Donegal (DGICA) 10-Q 2005 Q3 Quarterly report

FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2005

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                    to                    .

Commission file number 0-15341

Donegal Group Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	23-2424711
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1195 River Road, P.O. Box 302, Marietta, PA	17547-0302
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

(717) 426-1931

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). YesR. No£.

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

     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 14,071,913 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 4,182,017 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding on October 31, 2005.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I. Financial Information
	Item 1 Financial Statements
	Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
	Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
	Item 4 Controls and Procedures
Part II Other Information
	Item 1 Legal Proceedings
	Item 2 Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
	Item 3 Defaults upon Senior Securities
	Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
	Item 5 Other Information
	Item 6 Exhibits
Signatures
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Statement of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 1350
Statement of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 1350

Part I. Financial Information.

Item 1. Financial Statements.

Donegal Group Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

	September 30, 2005			December 31, 2004
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Investments
Fixed maturities
Held to maturity, at amortized cost	$	182,017,373		$	182,573,784
Available for sale, at fair value		287,889,727			226,757,322
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value		36,959,631			33,504,976
Investments in affiliates		8,564,968			8,864,741
Short-term investments, at cost, which approximates fair value		15,629,642			47,368,509
Total investments		531,061,341			499,069,332
Cash		3,022,562			7,350,330
Accrued investment income		5,051,980			4,961,173
Premiums receivable		48,760,759			44,266,681
Reinsurance receivable		94,666,832			98,478,657
Deferred policy acquisition costs		24,258,022			22,257,760
Deferred tax asset, net		12,735,753			10,922,440
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		42,239,311			35,907,376
Property and equipment, net		5,443,135			5,508,840
Accounts receivable — securities		1,499,973			1,383,587
Federal income taxes recoverable		558,157			3,468,506
Due from affiliate		1,928,391			—
Other		1,678,924			1,840,719
Total assets	$	772,905,140		$	735,415,401
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Losses and loss expenses	$	263,277,142		$	267,190,060
Unearned premiums		193,377,774			174,458,423
Accrued expenses		13,896,182			13,413,518
Reinsurance balances payable		2,020,816			1,716,372
Cash dividends declared to stockholders		—			1,566,995
Subordinated debentures		30,929,000			30,929,000
Accounts payable — securities		2,351,625			—
Due to affiliate		—			240,680
Drafts payable		645,363			1,278,433
Other		1,351,552			1,917,606
Total liabilities		507,849,454			492,711,087
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued		—			—
Class A common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares, issued 13,929,336 and 13,864,049 shares and outstanding 13,820,638 and 13,755,351 shares		139,293			138,640	*
Class B common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued 4,236,366 shares and outstanding 4,182,017 shares		42,364			42,364	*
Additional paid-in capital		135,430,989			131,980,264
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2,446,695			4,749,965
Retained earnings		127,888,093			106,684,829	*
Treasury stock		(891,748	)		(891,748	)
Total stockholders’ equity		265,055,686			242,704,314
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	772,905,140		$	735,415,401

* All 2004 capital accounts and share information have been restated for 4-for-3 stock split as discussed in footnote 1.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

1

Donegal Group Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2005		2004
Revenues:
Net premiums earned	$	219,784,658	$	196,156,262
Investment income, net of investment expenses		13,312,933		11,640,506
Net realized investment gains		1,235,248		1,092,365
Lease income		708,008		662,958
Installment payment fees		3,096,746		2,755,645
Total revenues		238,137,593		212,307,736
Expenses:
Net losses and loss expenses		122,417,355		122,617,533
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs		35,291,000		28,248,000
Other underwriting expenses		37,914,521		31,098,310
Policy dividends		1,180,416		865,756
Interest		1,629,861		1,114,225
Other expenses		1,179,366		1,463,149
Total expenses		199,612,519		185,406,973
Income before income tax expense and extraordinary item		38,525,074		26,900,763
Income tax expense		11,427,554		7,957,054
Income before extraordinary item		27,097,520		18,943,709
Extraordinary gain — unallocated negative goodwill		—		5,445,670
Net income	$	27,097,520	$	24,389,379
Basic earnings per common share:
Income before extraordinary item	$	1.51	$	1.09	*
Extraordinary item		—		0.31	*
Net income	$	1.51	$	1.40	*
Diluted earnings per common share:
Income before extraordinary item	$	1.46	$	1.04	*
Extraordinary item		—		0.30	*
Net income	$	1.46	$	1.34	*

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2005			2004
Net income	$	27,097,520		$	24,389,379
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Unrealized losses on securities:
Unrealized holding loss during the period, net of income tax		(1,500,359	)		(27,574	)
Reclassification adjustment, net of income tax		(802,911	)		(710,037	)
Other comprehensive loss		(2,303,270	)		(737,611	)
Comprehensive income	$	24,794,250		$	23,651,768

* All 2004 per share information has been restated for 4-for-3 stock split as discussed in footnote 1.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2

Donegal Group Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2005		2004
Revenues:
Net premiums earned	$	74,584,045	$	67,958,382
Investment income, net of investment expenses		4,548,837		4,017,915
Net realized investment gains		124,896		448,367
Lease income		242,495		223,715
Installment payment fees		1,066,182		965,274
Total revenues		80,566,455		73,613,653
Expenses:
Net losses and loss expenses		41,071,801		42,285,455
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs		12,069,000		9,961,000
Other underwriting expenses		12,269,717		11,941,415
Policy dividends		572,344		403,990
Interest		588,360		416,799
Other expenses		289,686		382,066
Total expenses		66,860,908		65,390,725
Income before income tax expense		13,705,547		8,222,928
Income tax expense		3,928,390		2,336,042
Net income	$	9,777,157	$	5,886,886
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.54	$	0.33	*
Diluted	$	0.52	$	0.32	*

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2005			2004
Net income	$	9,777,157		$	5,886,886
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) during the period, net of income tax		(1,645,915	)		3,408,235
Reclassification adjustment, net of income tax		(81,182	)		(291,438	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,727,097	)		3,116,797
Comprehensive income	$	8,050,060		$	9,003,683

* All 2004 per share information has been restated for 4-for-3 stock split as discussed in footnote 1.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

Donegal Group Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

											Accumulated
									Additional		Other									Total
									Paid-In		Comprehensive			Retained			Treasury			Stockholders’
	Class A Shares		Class B Shares		Class A Amount		Class B Amount		Capital		Income			Earnings			Stock			Equity
Balance, December 31, 2004 *		13,864,049		4,236,366	$	138,640	$	42,364	$	131,980,264	$	4,749,965		$	106,684,829		$	(891,748	)	$	242,704,314
Issuance of common stock		38,396				384				670,415											670,799
Net income															27,097,520						27,097,520
Cash dividends															(3,485,322	)					(3,485,322	)
Exercise of stock options		26,891				269				271,079											271,348
Grant of stock options										2,408,934					(2,408,934	)					—
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options										100,297											100,297
Other comprehensive loss												(2,303,270	)								(2,303,270	)
Balance, September 30, 2005		13,929,336		4,236,366	$	139,293	$	42,364	$	135,430,989	$	2,446,695		$	127,888,093		$	(891,748	)	$	265,055,686

* All 2004 capital accounts and share information have been restated for 4-for-3 stock split as discussed in footnote 1.

