EX-13 2 w31622exv13.htm 2006 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS exv13
 

Selected Consolidated Financial Data
                                         
      Year Ended December 31,   2006     2005*     2004*     2003*     2002*  
Income Statement Data
                                       
Premiums earned
  $ 301,478,162     $ 294,498,023     $ 265,838,594     $ 196,792,696     $ 185,841,193  
Investment income, net
    21,320,081       18,471,963       15,906,728       13,315,936       14,581,252  
Realized investment gains
    1,829,539       1,802,809       1,466,220       1,368,031       144,190  
Total revenues
    329,967,034       319,847,194       287,788,638       214,992,328       203,803,561  
Income before income taxes and extraordinary gain
    56,622,263       52,345,495       37,054,251       25,436,375       16,494,584  
Income taxes
    16,407,541       15,395,998       10,885,652       7,142,399       4,491,862  
Extraordinary gain
                5,445,670              
Net income
    40,214,722       36,949,497       31,614,269       18,293,976       12,002,722  
Basic earnings per common share
    1.61       1.54       1.35       1.07       .74  
Diluted earnings per common share
    1.57       1.49       1.31       1.04       .74  
Cash dividends per share of Class A common stock
    .33       .30       .27       .24       .23  
Cash dividends per share of Class B common stock
    .28       .26       .24       .22       .20  
                                       
Balance Sheet Data at Year End
                                       
Total investments
  $ 591,337,674     $ 547,746,114     $ 499,069,332     $ 421,276,467     $ 332,299,094  
Total assets
    831,697,811       781,421,588       735,415,401       602,036,042       501,218,164  
Debt obligations
    30,929,000       30,929,000       30,929,000       25,774,000       19,800,000  
Stockholders’ equity
    320,802,262       277,896,186       242,704,314       208,649,232       133,182,850  
Book value per share
    12.70       11.30       10.15       9.17       8.17  
 
*   Per share information has been restated to reflect a 4-for-3 stock split effected in the form of a 331/3% stock dividend on April 26, 2006.

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Financial Information   2006 ANNUAL REPORT
         
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition
    10  
 
       
Consolidated Balance Sheets
    19  
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
    20  
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
    21  
 
       
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    22  
 
       
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    23  
 
       
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Consolidated Financial Statements
    38  
 
       
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
    39  
 
       
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
    40  
 
       
Comparison of Total Return on Our Common Stock with Certain Averages
    41  
 
       
Corporate Information
    42  

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Results of Operations and Financial Condition
General
We were organized as an insurance holding company by Donegal Mutual Insurance Company (“Donegal Mutual”) on August 26, 1986. 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 coverages exclusively through a network of independent insurance agents in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southern states. The personal lines products of our insurance subsidiaries consist primarily of homeowners and private passenger automobile policies. The commercial lines products of our insurance subsidiaries consist primarily of commercial automobile, commercial multi-peril and workers’ compensation policies. We acquired Le Mars and Peninsula on January 1, 2004, and their results of operations have been included in our consolidated results of operations from that date. We also own 48.2% of the outstanding stock of Donegal Financial Services Corporation (“DFSC”), a thrift holding company. Donegal Mutual owns the remaining 51.8% of the outstanding stock of DFSC.
At December 31, 2006, Donegal Mutual held approximately 41% of our outstanding Class A common stock and approximately 69% of our outstanding Class B common stock. The operations of our insurance subsidiaries are interrelated with the operations of Donegal Mutual and, while maintaining the separate corporate existence of each company, our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group. As such, Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries share the same business philosophy, the same management, the same employees and the same facilities and offer the same types of insurance products.
On April 6, 2006, our board of directors approved a four-for-three stock split of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock effected in the form of a 331/3% stock dividend to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 17, 2006 and paid on April 26, 2006. The capital stock accounts, all share amounts and earnings per share amounts for 2005 and prior years have been restated to reflect this stock split.
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 331/3 % stock dividend with a record date of March 1, 2005 and a distribution date of March 28, 2005.
On 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 granted 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, those members paid specified amounts to Shelby based on the direct premiums written by those members on the renewal and replacement policies they issued. Net premiums written related to this agreement amounted to $4.8 million in 2006 and $0 in 2005.
Pooling Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates
In the mid-1980s, Donegal Mutual, 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. Donegal Mutual, 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, Donegal Mutual formed us as a downstream holding company, then wholly owned by Donegal Mutual, and caused us to form Atlantic States as our wholly owned subsidiary. As part of the implementation of this strategy, Donegal Mutual 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 Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States. The consideration to Donegal Mutual for entering into the pooling agreement was its ownership of our capital stock and the expectation that Donegal Mutual’s surplus would increase over time as the value of its ownership interest in us increased.
Since 1986, we have completed three public offerings. A major purpose of those offerings was to provide capital for Atlantic States and our other insurance subsidiaries and to fund acquisitions. As the capital of Atlantic States increased, its underwriting capacity increased proportionately. Thus, as originally planned in the mid-1980s, Atlantic States has had access to the capital necessary to support the growth of its direct business and increases in the amount and percentage of business it assumes from the underwriting pool with Donegal Mutual. As a result, the participation of Atlantic States in the underwriting pool has increased over the years from its initial 35% participation in 1986 to its current 70% participation, and the size of the pool has increased substantially. We do not anticipate any changes in the pooling agreement with Donegal Mutual, including any change in Atlantic States’ pool participation level, in the foreseeable future.
The risk profiles of the business written by Atlantic States and Donegal Mutual historically have been, and continue to be, substantially similar. The products, classes of business underwritten, pricing practices and underwriting standards of Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries are determined and administered by the same management and underwriting personnel. In addition, as the Donegal Insurance Group, Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries share a combined business plan to achieve market penetration and underwriting profitability objectives. The products offered by our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual 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 Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries 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 Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States are homogenized within the pool and each company shares the results according to its participation level, Atlantic States realizes 70% of the underwriting profitability of the pool (because of its 70% participation in the pool), while Donegal Mutual realizes 30% of the underwriting profitability of the pool (because of Donegal Mutual’s 30% participation in the pool).

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Pooled business represents the predominant percentage of the net underwriting activity of both Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States.
See Note 3 – Transactions with Affiliates for more information regarding the pooling agreement.
In addition to the pooling agreement and third-party reinsurance, our insurance subsidiaries have various reinsurance arrangements with Donegal Mutual. These agreements include:
    catastrophe reinsurance agreements with Atlantic States, Le Mars and Southern,
 
    an excess of loss reinsurance 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 excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance agreements are intended to lessen the effects of a single large loss, or an accumulation of smaller losses arising from one event, to levels that are appropriate given each subsidiary’s size, underwriting profile and surplus position.
The quota-share reinsurance agreement with Peninsula is intended to transfer to Donegal Mutual 100% of the premiums and losses related to the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation product line of Peninsula Indemnity Company, which provides the availability of an additional workers’ compensation tier to Donegal Mutual’s commercial accounts in Pennsylvania.
The quota-share reinsurance agreement with Southern is intended to transfer to Southern 100% of the premiums and losses related to certain personal lines products offered in Virginia by Donegal Mutual through the use of its automated policy quoting and issuance system.
Until December 31, 2006, Donegal Mutual had an agreement in place with Southern to reallocate the loss results of workers’ compensation business written by Southern as part of commercial accounts primarily written by Donegal Mutual or Atlantic States. This agreement provided for the workers’ compensation loss ratio of Southern to be no worse than the average workers’ compensation loss ratio for Atlantic States, Southern and Donegal Mutual combined.
Donegal Mutual 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 Donegal Mutual. The retrocessional agreements do not otherwise provide for pooling or reinsurance with or by Donegal Mutual and do not transfer insurance risk.
Donegal Mutual provides facilities, personnel and other services to us, and the related expenses are allocated between Atlantic States and Donegal Mutual in relation to their relative participation in the underwriting pool. Le Mars and Southern reimburse Donegal Mutual for their personnel costs, and Southern bears its proportionate share of information services costs based on its percentage of total written premiums of the Donegal Insurance Group.
All agreements and all changes to existing agreements between our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual are subject to approval by a coordinating committee that is comprised of two of our board members who do not serve on Donegal Mutual’s board and two board members of Donegal Mutual who do not serve on our board. In order to approve an agreement or a change in an agreement, our members on the coordinating committee must conclude that the agreement or change is fair to us and our stockholders, and Donegal Mutual’s members on the coordinating committee must conclude that the agreement or change is fair to Donegal Mutual and its policyholders.
There were no significant changes to the pooling agreement or other reinsurance agreements between our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual during 2006 and 2005, except as noted above.
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 United States generally accepted accounting principles.
Our insurance subsidiaries 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 the reserves of our insurance subsidiaries for property and casualty insurance unpaid losses and loss expenses, valuation of investments and our insurance subsidiaries’ policy acquisition costs. While we believe our estimates and the estimates of our insurance subsidiaries are appropriate, the ultimate amounts may differ from the estimates provided. The methods for making 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 insurance subsidiaries’ 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, our insurance subsidiaries may learn additional facts regarding individual claims, and consequently it often becomes necessary for our insurance subsidiaries to refine and adjust their estimates of liability. Our insurance subsidiaries reflect any adjustments to their liabilities for losses and loss expenses in their operating results in the period in which the changes in estimates are made.
Our insurance subsidiaries 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. Our insurance subsidiaries 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. Our insurance subsidiaries determine the amount of their liability for unreported claims and loss expenses on the basis of historical information by line of insurance. Our insurance subsidiaries account for inflation in the reserving function through analysis of costs and trends, and reviews of historical reserving results. Our insurance subsidiaries closely monitor their liabilities and recompute them periodically using new information on reported claims and a variety of statistical techniques. Our insurance subsidiaries’ liabilities for losses are not discounted.
Reserve estimates can change over time because of unexpected changes in assumptions related to our insurance subsidiaries’ external environment and, to a lesser extent, assumptions as to our insurance subsidiaries’ internal operations. Assumptions related to our insurance subsidiaries’ 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, stability

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in economic conditions and the rate of loss cost inflation. For example, our insurance subsidiaries 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 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 our insurance subsidiaries determine that underlying factors impacting their assumptions have changed, our insurance subsidiaries attempt to make appropriate adjustments for such changes in their reserves. Accordingly, our insurance subsidiaries’ ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses will likely differ from the amount recorded at December 31, 2006. For every 1% change in our insurance subsidiaries’ estimate for loss and loss expense reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable, the effect on our pre-tax results of operations would be approximately $1.6 million.
The establishment of appropriate liabilities is an inherently uncertain process, and there can be no assurance that our insurance subsidiaries’ ultimate liability will not exceed our insurance subsidiaries’ 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 insurance subsidiaries’ estimated future liabilities cannot be predicted, since the historical conditions and events that serve as a basis for our insurance subsidiaries’ estimates of ultimate claim costs may change. As is the case for substantially all property and casualty insurance companies, our insurance subsidiaries have found it necessary in the past to increase their estimated future liabilities for losses and loss expenses in certain periods, and in other periods their estimates have exceeded their actual liabilities. Changes in our insurance subsidiaries’ estimate of the liability for losses and loss expenses generally reflect actual payments and the evaluation of information received since the prior reporting date. Our insurance subsidiaries recognized a decrease in the liability for losses and loss expenses of prior years of $13.6 million, $9.4 million and $7.2 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Generally, our insurance subsidiaries experienced improving loss development trends during these years, which were reflected in favorable settlements of open claims. Our insurance subsidiaries made no significant changes in their reserving philosophy, key reserving assumptions or claims management during these years, even though they reflected changes in their reserve estimates in these years. No significant offsetting changes in estimates increased or decreased our insurance subsidiaries’ loss and loss expense reserves in these years. The 2006 development was primarily recognized in the workers’ compensation, private passenger automobile liability and commercial multi-peril lines of business and was consistently favorable for settlements of claims occurring in each of the previous five accident years. The majority of the 2006 development was related to decreases in the liability for losses and loss expenses of prior years for Atlantic States.
Excluding the impact of isolated catastrophic weather events, our insurance subsidiaries have noted slight downward trends in the number of claims incurred and the number of claims outstanding at period ends relative to their premium base in recent years across most of their lines of business. However, the amount of the average claim outstanding has increased gradually over the past several years as the property and casualty insurance industry has experienced increased litigation trends, periods in which economic conditions extended the estimated length of disabilities, increased medical loss cost trends and a general slowing of settlement rates in litigated claims. Further adjustments to our insurance subsidiaries’ estimates could be required in the future. However, on the basis of our insurance subsidiaries’ internal procedures, which analyze, among other things, their prior assumptions, their 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 our insurance subsidiaries have made adequate provision for their liability for losses and loss expenses.
Because of Atlantic States’ participation in the underwriting pool with Donegal Mutual, Atlantic States is exposed to adverse loss development on the business of Donegal Mutual that is included in the pool. However, pooled business represents the predominant percentage of the net underwriting activity of both companies, and Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States would proportionately share any adverse risk development of the pooled business. The business in the underwriting pool is homogenous (i.e., Atlantic States has a 70% share of the entire pool and Donegal Mutual has a 30% share of the entire pool). Since substantially all of the business of Atlantic States and Donegal Mutual 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.
Our insurance subsidiaries’ liability for losses and loss expenses by major line of business as of December 31, 2006 consisted of the following:
                 
(in thousands)   2006   2005
 
Commercial lines:
               
Automobile
  $ 23,406     $ 23,532  
Workers’ compensation
    39,563       40,962  
Commercial multi-peril
    25,994       29,448  
Other
    2,633       3,088  
 
Total commercial lines
    91,596       97,030  
 
Personal lines:
               
Automobile
    59,657       63,254  
Homeowners
    10,360       10,900  
Other
    1,699       1,825  
 
Total personal lines
    71,716       75,979  
 
Total commercial and personal lines
    163,312       173,009  
Plus reinsurance recoverable
    95,710       92,721  
 
Total liability for losses and loss expenses
  $ 259,022     $ 265,730  
 
We have evaluated the effect on our insurance subsidiaries’ loss and loss expense reserves and our 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 our insurance subsidiaries’ 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 insurance subsidiaries’ loss and loss expense reserves and our stockholders’ equity in the event of reasonably likely changes in the variables considered in establishing loss and loss expense reserves:

