UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q/A

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005

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

For the transition period from                      to                     .

MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

16-1280763
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

250 Main Street, Buffalo, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
14202
(Zip Code)
716-849-3333
(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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

                         Large accelerated filer o            Accelerated filer o            Non-accelerated filer þ

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of April 29, 2005:

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(in thousands)

		March 31,				December 31,
		2005				2004
		(unaudited)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturities:
Available for sale at fair value (amortized cost $186,289 in 2005 and $184,171 in 2004)		$	183,941			$	184,092
Preferred stock at fair value			3,669				3,509
Other long-term investments at fair value			582				2,696
Short-term investments			975				7,412
Total investments			189,167				197,709
Cash			2,920				145
Interest due and accrued			1,161				1,079
Premiums receivable from affiliate, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $190 in 2005 and $215 in 2004			12,903				15,136
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliate			6,245				7,570
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses			14,983				15,630
Prepaid reinsurance premiums from affiliate			4,177				4,595
Deferred income taxes			5,665				5,028
Other assets			7,244				8,812
Total assets		$	244,465			$	255,704

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(in thousands except share amounts)

		March 31,				December 31,
		2005				2004
		(unaudited)
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses (affiliate $45,192 and $44,094)		$	124,194			$	128,415
Unearned premiums from affiliate			28,195				33,685
Payable for securities			7,254				4,751
Payable to affiliate			2,663				5,571
Retrospective commission payable to affiliate			1,996				1,141
Income taxes payable			334				—
Other liabilities (affiliate $2,504 and $4,262)			8,273				10,167
Total liabilities			172,909				183,730
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 2,114,152 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004			33				33
Additional paid in capital			35,878				35,878
Treasury stock, 1,139,700 shares at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004			(22,766	)			(22,766	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,929	)			(536	)
Accumulated earnings			60,340				59,365
Total stockholders’ equity			71,556				71,974
Commitments and contingent liabilities			—				—
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	244,465			$	255,704

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands except per share amounts)

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2005				2004
		(unaudited)
Revenues:
Net premiums earned from affiliate		$	11,977			$	14,069
Net investment income			1,936				2,054
Net investment gains			—				377
Other revenues from affiliate			136				166
Total revenues			14,049				16,666
Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses ($6,196 and $8,298 from affiliate)			7,294				10,089
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliate			3,114				3,658
Other underwriting expenses ($1,864 and $1,524 from affiliate)			2,042				1,789
Total expenses			12,450				15,536
Income before income taxes			1,599				1,130
Income tax provision			411				319
Net income		$	1,188			$	811
Earnings per share:
Basic		$	.56			$	.38
Diluted		$	.56			$	.38
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			2,114				2,112
Diluted			2,119				2,116

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2005				2004
		(unaudited)
Net income		$	1,188			$	811
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities			(2,110	)			1,784
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income			—				(377	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes			(2,110	)			1,407
Income taxes (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)			(717	)			478
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,393	)			929
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	(205	)		$	1,740

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2005				2004
		(unaudited)
Common stock:
Beginning of period		$	33			$	32
Exercise of common stock options			—				1
End of period			33				33
Additional paid in capital:
Beginning of period			35,878				35,795
Exercise of common stock options			—				83
End of period			35,878				35,878
Treasury stock beginning and end:			(22,766	)			(22,766	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Beginning of period			(536	)			750
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,393	)			929
End of period			(1,929	)			1,679
Accumulated earnings:
Beginning of period			59,365				56,448
Net income			1,188				811
Cash dividends (to affiliate $26 and $26)			(213	)			(211	)
End of period			60,340				57,048
Total stockholders’ equity		$	71,556			$	71,872

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2005				2004
		(unaudited)
Cash flows from operations:
Collection of premiums from affiliate		$	9,137			$	11,222
Payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses (affiliate $5,098 and $5,849)			(9,412	)			(14,256	)
Payment of other underwriting expenses (affiliate $(4,441) and $(6,094)			(4,755	)			(6,274	)
Investment income received			1,928				2,115
Investment expenses paid			(102	)			(73	)
Income taxes (paid) recovered			—				(10	)
Other from affiliate			138				166
Net cash used in operations			(3,066	)			(7,110	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold or matured			12,214				8,330
Purchase of fixed maturities			(14,306	)			(18,284	)
Net decrease in other long-term investments			2,114				—
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments			6,437				(1,876	)
Increase in payable for securities			2,503				10,839
Decrease in receivable for securities			—				893
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			8,962				(98	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Settlement of affiliate balances, net			(2,908	)			7,316
Exercise of common stock options			—				84
Cash dividends (to affiliate $26 and $26)			(213	)			(211	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(3,121	)			7,189
Increase (decrease) in cash			2,775				(19	)
Cash:
Beginning of period			145				23
End of period		$	2,920			$	4

