real estate, accounts receivable and inventory. Since the conditions requiring the Bank to fund letters of credit may not occur, the Bank expects its liquidity requirements related to such letters of credit to be less than the total outstanding commitments.   The contractual amounts of these financial instruments were as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):            2005       2004             Fixed        Variable        Fixed        Variable              Rate       Rate       Rate       Rate     Commitments to extend credit        $    9,613        $    128,050        $    9,002        $    143,177      Standby and commercial letters of credit            320            12,672            872            16,663      Interest Rate Swaps, Caps and Floors. Interest rate swaps are contracts to exchange fixed and floating rate interest payment obligations based on a notional principal amount. The Company enters into swaps to hedge its balance sheet against fluctuations in interest rates. Interest rate caps and floors are used to protect the Company’s balance sheet from unfavorable movements in interest rates while allowing benefit from favorable movements. The credit risk related to interest rate contracts is that counterparties may be unable to meet the contractual terms of the agreements. This risk is estimated by calculating the present value of the cost to replace outstanding contracts in a gain position at current market rates, reported on a net basis by counterparties. The Company manages the credit risk of its interest rate contracts through bilateral collateral agreements, credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. Additionally, the Company reduces the assumed counterparty credit risk through master netting agreements that permit the Company to settle interest rate contracts with the same counterparty on a net basis. The notional amounts of these financial instruments were $20 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004.   20. Guarantees and Contingent Consideration   Contingent Consideration in a Purchase Acquisition. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement related to the IASW asset acquisition in December 2003, the payment of up to $480,000 was possible subject to the operation of the acquired assets achieving certain financial performance targets. There is $160,000 remaining, that may be payable to IASW. In accordance with SFAS 141, there is no current carrying amount associated with this contractual obligation. Additionally, there are no recourse provisions associated with this guarantee that would enable BNC Insurance Services to recover from third parties any of the amounts paid.    Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests In Company’s Subordinated Debentures. BNCCORP, concurrent with the issuance of preferred securities by BNC Capital Trust I and by BNC Statutory Trust II, fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of the special purpose trusts related to the trust preferred securities (see Note 13 for a description of the trusts). There are no recourse provisions associated with these guarantees that would enable BNCCORP to recover from third parties any of the amounts paid under the guarantees and there are no assets held either as collateral or by third parties that, upon the occurrence of any triggering event or condition under the guarantees, BNCCORP could obtain and liquidate to recover all or a portion of the amounts paid under the guarantees.   74          Performance Standby Letters of Credit. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Bank had outstanding $9.7 million and $6.8 million of performance standby letters of credit. $500,000 was participated to other financial institutions at December 31, 2005.  Performance standby letters of credit are irrevocable obligations to the beneficiary on the part of the Bank to make payment on account of any default by the account party in the performance of a nonfinancial or commercial obligation. Under these arrangements, the Bank could, in the event of the account party’s nonperformance, be required to pay the maximum of the amount of issued letters of credit. The Bank has recourse against the account party up to and including the amount of the performance standby letter of credit. The Bank evaluates each account party’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis and the amount of collateral obtained varies and is based on management’s credit evaluation of the account party. These guarantees are recognized as liabilities at their fair values as they are modified or entered into, in accordance with FIN 45.   Financial Standby Letters of Credit. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Bank had outstanding $36.3 and $44.5 million of financial standby letters of credit. $32.9 million was participated to other financial institutions at December 31, 2005. Financial standby letters of credit are irrevocable obligations to the beneficiary on the part of the Bank to repay money for the account of the counterparty or to make payment on account of any indebtedness undertaken by the counterparty, in the event that the counterparty fails to fulfill its obligation to the beneficiary. Under these arrangements, the Bank could, in the event of the counterparty’s nonperformance, be required to pay the maximum of the amount of issued letters of credit. The Bank has recourse against the counterparty up to and including the amount of the financial standby letter of credit. The Bank evaluates each counterparty’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis and the amount of collateral obtained varies and is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. These guarantees are recognized as liabilities at their fair values as they are modified or entered into, in accordance with FIN 45.      21.   Related-Party/Affiliate Transactions:     The Bank has entered into transactions with related parties, such as opening deposit accounts for and extending credit to, employees of the Company. In the opinion of management, such transactions have been fair and reasonable to the Bank and have been entered into under terms and conditions substantially the same as those offered by the Bank to unrelated parties.   In the normal course of business, loans are granted to, and deposits are received from, executive officers, directors, principal stockholders and associates of such persons. The aggregate dollar amount of these loans, exclusive of loans to any such persons which in the aggregate did not exceed $60,000, were $2.7 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. During 2005, $2.1 million of new loans were made and repayments totaled $736,000. The total amount of deposits received from these parties was $2.9 million and $3.5 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Loans to, and deposits received from, these parties were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and do not involve more than the normal risk of collection.  