OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORP
10-Q, 1999-05-13
SURETY INSURANCE
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                       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 March 31, 1999 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) 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 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                                   March 31, 1999
     ---------------------------                 --------------------------
     Common Stock / $1 par value                          131,821,767











                  There are 14 pages contained in this report.
<PAGE>
                                                                               2


                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

                      Report on Form 10-Q / March 31, 1999

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

                                                                        PAGE NO.
                                                                        --------

PART  I  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION:

          CONSOLIDATED  SUMMARY  BALANCE  SHEETS                            3

          CONSOLIDATED  SUMMARY  STATEMENTS  OF  INCOME                     4

          CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENTS  OF  COMPREHENSIVE  INCOME               5

          CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENTS  OF  CASH  FLOWS                         6

          NOTES  TO  CONSOLIDATED  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS         7 - 9

          MANAGEMENT  ANALYSIS  OF  FINANCIAL  POSITION  AND  
               RESULTS  OF  OPERATIONS                                   10 - 12

PART II  OTHER  INFORMATION                                              13 & 14
<PAGE>
                                                                               3
<TABLE>
                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                 CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
                                 ($ in Millions)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     March 31,        December 31,
                                                                                                       1999               1998
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                Assets
<S>                                                                                                <C>               <C>
Investments:    Held to maturity:
                    Fixed maturity securities (at amortized cost)
                     (fair value: $2,392.2 and $2,422.2)                                                $2,323.0          $2,332.3
                    Other long-term investments (at cost)                                                   33.6              25.1
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                    Total                                                                                2,356.6           2,357.5
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                Available for sale:
                    Fixed maturity securities (at fair value) (cost: $1,905.5 and $1,877.8)              1,951.3           1,954.4
                    Equity securities (at fair value) (cost: $117.8 and $117.0)                            144.9             164.8
                    Short-term investments (at fair value which approximates cost)                         279.2             377.6
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                    Total                                                                                2,375.6           2,497.0
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                Total investments                                                                        4,732.3           4,854.5
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Other Assets:   Cash                                                                                        26.7              22.9
                Accrued investment income                                                                   69.3              71.1
                Accounts and notes receivable                                                              313.2             290.0
                Reinsurance balances and funds held                                                         81.8              86.3
                Reinsurance recoverable: Paid losses                                                        23.3              31.2
                                         Policy and claim reserves                                       1,281.9           1,292.9
                Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                          146.4             143.9
                Sundry assets                                                                              225.7             226.4
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                                                                                                         2,168.6           2,165.2
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                      Total Assets                                                                      $6,901.0          $7,019.7
                                                                                                   =============     =============
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Liabilities, Preferred Stock and
                      Common Shareholders' Equity

Liabilities:    Future policy benefits                                                                    $123.7            $187.6
                Losses, claims and settlement expenses                                                   3,378.2           3,406.5
                Unearned premiums                                                                          352.5             360.1
                Other policyholders' benefits and funds                                                     50.8              52.5
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                      Total policy liabilities and accruals                                              3,905.4           4,006.9
                Commissions, expenses, fees and taxes                                                      129.7             138.8
                Reinsurance balances and funds                                                             133.4             130.5
                Federal income tax payable: Current                                                          8.8               6.9
                                            Deferred                                                       179.9             179.8
                Debt and debt equivalents                                                                  144.4             145.1
                Sundry liabilities                                                                          97.6             105.9
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                      Total liabilities                                                                  4,599.5           4,714.2
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Preferred
Stock:          Convertible preferred stock                                                                  0.9               1.2
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Common          Common stock                                                                               156.4             156.3
Shareholders'   Additional paid-in capital                                                                 625.7             624.5
Equity:         Unallocated shares - ESSOP                                                                  (5.1)             (5.1)
                Retained earnings                                                                        1,770.5           1,709.9
                Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                      38.3              70.2
                Treasury stock (at cost)                                                                  (285.5)           (251.6)
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                      Total Common Shareholders' Equity                                                  2,300.4           2,304.2
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                      Total Liabilities, Preferred Stock
                         and Common Shareholders' Equity                                                $6,901.0          $7,019.7
                                                                                                   =============     =============
</TABLE>