4

Donegal Group Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2005			2004
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$	27,097,520		$	24,389,379
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Extraordinary gain — unallocated negative goodwill		—			(5,445,670	)
Depreciation and amortization		2,259,065			2,003,924
Realized investment gains		(1,235,248	)		(1,092,365	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss expenses		(3,912,918	)		11,984,053
Unearned premiums		18,919,351			22,614,676
Premiums receivable		(4,494,078	)		(6,118,778	)
Deferred acquisition costs		(2,000,262	)		(5,425,127	)
Deferred income taxes		(573,091	)		(510,529	)
Reinsurance receivable		3,811,825			(6,610,893	)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		(6,331,935	)		(5,501,049	)
Accrued investment income		(90,807	)		(329,011	)
Due from affiliate		(2,169,071	)		(2,990,039	)
Reinsurance balances payable		304,444			291,639
Current income taxes		3,010,646			(1,224,558	)
Accrued expenses		482,664			376,815
Other, net		(1,037,328	)		1,217,554
Net adjustments		6,943,257			3,240,642
Net cash provided by operating activities		34,040,777			27,630,021
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchase of fixed maturities:
Held to maturity		(9,747,396	)		(63,631,534	)
Available for sale		(121,513,555	)		(70,851,891	)
Purchase of equity securities, available for sale		(14,628,556	)		(22,502,224	)
Maturity of fixed maturities:
Held to maturity		8,748,151			18,592,705
Available for sale		14,458,997			46,319,357
Sale of fixed maturities:
Held to maturity		860,000			—
Available for sale		42,313,754			27,813,196
Sale of equity securities, available for sale		14,084,732			11,260,915
Purchase of Le Mars Insurance Company		—			(11,816,523	)
Purchase of Peninsula Insurance Group		—			(21,912,629	)
Net decrease in investment in affiliates		69,399			230,714
Net purchases of property and equipment		(642,768	)		(579,325	)
Net sales of short-term investments		31,738,867			54,345,529
Net cash used in investing activities		(34,258,375	)		(32,731,710	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid		(5,052,317	)		(4,438,375	)
Issuance of common stock		942,147			4,949,045
Issuance of subordinated debentures		—			5,155,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(4,110,170	)		5,665,670
Net increase (decrease) in cash		(4,327,768	)		563,981
Cash at beginning of period		7,350,330			5,908,521
Cash at end of period	$	3,022,562		$	6,472,502
Cash paid during period — Interest	$	1,571,275		$	1,079,979
Net cash paid during period — Taxes	$	8,950,000		$	9,405,000

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

DONEGAL GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)
Summary Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1 — Organization

     We were organized as an insurance holding company by Donegal Mutual Insurance Company (the “Mutual Company”) on August 26, 1986. We operate predominantly as an underwriter of personal and commercial lines of property and casualty insurance through our insurance subsidiaries. Our personal lines products consist primarily of homeowners and private passenger automobile policies. Our commercial lines products consist primarily of commercial automobile, commercial multi-peril and workers’ compensation policies. Our insurance subsidiaries, Atlantic States Insurance Company (“Atlantic States”), Southern Insurance Company of Virginia (“Southern”), Le Mars Insurance Company (“Le Mars”) and the Peninsula Insurance Group (“Peninsula”), which consists of Peninsula Indemnity Company and The Peninsula Insurance Company, write personal and commercial lines of property and casualty insurance exclusively through a network of independent insurance agents in certain Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southern states. The Mutual Company and we conduct our business together with our insurance subsidiaries as the Donegal Insurance Group. We also own approximately 48% of the outstanding stock of Donegal Financial Services Corporation (“DFSC”), a thrift holding company that owns Province Bank FSB. The Mutual Company owns the remaining approximately 52% of the outstanding stock of DFSC.

     At September 30, 2005, the Mutual Company held approximately 42% of our outstanding Class A common stock and approximately 66% of our outstanding Class B common stock. We refer to the Mutual Company and our insurance subsidiaries as the Donegal Insurance Group.

     Atlantic States, our largest subsidiary, and the Mutual Company have a pooling agreement under which both companies proportionately share their combined underwriting results, excluding certain reinsurance assumed by the Mutual Company from our insurance subsidiaries. See Note 4 – Reinsurance for more information regarding the pooling agreement.

     We acquired all of the outstanding stock of Le Mars as of January 1, 2004 for approximately $12.9 million in cash, including payment of the principal amount of a surplus note ($4.0 million) and accrued interest ($392,740) to the Mutual Company. The operating results of Le Mars have been included in our consolidated financial statements since January 1, 2004. In applying United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) purchase accounting standards as of January 1, 2004, we recognized an extraordinary gain in the amount of $5.4 million related to unallocated negative goodwill resulting from this acquisition. A substantial portion of this unallocated negative goodwill was generated by the recognition of anticipated federal income tax benefits that we expect to realize over the allowable twenty-year carryover period by offsetting the net operating loss carryover obtained as part of the acquisition of Le Mars against taxable income generated by our consolidated affiliates. Other factors that generated negative goodwill included favorable operating results and increases in the market values of invested assets in the period between the valuation date and the acquisition date.

     As of January 1, 2004, we purchased all of the outstanding stock of Peninsula Indemnity Company and The Peninsula Insurance Company, both of which are organized under Maryland law, with headquarters in Salisbury, Maryland, from Folksamerica Holding Company, Inc. (“Folksamerica”), a part of the White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., for a price in cash equal to 107.5% of Peninsula’s GAAP stockholders’ equity as of the closing of the acquisition, or approximately $23.4 million. The operating results of Peninsula have been included in our consolidated financial statements since January 1, 2004. We recorded goodwill of $449,968 related to this acquisition, none of which is expected to be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement with Folksamerica, Folksamerica has guaranteed us against certain deficiencies in excess of $1.5 million in the loss and loss expense reserves of Peninsula as of January 1, 2004. Any such deficiencies will be based on a final actuarial review of the development of such reserves to be conducted four years after January 1, 2004. The maximum obligation of Folksamerica to us under this guarantee is $4.0 million.

     On February 17, 2005, our board of directors declared a four-for-three stock split of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock in the form of a 33-1/3% stock dividend with a record date of

6

March 1, 2005 and a distribution date of March 28, 2005. The capital stock accounts, all share amounts and earnings per share amounts for 2004 have been restated to reflect this stock split.

     Effective as of September 21, 2005, certain members of the Donegal Insurance Group entered into an Acquisition Rights Agreement with The Shelby Insurance Company and Shelby Casualty Insurance Company (together, “Shelby”), part of Vesta Insurance Group, Inc. The agreement grants those members the right, at their discretion and subject to their traditional underwriting and agency appointment standards, to offer renewal or replacement policies to the holders of Shelby’s personal lines policies in Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Alabama, in connection with Shelby’s plans of withdrawal from those three states. As part of the agreement, the Donegal Insurance Group will pay specified amounts to Shelby based on the direct premiums written by the Donegal Insurance Group on the renewal and replacement policies it issues. Renewal and replacement policies will be offered for policies issued on or after January 1, 2006. Thus, the agreement will have no impact on our 2005 operating results.

2 — Basis of Presentation

     The financial information for the interim periods included herein is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods included herein. Our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of our results of operations to be expected for the twelve months ending December 31, 2005.

