ORI Q2 Deep Dive: Specialty Insurance Growth Countered by Title Margin Pressures

Insurance conglomerate Old Republic International (NYSE:ORI) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 18% year on year to $2.21 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.83 per share was 2.9% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy ORI? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

StockStory’s Take

Old Republic International’s second quarter results were shaped by robust growth in its Specialty Insurance segment and persistent margin challenges in Title Insurance. Management attributed Specialty’s gains to higher renewal retention, rate increases, and new business from specialty underwriting subsidiaries. In contrast, Title Insurance faced a difficult real estate market and higher expenses, particularly from legal settlements, which increased its combined ratio. CEO Craig Smiddy explained, “In Title, despite the continuation of higher mortgage interest rates and a slow real estate market, the title insurance folks grew premiums and fees... but produced lower pretax operating income.”

Looking ahead, Old Republic International’s outlook is anchored by expectations of continued Specialty Insurance growth, ongoing investment in technology and AI, and a cautious stance on Title Insurance margins. Management is focused on leveraging operational efficiency initiatives in both segments and is closely monitoring rate adequacy and expense controls. Smiddy emphasized, “We continue to invest in our new specialty underwriting subsidiaries as well as in technology and in talent,” while also noting efforts to improve Title Insurance margins regardless of the interest rate environment. The company remains watchful of industry trends, such as the impact of AI and evolving rate environments, as it aims to balance growth and profitability.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management pointed to Specialty Insurance’s retention and pricing strength, while Title Insurance remained pressured by sluggish real estate activity and litigation costs.

• Specialty Insurance momentum: Strong premium growth in Specialty Insurance was driven by high renewal retention, rate increases across most lines, and contributions from new underwriting subsidiaries, with E&S (Excess and Surplus) premiums up 12% so far this year.
• Title Insurance margin pressures: Title Insurance segment encountered higher expenses due to a legal settlement and slow recovery in the real estate market, resulting in a higher combined ratio and lower pretax operating income compared to the prior year.
• Favorable loss reserve development: Both Specialty and Title Insurance benefited from positive prior-year loss reserve development, especially in workers’ compensation, though the benefit was smaller than in the previous year.
• Investment income trends: Net investment income rose modestly, supported by higher yields on the bond portfolio, even as the invested asset base shrank following a special dividend paid earlier in the year.
• Technology and AI investments: Old Republic is increasing investment in technology modernization and artificial intelligence, including the appointment of a corporate AI leader and focused efforts to enhance efficiency and decision-making across its operations.

Drivers of Future Performance

Management expects Specialty Insurance growth, technology investments, and efficiency initiatives to drive performance, while Title Insurance faces ongoing margin headwinds.

• Specialty Insurance growth focus: The company anticipates ongoing growth in Specialty Insurance from strong renewal retention, rate discipline, and expansion of new specialty underwriting subsidiaries, with rate increases expected to keep pace with loss trends.
• Technology and AI deployment: Investments in digital tools, AI leadership, and data analytics are expected to improve operational efficiency and support decision-making, with multiple pilot projects underway to enhance underwriting and claims processes.
• Title Insurance margin recovery: Management is targeting Title Insurance margin improvement through expense controls and operational changes, but acknowledges that high mortgage rates and subdued real estate activity will continue to limit near-term profitability.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, StockStory analysts will be monitoring (1) the pace of new business growth and retention in Specialty Insurance, (2) progress on operational efficiency and expense controls in the Title Insurance segment, and (3) the impact of technology modernization and AI initiatives on underwriting and claims processes. Developments in the real estate market and regulatory changes to Title Insurance rates will also be key signposts for sustained margin recovery.

Old Republic International currently trades at $37.98, up from $36.62 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

Stocks That Trumped Tariffs

Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.

Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.