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            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   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
    Reinsurance   2006   2006(1)   2005   2005(1)
(dollars in thousands)
 
    -10.0 %   $ 146,981       3.3 %   $ 155,708       4.0 %
 
    -7.5       151,064       2.5       160,033       3.0  
 
    -5.0       155,146       1.7       164,359       2.0  
 
    -2.5       159,229       0.8       168,684       1.0  
 
  Base     163,312             173,009        
 
    2.5       167,395       -0.8       177,334       -1.0  
 
    5.0       171,478       -1.7       181,659       -2.0  
 
    7.5       175,560       -2.5       185,985       -3.0  
 
    10.0       179,643       -3.3       190,310       -4.0  
 
(1)   Net of income tax effect.
Our insurance subsidiaries’ reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses is based on current trends in loss and loss expense development and reflects their best estimate for future amounts needed to pay losses and loss expenses with respect to incurred events currently known to them plus incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims. Reserve estimates are based on management’s assessment of known facts and circumstances, review of historical loss settlement patterns, estimates of trends in claims severity, frequency, legal and regulatory changes and other assumptions. Actuarial loss reserving techniques and assumptions, which rely on historical information as adjusted to reflect current conditions, have been consistently applied, including consideration of recent case reserve activity. For the year ended December 31, 2006, our insurance subsidiaries used the most-likely number as determined by our actuaries. Based upon information provided by our actuaries during the development of our insurance subsidiaries’ net reserves for losses and loss expenses for the year ended December 31, 2006, we developed a range from a low of $153.8 million to a high of $173.4 million and with a most-likely number of $163.3 million. The range of estimates for commercial lines in 2006 was $86.3 million to $97.2 million (we selected the actuaries’ most-likely number of $91.6 million) and for personal lines in 2006 was $67.5 million to $76.1 million (we selected the actuaries’ most-likely number of $71.7 million). Based upon information provided by our actuaries during the development of our insurance subsidiaries’ net reserves for losses and loss expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005, we developed a range from a low of $156.8 million to a high of $189.2 million and with a most-likely number of $173.0 million. The range of estimates for commercial lines in 2005 was $87.9 million to $106.1 million (we selected the actuaries’ most-likely number of $97.0 million) and for personal lines in 2005 was $68.9 million to $83.1 million (we selected the actuaries’ most-likely number of $76.0 million).
Our insurance subsidiaries seek to enhance their underwriting results by carefully selecting the product lines they underwrite. For personal lines products, our insurance subsidiaries insure standard and preferred risks in private passenger automobile and homeowners lines. For commercial lines products, the commercial risks that our insurance subsidiaries primarily insure are mercantile risks, business offices, wholesalers, service providers, contractors and artisan risks, limiting industrial and manufacturing exposures. Our insurance subsidiaries have limited exposure to asbestos and other environmental liabilities. Our insurance subsidiaries write no medical malpractice or professional liability risks. Through the consistent application of this disciplined underwriting philosophy, our insurance subsidiaries have avoided many of the “long-tail” issues faced by other insurance companies. We consider workers’ compensation to be a “long-tail” line of business, in that workers’ compensation claims tend to be settled over a longer timeframe than those in our insurance subsidiaries’ other lines of business. The following table presents 2006 and 2005 claim count and payment amount information for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation losses primarily consist of indemnity and medical costs for injured workers. Substantially all of the claims are relatively small individual claims of a similar type.
                 
    For the Year Ended
    December 31,
    2006   2005
    (dollars in thousands)
 
Number of claims pending, beginning of period
    1,724       1,676  
Number of claims reported
    3,931       3,865  
Number of claims settled or dismissed
    4,312       3,817  
 
Number of claims pending, end of period
    1,343       1,724  
 
Losses paid
  $ 15,700     $ 15,297  
Loss expenses paid
    2,936       3,203  
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 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 and the occurrence of industry, company and geographic events that have negatively impacted the value of a security or rating agency downgrades. When determining possible impairment of our debt securities, we consider unrealized losses that are due to the impact of higher market interest rates to be temporary in nature because we have the ability and intent to hold our debt securities to recovery.
Our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities are presented at estimated fair value, which generally represents quoted market prices.
During 2005, we sold bonds that had been classified as held to maturity due to significant deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness. These bonds had an amortized cost of $1.0 million, and the sale resulted in a realized loss of $144,047. There were no other sales or transfers from the held to maturity portfolio in 2006, 2005 or 2004.
Policy Acquisition Costs
Our insurance subsidiaries’ 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.

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Management Evaluation of Operating Results
We believe that principal factors in our earnings growth in the past several years have been the favorable market conditions in the areas in which our insurance subsidiaries operate, their overall premium growth, earnings from acquisitions and our insurance subsidiaries’ 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 factors. The level of surplus in the industry varies with returns on capital and regulatory barriers to the withdrawal of surplus. Increases in surplus have generally been accompanied by increased price competition among property and casualty insurers. If our insurance subsidiaries were to find it necessary to reduce premiums or limit premium increases due to competitive pressures on pricing, our insurance subsidiaries could experience a reduction in profit margins and revenues, an increase in ratios of losses and expenses to premiums and, therefore, lower profitability. The cyclicality of the insurance market and its potential impact on our results is difficult to predict with any significant reliability.
We evaluate the performance of our commercial lines and personal lines segments primarily based upon underwriting results of our insurance subsidiaries as determined under statutory accounting practices (SAP), which our management uses to measure performance for the total business of our insurance subsidiaries. We use the following financial data to monitor and evaluate our operating results:
                         
    Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)   2006   2005   2004
 
Net premiums written:
                       
Personal lines:
                       
Automobile
  $ 126,211     $ 122,059     $ 118,734  
Homeowners
    56,005       52,149       47,540  
Other
    10,764       10,620       9,882  
 
Total personal lines
    192,980       184,828       176,156  
 
Commercial lines:
                       
Automobile
    33,387       34,641       32,679  
Workers’ compensation
    32,845       33,154       29,228  
Commercial multi-peril
    44,750       46,406       42,253  
Other
    3,445       3,515       2,966  
 
Total commercial lines
    114,427       117,716       107,126  
 
Total net premiums written
  $ 307,407     $ 302,544     $ 283,282  
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)   2006   2005   2004
 
Components of GAAP combined ratio:
                       
Loss ratio
    55.8 %     56.9 %     61.7 %
Expense ratio
    32.7       32.1       30.9  
Dividend ratio
    0.5       0.5       0.5  
 
GAAP combined ratio
    89.0 %     89.5 %     93.1 %
 
 
                       
Revenues:
                       
Premiums earned:
                       
Personal lines
  $ 185,951     $ 181,787     $ 169,322  
Commercial lines
    115,527       112,711       99,657  
 
Total SAP premiums earned
    301,478       294,498       268,979  
GAAP adjustments
                (3,140 )
 
Total GAAP premiums earned
    301,478       294,498       265,839  
Net investment income
    21,320       18,472       15,907  
Realized investment gains
    1,830       1,803       1,466  
Other
    5,339       5,074       4,577  
 
Total revenues
  $ 329,967     $ 319,847     $ 287,789  
 
 
                       
Components of net income:
                       
Underwriting income:
                       
Personal lines
  $ 9,288     $ 14,232     $ 10,100  
Commercial lines
    22,495       13,941       6,209  
 
SAP underwriting income
    31,783       28,173       16,309  
GAAP adjustments
    1,270       2,765       2,109  
 
GAAP underwriting income
    33,053       30,938       18,418  
Net investment income
    21,320       18,472       15,907  
Realized investment gains
    1,830       1,803       1,466  
Other
    419       1,132       1,263  
 
Income before income tax expense and extraordinary item
    56,622       52,345       37,054  
Income tax expense
    (16,407 )     (15,396 )     (10,886 )
 
Income before extraordinary item
    40,215       36,949       26,168  
Extraordinary gain
                5,446  
 
Net income
  $ 40,215     $ 36,949     $ 31,614  
 

14


 

Results of Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
Net Premiums Written
Our insurance subsidiaries’ 2006 net premiums written increased by 1.6% to $307.4 million, compared to $302.5 million for 2005. Commercial lines net premiums written decreased $3.3 million, or 2.8%, for 2006 compared to 2005. Personal lines net premiums written increased $8.2 million, or 4.4%, for 2006 compared to 2005. Our insurance subsidiaries have benefited in 2006 from the addition of the personal lines new business related to increased agent utilization of our WritePro automated underwriting system and the Shelby acquisition rights agreement. Net premiums written related to the acquisition rights agreement amounted to $4.8 million during 2006.
Net Premiums Earned
Our insurance subsidiaries’ net premiums earned increased to $301.5 million for 2006, an increase of $7.0 million, or 2.4%, over 2005. Our insurance subsidiaries’ net earned premiums during 2006 have grown due to the increase in written premiums during the year. Premiums are earned, or recognized as income, over the terms of the policies issued by our insurance subsidiaries, which are generally one year or less in duration. Therefore, increases or decreases in net premiums earned will generally reflect increases or decreases in net premiums written in the preceding twelve-month period compared to the same period one year earlier.
Investment Income
For 2006, our net investment income increased 15.1% to $21.3 million, compared to $18.5 million for 2005. An increase in our average invested assets from $523.4 million in 2005 to $569.5 million in 2006 primarily accounted for the increase in investment income in 2006 compared to 2005. Our annualized average return increased to 3.7% compared to 3.5% in 2005. 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 2006 compared to 2005. These increases were offset in part by decreases in our annualized average rate of return on our increased holdings of tax-exempt fixed maturities in our investment portfolio during 2006 compared to 2005. The increased holdings of tax-exempt fixed maturities in 2006 resulted from a shift from taxable to tax-exempt fixed maturities in order to obtain more favorable after-tax yields.
Installment Payment Fees
Our insurance subsidiaries’ installment fees increased primarily as a result of increases in fee rates and policy counts during 2006.
Net Realized Investment Gains/Losses
Our net realized investment gains in 2006 and 2005 were $1.8 million. Our net realized investment gains in 2006 were net of impairment charges of $47,538, compared to impairment charges of $409,432 recognized in 2005. Our impairment charges for both years were the result of declines in the market value of equity securities that we determined 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 insurance subsidiaries’ loss ratio, which is the ratio of incurred losses and loss expenses to premiums earned, in 2006 was 55.8%, compared to 56.9% in 2005. Our insurance subsidiaries’ commercial lines loss ratio decreased to 48.0% in 2006, compared to 53.0% in 2005. This decrease primarily resulted from the workers’ compensation loss ratio decreasing to 53.4% in 2006, compared to 68.0% in 2005. The personal lines loss ratio increased slightly from 59.3% in 2005 to 60.7% in 2006, primarily as a result of an increase in the personal automobile loss ratio to 64.2% in 2006, compared to 62.4% in 2005, and an increase in the homeowners loss ratio to 57.4% in 2006, compared to 54.9% in 2005, as a result of an increase in weather-related claims. Our insurance subsidiaries’ 2006 loss ratios reflect the benefits of decreased claim frequency and favorable prior accident year loss development of $13.6 million in 2006, compared to favorable prior accident year loss development of $9.4 million in 2005. Favorable prior accident year loss development in both years was largely due to favorable settlements of open claims.
Underwriting Expenses
Our insurance subsidiaries’ expense ratio, which is the ratio of policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses to premiums earned, was 32.7% in 2006, compared to 32.1% in 2005. The expense ratio in 2005 benefited from a reduction in estimated guaranty fund assessments.
Combined Ratio
Our insurance subsidiaries’ combined ratio was 89.0% and 89.5% in 2006 and 2005, 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.
Interest Expense
Our interest expense in 2006 was $2.8 million, compared to $2.3 million in 2005, reflecting increases in the average interest rates on our subordinated debentures compared to 2005.
Income Taxes
Our income tax expense was $16.4 million in 2006, compared to $15.4 million in 2005, representing an effective tax rate of 29.0% compared to 29.4% in 2005. The change in effective tax rates is primarily due to tax-exempt interest income representing a larger proportion of income before income tax expense in 2006 compared to 2005, as we benefited from a 17.3% increase in tax-exempt interest income in 2006 compared to 2005.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
Our net income in 2006 was $40.2 million, an increase of 8.9% over the $36.9 million reported in 2005. Our diluted earnings per share were $1.57 in 2006, compared to $1.49 in 2005. Our fully diluted shares outstanding for 2006 increased to 25.6 million, compared to 24.8 million for 2005.
Book Value Per Share and Return on Equity
Our stockholders’ equity increased by $42.9 million in 2006, primarily as a result of favorable operating results. Book value per share increased by 12.4% to $12.70 at December 31, 2006, compared to $11.30 a year earlier. Our return on average equity was 13.4% in 2006, compared to 14.2% in 2005.

