OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORP
10-Q, 1997-11-13
SURETY INSURANCE
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<PAGE>
                                                                               1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                                   FORM 10 - Q

[X] Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
        Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997 or
[ ] Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d)of the Securities Exchange
        Act of 1934

Commission File Number  0-4625


                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
             ------------------------------------------------------     
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           Delaware                                    No. 36-2678171
- -------------------------------              ----------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of              (IRS  Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)


307 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois                     60601
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive office)                        (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  312-346-8100


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) 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 the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the close of the period covered by this report.

                                                        Shares Outstanding
           Class                                        September 30, 1997
- ---------------------------                          ------------------------
Common Stock / $1 par value                                 92,803,887 *


* Excludes 6,658,901 common shares issued, outstanding and held by an affiliate,
  which are classified as treasury stock for financial accounting purposes only.



                  There are 12 pages contained in this report.
<PAGE>
                                                                               2

                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

                    Report on Form 10-Q / September 30, 1997

                                      INDEX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                   PAGE  NO.
                                                                  -----------

PART  I FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

         CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY BALANCE SHEETS                           3

         CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY STATEMENTS OF INCOME                     4

         CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS                 5

         NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS            6

         MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND
           RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                                     7 - 9

PART II  OTHER  INFORMATION                                         10 - 12
<PAGE>
                                                                              3
<TABLE>
                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                 CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
                                 ($ in Millions)
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                    September 30, December 31,
                                                                                        1997          1996
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>           <C> 
              Assets

  Investments: Held to maturity:
                   Fixed maturity securities (at amortized cost)
                     (fair value: $2,150.1 and $2,045.6)                               $2,109.5      $2,022.9
                   Other long-term investments (at cost)                                   17.4          25.1
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                   Total                                                                2,127.0       2,048.1
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
               Available for sale:
                   Fixed maturity securities (at fair value)
                     (cost: $2,038.9 and $1,957.7)                                      2,080.5       1,984.2
                   Equity securities (at fair value) (cost: $60.5 and $74.6)              117.5         116.1
                   Short-term investments (at fair value which approximates cost)         314.2         265.7
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                   Total                                                                2,512.3       2,366.0
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
               Total investments                                                        4,639.3       4,414.2
                                                                                    ------------  ------------

  Other Assets:Cash                                                                        33.0          35.3
               Accrued investment income                                                   74.6          72.2
               Accounts and notes receivable                                              323.3         298.7
               Reinsurance balances and funds held                                         89.9         112.8
               Reinsurance recoverable:Paid losses                                         25.1          26.5
                                       Policy and claim reserves                        1,351.5       1,396.2
               Deferred policy acquisition costs                                          122.8         114.6
               Sundry assets                                                              204.2         185.3
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                                        2,224.8       2,241.9
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                   Total Assets                                                        $6,864.2      $6,656.2
                                                                                    ============  ============
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Liabilities, Preferred Stock and
                   Common Shareholders' Equity

  Liabilities: Future policy benefits                                                    $182.0        $183.6
               Losses, claims and settlement expenses                                   3,557.7       3,541.8
               Unearned premiums                                                          370.1         386.8
               Other policyholders' benefits and funds                                     58.2          65.3
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                   Total policy liabilities and accruals                                4,168.0       4,177.5
               Commissions, expenses, fees and taxes                                      122.6         112.6
               Reinsurance balances and funds                                             138.6         173.7
               Federal income tax payable:Current                                           3.8           1.9
                                          Deferred                                         88.3          39.1
               Debt and debt equivalents                                                  151.0         154.0
               Sundry liabilities                                                          86.6          76.5
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                   Total liabilities                                                    4,759.2       4,735.6
                                                                                    ------------  ------------

  Preferred    Redeemable convertible preferred stock                                       ---          19.3
  Stock:       Convertible preferred stock                                                  1.0           1.2
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                   Total preferred stock                                                    1.0          20.6
                                                                                    ------------  ------------