See Note 14 for additional related-party transactions in 2004 and 2005.   The Federal Reserve Act limits amounts of, and requires collateral on, extensions of credit by the Bank to BNCCORP and with certain exceptions, its non-bank affiliates. There are also restrictions on the amounts of investment by the Bank in stocks and other subsidiaries of BNCCORP and such affiliates and restrictions on the acceptance of their securities as collateral for loans by the Bank. As of December 31, 2005, BNCCORP and its affiliates were in compliance with these requirements.   22. Income Taxes:   The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):       75                       2005       2004       2003     Current:                                         Federal              $    638        $    105        $    805      State            226            166            241      Prior year state refunds from change in filing position            -            -             (339)                 864            271            707      Deferred:                                         Federal            395            725            726      State            117            148            148                  512            873            874      Total        $    1,376        $    1,144        $    1,581      The provision for federal income taxes expected at the statutory rate differs from the actual provision as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):            2005       2004       2003     Tax at 34% statutory rate        $   1,863        $    1,547        $    1,845      Prior year state refunds (net of Federal benefit)            -            -             (229)     State taxes (net of Federal benefit)            221            191            266      Tax-exempt interest             (589)            (501)            (473)     Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance             (150)            (158)            (62)     Other, net            31            65            234              $   1,376       $    1,144        $    1,581      Temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities that result in significant portions of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):          2005       2004     Deferred tax asset:                         Loans, primarily due to differences in accounting  for credit losses   $    1,134        $    1,197      Difference between book and tax amortization of branch premium acquisition costs        383            392      Unrealized loss on securities available for sale        905            -     Other        492            678      Deferred tax asset        2,914            2,267      Deferred tax liability:                         Unrealized gain on securities available for sale        -            40      Leases, primarily due to differences in accounting for leases        324            439      Difference between book and tax amortization of acquired intangibles        1,394            912      Premises and equipment, primarily due to differences in original cost basis and depreciation        895            997      Deferred tax liability        2,613            2,388      Valuation allowance         (300)           (310)     Net deferred tax asset (liability)    $    1        $     (431)       76           The valuation allowance primarily represents the tax benefits of a certain state net operating loss carryforward  which may expire without being utilized. During 2005, the valuation allowance decreased $10,000. This decrease primarily relates to a state net operating loss carryforward for which the Company does not anticipate receiving a benefit in future periods.   23. Earnings Per Share:     The following table shows the amounts used in computing EPS and the effect on weighted average number of shares of potential dilutive common stock issuances:      Net income per share was calculated as follows:       2005       2004       2003     Denominator for basic earnings per share:                                         Average common shares outstanding           2,988,440           2,813,531           2,705,602     Dilutive common stock options           59,699           82,710           59,214     Denominator for diluted earnings per share           3,048,139           2,896,241           2,764,816     Numerator: Net income attributable to common shareholders       $    4,074        $    3,311        $    3,724      Net income per share                                         Basic       $    1.36        $    1.18        $    1.38      Diluted       $    1.34        $    1.14        $    1.35      The following options, with exercise prices ranging from $17.00 to $17.75, were outstanding during the periods indicated but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their exercise prices were higher than the average price of the Company’s common stock for the period:              2005       2004       2003     Quarter ended March 31        60,550       3,250       77,185     Quarter ended June 30        57,550       61,850       63,500     Quarter ended September 30        57,450       61,850       62,027     Quarter ended December 31        57,450       60,550       3,250        24.   Benefit Plans:     BNCCORP has a qualified, tax-exempt 401(k) savings plan covering all employees of BNCCORP and its subsidiaries who meet specified age and service requirements. Under the plan, eligible employees may elect to defer up to 75 percent of compensation each year not to exceed the dollar limit set by law. At their discretion, BNCCORP and its subsidiaries provide matching contributions of up to 50 percent of employee deferrals up to a maximum employer contribution of five percent of employee compensation. All contributions and earnings are fully and immediately vested.    The Company makes its matching contribution during the first calendar quarter following the last day of each calendar year and an employee must be employed by the Company on the last day of the calendar year in order to receive the current year’s employer match. The anticipated matching contribution is expensed monthly over the course of the calendar year based on employee contributions made throughout the year. The Company made matching contributions of $465,000, $368,000 and $341,000 for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In addition, the Company made a qualified nonelective contribution of $5,000 for 2005.   BNCCORP common stock is one of the investment options available under the 401(k) savings plan. At December 31, 2005, the assets in the plan totaled $13.5 million and included $2.2 million (172,753 shares) invested in BNCCORP common stock.     