Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x  QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2011

 

or

 

o  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition Period from                          to

 

Commission File No. 001-32141

 

ASSURED GUARANTY LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Bermuda

 

98-0429991

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(I.R.S. employer

of incorporation)

 

identification no.)

 

30 Woodbourne Avenue

Hamilton HM 08

Bermuda

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(441) 279-5700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes o No x

 

The number of registrant’s Common Shares ($0.01 par value) outstanding as of November 4, 2011 was 182,228,965 (excludes 76,060 unvested restricted shares).

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Form 10-Q

Explanatory Note

 

In this Form 10-Q, the Company is restating its previously issued consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and for the year ended December 31, 2010 to reflect the Company’s determination that it did not properly account for the elimination of intercompany activity between the Company’s insurance subsidiaries and its consolidated financial guaranty variable interest entities. Included in this restatement is the correction of other immaterial errors which affected the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010. The total effect of this restatement was a decrease to equity of $65.3 million as of December 31, 2010, and decreases to net income of $16.3 million and $29.2 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.  Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was also restated resulting in an increase of $30.3 million.

 

As a result of the errors discussed above, management has now determined that the Company had a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting at September 30, 2011. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. For a discussion of management’s consideration of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and the material weakness identified, see Part I, Item 4, Controls and Procedures of this Form 10-Q.

 

Accordingly, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission subsequent to the filing of the Original 10-K, including any amendments to those filings.

 

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Table of Contents

 

ASSURED GUARANTY LTD.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

Page

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of September 30, 2011 and, December 31, 2010 (restated)

4

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and, Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 (restated)

5

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and, Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 (restated)

6

 

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

7

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 (restated)

8

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

9

 

1. Business and Basis of Presentation

9

 

2. Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements

11

 

3. Business Changes, Risks, Uncertainties and Accounting Developments

16

 

4. Outstanding Exposure

17

 

5. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts

21

 

6. Fair Value Measurement

42

 

7. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives

48

 

8. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

55

 

9. Investments

58

 

10. Insurance Company Regulatory Requirements

63

 

11. Income Taxes

63

 

12. Reinsurance

65

 

13. Commitments and Contingencies

68

 

14. Long Term Debt and Credit Facilities

72

 

15. Earnings Per Share

76

 

16. Shareholders’ Equity

77

 

17. Subsidiary Information

78

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

86

 

Forward-Looking Statements

86

 

Convention

87

 

Website Information

87

 

Executive Summary

87

 

Results of Operations

94

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

111

 

Insured Portfolio

115

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

123

Item 3.

Market Risk

142

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

142

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

143

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

146

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

148

Item 6.

Exhibits

148

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands except per share and share amounts)

 

 

 

September 30, 
2011

 

December 31, 
2010
 
(restated)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Investment portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $9,650,310 and $9,274,718)

 

$

10,091,241

 

$

9,402,287

 

Short-term investments, at fair value

 

873,268

 

1,055,567

 

Other invested assets

 

297,975

 

283,032

 

Total investment portfolio

 

11,262,484

 

10,740,886

 

Cash

 

173,260

 

108,389

 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

 

987,115

 

1,167,587

 

Ceded unearned premium reserve

 

747,457

 

821,819

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

230,983

 

239,805

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

47,976

 

22,255

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

 

360,161

 

1,032,369

 

Credit derivative assets

 

467,252

 

592,898

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

676,198

 

1,259,125

 

Current income tax receivable

 

203,659

 

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ assets, at fair value

 

3,005,380

 

3,657,481

 

Other assets

 

243,070

 

199,305

 

Total assets

 

$

18,404,995

 

$

19,841,919

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned premium reserve

 

$

6,111,822

 

$

6,972,894

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve

 

670,743

 

574,369

 

Reinsurance balances payable, net

 

173,575

 

274,431

 

Long-term debt

 

1,041,653

 

1,052,936

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

1,495,312

 

2,462,831

 

Current income tax payable

 

 

93,020

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities with recourse, at fair value

 

2,575,548

 

3,030,908

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities without recourse, at fair value

 

1,133,025

 

1,337,214

 

Other liabilities

 

436,602

 

309,862

 

Total liabilities

 

13,638,280

 

16,108,465

 

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 182,221,965 and 183,744,655 shares issued and outstanding in 2011 and 2010)

 

1,822

 

1,837

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,567,668

 

2,585,423

 

Retained earnings

 

1,866,664

 

1,032,445

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax provision (benefit) of $114,226 and $18,341 in 2011 and 2010

 

327,061

 

111,749

 

Deferred equity compensation (320,193 and 181,818 shares in 2011 and 2010)

 

3,500

 

2,000

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

4,766,715

 

3,733,454

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

18,404,995

 

$

19,841,919

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended 
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010 
(restated)

 

2011

 

2010 
(restated)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

211,073

 

$

288,767

 

$

695,118

 

$

900,437

 

Net investment income

 

93,534

 

85,615

 

290,748

 

260,788

 

Net realized investment gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

(33,494

)

(5,719

)

(67,259

)

(24,248

)

Less: portion of other-than-temporary impairment loss recognized in other comprehensive income

 

(17,061

)

(1,189

)

(34,670

)

(1,850

)

Other net realized investment gains (losses)

 

5,348

 

2,156

 

19,220

 

20,999

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(11,085

)

(2,374

)

(13,369

)

(1,399

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains and other settlements

 

483

 

52,498

 

25,074

 

117,554

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

1,155,531

 

(276,427

)

829,836

 

10,786

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

1,156,014

 

(223,929

)

854,910

 

128,340

 

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

 

2,443

 

(5,548

)

3,538

 

5,770

 

Net change in fair value of financial guaranty variable interest entities

 

(99,230

)

171,258

 

(153,915

)

134,953

 

Other income (loss)

 

(7,550

)

33,682

 

63,376

 

7,357

 

Total revenues

 

1,345,199

 

347,471

 

1,740,406

 

1,436,246

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

214,991

 

110,772

 

313,324

 

307,394

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

7,278

 

8,023

 

24,231

 

23,132

 

Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc. acquisition-related expenses

 

 

 

 

6,772

 

Interest expense

 

24,968

 

24,886

 

74,424

 

74,851

 

Other operating expenses

 

41,896

 

52,139

 

147,239

 

162,179

 

Total expenses

 

289,133

 

195,820

 

559,218

 

574,328

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

1,056,066

 

151,651

 

1,181,188

 

861,918

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

(12,386

)

(191,867

)

(200,121

)

(185,998

)

Deferred

 

307,299

 

178,919

 

522,080

 

370,722

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

294,913

 

(12,948

)

321,959

 

184,724

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

761,153

 

$

164,599

 

$

859,229

 

$

677,194

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

4.15

 

$

0.89

 

$

4.67

 

$

3.67

 

Diluted

 

$

4.13

 

$

0.88

 

$

4.61

 

$

3.58

 

Dividends per share

 

$

0.045

 

$

0.045

 

$

0.135

 

$

0.135

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended 
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010
(restated)

 

2011

 

2010
(restated)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

761,153

 

$

164,599

 

$

859,229

 

$

677,194

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax provision (benefit) of $45,072, $64,025, $90,706 and $62,428

 

115,356

 

139,638

 

204,620

 

197,035

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss), net of tax provision (benefit) of $(4,063), $(1,118), $(5,634) and $(2,556)

 

(8,360

)

(1,256

)

(11,558

)

1,157

 

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

 

123,716

 

140,894

 

216,178

 

195,878

 

Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $(1,146), $3,138, $(286) and $284

 

(2,141

)

5,411

 

(552

)

152

 

Change in cash flow hedge, net of tax provision (benefit) of $(56), $(56), $(169) and $(169)

 

(105

)

(105

)

(314

)

(314

)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

121,470

 

146,200

 

215,312

 

195,716

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

882,623

 

$

310,799

 

$

1,074,541

 

$

872,910

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

 

(dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional 
Paid-In 

 

Retained 

 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 

 

Deferred 
Equity 

 

Total 
Shareholders’ 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Compensation

 

Equity

 

Balance, December 31, 2010 (restated)

 

183,744,655

 

$

1,837

 

$

2,585,423

 

$

1,032,445

 

$

111,749

 

$

2,000

 

$

3,733,454

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

859,229

 

 

 

859,229

 

Dividends ($0.135 per share)

 

 

 

 

(24,830

)

 

 

(24,830

)

Dividends on restricted stock units

 

 

 

180

 

(180

)

 

 

 

Common stock repurchases

 

(2,000,000

)

(20

)

(23,291

)

 

 

 

(23,311

)

Share-based compensation and other

 

477,310

 

5

 

5,356

 

 

 

1,500

 

6,861

 

Change in cumulative translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

(552

)

 

(552

)

Change in cash flow hedge

 

 

 

 

 

(314

)

 

(314

)

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments with no other-than-temporary impairment

 

 

 

 

 

210,298

 

 

210,298

 

Investments with other-than-temporary impairment

 

 

 

 

 

(5,678

)

 

(5,678

)

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

(11,558

)

 

(11,558

)

Balance, September 30, 2011

 

182,221,965

 

$

1,822

 

$

2,567,668

 

$

1,866,664

 

$

327,061

 

$

3,500

 

$

4,766,715

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended 
September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010 
(restated)

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

600,998

 

$

(104,267

)

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

(1,787,990

)

(1,928,744

)

Sales

 

848,416

 

835,716

 

Maturities

 

502,929

 

729,559

 

Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments

 

182,407

 

731,216

 

Net proceeds from paydowns on financial guaranty variable interest entities’ assets

 

598,160

 

323,626

 

Other

 

13,988

 

15,718

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

 

357,910

 

707,091

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(24,830

)

(24,889

)

Repurchases of common stock

 

(23,311

)

(10,457

)

Share activity under option and incentive plans

 

(2,609

)

(2,323

)

Net paydowns of financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities

 

(830,063

)

(497,296

)

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(16,902

)

(16,090

)

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(897,715

)

(551,055

)

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

 

3,678

 

(1,496

)

Increase (decrease) in cash

 

64,871

 

50,273

 

Cash at beginning of period

 

108,389

 

44,133

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

173,260

 

$

94,406

 

Supplemental cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid (received) during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

89,202

 

$

138,073

 

Interest

 

$

58,100

 

$

58,587

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

September 30, 2011

 

1. Business and Basis of Presentation

 

Business

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd. (“AGL” and, together with its subsidiaries, “Assured Guaranty” or the “Company”) is a Bermuda-based holding company that provides, through its operating subsidiaries, credit protection products to the United States (“U.S.”) and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. The Company has applied its credit underwriting judgment, risk management skills and capital markets experience to develop insurance, reinsurance and credit derivative products that protect holders of debt instruments and other monetary obligations from defaults in scheduled payments, including scheduled interest and principal payments. The securities insured by the Company include tax-exempt and taxable obligations issued by U.S. state or municipal governmental authorities, utility districts or facilities; notes or bonds issued to finance international infrastructure projects; and asset-backed securities issued by special purpose entities. The Company markets its credit protection products directly to issuers and underwriters of public finance, infrastructure and structured finance securities as well as to investors in such debt obligations. The Company guarantees debt obligations issued in many countries, although its principal focus is on the U.S., Europe and Australia.

 

Financial guaranty insurance contracts provide an unconditional and irrevocable guaranty that protects the holder of a financial obligation against non-payment of principal and interest when due. Financial guaranty contracts accounted for as credit derivatives are generally structured such that the circumstances giving rise to the Company’s obligation to make loss payments are similar to those for financial guaranty insurance contracts and only occurs upon one or more defined credit events such as failure to pay or bankruptcy, in each case, as defined within the transaction documents, with respect to one or more third party referenced securities or loans. Financial guaranty contracts accounted for as credit derivatives are primarily comprised of credit default swaps (“CDS”). The Company’s credit derivative transactions are governed by International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) documentation.

 

The Company’s business has evolved as a result of the recent crisis in the financial markets in several respects. The mix of new business has shifted towards insuring public finance obligations in the primary and secondary markets.  The Company has increased its focus on retail investors, which is the portion of the market where the demand for the Company’s product has remained strongest. The Company is selectively underwriting certain structured finance transactions, but has not underwritten a new U.S. residential mortgage-backed security (“RMBS”) since 2008 and will not do so until underwriting standards improve significantly. See Note 4 for the Company’s outstanding U.S. RMBS exposures.

 

The Company ceased selling credit protection through CDS in the beginning of 2009 following the issuance of regulatory guidelines that limited the terms under which such protection could be sold. The potential capital or margin requirements that may apply under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) also contributed to the decision of the Company not to sell new credit protection through CDS in the foreseeable future.  The Company is actively pursuing opportunities to terminate, on favorable terms, existing CDS and in certain cases, may convert existing CDS exposure into a financial guaranty insurance contract.  These actions have the effect of reducing fair value volatility in income and/or reducing rating agency capital charges.

 

The Company enters into ceded reinsurance contracts in order to obtain greater business diversification and reduce the net potential loss from large risks. In recent years, the Company has been reassuming previously ceded business from reinsurers whose ratings have declined to below-investment-grade (“BIG”) levels.

 

Public finance obligations insured by the Company consist primarily of general obligation bonds supported by the issuers’ taxing powers, tax-supported bonds and revenue bonds and other obligations of states, their political subdivisions and other municipal issuers supported by the issuers’ or obligors’ covenant to impose and collect fees and charges for public services or specific projects. Public finance obligations include obligations backed by the cash flow from leases or other revenues from projects serving substantial public purposes, including government office buildings, toll roads, health-care facilities and utilities. Structured finance obligations insured by the Company are generally backed by pools of assets such as

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

residential or commercial mortgage loans, consumer or trade receivables, securities or other assets having an ascertainable cash flow or market value and issued by special purpose entities; the Company will also insure other specialized financial obligations.

 

When a rating agency rates a financial obligation guaranteed by one of AGL’s insurance company subsidiaries, it generally awards that obligation the same rating it has assigned to the financial strength of the AGL subsidiary that provides the guaranty. Investors in products insured by the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries frequently rely on ratings published by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”) because such ratings influence the trading value of securities and form the basis for many institutions’ investment guidelines as well as individuals’ bond purchase decisions. Therefore, the Company manages its business with the goal of achieving high financial strength ratings. However, the models used by NRSROs differ, presenting conflicting goals that may make it inefficient or impractical to reach the highest rating level. The models are not fully transparent, contain subjective data (such as assumptions about future market demand for the Company’s products) and change frequently. Ratings reflect only the views of the respective NRSROs and are subject to continuous review and revision or withdrawal at any time.

 

Unless otherwise noted, ratings on Assured Guaranty’s insured portfolio reflect internal ratings. The Company’s ratings scale is similar to that used by the NRSROs; however, the ratings in these financial statements may not be the same as those assigned by any such rating agency. The super senior category, which is not generally used by rating agencies, is used by the Company in instances where Assured Guaranty’s AAA-rated exposure on its internal rating scale has additional credit enhancement due to either (1) the existence of another security rated AAA that is subordinated to Assured Guaranty’s exposure or (2) Assured Guaranty’s exposure benefiting from a different form of credit enhancement that would pay any claims first in the event that any of the exposures incurs a loss, and such credit enhancement, in management’s opinion, causes Assured Guaranty’s attachment point to be materially above the AAA attachment point.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated financial guaranty variable interest entities (“FG VIEs”) for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements cover the three-month period ended September 30, 2011 (“Third Quarter 2011”), the three-month period ended September 30, 2010 (“Third Quarter 2010”), the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011 (“Nine Months 2011”) and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 (“Nine Months 2010). The year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.

 

These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AGL and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, the “Subsidiaries”) and its consolidated FG VIEs. Intercompany accounts and transactions between and among AGL and its Subsidiaries have been eliminated, as well as transactions between the Company and the consolidated FG VIEs. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A, for the year ended December 31, 2010, both of which have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

AGL’s principal insurance company subsidiaries are Assured Guaranty Corp. (“AGC”), domiciled in Maryland; Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. (“AGM”), domiciled in New York; and Assured Guaranty Re Ltd. (“AG Re”), domiciled in Bermuda. In addition, the Company has another U.S. and another Bermuda insurance company subsidiary that participate in a pooling agreement with AGM, two insurance subsidiaries organized in the United Kingdom, and a mortgage insurance company. The Company’s organizational structure includes various holdings companies, two of which—Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc. (“AGUS”) and Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc. (“AGMH”)—have public debt outstanding. See Note 14.

 

10



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. Upon adoption, the Company will expand the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income to include the other comprehensive income items now presented in the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, which corresponds to the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2012. Early adoption of the new guidance is permitted and full retrospective application is required when the new guidance is adopted. The Company has not yet adopted this guidance.

 

Change in Accounting Policy

 

Prior to January 1, 2011, the Company managed its business and reported financial information for two principal financial guaranty segments: direct and reinsurance. There has been no market for financial guaranty reinsurance in the past two years and one is not expected to develop in the foreseeable future. The Company’s reinsurance subsidiary, AG Re, now only writes new treaties with affiliates that are eliminated in consolidation. As a result, the chief operating decision maker now manages the operations of the Company at a consolidated level and no longer uses underwriting gain (loss) by segment as an operating metric. Therefore, segment financial information is no longer disclosed.

 

2. Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements

 

AGL, through its insurance subsidiaries, has provided financial guaranties with respect to debt obligations issued by special purpose entities, including FG VIEs. Assured Guaranty does not sponsor such FG VIEs nor does it act as the servicer or collateral manager for any FG VIE debt obligations that it insures. However, when Assured Guaranty provides such financial guaranties, it can obtain certain control rights through the transaction structure which make Assured Guaranty the primary beneficiary of the FG VIE. Assured Guaranty is required under GAAP to consolidate the FG VIE in its financial statements when it is the primary beneficiary. See Note 8. When such consolidation occurs, Assured Guaranty must eliminate the intercompany transactions between the relevant Assured Guaranty insurance subsidiary and the consolidated FG VIE. Assured Guaranty discovered errors in the elimination of such intercompany transactions, which resulted in the restatement of the consolidated financial statements for Third Quarter 2010, Nine Months 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

In addition, the Company was required to correct certain unrelated, immaterial errors as part of the restatement which affected expected losses, the fair value of credit derivatives, and the classification of FG VIE assets and liabilities, which primarily affected Third Quarter 2010, Nine Months 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2010. While these immaterial errors were corrected at the time they were identified, these restated financial statements reflect the correction of such errors in the period in which they arose.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The effect of the restatement on the balance sheet is shown in the tables below.

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

As 
Previously Filed

 

(1) 
FG
 VIE 
Eliminations

 

(2) 
Other 
Adjustments

 

Restated

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investment portfolio

 

$

10,729.9

 

$

11.0

 

$

 

$

10,740.9

 

Cash

 

107.2

 

1.2

 

 

108.4

 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

 

1,167.6

 

 

 

1,167.6

 

Ceded unearned premium reserve

 

821.8

 

 

 

821.8

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

239.8

 

 

 

239.8

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

22.3

 

 

 

22.3

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

 

1,032.4

 

 

 

1,032.4

 

Credit derivative assets

 

592.9

 

 

 

592.9

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

1,224.0

 

32.1

 

3.0

 

1,259.1

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ assets, at fair value

 

4,334.4

 

 

(676.9

)

3,657.5

 

Other assets

 

199.2

 

 

 

199.2

 

Total assets

 

$

20,471.5

 

$

44.3

 

$

(673.9

)

$

19,841.9

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned premium reserve

 

$

6,972.9

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,972.9

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve

 

563.0

 

 

11.4

 

574.4

 

Reinsurance balances payable, net

 

274.4

 

 

 

274.4

 

Long-term debt

 

1,052.9

 

 

 

1,052.9

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

2,465.5

 

 

(2.7

)

2,462.8

 

Current income tax payable

 

93.0

 

 

 

93.0

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities with recourse, at fair value

 

2,927.0

 

103.9

 

 

3,030.9

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities without recourse, at fair value

 

2,014.1

 

 

(676.9

)

1,337.2

 

Other liabilities

 

309.9

 

 

 

309.9

 

Total liabilities

 

16,672.7

 

103.9

 

(668.2

)

16,108.4

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

1.8

 

 

 

1.8

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,585.4

 

 

 

2,585.4

 

Retained earnings

 

1,098.9

 

(60.7

)

(5.7

)

1,032.5

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax provision (benefit)

 

110.7

 

1.1

 

 

111.8

 

Deferred equity compensation

 

2.0

 

 

 

2.0

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

3,798.8

 

(59.6

)

(5.7

)

3,733.5

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

20,471.5

 

$

44.3

 

$

(673.9

)

$

19,841.9

 

 

12



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The effect of the restatement on the consolidated statements of operations is shown in the tables below.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

 

 

 

As
Previously
Filed

 

Reclassifications

 

Subtotal

 

(1)
FG
 VIE
Eliminations

 

(2)
 Other
Adjustments

 

Restated

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

288.7

 

$

 

$

288.7

 

$

 

$

 

$

288.7

 

Net investment income

 

85.6

 

 

85.6

 

 

 

85.6

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(2.4

)

 

(2.4

)

 

 

(2.4

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

(232.5

)

 

(232.5

)

 

8.5

 

(224.0

)

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

 

(5.5

)

 

(5.5

)

 

 

(5.5

)

Net change in financial guaranty variable interest entities

 

76.5

 

126.7

 

203.2

 

(31.9

)

 

171.3

 

Other income

 

33.8

 

 

33.8

 

 

 

33.8

 

Total revenues

 

244.2

 

126.7

 

370.9

 

(31.9

)

8.5

 

347.5

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

109.1

 

 

109.1

 

1.3

 

0.4

 

110.8

 

Interest and other operating expenses

 

(41.6

)

126.7

 

85.1

 

 

 

85.1

 

Total expenses

 

67.5

 

126.7

 

194.2

 

1.3

 

0.4

 

195.9

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

176.7

 

 

176.7

 

(33.2

)

8.1

 

151.6

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

(191.9

)

 

(191.9

)

 

 

(191.9

)

Deferred

 

187.7

 

 

187.7

 

(11.6

)

2.8

 

178.9

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(4.2

)

 

(4.2

)

(11.6

)

2.8

 

(13.0

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

180.9

 

$

 

$

180.9

 

$

(21.6

)

$

5.3

 

$

164.6

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.98

 

 

 

$

0.98

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.89

 

Diluted

 

$

0.96

 

 

 

$

0.96

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.88

 

 

13



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

 

 

 

As
Previously
Filed

 

Reclassifications

 

Subtotal

 

(1)
FG VIE
Eliminations

 

(2)
 Other
Adjustments

 

Restated

 

 

 

(in millions except per share amounts)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

900.4

 

$

 

$

900.4

 

$

 

$

 

$

900.4

 

Net investment income

 

260.8

 

 

260.8

 

 

 

260.8

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(1.4

)

 

(1.4

)

 

 

(1.4

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

119.8

 

 

119.8

 

 

8.5

 

128.3

 

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

 

5.8

 

 

5.8

 

 

 

5.8

 

Net change in financial guaranty variable interest entities

 

61.6

 

131.5

 

193.1

 

(58.1

)

 

135.0

 

Other income

 

7.4

 

 

7.4

 

 

 

7.4

 

Total revenues

 

1,354.4

 

131.5

 

1,485.9

 

(58.1

)

8.5

 

1,436.3

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

310.8

 

 

310.8

 

1.4

 

(4.8

)

307.4

 

Interest and other operating expenses

 

135.5

 

131.5

 

267.0

 

 

 

267.0

 

Total expenses

 

446.3

 

131.5

 

577.8

 

1.4

 

(4.8

)

574.4

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

908.1

 

 

908.1

 

(59.5

)

13.3

 

861.9

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

(186.0

)

 

(186.0

)

 

 

(186.0

)

Deferred

 

387.7

 

 

387.7

 

(20.8

)

3.8

 

370.7

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

201.7

 

 

201.7

 

(20.8

)

3.8

 

184.7

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

706.4

 

$

 

$

706.4

 

$

(38.7

)

$

9.5

 

$

677.2

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

3.83

 

 

 

$

3.83

 

 

 

 

 

$

3.67

 

Diluted

 

$

3.73

 

 

 

$

3.73

 

 

 

 

 

$

3.58

 

 

14



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The effect of the restatement on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income is shown in the tables below.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

 

 

 

As
Previously Filed

 

(1)
FG
 VIE
Eliminations

 

(2)
Other
Adjustments

 

Restated

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net income

 

$

180.9

 

$

(21.6

)

$

5.3

 

$

164.6

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

 

139.6

 

 

 

139.6

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)

 

(1.3

)

 

 

(1.3

)

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

 

140.9

 

 

 

140.9

 

Change in cumulative translation adjustment

 

5.4

 

 

 

5.4

 

Change in cash flow hedge

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.1

)

Other comprehensive income(loss)

 

146.2

 

 

 

146.2

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

327.1

 

$

(21.6

)

$

5.3

 

$

310.8

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

 

 

 

As 
Previously Filed

 

(1) 
FG
 VIE 
Eliminations

 

(2) 
Other 
Adjustments

 

Restated

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net income

 

$

706.4

 

$

(38.7

)

$

9.5

 

$

677.2

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

 

197.0

 

 

 

197.0

 

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)

 

1.2

 

 

 

1.2

 

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

 

195.8

 

 

 

195.8

 

Change in cumulative translation adjustment

 

0.2

 

 

 

0.2

 

Change in cash flow hedge

 

(0.3

)

 

 

(0.3

)

Other comprehensive income(loss)

 

195.7

 

 

 

195.7

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

902.1

 

$

(38.7

)

$

9.5

 

$

872.9

 

 

15



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The effect of the restatement on the consolidated statements of cash flow is shown in the tables below.

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

 

 

 

As 
Previously Filed

 

(1) 
FG
 VIE 
Eliminations

 

Restated

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

(140.0

)

$

35.7

 

$

(104.3

)

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

(1,928.7

)

 

(1,928.7

)

Sales

 

835.7

 

 

835.7

 

Maturities

 

729.6

 

 

729.6

 

Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments

 

759.9

 

(28.7

)

731.2

 

Net proceeds from paydowns on financial guaranty variable interest entities’ assets

 

323.6

 

 

323.6

 

Other

 

15.7

 

 

15.7

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

 

735.8

 

(28.7

)

707.1

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(24.9

)

 

(24.9

)

Repurchases of common stock

 

(10.5

)

 

(10.5

)

Share activity under option and incentive plans

 

(2.2

)

 

(2.2

)

Net paydowns of financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities

 

(497.3

)

 

(497.3

)

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(16.1

)

 

(16.1

)

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(551.0

)

 

(551.0

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

(1.5

)

 

(1.5

)

Increase in cash

 

43.3

 

7.0

 

50.3

 

Cash at beginning of year

 

44.1

 

 

44.1

 

Cash at end of year

 

$

87.4

 

$

7.0

 

$

94.4

 

 


(1)                               Represents adjustments related to the correction of FG VIE intercompany eliminations.

 

(2)                               Represents other adjustments of immaterial errors. These corrections related to  (a) errors in expected losses that had previously been corrected by the Company in the period such errors were identified, but which are now being recorded in the period in which they arose, (b) an error related to one credit derivative contract that resulted from the use of an incorrect par outstanding balance in the pricing model and (c) the correction of an error related to the classification of FG VIE assets and liabilities that resulted from a misinterpretation of a trustee report.

 

3. Business Changes, Risks, Uncertainties and Accounting Developments

 

Summarized below are updates of the most significant events since year end 2010, that have had, or may have in the future, a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or business prospects of the Company. In addition to items discussed below, see Note 5 for a discussion of the Company’s exposure to Greek sovereign debt.

 

Recoveries for Breaches of Representations and Warranties

 

On April 14, 2011, Assured Guaranty reached a comprehensive agreement with Bank of America Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Countrywide Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Bank of America”), regarding their liabilities with respect to 29 RMBS transactions insured by Assured Guaranty, including claims relating to reimbursement for breaches of representations and warranties (“R&W”) and historical loan servicing issues (“Bank of America Agreement”). Of the 29 RMBS transactions, eight are second lien transactions and 21 are first lien transactions. The Bank of America Agreement covers Bank of America-sponsored securitizations that AGM or AGC has insured, as well as certain other securitizations containing concentrations of Countrywide-originated loans that AGM or AGC has insured. The transactions covered by the Bank of America Agreement have a gross par outstanding of $4.6 billion ($4.2 billion net par outstanding) as of September 30, 2011, or 28% of Assured Guaranty’s total BIG RMBS net par outstanding.

 

Bank of America paid $985.4 million in Nine Months 2011 in respect of covered second lien transactions and is obligated to pay another $114.6 million by March 2012. In consideration of the $1.1 billion, the Company has agreed to

 

16



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

release its claims for the repurchase of mortgage loans underlying the eight second lien transactions (i.e., Assured Guaranty will retain the risk of future insured losses without further offset for R&W claims against Bank of America).

 

In addition, Bank of America will reimburse Assured Guaranty 80% of claims Assured Guaranty pays on the 21 first lien transactions, until aggregate collateral losses on such RMBS transactions reach $6.6 billion. The Company accounts for the 80% loss sharing agreement with Bank of America as subrogation. As the Company calculates expected losses for these 21 first lien transactions, such expected losses will be offset by an R&W benefit from Bank of America for 80% of these amounts. As of September 30, 2011, Bank of America had placed $965.0 million of eligible assets in trust in order to collateralize the reimbursement obligation relating to the first lien transactions. The amount of assets required to be posted may increase or decrease from time to time, as determined by rating agency requirements. As of September 30, 2011, the Company’s estimate of expected R&W recoveries for the first lien transactions covered under the Bank of America Agreement was $615.1 million.

 

The Company believes the Bank of America Agreement was a significant step in the effort to recover U.S. RMBS losses the Company experienced resulting from breaches of R&W. The Company is continuing to pursue other representation and warranty providers for U.S. RMBS transactions it has insured. See “Recovery Litigation” in Note 5 of these Financial Statements for a discussion of the litigation proceedings the Company has initiated against other R&W providers.

 

Standard and Poor’s Rating Services Bond Insurer Criteria

 

The most recent rating action by S&P on AGL and its subsidiaries took place on September 27, 2011, when S&P published a Research Update in which it placed its ratings of Assured Guaranty on CreditWatch Negative.  This action included changing the financial strength ratings of AGC and AGM from AA+ (Negative Outlook) to AA+ (CreditWatch Negative), and the AA (Negative Outlook) rating of AG Re to AA (CreditWatch Negative), signifying that S&P may downgrade such financial strength ratings in the near future.  In the Research Update, S&P stated that the CreditWatch placement is due to significant concentration risk in Assured Guaranty’s consolidated insured portfolio; the portfolio contains exposures that are not consistent with S&P’s new bond insurance rating criteria and breach the “largest obligor test” in such new criteria.  The largest obligor test appears to have the effect of significantly reducing Assured Guaranty’s allowed single risk limits and limiting its financial strength rating level.  S&P published updated criteria in Bond Insurance Rating Methodology and Assumptions on August 25, 2011, subsequent to its publication of Request for Comment: Bond Insurance Criteria on January 24, 2011.  According to S&P, based on statements from Assured Guaranty’s management that Assured Guaranty intends to take action such as create capital or utilize additional forms of reinsurance to mitigate these concentration risks, it is likely such actions, if taken, would support financial strength ratings in the “AA” category.  S&P noted that it expects to resolve this CreditWatch placement no later than November 30, 2011.  The Company is considering transactions that are designed to create capital and/or mitigate its concentration risks but can give no assurance that it will be able to complete the transactions at all or on terms that are acceptable.  If it cannot do so, S&P may downgrade the financial strength ratings of AGL and its subsidiaries, which downgrade may have an adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, liquidity, business prospects or other aspects of the Company’s business and on its insured portfolio.

 

4. Outstanding Exposure

 

The Company’s insurance policies and credit derivative contracts are written in different forms, but collectively are considered financial guaranty contracts. They typically guarantee the scheduled payments of principal and interest (“Debt Service”) on public finance and structured finance obligations. The Company seeks to limit its exposure to losses by underwriting obligations that are investment grade at inception, diversifying its portfolio and maintaining rigorous subordination or collateralization requirements on structured finance obligations. The Company also has utilized reinsurance by ceding business to third party reinsurers. The Company provides financial guaranties with respect to debt obligations of special purpose entities, including VIEs. Based on accounting standards in effect during any given reporting period, some of these VIEs are consolidated as described in Note 8. The outstanding par and Debt Service amounts presented below include outstanding exposures on VIEs, whether or not they are consolidated.

 

Debt Service Outstanding

 

 

 

Gross Debt Service Outstanding

 

Net Debt Service Outstanding

 

 

 

September 30,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

September 30,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Public finance

 

$

811,423

 

$

851,634

 

$

727,401

 

$

760,167

 

Structured finance

 

148,006

 

178,348

 

138,291

 

166,976

 

Total

 

$

959,429

 

$

1,029,982

 

$

865,692

 

$

927,143

 

 

17



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Financial Guaranty Net Par Outstanding by Internal Rating

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Public Finance
U.S.

 

Public Finance
Non-U.S.

 

Structured Finance
U.S

 

Structured Finance
Non-U.S

 

Total

 

Rating Category

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Super senior

 

$

 

%

$

1,386

 

3.5

%

$

17,544

 

17.9

%

$

6,664

 

25.2

%

$

25,594

 

4.5

%

AAA

 

5,073

 

1.2

 

1,383

 

3.5

 

37,544

 

38.3

 

12,159

 

46.0

 

56,159

 

9.8

 

AA

 

149,190

 

36.6

 

1,094

 

2.8

 

12,532

 

12.8

 

1,255

 

4.7

 

164,071

 

28.7

 

A

 

208,837

 

51.2

 

12,022

 

30.6

 

5,086

 

5.2

 

926

 

3.5

 

226,871

 

39.7

 

BBB

 

41,700

 

10.2

 

21,231

 

54.1

 

5,283

 

5.4

 

3,589

 

13.7

 

71,803

 

12.5

 

BIG

 

3,265

 

0.8

 

2,151

 

5.5

 

19,980

 

20.4

 

1,831

 

6.9

 

27,227

 

4.8

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

408,065

 

100.0

%

$

39,267

 

100.0

%

$

97,969

 

100.0

%

$

26,424

 

100.0

%

$

571,725

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Public Finance
U.S.

 

Public Finance
Non-U.S.