  Common       Common stock                                                               103.0          96.0
  Shareholders'Additional paid-in capital                                                 603.1         575.6
  Equity:      Guaranteed obligation - ESSOP                                               (6.1)          ---
               Net unrealized appreciation of securities                                   64.0          43.4
               Retained earnings                                                        1,413.9       1,223.3
               Treasury stock (at cost)                                                   (74.1)        (38.4)
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                   Total Common Shareholders' Equity                                    2,103.9       1,900.0
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                   Total Liabilities, Preferred Stock
                      and Common Shareholders' Equity                                  $6,864.2      $6,656.2
                                                                                    ============  ============

  See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                                                                               4
<TABLE>
                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
              CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
                    ($ in Millions, Except Common Share Data)
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                 Quarters Ended          Nine Months Ended
                                                                  September 30,            September 30,
                                                             -----------------------  -----------------------
                                                                1997        1996         1997        1996
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
<S>                                                          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C> 
  Revenues:      Net premiums earned                             $372.4      $342.6     $1,080.0    $1,004.5
                 Title, escrow and other fees                      44.3        37.0        116.9       111.3
                 Net investment income                             69.0        65.3        202.7       194.8
                 Realized investment gains                          1.4         6.2         17.6        13.4
                 Other income                                       5.8         4.7         30.3        16.0
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
                     Net revenues                                 493.2       456.0      1,447.7     1,340.2
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------

  Expenses:      Benefits, claims and settlement expenses         201.7       185.9        587.5       562.1
                 Underwriting, acquisition and
                     insurance expenses                           186.4       176.6        533.6       513.9
                 Interest and other expenses                        3.9         2.9         10.0        12.9
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
                     Total expenses                               392.1       365.5      1,131.2     1,088.9
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
                 Income before income taxes and items below       101.0        90.4        316.4       251.3
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------

  Income Taxes:  Currently payable                                 16.4        24.4         55.6        52.2
                 Deferred                                          15.5         4.3         38.6        27.7
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
                     Total income taxes                            31.9        28.7         94.3        80.0
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
                                                                   69.1        61.6        222.1       171.2
                 Other items - net                                  ---         ---          0.5         0.9
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
                 Income before extraordinary item                  69.1        61.7        222.7       172.2
                 Extraordinary item (net of tax
                     credits of $2.4)                               ---         ---          ---        (4.4)
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
  Net Income:                                                     $69.1       $61.7       $222.7      $167.7
                                                             =========== ===========  =========== ===========


  Earnings and
  Dividends Per
  Common Share:  Primary Earnings:
                    Before extraordinary item                     $0.73       $0.64        $2.35       $1.81
                    Extraordinary item                              ---         ---          ---       (0.05)
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
                    Net income                                    $0.73       $0.64        $2.35       $1.76
                                                             =========== ===========  =========== ===========

                 Fully Diluted Earnings:
                    Before extraordinary item                     $0.73       $0.64        $2.34       $1.79
                    Extraordinary item                              ---         ---          ---       (0.05)
                                                             ----------- -----------  ----------- -----------
                    Net income                                    $0.73       $0.64        $2.34       $1.74
                                                             =========== ===========  =========== ===========


                 Cash dividends                                  $0.130      $0.110       $0.370      $0.307
                                                             =========== ===========  =========== ===========

                 Stock dividends                                    --%         --%          --%         50%
                                                             =========== ===========  =========== ===========

                 Average number of common and common
                   equivalent shares outstanding:

                                    Primary                  94,322,398  94,241,978   94,356,149  93,190,079
                                                             =========== ===========  =========== ===========

                                    Fully Diluted            94,821,773  94,664,729   95,059,094  94,648,198
                                                             =========== ===========  =========== ===========

