SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended JUNE 30, 2004. ---------------- OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to ----------- ----------- Commission file number 0-14697 ------------ HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. -------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 51-0241172 - ----------------------------------- --------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 355 MAPLE AVENUE, HARLEYSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA 19438-2297 ------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) (215) 256-5000 --------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X . No . ----- ----- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes X . No . ----- ----- At July 31, 2004, 30,074,171 shares of common stock of Harleysville Group Inc. were outstanding. Page 1 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX Page Number ------------ Part I - Financial Information Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 3 Consolidated Statements of Income - For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 4 Consolidated Statements of Income - For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 5 Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity - For the six months ended June 30, 2004 6 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 7 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition 15 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk 28 Controls and Procedures 29 Part II - Other Information 30 Page 2 Item 1. Financial Statements HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share data) JUNE 30 DECEMBER 31, 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- (unaudited) ASSETS ------ Investments: Fixed maturities: Held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $509,071 and $463,953) $ 495,221 $ 436,521 Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $997,743 and $980,936) 1,024,795 1,033,855 Equity securities, at fair value (cost $109,196 and $97,189) 146,418 137,590 Short-term investments, at cost, which approximates fair value 47,980 31,411 Fixed maturity securities on loan: Held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $1,711 and $3,532) 1,623 3,092 Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $136,409 and $202,222) 140,424 212,164 ---------- ---------- Total investments 1,856,461 1,854,633 Cash 1,050 13,430 Receivables: Premiums 151,012 140,674 Reinsurance (affiliate $1,489 and $699) 174,880 164,841 Accrued investment income 23,042 23,086 ---------- ---------- Total receivables 348,934 328,601 Deferred policy acquisition costs 103,924 99,033 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 29,007 30,899 Property and equipment, net 22,497 23,824 Deferred income taxes 55,292 43,020 Security lending collateral 145,505 221,454 Other assets 64,435 65,495 ---------- ---------- Total assets $2,627,105 $2,680,389 ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ------------------------------------ Liabilities: Unpaid losses and loss settlement expenses (affiliate $194,377 and $189,891) $1,253,283 $1,219,977 Unearned premiums (affiliate $49,483 and $52,839) 450,511 437,883 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 83,275 91,999 Security lending obligation 145,505 221,454 Debt (affiliate $18,500 and $18,500) 119,625 120,145 Due to affiliate 5,353 16,184 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities 2,057,552 2,107,642 ---------- ---------- Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock, $1 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 80,000,000 shares; issued 31,381,457 and 31,298,532 shares; outstanding 29,983,548 and 29,900,623 shares 31,381 31,299 Additional paid-in capital 158,271 156,997 Accumulated other comprehensive income 37,718 60,450 Retained earnings 366,870 350,844 Deferred compensation (200) (2,356) Treasury stock, at cost, 1,397,909 shares (24,487) (24,487) ---------- ---------- Total shareholders' equity 569,553 572,747 ---------- ---------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $2,627,105 $2,680,389 ========== ========== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Page 3 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003 (dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2004 2003 -------- -------- Revenues: Premiums earned from affiliate (ceded to affiliate, $193.619 and $176,376) $207,652 $203,755 Investment income, net of investment expenses 21,437 21,649 Realized investment gains, net 59 67 Other income (affiliate $1,680 and $1,821) 3,671 4,073 -------- -------- Total revenues 232,819 229,544 -------- -------- Losses and expenses: Losses and loss settlement expenses from affiliate(ceded to affiliate, $122,097 and $125,308) 148,711 147,426 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 50,698 49,898 Other underwriting expenses 19,726 18,121 Interest expense (affiliate $84 and $92) 1,566 1,393 Other expenses 1,266 1,176 -------- -------- Total expenses 221,967 218,014 -------- -------- Income before income taxes 10,852 11,530 Income taxes 1,124 1,462 -------- -------- Net income $ 9,728 $ 10,068 ======== ======== Per common share: Basic earnings $ .32 $ .33 ======== ======== Diluted earnings $ .32 $ .33 ======== ======== Cash dividend $ .17 $ .165 ======== ======== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Page 4 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003 (dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2004 2003 --------- --------- Revenues: Premiums earned from affiliate (ceded to affiliate, $364,795 and $348,681) $414,600 $402,584 Investment income, net of investment expenses 43,079 43,096 Realized investment gains (losses), net 12,547 (366) Other income (affiliate $3,455 and $3,831) 8,235 8,593 -------- -------- Total revenues 478,461 453,907 -------- -------- Losses and expenses: Losses and loss settlement expenses from affiliate (ceded to affiliate, $261,782 and $268,190) 299,821 311,185 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 101,386 98,215 Other underwriting expenses 39,364 36,678 Interest expense (affiliate $168 and $186) 3,143 2,787 Other expenses 2,685 2,387 -------- -------- Total expenses 446,399 451,252 -------- -------- Income before income taxes 32,062 2,655 Income taxes (benefit) 5,841 (4,173) -------- -------- Net income $ 26,221 $ 6,828 ======== ======== Per common share: Basic earnings $ .88 $ .23 ======== ======== Diluted earnings $ .87 $ .23 ======== ======== Cash dividend $ .34 $ .33 ======== ======== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Page 5 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 (dollars in thousands) ACCUMULATED COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL OTHER ------------------- PAID-IN COMPREHENSIVE RETAINED DEFERRED TREASURY SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL INCOME EARNINGS COMPENSATION STOCK TOTAL ---------- ------- ---------- ------------- -------- ------------ --------- -------- Balance, December 31, 2003 31,298,532 $31,299 $156,997 $ 60,450 $350,844 $(2,356) $(24,487) $572,747 -------- Net income 26,221 26,221 Other compre- hensive loss, net of tax: Unrealized investment losses, net of reclassification adjustment (22,732) (22,732) -------- Comprehensive income 3,489 Issuance of common stock 82,925 82 1,384 1,466 Tax on stock compensation (110) (110) Deferred compensation 2,156 2,156 Cash dividend paid (10,195) (10,195) ---------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- -------- Balance at June 30, 2004 31,381,457 $31,381 $158,271 $ 37,718 $366,870 $ (200) $(24,487) $569,553 ========== ======= ======== ======== ======== ======= ======== ======== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. PAGE 6 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003 (in thousands) 2004 2003 ---------- ---------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 26,221 $ 6,828 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Change in receivables, unearned premiums and prepaid reinsurance balances (5,813) (3,529) Change in affiliate balance (10,831) (2,145) Increase in unpaid losses and loss settlement expenses 33,306 80,634 Deferred income taxes (32) (4,999) Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs (4,891) (9,409) Amortization and depreciation 2,727 2,069 Loss (gain) on sale of investments (12,547) 366 Other, net (4,286) (10,584) --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 23,854 59,231 --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities: Fixed maturity investments: Purchases (113,176) (199,021) Sales or maturities 102,754 119,118 Equity securities: Purchases (16,106) (4,162) Sales 16,491 1,923 Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments (16,569) 26,552 Sale (purchase) of property and equipment (379) 448 --------- --------- Net cash used by investing activities (26,985) (55,142) --------- --------- Cash flows from financing activities: Issuance of common stock 1,466 6,721 Repayment of debt obligations (520) (475) Dividend paid (to affiliate, $5,781 and $5,496) (10,195) (9,940) Purchase of treasury stock 0 (1,877) --------- --------- Net cash used by financing activities (9,249) (5,571) --------- --------- Decrease in cash (12,380) (1,482) Cash at beginning of period 13,430 2,944 --------- --------- Cash at end of period $ 1,050 $ 1,462 ========= ========= See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Page 7 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (UNAUDITED) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 - Basis of Presentation The financial information for the interim periods included herein is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2003 included in the Company's 2003 Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K. The affiliate transaction disclosures on the face of the financial statements are in regards to transactions with Harleysville Mutual Insurance Company (Mutual). Mutual owns approximately 57% of the outstanding common stock of Harleysville Group Inc. As used herein, "Harleysville Group" refers to Harleysville Group Inc. and Subsidiaries. Policy Acquisition Costs Policy acquisition costs, such as commissions, premium taxes and certain other underwriting and agency expenses that vary with and are directly related to the production of business, are deferred and amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies and in proportion to the premiums earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. The estimation of net realizable value takes into account the premium to be earned, related investment income over the claim paying period, losses and loss settlement expenses, and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. Future changes in estimates, the most significant of which is expected losses and loss settlement expenses, may require adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs. If the estimation of net realizable value indicates that the acquisition costs are unrecoverable, further analyses are completed to determine if a reserve is required to provide for losses that may exceed the related unearned premiums. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation plans are accounted for under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized Page 8 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (UNAUDITED) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) for fixed stock option grants and an employee stock purchase plan. Compensation expense would be recorded on the date of a stock option grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if the provisions of statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (as amended by SFAS No. 148), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," had been applied for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003: FOR THE THREE MONTHS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 -------- -------- -------- -------- (in thousands, except per share data) Net income, as reported $9,728 $10,068 $26,221 $ 6,828 Plus: Stock-based employee compensation expense (benefit) included in reported net income, net of related tax effects 11 (657) 54 (456) Less: Total stock-based employee compensation benefit (expense) determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects (703) 3 (1,452) (1,085) ------ ------- ------- ------- Pro forma net income $9,036 $ 9,414 $24,823 $ 5,287 ====== ======= ======= ======= Basic earnings per share: As reported $ .32 $ .33 $ .88 $ .23 Pro forma $ .30 $ .31 $ .83 $ .18 Diluted earnings per share: As reported $ .32 $ .33 $ .87 $ .23 Pro forma $ .30 $ .31 $ .83 $ .17 Page 9 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (UNAUDITED) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2 - Earnings Per Share The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows: FOR THE THREE MONTHS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ---------- ---------- --------- -------- (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 9,728 $10,068 $26,221 $ 6,828 ======= ======= ======= ======= Denominator for basic earnings per share -- weighted average shares outstanding 29,960 30,077 29,960 30,032 Effect of stock incentive plans 68 271 85 274 ------- ------- ------- ------- Denominator for diluted earnings per share 30,028 30,348 30,045 30,306 ======= ======= ======= ======= Basic earnings per share $ .32 $ .33 $ .88 $ .23 ======= ======= ======= ======= Diluted earnings per share $ .32 $ .33 $ .87 $ .23 ======= ======= ======= ======= The following options to purchase shares of 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: FOR THE THREE MONTHS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------- ------- -------- -------- (in thousands) Number of options 2,127 1,129 1,635 1,129 ===== ===== ===== ===== Page 10 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (UNAUDITED) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 3 - Reinsurance Premiums earned are net of amounts ceded of $22,479,000 and $44,057,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, and $18,060,000 and $34,460,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively. Losses