     These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

     Certain amounts in our 2004 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

3 — Earnings Per Share

     The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

			Effect of
			Stock
	Basic		Options			Diluted
Three Months Ended September 30:
2005
Net income	$	9,777,157	$	—		$	9,777,157
Weighted average shares outstanding		17,993,174		679,157			18,672,331
Earnings per common share:
Net income	$	0.54	$	(0.02	)	$	0.52
2004
Net income	$	5,886,886	$	—		$	5,886,886
Weighted average shares outstanding		17,640,012		566,362			18,206,374
Earnings per common share:
Net income	$	0.33	$	(0.01	)	$	0.32

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			Effect of
			Stock
	Basic		Options			Diluted
Nine Months Ended September 30:
2005
Net income	$	27,097,520	$	—		$	27,097,520
Weighted average shares outstanding		17,971,806		589,191			18,560,997
Earnings per common share:
Net income	$	1.51	$	(0.05	)	$	1.46
2004
Income before extraordinary item	$	18,943,709	$	—		$	18,943,709
Extraordinary item		5,445,670		—			5,445,670
Net income	$	24,389,379	$	—		$	24,389,379
Weighted average shares outstanding		17,448,265		678,866			18,127,131
Earnings per common share:
Income before extraordinary item	$	1.09	$	(0.05	)	$	1.04
Extraordinary item		0.31		(0.01	)		0.30
Net income	$	1.40	$	(0.06	)	$	1.34

The following options to purchase shares of Class A common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price during the relevant period:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2005		2004		2005		2004
Number of shares		—		22,000		—		22,000

4 — Reinsurance

     In the mid-1980’s, the Mutual Company, like a number of other mutual property and casualty insurance companies, recognized the need to develop additional sources of capital and surplus to remain competitive, have the capacity to expand its business and assure its long-term viability. The Mutual Company, again like a number of other mutual property and casualty insurance companies, determined to implement a downstream holding company structure as a strategic response. Thus, in 1986, we were formed by the Mutual Company as a downstream holding company, then wholly owned by the Mutual Company, and Atlantic States was formed as our wholly owned subsidiary. As part of the implementation of this strategy, the Mutual Company and Atlantic States entered into a pooling agreement in 1986, whereby each company contributed all of its direct written business to the pool and the pool then allocated a portion of the pooled business to each company. The portion of the pooled business allocated to each company was commensurate with its capital and surplus and its capacity to obtain additional capital and surplus. The consideration to the Mutual Company for entering into the pooling agreement was its ownership of our capital stock and the expectation that the Mutual Company’s surplus would increase over time as the value of its ownership interest in us increased.

     Since 1986, we have effected three public offerings, a major purpose of which was to provide capital for Atlantic States and our other insurance subsidiaries and to fund acquisitions. As Atlantic States received additional capital, its underwriting capacity significantly increased. Thus, as originally planned in the mid-1980’s, Atlantic States had the capital necessary to support the growth of its direct business and increases in the amount and percentage of business it assumes from the pool. As a result, the participation of Atlantic

8

States in the inter-company pool has increased periodically from its initial 30% participation in 1986 to its current 70% participation, and the size of the pool has steadily increased. The corresponding benefit to the Mutual Company has been the substantial increase in the Mutual Company’s surplus and the significant growth of its overall business. For example, the statutory surplus of the Mutual Company has increased from $21.5 million as of December 31, 1986 to $92.8 million as of December 31, 2004, principally as a result of the growth in the value of its ownership interest in us.

     Our insurance operations are interrelated with the insurance operations of the Mutual Company, and, while maintaining the separate corporate existence of each company, the Mutual Company and we conduct our insurance business together with our other insurance subsidiaries as the Donegal Insurance Group. As such, the Mutual Company and we share the same business philosophy, management, employees and facilities and offer the same types of insurance products. We do not anticipate any changes in the pooling agreement with the Mutual Company, including changes in Atlantic States’ pool participation level in the foreseeable future.

     The risk profiles of the business written by Atlantic States and the Mutual Company historically have been, and continue to be, substantially similar. The products, classes of business underwritten, pricing practices and underwriting standards of both companies are determined and administered by the same management and underwriting personnel. Further, as the Donegal Insurance Group, the companies share a combined business plan to achieve market penetration and underwriting profitability objectives. The products marketed by Atlantic States and the Mutual Company are generally complementary, thereby allowing Donegal Insurance Group to offer a broader range of products to a given market and to expand Donegal Insurance Group’s ability to service an entire personal lines or commercial lines account. Distinctions within the products of the respective companies generally relate to specific risk profiles targeted within similar classes of business, such as preferred tier versus standard tier products, but not all of the standard risk gradients are allocated to one company. Therefore, the underwriting profitability of the business directly written by the individual companies will vary. However, as the risk characteristics of all business written directly by both companies are homogenized within the pool and each company shares the results according to its participation level, we realize 70% of the underwriting profitability of the pool (because of our 70% participation in the pool), while the Mutual Company realizes 30% of the underwriting profitability of the pool (because of the Mutual Company’s 30% participation in the pool). Pooled business represents the predominant percentage of the net underwriting activity of both participating companies.

     Atlantic States, Southern and the Mutual Company purchase third-party reinsurance on a combined basis. Le Mars and Peninsula have separate third-party reinsurance programs that provide similar types of coverage and that are commensurate with their relative size and exposures. We use several different reinsurers, all of which, consistent with our requirements, have an A.M. Best rating of A- (Excellent) or better or, with respect to foreign reinsurers, have a financial condition that, in the opinion of our management, is equivalent to a company with at least an A- rating. The following information relates to the external reinsurance Atlantic States, Southern and the Mutual Company purchase:

• “excess of loss reinsurance,” under which our losses are automatically reinsured, through a series of contracts, over a set retention ($400,000 retention for 2005 with us having a 10% participation for losses up to $1.0 million), and

• “catastrophic reinsurance,” under which we recover, through a series of contracts, between 95% and 100% of an accumulation of many losses resulting from a single event, including natural disasters, over a set retention ($3.0 million retention for 2005).

The amount of coverage provided under each of these types of reinsurance depends upon the amount, nature, size and location of the risks being reinsured. The Mutual Company and we also purchase facultative reinsurance to cover exposures from losses that exceed the limits provided by our respective treaty reinsurance.

     In addition to the pooling agreement and third-party reinsurance, Atlantic States, Southern, Le Mars and Peninsula have various reinsurance agreements with the Mutual Company. These agreements include:

• catastrophe reinsurance agreements with Atlantic States, Le Mars and Southern,

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• an excess of loss reinsurance agreement with Southern,

• a workers’ compensation reallocation agreement with Southern,

• a quota-share reinsurance agreement with Peninsula (effective August 1, 2005), and

• a quota-share reinsurance agreement with Southern (effective October 1, 2005).

     The Mutual Company also has 100% retrocessional agreements with Southern and Le Mars. The retrocessional agreements are intended to ensure that Southern and Le Mars receive the same A.M. Best rating, currently A (Excellent), as the Mutual Company. The retrocessional agreements do not otherwise provide for pooling or reinsurance with or by the Mutual Company and do not transfer insurance risk.

     Effective August 1, 2005, the Mutual Company entered into a quota-share reinsurance agreement with Peninsula whereby the Mutual Company assumes 100% of the premiums and losses related to the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation product line of Peninsula Indemnity Company

     Effective October 1, 2005, the Mutual Company entered into a quota-share reinsurance agreement with Southern whereby Southern assumes 100% of the premiums and losses related to personal lines products offered in Virginia by the Mutual Company through the use of its automated policy quoting and issuance system.