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH

USED IN OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2005				2004
		(unaudited)
Net income		$	1,188			$	811
Adjustments:
Amortization (accretion), net			(27	)			(14	)
Realized investment gains			—				(377	)
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Interest due and accrued			(82	)			2
Premiums receivable from affiliate			2,233				1,911
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliate			1,325				1,291
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses			647				2,424
Prepaid reinsurance premiums from affiliate			418				(693	)
Income taxes receivable			—				267
Deferred income taxes			80				42
Other assets			1,568				(1,231	)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses (affiliate $1,468 and $2,449)			(4,221	)			(5,162	)
Unearned premiums from affiliate			(5,490	)			(4,246	)
Income taxes payable			334				—
Retrospective commission payable to affiliate			855				344
Other liabilities (affiliate $(1,758) and $(2,564))			(1,894	)			(2,479	)
Net cash used in operations		$	(3,066	)		$	(7,110	)

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Subsequent Event

The consolidated financial statements have been amended for the following:

	•		Where applicable, the amounts of related party transactions with the Company’s affiliate have been disclosed on the face of the financial statements.
	•		Historically the Company included in its Consolidated Balance Sheet within “Other Liabilities,” the net present value of the aggregate amount of its contingent liability related to claims settled by the purchase of structured settlements. A corresponding asset was included in “Other Assets” for the same amount. In such transactions, the Company purchases annuities for claimants from life insurance carriers. The Company believed that in all instances in which a structured settlement was purchased, it remained contingently liable to its claimant if the life insurance company were to default on payment of the structured settlement. Many of the Company’s structured settlements include “Uniform Qualified Assignments.” In 2006, the Company received guidance from its legal counsel that such Uniform Qualified Assignments relieve the Company of any contingent liability for which the Assignment is properly executed. The Company included a liability in its Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 for all instances where structured settlements were purchased, including those where the Company received a Uniform Qualified Assignment. Other Liabilities and Other Assets included structured settlements with Uniform Qualified Assignments of $4,745,000 at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 have been adjusted to reflect this overstatement. This adjustment had no effect on the Company’s net income, stockholders’ equity or cash flows.

2. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2005 and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, of changes in stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively, are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations. Such adjustments consist only of normal recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Merchants Group, Inc. (the Company), its wholly-owned subsidiary, Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. (MNH), and M.F.C. of New York, Inc., an inactive premium finance company which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MNH. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the following notes and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which differ in some respects from those followed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

3. Related Party Transactions

The Company and MNH operate and manage their business in conjunction with Merchants Mutual Insurance Company (Mutual), under a services agreement (the Services Agreement) effective January 1, 2003. At March 31, 2005 Mutual owned 12.1% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock. The Company and MNH do not have any operating assets or employees. Under the Services Agreement, Mutual provides the Company and MNH with the facilities, management and personnel required to operate their day-to-day business. The Services Agreement covers substantially the same services previously provided under a management agreement amongst the Company, MNH and Mutual from 1986 to 2002. The Services Agreement provides for negotiated fees (subject to periodic adjustment) for administrative, underwriting, claims and investment management services.

As of January 1, 2003 MNH and Mutual entered into a reinsurance pooling agreement (the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement) that provides for the pooling, or sharing, of the insurance business traditionally written by Mutual and MNH. The Reinsurance Pooling Agreement applies to premiums earned and losses incurred on or after its effective date. The terms of these agreements are more fully described under the heading “Administration” in Part I, Item 1, Business, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

4. Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share were computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares outstanding was increased by the assumed exercise of options for each period. The effect on the number of shares outstanding assumes the proceeds to the Company from exercise were used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at its average market value per share during the period. The number of options assumed to be exercised and the incremental effect on average shares outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share are shown below:

		Three Months
		Ended March 31,
		2005				2004
Options assumed exercised			31,500				31,500
Incremental shares outstanding			4,974				4,589

5. Reserve for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The following table presents the liability for reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses separated into case reserves, reserves for losses incurred but not reported (IBNR) and reserves for loss adjustment expense (LAE) by major product:

		March 31,				December 31,
		2005				2004
Case reserves:
PPA liability		$	8,361			$	10,099
Homeowners			2,221				2,097
Commercial auto liability			6,895				7,677
Workers’ compensation			15,350				15,697
Commercial package			14,084				13,795
General liability			767				750
Other			146				243
Total case reserves			47,824				50,359
IBNR:
PPA liability			5,901				6,197
Homeowners			213				257
Commercial auto liability			6,116				6,154
Workers’ compensation			9,230				9,884
Commercial package			14,371				14,467
General liability			1,934				1,107
Other			(372	)			(223	)
Total IBNR			37,393				37,843
Reserve for LAE:
PPA liability			2,767				2,973
Homeowners			623				640
Commercial auto liability			1,969				1,852
Workers’ compensation			2,308				2,125
Commercial package			13,028				13,712
General liability			3,180				3,145
Other			119				136
Total reserve for LAE			23,994				24,583
Subtotal			109,211				112,785
Reinsurance recoverables			14,983				15,630
Reserve for losses and LAE		$	124,194			$	128,415

Included in the reserve for losses and LAE at March 31, 2005 was $13,135,000 of reserves for accident years 1995 and prior. Reserves related to workers’ compensation comprised $9,051,000 of this amount at March 31, 2005. The following table presents workers’ compensation claim count and paid loss data for accident years older than ten years as of each date:

