HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC
10-Q, 1999-08-05
FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE
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               SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                    WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                           FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999.
                              ---------------
                               OR

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

For the transition period from              to
                               ------------    ---------------

Commission file number    0-14697
                      --------------

                   HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC.
       --------------------------------------------------
     (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          DELAWARE                               51-0241172
- -------------------------------              ------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of               (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)               Identification No.)

   355 MAPLE AVENUE,  HARLEYSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA  19438-2297
  ------------------------------------------------------------
  (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

                        (215) 256-5000
        -----------------------------------------------
      (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

      At  August  3, 1999, 29,420,750 shares of common  stock  of
Harleysville Group Inc. were outstanding.

                                1

<PAGE>



            HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            INDEX

                                                    Page Number
                                                    -----------
Part I - Financial Information

 Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 1999
   and December 31, 1998                                3

 Consolidated Statements of Income - For the
   three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998            4

 Consolidated Statements of Income - For the
   six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998              5

 Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity -
   For the six months ended June 30, 1999               6

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
   For the six months ended June 30, 1999
   and 1998                                             7

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements             8

 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
   of Operations and Financial Condition               13


Part II - Other Information                            18

                                2

<PAGE>



                 HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (in thousands, except share data)

                                             JUNE 30,      DECEMBER 31,
                                               1999           1998
                                           ------------    ------------
                                            (unaudited)
                    ASSETS
                    ------
  Investments:
   Fixed maturities:
       Held to maturity, at amortized
       cost (fair value $632,602
       and  $680,371)                      $  618,281      $  638,319
       Available for sale, at fair
        value (amortized cost $739,502
        and $716,325)                         745,578         751,293
   Equity securities, at fair value
     (cost $101,699 and $95,797)              193,219         174,932
   Short-term investments, at cost,
     which approximates fair value             20,508          15,022
                                           ----------      ----------
       Total investments                    1,577,586       1,579,566
  Cash                                          3,384           3,799
  Receivables:
   Premiums                                    99,047          91,256
   Reinsurance                                 81,855          84,179
   Accrued investment income                   22,000          22,134
                                           ----------      ----------
       Total receivables                      202,902         197,569

  Deferred policy acquisition costs            86,622          78,984
  Prepaid reinsurance premiums                 12,475          12,108
  Property and equipment, net                  25,756          25,051
  Deferred income taxes                        10,289           3,604
  Due from affiliate                            1,522
  Other assets                                 33,624          33,816
                                           ----------      ----------
       Total assets                        $1,954,160      $1,934,497
                                           ==========      ==========

       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

  Liabilities:
   Unpaid losses and loss settlement
     expenses                              $  882,434      $  893,420
   Unearned premiums                          349,132         317,772
   Accounts  payable and accrued
     expenses                                  83,875          83,735
   Debt                                        96,810          97,140
   Due to affiliate                                            12,772
                                           ----------      ----------
       Total liabilities                    1,412,251       1,404,839
                                           ----------      ----------
  Shareholders' equity:
   Preferred stock, $1 par value,
     authorized 1,000,000 shares;
     none issued
   Common stock, $1 par value,
     authorized 80,000,000 shares;
     issued and outstanding 29,324,173
     and 29,150,518 shares                    29,324          29,151
   Additional paid-in capital                122,059         119,302
   Accumulated other comprehensive
   income                                     63,438          74,167
   Retained earnings                         327,088         307,038
                                          ----------      ----------
       Total shareholders' equity            541,909         529,658
                                          ----------      ----------
       Total liabilities and
         shareholders' equity             $1,954,160      $1,934,497
                                          ==========      ==========

  See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                3

  <PAGE>



                HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                              (Unaudited)
           FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 AND 1998
             (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                                           1999           1998
                                         ---------     ---------
Revenues:

  Premiums earned                        $175,099      $165,834
  Investment income, net of
    investment expenses                    21,231        21,343
  Realized investment gains                 1,210         3,702
  Other income                              3,770         3,143
                                         --------      --------