     There were no significant changes to the pooling agreement, third-party reinsurance or other reinsurance agreements with the Mutual Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.

5 — Segment Information

     We evaluate the performance of our personal lines and commercial lines segments based upon underwriting results as determined under statutory accounting principles prescribed or permitted by various state insurance departments (“SAP”), which is used by management to measure performance for our total business. Financial data by segment is as follows:

	Three Months Ended
	September 30,
	2005		2004
	($ in thousands)
Revenues:
Premiums earned:
Commercial lines	$	28,789	$	25,564
Personal lines		45,795		42,742
Net SAP premiums earned		74,584		68,306
GAAP adjustments		—		(348	)
Net GAAP premiums earned		74,584		67,958
Net investment income		4,549		4,018
Realized investment gains		125		448
Other		1,308		1,190
Total revenues	$	80,566	$	73,614
Income before income taxes:
Underwriting income (loss):
Commercial lines	$	5,894	$	2,917
Personal lines		2,291		(75	)
SAP underwriting income		8,185		2,842
GAAP adjustments		416		525
GAAP underwriting income		8,601		3,367
Net investment income		4,549		4,018
Realized investment gains		125		448
Other		431		390
Income before income taxes	$	13,706	$	8,223

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	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2005		2004
	($ in thousands)
Revenues:
Premiums earned:
Commercial lines	$	84,562	$	73,026
Personal lines		135,223		126,190
Net SAP premiums earned		219,785		199,216
GAAP adjustments		—		(3,060	)
Net GAAP premiums earned		219,785		196,156
Net investment income		13,313		11,641
Realized investment gains		1,235		1,092
Other		3,805		3,419
Total revenues	$	238,138	$	212,308
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item:
Underwriting income:
Commercial lines	$	13,089	$	8,010
Personal lines		8,538		2,959
SAP underwriting income		21,627		10,969
GAAP adjustments		1,355		2,358
GAAP underwriting income		22,982		13,327
Net investment income		13,313		11,641
Realized investment gains		1,235		1,092
Other		995		841
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item	$	38,525	$	26,901

6— Subordinated Debentures

     On May 15, 2003, we received $15.0 million in net proceeds from the issuance of subordinated debentures. The debentures mature on May 15, 2033 and are callable at our option, at par, after five years. The debentures carry an interest rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 4.10%, which is adjustable quarterly. At September 30, 2005, the interest rate on the debentures was 7.89%.

     On October 29, 2003, we received $10.0 million in net proceeds from the issuance of subordinated debentures. The debentures mature on October 29, 2033 and are callable at our option, at par, after five years. The debentures carry an interest rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.85%, which is adjustable quarterly. At September 30, 2005, the interest rate on the debentures was 7.53%.

     On May 24, 2004, we received $5.0 million in net proceeds from the issuance of subordinated debentures. The debentures mature on May 24, 2034 and are callable at our option, at par, after five years. The debentures carry an interest rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.85%, which is adjustable quarterly. At September 30, 2005, the interest rate on the debentures was 7.68%.

7— Stock–Based Compensation Plans

     Effective July 1, 2000, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 44 (FIN No. 44), “Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation,” and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-23 (EITF 00-23), “Issues Related to the Accounting for Stock Compensation under APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and FIN No. 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation.” Pursuant to FIN No. 44, APB Opinion No. 25 does not apply in the separate financial statements of a subsidiary with regard to the accounting for stock compensation granted by the subsidiary to employees of the parent or another subsidiary. EITF 00-23 states that when employees of a controlling entity are granted stock compensation, the entity granting the stock compensation should measure the fair value of the award at the grant date and recognize the fair value as a dividend to the controlling entity. These provisions apply to us, because the Mutual Company is the employer of record for substantially all employees that provide services to us and we grant stock options to certain of those employees.

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     We account for stock-based director compensation plans under the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. During 2001, we adopted an Equity Incentive Plan for Directors that made 266,667 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance. Awards may be made in the form of stock options, and the plan also provides for the issuance of 233 shares of restricted stock to each director on the first business day of January in each year. No director compensation in the form of stock options is reflected in income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to, or greater than, the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant.

     The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if we had applied the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (as amended by SFAS No. 148), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2005			2004			2005			2004
	($ in thousands, except per share data)
Net income, as reported	$	9,777		$	5,887		$	27,098		$	24,389
Less:
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects		(26	)		(4	)		(33	)		(11	)
Pro forma net income	$	9,751		$	5,883		$	27,065		$	24,378
Basic earnings per share:
As reported	$	0.54		$	0.33		$	1.51		$	1.40
Pro forma	$	0.54		$	0.33		$	1.51		$	1.40
Diluted earnings per share:
As reported	$	0.52		$	0.32		$	1.46		$	1.34
Pro forma	$	0.52		$	0.32		$	1.46		$	1.34

8— Impact of New Accounting Standards

     In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” a revision of SFAS No. 123 and superseding APB Opinion No. 25. SFAS No. 123(R) requires the measurement of all employee share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, using a fair-value-based method and the recording of such expense in our consolidated statements of income. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 123(R) and stated that the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) are now effective for annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2005. We are required to adopt SFAS No. 123(R) in the first quarter of 2006. Upon adoption, the pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 will no longer be an alternative to financial statement recognition. We are evaluating the alternatives allowed under the standard, and we expect the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) to result in amounts that are similar to the current pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123 for all share-based payment transactions through September 30, 2005. The impact of any future share-based payment transactions on our financial position or results of operations cannot be determined. SFAS No. 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current rules. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption.

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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

     The following information should be read in conjunction with the historical financial information and the notes thereto included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005.

     Our premium growth rate and underwriting results have been, and continue to be, influenced by strong market conditions in the regions in which we conduct business. Increased industry pricing in recent years for commercial and personal insurance has allowed us and many other insurers to obtain higher premiums for our products while maintaining our competitive position in the insurance marketplace.

     We believe that principal factors in our earnings growth in the past several years have been the strong market conditions in the areas in which we operate, overall premium growth, earnings from acquisitions and our disciplined underwriting practices.

     The property and casualty insurance industry is highly cyclical, and individual lines of business experience their own cycles within the overall insurance industry cycle. Premium rate levels are related to the availability of insurance coverage, which varies according to the level of surplus in the insurance industry and other items. The level of surplus in the industry varies with returns on capital and regulatory barriers to withdrawal of surplus. Increases in surplus have generally been accompanied by increased price competition among property and casualty insurers. If we were to find it necessary to reduce premiums or limit premium increases due to competitive pressures on pricing, we could experience a reduction in our profit margins and revenues, an increase in our ratios of losses and expenses to premiums and, therefore, lower profitability. The cyclicality of the market and its potential impact on our results is difficult to predict with any significant reliability.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     Our financial statements are combined with those of our insurance subsidiaries and are presented on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

     We make estimates and assumptions that can have a significant effect on amounts and disclosures we report in our financial statements. The most significant estimates relate to our reserves for property and casualty insurance unpaid losses and loss expenses, valuation of investments, policy acquisition costs and guaranty fund liability accruals. While we believe our estimates are appropriate, the ultimate amounts may differ from the estimates provided. These estimates are regularly reviewed, and any adjustment considered necessary is reflected in our current results of operations.