  See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                                                                               5
<TABLE>
                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
                                 ($ in Millions)
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Nine Months Ended
                                                                                          September 30,
                                                                                   --------------------------
                                                                                       1997          1996
                                                                                   ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                <C>           <C>
  Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net income                                                                          $222.7        $167.7
    Change in non-cash items:
      Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                   (8.1)         (3.5)
      Premiums and other receivables                                                     (14.5)         13.5
      Unpaid claims and related items                                                     59.1          28.9
      Future policy benefits and policyholders' funds                                    (18.1)        (17.2)
      Income taxes                                                                        40.1          23.3
      Reinsurance balances and funds                                                     (11.0)          1.5
      Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other                                         2.7          (4.1)
                                                                                   ------------  ------------
    Total                                                                                272.8         210.1
                                                                                   ------------  ------------

  Cash flows from investing activities: 
    Sales of fixed maturity securities:
      Held to maturity:
         Maturities and early calls                                                      126.5          66.1
      Available for sale:
         Maturities and early calls                                                      171.3         141.8
         Other                                                                            55.5          75.8
    Sales of equity securities                                                            19.7          37.7
    Sales of other investments                                                            11.9           3.6
    Sales of fixed assets for company use                                                  2.6           1.4
    Purchases of fixed maturity securities:
      Held to maturity                                                                  (212.4)       (253.0)
      Available for sale                                                                (311.1)       (148.5)
    Purchases of equity securities                                                        (5.7)        (20.4)
    Purchases of other investments                                                        (4.2)         (1.9)
    Purchases of fixed assets for company use                                             (8.7)         (8.7)
    Purchase of investment in subsidiaries                                                (3.1)         (1.0)
    Other-net                                                                             (4.2)         (8.2)
                                                                                   ------------  ------------
    Total                                                                               (161.9)       (115.2)
                                                                                   ------------  ------------

  Cash flows from financing activities:
    Increase in term loans                                                                10.0          52.0
    Issuance of preferred and common stocks                                                6.1          14.1
    Issuance of debentures and notes                                                     116.8           ---
    Repayments of term loans                                                            (127.0)        (47.1)
    Redemption of debentures and notes                                                    (1.6)       (105.5)
    Dividends on common shares                                                           (32.9)        (26.3)
    Dividends on preferred shares                                                         (1.7)         (5.9)
    Purchase of treasury stock                                                           (35.7)          ---
    Other-net                                                                              1.3           1.1
                                                                                   ------------  ------------
    Total                                                                                (64.7)       (117.6)
                                                                                   ------------  ------------

  Increase (decrease) in cash and short-term investments                                  46.2         (22.7)
    Cash and short-term investments, beginning of period                                 301.0         332.1
                                                                                   ------------  ------------
    Cash and short-term investments, end of period                                      $347.2        $309.4
                                                                                   ============  ============

  Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
    Cash paid during the period for:
      Interest                                                                            $5.1         $12.1
                                                                                   ============  ============
      Income taxes                                                                       $53.7         $55.4
                                                                                   ============  ============

  See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                                                                              6

                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
         NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
                       ($ in Millions, Except Share Data)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.  Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation:
    ---------------------------------------------

    The  accompanying   consolidated  summary  financial  statements  have  been
    prepared in conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles as
    described in the  Corporation's  latest annual report to  shareholders or as
    disclosed herein.  The financial  accounting and reporting process relies on
    estimates and on the exercise of judgement, but in the opinion of management
    all  adjustments,  consisting of normal recurring  accruals,  necessary to a
    fair  presentation  of  the  accompanying  statements  have  been  reflected
    therein.  Realized gains or losses on dispositions of investment  securities
    have been reflected in the operating results for each period presented.

    The  Financial   Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  issued  Statement  of
    Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 128 (FAS-128)  Earnings Per Share,  in
    February 1997.  This  statement is effective for  accounting  periods ending
    after December 15, 1997. Earlier application is not permitted.

    FAS-128  establishes a new methodology for computing  earnings per share. It
    replaces  Primary  Earnings Per Share with Basic  Earnings Per Share.  Basic
    Earnings Per Share excludes the dilutive effect of common stock  equivalents
    and is computed by dividing income  available to common  stockholders by the
    weighted-average  number  of  common  shares  actually  outstanding  for the
    period.  Fully  Diluted  Earnings  Per Share per  FAS-128 is  computed  in a
    fashion similar to existing FASB pronouncements.