      Total revenues                      201,310       194,022
                                         --------      --------
Losses and expenses:

  Losses and loss settlement expenses     119,799       114,425
  Amortization of deferred policy
    acquisition costs                      45,264        42,033
  Other underwriting expenses              14,116        13,640
  Interest expense                          1,556         1,625
  Other expenses                            1,193         1,087
                                         --------      --------
      Total expenses                      181,928       172,810
                                         --------      --------

      Income before income taxes           19,382        21,212

Income taxes                                3,871         4,660
                                         --------      --------

      Net income                         $ 15,511      $ 16,552
                                         ========      ========
Per common share:

  Basic earnings                         $    .53      $    .57
                                         ========      ========

  Diluted earnings                       $    .52      $    .56
                                         ========      ========

  Cash dividend                          $   .125      $   .115
                                         ========      ========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                4

<PAGE>



                HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                              (Unaudited)
             FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 AND 1998
              (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

                                              1999        1998
                                           ---------   ---------
Revenues:

  Premiums earned                          $344,926    $328,466
  Investment income, net of
    investment expenses                      42,757      42,578
  Realized investment gains                   6,020       7,350
  Other income                                7,283       6,133
                                           --------    --------

      Total revenues                        400,986     384,527
                                           --------    --------
Losses and expenses:

  Losses and loss settlement expenses       239,645     230,716
  Amortization of deferred policy
    acquisition costs                        88,815      83,145
  Other underwriting expenses                29,474      26,938
  Interest expense                            3,117       3,265
  Other expenses                              2,342       1,972
                                           --------    --------
      Total expenses                        363,393     346,036
                                           --------    --------

      Income before income taxes and
        cumulative effect of accounting
        change                               37,593      38,491

Income taxes                                  7,317       8,037
                                           --------    --------
      Income before cumulative effect
        of accounting change                 30,276      30,454

Cumulative effect of accounting change,
  net of income tax                          (2,904)
                                           --------    --------

      Net income                           $ 27,372    $ 30,454
                                           ========    ========
Per common share:

  Basic:
    Income before cumulative effect of
      accounting change                    $   1.04    $   1.05
    Cumulative effect of accounting
      change, net of income tax                (.10)
                                           --------    --------
    Net income                             $    .94    $   1.05
                                           ========    ========
  Diluted:
    Income before cumulative effect of
      accounting change                    $   1.02    $   1.03
    Cumulative effect of accounting
      change, net of income tax                (.10)
                                           --------    --------
    Net income                             $    .92    $   1.03
                                           ========    ========
  Cash dividend                            $    .25    $    .23
                                           ========    ========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                5

<PAGE>



                HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                              (Unaudited)
                 FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
                         (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     ACCUMULATED
                 COMMON STOCK        ADDITIONAL    OTHER
                                     PAID-IN       COMPREHENSIVE   RETAINED
              SHARES      AMOUNT     CAPITAL       INCOME          EARNINGS   TOTAL
            ----------   --------    ----------    -------------   --------   -------
<S>
Balance,
 Dec. 31,
 <S>        <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>        <C>
 1998       29,150,518   $29,151     $119,302      $  74,167       $307,038   $529,658
                                                                              --------
Net income                                                           27,372     27,372
Other compre-
 hensive
 income,
 net of tax:
  Unrealized
  investment
  losses, net
  of reclassi-
  fication
  adjustment                                                       (10,729)    (10,729)
                                                                              --------
Comprehensive
 income                                                                         16,643
                                                                              --------

Issuance of
 common
 stock         173,655       173        2,757                                    2,930
Cash dividend
 paid                                                                (7,322)    (7,322)
            ----------   -------     --------       --------       --------   --------
Balance,
 June 30,
 1999       29,324,173   $29,324     $122,059      $  63,438       $327,088   $541,909
            ==========   =======     ========       ========       ========   ========