 

Structured Finance
U.S

 

Structured Finance
Non-U.S

 

Total

 

Rating Category

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Super senior

 

$

 

%

$

1,420

 

3.5

%

$

21,837

 

18.4

%

$

7,882

 

25.7

%

$

31,139

 

5.0

%

AAA

 

5,784

 

1.4

 

1,378

 

3.4

 

45,067

 

37.9

 

13,573

 

44.3

 

65,802

 

10.7

 

AA

 

161,906

 

37.9

 

1,330

 

3.3

 

17,355

 

14.6

 

1,969

 

6.4

 

182,560

 

29.6

 

A

 

214,199

 

50.2

 

12,482

 

30.6

 

6,396

 

5.4

 

1,873

 

6.1

 

234,950

 

38.1

 

BBB

 

41,948

 

9.8

 

22,338

 

54.8

 

7,543

 

6.4

 

4,045

 

13.2

 

75,874

 

12.3

 

BIG

 

3,159

 

0.7

 

1,795

 

4.4

 

20,558

 

17.3

 

1,294

 

4.3

 

26,806

 

4.3

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

426,996

 

100.0

%

$

40,743

 

100.0

%

$

118,756

 

100.0

%

$

30,636

 

100.0

%

$

617,131

 

100.0

%

 

 

In addition to amounts shown in the tables above, the Company had outstanding commitments to provide guaranties of $2.7 billion for structured finance and $1.2 billion for public finance commitments at September 30, 2011. The structured finance commitments include the unfunded component of pooled corporate and other transactions. Public finance commitments typically relate to primary and secondary public finance debt issuances. The expiration dates for the public finance commitments range between October 1, 2011 and February 1, 2019, with $0.6 billion expiring prior to December 31, 2011. All the commitments are contingent on the satisfaction of all conditions set forth in them and may expire unused or be cancelled at the counterparty’s request. Therefore, the total commitment amount does not necessarily reflect actual future guaranteed amounts.

 

Surveillance Categories

 

The Company segregates its insured portfolio into investment grade and BIG surveillance categories to facilitate the appropriate allocation of resources to monitoring and loss mitigation efforts and to aid in establishing the appropriate cycle for periodic review for each exposure. BIG exposures include all exposures with internal credit ratings below BBB-. The Company’s internal credit ratings are based on internal assessments of the likelihood of default. Internal credit ratings are expressed on a ratings scale similar to that used by the rating agencies and are generally reflective of an approach similar to that employed by the rating agencies.

 

The Company monitors its investment grade credits to determine whether any new credits need to be internally downgraded to BIG. The Company refreshes its internal credit ratings on individual credits in quarterly, semi-annual or annual cycles based on the Company’s view of the credit’s quality, loss potential, volatility and sector. Ratings on credits in sectors identified as under the most stress or with the most potential volatility are reviewed every quarter. The Company’s insured credit ratings on assumed credits are based on the Company’s reviews of low-rated credits or credits in volatile

 

18



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

sectors, unless such information is not available, in which case, the ceding company’s credit rating of the transactions are used. For example, the Company models all assumed RMBS credits with par above $1 million, as well as certain RMBS credits below that amount.

 

Credits identified as BIG are subjected to further review to determine the probability of a loss (see Note 5 “Loss estimation process”). Surveillance personnel then assign each BIG transaction to the appropriate BIG surveillance category based upon whether a lifetime loss is expected and whether a claim has been paid. The Company expects “lifetime losses” on a transaction when the Company believes there is more than a 50% chance that, on a present value basis, it will pay more claims over the life of that transaction than it will ultimately have been reimbursed. For surveillance purposes, the Company calculates present value using a constant discount rate of 5%. (A risk-free rate is used for recording of reserves for financial statement purposes.) A “liquidity claim” is a claim that the Company expects to be reimbursed within one year.

 

Intense monitoring and intervention is employed for all BIG surveillance categories, with internal credit ratings reviewed quarterly. The three BIG categories are:

 

·                  BIG Category 1: Below-investment-grade transactions showing sufficient deterioration to make lifetime losses possible, but for which none are currently expected. Transactions on which claims have been paid but are expected to be fully reimbursed (other than investment grade transactions on which only liquidity claims have been paid) are in this category.

 

·                  BIG Category 2: Below-investment-grade transactions for which lifetime losses are expected but for which no claims (other than liquidity claims) have yet been paid.

 

·                  BIG Category 3: Below-investment-grade transactions for which lifetime losses are expected and on which claims (other than liquidity claims) have been paid. Transactions remain in this category when claims have been paid and only a recoverable remains.

 

Included in the first lien RMBS BIG exposures below is $1.9 billion of net par outstanding related to transactions covered by the Bank of America Agreement, which represents 17% of the first lien U.S. RMBS BIG net par outstanding as of September 30, 2011. Under the Bank of America Agreement, 80% of first lien claims paid by Assured Guaranty will be reimbursed, until such time as losses on the collateral underlying the RMBS on which Assured Guaranty is paying claims reach $6.6 billion.

 

Financial Guaranty Exposures

(Insurance and Credit Derivative Form)

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIG Net Par as a %

 

 

 

BIG Net Par Outstanding

 

Net Par

 

of Net Par

 

 

 

BIG 1

 

BIG 2

 

BIG 3

 

Total BIG

 

Outstanding

 

Outstanding

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

First lien U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

90

 

$

513

 

$

 

$

603

 

$

760

 

0.1

%

Alt-A first lien

 

1,815

 

1,594

 

1,433

 

4,842

 

5,541

 

0.9

 

Option ARM

 

124

 

1,115

 

1,148

 

2,387

 

2,627

 

0.4

 

Subprime (including net interest margin securities)

 

153

 

2,608

 

209

 

2,970

 

8,403

 

0.5

 

Second lien U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

 

497

 

538

 

1,035

 

1,061

 

0.2

 

Home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”)

 

446

 

 

2,984

 

3,430

 

4,072

 

0.6

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

2,628

 

6,327

 

6,312

 

15,267

 

22,464

 

2.7

 

TruPS

 

2,232

 

 

952

 

3,184

 

6,467

 

0.6

 

Other structured finance

 

1,483

 

423

 

1,454

 

3,360

 

95,462

 

0.6

 

Public finance

 

4,216

 

339

 

861

 

5,416

 

447,332

 

0.9

 

Total

 

$

10,559

 

$

7,089

 

$

9,579

 

$

27,227

 

$

571,725

 

4.8

%

 

19



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIG Net Par as a %

 

 

 

BIG Net Par Outstanding

 

Net Par

 

of Net Par

 

 

 

BIG 1

 

BIG 2

 

BIG 3

 

Total BIG

 

Outstanding

 

Outstanding

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

(restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

82

 

$

542

 

$

 

$

624

 

$

849

 

0.1

%

Alt-A first lien

 

976

 

3,108

 

573

 

4,657

 

6,134

 

0.8

 

Option ARM

 

33

 

2,186

 

640

 

2,859

 

3,214

 

0.5

 

Subprime (including net interest margin securities)

 

729

 

2,248

 

106

 

3,083

 

9,039

 

0.4

 

Second lien U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

63

 

444

 

624

 

1,131

 

1,164

 

0.2

 

HELOCs

 

369

 

 

3,632

 

4,001

 

4,730

 

0.6

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

2,252

 

8,528

 

5,575

 

16,355

 

25,130

 

2.6

 

TruPS

 

1,846

 

 

964

 

2,810

 

6,833

 

0.5

 

Other structured finance

 

841

 

363

 

1,483

 

2,687

 

117,429

 

0.4

 

Public finance

 

3,752

 

283

 

919

 

4,954

 

467,739

 

0.8

 

Total

 

$

8,691

 

$

9,174

 

$

8,941

 

$

26,806

 

$

617,131

 

4.3

%

 

By Category Below-Investment-Grade Credits

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Number of Risks(4)

 

Description

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

FG VIEs(2)

 

Credit
Derivative(3)

 

Total

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

FG 
VIEs(2)

 

Credit
Derivative(3)

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

BIG:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

$

6,254

 

$

436

 

$

3,869

 

$

10,559

 

162

 

3

 

35

 

200

 

Category 2

 

4,107

 

1,084

 

1,898

 

7,089

 

64

 

8

 

38

 

110

 

Category 3

 

5,917

 

1,276

 

2,386

 

9,579

 

113

 

14

 

25

 

152

 

Total BIG

 

$

16,278

 

$

2,796

 

$

8,153

 

$

27,227

 

339

 

25

 

98

 

462

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Number of Risks(4)

 

Description

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

FG
 VIEs(2)

 

Credit
Derivative(3)

 

Total

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

FG
 VIEs(2)

 

Credit
Derivative(3)

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

BIG:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

$

5,091

 

$

359

 

$

3,241

 

$

8,691

 

117

 

2

 

31

 

150

 

Category 2

 

5,222

 

495

 

3,457

 

9,174

 

96

 

2

 

50

 

148

 

Category 3

 

5,901

 

1,380

 

1,660

 

8,941

 

102

 

13

 

12

 

127

 

Total BIG

 

$

16,214

 

$

2,234

 

$

8,358

 

$

26,806

 

315

 

17

 

93

 

425

 

 


(1)                               Represents contracts accounted for as financial guaranty insurance. See Note 5.

 

(2)                               Represents net par outstanding as of September 30, 2011 for contracts accounted for as FG VIEs. See Note 8.

 

(3)                               Represents contracts accounted for as credit derivatives. See Note 7.

 

(4)                               A risk represents the aggregate of the financial guaranty policies that share the same revenue source for purposes of making Debt Service payments.

 

20



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

5. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts

 

The portfolio of outstanding exposures discussed in Note 4 includes financial guaranty contracts that meet the definition of insurance contracts as well as those that meet the definition of derivative contracts. Amounts presented in this Note relate to financial guaranty insurance contracts. Tables presented herein also present reconciliations to financial statement line items for other less significant types of insurance.

 

In October 2010, the FASB issued new guidance that specifies that certain costs incurred in the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts should be capitalized. These costs include incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that result directly from, and are essential to, the contract transaction and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the contract transaction not occurred. Costs incurred by the insurer for soliciting potential customers, market research, training, administration, unsuccessful acquisition efforts, and product development as well as all overhead type costs should be charged to expense as incurred. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Retrospective application to all prior periods presented upon the date of adoption is permitted, but not required. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements in 2012.

 

The following tables present net earned premiums, premium receivable activity, expected collections of future premiums and expected future earnings on the existing book of business. The tables below provide the expected timing of premium revenue recognition, before accretion, and the expected timing of loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) recognition, before accretion. Actual collections may differ from expected collections in the tables below due to factors such as foreign exchange rate fluctuations, counterparty collectability issues, and changes in expected lives. The amount and timing of actual premium earnings and loss expense may differ from the estimates shown below due to factors such as refundings, accelerations, future commutations, changes in expected lives and updates to loss estimates.

 

Net Earned Premiums

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Scheduled net earned premiums

 

$

178.1

 

$

256.4

 

$

595.7

 

$

814.7

 

Acceleration of premium earnings(1)

 

26.8

 

21.2

 

77.4

 

52.0

 

Accretion of discount on net premiums receivable

 

5.8

 

10.5

 

20.6

 

31.8

 

Total financial guaranty

 

210.7

 

288.1

 

693.7

 

898.5

 

Other

 

0.4

 

0.6

 

1.4

 

1.9

 

Total net earned premiums(2)

 

$

211.1

 

$

288.7

 

$

695.1

 

$

900.4

 

 


(1)                                 Reflects the unscheduled refundings of underlying insured obligations.

 

(2)                                 Excludes $19.4 million and $12.8 million in Third Quarter 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $56.8 million and $34.4 million for the Nine Months 2011 and 2010, respectively, in net earned premium related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

Gross Premium Receivable, Net of Ceding Commissions Roll Forward

 

 

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Balance beginning of period, January 1

 

$

1,167.6

 

$

1,418.2

 

Change in accounting (1)

 

 

(19.0

)

Balance beginning of the period, adjusted

 

1,167.6

 

1,399.2

 

Premium written, net (2)

 

153.2

 

253.9

 

Premium payments received, net

 

(227.8

)

(356.3

)

Adjustments to the premium receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in the expected term of financial guaranty insurance contracts

 

(117.1

)

13.2

 

Accretion of discount

 

22.8

 

35.1

 

Foreign exchange translation

 

(3.1

)

(24.2

)

Other adjustments

 

(8.5

)

1.6

 

Balance, September 30

 

$

987.1

 

$

1,322.5

 

 

21



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 


(1)         Represents elimination of premium receivable at January 1, 2010 related to consolidated FG VIEs upon the adoption of the new accounting guidance.

 

(2)         Includes $14.9 million of premium written related to financial guaranty insurance contracts which replaced existing credit derivative contracts in Nine Months 2011.

 

Gains or losses due to foreign exchange rate changes relate to installment premium receivables denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Approximately 49% and 42% of installment premiums at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily in euro and British Pound Sterling.

 

For premiums received in installments, premium receivable is the present value of premiums due or expected to be collected over the life of the contract. Installment premiums typically relate to structured finance transactions, where the insurance premium rate is determined at the inception of the contract but the insured par is subject to prepayment throughout the life of the deal. Premium receipts are typically made from insured deal cash flows that are senior to payments made to the holders of the insured securities. When there are significant changes to expected premium collections, an adjustment is recorded to premiums receivable with a corresponding adjustment to deferred premium revenue. When these installment premiums are related to assumed reinsurance amounts, the Company also assesses the credit quality and liquidity of the company that the premiums are assumed from as well as the impact of any potential regulatory constraints to determine the collectability of such amounts.

 

Expected Collections of Gross Premiums Receivable,

Net of Ceding Commissions

 

 

 

September 30, 2011(1)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Gross premium collections expected:

 

 

 

2011 (October 1 - December 31)

 

$

75.5

 

2012

 

119.0

 

2013

 

101.3

 

2014

 

89.2

 

2015

 

78.8

 

2016 - 2020

 

306.8

 

2021 - 2025

 

212.2

 

2026 - 2030

 

154.2

 

After 2030

 

204.7

 

Total gross expected collections

 

$

1,341.7

 

FG VIEs

 

35.0

 

Total

 

$

1,376.7

 

 


(1)                                 Represents undiscounted amounts expected to be collected.

 

The unearned premium reserve comprises deferred premium revenue and the contra-paid as presented in the table below.

 

Unearned Premium Reserve

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Net(1)

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Net(1)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Deferred premium revenue

 

$

6,202.2

 

$

764.5

 

$

5,437.7

 

$

7,108.6

 

$

846.6

 

$

6,262.0

 

Contra-paid

 

(99.4

)

(17.3

)

(82.1

)

(146.1

)

(24.8

)

(121.3

)

Total financial guaranty

 

6,102.8

 

747.2

 

5,355.6

 

6,962.5

 

821.8

 

6,140.7

 

Other

 

9.0

 

0.3

 

8.7

 

10.4

 

 

10.4

 

Total

 

$

6,111.8

 

$

747.5

 

$

5,364.3

 

$

6,972.9

 

$

821.8

 

$

6,151.1

 

 

22



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 


(1)                                 Total net unearned premium reserve excludes $311.5 million and $193.2 million related to FG VIE’s as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

Net deferred premium revenue will be recognized as net earned premiums over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. Amounts expected to be recognized in net earned premiums differ significantly from expected cash collections due primarily to amounts in deferred premium revenue representing cash already collected on policies paid upfront and fair value adjustments recorded in connection with the acquisition of AGMH on July 1, 2009 (“AGMH Acquisition”).

 

The following table provides a schedule of the expected timing of the income statement recognition of financial guaranty insurance net deferred premium revenue and present value of net expected losses to be expensed, pretax. This table excludes amounts related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

Expected Timing of Financial Guaranty Insurance

Premium and Loss Recognition

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Scheduled
Net Earned
Premium

 

Net Expected
Loss to be
Expensed(1)

 

Net

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2011 (October 1 - December 31)

 

$

167.2

 

$

40.7

 

$

126.5

 

2012

 

579.8

 

108.5

 

471.3

 

2013

 

483.0

 

65.7

 

417.3

 

2014

 

425.4

 

49.5

 

375.9

 

2015

 

376.0

 

38.0

 

338.0

 

2016 - 2020

 

1,406.1

 

144.7

 

1,261.4

 

2021 - 2025

 

882.4

 

70.2

 

812.2

 

2026 - 2030

 

538.3

 

39.2

 

499.1

 

After 2030

 

579.5

 

27.0

 

552.5

 

Total present value basis(2)(3)

 

5,437.7

 

583.5

 

4,854.2

 

Discount

 

308.9

 

353.8

 

(44.9

)

Total future value

 

$

5,746.6

 

$

937.3

 

$

4,809.3

 

 


(1)                                 These amounts reflect the Company’s estimate as of September 30, 2011 of expected losses to be expensed and are not included in loss and LAE reserve because loss and LAE is only recorded for the amount by which net expected loss to be expensed exceeds deferred premium revenue, determined on a contract-by-contract basis.

 

(2)                                 Balances represent discounted amounts.

 

(3)                                 Consolidation of FG VIEs resulted in reductions of $423.7 million in future scheduled amortization of deferred premium revenue and $240.0 million in net present value of expected loss to be expensed.

 

Selected Information for Policies Paid in Installments

 

 

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

As of
December 31, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commission payable

 

$

987.1

 

$

1,167.6

 

Gross deferred premium revenue

 

2,272.5

 

2,933.6

 

Weighted average risk-free rate used to discount premiums

 

3.6

%

3.5

%

Weighted average period of premiums receivable (in years)

 

10.0

 

10.1

 

 

Loss Estimation Process

 

The Company’s loss reserve committees estimate expected loss to be paid for its financial guaranty exposures. Surveillance personnel present analysis related to potential losses to the Company’s loss reserve committees for consideration in estimating the expected loss to be paid. Such analysis includes the consideration of various scenarios with potential

 

23



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

probabilities assigned to them. Depending upon the nature of the risk, the Company’s view of the potential size of any loss and the information available to the Company, that analysis may be based upon individually developed cash flow models, internal credit rating assessments and sector-driven loss severity assumptions or judgmental assessments. In the case of its assumed business, the Company may conduct its own analysis as just described or, depending on the Company’s view of the potential size of any loss and the information available to the Company, the Company may use loss estimates provided by ceding insurers. The Company’s loss reserve committees review and refresh the estimate of expected loss to be paid each quarter. The Company’s estimate of ultimate loss on a policy is subject to significant uncertainty over the life of the insured transaction due to the potential for significant variability in credit performance as a result of economic, fiscal and financial market variability over the long duration of most contracts. The determination of expected loss to be paid is an inherently subjective process involving numerous estimates, assumptions and judgments by management.

 

The following table presents a roll forward of the present value of net expected loss to be paid for financial guaranty insurance contracts by sector. Expected loss to be paid is the estimate of the present value of future claim payments, net of reinsurance and net of salvage and subrogation, which includes the present value benefit of estimated recoveries for breaches of R&W.

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance

Present Value of Net Expected Loss to be Paid

Roll Forward by Sector(1)

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
June 30, 2011

 

Economic Loss
Development(2)

 

(Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

3.2

 

$

(0.8

)

$

 

$

2.4

 

Alt-A first lien

 

167.6

 

(3.1

)

(16.6

)

147.9

 

Option ARM

 

266.9

 

50.4

 

(74.5

)

242.8

 

Subprime

 

161.5

 

36.3

 

(0.8

)

197.0

 

Total first lien

 

599.2

 

82.8

 

(91.9

)

590.1

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

(94.7

)

47.2

 

(1.5

)

(49.0

)

HELOCs

 

(38.3

)

(7.8

)

(23.9

)

(70.0

)

Total second lien

 

(133.0

)

39.4

 

(25.4

)

(119.0

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

466.2

 

122.2

 

(117.3

)

471.1

 

Other structured finance

 

180.6

 

83.7

 

(4.7

)

259.6

 

Public finance

 

66.2

 

6.7

 

(30.2

)

42.7

 

Total

 

$

713.0

 

$

212.6

 

$

(152.2

)

$

773.4

 

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
June 30, 2010

 

Economic Loss
Development(2)

 

(Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

(restated)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

0.4

 

$

0.5

 

$

 

$

0.9

 

Alt-A first lien

 

190.8

 

8.7

 

(14.1

)

185.4

 

Option ARM

 

571.2

 

27.7

 

(54.3

)

544.6

 

Subprime

 

144.5

 

7.1

 

(0.7

)

150.9

 

Total first lien

 

906.9

 

44.0

 

(69.1

)

881.8

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

119.0

 

5.1

 

(20.1

)

104.0

 

HELOCs

 

(493.7

)

(1.8

)

(129.5

)

(625.0

)

Total second lien

 

(374.7

)

3.3

 

(149.6

)

(521.0

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

532.2

 

47.3

 

(218.7

)

360.8

 

Other structured finance

 

146.1

 

18.2

 

(1.9

)

162.4

 

Public finance

 

88.6

 

0.4

 

(22.9

)

66.1

 

Total

 

$

766.9

 

$

65.9

 

$

(243.5

)

$

589.3

 

 

24



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
December 31, 2010

 

Economic Loss
Development(2)

 

(Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.4

 

$

1.0

 

$

 

$

2.4

 

Alt-A first lien

 

184.4

 

18.7

 

(55.2

)

147.9

 

Option ARM

 

523.7

 

(38.0

)

(242.9

)

242.8

 

Subprime

 

200.4

 

13.1

 

(16.5

)

197.0

 

Total first lien

 

909.9

 

(5.2

)

(314.6

)

590.1

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

56.6

 

(62.4

)

(43.2

)

(49.0

)

HELOCs

 

(805.7

)

96.9

 

638.8

 

(70.0

)

Total second lien

 

(749.1

)

34.5

 

595.6

 

(119.0

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

160.8

 

29.3

 

281.0

 

471.1

 

Other structured finance

 

159.1

 

108.2

 

(7.7

)

259.6

 

Public finance

 

88.9

 

(6.8

)

(39.4

)

42.7

 

Total

 

$

408.8

 

$

130.7

 

$

233.9

 

$

773.4

 

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
December 31, 2009

 

Economic Loss
Development(2)

 

(Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

(restated)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

 

$

0.9

 

$

 

$

0.9

 

Alt-A first lien

 

204.4

 

24.1

 

(43.1

)

185.4

 

Option ARM

 

545.2

 

102.8

 

(103.4

)

544.6

 

Subprime

 

77.5

 

76.4

 

(3.0

)

150.9

 

Total first lien

 

827.1

 

204.2

 

(149.5

)

881.8

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

199.3

 

(35.3

)

(60.0

)

104.0

 

HELOCs

 

(206.6

)

26.9

 

(445.3

)

(625.0

)

Total second lien

 

(7.3

)

(8.4

)

(505.3

)

(521.0

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

819.8

 

195.8

 

(654.8

)

360.8

 

Other structured finance

 

115.7

 

54.2

 

(7.5

)

162.4

 

Public finance

 

130.9

 

(7.7

)

(57.1

)

66.1

 

Total

 

$

1,066.4

 

$

242.3

 

$

(719.4

)

$

589.3

 

 


(1)                                 Amounts include all expected payments whether or not the insured transaction VIE is consolidated. Amounts exclude reserves for mortgage business of $1.9 million as of September 30, 2011 and $2.1 million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

(2)                                 Economic loss development includes the effects of changes in assumptions based on observed market trends, changes in discount rates, accretion of discount and the economic effects of loss mitigation efforts.

 

Expected LAE for mitigating claim liabilities were $15.9 million and $17.2 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The Company used weighted average risk-free rates ranging from 0% to 3.85% to discount expected loss to be paid as of September 30, 2011 and 0% to 5.34% as of December 31, 2010.

 

25



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of expected loss to be paid to expected loss to be expensed. Expected loss to be paid differs from expected loss to be expensed due to: (1) the contra-paid because the payments have been made but have not yet been expensed, (2) for transactions with a net expected recovery, the addition of claim payments that have been made (and therefore are not included in expected loss to be paid) that are expected to be recovered in the future (and therefore have also reduced expected loss to be paid), and (3) loss reserves that have already been established (and therefore expensed but not yet paid).

 

Reconciliation of Present Value of Net Expected Loss to be Paid

and Present Value of Net Expected Loss to be Expensed

 

 

 

As of September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

restated

 

Net expected loss to be paid

 

$

773.4

 

$

589.3

 

Less: net expected loss to be paid for FG VIEs

 

(34.2

)

(30.5

)

Total

 

807.6

 

619.8

 

Contra-paid, net

 

82.1

 

183.5

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable, net(1)

 

314.6

 

727.6

 

Loss and LAE reserve, net(2)

 

(620.8

)

(457.9

)

Net expected loss to be expensed(3)

 

$

583.5

 

$

1,073.0

 

 


(1)                                 September 30, 2011 amount consists of gross salvage and subrogation amounts of $360.2 million net of ceded amounts of $45.6 million which is recorded in reinsurance balances payable. The September 30, 2010 amount consists of gross salvage and subrogation amounts of $824.8 million net of ceded amounts of $97.2 million which is recorded in reinsurance balances payable.

 

(2)                                 Represents loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, excluding $1.9 million and $2.1 million in reserves for other runoff lines of business as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

(3)                                 Excludes $240.0 million and $110.0 million as of September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

The Company’s Approach to Projecting Losses in U.S. RMBS

 

The Company projects losses in U.S. RMBS on a transaction-by-transaction basis by projecting the performance of the underlying pool of mortgages over time and then applying the structural features (i.e., payment priorities and tranching) of the RMBS to the projected performance of the collateral over time. The resulting projected claim payments or reimbursements are then discounted to a present value using a risk-free rate. For transactions where the Company projects it will receive recoveries from providers of R&W, it projects the amount of recoveries and reduces its projected claim payments accordingly.

 

The further behind a mortgage borrower falls in making payments, the more likely it is that he or she will default. The rate at which borrowers from a particular delinquency category (number of monthly payments behind) eventually default is referred to as the “liquidation rate.” Liquidation rates may be derived from observed roll rates, which are the rates at which loans progress from one delinquency category to the next and eventually to default and liquidation. The Company applies liquidation rates to the mortgage loan collateral in each delinquency category and makes certain timing assumptions to project near-term mortgage collateral defaults from loans that are currently delinquent.

 

Mortgage borrowers that are not more than one payment behind (generally considered performing borrowers) have demonstrated an ability and willingness to pay throughout the recession and mortgage crisis, and as a result are viewed as less likely to default than delinquent borrowers. Performing borrowers that eventually default will also need to progress through delinquency categories before any defaults occur. The Company projects how many of the currently performing loans will default, and when, by first converting the projected near-term defaults of delinquent borrowers derived from liquidation rates into a vector of conditional default rates, then projecting how the conditional default rates will develop over time. Loans that are defaulted pursuant to the conditional default rate after the liquidation of currently delinquent loans represent defaults of currently performing loans. A conditional default rate is the outstanding principal amount of defaulted loans liquidated in the current month divided by the remaining outstanding amount of the whole pool of loans (or “collateral

 

26



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

pool balance”). The collateral pool balance decreases over time as a result of scheduled principal payments, partial and whole principal repayments, and defaults.

 

In order to derive collateral pool losses from the collateral pool defaults it has projected, the Company applies a loss severity. The loss severity is the amount of loss the transaction experiences on a defaulted loan after the application of net proceeds from the disposal of the underlying property. The Company projects loss severities by sector based on experience to date. Further detail regarding the assumptions and variables the Company used to project collateral losses in its U.S. RMBS portfolio may be found below in the sections “U.S. Second Lien RMBS Loss Projections: HELOCs and Closed-End Second Lien” and “U.S. First Lien RMBS Loss Projections: Alt-A First Lien, Option ARM, Subprime and Prime”.

 

The Company is in the process of enforcing claims for breaches of R&W regarding the characteristics of the loans included in the collateral pools. The Company calculates a credit from the RMBS issuer for such recoveries where the R&W were provided by an entity the Company believes to be financially viable and where the Company already has access or believes it will attain access to the underlying mortgage loan files. Where the Company has an agreement with an R&W provider (e.g., the Bank of America Agreement) where potential recoveries may be higher due to settlements, that credit is based on the agreement or potential agreement. In second lien RMBS transactions where there is no agreement or advanced discussions, this credit is based on a percentage of actual repurchase rates achieved across those transactions where material repurchases have been made, while in first lien RMBS transactions where there is no agreement or advanced discussions, this credit is estimated by reducing collateral losses projected by the Company to reflect a percentage of the recoveries the Company believes it will achieve, which factor is derived based on the number of breaches identified to date and incorporated scenarios based on the amounts the Company was able to negotiate under the Bank of America Agreement. The first lien approach is different from the second lien approach because the Company’s first lien transactions have multiple tranches and a more complicated method is required to correctly allocate credit to each tranche. In each case, the credit is a function of the projected lifetime collateral losses in the collateral pool, so an increase in projected collateral losses increases the R&W credit calculated by the Company for the RMBS issuer. Further detail regarding how the Company calculates these credits may be found under “Breaches of Representations and Warranties” below.

 

The Company projects the overall future cash flow from a collateral pool by adjusting the payment stream from the principal and interest contractually due on the underlying mortgages for (a) the collateral losses it projects as described above, (b) assumed voluntary prepayments and (c) recoveries for breaches of R&W as described above. The Company then applies an individual model of the structure of the transaction to the projected future cash flow from that transaction’s collateral pool to project the Company’s future claims and claim reimbursements for that individual transaction. Finally, the projected claims and reimbursements are discounted to a present value using a risk-free rate. As noted above, the Company runs several sets of assumptions regarding mortgage collateral performance, or scenarios, and probability-weights them.

 

Third Quarter-End 2011 U.S. RMBS Loss Projections

 

In both Third Quarter 2011 and the three-months period ended June 30, 2011 (“Second Quarter 2011”), the Company chose to use loss projection curves with generally the same shape as that used in the fourth quarter of 2010, including retaining the initial plateau period it had used in the fourth quarter of 2010. Other adjustments are described in the paragraph below. The Company’s RMBS projection methodology assumes that the housing and mortgage markets will eventually recover but are doing so at a slower than previously expected pace.

 

The scenarios used to project RMBS collateral losses in the Third Quarter 2011 were essentially the same as those used in the Second Quarter 2011, except that (i) as noted above, based on its observation of the continued elevated levels of early stage delinquencies, the Company adjusted its loss projection curves by retaining the initial plateau periods to reflect its view that the recovery would be longer than it had anticipated in the Second Quarter 2011; and (ii) the Company introduced a higher loss severity assumption in two scenarios for subprime first lien RMBS transactions.

 

The scenarios used in Third Quarter 2011 were also the same as those employed at year-end 2010, with the following exceptions: (i) the retention of the initial plateau and higher stress subprime loss severity assumption just described; (ii) an increase in the expected period for reaching the final conditional default rate for second lien transactions from that used in the fourth quarter of 2010 was established for the three-months period ended March 31, 2011 (“First Quarter 2011”) and retained in the Second and Third Quarter 2011; (iii) the initial Alt-A first lien and Option ARM loss severities were increased from 60% at year-end 2010 to 65% in the First Quarter 2011 and retained in the Second and Third Quarter 2011; and (iv) the Company’s probability weightings from the fourth quarter of 2010 were adjusted in First Quarter 2011 to reflect changes to each of its second lien scenarios and such adjustments were retained in the Second and Third Quarter 2011.

 

27



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The Company also used generally the same methodology to project the credit received by the RMBS issuers for recoveries in R&W in Third Quarter 2011 as it used for the Second Quarter 2011 and at year-end 2010. The primary difference relates to the execution of the Bank of America Agreement and the inclusion of the terms of the agreement as a potential scenario in transactions not covered by the Bank of America Agreement in both the Second and Third Quarters 2011 that were not included at year-end 2010. During the Third Quarter 2011, the Company added an R&W credit for one more first lien transaction where it concluded for the first time that an R&W recovery was likely, but did not calculate an R&W credit for any other RMBS transaction where it had not previously calculated one. As compared to year-end 2010, the Company calculated R&W credits for two more second lien transactions and eleven more first lien transactions where either it concluded it had the right to obtain loan files that it had not previously concluded were accessible or it anticipates receiving a benefit due to an agreement or potential agreement with an R&W provider.

 

U.S. Second Lien RMBS Loss Projections: HELOCs and Closed-End Second Lien

 

The Company insures two types of second lien RMBS: those secured by HELOCs and those secured by closed-end second lien mortgages. HELOCs are revolving lines of credit generally secured by a second lien on a one-to-four family home. A mortgage for a fixed amount secured by a second lien on a one-to-four family home is generally referred to as a closed-end second lien. Both first lien RMBS and second lien RMBS sometimes include a portion of loan collateral with a different priority than the majority of the collateral. The Company has material exposure to second lien mortgage loans originated and serviced by a number of parties, but the Company’s most significant second lien exposure is to HELOCs originated and serviced by Countrywide, a subsidiary of Bank of America. See “Breaches of Representations and Warranties.”

 

The delinquency performance of HELOC and closed-end second lien exposures included in transactions insured by the Company began to deteriorate in 2007, and such transactions, particularly those originated in the period from 2005 through 2007, continue to perform below the Company’s original underwriting expectations. While insured securities benefit from structural protections within the transactions designed to absorb collateral losses in excess of previous historically high levels, in many second lien RMBS projected losses now exceed those structural protections.

 

The Company believes the primary variables affecting its expected losses in second lien RMBS transactions are the amount and timing of future losses in the collateral pool supporting the transactions and the amount of loans repurchased for breaches of R&W. Expected losses are also a function of the structure of the transaction; the voluntary prepayment rate (typically also referred to as conditional prepayment rate of the collateral); the interest rate environment; and assumptions about the draw rate and loss severity. These variables are interrelated, difficult to predict and subject to considerable volatility. If actual experience differs from the Company’s assumptions, the losses incurred could be materially different from the estimate. The Company continues to update its evaluation of these exposures as new information becomes available.

 

The following table shows the key assumptions used in the calculation of estimated expected loss to be paid for direct vintage 2004 - 2008 second lien U.S. RMBS.