    Pursuant to FAS-128, Basic Earnings Per Share would be as follows:

                                       Quarters Ended    Nine Months Ended
                                        September 30,      September 30,
                                      ----------------    ----------------    
                                       1997      1996      1997      1996
                                      ------    ------    ------    ------
    Basic Earnings Per Share:
      Before extraordinary item       $  .77    $  .69    $ 2.51    $ 1.94
      Extraordinary item                 -         -         -        (.05)
                                      ------    ------    ------    ------
      Net income                      $  .77    $  .69    $ 2.51    $ 1.89
                                      ======    ======    ======    ======


2.  Common Share Data:
    -----------------

    Earnings per share have been  calculated on the basis of average  common and
    common equivalent shares  outstanding for the quarters and nine months ended
    September 30, 1997 and 1996.  Retroactive  adjustment  has been made for all
    stock  dividends and splits  declared  through  September 30, 1997.  Primary
    earnings  per share  calculations  give effect to the  deduction of dividend
    requirements  applicable  to preferred  stock of $-- and $.1 for the quarter
    and nine months ended  September 30, 1997,  respectively,  and $1.2 and $3.7
    for the quarter and nine months  ended  September  30,  1996,  respectively.
    Fully diluted earnings per share are similarly calculated, after taking into
    account substantially all convertible  securities and options includable for
    each period.

    Common  shares  outstanding  were  92,803,887  at  September  30, 1997 after
    elimination of 6,658,901 shares issued and outstanding,  which are held by a
    consolidated  affiliate.  These shares are  classified as treasury stock for
    financial accounting purposes only.


3.  Unrealized Appreciation of Investments:
    --------------------------------------

    Cumulative net unrealized gains on fixed maturity  securities  available for
    sale  and  equity  securities  credited  to a  separate  account  in  common
    shareholders'  equity  amounted to $64.0 at September  30, 1997.  Unrealized
    appreciation of  investments,  before  applicable  income taxes of $34.8, at
    September 30, 1997 included  gross  unrealized  gains and (losses) of $104.0
    and $(5.1), respectively.

    For the nine  months  ended  September  30,  1997 and 1996,  net  unrealized
    appreciation  (depreciation)  of investments,  net of deferred income taxes,
    amounted to $20.5 and $(42.5), respectively.
<PAGE>
                                                                              7

                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
       MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                  Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    OVERVIEW

This   analysis   pertains  to  the   consolidated   accounts  of  Old  Republic
International Corporation.  The Company conducts its business through four major
segments,  namely its  General  (property  and  liability  coverages),  Mortgage
Guaranty, Title, and Life insurance groups.

                               NON-RECURRING ITEMS

In this year's second  quarter,  several life insurance  subsidiaries  recovered
income taxes and related accumulated  interest due to favorable  resolution with
the Internal Revenue Service of various  outstanding issues pertaining to income
tax returns  for the years 1979  through  1982.  These cash  recoveries,  net of
miscellaneous charges,  increased other income by $12.6 million,  reduced income
tax expense by $5.9 million and  increased  after-tax  consolidated  earnings by
$14.2 million  ($0.15 per fully diluted  common share) for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997.