and loss settlement expenses are net of amounts ceded of $5,562,000 and $39,716,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, and $19,641,000 and $37,506,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively. Such amounts ceded do not include the reinsurance transactions with Mutual under the pooling arrangement (described below) which are reflected on the face of the income statements, but do include reinsurance with unaffiliated reinsurers and the reinsurance described in the following paragraph. Harleysville Group has a reinsurance agreement with Mutual whereby Mutual reinsures accumulated catastrophe losses in a quarter up to $14,400,000 in excess of $3,600,000 in return for a reinsurance premium. The agreement excludes catastrophe losses resulting from earthquakes, terrorism or hurricanes, and supplements the existing external catastrophe reinsurance program. Harleysville Group ceded to Mutual premiums earned of $2,263,000 and $2,216,000 and losses incurred of $(816,000) and $1,018,000, for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Harleysville Group ceded to Mutual premiums earned of $4,260,000 and $4,240,000 and losses incurred of $984,000 and $4,774,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Pursuant to the terms of a reinsurance pooling agreement with Mutual, each of the insurance subsidiaries of Harleysville Group Inc. cedes premiums, losses and expenses on all of their respective business to Mutual which, in turn, retrocedes to such subsidiaries a specified portion of premiums, losses and expenses of Mutual and such subsidiaries. Because this agreement does not relieve Harleysville Group Inc.'s insurance subsidiaries of primary liability as originating insurers, there is a concentration of credit risk arising from business ceded to Mutual. However, the reinsurance pooling agreement provides for the right of offset. Mutual has an A. M. Best rating of "A-" (Excellent). Page 11 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (UNAUDITED) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4 - Cash Flows There were net cash tax payments of $4,282,000 and $500,000 and cash interest payments of $3,071,000 and $2,740,000 in the first six months of 2004 and 2003, respectively. 5 - Segment Information The performance of the personal lines and commercial lines is evaluated based upon underwriting results as determined under statutory accounting practices (SAP). Financial data by segment is as follows: FOR THE THREE MONTHS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 -------- --------- -------- -------- (in thousands) Revenues: Premiums earned: Commercial lines $163,791 $154,118 $326,111 $302,867 Personal lines 43,861 49,637 88,489 99,717 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total premiums earned 207,652 203,755 414,600 402,584 Net investment income 21,437 21,649 43,079 43,096 Realized investment gains (losses) 59 67 12,547 (366) Other 3,671 4,073 8,235 8,593 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total revenues $232,819 $229,544 $478,461 $453,907 ======== ======== ======== ======== Income before income taxes: Underwriting gain (loss): Commercial lines $(16,358) $ (8,767) $(26,006) $(36,773) Personal lines 10 (7,848) (4,850) (15,742) -------- -------- -------- -------- SAP underwriting loss (16,348) (16,615) (30,856) (52,515) GAAP adjustments 4,865 4,925 4,885 9,021 -------- -------- -------- -------- GAAP underwriting loss (11,483) (11,690) (25,971) (43,494) Net investment income 21,437 21,649 43,079 43,096 Realized investment gains (losses) 59 67 12,547 (366) Other 839 1,504 2,407 3,419 -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before income taxes $ 10,852 $ 11,530 $ 32,062 $ 2,655 ======== ======== ======== ======== Page 12 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (UNAUDITED) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 6 - Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 consisted of the following (all amounts are net of taxes): FOR THE THREE MONTHS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 -------- -------- -------- -------- (in thousands) Net income $ 9,728 $10,068 $ 26,221 $ 6,828 Other comprehensive income (loss): Unrealized investment holding gains (losses) arising during period (25,322) 21,042 (14,601) 16,922 Less: Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (38) (10) (8,131) 430 -------- ------- -------- ------- Net unrealized investment gains (losses) (25,360) 21,032 (22,732) 17,352 -------- ------- -------- ------- Comprehensive income (loss) $(15,632) $31,100 $ 3,489 $24,180 ======== ======= ======== ======= 7 - Pension Harleysville Group Inc. has a pension plan that covers substantially all full-time employees. The net periodic pension cost for the plan including Mutual consists of the following components: FOR THE THREE MONTHS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 -------- -------- -------- -------- (in thousands) Components of net periodic pension cost: Service cost $ 1,992 $ 1,659 $ 3,985 $ 3,317 Interest cost 2,770 2,508 5,540 5,015 Expected return on plan assets (3,020) (2,485) (6,040) (4,971) Recognized net actuarial loss 517 12 1,035 25 Amortization of prior service cost 53 58 105 116 Net transition amortization 13 13 25 27 ------- ------- ------- ------- Net periodic pension cost: Entire plan $ 2,325 $ 1,765 $ 4,650 $ 3,529 ======= ======= ======= ======= Harleysville Group portion $ 1,536 $ 1,241 $ 3,069 $ 2,453 ======= ======= ======= ======= Page 13 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (UNAUDITED) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Harleysville Group's expected portion of the 2004 contribution to the pension plan is $6,600,000, of which $1,980,000 was made in the first six months of 2004. 8 - Shareholders' Equity Various states have adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) risk-based capital (RBC) standards that require insurance companies to calculate and report statutory capital and surplus needs based on a formula measuring underwriting, investment and other business risks inherent in an individual company's operations. These RBC standards have not affected the operations of Harleysville Group since each of the Company's insurance subsidiaries has statutory capital and surplus in excess of RBC requirements. These RBC standards require the calculation of a ratio of total adjusted capital to Authorized Control Level. Insurers with a ratio below 200% are subject to different levels of regulatory intervention and action. Based upon their 2003 statutory financial statements, the ratio of total adjusted capital to the Authorized Control Level for the Company's nine insurance subsidiaries at December 31, 2003 ranged from 478% to 609%. Page 14 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Certain of the statements contained herein (other than statements of historical facts) are forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include estimates and assumptions related to economic, competitive and legislative developments. These forward looking statements are subject to change and uncertainty which are, in many instances, beyond the Company's control and have been made based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on Harleysville Group. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management's expectations so that the effect of future developments on Harleysville Group will be those anticipated by management. Actual financial results including premium growth and underwriting results could differ materially from those anticipated by Harleysville Group depending on the outcome of certain factors, which may include changes in property and casualty loss trends and reserves; catastrophe losses; competition in insurance product pricing; government regulation and changes therein which may impede the ability to charge adequate rates; performance of the financial markets; fluctuations in interest rates; availability and price of reinsurance; and the status of labor markets in which the Company operates. Overview The Company's net income is primarily determined by three elements: - net premium income - investment income - amounts paid or reserved to settle insured claims A number of factors may affect the level of premium income, including: - limitations on rates arising from the competitive market place or regulation - limitation on available business arising from a need to maintain the quality of underwritten risks - the Company's ability to maintain its A-("excellent") rating by A.M. Best - the ability of the Company to maintain a reputation for efficiency and fairness in claims administration Page 15 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) A number of factors may affect the level of investment income, including: - general interest rate levels - specific adverse events affecting the issuers of debt obligations held by the Company - changes in the prices of equity securities generally and those held by the Company specifically Loss and loss settlement expenses are affected by a number of factors, including: - the quality of the risks underwritten by the Company - the nature and severity of catastrophic losses - the availability, cost and terms of reinsurance - underlying settlement costs, including medical and legal costs The Company seeks to manage each of the foregoing to the extent within its control. Many of the foregoing factors are partially, or entirely, outside of the control of the Company. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require Harleysville Group to make estimates and assumptions (see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 included in the Company's 2003 Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K). Harleysville Group believes that of its significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and estimation. The judgments, or the methodology on which the judgments are made, are reviewed quarterly with the Audit Committee. Liabilities for Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses. The liability for losses and loss settlement expenses represents estimates of the ultimate unpaid cost of all losses incurred, including losses for claims which have not yet been reported to Harleysville Group. The amount of loss reserves for reported claims is based primarily upon a case-by-case evaluation of the Page 16 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) type of risk involved, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding each claim and the insurance policy provisions relating to the type of loss. The amounts of loss reserves for unreported claims and loss settlement expense reserves are determined utilizing historical information by line of insurance as adjusted to current conditions. Inflation is implicitly provided for in the reserving function through analysis of costs, trends and reviews of historical reserving results. Reserves are closely monitored and are recomputed periodically using the most recent information on reported claims and a variety of statistical techniques. It is expected that such estimates will be more or less than the amounts ultimately paid when the claims are settled. Changes in these estimates are reflected in current operations. Investments. Generally, unrealized investment gains or losses on investments carried at fair value, net of applicable income taxes, are reflected directly in shareholders' equity as a component of comprehensive income and, accordingly, have no effect on net income. However, if the fair value of an investment declines below its cost and that decline is deemed other than temporary, the amount of the decline below cost is charged to earnings. Harleysville Group monitors its investment portfolio and quarterly reviews investments that have experienced a decline in fair value below cost to evaluate whether the decline is other than temporary. Such evaluations consider, among other things, the magnitude and reasons for a decline and the prospects for the fair value to recover in the near term. Future adverse investment market conditions, or poor operating results of underlying investments, could result in an impairment charge in the future. Harleysville Group evaluates its investment portfolio quarterly to determine if a decline in fair value below cost is other than temporary. Harleysville Group has written down to fair value, without exception, any equity security that has declined below cost by more than 20% and maintained such decline for six months, or by 50% or more, in the quarter in which either such decline occurred. In some cases, securities that have declined by a lesser amount or for a shorter period of time are written down if the evaluation indicates the decline is other-than-temporary. The fair value of equity securities is based on the closing market value as reported by a national stock exchange or Nasdaq. The fair value of fixed maturities is based upon data supplied by an independent pricing service. It can be difficult to determine the fair value of non-traded securities but Harleysville Group does not own a material amount of non-traded securities. Page 17 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) Policy Acquisition Costs. Policy acquisition costs, such as commissions, premium taxes and certain other underwriting and agency expenses that vary with and are directly related to the production of business, are deferred and amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies and in proportion to the premiums earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. The estimation of net realizable value takes into account the premium to be earned, related investment income over the claim paying period, losses and loss settlement expenses, and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. Future changes in estimates, the most significant of which is expected losses and loss settlement expenses, may require adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs. If the estimation of net realizable value indicates that the acquisition costs are unrecoverable, further analyses are completed