 

Assumptions in Base Case Expected Loss Estimates

Second Lien RMBS(1)

 

HELOC Key Variables

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

As of
June 30, 2011

 

As of
March 31, 2011

 

As of
December 31, 2010

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

3.8 - 35.3%

 

4.6 - 34.6%

 

4.7 - 21.4%

 

4.2 - 22.1%

 

Final conditional default rate trended down to

 

0.4 - 3.2%

 

0.4 - 3.2%

 

0.4 - 3.2%

 

0.4 - 3.2%

 

Expected period until final conditional default rate

 

36 months

 

36 months

 

36 months

 

24 months

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

3.2 - 16.4%

 

0.9 - 15.5%

 

0.9 - 12.6%

 

3.3 - 17.5%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

Loss severity

 

98%

 

98%

 

98%

 

98%

 

Initial draw rate

 

0.0 -5.4%

 

0.0 - 8.6%

 

0.0 - 5.2%

 

0.0 - 6.8%

 

 

28


 


Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Closed-End Second Lien Key Variables

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

As of
June 30, 2011

 

As of
March 31, 2011

 

As of
December 31, 2010

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

5.8 - 21.7%

 

4.8 - 22.8%

 

7.2 - 28.9%

 

7.3 - 27.1%

 

Final conditional default rate trended down to

 

2.9 - 8.1%

 

2.9 - 8.1%

 

2.9 - 8.1%

 

2.9 - 8.1%

 

Expected period until final conditional default rate achieved

 

36 months

 

36 months

 

36 months

 

24 months

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

0.3 - 11.7%

 

1.4 - 12.0%

 

0.9 - 12.7%

 

1.3 - 9.7%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

Loss severity

 

98%

 

98%

 

98%

 

98%

 

 


(1)                                  Represents assumptions for most heavily weighted scenario (the “base case”).

 

In second lien transactions the projection of near-term defaults from currently delinquent loans is relatively straightforward because loans in second lien transactions are generally “charged off” (treated as defaulted) by the securitization’s servicer once the loan is 180 days past due. Most second lien transactions report the amount of loans in five monthly delinquency categories (i.e., 30-59 days past due, 60-89 days past due, 90-119 days past due, 120-149 days past due and 150-179 days past due). The Company estimates the amount of loans that will default over the next five months by calculating current representative liquidation rates (the percent of loans in a given delinquency status that are assumed to ultimately default) from selected representative transactions and then applying an average of the preceding 12 months’ liquidation rates to the amount of loans in the delinquency categories. The amount of loans projected to default in the first through fifth months is expressed as a conditional default rate. The first four months’ conditional default rate is calculated by applying the liquidation rates to the current-period past-due balances (i.e., the 150-179 day balance is liquidated in the first projected month, the 120-149 day balance is liquidated in the second projected month, the 90-119 day balance is liquidated in the third projected month and the 60-89 day balance is liquidated in the fourth projected month). For the fifth month the conditional default rate is calculated using the average 30-59 day past due balances for the prior three months. An average of the third, fourth and fifth month conditional default rates is then used as the basis for the plateau period that follows the embedded five months of losses.

 

In the Third Quarter 2011 base scenario, the conditional default rate (the “plateau conditional default rate”) was held constant for one month. Once the plateau period has ended, the conditional default rate is assumed to gradually trend down in uniform increments to its final long-term steady state conditional default rate. In the base scenario, the time over which the conditional default rate trends down to its final conditional default rate is 30 months (the same as Second Quarter 2011 but compared with 18 months at year-end 2010). Therefore, the total stress period for second lien transactions is 36 months, comprising five months of delinquent data, a one-month plateau period and 30 months of decrease to the steady state conditional default rate. This is the same as the Second Quarter 2011 but 12 months longer than the 24 months of total stress period used at year-end 2010. The long-term steady state conditional default rates are calculated as the constant conditional default rates that would have yielded the amount of losses originally expected at underwriting. When a second lien loan defaults, there is generally very low recovery. Based on current expectations of future performance, the Company assumes that it will only recover 2% of the collateral.

 

The rate at which the principal amount of loans is prepaid may impact both the amount of losses projected (which is a function of the conditional default rate and the loan balance over time) as well as the amount of excess spread (which is the excess of the interest paid by the borrowers on the underlying loan over the amount of interest and expenses owed on the insured obligations). In the base case, the current conditional prepayment rate is assumed to continue until the end of the plateau before gradually increasing to the final conditional prepayment rate over the same period the conditional default rate decreases. For transactions where the initial conditional prepayment rate is higher than the final conditional prepayment rate, the initial conditional prepayment rate is held constant. The final conditional prepayment rate is assumed to be 10% for both HELOC and closed-end second lien transactions. This level is much higher than current rates, but lower than the historical average, which reflects the Company’s continued uncertainty about performance of the borrowers in these transactions. This pattern is consistent with how the Company modeled the conditional prepayment rate at year-end 2010 and in the Second Quarter 2011. To the extent that prepayments differ from projected levels it could materially change the Company’s projected excess spread and losses.

 

The Company uses a number of other variables in its second lien loss projections, including the spread between relevant interest rate indices, and HELOC draw rates (the amount of new advances provided on existing HELOCs expressed as a percentage of current outstanding advances). For HELOC transactions, the draw rate is assumed to decline from the current level to a final draw rate over a period of three months. The final draw rates were assumed to range from 0.0% to 2.7%.

 

29



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

In estimating expected losses, the Company modeled and probability-weighted three possible conditional default rate curves applicable to the period preceding the return to the long-term steady state conditional default rate. Given that draw rates have been reduced to levels below the historical average and that loss severities in these products have been higher than anticipated at inception, the Company believes that the level of the elevated conditional default rate and the length of time it will persist is the primary driver behind the likely amount of losses the collateral will suffer (before considering the effects of repurchases of ineligible loans). The Company continues to evaluate the assumptions affecting its modeling results.

 

At September 30, 2011, the Company’s base case assumed a one-month conditional default rate plateau and a 30-month ramp-down (for a total stress period of 36 months). Increasing the conditional default rate plateau to four months and keeping the ramp-down at 30-months (for a total stress period of 39 months) would increase the expected loss by approximately $66.6 million for HELOC transactions and $6.5 million for closed-end second lien transactions. On the other hand, keeping the conditional default rate plateau at one month but decreasing the length of the conditional default rate ramp-down to a 24 month assumption (for a total stress period of 30 months) would decrease the expected loss by approximately $57.9 million for HELOC transactions and $3.4 million for closed-end second lien transactions.

 

U.S. First Lien RMBS Loss Projections: Alt-A First Lien, Option ARM, Subprime and Prime

 

First lien RMBS are generally categorized in accordance with the characteristics of the first lien mortgage loans on one-to-four family homes supporting the transactions. The collateral supporting “subprime” RMBS transactions consists of first lien residential mortgage loans made to subprime borrowers. A “subprime borrower” is one considered to be a higher-risk credit based on credit scores or other risk characteristics. Another type of RMBS transaction is generally referred to as “Alt-A first lien.” The collateral supporting such transactions consists of first lien residential mortgage loans made to “prime” quality borrowers who lack certain ancillary characteristics that would make them prime. When more than 66% of the loans originally included in the pool are mortgage loans with an option to make a minimum payment that has the potential to amortize the loan negatively (i.e., increase the amount of principal owed), the transaction is referred to as an “Option ARM.” Finally, transactions may be composed primarily of loans made to prime borrowers. Both first lien RMBS and second lien RMBS sometimes include a portion of loan collateral that differs in priority from the majority of the collateral.

 

The performance of the Company’s first lien RMBS exposures began to deteriorate in 2007, and such transactions, particularly those originated in the period from 2005 through 2007, continue to perform below the Company’s original underwriting expectations. The Company currently projects first lien collateral losses many times those expected at the time of underwriting. While insured securities benefited from structural protections within the transactions designed to absorb some of the collateral losses, in many first lien RMBS transactions, projected losses exceed those structural protections.

 

The majority of projected losses in first lien RMBS transactions are expected to come from non-performing mortgage loans (those that are delinquent or in foreclosure or where the loan has been foreclosed and the RMBS issuer owns the underlying real estate). An increase in non-performing loans beyond that projected in the previous period is one of the primary drivers of loss development in this portfolio. In order to determine the number of defaults resulting from these delinquent and foreclosed loans, the Company applies a liquidation rate assumption to loans in each of various delinquency categories. The Company arrived at its liquidation rates based on data in Loan Performance and assumptions about how delays in the foreclosure process may ultimately affect the rate at which loans are liquidated. The liquidation rate is a standard industry measure that is used to estimate the number of loans in a given aging category that will default within a specified time period. The Company projects these liquidations to occur over two years.

 

30



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The following table shows liquidation assumptions for various delinquency categories.

 

First Lien Liquidation Rates

 

 

 

As of
September 30,
2011

 

As of
June 30,
2011

 

As of
March 31,
2011

 

As of
December 31,
2010

 

30 - 59 Days Delinquent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alt-A first lien, Option ARM and Prime

 

50

%

50

%

50

%

50

%

Subprime

 

45

 

45

 

45

 

45

 

60 - 89 Days Delinquent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alt-A first lien, Option ARM and Prime

 

65

 

65

 

65

 

65

 

Subprime

 

65

 

65

 

65

 

65

 

90 - Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alt-A first lien, Option ARM and Prime

 

75

 

75

 

75

 

75

 

Subprime

 

70

 

70

 

70

 

70

 

Foreclosure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alt-A first lien, Option ARM and Prime

 

85

 

85

 

85

 

85

 

Subprime

 

85

 

85

 

85

 

85

 

Real Estate Owned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alt-A first lien, Option ARM and Prime

 

100

 

100

 

100

 

100

 

Subprime

 

100

 

100

 

100

 

100

 

 

While the Company uses liquidation rates as described above to project defaults of non-performing loans, it projects defaults on presently current loans by applying a conditional default rate trend. The start of that conditional default rate trend is based on the defaults the Company projects will emerge from currently nonperforming loans. The total amount of expected defaults from the non-performing loans is translated into a constant conditional default rate (i.e., the conditional default rate plateau), which, if applied for each of the next 24 months, would be sufficient to produce approximately the amount of defaults that were calculated to emerge from the various delinquency categories. The conditional default rate thus calculated individually on the collateral pool for each RMBS is then used as the starting point for the conditional default rate curve used to project defaults of the presently performing loans.

 

In the base case, each transaction’s conditional default rate is projected to improve over 12 months to an intermediate conditional default rate (calculated as 15% of its conditional default rate plateau); that intermediate conditional default rate is held constant for 36 months and then trails off in steps to a final conditional default rate of 5% of the conditional default rate plateau. Under the Company’s methodology, defaults projected to occur in the first 24 months represent defaults that can be attributed to loans that are currently delinquent or in foreclosure, while the defaults projected to occur using the projected conditional default rate trend after the first 24 month period represent defaults attributable to borrowers that are currently performing.

 

Another important driver of loss projections is loss severity, which is the amount of loss the transaction incurs on a loan after the application of net proceeds from the disposal of the underlying property. Loss severities experienced in first lien transactions have reached historic high levels, and the Company is assuming that these historic high levels will continue for another year. The Company determines its initial loss severity based on actual recent experience. The Company then assumes that loss severities begin returning to levels consistent with underwriting assumptions beginning in September 2012 and, in the base scenario, decline over two years to 40%.

 

31



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The following table shows the key assumptions used in the calculation of expected loss to be paid for direct vintage 2004 - 2008 first lien U.S. RMBS.

 

Key Assumptions in Base Case Expected Loss Estimates of First Lien RMBS Transactions

 

 

 

As of
September 30,
2011

 

As of
June 30,
2011

 

As of
March 31,
2011

 

As of
December 31,
2010

 

Alt-A First Lien

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

2.9 - 40.5%

 

2.9 - 36.6%

 

2.7 - 40.2%

 

2.6 - 42.2%

 

Intermediate conditional default rate

 

0.4 - 6.1%

 

0.4 - 5.5%

 

0.4 - 6.0%

 

0.4 - 6.3%

 

Final conditional default rate

 

0.1 - 2.0%

 

0.1 - 1.8%

 

0.1 - 2.0%

 

0.1 - 2.1%

 

Initial loss severity

 

65%

 

65%

 

65%

 

60%

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

0.0 - 17.0%

 

0.0 - 28.3%

 

0.4 - 40.5%

 

0.0 - 36.5%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

Option ARM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

12.7 - 32.2%

 

13.1 - 32.1%

 

12.3 - 33.2%

 

11.7 - 32.7%

 

Intermediate conditional default rate

 

1.9 - 4.8%

 

2.0 - 4.8%

 

1.8 - 5.0%

 

1.8 - 4.9%

 

Final conditional default rate

 

0.6 - 1.6%

 

0.7 - 1.6%

 

0.6 - 1.7%

 

0.6 - 1.6%

 

Initial loss severity

 

65%

 

65%

 

65%

 

60%

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

0.1 - 4.2%

 

0.0 - 7.2%

 

0.0 - 24.5%

 

0.0 - 17.7%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

Subprime

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

8.6 - 33.4%

 

7.7 - 34.2%

 

8.0 - 34.3%

 

9.0 - 34.6%

 

Intermediate conditional default rate

 

1.3 - 5.0%

 

1.2 - 5.1%

 

1.2 - 5.1%

 

1.3 - 5.2%

 

Final conditional default rate

 

0.4 - 1.7%

 

0.4 - 1.7%

 

0.4 - 1.7%

 

0.4 - 1.7%

 

Initial loss severity

 

80%

 

80%

 

80%

 

80%

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

0.0 - 16.8%

 

0.0 - 9.3%

 

0.0 - 13.3%

 

0.0 - 13.5%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

10%

 

 

The rate at which the principal amount of loans is prepaid may impact both the amount of losses projected (since that amount is a function of the conditional default rate and the loan balance over time) as well as the amount of excess spread (the amount by which the interest paid by the borrowers on the underlying loan exceeds the amount of interest owed on the insured obligations). The assumption for the conditional prepayment rate follows a similar pattern to that of the conditional default rate. The current level of voluntary prepayments is assumed to continue for the plateau period before gradually increasing over 12 months to the final conditional prepayment rate, which is assumed to be either 10% or 15% depending on the scenario run. For transactions where the initial conditional prepayment rate is higher than the final conditional prepayment rate, the initial conditional prepayment rate is held constant.

 

The ultimate performance of the Company’s first lien RMBS transactions remains highly uncertain and may be subject to considerable volatility due to the influence of many factors, including the level and timing of loan defaults, changes in housing prices and other variables. The Company will continue to monitor the performance of its RMBS exposures and will adjust the loss projections for those transactions based on actual performance and management’s estimates of future performance.

 

In estimating expected losses, the Company modeled and probability-weighted sensitivities for first lien transactions by varying its assumptions of how fast recovery is expected to occur. The primary variable when modeling sensitivities was how quickly the conditional default rate returned to its modeled equilibrium, which was defined as 5% of the current conditional default rate. The Company also stressed conditional prepayment rates and the speed of recovery of loss severity rates. Beginning in the Third Quarter 2011, the Company also stressed the initial loss severity rates in subprime transactions. In a somewhat more stressful environment than that of the base case, where the conditional default rate recovery was more gradual, the loss severity begins at a higher rate than in the base case, and the final conditional prepayment rate was 15% rather than 10% and subprime loss severity rates were assumed to start higher, expected loss to be paid would increase by approximately $7.1 million for Alt-A first lien, $56.8 million for Option ARM, $43.8 million for subprime and $0.1 million for prime transactions. In an even more stressful scenario where the conditional default rate plateau was extended three months (to be 27 months long) before the same more gradual conditional default rate recovery and loss severities were assumed to recover over four rather than two years (and subprime loss severities were assumed to start higher and recover only to 60%), expected loss to be paid would increase by approximately $38.2 million for Alt-A first lien, $138.0 million for Option ARM, $194.2 million for subprime and $0.8 million for prime transactions. The Company also considered a scenario

 

32



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

where the recovery was faster than in its base case. In this scenario, where the conditional default rate plateau was three months shorter (21 months, effectively assuming that liquidation rates would improve) and the conditional default rate recovery was more pronounced, expected loss to be paid would decrease by approximately $22.9 million for Alt-A first lien, $76.9 million for Option ARM, $38.6 million for subprime and $0.6 million for prime transactions.

 

Breaches of Representations and Warranties

 

The Company is pursuing reimbursements for breaches of R&W regarding loan characteristics. Performance of the collateral underlying certain first and second lien securitizations has substantially differed from the Company’s original expectations. The Company has employed several loan file diligence firms and law firms as well as devoted internal resources to review the mortgage files surrounding many of the defaulted loans. The Company’s success in these efforts resulted in two negotiated agreements, in respect of the Company’s R&W claims, including one on April 14, 2011 with Bank of America as described under “Bank of America Agreement” in Note 3.

 

Additionally, for the RMBS transactions as to which the Company had not settled its claims for breaches of R&W as of September 30, 2011, the Company had performed a detailed review of approximately 15,800 second lien and 17,000 first lien defaulted loan files, representing approximately $1,089 million in second lien and $4,941 million in first lien outstanding par of defaulted loans underlying insured transactions. The Company identified approximately 15,000 second lien transaction loan files and approximately 15,500 first lien transaction loan files that breached one or more R&W regarding the characteristics of the loans, such as misrepresentation of income or employment of the borrower, occupancy, undisclosed debt and non-compliance with underwriting guidelines at loan origination. The Company continues to review new files as new loans default and as new loan files are made available to it. The Company generally obtains the loan files from the originators or servicers (including master servicers). In some cases, the Company requests loan files via the trustee, which then requests the loan files from the originators and/or servicers. On second lien loans, the Company requests loan files for all charged-off loans. On first lien loans, the Company requests loan files for all severely (60+ days) delinquent loans and all liquidated loans. Recently, the Company started requesting loan files for all the loans (both performing and non-performing) in certain deals to limit the number of requests for additional loan files as the transactions season and loans charge-off, become 60+ days delinquent or are liquidated. (The Company takes no repurchase credit for R&W breaches on loans that are expected to continue to perform.) As of September 30, 2011, the Company had reached agreement with R&W providers other than Bank of America for the repurchase of $39 million of second lien and $54 million of first lien mortgage loans. The $39 million for second lien loans represents the calculated repurchase price for 475 loans, and the $54 million for first lien loans represents the calculated repurchase price for 167 loans. The repurchase proceeds are paid to the RMBS transactions and distributed in accordance with the payment priorities set out in the transaction agreements, so the proceeds are not necessarily allocated to the Company on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Much of the repurchase proceeds already agreed to by R&W providers other than Bank of America have already been paid to the RMBS transactions.

 

The Company has included in its net expected loss estimates as of September 30, 2011 an estimated benefit from loan repurchases related to breaches of R&W of $1.6 billion, which includes amounts from Bank of America. Where the Company has an agreement with an R&W provider (e.g., the Bank of America Agreement) or, where potential recoveries may be higher due to settlements, that benefit is based on the agreement or probability of a potential agreement. For other transactions, the amount of benefit recorded as a reduction of expected losses was calculated by extrapolating each transaction’s breach rate on defaulted loans to projected defaults and applying a percentage of the recoveries the Company believes it will receive. Proceeds projected to be reimbursed to the Company on transactions where the Company has already paid claims are viewed as a recovery on paid losses. For transactions where the Company has not already paid claims, projected recoveries reduce projected loss estimates. In either case, projected recoveries have no effect on the amount of the Company’s exposure. These amounts reflect payments made pursuant to the negotiated transaction agreements and not payments made pursuant to legal settlements. See “Recovery Litigation” below for a description of the related legal proceedings the Company has commenced. The Company did not incorporate any gain contingencies or damages paid from potential litigation in its estimated repurchases. The amount the Company will ultimately recover related to contractual R&W is uncertain and subject to a number of factors including the counterparty’s ability to pay, the number and loss amount of loans determined to have breached R&W and, potentially, negotiated settlements or litigation recoveries. As such, the Company’s estimate of recoveries is uncertain and actual amounts realized may differ significantly from these estimates. In arriving at the expected recovery from breaches of R&W, the Company considered the creditworthiness of the provider of the R&W, the number of breaches found on defaulted loans, the success rate in resolving these breaches across those transactions where material repurchases have been made and the potential amount of time until the recovery is realized.

 

The calculation of expected recovery from breaches of R&W involved a variety of scenarios, which ranged from the Company recovering substantially all of the losses it incurred due to violations of R&W to the Company realizing very

 

33



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

limited recoveries. The Company did not include any recoveries related to breaches of R&W in amounts greater than the losses it expected to pay under any given cash flow scenario. These scenarios were probability-weighted in order to determine the recovery incorporated into the Company’s estimate of expected losses. This approach was used for both loans that had already defaulted and those assumed to default in the future. In all cases, recoveries were limited to amounts paid or expected to be paid by the Company. In circumstances where potential recoveries may be higher due to settlements, the Company may adjust its recovery assumption for R&W.

 

The following table shows the balance sheet classification of estimated R&W benefits:

 

Balance Sheet Classification of R&W Benefit

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

For all
Financial
Guaranty
Insurance
Contracts

 

Effect of
Consolidating
FG VIEs

 

Reported on
Balance Sheet

 

For all
Financial
Guaranty
Insurance
Contracts

 

Effect of
Consolidating
FG VIEs

 

Reported on
Balance Sheet

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

 

$

386.3

 

$

(200.9

)

$

185.4

 

$

866.2

 

$

(52.9

)

$

813.3

 

Loss and LAE reserve

 

978.1

 

(89.6

)

888.5

 

490.6

 

(85.8

)

404.8

 

Unearned premium reserve

 

186.6

 

(43.7

)

142.9

 

243.7

 

(22.5

)

221.2

 

Total

 

$

1,551.0

 

$

(334.2

)

$

1,216.8

 

$

1,600.5

 

$

(161.2

)

$

1,439.3

 

 

The following table represents total estimated recoveries netted in expected loss to be paid, from defective mortgage loans included in certain first and second lien U.S. RMBS loan securitizations that it insures.

 

Roll Forward of Estimated Benefit from Recoveries from Representation and Warranty Breaches,

Net of Reinsurance

 

 

 

Future Net
R&W
Benefit at
December 31, 2010

 

R&W Development
and Accretion of
Discount During
Nine Months 2011

 

R&W Recovered
During
Nine Months 2011(1)

 

Future Net
R&W Benefit at
September 30, 2011(2)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.1

 

$

1.9

 

$

 

$

3.0

 

Alt-A first lien

 

81.0

 

111.7

 

 

192.7

 

Option ARM

 

309.3

 

530.9

 

(67.5

)

772.7

 

Subprime

 

26.8

 

80.9

 

 

107.7

 

Closed-end second lien

 

178.2

 

37.6

 

(9.0

)

206.8

 

HELOC

 

1,004.1

 

167.0

 

(903.0

)

268.1

 

Total

 

$

1,600.5

 

$

930.0

 

$

(979.5

)

$

1,551.0

 

 

 

 

Future Net
R&W
Benefit at
December 31, 2009

 

R&W Development
and Accretion of
Discount During
Nine Months 2010

 

R&W Recovered
During
Nine Months 2010(1)

 

Future Net
R&W
Benefit at
September 30, 2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Prime first lien

 

$

 

$

1.0

 

$

 

$

1.0

 

Alt-A first lien

 

64.2

 

19.8

 

 

84.0

 

Option ARM

 

203.7

 

86.8

 

(42.5

)

248.0

 

Subprime

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

76.5

 

59.5

 

 

136.0

 

HELOC

 

828.7

 

98.1

 

(88.9

)

837.9

 

Total

 

$

1,173.1

 

$

265.2

 

$

(131.4

)

$

1,306.9

 

 


(1)                                  Gross amounts recovered are $1,107.8 million and $154.4 million for Nine Months 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

(2)                                  Includes R&W benefit of $649.8 million attributable to transactions covered by the Bank of America Agreement.

 

34



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance U.S. RMBS Risks with R&W Benefit

as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Number of Risks(1) as of

 

Debt Service as of

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

September 30, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Prime first lien

 

1

 

1

 

$

54.0

 

$

57.1

 

Alt-A first lien

 

20

 

17

 

1,778.4

 

1,882.8

 

Option ARM

 

11

 

10

 

1,768.0

 

1,909.8

 

Subprime

 

5

 

1

 

1,071.7

 

228.7

 

Closed-end second lien

 

4

 

4

 

378.7

 

444.9

 

HELOC

 

15

 

13

 

3,522.0

 

2,969.8

 

Total

 

56

 

46

 

$

8,572.8

 

$

7,493.1

 

 


(1)                                  A risk represents the aggregate of the financial guaranty policies that share the same revenue source for purposes of making debt service payments.

 

The following table provides a breakdown of the development and accretion amount in the roll forward of estimated recoveries associated with alleged breaches of R&W:

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Inclusion of new deals with breaches of R&W during period

 

$

1.1

 

$

 

$

108.2

 

$

62.4

 

Change in recovery assumptions as the result of additional file review and recovery success

 

43.3

 

(3.4

)

241.7

 

61.9

 

Estimated increase(decrease) in defaults that will result in additional (lower) breaches

 

(22.6

)

50.1

 

11.4

 

132.2

 

Results of Bank of America Agreement

 

129.8

 

 

559.5

 

 

Accretion of discount on balance

 

7.5

 

6.6

 

9.2

 

8.7

 

Total

 

$

159.1

 

$

53.3

 

$

930.0

 

$

265.2

 

 

The $930.0 million R&W development and accretion of discount during Nine Months 2011 in the table above resulted in large part from the Bank of America Agreement executed on April 14, 2011 related to the Company’s R&W claims and described under “Bank of America Agreement” in Note 3. The benefit of the Bank of America Agreement is included in the R&W credit for the transactions directly affected by the agreement. In addition, the Bank of America Agreement caused the Company to increase the probability of successful pursuit of R&W claims against other providers where the Company believed those providers were breaching at a similar rate. The remainder of the development during the Nine Months 2011 primarily relates to changes in recovery assumptions due to the inclusion of the terms of the Bank of America Agreement as a potential scenario for other transactions. The $159.1 million R&W development and accretion of discount during the Third Quarter 2011 in the table above primarily relates to additional recoveries for first lien transactions under the Bank of America Agreement in accordance with 80% loss sharing agreement.

 

The Company assumes that recoveries on HELOC and closed-end second lien loans that were not subject to the Bank of America Agreement will occur in two to four years from the balance sheet date depending on the scenarios and that recoveries on Alt-A first lien, Option ARM and subprime loans will occur as claims are paid over the life of the transactions. Recoveries on second lien transactions subject to the Bank of America Agreement will be paid in full by March 31, 2012.

 

As of September 30, 2011, cumulative collateral losses on the 21 first lien RMBS transactions subject to the Bank of America Agreement were approximately $1.8 billion. The Company estimates that cumulative projected collateral losses for these first lien transactions will be $4.9 billion, which will result in estimated gross expected losses to the Company of $754.2 million before considering R&W recoveries from Bank of America, and $150.8 million after considering such R&W recoveries. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had been reimbursed $34.1 million in respect of the covered first lien transactions under the Bank of America Agreement.

 

Student Loan Transactions

 

The Company has insured or reinsured $2.8 billion net par of student loan securitizations, $1.5 billion issued by private issuers and classified as asset-backed and $1.3 billion issued by public authorities and classified as public finance. Of these amounts, $240.0 million and $678.7 million, respectively, are rated BIG. The Company is projecting approximately

 

35



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

$60.4 million and $25.9 million, respectively, of expected loss to be paid in these portfolios. In general the losses are due to: (i) the poor credit performance of private student loan collateral; (ii) high interest rates on auction rate securities with respect to which the auctions have failed or (iii) high interest rates on variable rate demand obligations (“VRDO”) that have been put to the liquidity provider by the holder and are therefore bearing high “bank bond” interest rates. The largest of these losses was approximately $32.5 million and related to a transaction backed by a pool of private student loans ceded to AG Re by another monoline insurer. The guaranteed bonds were issued as auction rate securities that now bear a high rate of interest due to the downgrade of the primary insurer’s financial strength rating. Further, the underlying loan collateral has performed below expectations.

 

XXX Life Insurance Transactions

 

The Company has insured $2.0 billion of net par in XXX life insurance reserve securitizations based on discrete blocks of individual life insurance business. In each such transaction the monies raised by the sale of the bonds insured by the Company were used to capitalize a special purpose vehicle that provides reinsurance to a life insurer or reinsurer. The monies are invested at inception in accounts managed by third party investment managers. In order for the Company to incur an ultimate net loss on these transactions, adverse experience on the underlying block of life insurance policies and/or credit losses in the investment portfolio would need to exceed the level of credit enhancement built into the transaction structures. In particular, such credit losses in the investment portfolio could be realized in the event that circumstances arise resulting in the early liquidation of assets at a time when their market value is less than their intrinsic value.

 

The Company’s $2.0 billion net par of XXX life insurance transactions includes, as of September 30, 2011, a total of $882.5 million rated BIG, consisting of Class A-2 Floating Rate Notes issued by Ballantyne Re p.l.c and Series A-1 Floating Rate Notes issued by Orkney Re II p.l.c (“Orkney Re II”). The Ballantyne Re and Orkney Re II XXX transactions had material amounts of their assets invested in U.S. RMBS transactions. Based on its analysis of the information currently available, including estimates of future investment performance provided by the investment manager, and projected credit impairments on the invested assets and performance of the blocks of life insurance business at September 30, 2011, the Company’s projected expected loss to be paid of $133.2 million. The increase from the previous quarter of $61.3 million is due primarily to (i) revised estimates of investment performance provided by the investment manager and (ii) a reduction in the discount rate used to discount the projected losses.

 

Trust Preferred Securities Collateralized Debt Obligations

 

The Company has insured or reinsured $1.9 billion of net par of collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) backed by trust preferred securities (“TruPS”) and similar debt instruments, or “TruPS CDOs”.  Of that amount, $812.7 million is rated BIG.  The underlying collateral in the TruPS CDOs consists of subordinated debt instruments such as TruPS issued by bank holding companies and similar instruments issued by insurance companies, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and other real estate related issuers.

 

Of the $1.9 billion, $837.8 million was converted in June 2011 from CDS form to financial guaranty form.  Included in the amount converted are most of the TruPS CDOs currently rated BIG, including two TruPS CDOs for which the Company is projecting losses.  The Company projects losses for TruPS CDOs by projecting the performance of the asset pools across several scenarios (which it weights) and applying the CDO structures to the resulting cash flows.  For the Third Quarter, the Company has projected expected losses to be paid for TruPS CDOs of $13.1 million.

 

Other Notable Loss or Claim Transactions

 

The preceding pages describe the asset classes in the financial guaranty portfolio that encompass most of the Company’s projected losses. The Company also projects losses on, or is monitoring particularly closely, a number of other transactions, the most significant of which are described in the following paragraphs.

 

The Company has net exposure to Jefferson County, Alabama of $731.8 million.  On November 9, 2011, Jefferson County filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama (Southern Division).

 

Most of the Company’s exposure relates to $495.8 million of warrants issued by Jefferson County in respect of its sewer system, of which $135.2 million is derived from insurance policies issued by AGM and $360.6 million is derived from reinsurance provided by AG Re or AGC.  Jefferson County’s sewer revenue warrants are secured by a pledge of the net revenues of the sewer system, which should qualify as “special revenue” under Chapter 9.  Therefore, the Company believes that during Jefferson County’s Chapter 9 case, the net revenues of the sewer system should not be subject to an automatic stay and should continue to be applied to the payment of debt service on the sewer revenue warrants after the payment of sewer system operating expenses.  The Company has projected expected loss to be paid of $18.0 million as of September 30, 2011 on the sewer revenue warrants, which estimate is based on a number of probability-weighted scenarios.

 

The Company’s remaining net exposure of $236.0 million relates to bonds issued by Jefferson County that are secured by, or payable from, certain revenues, taxes or lease payments that may have the benefit of a statutory lien or a lien on “special revenues” or other collateral.  AGM has issued insurance policies in respect of $164.1 million of this exposure and AG Re has provided reinsurance on the other $71.9 million.  The Company projects less than $1 million of expected loss to be paid as of September 30, 2011 on these bonds.

 

The Company expects that bondholder rights will be enforced.  However, due to the early stage of the bankruptcy proceeding, and the circumstances surrounding Jefferson County’s debt, the nature of the action is uncertain.  The Company will continue to analyze developments in the matter closely.

 

36


 


Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The Company has projected expected loss to be paid of $17.6 million on a transaction backed by revenues generated by telephone directory “yellow pages” (both print and digital) in various jurisdictions with a net par of $110.7 million and guaranteed by Ambac Assurance Corporation (“Ambac”). This estimate is based primarily on the Company’s view of how quickly “yellow pages” revenues are likely to decline in the future. The increase from the previous quarter is due primarily to the Company’s revised view of likely future revenue declines given the continued deterioration in recent performance.

 

The Company has projected expected loss to be paid of $15.6 million on one transaction from 2000 backed by manufactured housing loans with a net par of $65.1 million. The increase of $1.1 million from the previous quarter is due primarily to a reduction in the discount rate used to discount projected losses. The Company insures a total of $347.7 million net par of securities backed by manufactured housing loans, a total of $233.6 million rated BIG.

 

The Company has $170.1 million of net par exposure to The City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, of which $97.5 million is BIG. The Company has paid $5.1 million in net claims to date, and expects a full recovery.

 

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had exposure to sovereign debt of Greece through financial guarantees of €200.0 million of debt (€165.1 million on a net basis) due in 2037 with a 4.5% fixed coupon and €113.5 million of debt (€52.4 million on a net basis) due in 2057 with a 2.085% inflation-linked coupon. The Hellenic Republic of Greece, as obligor, has been paying interest on such notes on a timely basis. On October 26, 2011, officials from the European Commission announced a set of Greek debt relief measures that call for voluntary reductions of 50% of the notional amount of Greek sovereign debt held by banks and other private creditors. Based on preliminary reports that the proposal is voluntary and not binding on all bondholders, the Company does not believe the proposal should trigger claim payments under its financial guarantees, each of which had been issued in a bilateral transaction to an entity holding a portion of the debt.  The Company will evaluate the impact of these measures as details become available.