		For the three months				For the year ended
		March 31,				December 31,
		2005				2004
		(dollars in thousands)
Number of claims pending, beginning of period			51				44
Number of claims reported			—				—
Number of claims settled or dismissed			(7	)			(2	)
Number of claims pending, end of period			44				42
Losses paid ($000’s)		$	125			$	388
Loss settlement expenses paid ($000’s)		$	14			$	25

The workers’ compensation claims consist primarily of reserves for the estimated cost of lifetime medical care for injured claimants. In developing the reserves for such claimants, the Company estimates the nature, frequency and duration of future medical treatments and pharmaceutical usage, in some instances for the lifetime of the claimant. Periodic reevaluation of these factors, based on new information on the claimant or changes in medical procedures, devices or pharmaceuticals, may result in changes in estimates for individual claims that are significant to the Company.

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

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 As Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

The following discussion should be considered in light of the statements under the heading “Safe Harbor Statement under the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,” at the end of this Item. All capitalized terms used in this Item that are not defined in this Item have the meanings given to them in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 reflect the effects of the Services Agreement and the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement among the Company and its wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. (MNH), and Merchants Mutual Insurance Company (Mutual), effective January 1, 2003. The Services Agreement calls for Mutual to provide underwriting, administrative, claims and investment services to the Company and MNH. The Reinsurance Pooling Agreement provides for the pooling, or sharing, of insurance business traditionally written by Mutual and MNH on or after the effective date. MNH’s share of pooled (combined Mutual and MNH) premiums earned and losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) for 2005 in accordance with the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement is 30%. MNH’s share of pooled premiums earned and losses and LAE was 35% in 2004. The Reinsurance Pooling Agreement pertains to premiums earned and incurred losses and LAE. Direct premiums written by MNH and Mutual are not pooled. MNH’s share of pooled premiums earned will be 25% in 2006 and 2007, though not to exceed $42,500,000 and $37,500,000 in net premiums written, respectively.

Total combined Mutual and MNH or “group-wide” direct premiums written (DWP) for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were $45,289,000, an increase of $186,000 from $45,103,000 in 2004. The Company’s pro-forma share of combined direct premiums written in 2005, in accordance with the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement, was $13,586,000 compared to $15,786,000 in 2004. The table below shows a comparison of direct premiums written by major category in 2005 and 2004:

		Group-wide DWP												MNH Pro-forma Share
		Three months ended												Three months ended
		March 31,												March 31,
		2005				2004				Change				2005				2004				Change
		(000’s omitted)												(000’s omitted)
Voluntary Personal Lines		$	9,211			$	12,556				(27	%)		$	2,763			$	4,395				(37	%)
Voluntary Commercial Lines			30,168				26,862				12	%			9,050				9,402				(4	%)
Umbrella Program			5,216				4,800				9	%			1,565				1,680				(7	%)
Involuntary			694				885				(22	%)			208				309				(33	%)
Total Direct Written Premiums		$	45,289			$	45,103				—			$	13,586			$	15,786				(14	%)

The 27% (or $3,345,000) decrease in group-wide voluntary personal lines direct premiums written resulted from a 37% (or $3,355,000) decrease in private passenger automobile (PPA) direct premiums written. The decrease in PPA direct premiums written is the result of the companies’ decision, implemented in 2002, not to write new policies in certain jurisdictions. In addition, the approval by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance of the companies’ request to withdraw from the New Jersey PPA market was

effective in June 2003 and provided for non-renewal of New Jersey PPA policies beginning in June 2004 through May 2005. As a result, voluntary PPA policies in force at March 31, 2005 were 18,005, a decrease of 32%, from 26,438 at March 31, 2004.

The monoline commercial umbrella program (the Umbrella Program) resulted in $5,216,000 of direct premiums written in the first quarter of 2005 compared to $4,800,000 in the first quarter of 2004. The Umbrella Program is marketed exclusively through one independent agent and approximately 95% of the premiums related to Umbrella Program Policies are reinsured with an “A+” rated national reinsurer through a quota share reinsurance treaty.

Group-wide voluntary commercial lines direct premiums written increased $3,306,000, or 12%, to $30,168,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, from $26,862,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. This increase resulted from period to period increases in every group-wide commercial line of business. The average premium per group-wide, non-Umbrella Program commercial lines policy increased 6% from the year earlier period. Total non-Umbrella Program commercial lines policies in force at March 31, 2005 were 33,836, an increase of 8% from 31,309 at March 31, 2004.

The 22% decrease in group-wide involuntary direct premiums written resulted primarily from a decrease in assignments from the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP). Direct premiums written related to policies assigned from the NYAIP decreased to $552,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $623,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. The NYAIP provides coverage for individuals who are unable to obtain auto insurance in the voluntary market. Assignments from the NYAIP vary depending upon a company’s PPA market share and the size of the NYAIP. The Company is unable to predict the volume of future assignments from the NYAIP.