15


 

Results of Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
Net Premiums Written
Our insurance subsidiaries’ 2005 net premiums written increased by 6.8% to $302.5 million, compared to $283.3 million for 2004. Commercial lines net premiums written increased $10.6 million, or 9.9%, for 2005 compared to 2004. Personal lines net premiums written increased $8.7 million, or 4.9%, for 2005 compared to 2004. Our insurance subsidiaries have benefited during these periods from premium increases that resulted from pricing actions approved by regulators. 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 our insurance subsidiaries operate. In addition to acquisition growth and pricing increases, our insurance subsidiaries have also benefited from organic growth in most of the states in which they operate.
Net Premiums Earned
Our insurance subsidiaries’ net premiums earned increased to $294.5 million for 2005, an increase of $28.7 million, or 10.8%, over 2004. Our insurance subsidiaries’ net earned premiums during 2005 have grown due to the increase in written premiums during the year. Premiums are earned, or recognized as income, over the terms of the policies issued by our insurance subsidiaries, which are generally one year or less in duration. Therefore, increases or decreases in net premiums earned will generally reflect increases or decreases in net premiums written in the preceding twelve-month period compared to the same period one year earlier.
Investment Income
For 2005, our net investment income increased 16.4% to $18.5 million, compared to $15.9 million for 2004. An increase in our average invested assets from $460.2 million in 2004 to $523.4 million in 2005 primarily accounted for the increase in investment income in 2005 compared to 2004. Our annualized average return was 3.5% during both years. 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 2005 compared to 2004, these increases were offset by decreases in our annualized average return on increased holdings of tax-exempt fixed maturities in our investment portfolio during 2005. 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.
Installment Payment Fees
Our insurance subsidiaries’ installment fees increased primarily as a result of increases in fee rates and policy counts during 2005.
Net Realized Investment Gains/Losses
Our net realized investment gains in 2005 were $1.8 million, compared to $1.5 million in 2004. Our net realized investment gains in 2005 were net of impairment charges of $409,432, compared to impairment charges of $6,650 recognized in 2004. Our impairment charges for both years were the result of declines in the market value of equity securities that we determined 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 insurance subsidiaries’ loss ratio, which is the ratio of incurred losses and loss expenses to premiums earned, in 2005 was 56.9%, compared to 61.7% in 2004. Our insurance subsidiaries’ commercial lines loss ratio decreased to 53.0% in 2005, compared to 60.4% in 2004. This decrease primarily resulted from the workers’ compensation loss ratio decreasing to 68.0% in 2005, compared to 87.2% in 2004. The personal lines loss ratio improved from 62.5% in 2004 to 59.3% in 2005, primarily as a result of improvement in the personal automobile loss ratio to 62.4% in 2005, compared to 65.5% in 2004, and improvement in the homeowners loss ratio to 54.9% in 2005, compared to 56.4% in 2004. Improvements in our insurance subsidiaries’ 2005 loss ratios reflect the benefits of premium pricing increases, decreased claim frequency and favorable prior accident year loss development of $9.4 million in 2005, compared to favorable prior accident year loss development of $7.2 million in 2004. Favorable prior accident year loss development in both years was largely due to favorable settlements of open claims. The 2004 workers’ compensation loss ratio was adversely impacted by reserve strengthening based upon past development trends in this line of business.
Underwriting Expenses
Our insurance subsidiaries’ expense ratio, which is the ratio of policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses to premiums earned, in 2005 was 32.1%, compared to 30.9% in 2004. Improvements from expense control efforts and reduced guaranty fund assessments were offset by higher underwriting-based incentive costs incurred in 2005 compared to 2004.
Combined Ratio
Our insurance subsidiaries’ combined ratio was 89.5% and 93.1% in 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.
Interest Expense
Our interest expense in 2005 was $2.3 million, compared to $1.6 million in 2004, reflecting increases in the average interest rates on our subordinated debentures compared to 2004.
Income Taxes
Our income tax expense was $15.4 million in 2005, compared to $10.9 million in 2004, representing effective tax rates of 29.4% in both years. The effective tax rate remained constant in both years primarily due to tax-exempt interest income representing a smaller proportion of income before income tax expense in 2005 compared to 2004, notwithstanding a 45.5% increase in tax-exempt interest income in 2005 compared to 2004.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
Our net income in 2005 was $36.9 million, an increase of 16.8% over the $31.6 million reported in 2004. Our diluted earnings per share were $1.49 in 2005, compared to $1.31 in 2004. Our net income for 2004 included an extraordinary gain of $5.4 million, or $.23 per share on a diluted basis, related to an acquisition. Our fully diluted shares outstanding for 2005 increased to 24.8 million, compared to 24.3 million for 2004.
Book Value Per Share and Return on Equity
Our stockholders’ equity increased by $35.2 million in 2005, primarily as a result of favorable operating results. Book value per share increased by 11.4% to $11.30 at December 31, 2005, compared to $10.15 a year earlier. Our return on average equity was 14.2% in 2005, compared to 14.0% in 2004.

16


 

Financial Condition
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 flow 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 Donegal Mutual historically has been cash flow positive because of the historical profitability of the underwriting 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. Our insurance subsidiaries have not experienced any unusual variations in the timing of claim payments associated with their 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 and the obligations of our insurance subsidiaries should an unexpected variation occur in the future. Net cash flows provided by operating activities in 2006, 2005 and 2004, were $33.8 million, $48.9 million and $34.0 million, respectively.
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 December 31, 2006, the interest rate on the debentures was 9.22%.
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. On July 20, 2006, we amended the agreement with M&T to extend the credit agreement for four years from the date of amendment on substantially the same terms. As of December 31, 2006, we have the ability to borrow $35.0 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 credit agreement requires our compliance with certain covenants, which include minimum levels of net worth, leverage ratio and statutory surplus and A.M. Best ratings of our insurance subsidiaries. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, no borrowings were outstanding, and we complied with all requirements of the credit agreement.
The following table shows expected payments for our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006.
                                         
            Less            
            than 1   1-3   4-5   After 5
(in thousands)   Total   year   years   years   years
 
Net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses
  $ 163,312     $ 70,150     $ 75,323     $ 8,532     $ 9,307  
Subordinated debentures
    30,929                         30,929  
 
Total contractual obligations
  $ 194,241     $ 70,150     $ 75,323     $ 8,532     $ 40,236  
 
The timing of the amounts for the net liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses of our insurance subsidiaries 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 underwriting pool with Donegal Mutual represent a substantial portion of our insurance subsidiaries’ gross liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses, and ceded amounts to the underwriting pool represent a substantial portion of our insurance subsidiaries’ reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses. Future cash settlement of Atlantic States’ 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 Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States 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 Atlantic States’ proportionate liability for pooled losses occurring in periods prior to the effective date of such change.
Dividends declared to stockholders totaled $8.4 million, $7.0 million and $6.2 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. 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 their domiciliary insurance regulatory authorities. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital (RBC) requirements. At December 31, 2006, our insurance subsidiaries’ capital were each substantially above the RBC requirements. In 2007, amounts available for distribution as dividends to us without prior approval of their domiciliary insurance regulatory authorities are $26.7 million from Atlantic States, $2.5 million from Le Mars, $3.3 million from Peninsula and $5.9 million from Southern.
As of January 1, 2004, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Le Mars, the successor to Le Mars Mutual Insurance Company of Iowa following its conversion to a stock insurance company pursuant to a plan of conversion. We acquired the capital stock of Le Mars for approximately $12.9 million in cash, including payment of $4.4 million to Donegal Mutual for a surplus note that Donegal Mutual had purchased from Le Mars and accrued interest thereon.
Le Mars operates as a multiple line carrier in Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota. Personal lines coverages represent a majority of premiums written, with the balance coming from farmowners and mercantile and service businesses. Le Mars’ largest lines of business are private passenger automobile liability and physical damage; other principal lines include homeowners and commercial multi-peril.
As of January 1, 2004, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Peninsula from Folksamerica Holding Company, Inc. pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. The cash purchase price of approximately $23.5 million was equal to 107.5% of the consolidated GAAP stockholders’ equity of Peninsula as of the date of closing of the acquisition.
The Peninsula companies are each Maryland-domiciled insurance companies headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, which write primarily private passenger automobile coverages, and also write homeowners, commercial multi-peril, workers’ compensation and commercial automobile coverages. Peninsula’s principal operating area includes Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

17


 

Investments
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, our investment portfolio of investment-grade bonds, common stock, preferred stock, short-term investments and cash totaled $591.9 million and $551.6 million, respectively, representing 71.2% and 70.6%, respectively, of our total assets.
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the carrying value of our fixed maturity investments represented 84.7% and 86.8% of our total invested assets, respectively.
Our fixed maturity investments consisted of high-quality marketable bonds, all of which were rated at investment-grade levels, at December 31, 2006 and 2005. As we invested excess cash from operations and proceeds from maturities of fixed-maturity investments during 2006, we increased our holdings of tax-exempt fixed maturities in order to obtain more favorable after-tax yields.
At December 31, 2006, the net unrealized gain on available-for-sale fixed maturities, net of deferred taxes, amounted to $802,404, compared to $0 at December 31, 2005.
At December 31, 2006, the net unrealized gain on our equity securities, net of deferred taxes, amounted to $4.6 million, compared to $2.5 million at December 31, 2005.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, changes in market values of investments and to credit risk.
In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates, fluctuations in the fair market value of our debt and equity securities and credit risk. We seek to mitigate these risks by various actions described below.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk for a change in interest rates is concentrated in our investment portfolio. We monitor this exposure through periodic reviews of asset and liability positions. Estimates of cash flows and the impact of interest rate fluctuations relating to the investment portfolio are monitored regularly. Generally, we do not hedge our exposure to interest rate risk because we have the capacity to, and do, hold fixed maturity investments to maturity.
Principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates for financial instruments sensitive to interest rates at December 31, 2006 are as follows:
                 
    Principal   Weighted-Average
(in thousands)   Cash Flows   Interest Rate
 
Fixed maturities and short-term bonds:
               
2007
  $ 73,286       5.01 %
2008
    33,002       4.33  
2009
    40,752       4.39  
2010
    34,515       4.85  
2011
    17,367       4.79  
Thereafter
    338,014       4.63  
 
Total
  $ 536,936          
 
Market value
  $ 541,578          
 
 
               
Debt:
               
Thereafter
  $ 30,929       9.35 %
 
Total
  $ 30,929          
 
Fair value
  $ 30,929          
 
Actual cash flows from investments may differ from those stated as a result of calls and prepayments.
Equity Price Risk
Our portfolio of equity securities, which is carried on our consolidated balance sheets at estimated fair value, has exposure to price risk, the risk of potential loss in estimated fair value resulting from an adverse change in prices. Our objective is to earn competitive relative returns by investing in a diverse portfolio of high-quality, liquid securities.
Credit Risk
Our objective is to earn competitive returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities. 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.
Our insurance subsidiaries provide property and liability insurance coverages through independent insurance agencies located throughout their operating area. The majority of this business is billed directly to the insured, although a portion of our insurance subsidiaries’ commercial business is billed through their agents to whom they extend credit in the normal course of business.
Because the pooling agreement does not relieve Atlantic States of primary liability as the originating insurer, Atlantic States is subject to a concentration of credit risk arising from business ceded to Donegal Mutual. Our insurance subsidiaries maintain reinsurance agreements in place with Donegal Mutual 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, our insurance subsidiaries attempt, in establishing rates, to anticipate the potential impact of inflation.
Impact of New Accounting Standards
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN No. 48). FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We do not expect the impact of adopting FIN No. 48 to have a significant effect on our results of operation, financial condition or liquidity.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108 to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements. SAB No. 108 requires that registrants quantify the impact on the current year’s financial statements of correcting all misstatements, including the carryover and reversing effects of prior years’ misstatements, as well as the effects of errors arising in the current year. SAB No. 108 is effective as of the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2006, for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance of SAB No. 108. We do not expect the provisions of SAB No. 108 to have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

18


 

Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
December 31,   2006   2005
 
Assets
               
Investments
               
Fixed maturities
               
Held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $168,423,464 and $178,601,127)
  $ 169,178,137     $ 180,182,305  
Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $330,435,311 and $295,097,229)
    331,669,778       295,097,235  
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost $33,505,531 and $28,993,361)
    40,541,826       33,371,360  
Investments in affiliates
    8,463,059       8,441,546  
Short-term investments, at cost, which approximates fair value
    41,484,874       30,653,668  
 
Total investments
    591,337,674       547,746,114  
Cash
    531,756       3,811,011  
Accrued investment income
    5,769,087       5,521,335  
Premiums receivable
    49,948,454       47,124,106  
Reinsurance receivable
    97,677,015       94,137,096  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    24,738,929       23,476,593  
Deferred tax asset, net
    9,085,688       11,532,834  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    44,376,953       40,063,138  
Property and equipment, net
    5,146,305       5,234,423  
Accounts receivable – securities
    262,992       411,149  
Federal income taxes recoverable
    998,785       901,341  
Other
    1,824,173       1,462,448  
 
Total assets
  $ 831,697,811     $ 781,421,588  
 
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Losses and loss expenses
  $ 259,022,459     $ 265,729,527  
Unearned premiums
    196,902,972       186,660,050  
Accrued expenses
    12,754,012       12,706,485  
Reinsurance balances payable
    2,034,972       1,814,292  
Cash dividends declared to stockholders
    2,442,958       1,781,393  
Subordinated debentures
    30,929,000       30,929,000  
Accounts payable – securities
    3,392,329       896,893  
Due to affiliate
    1,567,091       728,486  
Drafts payable
    381,744       703,912  
Other
    1,468,012       1,575,364  
 
Total liabilities
    510,895,549       503,525,402  
 
 
               
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 19,834,248 and 19,156,169 shares and outstanding 19,689,318 and 19,011,268 shares
    198,342       191,562 *
Class B common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued 5,649,240 and outstanding 5,576,775 shares
    56,492       56,492 *
Additional paid-in capital
    152,391,301       141,932,954  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    5,061,174       2,532,073  
Retained earnings
    163,986,701       134,074,853 *
Treasury stock, at cost
    (891,748 )     (891,748 )
 
Total stockholders’ equity
    320,802,262       277,896,186  
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 831,697,811     $ 781,421,588  
 
*   All 2005 capital accounts and share information have been restated for a 4-for-3 stock split as discussed in footnote 1.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

19


 

Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
                         
Year Ended December 31,   2006   2005   2004
 
Statements of Income
                       
Revenues
                       
Net premiums earned (includes affiliated reinsurance of $106,708,994, $104,228,169 and $100,773,324 – see footnote 3)
  $ 301,478,162     $ 294,498,023     $ 265,838,594  
Investment income, net of investment expenses
    21,320,081       18,471,963       15,906,728  
Installment payment fees
    4,357,374       4,123,856       3,686,790  
Lease income
    981,878       950,543       890,306  
Net realized investment gains
    1,829,539       1,802,809       1,466,220  
 
Total revenues
    329,967,034       319,847,194       287,788,638  
 
 
                       
