Last month, there were approximately 500 euros in dividends—though that was before taxes...

Those funds have now been invested in ORI...

80 years of dividends, 40 years of increases, occasional special dividends in January, and they’re likely to benefit from persistently high interest rates given their bond portfolio.

However: While there are few competitors in the title insurance sector, the company is somewhat dependent on the U.S. housing market.

$ORI (-0,29%) Getting Started at Old Republic International

Old Republic International Corp. $ORI (-0,29%)

reported mixed results for the first quarter of 2026, with both earnings per share (EPS) and revenue falling short of analyst expectations. The company reported EPS of $0.68, below the forecast of $0.80 and a negative surprise of 15%. Turnover reached USD 2.2 billion, missing the forecast by 3.08%.

Key messages

Old Republic's earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2026 missed expectations by 15%.

Sales fell 3.08% short of the forecast at USD 2.2 billion

Book value per share increased by 2.6% since the end of 2025

The title insurance segment showed strong growth with a 12% increase in sales.

Business development of the company

Old Republic's overall performance in the first quarter of 2026 pointed to challenges, which was reflected in a significant decline in the operating result and increased underwriting pressure. The consolidated operating pre-tax result fell by 16.3% compared to the same period of the previous year. The company's combined ratio deteriorated, reflecting higher costs and pressure on profit margins.

Result compared to forecast

Old Republic's actual earnings per share of USD 0.68 were below the forecast of USD 0.80, which corresponds to a shortfall of 15%. At USD 2.2 billion, sales also fell short of expectations of USD 2.27 billion. These results represent a setback for the company, which has already faced similar challenges in previous quarters.

Outlook and forecast

For the remainder of 2026, Old Republic expects moderate premium growth of 3-5%. The company aims to reduce its expense ratio to below 30% once the technology investments pay off. The expected completion of the ECM acquisition by July 2026 is expected to contribute positively to future results.

Management commentary

CEO Craig Smiddy stated: "Our focus remains on maintaining underwriting discipline and achieving risk-adequate premiums." He emphasized the company's commitment to long-term growth through strategic investments in technology and new operating companies.

Risks and challenges

Underwriting pressure: Increased costs and a deteriorating combined ratio pose risks to profitability.

Market volatility: Fluctuations in the share price and the general market situation could affect investor confidence.

Economic factors: Rising interest rates and inflationary pressure can affect financial performance.

Competitive environment: Maintaining competitive prices and responding to market trends are critical in a challenging market environment.

$ORI (-0,29%)

The management today announced a further increase in the dividend

🥂

This is exactly what $1308 (-0,16%) (SITC) and $ORI (-0,29%) (Old Republic International). To be honest, this kind of thing makes me really happy as an investor. Even before the year really gets going, additional capital is already flowing into the account.

In fact, special dividends mean that a company has generated more than is necessary for its current business. This surplus capital can possibly be shared directly with the shareholders. This is a strong sign of financial stability and shareholder-friendly management.

What is particularly nice is that ORI already distributed a special dividend last year, showing that this is not a one-off outlier 🎊

The fact that both companies are already distributing dividends in January, feels like a small gift at the beginning of the year. This is how a stock market year should start 🥂

Do you already have (or have you announced) special dividends for 2026?

Now that the last dividends have arrived in 2025, the net monthly average has risen to € 3,211.00.

For the 2026 adjustment, I have first $MBG (-0,94%) and instead $ORI (-0,29%) and $HSBK included.

At the end of January $PG (-0,26%) will be replaced.

$ORI (-0,29%)

https://de.investing.com/news/company-news/old-republic-kundigt-sonderdividende-von-250-usdollar-je-aktie-an-93CH-3269924

This year in January they paid a similarly high dividend... next year it will be even higher 😃