                               FINANCIAL POSITION

Old Republic's  financial position at September 30, 1997 reflected  increases in
assets,  liabilities  and common  shareholders'  equity of 3.1%, 0.5% and 10.7%,
respectively  when  compared to the  immediately  preceding  year-end.  Cash and
invested  assets  represented  69.2%  and  67.9% of  consolidated  assets  as of
September  30,  1997  and  December  31,  1996,  respectively.  Relatively  high
short-term  maturity  investment  positions  continued  to be  maintained  as of
September 30, 1997 to provide necessary  liquidity for specific  operating needs
and to  enhance  flexibility  in  investment  strategy.  Changes  in  short-term
investments  reflect a large variety of seasonal and  intermediate-term  factors
including seasonal operating cash needs,  investment strategy,  and expectations
as to trends in interest  yields.  Accordingly,  the future level of  short-term
investments will vary and respond to the dynamics of these factors and may, as a
result,  increase or decrease from current levels.  During the first nine months
of 1997, the Corporation  committed  substantially all investable funds in short
to intermediate-term fixed maturity securities. Old Republic continues to adhere
to its long-term policy of investing  primarily in investment grade,  marketable
securities;  the Corporation has not directed its investable  funds to so-called
"junk bonds" or derivative types of securities.  During the first nine months of
1997, Old Republic's commitment to equity securities increased by 1.2% vis-a-vis
the related  invested  balance at year-end  1996. As of September 30, 1997,  the
carrying  value of fixed  maturity  securities  in  default as to  principal  or
interest was  immaterial  in relation to  consolidated  assets or  shareholders'
equity.

Consolidated  operations  produced positive cash flows in this year's first nine
months.  The parent  holding  company has met its  liquidity  and capital  needs
principally   through  dividends  paid  by  its   subsidiaries.   The  insurance
subsidiaries'  ability to pay cash  dividends to the parent company is generally
restricted by law or subject to approval of the insurance regulatory authorities
of the states in which they are domiciled. Additionally, the terms of guarantees
by the Company of bank loans to the trustee of the Company's  Employees  Savings
and Stock Ownership Plan require the Company to maintain a minimum  consolidated
tangible net worth and  restrict the amount of debt the Company may incur,  both
of which covenants are being met.

Old Republic's  capitalization  of $2.25 billion at September 30, 1997 consisted
of debt and debt equivalents of $151.0 million,  convertible  preferred stock of
$1.0 million,  and common  shareholders' equity of $2.10 billion (excluding $6.1
million of common stock  classified as a debt  equivalent).  The increase in the
common  shareholders'  equity account during the nine months ended September 30,
1997  reflects  primarily  the  retention  of  earnings  in excess of  dividends
declared on  outstanding  preferred  and common  shares,  the  conversion of the
remaining redeemable  convertible  preferred stock, an increase during the first
nine months of 1997 in the value of bonds and stocks carried at market value and
the  reacquisition of approximately  $36 million worth of common shares pursuant
to a previously announced share repurchase plan.

During the  second  quarter  of 1997,  the  Company  issued  $115  million of 7%
debentures  maturing  September 15, 2007.  Proceeds from this offering were used
principally to redeem commercial paper debt.

In February 1996, the Company called for redemption its 10% debentures  maturing
in 2018 ($75.0 million principal amount ) and its 5.75% convertible subordinated
debentures  maturing in 2002 ($110.0 million principal  amount);  in April 1996,
the Company called for redemption its 11.5%  debentures  maturing in 2015 ($30.0
million  principal  amount);  redemption  of the  debentures  was effected  with
internally available funds, while the subordinated  debentures were converted by
<PAGE>
                                                                              8

their terms into  approximately  6.4 million Old Republic  common  shares.  As a
result of these  redemptions  and  conversions,  the Company's  debt declined by
$215.0  million  while its common  shareholders'  equity  account rose by $108.6
during 1996. In December 1996, the Company  redeemed all ($54.8  million) of its
Series "H"  cumulative  preferred  stock with  available  funds  pursuant to the
aforementioned share repurchase plan.

                              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Revenues:
Consolidated  net  premiums  and fees  earned in the first  nine  months of 1997
amounted to $1.19 billion and were 7.3% above the amount  reported for the first
nine months of 1996.  For the third quarter of 1997,  consolidated  net premiums
and fees earned amounted to $416.8  million,  9.8% above the amount reported for
the same quarter of 1996. For the third quarter of 1997,  the General  Insurance
Group posted a 6.6%  increase in earned  premiums to $230.4  million;  growth in
this segment  continued at a slow pace due to a soft pricing  environment in the
property and liability insurance and reinsurance industry. Premium growth in the
Mortgage  Guaranty  Group was  enhanced  principally  by a rise in the amount of
renewal  business,  market  expansion,  and relatively  strong mortgage  lending
activity.  As a result,  mortgage guaranty earned premiums increased by 18.0% to
$69.1  million from $58.5 million in the year-ago  quarter.  Title Group premium
and fee revenues  increased 11.9% to $106.6 million in the third quarter of 1997
when  compared  to the same  quarter  of 1996 due to a higher  number  of closed
orders,  and the Life and Health Group's premium volume increased 10.9% to $10.6
million due to greater accident insurance production.

