<PAGE>

                                    FORM 10-Q

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

                  For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

                                       OR

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

                         Commission file number: 1-13277

                             CNA SURETY CORPORATION
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

DELAWARE                                                36-4144905
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

CNA CENTER, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                             60685
(Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

                                 (312) 822-5000
              (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 [ ]

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [X] No [ ]

                      APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

      43,000,943 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value as of August 2, 2004.

<PAGE>

                     CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                      INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 PAGE
                                                                                                                 ----
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
   Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
         Independent Accountants' Report.........................................................                  3
         Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2004 and at December 31, 2003 (Unaudited)               4
         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003     5
           (Unaudited)
         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and      6
           2003 (Unaudited)......................................................................
         Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003           7
           (Unaudited)...........................................................................
         Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)........................                  8
   Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations                 19
   Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk...........................                 36
   Item 4.  Disclosure Controls and Procedures...................................................                 37

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION:
   Item 1.  Legal Proceedings....................................................................                 38
   Item 2.  Changes in the Rights of the Company's Security Holders..............................                 38
   Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities......................................................                 38
   Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..................................                 38
   Item 5.  Other Information....................................................................                 38
   Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.....................................................                 38
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of CNA Surety Corporation
Chicago, Illinois

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of CNA
Surety Corporation and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2004, and the related
condensed consolidated statements of income for the three-month and six-month
periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 and of cash flows for the six-month periods
ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. These interim financial statements are the
responsibility of the Corporation's management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making
inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is
substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with standards
of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective
of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements
taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to
be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of
CNA Surety Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the
year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 12, 2004,
we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements
and included an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company's change in
accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in 2002. In our
opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 2003 is fairly stated, in all material
respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been
derived.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
August 5, 2004

                                       3
<PAGE>

                     CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                  (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            JUNE 30,         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                              2004              2003
                                                                                           -----------       -----------
<S>                                                                                        <C>               <C>
ASSETS
Invested assets and cash:
  Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $612,692 and $544,201)....     $   627,271       $   580,056
  Equity securities, at fair value (cost of $3,013 and $992)..........................           3,113             1,061
  Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value)...........................          65,090            63,871
  Other investments, at fair value....................................................           1,080             1,119
                                                                                           -----------       -----------
     Total invested assets............................................................         696,554           646,107
Cash..................................................................................           9,203             7,965
Deferred policy acquisition costs.....................................................         107,712           104,674
Insurance receivables:
  Premiums, including $19,499 and $18,394 from affiliates (net of allowance for
     doubtful accounts: $1,979 and $1,575)............................................          45,354            39,455
  Reinsurance, including $12,061 and $52,704 from affiliates..........................         137,750           177,775
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization: $25,523 and $25,523)..............         138,785           138,785
Current income taxes receivable.......................................................          16,715            21,315
Property and equipment, at cost (less accumulated depreciation: $20,601 and $18,944)..          15,547            16,556
Prepaid reinsurance premiums..........................................................          11,760             6,432
Accrued investment income.............................................................           8,616             8,031
Other assets..........................................................................           3,056             2,028
                                                                                           -----------       -----------
       Total assets...................................................................     $ 1,191,052       $ 1,169,123
                                                                                           ===========       ===========
LIABILITIES
Reserves:
  Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses..........................................     $   412,367       $   413,539
  Unearned premiums...................................................................         234,713           224,068
                                                                                           -----------       -----------
     Total reserves...................................................................         647,080           637,607
Debt..................................................................................          65,855            50,418
Deferred income taxes, net............................................................          24,147            30,738
Reinsurance and other payables to affiliates..........................................             801               191
Accrued expenses......................................................................          14,091            14,854
Other liabilities.....................................................................          26,086            25,174
                                                                                           -----------       -----------
      Total liabilities...............................................................     $   778,060       $   758,982
                                                                                           -----------       -----------
Commitments and contingencies (See Notes 4, 6, & 7)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 100,000 shares authorized;
  44,408 shares issued and 42,995 shares outstanding at June 30, 2004 and
  44,401 shares issued and 42,980 shares outstanding at December 31, 2003.............             444               444
Additional paid-in capital............................................................         255,868           255,816
Retained earnings.....................................................................         162,345           145,786
Accumulated other comprehensive income................................................           9,513            23,351
Treasury stock, at cost...............................................................         (15,178)          (15,256)
                                                                                           -----------       -----------
     Total stockholders' equity.......................................................         412,992           410,141
                                                                                           -----------       -----------
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.......................................     $ 1,191,052       $ 1,169,123
                                                                                           ===========       ===========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                     CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                            JUNE 30,                    JUNE 30,
                                                                    ----------------------      -----------------------
                                                                      2004          2003          2004          2003
                                                                    --------      --------      --------      --------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Revenues:
  Net earned premium .........................................      $ 77,153      $ 76,846      $152,350      $148,052
  Net investment income ......................................         7,462         6,652        14,439        13,351
  Net realized investment gains ..............................            52         1,098         2,282         1,828
                                                                    --------      --------      --------      --------
     Total revenues ..........................................        84,667        84,596       169,071       163,231
                                                                    --------      --------      --------      --------
Expenses:
  Net losses and loss adjustment expenses ....................        21,208        20,235        41,839        38,841
  Net commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses..        49,069        47,940       104,381        92,236
  Interest expense ...........................................           506           455           848           808
                                                                    --------      --------      --------      --------
     Total expenses ..........................................        70,783        68,630       147,068       131,885
                                                                    --------      --------      --------      --------
Income before income taxes ...................................        13,884        15,966        22,003        31,346
Income taxes .................................................         3,699         4,283         5,444         8,674
                                                                    --------      --------      --------      --------
Net income ...................................................      $ 10,185      $ 11,683      $ 16,559      $ 22,672
                                                                    ========      ========      ========      ========
Earnings per common share ....................................      $   0.24      $   0.27      $   0.39      $   0.53
                                                                    ========      ========      ========      ========
Earnings per common share, assuming dilution .................      $   0.24      $   0.27      $   0.38      $   0.53
                                                                    ========      ========      ========      ========
Weighted average shares outstanding ..........................        42,994        42,959        42,992        42,958
                                                                    ========      ========      ========      ========
Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution .......        43,070        42,963        43,071        42,963
                                                                    ========      ========      ========      ========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
financial statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>

                     CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      COMMON
                                                                       STOCK                      ADDITIONAL
                                                                      SHARES         COMMON         PAID-IN      COMPREHENSIVE
                                                                    OUTSTANDING       STOCK         CAPITAL          INCOME
                                                                    -----------     ---------     ----------     -------------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
Balance, December 31, 2002 ....................................         42,947      $     444      $ 255,765
Comprehensive income:
  Net income ..................................................             --             --             --       $  22,672
Other comprehensive income:
  Change in unrealized gains on securities (after income
  taxes), net of reclassification adjustment of ($1,634) ......             --             --             --           8,148
                                                                                                                   ---------
     Total comprehensive income ...............................                                                    $  30,820
                                                                                                                   =========
Issuance of treasury stock to employee stock purchase program..              9             --            (38)
Stock options exercised and other .............................              3             --              4
                                                                     ---------      ---------      ---------
Balance, June 30, 2003 ........................................         42,959      $     444      $ 255,731
                                                                     =========      =========      =========

Balance, December 31, 2003 ....................................         42,980      $     444      $ 255,816
Comprehensive income:
  Net income ..................................................             --             --             --       $  16,559
Other comprehensive income:
  Change in unrealized gains on securities (after income
  taxes), net of reclassification adjustment of $1,627 ........             --             --             --         (13,838)
                                                                                                                   ---------
     Total comprehensive income ...............................                                                    $   2,721
                                                                                                                   =========
Issuance of treasury stock to employee stock purchase program..              7             --            (19)
Stock options exercised and other .............................              8             --             71
                                                                     ---------      ---------      ---------
Balance, June 30, 2004 ........................................         42,995      $     444      $ 255,868
                                                                     =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   ACCUMULATED
                                                                                      OTHER         TREASURY         TOTAL
                                                                     RETAINED     COMPREHENSIVE       STOCK       STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                                     EARNINGS        INCOME         (AT COST)        EQUITY
                                                                     ---------    -------------     ---------     -------------
<S>                                                                  <C>          <C>               <C>           <C>
Balance, December 31, 2002 ....................................      $ 159,937      $  19,861       $ (15,446)      $ 420,561
Comprehensive income:
  Net income ..................................................         22,672             --              --          22,672
Other comprehensive income:
  Change in unrealized gains on securities (after income
  taxes), net of reclassification adjustment of ($1,634) ......             --          8,148              --           8,148
Issuance of treasury stock to employee stock purchase program..                                            99              61
Stock options exercised and other .............................              1             --              --               5
                                                                     ---------      ---------       ---------       ---------
Balance, June 30, 2003 ........................................      $ 182,610      $  28,009       $ (15,347)      $ 451,447
                                                                     =========      =========       =========       =========

Balance, December 31, 2003 ....................................      $ 145,786      $  23,351       $ (15,256)      $ 410,141
Comprehensive income:
  Net income ..................................................         16,559             --              --          16,559
Other comprehensive income:
  Change in unrealized gains on securities (after income
  taxes), net of reclassification adjustment of $1,627 ........             --        (13,838)             --         (13,838)
Issuance of treasury stock to employee stock purchase program..             --             --              78              59
Stock options exercised and other .............................             --             --              --              71
                                                                     ---------      ---------       ---------       ---------
Balance, June 30, 2004 ........................................      $ 162,345      $   9,513       $ (15,178)      $ 412,992
                                                                     =========      =========       =========       =========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
financial statements.

                                       6
<PAGE>

                     CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                              JUNE 30,
                                                                                     -------------------------
                                                                                        2004           2003
                                                                                     ---------       ---------
<S>                                                                                  <C>             <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income ...................................................................     $  16,559       $  22,672
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
  operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization .............................................         2,304           2,090
     Accretion of bond discount, net ...........................................         1,399             915
     Net realized investment gains .............................................        (2,282)         (1,828)
  Changes in:
     Insurance receivables .....................................................        34,126         (11,862)
     Reserve for unearned premiums .............................................        10,645          12,203
     Reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses ....................        (1,172)        (26,223)
     Deferred policy acquisition costs .........................................        (3,038)         (8,159)
     Deferred income taxes, net ................................................           861           1,500
     Reinsurance and other payables to affiliates ..............................           610         (15,975)
     Prepaid reinsurance premiums ..............................................        (5,328)          2,377
     Other assets and liabilities ..............................................         4,639           1,678
                                                                                     ---------       ---------
       Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities .....................        59,323         (20,612)
                                                                                     ---------       ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Fixed income securities:
     Purchases .................................................................      (113,742)        (38,359)
     Maturities ................................................................        16,112          15,370
     Sales .....................................................................        27,919          53,321
  Purchases of equity securities ...............................................          (129)           (225)
  Proceeds from the sale of equity securities ..................................           162              88
  Changes in short-term investments ............................................        (1,170)         (7,779)
  Purchases of property and equipment ..........................................        (1,478)         (1,104)
  Changes in receivables/payables for securities sold/purchased ................          (179)         (3,031)
  Other, net ...................................................................        (1,129)             82
                                                                                     ---------       ---------
       Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities .....................       (73,634)         18,363
                                                                                     ---------       ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from long-term debt..................................................        30,930              --
  Principal payments on debt ...................................................       (15,000)         (5,000)
  Debt issuance costs ..........................................................          (506)             --
  Employee stock option exercises ..............................................            66               5
  Issuance of treasury stock to employee stock purchase plan ...................            59              61
                                                                                     ---------       ---------
       Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities .....................        15,549          (4,934)
                                                                                     ---------       ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash ....................................................         1,238          (7,183)
Cash at beginning of period ....................................................         7,965          14,979
                                                                                     ---------       ---------
Cash at end of period ..........................................................     $   9,203       $   7,796
                                                                                     =========       =========
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
  Cash paid during the period for:
     Interest ..................................................................     $     717       $     555
     Income taxes ..............................................................     $      --       $   5,000
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
financial statements.

                                       7
<PAGE>

                     CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  JUNE 30, 2004
                                   (UNAUDITED)

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

      In December 1996, CNA Financial Corporation ("CNAF") and Capsure agreed to
merge (the "Merger") the surety business of CNAF with Capsure's insurance
subsidiaries, Western Surety Company ("Western Surety") and Universal Surety of
America ("USA"), into CNA Surety. CNAF, through its operating subsidiaries,
writes multiple lines of property and casualty insurance, including surety
business that is reinsured by Western Surety. CNAF owns approximately 64% of the
outstanding common stock of CNA Surety. Loews Corporation ("Loews") owns
approximately 91% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF. The principal
operating subsidiaries of CNAF that wrote the surety line of business for their
own account prior to the Merger were Continental Casualty Company and its
property and casualty affiliates (collectively, "CCC") and The Continental
Insurance Company and its property and casualty affiliates (collectively,
"CIC").

      The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CNA Surety
Corporation and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively, "CNA Surety" or the
"Company").

ESTIMATES

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

      These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read
in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto
included in the Company's 2003 Form 10-K. Certain financial information that is
included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP is not
required for interim reporting and has been condensed or omitted. The
accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in
the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of
the interim financial statements. All such adjustments are of a normal and
recurring nature. The financial results for interim periods may not be
indicative of financial results for a full year. Certain reclassifications have
been made to the 2003 Financial Statements to conform with the presentation in
the 2004 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

      Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available
to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed based
on the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of
common stock equivalents which is computed using the treasury stock method.

      The computation of earnings per common share is as follows (amounts in
thousands, except for per share data):

                                       8
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,       SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                         ---------------------------      --------------------------
                                                           2004               2003         2004               2003
                                                         -------            -------       -------            -------
<S>                                                      <C>                <C>           <C>                <C>
Net income ........................................      $10,185            $11,683       $16,559            $22,672
                                                         =======            =======       =======            =======
Shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding ...............       42,994             42,959        42,980             42,947
     Weighted average shares of options exercised..            -                  -            12                 11
                                                         -------            -------       -------            -------
Total weighted average shares outstanding .........       42,994             42,959        42,992             42,958
     Effect of dilutive options ...................           76                  4            79                  5
                                                         -------            -------       -------            -------
Total weighted average shares outstanding, assuming
dilution ..........................................       43,070             42,963        43,071             42,963
                                                                            =======       =======            =======
Earnings per share ................................      $  0.24            $  0.27       $  0.39            $  0.53
                                                         =======            =======       =======            =======
Earnings per share, assuming dilution .............      $  0.24            $  0.27       $  0.38            $  0.53
                                                         =======            =======       =======            =======
</TABLE>

      No adjustments were made to reported net income in the computation of
earnings per share. Options to purchase shares of common stock of 0.9 million
for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 1.3 million for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2003 were excluded from the calculation of diluted
earnings per share because the exercise price of these options was greater than
the average market price of CNA Surety's common stock.