Liability for Losses and Loss Expenses

     Liabilities for losses and loss expenses are estimates at a given point in time of the amounts an insurer expects to pay with respect to policyholder claims based on facts and circumstances then known. An insurer recognizes at the time of establishing its estimates that its ultimate liability for losses and loss expenses will exceed or be less than such estimates. Our estimates of liabilities for losses and loss expenses are based on assumptions as to future loss trends and expected claims severity, judicial theories of liability and other factors. However, during the loss adjustment period, we may learn additional facts regarding individual claims, and consequently it often becomes necessary to refine and adjust our estimates of our liability. We reflect any adjustments to our liabilities for losses and loss expenses in our operating results in the period in which the changes in estimates are made.

     We maintain liabilities for the payment of losses and loss expenses with respect to both reported and unreported claims. Liabilities for loss expenses are intended to cover the ultimate costs of settling all losses, including investigation and litigation costs from such losses. We base the amount of liability for reported losses primarily upon a case-by-case evaluation of the type of risk involved, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding each claim and the insurance policy provisions relating to the type of loss. We determine the amount of our liability for unreported claims and loss expenses on the basis of historical information by line of insurance. We account for inflation in the reserving function through analysis of costs and trends, and reviews of historical reserving results. We closely monitor our liabilities and recompute

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them periodically using new information on reported claims and a variety of statistical techniques. Our liabilities for losses are not discounted.

     Reserve estimates can change over time because of unexpected changes in assumptions related to our external environment and, to a lesser extent, assumptions as to our internal operations. Assumptions related to our external environment include the absence of significant changes in tort law and the legal environment that increase liability exposure, consistency in judicial interpretations of insurance coverage and policy provisions and stability in economic conditions and the rate of loss cost inflation. For example, we have experienced a decrease in claims frequency on bodily injury liability claims during the past several years while claims severity has gradually increased. These trend changes give rise to greater uncertainty as to the pattern of future loss settlements on bodily injury claims. Related uncertainties regarding future trends include the cost of medical technologies and procedures and changes in the utilization of medical procedures. Internal assumptions include consistency in the recording of premium and loss statistics, consistency in the recording of claims, payment and closure rates and case reserving methodology, accurate measurement of the impact of rate changes and changes in policy provisions, consistency in the quality and characteristics of business written within a given line of business, and consistency in reinsurance coverage and collectibility of reinsured losses, among other items. To the extent we determine that underlying factors impacting our assumptions have changed, we attempt to make appropriate adjustments for such changes in our reserves. Accordingly, our ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses will likely differ from the amount recorded at September 30, 2005. For every 1% change in our estimate for loss and loss expense reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable, the effect on our pre-tax results of operations would be approximately $1.7 million.

     The establishment of appropriate liabilities is an inherently uncertain process, and there can be no assurance that our ultimate liability will not exceed our loss and loss expense reserves and have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, the timing, frequency and extent of adjustments to our estimated future liabilities cannot be predicted, since the historical conditions and events that serve as a basis for our estimates of ultimate claim costs may change. As is the case for substantially all property and casualty insurance companies, we have found it necessary in the past to increase our estimated future liabilities for losses and loss expenses in certain periods, and in other periods our estimates have exceeded our actual liabilities. We recognized an increase (decrease) in our liability for losses and loss expenses of ($7.2 million), $(450,110) and $6.8 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Further adjustments could be required in the future. However, on the basis of our internal procedures, which analyze, among other things, our prior assumptions, our experience with similar cases and historical trends such as reserving patterns, loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and product mix, as well as court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes, we believe that we have made adequate provision for our liability for losses and loss expenses.

     Because of our participation in the pool with the Mutual Company, we are exposed to adverse loss development on the business of the Mutual Company included in the pool. However, pooled business represents the predominant percentage of the net underwriting activity of both companies, and the Mutual Company and we would proportionately share any adverse risk development of the pooled business. The business in the pool is homogenous (i.e., we have a 70% share of the entire pool and the Mutual Company has a 30% share of the entire pool). Since substantially all of the business of Atlantic States and the Mutual Company is pooled and the results shared by each company according to its participation level under the terms of the pooling agreement, the underwriting pool is intended to produce a more uniform and stable underwriting result from year to year for each company than they would experience individually and to spread the risk of loss among each company.

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     Our liability for losses and loss expenses by major line of business as of September 30, 2005 consisted of the following:

(dollars in thousands)
Commercial lines:
Automobile	$	21,935
Workers’ compensation		39,681
Commercial multi-peril		29,330
Other		3,197
Total commercial lines		94,143
Personal lines:
Automobile		64,110
Homeowners		10,372
Other		1,917
Total personal lines		76,399
Total commercial and personal lines		170,542
Plus reinsurance recoverable		92,735
Total liability for losses and loss expenses	$	263,277

     We have evaluated the effect on our loss and loss expense reserves and stockholders’ equity in the event of reasonably likely changes in the variables considered in establishing loss and loss expense reserves. The range of reasonably likely changes was established based on a review of changes in accident year development by line of business and applied to loss reserves as a whole. The selected range does not necessarily indicate what could be the potential best or worst case or likely scenario. The following table sets forth the effect on our loss and loss expense reserves and stockholders’ equity in the event of reasonably likely changes in the variables considered in establishing loss and loss expense reserves:

	Adjusted Loss and		Adjusted Loss and
	Loss Expense	Percentage	Loss Expense	Percentage
Change in Loss	Reserves Net of	Change	Reserves Net of	Change
and Loss Expense	Reinsurance as of	in Equity as of	Reinsurance as of	in Equity as of
Reserves Net of	September 30,	September 30,	December 31,	December 31,
Reinsurance	2005	2005(1)	2004	2004(1)
(dollars in thousands)
(10.0)%	$153,488	4.2%	$154,288	4.6%
(7.5)	157,751	3.1	158,574	3.4
(5.0)	162,015	2.1	162,859	2.3
(2.5)	166,278	1.0	167,145	1.1
Base	170,542	—	171,431	—
2.5	174,806	-1.0	175,717	-1.1
5.0	179,069	-2.1	180,003	-2.3
7.5	183,333	-3.1	184,288	-3.4
10.0	187,596	-4.2	188,574	-4.6

(1) Net of income tax effect.

Investments

     We make estimates concerning the valuation of our investments and the recognition of other than temporary declines in the value of our investments. When we consider the decline in value of an individual investment to be other than temporary, we write down the investment to its estimated net realizable value, and the amount of the write-down is reflected as a realized loss in our statement of income. We individually monitor all investments for other than temporary declines in value. Generally, if an individual equity security

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has depreciated in value by more than 20% of original cost, and has been in an unrealized loss position for more than six months, we assume there has been an other than temporary decline in value. With respect to debt securities, we assume there has been an other than temporary decline in value if it is probable that contractual payments will not be received. In addition, we may write down securities in an unrealized loss position based on a number of other factors, including the fair value of the investment being significantly below its cost, the deteriorating financial condition of the issuer of a security, the occurrence of industry, company and geographic events that have negatively impacted the value of a security or rating agency downgrades. In our determination, no investments trading below cost had declined on an other than temporary basis during the third quarter of 2005.