The General  Insurance  Group's net  premiums  earned  increased  4.3% to $672.0
million in the first nine months of 1997. The Mortgage  Guaranty Group continued
to experience  double-digit  volume  growth and reported net premiums  earned of
$200.4  million,  an  increase  of 21.6%.  The Title  Insurance  Group  reported
premiums  and fees in the first nine  months of $288.1  million,  up from $272.9
million in the year-ago period. Life and health premiums also rose 8.3% to $36.3
million during the same 1997 period,  but still remained at  approximately 3% of
consolidated premiums and fees.

Consolidated  net investment  income was $202.7 million in the first nine months
of 1997 and  $69.0  million  in the third  quarter  of 1997  compared  to $194.8
million  and $65.3  million,  respectively  in the same  quarter  and nine month
periods of 1996.  This  revenue  source was  affected by  positive  consolidated
operating  cash  flows  and  by  a   concentration   of  investable   assets  in
interest-bearing, fixed maturity securities. In 1996, the Company, as previously
noted,  used  internal  funds to  refund  an  aggregate  of  $159.8  million  of
outstanding debt and preferred stock, thus reducing its invested asset base. The
average  annualized  yield on investments was  approximately  6.0% at the end of
September  30, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  These  yields  reflect at once the
relatively short maturity of Old Republic's fixed maturity securities portfolio,
recurring  changes in interest rates, and the commitment of a larger  percentage
of investable funds to tax-exempt fixed maturity  securities that typically bear
lower current yields.

The Company's  investment  policies have not been designed to maximize  realized
investment  gains.  Realized  gains of $17.6 million in the first nine months of
1997  were  mostly  due  to the  sale  of  equity  securities.  Dispositions  of
securities have been caused principally by calls prior to maturity by issuers of
bonds and notes and by sales of equity securities.  For the first nine months of
1997,  approximately 84% of total dispositions  represented maturities and early
calls of existing  holdings;  for the year 1996 these  transactions  amounted to
approximately 72% of the total dispositions.

Expenses:
Consolidated  benefit,  claim  and  settlement  costs,  as a  percentage  of net
premiums  and fees  earned,  were  approximately  49% and 50% in the first  nine
months of 1997 and 1996, respectively. For the third quarter of each year, these
ratios were 48% in 1997 and 49% in 1996.  Claims  experience  for  property  and
liability  coverages  improved  in the first nine  months of 1997 due to reduced
costs from participation in involuntary  workers'  compensation  pools, and more
moderate claim and benefit costs for most  coverages in the Company's  voluntary
business.  Mortgage  Guaranty claim costs were slightly higher in the first nine
months of 1997,  when  compared to the same  period in 1996 as the loan  default
rate has  continued  to trend  higher.  Title and Life  Group  claim  costs were
basically  stable in both nine  month  periods.  For the third  quarter of 1997,
property  and  liability  claim  costs  in  commercial  automobile  and  general
liability lines were higher due to greater frequency and severity.  The Mortgage
Guaranty loss ratio was lower when compared to the same quarter of 1996 due to a
reduction in expected claims  emergence.  Title Group claim costs were basically
stable.

The ratio of consolidated  underwriting,  acquisition and insurance  expenses to
net  premiums  and fees  earned was 45% and 46% in the first nine months of 1997
and 1996, respectively.  These ratios were 45% and 47% for the third quarters of
1997 and 1996, respectively. Variations in these percentages between comparative
<PAGE>
                                                                              9


periods  typically  reflect  changing  patterns in the mix of  business  and the
varying production costs pertaining thereto. During each of the periods reported
upon,  these  ratios  were  basically  stable  for each of the  Company's  major
segments.  For the first nine months of 1997,  interest  expense was  moderately
lower due to a reduced level of average debt outstanding;  for the third quarter
of 1997 , a temporarily higher level of debt served to increase interest expense
for the period.