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

                                                                                                           Quarters Ended
                                                                                                              March 31,
                                                                                                   -------------------------------
                                                                                                       1999               1998
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
<S>                                                                                                <C>               <C>
Revenues:          Net premiums earned                                                                    $396.1            $359.6
                   Title, escrow and other fees                                                             57.3              49.8
                   Net investment income                                                                    65.4              68.5
                   Realized investment gains                                                                14.7              20.0
                   Other income                                                                              7.6               8.4
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                      Net revenues                                                                         541.2             506.5
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Expenses:          Benefits, claims and settlement expenses                                                200.9             185.7
                   Underwriting, acquisition and
                      insurance expenses                                                                   231.5             198.2
                   Interest and other expenses                                                               3.3               3.5
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                      Total expenses                                                                       435.8             387.5
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                   Income before income taxes and items below                                              105.4             118.9
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Income Taxes:      Currently payable                                                                        14.0              23.6
                   Deferred                                                                                 18.5              14.3
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                      Total income taxes                                                                    32.6              37.9
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
                                                                                                            72.7              81.0
                   Other items - net                                                                         1.0               0.5
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
Net Income:                                                                                                $73.8             $81.5
                                                                                                   =============     =============




Net Income
Per Share:         Basic                                                                                   $0.56             $0.58
                                                                                                   =============     =============

                   Diluted                                                                                 $0.55             $0.58
                                                                                                   =============     =============


Dividends Per
Common Share:      Cash dividends                                                                         $0.100            $0.087
                                                                                                   =============     =============

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


                   Average number of common and common
                    equivalent shares outstanding:
                                             Basic                                                   132,581,583       138,541,904
                                                                                                   =============     =============

                                             Diluted                                                 133,786,003       140,824,777
                                                                                                   =============     =============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.
<PAGE>
                                                                               5
<TABLE>
                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
                                 ($ in Millions)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                                           Quarters Ended
                                                                                                              March 31,
                                                                                                   -------------------------------
                                                                                                       1999               1998
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
<S>                                                                                                <C>               <C>
Net income as reported                                                                                     $73.8             $81.5
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Other comprehensive income:
    Foreign currency translation adjustment                                                                  0.3               0.3
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
    Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
        Unrealized gains (losses) arising during period                                                    (35.0)             13.3
        Less: elimination of pre-tax realized gains
            included in income as reported                                                                  14.7              20.0
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
        Pre-tax unrealized losses on securities                                                            (49.7)             (6.6)
        Deferred income tax credits                                                                        (17.4)             (2.3)
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
        Net unrealized losses on securities                                                                (32.3)             (4.3)
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
    Net deletions                                                                                          (31.9)             (4.0)
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Comprehensive income                                                                                       $41.8             $77.5
                                                                                                   =============     =============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.
<PAGE>
                                                                               6
<TABLE>
                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
                                 ($ in Millions)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                                           Quarters Ended
                                                                                                              March 31,
                                                                                                   -------------------------------
                                                                                                       1999               1998
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
<S>                                                                                                <C>               <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                                                                              $73.8             $81.5
   Adjustment to reconcile net income to
   net cash provided by operating activities:
      Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                                     (1.9)              0.1
      Premiums and other receivables                                                                        (9.7)             14.9
      Unpaid claims and related items                                                                      (14.9)             (9.6)
      Future policy benefits and policyholders' funds                                                      (10.1)            (12.5)
      Income taxes                                                                                          19.8              26.2
      Reinsurance balances and funds                                                                        14.9              (0.3)
      Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other                                                         (15.4)            (12.1)
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
   Total                                                                                                    56.2              88.1
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Sales of fixed maturity securities:
      Held to maturity:
         Maturities and early calls                                                                         31.4              34.3
      Available for sale:
         Maturities and early calls                                                                         24.5              33.2
         Other                                                                                              36.9              50.8
   Sales of equity securities                                                                               11.2               7.0
   Sales of other investments                                                                                0.2               1.3
   Sales of fixed assets for company use                                                                     0.2               0.1
   Purchases of fixed maturity securities:
      Held to maturity                                                                                     (49.0)            (88.9)
      Available for sale                                                                                  (121.4)           (103.9)
   Purchases of equity securities                                                                          (12.0)            (35.4)
   Purchases of other investments                                                                           (8.6)            (10.6)
   Purchases of fixed assets for company use                                                                (4.1)             (8.0)
   Purchases of investment in subsidiaries                                                                   ---              (1.9)
   Proceeds from sale of subsidiary                                                                         25.3               ---
   Cash and short-term investments of subsidiary sold                                                      (31.4)              ---
   Other-net                                                                                                (8.9)              0.2
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
   Total                                                                                                  (105.6)           (121.8)
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Increase in term loans                                                                                   10.0               4.0
   Issuance of preferred and common stocks                                                                   1.1              10.5
   Issuance of debentures and notes                                                                          ---               1.1
   Repayments of term loans                                                                                (10.0)              ---
   Redemption of debentures and notes                                                                       (0.6)             (0.6)
   Dividends on common shares                                                                              (13.1)            (12.0)
   Dividends on preferred shares                                                                             ---               ---
   Purchase of treasury stock                                                                              (33.8)            (15.6)
   Other-net                                                                                                 1.4               0.7
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
   Total                                                                                                   (45.1)            (11.8)
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------