77          25. Commitments and Contingencies:   Legal proceedings. A three member arbitration panel ruled in favor of BCNCORP and all related parties in the litigation filed by Terry M. Scali in an order released on January 20, 2006.  Scali is a former senior officer and board member of both BNCCORP and BNC Insurance Services. He was terminated in July of 2004.   The arbitration panel dismissed four counts of Scali’s lawsuit and ruled that the non-compete clause was unenforceable but Scali is prohibited from recruiting BNC Insurance Services’ employees and customers, and from using the company’s confidential information in the fifth count. The panel also held that Scali was not wrongfully terminated and he was fully compensated following his termination. In addition, the arbitration panel also ruled that there was no credible evidence to support Scali’s claim that he was defamed or that senior officers of BNC had illegally interfered with his employment contract.   Leases. The Bank has entered into operating lease agreements for certain facilities and equipment used in its operations. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, was $1.0 million, $993,000 and $1.0 million, respectively, for facilities, and $198,000, $157,000 and $107,000, respectively, for equipment and other items. At December 31, 2005, the total minimum annual base lease payments for operating leases were as follows (amounts are in thousands):      2006   $   978     2007       840     2008       502     2009       283     2010       265     Thereafter        316     26. Stock-Based Compensation:     BNCCORP’s 1995 Stock Incentive Plan and its 2002 Stock Incentive Plan are intended to provide long-term incentives to its key employees, including officers and directors who are employees of the Company. The 1995 Stock Plan, which is administered by the compensation committee of the Board, provides for an authorization of 250,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The 2002 Stock Plan, which is also administered by the Committee, provides for an authorization of 125,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. Under the Stock Plans, the Company may grant employees incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, stock awards or any combination thereof. The Committee establishes the exercise price of any stock options granted. The exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. The Committee determines vesting requirements, which may vary, and the maximum term of options granted is generally 10 years.     As of December 31, 2005, 50,973 restricted shares issued under the 1995 Stock Plan were outstanding. 46,473 of the shares were fully vested. The balance of the shares vest incrementally between now and December 31, 2007. As of December 31, 2005, 45,500 restricted shares issued under the 2002 Stock Plan were outstanding. 500 of the shares were vested. The balance of the shares vest incrementally between now and July 31, 2010. The Company records the compensation expense related to restricted stock on a straight-line basis over the applicable service period. Compensation cost charged to operations was $206,000, $153,000 and $136,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company issued 22,500, 43,500 and 24,500 shares of restricted stock during 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.   No compensation cost has been recognized for the options issued under the plans in 2005, 2004 or 2003. As of December 31, 2005, 179,676 options had been awarded under the 1995 Stock Plan. 64,676 of them had been exercised and 115,000 remained outstanding. 3,250 options awarded under the Directors’ Plan remained outstanding. See note 1 for additional information.   78          Following is a summary of stock option transactions for the years ended December 31:          2005       2004       2003         Options       Weighted       Options       Weighted       Options       Weighted         To       Average       To       Average       To       Average         Purchase       Exercise       Purchase       Exercise       Purchase       Exercise         Shares       Price       Shares       Price       Shares       Price     Outstanding, beginning of year        143,841        $   11.22            173,285        $   10.41            173,935        $   10.48      Granted        -            -              2,000            14.00            17,500            7.00      Exercised        (17,891)           8.59            (26,044)           6.48            (11,066)           6.79      Forfeited         (7,700)           13.00             (5,400)           9.05             (7,084)           9.31      Outstanding, end of year        118,250            11.50            143,841            11.22            173,285            10.41      Exercisable, end of year        100,650            12.41            105,341            12.90            110,702            12.71      Weighted average fair value of options:                                                                         Granted    $   -                    $   7.53                    $   3.76                  Exercised    $   4.21                    $   3.13                    $   3.14                  Forfeited    $   6.14                    $   4.45                    $   4.23                  The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. There were no options issued during 2005. The following assumptions were made in estimating fair value of options granted for the years ended December 31:      Weighted average –       2004       2003     Dividend yield        0.00    %       0.00    %     Risk-free interest rate – seven-year treasury yield        3.75    %       3.66    %     Volatility        36.24    %       36.39    %     Expected life        7.0 years       7.0 years     Following is a summary of the status of options outstanding at December 31, 2005:              Outstanding Options       Exercisable Options             Number       Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life       Weighted Average Exercise Price       Number       Weighted Average Exercise Price                                                                                   Options with exercise prices ranging from:                                                     $17.00 to $17.75       57,450       2 years       $   17.04        57,450       $   17.04      $5.94 to $10.00       60,800       5.3 years           6.25       43,200           6.24             118,250                           100,650                   79           27.     