 

Recovery Litigation

 

RMBS Transactions

 

As of the date of this filing, AGM and AGC have filed lawsuits with regard to six second lien U.S. RMBS transactions insured by them, alleging breaches of R&W both in respect of the underlying loans in the transactions and the accuracy of the information provided to AGM and AGC, and failure to cure or repurchase defective loans identified by AGM and AGC to such persons. These transactions consist of the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-GP1, the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL2 and the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL3 transactions (in each of which AGC or AGM has sued Deutsche Bank AG affiliates DB Structured Products, Inc. and ACE Securities Corp. in the Supreme Court of the State of New York), the SACO I Trust 2005-GP1 transaction (in which AGC has sued JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s affiliate EMC Mortgage Corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York) and the Flagstar Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2005-1 and Series 2006-2 transactions (in which AGM has sued Flagstar Bank, FSB, Flagstar Capital Markets Corporation and Flagstar ABS, LLC in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York). In these lawsuits, AGM and AGC seek damages, including indemnity or reimbursement for losses.

 

In October 2011, AGM and AGC brought an action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. (“DLJ”) and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“Credit Suisse”) with regard to six first lien U.S. RMBS transactions insured by them: CSAB Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2006-2; CSAB Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2006-3; CSAB Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2006-4; CMSC Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2007-3; CSAB Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2007-1; and TBW Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2007-2. The complaint alleges breaches of R&W against DLJ in respect of the underlying loans in the transactions, breaches of R&W against DLJ and Credit Suisse in respect of the accuracy of the information provided to the rating agencies, and failure by DLJ to cure or repurchase defective loans identified by AGM or AGC.  In this lawsuit, AGM and AGC seek damages.

 

AGM has also filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, against UBS Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., as underwriters, as well as several named and unnamed control persons of IndyMac Bank, FSB and related IndyMac entities, with regard to two U.S. RMBS transactions that AGM had insured, seeking damages for alleged violations of state securities laws and breach of contract, among other claims. One of these transactions (referred to as IndyMac Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-H1) is a second lien transaction and the other (referred to as IndyMac IMSC Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-HOA-1) is a first lien transaction.

 

37



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

XXX Life Insurance Transactions

 

In December 2008, Assured Guaranty (UK) Ltd. (“AGUK”) sued J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (“JPMIM”), the investment manager in the Orkney Re II transaction, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York alleging that JPMIM engaged in breaches of fiduciary duty, gross negligence and breaches of contract based upon its handling of the investments of Orkney Re II. In January 2010, the court ruled against AGUK on a motion to dismiss filed by JPMIM, dismissing the AGUK’s claims for breaches of fiduciary duty and gross negligence on the ground that such claims are preempted by the Martin Act, which is New York’s blue sky law, such that only the New York Attorney General has the authority to sue JPMIM. AGUK appealed and, in November 2010, the Appellate Division (First Department) issued a ruling, ordering the court’s order to be modified to reinstate AGUK’s claims for breach of fiduciary duty and gross negligence and certain of its claims for breach of contract, in each case for claims accruing on or after June 26, 2007. In December 2010, JPMIM filed a motion for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeals on the Martin Act issue; that motion was granted in February 2011. Both parties have submitted their papers in respect of the appeal and oral argument on the appeal has been set for November 2011.  Separately, at the trial court level, a preliminary conference order related to discovery was entered in February 2011 and discovery has commenced.

 

Public Finance Transactions

 

In June 2010, AGM sued JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and JPMorgan Securities, Inc. (together, “JPMorgan”), the underwriter of debt issued by Jefferson County, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York alleging that JPMorgan induced AGM to issue its insurance policies in respect of such debt through material and fraudulent misrepresentations and omissions, including concealing that it had secured its position as underwriter and swap provider through bribes to Jefferson County commissioners and others. In December 2010, the court denied JPMorgan’s motion to dismiss. AGM is continuing its risk remediation efforts for this exposure.

 

In September 2010, AGM, together with TD Bank, National Association and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as trustees, filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania against The Harrisburg Authority, The City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the Treasurer of the City in connection with certain Resource Recovery Facility bonds and notes issued by The Harrisburg Authority, alleging, among other claims, breach of contract by both The Harrisburg Authority and The City of Harrisburg, and seeking remedies including an order of mandamus compelling the City to satisfy its obligations on the defaulted bonds and notes and the appointment of a receiver for The Harrisburg Authority.  Acting on its own, the City Council of Harrisburg filed a purported bankruptcy petition for the City on October 11, 2011. As a result of the bankruptcy petition, the actions brought by AGM and the trustees against the City and The Harrisburg Authority have been stayed. A number of parties in interest, including AGM and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, have filed objections seeking the dismissal of the bankruptcy petition filed by City Council.  A hearing to address the objections raised to date has been scheduled by the Bankruptcy Judge for November 23, 2011.

 

Net Loss Summary

 

The following table provides information on loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance and salvage and subrogation recoverable on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Loss and LAE Reserve (Recovery)

Net of Reinsurance and Salvage and Subrogation Recoverable

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Loss and
LAE
Reserve(1)

 

Salvage and
Subrogation
Recoverable(2)

 

Net

 

Loss and
LAE
Reserve(1)

 

Salvage and
Subrogation
Recoverable(2)

 

Net

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.8

 

$

 

$

1.8

 

$

1.2

 

$

 

1.2

 

Alt-A first lien

 

70.9

 

47.7

 

23.2

 

39.2

 

2.6

 

36.6

 

Option ARM

 

167.0

 

121.1

 

45.9

 

223.3

 

63.0

 

160.3

 

Subprime

 

101.5

 

 

101.5

 

108.3

 

0.1

 

108.2

 

Total first lien

 

341.2

 

168.8

 

172.4

 

372.0

 

65.7

 

306.3

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

9.3

 

114.1

 

(104.8

)

7.7

 

50.3

 

(42.6

)

HELOC

 

49.5

 

198.4

 

(148.9

)

7.1

 

843.4

 

(836.3

)

Total second lien

 

58.8

 

312.5

 

(253.7

)

14.8

 

893.7

 

(878.9

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

400.0

 

481.3

 

(81.3

)

386.8

 

959.4

 

(572.6

)

Other structured finance

 

239.1

 

5.8

 

233.3

 

131.1

 

1.4

 

129.7

 

Public finance

 

56.5

 

64.3

 

(7.8

)

81.6

 

34.4

 

47.2

 

Total financial guaranty

 

695.6

 

551.4

 

144.2

 

599.5

 

995.2

 

(395.7

)

Other

 

1.9

 

 

1.9

 

2.1

 

 

2.1

 

Subtotal

 

697.5

 

551.4

 

146.1

 

601.6

 

995.2

 

(393.6

)

Effect of consolidating FG VIEs

 

(74.8

)

(236.8

)

162.0

 

(49.5

)

(92.2

)

42.7

 

Total

 

$

622.7

 

$

314.6

 

$

308.1

 

$

552.1

 

$

903.0

 

$

(350.9

)

 

38



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 


(1)                                  The September 30, 2011 loss and LAE consists of $670.7 million loss and LAE reserve net of $48.0 million of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses. The December 31, 2010 loss and LAE consists of $574.4 million loss and LAE reserve net of $22.3 million of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses.

 

(2)                                  Salvage and subrogation recoverable is net of $45.6 million and $129.4 million in ceded salvage and subrogation recorded in “reinsurance balances payable” at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The decrease from December 31, 2010 to September 30, 2011, primarily represents cash collected under the Bank of America Agreement.

 

The following table presents the loss and LAE by sector for financial guaranty insurance contracts that was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Amounts presented are net of reinsurance and net of the benefit for recoveries from breaches of R&W.

 

Loss and LAE Reported

on the Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

Financial Guaranty:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

(0.4

)

$

0.5

 

$

0.7

 

$

0.5

 

Alt-A first lien

 

25.2

 

8.8

 

52.6

 

22.3

 

Option ARM

 

92.4

 

65.3

 

133.7

 

166.3

 

Subprime

 

15.7

 

9.9

 

10.6

 

50.9

 

Total first lien

 

132.9

 

84.5

 

197.6

 

240.0

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

22.6

 

4.8

 

7.0

 

(2.3

)

HELOC

 

18.5

 

17.2

 

115.7

 

52.0

 

Total second lien

 

41.1

 

22.0

 

122.7

 

49.7

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

174.0

 

106.5

 

320.3

 

289.7

 

Other structured finance

 

83.8

 

15.0

 

115.2

 

51.6

 

Public finance

 

(5.2

)

(0.6

)

(16.9

)

10.3

 

Total financial guaranty

 

252.6

 

120.9

 

418.6

 

351.6

 

Other

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

Subtotal

 

252.8

 

121.0

 

418.8

 

351.8

 

Effect of consolidating FG VIEs

 

(37.9

)

(10.2

)

(105.5

)

(44.4

)

Total loss and LAE (recoveries)

 

$

214.9

 

$

110.8

 

$

313.3

 

$

307.4

 

 

39



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Net Losses Paid (Recovered) on Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts(1)

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Financial Guaranty:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Alt-A first lien

 

16.6

 

14.1

 

55.2

 

43.1

 

Option ARM

 

74.5

 

54.3

 

242.9

 

103.4

 

Subprime

 

0.8

 

0.7

 

16.5

 

3.0

 

Total first lien

 

91.9

 

69.1

 

314.6

 

149.5

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

1.5

 

20.1

 

43.2

 

60.0

 

HELOC

 

23.9

 

129.5

 

(638.8

)

445.3

 

Total second lien

 

25.4

 

149.6

 

(595.6

)

505.3

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

117.3

 

218.7

 

(281.0

)

654.8

 

Other structured finance

 

4.7

 

1.9

 

7.7

 

7.5

 

Public finance

 

30.2

 

22.9

 

39.4

 

57.1

 

Total financial guaranty

 

152.2

 

243.5

 

(233.9

)

719.4

 

Other

 

 

0.2

 

 

0.2

 

Subtotal

 

152.2

 

243.7

 

(233.9

)

719.6

 

Effect of consolidating FG VIEs

 

(47.5

)

(37.0

)

(59.7

)

(95.9

)

Total

 

$

104.7

 

$

206.7

 

$

(293.6

)

$

623.7

 

 


(1)                                  Includes the effect of loss mitigation efforts and cessions not yet settled.

 

The following table provides information on financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance contracts categorized as BIG as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance BIG Transaction Loss Summary

September 30, 2011

 

 

 

BIG Categories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Effect of

 

 

 

 

 

BIG 1

 

BIG 2

 

BIG 3

 

BIG,

 

Consolidating

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Net(1)

 

VIEs

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Number of risks(2)

 

165

 

(62

)

72

 

(26

)

127

 

(50

)

364

 

 

364

 

Remaining weighted average contract period (in years)

 

11.9

 

14.6

 

9.7

 

6.6

 

8.7

 

6.0

 

10.1

 

 

10.1

 

Net outstanding exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

$

7,451.1

 

$

(760.5

)

$

5,417.4

 

$

(226.3

)

$

7,844.2

 

$

(651.7

)

$

19,074.2

 

$

 

$

19,074.2

 

Interest

 

4,269.4

 

(561.3

)

2,804.2

 

(74.9

)

2,280.8

 

(171.3

)

8,546.9

 

 

8,546.9

 

Total

 

$

11,720.5

 

$

(1,321.8

)

$

8,221.6

 

$

(301.2

)

$

10,125.0

 

$

(823.0

)

$

27,621.1

 

$

 

$

27,621.1

 

Expected cash outflows (inflows)

 

$

456.7

 

$

(89.1

)

$

1,775.8

 

$

(114.1

)

$

2,208.9

 

$

(137.8

)

$

4,100.4

 

$

(591.2

)

$

3,509.2

 

Potential recoveries(3)

 

(616.3

)

114.0

 

(811.4

)

29.4

 

(1,759.6

)

96.9

 

(2,947.0

)

599.2

 

(2,347.8

)

Subtotal

 

(159.6

)

24.9

 

964.4

 

(84.7

)

449.3

 

(40.9

)

1,153.4

 

8.0

 

1,161.4

 

Discount

 

47.2

 

(2.9

)

(345.5

)

35.4

 

(110.4

)

(3.8

)

(380.0

)

26.2

 

(353.8

)

Present value of expected cash flows

 

$

(112.4

)

$

22.0

 

$

618.9

 

$

(49.3

)

$

338.9

 

$

(44.7

)

$

773.4

 

$

34.2

 

$

807.6

 

Deferred premium revenue

 

$

96.8

 

$

(18.3

)

$

394.7

 

$

(23.7

)

$

995.1

 

$

(122.2

)

$

1,322.4

 

$

(405.9

)

$

916.5

 

Reserves (salvage)(4)

 

$

(128.0

)

$

25.5

 

$

360.9

 

$

(36.8

)

$

(86.5

)

$

9.1

 

$

144.2

 

$

162.0

 

$

306.2

 

 

40



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance BIG Transaction Loss Summary

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

BIG Categories
(restated)

 

 

 

BIG 1

 

BIG 2

 

BIG 3

 

Total
BIG,

 

Effect of
Consolidating

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Net(1)

 

VIEs

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Number of risks(2)

 

119

 

(45

)

98

 

(42

)

115

 

(42

)

332

 

 

332

 

Remaining weighted average contract period (in years)

 

11.7

 

16.0

 

8.4

 

7.9

 

8.8

 

6.0

 

9.6

 

 

9.6

 

Net outstanding exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

$

6,173.0

 

$

(723.3

)

$

5,899.3

 

$

(182.8

)

$

7,954.5

 

$

(673.6

)

$

18,447.1

 

$

 

$

18,447.1

 

Interest

 

3,599.5

 

(580.4

)

2,601.6

 

(70.9

)

2,490.7

 

(186.3

)

7,854.2

 

 

7,854.2

 

Total

 

$

9,772.5

 

$

(1,303.7

)

$

8,500.9

 

$

(253.7

)

$

10,445.2

 

$

(859.9

)

$

26,301.3

 

$

 

$

26,301.3

 

Expected cash outflows (inflows)

 

$

303.9

 

$

(20.2

)

$

2,036.6

 

$

(68.9

)

$

2,256.6

 

$

(133.2

)

$

4,374.8

 

$

(384.2

)

$

3,990.6

 

Potential recoveries(3)

 

(375.2

)

37.4

 

(533.0

)

16.6

 

(2,543.6

)

197.5

 

(3,200.3

)

354.8

 

(2,845.5

)

Subtotal

 

(71.3

)

17.2

 

1,503.6

 

(52.3

)

(287.0

)

64.3

 

1,174.5

 

(29.4

)

1,145.1

 

Discount

 

(21.0

)

(5.5

)

(613.2

)

21.5

 

(139.6

)

(7.9

)

(765.7

)

(19.8

)

(785.5

)

Present value of expected cash flows

 

$

(92.3

)

$

11.7

 

$

890.4

 

$

(30.8

)

$

(426.6

)

$

56.4

 

$

408.8

 

$

(49.2

)

$

359.6

 

Deferred premium revenue

 

$

169.9

 

$

(16.9

)

$

572.4

 

$

(30.3

)

$

995.9

 

$

(120.7

)

$

1,570.3

 

$

(263.9

)

$

1,306.4

 

Reserves (salvage)(4)

 

$

(112.9

)

$

12.4

 

$

424.4

 

$

(9.5

)

$

(815.9

)

$

105.8

 

$

(395.7

)

$

42.7

 

$

(353.0

)

 


(1)           Includes BIG amounts related to FG VIEs.

 

(2)           A risk represents the aggregate of the financial guaranty policies that share the same revenue source for purposes of making debt service payments.

 

(3)           Includes estimated future recoveries for breaches of R&W as well as excess spread, and draws on HELOCs.

 

(4)           See table “Components of net reserves (salvage)”.

 

Components of Net Reserves (Salvage)

 

 

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

As of
December 31, 2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Loss and LAE reserve

 

$

670.7

 

$

574.4

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

(48.0

)

(22.3

)

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

 

(360.2

)

(1,032.4

)

Salvage and subrogation payable(1)

 

45.6

 

129.4

 

Total

 

308.1

 

(350.9

)

Less: other

 

1.9

 

2.1

 

Financial guaranty reserves, net of salvage and subrogation

 

$

306.2

 

$

(353.0

)

 


(1)                                  Recorded as a component of reinsurance balances payable.

 

41



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Ratings Impact on Financial Guaranty Business

 

A downgrade of one of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries may result in increased claims under financial guaranties issued by the Company. In particular, with respect to VRDO for which a bank has agreed to provide a liquidity facility, a downgrade of the insurer may provide the bank with the right to give notice to bondholders that the bank will terminate the liquidity facility, causing the bondholders to tender their bonds to the bank. Bonds held by the bank accrue interest at a “bank bond” rate that is higher than the rate otherwise borne by the bond (typically the prime rate plus 2.00%-3.00%, often with a floor of 7%, and capped at the maximum legal limit). In the event that the bank holds such bonds for longer than a specified period of time, usually 90-180 days, additionally the bank has the right to demand accelerated repayment of bond principal, usually through payment of equal installments over a period of not less than five years. In the event that a municipal obligor is unable to pay interest accruing at the bank bond rate or to pay principal during the shortened amortization period, a claim could be submitted to the insurer under its financial guaranty policy. As of the date of this filing, the Company has insured approximately $1.0 billion of par of VRDO issued by municipal obligors rated BBB- or lower pursuant to the Company’s internal rating. For a number of such obligations, a downgrade of the insurer below A+, in the case of S&P, or below A1, in the case of Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”), triggers the ability of the bank to notify bondholders of the termination of the liquidity facility and to demand accelerated repayment of bond principal over a period of five to ten years. The specific terms relating to the rating levels that trigger the bank’s termination right, and whether it is triggered by a downgrade by one rating agency or a downgrade by all rating agencies then rating the insurer, vary depending on the transaction. See also Note 14 for a discussion of the impact of a downgrade in the financial strength rating on the Company’s insured leveraged lease transactions.

 

6. Fair Value Measurement

 

The Company carries the majority of its assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., exit price). The price represents the price available in the principal market for the asset or liability. If there is no principal market, then the price is based hypothetically, on a market that maximizes the value received for an asset or minimizes the amount paid for a liability (i.e., the most advantageous market).

 

Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based on either internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, market-based or independently sourced market parameters, including but not limited to yield curves, interest rates and debt prices or with the assistance of an independent third party using a discounted cash flow approach and the third party’s proprietary pricing models. In addition to market information, models also incorporate transaction details, such as maturity of the instrument and contractual features designed to reduce the Company’s credit exposure such as collateral rights.

 

Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality, the Company’s creditworthiness, constraints on liquidity and unobservable parameters. As markets and products develop and the pricing for certain products becomes more or less transparent, the Company continues to refine its methodologies. During 2011, no changes were made to the Company’s valuation models that had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets or statements of operations and comprehensive income.

 

The Company’s methods for calculating fair value produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. The use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

 

The fair value hierarchy is determined based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Company estimates of market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes model inputs into three broad levels as follows, with level 1 being the highest and level 3 the lowest. An asset or liability’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. All three levels require the use of observable market data when available.

 

Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

42


 


Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and observable inputs other than quoted prices, such as interest rates or yield curves and other inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market inputs.

 

Level 3—Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Financial instruments are considered Level 3 when their values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable. Level 3 financial instruments also include those for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

 

Transfers between levels 1, 2 and 3 are recognized at the beginning of the period when the transfer occurs. The Company reviews the classification between levels 1, 2 and 3 quarterly to determine, based on the definitions provided, whether a transfer is necessary. The committed capital securities (“CCS”) were transferred to Level 3 on the fair value hierarchy in Third Quarter 2011 because the Company was no longer able to obtain the same level of pricing information as in past quarters.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance that develops common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements to improve the comparability of financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The new guidance does not require additional fair value measurements and is not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting. The amendments are to be applied prospectively and are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, which corresponds to the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year 2012. Early application by public entities is not permitted. Accordingly, the Company has not yet adopted this guidance and is evaluating the impact of this pronouncement.

 

Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

 

Amounts recorded at fair value in the Company’s financial statements are included in the tables below.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment portfolio, available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

936.4

 

$

 

$

936.4

 

$

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

5,368.4

 

 

5,368.4

 

 

Corporate securities

 

1,110.7

 

 

1,110.7

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,329.6

 

 

1,237.7

 

91.9

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”)

 

508.4

 

 

508.4

 

 

Asset-backed securities

 

501.1

 

 

250.6

 

250.5

 

Foreign government securities

 

336.6

 

 

336.6

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

10,091.2

 

 

9,748.8

 

342.4

 

Short-term investments

 

873.3

 

151.7

 

721.6

 

 

Other invested assets(1)

 

106.0

 

0.2

 

95.2

 

10.6

 

Credit derivative assets

 

467.2

 

 

 

467.2

 

FG VIEs’ assets, at fair value

 

3,005.4

 

 

 

3,005.4

 

Other assets(2)

 

47.7

 

25.5

 

 

22.2

 

Total assets carried at fair value

 

$

14,590.8

 

$

177.4

 

$

10,565.6

 

$

3,847.8

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

$

1,495.3

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,495.3

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities with recourse, at fair value

 

2,575.6

 

 

 

2,575.6

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities without recourse, at fair value

 

1,133.0

 

 

 

1,133.0

 

Total liabilities carried at fair value

 

$

5,203.9

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,203.9

 

 

43



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

(restated)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment portfolio, available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

1,048.2

 

$

 

$

1,048.2

 

$

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

4,959.9

 

 

4,959.9

 

 

Corporate securities

 

992.5

 

 

992.5

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,171.1

 

 

1,071.7

 

99.4

 

CMBS

 

379.1

 

 

379.1

 

 

Asset-backed securities

 

502.9

 

 

292.7

 

210.2

 

Foreign government securities

 

348.6

 

 

348.6

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

9,402.3

 

 

9,092.7

 

309.6

 

Short-term investments

 

1,055.6

 

277.4

 

778.2

 

 

Other invested assets(1)

 

33.3

 

0.2

 

21.4

 

11.7

 

Credit derivative assets

 

592.9

 

 

 

592.9

 

FG VIEs’ assets, at fair value

 

3,657.5

 

 

 

3,657.5

 

Other assets(2)

 

44.4

 

25.7

 

18.7

 

 

Total assets carried at fair value

 

$

14,786.0

 

$

303.3

 

$

9,911.0

 

$

4,571.7

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

$

2,462.8

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,462.8

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities with recourse, at fair value

 

3,030.9

 

 

 

3,030.9

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities without recourse, at fair value

 

1,337.2

 

 

 

1,337.2

 

Other liabilities

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

 

Total liabilities carried at fair value

 

$

6,831.0

 

$

 

$

0.1

 

$

6,830.9

 

 


(1)                                 Includes mortgage loans that are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, such investments were carried at their market value of $8.7 million and $9.4 million, respectively. The mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as there are significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of such loans. An indicative dealer quote is used to price the non-performing portion of these mortgage loans. The performing loans are valued using management’s determination of future cash flows arising from these loans, discounted at the rate of return that would be required by a market participant. This rate of return is based on indicative dealer quotes.

 

(2)                                 Includes fair value of CCS and supplemental executive retirement account assets.

 

44



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

 

The table below presents a roll forward of financial instruments whose fair value included significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

 

Fair Value Level 3 Roll Forward

Recurring Basis

 

 

 

Third Quarter 2011

 

 

 

Fixed Maturity
Securities

 

 

 

FG VIEs’

 

 

 

Credit
Derivative

 

FG VIEs’
Liabilities

 

FG VIEs’
Liabilities

 

 

 

RMBS

 

Asset-
Backed
Securities

 

Other
Invested
Assets

 

Assets at
Fair
Value

 

Other Assets

 

Asset
(Liability),
net(5)

 

with
Recourse,
at Fair Value

 

without
Recourse, at
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fair value at June 30, 2011

 

$

88.0

 

$

273.9

 

$

2.0

 

$

3,492.2

 

$

 

$

(2,187.5

)

$

(2,848.9

)

$

(1,282.5

)

Total pretax realized and unrealized gains/(losses) recorded in(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

6.0

(2)

(7.4

)(2)

 

(312.5

)(3)

2.4

(4)

1,155.9

(6)

97.6

(3)

89.4

(3)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(36.8

)

(15.1

)

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

42.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

(8.1

)

(0.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

 

 

 

 

(174.3

)

 

3.5

 

175.7

 

60.1

 

FG VIE consolidations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

19.8

 

 

 

 

Fair value at September 30, 2011

 

$

91.9

 

$

250.5

 

$

1.9

 

$

3,005.4

 

$

22.2

 

$

(1,028.1

)

$

(2,575.6

)

$

(1,133.0

)

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) related to financial instruments held at September 30, 2011

 

$

(36.8

)

$

(15.1

)

$

(0.1

)

$

(180.1

)

$

2.4

 

$

1,159.3

 

$

97.5

 

$

60.2

 

 

45



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Third Quarter 2010
(restated)

 

 

 

Fixed Maturity
Securities

 

 

 

FG VIEs’

 

Credit
Derivative

 

FG VIEs’

 

FG VIEs’

 

 

 

RMBS

 

Asset-
Backed
Securities

 

Other
Invested
Assets

 

Assets at
Fair
Value

 

Asset
(Liability),
net(5)

 

Liabilities
with Recourse,
at Fair Value

 

Liabilities without
Recourse, at Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fair value at June 30, 2010

 

$

102.9

 

$

230.3

 

$

2.6

 

$

1,844.7

 

$

(1,274.9

)

$

(2,107.5

)

$

(184.9

)

Total pretax realized and unrealized gains/(losses) recorded in(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(4.9

)(2)

(0.2

)(2)

 

79.6

(3)

(224.0

)(6)

146.2

(3)

19.5

(3)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

22.1

 

(8.3

)

(0.2

)

 

 

 

 

Purchases, issuances, sales, settlements, net

 

(4.4

)

7.1

 

 

(49.7

)

(197.7

)

23.4

 

(16.0

)

FG VIE consolidations, deconsolidations, net

 

 

 

 

422.1

 

 

(383.0

)

(55.5

)

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value at September 30, 2010

 

$

115.7

 

$

228.9

 

$

2.4

 

$

2,296.7

 

$

(1,696.6

)

$

(2,320.9

)

$

(236.9

)

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) related to financial instruments held at September 30, 2010

 

$

22.1

 

$

(8.3

)

$

2.7

 

$

123.9

 

$

(277.1

)

$

131.0

 

$

60.2

 

 

 

 

Nine Months 2011

 

 

 

Fixed Maturity Securities

 

 

 

FG VIEs’

 

 

 

Credit
Derivative

 

FG VIEs’

 

FG VIEs’

 

 

 

RMBS

 

Asset-
Backed
Securities

 

Other
Invested
Assets

 

Assets
at Fair
Value

 

Other Assets

 

Asset
(Liability),
net(5)

 

Liabilities
with Recourse,
at Fair Value

 

Liabilities without
Recourse, at Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fair value at December 31, 2010

 

$

99.4

 

$

210.2

 

$

2.3

 

$

3,657.5

 

$

 

$

(1,869.9

)

$

(3,030.9

)

$

(1,337.2

)

Total pretax realized and unrealized gains/(losses) recorded in(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(25.3

)(2)

(3.7

)(2)

 

(289.7

)(3)

2.4

(4)

854.9

(6)

101.4

(3)

40.4

(3)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(84.5

)

(2.1

)

(0.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

195.0

 

47.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

(29.1

)

(1.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

 

 

 

 

(644.8

)

 

(13.1

)

626.3

 

226.9

 

FG VIE Consolidations

 

(63.6

)

 

 

282.4

 

 

 

(272.4

)

(63.1

)

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

19.8

 

 

 

 

Fair value at September 30, 2011

 

$

91.9

 

$

250.5

 

$

1.9

 

$

3,005.4

 

$

22.2

 

$

(1,028.1

)

$

(2,575.6

)

$

(1,133.0

)

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) related to financial instruments held at September 30, 2011

 

$

(84.5

)

$

(2.1

)

$

(0.4

)

$

168.2

 

$

2.4

 

$

847.6

 

$

95.1

 

$

(111.8

)

 

46



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Nine Months 2010
(restated)

 

 

 

Fixed Maturity Securities

 

 

 

 

 

Credit
Derivative

 

FG VIEs’
Liabilities

 

FG VIEs’
Liabilities

 

 

 

RMBS

 

Asset-
Backed
Securities

 

Other
Invested
Assets

 

FG VIEs’
Assets
at Fair Value

 

Asset
(Liability),
net(5)

 

with
Recourse,
at Fair Value

 

without
Recourse, at Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fair value at December 31, 2009

 

$

 

$

203.9

 

$

0.2

 

$

 

$

(1,542.1

)

$

 

$

 

Adoption of new accounting standard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,925.3

 

 

(2,110.9

)

(226.0

)

Fair value at January 1, 2010

 

 

203.9

 

0.2

 

1,925.3

 

(1,542.1

)

(2,110.9

)

(226.0

)

Total pretax realized and unrealized gains/(losses) recorded in(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

0.7

(2)

(15.4

)(2)

 

62.6

(3)

128.3

(6)

158.5

(3)

27.0

(3)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(37.5

)

0.8

 

(0.4

)

 

 

 

 

Purchases, issuances, sales, settlements, net

 

88.7

 

20.8

 

2.6

 

(164.2

)

(282.8

)

86.0

 

17.6

 

FG VIE consolidations, deconsolidations, net

 

 

 

 

473.0

 

 

(454.5

)

(55.5

)

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3(7)

 

 

63.8

 

 

18.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value at September 30, 2010

 

$

115.7

 

$

228.9

 

$

2.4

 

$

2,296.7

 

$

(1,696.6

)

$

(2,320.9

)

$

(236.9

)

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) related to financial instruments held at September 30, 2010

 

$

(37.5

)

$

0.8

 

$

2.4

 

$

220.4

 

$

17.5

 

$

(119.9

)

$

1.5

 

 


(1)

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) from changes in values of Level 3 financial instruments represent gains (losses) from changes in values of those financial instruments only for the periods in which the instruments were classified as Level 3.

 

 

 

(2)

 

Included in net realized investment gains (losses) and net investment income.

 

 

 

(3)

 

Included in net change in fair value of FG VIEs.

 

 

 

(4)

 

Recorded in fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities.

 

 

 

(5)

 

Represents net position of credit derivatives. The consolidated balance sheet presents gross assets and liabilities based on net counterparty exposure.

 

 

 

(6)

 

Reported in net change in fair value of credit derivatives.

 

 

 

(7)

 

After analyzing prices provided by a third party pricing service, the Company determined it was necessary to reduce the pricing on one security based on the Company’s own cash flow analysis which was deemed a level 3.

 

47



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments are presented in the following table:

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

 

 

As of September 30,
2011

 

As of December 31,
2010

 

 

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

(restated)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

$

10,091.2

 

$

10,091.2

 

$

9,402.3

 

$

9,402.3

 

Short-term investments

 

873.3

 

873.3

 

1,055.6

 

1,055.6

 

Other invested assets

 

238.6

 

248.3

 

259.8

 

269.7

 

Credit derivative assets

 

467.2

 

467.2

 

592.9

 

592.9

 

FG VIE’s assets, at fair value

 

3,005.4

 

3,005.4

 

3,657.5

 

3,657.5

 

Other assets

 

47.7

 

47.7

 

44.4

 

44.4

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial guaranty insurance contracts(1)

 

4,813.4

 

4,259.8

 

4,777.6

 

5,582.8

 

Long-term debt(2)

 

1,041.7

 

1,079.6

 

1,052.9

 

1,074.5

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

1,495.3

 

1,495.3

 

2,462.8

 

2,462.8

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities with recourse, at fair value

 

2,575.6

 

2,575.6

 

3,030.9

 

3,030.9

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities without recourse, at fair value

 

1,133.0

 

1,133.0

 

1,337.2

 

1,337.2

 

 


(1)                                 Carrying amount includes the balance sheet amounts related to financial guaranty insurance contract premiums and losses, net of reinsurance. Fair value measurement is Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

(2)                                 Carrying amount represented principal less accumulated discount or plus accumulated premium. Fair value measurement is Level 2 and Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

7. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives

 

The Company has a portfolio of financial guaranty contracts accounted for as derivatives (primarily CDS) that meet the definition of a derivative in accordance with GAAP. Until the Company ceased selling credit protection through credit derivative contracts in the beginning of 2009, following the issuance of regulatory guidelines that limited the terms under which the credit protection could be sold, management considered these agreements to be a normal part of its financial guaranty business. The potential capital or margin requirements that may apply under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contributed to the decision of the Company not to sell new credit protection through CDS in the foreseeable future.

 

Credit derivative transactions are governed by ISDA documentation and have different characteristics from financial guaranty insurance contracts. For example, the Company’s control rights with respect to a reference obligation under a credit derivative may be more limited than when the Company issues a financial guaranty insurance contract. In addition, while the Company’s exposure under credit derivatives, like the Company’s exposure under financial guaranty insurance contracts, has been generally for as long as the reference obligation remains outstanding, unlike financial guaranty contracts, a credit derivative may be terminated for a breach of the ISDA documentation or other specific events. A loss payment is made only upon the occurrence of one or more defined credit events with respect to the referenced securities or loans. A credit event may be a non-payment event such as a failure to pay, bankruptcy or restructuring, as negotiated by the parties to the credit derivative transactions. If events of default or termination events specified in the credit derivative documentation were to occur, the non-defaulting or the non-affected party, which may be either the Company or the counterparty, depending upon the circumstances, may decide to terminate a credit derivative prior to maturity. The Company may be required to make a termination payment to its swap counterparty upon such termination. The Company may not unilaterally terminate a CDS contract; however, the Company has mutually agreed with various counterparties to terminate certain CDS transactions. See “Net Change in Fair Value of Credit Derivatives.”

 

48



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Credit Derivative Net Par Outstanding by Sector

 

The estimated remaining weighted average life of credit derivatives was 4.5 years at September 30, 2011 and 4.9 years at December 31, 2010. The components of the Company’s credit derivative net par outstanding are presented below.