Income from Operations and Net Income:
Income from operations before realized  investment gains,  taxes and other items
increased by 18.3% in the third quarter and by 25.6% in the first nine months of
1997  when   compared  to  the  same  periods  one  year  ago.   Excluding   the
aforementioned  non-recurring  item,  income  from  operations  before  realized
investment  gains,  taxes and other items  increased  by 20.3% in the first nine
months of 1997 when compared to the same period in 1996. All insurance  segments
reflected  higher pre-tax  operating  earnings for each quarterly and nine month
periods reported upon.
The  effective  consolidated  income  tax rate,  excluding  the  effects  of the
non-recurring  items, was approximately 32% in the third quarters and nine month
periods  of 1997 and  1996,  respectively.  The rates  for each  period  reflect
primarily  the varying  proportions  of pre-tax  operating  income  derived from
tax-sheltered  investment income  (principally  tax-exempt  interest) on the one
hand, and fully taxable investment and underwriting/service  income on the other
hand.

The  aforementioned  early  retirement of the  Company's 10%  debentures of 2018
produced a net of tax charge of $3.3  million (4 cents per share)  that has been
reflected as an extraordinary  item in 1996's first quarter while the retirement
of the Company's  11.5%  debentures  of 2015  produced an additional  net of tax
charge  of $1.1  million  (1 cent  per  share)  that has  been  reflected  as an
extraordinary item in 1996's second quarter.

                                OTHER INFORMATION

Historical  data  pertaining  to the  operating  results,  liquidity,  and other
financial matters applicable to an insurance enterprise such as Old Republic are
not  necessarily  indicative of results to be achieved in succeeding  years.  In
addition to the factors cited in the next paragraph, the long-term nature of the
insurance  business,  seasonal  and annual  patterns in premium  production  and
incidence of claims,  changes in yields obtained on invested assets,  changes in
government  policies  and free  markets  affecting  inflation  rates and general
economic  conditions,  and changes in legal precedents or the application of law
affecting   the   settlement   of   disputed   claims  all  have  a  bearing  on
period-to-period comparisons and future operating results.

Statements  contained  in this  report may be of a  forward-looking  nature.  Of
necessity,  such statements involve assumptions,  uncertainties,  and risks that
may affect the  Company's  future  performance.  With  regard to Old  Republic's
General  insurance  segment,  its results can be affected in  particular  by the
level of market  competition  which is typically a function of available capital
and expected returns on such capital among  competitors,  the levels of interest
and inflation rates, as well as periodic changes in claim frequency and severity
patterns caused by natural disasters, weather conditions,  accidents,  illnesses
and work-related injuries.  Mortgage Guaranty and Title insurance results can be
affected by such factors as changes in national and regional  housing demand and
values,  the availability  and cost of mortgage loans,  employment  trends,  and
default rates on mortgage loans;  mortgage guaranty results may also be affected
by  various  risk-sharing   arrangements  with  business  producers.   Life  and
disability  insurance  results can be impacted by the levels of  employment  and
consumer  spending,  as well as  mortality  and health  trends.  At the  holding
company level,  results are generally affected by the amount of debt outstanding
and its cost.
<PAGE>
                                                                             10


                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                                   FORM 10 - Q
                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Item 6 - Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K

(a)  Exhibits
     1. Earnings per share.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K
     1. The registrant has not filed any reports on Form 8-K during the
         quarter for which this report is filed.