to determine if a reserve is required to provide for losses that may exceed the related unearned premiums. Contingencies. Besides claims related to its insurance products, Harleysville Group is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and claims in the normal course of business. Harleysville Group assesses the likelihood of any adverse outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. There can be no assurance that actual outcomes will not differ from those assessments. The application of certain of these critical accounting policies to the periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 is discussed in greater detail below. Results of Operations Premiums earned increased $3.9 million and $12.0 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. The increases are primarily due to increases in premiums earned for commercial lines of $9.7 million and $23.2 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases of $5.8 million and $11.2 million in personal lines premiums earned for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. The increases in premiums earned for commercial lines were 6.3% and 7.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, primarily due to higher rates partially offset by fewer policy counts. The decline in policy counts was primarily in the workers compensation line of business. The declines in premiums earned for personal lines were 11.6% and 11.3% for the three and six months ended June Page 18 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) 30, 2004, respectively, primarily due to fewer policy counts. The reduction in personal lines volume was driven primarily by a reduction of personal automobile business from the continued implementation of more stringent underwriting processes. Investment income decreased $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in the prior year, resulting from a lower yield on the fixed maturity investment portfolio partially offset by an increase in invested assets. Investment income was essentially unchanged for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in the prior year. Realized investment gains (losses) increased $12.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in the prior year, and were essentially unchanged for the three months ended June 30, 2004. The six-month increase primarily resulted from gains on the sale of two equity securities in the first quarter of 2004. Harleysville Group holds securities with unrealized losses at June 30, 2004 as follows: LENGTH OF UNREALIZED LOSS ------------------------- UNREALIZED LESS THAN OVER 12 FAIR VALUE LOSS 12 MONTHS MONTHS ----------- ---------- ---------- ------- (in thousands) Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $109,309 $ 2,748 $ 2,748 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 214,419 4,658 3,423 $1,235 Corporate securities 116,339 5,799 2,942 2,857 Mortgage-backed securities 55,517 1,378 1,378 -------- ------- ------- ------ Total fixed maturities $495,584 $14,583 $10,491 $4,092 ======== ======= ======= ====== Equity securities $ 8,118 $ 953 $ 953 $ - ======== ======= ======= ====== Page 19 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) Of the total fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss at June 30, 2004, securities with a fair value of $330.2 million and an unrealized loss of $10.6 million are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value on the balance sheet while securities with a fair value of $165.4 million and an unrealized loss of $4.0 million are classified as held to maturity on the balance sheet and are carried at amortized cost. There are four positions that comprise the unrealized loss in equity investments at June 30, 2004. While one of these positions has been below cost for more than six months, it has had volatile price movements and has not been significantly below cost for significant continuous amounts of time. Harleysville Group has been monitoring these securities and it is possible that some may be written down in the income statement in the future. There are $47.5 million in fixed maturity securities, at amortized cost, that at June 30, 2004, had been below amortized cost for over 12 months. Of the $4.1 million of unrealized losses on such securities, $1.2 million relates to obligations of states and political subdivisions which carry A or higher debt ratings and have declined in fair value roughly in line with market interest rate changes. The remaining $2.9 million of unrealized losses are comprised of airline enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETC) as follows: FAIR MATURITY COST VALUE DATES ------- ------- ----------- (in thousands) American Airlines $14,371 $12,834 2011 United Airlines 6,956 5,636 2010-2012 ------- ------- $21,327 $18,470 ======= ======= After the events of September 11, 2001, air travel and the value of these airlines' EETC securities declined. The EETCs are all "A tranche" holdings, which means they are in a senior credit position to the underlying airplane collateral value as compared to B and C tranche holders. At the time of issuance, the collateral was appraised at approximately twice the value of the A tranche EETCs. Recent estimates indicate that in a distressed sale scenario, the value of the collateral would be approximately the same as the EETCs' cost. At June 30, 2004, the American Airlines EETCs carry an investment grade debt rating and the market value of both issuers has improved over the past year. Harleysville Group is participating in certain EETC creditor committees and is monitoring developments. It is possible that these EETCs may be written down in the income statement in the future, depending upon developments involving both the issuers and world events which impact the level of air travel. Page 20 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) Income before income taxes decreased $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the same prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in investment income and other income partially offset by a lower underwriting loss. Income before income taxes increased $29.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the same prior year period. The increase was primarily due to a lower underwriting loss and by greater realized investment gains. The lesser six months underwriting loss was primarily due to lower catastrophe losses, lesser loss severity and a decrease in the provision for insured events in prior years. The net provision for insured events in prior years consists of $3.0 million and $22.1 million of adverse development ($19.9 million in the workers compensation line in the first quarter of 2003) for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. An insurance company's statutory combined ratio is a standard measure of underwriting profitability. This ratio is the sum of (1) the ratio of incurred losses and loss settlement expenses to net earned premium; (2) the ratio of expenses incurred for commissions, premium taxes, administrative and other underwriting expenses to net written premium; and (3) the ratio of dividends to policyholders to net earned premium. The combined ratio does not reflect investment income, federal income taxes or other non-operating income or expense. A ratio of less than 100 percent generally indicates underwriting profitability. Harleysville Group's statutory combined ratio increased to 105.