      The Company applies the intrinsic value method per Accounting Principles
Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB
Opinion No. 25") and related interpretations, in accounting for its plans as
allowed for under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123").
Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized for its stock-based
incentive plans as the exercise price of the granted options equals the market
price at the grant date. The following table illustrates the effect on net
income and earnings per share data if the Company had applied the fair value
recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock based compensation under the
Company's stock-based compensation plan (amounts in thousands, except for per
share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,      SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                          ---------------------------     -------------------------
                                                            2004               2003         2004             2003
                                                          --------           --------     --------         --------
<S>                                                       <C>               <C>           <C>              <C>
Net income .........................................      $ 10,185          $ 11,683      $ 16,559         $ 22,672
Less: Total stock based compensation cost determined
under the fair value method, net of tax ............          (161)              (73)         (231)            (177)
                                                          --------          --------      --------         --------
Pro forma net income ...............................      $ 10,024          $ 11,610      $ 16,328         $ 22,495
                                                          ========          ========      ========         ========
Basic and diluted earnings per share, as reported ..      $   0.24          $   0.27      $   0.39         $   0.53
                                                          ========          ========      ========         ========
Basic and diluted earnings per share, pro forma ....      $   0.23          $   0.27      $   0.38         $   0.52
                                                          ========          ========      ========         ========
</TABLE>

ACCOUNTING CHANGES

      In January of 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,
an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51" ("ARB No. 51") ("FIN
No. 46"). In December of 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN No. 46 ("FIN
No. 46R"), which superceded FIN No. 46 and further clarified the application of
ARB No. 51. Per ARB No. 51, as a general rule, ownership by the parent, either
directly or indirectly, of over fifty percent of the outstanding voting shares
of a subsidiary is a condition pointing toward preparation of consolidated
financial statements of the parent and its subsidiary. However, application of
the majority voting interest requirement of ARB No. 51 to certain types of
entities may not identify the party with a controlling financial interest
because the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements
that do not involve voting interest. FIN No. 46R clarifies the applicability of
ARB No. 51 to entities in which the equity investors do not have the
characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient
equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional
subordinated financial support. FIN No. 46R requires an entity to consolidate a
variable interest entity ("VIE") in which it is the primary beneficiary even
though the entity does not, either directly or indirectly, own over fifty
percent of the outstanding voting shares.

      FIN No. 46 defines a VIE as one in which a) the equity investment is not
sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional
subordinated financial support from other parties which is provided through
other interests that will absorb some or all of the expected losses of the
entity or b) the equity investors lack one or more of the following essential
characteristics of a controlling financial interest i) direct or indirect
ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting rights or
similar

                                       9
<PAGE>

rights or ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, if
they occur or receive residual returns of the entity, if they occur or iii) the
right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. The
primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the results of
operations of the VIE. Financial statements issued are required to disclose the
nature, purpose, activities and size of the VIE and maximum exposure to loss as
a result of its involvement with the VIE. FIN No.46R is applicable for financial
statements issued for reporting periods that end after March 15, 2004. The
adoption of FIN No. 46R did not have a significant impact on the results of
operations or equity of the Company. The Company is not the primary beneficiary
of a VIE. In May of 2004, the Company privately issued $30 million of preferred
securities through a wholly-owned subsidiary, CNA Surety Capital Trust I
("Issuer Trust"). Under the requirements of FIN No. 46R, the Issuer Trust is not
a consolidated subsidiary.

      In December of 2003, the FASB revised SFAS No. 132, "Employers'
Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" ("SFAS No. 132")
to require additional disclosures related to pensions and post retirement
benefits. While retaining the existing disclosure requirements for pensions and
postretirement benefits, additional disclosures are required related to pension
plan assets, obligations, contributions and net benefit costs, beginning with
fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. Additional disclosures pertaining
to benefit payments are required for fiscal years ending after June 30, 2004.
The SFAS No. 132 revisions also include additional disclosure requirements for
interim financial reports, beginning after December 15, 2003. The Company has
implemented the interim disclosure requirements in these financial statements
and will include annual benefit payment disclosures in all subsequent annual
financial statements.

      In March of 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") reached
consensus on the guidance provided in EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"
("EITF 03-1") as applicable to debt and equity securities that are within the
scope of SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities" and equity securities that are accounted for using the cost method
specified in Accounting Policy Board Opinion No. 18, "The Equity Method of
Accounting for Investments in Common Stock". An investment is impaired if the
fair value of the investment is less than its cost including adjustments for
amortization, accretion, foreign exchange, and hedging. EITF 03-1 outlines that
an impairment would be considered other-than-temporary unless a) the investor
has the ability and intent to hold an investment for a reasonable period of time
sufficient for the recovery of the fair value up to (or beyond) the cost of the
investment and b) evidence indicating that the cost of the investment is
recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs evidence to the
contrary. The investor should consider its cash and/or working capital needs to
assess its intent and ability to hold an investment for a reasonable period of
time for the recovery of fair value up to or beyond the cost of the investment.
Although not presumptive, a pattern of selling investments prior to the
forecasted recovery of fair value may call into question the investor's intent.
In addition, the severity and duration of the impairment should also be
considered in determining whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. This
new guidance for determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary is
effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The Company has
evaluated the impact of EITF 03-1 and it is not expected to have a material
impact on CNA Surety's financial position or results of operations.

      In May of 2004, the FASB revised FASB Staff Position ("FSP") No. 106-1,
"Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003" and issued FSP No. 106-2,
"Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003" ("FSP No. 106-2"). FSP 106-2
provides accounting guidance to the employers who sponsor post retirement health
care plans that provide prescription drug benefits; and the prescription drug
benefit provided by the employer is "actuarially equivalent" to Medicare Part D
and hence qualifies for the subsidy under the Medicare amendment act. FSP 106-2
is not expected to have a material impact on CNA Surety's financial position or
results of operations.

2. INVESTMENTS

      The estimated fair value and amortized cost of fixed income and equity
securities held by CNA Surety at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, by
investment category, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

                                       10
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     GROSS UNREALIZED LOSSES
                                                        AMORTIZED      GROSS       ---------------------------   ESTIMATED
                                                         COST OR     UNREALIZED    LESS THAN 12   MORE THAN 12     FAIR
                  JUNE 30, 2004                           COST         GAINS         MONTHS         MONTHS         VALUE
                  -------------                         --------     ---------     ------------   ------------   ---------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
Government and agencies:
    U.S. Treasury ................................      $ 21,201      $    168      $   (183)      $     --       $ 21,186
    U.S. Agencies ................................         4,582            25          (100)           (98)         4,409
    Collateralized mortgage obligations ..........        18,004           348          (391)            --         17,961
    Mortgage pass-through securities .............        45,294           231        (1,112)            --         44,413
Obligations of states and political subdivisions..       385,981        13,780        (1,417)          (271)       398,073
Corporate bonds ..................................       109,595         3,882        (1,726)            (6)       111,745
Non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations....             9             1            --             --             10
Other asset-backed securities:
  Second mortgages/home equity  loans ............         5,276           309            --             --          5,585
  Credit card receivables ........................         3,588            14            --             --          3,602
  Other ..........................................        13,806           302            --             --         14,108
Redeemable preferred stock .......................         5,356           823            --             --          6,179
                                                        --------      --------      --------       --------       --------
    Total fixed income securities ................       612,692        19,883        (4,929)          (375)       627,271
Equity securities ................................         3,013           100            --             --          3,113
                                                        --------      --------      --------       --------       --------
    Total ........................................      $615,705      $ 19,983      $ (4,929)      $   (375)      $630,384
                                                        ========      ========      ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     GROSS UNREALIZED LOSSES
                                                        AMORTIZED      GROSS       ---------------------------   ESTIMATED
                                                         COST OR     UNREALIZED    LESS THAN 12   MORE THAN 12      FAIR
                DECEMBER 31, 2003                         COST         GAINS         MONTHS         MONTHS         VALUE
                -----------------                       --------     ---------     ------------   ------------   ---------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
Government and agencies:
    U.S. Treasury ................................      $ 21,267      $    497      $     --       $     --       $ 21,764
    U.S. Agencies ................................         4,587            47           (99)            --          4,535
    Collateralized mortgage obligations ..........         7,770           425            --             --          8,195
    Mortgage pass-through securities .............         7,607           386            --             --          7,993
Obligations of states and political subdivisions..       376,961        25,604          (127)           (27)       402,411
Corporate bonds ..................................        96,525         7,322           (45)            --        103,802
Non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations ...           749            --            --            (22)           727
Other asset-backed securities:
  Second mortgages/home equity  loans ............         5,721           426            --             --          6,147
  Credit card receivables ........................         5,000            51            --             --          5,051
  Other ..........................................         4,619           192           (13)            --          4,798
Redeemable preferred stock .......................        13,395         1,238            --             --         14,633
                                                        --------      --------      --------       --------       --------
    Total fixed income securities ................       544,201        36,188          (284)           (49)       580,056
Equity securities ................................           992            69            --             --          1,061
                                                        --------      --------      --------       --------       --------
    Total ........................................      $545,193      $ 36,257      $   (284)      $    (49)      $581,117
                                                        ========      ========      ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>

      The Company's investment portfolio generally is managed to maximize
after-tax investment return, while minimizing credit risk, with investments
concentrated in high quality income securities. CNA Surety's portfolio is
managed to provide diversification by limiting exposures to any one industry,
issue or issuer, and to provide liquidity by investing in the public securities
markets. The portfolio is structured to support CNA Surety's insurance
underwriting operations and to consider the expected duration of liabilities and
short-term cash needs. In achieving these goals, assets may be sold to take
advantage of market conditions or other investment opportunities or regulatory,
credit and tax considerations. These activities will produce realized gains and
losses.

                                       11
<PAGE>

      CNA Surety classifies its fixed maturity securities and its equity
securities as available-for-sale, and as such, they are carried at fair value.
The amortized cost of fixed maturity securities is adjusted for amortization of
premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, which is included in net
investment income. Changes in fair value are reported as a component of other
comprehensive income.

      Invested assets are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate,
market and credit. Due to the level of risk associated with certain of these
invested assets and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of
these assets, it is possible that changes in risks in the near term may
significantly affect the amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance
Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company's
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk are contained in Item
3 of this Form 10-Q.

3. REINSURANCE

      The effect of reinsurance on the Company's written and earned premium was
as follows (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                        -----------------------------------------------
                                                                 2004                      2003
                                                        ---------------------    ----------------------
                                                        WRITTEN       EARNED      WRITTEN       EARNED
                                                        --------     --------    --------      --------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
Direct..........................................        $ 69,330     $ 58,318    $ 46,398      $ 39,212
Assumed.........................................          33,734       37,253      51,048        52,718
Ceded...........................................         (16,952)     (18,418)    (14,149)      (15,084)
                                                        --------     --------    --------      --------
                                                        $ 86,112     $ 77,153    $ 83,297      $ 76,846
                                                        ========     ========    ========      ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                        -----------------------------------------------
                                                                 2004                      2003
                                                        ----------------------   ----------------------
                                                        WRITTEN       EARNED      WRITTEN       EARNED
                                                        --------     ---------   --------      --------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
Direct...........................................       $ 135,400    $ 107,153   $ 88,765      $ 75,515
Assumed..........................................          63,543       81,146    100,352       101,405
Ceded............................................         (41,277)     (35,949)   (26,486)      (28,868)
                                                        ---------    ---------   --------      --------
                                                        $ 157,666    $ 152,350   $162,631      $148,052
                                                        =========    =========   ========      ========
</TABLE>

      The effect of reinsurance on the Company's provision for loss and loss
adjustment expenses and the corresponding ratio to earned premium was as follows
(dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                        ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 2004                       2003
                                                        ----------------------    ----------------------
                                                            $           RATIO        $            RATIO
                                                        --------       -------    --------       -------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
Gross losses and loss adjustment expenses........       $ 26,974         28.2%    $ 44,006         47.9%
Ceded amounts ...................................         (5,766)        31.3%     (23,771)       157.6%
                                                        --------                  --------
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses..........       $ 21,208         27.5%    $ 20,235         26.3%
                                                        ========                  ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                        ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 2004                       2003
                                                        ----------------------    ----------------------
                                                            $           RATIO        $            RATIO
                                                        --------       -------    --------       -------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
Gross losses and loss adjustment expenses........       $ 50,310         26.7%    $ 71,919         40.7%
Ceded amounts....................................         (8,471)        23.6%     (33,078)       114.6%
                                                        --------                  --------
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses..........       $ 41,839         27.5%    $ 38,841         26.2%
                                                        ========                  ========
</TABLE>

      Assumed premiums primarily include all surety business written or renewed,
net of reinsurance, by CCC and CIC, that is reinsured by Western Surety pursuant
to intercompany reinsurance and related agreements.

2004 THIRD PARTY REINSURANCE COMPARED TO 2003 THIRD PARTY REINSURANCE

      Effective January 1, 2004, CNA Surety entered into a new excess of loss
treaty ("2004 Excess of Loss Treaty") with a group of third party reinsurers
that reduced its net retention per principal to $10 million with a 5%
co-participation in the $90 million layer of

                                       12
<PAGE>

third party reinsurance coverage above the Company's retention. This new excess
of loss treaty replaces the $45 million excess of $15 million per principal
coverage, as well as the $40 million excess of $60 per principal and the $3
million excess of $12 million coverage that had been provided by CCC. The
significant differences between the new excess of loss reinsurance program and
the Company's 2003 Excess of Loss Treaty are as follows. The annual aggregate
coverage increases from $110 million in 2003 to $157 million in 2004. The
minimum annual premium for the 2004 excess of loss treaty is $49.2 million (net
of expected return premium) compared to a total of $42.0 million of reinsurance
premiums paid in 2003 (net of expected return premium) for the $45 million
excess of $15 million, the $40 million excess of $60 million and the $3 million
excess of $12 million treaties. The contract also includes an optional
twelve-month extended discovery period, for an additional premium, which will
provide coverage for losses discovered in 2005 on bonds that were in force
during 2004, and somewhat less restrictive special acceptance provisions for
larger contract accounts than those contained in the 2003 Excess of Loss Treaty.

      In addition to the one large contract principal (described later) and the
two commercial principals excluded (based upon class of business), the Company's
reinsurers had excluded three other contract principals from the 2003 Excess of
Loss Treaty, for a total of six excluded principals. The one large contract
principal and the two commercial principals remain excluded from the 2004 Excess
of Loss Treaty. Of the two commercial principals, one is a domestic electric
utility with an estimated bonded exposure of $43 million and is currently rated
CCC+ by Standard and Poor's ("S&P"). The bonded exposure will decline over the
term of the bond that extends until 2007. The other is a foreign industrial
enterprise that fulfilled its bonded obligations in the second quarter of 2004,
so the Company no longer has any exposure.

      With respect to the three contract principals other than the large
national contractor, two contract principals have completed asset sales and
other reorganization efforts and have been accepted into the 2004 Excess of Loss
Treaty. The Company received claims related to the third contract principal in
2003. The Company believes it is adequately reserved for any exposure related to
this principal.

RELATED PARTY REINSURANCE

      Intercompany reinsurance agreements together with the Services and
Indemnity Agreement that are described below provide for the transfer of the
surety business written by CCC and CIC to Western Surety. All of these
agreements originally were entered into on September 30, 1997 (the "Merger
Date"): (i) the Surety Quota Share Treaty (the "Quota Share Treaty"); (ii) the
Aggregate Stop Loss Reinsurance Contract (the "Stop Loss Contract"); and (iii)
the Surety Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract (the "Excess of Loss Contract").
All of these contracts have expired. Some have been renewed on different terms
as described below.

      The Services and Indemnity Agreement provides the Company's insurance
subsidiaries with the authority to perform various administrative, management,
underwriting and claim functions in order to conduct the business of CCC and CIC
and to be reimbursed by CCC for services rendered. In consideration for
providing the foregoing services, CCC has agreed to pay Western Surety a
quarterly fee of $50,000. This agreement was renewed on January 1, 2004 and
expires on December 31, 2004 and is annually renewable thereafter. There was no
amount due to the CNA Surety insurance subsidiaries as of June 30, 2004.

