Form 8-K Filing

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) October 22, 2010  


Donegal Group Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


DE
 
0-15341
 
23-2424711
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)


 
1195 RIVER RD MARIETTA, PA
 
17547
 
  (Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)  

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:   717-426-1931



________________________________________________________________________________
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)



Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
    [    ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
    [    ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
    [    ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
    [    ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 22, 2010 the Registrant issued a press release, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

    Exhibit 99.1.       Press release dated October 22, 2010


SIGNATURE

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

    Donegal Group Inc.
(Registrant)

October 22, 2010
(Date)
  /s/   JEFFREY D. MILLER
Jeffrey D. Miller
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


  Exhibit Index
  99.1 Press release dated October 22, 2010






Donegal Group Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings

EXHIBIT 99.1

Donegal Group Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings

MARIETTA, Pa., Oct. 22, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Donegal Group Inc. (Nasdaq:DGICA) (Nasdaq:DGICB) today reported that it had net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 of $4,909,879, or $.20 per share of Class A common stock on a diluted basis. Catastrophe and other weather-related losses impacted pre-tax results for the third quarter of 2010 by approximately $9.9 million after reinsurance, compared to $5.9 million for the third quarter of 2009. The catastrophe losses resulted from a number of wind and hail storms in the Company's Midwestern region. The Company reported net income of $6,744,851, or $.27 per share of Class A common stock on a diluted basis, for the third quarter of 2009.

Revenues for the third quarter of 2010 were $103,750,318, an increase of 9.3% over revenues for the third quarter of 2009, with net premiums earned of $94,948,843, an increase of 7.9% over net premiums earned for the year-earlier period. Net premiums written for the third quarter of 2010 were $101,905,860, representing an 8.8% increase over net premiums written for the third quarter of 2009, consisting of a 10.1% increase in commercial lines writings and an 8.4% increase in personal lines writings. Net premiums written for the third quarter of 2010 included $2.2 million in premiums assumed from Southern Mutual Insurance Company, which accounted for 2.3% of the overall increase.

The Company's combined ratio was 103.2% for the third quarter of 2010, reflecting the impact of the increased weather-related losses noted above as well as increases in fire losses and casualty claim severity compared to the third quarter of 2009.

The Company's expense ratio remained constant at 32.0% for the third quarters of 2010 and 2009, with both periods reflecting lower expenses incurred for underwriting-based incentive costs.

Net investment income was $4,709,458 for the third quarter of 2010, compared to $5,107,356 for the third quarter of 2009. The impact of lower fixed maturity investment yields offset investment income attributable to an increase in average invested assets compared to the year-earlier period. The Company had no impairments it considered to be other than temporary in its investment portfolio in the third quarters of 2010 or 2009.  Net realized investment gains from the sale of securities were $2,460,462 for the third quarter of 2010, compared to $189,230 for the year-earlier period.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $6,884,365, or $.28 per share of Class A common stock on a diluted basis, compared to $11,302,279, or $.45 per share of Class A common stock on a diluted basis, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The Company's combined ratio for the first nine months of 2010 was 105.2%, compared to a combined ratio of 102.2% for the comparable period in 2009. The Company's loss ratio was 73.0% for the first nine months of 2010, compared to 70.7% for the first nine months of 2009.  The increase in 2010 compared to the year-earlier period primarily reflected increased fire and weather-related claim activity, partially offset by significantly improved prior accident year reserve development, in the first nine months of 2010.

The Company's total stockholders' equity, or book value, increased 7.7% to $394,775,506, a per common share amount of $15.46, at September 30, 2010, compared to $385,505,699, a per common share amount of $15.12, at December 31, 2009. The Company attributes this increase in book value primarily to $7.9 million of net after-tax unrealized gains in the fair value of its available-for-sale fixed maturity investments during the first nine months of 2010.

"We are pleased to report an increase in premium writings during the quarter and a significant improvement in our quarterly net income compared to the first two quarters of the year. While we see a number of positive trends, we are not satisfied with our 2010 underwriting results and are taking measures, including rate increases in various lines of business, to improve underwriting profitability in a number of our operating areas and product lines where we are not achieving our profit objectives. We are pleased with the progress related to our previously-announced agreement to acquire Michigan Insurance Company, and we expect to complete this acquisition during the fourth quarter of 2010," stated Donald H. Nikolaus, President and Chief Executive Officer of Donegal Group Inc.

On October 21, 2010, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend payable November 15, 2010 of $.115 per share of Class A common stock and $.1025 per share of Class B common stock to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 1, 2010.

The Company will hold a conference call and webcast on Friday, October 22, 2010, beginning at 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time. You may listen via the Internet by accessing the webcast link in the Investors area of the Company's web site at www.donegalgroup.com. A replay of the conference call will also be available via the Company's web site.

Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries offer personal and commercial property and casualty lines of insurance in four Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania), three New England states (Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont), seven Southeastern states (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) and six Midwestern states (Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin).

The insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. conduct business together with Donegal Mutual Insurance Company as the Donegal Insurance Group. The Donegal Insurance Group has an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent) and has been ranked among the top 50 performing property-casualty insurance companies nationwide in each of the past six years by Ward Group, a Cincinnati-based operational consulting firm specializing in the insurance industry.