Group-wide pooled net premiums written for 2005 were $36,869,000, a decrease of $1,041,000, or 3% from $37,910,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. This decrease in group-wide net premiums written is due to the decrease in group wide non-Umbrella Program direct premiums written and an increase in the first three months of 2005 as compared to the first three months of 2004 of reinsurance premiums ceded to third parties, primarily for premiums written related to the Umbrella Program. The Company’s share of 2005 pooled net premiums written was $6,905,000, a decrease of $2,225,000, or 24%, from $9,130,000 in 2004. The decrease in the Company’s share of net premiums written resulted primarily from the Company’s decreased percentage participation in the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement for 2005 as compared to 2004.

Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were $14,049,000, a decrease of $2,617,000 or 16% from $16,666,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004.

The Company’s share of pooled net premiums earned in accordance with the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $11,977,000, compared to $14,069,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. This $2,092,000, or 15%, decrease in net premiums earned resulted primarily from the 5 percentage point decrease in the Company’s participation in the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement.

Net investment income was $1,936,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, a decrease of 6% from $2,054,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, primarily due to a 7% decrease in average invested assets.

Net losses and LAE were $7,294,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, a decrease of $2,795,000, or 28%, from $10,089,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. The decrease in net losses and LAE was due to the 15% decrease in net premiums earned and a 10.8 percentage point decrease in the loss and LAE ratio to 60.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2005 from 71.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2004.

This 10.8 percentage point decrease in the loss and LAE ratio was due to a 9.9 percentage point decrease in the loss and LAE ratio for the current accident year to 61.0% in 2005 from 70.9% in 2004. The Company recorded no significant changes in its reserves for prior accident years in 2005 and 2004. The reserve development for each product and for each accident year during 2005 was within the range of reasonably likely reserves by product as of December 31, 2004.

This 9.9 percentage point decrease in the loss and LAE ratio for the current accident year primarily resulted from improvements in most products with the greatest impact due to:

	–		A 15.9 percentage point improvement in the accident quarter direct loss and ALAE ratio in the Company’s PPA product from 75.6% to 59.7%, resulting from increased fraud prevention, detection and prosecution efforts, resulting from certain legislative changes in New York State. The impact of these reforms enacted in 2002 are gradually working their way into our loss experience and are being reflected in our results. PPA is one of the Company’s largest product lines and represents approximately 27% of the Company’s net earned premiums. The decrease in the PPA overall loss and LAE ratio decreased the Company’s overall loss and LAE ratio by approximately 2.9 percentage points.
	–		Mild weather in the Company’s operating territory during the first quarter of 2005 contributed to significant decreases in claim frequency (reported claims per earned policy) in the Company’s homeowners and commercial property products. The homeowners claim frequency decreased to 4.4% in 2005 from 6.5% in 2004 and the commercial property claim frequency decreased to 11.6% in 2005 from 15.9% in 2004.

The Company made no changes to the key assumptions used in evaluating the adequacy of its reserves for losses and LAE during the first quarter of 2005. A reasonable possibility exists in any quarter or year that relatively minor fluctuations in the estimate of reserves for losses and LAE may have a significant impact on the Company’s net income. This is due primarily to the size of the Company’s reserves for losses and LAE ($124,194,000 at March 31, 2005) relative to its net income. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” for a further discussion of the Company’s Reserves for Losses and LAE.

The ratio of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses to net premiums earned increased to 43.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2005 from 38.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2004. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased $544,000 or 15% compared to the year earlier period. Other underwriting expenses as a percentage of net premiums earned increased by 4.3 percentage points due to an increase in retrospective commissions related to the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement, which provides for retrospective commission income or expense based on actual experience compared to a targeted loss and LAE ratio. The commission is owed to Mutual based on a decrease during the first quarter of 2005 in the estimated cumulative loss and LAE ratio on the “pooled” business since the inception of the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement. Retrospective commission expense totaled $855,000 (7.1 percentage points of the expense ratio) for the three months ended March 31, 2005 compared to $344,000 (2.4 percentage points of the expense ratio) for the three months ended March 31, 2004. The Company plans to reduce its reliance on its traditional business by reducing its percentage participation in the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement and by seeking alternative opportunities in which to invest its capital. To the extent that the Company does not invest in such alternative opportunities, fixed expenses will become equal to a greater percentage of net premiums earned in future periods. Commissions (other than retrospective commissions under the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement), premium taxes and other state assessments that vary directly with the Company’s premium volume represented 21.2% of net premiums earned in the three month period ended March 31, 2005 compared to 18.7% of net premiums earned in the three months ended March 31, 2004.

The Company’s effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was 25.7%. This rate was calculated based upon the Company’s estimate of its effective income tax rate for all of 2005. Non-taxable income, primarily tax-exempt income from fixed maturity investments, reduced the Company’s effective income tax rate by approximately 8 percentage points.