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from 105.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2003. Such increase was due to a higher statutory combined ratio in commercial lines partially offset by a lower statutory combined ratio in personal lines. Harleysville Group's statutory combined ratio decreased to 106.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from 110.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Such decrease was due to a lower underwriting loss in both commercial lines and personal lines. The statutory combined ratios by line of business for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, were as follows: Page 21 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) FOR THE THREE MONTHS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------- -------- -------- ------- Commercial: Automobile 104.7% 94.4% 103.9% 95.1% Workers compensation 122.2% 120.9% 122.5% 157.1% Commercial multi-peril 105.5% 105.1% 105.3% 102.0% Other commercial 95.4% 78.4% 88.5% 81.0% Total commercial 106.7% 101.7% 105.7% 107.8% Personal: Automobile 110.9% 116.1% 114.6% 116.8% Homeowners 86.0% 113.9% 97.6% 118.7% Other personal 83.6% 123.8% 112.3% 118.8% Total personal 100.6% 115.8% 108.4% 117.5% Total personal and commercial 105.4% 105.2% 106.3% 110.2% The following table presents the liability for unpaid losses and loss settlement expenses by major line of business: JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31, 2004 2003 ---------- ----------- (in thousands) Commercial: Automobile $ 234,072 $ 228,356 Workers compensation 296,011 294,750 Commercial multi-peril 342,212 320,607 Other commercial 63,446 59,042 ---------- ---------- Total commercial 935,741 902,755 ---------- ---------- Personal: Automobile 109,081 117,034 Homeowners 39,416 41,264 Other personal 1,528 1,607 ---------- ---------- Total personal 150,025 159,905 ---------- ---------- Total personal and commercial 1,085,766 1,062,660 Plus reinsurance recoverables 167,517 157,317 ---------- ---------- Total liability $1,253,283 $1,219,977 ========== ========== Page 22 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) The commercial lines statutory combined ratio increased to 106.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from 101.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2003 primarily due to higher losses in commercial automobile. The commercial lines statutory combined ratio decreased to 105.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from 107.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2003 due to lower losses in workers compensation partially offset by higher losses in commercial automobile and commercial multi-peril. The net $3.0 million provision for insured events in prior years for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was net of $7.1 million of adverse development in commercial automobile ($4.0 million in the second quarter of 2004) which was partially offset by favorable development in other commercial and personal lines. The commercial automobile adverse development was primarily attributable to the 1999 to 2001 accident years due to loss severity trends that were higher than the adverse trends noted in this line in recent quarters. These trends included an increase in litigation on bodily injury cases and a slowing rate of settlement. The favorable development primarily was attributable to the 2003 accident year. Of the $19.9 million of first quarter 2003 adverse development in the provision for insured events in prior years in workers compensation, $16.7 million was attributable to the 1998 to 2001 accident years and the balance was attributable to other accident years. Such adverse development represented 8.6% of the December 31, 2002 workers compensation net liability for unpaid losses and loss settlement expenses. Harleysville Group had publicly noted adverse loss trends in its workers compensation line for several quarters during 2002 and 2003. These trends are consistent with the experience of other companies writing this coverage, many of which have, during the past two years, made substantial additions to their reserves for insured events in prior years in this line of insurance. The change in loss development patterns in 2003 was influenced by a number of factors. The reorganization of Harleysville Group's claims operations resulted in more proactive claims management which, in turn, provided more contemporaneous loss estimates. In addition, economic conditions have hampered the ability to return injured workers to employment thus extending the estimated length of disabilities and medical loss cost trends have increased. The following table presents workers compensation claim count information for the total pooled business in which Harleysville Group participates and payment amounts which are Harleysville Group's pooling share of the total pooled amounts. Page 23 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) FOR THE SIX MONTHS FOR THE YEAR ENDED ENDED JUNE 30, 2004 DECEMBER 31, 2003 ------------------- ------------------ (dollars in thousands) Number of claims pending, beginning period 8,005 8,900 Number of claims reported 5,453 12,952 Number of claims settled or dismissed (5,990) (13,847) ------- -------- Number of claims pending, end of period 7,468 8,005 ======= ======== Losses paid $37,010 $ 82,003 Loss settlement expenses paid $ 7,957 $ 16,465 Workers compensation losses primarily consist of indemnity and medical costs for injured workers. The reduction in claim counts reflects the impact of a reduction in workers compensation exposure as policy counts have declined. Harleysville Group records the actuarial best estimate of the ultimate unpaid losses and loss settlement expenses incurred and does not determine an estimated possible range of loss. Actuarial loss reserving techniques and assumptions, which rely on historical information as adjusted to reflect current conditions, have been consistently applied during the periods presented. Changes in the estimate of the liability for unpaid losses and loss settlement expenses reflect actual payments and evaluations of new information and data since the last reporting date. These changes correlate with actuarial trends. Because of the nature of insurance claims, there are uncertainties inherent in the estimates of ultimate losses. The aforementioned reorganization of the claims operation has resulted in new people and processes involved in settling claims. As a result, more recent statistical data reflects different patterns than in the past and give rise to uncertainty as to the pattern of future loss settlements. Litigation on bodily injury liability cases has increased during the