Harleysville Reports Increased Earnings 4Q, Y02

Harleysville Group Inc. (Nasdaq: HGIC) yesterday reported strong fourth quarter and full-year 2002 results, citing continuing improvements in its underwriting profitability and solid growth in its small commercial business. Diluted net income per share for the fourth quarter of 2002 was $0.57, versus $0.50 in the fourth quarter of 2001, a gain of 14 percent. On a per share basis, the company had $0.04 of realized investment gains in the fourth quarter of 2002, compared to $0.10 in the fourth quarter of 2001. For the 12 months, diluted net income per share was $1.53 in 2002, compared...