      Through the Quota Share Treaty, CCC and CIC transfer to Western Surety all
surety business written or renewed by CCC and CIC after the Merger Date. CCC and
CIC transfer the related liabilities of such business and pay to Western Surety
an amount in cash equal to CCC's and CIC's net written premiums written on all
such business, minus a quarterly ceding commission to be retained by CCC and CIC
equal to $50,000 plus 28% of net written premiums written on such business.

      Under the terms of the Quota Share Treaty, CCC has guaranteed the loss and
loss adjustment expense reserves transferred to Western Surety as of September
30, 1997 by agreeing to pay Western Surety, within 30 days following the end of
each calendar quarter, the amount of any adverse development on such reserves,
as re-estimated as of the end of such calendar quarter. There was no adverse
reserve development for the period from September 30, 1997 (date of inception)
through June 30, 2004.

      The Quota Share Treaty had an original term of five years from the Merger
Date and was renewed on October 1, 2002 on substantially the same terms with an
expiration date of December 31, 2003. The Quota Share Treaty was again renewed
on January 1, 2004 on substantially the same terms with an expiration date of
December 31, 2004; and is annually renewable thereafter. The ceding commission
paid to CCC and CIC by Western Surety remained at 28% of net written premiums
and contemplates an approximate 4% override commission for fronting fees to CCC
and CIC on their actual direct acquisition costs.

      The Stop Loss Contract terminated on December 31, 2000 and was not
renewed. The Stop Loss Contract protected the insurance subsidiaries from
adverse loss experience on certain business underwritten after the Merger Date.
The Stop Loss Contract between

                                       13
<PAGE>

the insurance subsidiaries and CCC limited the insurance subsidiaries'
prospective net loss ratios with respect to certain accounts and lines of
insured business for three full accident years following the Merger Date. In the
event the insurance subsidiaries' accident year net loss ratio exceeds 24% in
any of the accident years 1997 through 2000 on certain insured accounts (the
"Loss Ratio Cap"), the Stop Loss Contract requires CCC at the end of each
calendar quarter following the Merger Date, to pay to the insurance subsidiaries
a dollar amount equal to (i) the amount, if any, by which their actual accident
year net loss ratio exceeds the applicable Loss Ratio Cap, multiplied by (ii)
the applicable net earned premiums. In consideration for the coverage provided
by the Stop Loss Contract, the insurance subsidiaries paid to CCC an annual
premium of $20,000. The CNA Surety insurance subsidiaries have paid CCC all
required annual premiums. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had billed and
received $54.9 million under the Stop Loss Contract.

      The Excess of Loss Contract provided the insurance subsidiaries of CNA
Surety with the capacity to underwrite large surety bond exposures by providing
reinsurance support from CCC. The Excess of Loss Contract provided $75 million
of coverage for losses in excess of the $60 million per principal. Subsequent to
the Merger Date, the Company entered into a second excess of loss contract with
CCC ("Second Excess of Loss Contract"). The Second Excess of Loss Contract
provided additional coverage for principal losses that exceed the foregoing
coverage of $75 million per principal provided by the Excess of Loss Contract,
or aggregate losses per principal in excess of $135 million. In consideration
for the reinsurance coverage provided by the Excess of Loss Contracts, the
insurance subsidiaries paid to CCC, on a quarterly basis, a premium equal to 1%
of the net written premiums applicable to the Excess of Loss Contract, subject
to a minimum premium of $20,000 and $5,000 per quarter under the Excess of Loss
Contract and Second Excess of Loss Contract, respectively. The two Excess of
Loss Contracts collectively provided coverage for losses discovered on surety
bonds in force as of the Merger Date and for losses discovered on new and
renewal business written during the term of the Excess of Loss Contracts. Both
Excess of Loss Contracts commenced following the Merger Date and continued until
September 30, 2002. The discovery period for losses covered by the Excess of
Loss Contracts extends until September 30, 2005.

      Effective October 1, 2002, the Company secured replacement excess of loss
protection from CCC for per principal losses that exceed $60 million in two
parts -- a) $40 million excess of $60 million and b) $50 million excess of $100
million. This excess of loss protection is primarily necessary to support
contract surety accounts with bonded backlogs or work-in-process in excess of
$60 million. The Company generally limits support for new large commercial
surety accounts to $25 million. In addition to the foregoing structural changes
in its high layer excess of loss reinsurance programs, the cost for these
protections increased significantly as compared to the cost of the two previous
Excess of Loss Contracts. The $40 million excess of $60 million contract is for
a three year term beginning October 1, 2002 and provides annual aggregate
coverage of $80 million and $120 million aggregate coverage for the entire three
year term.

      Effective January 1, 2004, the Company obtained replacement coverage from
third party reinsurers as part of the 2004 Excess of Loss Treaty. Accordingly,
the $40 million excess of $60 million contract with CCC was commuted effective
January 1, 2004. As part of this commutation, the Company has received a
commutation payment of $10.9 million from CCC. As of December 31, 2003 the full
amount of the commutation payment had been recognized as a receivable. The
Company and CCC entered into a new $40 million excess of $60 million reinsurance
contract providing coverage exclusively for the one large national contractor
that is excluded from the Company's third party reinsurance. This contract is
effective from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004. The premium for this
contract is $3.0 million plus an additional premium if a loss is ceded to this
contract.

      The reinsurance premium for the coverage provided by the $50 million
excess of $100 million contract was $6.0 million. This contract expired on
December 31, 2003. The Company and CCC entered into a new $50 million excess of
$100 million contract for the period of January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004.
The premium for this contract is $6.0 million plus an additional premium if a
loss is ceded to this contract.

      Effective October 1, 2003, the Company entered into a $3 million excess of
$12 million excess of loss contract with CCC. The reinsurance premium for the
coverage provided by the $3 million excess of $12 million contract was $0.3
million plus, if applicable, additional premiums based on paid losses. The
contract provided for aggregate coverage of $12 million. This contract
effectively lowered the Company's net retention per principal for the remainder
of 2003 to $12 million plus a 5% co-participation in the $45 million layer of
excess reinsurance with third party reinsurers. This contract was to expire on
December 31, 2004. Effective January 1, 2004, the Company obtained replacement
coverage from third party reinsurers as part of the 2004 Excess of Loss Treaty.

      As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, CNA Surety had an insurance
receivable balance from CCC and CIC of $31.6 million and $71.1 million. CNA
Surety had no reinsurance payables to CCC and CIC as of June 30, 2004 and
December 31,2003.

                                       14
<PAGE>

LARGE NATIONAL CONTRACTOR

      The Company has provided significant surety bond protection guaranteeing
projects undertaken by the large national contract principal that is excluded
from the Company's third party insurance. The related party reinsurance
available to the Company for this principal and the credit extended to the
principal by affiliates of the Company are described below.

      If the Company should suffer any losses that are discovered prior to
September 30, 2005 arising from bonds issued to the contractor with effective
dates of September 30, 2002 and prior, the Company would retain the first $60
million of losses on bonds written, and CCC would incur 100% of losses above $60
million pursuant to the extended discovery provisions of the two Excess of Loss
treaties that expired on September 30, 2002. Any losses discovered after
September 30, 2005 on bonds with effective dates prior to September 30, 2002
would be covered up to $150 million pursuant to the $50 million excess of $100
million contract with CCC described above and a twelve month contract with CCC
effective January 1, 2004 that provides $40 million excess of $60 million
reinsurance coverage exclusively for the national contractor.

      For bonds that the Company has written after September 30, 2003, in
addition to the coverage provided by excess of loss reinsurance treaties
described above ($40 million excess of $60 million and $50 million excess of
$100 million) the Company and CCC have entered into facultative reinsurance in
connection with larger bonds. The Company's exposure on bonds written from
October 1, 2002 through October 31, 2003 was limited to $20 million per bond.
For bonds written between November 1, 2003 and March 31,2004, the Company's
exposure was $14.7 million. For bonds written subsequent to March 31, 2004, the
Company's exposure will be limited to the lesser of $20 million or 10% of
policyholders surplus.

      The Company has had discussions with its insurance regulatory authorities
regarding the level of bonds provided for this principal and will continue to
keep the insurance regulators informed of its ongoing exposure to this account.

CNAF CREDIT FACILITY

      In December of 2002 and January of 2003, CNAF provided loans in an
aggregate amount of approximately $45 million to the national contractor. The
loans were provided by CNAF to help the contractor meet its' liquidity needs.
The loans are evidenced by demand notes and until replaced by the credit
facility described below, accrue interest at 10%. In March 2003, CNAF entered
into a credit facility with the contractor under which CNAF has agreed to
provide up to $86 million of loans to the contractor and certain of its
subsidiaries, including the refinancing of the already advanced $45 million of
credit described above. The credit facility matures in March of 2006. CNAF has
been granted a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the
contractor to secure borrowings under the new credit facility. Loews and CNAF
have entered into a participation agreement, pursuant to which Loews has
purchased a one-third participation share in CNAF's position in the credit
facility, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to a maximum of $25 million, plus
accrued interest. Although Loews does not have rights against the contractor
directly under the participation agreement, it shares recoveries and fees under
the facility on a proportional basis with CNAF.

      In March of 2003, CNAF purchased the contractor's outstanding bank debt
for $16.4 million. The contractor purchased the bank debt and retired it, with
$11.4 million of the purchase price being funded under the new credit facility
and $5 million from money loaned to the contractor by its shareholders. Under
its purchase agreement with the banks, CNAF is also required to reimburse the
banks for any draws upon outstanding letters of credit issued by the banks for
the contractor's benefit. Of these letters of credit, a replacement due to
expire in August 2004 remains in the amount of $3 million. Any CNAF
reimbursements for draws upon the banks' letters of credit will become
obligations of the contractor to CNAF as draws upon the credit facility. As of
June 30, 2004, CNAF had credit exposure of $60.6 million under the credit
facility, net of participation by Loews, in the amount of $23.9 million, for
total outstanding of $84.5 million.

      As of March 31, 2004, the credit facility was amended to provide for
calculating the amount available for borrowing without regard to approximately
$1.1 million representing accrued interest on a bridge loan provided by CNAF
that became a borrowing under the facility; the elimination of the reduction in
CNAF's commitment upon receipt by the contractor of certain claim proceeds; and
an increase in the monthly compensation limits for the contractor's principals.
In connection with the amendment, the principals and an affiliate contributed $5
million in the aggregate to the contractor's capital by forgiving certain of the
contractor's indebtedness.

      The contractor has initiated a restructuring plan that is intended to
reduce costs and improve cash flow, and a chief restructuring officer has been
appointed to manage execution of the plan. CNA Surety intends to continue to
provide surety bonds on behalf of the contractor during this restructuring
period, subject to the contractor's initial and ongoing compliance with CNA
Surety's underwriting

                                       15
<PAGE>

standards. Indemnification and subrogation rights, including rights to contract
proceeds on construction projects in the event of default, exist that reduce CNA
Surety's exposure to loss. While the Company believes that the contractor's
restructuring efforts will be successful and provide sufficient cash flow for
its operations and for repayment of its borrowings, the contractor's failure to
achieve its restructuring plan could have a material adverse effect on CNA
Surety's results of operations, cash flow and capital. If such failures occur,
the Company estimates that possible losses, net of indemnification and
subrogation recoveries, but before recoveries under reinsurance contracts, could
be up to $200 million. However, the related party reinsurance treaties discussed
above would limit the Company's per principal exposure to approximately $60
million.

4. RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES

      Activity in the reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
was as follows (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,       SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                        ---------------------------       -------------------------
                                                           2004              2003           2004            2003
                                                        ---------         ---------       ---------       ---------
<S>                                                     <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>
Reserves at beginning of period:
Gross ............................................      $ 412,325         $ 254,118       $ 413,539       $ 303,433
Ceded reinsurance ................................        159,677            97,941         158,357         137,301
                                                        ---------         ---------       ---------       ---------
  Net reserves at beginning of period ............        252,648           156,177         255,182         166,132
                                                        ---------         ---------       ---------       ---------
Net incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses:
  Provision for insured events of current period..         21,491            19,950          42,409          38,501
  (Decrease) increase in provision for insured
     events of prior periods......................           (283)              285            (570)            340
                                                        ---------         ---------       ---------       ---------
     Total net incurred ..........................         21,208            20,235          41,839          38,841
                                                        ---------         ---------       ---------       ---------
Net payments (recoveries) attributable to:
  Current period events ..........................          1,011            (1,238)          1,494            (733)
  Prior period events ............................         20,897            16,896          43,579          44,952
                                                        ---------         ---------       ---------       ---------
     Total net payments ..........................         21,908            15,658          45,073          44,219
                                                        ---------         ---------       ---------       ---------
Net reserves at end of period ....................        251,948           160,754         251,948         160,754
Ceded reinsurance at end of period ...............        160,419           116,456         160,419         116,456
                                                        ---------         ---------       ---------       ---------
     Gross reserves at end of period .............      $ 412,367         $ 277,210       $ 412,367       $ 277,210
                                                        =========         =========       =========       =========
</TABLE>

      On January 2, 2003, CNA Surety settled litigation brought by J.P. Morgan
Chase & Co. ("Chase") in connection with three surety bonds issued on behalf of
Enron Corporation subsidiaries. The penal sums of the three bonds totaled
approximately $78 million. The Company paid Chase approximately $40.7 million
and assigned its recovery rights in the Enron bankruptcy to Chase in exchange
for a full release of its obligations under the bonds. The Company has no other
exposure related to the Enron Corporation. CNA Surety's net loss related to the
settlement, after anticipated recoveries under excess of loss reinsurance
treaties, was previously fully reserved. Immediately upon execution of the
settlement documents, the Company sent written notice for reimbursement to its
reinsurers. As of the date of this filing, the Company has billed a total of
$37.1 million to its reinsurers. Five reinsurers responsible for payment of 55%
of the treaty proceeds either have paid their portions of the claim or have
reached agreement with the Company and paid the Company to commute the entire
reinsurance treaty under which the Enron claim was made. Pursuant to the treaty,
the Company demanded and began arbitration proceedings against all the
reinsurers that have not paid or commuted their treaties. Management believes
none of the reinsurers have valid defenses under the reinsurance treaties to
avoid payment, and that the Company will fully recover all reinsurance
recoverables recorded related to this settlement. As such, the Company has not
recorded a reduction with respect to these reinsurance recoverables as of June
30, 2004.

5. DEBT

      In May of 2004, the Company, through a wholly-owned trust, privately
issued $30 million of preferred securities through two pooled transactions.
These securities bear interest at a rate of the London Interbank Offered Rate
("LIBOR") plus 3.375% with a 30-year term and are redeemable after five years.
The securities were issued by CNA Surety Capital Trust I (the "Issuer Trust").
The sole asset of the Issuer Trust consists of a $31 million junior subordinated
debenture issued by the Company to the Issuer Trust. The Company has also
guaranteed the dividend payments and redemption of the preferred securities
issued by the Issuer Trust. The maximum amount of undiscounted future payments
the Company could make under the guarantee is $75 million, consisting of annual
dividend payments of $1.5 million over 30 years and the redemption value of $30
million. Because payment under the guarantee would only be required if the
Company does not fulfill its obligations under the debentures held by the Issuer
Trust, the Company has not recorded any additional liabilities related to this
guarantee.

                                       16
<PAGE>

      The subordinated debenture bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 3.375%
and matures in April of 2034. As of June 30, 2004 the interest rate on the
junior subordinated debenture was 4.985%.