</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                6

<PAGE>



                  HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                (Unaudited)
              FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 AND 1998
                               (in thousands)

                                               1999          1998
                                            ----------    ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net income                                 $  27,372     $  30,454
 Adjustments to reconcile net income
   to net cash provided by operating
   activities:
     Cumulative effect of accounting
       change, net of income tax               2,904
     Change in receivables, unearned
       premiums, prepaid reinsurance
       and due to affiliate                   11,366       (15,774)
     Increase (decrease) in unpaid
       losses and loss settlement
       expenses                              (10,986)       24,446
     Deferred income taxes                     1,281        (1,176)
     Increase in deferred policy
       acquisition costs                      (7,638)       (5,787)
     Amortization and depreciation             1,539         1,215
     Gain on sale of investments              (6,020)       (7,350)
     Other, net                               (5,213)       17,575
     Cash from change in intercompany
       pooling agreement                                    14,962
                                           ---------     ---------
       Net cash provided by
        operating activities                  14,605        58,565
                                           ---------     ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Fixed maturity investments:
   Purchases                                (103,751)     (114,471)
   Sales or maturities                       102,253        69,802
 Equity securities:
   Purchases                                 (10,246)      (14,999)
   Sales                                       8,947        14,678
 Net (purchases) sales of short-term
   investments                                (5,486)        8,626
 Purchase of property and equipment           (2,015)         (966)
                                           ---------     ---------
        Net cash used by investing
         activities                          (10,298)      (37,330)
                                           ---------     ---------

Cash flows from financing activities:
 Issuance of common stock                      2,930         3,193
 Repayment of debt obligations                  (330)         (300)
 Dividend paid                                (7,322)       (6,662)
                                           ---------     ---------
        Net cash used by
         financing activities                 (4,722)       (3,769)
                                           ---------     ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash                     (415)       17,466

 Cash at beginning of period                   3,799         1,460
                                           ---------     ---------
 Cash at end of period                     $   3,384     $  18,926
                                           =========     =========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                7

<PAGE>



              HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            (Unaudited)
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


  1 - Basis of Presentation

       The  financial  information for the  interim  periods
  included  herein  is unaudited; however, such  information
  reflects  all  adjustments  (consisting  of  only   normal
  recurring  adjustments)  which  are,  in  the  opinion  of
  management,  necessary  to  a  fair  presentation  of  the
  financial position, results of operations, and cash  flows
  for  the  interim periods.  The results of operations  for
  interim  periods are not necessarily indicative of results
  to be expected for the full year.

        These   financial  statements  should  be  read   in
  conjunction  with the financial statements and  notes  for
  the   year  ended  December  31,  1998  included  in   the
  Company's  1998  Annual Report filed with  the  Securities
  and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K.


  2 - Changes in Accounting Principles

        (a)    Guaranty-Fund  and  Other   Insurance-Related
  Assessments

       In  1997, the American Institute of Certified  Public
  Accountants (AICPA) issued Statement of Position (SOP) 97-
  3,  "Accounting  by  Insurance and Other  Enterprises  for
  Insurance-Related  Assessments," which  provides  guidance
  for  determining when to recognize, and how to  determine,
  a  liability for guaranty-fund and other insurance-related
  assessments.   Effective  January  1,  1999,  the  Company
  adopted SOP 97-3 and recorded a charge of $2,904,000,  net
  of  a  tax benefit of $1,564,000, as the cumulative effect
  of   the   accounting  change.   Prior  period   financial
  statements  have not been restated and pro  forma  effects
  of retroactive application are not material.

      (b)  Costs of Internal Use Software

       In March 1998, the AICPA issued SOP 98-1, "Accounting
  for  Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained  for
  Internal  Use."  The  SOP  requires  that  certain   costs
  related  to  the  development or purchase of  internal-use
  software  be capitalized and amortized over the  estimated
  useful  life of the software. This SOP also requires  that
  costs  related  to the preliminary project stage  and  the
  post  implementation/operations stage in  an  internal-use
  computer  software  development  project  be  expensed  as
  incurred.  Effective January 1, 1999, the Company  adopted
  SOP   98-1  and  accordingly  has  capitalized  costs   of
  $482,000 in 1999.  Prior period financial statements  have
  not been restated.