Items other than those listed are omitted because they are not required.
<PAGE>
                                                                            11


                                    SIGNATURE



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




                                       Old Republic International Corporation
                                       --------------------------------------
                                                    (Registrant)





Date:   November 13, 1997
        -----------------






                                                /s/ Paul D. Adams
                                       --------------------------------------
                                                     P.D. Adams
                                               Senior Vice President &
                                               Chief Financial Officer


                                                                             12
<TABLE>
                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                           EARNINGS PER SHARE EXHIBIT
                  (Amounts in millions, except per share data)
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                     Computation of Primary Earnings Per Share
                                                                 -------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Quarters Ended            Nine Months Ended
                                                                      September 30,              September 30,
                                                                 ----------------------     ----------------------
                                                                    1997        1996           1997        1996
                                                                 ----------  ----------     ----------  ----------
<S>                                                              <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>           
  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding                89.6        86.6           87.9        85.5

  Add:  Weighted average number of assumed common shares to
            be issued upon conversion or exercise of:

       Redeemable and/or Convertible Preferred Stock                   3.4         6.8            5.4         6.8
       Stock Options                                                   1.1         0.7            0.9         0.7
                                                                 ----------  ----------     ----------  ----------
  Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares      94.3        94.2           94.3        93.1
                                                                 ==========  ==========     ==========  ==========

  Net income for the period                                          $69.1       $61.7         $222.7      $167.7

  Less dividends applicable to appropriate Series of
       Redeemable and Convertible Preferred Stock                      ---         1.2            0.1         3.7
                                                                 ----------  ----------     ----------  ----------
 
  Adjusted net income                                                $69.0       $60.5         $222.5      $164.0
                                                                 ==========  ==========     ==========  ==========

  Primary earnings per share                                         $0.73       $0.64          $2.35       $1.76
                                                                 ==========  ==========     ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
                                                                  Computation of Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share
                                                                 -------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Quarters Ended           Nine Months Ended
                                                                      September 30,              September 30,
                                                                 ----------------------     ----------------------
                                                                    1997        1996           1997        1996
                                                                 ----------  ----------     ----------  ----------
<S>                                                              <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>
  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding                89.6        86.6           87.9        85.5

  Add:  Weighted average number of assumed common shares to
            be issued upon conversion or exercise of:

       Redeemable and/or Convertible Preferred Stock                   3.6         7.0            5.6         7.0
       Convertible Subordinated Debentures                             ---         ---            ---         1.0
       Stock Options                                                   1.5         1.0            1.5         1.0
                                                                 ----------  ----------     ----------  ----------
  Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares      94.8        94.6           95.0        94.6
                                                                 ==========  ==========     ==========  ==========

  Net income for the period                                          $69.1       $61.7         $222.7      $167.7

  Less dividends applicable to appropriate Series of
       Cumulative Preferred Stock                                      ---         1.1            ---         3.6
  Plus interest applicable to Convertible Debentures                   ---         ---            ---         0.4
                                                                 ----------  ----------     ----------  ----------

  Adjusted net income                                                $69.1       $60.5         $222.7      $164.6
                                                                 ==========  ==========     ==========  ==========

  Fully diluted earnings per share                                   $0.73       $0.64          $2.34       $1.74
                                                                 ==========  ==========     ==========  ==========
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                                           7
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Old Republic International's consolidated balance sheet and consolidated
statement of income and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                              SEP-30-1997
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                            2,080
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                           2,109
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                             2,150
<EQUITIES>                                        117
<MORTGAGE>                                          8
<REAL-ESTATE>                                       0
<TOTAL-INVEST>                                  4,639
<CASH>                                             33
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                                 25  
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                            122 
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  6,864
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                 3,739
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                               370
<POLICY-OTHER>                                      0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                              58
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                   151
                               0
                                         1
<COMMON>                                          103
<OTHER-SE>                                      2,001 
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    6,864
                                      1,080
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                               202
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                                 17
<OTHER-INCOME>                                    147
<BENEFITS>                                        587
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                       140 
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                              393
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   316
<INCOME-TAX>                                       94
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               222
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                           0
<NET-INCOME>                                      222
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    2.35
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    2.34
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                      0
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                                 0  
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                                   0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                                  0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                                    0
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                                     0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                             0
        



</TABLE>


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