Condensed Financial Information-Parent Company Only:   Condensed financial information of BNCCORP on a parent company only basis is as follows:   Parent Company Only Condensed Balance Sheets As of December 31 (In thousands, except per share data)                                      2005       2004     Assets:                             Cash and cash equivalents        $    1,615        $   2,867      Investment in subsidiaries            77,544            73,579      Receivable from subsidiaries            334            415      Deferred charges and intangible assets, net            154            154      Other            122            765              $    79,769        $    77,780      Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                             Subordinated debentures        $   22,743        $   22,656      Long term note            3,833            10,000      Accrued expenses and other liabilities            1,581            1,278                  28,157            33,934      Preferred stock, $.01 par value – 2,000,000 shares authorized; 0 and 125 shares issued and outstanding           -            -      Capital surplus – preferred stock            -            1,250      Common stock, $.01 par value – 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,447,945 and 2,884,876 shares issued and outstanding (excluding shares held in treasury)            35            29      Capital surplus – common stock            25,107            18,601      Retained earnings            28,505            24,430      Treasury stock (46,123 and 43,901 shares, respectively)             (559)            (530)     Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes             (1,476)           66      Total stockholders’ equity            51,612            43,846              $    79,769        $   77,780                   80           Parent Company Only Statements of Income For the Years Ended December 31 (In thousands)            2005      2004         2003     Income:                                         Management fee income        $    1,025        $    918        $    650      Interest            43            28            36      Other            159            88            120      Total income            1,227            1,034            806      Expenses:                                         Interest            2,560            2,197            2,156      Salaries and employee benefits            545            626            530      Professional services            332            376            216      Depreciation and amortization            10            10            14      Other            403            416            332      Total expenses            3,850            3,625            3,248      Loss before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries             (2,623)            (2,591)            (2,442)     Income tax benefit            953            888            961      Loss before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries             (1,670)            (1,703)            (1,481)     Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries            5,773            5,107            5,325      Net income        $    4,103        $    3,404        $    3,844        81           Parent Company Only Condensed Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31 (In thousands)                                                      2005       2004       2003     Operating activities:                                         Net income        $    4,103        $    3,404        $    3,844      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities -                                         Depreciation and amortization            10            10            14      Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries             (5,773)           (5,107)           (5,325)     Change in prepaid expenses and other receivables            718             (410)           300      Change in accrued expenses and other liabilities            303            331            23      Other            2            1             (2)     Net cash used in operating activities             (637)           (1,771)           (1,146)     Investing activities:                                         Repayment of long term debt             (6,167)           -            -      Increase (decrease) in investment in subsidiaries             267            (1,085)            (181)     Change to premises and equipment, net             (5)            (8)           5      Net cash used in investing activities             (5,905)           (1,093)            (176)     Financing activities:                                         Proceeds from long-term borrowings            -            1,500            -      Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock                        1,500            -      Repurchase of preferred stock             (1,250)           (1,750)           -      Proceeds from issuance of common stock            5,839            1,511            462      Amortization of discount on subordinated debentures            86            86            86      Proceeds from issuance of stock options and restricted stock             440                              Stock issued for acquisition of insurance subsidiary           233                              Payment of preferred stock dividends             (29)            (93)            (120)     Purchase of treasury stock            (29)           -            -      Net cash provided by financing activities            5,290            2,754            428      Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents             (1,252)            (110)            (894)     Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year            2,867            2,977            3,871      Cash and cash equivalents, end of year        $    1,615        $    2,867        $    2,977      Supplemental cash flow information:                                         Interest paid        $    2,463        $    1,871        $    2,172      Income tax payments received from subsidiary bank, net of income taxes paid        $    1,338       $    512        $    903                        82           28. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited, in thousands, except shares and EPS):             2005                 First Quarter           Second Quarter           Third Quarter           Fourth Quarter     Interest income         $   8,357        $   8,964        $   9,748        $   10,195      Interest expense             4,200            4,635            5,272            5,609      Net interest income            4,157            4,329            4,476            4,586      Provision for credit losses            250            -            -            -      Net interest income after provision for credit losses             3,907            4,329            4,476            4,586      Noninterest income            7,713            5,995            5,712            5,463      Noninterest expense            9,211            9,096            9,132            9,263      Income before income taxes            2,409            1,228            1,056            786      Income tax provision             620            318            305            133      Net income          $   1,789        $   910        $   751        $   653      Dividends on preferred stock        $   23        $   6        $   -        $   -      Net income attributable to common stockholders        $   1,766        $   904        $   751        $   653                                                            Basic earnings per common share        $   0.61        $   0.31        $   0.26        $   0.19      Diluted earnings per common share        $   0.60        $   0.30        $   0.25        $   0.19                                                            Average common shares:                                                     Basic            2,885,395            2,899,195            2,932,588            3,425,480      Diluted            2,949,166            2,961,655            2,992,341            3,478,308                  2004                First Quarter           Second Quarter           Third Quarter           Fourth Quarter     Interest income         $   7,859        $   6,954        $   7,376        $   7,952      Interest expense             3,489            3,379            3,518            3,714      Net interest income            4,370            3,575            3,858            4,238      Provision for credit losses            -            -            -            175      Net interest income after provision for credit losses             4,370            3,575            3,858            4,063      Noninterest income            6,007            6,055            5,598            5,790      Noninterest expense            7,887            8,663            9,367            8,851      Income before income taxes            2,490            967            89            1,002      Income tax provision (benefit)            677            261             (34)           240      Net income          $   1,813        $   706        $   123        $   762      Dividends on preferred stock        $   30        $   30        $   5        $   28      Net income attributable to common stockholders        $   1,783        $   676        $   118        $   734                                                            Basic earnings per common share        $   0.65        $   0.24        $   0.04        $   0.26      Diluted earnings per common share        $   0.63        $   0.23        $   0.04        $   0.25                                                            Average common shares:                                                     Basic            2,757,882           2,793,045           2,839,309           2,863,065     Diluted            2,852,315           2,882,567           2,927,476           2,921,794                           83          Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   None   Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures   Quarterly evaluation of the Company’s Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls  As of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting. This evaluation was done under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Rules adopted by the SEC require that in this section of the annual report we present the conclusions of the CEO and the CFO about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and any change in our internal controls that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls based on and as of the date of the controls evaluation.   CEO and CFO Certifications Appearing, as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this annual report, there are “Certifications” of the CEO and the CFO. The Certifications are required in accordance with the Exchange Act and the SEC’s implementing Rule 13a-14. This section of the annual report is the information concerning the controls evaluation referred to in the Rule 13a-14 Certifications and this information should be read in conjunction with the Rule 13a-14 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.   Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls Disclosure controls are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this annual report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that material information relating to BNCCORP, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the CEO and CFO by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which the applicable report is being prepared. Internal controls are procedures which are designed with the objective of providing reasonable assurance that (1) our transactions are properly authorized; (2) our assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use; and (3) our transactions are properly recorded and reported, all to permit the preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.   Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well developed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.   84          Scope of the Controls Evaluation The CEO/CFO evaluation of our disclosure controls and our internal controls included a review of the controls’ objectives and design, our controls’ implementation and the effect of the controls on the information generated for use in this annual report. In the course of the controls evaluation, we sought to identify data errors, controls problems or acts of fraud and to confirm that appropriate corrective action, including process improvements, were being undertaken. This type of evaluation is done on a quarterly basis so that the conclusions concerning controls effectiveness can be reported in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual report on Form 10-K. Our internal controls are also evaluated on an ongoing basis by our internal audit and credit review departments in connection with their audit and review activities. The overall goals of these various evaluation activities are to monitor our disclosure controls and our internal controls and to make modifications as necessary. Our external auditors also review Internal Controls in connection with their audit and review activities. Our intent in this regard is that the disclosure controls and internal controls will be maintained as dynamic systems that change (including with improvements and corrections) as conditions warrant.   