                                8

  <PAGE>



              HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            (Unaudited)
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (Continued)


  3 - Earnings Per Share

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

                            FOR THE THREE MONTHS     FOR THE SIX MONTHS
                               ENDED JUNE 30,          ENDED JUNE 30,
                            1999         1998         1999         1998
                         ----------   ----------    ---------    --------
                                          (in thousands,
                                      except per share data)

  Numerator for basic
   and diluted earnings
   earnings per share:
      Net income          $15,511      $16,552       $27,372     $30,454
                          =======      =======       =======     =======
  Denominator for basic
   earnings per share --
   weighted average
   shares outstanding      29,299       28,986        29,268      28,949

  Effect of stock
   incentive plans            305          511           372         535
                          -------      -------       -------     -------

  Denominator for
   diluted earnings
   per share               29,604      29,497        29,640       29,484
                          =======     =======       =======      =======
  Basic earnings
   per share              $   .53     $   .57       $   .94      $  1.05
                          =======     =======       =======      =======
  Diluted earnings
   per share              $   .52     $   .56       $   .92      $  1.03
                          =======     =======       =======      =======


  4 - Reinsurance

  Premiums earned are net of amounts ceded of $11,784,000 and
 $23,017,000  for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999,
  respectively,  and  $1,900,000  and  $11,770,000  for  the
  three  and  six  months ended June 30, 1998, respectively.
  The  ceded  earned premiums for the three and  six  months
  ended  June  30,  1998 are net of a $8,132,000  refund  of
  premiums  previously  ceded to the  Michigan  Catastrophic
  Claims  Association.   Such  premiums  were  refunded  to
  Harleysville  Group  which were then immediately  refunded
  to  policyholders.   Losses and loss  settlement  expenses
  are  net  of  amounts ceded of $5,058,000 and  $15,647,000
  for  the  three  and  six  months  ended  June  30,  1999,
  respectively, and

                                9

  <PAGE>



              HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            (Unaudited)
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (Continued)

  $21,010,000 and $31,549,000 for the three and  six  months
  ended  June 30, 1998, respectively.  Such amounts  do  not
  include  the  reinsurance transactions with  Mutual  under
  the  pooling  arrangement, but do include the  reinsurance
  described in the following paragraph.

       Harleysville  Group has a reinsurance agreement  with
  Harleysville  Mutual  Insurance Company  (Mutual)  whereby
  Mutual  reinsures  accumulated  catastrophe  losses  in  a
  quarter up to $14,400,000 ($16,200,000 in 1998) in  excess
  of  $3,600,000  ($1,800,000  in  1998)  in  return  for  a
  reinsurance  premium.  The agreement excludes  catastrophe
  losses  resulting  from  earthquakes  or  hurricanes,  and
  supplements  the existing external catastrophe reinsurance
  program.   Harleysville  Group ceded  to  Mutual  premiums
  earned  of $1,959,000 and $798,000 and losses incurred  of
  $(644,000)  and  $15,318,000, for the three  months  ended
  June  30, 1999 and 1998, respectively.  Harleysville Group
  ceded   to  Mutual  premiums  earned  of  $3,555,000   and
  $1,482,000   and   loss   incurred   of   $5,448,000   and
  $19,925,000  for the six months ended June  30,  1999  and
  1998, respectively.

       Harleysville  Group  cedes business  to  and  assumes
  business   from   Mutual  under  a   reinsurance   pooling
  agreement.   Because  this  agreement  does  not   relieve
  Harleysville   Group   of   primary   liability   as   the
  originating  insurer, there is a concentration  of  credit
  risk arising from business ceded to Mutual.  However,  the
  reinsurance  pooling agreement provides for the  right  of
  offset  and the net balance with Mutual is a liability  at
  June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998.  Mutual has an A.  M.
  Best  rating  of  "A" (Excellent) and, in accordance  with
  certain    state   regulatory   requirements,   maintained
  $334,400,000  (fair  value)  of  investments  in  a  trust
  account   to  secure  liabilities  under  the  reinsurance
  pooling agreement at June 30, 1999.