      On September 30, 2002, the Company refinanced $65 million in outstanding
borrowings under its previous credit facility with a new credit facility (the
"2002 Credit Facility"). The 2002 Credit Facility, as amended September 30,
2003, provides an aggregate of up to $50 million in borrowings divided between a
revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") of $30 million and a
term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") of $20 million. The Revolving
Credit Facility matures on September 30, 2005. The Revolving Credit Facility may
be increased from time to time by the amount of amortization under the Term Loan
Facility up to an additional $10 million. Such increase is subject to consent by
each bank participating in the Revolving Credit Facility, and will take place
upon receipt by the banks of the respective installment payments under the Term
Loan Facility

      Effective January 30, 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap
on the Term Loan Facility. As a result, the current effective interest rate on
the term loan as of June 30, 2004 was 2.76%.

      In June of 2004, the Company reduced the outstanding Revolving Credit
Facility by $10 million using a portion of the proceeds from the Issuer Trust
discussed above. The Term Loan Facility balance was reduced by $15 million
through June 30, 2004 according to scheduled amortization and payment schedules.
Further amortization and payment of the Term Loan Facility will take place at
$10 million per year, in equal semi-annual installments of $5 million on the
following dates:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      DATE                     AMORTIZATION        OUTSTANDING BALANCE
      ----                     ------------        -------------------
<S>                            <C>                 <C>
September 30, 2004....           5,000,000             10,000,000
March 31, 2005........           5,000,000              5,000,000
September 30, 2005....           5,000,000                     --
</TABLE>

      The interest rate on borrowings under the 2002 Credit Facility may be
fixed, at CNA Surety's option, for a period of one, two, three, or six months
and is based on, among other rates, LIBOR plus the applicable margin. The
margin, including a facility fee and utilization fee on the Revolving Credit
Facility, was 1.30% at June 30, 2004 and can vary based on CNA Surety's leverage
ratio (debt to total capitalization) from 1.15% to 1.45%. The margin on the Term
Loan Facility was 0.625% at June 30, 2004 and can vary based on CNA Surety's
leverage ratio (debt to total capitalization) from 0.48% to 0.80%. As of June
30, 2004, the weighted average interest rate was 2.86% on the $35 million of
outstanding borrowings. As of December 31, 2003, the weighted average interest
rate on the 2002 Credit Facility was 2.4% on the $50 million of outstanding
borrowings.

      The 2002 Credit Facility contains, among other conditions, limitations on
CNA Surety with respect to the incurrence of additional indebtedness and
maintenance of a rating of at least "A" by A.M. Best Co. for each of the
Company's insurance subsidiaries. The 2002 Credit Facility also requires the
maintenance of certain financial ratios as follows: a) maximum funded debt to
total capitalization ratio of 25%, b) minimum net worth of $350.0 million and c)
minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.5 times. Due to the net loss reported
for the third quarter of 2003, the Company was in violation of the minimum fixed
charge coverage test. The lenders granted the Company a waiver for this
violation and amended the 2002 Credit Facility to replace the fixed charge
coverage ratio requirement for the next three quarters with a minimum earnings
requirement. At March 31, 2004, the Company was in violation of this minimum
earnings requirement and received a waiver for this requirement in the current
quarter.

6. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

      CNA Surety sponsors a tax deferred savings plan ("401(k) plan") covering
substantially all of its employees. Prior to December 31, 1999, the Company
matched 70% of the participating employee's contribution up to 6% of eligible
compensation (4.2% maximum matching). Effective January 1, 2000, the Company
match was increased to 100% of the participating employees contribution up to 3%
of eligible compensation and 50% of the participating employees contribution
between 3% and 6% of eligible compensation (4.5% maximum matching). Effective
January 1, 2004, the Company implemented an additional basic contribution for
eligible 401(k) plan participants of 3% (if under age 45) or 5% (if 45 or older)
of eligible compensation. In addition, the Company may also make an annual
discretionary performance contribution to the 401(k) plan, subject to the
approval of the Company's Board of Directors. The discretionary performance
contribution may be restricted by plan and regulatory limitations.

      CNA Surety established the CNA Surety Corporation Deferred Compensation
Plan, effective April 1, 2000. The Company established and maintains the Plan as
an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of
management or highly compensated employees. The purpose of the Plan is to permit
designated employees of the Company and participating affiliates to accumulate
additional retirement income through a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
that enables them to defer compensation to which they will become entitled in
the future.

                                       17
<PAGE>

      Western Surety sponsors two postretirement benefit plans covering certain
employees. One plan provides medical benefits, and the other plan provides sick
leave termination payments. The postretirement health care plan is contributory
and the sick leave plan is non-contributory. Western Surety uses a December 31
measurement date for both of its postretirement benefit plans.

      The plans' combined net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 included the following components
(amounts in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,   SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                       ---------------------------   -------------------------
                                          2004            2003          2004           2003
                                       -----------     -----------   ----------     ----------
<S>                                    <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>
Net periodic benefit cost:
  Service cost ..................         $  32          $  41          $  74          $  82
  Interest cost .................            82             72            170            143
  Prior service cost ............           (44)           (33)           (81)           (65)
  Recognized net actuarial (gain)            (6)            (1)            (2)            (3)
                                          -----          -----          -----          -----
  Net periodic benefit cost .....         $  64          $  79          $ 161          $ 157
                                          =====          =====          =====          =====
</TABLE>

      The Company expects to contribute $0.2 million to the postretirement
benefit plans to pay benefits in 2004. As of June 30, 2004, $0.1 million of
contributions have been made to the postretirement benefit plans.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

      At June 30, 2004, the estimated future minimum payments under operating
leases was as follows: 2004 -- $0.8 million; 2005 -- $1.6 million; 2006 -- $1.4
million; 2007 -- $1.1 million; 2008 -- $1.0 million; and thereafter -- $3.7
million.

      The Company is party to various lawsuits arising in the normal course of
business, some seeking material damages. The Company believes the resolution of
these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial
condition or its results of operations.

                                       18
<PAGE>

                     CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

      The following is a discussion and analysis of CNA Surety Corporation and
its subsidiaries' (collectively, "CNA Surety" or the "Company") operating
results, liquidity and capital resources, and financial condition. This
discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part 1.

INTRODUCTION

      Management believes that the following areas represent the most
significant risks and uncertainties impacting the operating performance and
financial condition of the Company. The financial impacts of these issues would
affect gross and net written premium, incurred losses and reserves for unpaid
losses. Each of these issues is discussed in greater detail later in this
section.

AVAILABILITY AND COST OF REINSURANCE

      Reinsurance coverage is an important component of the Company's capital
structure. Reinsurance allows the Company to meet certain regulatory
restrictions that would otherwise limit the size of bonds that the Company
writes and limit the market segments in which the Company could compete. In
addition, reinsurance reduces the potential volatility of earnings and protects
the Company's capital by limiting the amount of loss associated with any one
bond principal. Due to increased loss frequency and severity for both the
Company and within the surety industry in general that began emerging in 1999,
the Company, beginning in 2002, paid substantially higher reinsurance premiums
and was required to retain higher amounts of its per principal exposure. Through
aggressive exposure reduction efforts and continued underwriting discipline, the
Company has been able to purchase additional limits and more expansive
reinsurance protection for 2003 and 2004 as compared to 2002.

EXPOSURE TO LOSS ON PRINCIPALS EXCLUDED FROM REINSURANCE PROGRAMS

      Beginning in 2002, the Company's reinsurers excluded certain accounts (for
which the Company had continuing exposure from bonds written in prior years)
from the reinsurance programs. For these accounts, the company would retain up
to $60 million of loss. Due to the improved financial condition of some of these
accounts and the Company's efforts to have these accounts covered, two of these
accounts are again covered under the Company's 2004 reinsurance program.
However, the Company's reinsurance program for 2004 does exclude three
principals. Of these excluded principals, one is a domestic electric utility and
one is a large national contractor. As of June 30, 2004, Management estimates
that the Company's net exposure to these accounts would be $43 million and $60
million, respectively. The other is a foreign industrial enterprise that
fulfilled its bonded obligations in the second quarter of 2004, so the Company
no longer has any exposure. The foreign industrial enterprise and the electric
utility are discussed on page 25, and the large national contractor is discussed
in detail on page 27. As of June 30, 2004, no material loss event has occurred
with respect to these three principals.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATINGS

      Surety bond principals and obligees often refer to the financial strength
ratings assigned by A.M. Best Co. ("A.M. Best"), Standard and Poor's ("S&P") and
other similar companies when they are choosing a surety company. Because the
Company uses the underwriting capacity of Continental Casualty Company and its
subsidiaries (collectively, "CCC") to serve larger accounts, the insurer
financial strength rating of both the Company and CCC factor into customers'
decisions. After reporting a significant operating loss in the third quarter of
2003, the Company's A.M. Best rating was lowered from A+ to A with a negative
outlook. CCC also reported a significant operating loss in the third quarter of
2003, but A.M. Best affirmed CCC's rating of A with a negative outlook.
Management believes that the current ratings are sufficient for the Company to
conduct all aspects of its business. Management also believes that a one level
reduction in ratings would have only a minimal impact on operations. A further
decrease beyond one level would likely have a material adverse impact on the
Company's ability to write business. Management believes that the likelihood of
further ratings downgrades has been reduced by ongoing efforts to reduce large
exposures and the lower per principal retentions under the 2004 reinsurance
program.

                                       19
<PAGE>


ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

      The Company's results are impacted by general corporate credit conditions,
as well as by the condition of the public construction segment of the economy.
While corporate credit default rates appear to be improving from recent
historically high levels, the amount of new public construction spending appears
to be slowing. An improvement in overall corporate default rates could be
expected to have a favorable impact on the Company's loss costs. A slow down in
public construction spending could be expected to put pressure on the Company's
written premium production and also adversely impact loss costs. Management
believes that the diversification of the Company's book of business, with
approximately 41% of current written premium from products that are less
sensitive to economic conditions, mitigates the impact of these economic
factors.

BOND PREMIUM RATES

      The premium rates that the Company charges for its bonds have a direct
impact on the amount of revenue generated and on the ratio of incurred losses to
earned premium. Over the last several years, the Company has charged higher
rates for its bonds, particularly in the large commercial and contract segments.
These two segments demonstrated the greater rate need due to the emergence of
increased loss frequency and severity as noted above. While the Company will
continue to aggressively pursue rate increases where indicated, competitive
factors appear to be pointing to a decreased ability to achieve the level of
rate increases that have been obtained over the past several years, particularly
in the small and middle market contract segments.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      Management believes the most significant accounting policies and related
disclosures for purposes of understanding the Company's results of operations
and financial condition pertain to reserves for unpaid losses and loss
adjustment expenses and reinsurance, investments, deferred policy acquisition
costs, and goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company's accounting
policies related to reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and
related estimates of reinsurance recoverables, are particularly critical to an
assessment of the Company's financial results. These areas are highly subjective
and require Management's most complex judgments because of the need to make
estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain.

RESERVES FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES AND REINSURANCE

      CNA Surety accrues liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses under its surety and property and casualty insurance contracts based
upon estimates of the ultimate amounts payable under the contracts related to
losses occurring on or before the balance sheet date. As of any balance sheet
date, all claims have not yet been reported and some claims may not be reported
for many years. As a result, the liability for unpaid losses includes
significant estimates for incurred-but-not-reported claims. Additionally,
reported claims are in various stages of the settlement process. Each claim is
settled individually based upon its merits, and certain claim liabilities may
take years to settle, especially if legal action is involved.

      The Company uses a variety of techniques to establish the liabilities for
unpaid claims recorded at the balance sheet date. While techniques may vary,
each employs significant judgments and assumptions. Techniques may involve
detailed statistical analysis of past claim reporting, settlement activity,
salvage and subrogation activity, claim frequency and severity data when
sufficient information exists to lend statistical credibility to the analysis.
The analysis may be based upon internal loss experience or industry experience.
Techniques may vary depending on the type of claim being estimated. Liabilities
may also reflect implicit or explicit assumptions regarding the potential
effects of future economic and social inflation, judicial decisions, law
changes, and recent trends in such factors.

      Receivables recorded with respect to insurance losses ceded to reinsurers
under reinsurance contracts are estimated in a manner similar to liabilities for
insurance losses and, therefore, are also subject to uncertainty. In addition to
the factors cited above, estimates of reinsurance recoveries may prove
uncollectible if the reinsurer is unable to perform under the contract.
Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the ceding company of its obligations to
indemnify its own policyholders.

      CNA Surety's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet includes estimated
liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses of $412.4 million and
reinsurance receivables related to losses of $160.4 million as of June 30, 2004.
While many factors impact these estimates, Management believes that past changes
in the Company's business mix and reinsurance program along with increased
corporate default rates were the primary drivers of the need to substantially
increase reserve levels in 2003. Beginning in the late 1990's, the Company began
writing more bonds for large corporate clients. Shortly thereafter, corporate
default rates increased dramatically. These exposures proved to be more volatile
than the Company's more traditional contract and small

                                       20
<PAGE>

commercial surety products, and began resulting in a higher frequency of severe
losses. As a result, the Company's reinsurers significantly increased rates,
reduced the amount of coverage available to the Company and excluded certain
accounts from the reinsurance program. For 2002, the Company's per principal
retention increased from $5 million to $20 million. Although the Company reduced
its per principal retention to $15 million for 2003, these higher retentions, at
a time of continuing higher frequency of severe losses, further increased the
volatility of results.

      Since 2001, the Company has been aggressively reducing its exposures to
large corporate clients. Management believes that these efforts, along with
continued underwriting discipline in its traditional contract and small
commercial products, have been key to further reducing the Company's per
principal retention for most accounts to $10 million for the 2004 reinsurance
program. Management anticipates that these steps will reduce the volatility of
the Company's results.

      Due to the inherent uncertainties in the process of establishing the
liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, the actual ultimate
claims amounts will differ from the currently recorded amounts. This difference
could have a material effect on reported earnings. For example, a 10% increase
in the June 30, 2004 net estimate for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
would produce a charge to pre-tax earnings of approximately $25.2 million.
Future effects from changes in these estimates will be recorded as a component
of losses incurred in the period such changes are determined to be needed.

INVESTMENTS

      Management believes the Company has the ability to hold all fixed income
securities to maturity. However, the Company may dispose of securities prior to
their scheduled maturity due to changes in interest rates, prepayments, tax and
credit considerations, liquidity or regulatory capital requirements, or other
similar factors. As a result, the Company classifies all of its fixed income
securities (bonds and redeemable preferred stocks) and equity securities as
available-for-sale. These securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized
gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, reported as a separate component
of stockholders' equity. Cash flows from purchases, sales and maturities are
reported gross in the investing activities section of the cash flow statement.

      The amortized cost of fixed income securities is determined based on cost
and the cumulative effect of amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts
to maturity. Such amortization and accretion are included in investment income.
For mortgage-backed and certain asset-backed securities, the Company recognizes
income using the effective-yield method based on estimated cash flows. All
securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Investment gains or
losses realized on the sale of securities are determined using the specific
identification method. Investments with an other-than-temporary decline in value
are written down to fair value, resulting in losses that are included in
realized investment gains and losses.

      Short-term investments, which generally include U.S. Treasury bills,
corporate notes, money market funds, and investment grade commercial paper
equivalents, are carried at amortized cost that approximates fair value.
Invested assets are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate risk, market
risk and credit risk. Due to the level of risk associated with invested assets
and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of these assets, it
is possible that changes in risks in the near term may significantly affect the
amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Income.