Expenses
                       
Net losses and loss expenses (includes affiliated reinsurance of $62,753,111, $60,284,232 and $55,109,122 – see footnote 3)
    168,421,425       167,541,897       164,141,368  
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs
    48,595,000       47,234,000       39,434,000  
Other underwriting expenses
    49,970,717       47,163,396       42,544,166  
Policy dividends
    1,438,494       1,620,606       1,300,893  
Interest
    2,801,553       2,266,346       1,613,511  
Other
    2,117,582       1,675,454       1,700,449  
 
Total expenses
    273,344,771       267,501,699       250,734,387  
 
Income before income tax expense and extraordinary item
    56,622,263       52,345,495       37,054,251  
Income tax expense
    16,407,541       15,395,998       10,885,652  
 
Income before extraordinary item
    40,214,722       36,949,497       26,168,599  
Extraordinary gain – unallocated negative goodwill
                5,445,670  
 
Net income
  $ 40,214,722     $ 36,949,497     $ 31,614,269  
 
 
                       
Basic earnings per common share
                       
Income before extraordinary item
  $ 1.61     $ 1.54 *   $ 1.12 *
Extraordinary item
                0.23 *
 
Net income
  $ 1.61     $ 1.54 *   $ 1.35 *
 
 
                       
Diluted earnings per common share
                       
Income before extraordinary item
  $ 1.57     $ 1.49 *   $ 1.08 *
Extraordinary item
                .23 *
 
Net income
  $ 1.57     $ 1.49 *   $ 1.31 *
 
 
                       
Statements of Comprehensive Income
                       
Net income
  $ 40,214,722     $ 36,949,497     $ 31,614,269  
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                       
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
                       
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period, net of income tax (benefit) of $2,002,163, ($563,267) and $221,920
    3,718,301       (1,046,066 )     412,085  
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of income tax of $640,339, $630,983 and $513,177
    (1,189,200 )     (1,171,826 )     (953,043 )
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    2,529,101       (2,217,892 )     (540,958 )
 
Comprehensive income
  $ 42,743,823     $ 34,731,605     $ 31,073,311  
 
*   All 2005 and 2004 per share information has been restated for a 4-for-3 stock split as discussed in footnote 1.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

20


 

Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
                                                                         
                                            Accumulated                    
    Common Stock   Additional   Other                   Total
    Class A   Class B   Class A   Class B   Paid-In   Comprehensive   Retained   Treasury   Stockholders’
    Shares   Shares   Amount   Amount   Capital   Income   Earnings   Stock   Equity
 
Balance, January 1, 2004*
    17,564,345       5,425,009     $ 175,645     $ 54,251     $ 122,744,905     $ 5,290,923     $ 81,275,256     $ (891,748 )   $ 208,649,232  
 
Issuance of common stock
    86,643       503       867       4       859,945                               860,816  
Net income
                                                    31,614,269               31,614,269  
Cash dividends
                                                    (6,177,713 )             (6,177,713 )
Exercise of stock options
    828,417       222,839       8,284       2,229       6,081,938                               6,092,451  
Grant of stock options
                                    87,259               (87,259 )              
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options
                                    2,206,217                               2,206,217  
Other comprehensive loss
                                            (540,958 )                     (540,958 )
 
Balance, December 31, 2004*
    18,479,405       5,648,351     $ 184,796     $ 56,484     $ 131,980,264     $ 4,749,965     $ 106,624,553     $ (891,748 )   $ 242,704,314  
 
Issuance of common stock
    84,168               841               1,149,992                               1,150,833  
Net income
                                                    36,949,497               36,949,497  
Cash dividends
                                                    (7,029,234 )             (7,029,234 )
Exercise of stock options
    592,596       889       5,925       8       4,395,808                               4,401,741  
Grant of stock options
                                    2,469,963               (2,469,963 )              
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options
                                    1,936,927                               1,936,927  
Other comprehensive loss
                                            (2,217,892 )                     (2,217,892 )
 
Balance, December 31, 2005*
    19,156,169       5,649,240     $ 191,562     $ 56,492     $ 141,932,954     $ 2,532,073     $ 134,074,853     $ (891,748 )   $ 277,896,186  
 
Issuance of common stock
    76,211               761               1,613,975                               1,614,736  
Net income
                                                    40,214,722               40,214,722  
Cash dividends
                                                    (8,444,349 )             (8,444,349 )
Exercise of stock options
    601,868               6,019               4,686,982                               4,693,001  
Grant of stock options
                                    1,858,525               (1,858,525 )              
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options
                                    2,298,865                               2,298,865  
Other comprehensive income
                                            2,529,101                       2,529,101  
 
Balance, December 31, 2006
    19,834,248       5,649,240     $ 198,342     $ 56,492     $ 152,391,301     $ 5,061,174     $ 163,986,701     $ (891,748 )   $ 320,802,262  
 
*   All 2005 and 2004 capital accounts and share information have been restated for a 4-for-3 stock split as discussed in footnote 1.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

21


 

Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                         
Year Ended December 31,   2006     2005     2004  
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 40,214,722     $ 36,949,497     $ 31,614,269  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Extraordinary gain — unallocated negative goodwill
                (5,445,670 )
Depreciation and amortization
    2,714,863       3,066,227       2,472,813  
Net realized investment gains
    (1,829,539 )     (1,802,809 )     (1,466,220 )
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
                       
Losses and loss expenses
    (6,707,068 )     (1,460,533 )     13,353,426  
Unearned premiums
    10,242,922       12,201,627       20,002,138  
Accrued expenses
    47,527       (707,033 )     2,406,540  
Premiums receivable
    (2,824,348 )     (2,857,425 )     (6,638,081 )
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    (1,262,336 )     (1,218,833 )     (6,033,995 )
Deferred income taxes
    1,085,320       583,857       (405,256 )
Reinsurance receivable
    (3,539,919 )     4,341,561       (9,402,114 )
Accrued investment income
    (247,752 )     (560,162 )     (503,171 )
Amounts due to/from affiliate
    838,605       487,806       (663,772 )
Reinsurance balances payable
    220,680       97,920       (576,711 )
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    (4,313,815 )     (4,155,762 )     (2,558,204 )
Current income taxes
    (97,444 )     4,504,092       (1,852,097 )
Other, net
    (791,245 )     (538,492 )     (306,822 )
 
Net adjustments
    (6,463,549 )     11,982,041       2,382,804  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    33,751,173       48,931,538       33,997,073  
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                       
Purchase of fixed maturities
Held to maturity
          (9,747,396 )     (64,920,048 )
Available for sale
    (86,959,685 )     (144,354,178 )     (75,037,253 )
Purchase of equity securities
    (24,061,899 )     (21,643,113 )     (20,631,815 )
Sale of fixed maturities
                       
Held to maturity
          860,000        
Available for sale
    18,143,309       46,928,296       27,813,196  
Maturity of fixed maturities
                       
Held to maturity
    10,281,460       10,403,050       21,446,791  
Available for sale
    34,133,752       23,951,015       53,944,121  
Sale of equity securities
    22,312,085       26,329,709       14,924,971  
Purchase of Le Mars Insurance Company (net of cash acquired)
                (11,816,523 )
Purchase of Peninsula Insurance Group (net of cash acquired)
                (21,912,629 )
Net decrease (increase) in investment in affiliates
    (23,343 )     52,781       (2,222,872 )
Net purchase of property and equipment
    (848,719 )     (703,600 )     (521,095 )
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments
    (10,831,206 )     16,714,841       40,259,336  
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (37,854,246 )     (51,208,595 )     (38,673,820 )
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
                       
Issuance of common stock
    6,307,737       5,550,881       6,948,287  
Issuance of subordinated debentures
                5,155,000  
Cash dividends paid
    (7,782,784 )     (6,813,143 )     (5,984,731 )
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options
    2,298,865              
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    823,818       (1,262,262 )     6,118,556  
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    (3,279,255 )     (3,539,319 )     1,441,809  
Cash at beginning of year
    3,811,011       7,350,330       5,908,521  
 
Cash at end of year
  $ 531,756     $ 3,811,011     $ 7,350,330  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

22


 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Business
We were organized an insurance holding company by Donegal Mutual Insurance Company (“Donegal Mutual”) on August 26, 1986. 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 coverages exclusively through a network of independent insurance agents in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southern states. We have three operating segments: the investment function, the personal lines function and the commercial lines function. The personal lines products of our insurance subsidiaries consist primarily of homeowners and private passenger automobile policies. The commercial lines products of our insurance subsidiaries consist primarily of commercial automobile, commercial multi-peril and workers’ compensation policies.
At December 31, 2006, Donegal Mutual held approximately 41% of our outstanding Class A common stock and approximately 69% of our outstanding Class B common stock. The operations of our insurance subsidiaries are interrelated with the operations of Donegal Mutual and, while maintaining the separate corporate existence of each company, our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group. As such, Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries share the same business philosophy, the same management, the same employees and the same facilities and offer the same types of insurance products.
Atlantic States, our largest subsidiary, participates in a pooling agreement with Donegal Mutual. Under the pooling agreement, the insurance business of the two companies is pooled, and Atlantic States assumes 70% of the pooled business. We do not anticipate any changes in the pooling agreement with Donegal Mutual, including changes in Atlantic States’ pool participation level in the foreseeable future. The risk profiles of the business written by Atlantic States and Donegal Mutual historically have been, and continue to be, substantially similar. The products, classes of business underwritten, pricing practices and underwriting standards of Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries are determined and administered by the same management and underwriting personnel. In addition, as the Donegal Insurance Group, Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries share a combined business plan to achieve market penetration and underwriting profitability objectives. The products marketed by our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual 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 Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries 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 Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States are homogenized within the pool and each company shares the results according to its participation level, Atlantic States realizes 70% of the underwriting profitability of the pool (because of its 70% participation in the pool), while Donegal Mutual realizes 30% of the underwriting profitability of the pool (because of Donegal Mutual’s 30% participation in the pool). Pooled business represents the predominant percentage of the net underwriting activity of both Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States. See Note 3 — Transactions with Affiliates for more information regarding the pooling agreement.
We also own 48.2% of the outstanding stock of Donegal Financial Services Corporation (“DFSC”), a thrift holding company that owns Province Bank FSB. The remaining 51.8% of the outstanding stock of DFSC is owned by Donegal Mutual.
On 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 granted 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, those members paid specified amounts to Shelby based on the direct premiums written by those members on the renewal and replacement policies they issued. Net premiums written related to this agreement amounted to $4.8 million in 2006 and $0 in 2005.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, include our accounts and those of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The terms “we,” “us” “our,” or the “Company” as used herein refer to the consolidated entity.
Use of Estimates
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
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 insurance subsidiaries’ reserves for property and casualty insurance unpaid losses and loss expenses, valuation of investments and our insurance subsidiaries’ policy acquisition costs. While we believe our estimates and the estimates of our insurance subsidiaries are appropriate, the ultimate amounts may differ from the estimates provided. The methods for making these estimates are regularly reviewed, and any adjustment considered necessary is reflected in our current results of operations.
Reclassification
Certain amounts in 2005 and 2004 as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The capital stock accounts, all share amounts and earnings per share amounts for 2005 and 2004 have been restated to reflect the four-for-three split of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock effected in the form of a 331/3 % stock dividend to stockholders of record at the close of business April 17, 2006 and paid on April 26, 2006.

23


 

Investments
We classify our debt and equity securities into the following categories:
Held to Maturity — Debt securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity; reported at amortized cost.
Available for Sale — Debt and equity securities not classified as held to maturity; reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from income and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (net of tax effects).
Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
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 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. When determining possible impairment of our debt securities, we consider unrealized losses that are due to the impact of higher market interest rates to be temporary in nature because we have the ability and intent to hold our debt securities to recovery.
Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized over the life of the security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Realized investment gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method.
Premiums and discounts for mortgage-backed debt securities are amortized using anticipated prepayments.
Investments in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.” Under the equity method, we record our investment at cost, with adjustments for our share of affiliate earnings and losses as well as changes in affiliate equity due to unrealized gains and losses.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
We have used the following methods and assumptions in estimating our fair value disclosures:
Investments — Fair values for fixed maturity securities are based on quoted market prices, when available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or values obtained from independent pricing services through a bank trustee. The fair values for equity securities are based on quoted market prices.
Cash and Short-Term Investments — The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.
Premium and Reinsurance Receivables and Payables — The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.
Subordinated Debentures — The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate fair value due to their variable rate nature.
Revenue Recognition
Insurance premiums are recognized by our insurance subsidiaries as income over the terms of the policies. Unearned premiums are calculated on a daily pro-rata basis.
Policy Acquisition Costs
Our insurance subsidiaries’ 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.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are reported at depreciated cost that is computed using the straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives of the assets.
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 insurance subsidiaries’ 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, our insurance subsidiaries may learn additional facts regarding individual claims, and consequently it often becomes necessary for our insurance subsidiaries to refine and adjust their estimates of liability. Our insurance subsidiaries reflect any adjustments to their liabilities for losses and loss expenses in their operating results in the period in which the changes in estimates are made.