 

Credit Derivatives Net Par Outstanding

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

Asset Type

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Original
Subordination
(1)

 

Current
Subordination
(1)

 

Weighted
Average
Credit
Rating

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Original
Subordination
(1)

 

Current
Subordination
(1)

 

Weighted
Average
Credit
Rating

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Pooled corporate obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collateralized loan obligations/Collateralized bond obligations

 

$

36,983

 

32.7

%

32.1

%

AAA

 

$

45,953

 

32.2

%

30.4

%

AAA

 

Synthetic investment grade pooled corporate

 

13,379

 

19.8

 

18.4

 

AAA

 

14,905

 

19.2

 

17.6

 

AAA

 

Synthetic high-yield pooled corporate

 

6,027

 

35.6

 

30.5

 

AAA

 

8,249

 

39.4

 

34.6

 

AA+

 

Trust preferred securities collateralized debt obligations

 

4,613

 

46.6

 

31.8

 

BB+

 

5,757

 

46.8

 

32.0

 

BB+

 

Market value collateralized debt obligations of corporate obligations

 

5,234

 

32.1

 

25.0

 

AAA

 

5,069

 

36.0

 

42.9

 

AAA

 

Total pooled corporate obligations

 

66,236

 

31.3

 

28.6

 

AAA

 

79,933

 

31.7

 

29.3

 

AAA

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option ARM and Alt-A first lien

 

4,251

 

19.6

 

13.0

 

B+

 

4,767

 

19.7

 

17.0

 

B+

 

Subprime first lien (including net interest margin)

 

4,132

 

30.1

 

54.0

 

A+

 

4,460

 

27.9

 

50.4

 

A+

 

Prime first lien

 

410

 

10.9

 

9.1

 

B

 

468

 

10.9

 

10.3

 

B

 

Closed-end second lien and HELOCs(2)

 

65

 

 

 

B

 

81

 

 

 

B

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

8,858

 

24.0

 

31.7

 

BBB-

 

9,776

 

23.1

 

32.4

 

BBB-

 

CMBS

 

4,480

 

33.9

 

40.1

 

AAA

 

6,751

 

29.8

 

31.3

 

AAA

 

Other

 

11,130

 

 

 

A

 

13,311

 

 

 

A+

 

Total

 

$

90,704

 

 

 

 

 

AA+

 

$

109,771

 

 

 

 

 

AA+

 

 


(1)                                     Represents the sum of subordinate tranches and overcollateralization and does not include any benefit from excess interest collections that may be used to absorb losses.

 

(2)                                     Many of the closed-end second lien transactions insured by the Company have unique structures whereby the collateral may be written down for losses without a corresponding write-down of the obligations insured by the Company. Many of these transactions are currently undercollateralized, with the principal amount of collateral being less than the principal amount of the obligation insured by the Company. The Company is not required to pay principal shortfalls until legal maturity (rather than making timely principal payments), and takes the undercollateralization into account when estimating expected losses for these transactions.

 

The Company’s exposure to pooled corporate obligations is highly diversified in terms of obligors and, except in the case of collateralized debt obligations backed by trust preferred securities (“TruPS CDOs”), industries. Most pooled corporate transactions are structured to limit exposure to any given obligor and industry. The majority of the Company’s pooled corporate exposure consists of collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) or synthetic pooled corporate obligations. Most of these CLOs have an average obligor size of less than 1% of the total transaction and typically restrict the maximum exposure to any one industry to approximately 10%. The Company’s exposure also benefits from embedded credit enhancement in the transactions, which allows a transaction to sustain a certain level of losses in the underlying collateral, further insulating the Company from industry-specific concentrations of credit risk on these deals.

 

49



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The Company’s TruPS CDO asset pools are generally less diversified by obligors and industries than the typical CLO asset pool. Also, the underlying collateral in TruPS CDOs consists primarily of subordinated debt instruments such as TruPS issued by bank holding companies and similar instruments issued by insurance companies, real estate investment trusts and other real estate related issuers while CLOs typically contain primarily senior secured obligations. Finally, TruPS CDOs typically contain interest rate hedges that may complicate the cash flows. However, to mitigate these risks TruPS CDOs were typically structured with higher levels of embedded credit enhancement than typical CLOs. In June 2011, approximately $837.8 million of CDS written on TruPS CDOs were converted to financial guaranty policies.

 

The Company’s exposure to “Other” CDS contracts is also highly diversified. It includes $3.4 billion of exposure to three pooled infrastructure transactions comprising diversified pools of international infrastructure project transactions and loans to regulated utilities. These pools were all structured with underlying credit enhancement sufficient for the Company to attach at super senior AAA levels. The remaining $7.7 billion of exposure in “Other” CDS contracts comprises numerous deals typically structured with significant underlying credit enhancement and spread across various asset classes, such as commercial receivables, international RMBS securities, infrastructure, regulated utilities and consumer receivables.

 

The following table summarizes net par outstanding by rating of the credit derivatives portfolio.

 

Distribution of Credit Derivative Net Par Outstanding by Internal Rating

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Ratings

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

% of Total

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

% of Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Super Senior

 

$

23,744

 

26.2

%

$

29,344

 

26.7

%

AAA

 

43,350

 

47.8

 

50,214

 

45.7

 

AA

 

4,361

 

4.8

 

8,138

 

7.4

 

A

 

6,312

 

7.0

 

7,405

 

6.7

 

BBB

 

4,784

 

5.2

 

6,312

 

5.8

 

BIG

 

8,153

 

9.0

 

8,358

 

7.7

 

Total credit derivative net par outstanding

 

$

90,704

 

100.0

%

$

109,771

 

100.0

%

 

The following tables present details about the Company’s U.S. RMBS CDS by vintage.

 

U.S. Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

Net Change in
Unrealized Gain (Loss)

 

Vintage

 

Net Par
Outstanding
(in millions)

 

Original
Subordination(1)

 

Current
Subordination(1)

 

Weighted
Average Credit
Internal Rating

 

Third
Quarter

2011

 

Nine
Months

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2004 and Prior

 

$

149

 

6.2

%

19.4

%

A-

 

$

2.5

 

$

(0.5

)

2005

 

2,623

 

30.4

 

64.5

 

AA

 

14.1

 

(3.1

)

2006

 

1,660

 

29.3

 

35.4

 

BBB+

 

104.0

 

3.0

 

2007

 

4,426

 

18.6

 

10.5

 

B

 

879.0

 

658.3

 

Total

 

$

8,858

 

24.0

%

31.7

%

BBB-

 

$

999.6

 

$

657.7

 

 


(1)                                  Represents the sum of subordinate tranches and overcollateralization and does not include any benefit from excess interest collections that may be used to absorb losses.

 

50



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The following table presents additional details about the Company’s CMBS transactions by vintage:

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

 

 

September 30, 2011

 

Net Change in
Unrealized Gain (Loss)

 

Vintage

 

Net Par
Outstanding
(in millions)

 

Original
Subordination(1)

 

Current
Subordination(1)

 

Weighted
Average Credit
Internal Rating

 

Third
Quarter

2011

 

Nine
Months
2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2004 and Prior

 

$

211

 

29.8

%

57.4

%

AAA

 

$

0.2

 

$

 

2005

 

676

 

17.8

 

31.2

 

AAA

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

2006

 

2,178

 

33.6

 

38.8

 

AAA

 

0.7

 

11.6

 

2007

 

1,415

 

42.6

 

43.8

 

AAA

 

(1.0

)

(1.2

)

Total

 

$

4,480

 

33.9

%

40.1

%

AAA

 

$

(0.2

)

$

10.3

 

 


(1)                                  Represents the sum of subordinate tranches and overcollateralization and does not include any benefit from excess interest collections that may be used to absorb losses.

 

Net Change in Fair Value of Credit Derivatives

 

The following table disaggregates the components of net change in fair value of credit derivatives.

 

Net Change in Fair Value of Credit Derivatives Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net credit derivative premiums received and receivable

 

$

40.6

 

$

49.8

 

$

147.8

 

$

154.2

 

Net ceding commissions (paid and payable) received and receivable

 

0.7

 

0.9

 

2.9

 

2.9

 

Realized gains on credit derivatives

 

41.3

 

50.7

 

150.7

 

157.1

 

Termination losses

 

 

 

(22.5

)

 

Net credit derivative losses (paid and payable) recovered and recoverable

 

(40.8

)

1.7

 

(103.1

)

(39.6

)

Total realized gains and other settlements on credit derivatives

 

0.5

 

52.4

 

25.1

 

117.5

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives

 

1,155.5

 

(276.4

)

829.8

 

10.8

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

$

1,156.0

 

$

(224.0

)

$

854.9

 

$

128.3

 

 

In Third Quarter 2011 and Nine Months 2011, CDS contracts totaling $1.8 billion and $9.5 billion, respectively, in net par were terminated. Credit derivative revenues included $2.6 million in Third Quarter 2011 and $24.2 million in Nine Months 2011, which represent the acceleration of future premium revenues for the terminated CDS and are included in the table above in the “net credit derivative premiums received and receivable” line item. In addition, the Company paid $22.5 million to terminate several CMBS CDS transactions in the Second Quarter 2011 which carried high rating agency capital charges. Changes in the fair value of credit derivatives occur primarily because of changes in interest rates, credit spreads, credit ratings of the referenced entities, realized gains and other settlements, and the issuing company’s own credit rating, credit spreads and other market factors. Except for estimated credit impairments (i.e., net expected payments), the unrealized gains and losses on credit derivatives is expected to reduce to zero as the exposure approaches its maturity date. With considerable volatility continuing in the market, unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives may fluctuate significantly in future periods.

 

51



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Credit Derivatives By Sector

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

Asset Type

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Pooled corporate obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOs/Collateralized bond obligations

 

$

13.1

 

$

(1.4

)

$

11.5

 

$

1.9

 

Synthetic investment grade pooled corporate

 

0.8

 

0.3

 

10.5

 

(3.7

)

Synthetic high-yield pooled corporate

 

(1.3

)

(2.9

)

(0.6

)

11.6

 

TruPS CDOs

 

82.5

 

(11.6

)

46.2

 

53.6

 

Market value CDOs of corporate obligations

 

5.1

 

(0.4

)

(0.2

)

(0.1

)

Total pooled corporate obligations

 

100.2

 

(16.0

)

67.4

 

63.3

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option ARM and Alt-A first lien

 

780.8

 

(205.1

)

541.3

 

(44.6

)

Subprime first lien (including net interest margin)

 

108.6

 

(8.1

)

17.3

 

(7.2

)

Prime first lien

 

101.9

 

(17.2

)

89.7

 

2.2

 

Closed-end second lien and HELOCs

 

8.3

 

1.6

 

9.4

 

(4.3

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

999.6

 

(228.8

)

657.7

 

(53.9

)

CMBS

 

(0.2

)

0.4

 

10.3

 

10.2

 

Other(1)

 

55.9

 

(32.0

)

94.4

 

(8.8

)

Total

 

$

1,155.5

 

$

(276.4

)

$

829.8

 

10.8

 

 


(1)                                 “Other” includes all other U.S. and international asset classes, such as commercial receivables, international infrastructure, international RMBS securities and pooled infrastructure securities.

 

Components of Credit Derivative Assets (Liabilities)

 

 

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

As of
December 31, 2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

Credit derivative assets

 

$

467.2

 

$

592.9

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

(1,495.3

)

(2,462.8

)

Net fair value of credit derivatives

 

(1,028.1

)

(1,869.9

)

Less: Effect of AGC and AGM credit spreads

 

4,938.6

 

3,669.4

 

Fair value of credit derivatives before effect of AGC and AGM credit spreads

 

$

(5,966.7

)

$

(5,539.3

)

 

52



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Net Fair Value and Expected Losses of Credit Derivatives by Sector

As of September 30, 2011

 

Asset Type

 

Credit Derivative
Asset
(Liability), net

 

Present Value of
Expected Claim
(Payments)
Recoveries(2)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Pooled corporate obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

CLOs/ Collateralized bond obligations

 

$

0.2

 

$

 

Synthetic investment grade pooled corporate

 

(29.0

)

 

Synthetic high-yield pooled corporate

 

(15.3

)

(6.1

)

TruPS CDOs

 

20.3

 

(72.6

)

Market value CDOs of corporate obligations

 

3.2

 

 

Total pooled corporate obligations

 

(20.6

)

(78.7

)

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

Option ARM and Alt-A first lien

 

(354.9

)

(219.3

)

Subprime first lien (including net interest margin)

 

(29.6

)

(113.8

)

Prime first lien

 

(1.5

)

 

Closed-end second lien and HELOCs

 

(16.0

)

5.7

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

(402.0

)

(327.4

)

CMBS

 

(4.8

)

 

Other(1)

 

(600.7

)

(102.4

)

Total

 

$

(1,028.1

)

$

(508.5

)

 


(1)                                 “Other” includes all other U.S. and international asset classes, such as commercial receivables, international infrastructure, international RMBS securities and pooled infrastructure securities.

 

(2)                                 Represents amount in excess of the present value of future installment fees to be received of $37.2 million. Includes R&W on credit derivatives of $213.0 million.

 

One of the key assumptions of the Company’s internally developed model is gross spread and how that gross spread is allocated.

 

Gross spread is the difference between the yield of a security paid by an issuer on an insured versus uninsured basis or, in the case of a CDS transaction, the difference between the yield and an index such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Such pricing is well established by historical financial guaranty fees relative to capital market spreads as observed and executed in competitive markets, including in financial guaranty reinsurance and secondary market transactions. Gross spread on a financial guaranty accounted for as CDS is allocated among:

 

1.                                       the profit the originator, usually an investment bank, realizes for putting the deal together and funding the transaction (“bank profit”);

 

2.                                       premiums paid to the Company for the Company’s credit protection provided (“net spread”); and

 

3.                                       the cost of CDS protection purchased on the Company by the originator to hedge their counterparty credit risk exposure to the Company (“hedge cost”).

 

The premium the Company receives is referred to as the “net spread.” The Company’s own credit risk is factored into the determination of net spread based on the impact of changes in the quoted market price for credit protection bought on the Company, as reflected by quoted market prices on CDS referencing AGC or AGM. The cost to acquire CDS protection referencing AGC or AGM affects the amount of spread on CDS deals that the Company retains and, hence, their fair value. As the cost to acquire CDS protection referencing AGC or AGM increases, the amount of premium the Company retains on a deal generally decreases. As the cost to acquire CDS protection referencing AGC or AGM decreases, the amount of premium the Company retains on a deal generally increases. In the Company’s valuation model, the premium the Company captures is not permitted to go below the minimum rate that the Company would currently charge to assume similar risks. This assumption can have the effect of mitigating the amount of unrealized gains that are recognized on certain CDS contracts.

 

53



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The Company determines the fair value of its CDS contracts by applying the difference between the current net spread and the contractual net spread for the remaining duration of each contract to the notional value of its CDS contracts. Given the current market conditions and the Company’s own credit spreads, the fair value of the Company’s CDS contracts are calculated using this minimum premium.

 

The Company’s fair value model inputs are gross spread, credit spreads on risks assumed and credit spreads on the Company’s name. Gross spread is an input into the Company’s fair value model that is used to ultimately determine the net spread a comparable financial guarantor would charge the Company to transfer risk at the reporting date. The Company’s estimate of the fair value represents the difference between the estimated present value of premiums that a comparable financial guarantor would accept to assume the risk from the Company on the current reporting date, on terms identical to the original contracts written by the Company and the contractual premium for each individual credit derivative contract. Gross spread was an observable input that the Company historically obtained for deals it had closed or bid on in the market place prior to the credit crisis. The Company uses these historical gross spreads as a reference point to estimate fair value in current reporting periods.

 

In Third Quarter 2011, U.S. RMBS unrealized fair value gains were generated primarily in the prime first lien, Alt-A, Option ARM and subprime RMBS sectors due to narrower implied net spreads. The narrower implied net spreads were primarily a result of the increased cost to buy protection in AGC’s name as the market cost of AGC’s credit protection increased. These transactions were pricing above their floor levels (or the minimum rate at which the Company would consider assuming these risks based on historical experience); therefore when the cost of purchasing CDS protection on AGC, which management refers to as the CDS spread on AGC, increased the implied spreads that the Company would expect to receive on these transactions decreased. The cost of AGM’s credit protection also increased during the quarter, but did not lead to significant fair value gains, as the majority of AGM policies continue to price at floor levels.

 

The impact of changes in credit spreads will vary based upon the volume, tenor, interest rates and other market conditions at the time these fair values are determined. In addition, since each transaction has unique collateral and structural terms, the underlying change in fair value of each transaction may vary considerably. The fair value of credit derivative contracts also reflects the change in the Company’s own credit cost based on the price to purchase credit protection on AGC and AGM. The Company determines its own credit risk based on quoted CDS prices traded on the Company at each balance sheet date. Generally, a widening of the CDS prices traded on AGC and AGM has an effect of offsetting unrealized losses that result from widening general market credit spreads, while a narrowing of the CDS prices traded on AGC and AGM has an effect of offsetting unrealized gains that result from narrowing general market credit spreads. An overall narrowing of spreads generally results in an unrealized gain on credit derivatives for the Company and an overall widening of spreads generally results in an unrealized loss for the Company.

 

Effect of the Company’s Credit Spread on Credit Derivatives Fair Value

 

 

 

As of
September 30,
2011

 

As of
June 30,
2011

 

As of
December 31,
2010

 

As of
June 30,
2010

 

As of
December 31,
2009

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted price of CDS contract (in basis points):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AGC

 

1,351

 

634

 

804

 

1,010

 

634

 

AGM

 

1,004

 

472

 

650

 

802

 

541

 

 

The fair value of CDS contracts at September 30, 2011, before considering the implications of AGC’s and AGM’s credit spreads, is a direct result of continued wide credit spreads in the fixed income security markets, and ratings downgrades. The asset classes that remain most affected are recent vintages of subprime RMBS and Alt-A first lien deals, as well as trust-preferred securities. When looking at September 30, 2011 compared with December 31, 2010, there was widening of spreads primarily relating to the Company’s Alt-A first lien and subprime RMBS transactions, as well as the Company’s trust-preferred securities. This widening of spreads resulted in a loss of approximately $439.4 million, before taking into account AGC’s or AGM’s credit spreads.

 

Management believes that the trading level of AGC’s and AGM’s credit spreads are due to the correlation between AGC’s and AGM’s risk profile and the current risk profile of the broader financial markets and to increased demand for credit protection against AGC and AGM as the result of its financial guaranty volume, as well as the overall lack of liquidity in the CDS market. Offsetting the benefit attributable to AGC’s and AGM’s credit spread were declines in fixed income

 

54



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

security market prices primarily attributable to widening spreads in certain markets as a result of the continued deterioration in credit markets and some credit rating downgrades. The higher credit spreads in the fixed income security market are due to the lack of liquidity in the high-yield CDO and CLO markets as well as continuing market concerns over the most recent vintages of subprime RMBS.

 

Ratings Sensitivities of Credit Derivative Contracts

 

AGC has $2.4 billion in CDS par insured that have rating triggers that allow the CDS counterparty to terminate in the case of a rating downgrade of AGC. If the ratings of AGC were reduced below certain levels and the Company’s counterparty elected to terminate the CDS, the Company could be required to make a termination payment on certain of its credit derivative contracts, as determined under the relevant documentation. Under certain documents, the Company may have the right to cure the termination event by posting collateral, assigning its rights and obligations in respect of the transactions to a third party or seeking a third party guaranty of the obligations of the Company. The Company currently has three ISDA master agreements under which the applicable counterparty could elect to terminate transactions upon a rating downgrade of AGC. If AGC’s ratings were downgraded to BBB- or Baa3, $89 million in par insured could be terminated by one counterparty; and if AGC’s ratings were downgraded to BB+ or Ba1, approximately $2.4 billion in par insured could be terminated by the other two counterparties. The Company does not believe that it can accurately estimate the termination payments it could be required to make if, as a result of any such downgrade, a CDS counterparty terminated its CDS contracts with the Company. These payments could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and financial condition.

 

Under a limited number of other CDS contracts, the Company may be required to post eligible securities as collateral—generally cash or U.S. government or agency securities. For certain of such contracts, this requirement is based on a mark-to-market valuation, as determined under the relevant documentation, in excess of contractual thresholds that decline or are eliminated if the ratings of certain of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries decline. Under other contracts, the Company has negotiated caps such that the posting requirement cannot exceed a certain amount. As of September 30, 2011, and without giving effect to thresholds that apply at current ratings, the amount of par that is subject to collateral posting is approximately $15.4 billion, for which the Company has agreed to post approximately $774.3 million of collateral. The Company may be required to post additional collateral from time to time, depending on its ratings and on the market values of the transactions subject to the collateral posting. Counterparties have agreed that for approximately $14.8 billion of that $15.4 billion, the maximum amount that the Company could be required to post is capped at $635 million at current rating levels (which amount is included in the $774.3 million that the Company has agreed to post). Such cap increases by $50 million to $685 million in the event AGC’s ratings are downgraded to A+ or A3.

 

8. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

 

The Company provides financial guaranties with respect to debt obligations of special purpose entities, including VIEs. AGC and AGM do not sponsor any VIEs when underwriting third party financial guaranty insurance or credit derivative transactions, nor has either of them acted as the servicer or collateral manager for any VIE obligations that it insures. The transaction structure generally provides certain financial protections to the Company. This financial protection can take several forms, the most common of which are overcollateralization, first-loss protection (or subordination) and excess spread. In the case of overcollateralization (i.e., the principal amount of the securitized assets exceeds the principal amount of the structured finance obligations guaranteed by the Company), the structure allows defaults of the securitized assets before a default is experienced on the structured finance obligation guaranteed by the Company. In the case of first loss, the financial guaranty insurance policy only covers a senior layer of losses experienced by multiple obligations issued by special purpose entities, including VIEs. The first-loss exposure with respect to the assets is either retained by the seller or sold off in the form of equity or mezzanine debt to other investors. In the case of excess spread, the financial assets contributed to special purpose entities, including VIEs, generate cash flows that are in excess of the interest payments on the debt issued by the special purpose entity. Such excess spread is typically distributed through the transaction’s cash flow waterfall and may be used to create additional credit enhancement, applied to redeem debt issued by the special purpose entities, including VIEs (thereby, creating additional overcollateralization), or distributed to equity or other investors in the transaction.

 

A VIE is consolidated when the Company is deemed to be the control party. Under GAAP, the Company is deemed to be the control party typically when its protective rights give it power to both terminate and replace the deal servicer.

 

AGM and AGC are not primarily liable for the debt obligations issued by the FG VIEs they insure and would only be required to make payments on the debt obligations that they have insured in the event that the issuer of such debt

 

55



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

obligations defaults on any principal or interest due. AGL’s and its Subsidiaries’ creditors do not have any rights with regard to the assets of the VIEs. Proceeds from sales, maturities, prepayments and interest from VIE assets may only be used to pay debt service on VIE liabilities. Net fair value gains and losses on FG VIEs are expected to reverse to zero at maturity of the VIE debt, except for claim payments paid by AGC or AGM under the financial guaranty insurance contract. The Company’s estimate of expected loss to be paid for FG VIEs is included in Note 5.

 

During Third Quarter 2011, the Company determined that, based on the assessment of its control rights over servicer or collateral manager replacement, given that servicing/managing collateral were deemed to be the FG VIEs’ most significant activities, 34 VIEs required consolidation, compared to 35 VIEs consolidated at June 30, 2011. Debt of one FG VIE was fully paid off during Third Quarter 2011.

 

The total unpaid principal balance for the FG VIEs’ assets that were 90 days or more past due was approximately $1,161.4 million and $1,199.1 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The change in the instrument-specific credit risk of the FG VIEs’ assets for the Third Quarter and Nine Months ended September 30, 2011 were losses of $178.1 million, $656.8 million, and gains of $152.3 million and $47.2 million, for 2010, respectively. The difference between the aggregate unpaid principal and aggregate fair value of the FG VIEs’ liabilities was approximately $2,721.9 million and $2,053.0 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

The trustee reports of the consolidated FG VIEs are prepared by outside parties and are not available within the time constraints that the Company requires to ensure the financial accuracy of the operating results. As such, the financial results of the FG VIEs are consolidated on a lag; however, the Company adjusts the financial statements for the effects of material events occurring from the lag period until the balance sheet date. The Company has elected the fair value option for assets and liabilities classified as FG VIEs’ assets and liabilities. Upon consolidation of FG VIEs, the Company elected the fair value option because the carrying amount transition method was not practical.

 

The table below shows the carrying value of the consolidated FG VIEs’ assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements, segregated by the types of assets held by VIEs that collateralize their respective debt obligations.

 

Consolidated FG VIEs

By Type of Collateral

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010
(restated)

 

 

 

Numbers of
VIEs

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Number of
VIEs

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

HELOCs

 

8

 

$

651.6

 

$

1,027.1

 

8

 

$

857.1

 

$

1,126.1

 

First liens:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alt-A

 

3

 

155.1

 

145.4

 

 

 

 

 

Subprime

 

5

 

429.4

 

512.1

 

5

 

528.7

 

616.5

 

Option ARM

 

2

 

556.8

 

766.7

 

2

 

626.6

 

909.4

 

Alt-A second liens

 

10

 

639.9

 

684.7

 

5

 

747.4

 

818.4

 

Automobile loans

 

5

 

278.5

 

278.5

 

7

 

486.8

 

486.8

 

Life insurance

 

1

 

294.1

 

294.1

 

1

 

304.8

 

304.8

 

Credit card loans

 

 

 

 

1

 

106.1

 

106.1

 

Total

 

34

 

$

3,005.4

 

$

3,708.6

 

29

 

$

3,657.5

 

$

4,368.1

 

 

Gross Par Outstanding for FG VIEs’ Liabilities

With Recourse

 

 

 

As of
 September 30,
2011

 

As of
December 31, 2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Gross par outstanding for FG VIEs’ liabilities with recourse

 

$

3,966.5

 

$

3,630.5

 

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities insured by the Company are considered to be with recourse, since the Company guarantees the payment of principal and interest regardless of the performance of the related FG VIEs’ assets. FG VIEs’ liabilities not insured by

 

56



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

the Company are considered to be non-recourse, since the payment of principal and interest of these liabilities is wholly dependent on the performance of the FG VIEs’ assets.

 

The table below summarizes the contractual obligations, of the consolidated FG VIEs’ liabilities with recourse.

 

Contractual Maturity Schedule of FG VIE Liabilities with Recourse

 

Contractual Maturity

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2012

 

$

8.0

 

2013

 

20.1

 

2014

 

166.4

 

2015

 

 

Thereafter

 

3,772.0

 

Total

 

$

3,966.5

 

 

The table below shows the income statement impact of the consolidated FG VIEs:

 

Effect of Consolidating FG VIEs on Net Income

and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

(19.4

)

$

(12.8

)

$

(56.8

)

$

(34.4

)

Net investment income

 

(4.0

)

 

(4.7

)

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

6.7

 

 

7.2

 

 

Net change in fair value of financial guaranty variable interest entities

 

(99.2

)

171.3

 

(153.9

)

135.0

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

37.9

 

10.2

 

105.5

 

44.4

 

Total pretax effect on net income

 

(78.0

)

168.7

 

(102.7

)

145.0

 

Less: tax provision (benefit)

 

(27.3

)

59.1

 

(35.9

)

50.8

 

Total effect on net income

 

$

(50.7

)

$

109.6

 

$

(66.8

)

$

94.2

 

 

 

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

As of
December 31, 2010

(restated)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Total effect on shareholders’ equity

 

$

(393.4

)

$

(371.4

)

 

57



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Non-Consolidated VIEs

 

To date, the Company’s analyses have indicated that it does not have a controlling financial interest in any other VIEs and, as a result, they are not consolidated in the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s exposure provided through its financial guaranties with respect to debt obligations of special purpose entities is included within net par outstanding in Note 4.

 

9. Investments

 

Fixed Maturity Securities and Short-Term Investments

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Income from fixed maturity securities

 

$

95.9

 

$

87.5

 

$

297.5

 

$

267.3

 

Income from short-term investments

 

0.2

 

0.5

 

0.8

 

0.1

 

Gross investment income

 

96.1

 

88.0

 

298.3

 

267.4

 

Investment expenses

 

(2.6

)

(2.4

)

(7.6

)

(6.6

)

Net investment income

 

$

93.5

 

$

85.6

 

$

290.7

 

$

260.8

 

 

Net investment income increased due to a shift to longer duration assets, higher income on loss mitigation bonds, and additional earnings on cash received under Bank of America Agreement. Accrued investment income was $100.4 million and $97.9 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Realized gains on investment portfolio

 

$

5.7

 

$

3.2

 

$

26.5

 

$

28.5

 

Realized losses on investment portfolio

 

(0.4

)

(1.0

)

(7.3

)

(7.5

)

Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intent to sell

 

(1.4

)

(0.3

)

(4.9

)

(2.0

)

Credit component of OTTI securities

 

(15.0

)

(4.3

)

(27.7

)

(20.4

)

OTTI

 

(16.4

)

(4.6

)

(32.6

)

(22.4

)

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

$

(11.1

)

$

(2.4

)

$

(13.4

)

$

(1.4

)

 

The following table presents the roll forward of the credit losses of fixed maturity securities for which the Company has recognized OTTI and where the portion of the fair value adjustment related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).

 

Roll Forward of Credit Losses in the Investment Portfolio

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

21.6

 

$

20.0

 

$

27.3

 

$

19.9

 

Additions for credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized

 

14.4

 

4.3

 

24.9

 

4.3

 

Eliminations of securities issued by FG VIEs

 

 

 

(13.5

)

 

Reductions for securities sold during the period

 

 

 

(5.0

)

 

Additions for credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was previously recognized

 

0.5

 

 

2.8

 

0.1

 

Balance, end of period

 

$

36.5

 

$

24.3

 

$

36.5

 

$

24.3

 

 

58



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Fixed Maturity Securities and Short-Term Investments

by Security Type

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

Investment Category

 

Percent of
Total(1)

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

AOCI Gain
(Loss) on
Securities
with OTTI(2)

 

Weighted
Average
Credit
Quality(3)

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

8

%

$

862.6

 

$

73.9

 

$

(0.1

)

$

936.4

 

$

 

AA+

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

48

 

5,066.8

 

303.4

 

(1.8

)

5,368.4

 

5.6

 

AA

 

Corporate securities

 

10

 

1,064.7

 

48.3

 

(2.3

)

1,110.7

 

0.1

 

AA-

 

Mortgage-backed securities(4):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

13

 

1,341.9

 

68.3

 

(80.6

)

1,329.6

 

(46.3

)

AA

 

CMBS

 

5

 

490.8

 

17.6

 

(0.0

)

508.4

 

2.2

 

AAA

 

Asset-backed securities

 

5

 

492.5

 

28.0

 

(19.4

)

501.1

 

18.4

 

BBB-

 

Foreign government securities

 

3

 

331.0

 

10.9

 

(5.3

)

336.6

 

 

AAA

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

92

 

9,650.3

 

550.4

 

(109.5

)

10,091.2

 

(20.0

)

AA

 

Short-term investments

 

8

 

873.3

 

 

 

873.3

 

 

AAA

 

Total investment portfolio

 

100

%

$

10,523.6

 

$

550.4

 

$

(109.5

)

$

10,964.5

 

$

(20.0

)

AA

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010
(restated)

 

Investment Category

 

Percent of
Total(1)

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

AOCI Gain
(Loss) on
Securities
with OTTI(2)

 

Weighted
Average
Credit
Quality(3)

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

10

%

$

1,000.3

 

$

48.3

 

$

(0.4

)

$

1,048.2

 

$

 

AAA

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

48

 

4,922.0

 

99.9

 

(62.0

)

4,959.9

 

(1.4

)

AA

 

Corporate securities

 

9

 

980.1

 

25.2

 

(12.8

)

992.5

 

0.2

 

AA-

 

Mortgage-backed securities(4):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

11

 

1,158.9

 

56.5

 

(44.3

)

1,171.1

 

(8.6

)

AA

 

CMBS

 

4

 

365.7

 

14.8

 

(1.4

)

379.1

 

2.5

 

AAA

 

Asset-backed securities

 

5

 

498.2

 

9.9

 

(5.2

)

502.9

 

(4.1

)

BBB+

 

Foreign government securities

 

3

 

349.5

 

5.3

 

(6.2

)

348.6

 

 

AA+

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

90

 

9,274.7

 

259.9

 

(132.3

)

9,402.3

 

(11.4

)

AA

 

Short-term investments

 

10

 

1,055.3

 

0.3

 

 

1,055.6

 

 

AAA

 

Total investment portfolio

 

100

%

$

10,330.0

 

$

260.2

 

$

(132.3

)

$

10,457.9

 

$

(11.4

)

AA

 

 


(1)                                  Based on amortized cost.

 

(2)                                  Accumulated OCI (“AOCI”).

 

(3)                                  Ratings in the tables above represent the lower of the Moody’s and S&P classifications except for bonds purchased for loss mitigation or risk management strategies, which use internal ratings classifications. The Company’s portfolio consists primarily of high-quality, liquid instruments.

 

(4)                                  As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, approximately 65% and 64% of the Company’s total mortgage-backed securities were government-agency obligations.

 

59



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The Company continues to receive sufficient information to value its investments and has not had to modify its valuation approach due to the current market conditions. As of September 30, 2011, amounts, net of tax, in AOCI included a net unrealized loss of $11.3 million for securities for which the Company had recognized OTTI and a net unrealized gain of $337.2 million for securities for which the Company had not recognized OTTI. As of December 31, 2010, amounts, net of tax, in AOCI included a net unrealized loss of $5.6 million for securities for which the Company had recognized OTTI and a net unrealized gain of $115.3 million for securities for which the Company had not recognized OTTI.

 

The Company’s investment portfolio in tax-exempt and taxable municipal securities includes issuances by a wide number of municipal authorities across the U.S. and its territories. This is a high quality portfolio of municipal securities with an average rating of AA as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Securities rated lower than A-/A3 by S&P or Moody’s are not eligible to be purchased for the Company’s portfolio. The Company reports the lowest of the rating agency ratings in its disclosures.

 

The following tables present the fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale municipal bond portfolio as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 by state, excluding $365.8 million and $478.3 million of pre-refunded bonds, respectively. The credit ratings are based on the underlying ratings and do not include any benefit from bond insurance.