Increase (decrease) in cash and short-term investments                                                     (94.5)            (45.5)
   Cash and short-term investments, beginning of period                                                    400.5             355.0
                                                                                                   -------------     -------------
   Cash and short-term investments, end of period                                                         $306.0            $309.4
                                                                                                   =============     =============

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
   Cash paid during the period for: Interest                                                                $0.3              $0.5
                                                                                                   =============     =============
                                    Income taxes                                                           $11.9             $13.1
                                                                                                   =============     =============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.
<PAGE>
                                                                               7

                     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.

2.  Common Share Data:
    -----------------
    Common  share data has been  retroactively  adjusted  to  reflect  all stock
    dividends and splits.  The following table provides a reconciliation  of the
    income  before  extraordinary  items and number of shares  used in basic and
    diluted earnings per share calculations.

<TABLE>
                                                                                                    Quarters Ended
                                                                                                       March 31,
                                                                                            -------------------------------
                                                                                                 1999              1998
                                                                                            -------------     -------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>               <C>
          Numerator:
             Income before extraordinary item.........................................      $        73.8     $        81.5
             Less Preferred stock dividends...........................................                --                --  
                                                                                            -------------     -------------

             Numerator for basic earnings per share -
                income available to common stockholders...............................               73.7              81.5

             Effect of dilutive securities:
             Convertible preferred stock dividends....................................                --                --  
                                                                                            -------------     -------------

          Numerator for diluted earnings per share -
             income available to common stockholders
             after assumed conversions................................................      $        73.8     $        81.5
                                                                                            =============     =============

          Denominator:
             Denominator for basic earnings per share -
                weighted-average shares...............................................        132,581,583       138,541,904

          Effect of dilutive securities:
             Stock options............................................................          1,000,773         2,044,854
             Convertible preferred stock..............................................            203,647           238,019
                                                                                            -------------     -------------
             Dilutive potential common shares.........................................          1,204,420         2,282,873
                                                                                            -------------     -------------

          Denominator for diluted earnings per share -
             adjusted weighted-average shares and
             assumed conversions......................................................        133,786,003       140,824,777
                                                                                            =============     =============

          Basic earnings per share....................................................      $         .56     $         .58
                                                                                            =============     =============
          Diluted earnings per share..................................................      $         .55     $         .58
                                                                                            =============     =============
</TABLE>

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  $47.9 at March  31,  1999.  Unrealized
     appreciation of investments,  before  applicable  income taxes of $26.2, at
     March 31, 1999 included  gross  unrealized  gains and (losses) of $89.3 and
     $(15.1), respectively.

     For the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, net unrealized depreciation
     of investments,  net of deferred income taxes,  amounted to $32.3 and $4.3,
     respectively.

<PAGE>
                                                                               8

4.   Information About Segments of Business:
     -------------------------------------- 
     The Corporation's  business segments are organized as the General Insurance
     (property and liability insurance),  Mortgage Guaranty, Title Insurance and
     Life  Insurance  Groups.  The  contributions  of Old  Republic's  insurance
     industry  segments to  consolidated  revenues and  operating  results,  and
     certain  balance sheet data  pertaining  thereto are shown in the following
     tables on the basis of generally accepted accounting  principles  ("GAAP").
     Each of the  Corporation's  segments  underwrites  and services  only those
     insurance  coverages which may be written by it pursuant to state insurance
     regulations and corporate charter provisions.