Critical Accounting Policies

Reserve for Losses and LAE

The Reserve for Losses and LAE is an estimate of the ultimate cost of settling all losses incurred and unpaid, including those losses not yet reported to the Company, and is stated net of reinsurance. The amount of loss reserves for reported claims is based upon a case-by-case evaluation of the circumstances pertaining to the claim and the policy provisions relating to the loss. Reserves for claims that have occurred but have not been reported (IBNR) to the Company and for the costs of settling or adjusting claims are determined using commonly accepted actuarial techniques based on historical information for each of the Company’s products, adjusted for current conditions.

The Company’s primary assumption when determining its reserves is that past experience, adjusted for the effect of current developments and trends, is relevant in predicting future events. When establishing its loss reserves, the Company analyzes historical data and estimates the impact of various loss development factors such as the historical loss experience of the Company and of the industry, the mix of products sold, trends in claim frequency and severity, the Company’s claim processing procedures, changes in legislation, judicial decisions, legal developments, including the prevalence of litigation in the areas served by the Company, and changes in general economic conditions including inflation.

Management determines the amount of reserves for losses and LAE to be recorded based upon analyses prepared by the Company’s internal and external actuaries and management’s assessment of a reasonable amount of reserves. The reasonable estimate is determined after considering the estimates produced using a variety of actuarial techniques for each of the Company’s products. The following is a summary of the methods used:

Paid Loss Development

The paid loss development method is based on the assumption that past rates of claims payments are indicative of future rates of claims payments. An advantage of this method is that paid losses contain no case reserve estimates. Additionally, paid losses are not as greatly influenced by changes in claims reserving practices as are incurred losses. Estimates can be distorted if changes in claims handling practices or procedures cause an acceleration or deceleration in claims payments. Furthermore, paid loss development may produce biased estimates for long-tailed products where paid loss development factors are large at early evaluation points.

Incurred Loss Development

The incurred loss development method is based on the assumption that the past relative adequacy of case reserves is consistent with the current relative adequacy of case reserves. Because incurred losses include payments and case reserves, a larger volume of data is considered in the estimate of ultimate losses. As a result, incurred loss data patterns may be less erratic than paid loss data patterns, particularly for coverages on which claims are reported relatively quickly but have a long payout pattern. Because this method assumes that the relative adequacy of case reserves has been consistent, changes in claims handling procedures or the occurrence or absence of large losses may cause estimates to be erratic.

Bornhuetter-Ferguson with Premium and Paid Loss

The Bornhuetter-Ferguson (BF) with premium and paid loss method is a combination of the paid loss development method and an expected loss ratio assumption. The expected loss ratios are modified to the extent actual loss payments differ from payments expected based on the selected paid loss development pattern. This method avoids possible distortions resulting from a large development factor being applied to a small base of paid losses in order to estimate ultimate losses. This method will react slowly if actual ultimate losses differ substantially from losses inherent in the expected loss ratio.

Bornhuetter-Ferguson with Premium and Incurred Loss

The Bornhuetter-Ferguson (BF) with premium and incurred loss method is a combination of the incurred loss development method and an expected loss ratio assumption. The expected loss ratios are modified to the extent actual incurred losses differ from expected incurred losses based on the selected incurred loss development pattern. This method avoids possible distortions resulting from a large development factor being applied to a small base of incurred losses in order to estimate ultimate loss. This method will react slowly if actual ultimate losses differ substantially from losses inherent in the expected loss ratio.

Ultimate Claims and Average Loss

This method multiplies the estimated number of ultimate claims by a selected ultimate average loss for each accident year to produce ultimate loss estimates. If loss development methods produce erratic or unreliable estimates, this method can provide more stable estimates, consistent with recent loss history. This method may produce erratic results if there has been a change in the way claims are counted or in the mix of types of loss. The occurrence or absence of large losses can also distort the average loss estimate.

Allocated loss adjustment expenses (ALAE) are estimated separately from losses because ALAE payment patterns differ from loss payment patterns. The company employs the following methods to estimate ALAE reserves.

Paid ALAE Development

This method is analogous to the paid loss development method except paid ALAE is developed instead of paid losses. Paid ALAE patterns often are more stable than paid loss patterns. However, paid ALAE typically develop more slowly than paid losses, resulting in a large leveraging impact on less mature accident years.

Bornhuetter-Ferguson with Ultimate Loss and Paid ALAE

The Bornhuetter-Ferguson (BF) with ultimate loss and paid ALAE method is a combination of the paid ALAE development method and an expected ratio of ultimate ALAE to ultimate loss. The expected ALAE to loss ratios are modified to the extent paid ALAE differ from expected based on the selected paid ALAE development pattern. This method avoids possible distortions resulting from a large development factor being applied to a small base of paid ALAE in order to estimate ultimate ALAE. This is a useful method for estimating ultimate ALAE for less mature accident years.

Estimated ultimate losses and LAE and the resulting reserve for losses and LAE are determined based on the results of the methods described above along with the following considerations:

	•		How results of methods based on paid losses compare to methods based on incurred losses.
	•		How results of paid and incurred development methods compare to results of paid and incurred BF methods.
	•		Whether diagnostic tests cause management to favor the results of one or more methods over the results of other methods. Such tests include:
	•		closed claim to reported claim ratios
	•		average case reserves per open claim
	•		paid loss per closed claim
	•		paid loss to incurred loss ratios
	•		the reasonableness of ultimate loss & ALAE ratios and ultimate severities

•

management’s consideration of other factors such as premium and loss trends, large loss experience, legislative and judicial changes and changes in underwriting guidelines and practices.