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS

      Policy acquisition costs, consisting of commissions, premium taxes and
other underwriting expenses, which vary with, and are primarily related to, the
production of business, net of reinsurance commissions, are deferred and
amortized as a charge to income as the related premiums are earned. Anticipated
investment income is considered in the determination of the recoverability of
deferred acquisition costs.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

      CNA Surety's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2004
includes goodwill and identified intangibles of approximately $138.8 million.
These amounts represent goodwill and identified intangibles arising from the
acquisition of Capsure Holdings Corp. ("Capsure"). Prior to 2002, goodwill from
this and other acquisitions was generally amortized as a charge to earnings over
periods not exceeding 30 years. Under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 142 entitled "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets"
("SFAS No. 142"), which was adopted by CNA Surety as of January 1, 2002,
periodic amortization ceased, in accordance with an impairment-only accounting
model.

                                       21
<PAGE>

      A significant amount of judgment is required in performing goodwill
impairment tests. Such tests include periodically determining or reviewing the
estimated fair value of CNA Surety's reporting units. Under SFAS No. 142, fair
value refers to the amount for which the entire reporting unit may be bought or
sold. There are several methods of estimating fair value, including market
quotations, asset and liability fair values and other valuation techniques, such
as discounted cash flows and multiples of earnings or revenues. If the carrying
amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair
value, then individual assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and
liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value. The excess of the
estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the estimated fair value of net
assets would establish the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded
amount of goodwill over the implied value of goodwill is recorded as an
impairment loss.

FORMATION OF CNA SURETY AND MERGER

      In December of 1996, CNA Financial Corporation ("CNAF") and Capsure agreed
to merge (the "Merger") the surety business of CNAF with Capsure's insurance
subsidiaries, Western Surety Company ("Western Surety") and Universal Surety of
America ("USA"), into CNA Surety. CNAF, through its operating subsidiaries,
writes multiple lines of property and casualty insurance, including surety
business that is reinsured by Western Surety. CNAF owns approximately 64% of the
outstanding common stock of CNA Surety. Loews Corporation ("Loews") owns
approximately 91% of the outstanding common stock of CNAF. The principal
operating subsidiaries of CNAF that wrote the surety line of business for their
own account prior to the Merger were Continental Casualty Company and its
property and casualty affiliates (collectively, "CCC") and The Continental
Insurance Company and its property and casualty affiliates (collectively,
"CIC").

BUSINESS

    CNA Surety's insurance subsidiaries write surety and fidelity bonds in all
50 states through a combined network of approximately 34,000 independent
agencies. CNA Surety's principal insurance subsidiaries are Western Surety and
USA. The insurance subsidiaries write, on a direct basis or as business assumed
from CCC and CIC, small fidelity and non-contract surety bonds, referred to as
commercial bonds; small, medium and large contract bonds; and errors and
omissions ("E&O") liability insurance. Western Surety is a licensed insurer in
all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. USA is licensed in 44
states and the District of Columbia. Western Surety's affiliated company, Surety
Bonding Company of America ("SBCA"), is licensed in 28 states and the District
of Columbia.

    The Company's corporate objective is to be the leading provider of surety
and surety-related products in the United States and in select international
markets and to be the surety of choice for its customers and independent agents
and brokers.

    Western Surety is currently rated A (Excellent) with a negative rating
outlook, by A.M. Best. An A (Excellent) rating is assigned to those companies
which A.M. Best believes have an excellent ability to meet their ongoing
obligations to policyholders. A (Excellent) rated insurers have been shown to be
among the strongest in ability to meet policyholder and other contractual
obligations. The rating outlook indicates the potential direction of a company's
rating for an intermediate period, generally defined as the next 12 to 36
months. Through intercompany reinsurance and related agreements, CNA Surety's
customers have access to CCC's broader underwriting capacity. CCC is currently
rated A (Excellent) with a negative rating outlook by A.M. Best. A.M. Best's
letter ratings range from A++ (Superior) to F (In Liquidation) with A++ being
highest.

    CCC and Western Surety are both currently rated A- (Strong), by S&P. On
August 7, 2003, S&P placed CCC and Western Surety on credit watch with negative
implications. S&P's letter ratings range from AAA+ (Extremely Strong) to CC
(Extremely Weak) with AAA+ being highest. Ratings from AA to CCC may be modified
by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the
major rating categories. An insurer rated A has strong financial security
characteristics, but is somewhat more likely to be affected by adverse business
conditions than are insurers with higher ratings.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

      FINANCIAL MEASURES

      The Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations ("MD&A") discusses certain accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and non-GAAP financial
measures in order to provide information used by management to monitor the
Company's operating performance. Management utilizes various financial measures
to monitor the Company's insurance operations and investment portfolio.
Underwriting results, which are derived from certain income statement amounts,
are considered a non-GAAP financial measure and are used by management to
monitor

                                       22
<PAGE>

performance of the Company's insurance operations. The Company's investment
portfolio is monitored through analysis of various quantitative and qualitative
factors and certain decisions related to the sale or impairment of investments
that produce realized gains and losses, which is also a component used in the
calculation of net income and is a non-GAAP financial measure.

      Underwriting results are computed as net earned premiums less net loss and
loss adjustment expenses and net commissions, brokerage and other underwriting
expenses. Management uses underwriting results to monitor its insurance
operations' results without the impact of certain factors, including net
investment income, net realized investment gains (losses) and interest expense.
Management excludes these factors in order to analyze the direct relationship
between net earned premiums and the related net loss and loss adjustment
expenses along with net commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses.

      Operating ratios are calculated using insurance results and are widely
used by the insurance industry and regulators such as state departments of
insurance and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for financial
regulation and as a basis of comparison among companies. The ratios discussed in
the Company's MD&A are calculated using GAAP financial results and include the
net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio ("loss ratio") as well as the net
commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expense ratio ("expense ratio")
and combined ratio. The loss ratio is the percentage of net incurred losses and
loss adjustment expenses to net earned premiums. The expense ratio is the
percentage of net commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses,
including the amortization of deferred acquisition costs, to net earned
premiums. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and expense ratios.

      The Company's investment portfolio is monitored by management through
analysis of various factors including unrealized gains and losses on securities,
portfolio duration and exposure to interest rates, and market and credit risk.
Based on such analyses, the Company may impair an investment security in
accordance with its policy, or sell a security. Such activities will produce net
realized investment gains and losses.

      While management uses various GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures to
monitor various aspects of the Company's performance, net income is the most
directly comparable GAAP measure and represents a more comprehensive measure of
operating performance. Management believes that its process of evaluating
performance through the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides a
basis for enhanced understanding of the operating performance and the impact to
net income as a whole. Management also believes that investors may find these
widely used financial measures described above useful in interpreting the
underlying trends and performance, as well as to provide visibility into the
significant components of net income.

COMPARISON OF CNA SURETY RESULTS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
2004 AND 2003

ANALYSIS OF NET INCOME

      Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $10.2 million, as
compared to $11.7 million for the same period in 2003. This decrease is a result
of higher reinsurance costs and lower net realized investment gains, partially
offset by higher net investment income.

      Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $16.6 million, as
compared to $22.7 million for the same period in 2003. This decrease reflects
higher underwriting expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2004 related to an
accrual for policyholder dividends primarily related to premiums earned in 2002
and prior, and severance costs related to the re-organization of the Company's
field office structure. These costs were partially offset by higher net earned
premium and higher net investment income.

      The components of net income are discussed in the following sections.

RESULTS OF INSURANCE OPERATIONS

      Underwriting components for the Company for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2004 and 2003 are summarized in the following table (dollars in
thousands):

                                       23
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,   SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                       2004           2003          2004           2003
                                                     --------       --------      --------       --------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>          <C>             <C>
Gross written premiums ........................      $103,064       $ 97,446      $198,943       $189,117
                                                     ========       ========      ========       ========
Net written premiums ..........................      $ 86,112       $ 83,297      $157,666       $162,631
                                                     ========       ========      ========       ========
Net earned premiums ...........................      $ 77,153       $ 76,846      $152,350       $148,052
                                                     ========       ========      ========       ========
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses .......      $ 21,208       $ 20,235      $ 41,839       $ 38,841
                                                     ========       ========      ========       ========
Net commissions, brokerage and other expenses..      $ 49,069       $ 47,940      $104,381       $ 92,236
                                                     ========       ========      ========       ========

Loss ratio ....................................          27.5%          26.3%         27.5%          26.2%
Expense ratio .................................          63.6           62.4          68.5           62.3
                                                     --------       --------      --------       --------
Combined ratio ................................          91.1%          88.7%         96.0%          88.5%
                                                     ========       ========      ========       ========
</TABLE>

PREMIUMS WRITTEN

      CNA Surety primarily markets contract and commercial surety bonds.
Contract surety bonds generally secure a contractor's performance and/or payment
obligation with respect to a construction project. Contract surety bonds are
generally required by federal, state and local governments for public works
projects. The most common types include bid, performance and payment bonds.
Commercial surety bonds include all surety bonds other than contract and cover
obligations typically required by law or regulation. The commercial surety
market includes numerous types of bonds categorized as court judicial, court
fiduciary, public official, license and permit and many miscellaneous bonds that
include guarantees of financial performance. The Company also writes fidelity
bonds that cover losses arising from employee dishonesty and other insurance
products.

      Gross written premiums are summarized in the following table (dollars in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,   SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                       2004           2003          2004           2003
                                                     --------       --------      --------       --------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>          <C>             <C>
Contract ......................................      $ 61,410       $ 59,165      $111,197       $100,788
Commercial ....................................        33,998         31,160        71,329         73,175
Fidelity and other.............................         7,656          7,121        16,417         15,154
                                                     --------       --------      --------       --------
                                                     $103,064       $ 97,446      $198,943       $189,117
                                                     ========       ========      ========       ========
</TABLE>

      Gross written premiums increased 5.8%, or $5.6 million, for the three
months ended June 30, 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003. This
increase was primarily driven by a 9.1%, or $2.8 million, increase in gross
written premiums for Commercial surety due to continued strong volume growth in
small commercial products and a 3.8%, or $2.2 million, increase in gross written
premiums for Contract surety due to improved rates.

      Gross written premiums increased 5.2%, or $9.8 million, for the six months
ended June 30, 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003. This increase was
primarily driven by a 10.3%, or $10.4 million, increase in Contract surety as
compared with the same period in 2003, due to improving rates. Commercial surety
decreased 2.5 percent, or $1.8 million, as a result of the Company's ongoing
efforts to reduce aggregate exposures to large commercial accounts, partially
offset by strong volume growth in small commercial products. The estimated
impact of the Company's exposure reduction efforts to date represents
approximately $26 million in annual premium, assuming an average rate per $1,000
of bond exposure of $3.46, or 35 basis points, and approximately $7.5 billion of
bond exposure.

      Net written premiums are summarized in the following table (dollars in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,   SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                       2004           2003          2004           2003
                                                     --------       --------      --------       --------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>          <C>             <C>
Contract.......................................      $50,706         $52,751      $ 84,609       $ 88,884
Commercial.....................................       28,091          23,748        57,360         59,271
Fidelity and other.............................        7,315           6,798        15,697         14,476
                                                     -------         -------      --------       --------
                                                     $86,112         $83,297      $157,666       $162,631
                                                     =======         =======      ========       ========
</TABLE>

      Net written premiums increased 3.4%, or $2.8 million, for the three months
ended June 30, 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003, driven by the
increase in gross written premiums as described above, partially offset by
increased ceded written premiums. Ceded written premiums increased $2.8 million
for the three months ended June 30, 2004 as compared with the same period in
2003, reflecting increased gross written premiums and the Company's decision to
purchase additional reinsurance

                                       24
<PAGE>

protection. Net written premiums increased 18.3%, or $4.3 million, for
Commercial surety and 7.6%, or $0.5 million, for Fidelity and other products for
the three months ended June 30, 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003.
Net written premiums for Contract surety decreased 3.9%, or $2.0 million, for
the three months ended June 30, 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003.

      For the six months ended June 30, 2004, net written premiums decreased
3.1%, or $5.0 million, as compared with the same period in 2003, reflecting the
Company's decision to purchase additional reinsurance protection as well as the
timing of reinsurance premium payments, partially offset by increased gross
written premiums. Net written premiums decreased 4.8%, or $4.3 million, for
Contract surety and 3.2%, or $1.9 million, for Commercial surety for the six
months ended June 30, 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003. Net written
premiums increased 8.4%, or $1.2 million, for Fidelity and other products for
the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003.

EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE

      Beginning in 1999, the Company has experienced an increase in claim
severity and frequency in the most recent accident years. CNA Surety is paying
higher costs for reinsurance as a result of this loss experience.

      The Company's reinsurance program is predominantly comprised of excess of
loss reinsurance contracts that limit the Company's retention on a per principal
basis. The Company's reinsurance coverage is provided by third party reinsurers
and related parties.

2004 THIRD PARTY REINSURANCE COMPARED TO 2003 THIRD PARTY REINSURANCE

      Effective January 1, 2004, CNA Surety entered into a new excess of loss
treaty ("2004 Excess of Loss Treaty") with a group of third party reinsurers
that reduced its net retention per principal to $10 million with a 5%
co-participation in the $90 million layer of third party reinsurance coverage
above the Company's retention. This new excess of loss treaty replaces the $45
million excess of $15 million per principal coverage, as well as the $40 million
excess of $60 per principal and the $3 million excess of $12 million coverage
that had been provided by CCC. The significant differences between the new
excess of loss reinsurance program and the Company's 2003 Excess of Loss Treaty
are as follows. The annual aggregate coverage increases from $110 million in
2003 to $157 million in 2004. The minimum annual premium for the 2004 excess of
loss treaty is $49.2 million (net of expected return premium) compared to a
total of $42.0 million of reinsurance premiums paid in 2003 (net of expected
return premium) for the $45 million excess of $15 million, the $40 million
excess of $60 million and the $3 million excess of $12 million treaties. The
contract also includes an optional twelve-month extended discovery period, for
an additional premium, which will provide coverage for losses discovered in 2005
on bonds that were in force during 2004, and somewhat less restrictive special
acceptance provisions for larger contract accounts than those contained in the
2003 Excess of Loss Treaty.

      In addition to the one large contract principal (described later) and the
two commercial principals excluded (based upon class of business), the Company's
reinsurers had excluded three other contract principals from the 2003 Excess of
Loss Treaty, for a total of six excluded principals. The one large contract
principal and the two commercial principals remain excluded from the 2004 Excess
of Loss Treaty. Of the two commercial principals, one is a domestic electric
utility with an estimated bonded exposure of $43 million and is currently rated
CCC+ by Standard and Poor's ("S&P"). The bonded exposure will decline over the
term of the bond that extends until 2007. The other is a foreign industrial
enterprise that fulfilled its bonded obligations in the second quarter of 2004,
so the Company no longer has any exposure.

      With respect to the three contract principals other than the large
national contractor, two contract principals have completed asset sales and
other reorganization efforts and have been accepted into the 2004 Excess of Loss
Treaty. The Company received claims related to the third contract principal in
2003. The Company believes it is adequately reserved for any exposure related to
this principal.

RELATED PARTY REINSURANCE

      Intercompany reinsurance agreements together with the Services and
Indemnity Agreement that are described below provide for the transfer of the
surety business written by CCC and CIC to Western Surety. All of these
agreements originally were entered into on September 30, 1997 (the "Merger
Date"): (i) the Surety Quota Share Treaty (the "Quota Share Treaty"); (ii) the
Aggregate Stop Loss Reinsurance Contract (the "Stop Loss Contract"); and (iii)
the Surety Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract (the "Excess of Loss Contract").
All of these contracts have expired. Some have been renewed on different terms
as described below.