<TABLE>
                                                  Segment Reporting
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                       Quarters Ended March 31,
                                                                                    -------------------------------
                                                                                         1999             1998
                                                                                    -------------    --------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>              <C> 
General Insurance Group:
     Net premiums earned......................................................      $       214.0    $        208.9
     Net investment income and other income(a)................................               50.1              53.0
                                                                                    -------------    --------------
        Total.................................................................      $       264.1    $        262.0
                                                                                    =============    ==============
     Income before taxes......................................................      $        35.3    $         51.8
                                                                                    =============    ==============
     Income tax expense.......................................................      $         8.7    $         15.1
                                                                                    =============    ==============


Mortgage Guaranty Group:
     Net premiums earned......................................................      $        75.7    $         71.3
     Net investment income and other income(a)................................               14.1              13.7
                                                                                    -------------    --------------
        Total.................................................................      $        89.9    $         85.1
                                                                                    =============    ==============
     Income before taxes......................................................      $        39.7    $         33.9
                                                                                    =============    ==============
     Income tax expense.......................................................      $        13.1    $         11.3
                                                                                    =============    ==============


Title Insurance Group:
     Net premiums earned......................................................      $        89.1    $         64.0
     Title, escrow and other fees  ...........................................               57.3              49.8
                                                                                    -------------    --------------
        Sub-total.............................................................              146.4             113.8
     Net investment income and other income(a)................................                5.4               4.9
                                                                                    -------------    --------------
        Total.................................................................      $       151.9    $        118.7
                                                                                    =============    ==============
     Income before taxes......................................................      $        16.8    $         12.5
                                                                                    =============    ==============
     Income tax expense.......................................................      $         5.7    $          4.2
                                                                                    =============    ==============


Life Insurance Group (c):
     Net premiums earned......................................................      $        17.2    $         15.2
     Net investment income and other income(a)................................                2.1               3.3
                                                                                    -------------    --------------
        Total.................................................................      $        19.4    $         18.6
                                                                                    =============    ==============
     Income before taxes......................................................      $          .4    $          1.5
                                                                                    =============    ==============
     Income tax expense.......................................................      $          .1    $           .5
                                                                                    =============    ==============
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                                                                               9
<TABLE>

                                     Reconciliations of Segments to Consolidated
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                                       Quarters Ended March 31,
                                                                                    -------------------------------
                                                                                         1999             1998
                                                                                    -------------    --------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>              <C> 
Revenues:
     Total revenues for reportable segments...................................      $       525.4    $        484.6
     Net realized investment gains............................................               14.7              20.0
     Other revenues...........................................................                2.3               3.1
     Elimination of intersegment revenues(b)..................................               (1.2)             (1.2)
                                                                                    -------------    --------------
        Total consolidated revenues...........................................      $       541.2    $        506.5
                                                                                    =============    ==============

Income before taxes:
     Total income before taxes of reportable segments.........................      $        92.4    $         99.8
     Net realized investment gains............................................               14.7              20.0
     Other sources - net......................................................               (1.6)              (.6)
     Elimination of intersegment profits(b)...................................                (.1)              (.2)
                                                                                    -------------    --------------
     Income before income taxes and
        extraordinary items...................................................      $       105.4    $        118.9
                                                                                    =============    ==============
</TABLE>

- ---------
In the above tables,  net premiums  earned on a GAAP basis differ  slightly from
statutory amounts due to certain differences in calculations of unearned premium
reserves under each  accounting  method.
(a) Including  unallocated  investment  income derived from invested capital and
surplus funds./(b)  Represents results of holding company parent,  consolidation
eliminating  adjustments,  and general corporate expenses,  as applicable./(c)In
the first quarter of 1999,  the Company sold its small annuity book of business;
this had no material effect on Old Republic's  consolidated results or financial
position.

<PAGE>
                                                                              10


                     OLD REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
       MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                     Quarters Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    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.


                               FINANCIAL POSITION

Old  Republic's  financial  position at March 31, 1999  reflected  decreases  in
assets,  liabilities  and  common  shareholders'  equity of 1.7%,  2.4% and .2%,
respectively,  when compared to the  immediately  preceding  year-end.  Cash and
invested assets  represented 70.0% and 70.5% of consolidated  assets as of March
31, 1999 and December 31, 1998  respectively.  Consolidated  operating cash flow
was positive at $56.2 million in the latest  quarter,  compared to $88.1 million
in the same period of 1998, but the invested asset base declined  principally as
a result  of the  Company's  stock  buy-back  program  and the sale of a largely
inactive life insurance subsidiary in early 1999.

Relatively  high  short-term  maturity  investment  positions  continued  to  be
maintained  as of March 31, 1999 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 investment 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
quarter of 1999, the Corporation committed substantially all investable funds in
short  to  intermediate-term  fixed  maturity  securities  with an  emphasis  on
tax-exempt  bonds.  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 quarter of 1999, Old Republic's investment
in equity  securities  decreased by 12.0% vis-a-vis the related invested balance
at  year-end  1998 due to  securities  sales and  unrealized  losses  during the
period. As of March 31, 1999, the carrying value of fixed maturity securities in
default as to principal or interest was  immaterial in relation to  consolidated
assets or shareholders' equity.

