Old Republic International Declares Special Dividend of $2.50 per Share

Old Republic International's Special Cash Dividend Announcement

Old Republic International Corporation, a notable player in the insurance industry, has made a significant announcement that is set to benefit its shareholders. The company's Board of Directors has declared a special cash dividend of $2.50 per share. This payout is scheduled to be distributed on January 14, 2026, to shareholders who are on record as of January 2, 2026. This move is expected to return approximately $620 million to its shareholders, demonstrating the company's commitment to rewarding its investors.

Financial Performance and Strategic Approaches

Craig R. Smiddy, the President and CEO of Old Republic, expressed satisfaction with the company's ongoing strong performance, which has led to the generation of excess capital intended for shareholder returns. He stated, "Old Republic's strong performance continues to generate excess capital for return to shareholders." This special dividend is not just an isolated event; it is a part of a larger strategy that also includes ongoing stock repurchase programs, reinforcing the company's focus on capital optimization.

In the last five years, Old Republic has managed to return over $5.0 billion to shareholders, while simultaneously reducing the number of outstanding shares by over 20%. This shows a significant dedication to enhancing shareholder value.

Share Repurchase Activity Update

Old Republic also provided insights into its share repurchase activities, indicating that $47 million worth of shares were repurchased in the fourth quarter alone. After this round of repurchases, the company still has $864 million authorized for future share buybacks. The board indicated that the company may pursue additional share purchases as part of its ongoing strategy, depending on market conditions.

Future Focus: Growth and Investments

Looking ahead, Old Republic is positioning itself for sustainable growth. The company is focusing on profitable organic growth, which includes the launch of new specialty businesses, strategic investments in technology, and targeted niche acquisitions. Notably, they are working on the pending purchase of ECM, which is expected to enhance their service offerings and strengthen their market position.

Old Republic operates as a leading specialty insurer, providing comprehensive property and casualty, as well as title insurance services across North America. Established in 1923 and now a member of the Fortune 500, the company excels in underwriting and risk management, tailoring solutions to meet market demands.

Conclusion

The declaration of this special dividend marks a critical step for Old Republic in reinforcing its ongoing dedication to its shareholders. With strong financial fundamentals, a commitment to capital return strategies, and a robust growth plan, Old Republic International Corporation is poised not only to reward its existing shareholders but also to attract new investment through effective management and strategic expansion.