 

Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Municipal Bond Portfolio by State

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

State

 

State
General
Obligation

 

Local
General
Obligation

 

Revenue

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Average
Credit
Rating

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Texas

 

$

91.7

 

$

335.8

 

$

317.4

 

$

744.9

 

$

703.0

 

AA

 

New York

 

12.1

 

55.1

 

594.5

 

661.7

 

627.5

 

AA

 

California

 

18.6

 

62.4

 

294.3

 

375.3

 

349.9

 

AA

 

Florida

 

45.9

 

55.4

 

251.3

 

352.6

 

329.8

 

AA

 

Illinois

 

23.2

 

72.1

 

202.8

 

298.1

 

282.9

 

AA

 

Washington

 

60.2

 

38.6

 

108.3

 

207.1

 

195.5

 

AA

 

Massachusetts

 

41.6

 

9.5

 

154.4

 

205.5

 

191.2

 

AA

 

Arizona

 

 

7.5

 

172.5

 

180.0

 

171.7

 

AA

 

Ohio

 

36.2

 

24.3

 

78.1

 

138.6

 

131.1

 

AA

 

Michigan

 

 

40.0

 

83.1

 

123.1

 

117.4

 

AA

 

All others

 

336.0

 

268.8

 

1,110.9

 

1,715.7

 

1,625.5

 

AA

 

Total

 

$

665.5

 

$

969.5

 

$

3,367.6

 

$

5,002.6

 

$

4,725.5

 

AA

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

State

 

State
General
Obligation

 

Local
General
Obligation

 

Revenue

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Average
Credit
Rating

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Texas

 

$

76.8

 

$

294.4

 

$

251.9

 

$

623.1

 

$

620.7

 

AA

 

New York

 

11.4

 

40.0

 

496.2

 

547.6

 

545.1

 

AA

 

California

 

17.2

 

56.0

 

330.2

 

403.4

 

401.0

 

AA

 

Florida

 

45.2

 

45.1

 

213.6

 

303.9

 

300.5

 

AA

 

Illinois

 

10.5

 

91.0

 

195.6

 

297.1

 

300.9

 

AA

 

Washington

 

80.0

 

37.2

 

89.2

 

206.4

 

204.6

 

AA

 

Massachusetts

 

38.0

 

8.6

 

137.3

 

183.9

 

185.8

 

AA

 

Arizona

 

 

0.6

 

144.5

 

145.1

 

145.5

 

AA

 

Michigan

 

 

39.5

 

93.1

 

132.6

 

131.4

 

A

 

Georgia

 

19.3

 

38.4

 

67.1

 

124.8

 

125.4

 

AA

 

All others

 

220.8

 

220.8

 

1,072.1

 

1,513.7

 

1,504.4

 

AA

 

Total

 

$

519.2

 

$

871.6

 

$

3,090.8

 

$

4,481.6

 

$

4,465.3

 

AA

 

 

The revenue bond portfolio is comprised primarily of essential service revenue bonds issued by water and sewer authorities and other utilities, transportation authorities, universities and healthcare providers.

 

60



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Revenue Sources

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

State

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Transportation

 

$

778.3

 

$

733.9

 

$

725.5

 

$

718.9

 

Tax backed

 

633.0

 

597.1

 

609.0

 

607.2

 

Water and sewer

 

533.7

 

509.3

 

470.6

 

471.3

 

Municipal utilities

 

510.2

 

480.9

 

457.8

 

456.8

 

Higher education

 

352.8

 

329.7

 

298.2

 

302.1

 

Healthcare

 

261.5

 

248.5

 

207.3

 

206.5

 

All others

 

298.1

 

287.4

 

322.4

 

323.1

 

Total

 

$

3,367.6

 

$

3,186.8

 

$

3,090.8

 

$

3,085.9

 

 

The Company’s investment portfolio is managed by four outside managers. As municipal investments are a material portion of the Company’s overall investment portfolio, the Company has established detailed guidelines regarding credit quality, exposure to a particular sector and exposure to a particular obligor within a sector. Each of the portfolio managers perform independent analysis on every municipal security they purchase for the Company’s portfolio. The Company meets with each of its portfolio managers each quarter and reviews all investments with a change in credit rating as well as any investments on the manager’s watch list of securities with the potential for downgrade. The Company does not independently assign investments within the Company’s portfolio an individual rating.

 

The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the amounts have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

 

Fixed Maturity Securities

Gross Unrealized Loss by Length of Time

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Less than 12 months

 

12 months or more

 

Total

 

 

 

Fair
value

 

Unrealized
loss

 

Fair
value

 

Unrealized
loss

 

Fair
value

 

Unrealized
loss

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

3.8

 

$

(0.1

)

$

 

$

 

$

3.8

 

$

(0.1

)

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

45.3

 

(0.9

)

49.7

 

(0.9

)

95.0

 

(1.8

)

Corporate securities

 

153.1

 

(2.3

)

 

 

153.1

 

(2.3

)

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

121.4

 

(54.6

)

32.8

 

(26.0

)

154.2

 

(80.6

)

CMBS

 

9.9

 

(0.0

)

 

 

9.9

 

(0.0

)

Asset-backed securities

 

22.5

 

(19.3

)

2.2

 

(0.1

)

24.7

 

(19.4

)

Foreign government securities

 

143.0

 

(5.3

)

 

 

143.0

 

(5.3

)

Total

 

$

499.0

 

$

(82.5

)

$

84.7

 

$

(27.0

)

$

583.7

 

$

(109.5

)

Number of securities

 

 

 

81

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

104

 

Number of securities with OTTI

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

9

 

 

61



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010
(restated)

 

 

 

Less than 12 months

 

12 months or more

 

Total

 

 

 

Fair
value

 

Unrealized
loss

 

Fair
value

 

Unrealized
loss

 

Fair
value

 

Unrealized
loss

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

20.5

 

$

(0.4

)

$

 

$

 

$

20.5

 

$

(0.4

)

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

1,694.5

 

(58.9

)

23.5

 

(3.1

)

1,718.0

 

(62.0

)

Corporate securities

 

403.6

 

(12.8

)

 

 

403.6

 

(12.8

)

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

143.4

 

(32.1

)

37.3

 

(12.2

)

180.7

 

(44.3

)

CMBS

 

92.6

 

(1.4

)

 

 

92.6

 

(1.4

)

Asset-backed securities

 

228.3

 

(5.1

)

2.3

 

(0.1

)

230.6

 

(5.2

)

Foreign government securities

 

245.3

 

(6.2

)

 

 

245.3

 

(6.2

)

Total

 

$

2,828.2

 

$

(116.9

)

$

63.1

 

$

(15.4

)

$

2,891.3

 

$

(132.3

)

Number of securities

 

 

 

405

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

423

 

Number of securities with OTTI

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

13

 

 

The decrease in gross unrealized losses for Nine Months 2011 was primarily attributable to municipal securities. Of the securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more as of September 30, 2011, 6 securities had unrealized losses greater than 10% of book value. The total unrealized loss for these securities as of September 30, 2011 was $24.8  million. The unrealized loss is yield-related and not specific to individual issuer credit. The Company has determined that these securities were not other-than-temporarily-impaired as of September 30, 2011.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2011 are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

Distribution of Fixed Maturity Securities

by Contractual Maturity

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Due within one year

 

$

285.2

 

$

283.9

 

Due after one year through five years

 

1,700.7

 

1,760.5

 

Due after five years through 10 years

 

2,425.9

 

2,605.8

 

Due after 10 years

 

3,405.8

 

3,603.0

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,341.9

 

1,329.6

 

CMBS

 

490.8

 

508.4

 

Total

 

$

9,650.3

 

$

10,091.2

 

 

Under agreements with its cedants and in accordance with statutory requirements, the Company maintains fixed maturity securities in trust accounts for the benefit of reinsured companies, which amounted to $406.1 million and $365.3 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. In addition, to fulfill state licensing requirements, the Company has placed on deposit eligible securities of $23.1 million and $19.2 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, for the protection of policyholders.

 

Under certain derivative contracts, the Company is required to post eligible securities as collateral. The need to post collateral under these transactions is generally based on mark-to-market valuations in excess of contractual thresholds. The fair market value of the Company’s pledged securities totaled $774.3 million and $765.9 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

No material investments of the Company were non-income-producing for Nine Months 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

62



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The Company purchased securities that it has insured, and for which it has expected losses to be paid, in order to mitigate the economic effect of insured losses. These securities were purchased at a discount and are accounted for excluding the effects of the Company’s insurance on the securities. As of September 30, 2011, securities purchased for loss mitigation purposes included in the fixed maturity portfolio on the consolidated balance sheet had a fair value of $148.0 million, representing $473.8 million of par. Under the terms of certain credit derivative contracts, the Company has obtained the obligations referenced in the transactions and recorded such assets in fixed maturity securities in the consolidated balance sheets. Such amounts totaled $194.0 million, representing $245.4 million in par.

 

10. Insurance Company Regulatory Requirements

 

Dividend Restrictions and Capital Requirements

 

AGC is a Maryland domiciled insurance company. As of September 30, 2011, the amount available for distribution from AGC during 2011 with notice to, but without prior approval of, the Maryland Commissioner of Insurance under the Maryland insurance law is approximately $111.2 million. During Nine Months 2011 and 2010, AGC declared and paid $20.0 million and $40.0 million, respectively, in dividends to AGUS.

 

AGM is a New York domiciled insurance company. Based on AGM’s statutory statements for Nine Months 2011, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends by AGM without regulatory approval over the 12 months following September 30, 2011, was approximately $129.5 million.

 

AG Re is a Bermuda domiciled insurance company and its dividend distribution is governed by Bermuda law. The amount available at AG Re to pay dividends in 2011 in compliance with Bermuda law is $1,150 million. However, any distribution that results in a reduction of 15% or more of AG Re’s total statutory capital, as set out in its previous year’s financial statements, would require the prior approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Dividends are limited by requirements that the subject company must at all times (i) maintain the minimum solvency margin required under the Insurance Act of 1978 and (ii) have relevant assets in an amount at least equal to 75% of relevant liabilities, both as defined under the Insurance Act of 1978. AG Re, as a Class 3B insurer, is prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year’s statutory balance sheet) unless it files (at least seven days before payment of such dividends) with the Authority an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet the required margins. AG Re declared and paid $54.0 million during Nine Months 2011 to its parent, AGL. AG Re declared and paid $12.0 million in dividends to its parent, AGL, during Nine Months 2010.

 

11. Income Taxes

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The Company and its Bermuda Subsidiaries, which include AG Re, Assured Guaranty Re Overseas Ltd. (“AGRO”), Assured Guaranty (Bermuda) Ltd. (formerly Financial Security Assurance International Ltd.) and Cedar Personnel Ltd., are not subject to any income, withholding or capital gains taxes under current Bermuda law. The Company has received an assurance from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda that, in the event of any taxes being imposed, AGL and its Bermuda Subsidiaries will be exempt from taxation in Bermuda until March 31, 2035. The Company’s U.S. and United Kingdom (“U.K.”) subsidiaries are subject to income taxes imposed by U.S. and U.K. authorities, respectively, and file applicable tax returns. In addition, AGRO, a Bermuda domiciled company and Assured Guaranty (Europe) Ltd., a U.K. domiciled company, have elected under Section 953(d) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code to be taxed as a U.S. domestic corporation.

 

In conjunction with the AGMH Acquisition, AGMH has joined the consolidated federal tax group of AGUS, AGC, and AG Financial Products Inc. (“AGFP”). For the periods beginning on July 1, 2009 and forward, AGMH files a consolidated federal income tax return with AGUS, AGC, AGFP and AG Analytics Inc. (“AGUS consolidated tax group”). In addition a new tax sharing agreement was entered into effective July 1, 2009 whereby each company in the AGUS consolidated tax group will pay or receive its proportionate share of taxable expense or benefit as if it filed on a separate-return basis. Assured Guaranty Overseas US Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries AGRO, Assured Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company and AG Intermediary Inc., have historically filed a consolidated federal income tax return. Each company, as a member of its respective consolidated tax return group, pays its proportionate share of the consolidated federal tax burden for its group as if each company filed on a separate return basis with current period credit for net losses to the extent used in consolidation.

 

63



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

The Company’s provision for income taxes for interim financial periods is not based on an estimated annual effective rate due to the variability in fair market value of its credit derivatives, which prevents the Company from projecting a reliable estimated annual effective tax rate and pretax income for the full year 2011. A discrete calculation of the provision is calculated for each interim period.

 

The effective tax rates reflect the proportion of income recognized by each of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, with U.S. subsidiaries taxed at the U.S. marginal corporate income tax rate of 35%, U.K. subsidiaries taxed at the U.K. blended marginal corporate tax rate of 26.5%, and no taxes for the Company’s Bermuda holding company and subsidiaries. For periods subsequent to April 1, 2011, the U.K. corporation tax rate has been reduced to 26%, for periods prior to April 1, 2011 the U.K. corporation tax rate was 28%, resulting in a blended tax rate of 26.5%. Accordingly, the Company’s overall corporate effective tax rate fluctuates based on the distribution of taxable income across these jurisdictions. In addition, during Third Quarter 2010, a net tax benefit of $55.8 million was recorded by the Company due to the filing of an amended tax return which included the AGMH and Subsidiaries tax group. The amended return filed in September 2010 was for a period prior to the AGMH Acquisition and consequently, the Company no longer has a deferred tax asset related to net operating losses or alternative minimum tax credits associated with the AGMH Acquisition. Instead, the Company has recorded additional deferred tax assets for loss reserves and foreign tax credits and has decreased its liability for uncertain tax positions. The event giving rise to this recognition occurred after the measurement period as defined by acquisition accounting and thus the amount is included in the Third Quarter 2010 net income.

 

A reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at statutory rates in taxable jurisdictions is presented below:

 

Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Expected tax provision (benefit) at statutory rates in taxable jurisdictions

 

$

309.7

 

$

65.2

 

$

365.4

 

$

288.7

 

Tax-exempt interest

 

(14.4

)

(19.4

)

(46.0

)

(47.8

)

True-up from tax return filings

 

(3.1

)

(51.6

)

(3.1

)

(51.6

)

Change in liability for uncertain tax positions

 

0.4

 

(8.0

)

1.6

 

(6.4

)

Other

 

2.3

 

0.8

 

4.1

 

1.8

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

$

294.9

 

$

(13.0

)

$

322.0

 

$

184.7

 

Effective tax rate

 

27.9

%

(8.5

)%

27.3

%

21.4

%

 

The expected tax provision at statutory rates in taxable jurisdictions is calculated as the sum of pretax income in each jurisdiction multiplied by the statutory tax rate of the jurisdiction by which it will be taxed. Pretax income of the Company’s subsidiaries which are not U.S. domiciled but are subject to U.S. tax by election or as controlled foreign corporations is included at the U.S. statutory tax rate. Where there is a pretax loss in one jurisdiction and pretax income in another, the total combined expected tax rate may be higher or lower than any of the individual statutory rates.

 

The following table presents pretax income and revenue by jurisdiction for the Third Quarter and Nine Months 2011 and 2010.

 

Pretax Income (Loss) by Tax Jurisdiction(1)

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

United States

 

$

884.8

 

$

186.5

 

$

1,043.7

 

$

824.6

 

Bermuda

 

171.1

 

(34.6

)

137.2

 

37.0

 

UK

 

0.1

 

(0.3

)

0.3

 

0.3

 

Total

 

$

1,056.0

 

$

151.6

 

$

1,181.2

 

$

861.9

 

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Revenue by Tax Jurisdiction(1)

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

United States

 

$

1,083.6

 

$

335.6

 

$

1,453.0

 

$

1,232.5

 

Bermuda

 

261.5

 

11.9

 

287.3

 

203.8

 

UK

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

Total

 

$

1,345.0

 

$

347.5

 

$

1,740.3

 

$

1,436.3

 

 


(1)                                  In the above tables, pretax income and revenues of the Company’s subsidiaries which are not U.S. domiciled but are subject to U.S. tax by election or as controlled foreign corporations are included in the U.S. amounts.

 

Pretax income by jurisdiction may be disproportionate to revenue by jurisdiction to the extent that insurance losses incurred are disproportionate.

 

Valuation Allowance

 

As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, net deferred tax assets for each period presented were $676.2 million and $1,259.1 million, respectively. The deferred tax assets for these periods consist primarily of the book and tax difference in treatment of unearned premium reserves, mark-to-market adjustments for CDS, loss reserves, and FG VIEs offset by net deferred tax liabilities. The decrease in the net deferred tax asset for the nine months ended September 31, 2011 is due primarily to the decrease in the mark-to-market liability for CDS and the deductibility of loss reserves for tax purposes previously deferred. The Company came to the conclusion that it is more likely than not that its net deferred tax asset will be fully realizable after weighing all positive and negative evidence available as required under GAAP. The Company will continue to analyze the need for a valuation allowance on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

 

12. Reinsurance

 

The Company assumes exposure on insured obligations (“Assumed Business”) and cedes portions of its exposure on obligations it has insured (“Ceded Business”) in exchange for premiums, net of ceding commissions.

 

Assumed Business

 

The Company is party to reinsurance agreements as a reinsurer to other monoline financial guaranty insurance companies. Under these relationships, the Company assumes a portion of the ceding company’s insured risk in exchange for a premium. The Company may be exposed to risk in this portfolio in that the Company may be required to pay losses without a corresponding premium in circumstances where the ceding company is experiencing financial distress and is unable to pay premiums. The Company’s facultative and treaty agreements are generally subject to termination:

 

·                  at the option of the primary insurer if the Company fails to maintain certain financial, regulatory and rating agency criteria that are equivalent to or more stringent than those the Company is otherwise required to maintain for its own compliance with state mandated insurance laws and to maintain a specified financial strength rating for the particular insurance subsidiary, or

 

·                  upon certain changes of control of the Company.

 

Upon termination under these conditions, the Company may be required (under some of its reinsurance agreements) to return to the primary insurer all statutory unearned premiums, less ceding commissions, attributable to reinsurance ceded pursuant to such agreements after which the Company would be released from liability with respect to the Assumed Business. Upon the occurrence of the conditions set forth in (a) above, whether or not an agreement is terminated, the Company may be required to obtain a letter of credit or alternative form of security to collateralize its obligation to perform under such agreement or it may be obligated to increase the level of ceding commission paid.

 

With respect to a significant portion of the Company’s in-force financial guaranty Assumed Business, due to the downgrade of AG Re to A1, subject to the terms of each policy, the ceding company may have the right to recapture business ceded to AG Re and assets representing substantially all of the statutory unearned premium reserve net of loss reserves (if

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

any) associated with that business. As of September 30, 2011, if this entire amount were recaptured, it would result in a corresponding one-time reduction to net income of approximately $2.7 million. In the case of AGC, one ceding company can recapture its portfolio at the company’s current ratings and, if AGC were downgraded by Moody’s to below Aa3 or by S&P below AA-, an additional portion of its in-force financial guaranty reinsurance business could be recaptured. Subject to the terms of each reinsurance agreement, the ceding company has the right to recapture business ceded to AGC and assets representing substantially all of the statutory unearned premium and loss reserves (if any) associated with that business. As of September 30, 2011, if this entire amount were recaptured, it would result in a corresponding one-time reduction to net income of approximately $11.7 million.

 

Ceded Business

 

The Company has Ceded Business to non-affiliated companies to limit its exposure to risk. Under these relationships, the Company cedes a portion of its insured risk in exchange for a premium paid to the reinsurer. The Company remains primarily liable for all risks it directly underwrites and is required to pay all gross claims. It then seeks reimbursement from the reinsurer for its proportionate share of claims. The Company may be exposed to risk for this exposure if it were required to pay the gross claims and not be able to collect ceded claims from an assuming company experiencing financial distress. A number of the financial guaranty insurers to which the Company has ceded par have experienced financial distress and been downgraded by the rating agencies as a result. In addition, state insurance regulators have intervened with respect to some of these insurers. The Company’s ceded contracts generally allow the Company to recapture Ceded Business after certain triggering events, such as reinsurer downgrades. Over the past several years, the Company has entered into several commutations in order to reassume books of business from BIG financial guaranty companies and its other reinsurers. The resulting commutation gains of $0.4 million, $32.2 million and $17.1 million for Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2011 and 2010, respectively, were recorded in other income. While certain Ceded Business has been reassumed, the Company still has significant Ceded Business with third parties. It has not entered into any new ceded reinsurance treaties with non-affiliated companies since 2008.

 

The effect of the Company’s commutations and cancellations of reinsurance contracts is summarized below.

 

Net Effect of Commutations and Cancellations

of Reinsurance Contracts

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Increase (decrease) in net unearned premium reserve

 

$

 

$

(0.5

)

$

(20.1

)

$

59.9

 

Increase (decrease) in net par

 

 

4,081

 

(780

)

12,455

 

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Direct, assumed, and ceded premium and loss and LAE amounts are presented below.

 

 Direct, Assumed and Ceded Premium and Loss and LAE

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Premiums Written:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

36.9

 

$

91.7

 

$

94.3

 

$

287.4

 

Assumed(1)

 

(15.3

)

(14.1

)

(67.2

)

(26.0

)

Ceded(2)

 

1.5

 

(1.4

)

5.9

 

56.8

 

Net

 

$

23.1

 

$

76.2

 

$

33.0

 

$

318.2

 

Premiums Earned:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

226.9

 

$

300.7

 

$

741.8

 

$

936.8

 

Assumed

 

4.3

 

20.6

 

35.3

 

57.6

 

Ceded

 

(20.1

)

(32.6

)

(82.0

)

(94.0

)

Net

 

$

211.1

 

$

288.7

 

$

695.1

 

$

900.4

 

Loss and LAE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

243.8

 

$

107.0

 

$

380.3

 

$

327.2

 

Assumed

 

(1.6

)

7.2

 

(7.4

)

47.7

 

Ceded

 

(27.3

)

(3.4

)

(59.6

)

(67.5

)

Net

 

$

214.9

 

$

110.8

 

$

313.3

 

$

307.4

 

 


(1)                                  Negative assumed premiums written were due to commutations and changes in expected debt service schedules.

 

(2)                                  Positive ceded premiums written were due to commutations and changes in expected debt service schedules.

 

Reinsurer Exposure

 

In addition to assumed and ceded reinsurance arrangements, the Company may also have exposure to some financial guaranty reinsurers (i.e., monolines) in other areas. Second-to-pay insured par outstanding represents transactions the Company has insured that were previously insured by other monolines. The Company underwrites such transactions based on the underlying insured obligation without regard to the primary insurer. Another area of exposure is in the investment portfolio where the Company holds fixed maturity securities that are wrapped by monolines and whose value may decline based on the rating of the monoline. At September 30, 2011, the Company had $803.9 million of fixed maturity securities in its investment portfolio wrapped by MBIA Insurance Corporation, $596.8 million by Ambac and $57.6 million by other guarantors at fair value.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Exposure by Reinsurer

 

 

 

Ratings at November 9, 2011

 

Par Outstanding as of September 30, 2011

 

Reinsurer

 

Moody’s
Financial
Strength
Rating

 

S&P
Financial
Strength
Rating

 

Ceded
Par
Outstanding(3)

 

Second-to-
Pay
Insured Par
Outstanding

 

Assumed
Par
Outstanding

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc.

 

Ba1

 

BB-

 

$

20,026

 

$

56

 

$

 

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

 

Aa2(1)

 

AA-

 

17,117

 

 

933

 

RAM Reinsurance Co. Ltd.

 

WR(2)

 

WR

 

12,067

 

 

24

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

Ca

 

WR

 

4,203

 

2,197

 

217

 

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd.

 

Aa3

 

AA-

 

2,416

 

 

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corp

 

NR

 

WR

 

856

 

12

 

2

 

Swiss Reinsurance Co.

 

A1

 

AA-

 

507

 

 

 

Ambac

 

WR

 

WR

 

87

 

7,551

 

23,259

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

WR

 

WR

 

69

 

258

 

7,077

 

MBIA Insurance Corporation

 

B3

 

B

 

40

 

11,598

 

10,864

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.

 

WR

 

WR

 

 

3,754

 

 

Other

 

Various

 

Various

 

1,049

 

2,001

 

2,406

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

$

58,437

 

$

27,427

 

$

44,782

 

 


(1)                                  The Company has structural collateral agreements satisfying the triple-A credit requirement of S&P and/or Moody’s.

 

(2)                                  Represents “Withdrawn Rating.”

 

(3)                                  Includes $5,994  million in ceded par outstanding related to insured credit derivatives.

 

Amounts Due (To) From Reinsurers

 

 

 

As of September30, 2011

 

 

 

Assumed
Premium
Receivable, net
of Commissions

 

Assumed
Expected
Loss and LAE

 

Ceded
Expected
Loss and LAE

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc.

 

$

 

$

 

$

25.7

 

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

 

 

 

88.5

 

RAM Reinsurance Co. Ltd.

 

 

 

18.5

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

 

(1.7

)

 

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd.

 

 

 

7.1

 

Swiss Reinsurance Co.

 

 

 

2.4

 

Ambac

 

96.1

 

(111.2

)

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

6.8

 

 

3.0

 

MBIA Insurance Corporation

 

0.2

 

(16.4

)

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.

 

12.6

 

(8.4

)

 

Total

 

$

115.7

 

$

(137.7

)

$

145.2

 

 

13. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal Proceedings

 

Litigation

 

Lawsuits arise in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. It is the opinion of the Company’s management, based upon the information available, that the expected outcome of litigation against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity, although an adverse resolution of litigation against the Company in a quarter or fiscal year could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year. In addition, in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries assert claims in legal proceedings against third parties to recover losses paid in prior periods. For example, as described in Note 5 (Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts—Loss Estimation Process—Recovery Litigation), as of the date of this filing, AGC and AGM have filed complaints against certain sponsors and underwriters of RMBS securities that AGC or AGM had insured, alleging, among other claims, that such persons had breached R&W in the transaction documents, failed to cure or repurchase defective loans and/or violated state securities laws. The amounts, if any, the Company will recover in proceedings to recover losses are uncertain, and recoveries, or failure to obtain recoveries, in any one or more of these proceedings during any quarter or fiscal year could be material to the Company’s results of operations in that particular quarter or fiscal year.

 

Proceedings Relating to the Company’s Financial Guaranty Business

 

The Company receives subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories from regulators from time to time. The Company has satisfied the requests it has received. It may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

 

Beginning in December 2008, AGM and various other financial guarantors were named in complaints filed in the Superior Court, San Francisco County, California. Since that time, plaintiffs’ counsel has filed amended complaints against AGC and AGM and added additional plaintiffs. As of the date of this filing, the plaintiffs with complaints against AGM and AGC, among other financial guaranty insurers, are: (a) City of Los Angeles, acting by and through the Department of Water and Power; (b) City of Sacramento; (c) City of Los Angeles; (d) City of Oakland; (e) City of Riverside; (f) City of Stockton; (g) County of Alameda; (h) County of Contra Costa; (i) County of San Mateo; (j) Los Angeles World Airports; (k) City of Richmond; (l) Redwood City; (m) East Bay Municipal Utility District; (n) Sacramento Suburban Water District; (o) City of San Jose; (p) County of Tulare; (q) The Regents of the University of California; (r) The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside; (s) The Public Financing Authority of the City of Riverside; (t) The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco; (u) The San Jose Redevelopment Agency; (v) The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton; (w) The Public Financing Authority of the City of Stockton; and (x) The Olympic Club. Complaints filed by the City and County of San Francisco and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District were subsequently dismissed against AGC and AGM.

 

These complaints allege that the financial guaranty insurer defendants (i) participated in a conspiracy in violation of California’s antitrust laws to maintain a dual credit rating scale that misstated the credit default risk of municipal bond issuers and created market demand for municipal bond insurance, (ii) participated in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that damaged each insurer’s financial condition (thereby undermining the value of each of their guaranties), and (iii) failed to adequately disclose the impact of those transactions on their financial condition. In addition to their antitrust claims, various plaintiffs in these actions assert claims for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, unjust enrichment, negligence, and negligent misrepresentation.

 

At hearings held in July and October 2011 relating to AGM, AGC and the other defendants’ motion to dismiss, the court overruled the motion to dismiss on the following claims: breach of contract, violation of California’s antitrust statute and of its unfair business practices law, and fraud.  The remaining claims were dismissed.  The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

 

In August 2008, a number of financial institutions and other parties, including AGM and other bond insurers, were named as defendants in a civil action brought in the circuit court of Jefferson County, Alabama relating to the County’s problems meeting its debt obligations on its $3.2 billion sewer debt: Charles E. Wilson vs. JPMorgan Chase & Co et al (filed the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama), Case No. 01-CV-2008-901907.00, a putative class action. The action was brought on behalf of rate payers, tax payers and citizens residing in Jefferson County, and alleges conspiracy and fraud in connection with the issuance of the County’s debt. On January, 13, 2011, the circuit court issued an order denying a motion by the bond insurers and other defendants to dismiss the action. Defendants, including the bond insurers, have petitioned the Alabama Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to the circuit court vacating such order and directing the dismissal with prejudice of plaintiffs’ claims for lack of standing. The complaint in this lawsuit seeks equitable relief, unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

In September 2010, AGM, among others, was named as a defendant in an interpleader complaint filed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trust administrator, in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York. The interpleader complaint relates to the MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 2006-OA2, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates,

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

Series 2006-OA2 RMBS transaction, in which AGM had insured certain classes of certificates. Certain holders of uninsured certificates have disputed payments made by the trust administrator to reimburse AGM for claims it had paid under its financial guaranty policy, and the trust administrator sought adjudication of the priority of AGM’s reimbursements. On March 29, 2011, the court granted a motion for judgment on the pleadings and ruled that, pursuant to the waterfall, AGM is only entitled to receive funds that would otherwise have been distributed to the holders of the classes that AGM insures, and that AGM receive such funds at the respective steps in the waterfall that immediately follow the steps at which such certificate holders would otherwise have received such funds. The court further ordered AGM to repay to the MARM 2006-OA2 trust the approximately $7.2 million that had been credited to it by Wells Fargo. After its ruling, the court referred the matter to the assigned magistrate judge for a recommendation as to the terms of the judgment, and the magistrate issued a report and recommendation on November 3, 2011. AGM intends to appeal the judgment once entered, and to request that the judgment be stayed pending the appeal. AGM estimates that as a result of this adverse decision (if and to the extent that the adverse decision is not modified), total unreimbursed claims paid by AGM could be up to approximately $144 million (on a gross discounted basis, without taking into account the benefit of representation and warranty recoveries, and exclusive of the repayment of the $7.2 million credit), over the life of the transaction.

 

On April 8, 2011, AG Re and AGC filed a Petition to Compel Arbitration with the Supreme Court of the State of New York, requesting an order compelling Ambac to arbitrate Ambac’s disputes with AG Re and AGC concerning their obligations under reinsurance agreements with Ambac. In March 2010, Ambac placed a number of insurance policies that it had issued, including policies reinsured by AG Re and AGC pursuant to the reinsurance agreements, into a segregated account. The Wisconsin state court has approved a rehabilitation plan whereby permitted claims under the policies in the segregated account will be paid 25% in cash and 75% in surplus notes issued by the segregated account. Ambac has advised AG Re and AGC that it has and intends to continue to enter into commutation agreements with holders of policies issued by Ambac, and reinsured by AG Re and AGC, pursuant to which Ambac will pay a combination of cash and surplus notes to the policyholder. AG Re and AGC have informed Ambac that they believe their only current payment obligation with respect to the commutations arises from the cash payment, and that there is no obligation to pay any amounts in respect of the surplus notes until payments of principal or interest are made on such notes. Ambac has disputed this position on one commutation and may take a similar position on subsequent commutations. On April 15, 2011, attorneys for the Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner, as Rehabilitator of Ambac’s segregated account, and for Ambac filed a motion with Lafayette County, Wis., Circuit Court Judge William Johnston, asking him to find AG Re and AGC to be in violation of an injunction protecting the interests of the segregated account by their seeking to compel arbitration on this matter and failing to pay in full all amounts with respect to Ambac’s payments in the form of surplus notes. On June 14, 2011, Judge Johnston issued an order granting the Rehabilitator’s and Ambac’s motion to enforce the injunction against AGC and AG Re and the parties filed a stipulation dismissing the Petition to Compel Arbitration without prejudice. AGC and AG Re are appealing Judge Johnston’s order to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

 

Proceedings Related to AGMH’s Former Financial Products Business

 

The following is a description of legal proceedings involving AGMH’s former Financial Products Business. Although the Company did not acquire AGMH’s former Financial Products Business, which included AGMH’s former guaranteed investment contract (“GIC”) business, medium term notes business and portions of the leveraged lease businesses, certain legal proceedings relating to those businesses are against entities that the Company did acquire. While Dexia SA and Dexia Crédit Local (“DCL”), jointly and severally, have agreed to indemnify the Company against liability arising out of the proceedings described below in this “—Proceedings Related to AGMH’s Former Financial Products Business” section, such indemnification might not be sufficient to fully hold the Company harmless against any injunctive relief or criminal sanction that is imposed against AGMH or its subsidiaries.

 

Governmental Investigations into Former Financial Products Business

 

AGMH and/or AGM have received subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories or civil investigative demands from the Attorney General of the States of Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Texas and West Virginia relating to their investigations of alleged bid rigging of municipal GICs. AGMH is responding to such requests. AGMH may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future. In addition,

 

·                  AGMH received a subpoena from the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice in November 2006 issued in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation of bid rigging of awards of municipal GICs and other municipal derivatives;

 

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September 30, 2011

 

·                  AGM received a subpoena from the SEC in November 2006 related to an ongoing industry-wide investigation concerning the bidding of municipal GICs and other municipal derivatives; and

 

·                  AGMH received a “Wells Notice” from the staff of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the SEC in February 2008 relating to the investigation concerning the bidding of municipal GICs and other municipal derivatives. The Wells Notice indicates that the SEC staff is considering recommending that the SEC authorize the staff to bring a civil injunctive action and/or institute administrative proceedings against AGMH, alleging violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and Section 17(a) of the Securities Act.

 

Pursuant to the subpoenas, AGMH has furnished to the Department of Justice and SEC records and other information with respect to AGMH’s municipal GIC business. The ultimate loss that may arise from these investigations remains uncertain.

 

Lawsuits Relating to Former Financial Products Business

 

During 2008, nine putative class action lawsuits were filed in federal court alleging federal antitrust violations in the municipal derivatives industry, seeking damages and alleging, among other things, a conspiracy to fix the pricing of, and manipulate bids for, municipal derivatives, including GICs. These cases have been coordinated and consolidated for pretrial proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as MDL 1950, In re Municipal Derivatives Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 1:08-cv-2516 (“MDL 1950”).