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 restrict the amount of debt the Company may incur;  this covenant
is being met.

Old  Republic's  capitalization  of $2.44 billion at March 31, 1999 consisted of
debt and debt equivalents of $144.4 million,  convertible preferred stock of $.9
million,  and common  shareholders' equity of $2.30 billion. The decrease in the
common  shareholders'  equity  account  during the quarter  ended March 31, 1999
reflects primarily the retention of earnings in excess of dividend requirements,
a moderate  decrease  during the latest quarter in the value of bonds and stocks
carried at market values and the reacquisition of $33.8 million of common shares
pursuant to a previously announced stock buy-back program.


                              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Revenues:
Consolidated  net premiums and fees earned in the first quarter of 1999 amounted
to $453.4 million and were 10.7% above the amount reported for the first quarter
of 1998.  For the first three months of 1999,  the Company's  General  Insurance
Group posted relatively flat earned premium volume of $214.0 million as a result
of a continuing  soft pricing  environment.  Premiums for the Mortgage  Guaranty
Group  increased  by 6.1% to $75.7  million  from $71.3  million in the year-ago
quarter.  Title Group premium and fee revenues increased 28.6% to $146.4 million
in the first  quarter of 1999 when  compared  to the same  quarter of 1998.  The
Mortgage Guaranty Group and the Title Group benefitted from the positive effects
of favorable  mortgage  rates,  greater  housing price  appreciation  and strong
mortgage finance activity.  The Life and Health Group's premium volume increased
to $17.2 million, a 13.0% increase when compared to the same quarter of 1998, as
a result of greater term life and credit insurance sales.

<PAGE>
                                                                              11


Consolidated  net  investment  income was $65.4  million in the first quarter of
1999 compared to $68.5 million in the same quarter of 1998.  This revenue source
reflects  an  invested  asset base that is down  slightly  from a year ago and a
greater  commitment  to  tax-exempt  fixed  maturity  securities.   The  average
annualized  yield on investments was  approximately  5.5% and 5.8% at the end of
March 31, 1999 and 1998,  respectively.  This yield pattern reflects at once the
relatively short maturity of Old Republic's fixed maturity securities portfolio,
changes  in  interest  rates at  various  times 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 $14.7 million in the first quarter of 1999
were mostly due to the sale of equity securities. Dispositions of securities are
primarily  the result of  scheduled  maturities  of bonds and notes and sales of
equity  securities.  For the first quarter of 1999, 60.3% of total  dispositions
represented  maturities and early calls of existing holdings;  for the year 1998
these transactions amounted to 58.3% of the total dispositions.

Expenses:
Consolidated  benefit,  claim  and  settlement  costs,  as a  percentage  of net
premiums and fees earned,  were  approximately 44% and 45% in the first quarters
of 1999 and 1998, respectively.  Consolidated claims experience for property and
liability  coverages  were affected  favorably by reduced costs  emanating  from
involuntary  workers'  compensation  pools,  but  much  greater  loss  costs  in
transportation  insurance lines in particular  seriously  impacted  underwriting
performance.  Mortgage  Guaranty claim costs were lower during the first quarter
of 1999  compared to the same  period in 1998 mostly due to the stable  economic
and employment conditions which usually lead to reduced mortgage defaults. Title
claims  costs were  slightly  higher in 1999,  while Life Group claim costs were
higher in the latest quarter due to greater severity of travel accident claims.

The ratio of consolidated  underwriting,  acquisition and insurance  expenses to
net premiums and fees earned was approximately 51% and 48% in the first quarters
of 1999 and 1998, respectively. Variations in these ratios reflect a continually
changing mix of coverages sold and attendant  costs of producing  business.  The
property and  liability  segment's  expense  ratio  increased  slightly due to a
greater  increase in  operating  expenses  than premium  revenues.  The mortgage
guaranty  segment's  expense ratio moved up due to higher costs  associated with
continued  enhancement of information systems and greater contract  underwriting
services.The  title  insurance  expense  ratio was lower in the first quarter of
1999  compared  to the same period in 1998 due in part to an increase in premium
and fees  volume  without a  proportional  increase  in  expenses.  Consolidated
interest and other charges were approximately the same for both periods.