To the extent these considerations result in changes to the Company’s estimates of reserves for losses and LAE related to prior accident years, the Company recognizes such changes in the accounting period in which the change becomes known.

As stated previously, the above methods assume that past experience adjusted for the effects of current developments and trends is an appropriate basis for predicting future events. As a result of a number of factors, it is possible that ultimate actual payments for losses and LAE will differ from amounts contemplated in recorded reserves. A range of reasonably likely reserves by product as of March 31, 2005, net of reinsurance recoverables, developed by the Company’s actuaries based on a variety of generally accepted actuarial methods is shown in the table below. Generally the low and the high values in the range represent reasonable minimum and maximum amounts of these actuarial indications using the methods described above.

		Range of Net Loss & LAE Reserves ($000’s)
Products		Low				Recorded				High
Personal Auto		$	14,564			$	16,975			$	19,215
Homeowners		$	2,430			$	3,057			$	3,727
Commercial Auto		$	11,349			$	14,933			$	19,085
Workers Compensation		$	22,397			$	26,887			$	31,592
Commercial General Liability		$	35,261			$	44,000			$	55,221
Commercial Property		$	2,012			$	3,364			$	4,847
Other		$	(4	)		$	(5	)		$	(6	)
All Products		$	98,618			$	109,211			$	120,352

Because the reserve estimates by product are independent of each other it is highly unlikely that the low estimate or the high estimate for each product will occur at the same time. Accordingly, the low and the high estimates for “All Products” shown above are greater than the sum of the low estimates and less than the sum of the high estimates resulting in a narrower range.

Despite the many factors considered in the reserving process, it is reasonably possible that actual payments for losses & LAE will differ from those contemplated in the Company’s reserves. Such fluctuations could have a significant impact on the Company’s net income.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

     Policy acquisition costs, such as commissions (net of reinsurance commissions), premiums taxes and certain other underwriting expenses which vary directly with premium volume, are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related insurance policies. Deferred policy acquisition costs are evaluated on an aggregate basis at least annually, to determine if recorded amounts exceed estimated recoverable amounts after allowing for anticipated investment income. Premium deficiencies if any, are recorded as amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Actual amounts may vary from the Company’s estimates.

Investments

     Fixed maturity investments are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value. Net unrealized holding gains or losses, net of taxes, are shown as “accumulated other comprehensive income.” Investment income is recognized when earned, and gains and losses are recognized when investments are sold and in instances when a decline in the fair value of a security is determined to be other-than-temporary.

     The Company’s investment committee, comprised of the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Investment Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, meets monthly and monitors the Company’s investment portfolio for declines in value that are other-than-temporary. This assessment requires significant judgment. The investment committee considers the nature of the investment, the severity and length of the decline in fair value, events specific to the issuer including valuation modeling, overall market conditions, and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. When a decline in the fair value of a security is determined to be other-than-temporary, the Company adjusts the cost basis of that security to fair value. A charge to earnings is recorded as a loss. Future increases in fair value and future decreases in fair value if not other-than-temporary, are included in other comprehensive income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In developing its investment strategy the Company determines a level of cash and short-term investments which, when combined with expected cash flow, is estimated to be adequate to meet expected cash obligations. Due to declining written premiums however, the Company’s operating activities have resulted in a use of cash each year since 2001. The Company’s decreasing participation percentage in the pooled business over the remaining years of the Reinsurance Pooling Agreement will likely result in continued negative cash flows from operations. Net cash used in operations during the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $3,066,000. The Company believes that careful management of the relationship between assets and liabilities will minimize the likelihood that investment portfolio sales will be necessary to fund insurance operations, and that the effect of any such sales, if any, on the Company’s stockholders’ equity will not be material.

The Company’s objectives with respect to its investment portfolio include maximizing total return within investment guidelines while protecting policyholders’ surplus and maintaining flexibility. The Company relies on premiums as a major source of cash, and therefore liquidity. Cash flows from the Company’s

investment portfolio, in the form of interest or principal payments as well as from the maturity of fixed income investments, are an additional source of liquidity.

The Company designates newly acquired fixed maturity investments as available for sale and carries these investments at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses related to these investments are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. At March 31, 2005, the Company recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss in its Consolidated Balance Sheet $1,929,000 of unrealized losses, net of taxes, associated with its investments.

At March 31, 2005, the Company’s portfolio of fixed maturity investments represented 97.2% of invested assets. Management believes that this level of fixed maturity investments is consistent with the Company’s liquidity needs because it anticipates that cash receipts from net premiums written, investment income and maturing securities will enable the Company to satisfy its cash obligations. Furthermore, a portion of the Company’s fixed maturity investments are invested in mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities which, in addition to interest income, provide monthly paydowns of bond principal.