  5 - Cash Flows

       There  were  cash  tax  payments  of  $6,773,000  and
  $9,125,000  and  cash interest payments of $3,063,000  and
  $3,219,000  in  the  first six months of  1999  and  1998,
  respectively.

                               10

  <PAGE>



              HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            (Unaudited)
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (Continued)


  6 - Segment Information

       The performance of the personal lines and commercial lines
  is  evaluated  based  upon underwriting results  as  determined
  under  statutory  accounting  practices  (SAP)  for  the  total
  pooled   business  of  Harleysville  Group  and  Mutual.    The
  following  tables  reflect  the  total  pooled  business.   The
  eliminations  reflect  the share of the total  pooled  business
  not  retained  by  Harleysville Group and  the  effect  of  the
  catastrophe  reinsurance agreement between  Harleysville  Group
  and Mutual.

      Financial data by segment is as follows:

                           FOR THE THREE MONTHS     FOR THE SIX MONTHS
                             ENDED JUNE 30,           ENDED JUNE 30,
                            1999       1998         1999        1998
                          --------   ---------    ---------    ---------
                                          (in thousands)
  Revenues:
  Premiums earned:
    Commercial lines      $154,040    $139,909    $ 301,517    $ 275,065
    Personal lines          91,874      91,525      182,484      183,196
    Eliminations           (70,815)    (65,600)    (139,075)    (129,795)
                          --------    --------    ---------    ---------
      Total premiums
        earned             175,099     165,834      344,926      328,466
  Net investment income     21,231      21,343       42,757       42,578
  Realized investment
    gains                    1,210       3,702        6,020        7,350
  Other                      3,770       3,143        7,283        6,133
                          --------    --------    ---------    ---------
  Total revenues          $201,310    $194,022    $ 400,986    $ 384,527
                          ========    ========    =========    =========

  Income before income
   taxes and cumulative
   effect of accounting
   change:
    Underwriting loss:
      Commercial lines   $  (8,002)   $(17,320)   $  (26,278)  $ (37,190)
      Personal lines        (1,383)    (14,489)       (5,212)    (12,488)
      Eliminations             386      23,408        11,377      32,380
                          --------    --------     ---------   ---------
        SAP underwriting
          loss              (8,999)     (8,401)      (20,113)    (17,298)
    GAAP adjustments         4,919       4,137         7,105       4,965
                          --------    --------     ---------   ---------
        GAAP underwriting
          loss              (4,080)     (4,264)      (13,008)    (12,333)
    Net investment
      income                21,231      21,343        42,757      42,578
    Realized investment
      gains                  1,210       3,702         6,020       7,350
    Other                    1,021         431         1,824         896
                          --------    --------     ---------   ---------
  Income before income
   taxes and cumulative
   effect of accounting
   change                 $ 19,382    $ 21,212     $  37,593   $  38,491
                          ========    ========     =========   =========

                               11

  <PAGE>



              HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            (Unaudited)
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (Continued)

  7 - Comprehensive Income

       Comprehensive income consisted of the following  (all
  amounts are net of taxes):


                           FOR THE THREE MONTHS    FOR THE SIX MONTHS
                               ENDED JUNE 30,        ENDED JUNE 30,
                             1999       1998         1999       1998
                           --------   --------     --------   --------

  Net income               $ 15,511   $16,552      $ 27,372   $30,454
  Other comprehensive
   income:
    Unrealized investment
     holding gains
     (losses)
     arising during
     period                 (10,062)    7,194        (7,025)   18,050
   Less:
      Reclassification
       adjustment for
       gains included
       in net income           (596)   (2,395)       (3,704)   (4,723)
                           --------   -------      --------   -------