Our insurance subsidiaries 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. Our insurance subsidiaries 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. Our insurance subsidiaries determine the amount of their liability for unreported claims and loss expenses on the basis of historical information by line of insurance. Our insurance subsidiaries account for inflation in the reserving function through analysis of costs and trends, and reviews of historical reserving results. Our insurance subsidiaries closely monitor their liabilities and recompute them periodically using new information on reported claims and a variety of statistical techniques. Our insurance subsidiaries’ liabilities for losses are not discounted.
Reserve estimates can change over time because of unexpected changes in assumptions related to our insurance subsidiaries’ external environment and, to a lesser extent, assumptions as to our insurance subsidiaries’

24


 

internal operations. Assumptions related to our insurance subsidiaries’ 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, our insurance subsidiaries 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 our insurance subsidiaries determine that underlying factors impacting their assumptions have changed, our insurance subsidiaries attempt to make appropriate adjustments for such changes in their reserves. Accordingly, our insurance subsidiaries’ ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses will likely differ from the amount recorded.
Our insurance subsidiaries seek to enhance their underwriting results by carefully selecting the product lines they underwrite. Our insurance subsidiaries’ personal lines products include standard and preferred risks in private passenger automobile and homeowners lines. Our insurance subsidiaries’ commercial lines products primarily include mercantile risks, business offices, wholesalers, service providers and artisan risks, avoiding industrial and manufacturing exposures. Our insurance subsidiaries have limited exposure to asbestos and other environmental liabilities. Our insurance subsidiaries write no medical malpractice or professional liability risks.
Income Taxes
We currently file a consolidated federal income tax return.
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The objective of the asset and liability method is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled.
Credit Risk
Our objective is to earn competitive returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities. 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.
Our insurance subsidiaries provide property and liability coverages through independent agency systems located throughout their operating areas. The majority of this business is billed directly to the insured, although a portion of our insurance subsidiaries’ commercial business is billed through their agents, who are extended credit in the normal course of business.
Our insurance subsidiaries have reinsurance agreements in place with Donegal Mutual and with a number of other authorized reinsurers with at least an A.M. Best rating of A- or an equivalent financial condition.
Reinsurance Accounting and Reporting
Our insurance subsidiaries rely upon reinsurance agreements to limit their maximum net loss from large single risks or risks in concentrated areas, and to increase their capacity to write insurance. Reinsurance does not relieve the primary insurer from liability to its policyholders. To the extent that a reinsurer may be unable to pay losses for which it is liable under the terms of a reinsurance agreement, our insurance subsidiaries are exposed to the risk of continued liability for such losses. However, in an effort to reduce the risk of non-payment, our insurance subsidiaries require all of their reinsurers to have an A.M. Best rating of A- or better or, with respect to foreign reinsurers, to have a financial condition that, in the opinion of management, is equivalent to a company with at least an A- rating. All reinsurance transactions are recorded in a manner consistent with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 113, “Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts.” See Note 10 — Reinsurance for more information regarding our reinsurance agreements.
Stock-Based Compensation
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” superseding Accounting Principles Board (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.
SFAS No. 123(R) does not set accounting requirements for share-based compensation to nonemployees. We continue to account for share-based compensation to nonemployees under the provisions of 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 did not apply to the separate financial statements of a subsidiary in accounting for share-based 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 share-based compensation, the entity granting the share-based 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 Donegal Mutual is the employer of record for the majority of employees that provide services to us. As a result, the impact of the implementation of SFAS No. 123(R) was not material to our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006.
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 previous rules. Tax benefits realized upon the exercise of stock options of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 were classified as financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, while diluted earnings per share reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

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2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN No. 48). FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We do not expect the impact of adopting FIN No. 48 to have a significant effect on our results of operation, financial condition or liquidity.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108 to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial statement misstatements. SAB No. 108 requires that registrants quantify the impact on the current year’s financial statements of correcting all misstatements, including the carryover and reversing effects of prior years’ misstatements, as well as the effects of errors arising in the current year. SAB No. 108 is effective as of the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2006, for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance in SAB No. 108. We do not expect the provisions of SAB No. 108 to have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
3 — Transactions with Affiliates
Our insurance subsidiaries conduct business and have various agreements with Donegal Mutual that are described below:
a. Reinsurance Pooling and Other Reinsurance Arrangements
Atlantic States, our largest subsidiary, and Donegal Mutual have a pooling agreement under which both companies contribute all of their direct written business to the pool and are allocated a given percentage of their combined underwriting results, excluding certain reinsurance assumed by Donegal Mutual from our insurance subsidiaries. Atlantic States has a 70% share of the results of the pool, and Donegal Mutual has a 30% share of the results of the pool. The pooling agreement is intended to produce more uniform and stable underwriting results from year to year for each pool participant than they would experience individually and to spread the risk of loss among the participants based on each participant’s relative amount of surplus and relative access to capital. Each participant in the pool has at its disposal the capacity of the entire pool, rather than being limited to policy exposures of a size commensurate with its own capital and surplus.
The following amounts represent ceded reinsurance transactions related to the pooling agreement during 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Premiums earned
  $ 76,945,746     $ 72,448,322     $ 62,831,701  
 
Losses and loss expenses
  $ 37,552,309     $ 42,221,699     $ 42,487,082  
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
  $ 42,311,034     $ 38,295,662     $ 34,227,955  
 
Liability for losses and loss expenses
  $ 50,769,807     $ 56,024,073     $ 57,989,162  
 
The following amounts represent assumed reinsurance transactions related to the pooling agreement for 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Premiums earned
  $ 187,590,899     $ 181,979,294     $ 167,949,892  
 
Losses and loss expenses
  $ 100,804,383     $ 102,928,483     $ 101,567,995  
 
Unearned premiums
  $ 95,121,169     $ 90,357,498     $ 84,350,320  
 
Liability for losses and loss expenses
  $ 122,491,281     $ 128,428,653     $ 127,127,611  
 
Effective October 1, 2005, Donegal Mutual 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 Donegal Mutual through the use of its automated policy quoting and issuance system. The following amounts represent assumed reinsurance transactions related to the quota-share reinsurance agreement for 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Premiums earned
  $ 1,522,593     $ 22,392     $  
 
Losses and loss expenses
  $ 621,216     $     $  
 
Unearned premiums
  $ 1,770,965     $ 158,729     $  
 
Liability for losses and loss expenses
  $ 113,838     $     $  
 
Effective August 1, 2005, Donegal Mutual entered into a quota-share reinsurance agreement with Peninsula whereby Donegal Mutual assumes 100% of the premiums and losses related to the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation product line of Peninsula Indemnity Company. Prior to January 1, 2002, Donegal Mutual and Southern had a quota-share agreement whereby Southern ceded 50% of its direct business, less reinsurance, to Donegal Mutual. The business assumed by Donegal Mutual becomes part of the pooling agreement between Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States. The following amounts represent ceded reinsurance transactions related to the quota-share reinsurance agreements for 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                                 
    2006   2005   2004        
 
Premiums earned
  $ 44,815     $ 6,576     $          
 
Losses and loss expenses
  $ (162,935 )   $ (264,275 )   $ (611,479 )        
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
  $ 233,327     $ 36,475     $          
 
Liability for losses and loss expenses
  $ 1,213,874     $ 1,331,482     $ 2,333,521          
 
Atlantic States, Southern and Le Mars each have a catastrophe reinsurance agreement with Donegal Mutual that limits the maximum liability under any one catastrophic occurrence to $800,000, $600,000 and $500,000, respectively, with a combined limit of $1,500,000 for a catastrophe involving a combination of these subsidiaries. Donegal Mutual and Southern have an excess of loss reinsurance agreement in which Donegal Mutual assumes up to $150,000 ($260,000 in 2005 and $170,000 in 2004) of losses in excess of $250,000 ($200,000 in 2005 and 2004). Through December 31, 2006, Donegal Mutual had an agreement in place with Southern to reallocate the loss results of workers’ compensation business written by Southern as part of commercial accounts primarily written by Donegal Mutual or Atlantic States. This agreement provided for the workers’ compensation loss ratio of

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Southern to be no worse than the average workers’ compensation loss ratio for Atlantic States, Southern and Donegal Mutual combined. The following amounts represent ceded reinsurance transactions related to these reinsurance agreements during 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Premiums earned
  $ 5,413,937     $ 5,318,619     $ 4,344,867  
 
Losses and loss expenses
  $ 1,283,114     $ 686,827     $ 4,583,270  
 
Liability for losses and loss expenses
  $ 4,083,733     $ 5,057,471     $ 7,532,812  
 
The following amounts represent the effect of affiliated reinsurance transactions on net premiums earned during 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Assumed
  $ 189,113,492     $ 182,001,686     $ 167,949,892  
Ceded
    (82,404,498 )     (77,773,517 )     (67,176,568 )
 
Net
  $ 106,708,994     $ 104,228,169     $ 100,773,324  
 
The following amounts represent the effect of affiliated reinsurance transactions on net losses and loss expenses during 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Assumed
  $ 101,425,599     $ 102,928,483     $ 101,567,995  
Ceded
    (38,672,488 )     (42,644,251 )     (46,458,873 )
 
Net
  $ 62,753,111     $ 60,284,232     $ 55,109,122  
 
In addition to the reinsurance agreements described above, Southern and Le Mars (effective April 1, 2004) have agreements with Donegal Mutual under which they cede, and then reassume back, 100% of their business net of reinsurance. The primary purpose of these agreements is to provide Southern and Le Mars with the same A.M. Best rating (currently “A”) as Donegal Mutual, which these subsidiaries might not achieve without these agreements in place. These agreements do not transfer insurance risk. While these subsidiaries ceded and reassumed amounts received from policyholders of $78,554,596, $75,542,412 and $64,696,278 and claims of $39,876,504, $38,529,733 and $36,269,291 under these agreements in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, the amounts are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. The aggregate liabilities ceded and reassumed under these agreements were $72,655,601 and $73,683,929 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
b. Expense Sharing
Donegal Mutual provides facilities, management and other services to us and our insurance subsidiaries, and we and our insurance subsidiaries reimburse Donegal Mutual for such services on a periodic basis under usage agreements and pooling arrangements. The charges are primarily based upon the relative participation of Atlantic States and Donegal Mutual in the pooling arrangement, and our management and the management of Donegal Mutual consider this allocation to be reasonable. Charges for these services totalled $48,828,587, $47,025,782 and $40,165,744 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
c. Lease Agreement
We lease office equipment and automobiles with terms ranging from 3 to 10 years to Donegal Mutual under a 10-year lease agreement dated January 1, 2000.
d. Legal Services
Donald H. Nikolaus, President and one of our directors, is also a partner in the law firm of Nikolaus & Hohenadel. Such firm has served as our general counsel since 1986, principally in connection with the defense of claims litigation of our insurance subsidiaries arising in Lancaster, Dauphin and York counties. Such firm is paid its customary fees for such services.
e. Province Bank
As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, we had ($257,101) and $2,479,613, respectively, in checking accounts with Province Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of DFSC. We earned $179,674, $99,610 and $32,138 in interest on these accounts during 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
4 — Business Combinations
During 2004, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Le Mars and Peninsula. These acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.”
In June 2002, Donegal Mutual consummated an affiliation with Le Mars. As part of the affiliation, Donegal Mutual entered into a services agreement with and made a $4.0 million surplus note investment in Le Mars. During 2003, Le Mars’ board of directors adopted a plan of conversion to convert to a stock insurance company. Following policyholder and regulatory approval of the plan of conversion, 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 the surplus note ($4.0 million) and accrued interest ($392,740) to Donegal Mutual. The operating results of Le Mars have been included in our consolidated financial statements since January 1, 2004.
The acquisition of Le Mars enables us to conduct our insurance business in four Midwest states. Le Mars, which was organized under the laws of Iowa in 1901, operates as a property and casualty insurer in Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota. Personal lines coverages represent a majority of Le Mars’ premiums written, with the balance coming from farmowners and mercantile and service businesses. Le Mars’ largest lines of business are private passenger automobile liability and physical damage; its other principal lines are homeowners and commercial multi-peril. The purchase price of Le Mars was based upon an independent valuation as of July 31, 2003. In applying 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 20-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. We have determined that a valuation allowance is required for a portion of the acquired net operating loss carryover, because federal tax laws limit the amount of such carryover that can be utilized. 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 $23.5 million. The operating results of Peninsula have been included in our consolidated financial statements since January 1, 2004.

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Peninsula expands the presence of our insurance subsidiaries in existing markets, operating primarily in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Peninsula specializes in private passenger automobile coverages and also writes homeowners, commercial multi-peril, workers’ compensation and commercial automobile coverages. 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 any deficiency in excess of $1.5 million in the loss and loss expense reserves of Peninsula as of January 1, 2004. Any such deficiency 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.
5 — Investments
The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturities and equity securities at December 31, 2006 and 2005, are as follows:
                                 
2006
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
Held to Maturity   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 58,094,402     $     $ 1,530,119     $ 56,564,283  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    83,282,591       1,137,563       156,639       84,263,515  
Corporate securities
    14,637,949       240,144       97,186       14,780,907  
Mortgage-backed securities
    13,163,195       4,710       353,146       12,814,759  
 
Totals
  $ 169,178,137     $ 1,382,417     $ 2,137,090     $ 168,423,464  
 
                                 
2006
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
Available for Sale   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 45,242,994     $ 81,877     $ 489,308     $ 44,835,563  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    213,090,135       2,929,253       501,129       215,518,259  
Corporate securities
    18,424,936       170,032       119,246       18,475,722  
Mortgage-backed securities
    53,677,246       16,408       853,420       52,840,234  
 
Fixed maturities
    330,435,311       3,197,570       1,963,103       331,669,778  
Equity securities
    33,505,531       7,422,443       386,148       40,541,826  
 
Totals
  $ 363,940,842     $ 10,620,013     $ 2,349,251     $ 372,211,604  
 
                                 
2005
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
Held to Maturity   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 58,735,488     $     $ 1,869,523     $ 56,865,965  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    84,655,911       1,145,476       338,824       85,462,563  
Corporate securities
    21,508,436       341,108       399,477       21,450,067  
Mortgage-backed securities
    15,282,470       25,887       485,825       14,822,532  
 
Totals
  $ 180,182,305     $ 1,512,471     $ 3,093,649     $ 178,601,127  
 
                                 
2005
            Gross   Gross   Estimated
    Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair
Available for Sale   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 51,374,133     $ 212,379     $ 727,857     $ 50,858,655  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    179,004,037       2,190,981       623,988       180,571,030  
Corporate securities
    20,328,627       241,579       458,147       20,112,059  
Mortgage-backed securities
    44,390,432       13,710       848,651       43,555,491  
 
Fixed maturities
    295,097,229       2,658,649       2,658,643       295,097,235  
Equity securities
    28,993,361       4,763,905       385,906       33,371,360  
 
Totals
  $ 324,090,590     $ 7,422,554     $ 3,044,549     $ 328,468,595  
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at December 31, 2006, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
                 
            Estimated
    Amortized   Fair
    Cost   Value
 
Held to maturity
               
Due in one year or less
  $ 10,873,432     $ 10,764,755  
Due after one year through five years
    59,982,055       58,784,265  
Due after five years through ten years
    56,158,392       56,997,995  
Due after ten years
    29,001,063       29,061,690  
Mortgage-backed securities
    13,163,195       12,814,759  
 