Pre-Tax and Net Income:
Consolidated  income before taxes decreased by 8.4% in the first quarter of 1999
when  compared  to the same  period  one year ago.  The  Corporation's  Mortgage
Guaranty  and  Title  insurance  segments  reflected  higher  pre-tax  operating
earnings;  General and Life  Insurance  operations  posted  decreases in pre-tax
operating earnings in this year's first quarter;  and realized gains on sales of
securities were lower in the most recent quarterly period.

The  effective  consolidated  income  tax rate was  31.0% and 31.9% in the first
quarters  of 1999 and 1998,  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.


Year 2000 Issues:
The Company and its subsidiaries have been aware for several years of the issues
associated with programming  codes in existing computer systems as the Year 2000
approaches.   Most  Old  Republic  subsidiaries  are  operated  with  reasonable
autonomy,  and, accordingly,  Year 2000 issues are independently managed at each
of the operating  entities.  Simply stated,  Year 2000 issues stem from computer
programs  that were  written in earlier  years with only two digits to specify a
year,  as opposed to four  digits;  such  programs  may  therefore  be unable to
interpret  dates  beyond  1999,  which  could  cause a system  failure  or other
computer errors that could lead to a disruption of operations.

Year 2000 issues could adversely affect the Old Republic  subsidiaries' computer
systems,  and such  other  systems  as  communications,  facilities  management,
service-related equipment and systems of customers,  vendors and other important
third party service providers.  Possible adverse  consequences  include, but are
not  limited  to, the  inability  to  transact  business,  inability  to execute
transactions   through  financial   institutions  and  the  occurrence  of  Year
2000-related losses under certain insurance contracts.  Accordingly, the Company
could  suffer   material   adverse   financial   effects  if  failure  by  major
subsidiaries,   significant   vendors,   important   third  parties  or  various
governmental  bodies to properly  correct  Year 2000  issues were to occur.  The
possible  financial  impact of all such  effects  cannot  currently be estimated
since the  Company  and its  subsidiaries  do not operate in a vacuum and cannot
control the  situations  or actions of the various  outside  entities with which
they deal.

<PAGE>
                                                                              12


Old Republic's subsidiaries have substantialy completed,  the identification and
implementation  of  changes,  and the  testing of systems  affected by Year 2000
issues.  Confirmations of Year 2000 compliance from principal customers, vendors
and  other  important  third  party   relationships  are  in  process  of  being
circulated.  While this process is not  completed,  the Company is not currently
aware of any principal  customer,  vendor,  or other important third party whose
Year 2000 projects will not be completed in a timely manner.

The costs of identifying,  implementing and testing the required changes has not
been material to operating  results.  A significant  portion of these costs were
not  incremental  as the  Company  and its  subsidiaries  have  mostly  utilized
existing resources.

The Company's subsidiaries have commenced  consideration of contingency plans in
the event remediation  efforts of Year 2000 issues are unsuccessful.  Such plans
should be more fully  developed in 1999,  to the extent  deemed  applicable  and
practicable.


                                OTHER INFORMATION

Reference  is here  made to  "Financial  Information  Relating  to  Segments  of
Business" appearing elsewhere herein.

Historical data pertaining to the operating  performance,  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  below,  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  can have a  bearing  on  period-to-period
comparisons and future operating results.

Any forward-looking  commentary or inferences  contained in this report involve,
of  necessity,  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 as well as the risk
management and pricing policies of government  sponsored  enterprises.  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 affected mostly by the amount of debt outstanding and
its cost.

Any  forward-looking  commentaries  speak only as of their  dates.  Old Republic
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise such comments,  whether as
a result of new  information,  future events or otherwise,  and accordingly they
may not be unduly relied upon.

<PAGE>
                                                                              13


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

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Item 6 - Reports on Form 8-K
- ----------------------------

(a) 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>
                                                                              14

                                    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:   May 13, 1999
      ------------------






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



<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 statement.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1999
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                             1,951
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                            2,323
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                              2,392
<EQUITIES>                                         144
<MORTGAGE>                                           7
<REAL-ESTATE>                                        0
<TOTAL-INVEST>                                   4,732
<CASH>                                              26
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                                  23
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                             146
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   6,901
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                  3,501
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                                352
<POLICY-OTHER>                                       0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                               50
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                    144
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           156
<OTHER-SE>                                       2,144
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     6,901
                                         396
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                 65
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                                  14
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       7
<BENEFITS>                                         200
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                         54
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                               180
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    105
<INCOME-TAX>                                        32
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                 73
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                        73
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .56
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .55
<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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