   Net unrealized
      investment gains
      (losses)              (10,658)    4,799       (10,729)   13,327
                           --------   -------      --------   -------

  Comprehensive income     $  4,853   $21,351      $ 16,643   $43,781
                           ========   =======      ========   =======


  8 - Subsequent Event

       On  July  29, 1999, Harleysville Group announced  it  will
  consolidate  its  claims  operations  from  23  general  claims
  offices  into  a centralized direct reporting center  and  four
  specialized    regional    claims   service    centers.     The
  restructuring  will result in a net reduction in  claims  staff
  of  approximately 125 people.  Based on the present  evaluation
  of  the  components of the restructuring, a one-time  after-tax
  charge  of  approximately $1,700,000 is  expected in the  third
  quarter  of 1999. The consolidation will begin immediately  and
  is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2000.

                               12

  <PAGE>



            HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
             OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


Results of Operations

      Premiums  earned increased $9.3 million and  $16.5  million
during   the   three  and  six  months  ended  June   30,   1999,
respectively. The increases are primarily due to an  increase  in
premiums   earned  for  commercial  lines  partially  offset   by
increases  of  $1.2  million and $2.1 million in  premiums  ceded
under  the catastrophe reinsurance agreement with Mutual for  the
three and six months ended June 30, 1999, respectively.

      Investment income was essentially unchanged for  the  three
and  six  months ended June 30, 1999 as an increase  in  invested
assets was offset by a lower yield on the investment portfolio.

      Realized investment gains decreased $2.5 million  and  $1.3
million  for  the  three  and  six months  ended  June  30,  1999
primarily resulting from fewer sales of equity securities.

       Income  before  income  taxes  and  cumulative  effect  of
accounting change decreased $1.8 million and $0.9 million for the
three  and  six  months ended June 30, 1999,  respectively.   The
decreases  primarily  were  due  to  the  lower  realized  gains.
Harleysville Group's statutory combined ratio decreased to 101.3%
and  102.9%  for  the three and six months ended June  30,  1999,
respectively, from 102.3% and 103.2% for the three and six months
ended  June  30,  1998, respectively, primarily due  to  improved
results in the personal automobile and workers compensation lines
of business. Such improved results primarily are due to variances
from  expected claims severity for insured events of prior years.
Losses   ceded   under  the  aggregate  catastrophe   reinsurance
agreement  with  Mutual  decreased by  $16.0  million  and  $14.5
million  for  the  three  and six months  ended  June  30,  1999,
respectively, primarily due to fewer and less severe catastrophes
in 1999.  In 1998, there were several severe spring storms in the
second quarter and a first quarter ice storm in upstate New York.

      The  income tax expense for the three and six months  ended
June  30, 1999 includes the tax benefit of $2.9 million and  $5.9
million  associated  with tax-exempt interest  compared  to  $2.8
million and $5.5 million in the same prior year periods.

      On  July  29,  1999, Harleysville Group announced  it  will
consolidate its claims operations from 23 general claims  offices
into  a  centralized direct reporting center and four specialized
regional  claims service centers.  The restructuring will  result
in  a  net reduction in claims staff of approximately 125 people.
Based  on  the  present  evaluation  of  the  components  of  the
restructuring,  a  one-time  after-tax  charge  of  approximately
$1,700,000, or $.06

                               13

<PAGE>



            HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
             OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                          (Continued)


per diluted share, is expected in the third quarter of 1999.  The
consolidation  will  begin immediately  and  is  expected  to  be
completed  by  the  second quarter of 2000 and result  in  annual
after-tax  savings  of  approximately  $2,300,000,  or  $.08  per
diluted share, based on a preliminary analysis of achievable cost
savings.