Total held to maturity
  $ 169,178,137     $ 168,423,464  
 
Available for sale
               
Due in one year or less
  $ 20,713,940     $ 20,607,989  
Due after one year through five years
    51,873,365       51,938,988  
Due after five years through ten years
    114,622,676       115,420,716  
Due after ten years
    89,548,084       90,861,851  
Mortgage-backed securities
    53,677,246       52,840,234  
 
Total available for sale
  $ 330,435,311     $ 331,669,778  
 

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The amortized cost of fixed maturities on deposit with various regulatory authorities at December 31, 2006 and 2005 amounted to $8,995,600 and $9,043,786, respectively.
Investments in affiliates consisted of the following at December 31, 2006 and 2005:
                 
    2006   2005
 
DFSC
  $ 7,534,059     $ 7,512,546  
Other
    929,000       929,000  
 
Total
  $ 8,463,059     $ 8,441,546  
 
We made an additional equity investment in DFSC in the amount of $200,000 during 2006. Other expenses in our consolidated statements of income include $176,657, $52,781 and $182,128 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, representing our share of DFSC losses. In addition, other comprehensive income (loss) in our statements of comprehensive income includes net unrealized losses of $1,189, $240,769 and $62,366 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, representing our share of DFSC unrealized investment losses.
Other investment in affiliates represents our investment in statutory trusts that hold our subordinated debentures as discussed in Note 9.
Net investment income, consisting primarily of interest and dividends, is attributable to the following sources:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Fixed maturities
  $ 20,557,402     $ 18,574,964     $ 16,540,611  
Equity securities
    992,139       975,420       989,966  
Short-term investments
    1,805,082       966,416       524,172  
Other
    34,180       34,853       30,770  
 
Investment income
    23,388,803       20,551,653       18,085,519  
Investment expenses
    (2,068,722 )     (2,079,690 )     (2,178,791 )
 
Net investment income
  $ 21,320,081     $ 18,471,963     $ 15,906,728  
 
Gross realized gains and losses from investments and the change in the difference between fair value and cost of investments, before applicable income taxes, are as follows:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Gross realized gains:
                       
Fixed maturities
  $ 128,395     $ 674,585     $ 458,389  
Equity securities
    2,482,396       2,970,215       1,252,075  
 
 
    2,610,791       3,644,800       1,710,464  
 
Gross realized losses:
                       
Fixed maturities
    492,968       805,183       35,952  
Equity securities
    288,284       1,036,808       208,292  
 
 
    781,252       1,841,991       244,244  
 
Net realized gains
  $ 1,829,539     $ 1,802,809     $ 1,466,220  
 
Change in difference between fair value and cost of investments:
                       
Fixed maturities
  $ 2,060,966     $ (8,381,388 )   $ (2,617,967 )
Equity securities
    2,658,296       1,643,782       914,179  
 
 
  $ 4,719,262     $ (6,737,606 )   $ (1,703,788 )
 
We held fixed maturities and equity securities with unrealized losses representing declines that we considered temporary at December 31, 2006 as follows:
                                 
    Less than 12 months   12 months or longer
    Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized
    Value   Losses   Value   Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 10,921,320     $ 30,528     $ 78,616,562     $ 1,988,899  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    18,707,294       130,414       51,184,920       527,354  
Corporate securities
    3,004,951       2,348       10,764,265       214,084  
Mortgage-backed securities
    18,357,290       170,036       37,910,625       1,036,530  
Equity securities
    6,107,135       310,273       902,033       75,875  
 
Totals
  $ 57,277,990     $ 643,599     $ 179,378,405     $ 3,842,742  
 
We held fixed maturities and equity securities with unrealized losses representing declines that we considered temporary at December 31, 2005 as follows:
                                 
    Less than 12 months   12 months or longer
    Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized
    Value   Losses   Value   Losses
 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 32,943,116     $ 641,545     $ 62,590,126     $ 1,955,835  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    73,457,810       906,530       6,586,927       56,282  
Corporate securities
    11,090,482       475,516       5,864,581       382,108  
Mortgage-backed securities
    36,270,000       785,018       13,836,649       549,458  
Equity securities
    3,715,877       240,474       1,178,209       145,432  
 
Totals
  $ 157,477,285     $ 3,049,083     $ 90,056,492     $ 3,089,115  
 
The unrealized losses in our fixed maturities were primarily due to the impact of higher market interest rates rather than a decline in credit quality. We consider such unrealized losses to be temporary in nature because we have the ability and intent to hold our fixed maturities to recovery.
During 2006, 2005 and 2004, certain investments trading below cost had declined on an other than temporary basis. Losses of $47,538, $409,432 and $6,650 were included in net realized investment gains for these investments in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
During 2005, we sold bonds that had been classified as held to maturity due to significant deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness. These bonds had an amortized cost of $1.0 million, and the sale resulted in a realized loss of $144,047. There were no other sales or transfers from the held to maturity portfolio in 2006, 2005 or 2004.
We have no derivative instruments or hedging activities.

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6 — Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Changes in our insurance subsidiaries’ deferred policy acquisition costs are as follows:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Balance, January 1
  $ 23,476,593     $ 22,257,760     $ 16,223,765  
Acquisition costs deferred
    49,857,336       48,452,833       45,467,995  
Amortization charged to earnings
    (48,595,000 )     (47,234,000 )     (39,434,000 )
 
Balance, December 31
  $ 24,738,929     $ 23,476,593     $ 22,257,760  
 
7 — Property and Equipment
Property and equipment at December 31, 2006 and 2005 consisted of the following:
                     
                    Estimated
                    Useful
    2006   2005   Life
 
Office equipment
  $ 6,682,835     $ 6,483,921     5-15 years
Automobiles
    1,459,361       1,216,085     3 years
Real estate
    3,908,506       3,893,293     15-50 years
Software
    605,262       573,672     5 years
 
 
    12,655,964       12,166,971      
Accumulated depreciation
    (7,509,659 )     (6,932,548 )    
 
 
  $ 5,146,305     $ 5,234,423      
 
Depreciation expense for 2006, 2005 and 2004 amounted to $936,837, $984,946 and $932,987, respectively.
8 — Liability for Losses and Loss Expenses
The establishment of an appropriate liability for losses and loss expenses is an inherently uncertain process, and there can be no assurance that our insurance subsidiaries’ ultimate liability will not exceed their 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 insurance subsidiaries’ estimated future liabilities cannot be predicted, since the historical conditions and events that serve as a basis for their estimates of ultimate claim costs may change. As is the case for substantially all property and casualty insurance companies, our insurance subsidiaries have found it necessary in the past to increase their estimated future liabilities for losses and loss expenses in certain periods, and in other periods our insurance subsidiaries’ estimates have exceeded their actual liabilities. Changes in our insurance subsidiaries’ estimate of the liability for losses and loss expenses generally reflect actual payments and the evaluation of information received since the prior reporting date. Activity in our insurance subsidiaries’ liability for losses and loss expenses is summarized as follows:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Balance at January 1
  $ 265,729,527     $ 267,190,060     $ 217,914,057  
Less reinsurance recoverable
    (92,720,643 )     (95,759,493 )     ((79,017,987 )
 
Net balance at January 1
    173,008,884       171,430,567       138,896,070  
 
Acquisitions of Le Mars and Peninsula
                28,843,140  
 
Net balance at January 1 as adjusted
    173,008,884       171,430,567       167,739,210  
 
Incurred related to:
                       
Current year
    182,037,189       176,924,029       171,384,964  
Prior years
    (13,615,764 )     (9,382,132 )     (7,243,596 )
 
Total incurred
    168,421,425       167,541,897       164,141,368  
 
Paid related to:
                       
Current year
    106,400,754       98,734,594       96,041,306  
Prior years
    71,717,592       67,228,986       64,408,705  
 
Total paid
    178,118,346       165,963,580       160,450,011  
 
Net balance at December 31
    163,311,963       173,008,884       171,430,567  
Plus reinsurance recoverable
    95,710,496       92,720,643       95,759,493  
 
Balance at December 31
  $ 259,022,459     $ 265,729,527     $ 267,190,060  
 
Our insurance subsidiaries recognized a decrease in the liability for losses and loss expenses of prior years of $13.6 million, $9.4 million and $7.2 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Generally, our insurance subsidiaries experienced improving loss development trends during these years, which were reflected in favorable settlements of open claims. Our insurance subsidiaries made no significant changes in their reserving philosophy, key reserving assumptions or claims management during these years, even though they reflected changes in their reserve estimates in these years. No significant offsetting changes in estimates increased or decreased our insurance subsidiaries’ loss and loss expense reserves in these years. The 2006 development was primarily recognized in the workers’ compensation, private passenger automobile liability and commercial multi-peril lines of business and was consistently favorable for settlements of claims occurring in each of the previous five accident years. The majority of the 2006 development was related to decreases in the liability for losses and loss expenses of prior years of Atlantic States.
9 — Borrowings
Line of Credit
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. On July 20, 2006, we amended the agreement with M&T to extend the credit agreement for four years from the date of amendment on substantially the same terms. As of December 31, 2006, we may borrow up to $35.0 million at interest rates equal to M&T’s current prime rate or the then current London Interbank Eurodollar bank rate (LIBOR) 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 credit agreement requires our compliance with certain covenants, which include minimum levels of our net worth, leverage ratio and statutory surplus and A.M. Best

30


 

ratings of our insurance subsidiaries. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, no borrowings were outstanding, and we complied with all requirements of the credit agreement.
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 December 31, 2006, the interest rate on these debentures was 9.47%, and is next subject to adjustment on February 15, 2007. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, our consolidated balance sheets included an investment in a trust of $464,000 and subordinated debentures of $15.5 million related to this transaction.
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 December 31, 2006, the interest rate on these debentures was 9.23%, and is next subject to adjustment on January 29, 2007. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, our consolidated balance sheets included an investment in a trust of $310,000 and subordinated debentures of $10.3 million related to this transaction.
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 December 31, 2006, the interest rate on these debentures was 9.22%, and is next subject to adjustment on February 24, 2007. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, our consolidated balance sheets included an investment in a trust of $155,000 and subordinated debentures of $5.2 million related to this transaction.
10 — Reinsurance
Unaffiliated Reinsurers
Atlantic States, Southern and Donegal Mutual 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. Our insurance subsidiaries use several different reinsurers, all of which, consistent with their 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 management, is equivalent to a company with at least an A-rating. The external reinsurance Atlantic States, Southern and Donegal Mutual purchase includes “excess of loss reinsurance,” under which their losses are automatically reinsured, through a series of contracts, over a set retention ($400,000), and “catastrophic reinsurance,” under which they recover, through a series of contracts, 100% of an accumulation of many losses resulting from a single event, including natural disasters, over a set retention ($3.0 million). Our insurance subsidiaries’ principal third party reinsurance agreement in 2006 was a multi-line per risk excess of loss treaty that provided 100% coverage up to $1.0 million for both property and liability losses over the set retention. For property insurance, our insurance subsidiaries also had excess of loss treaties that provided for additional coverage over the multi-line treaty up to $2.5 million per loss. For liability insurance, our insurance subsidiaries had excess of loss treaties that provided for additional coverage over the multi-line treaty up to $40.0 million per occurrence. For workers’ compensation insurance, our insurance subsidiaries had excess of loss treaties that provided for additional coverage over the multi-line treaty up to $5.0 million on any one life. Atlantic States, Southern and Donegal Mutual had property catastrophe coverage through a series of layered treaties up to aggregate losses of $80.0 million for any single event. This coverage was provided through as many as 26 reinsurers on any one treaty with no reinsurer taking more than 22.5% of any one contract. The amount of coverage provided under each of these types of reinsurance depended upon the amount, nature, size and location of the risks being reinsured. Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries also purchased facultative reinsurance to cover exposures from losses that exceeded the limits provided by our respective treaty reinsurance. The following amounts represent ceded reinsurance transactions with unaffiliated reinsurers during 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Premiums written
  $ 21,820,998     $ 19,655,767     $ 22,016,464  
 
Premiums earned
  $ 21,719,407     $ 19,604,187     $ 23,704,363  
 
Losses and loss expenses
  $ 20,158,275     $ 9,886,287     $ 14,324,616  
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
  $ 1,832,592     $ 1,731,001     $ 1,679,421  
 
Liability for losses and loss expenses
  $ 39,643,082     $ 31,176,231     $ 27,903,998  
 
Total Reinsurance
The following amounts represent the total of all ceded reinsurance transactions with both affiliated and unaffiliated reinsurers during 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Premiums earned
  $ 104,123,905     $ 97,377,704     $ 90,880,931  
 
Losses and loss expenses
  $ 58,830,763     $ 52,530,538     $ 60,783,489  
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
  $ 44,376,953     $ 40,063,138     $ 35,907,376  
 
Liability for losses and loss expenses
  $ 95,710,496     $ 93,589,257     $ 95,759,493  
 
The following amounts represent the effect of reinsurance on premiums written during 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Direct
  $ 220,192,787     $ 215,719,476     $ 202,064,323  
Assumed
    195,652,202       188,357,878       174,657,504  
Ceded
    (108,437,720 )     (101,533,466 )     (93,439,390 )
 
Net premiums written
  $ 307,407,269     $ 302,543,888     $ 283,282,437  
 

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The following amounts represent the effect of reinsurance on premiums earned during 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Direct
  $ 216,319,824     $ 209,693,968     $ 188,665,453  
Assumed
    189,282,243       182,181,759       168,054,072  
Ceded
    (104,123,905 )     (97,377,704 )     (90,880,931 )
 
Net premiums earned
  $ 301,478,162     $ 294,498,023     $ 265,838,594  
 
11 — Income Taxes
The provision for income tax consists of the following:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Current
  $ 15,322,221     $ 14,812,141     $ 11,290,908  
Deferred
    1,085,320       583,857       (405,256 )
 
Federal tax provision
  $ 16,407,541     $ 15,395,998     $ 10,885,652  
 
The effective tax rate is different from the amount computed at the statutory federal rate of 35% for 2006, 2005 and 2004. The reasons for such difference and the related tax effects are as follows:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Income before income taxes
  $ 56,622,263     $ 52,345,495     $ 37,054,251  
 