                                       25
<PAGE>

      The Services and Indemnity Agreement provides the Company's insurance
subsidiaries with the authority to perform various administrative, management,
underwriting and claim functions in order to conduct the business of CCC and CIC
and to be reimbursed by CCC for services rendered. In consideration for
providing the foregoing services, CCC has agreed to pay Western Surety a
quarterly fee of $50,000. This agreement was renewed on January 1, 2004 and
expires on December 31, 2004 and is annually renewable thereafter. There was no
amount due to the CNA Surety insurance subsidiaries related to this agreement as
of June 30, 2004.

      Through the Quota Share Treaty, CCC and CIC transfer to Western Surety all
surety business written or renewed by CCC and CIC after the Merger Date. CCC and
CIC transfer the related liabilities of such business and pay to Western Surety
an amount in cash equal to CCC's and CIC's net written premiums written on all
such business, minus a quarterly ceding commission to be retained by CCC and CIC
equal to $50,000 plus 28% of net written premiums written on such business.

      Under the terms of the Quota Share Treaty, CCC has guaranteed the loss and
loss adjustment expense reserves transferred to Western Surety as of September
30, 1997 by agreeing to pay Western Surety, within 30 days following the end of
each calendar quarter, the amount of any adverse development on such reserves,
as re-estimated as of the end of such calendar quarter. There was no adverse
reserve development for the period from September 30, 1997 (date of inception)
through June 30, 2004.

      The Quota Share Treaty had an original term of five years from the Merger
Date and was renewed on October 1, 2002 on substantially the same terms with an
expiration date of December 31, 2003. The Quota Share Treaty was again renewed
on January 1, 2004 on substantially the same terms with an expiration date of
December 31, 2004; and is annually renewable thereafter. The ceding commission
paid to CCC and CIC by Western Surety remained at 28% of net written premiums
and contemplates an approximate 4% override commission for fronting fees to CCC
and CIC on their actual direct acquisition costs.

      The Stop Loss Contract terminated on December 31, 2000 and was not
renewed. The Stop Loss Contract protected the insurance subsidiaries from
adverse loss experience on certain business underwritten after the Merger Date.
The Stop Loss Contract between the insurance subsidiaries and CCC limited the
insurance subsidiaries' prospective net loss ratios with respect to certain
accounts and lines of insured business for three full accident years following
the Merger Date. In the event the insurance subsidiaries' accident year net loss
ratio exceeds 24% in any of the accident years 1997 through 2000 on certain
insured accounts (the "Loss Ratio Cap"), the Stop Loss Contract requires CCC at
the end of each calendar quarter following the Merger Date, to pay to the
insurance subsidiaries a dollar amount equal to (i) the amount, if any, by which
their actual accident year net loss ratio exceeds the applicable Loss Ratio Cap,
multiplied by (ii) the applicable net earned premiums. In consideration for the
coverage provided by the Stop Loss Contract, the insurance subsidiaries paid to
CCC an annual premium of $20,000. The CNA Surety insurance subsidiaries have
paid CCC all required annual premiums. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had
billed and received $54.9 million under the Stop Loss Contract.

      The Excess of Loss Contract provided the insurance subsidiaries of CNA
Surety with the capacity to underwrite large surety bond exposures by providing
reinsurance support from CCC. The Excess of Loss Contract provided $75 million
of coverage for losses in excess of the $60 million per principal. Subsequent to
the Merger Date, the Company entered into a second excess of loss contract with
CCC ("Second Excess of Loss Contract"). The Second Excess of Loss Contract
provided additional coverage for principal losses that exceed the foregoing
coverage of $75 million per principal provided by the Excess of Loss Contract,
or aggregate losses per principal in excess of $135 million. In consideration
for the reinsurance coverage provided by the Excess of Loss Contracts, the
insurance subsidiaries paid to CCC, on a quarterly basis, a premium equal to 1%
of the net written premiums applicable to the Excess of Loss Contract, subject
to a minimum premium of $20,000 and $5,000 per quarter under the Excess of Loss
Contract and Second Excess of Loss Contract, respectively. The two Excess of
Loss Contracts collectively provided coverage for losses discovered on surety
bonds in force as of the Merger Date and for losses discovered on new and
renewal business written during the term of the Excess of Loss Contracts. Both
Excess of Loss Contracts commenced following the Merger Date and continued until
September 30, 2002. The discovery period for losses covered by the Excess of
Loss Contracts extends until September 30, 2005.

      Effective October 1, 2002, the Company secured replacement excess of loss
protection from CCC for per principal losses that exceed $60 million in two
parts -- a) $40 million excess of $60 million and b) $50 million excess of $100
million. This excess of loss protection is primarily necessary to support
contract surety accounts with bonded backlogs or work-in-process in excess of
$60 million. The Company generally limits support for new large commercial
surety accounts to $25 million. In addition to the foregoing structural changes
in its high layer excess of loss reinsurance programs, the cost for these
protections increased significantly as compared to the cost of the two previous
Excess of Loss Contracts. The $40 million excess of $60 million contract is for
a three year term beginning October 1, 2002 and provides annual aggregate
coverage of $80 million and $120 million aggregate coverage for the entire three
year term.

                                       26
<PAGE>

      Effective January 1, 2004, the Company obtained replacement coverage from
third party reinsurers as part of the 2004 Excess of Loss Treaty. Accordingly,
the $40 million excess of $60 million contract with CCC was commuted effective
January 1, 2004. As part of this commutation, the Company has received a
commutation payment of $10.9 million from CCC. As of December 31, 2003 the full
amount of the commutation payment had been recognized as a receivable. The
Company and CCC entered into a new $40 million excess of $60 million reinsurance
contract providing coverage exclusively for the one large national contractor
that is excluded from the Company's third party reinsurance. This contract is
effective from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004. The premium for this
contract is $3.0 million plus an additional premium if a loss is ceded to this
contract.

      The reinsurance premium for the coverage provided by the $50 million
excess of $100 million contract was $6.0 million. This contract expired on
December 31, 2003. The Company and CCC entered into a new $50 million excess of
$100 million contract for the period of January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004.
The premium for this contract is $6.0 million plus an additional premium if a
loss is ceded to this contract.

      Effective October 1, 2003, the Company entered into a $3 million excess of
$12 million excess of loss contract with CCC. The reinsurance premium for the
coverage provided by the $3 million excess of $12 million contract was $0.3
million plus, if applicable, additional premiums based on paid losses. The
contract provided for aggregate coverage of $12 million. This contract
effectively lowered the Company's net retention per principal for the remainder
of 2003 to $12 million plus a 5% co-participation in the $45 million layer of
excess reinsurance with third party reinsurers. This contract was to expire on
December 31, 2004. Effective January 1, 2004, the Company obtained replacement
coverage from third party reinsurers as part of the 2004 Excess of Loss Treaty.
As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, CNA Surety had an insurance
receivable balance from CCC and CIC of $31.6 million and $71.1 million. CNA
Surety had no reinsurance payables to CCC and CIC as of June 30, 2004 and
December 31, 2003.

LARGE NATIONAL CONTRACTOR

      The Company has provided significant surety bond protection guaranteeing
projects undertaken by the large national contract principal that is excluded
from the Company's third party insurance. The related party reinsurance
available to the Company for this principal and the credit extended to the
principal by affiliates of the Company are described below.

      If the Company should suffer any losses that are discovered prior to
September 30, 2005 arising from bonds issued to the contractor with effective
dates of September 30, 2002 and prior, the Company would retain the first $60
million of losses on bonds written, and CCC would incur 100% of losses above $60
million pursuant to the extended discovery provisions of the two Excess of Loss
treaties that expired on September 30, 2002. Any losses discovered after
September 30, 2005 on bonds with effective dates prior to September 30, 2002
would be covered up to $150 million pursuant to the $50 million excess of $100
million contract with CCC described above and a twelve month contract with CCC
effective January 1, 2004 that provides $40 million excess of $60 million
reinsurance coverage exclusively for the national contractor.

      For bonds that the Company has written after September 30, 2003, in
addition to the coverage provided by excess of loss reinsurance treaties
described above ($40 million excess of $60 million and $50 million excess of
$100 million) the Company and CCC have entered into facultative reinsurance in
connection with larger bonds. The Company's exposure on bonds written from
October 1, 2002 through October 31, 2003 was limited to $20 million per bond.
For bonds written between November 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004, the Company's
exposure was $14.7 million. For bonds written subsequent to June 30, 2004, the
Company's exposure will be limited to the lesser of $20 million or 10% of
policyholders surplus.

      The Company believes the run-off protection provided by the extended
discovery provisions of the expired agreements, the current protection provided
by the $40 million excess of $60 million and the $50 million excess of $100
million treaties, and the facultative reinsurance provided for larger bonds
written after September 30, 2002, should limit the Company's exposure for bonds
written on behalf of the national contractor to $60 million.

      The Company has had discussions with its insurance regulatory authorities
regarding the level of bonds provided for this principal and will continue to
keep the insurance regulators informed of its ongoing exposure to this account.

                                       27
<PAGE>

CNAF CREDIT FACILITY

      In December of 2002 and January of 2003, CNAF provided loans in an
aggregate amount of approximately $45 million to the national contractor. The
loans were provided by CNAF to help the contractor meet its' liquidity needs.
The loans are evidenced by demand notes and until replaced by the credit
facility described below, accrue interest at 10%. In March 2003, CNAF entered
into a credit facility with the contractor under which CNAF has agreed to
provide up to $86 million of loans to the contractor and certain of its
subsidiaries, including the refinancing of the already advanced $45 million of
credit described above. The credit facility matures in March of 2006. CNAF has
been granted a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the
contractor to secure borrowings under the new credit facility. Loews, parent of
CNAF, and CNAF have entered into a participation agreement, pursuant to which
Loews has purchased a one-third participation share in CNAF's position in the
credit facility, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to a maximum of $25 million,
plus accrued interest. Although Loews does not have rights against the
contractor directly under the participation agreement, it shares recoveries and
fees under the facility on a proportional basis with CNAF.

      In March of 2003, CNAF purchased the contractor's outstanding bank debt
for $16.4 million. The contractor purchased the bank debt and retired it, with
$11.4 million of the purchase price being funded under the new credit facility
and $5 million from money loaned to the contractor by its shareholders. Under
its purchase agreement with the banks, CNAF is also required to reimburse the
banks for any draws upon outstanding letters of credit issued by the banks for
the contractor's benefit. Of these letters of credit, a replacement due to
expire in August of 2004 remains in the amount of $3 million. Any CNAF
reimbursements for draws upon the banks' letters of credit will become
obligations of the contractor to CNAF as draws upon the credit facility. As of
June 30, 2004, CNAF had credit exposure of $60.6 million under the credit
facility, net of participation by Loews, in the amount of $23.9 million, for a
total outstanding of $84.5 million.

      As of March 31, 2004, the credit facility was amended to provide for
calculating the amount available for borrowing without regard to approximately
$1.1 million representing accrued interest on a bridge loan provided by CNAF
that became a borrowing under the facility; the elimination of the reduction in
CNAF's commitment upon receipt by the contractor of certain claim proceeds; and
an increase in the monthly compensation limits for the contractor's principals.
In connection with the amendment, the principals and an affiliate contributed $5
million in the aggregate to the contractor's capital by forgiving certain of the
contractor's indebtedness.

      The contractor has initiated a restructuring plan that is intended to
reduce costs and improve cash flow, and a chief restructuring officer has been
appointed to manage execution of the plan. CNA Surety intends to continue to
provide surety bonds on behalf of the contractor during this restructuring
period, subject to the contractor's initial and ongoing compliance with CNA
Surety's underwriting standards. Indemnification and subrogation rights,
including rights to contract proceeds on construction projects in the event of
default, exist that reduce CNA Surety's exposure to loss. While the Company
believes that the contractor's restructuring efforts will be successful and
provide sufficient cash flow for its operations and for repayment of its
borrowings, the contractor's failure to achieve its restructuring plan could
have a material adverse effect on CNA Surety's future results of operations,
cash flow and capital. If such failures occur, the Company estimates that
possible losses, net of indemnification and subrogation recoveries, but before
recoveries under reinsurance contracts, could be up to $200 million. However,
the related party reinsurance treaties discussed above should limit the
Company's per principal exposure to approximately $60 million.

NET LOSS RATIO

      The net loss ratio was 27.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 as
compared with 26.3% for the same period in 2003 due to higher current year
provisions for incurred losses. The net loss ratio for the three months ended
June 30, 2004 included $0.3 million of net favorable loss reserve development
related to prior years.

      The net loss ratio was 27.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as
compared with 26.2% for the same period in 2003. The increase in the loss ratio
reflects indications of a higher base line loss ratio for 2004 resulting from
the actuarial reviews performed during 2003. The net loss ratio for the six
months ended June 30, 2004 included $0.6 million of net favorable loss reserve
development related to prior years.

                                       28
<PAGE>

      On January 2, 2003, CNA Surety settled litigation brought by J.P. Morgan
Chase & Co. ("Chase") in connection with three surety bonds issued on behalf of
Enron Corporation subsidiaries. The penal sums of the three bonds totaled
approximately $78 million. The Company paid Chase approximately $40.7 million
and assigned its recovery rights in the Enron bankruptcy to Chase in exchange
for a full release of its obligations under the bonds. The Company has no other
exposure related to the Enron Corporation. CNA Surety's net loss related to the
settlement, after anticipated recoveries under excess of loss reinsurance
treaties, was previously fully reserved. Immediately upon execution of the
settlement documents, the Company sent written notice for reimbursement to its
reinsurers. As of the date of this filing, the Company has billed a total of
$37.1 million to its reinsurers. Five reinsurers responsible for payment of 55%
of the treaty proceeds either have paid their portions of the claim or have
reached agreement with the Company and have paid the Company to commute the
entire reinsurance treaty under which the Enron claim was made. Pursuant to the
treaty, the Company demanded and began arbitration proceedings against all the
reinsurers that have not paid. Management believes none of the reinsurers have
valid defenses under the reinsurance treaties to avoid payment, and that the
Company will fully recover all reinsurance recoverables recorded related to this
settlement. As such, the Company has not recorded a reduction with respect to
these reinsurance recoverables as of June 30, 2004.

EXPENSE RATIO

      The expense ratio was 63.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 as
compared with 62.4% for the same period in 2003. The increase in the expense
ratio for the second quarter was driven by higher reinsurance costs.

      The expense ratio was 68.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as
compared with 62.3% for the same period in 2003. The expense ratio for the first
six months of 2004 was negatively impacted by the increase of the accrual for
policyholder dividends and costs related to the initiative to simplify and
streamline the field organization recorded in the first quarter of 2004.

EXPOSURE MANAGEMENT

      The Company's business is subject to certain risks and uncertainties
associated with the current economic environment and corporate credit
conditions. In response to these risks and uncertainties, the Company has
continued with various exposure management initiatives, particularly to reduce
its risks on large commercial accounts. As the following table depicts, the
Company has reduced its exposure, before the effects of reinsurance, by 26.6% in
2004 on large commercial accounts, which are defined as accounts with exposures
in excess of $10 million:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS      TOTAL EXPOSURE (DOLLARS IN BILLIONS)
                                             AS OF                            AS OF
                                    -----------------------    -----------------------------------
                                    JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,    JUNE 30,    DECEMBER 31,      %
COMMERCIAL ACCOUNT EXPOSURE          2004         2003           2004         2003       REDUCTION
---------------------------          ----         ----           ----         ----       ---------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>             <C>         <C>           <C>
$100 million and larger                2            7            $0.3         $0.9          66.6%
$50 to $100 million                   10            8             0.7          0.6         (16.7)%
$25 to $50 million                    14           13             0.5          0.5            --
$10 to $25 million                    49           66             0.7          1.0          30.0%
                                      --           --            ----         ----
Total                                 75           94            $2.2         $3.0          26.6%
                                      ==           ==            ====         ====
</TABLE>

      With respect to contract surety, the Company's portfolio is predominantly
comprised of contractors with work programs of less than $50 million. "Work
program" is the estimated contract value of uncompleted bonded and unbonded
work. Bonded backlog is a measure of the Company's exposure in the event of
default before indemnification, salvage and subrogation recoveries.