All statements contained in this press release that are not historic facts are based on current expectations. Such statements are forward-looking in nature (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and necessarily involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially. The factors that could cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to maintain profitable operations, the adequacy of the Company's reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, business and economic conditions in the areas in which the Company operates, conditions resulting from the ongoing recession in the United States, severe weather events, competition from various insurance and non-insurance businesses, terrorism, the availability and cost of reinsurance, legal and judicial developments, changes in regulatory requirements and the other risks that the Company describes from time to time in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Com mission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such statements or to announce publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Donegal Group Inc.
Financial Highlights
(unaudited)
     
  Quarter Ended September 30
  2010 2009
     
Net premiums earned  $ 94,948,843  $ 87,997,723
Investment income, net of investment expenses  4,709,458  5,107,356
Net realized investment gains  2,460,462  189,230
Total revenues  103,750,318  94,882,167
     
Net income  $ 4,909,879  $ 6,744,851
     
Net income per common share:    
Class A common stock - basic  $ 0.20  $ 0.27
Class A common stock - diluted  $ 0.20  $ 0.27
Class B common stock - basic and diluted  $ 0.18  $ 0.24
     
  Nine Months Ended September 30
  2010 2009
     
Net premiums earned  $ 279,323,348  $ 263,887,611
Investment income, net of investment expenses  14,608,439  15,731,106
Net realized investment gains  4,447,065  893,225
Total revenues  303,126,520  285,207,201
     
Net income  $ 6,884,365  $ 11,302,279
     
Net income per common share:    
Class A common stock - basic  $ 0.28  $ 0.45
Class A common stock - diluted  $ 0.28  $ 0.45
Class B common stock - basic and diluted  $ 0.25  $ 0.41
     
     
Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
     
  Quarter Ended September 30
  2010 2009
     
Net premiums earned  $ 94,949  $ 87,998
Investment income, net of investment expenses  4,709  5,107
Net realized investment gains  2,460  189
Lease income  232  233
Installment payment fees  1,400  1,349
Other income  --   6
Total revenues  103,750  94,882
     
Net losses and loss expenses  67,402  58,609
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs  16,388  14,791
Other underwriting expenses  14,019  13,345
Other expenses  502  335
Policyholder dividends  220  252
Interest  184  185
Total expenses  98,715  87,517
     
Income before income tax expense  5,035  7,365
Income tax expense  125  620
     
Net income  $ 4,910  $ 6,745
     
Net income per common share:    
Class A common stock - basic  $ 0.20  $ 0.27
Class A common stock - diluted  $ 0.20  $ 0.27
Class B common stock - basic and diluted  $ 0.18  $ 0.24
     
Supplementary Financial Analysts' Data    
     
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:    
Class A common stock - basic  19,965,942  19,905,174
Class A common stock - diluted  19,965,942  19,905,174
Class B common stock - basic and diluted  5,576,775  5,576,775
     
Net written premiums  $ 101,906  $ 93,624
     
Book value per common share at end of period  $ 15.46  $ 15.36
     
     
Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
     
  Nine Months Ended September 30
  2010 2009
     
Net premiums earned  $ 279,323  $ 263,888
Investment income, net of investment expenses  14,608  15,731
Net realized investment gains  4,447  893
Lease income  688  689
Installment payment fees  4,060  3,957
Other income  --   49
Total revenues  303,126  285,207
     
Net losses and loss expenses  203,893  186,461
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs  48,549  44,158
Other underwriting expenses  40,835  38,548
Other expenses  1,666  1,153
Policyholder dividends  465  587
Interest  537  1,589
Total expenses  295,945  272,496
     
Income before income tax expense  7,181  12,711
Income tax expense  297  1,409
     
Net income  $ 6,884  $ 11,302
     
Net income per common share:    
Class A common stock - basic  $ 0.28  $ 0.45
Class A common stock - diluted  $ 0.28  $ 0.45
Class B common stock - basic and diluted  $ 0.25  $ 0.41
     
Supplementary Financial Analysts' Data    
     
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:    
Class A common stock - basic  19,950,170  19,895,840
Class A common stock - diluted  19,950,170  19,895,840
Class B common stock - basic and diluted  5,576,775  5,576,775
     
Net written premiums  $ 297,196  $ 275,208
     
Book value per common share at end of period  $ 15.46  $ 15.36
     
     
Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
     
  September 30,
2010
December 31,
2009
  (unaudited)  
     
ASSETS    
Investments:    
Fixed maturities:    
Held to maturity, at amortized cost  $ 66,005  $ 73,807
Available for sale, at fair value  563,277  517,704
Equity securities, at fair value  12,715  9,915
Investments in affiliates  9,184  9,309
Short-term investments, at cost  28,631  56,100
Total investments  679,812  666,835
Cash  12,729  12,924
Premiums receivable  71,950  61,187
Reinsurance receivable  95,515  84,670
Accrued investment income  6,421  6,203
Deferred policy acquisition costs  34,844  32,844
Prepaid reinsurance premiums  64,498  56,041
Property and equipment, net  6,326  6,592
Deferred tax asset, net  1,553  5,087
Accounts receivable - securities  350  588
Other assets  2,104  2,631
Total assets  $ 976,102  $ 935,602
     
 
Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(in thousands)
     
  September 30,
2010
December 31,
2009
  (unaudited)  
     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Liabilities:    
Losses and loss expenses  $ 278,636  $ 263,599
Unearned premiums  268,150  241,821
Accrued expenses  9,699  10,579
Subordinated debentures  15,465  15,465
Due to affiliate  893  3,813
Accounts payable - securities  1,554  6,829
Other liabilities  6,929  7,990
Total liabilities  581,326  550,096
Stockholders' equity:    
Preferred stock  --   -- 
Class A common stock  206  206
Class B common stock  56  56
Additional paid-in capital  166,685  164,585
Accumulated other comprehensive income  22,474  15,007
Retained earnings  214,605  214,756
Treasury stock, at cost  (9,250)  (9,104)
Total stockholders' equity  394,776  385,506
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $ 976,102  $ 935,602
CONTACT:  Donegal Group Inc.
          Jeffrey D. Miller, Senior Vice President
           & Chief Financial Officer
          (717) 426-1931
          Fax  (717) 426-7009
          jeffmiller@donegalgroup.com