      Effective  for  one year from July 1, 1999,  the  Company's
subsidiaries and Mutual and its wholly-owned subsidiaries renewed
its  catastrophe reinsurance treaty which provides  coverage  for
85.5%  of  up  to  $147 million in excess of a retention  of  $20
million  for  any given catastrophe.  Harleysville  Group's  1999
pooling  share  of this coverage would be 85.5%  of  up  to  $106
million  in excess of a retention of $14.4 million for any  given
catastrophe.  Accordingly, pursuant to the terms of  the  treaty,
the  maximum  recovery would be $126 million for any  catastrophe
involving an insured loss equal to or greater than $167  million.
Harleysville Group's 1999 pooling share of this maximum  recovery
would  be  $90 million for any catastrophe involving  an  insured
loss   of   $120   million  or  greater.   The  treaty   includes
reinstatement  provisions providing for  coverage  for  a  second
catastrophe and requiring payment of an additional premium in the
event of a first catastrophe occurring.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

      Net cash provided by operating activities was $14.6 million
and  $58.6  million for the six months ended June  30,  1999  and
1998,  respectively.   The  decrease  primarily  results  from  a
decline  of $18.2 million in cash held as collateral for security
lending transactions, and by the effect of the 1998 amendment  to
the  pooling  agreement with Mutual.  A cash  transfer  of  $15.0
million  was received, effective January 1, 1998, by Harleysville
Group  related  to the various liabilities assumed in  connection
with such amendment.

      Net cash used by investing activities was $10.3 million and
$37.3  million for the six months ended June 30, 1999  and  1998,
respectively.  The decrease is primarily due to  the  decline  in
cash provided by operating activities.

                               14

<PAGE>



            HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
             OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                          (Continued)


     Net cash used by financing activities increased $1.0 million
for  the  six  months ended June 30, 1999 primarily  due  to  the
increase in dividends paid.

      Harleysville Group Inc. maintained $5.6 million of cash and
marketable investments at the holding company level at  June  30,
1999  which is available for general corporate purposes including
dividends,  debt service, capital contributions to  subsidiaries,
acquisitions  and  the repurchase of stock.  In  June  1999,  the
Company  adopted a stock repurchase plan under which the  Company
and Mutual may each purchase up to 500,000 shares of Harleysville
Group  common  stock,  up to a total of  1,000,000  shares.   The
Company  has no material commitments for capital expenditures  as
of June 30, 1999.

Year 2000

       Harleysville   Group  began  assessing   its   information
technology  (IT)  systems in 1996 and developed plans  to  ensure
their  functionality  with respect to the  year  2000  millennium
change.  These  plans  contain four major  phases:   remediation,
certification testing, enterprise testing and street testing.

      The  major part of the remediation phase involved modifying
our  basic transaction processing systems that include the policy
issuance, billing and claims systems.  The remediation phase  was
completed during the fourth quarter of 1998.

      The  certification testing phase began in the third quarter
of  1998  and was fully completed in the second quarter of  1999.
This  phase  involved  testing each system using  aged  data  and
critical   future  dates  in  a  separate  year  2000   compliant
environment   and   remediating   any   problems   that    arise.
Harleysville  Group  did not encounter any  significant  problems
during  certification  testing and all problems  identified  have
been remediated.

      The enterprise testing phase began in the second quarter of
1999  and involved testing hardware and operating system software
running  in concert with each other using critical future  dates.
The  enterprise testing was completed and no significant problems
were encountered.

                               15

<PAGE>



            HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
             OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                          (Continued)


      The  street  testing  phase involves  testing  Harleysville
Group's  IT  systems with third parties and began in  the  second
quarter of 1999.  There have been no significant problems in  the
testing so far.  The exact timing of the completion of this phase
is   dependent   upon  the  readiness  of  the   third   parties.
Harleysville Group has identified and communicated  with  all  of
the third parties identified.