      The Company continues to manage its exposure to any one contract credit
and aggressively looks for co-surety, shared accounts and other means to support
or reduce larger exposures. Reinsurance, indemnification and subrogation rights,
including rights to contract proceeds on construction projects in the event of
default, exist that substantially reduce CNA Surety's exposure to loss.

INVESTMENT INCOME

      Net investment income was $7.5 million for the three months ended June 30,
2004, as compared with $6.7 million for the same period in 2003 due to an
increase in invested assets. The annualized pretax yields were 4.5% and 4.7% for
the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The annualized
after-tax yields were 3.7% and 3.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and
2003. Net realized investment gains were $0.1 million for the three months ended
June 30, 2004 as compared with $1.1 million for the same period in 2003.

      Net investment income was $14.4 million for the six months ended June 30,
2004 as compared with $13.4 million for the same period in 2003. The increase
reflects the impact of higher overall invested assets, offset by lower
investment yields and an increased

                                       29
<PAGE>

investment in tax-exempt securities. The annualized pretax yields were 4.5% and
4.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. The annualized after-tax
yield was 3.7% and 3.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003,
respectively. Net realized investment gains were $2.3 million for the six months
ended June 30, 2004 as compared with $1.8 million for the same period in 2003.

      The following summarizes net realized investment gains (losses) activity:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,       SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                               ---------------------------       -------------------------
                                                 2004                2003          2004              2003
                                               -------             -------       -------           -------
<S>                                            <C>                 <C>           <C>               <C>
Gross realized investment gains...             $    53             $ 1,105       $ 2,287           $ 2,366
Gross realized investment losses..                  (1)                 (7)           (5)             (538)
                                               -------             -------       -------           -------
Net realized investment gains.....             $    52             $ 1,098       $ 2,282           $ 1,828
                                               =======             =======       =======           =======
</TABLE>

      The Company's investment portfolio generally is managed to maximize
after-tax investment return, while minimizing credit risk with investments
concentrated in high quality income securities. CNA Surety's portfolio is
managed to provide diversification by limiting exposures to any one industry,
issue or issuer, and to provide liquidity by investing in the public securities
markets. The portfolio is structured to support CNA Surety's insurance
underwriting operations and to consider the expected duration of liabilities and
short-term cash needs. In achieving these goals, assets may be sold to take
advantage of market conditions or other investment opportunities or regulatory,
credit and tax considerations. These activities will produce realized gains and
losses.

      Invested assets are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate,
market and credit. Due to the level of risk associated with certain of these
invested assets and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of
these assets, it is possible that changes in risks in the near term may
significantly affect the amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance
Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

ANALYSIS OF OTHER OPERATIONS

      Interest expense increased slightly for the three months ended June 30,
2004 as compared with the same period in 2003. Average debt outstanding was
$61.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 as compared with $60.8
million for the same period in 2003. The weighted average interest rate for the
three months ended June 30, 2004 was 3.2% as compared with 2.4% for the same
period in 2003.

      Interest expense also increased slightly for the six months ended June 30,
2004 as compared with the same period in 2003. Average debt outstanding was
$55.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $60.8 million
in the same period in 2003. The weighted average interest rate for the six
months ended June 30, 2004 was 3.0% as compared with 2.4% for the same period in
2003

INCOME TAXES

      Income tax expense was $3.7 million and $4.3 million and the effective
income tax rates were 26.6% and 26.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2004
and 2003, respectively. Income tax expense was $5.4 million and $8.7 million and
the effective income tax rates were 24.7% and 27.7% for the six months ended
June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease in the estimated effective
tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared with the same period
in 2003 primarily relates to increases in tax-exempt investment income as a
proportion of taxable income.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      It is anticipated that the liquidity requirements of CNA Surety will be
met primarily by funds generated from operations. The principal sources of cash
flows are premiums, investment income, and sales and maturities of investments.
CNA Surety also may generate funds from additional borrowings under the credit
facility described below. The primary cash flow uses are payments for claims,
operating expenses, federal income taxes, and debt service. In general, surety
operations generate premium collections from customers in advance of cash
outlays for claims. Premiums are invested until such time as funds are required
to pay claims and claims adjusting expenses.

      The Company believes that total invested assets, including cash and
short-term investments, are sufficient in the aggregate and have suitably
scheduled maturities to satisfy all policy claims and other operating
liabilities, including dividend and income tax sharing payments of its insurance
subsidiaries. At June 30, 2004, the carrying value of the Company's insurance
subsidiaries' invested

                                       30
<PAGE>

assets was comprised of $621.0 million of fixed income securities, $2.1 million
of equities, $55.7 million of short-term investments, $1.1 million of other
investments and $3.1 million of cash. At December 31, 2003, the carrying value
of the Company's insurance subsidiaries' invested assets was comprised of $573.7
million of fixed income securities, $49.8 million of short-term investments,
$1.1 million of other investments and $2.0 million of cash.

      Cash flow at the parent company level is derived principally from dividend
and tax sharing payments from its insurance subsidiaries. The principal
obligations at the parent company level are to service debt and pay operating
expenses, including income taxes. At June 30, 2004, the parent company's
invested assets consisted of $6.3 million of fixed income securities, $1.0
million of equity securities, $9.4 million of short-term investments and $6.0
million of cash. At December 31, 2003, the parent company's invested assets
consisted of $6.3 million of fixed income securities, $1.1 million of equity
securities, $14.1 million of short-term investments and $6.0 million of cash. At
both June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, parent company short-term investments
and cash included $7.3 million of restricted cash related to premium receipt
collections ultimately due to the Company's insurance subsidiaries.

      The Company's consolidated net cash flow provided by operating activities
was $16.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to net cash
flow provided by operating activities of $14.4 million for the comparable period
in 2003.

      The Company's consolidated net cash flow provided by operating activities
was $59.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to net cash
flow used by operating activities of $20.6 million for the comparable period in
2003. The increase in net cash flow provided by operating activities primarily
relates to net proceeds from financing activities.

      In May of 2004, the Company, through a wholly-owned trust, privately
issued $30.0 million of preferred securities through two pooled transactions.
These securities bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 3.375% with a 30-year
term and are redeemable after five years. The securities were issued by CNA
Surety Capital Trust I (the "Issuer Trust"). The assets of the Issuer Trust
consist of $30.9 million of junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company
to the Issuer Trust. The subordinated debentures bear interest at a rate of
LIBOR plus 3.375% and mature in May of 2034. As of June 30, 2004 the interest
rate on the junior subordinated debentures were 4.985%. The proceeds from the
debt issuance were used to reduce the outstanding balance of the Revolving
Credit Facility by $10.0 million and to increase the statutory surplus of the
Company's insurance subsidiaries by $20.0 million.

      On September 30, 2002, the Company refinanced $65 million in outstanding
borrowings under its previous credit facility with a new credit facility (the
"2002 Credit Facility"). The 2002 Credit Facility, as amended September 30,
2003, provides an aggregate of up to $50 million in borrowings divided between a
revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") of $30 million and a
term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") of $20 million. The Revolving
Credit Facility matures on September 30, 2005. The Revolving Credit Facility may
be increased from time to time by the amount of amortization under the Term Loan
facility up to an additional $10 million. Such increase is subject to consent by
each bank participating in the Revolving Credit Facility, and will take place
upon receipt by the Banks of the respective installment payments under the Term
Loan Facility.

      Effective January 30, 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap
on the Term Loan Facility. As a result, the effective interest rate on the term
loan as of June 30, 2004 was 2.76%.

      In June of 2004, the Company reduced the outstanding Revolving Credit
Facility by $10 million. The Term Loan Facility balance was reduced by $15
million through June 30, 2004 according to the scheduled amortization and
payment schedules. Further amortization and payment of the Term Loan Facility
will take place at $10 million per year, in equal semi-annual installments of $5
million on the following dates:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        DATE                   AMORTIZATION        OUTSTANDING BALANCE
----------------------         ------------        -------------------
<S>                            <C>                 <C>
September 30, 2004....          5,000,000              10,000,000
March 31, 2005........          5,000,000               5,000,000
September 30, 2005....          5,000,000                      --
</TABLE>

      The interest rate on borrowings under the 2002 Credit Facility may be
fixed, at CNA Surety's option, for a period of one, two, three, or six months
and is based on, among other rates, the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"),
plus the applicable margin. The margin, including a facility fee and utilization
fee on the Revolving Credit Facility, was 1.30% at June 30, 2004 and can vary
based on CNA Surety's leverage ratio (debt to total capitalization) from 1.15%
to 1.45%. The margin on the Term Loan Facility was 0.625% at June 30, 2004 and
can vary based on CNA Surety's leverage ratio (debt to total capitalization)
from 0.48% to 0.80%. As of

                                       31
<PAGE>

June 30, 2004, the weighted average interest rate was 2.86% on the $35 million
of outstanding borrowings. As of December 31, 2003, the weighted average
interest rate on the 2002 Credit Facility was 2.4% on the $50 million of
outstanding borrowings.

      The 2002 Credit Facility contains, among other conditions, limitations on
CNA Surety with respect to the incurrence of additional indebtedness and
maintenance of a rating of at least "A" by A.M. Best for each of the Company's
insurance subsidiaries. The 2002 Credit Facility also requires the maintenance
of certain financial ratios as follows: a) maximum funded debt to total
capitalization ratio of 25%, b) minimum net worth of $350.0 million and c)
minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.5 times. Due to the net loss reported
for the third quarter of 2003, the Company was in violation of the minimum fixed
charge coverage test. The lenders granted the Company a waiver for this
violation and amended the 2002 Credit Facility to replace the fixed charge
coverage ratio requirement for the next three quarters with a minimum earnings
requirement. At March 31, 2004, the Company was in violation of this minimum
earnings requirement and received a waiver for this requirement in the current
quarter.

      In 1999 CNA Surety acquired certain assets of Clark Bonding Company, Inc.,
a Charlotte, North Carolina, insurance agency and brokerage doing business as
The Bond Exchange for $5.9 million. As part of this acquisition, the Company
incurred an additional $1.9 million of debt in the form of a promissory note.
The promissory note matures on July 27, 2004 and has an interest rate of 5.0%.
The balance of this promissory note at June 30, 2004 was $0.4 million.

      A summary of the Company's commitments as of June 30, 2004 is presented in
the following table (in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          THERE-
JUNE 30, 2004                          2004      2005       2006      2007      2008      AFTER      TOTAL
                                       -----     -----      -----     -----     -----     -----      -----
<S>                                    <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
Debt (a) ........................      $ 5.4     $30.0      $  --     $  --     $  --     $30.4      $65.8
Operating leases ................        0.8       1.6        1.4       1.1       1.0       3.7        9.6
Other long-term liabilities (b)..        0.7       1.7        0.4       0.4       0.5       5.7        9.4
                                       -----     -----      -----     -----     -----     -----      -----
Total ...........................      $ 6.9     $33.3      $ 1.8     $ 1.5     $ 1.5     $39.8      $84.8
                                       =====     =====      =====     =====     =====     =====      =====
</TABLE>

      (a)   Does not include original issue discount of $0.5 million.

      (b)   Reflects post-employment obligations to former executives and
            unfunded post-retirement benefit plans.

      As an insurance holding company, CNA Surety is dependent upon dividends
and other permitted payments from its insurance subsidiaries to pay operating
expenses, meet debt service requirements, as well as to pay cash dividends. The
payment of dividends by the insurance subsidiaries is subject to varying degrees
of supervision by the insurance regulatory authorities in South Dakota and
Texas. In South Dakota, where Western Surety and SBCA are domiciled, insurance
companies may only pay dividends from earned surplus excluding surplus arising
from unrealized capital gains or revaluation of assets. In Texas, where USA is
domiciled, an insurance company may only declare or pay dividends to
stockholders from the insurer's earned surplus. The insurance subsidiaries may
pay dividends without obtaining prior regulatory approval only if such dividend
or distribution (together with dividends or distributions made within the
preceding 12-month period) is less than, as of the end of the immediately
preceding year, the greater of (i) 10% of the insurer's surplus to policyholders
or (ii) statutory net income. In South Dakota, net income includes net realized
capital gains in an amount not to exceed 20% of net unrealized capital gains.
All dividends must be reported to the appropriate insurance department prior to
payment.

      The dividends that may be paid without prior regulatory approval are
determined by formulas established by the applicable insurance regulations, as
described above. The formulas that determine dividend capacity in the current
year are dependent on, among other items, the prior year's ending statutory
surplus and statutory net income. Dividend capacity for 2004 is based on
statutory surplus and income at and for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Without prior regulatory approval, CNA Surety's insurance subsidiaries may pay
stockholder dividends of $19.0 million in the aggregate in 2004. CNA Surety did
not receive a dividend from its insurance subsidiaries during the first six
months of 2004 and received a dividend of $10 million during the first six
months of 2003.

      Combined statutory surplus totaled $228.9 million at June 30, 2004,
resulting in a net written premium to statutory surplus ratio of 1.4 to 1.
Insurance regulations restrict Western Surety's maximum net retention on a
single surety bond to 10 percent of statutory surplus. Under the 2004 Excess of
Loss Treaty, the Company's net retention on new bonds would generally be $10
million plus a 5% co-participation in the $90 million layer of excess
reinsurance above the Company's retention and this regulation would require
minimum statutory surplus of $145.0 million at Western Surety. This surplus
constraint may limit the amount of future dividends Western Surety could
otherwise pay to CNA Surety.

                                       32
<PAGE>

      In accordance with the provisions of intercompany tax sharing agreements
between CNA Surety and its subsidiaries, the tax of each subsidiary shall be
determined based upon each subsidiary's separate return liability. Intercompany
tax payments are made at such times when estimated tax payments would be
required by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). CNA Surety did not receive any
tax sharing payments from its subsidiaries for the six months ended June 30,
2004 and received $6.2 million of tax payments for the six months ended June 30,
2003.

      Western Surety and SBCA each qualify as an acceptable surety for federal
and other public works project bonds pursuant to U.S. Department of Treasury
regulations. U.S. Treasury underwriting limitations are based on an insurer's
statutory surplus. Effective July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004, the
underwriting limitations of Western Surety and SBCA were $21.9 million and $0.5
million. Effective July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, the underwriting
limitations of Western Surety and SBCA are $18.5 million and $0.6 million.
Through the Surety Quota Share Treaty between CCC and Western Surety Company,
CNA Surety has access to CCC and its affiliates' U.S. Department of Treasury
underwriting limitations. The Surety Quota Share Treaty had an original term of
five years from the Merger Date and was renewed on October 1, 2002 on
substantially the same terms. Effective July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, the
underwriting limitations of CCC and its affiliates totaled $591.1 million. CNA
Surety Management believes that the foregoing U.S. Treasury underwriting
limitations are sufficient for the conduct of its business.