Computed “expected” taxes
    19,817,792       18,320,923       12,968,988  
Tax-exempt interest
    (3,929,188 )     (3,350,307 )     (2,302,247 )
Dividends received deduction
    (118,060 )     (98,203 )     (106,836 )
Other, net
    636,997       523,585       325,747  
 
Federal income tax provision
  $ 16,407,541     $ 15,395,998     $ 10,885,652  
 
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
                 
    2006   2005
 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Unearned premium
  $ 10,688,614     $ 10,270,793  
Loss reserves
    5,728,904       6,551,470  
Net operating loss carryforward - acquired companies
    3,929,268       4,376,784  
Other
    1,278,780       1,178,323  
 
Total gross deferred assets
    21,625,566       22,377,370  
Less valuation allowance
    (770,799 )     (770,799 )
 
Net deferred tax assets
    20,854,767       21,606,571  
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Depreciation expense
    188,035       280,477  
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    8,658,625       8,216,807  
Salvage recoverable
    197,171       213,031  
Net unrealized gains
    2,725,248       1,363,422  
 
Total gross deferred liabilities
    11,769,079       10,073,737  
 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 9,085,688     $ 11,532,834  
 
A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the tax asset will not be realized. Management has determined that a valuation allowance of $770,799 related to a portion of the net operating loss carryforward of Le Mars should be established at January 1, 2004. Management has determined that it is not required to establish a valuation allowance for the other net deferred tax assets of $20,854,767 and $21,606,571 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, since it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized through reversals of existing temporary differences, future taxable income, carrybacks to taxable income in prior years and the implementation of tax planning strategies.
At December 31, 2006, we have a net operating loss carryforward of $10.5 million, which is available to offset our taxable income. Of this amount, $9.0 million will begin to expire in 2009 and is subject to an annual limitation in the amount that we can use in any one year of approximately $376,000. The remaining $1.5 million will expire in 2012 and is subject to an annual limitation of approximately $903,000.
12 — Stockholders’ Equity
On April 19, 2001 our stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation. Among other things, the amendment reclassified our common stock as Class B common stock and effected a one-for-three reverse split of our Class B common stock effective April 19, 2001. The amendment also authorized a new class of common stock with one-tenth of a vote per share designated as Class A common stock. Our board of directors also approved a dividend of two shares of Class A common stock for each share of Class B common stock, after the one-for-three reverse split, held of record at the close of business on April 19, 2001.
Each share of Class A common stock outstanding at the time of the declaration of any dividend or other distribution payable in cash upon the shares of Class B common stock is entitled to a dividend or distribution payable at the same time and to stockholders of record on the same date in an amount at least 10% greater than any dividend declared upon each share of Class B common stock. In the event of our merger or consolidation with or into another entity, the holders of Class A common stock and the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to receive the same per share consideration in such merger or consolidation. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, any assets available to common stockholders will be distributed pro rata to the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock.
On February 17, 2005, our board of directors approved a four-for-three split of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock effected in the form of a 331/3% stock dividend to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2005 and paid on March 28, 2005.
On April 6, 2006, our board of directors approved a four-for-three stock split of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock effected in the form of a 331/3% stock dividend to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 17, 2006 and paid on April 26, 2006.

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13 — Stock Compensation Plans
Equity Incentive Plans
During 1996, we adopted an equity incentive plan for employees. During 2001, we adopted a nearly identical plan that made a total of 2,666,667 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance to employees of our subsidiaries and affiliates. During 2005, an amendment to the plan made a total of 4,000,000 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance. Each plan provides for the granting of awards by our board of directors in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or any combination of the above. The plans provide that stock options may become exercisable up to 10 years from date of grant, with an option price not less than fair market value on date of grant. No stock appreciation rights have been issued.
During 1996, we adopted an equity incentive plan for directors. During 2001, we adopted a nearly identical plan that made 355,556 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance to our directors and those of our subsidiaries and affiliates. Awards may be made in the form of stock options, and the plan additionally provides for the issuance of 311 shares of restricted stock to each director on the first business day of January in each year. As of December 31, 2006, we have 238,666 unexercised options under these plans. Additionally 3,417, 3,733 and 3,423 shares of restricted stock were issued on January 2, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123 (R), which 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 determining the expense to be recorded for stock options granted to directors and employees of our subsidiaries and affiliates other than Donegal Mutual, the fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The significant assumptions utilized in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model are the risk-free interest rate, expected term, dividend yield and expected volatility.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during 2006 was $3.05. This fair value was calculated based upon a risk-free interest rate of 5%, expected term of 3 years, expected volatility of 19% and expected dividend yield of 2%.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during 2005 was $3.27. This fair value was calculated based upon a risk-free interest rate of 4%, expected term of 3 years, expected volatility of 30% and expected dividend yield of 2%.
Under SFAS No. 123(R), the compensation expense for the stock compensation plans that has been charged against income before income taxes was $268,805 for the year ended December 31, 2006, with a corresponding income tax benefit of $94,082. As of December 31, 2006, the Company’s total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation granted under the plans was $635,401. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years.
The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if we had applied the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) prior to 2006:
                 
    2005   2004
 
Net income, as reported
  $ 36,949,497     $ 31,614,269  
Less:
               
Total stock-based employee compensation expense, net of related tax effect
    (66,427 )     (18,657 )
 
Pro forma net income
  $ 36,883,070     $ 31,595,612  
 
Basic earnings per share:
               
As reported
  $ 1.54     $ 1.35  
Pro forma
    1.53       1.35  
Diluted earnings per share:
               
As reported
  $ 1.49     $ 1.31  
Pro forma
    1.49       1.31  
SFAS No. 123(R) does not set accounting requirements for share-based compensation to nonemployees. We continue to account for share-based compensation to nonemployees under the provisions of FIN No. 44 and EITF 00-23, which states that when employees of a controlling entity are granted share-based compensation, the entity granting the share-based 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 options granted to employees and directors of Donegal Mutual, the employer of record for the majority of employees that provide services to us. Implied dividends of $1,858,525 and $2,469,963 were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Cash received from option exercises under all stock compensation plans for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $4,693,001. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises of share-based compensation was $2,298,865 for the year ended December 31, 2006.
All options issued prior to 2001 were converted to options on Class A and Class B common stock as a result of our recapitalization. No further shares are available for plans in effect prior to 2001.
Information regarding activity in our stock option plans follows:
                 
            Weighted-Average
    Number of   Exercise Price
    Options   Per Share
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2003
    2,629,968     $ 6.59  
Granted – 2004
    61,333       10.60  
Exercised – 2004
    (1,051,256 )     5.80  
Forfeited – 2004
    (53,045 )     6.66  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2004
    1,587,000       7.28  
Granted – 2005
    1,338,223       15.73  
Exercised – 2005
    (593,485 )     7.42  
Forfeited – 2005
    (49,631 )     15.52  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2005
    2,282,107       12.02  
Granted – 2006
    1,055,667       20.98  
Exercised – 2006
    (601,869 )     7.80  
Forfeited – 2006
    (52,078 )     14.52  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    2,683,827     $ 16.44  
 
Exercisable at:
               
December 31, 2004
    1,214,967     $ 7.30  
 
December 31, 2005
    981,069     $ 7.13  
 
December 31, 2006
    824,681     $ 11.32  
 

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Options available for future grants at December 31, 2006 are 61,168.
The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options at December 31, 2006:
                         
    Number of   Weighted-Average   Number of
Exercise   Options   Remaining   Options
Price   Outstanding   Contractual Life   Exercisable
 
$6.75
    398,579     1.5 years     398,579  
 10.27
    8,889     1.5 years     8,889  
 11.77
    3,556     2.5 years     2,371  
 12.41
    4,534     3.5 years     4,534  
 13.41
    8,333     3.0 years     8,333  
 15.25
    8,889     3.5 years      
 15.75
    1,182,047     4.5 years     393,976  
 17.65
    4,000     4.5 years     1,333  
 17.70
    13,333     4.5 years     4,444  
 18.49
    2,000     5.5 years      
 21.00
    1,043,000     5.5 years      
 21.15
    6,667     4.5 years     2,222  
 
Total
    2,683,827               824,681  
 
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
During 1996, we adopted an employee stock purchase plan. During 2001, we adopted a nearly identical plan that made 533,333 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance.
The 2001 plan extends over a 10-year period and provides for shares to be offered to all eligible employees at a purchase price equal to the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the last day before the first day of the enrollment period (June 1 and December 1) of the plan or 85% of the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the last day of the subscription period (June 30 and December 31). A summary of plan activity follows:
                 
    Shares Issued
    Price   Shares
 
January 1, 2004
  $ 6.44       13,577  
July 1, 2004
    9.57       8,905  
January 1, 2005
    9.89       10,788  
July 1, 2005
    10.28       11,445  
January 1, 2006
    11.77       10,763  
July 1, 2006
    15.45       9,531  
On January 1, 2007, we issued an additional 10,929 shares at a price of $15.02 per share under this plan.
Agency Stock Purchase Plans
During 1996, we adopted an agency stock purchase plan. During 2001, we adopted a nearly identical plan that made 533,333 shares of Class A common stock available for issuance. The 2001 plan provides for agents of our affiliated companies to invest up to $12,000 per subscription period (April 1 to September 30 and October 1 to March 31) under various methods. Stock is issued at the end of the subscription period at a price equal to 90% of the average market price during the last ten trading days of the subscription period. During 2006, 2005 and 2004, 52,500, 58,201 and 58,349 shares, respectively, were issued under this plan. Expense recognized under the plan was not material.
14 — Statutory Net Income, Capital and Surplus and Dividend Restrictions
The following is selected information, as filed with insurance regulatory authorities, for our insurance subsidiaries as determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by such insurance regulatory authorities:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Atlantic States
                       
 
Statutory capital and surplus
  $ 169,947,815     $ 148,521,462     $ 127,219,109  
 
Statutory unassigned surplus
  $ 116,286,951     $ 94,860,598     $ 73,558,245  
 
Statutory net income
  $ 26,734,985     $ 21,855,006     $ 16,342,671  
 
 
    2006   2005   2004
 
Southern
                       
 
Statutory capital and surplus
  $ 62,201,936     $ 56,802,771     $ 50,253,802  
 
Statutory unassigned surplus
  $ 13,084,350     $ 7,685,185     $ 1,136,217  
 
Statutory net income
  $ 5,905,912     $ 5,444,954     $ 2,868,102  
 
 
                       
Le Mars
                       
 
Statutory capital and surplus
  $ 25,415,894     $ 21,386,553     $ 17,103,902  
 
Statutory unassigned surplus
  $ 12,823,154     $ 8,793,813     $ 4,511,162  
 
Statutory net income
  $ 5,096,706     $ 4,293,555     $ 3,268,819  
 
 
                       
Peninsula
                       
 
Statutory capital and surplus
  $ 33,307,701     $ 29,050,474     $ 23,176,096  
 
Statutory unassigned surplus
  $ 15,508,287     $ 11,251,060     $ 5,576,682  
 
Statutory net income
  $ 5,295,045     $ 6,165,498     $ 3,781,849  
 
Our principal source of cash for payment of dividends are dividends from our insurance subsidiaries that are required by law to maintain certain minimum capital and 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 their domiciliary insurance regulatory authorities. Our insurance subsidiaries are also subject to Risk Based Capital (RBC) requirements that may further impact their ability to pay dividends. At December 31, 2006, our insurance subsidiaries’ statutory capital and surplus were substantially above the RBC requirements. Amounts available for distribution as dividends to us without prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities in 2007 are $26,734,985 from Atlantic States, $5,905,912 from Southern, $2,541,589 from Le Mars and $3,330,770 from Peninsula.

34


 

15 — Reconciliation of Statutory Filings to Amounts Reported Herein
Our insurance subsidiaries are required to file statutory financial statements with state insurance regulatory authorities. Accounting principles used to prepare these statutory financial statements differ from financial statements prepared on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
Reconciliations of net income and capital and surplus, as determined using statutory accounting principles, to the amounts included in the accompanying financial statements are as follows:
                         
    Year Ended December 31,
    2006   2005   2004
 
Statutory net income of insurance subsidiaries
  $ 43,032,648     $ 37,759,013     $ 26,261,441  
Adjustments:
                       
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    1,262,336       1,218,833       6,033,995  
Deferred federal income taxes
    (1,085,320 )     (583,857 )     405,256  
Salvage and subrogation recoverable
    (167,000 )     164,306       (112,182 )
Consolidating eliminations and adjustments
    (10,686,208 )     (1,805,579 )     (579,343 )
Parent-only net income (loss)
    7,858,266       196,781       (394,898 )
 
Net income as reported herein
  $ 40,214,722     $ 36,949,497     $ 31,614,269  
 
                         
    December 31,
    2006   2005   2004
 
Statutory capital and surplus of insurance subsidiaries
  $ 290,873,346     $ 255,761,260     $ 217,752,909  
Adjustments:
                       
Deferred policy acquisition costs
    24,738,929       23,476,593       22,257,760  
Deferred federal income taxes
    (6,271,094 )     (3,751,776 )     (3,855,261 )
Salvage and subrogation recoverable
    8,144,000       8,311,000       8,146,694  
Non-admitted assets and other adjustments, net
    1,117,248       837,567       1,121,225  
Fixed maturities
    1,574,902       694,311       6,207,157  
Parent-only equity and other adjustments
    625,271       (7,432,769 )     (8,926,170 )
 
Stockholders’ equity as reported herein
  $ 320,802,602     $ 277,896,186     $ 242,704,314  
 
16 — Supplementary Cash Flow Information
The following reflects income taxes and interest paid during 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Income taxes
  $ 13,125,000     $ 10,275,000     $ 12,905,000  
 
Interest
  $ 2,755,861     $ 2,191,125     $ 1,528,655  
 
17 — Earnings Per Share
The following information illustrates the computation of net income, outstanding shares and earnings per share on both a basic and diluted basis for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:
                         