At March 31, 2005, $108,946,000, or 59.2%, of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio was invested in mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities. The Company invests in a variety of collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) products but has not invested in the derivative type of CMO products such as interest only, principal only or inverse floating rate securities. All of the Company’s CMO investments have a secondary market and their effect on the Company’s liquidity does not differ from that of other fixed maturity investments.

At March 31, 2005 $4,171,000, or 2%, of the Company’s investment portfolio was invested in non-investment grade securities compared to $2,150,000, or 1%, at December 31, 2004.

The Company has arranged for a $2,000,000 unsecured credit facility from a bank. Any borrowings under this facility are payable on demand and carry an interest rate which can be fixed or variable and is negotiated at the time of each advance. This facility is available for general working capital purposes and for repurchases of the Company’s common stock. At March 31, 2005 no amount was outstanding on this loan.

As a holding company, the Company is dependent on cash dividends from MNH to meet its obligations and to pay any cash dividends. MNH is subject to New Hampshire insurance laws which place certain restrictions on its ability to pay dividends without the prior approval of state regulatory authorities. These restrictions limit dividends to those that, when added to all other dividends paid within the preceding twelve months, would not exceed 10% of the insurer’s statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the preceding December 31st. The maximum amount of dividends that MNH could pay during any twelve month period ending in 2005 without the prior approval of the New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner is $6,171,000. MNH paid $1,200,000 and $800,000 of dividends to the Company in August 2004 and February 2005, respectively. The Company paid cash dividends to its common stockholders of $.10 per share in the first quarter of 2005 amounting to $213,000. On May 4, 2005 the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.10 per share payable on June 3, 2005 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 20, 2005.

Under the Services Agreement, Mutual has provided services and facilities for MNH to conduct its insurance business. The balance in the payable to or receivable from affiliate account represents the amount owing to or owed by Mutual by or to the Company for the difference between premiums collected and payments made for losses, commissions (including retrospective commissions), employees, services and facilities by Mutual on behalf of MNH.

Regulatory guidelines suggest that the ratio of a property-casualty insurer’s annual net premiums written to its statutory surplus should not exceed 3 to 1. MNH has consistently followed a business strategy that would allow it to meet this 3 to 1 regulatory guideline. For the first three months of 2005, MNH’s ratio of net premiums written to statutory surplus, annualized for a full year, was .4 to 1.

Relationship with Mutual

The Company’s and MNH’s business and day-to-day operations are closely aligned with those of Mutual. This is the result of a combination of factors. Mutual has had a historical ownership interest in the Company and MNH. Prior to November 1986 MNH was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mutual. Following the Company’s initial public offering in November 1986 and until a secondary stock offering in July 1993 the Company was a majority-owned subsidiary of Mutual. Mutual currently owns 12.1% of the Company’s common stock. Under the Services Agreement, Mutual provides the Company and MNH with all facilities and personnel to operate their business. All of the officers of the Company or MNH are employees of Mutual whose services are provided to, and paid for by, the Company and MNH through the Services Agreement. Also, the operation of MNH’s insurance business, which offers substantially the same lines of insurance as Mutual through the same independent insurance agents, creates a very close relationship among the Companies.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

     With the exception of historical information, the matters and statements discussed, made or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements and are discussed, made or incorporated by reference, as the case may be, pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions. Words such as “believes,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “possible,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” or “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, those associated with factors affecting the property-casualty insurance industry generally, including price competition, the Company’s dependence on state insurance departments for approval of rate increases; size and frequency of claims, escalating damage awards, natural disasters, fluctuations in interest rates and general business conditions; the Company’s dependence on investment income; the geographic concentration of the Company’s business in the northeastern United States and in particular in New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts; the adequacy of the Company’s loss reserves; the Company’s dependence on the general reinsurance market; government regulation of the insurance industry; exposure to environmental claims; dependence of the Company on its relationship with Mutual; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed or indicated in all documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     There may be other risks and uncertainties that we have not identified that may affect whether our forward-looking statements will prove accurate. New factors may emerge from time to time that cause our business not to develop as we predict, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or other circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk

Market risk represents the potential for loss due to changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The market risk related to the Company’s financial instruments primarily relates to its investment portfolio. The value of the Company’s investment portfolio of $189,167,000 at March 31, 2005 is subject to changes in interest rates and to a lesser extent on credit quality. Further, certain mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are exposed to accelerated prepayment risk generally caused by interest rate movements. If interest rates were to decline, mortgage holders would be more likely to refinance existing mortgages at lower rates. Acceleration of future repayments could adversely affect future investment income, if reinvestment of the accelerated receipts was made in lower yielding securities.

The following table provides information related to the Company’s fixed maturity investments at March 31, 2005. The table presents cash flows of principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. The cash flows are based upon the maturity date or, in the case of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, expected payment patterns. Actual cash flows could differ from those shown in the table.