Among other matters, we sought in our evaluation to determine whether there were any “significant deficiencies” or “material weaknesses” in our internal controls which are reasonably likely to adversely affect our ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information, or whether we had identified any acts of fraud, involving management or other employees who have a significant role in our internal controls. This information was important both for the controls evaluation generally and because item 5 in the Rule 13a-14 Certifications of the CEO and CFO require that the CEO and CFO disclose that information to our Board’s audit committee and to our independent auditors and to report on related matters in this section of the annual report. In the professional auditing literature, “significant deficiencies” are referred to as “reportable conditions.” These are control issues that could have a significant adverse effect on the ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data in the financial statements. A “material weakness” is defined in the auditing literature as a particularly serious reportable condition where the internal control does not reduce to a relatively low level the risk that misstatements caused by error or fraud may occur in amounts that would be material in relation to the financial statements and not be detected within a timely period by employees in the normal course of performing their assigned functions. We also sought to deal with other controls matters in the controls evaluation, and in each case if a problem was identified, we considered what revision, improvement and/or correction to make in accordance with our ongoing procedures.    Conclusions Based upon the Controls Evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, subject to the limitations noted above, our Disclosure Controls are effective to ensure that material information relating to BNCCORP and its consolidated subsidiaries is made known to management, including the CEO and CFO, particularly during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared, and that our internal controls are effective to provide reasonable assurance that our financial statements are fairly presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Additionally, there has been no change in our internal controls that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls.   Item 9B.  Other Information   None           85          PART III   Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    Information concerning our directors and executive officers called for by this item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement prepared in connection with the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.   Item 11.  Executive Compensation   Information concerning the compensation of our executives called for by this item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement prepared in connection with the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.   Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management   Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management called for by this item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement prepared in connection with the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.   Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions called for by this item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement prepared in connection with the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.   Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services   Information concerning fees to, and services provided by, our independent auditor called for by this item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement prepared in connection with the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.   PART IV   Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules          (a)   Exhibits.   Reference is made to the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 hereby. We will furnish to any eligible stockholder, upon written request of such stockholder, a copy of any exhibit listed upon the payment of a reasonable fee equal to our expenses in furnishing such exhibit.     86           Signatures   Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 27, 2006.          BNCCORP, Inc.         By:   /s/ Gregory K. Cleveland             President and Chief Executive Officer     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated, on March 27, 2006.      /s/ Tracy Scott             Tracy Scott       Chairman of the Board and Director                   /s/ Gregory K. Cleveland             Gregory K. Cleveland       President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)                   /s/ Neil M. Brozen             Neil M.Brozen       Chief Financial Officer  (Principal Financial Officer) (Principal Accounting Officer)                   /s/ Denise Forte-Pathroff, M.D.             Denise Forte-Pathroff, M.D.       Director                   /s/ Gaylen Ghylin             Gaylen Ghylin       Director                   /s/ John A. Hipp, M.D.             John A. Hipp, M.D.       Director                   /s/ Richard M. Johnsen, Jr.             Richard M. Johnsen, Jr.       Director                   /s/ Mark W. Sheffert             Mark W. Sheffert       Director                   /s/ E. Thomas Welch             E. Thomas Welch       Director                   /s/ Jerry R. Woodcox             Jerry R. Woodcox       Director                     87          EXHIBIT INDEX        Exhibit No.     Exhibit Description     3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-92369).     3.2   Bylaws of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-92369).     4.1   Specimen of Common Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-92369).     4.2   Rights Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2001, between BNCCORP, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, as Rights Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-A dated June 5, 2001.     10.1   Form of Indemnity Agreement by and between the Company and each of the Company’s Directors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-92369).     10.2   Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and each of Tracy J. Scott and Gregory K. Cleveland, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-92369).     10.3   Form of BNCCORP, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-92369).     10.4   Form of Stock Option Agreement for the Grant of Non-Qualified Stock Options Under the BNCCORP, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan dated as of June 7, 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 10-KSB dated as of March 29, 1996.     10.5   Junior Subordinated Indenture between BNCCORP, Inc. and First Union National Bank as Trustee dated as of July 12, 2000, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q dated as of August 2, 2000.     10.6   Guarantee Agreement between BNCCORP, Inc. as Guarantor and First Union National Bank as Guarantee Trustee dated as of July 12, 2000 – BNC Capital Trust I, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q dated as of August 2, 2000.     