      Subject to the aforementioned uncertainties concerning the Company's per
principal net retentions, CNA Surety Management believes that the Company has
sufficient available resources, including capital protection against large
losses provided by the Company's excess of loss reinsurance arrangements, to
meet its present capital needs.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

      The estimated fair value and amortized cost of fixed income and equity
securities held by CNA Surety at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, by
investment category were as follows (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            GROSS UNREALIZED LOSSES
                                                                AMORTIZED       GROSS     ---------------------------    ESTIMATED
                                                                 COST OR      UNREALIZED  LESS THAN 12   MORE THAN 12      FAIR
                  JUNE 30, 2004                                   COST          GAINS        MONTHS         MONTHS         VALUE
                  -------------                                 ---------     ----------  ------------   ------------    ---------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government
  and agencies:
    U.S. Treasury ...........................................   $ 21,201      $    168      $   (183)      $     --       $ 21,186
    U.S. Agencies ...........................................      4,582            25          (100)           (98)         4,409
    Collateralized mortgage obligations .....................     18,004           348          (391)            --         17,961
    Mortgage pass-through securities ........................     45,294           231        (1,112)            --         44,413
Obligations of states and political subdivisions ............    385,981        13,780        (1,417)          (271)       398,073
Corporate bonds .............................................    109,595         3,882        (1,726)            (6)       111,745
Non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations ..............          9             1            --             --             10
Other asset-backed securities:
  Second mortgages/home equity  loans .......................      5,276           309            --             --          5,585
  Credit card receivables ...................................      3,588            14            --             --          3,602
  Other .....................................................     13,806           302            --             --         14,108
Redeemable preferred stock ..................................      5,356           823            --             --          6,179
                                                                --------      --------      --------       --------       --------
    Total fixed income securities ...........................    612,692        19,883        (4,929)          (375)       627,271
Equity securities ...........................................      3,013           100            --             --          3,113
                                                                --------      --------      --------       --------       --------
    Total ...................................................   $615,705      $ 19,983      $ (4,929)      $   (375)      $630,384
                                                                ========      ========      ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>

                                       33
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            GROSS UNREALIZED LOSSES
                                                                AMORTIZED       GROSS     ---------------------------    ESTIMATED
                                                                 COST OR      UNREALIZED  LESS THAN 12   MORE THAN 12      FAIR
             DECEMBER 30, 2003                                    COST          GAINS        MONTHS         MONTHS         VALUE
             ------------------                                 ---------     ----------  ------------   ------------    ---------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government
  and agencies:
    U.S. Treasury ...........................................    $ 21,267      $    497      $     --       $     --       $ 21,764
    U.S. Agencies ...........................................       4,587            47           (99)            --          4,535
    Collateralized mortgage obligations .....................       7,770           425            --             --          8,195
    Mortgage pass-through securities ........................       7,607           386            --             --          7,993
Obligations of states and political subdivisions ............     376,961        25,604          (127)           (27)       402,411
Corporate bonds .............................................      96,525         7,322           (45)            --        103,802
Non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations ..............         749            --            --            (22)           727
Other asset-backed securities:
  Second mortgages/home equity loans ........................       5,721           426            --             --          6,147
  Credit card receivables ...................................       5,000            51            --             --          5,051
  Other .....................................................       4,619           192           (13)            --          4,798
Redeemable preferred stock ..................................      13,395         1,238            --             --         14,633
                                                                 --------      --------      --------       --------       --------
    Total fixed income securities ...........................     544,201        36,188          (284)           (49)       580,056
Equity securities ...........................................         992            69            --             --          1,061
                                                                 --------      --------      --------       --------       --------
    Total ...................................................    $545,193      $ 36,257      $   (284)      $    (49)      $581,117
                                                                 ========      ========      ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>

      The following table summarizes for fixed maturities in an unrealized loss
position at June 30, 2004, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by
length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss
position (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     JUNE 30, 2004
                                               ------------------------
                                                               GROSS
                                               ESTIMATED     UNREALIZED
  UNREALIZED LOSS AGING                        FAIR VALUE       LOSS
  ---------------------                        ----------    ----------
<S>                                            <C>           <C>
Fixed maturity securities:
  Investment grade:
    0-12 months .........................       $191,319      $  4,929
     Greater than 12 months..............          6,462           375
                                                --------      --------
  Total investment grade.................       $197,781      $  5,304
                                                --------      --------
</TABLE>

      A significant judgment in the valuation of investments is the
determination of when an other-than-temporary decline in value has occurred. The
Company follows a consistent and systematic process for impairing securities
that sustain other-than-temporary declines in value. The Company has established
a watch list that is reviewed by the Chief Financial Officer and two other
executive officers on at least a quarterly basis. The watch list includes
individual securities that fall below certain thresholds or that exhibit
evidence of impairment indicators including, but not limited to, a significant
adverse change in the financial condition and near term prospects of the
investment or a significant adverse change in legal factors, the business
climate or credit ratings.

      When a security is placed on the watch list, it is monitored for further
market value changes and additional news related to the issuer's financial
condition. The focus is on objective evidence that may influence the evaluation
of impairment factors.

      The decision to record an impairment loss incorporates both quantitative
criteria and qualitative information. The Company considers a number of factors
including, but not limited to: (a) the length of time and the extent to which
the market value has been less than book value, (b) the financial condition and
near term prospects of the issuer, (c) the intent and ability of the Company to
retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any
anticipated recovery in value, (d) whether the debtor is current on interest and
principal payments and (e) general market conditions and industry or sector
specific factors.

      For securities for which an impairment loss has been recorded, the
security is written down to fair value and the resulting losses are recognized
in realized gains/losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

                                       34
<PAGE>

      As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the Company had no
other-than-temporary impairments.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      This report includes a number of statements, which relate to anticipated
future events (forward-looking statements) rather than actual present conditions
or historical events. Forward-looking statements generally include words such as
"believes," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimates," and similar
expressions. Forward-looking statements in this report include expected
developments in the Company's insurance business, including losses and loss
reserves; the impact of routine ongoing insurance reserve reviews being
conducted by the Company; the routine state regulatory examinations of the
Company's primary insurance company subsidiaries, and the Company's responses to
the results of those reviews and examinations; the Company's expectations
concerning its revenues, earnings, expenses and investment activities; expected
cost savings and other results from the Company's expense reduction and
restructuring activities; and the Company's proposed actions in response to
trends in its business.

      Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to a variety of
inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the results projected. Many of these risks and uncertainties
cannot be controlled by the Company. Some examples of these risks and
uncertainties are:

      -     general economic and business conditions;

      -     changes in financial markets such as fluctuations in interest rates,
            long-term periods of low interest rates, credit conditions and
            currency, commodity and stock prices;

      -     the effects of corporate bankruptcies, such as Enron and WorldCom,
            on surety bond claims, as well as on capital markets;

      -     changes in foreign or domestic political, social and economic
            conditions;

      -     regulatory initiatives and compliance with governmental regulations,
            judicial decisions, including interpretation of policy provisions,
            decisions regarding coverage, trends in litigation and the outcome
            of any litigation involving the Company, and rulings and changes in
            tax laws and regulations;

      -     regulatory limitations, impositions and restrictions upon the
            Company, including the effects of assessments and other surcharges
            for guaranty funds and other mandatory pooling arrangements;

      -     the impact of competitive products, policies and pricing and the
            competitive environment in which the Company operates, including
            changes in the Company's books of business;

      -     product and policy availability and demand and market responses,
            including the level of ability to obtain rate increases and decline
            or non-renew underpriced accounts, to achieve premium targets and
            profitability and to realize growth and retention estimates;

      -     development of claims and the impact on loss reserves, including
            changes in claim settlement practices;

      -     the performance of reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts
            with the Company;

      -     results of financing efforts, including the availability of bank
            credit facilities;

      -     the sufficiency of the Company's loss reserves and the possibility
            of future increases in reserves;

      -     the risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's loss
            reserves; and,

      -     the possibility of further changes in the Company's ratings by
            ratings agencies, including the inability to access certain markets
            or distribution channels and the required collateralization of
            future payment obligations as a result of such changes, and changes
            in rating agency policies and practices;

                                       35
<PAGE>

      Any forward-looking statements made in this report are made by the Company
as of the date of this report. The Company does not have any obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this report, even if
the Company's expectations or any related events, conditions or circumstances
change.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

      CNA Surety's investment portfolio is subject to economic losses due to
adverse changes in the fair value of its financial instruments, or market risk.
Interest rate risk represents the largest market risk factor affecting the
Company's consolidated financial condition due to its significant level of
investments in fixed income securities. Increases and decreases in prevailing
interest rates generally translate into decreases and increases in the fair
value of the Company's fixed income portfolio. The fair value of these interest
rate sensitive instruments may also be affected by the credit worthiness of the
issuer, prepayment options, relative value of alternative investments, the
liquidity of the instrument, income tax considerations and general market
conditions. The Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk primarily
through an asset/liability matching strategy. The Company's exposure to interest
rate risk is mitigated by the relative short-term nature of its insurance and
other liabilities. The targeted effective duration of the Company's investment
portfolio is approximately 5 years, consistent with the expected duration of its
insurance and other liabilities.

      The tables below summarize the estimated effects of certain hypothetical
increases and decreases in interest rates. It is assumed that the changes occur
immediately and uniformly across each investment category. The hypothetical
changes in market interest rates selected reflect the Company's expectations of
the reasonably possible best or worst case scenarios over a one-year period. The
hypothetical fair values are based upon the same prepayment assumptions that
were utilized in computing fair values as of June 30, 2004. Significant
variations in market interest rates could produce changes in the timing of
repayments due to prepayment options available. The fair value of such
instruments could be affected and therefore actual results might differ from
those reflected in the following tables.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 ESTIMATED         HYPOTHETICAL
                                                                            HYPOTHETICAL         FAIR VALUE         PERCENTAGE
                                                                              CHANGE IN            AFTER             INCREASE
                                                          FAIR VALUE AT     INTEREST RATE       HYPOTHETICAL      (DECREASE) IN
                                                             JUNE 30,        (BP=BASIS           CHANGE IN         STOCKHOLDERS'
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                        2004             POINTS)          INTEREST RATE         EQUITY
                ----------------------                    -------------    ---------------      --------------     -------------
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>                  <C>                <C>
Fixed Income Securities:
  U.S. Government and government agencies and
  authorities...........................................    $ 87,969       200 bp increase        $   76,687            (1.8)%
                                                                           100 bp increase            82,324            (0.9)
                                                                           100 bp decrease            93,250             0.8
                                                                           200 bp decrease            98,028             1.6
  States, municipalities and political subdivisions.....     398,073       200 bp increase           347,612            (7.9)
                                                                           100 bp increase           372,195            (4.1)
                                                                           100 bp decrease           424,554             4.2
                                                                           200 bp decrease           452,104             8.5
  Corporate bonds and all other.........................     141,229       200 bp increase           125,566            (2.5)
                                                             -------       100 bp increase           131,519            (1.5)
                                                                           100 bp decrease           145,023             0.6
                                                                           200 bp decrease           152,703             1.8
      Total fixed income securities.....................    $627,271       200 bp increase           549,865           (12.2)
                                                            ========       100 bp increase           586,038            (6.5)
                                                                           100 bp decrease           662,827             5.6
                                                                           200 bp decrease           702,835            11.9

</TABLE>

                                       36
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 ESTIMATED         HYPOTHETICAL
                                                                            HYPOTHETICAL         FAIR VALUE         PERCENTAGE
                                                                              CHANGE IN            AFTER             INCREASE
                                                          FAIR VALUE AT     INTEREST RATE       HYPOTHETICAL      (DECREASE) IN
                                                           DECEMBER 31,      (BP=BASIS           CHANGE IN         STOCKHOLDERS'
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                        2003             POINTS)          INTEREST RATE         EQUITY
                ----------------------                    -------------    ---------------      -------------     --------------
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>                  <C>               <C>
Fixed Income Securities:
  U.S. Government and government agencies and
  authorities...........................................   $  42,487       200 bp increase        $   37,563            (0.8)%
                                                                           100 bp increase            40,119            (0.4)
                                                                           100 bp decrease            44,471             0.3
                                                                           200 bp decrease            46,343             0.6
  States, municipalities and political subdivisions.....     402,411       200 bp increase           349,291            (8.4)
                                                                           100 bp increase           375,189            (4.3)
                                                                           100 bp decrease           430,247             4.4
                                                                           200 bp decrease           459,412             9.0
  Corporate bonds and all other.........................     135,158       200 bp increase           124,301            (1.7)
                                                            --------       100 bp increase           129,346            (0.9)
                                                                           100 bp decrease           140,486             0.8
                                                                           200 bp decrease           146,629             1.8
      Total fixed income securities.....................    $580,056       200 bp increase           511,155           (10.9)
                                                            ========       100 bp increase           544,654            (5.6)
                                                                           100 bp decrease           615,204             5.6
                                                                           200 bp decrease           652,384            11.5

</TABLE>

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

      The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures which
are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company
in reports that it files or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including this report, is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. These disclosure
controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and
communicated to the Company's Management on a timely basis to allow decisions
regarding required disclosure.

      The Company's principal executive officer and its principal financial
officer undertook an evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e)) as of
the end of the period covered by this report and concluded that the Company's
controls and procedures were effective.

      There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the
Company's internal control over financial reporting.

                                       37
<PAGE>

CNA SURETY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - Information on the Company's legal proceedings is
        set forth in Notes 4 and 7 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial
        Statements included under Part 1, Item 1.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS - None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES - None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS -

        At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of CNA Surety Corporation held on
        May 11, 2004, the Company's shareholders voted on the following
        proposals. The numbers of shares issued, outstanding and eligible to
        vote as of the record date of March 1, 2004 were 42,991,871. Proxies
        representing 41,532,130 shares or approximately 97 percent of the
        eligible voting shares were tabulated.

        PROPOSAL I

        Election of Directors.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Number of Shares/Votes
                        -----------------------------------
                            For          Authority Withheld
                        ----------       ------------------
<S>                     <C>              <C>
Philip H. Britt         41,389,552             142,578
James R. Lewis          36,774,738           4,757,392
Ken Miller              41,388,672             143,458
Thomas Pontarelli       36,509,025           5,023,102
Roy E. Posner           36,517,374           5,014,756
Adrian M. Tocklin       35,995,954           5,536,176
John Welch              36,851,295           4,680,835
</TABLE>

        PROPOSAL II

        To ratify the Board of Directors' appointment of the Company's
        independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP for fiscal year 2004.

<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>
For                       41,388,562
Against                       18,329
Abstain                      125,239
</TABLE>

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION - None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:

(a)   Exhibits: -

      31(1) Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange
      Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
      of 2002-Chief Executive Officer.

      31(2) Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange
      Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
      of 2002--Chief Financial Officer.

      32(1) Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
      pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002-Chief Executive
      Officer.

                                       38
<PAGE>


      32(2) Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
      pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002-Chief Financial
      Officer

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K:

      May 3, 2004; CNA Surety Corporation Press Release issued on May 3, 2004.

                                       39
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

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

      CNA SURETY CORPORATION (Registrant)

      /s/ John F. Welch
      ----------------------------------------
      John F. Welch
      President and Chief Executive Officer

      /s/ John F. Corcoran
      ----------------------------------------
      John F. Corcoran
      Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: August 9, 2004

                                       40
<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

31(1) Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
      1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
      2002-Chief Executive Officer.

31(2) Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
      1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
      2002--Chief Financial Officer.

32(1) Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
      Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002-Chief Executive Officer.

32(2) Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
      Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002-Chief Financial Officer.

                                       41