 

Five of these cases named both AGMH and AGM: (a) Hinds County, Mississippi v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (b) Fairfax County, Virginia v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (c) Central Bucks School District, Pennsylvania v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (d) Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Maryland v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; and (e) Washington County, Tennessee v. Wachovia Bank, N.A. In April 2009, the MDL 1950 court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss on the federal claims, but granted leave for the plaintiffs to file a second amended complaint. In June 2009, interim lead plaintiffs’ counsel filed a Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint; although the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint currently describes some of AGMH’s and AGM’s activities, it does not name those entities as defendants. In March 2010, the MDL 1950 court denied the named defendants’ motions to dismiss the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

 

Four of the cases named AGMH (but not AGM) and also alleged that the defendants violated California state antitrust law and common law by engaging in illegal bid-rigging and market allocation, thereby depriving the cities or municipalities of competition in the awarding of GICs and ultimately resulting in the cities paying higher fees for these products: (f) City of Oakland, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; (g) County of Alameda, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; (h) City of Fresno, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; and (i) Fresno County Financing Authority v. AIG Financial Products Corp. When the four plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint in September 2009, the plaintiffs did not name AGMH as a defendant. However, the complaint does describe some of AGMH’s and AGM’s activities. The consolidated complaint generally seeks unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs. In April 2010, the MDL 1950 court granted in part and denied in part the named defendants’ motions to dismiss this consolidated complaint.

 

In 2008, AGMH and AGM also were named in five non-class action lawsuits originally filed in the California Superior Courts alleging violations of California law related to the municipal derivatives industry: (a) City of Los Angeles, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (b) City of Stockton, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (c) County of San Diego, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (d) County of San Mateo, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; and (e) County of Contra Costa, California v. Bank of America, N.A. Amended complaints in these actions were filed in September 2009, adding a federal antitrust claim and naming AGM (but not AGMH) and AGUS, among other defendants. These cases have been transferred to the Southern District of New York and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings.

 

In late 2009, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in six additional non-class action cases filed in federal court, which also have been coordinated and consolidated for pretrial proceedings with MDL 1950: (f) City of Riverside, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (g) Sacramento Municipal Utility District v. Bank of America, N.A.; (h) Los Angeles World Airports v. Bank of America, N.A.; (i) Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton v. Bank of America, N.A.; (j) Sacramento Suburban Water District v. Bank of America, N.A.; and (k) County of Tulare, California v. Bank of America, N.A.

 

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September 30, 2011

 

The MDL 1950 court denied AGM and AGUS’s motions to dismiss these eleven complaints in April 2010. Amended complaints were filed in May 2010. On October 29, 2010, AGM and AGUS were voluntarily dismissed with prejudice from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District case only. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek or sought unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from the remaining lawsuits.

 

In May 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in five additional non-class action cases filed in federal court in California: (a) City of Richmond, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California); (b) City of Redwood City, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California); (c) Redevelopment Agency of the City and County of San Francisco, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 21, 2010, N.D. California); (d) East Bay Municipal Utility District, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California) ; and (e) City of San Jose and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, California v. Bank of America, N.A (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California). These cases have also been transferred to the Southern District of New York and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. In September 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in a sixth additional non-class action filed in federal court in New York, but which alleges violation of New York’s Donnelly Act in addition to federal antitrust law: Active Retirement Community, Inc. d/b/a Jefferson’s Ferry v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on September 21, 2010, E.D. New York), which has also been transferred to the Southern District of New York and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. In December 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in a seventh additional non-class action filed in federal court in the Central District of California, Los Angeles Unified School District v. Bank of America, N.A., and in an eighth additional non-class action filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York, Kendal on Hudson, Inc. v. Bank of America, N.A. These cases also have been consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

 

In January 2011, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in an additional non-class action case filed in federal court in New York, which alleges violation of New York’s Donnelly Act in addition to federal antitrust law: Peconic Landing at Southold, Inc. v. Bank of America, N.A. This case has been consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaint in this lawsuit generally seeks unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

In September 2009, the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia filed a lawsuit (Circuit Ct. Mason County, W. Va.) against Bank of America, N.A. alleging West Virginia state antitrust violations in the municipal derivatives industry, seeking damages and alleging, among other things, a conspiracy to fix the pricing of, and manipulate bids for, municipal derivatives, including GICs. An amended complaint in this action was filed in June 2010, adding a federal antitrust claim and naming AGM (but not AGMH) and AGUS, among other defendants. This case has been removed to federal court as well as transferred to the S.D.N.Y. and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaint in this lawsuit generally seeks civil penalties, unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

14. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

 

Long-Term Debt Obligations

 

The principal and carrying values of the Company’s long-term debt were as follows:

 

Principal and Carrying Amounts of Debt

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Principal

 

Carrying
Value

 

Principal

 

Carrying
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

AGUS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.0% Senior Notes

 

$

200.0

 

$

197.6

 

$

200.0

 

$

197.6

 

8.50% Senior Notes

 

172.5

 

171.8

 

172.5

 

171.0

 

Series A Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

150.0

 

149.8

 

150.0

 

149.8

 

Total AGUS

 

522.5

 

519.2

 

522.5

 

518.4

 

AGMH:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

67/8% QUIBS

 

100.0

 

67.3

 

100.0

 

67.0

 

6.25% Notes

 

230.0

 

135.7

 

230.0

 

135.0

 

5.60% Notes

 

100.0

 

53.4

 

100.0

 

53.0

 

Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

300.0

 

156.8

 

300.0

 

152.5

 

Total AGMH

 

730.0

 

413.2

 

730.0

 

407.5

 

AGM:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Payable

 

102.4

 

109.3

 

119.3

 

127.0

 

Total AGM

 

102.4

 

109.3

 

119.3

 

127.0

 

Total

 

$

1,354.9

 

$

1,041.7

 

$

1,371.8

 

$

1,052.9

 

 

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September 30, 2011

 

Recourse Credit Facilities

 

2006 Credit Facility

 

On November 6, 2006, AGL and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a $300.0 million, five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2006 Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of banks. Under the 2006 Credit Facility, each of AGC, AGUK, AGRO and AGL was entitled to request the banks to make loans to such borrower or to request that letters of credit be issued for the account of such borrower. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Assured Guaranty was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the 2006 Credit Facility.  As of September 30, 2011, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor had there been any borrowings during the life of the 2006 Credit Facility.  Letters of credit totaling approximately $2.9 million remained outstanding as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The Company obtained the letters of credit in connection with entering into a lease for new office space in 2008, which space was subsequently sublet.  The 2006 Credit Facility expired on November 6, 2011.  The Company has determined it has sufficient liquidity and decided not to enter into a new revolving credit facility at this time.

 

2009 Strip Coverage Facility

 

In connection with the AGMH Acquisition, AGM agreed to retain the risks relating to the debt and strip policy portions of the leveraged lease business. The liquidity risk to AGM related to the strip policy portion of the leveraged lease business is mitigated by the strip coverage facility described below.

 

In a leveraged lease transaction, a tax-exempt entity (such as a transit agency) transfers tax benefits to a tax-paying entity by transferring ownership of a depreciable asset, such as subway cars. The tax-exempt entity then leases the asset back from its new owner.

 

If the lease is terminated early, the tax-exempt entity must make an early termination payment to the lessor. A portion of this early termination payment is funded from monies that were pre-funded and invested at the closing of the leveraged lease transaction (along with earnings on those invested funds). The tax-exempt entity is obligated to pay the remaining, unfunded portion of this early termination payment (known as the “strip coverage”) from its own sources. AGM issued financial guaranty insurance policies (known as “strip policies”) that guaranteed the payment of these unfunded strip coverage amounts to the lessor, in the event that a tax-exempt entity defaulted on its obligation to pay this portion of its early termination payment. AGM can then seek reimbursement of its strip policy payments from the tax-exempt entity, and can also sell the transferred depreciable asset and reimburse itself from the sale proceeds.

 

One event that may lead to an early termination of a lease is the downgrade of AGM, as the strip coverage provider, or the downgrade of the equity payment undertaker within the transaction, in each case, generally to a financial strength rating below double-A. Upon such downgrade, the tax-exempt entity is generally obligated to find a replacement credit enhancer within a specified period of time; failure to find a replacement could result in a lease default, and failure to cure the default within a specified period of time could lead to an early termination of the lease and a demand by the lessor for a termination payment from the tax-exempt entity. However, even in the event of an early termination of the lease, there would not necessarily be an automatic draw on AGM’s policy, as this would only occur to the extent the tax-exempt entity does not make the required termination payment.

 

AIG International Group, Inc. is one entity that has acted as equity payment undertaker in a number of transactions in which AGM acted as strip coverage provider. AIG was downgraded in the third quarter of 2008 and AGM was downgraded by Moody’s in the fourth quarter of 2008. As a result of those downgrades, as of September 30, 2011, 45 leveraged lease transactions in which AGM acts as strip coverage provider were breaching either a ratings trigger related to AIG or a ratings trigger related to AGM. For such 45 leveraged lease transactions, if early termination of the leases were to occur and the tax-exempt entities do not make the required early termination payments, then AGM would be exposed to possible liquidity claims on gross exposure of approximately $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2011. If AGM were

 

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September 30, 2011

 

downgraded to A+ by S&P or A1 by Moody’s, as of September 30, 2011, another 26 leveraged lease transactions in which AGM acts as strip coverage provider would be affected. For such 26 leveraged lease transactions, if early termination of the leases were to occur and the tax-exempt entities do not make the required early termination payments, then AGM would be exposed to possible liquidity claims on gross exposure of an additional approximately $1.0 billion as of September 30, 2011. To date, none of the leveraged lease transactions that involve AGM has experienced an early termination due to a lease default and a claim on the AGM guaranty. It is difficult to determine the probability that the Company will have to pay strip provider claims or the likely aggregate amount of such claims. At September 30, 2011, approximately $0.6 billion of cumulative strip par exposure had been terminated on a consensual basis. The consensual terminations have resulted in no claims on AGM.

 

On July 1, 2009, AGM and DCL, acting through its New York Branch (“Dexia Crédit Local (NY)”), entered into a credit facility (the “Strip Coverage Facility”). Under the Strip Coverage Facility, Dexia Crédit Local (NY) agreed to make loans to AGM to finance all draws made by lessors on AGM strip policies that were outstanding as of November 13, 2008, up to the commitment amount. The commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility was $1 billion at closing of the AGMH Acquisition but is scheduled to amortize over time. As of September 30, 2011, the maximum commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility has amortized to $984.5 million. It may also be reduced in 2014 to $750 million, if AGM does not have a specified consolidated net worth at that time.

 

Fundings under this facility are subject to certain conditions precedent, and their repayment is collateralized by a security interest that AGM granted to Dexia Crédit Local (NY) in amounts that AGM recovers—from the tax-exempt entity, or from asset sale proceeds—following its payment of strip policy claims. The Strip Coverage Facility will terminate upon the earliest to occur of an AGM change of control, the reduction of the commitment amount to $0, and January 31, 2042.

 

The Strip Coverage Facility’s financial covenants require that AGM and its subsidiaries maintain a maximum debt-to-capital ratio of 30% and maintain a minimum net worth of 75% of consolidated net worth as of July 1, 2009, plus, starting July 1, 2014, 25% of the aggregate consolidated net income (or loss) for the period beginning July 1, 2009 and ending on June 30, 2014 or, if the commitment amount has been reduced to $750 million as described above, zero. The Company is in compliance with all covenants as of the date of this filing.

 

The Strip Coverage Facility contains restrictions on AGM, including, among other things, in respect of its ability to incur debt, permit liens, pay dividends or make distributions, dissolve or become party to a merger or consolidation. Most of these restrictions are subject to exceptions. The Strip Coverage Facility has customary events of default, including (subject to certain materiality thresholds and grace periods) payment default, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings and cross-default to other debt agreements.

 

As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility, nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

Under the Strip Coverage Facility, AGM covenants to deliver GAAP-compliant quarterly financial statements for itself and its consolidated subsidiaries within 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter or 115 days after the end of the fiscal year.  Neither the failure to deliver financial statements on time nor the failure to deliver GAAP-compliant financials is an event of default, but would be a covenant breach that, until cured, would prevent AGM from borrowing under the Strip Coverage Facility.  In addition, the failure to deliver financial statements that present fairly the financial condition of AGM and its consolidated subsidiaries is a breach of representation and warranty that would prevent AGM from borrowing under the Strip Coverage Facility. However, if such financial statements are restated so as to make them present fairly the financial condition of AGM and its consolidated subsidiaries and AGM delivers such restated financial statements to Dexia, then AGM could resume borrowing. The Company anticipates that AGM would be able to borrow again by December 2011, and does not anticipate that AGM would have any need to borrow under the Strip Coverage Facility prior to that time.

 

Limited Recourse Credit Facilities

 

AG Re Credit Facility

 

On July 31, 2007, AG Re entered into a limited recourse credit facility (“AG Re Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of banks which provides up to $200.0 million for the payment of losses in respect of the covered portfolio. The AG Re Credit Facility expires in June 2014. The facility can be utilized after AG Re has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $260 million or the average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by 4.5%. The obligation to repay loans under this agreement is a limited recourse obligation

 

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September 30, 2011

 

payable solely from, and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and other collateral.

 

As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

AGM Credit Facility

 

On April 30, 2005, AGM entered into a limited recourse credit facility (“AGM Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of international banks, which provides up to $297.5 million for the payment of losses in respect of the covered portfolio. The AGM Credit Facility expires in April 2015. The facility can be utilized after AGM has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $297.5 million or the average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by 5.0%. The obligation to repay loans under this agreement is a limited recourse obligation payable solely from, and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and other collateral. The ratings downgrade of AGM by Moody’s to Aa3 in November 2008 resulted in an increase to the commitment fee.

 

As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

Committed Capital Securities

 

On April 8, 2005, AGC entered into separate agreements (the “Put Agreements”) with four custodial trusts (each, a “Custodial Trust”) pursuant to which AGC may, at its option, cause each of the Custodial Trusts to purchase up to $50.0 million of perpetual preferred stock of AGC (the “AGC Preferred Stock”). The custodial trusts were created as a vehicle for providing capital support to AGC by allowing AGC to obtain immediate access to new capital at its sole discretion at any time through the exercise of the put option. If the put options were exercised, AGC would receive $200.0 million in return for the issuance of its own perpetual preferred stock, the proceeds of which may be used for any purpose, including the payment of claims. The put options have not been exercised through the date of this filing. Initially, all of AGC CCS were issued to a special purpose pass-through trust (the “Pass-Through Trust”). The Pass-Through Trust was dissolved in April 2008, and the AGC CCS were distributed to the holders of the Pass-Through Trust’s securities. Neither the Pass-Through Trust nor the custodial trusts are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.

 

Income distributions on the Pass-Through Trust Securities and AGC CCS were equal to an annualized rate of one-month LIBOR plus 110 basis points for all periods ending on or prior to April 8, 2008. Following dissolution of the Pass-Through Trust, distributions on the AGC CCS are determined pursuant to an auction process. On April 7, 2008 this auction process failed, thereby increasing the annualized rate on the AGC CCS to one-month LIBOR plus 250 basis points. Distributions on the AGC preferred stock will be determined pursuant to the same process.

 

In June 2003, $200.0 million of “AGM CPS Securities”, money market preferred trust securities, were issued by trusts created for the primary purpose of issuing the AGM CPS Securities, investing the proceeds in high-quality commercial paper and selling put options to AGM, allowing AGM to issue the trusts non-cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock (the “AGM Preferred Stock”) of AGM in exchange for cash. There are four trusts, each with an initial aggregate face amount of $50 million. These trusts hold auctions every 28 days, at which time investors submit bid orders to purchase AGM CPS Securities. If AGM were to exercise a put option, the applicable trust would transfer the portion of the proceeds attributable to principal received upon maturity of its assets, net of expenses, to AGM in exchange for AGM Preferred Stock. AGM pays a floating put premium to the trusts, which represents the difference between the commercial paper yield and the winning auction rate (plus all fees and expenses of the trust). If an auction does not attract sufficient clearing bids, however, the auction rate is subject to a maximum rate of one-month LIBOR plus 200 basis points for the next succeeding distribution period. Beginning in August 2007, the AGM CPS Securities required the maximum rate for each of the relevant trusts. AGM continues to have the ability to exercise its put option and cause the related trusts to purchase AGM Preferred Stock. The trusts provide AGM access to new capital at its sole discretion through the exercise of the put options. The Company does not consider itself to be the primary beneficiary of the trusts because it does not retain the majority of the residual benefits or expected losses.

 

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September 30, 2011

 

Committed Capital Securities

Fair Value Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

AGC CCS

 

$

0.7

 

$

(2.2

)

$

1.3

 

$

5.1

 

AGM CPS

 

1.7

 

(3.3

)

2.2

 

0.7

 

 

15. Earnings Per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

761.2

 

$

164.6

 

$

859.2

 

$

677.2

 

Less: Distributed and undistributed income (loss) available to nonvested shareholders

 

0.4

 

0.3

 

0.5

 

1.3

 

Distributed and undistributed income (loss) available to common shareholders of AGL and subsidiaries

 

$

760.8

 

$

164.3

 

$

858.7

 

$

675.9

 

Basic shares

 

183.2

 

183.7

 

183.7

 

184.0

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

4.15

 

$

0.89

 

$

4.67

 

$

3.67

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed and undistributed income (loss) available to common shareholders of AGL and subsidiaries

 

$

760.8

 

$

164.3

 

$

858.7

 

$

675.9

 

Plus: Re-allocation of undistributed income (loss) available to nonvested shareholders of AGL and subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed and undistributed income (loss) available to common shareholders of AGL and subsidiaries

 

$

760.8

 

$

164.3

 

$

858.7

 

$

675.9

 

Basic shares

 

183.2

 

183.7

 

183.7

 

184.0

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options and restricted stock awards

 

0.8

 

0.8

 

0.9

 

0.9

 

Equity units

 

 

2.8

 

1.7

 

4.0

 

Diluted shares

 

184.0

 

187.3

 

186.3

 

188.9

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

4.13

 

$

0.88

 

$

4.61

 

$

3.58

 

Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share because of antidilutive effect

 

3.5

 

4.7

 

3.4

 

3.2

 

 

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September 30, 2011

 

16. Shareholders’ Equity

 

On August 4, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program for up to 2.0 million common shares. In August 2011, the Company paid $23.3 million to repurchase 2.0 million common shares. 

 

In August 2011, the Chief Executive Officer and the General Counsel of the Company elected to invest a portion of their accounts under the Company’s supplemental employee retirement plan (“SERP”) in 138,375 units in the employer stock fund in the SERP. Each unit in the employer stock fund represents the right to receive one AGL common share upon a distribution from the SERP. The 138,375 units equals the number of AGL common shares which could have been purchased with the value of the account deemed invested in the employer stock fund as of the date of such election. The election to invest in the employer stock fund is irrevocable (i.e., any portion of a SERP account allocated to the employer stock fund and invested in units shall remain allocated to the employer stock fund until the participant receives a distribution from SERP).  At the same time such investment elections were made, in August 2011, the Company purchased 138,375 AGL common shares and placed such shares in trust to be distributed to the Chief Executive Officer and the General Counsel upon a distribution from the SERP in settlement of their units invested in the employer stock fund. The Company recorded the purchase of such shares in “deferred equity compensation” account in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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September 30, 2011

 

17. Subsidiary Information

 

The following tables present the condensed consolidating financial information for AGMH and AGUS, which have issued publicly traded debt securities that are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by AGL. The information for AGMH and AGUS presents its subsidiaries on the equity method of accounting.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

(in millions)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investment portfolio and cash

 

$

12.3

 

$

28.6

 

$

54.9

 

$

11,340.0

 

$

 

$

11,435.8

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

4,742.5

 

3,835.6

 

2,748.2

 

3,360.3

 

(14,686.6

)

 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

 

 

 

 

1,110.1

 

(123.0

)

987.1

 

Ceded unearned premium reserve

 

 

 

 

1,759.2

 

(1,011.7

)

747.5

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

326.1

 

(95.1

)

231.0

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

 

 

 

183.5

 

(135.5

)

48.0

 

Credit derivative assets

 

 

 

 

526.5

 

(59.3

)

467.2

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

 

14.3

 

(77.4

)

746.8

 

(7.5

)

676.2

 

Intercompany receivable

 

 

 

 

300.0

 

(300.0

)

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ assets, at fair value

 

 

 

 

3,005.4

 

 

3,005.4

 

Other assets(1)

 

21.5

 

10.0

 

23.0

 

871.7

 

(119.4

)

806.8

 

Total assets

 

$

4,776.3

 

$

3,888.5

 

$

2,748.7

 

$

23,529.6

 

$

(16,538.1

)

$

18,405.0

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned premium reserves

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

7,071.2

 

$

(959.4

)

$

6,111.8

 

Loss and LAE reserve

 

 

 

 

828.8

 

(158.1

)

670.7

 

Long-term debt

 

 

519.2

 

413.2

 

109.3

 

 

1,041.7

 

Intercompany payable

 

 

 

 

300.0

 

(300.0

)

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

 

0.2

 

 

1,554.4

 

(59.3

)

1,495.3

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities, at fair value

 

 

 

 

3,708.6

 

 

3,708.6

 

Other liabilities(2)

 

9.6

 

8.8

 

23.1

 

797.6

 

(228.9

)

610.2

 

Total liabilities

 

9.6

 

528.2

 

436.3

 

14,369.9

 

(1,705.7

)

13,638.3

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

4,766.7

 

3,360.3

 

2,312.4

 

9,159.7

 

(14,832.4

)

4,766.7

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

4,776.3

 

$

3,888.5

 

$

2,748.7

 

$

23,529.6

 

$

(16,538.1

)

$

18,405.0

 

 


(1)                                  Includes salvage and subrogation recoverable, current income tax receivable and other assets.

 

(2)                                  Includes reinsurance balances payable, net and other liabilities.

 

78



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2010

(in millions)

(Restated)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investment portfolio and cash

 

$

22.5

 

$

15.7

 

$

45.7

 

$

10,765.4

 

$

 

$

10,849.3

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

3,703.6

 

2,965.4

 

2,316.9

 

2,489.8

 

(11,475.7

)

 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

 

 

 

 

1,346.8

 

(179.2

)

1,167.6

 

Ceded unearned premium reserve

 

 

 

 

1,883.4

 

(1,061.6

)

821.8

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

350.4

 

(110.6

)

239.8

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

 

 

 

93.1

 

(70.8

)

22.3

 

Credit derivative assets

 

 

 

 

672.7

 

(79.8

)

592.9

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

 

(0.8

)

(95.8

)

1,355.3

 

0.4

 

1,259.1

 

Intercompany receivable

 

 

 

 

300.0

 

(300.0

)

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ assets, at fair value

 

 

 

 

3,657.5

 

 

3,657.5

 

Other assets(1)

 

19.2

 

3.8

 

15.2

 

1,354.5

 

(161.1

)

1,231.6

 

Total assets

 

$

3,745.3

 

$

2,984.1

 

$

2,282.0

 

$

24,268.9

 

$

(13,438.4

)

$

19,841.9

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned premium reserves

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

7,976.5

 

$

(1,003.6

)

$

6,972.9

 

Loss and LAE reserve

 

 

 

 

663.9

 

(89.5

)

574.4

 

Long-term debt

 

 

518.4

 

407.5

 

127.0

 

 

1,052.9

 

Intercompany payable

 

 

 

 

300.0

 

(300.0

)

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

 

0.2

 

 

2,542.5

 

(79.9

)

2,462.8

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities, at fair value

 

 

 

 

4,368.1

 

 

4,368.1

 

Other liabilities(2)

 

11.8

 

(24.3

)

(6.9

)

1,023.7

 

(327.0

)

677.3

 

Total liabilities

 

11.8

 

494.3

 

400.6

 

17,001.7

 

(1,800.0

)

16,108.4

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

3,733.5

 

2,489.8

 

1,881.4

 

7,267.2

 

(11,638.4

)

3,733.5

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

3,745.3

 

$

2,984.1

 

$

2,282.0

 

$

24,268.9

 

$

(13,438.4

)

$

19,841.9

 

 


(1)                                  Includes salvage and subrogation recoverable and other assets.

 

(2)                                  Includes reinsurance balances payable, net, current income tax payable and other liabilities.

 

79



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

(in millions)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

208.6

 

$

2.5

 

$

211.1

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

0.2

 

97.1

 

(3.8

)

93.5

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

(11.1

)

 

(11.1

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains and other settlements

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

0.5

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

1,155.4

 

 

1,155.4

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

 

 

 

1,155.9

 

 

1,155.9

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

765.9

 

586.7

 

17.1

 

580.2

 

(1,949.9

)

 

Other income(1)

 

 

 

 

(103.8

)

(0.6

)

(104.4

)

Total revenues

 

765.9

 

586.7

 

17.3

 

1,926.9

 

(1,951.8

)

1,345.0

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

 

 

 

219.3

 

(4.4

)

214.9

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

11.4

 

(4.1

)

7.3

 

Interest expense

 

 

9.8

 

13.4

 

5.5

 

(3.8

)

24.9

 

Other operating expenses

 

4.7

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

40.0

 

(3.2

)

41.9

 

Total expenses

 

4.7

 

10.0

 

13.6

 

276.2

 

(15.5

)

289.0

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

761.2

 

576.7

 

3.7

 

1,650.7

 

(1,936.3

)

1,056.0

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

(3.5

)

(4.7

)

296.8

 

6.2

 

294.8

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

761.2

 

$

580.2

 

$

8.4

 

$

1,353.9

 

$

(1,942.5

)

$

761.2

 

 


(1)                                  Includes fair value gain (loss) on CCS, net change in fair value of FG VIEs and other income.

 

80



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

(in millions)

(Restated)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

284.2

 

$

4.5

 

$

288.7

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

0.1

 

89.2

 

(3.7

)

85.6

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

(2.6

)

0.2

 

(2.4

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains and other settlements

 

 

 

 

52.4

 

 

52.4

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

(276.4

)

 

(276.4

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

 

 

 

(224.0

)

 

(224.0

)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

169.7

 

188.8

 

286.5

 

182.3

 

(827.3

)

 

Other income(1)

 

 

 

 

200.0

 

(0.4

)

199.6

 

Total revenues

 

169.7

 

188.8

 

286.6

 

529.1

 

(826.7

)

347.5

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

 

 

 

110.5

 

0.3

 

110.8

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

11.5

 

(3.5

)

8.0

 

Interest expense

 

 

9.9

 

13.4

 

5.3

 

(3.7

)

24.9

 

Other operating expenses

 

5.1

 

0.1

 

0.6

 

48.3

 

(1.9

)

52.2

 

Total expenses

 

5.1

 

10.0

 

14.0

 

175.6

 

(8.8

)

195.9

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

164.6

 

178.8

 

272.6

 

353.5

 

(817.9

)

151.6

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

(3.5

)

(6.6

)

(15.5

)

12.6

 

(13.0

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

164.6

 

$

182.3

 

$

279.2

 

$

369.0

 

$

(830.5

)

$

164.6

 

 


(1)                                  Includes fair value gain (loss) on CCS, net change in fair value of FG VIEs and other income.

 

81



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

(in millions)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

687.5

 

$

7.6

 

$

695.1

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

0.5

 

301.5

 

(11.3

)

290.7

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

(13.4

)

 

(13.4

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains and other settlements

 

 

 

 

25.1

 

 

25.1

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

829.8

 

 

829.8

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

 

 

 

854.9

 

 

854.9

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

877.7

 

717.9

 

357.0

 

698.4

 

(2,651.0

)

 

Other income(1)

 

 

 

 

(84.9

)

(2.1

)

(87.0

)

Total revenues

 

877.7

 

717.9

 

357.5

 

2,444.0

 

(2,656.8

)

1,740.3

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

 

 

 

314.5

 

(1.2

)

313.3

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

39.6

 

(15.4

)

24.2

 

Interest expense

 

 

29.5

 

40.2

 

16.0

 

(11.3

)

74.4

 

Other operating expenses

 

18.5

 

0.5

 

0.9

 

132.2

 

(4.9

)

147.2

 

Total expenses

 

18.5

 

30.0

 

41.1

 

502.3

 

(32.8

)

559.1

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

859.2

 

687.9

 

316.4

 

1,941.7

 

(2,624.0

)

1,181.2

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

(10.5

)

(14.2

)

336.8

 

9.9

 

322.0

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

859.2

 

$

698.4

 

$

330.6

 

$

1,604.9

 

$

(2,633.9

)

$

859.2

 

 


(1)                                  Includes fair value gain (loss) on CCS, net change in fair value of FG VIEs and other income.

 

82



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

(in millions)

(Restated)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

886.2

 

$

14.2

 

$

900.4

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

0.3

 

271.7

 

(11.2

)

260.8

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

(5.7

)

4.3

 

(1.4

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains and other settlements

 

 

 

 

117.5

 

 

117.5

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

10.8

 

 

10.8

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

 

 

 

128.3

 

 

128.3

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

696.4

 

623.1

 

573.8

 

602.0

 

(2,495.3

)

 

Other income(1)

 

 

 

 

148.7

 

(0.5

)

148.2

 

Total revenues

 

696.4

 

623.1

 

574.1

 

2,031.2

 

(2,488.5

)

1,436.3

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

 

 

 

305.0

 

2.4

 

307.4

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

31.4

 

(8.3

)

23.1

 

Interest expense

 

 

29.5

 

40.2

 

16.4

 

(11.2

)

74.9

 

Other operating expenses(2)

 

19.2

 

2.9

 

1.8

 

147.6

 

(2.5

)

169.0

 

Total expenses

 

19.2

 

32.4

 

42.0

 

500.4

 

(19.6

)

574.4

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

677.2

 

590.7

 

532.1

 

1,530.8

 

(2,468.9

)

861.9

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

(11.3

)

(16.2

)

189.4

 

22.8

 

184.7

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

677.2

 

$

602.0

 

$

548.3

 

$

1,341.4

 

$

(2,491.7

)

$

677.2

 

 


(1)                                  Includes fair value gain (loss) on CCS, net change in fair value of FG VIEs and other income.

 

(2)                                  Includes AGMH acquisition-related expenses and other operating expenses.

 

83



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

(in millions)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

40.6

 

$

12.9

 

$

(33.6

)

$

655.1

 

$

(74.0

)

$

601.0

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

(3.3

)

(1,784.7

)

 

(1,788.0

)

Sales

 

 

 

 

848.4

 

 

848.4

 

Maturities

 

 

 

0.5

 

502.4

 

 

502.9

 

Sales (purchases) of short-term investments, net

 

10.2

 

(23.6

)

(2.6

)

198.4

 

 

182.4

 

Net proceeds from financial guaranty variable entities’ assets

 

 

 

 

598.2

 

 

598.2

 

Investment in subsidiary

 

 

 

25.0

 

 

(25.0

)

 

Other

 

 

 

14.0

 

 

 

14.0

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

 

10.2

 

(23.6

)

33.6

 

362.7

 

(25.0

)

357.9

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

(25.0

)

25.0

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(24.8

)

 

 

(74.0

)

74.0

 

(24.8

)

Repurchases of common stock

 

(23.3

)

 

 

 

 

(23.3

)

Share activity under option and incentive plans

 

(2.7

)

 

 

 

 

(2.7

)

Net paydowns of financial guaranty variable entities’ liabilities

 

 

 

 

(830.1

)

 

(830.1

)

Issuance of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

(16.9

)

 

(16.9

)

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(50.8

)

 

 

(946.0

)

99.0

 

(897.8

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

3.8

 

 

3.8

 

Increase (decrease) in cash

 

(0.0

)

(10.7

)

 

75.6

 

 

64.9

 

Cash at beginning of period

 

 

13.0

 

 

95.4

 

 

108.4

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

(0.0

)

$

2.3

 

$

 

$

171.0

 

$

 

$

173.3

 

 

84



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

September 30, 2011

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

(in millions)

(Restated)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

7.1

 

$

14.4

 

$

(32.2

)

$

(41.6

)

$

(52.0

)

$

(104.3

)

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

(14.9

)

(1,913.8

)

 

(1,928.7

)

Sales

 

 

 

 

835.7

 

 

835.7

 

Maturities

 

 

 

5.6

 

724.0

 

 

729.6

 

Sales (purchases) of short-term investments, net

 

30.5

 

(14.5

)

16.5

 

698.7

 

 

731.2

 

Net proceeds from financial guaranty variable entities’ assets

 

 

 

 

323.6

 

 

323.6

 

Investment in subsidiary

 

 

 

25.0

 

 

(25.0

)

 

Other

 

 

 

 

15.7

 

 

15.7

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

 

30.5

 

(14.5

)

32.2

 

683.9

 

(25.0

)

707.1

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

(25.0

)

25.0

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(24.9

)

 

 

(52.0

)

52.0

 

(24.9

)

Repurchases of common stock

 

(10.5

)

 

 

 

 

(10.5

)

Share activity under option and incentive plans

 

(2.2

)

 

 

 

 

(2.2

)

Net paydowns of financial guaranty variable entities’ liabilities

 

 

 

 

(497.3

)

 

(497.3

)

Issuance of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

(16.1

)

 

(16.1

)

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(37.6

)

 

 

(590.4

)

77.0

 

(551.0

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

(1.5

)

 

(1.5

)

Increase (decrease) in cash

 

 

(0.1

)

 

50.4

 

 

50.3

 

Cash at beginning of period

 

 

0.1

 

 

44.0

 

 

44.1

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

94.4

 

$

 

$

94.4

 

 

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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Form 10-Q contains information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give the expectations or forecasts of future events of Assured Guaranty Ltd. (“AGL” and, together with its subsidiaries, “Assured Guaranty” or the “Company”). These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and relate to future operating or financial performance.

 

Any or all of Assured Guaranty’s forward-looking statements herein are based on current expectations and the current economic environment and may turn out to be incorrect. Assured Guaranty’s actual results may vary materially. Among factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are:

 

·                 rating agency action, including a ratings downgrade, a change in outlook, the placement of ratings on watch for downgrade, or a change in rating criteria, at any time, of AGL or any of its subsidiaries and/or of transactions that AGL’s subsidiaries have insured, all of which have occurred in the past;

 

·                 developments in the world’s financial and capital markets that adversely affect issuers’ payment rates, the Company’s loss experience, its ability to cede exposure to reinsurers, its access to capital, its unrealized (losses) gains on derivative financial instruments or its investment returns;

 

·                 changes in the world’s credit markets, segments thereof or general economic conditions;

 

·                 more severe or frequent losses implicating the adequacy of the Company’s expected loss estimates;

 

·                 the impact of market volatility on the mark-to-market of the Company’s contracts written in credit default swap (“CDS”) form;

 

·                 reduction in the amount of insurance and reinsurance opportunities available to the Company;

 

·                 deterioration in the financial condition of our reinsurers, the amount and timing of reinsurance recoverables actually received and the risk that reinsurers may dispute amounts owed to us under our reinsurance agreements;

 

·                 the possibility that the Company will not realize insurance loss recoveries or damages from originators, sellers, sponsors, underwriters or servicers of residential mortgage-backed securities transactions;

 

·                 increased competition;

 

·                 changes in applicable accounting policies or practices;

 

·                 changes in applicable laws or regulations, including insurance and tax laws;

 

·                 other governmental actions;

 

·                 difficulties with the execution of the Company’s business strategy;

 

·                 contract cancellations;

 

·                 the Company’s dependence on customers;

 

·                 loss of key personnel;

 

·                 adverse technological developments;

 

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·                  the effects of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures;

 

·                 natural or man-made catastrophes;

 

·                 other risks and uncertainties that have not been identified at this time;

 

·                 management’s response to these factors; and

 

·                 other risk factors identified in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive, and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this Quarterly Report. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC.