10.7   Amended and Restated Trust Agreement among BNCCORP, Inc. as Depositor, First Union National Bank as Property Trustee, First Union Trust Company, National Association as Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustees dated as of July 12, 2000 – BNC Capital Trust I, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q dated as of August 2, 2000.       88               10.8   Indenture between BNCCORP, Inc., as issuer, and State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee, Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures Due 2031, dated July 31, 2001, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q dated as of August 13, 2001.     10.9   Guarantee Agreement by and between BNCCORP, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, dated July 31, 2001, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q dated as of August 13, 2001.     10.10   Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust by and among State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, as Institutional Trustee, BNCCORP, Inc., as Sponsor, and Gregory K. Cleveland, Tracy Scott and Brenda L. Rebel, as Administrators, dated July 31, 2001, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q dated as of August 13, 2001.     10.11   Form of BNCCORP, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated as of May 17, 2002.     10.12   Employment and Non-competition Agreement, dated April 15, 2002, by and between BNC Insurance, Inc., Milne & Company Insurance, Inc. and Richard W. Milne, Jr., incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2002.     10.13   Form of Registration Rights Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on September 22, 2005.     14.1   Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the registrant's 10-K filed on March 30, 2005.     21.1   Subsidiaries of Company.     23.1   Consent of Independent Auditors.     31.1   Chief Executive Officer’s Certification Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.     31.2   Chief Financial Officer’s Certification Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.     32.1   Certification Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.                   89             EX-21 2 exhibit21.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF BNCCORP, INC.         Exhibit No. 21.1   Subsidiaries of BNCCORP, Inc.   The following is a list of all subsidiaries of the Company, including their state of incorporation or organization.        Name       Incorporated In     BNC National Bank       National Bank     BNC Insurance Services, Inc. (a Subsidiary of   BNC National Bank)       Arizona     BNC Asset Management, Inc., (a Subsidiary of BNC National Bank)       North Dakota     Bismarck Properties, Inc.       North Dakota     BNC Capital Trust I       Delaware Trust     BNC Statutory Trust II       Connecticut Trust                                       EX-23 3 exhibit23.htm CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR           Exhibit 23.1     Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   The Board of Directors BNCCORP, Inc.: We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No. 333-130556, 333-03512, 333-98647, 333-58584) on Form 10-K of BNCCORP, Inc. of our report dated March 27, 2006, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of BNCCORP, Inc. as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity, cash flows, and comprehensive income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, which report appears in the December 31, 2005, annual report on Form 10-K of BNCCORP, Inc.   [signed] KPMG LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota March 27, 2006                 EX-31 4 exhibit311.htm CERTIFICATIONS OF CEO                  Exhibit No. 31.1   CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S CERTIFICATION UNDER RULE 13a-14(a) OF THE  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934   I, Gregory K. Cleveland, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify that:          1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of BNCCORP, Inc.;            2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;            3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;            4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:            a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;            b)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and            c)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and             5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):              a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and             b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.          Date: March 27, 2006    By   /s/ Gregory K. Cleveland             Gregory K. Cleveland Chief Executive Officer                   EX-31 5 exhibit312.htm CERTIFICATION OF CFO                  Exhibit No. 31.2   CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S CERTIFICATION UNDER RULE 13a-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934   I, Neil M. Brozen, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:          1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of BNCCORP, Inc.;            2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;            3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;            4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:            a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;            b)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and             c)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and            5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):            a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and             b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.                Date:  March  27, 2006   By   /s/ Neil M. Brozen             Neil M. Brozen  Chief Financial Officer                   EX-32 6 exhibit321.htm CERTIFICATIONS OF CEO AND CFO         Exhibit No. 32.1     CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATIONS UNDER RULE 13a-14(b) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT     Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each of the undersigned certifies that this periodic report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in this periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of BNCCORP, Inc. and Subsidiaries.                       Date: March 27, 2006        BNCCORP, Inc.                       By   /s/ Gregory K. Cleveland             Gregory K. Cleveland Chief Executive Officer                       By   /s/ Neil M. Brozen             Neil M. Brozen  Chief Financial Officer                       -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----