      Harleysville Group has non-IT systems that include embedded
technology  such  as  office  equipment  and  building   systems.
Harleysville  Group has inventoried the non-IT  systems  and  has
either   tested  or  communicated  with  vendors  and   landlords
regarding  year 2000 readiness for essentially all of the  non-IT
systems.  Harleysville  Group  currently  does  not  expect   any
material  impact  to  its  business,  results  of  operations  or
financial condition from the failure of non-IT systems.

      Harleysville  Group's expenses since 1996 to  address  year
2000  issues were approximately $3.5 million as of June 30,  1999
and   consisted   primarily  of  costs  of  internal   resources.
Estimated  remaining costs to complete the  year  2000  work  are
currently $0.1 million.

      Harleysville Group's year 2000 plans provide  for  time  to
correct problems encountered in the testing phases.  Harleysville
Group  is continually assessing the most reasonably likely  worst
case  year 2000 scenario and the contingency alternatives.   This
assessment is ongoing and contingency plans will be finalized  in
the third quarter.

      Harleysville Group has risk that third parties will  suffer
year  2000  problems.  As most of Harleysville  Group's  computer
systems have been internally developed, Harleysville Group is not
significantly  dependent on third party  vendors  for  year  2000
compliance.    Of   the   independent   agents   that   interface
electronically  with  Harleysville  Group,  almost   all   either
utilize,  or  have access to, a system for which the  remediation
and  certification testing phases are complete.  Some information
used in underwriting policies and adjusting claims, such as motor
vehicle  reports,  rating information and crime  data  bases,  is
generally obtained electronically.  Investment portfolio  pricing
information   and   bank   statement  information   is   obtained
electronically.  Harleysville Group  is  communicating  with  and
monitoring the year 2000 progress of such third parties and  will
conclude its contingency planning later in 1999.

                               16

<PAGE>



            HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
             OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
                          (Continued)


Harleysville Group is also communicating with and monitoring  the
year  2000 readiness of other third parties it does business with
but  with which it does not exchange data electronically.  To the
extent that any of these third parties appear not to be year 2000
ready, Harleysville Group will make appropriate contingency plans
dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each third party.

     Harleysville Group has risk that claims related to year 2000
issues will be made under insurance policies that it underwrites.
Harleysville  Group  has  concluded  that  its  policies  do  not
generally  provide  coverage for losses  relating  to  year  2000
issues  and  has  issued  endorsements  further  clarifying  this
exclusion.  However,  due in part to the potential  for  judicial
decisions  which  expand policies to cover risks  that  were  not
contemplated   by   the  policy,  which  in  turn   may   produce
unanticipated  claims at that point in time, the  amount  of  any
potential year 2000 coverage liabilities is not determinable.

      This  year  2000 disclosure contains statements  which  are
forward-looking  statements that involve risks and  uncertainties
and  qualify  for  the statutory safe harbor  under  the  Private
Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of  1995.   Future  year  2000
readiness  activities may not adhere to the anticipated  schedule
and  cost  estimations because:  more problems may be encountered
than  anticipated  in the various stages of testing  and  trained
personnel may not be available to work on internal systems in the
time  required;  or  there may be unexpected  problems  with  the
readiness of third party business partners and vendors who cannot
produce services; or utility companies may not be able to provide
the vital services required to maintain operations.

                               17

<PAGE>



            HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.  Legal Proceedings - None

ITEM 2.  Changes in Securities - None

ITEM 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities - None

ITEM 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security
         Holders - None

ITEM 5.  Other Information -

ITEM 6.  a.  Exhibits - None
         b.  Reports on Form 8-K:
             On  June  23, 1999 Harleysville Group Inc.
             filed a report on  Form  8-K, reporting
             under Item 5, that its Board of Directors
             authorized a stock repurchase plan.



                           SIGNATURE

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



                                   HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC.



Date:    August 5, 1999                   /s/BRUCE J. MAGEE
                                    ---------------------------------
                                             Bruce J. Magee
                                       Senior Vice President and
                                        Chief Financial Officer
                                    (principal financial officer and
                                      principal accounting officer)


                               18

<PAGE>





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<NAME> HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC.
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