            Weighted-    
            Average   Earnings
    Net   Shares   Per
    Income   Outstanding   Share
 
2006:
                       
Basic
  $ 40,214,722       24,968,439     $ 1.61  
Effect of stock options
          604,042       (.04 )
 
Diluted
  $ 40,214,722       25,572,481     $ 1.57  
 
2005:
                       
Basic
  $ 36,949,497       24,058,732     $ 1.54  
Effect of stock options
          774,848       (.05 )
 
Diluted
  $ 36,949,497       24,833,580     $ 1.49  
 
2004:
                       
Basic
  $ 31,614,269       23,394,551     $ 1.35  
Effect of stock options
          845,755       (.04 )
 
Diluted
  $ 31,614,269       24,240,306     $ 1.31  
 
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:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
 
Options excluded from diluted earnings per share
    1,049,667             13,333  
 

35


 

18 — Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company
Condensed Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
                 
December 31,   2006   2005
 
Assets
               
Fixed-maturity investments
  $ 6,957     $ 4,192  
Investment in subsidiaries/affiliates (equity method)
    329,337       294,333  
Short-term investments
    15,029       9,431  
Cash
    1,114       938  
Property and equipment
    1,207       1,168  
Other
    1,215       1,110  
 
Total assets
  $ 354,859     $ 311,172  
 
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Cash dividends declared to stockholders
  $ 2,443     $ 1,781  
Subordinated debentures
    30,929       30,929  
Other
    685       566  
 
Total liabilities
    34,057       33,276  
 
Stockholders’ equity
    320,802       277,896  
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 354,859     $ 311,172  
 
Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
(in thousands)
                         
Year Ended December 31,   2006   2005   2004
 
Statements of Income
                       
Revenues
                       
Dividends from subsidiaries
  $ 10,000     $ 2,000     $ 950  
Other
    1,642       1,276       1,242  
 
Total revenues
    11,642       3,276       2,192  
 
Expenses
                       
Operating expenses
    2,118       1,675       1,700  
Interest
    2,801       2,267       1,614  
 
Total expenses
    4,919       3,942       3,314  
 
Income (loss) before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
    6,723       (666 )     (1,122 )
Income tax benefit
    (1,136 )     (862 )     (727 )
 
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
    7,859       196       (395 )
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
    32,356       36,753       32,009  
 
Net income
  $ 40,215     $ 36,949     $ 31,614  
 
(in thousands)
                         
Year Ended December 31,   2006   2005   2004
 
Statements of Comprehensive Income
                       
Net income
  $ 40,215     $ 36,949     $ 31,614  
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                       
Unrealized loss — parent
    (52 )     (25 )     (2 )
Unrealized gain (loss) — subsidiaries
    2,581       (2,192 )     (539 )
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    2,529       (2,217 )     (541 )
 
Comprehensive income
  $ 42,744     $ 34,732     $ 31,073  
 
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
                         
Year Ended December 31,   2006   2005   2004
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 40,215     $ 36,949     $ 31,614  
 
Adjustments:
                       
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
    (32,356 )     (36,753 )     (32,009 )
Other
    546       4,446       731  
 
Net adjustments
    (31,810 )     (32,307 )     (31,278 )
 
Net cash provided
    8,405       4,642       336  
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Net purchase of fixed maturities
    (2,917 )           (2,084 )
Net sale (purchase) of short-term investments
    (5,598 )     (3,846 )     41,974  
Net purchase of property and equipment
    (546 )     (392 )     (246 )
Investment in subsidiaries
    (200 )           (45,216 )
Other
    208       215       334  
 
Net cash used
    (9,053 )     (4,023 )     (5,238 )
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Cash dividends paid
    (7,782 )     (6,813 )     (5,985 )
Issuance of common stock
    6,307       5,551       6,948  
Issuance of subordinated debentures
                5,155  
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options
    2,299              
 
Net cash provided (used)
    824       (1,262 )     6,118  
 
Net change in cash
    176       (643 )     1,216  
 
Cash at beginning of year
    938       1,581       365  
 
Cash at end of year
  $ 1,114     $ 938     $ 1,581  
 

36


 

19 — Segment Information
We have three reportable segments which consist of the investment function, the personal lines of insurance and the commercial lines of insurance. Using independent agents, our insurance subsidiaries market personal lines of insurance to individuals and commercial lines of insurance to small and medium-sized businesses.
We evaluate the performance of the personal lines and commercial lines primarily based upon our insurance subsidiaries’ underwriting results as determined under statutory accounting practices (SAP) for our total business.
Assets are not allocated to the personal and commercial lines and are reviewed in total by management for purposes of decision making. We operate only in the United States and no single customer or agent provides 10 percent or more of revenues.
Financial data by segment is as follows:
                         
    2006   2005   2004
    (in thousands)
 
Revenues
                       
Premiums earned:
                       
Commercial lines
  $ 115,527     $ 112,711     $ 99,657  
Personal lines
    185,951       181,787       169,322  
 
Total SAP premiums earned
    301,478       294,498       268,979  
GAAP adjustments
                (3,140 )
 
Total GAAP premiums earned
    301,478       294,498       265,839  
Net investment income
    21,320       18,472       15,907  
Realized investment gains
    1,830       1,803       1,466  
Other
    5,339       5,074       4,577  
 
Total revenues
  $ 329,967     $ 319,847     $ 287,789  
 
                         
    2006   2005   2004
    (in thousands)
 
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item:
                       
Underwriting income:
                       
Commercial lines
  $ 22,495     $ 13,941     $ 6,209  
Personal lines
    9,288       14,232       10,100  
 
SAP underwriting income
    31,783       28,173       16,309  
GAAP adjustments
    1,270       2,765       2,109  
 
GAAP underwriting income
    33,053       30,938       18,418  
Net investment income
    21,320       18,472       15,907  
Realized investment gains
    1,830       1,803       1,466  
Other
    419       1,132       1,263  
 
Income before income tax expense and extraordinary item
  $ 56,622     $ 52,345     $ 37,054  
 
20 — Guaranty Fund and Other Insurance-Related Assessments
Our insurance subsidiaries accrue for guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments in accordance with Statement of Position (SOP) 97-3, “Accounting by Insurance and Other Enterprises for Insurance-Related Assessments.” SOP 97-3 provides guidance for determining when an entity should recognize a liability for guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments, how to measure that liability and when an asset may be recognized for the recovery of such assessments through premium tax offsets or policy surcharges. Our insurance subsidiaries’ liabilities for guaranty fund and other insurance-related assessments were $3,033,692 and $3,064,791 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. These liabilities included $358,393 and $361,192 related to surcharges collected by our insurance subsidiaries on behalf of regulatory authorities for 2006 and 2005, respectively.
21 — Interim Financial Data (unaudited)
                                 
    2006
    First   Second   Third   Fourth
    Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter
 
Net premiums earned
  $ 74,513,849     $ 75,061,105     $ 75,705,387     $ 76,197,821  
Total revenues
    81,282,895       81,860,487       82,619,657       84,203,995  
Net losses and loss expenses
    43,288,512       40,783,828       42,555,787       41,793,298  
Net income
    9,130,187       10,220,583       9,818,301       11,045,651  
Net income per common share
                               
Basic
    0.37       0.41       0.39       0.44  
Diluted
    0.36       0.40       0.38       0.43  
 
                                 
    2005
    First   Second   Third   Fourth
    Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter
 
Net premiums earned
  $ 71,762,523     $ 73,438,090     $ 74,584,045     $ 74,713,365  
Total revenues
    78,079,058       79,492,080       80,566,455       81,709,601  
Net losses and loss expenses
    41,537,896       39,807,658       41,071,801       45,124,542  
Net income
    8,417,088       8,903,275       9,777,157       9,851,977  
Net income per common share:
                               
Basic
    0.35       0.37       0.41       0.41  
Diluted
    0.34       0.36       0.39       0.39  
 

37


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Donegal Group Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Donegal Group Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Donegal Group Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for employee share-based payments in 2006.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Donegal Group Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 13, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.
(KPMG LLP LOGO)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 13, 2007

38


 

Management’s Report on Internal Control
Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, our management has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO Framework”).
Based on our evaluation under the COSO Framework, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report which is included herein.
-s- Donald H. Nikolaus
Donald H. Nikolaus
President and Chief Executive Officer
-s- Jeffrey D. Miller
Jeffrey D. Miller
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
March 13, 2007

39


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Donegal Group Inc.
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Donegal Group Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Donegal Group Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management’s assessment that Donegal Group Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, Donegal Group Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Donegal Group Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006, and our report dated March 13, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
(KPMG LLP LOGO)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 13, 2007

40


 

Comparison of Total Return on
Our Common Stock with Certain Averages
The following graph provides an indicator of cumulative total stockholder returns on our common stock compared to the Russell 2000 Index and a peer group of property and casualty insurance companies selected by Value Line, Inc. The members of the peer group are as follows: 21st Century Holding Company, 21st Century Insurance Group, ACA Capital Holdings, Inc., Acceptance Insurance Companies Inc., ACE Limited, Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc., Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings, Ltd, Allstate Corporation, AmCOMP Inc., American Financial Group, Inc., American Safety Insurance Holdings Ltd., AMERISAFE, Inc., AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., Anthony Clark International Insurance Brokers Ltd., Arch Capital Group Ltd., Argonaut Group Incorporated, Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd., AssuranceAmerica Corporation, Assurant, Inc., Baldwin & Lyons Incorporated (Class A), Baldwin & Lyons Incorporated (Class B), Bristol West Holdings, Inc., Brooke Corporation, The Chubb Corporation, Cincinnati Financial Corporation, CNA Surety Corporation, CRM Holdings, Ltd., Darwin Professional Underwriters, Direct General Corporation, Donegal Group Inc. (Class B), eHealth, Inc., EMC Insurance Group Inc., Erie Indemnity Company (Class A), Everest Re Group Limited, Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, Fidelity National Financial, Inc., First Mercury Financial Corporation, Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc., GAINSCO, Inc., Harleysville Group Inc., HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc., Infinity Property & Casualty Corp., IPC Holdings, Ltd., James River Group, Inc., Kingsway Financial Services Inc., The KingThomason Group, Inc., Markel Corporation, Meadowbrook Insurance Group Inc., Mercer Insurance Group, Inc., Merchants Group Inc., Mercury General Corporation, Midland Company, MIIX Group Inc., Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd., National Atlantic Holdings Corporation, National Interstate Corporation, Odyssey Re Holdings Corp., Ohio Casualty Corporation, Old Republic International Corporation, OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (Class A), PartnerRe Ltd., Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp., Pico Holdings, Inc., PMA Capital Corporation (Class A), PMI Group Inc., ProCentury Corporation, Progressive Corporation, PXRE Group Ltd., Quanta Capital Holdings Ltd., RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., Republic Companies Group, Inc., RLI Corp., RTW, Inc., SAFECO Corporation, Safety Insurance Group, Inc., SCPIE Holdings Inc., SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc., Selective Insurance Group, Inc., St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc., State Auto Corporation, Sun Life Financial Inc., The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., Tower Group, Inc., TransAtlantic Holdings Inc., U.S.I. Holdings Corporation, United America Indemnity, Ltd., United Fire & Casualty Company, Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., W.R. Berkley Corporation, XL Capital Ltd. (Class A) and Zenith National Insurance Corporation.
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return*
Donegal Group Inc. Class A, Donegal Group Inc. Class B, Russell 2000 Index and Value Line Insurance (Property/Casualty)
(LINE GRAPH)
Assumes $100 invested at the close of trading on December 31, 2001 in Donegal Group Inc. Class A common stock, Donegal Group Inc. Class B common stock, Russell 2000 Index and Insurance (Property/Casualty).
                                                 
    2001   2002   2003   2004   2005   2006
Donegal Group Inc. Class A
    100.00       107.32       226.46       240.96       332.23       377.22  
Donegal Group Inc. Class B
    100.00       109.94       193.74       228.47       296.46       338.03  
Russell 2000 Index
    100.00       78.42       114.00       133.38       137.81       161.24  
Insurance (PropertyCasualty)
    100.00       103.55       130.98       146.37       162.36       185.85  
 
*Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

41


 

Corporate Information
Annual Meeting
April 19, 2007 at the Company’s headquarters at 10:00 a.m.
Form 10-K
A copy of Donegal Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K will be furnished free upon written request to Jeffrey D. Miller, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, at the corporate address.
Market Information
Donegal Group’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols “DGICA” and “DGICB.” The following table shows the dividends paid per share and the stock price range for each quarter during 2006 and 2005:
                         
                    Cash Dividend
                    Declared
Quarter   High   Low   Per Share
 
2005 - Class A*
                       
 
                       
1st
  $ 15.93     $ 11.63     $  
2nd
    15.24       12.52       .075  
3rd
    17.99       14.49       .075  
4th
    18.70       15.18       .15  
 
                       
2005 - Class B*
                       
 
                       
1st
  $ 14.12     $ 10.55     $  
2nd
    14.25       10.88       .0638  
3rd
    15.00       12.42       .0638  
4th
    18.00       13.05       .1275  
 
                       
2006 - Class A
                       
 
                       
1st
  $ 19.64     $ 16.58     $  
2nd
    21.57       17.50       .0825  
3rd
    21.28       16.81       .0825  
4th
    20.48       18.70       .165  
 
                       
2006 - Class B
                       
 
                       
1st
  $ 21.86     $ 15.83     $  
2nd
    19.14       15.91       .07  
3rd
    19.07       14.01       .07  
4th
    18.10       15.84       .14  
 
*Restated for a 4-for-3 stock split
Corporate Offices
1195 River Road
P.O. Box 302
Marietta, Pennsylvania 17547-0302
(800) 877-0600
E-mail Address: info@donegalgroup.com
Donegal Web Site: www.donegalgroup.com
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078
(800) 317-4445
Web Site: www.computershare.com
Hearing Impaired: TDD: 800-952-9245
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
The Company offers a dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan through its transfer agent.
For information contact:
Donegal Group Inc.
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078
Stockholders
The following represent the number of common stockholders of record as of December 31, 2006:
         
Class A common stock
    1,105  
Class B common stock
    433  

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