past two years while the rate of settlement has slowed. These changed patterns give rise to greater uncertainty as to the pattern of future loss settlements on bodily injury liability claims. There are uncertainties regarding future loss cost trends particularly related to medical treatments and automobile repair. Court decisions, regulatory changes and economic conditions can affect the ultimate cost of claims that occurred in the past. Accordingly, the ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss settlement expenses will likely differ from the amount recorded at June 30, 2004. For every 1% change in the estimate, the effect on pre-tax income would be $10.9 million. Page 24 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) The property and casualty industry has had substantial aggregate loss experience from claims related to asbestos-related illnesses, environmental remediation, product liability, mold, and other uncertain exposures. Harleysville Group has not experienced significant losses from such claims. The personal lines statutory combined ratio decreased to 100.6% and 108.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 from 115.8% and 117.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003. The decreases primarily were due to generally lower loss frequency, lesser catastrophe losses which affected the homeowners line and a $0.7 million benefit to personal automobile from the settlement of a dispute in the second quarter of 2004. Net catastrophe losses decreased $2.3 million and $3.3 million and losses ceded under the aggregate catastrophe reinsurance agreement with Mutual decreased $1.8 million and $3.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, due to less severe catastrophes in the 2004 periods. A $0.7 million severance charge was incurred during the three months ended June 30, 2004 related to the consolidation of 80 jobs. This reduction will result in estimated annual savings of approximately $3.1 million when it is completed in the second half of 2004. An additional net 60 positions are planned to be eliminated through attrition in 2004. The income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 includes a tax benefit of $2.7 million and $5.4 million associated with tax-exempt interest compared to $2.6 million and $5.1 million in the same prior year periods. Effective for one year from July 1, 2004, the Company's subsidiaries and Mutual and its wholly-owned subsidiaries renewed its catastrophe reinsurance which provides coverage ranging from 85.0% to 95.0% of up to $155 million in excess of a retention of $30 million for any given catastrophe excluding terrorism for commercial lines. Harleysville Group's 2004 pooling share of this coverage would range from 85.0% to 95.0% of up to $111.6 million in excess of a retention of $21.6 million for any given catastrophe. Pursuant to the terms of the treaty, the maximum recovery would be $142.2 million for any catastrophe involving an insured loss equal to or greater than $185 million. Harleysville Group's 2004 pooling share of this maximum recovery would be $102.4 million for any catastrophe involving an insured loss of $133 million or greater. The treaty includes reinstatement provisions providing for coverage for a second catastrophe and requiring payment of an additional premium in the event of a first Page 25 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) catastrophe occurring. Harleysville Group and Mutual have purchased property per risk excess of loss reinsurance which covers certain terrorism losses and provides for recovery of up to $8.5 million in excess of $1.5 million of terrorism losses for any one risk under certain circumstances. The maximum recovery by Harleysville Group on a terrorism loss occurrence is $8.6 million. Liquidity and Capital Resources Operating activities provided $23.9 million and $59.2 million of net cash for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The change primarily is from lesser underwriting cash flow and a change in the amount of accounts payable and accrued expenses. Investing activities used $27.0 million and $55.1 million of net cash for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to lower net purchases of fixed maturity investments, partially offset by an increase in the purchase of short-term investments. Net cash used by financing activities increased $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2003 primarily due to a decrease in the issuance of common stock, an increase in dividends paid and by the purchase of treasury stock in the 2003 period. Harleysville Group participates in a securities lending program whereby certain fixed maturity securities from the investment portfolio are loaned to other institutions for a short period of time in return for a fee. At June 30, 2004, Harleysville Group held cash collateral of $145.5 million related to securities on loan with a market value of $142.1 million. Harleysville Group's policy is to require initial collateral of 102% of the market value of loaned securities plus accrued interest, which is required to be maintained daily by the borrower at no less than 100% of such market value plus accrued interest over the life of the loan. Acceptable collateral includes cash and money market instruments, government securities, A-rated corporate obligations, AAA-rated asset-backed securities or GIC's and Funding Agreements from issuers rated A or better. The securities on loan to others have been segregated from the other invested assets on the balance sheet. In addition, the assets and liabilities have been grossed up to reflect the collateral held under the securities lending program and the obligation to return this collateral upon the return of the loaned securities. Page26 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued) Harleysville Group Inc. maintained $15.4 million of cash and marketable securities at June 30, 2004 which is available for general corporate purposes including dividends, debt service, capital contributions to subsidiaries, acquisitions and the repurchase of stock. The Company has adopted a stock purchase plan under which the Company may purchase up to 500,000 shares of Harleysville Group Inc. common stock. Mutual has authorized purchases of the common shares of Harleysville Group in an equal amount. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had repurchased 397,909 shares leaving 102,091 shares authorized to be repurchased. The Company has no other material commitments for capital expenditures as of June 30, 2004. RISK FACTORS The business, results of operations and financial condition, and therefore the value of the Harleysville Group's securities, are subject to a number of risks. Some of those risks are set forth in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2004. Page 27 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK Harleysville Group's market risk generally represents the risk of gain or loss that may result from the potential change in the fair value of Harleysville Group's investment portfolio as a result of fluctuations in prices and interest rates. Harleysville Group attempts to manage its interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate relationship between the average duration of the investment portfolio and the approximate duration of its liabilities. Harleysville Group has maintained approximately the same duration of its investment portfolio to its liabilities from December 31, 2003 to June 30, 2004. In addition, the Company has maintained approximately the same investment mix during this period. Page 28 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES (a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company's chief executive officer and its chief financial officer, based on their evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective for the purposes set forth in the definition thereof in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) as of June 30, 2004. (b) Change in internal control over financial reporting. There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second quarter of 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting except as noted in the next paragraph. During 2003, the Company reviewed the processes by which case reserves for loss and loss settlement expenses are estimated and whether those processes were being consistently applied. These processes are an important element in establishing aggregate reserves. Management took steps in 2003 to improve internal controls in this area, including hiring a new Senior Vice President to manage the claims function, reducing turnover rates in the personnel engaged in estimating case reserves and proactively managing the effects of such turnover, implementing refinements in the processes which the Company follows in estimating these reserves, and shifting the internal audit of compliance with these processes from an internal auditor within the claims department to the Company's regular internal audit group. Management expects the effectiveness of these internal controls to continue to improve in 2004 as a result of these actions and, as part of our normal actuarial review process, will evaluate the impact of these changes on a regular basis. Page 29 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings - None ITEM 2. Changes in Securities (e) The Company announced a stock repurchase plan on March 3, 2003. The Company may purchase up to 500,000 shares of Harleysville Group Inc. common stock. The plan expires February 26, 2005. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had repurchased 397,909 shares leaving 102,091 shares authorized to be repurchased. There was no activity in the plan during the six months ended June 30, 2004. ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities - None ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders - None The annual meeting of stockholders of Harleysville Group Inc. was held on April 28, 2004 (the "Annual Meeting" or "Meeting"), with the following result: The total number of shares represented at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy was 28,294,404 of the 29,994,013 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting. On the resolution to elect Lowell R. Beck and Joseph E. McMenamin as class "A" Directors to serve until the expiration of their respective terms and until their successors are duly elected, the nominees for Director received the number of votes set forth opposite their respective names: Number of Votes ----------------------- For Withheld ---------- -------- Lowell R. Beck 28,092,158 202,246 Joseph E. McMenamin 27,865,819 428,585 There were no abstentions or broker non-votes recorded. On the basis of the above vote, Lowell R. Beck and Joseph E. McMenamin were elected as class "A" Directors to serve until the expiration of their respective terms and until their successors are duly elected. ITEM 5. Other Information - None Page 30 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES PART II. OTHER INFORMATION (Continued) ITEM 6. a. Exhibits 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. b. Reports on Form 8-K A Form 8-K dated April 30, 2004 was filed furnishing, under item 12 of Form 8-K, financial results for the first quarter of 2004. Page 31 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES PART II. OTHER INFORMATION (Continued) SIGNATURE 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. HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. Date: August 4, 2004 /s/ BRUCE J. MAGEE -------------------- ----------------------------------- Bruce J. Magee Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) Page 32 EXHIBIT (31.1) CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO THE SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Michael L. Browne, certify that: 1. I have reviewed the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Harleysville Group 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 conditions, 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 officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d(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 (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officers 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: August 4, 2004 /s/ MICHAEL L. BROWNE ---------------- ------------------------------------------- Michael L. Browne Chief Executive Officer and a Director Page 33 EXHIBIT (31.2) CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO THE SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Bruce J. Magee, certify that: 1. I have reviewed the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Harleysville Group 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 conditions, 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 officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d(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 (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officers 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: August 4, 2004 /s/ BRUCE J. MAGEE ---------------- ---------------------------- Bruce J. Magee Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Page 34 EXHIBIT (32.1) HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Quarterly Report of Harleysville Group Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Michael L. Browne, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that based on my knowledge: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: August 4, 2004 /s/ MICHAEL L. BROWNE ------------------ -------------------------------------- Michael L. Browne Chief Executive Officer and a Director Page 35 EXHIBIT (32.2) HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Quarterly Report of Harleysville Group Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Bruce J. Magee, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that based on my knowledge: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: August 4, 2004 /s/ BRUCE J. MAGEE ------------------ --------------------------- Bruce J. Magee Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Page 36