     Our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities are presented at estimated fair value, which generally represents quoted market prices.

     There were no sales or transfers from the held to maturity portfolio in the third quarter of 2005.

Policy Acquisition Costs

     Policy acquisition costs, consisting primarily of commissions, premium taxes and certain other underwriting costs that vary with and are directly related to the production of business, are deferred and amortized over the period in which the premiums are earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, losses and loss expenses and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. Estimates in the calculation of policy acquisition costs have not shown material variability because of uncertainties in applying accounting principles or as a result of sensitivities to changes in key assumptions.

Guaranty Fund Liability Accruals

     We make estimates of our insurance subsidiaries’ liabilities for guaranty fund and other assessments resulting from insurance company insolvencies in states in which our insurance subsidiaries are licensed. Generally, an insurer is subject to assessment, depending upon its market share of a given line of business, to assist in the payment of unpaid claims and related costs of insolvent insurance companies. We generally record our liability for such assessments as we write premiums upon which those assessments are based. As a result of several large insolvencies in recent years, we have received significant assessments for several of our lines of business. Estimates in the determination of guaranty fund liability accruals have not shown material variability because of uncertainties in applying accounting principles or as a result of sensitivities to changes in key assumptions.

Results of Operations — Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

     Net Premiums Written. Net premiums written for the three months ended September 30, 2005 were $77.6 million, an increase of $6.5 million, or 9.1%, over the comparable period in 2004. Commercial lines net premiums written increased $3.5 million, or 14.2%, in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the comparable period in 2004. Personal lines net premiums written increased $3.0 million, or 6.5%, in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the comparable period in 2004. We have benefited during these periods from premium increases by our insurance subsidiaries that have resulted from rate filings approved by insurance regulatory authorities. These increases related primarily to private passenger automobile, commercial multi-peril, workers’ compensation and homeowners lines of business realized in most of the states in which we operate. In addition to pricing increases, we have also benefited from organic growth in most of the states in which we operate.

     Net Premiums Earned. Net premiums earned increased to $74.6 million for the third quarter of 2005, an increase of $6.6 million, or 9.7%, over the third quarter of 2004. Premiums are earned, or recognized as revenue, over the terms of our policies, which are one year or less in duration. Therefore, increases or decreases in net premiums earned generally reflect increases or decreases in net premiums written in the preceding twelve-month period compared to the comparable period one year earlier. Net premiums earned and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs decreased $347,662 during the third quarter of 2004 because of the application of purchase accounting methodology in the acquisitions of Le Mars and Peninsula. Acquired deferred acquisition costs were netted from unearned premiums as of January 1, 2004. Since these costs were incurred prior to January 1, 2004, they were netted from the associated deferred revenues in estimating the fair value of the unearned premiums assumed in the

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acquisitions. As a result, the normal amortization of these costs was shown as a reduction of net premiums earned in the three months ended September 30, 2004. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was correspondingly reduced, so that there was no impact on net income for the third quarter of 2004.

     Investment Income. For the three months ended September 30, 2005, our net investment income increased 12.5% to $4.5 million, compared to $4.0 million for the comparable period one year ago. An increase in average invested assets from $487.6 million in the third quarter of 2004 to $529.4 million in the third quarter of 2005 and an increase in the annualized average return on investments from 3.3% for the third quarter of 2004 to 3.4% for the third quarter of 2005 accounted for the increase in net investment income. The increase in our annualized average return reflects a shift from short-term investments to higher yielding fixed maturities in our investment portfolio as well as higher short-term interest rates during the third quarter of 2005 compared to the comparable period a year earlier. These increases were offset in part by decreases in our annualized average return on increased holdings of tax-exempt fixed maturities in our investment portfolio during the third quarter of 2005 compared to the comparable period a year earlier. The increased holdings of tax-exempt fixed maturities in 2005 resulted from a shift from taxable to tax-exempt fixed maturities in order to obtain more favorable after-tax yields.

     Net Realized Investment Gains/Losses. Net realized investment gains in the third quarter of 2005 were $124,896, compared to $448,367 for the comparable period in 2004. No impairment charges were recognized in either period. The net realized investment gains and losses in both periods resulted from normal turnover within our investment portfolio.

     Losses and Loss Expenses. Our loss ratio, which is the ratio of incurred losses and loss expenses to premiums earned, in the third quarter of 2005 was 55.1%, compared to 62.2% in the third quarter of 2004. Our commercial lines loss ratio improved to 46.4% in the third quarter of 2005, compared to 56.1% in the third quarter of 2004, primarily due to improved experience in our commercial multi-peril line of business. Our personal lines loss ratio decreased from 66.2% in the third quarter of 2004 to 60.5% in the third quarter of 2005 due to decreases in our personal automobile and homeowners loss ratios primarily related to decreased claim frequency in those lines of business. We incurred relatively few claims totaling approximately $250,000 in the third quarter of 2005 as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Our loss ratio in the third quarter of 2004 was impacted by a series of severe weather events, with cumulative property losses from severe weather events totaling approximately $3.2 million. Our 2004 loss ratios were also impacted by the reduction in earned premiums during the third quarter of 2004 related to the application of purchase accounting methodology in the acquisitions of Le Mars and Peninsula discussed above.

     Underwriting Expenses. Our expense ratio, which is the ratio of policy acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses to premiums earned, for the third quarter of 2005 was 32.6%, compared to 32.2% in the third quarter of 2004. The increase in the third quarter of 2005 expense ratio reflects increased underwriting-based incentive compensation and an increase in expenses related to the application of purchase accounting methodology in the third quarter of 2004 related to the acquisitions of Le Mars and Peninsula discussed above. The acquired deferred acquisition costs were netted from unearned premiums as of the purchase date and, as a result, the amortization of these costs was shown as a reduction of earned premiums instead of being shown as a component of expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2004.

     Combined Ratio. The combined ratio was 88.5% and 95.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The combined ratio represents the sum of the loss ratio, expense ratio and dividend ratio, which is the ratio of workers’ compensation policy dividends incurred to premiums earned. The improvement in the combined ratio was largely attributable to the decrease in the loss ratio for the 2005 period compared to the 2004 period.

     Interest Expense. Interest expense for the third quarter of 2005 was $588,360, compared to $416,799 for the third quarter of 2004, and reflected an increase in average interest rates on our subordinated debentures in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the comparable period in 2004.

     Income Taxes.Income tax expense was $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2005, representing an effective tax rate of 28.7%, compared to $2.3 million for the third quarter of 2004, representing an effective tax rate of 28.4%. The change in effective tax rates is primarily due to tax-exempt interest income representing a smaller proportion of income before income tax expense in the 2005 period compared to the 2004 period.

     Net Income and Earnings Per Share. Our net income for the third quarter of 2005 was $9.8 million, or $.52 per share on a diluted basis, an increase of 66.1% over the net income of $5.9 million, or $.32 per share on a diluted basis, reported for the third quarter of 2004. Our fully diluted shares outstanding for the

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third quarter of 2005 increased to 18.7 million, compared to 18.2 million for the third quarter of 2004.