Fixed Maturities

Expected Cash Flows of Principal Amounts ($ in 000’s):

																										TOTAL
																														Esti-
																										Amor-				mated
																						There-				tized				Market
		2005				2006				2007				2008				2009				after				Cost				Value
Available for Sale
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government corporations and agencies		$	2,016			$	0			$	0			$	3,006			$	0			$	0			$	5,022			$	4,955
Average interest rate			4.4	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			3.2	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			—				—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			7,189				9,500				3,871				15,403				4,867				1,848				42,678				42,120
Average interest rate			3.1	%			3.4	%			4.3	%			3.9	%			4.2	%			5.0	%			—				—
Corporate securities			12,552				998				0				3,240				7,078				4,338				28,206				27,919
Average interest rate			4.0	%			3.2	%			0.0	%			3.7	%			4.9	%			7.0	%			—				—
Mortgage & asset backed securities			21,013				23,609				18,767				13,280				3,180				30,534				110,383				108,947
Average interest rate			4.8	%			4.8	%			4.8	%			4.9	%			5.0	%			5.1	%			—				—
Total		$	42,770			$	34,107			$	22,638			$	34,929			$	15,125			$	36,720			$	186,289			$	183,941

     The discussion and the estimated amounts referred to above include forward-looking statements of market risk which involve certain assumptions as to market interest rates and the credit quality of the fixed maturity investments. Actual future market conditions may differ materially from such assumptions. Accordingly, the forward-looking statements should not be considered projections of future events by the Company.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

     There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

     None.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

     None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

     None.

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

     None.

Item 5. Other Information.

     None.

Item 6. Exhibits

			(a	)		Exhibits.
						Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
			3	(a)		Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3C to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-9188 on Form S-1 Filed on November 7, 1986.
			(b	)		Restated By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3D to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-9188 on Form S-1 filed on November 7, 1986.
			4			Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures – N/A.
			5			Opinion re legality – N/A.
			10	(a)		Management Agreement dated as of September 29, 1986 by and among Merchants Mutual Insurance Company, Registrant and Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10(a) to the Company’s Registration Statement (No. 33-9188) on Form S-1 filed on September 30, 1986).
			(b	)		Services Agreement Among Merchants Mutual Insurance Company, Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. and Merchants Group, Inc. dated January 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10(b) to the Company’s 2003 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 14, 2003).

			(c	)		Reinsurance Pooling Agreement between Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. and Merchants Mutual Insurance Company effective January 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10(c) to the Company’s 2003 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 14, 2003).
			(d	)		Endorsement to the Casualty Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement between Merchants Mutual Insurance Company, Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. and American Reinsurance Company dated February 23, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) to the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2005).
			(e	)		Property Per Risk Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement between Merchants Mutual Insurance Company, Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. and American Reinsurance Company dated April 16, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) to the Company’s 2004 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2004).
			(f	)		Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement between Merchants Mutual Insurance Company, Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. and the various reinsurers as identified by the Interest and Liabilities Agreements attaching to and forming part of this Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2004).
			(g	)		Quota Share Reinsurance Treaty Agreement between Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. and The Subscribing Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s, London specifically identified on the schedules attached to this agreement dated January 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the Company’s 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 28, 2001).
			(h	)		Merchants Mutual Capital Accumulation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10(g) to the Company’s Registration Statement (No. 33-9188) on Form S-1 filed on September 30, 1986).
			(i	)		Merchants Mutual Capital Accumulation Plan, fifth amendment, effective January 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to the Company’s 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 28, 2001).
			*	(j)		Form of Amended Indemnification Agreement entered into by Registrant with each director and executive officer of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10(n) to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on (No. 33-9188) Form S-1 filed on November 7, 1986).
			*	(k)		Merchants Mutual Insurance Company Adjusted Return on Equity Incentive Compensation Plan January 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(p) to the Company’s 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 28, 2001).

			*	(l)		Merchants Mutual Insurance Company Adjusted Return on Equity Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan January 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to the Company’s 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 28, 2001).
			*	(m)		Amendment No. 1 to Employee Retention Agreement between Robert M. Zak and Merchants Mutual Insurance Company originally dated as of May 1, 1999, dated February 6, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(s) to the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2003).
			*	(n)		Amendment No. 1 to Employee Retention Agreement between Edward M. Murphy and Merchants Mutual Insurance Company originally dated as of March 1, 1999, dated February 6, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(t) to the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2003).
			*	(o)		Amendment No. 1 to Employee Retention Agreement between Kenneth J. Wilson and Merchants Mutual Insurance Company originally dated as of March 1, 1999, dated February 6, 2002 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(u) to the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2003.
			11			Statement re computation of per share earnings – N/A.
			12			Statement re computation of ratios – N/A.
			15			Letter re unaudited interim financial information – N/A.
			18			Letter re change in accounting principles – N/A.
			19			Report furnished to security holder – N/A.
			22			Published report regarding matters submitted to vote of security holders – N/A.
			23			Consents of experts and counsel – N/A.
			24			Power of attorney – N/A.
			31			Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications (filed herewith)
				32(a)		Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) (filed herewith).

*   Indicates a management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.

SIGNATURES

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

		MERCHANTS GROUP, INC.
		(Registrant)
Date: March 28, 2006		By:		/s/ Kenneth J. Wilson
		Kenneth J. Wilson
		Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (duly authorized officer of the registrant and chief accounting officer)