Results of Operations — Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

     Net Premiums Written. Net premiums written for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 were $232.4 million, an increase of $19.1 million, or 9.0%, over the comparable period in 2004. Commercial lines net premiums written increased $10.3 million, or 12.7%, in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the comparable period in 2004. Personal lines net premiums written increased $8.8 million, or 6.7%, in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the comparable period in 2004. We have benefited during these periods from premium increases by our insurance subsidiaries that have resulted from rate filings approved by insurance regulatory authorities. These increases related primarily to private passenger automobile, commercial multi-peril, workers’ compensation and homeowners lines of business realized in most of the states in which we operate. In addition to pricing increases, we have also benefited from organic growth in most of the states in which we operate.

     Net Premiums Earned. Net premiums earned increased to $219.8 million for the first nine months of 2005, an increase of $23.6 million, or 12.1%, over the comparable period of 2004. Premiums are earned, or recognized as revenue, over the terms of our policies, which are one year or less in duration. Therefore, increases or decreases in net premiums earned generally reflect increases or decreases in net premiums written in the preceding twelve-month period compared to the comparable period one year earlier. Net premiums earned and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs decreased $3.1 million during the first nine months of 2004 because of the application of purchase accounting methodology in the acquisitions of Le Mars and Peninsula. Acquired deferred acquisition costs were netted from unearned premiums as of January 1, 2004. Since these costs were incurred prior to January 1, 2004, they were netted from the associated deferred revenues in estimating the fair value of the unearned premiums assumed in the acquisitions. As a result, the normal amortization of these costs was shown as a reduction of net premiums earned in the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The amortization of deferred acquisition costs was correspondingly reduced, so that there was no impact on net income for the first nine months of 2004.

     Investment Income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our net investment income increased 14.7% to $13.3 million, compared to $11.6 million for the comparable period one year ago. An increase in average invested assets from $457.4 million in the first nine months of 2004 to $515.1 million in the first nine months of 2005 accounted for the increase in net investment income. Our annualized average return was 3.4% in both periods. Although we realized increases in our annualized average return as a result of a shift from short-term investments to higher yielding fixed maturities in our investment portfolio as well as higher short-term interest rates during the first nine months of 2005 compared to the comparable period a year earlier, these increases were offset by decreases in our annualized average return on increased holdings of tax-exempt fixed maturities in our investment portfolio during the first nine months of 2005 compared to the comparable period a year earlier. The increased holdings of tax-exempt fixed maturities in 2005 resulted from a shift from taxable to tax-exempt fixed maturities in order to obtain more favorable after-tax yields.

     Net Realized Investment Gains/Losses. Net realized investment gains in the first nine months of 2005 were $1.2 million, compared to $1.1 million for the comparable period in 2004. Impairment charges of $618,882 were recognized in the first nine months of 2005, compared to impairment charges of $6,650 recognized in the first nine months of 2004. The impairment charges for both periods were the result of declines in the market value of equity securities that we deemed to be other than temporary. The remaining net realized investment gains and losses in both periods resulted from normal turnover within our investment portfolio.

     Losses and Loss Expenses. Our loss ratio, which is the ratio of incurred losses and loss expenses to premiums earned, in the first nine months of 2005 was 55.7%, compared to 62.5% in the first nine months of 2004. The commercial lines loss ratio improved to 50.0% in the first nine months of 2005, compared to 56.7% in the first nine months of 2004, primarily due to improved experience in our worker’s compensation and our commercial multi-peril lines of business. The personal lines loss ratio decreased from 66.1% in the first nine months of 2004 to 59.3% in the first nine months of 2005 due to decreases in our personal automobile and homeowners loss ratios primarily related to decreased claim frequency in those lines of business. Our 2004 loss ratios were impacted by severe weather events in the third quarter

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as well as the reduction in earned premiums during the first nine months of 2004 related to the application of purchase accounting methodology in the acquisitions of Le Mars and Peninsula discussed above.

     Underwriting Expenses. Our expense ratio, which is the ratio of policy acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses to premiums earned, for the first nine months of 2005 was 33.3%, compared to 30.3% in the first nine months of 2004. The increase in the first nine months of 2005 expense ratio reflects increased underwriting-based incentive compensation and an increase in expenses related to the application of purchase accounting methodology in the first nine months of 2004 related to the acquisitions of Le Mars and Peninsula discussed above. The acquired deferred acquisition costs were netted from unearned premiums as of the purchase date and, as a result, the amortization of these costs was shown as a reduction of earned premiums instead of being shown as a component of expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

     Combined Ratio. The combined ratio was 89.5% and 93.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The combined ratio represents the sum of the loss ratio, expense ratio and dividend ratio, which is the ratio of workers’ compensation policy dividends incurred to premiums earned. The improvement in the combined ratio was due to the decrease in the loss ratio, offset in part by the increase in the expense ratio, for the 2005 period compared to the 2004 period.

     Interest Expense. Interest expense for the first nine months of 2005 was $1.6 million, compared to $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2004, and reflected an increase in interest expense related to the issuance of $5.2 million of subordinated debentures in May 2004 as well as an increase in average interest rates on our subordinated debentures in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the comparable period in 2004.

     Income Taxes.Income tax expense was $11.4 million for the first nine months of 2005, representing an effective tax rate of 29.7%, compared to $8.0 million for the first nine months of 2004, representing an effective tax rate of 29.6%. The change in effective tax rates is primarily due to tax-exempt interest income representing a smaller proportion of income before income tax expense in the 2005 period compared to the 2004 period, notwithstanding a 47.8% increase in tax-exempt interest income in the 2005 period compared to the 2004 period.

     Net Income and Earnings Per Share. Our net income for the first nine months of 2005 was $27.1 million, or $1.46 per share on a diluted basis, an increase of 43.4% over the income before extraordinary item of $18.9 million, or $1.04 per share on a diluted basis, reported for the first nine months of 2004. The first nine months of 2004 net income included an extraordinary gain of $5.4 million related to unallocated negative goodwill associated with the Le Mars acquisition. Our fully diluted shares outstanding for the first nine months of 2005 increased to 18.6 million, compared to 18.1 million for the first nine months of 2004.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Liquidity is a measure of an entity’s ability to secure enough cash to meet its contractual obligations and operating needs as they arise. Our major sources of funds from operations are the net cash flows generated from our insurance subsidiaries’ underwriting results, investment income and maturing investments.

     We have historically generated sufficient net positive cash flow from our operations to fund our commitments and build our investment portfolio, thereby increasing future investment returns. The impact of the pooling agreement with the Mutual Company historically has been cash flow positive because of the historical underwriting profitability of the pool. The pool is settled monthly, thereby resulting in cash flows substantially similar to cash flows that would result from the underwriting of direct business. We have not experienced any unusual variations in the timing of claim payments associated with our loss reserves. We maintain a high degree of liquidity in our investment portfolio in the form of readily marketable fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments. Our fixed-maturity investment portfolio is structured following a “laddering” approach, so that projected cash flows from investment income and principal maturities are evenly distributed from a timing perspective, thereby providing an additional measure of liquidity to meet our obligations should an unexpected variation occur in the future. Net cash flows provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2005 and 2004 were $34.0 million and $27.6 million, respectively.

     On November 25, 2003, we entered into a credit agreement with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (“M&T”) relating to a four-year $35.0 million unsecured, revolving line of credit. As of September 30, 2005, we have the ability to borrow $35.0

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million at interest rates equal to M&T’s current prime rate or the then current LIBOR rate plus between 1.50% and 1.75%, depending on our leverage ratio. In addition, we pay a fee of 0.15% per annum on the loan commitment amount, regardless of usage. The agreement requires our compliance with certain covenants, which include minimum levels of our net worth, leverage ratio and statutory surplus and A.M. Best ratings of our insurance subsidiaries. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, there were no borrowings outstanding under the credit agreement, and we were in compliance with all requirements of the credit agreement.

     The following table shows our expected payments for significant contractual obligations as of September 30, 2005.

			Less
			than 1		1-3		4-5		After 5
($ in thousands)	Total		year		years		years		years
Net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses	$	170,542	$	76,306	$	78,221	$	7,777	$	8,238
Subordinated debentures		30,929		—		—		—		30,929
Total contractual obligations	$	201,471	$	76,306	$	78,221	$	7,777	$	39,167

     The timing of the amounts for the net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses is estimated based on historical experience and expectations of future payment patterns. The liability has been shown net of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses to reflect expected future cash flows related to such liability. Assumed amounts from the pooling agreement with the Mutual Company represent a substantial portion of our gross liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses, and ceded amounts to the pooling agreement represent a substantial portion of our reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses. Future cash settlement of our assumed liability from the pool will be included in monthly settlements of pooled activity, wherein amounts ceded to and assumed from the pool are netted. Although the Mutual Company and we do not anticipate any changes in the pool participation levels in the foreseeable future, any such change would be prospective in nature and therefore would not impact the timing of expected payments for our proportionate liability for pooled losses occurring in periods prior to the effective date of such change.

     On February 17, 2005, our board of directors declared a four-for-three stock split of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock in the form of a 33-1/3% stock dividend with a record date of March 1, 2005 and a distribution date of March 28, 2005.

     On October 20, 2005, we declared regular quarterly cash dividends of 10 cents per share for our Class A common stock and 8.5 cents per share for our Class B common stock, payable November 15, 2005 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 1, 2005. There are no regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to our stockholders, although there are state law restrictions on the payment of dividends from our insurance subsidiaries to us. Our insurance subsidiaries are required by law to maintain certain minimum surplus on a statutory basis, and are subject to regulations under which payment of dividends from statutory surplus is restricted and may require prior approval of the applicable domiciliary insurance regulatory authorities. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital (RBC) requirements. At December 31, 2004, our insurance subsidiaries’ capital levels were each substantially above RBC requirements. At January 1, 2005, amounts available for distribution as dividends to us from our insurance subsidiaries without prior approval of their domiciliary insurance regulatory authorities were $16.3 million from Atlantic States, $2.9 from Southern, $1.7 million from Le Mars and $2.3 million from Peninsula, all of which remained available at September 30, 2005.

     As of September 30, 2005, we had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

Equity Price Risk

     Our portfolio of marketable equity securities, which is carried on our consolidated balance sheets at estimated fair value, has exposure to the risk of loss resulting from an adverse change in prices. We

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manage this risk by performing an analysis of prospective investments and through regular reviews of our portfolio by our investment staff.

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Credit Risk

     Our portfolio of fixed-maturity securities and, to a lesser extent, short-term investments is subject to credit risk. This risk is defined as the potential loss in market value resulting from adverse changes in the borrower’s ability to repay the debt. We manage this risk by performing an analysis of prospective investments and through regular reviews of our portfolio by our investment staff. We also limit the amount that any one security can constitute of our total investment portfolio.

     We provide property and liability insurance coverages through independent insurance agencies located throughout our operating area. The majority of this business is billed directly to the insured, although a portion of our commercial business is billed through our agents to whom we extend credit in the normal course of business.

     Because the pooling agreement does not relieve Atlantic States of primary liability as the originating insurer, we are subject to a concentration of credit risk arising from business ceded to the Mutual Company. Our insurance subsidiaries maintain reinsurance agreements in place with the Mutual Company and with a number of other major unaffiliated authorized reinsurers.

Impact of Inflation

     Property and casualty insurance premium rates are established before the amount of losses and loss settlement expenses, or the extent to which inflation may impact such expenses, are known. Consequently, we attempt, in establishing rates, to anticipate the potential impact of inflation.

Risk Factors

     The business, results of operations and financial condition, and therefore the value of our common stock, are subject to a number of risks. For a description of certain risks, reference is made to our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005.

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Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

     Our market risk generally represents the risk of gain or loss that may result from the potential change in the fair value of our investment portfolio as a result of fluctuations in prices and interest rates and, to a lesser extent, our debt obligations. We attempt to manage our interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate relationship between the average duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of our liabilities, i.e., policy claims and debt obligations.

     We have modified our investment mix from December 31, 2004 to September 30, 2005 by shifting from short-term investments to higher yielding tax-exempt fixed maturities. We have also shifted a portion of our taxable fixed maturities into tax-exempt fixed maturities during the first nine months of 2005 to obtain more favorable after-tax yields. We have maintained approximately the same duration of our investment portfolio to our liabilities from December 31, 2004 to September 30, 2005.

     There have been no material changes to our quantitative or qualitative market risk exposure from December 31, 2004 through September 30, 2005.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we (including our consolidated subsidiaries) are required to disclose in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

     Certain forward-looking statements contained herein involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include certain discussions relating to underwriting, premium and investment income volume, business strategies and our business activities during 2005 and beyond. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “potential” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events, are based on assumptions that reflect current conditions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine future events or our future results of operations are beyond our ability to control or predict.

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Part II. Other Information

Item 1.Legal Proceedings.

     None.

Item 2.Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

				(d) Maximum
				Number (or
			(c) Total Number	Approximate Dollar
			of Shares (or Units)	Value) of Shares (or
			Purchased as Part	Units) that May Yet
	(a) Total Number	(b) Average	of Publicly	Be Purchased
	of Shares (or	Price Paid per	Announced Plans	Under the Plans or
Period	Units) Purchased	Share (or Unit)	or Programs	Programs
Month #1	Class A – None	Class A – None	Class A – None
July 1-31, 2005	Class B – 393	Class B – $18.00	Class B – 393		(1	)
Month #2	Class A – None	Class A – None	Class A – None
Aug. 1-31, 2005	Class B – 193	Class B – $20.44	Class B – 193		(1	)
Month #3	Class A – 6,667	Class A – $21.45	Class A – 6,667
Sept. 1-30, 2005	Class B – None	Class B – None	Class B – None		(1	)
	Class A – 6,667	Class A – $21.45	Class A – 6,667
Total	Class B – 586	Class B – $18.80	Class B – 586		(1	)

(1) These shares were purchased by the Mutual Company pursuant to its announcement on August 17, 2004, that it will, at its discretion, purchase shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock at market prices prevailing from time to time in the open market subject to the provisions of SEC Rule 10b-18 and in privately negotiated transactions. Such announcement did not stipulate a maximum number of shares that may be purchased under this program.

Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities.

     None.

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

     None.

Item 5.Other Information.

     None.

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Item 6.Exhibits.

Exhibit No.	Description
Exhibit 31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1	Statement of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code
Exhibit 32.2	Statement of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code

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Signatures

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	DONEGAL GROUP INC.
November 9, 2005	By:	/s/ Donald H. Nikolaus
		Donald H. Nikolaus, President
		and Chief Executive Officer

November 9, 2005	By:	/s/ Jeffrey D. Miller
		Jeffrey D. Miller, Senior Vice President
		and Chief Financial Officer

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