 

If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the Company’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what the Company projected. Any forward looking statements in this Form 10-Q reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to its operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity.

 

For these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

 

Convention

 

Unless otherwise noted, ratings disclosed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Assured Guaranty’s insured portfolio reflect internal ratings. Although Assured Guaranty’s rating scale is similar to that used by the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, the ratings may not be the same as ratings assigned by any such rating agency. The super senior category, which is not generally used by rating agencies, is used by Assured Guaranty in instances where its AAA-rated exposure has additional credit enhancement due to either (1) the existence of another security rated AAA that is subordinated to Assured Guaranty’s exposure or (2) Assured Guaranty’s exposure benefitting from a different form of credit enhancement that would pay any claims first in the event that any of the exposures incurs a loss, and such credit enhancement, in management’s opinion, causes Assured Guaranty’s attachment point to be materially above the AAA attachment point.

 

Website Information

 

The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its website (www.assuredguaranty.com), under the “Investor Information” (particularly under the “By Company,” “Assured Guaranty Ltd.” tabs) and “Press Room” tabs. The Company uses this website as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under SEC Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure). Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Information and Press Room portions of the Company’s website, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this Quarterly Report.

 

Executive Summary

 

This executive summary of Management’s Discussion and Analysis highlights selected information and may not contain all of the information that is important to readers of this Quarterly Report. For a complete

 

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description of events, trends and uncertainties, as well as the capital, liquidity, credit, operational and market risks and the critical accounting policies and estimates affecting the Company, this Quarterly Report should be read in its entirety and in addition to Assured Guaranty’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Original 10-K”), as amended by Amendment No. on Form 10-K/A. Financial information in Management’s Discussion and Analysis has been restated as described in Note 2, Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements, of the Financial Statements. The restatement related primarily to the correction of errors in the elimination of intercompany transactions between the Company’s insurance subsidiaries and the consolidated financial guaranty variable interest entities (“FG VIEs”). The restatement resulted in a decrease to net income of $16.3 million in the three-month period ended September 30, 2010 (“Third Quarter 2010”) and $29.2 million in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 (“Nine Months 2010”) from amounts previously reported in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010. The restatement resulted in a decrease to equity of $65.3 million as of December 31, 2010.

 

Business Overview

 

Assured Guaranty provides, through its operating subsidiaries, credit protection products to the United States (“U.S.”) and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. The Company has applied its credit underwriting judgment, risk management skills and capital markets experience to develop insurance, reinsurance and credit derivative products that protect holders of debt instruments and other monetary obligations from defaults in scheduled payments, including scheduled interest and principal payments. Financial guaranty contracts written in insurance form provide an unconditional and irrevocable guaranty that protects the holder of a financial obligation against non-payment of principal and interest when due. Financial guaranty contracts written in credit derivative form (typically CDS) are generally structured such that the circumstances giving rise to the Company’s obligation to make loss payments are similar to those for financial guaranty contracts accounted for as insurance and only occurs upon one or more defined credit events with respect to one or more third-party referenced securities or loans.

 

Public finance obligations insured or assumed through reinsurance by the Company consist primarily of general obligation bonds supported by the issuers’ taxing powers, tax-supported bonds and revenue bonds and other obligations of states, their political subdivisions and other municipal issuers supported by the issuers’ or obligors’ covenant to impose and collect fees and charges for public services or specific projects. Public finance obligations include obligations backed by the cash flow from leases or other revenues from projects serving substantial public purposes, including government office buildings, toll roads, health care facilities and utilities.

 

Structured finance obligations insured or assumed through reinsurance by the Company are backed by pools of assets such as residential mortgage loans, consumer or trade receivables, securities or other assets having an ascertainable cash flow or market value and issued by special purpose entities. The Company currently does not underwrite U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”).

 

New issuance in the U.S. and international public finance sectors has not returned to historic levels, and the market for financial guaranty insurance has been hampered by ratings actions and municipal rating recalibrations, as well as reduced new issuance volume. In particular, the U.S. public finance market new issue volume for the first nine months of 2011 was $188.0 billion, down 37% from the same period in 2010. The factors contributing to this decline include:

 

·      Municipal issuance in 2010 was a record of $430.8 billion as issuers were seeking to take advantage of the expiring Build America Bonds program.

 

·                 Reduction in capital spending due to municipal budget constraints, resulting in less need for increased debt.

 

·                 Reluctance to increase taxes to service principal and interest costs under new debt.

 

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Debt obligations guaranteed by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are generally awarded ratings that are the same rating as the financial strength rating of the Assured Guaranty subsidiary that has guaranteed that obligation. Investors in products insured by Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. (“AGM”) or Assured Guaranty Corp. (“AGC”) frequently rely on rating agency ratings. Therefore, low financial strength ratings or uncertainty over AGM’s or AGC’s abilities to maintain their financial strength ratings would have a negative impact on the demand for their insurance product.

 

A downgrade by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) of the financial strength ratings of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries may have a negative impact on the Company’s liquidity. A downgrade may trigger (1) increased claims on some of the Company’s insurance policies, in certain cases, on a more accelerated basis than when the original transaction closed; or (2) termination payments or collateral posting under CDS contracts. A downgrade in the financial strength ratings may also enable beneficiaries of the Company’s policies to cancel the credit protection offered by the Company and cease paying premium. A downgrade may also enable primary insurance companies that had ceded business to the Company to recapture a significant portion of its in-force financial guaranty reinsurance business.

 

In 2011, the Company is focusing on three principal areas that are critical to Assured Guaranty’s future growth and business potential. Those areas are:

 

·                 S&P’s new bond insurance rating criteria.

 

·                 Loss mitigation, including the pursuit of recoveries for breaches of representations and warranties and efforts to improve servicing.

 

·                 New business development.

 

Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services Bond Insurer Criteria

 

The most recent rating action by S&P on AGL and its subsidiaries took place on September 27, 2011, when S&P published a Research Update in which it placed its ratings of Assured Guaranty on CreditWatch Negative.  This action included changing the financial strength ratings of AGC and AGM from AA+ (Negative Outlook) to AA+ (CreditWatch Negative), and the AA (Negative Outlook) rating of AG Re to AA (CreditWatch Negative), signifying that S&P may downgrade such financial strength ratings in the near future.  In the Research Update, S&P stated that the CreditWatch placement is due to significant concentration risk in Assured Guaranty’s consolidated insured portfolio; the portfolio contains exposures that are not consistent with S&P’s new bond insurance rating criteria and breach the “largest obligor test” in such new criteria.  The largest obligor test appears to have the effect of significantly reducing Assured Guaranty’s allowed single risk limits and limiting its financial strength rating level.  S&P published updated criteria in Bond Insurance Rating Methodology and Assumptions on August 25, 2011, subsequent to its publication of Request for Comment: Bond Insurance Criteria on January 24, 2011.  According to S&P, based on statements from Assured Guaranty’s management that Assured Guaranty intends to take action such as create capital or utilize additional forms of reinsurance to mitigate these concentration risks, it is likely such actions, if taken, would support financial strength ratings in the “AA” category.  S&P noted that it expects to resolve this CreditWatch placement no later than November 30, 2011.  The Company is considering transactions that are designed to create capital and/or mitigate its concentration risks but can give no assurance that it will be able to complete the transactions at all or on terms that are acceptable.  If it cannot do so, S&P may downgrade the financial strength ratings of AGL and its subsidiaries, which downgrade may have an adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, liquidity, business prospects or other aspects of the Company’s business and on its insured portfolio. See Notes 5, 7 and 12 of the Financial Statements for the potential impact of a financial strength rating downgrade on the Company and on the insured portfolio. Since S&P’s January 2011 announcement that it planned to change its rating criteria, the Company has been pursuing strategies to improve its rating agency capital position. Such strategies include:

 

·                 Negotiating comprehensive agreements with representations and warranties (“R&W”) providers, such as the Bank of America Agreement consummated on April 14, 2011. See “Loss Mitigation” below.

 

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·                 Agreeing to terminate contracts under which the Company sells credit protection. Through September 30, 2011, the Company agreed to terminate CDS with net par of $9.5 billion, resulting in  $2.6 million in revenues in the three-month period ended September 30, 2011 (“Third Quarter 2011”) and net revenues of $1.7 million in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011 (“Nine Months 2011”).

 

·                 Commuting reinsurance contracts. In Nine Months 2011, the Company cancelled an assumed reinsurance contract for a gain of $8.1 million and cancelled a ceded reinsurance contract for a gain of $24.1 million. In Nine Months 2010, the Company reassumed previously ceded business resulting in gains of $17.1 million.

 

·                 Purchasing securities insured by the Company. In 2011, the Company purchased additional insured securities bringing the September 30, 2011 carrying value of assets purchased for loss mitigation purposes to $411.1 million, with a par of $1,338.5 million.

 

Loss Mitigation

 

On April 14, 2011, Assured Guaranty reached a comprehensive agreement with Bank of America Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Countrywide Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Bank of America”), regarding their liabilities with respect to 29 RMBS transactions insured by Assured Guaranty, including claims relating to reimbursement for breaches of R&W and historical loan servicing issues (“Bank of America Agreement”). Of the 29 RMBS transactions, eight are second lien transactions and 21 are first lien transactions. The Bank of America Agreement covers Bank of America-sponsored securitizations that AGM or AGC has insured, as well as certain other securitizations containing concentrations of Countrywide-originated loans that AGM or AGC has insured. The transactions covered by the Bank of America Agreement have a gross par outstanding of $4.6 billion ($4.2 billion net par outstanding) as of September 30, 2011, or 28% of Assured Guaranty’s total below-investment-grade (“BIG”) RMBS net par outstanding.

 

Bank of America paid $985.4 million in Nine Months 2011 in respect of covered second lien transactions and is obligated to pay another $114.6 million by March 2012. In consideration of the $1.1 billion, the Company has agreed to release its claims for the repurchase of mortgage loans underlying the eight second lien transactions (i.e. Assured Guaranty will retain the risk of future insured losses without further offset for R&W claims against Bank of America).

 

In addition, Bank of America will reimburse Assured Guaranty 80% of claims Assured Guaranty pays on the 21 first lien transactions, until aggregate collateral losses on such RMBS transactions reach $6.6 billion. The Company accounts for the 80% loss sharing agreement with Bank of America as subrogation. As the Company calculates expected losses for these 21 first lien transactions, such expected losses will be offset by an R&W benefit from Bank of America for 80% of these amounts. As of September 30, 2011, Bank of America had placed approximately $965.0 million of eligible assets in trust in order to collateralize the reimbursement obligation relating to the first lien transactions. The amount of assets required to be posted may increase or decrease from time to time, as determined by rating agency requirements. As of September 30, 2011, the Company’s estimate of expected R&W recoveries for the first lien transactions covered under the Bank of America Agreement was $615.1 million. As of September 30, 2011, cumulative collateral losses on the 21 first lien RMBS transactions were approximately $1.8 billion. The Company estimates that cumulative projected collateral losses for these first lien transactions will reach $4.9 billion, which will result in estimated gross expected losses to the Company of $811.5 million before considering R&W recoveries from Bank of America, and $162.3 million after considering such R&W recoveries. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had been reimbursed $34.1 million in respect of the covered first lien transactions under the Bank of America Agreement.

 

The benefit for R&W in 2011 reflects higher expected recoveries across all transactions as a result of the Bank of America Agreement. For transactions covered under the Bank of America Agreement, the R&W benefit has been updated to reflect amounts collected and expected to be collected under the terms of the Bank of America Agreement. For transactions with other sponsors of U.S. RMBS, against which the Company is pursuing R&W claims, the Company has increased the benefit for R&W in 2011 to reflect the probability that actual recovery rates may be higher than originally expected. For

 

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transactions involving R&W providers other than Bank of America, the Company has continued to review additional loan files and has found breach rates consistent with those in the Bank of America transactions.

 

The Company believes the Bank of America Agreement was a significant step in the effort to recover U.S. RMBS losses the Company experienced resulting from breaches of R&W. The Company is continuing to pursue other representation and warranty providers for U.S. RMBS transactions it has insured. See “Recovery Litigation” in Note 5, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements for a discussion of the litigation proceedings the Company has initiated against other R&W providers.

 

New Business Development

 

Management believes that the Company is able to provide value not only by insuring the timely payment of scheduled interest and principal amounts when due, but also through its underwriting skills and surveillance capabilities, particularly with regard to the U.S. public finance market. Few individual or even institutional investors have the analytic resources to cover all the various local governmental units in that market, which are estimated to number more than 85,000. Through its financial guaranty, the Company undertakes the tasks of credit selection, analysis, negotiation of terms, monitoring and, if necessary, remediation. Management believes this allows retail investors to participate more widely, institutional investors to operate more efficiently and smaller, less well-known issuers to gain market access on a more cost-effective basis. In Third Quarter 2011, based on par, the Company insured approximately 16.9% of new U.S. municipal issues that were $25 million or less in size across all rating categories.

 

New Business Production

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Present Value of New Business Production (“PVP”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Finance—U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Markets

 

$

33.7

 

$

74.7

 

$

96.4

 

$

207.8

 

Secondary Markets

 

5.9

 

9.8

 

22.0

 

32.4

 

Public Finance—non-U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Markets

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary Markets

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

Structured Finance—U.S.

 

11.2

 

3.7

 

29.6

 

13.9

 

Structured Finance—non-U.S.

 

 

0.7

 

7.2

 

2.8

 

Total PVP

 

$

50.8

 

$

88.9

 

$

155.2

 

$

257.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Par Written

 

$

4,608

 

$

7,426

 

$

11,300

 

$

22,875

 

 

PVP represents the present value of estimated future earnings primarily on new financial guaranty contracts written in the period, before consideration of cessions to reinsurers. Third Quarter 2011 PVP of $50.8 million consists of $39.6 million in U.S. public finance PVP and $11.2 million in structured finance PVP. New business production in the U.S. public finance market represents third quarter 2011 market penetration of 13.3%, based on new issue transactions and 5.7%, based on the amount of new issue par sold.  Between July 2011 and September 2011, the Company’s penetration in the U.S. public finance market increased from 11.0% to 15.3% based on new issue transactions and from 3.2% to 7.3% based on new issue par. The improvement in penetration within Third Quarter is significant because it demonstrates the continued demand for our product.  Structured finance PVP in Third Quarter 2011 was more than double PVP in Third Quarter 2010.

 

Third Quarter and Nine Months 2011 PVP reflect the smaller new-issue market for U.S. municipal bonds as compared with 2010, as well as ratings uncertainty created by S&P’s new bond insurance criteria.   The Company reported U.S. public finance PVP of $84.5 million for Third Quarter 2010 and $240.2 million for Nine Months 2010. New issuances in the U.S. municipal market declined as municipalities reduced borrowing in the current environment.

 

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Municipal Market Data

 

 

 

Nine Months

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Par

 

Number
of Issues

 

Par

 

Number
of Issues

 

 

 

(dollars in billions, except number of issues)

 

New municipal bonds issued

 

$

188.0

 

7,231

 

$

430.8

 

13,594

 

Insured by all financial guarantors

 

10.5

 

883

 

26.8

 

1,697

 

Insured by AGC and AGM

 

10.5

 

883

 

26.8

 

1,697

 

Issued under Build America Bonds program

 

 

 

117.3

 

1,567

 

Insured under Build America Bonds program by AGC and AGM

 

 

 

4.7

 

153

 

 

Financial Performance

 

The table below presents selected financial data for the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Reported Financial Results

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

211.1

 

$

288.7

 

$

695.1

 

$

900.4

 

Net investment income

 

93.5

 

85.6

 

290.7

 

260.8

 

Realized gains and other settlements on credit derivatives

 

0.5

 

52.4

 

25.1

 

117.5

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives

 

1,155.4

 

(276.4

)

829.8

 

10.8

 

Net change in fair value of financial guaranty variable interest entities

 

(99.2

)

171.3

 

(153.9

)

135.0

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

(214.9

)

(110.8

)

(313.3

)

(307.4

)

Other operating expenses

 

(41.9

)

(52.2

)

(147.2

)

(162.2

)

Net income

 

761.2

 

164.6

 

859.2

 

677.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

4.13

 

0.88

 

4.61

 

3.58

 

 

Third Quarter 2011 net income was driven primarily by fair value gains on credit derivatives. Fair value gains on credit derivatives resulted primarily from the widening of AGC credit spreads and was concentrated in the first lien U.S. RMBS sector. Net investment income increased due to a shift from the short term portfolio to longer-term assets and increased invested assets largely due to cash received under the Bank of America Agreement. Scheduled net earned premiums and credit derivative fees in Third Quarter 2011 were consistent with the expected scheduled amortization of deferred premium revenue. The decline in the structured finance in-force book of business was the primary driver of the decline from 2010 to 2011. Loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) in Third Quarter 2011 included the effect of lower risk-free rates used to discount expected losses,

 

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offset in part by higher R&W benefits for certain transactions. Third Quarter 2010 included a $55.8 million tax benefit related to an amended Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc. (“AGMH”) tax filing related to a period prior to the acquisition of AGMH on July 1, 2009 (“AGMH Acquisition”).

 

For Nine Months 2011, net income also includes significant fair value gains on credit derivatives. The increase in unrealized gains on credit derivatives from 2010 to 2011 is a result of the effect of AGC’s credit spread widening since year-end 2010 offset by a refinement in assumptions in the three-months period ended March 31, 2011 (“First Quarter 2011”). In 2011 the Company entered into agreements for the recovery of certain R-W benefits and as such, the Company’s credit derivative valuation now reflects a benefit for these amounts. Nine Months 2011 commutation gains on financial guaranty insurance contracts accounted for as insurance amounted to $32.2 million, compared with $17.1 million for Nine Months 2010. Changes in net investment income and net earned premiums between Nine Months 2011 and 2010 are caused by the same factors described above for Third Quarter 2011. Loss and LAE for Nine Months 2011 benefited significantly from increased R&W estimates as a result of the Bank of America Agreement and for other transactions where potential recoveries may be higher due to settlements. Approximately $439.0 million in pretax income was generated by the increase in estimated contractual R&W recoveries on transactions covered by the Bank of America Agreement in Nine Months 2011.

 

In addition to GAAP measures, the Company evaluates several non-GAAP financial measures. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a description and reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measures. The most significant differences between GAAP reported net income and non-GAAP operating income are the removal of unrealized gains and losses related to credit derivatives that are not indicative of economic loss, and reversing the effects of consolidating FG VIEs.

 

Operating income was $38.3 million in Third Quarter 2011 compared with $222.6 million in Third Quarter 2010. Operating income does not include fair value gains and losses on credit derivatives and FG VIEs, which are not indicative of economic loss, and other items as described in “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” The primary components of operating income are earned premiums, credit derivative revenues, net investment income, loss expense, and operating and interest expenses, in addition to any transactional gains and loss such as R&W agreements, commutations and terminations.

 

Operating income declined from Third Quarter 2010 to Third Quarter 2011 due primarily to (1) the decline in scheduled net earned premiums, which is consistent with expectations previously disclosed, (2) higher total loss expense from insurance and credit derivative losses and (3) the inclusion of a tax benefit in Third Quarter 2010 related to an amended AGMH tax return related to a period prior to the AGMH Acquisition. Losses were higher than previously expected due primarily to the decline in risk-free rates used to discount cash flows, and higher RMBS losses, which were offset in part by higher R&W expected recoveries.

 

Operating income for Nine Months 2011 was $430.9 million, 15.7% lower than Nine Months 2010 operating income of $511.4 million. The primary driver of the decrease in operating income on a year to date basis is the decline in earned premiums, which was consistent with expectations.   Nine Months 2010 also included a $55.8 million tax benefit related to the filing of an amended pre-acquisition tax return of AGMH.

 

Results of Operations

 

Estimates and Assumptions

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include amounts that are determined using estimates and assumptions. The actual amounts realized could ultimately be materially different from the amounts currently provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Management believes the most significant items requiring inherently subjective and complex estimates are expected losses, including assumptions for breaches of R&W, fair value estimates, other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), deferred income taxes, and premium revenue recognition.

 

An understanding of the Company’s accounting policies for these items is of critical importance to understanding its consolidated financial statements. See Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the Company’s Form 10-K/A for a discussion of significant accounting policies and fair value methodologies. The following discussion of the results of operations includes information regarding the estimates

 

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and assumptions used for these items and should be read in conjunction with the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Change in Accounting Policy

 

Prior to January 1, 2011, the Company managed its business and reported financial information for two principal financial guaranty segments: direct and reinsurance. There has been no market for assumed financial guaranty reinsurance in the past two years, and one is not expected to develop in the foreseeable future. The Company’s reinsurance subsidiary, AG Re, now writes new treaties only with affiliates that are eliminated in consolidation. As a result, the chief operating decision maker now manages the operations of the Company at a consolidated level and no longer uses underwriting gain (loss) by segment as an operating metric. Therefore, segment financial information is no longer disclosed.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

211.1

 

$

288.7

 

$

695.1

 

$

900.4

 

Net investment income

 

93.5

 

85.6

 

290.7

 

260.8

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

(11.1

)

(2.4

)

(13.4

)

(1.4

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains and other settlements

 

0.5

 

52.4

 

25.1

 

117.5

 

Net unrealized gains

 

1,155.4

 

(276.4

)

829.8

 

10.8

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

1,155.9

 

(224.0

)

854.9

 

128.3

 

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

 

2.4

 

(5.5

)

3.5

 

5.8

 

Net change in fair value of FG VIEs

 

(99.2

)

171.3

 

(153.9

)

135.0

 

Other income

 

(7.6

)

33.8

 

63.4

 

7.4

 

Total revenues

 

1,345.0

 

347.5

 

1,740.3

 

1,436.3

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

214.9

 

110.8

 

313.3

 

307.4

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

7.3

 

8.0

 

24.2

 

23.1

 

Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc. acquisition-related expenses

 

 

 

 

6.8

 

Interest expense

 

24.9

 

24.9

 

74.4

 

74.9

 

Other operating expenses

 

41.9

 

52.2

 

147.2

 

162.2

 

Total expenses

 

289.0

 

195.9

 

559.1

 

574.4

 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

 

1,056.0

 

151.6

 

1,181.2

 

861.9

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

294.8

 

(13.0

)

322.0

 

184.7

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

761.2

 

$

164.6

 

$

859.2

 

$

677.2

 

 

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Net Earned Premiums

 

Net Earned Premiums

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Financial guaranty:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public finance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scheduled net earned premiums

 

$

89.1

 

$

98.5

 

$

271.7

 

$

283.8

 

Acceleration of premium earnings(1)

 

26.8

 

21.2

 

77.4

 

53.0

 

Total public finance

 

115.9

 

119.7

 

349.1

 

336.8

 

Structured finance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scheduled net earned premiums and accretion(2)

 

94.8

 

168.4

 

344.6

 

562.7

 

Acceleration of premium earnings(1)

 

 

 

 

(1.0

)

Total structured finance

 

94.8

 

168.4

 

344.6

 

561.7

 

Other

 

0.4

 

0.6

 

1.4

 

1.9

 

Total net earned premiums

 

$

211.1

 

$

288.7

 

$

695.1

 

$

900.4

 

 


(1)                                 Reflects the unscheduled refunding or early termination of underlying insured obligations.

 

(2)                                 Excludes $19.4 million and $12.8 million in Third Quarter 2011 and 2010, respectively and $56.8 million and $34.4 million for Nine Months 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

Net earned premiums decreased in Third Quarter 2011 and Nine Months 2011 from Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010, primarily due to the decline in structured finance scheduled net earned premium as the par outstanding declines. Third Quarter 2011 and Nine Months 2011 scheduled net earned premiums were consistent with expected amounts. At September 30, 2011, $5.5 billion of net deferred premium revenue remained to be earned over the life of the insurance contracts. Due to the runoff of deferred premium revenue, which includes acquisition accounting adjustments, net earned premiums are expected to decrease each year unless replaced by new business.

 

Net earned premiums reported under GAAP exclude the net earned premium related to consolidated FG VIEs. The consolidated FG VIEs are entities that are established and used in insured structured financings for which the Company is deemed to have a controlling financial interest, as defined by GAAP, due to its ability to terminate and replace the transaction’s servicer.

 

Net Investment Income

 

Investment income is a function of the yield that the Company earns on invested assets. The investment yield is a function of market interest rates at the time of investment as well as the type, credit quality and maturity of the invested assets.

 

Net investment income increased due primarily to a shift from the short term portfolio to longer-term assets, and additional earnings on the cash received under the Bank of America Agreement. The amortized cost of fixed maturities and short-term investments averaged $10.6 billion in Third Quarter 2011 compared with $10.2 billion in Third Quarter 2010. The pre-tax book yield was 3.85% at September 30, 2011 and 3.72% at September 30, 2010, respectively. Duration at September 30, 2011 was 4.7 years compared to 4.6 years at September 30, 2010.

 

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

 

The table below presents the components of net realized investment gains (losses). OTTI included below was primarily attributable to mortgage-backed securities that were acquired for loss mitigation purposes and municipal securities where we have the intent to sell. OTTI amounts reported in the statements of operations represent the credit component of the change in fair value of OTTI securities and the entire unrealized loss related to securities the Company intends to sell.

 

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Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Realized investment gains (losses) on sales of investments

 

$

5.3

 

$

2.2

 

$

19.2

 

$

21.0

 

OTTI:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intent to sell

 

(1.4

)

(0.3

)

(4.9

)

(2.0

)

Credit losses on securities(1)

 

(15.0

)

(4.3

)

(27.7

)

(20.4

)

OTTI

 

(16.4

)

(4.6

)

(32.6

)

(22.4

)

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

$

(11.1

)

$

(2.4

)

$

(13.4

)

$

(1.4

)

 


(1)                                  Includes OTTI on bonds purchased for loss mitigation purposes or obtained in settlements of insured transactions.

 

Other Income

 

The following table details the components of other income.

 

Other Income

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) on revaluation of premium receivable

 

$

(22.0

)

$

33.6

 

$

(3.3

)

$

(21.7

)

Commutation gains

 

 

0.4

 

32.2

 

17.1

 

R&W settlement benefit

 

11.9

 

 

22.2

 

 

Other

 

2.5

 

(0.2

)

12.3

 

12.0

 

Total other income

 

$

(7.6

)

$

33.8

 

$

63.4

 

$

7.4

 

 

The R&W settlement benefit recorded in other income in Nine Months 2011 represents R&W benefits on transactions where the Company had recovered more than its expected lifetime losses due to a negotiated agreement with the R&W provider.  In 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized commutation gains on the re-assumptions of several books of business previously ceded to various reinsurers.

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

Compensation is a primary component of other operating expenses and varies primarily based on headcount and performance-driven long-term incentive compensation. Other operating expenses decreased in Third Quarter 2011 due primarily to declines in gross compensation expense. Deferral rates in Third Quarter 2011 and 2010 were 16.5% and 18.4%, respectively. Other operating expenses in Nine Months 2011 decreased primarily due to declines in compensation expense offset in part by lower deferral rates for policy acquisition costs. Deferral rates in Nine Months 2011 and 2010 were 16.1% and 19.3%, respectively. Deferral rates for policy acquisition costs may be affected after the Company adopts the new guidance, which specifies that certain costs incurred in the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts should be capitalized. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements in 2012.

 

Losses in the Insured Portfolio

 

The insured portfolio includes policies accounted for under three separate accounting models depending on the characteristics of the contract and the Company’s control rights. The following provides a very summarized description of the three accounting models; however, please refer to Notes 5, 7 and 8 of the accompanying Financial Statements, and in the corresponding Notes to the December 31, 2010 consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Form 10-K/A for a full description of the three accounting models: financial guaranty insurance, credit derivatives and consolidated financial guaranty variable interest entities. For credit derivatives, please also refer to Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of the Financial Statements. The three models are as follows:

 

·                 For contracts accounted for as financial guaranty insurance, loss and LAE reserve is generally recorded only to the extent and for the amount that expected losses to be paid (calculated on a present value probability weighted basis) exceed deferred premium revenue. As a result, the Company has expected losses to be expensed in future periods, which represents past or future claim payments that have not yet been expensed. Expected loss to be paid is important from a liquidity perspective in that it provides

 

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the present value of amounts that the Company expects to pay or recover in future periods. Expected loss to be expensed is important because it presents the Company’s projection of incurred losses that will be recognized in future periods as deferred premium revenue amortizes into income on financial guaranty insurance policies.  Both of these measures are discussed below.

 

·                 For contracts accounted for as credit derivatives, the Company records the fair value of these contracts on the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. In periods prior to 2009, when the Company was actively writing credit derivatives, they were considered an extension of the financial guaranty insurance business. The Company’s credit derivatives are not actively traded as are credit derivatives in other financial services industries. Management expects the fair value gains and losses to reverse to zero as the contract approaches maturity, except for economic claim payments. See “—Net change in fair value of credit derivatives.” Expected loss to be paid is considered in the fair value of each contract and is an important measure for management to analyze the net economic loss on credit derivatives. The fair value recorded on the balance sheet represents a hypothetical exit price determined using significant Level 3 inputs in an internally developed model while the expected loss to be paid uses methodologies and assumptions consistent with financial guaranty insurance expected losses to be paid.

 

·                 For consolidated FG VIEs expected loss to be paid is reflected in the fair value of the FG VIEs liabilities. The Company carries the assets and liabilities of the FG VIEs at fair value under the fair value option election. Management assesses credit impairment on consolidated FG VIEs in the same manner as other financial guaranty insurance or credit derivative contracts. The fair value of FG VIEs recorded on the balance sheet reflects additional factors other than expected loss such as changes in market spreads. These contracts are not actively traded and therefore management expects the fair value gains and losses to reverse to zero as the contract approaches maturity, except for economic claim payments made by AGC and AGM. Expected loss to be paid for FG VIEs pursuant to AGC’s and AGM’s financial guaranty policies is calculated in a manner consistent with financial guaranty insurance contracts.

 

In order to effectively manage the economics of the entire insured portfolio, management compiles and analyzes loss information for all policies on a consistent basis. That is, management monitors and assigns ratings and calculates expected losses in the same manner for all its exposures regardless of form or differing accounting models.  Management also considers contract specific characteristics that affect the estimates of expected loss.

 

Risk Management and Surveillance personnel are responsible for monitoring and reporting on all transactions in the insured portfolio. The primary objective of the surveillance process is to monitor trends and changes in transaction credit quality, detect any deterioration in credit quality, and recommend to management such remedial actions as may be necessary or appropriate. All transactions in the insured portfolio are assigned internal credit ratings, and Surveillance personnel are responsible for recommending adjustments to those ratings to reflect changes in transaction credit quality. Surveillance personnel present analyses related to potential losses to the loss reserve committees for consideration in estimating the expected loss. Such analyses include the consideration of various scenarios with potential probabilities assigned to them. Depending upon the nature of the risk, the Company’s view of the potential size of any loss and the information available, that analysis may be based upon individually developed cash flow models, internal credit rating assessments and sector-driven loss severity assumptions, judgmental assessments or, in the case of its assumed business, loss estimates provided by ceding insurers. The loss reserve committees review and refresh the expected loss estimates each quarter. The Company’s estimate of ultimate loss on a policy is subject to significant uncertainty over the life of the insured transaction due to the potential for significant variability in credit performance due to changing economic, fiscal and financial market variability over the long duration of most contracts. The determination of expected loss is an inherently subjective process involving numerous estimates, assumptions and judgments by management. The most significant losses have been generated by the U.S. RMBS sector.

 

The Company projects losses in U.S. RMBS on a transaction-by-transaction basis by projecting the performance of the underlying pool of mortgages over time and then applying the structural features (i.e., payment

 

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priorities and tranching) of the RMBS to the projected performance of the collateral over time. The resulting projected claim payments or reimbursements are then discounted to a present value using a current risk-free rate. For transactions where the Company projects it will receive recoveries from providers of R&W, it projects the amount of recoveries and reduces its projected claim payments accordingly.

 

The further behind a mortgage borrower falls in making payments, the more likely it is that he or she will default. The rate at which borrowers from a particular delinquency category (number of monthly payments behind) eventually default is referred to as the “liquidation rate.” Liquidation rates may be derived from observed roll rates, which are the rates at which loans progress from one delinquency category to the next and eventually to default and liquidation. The Company applies liquidation rates to the mortgage loan collateral in each delinquency category and makes certain timing assumptions to project near-term mortgage collateral defaults from loans that are currently delinquent.

 

Mortgage borrowers that are not more than one payment behind (generally considered performing borrowers) have demonstrated an ability and willingness to pay throughout the recession and mortgage crisis, and as a result are viewed as less likely to default than delinquent borrowers. Performing borrowers that eventually default will also need to progress through delinquency categories before any defaults occur. The Company projects how many of the currently performing loans will default, and when, by first converting the projected near-term defaults of delinquent borrowers derived from liquidation rates into a vector of conditional default rates, then projecting how the conditional default rates will develop over time. Loans that are defaulted pursuant to the conditional default rate after the liquidation of currently delinquent loans represent defaults of currently performing loans. A conditional default rate is the outstanding principal amount of defaulted loans liquidated in the current month divided by the remaining outstanding amount of the whole pool of loans (or “collateral pool balance”). The collateral pool balance decreases over time as a result of scheduled principal payments, partial and whole principal repayments, and defaults.

 

In order to derive collateral pool losses from the collateral pool defaults it has projected, the Company applies a loss severity. The loss severity is the amount of loss the transaction experiences on a defaulted loan after the application of net proceeds from the disposal of the underlying property. The Company projects loss severities by sector based on experience to date. Further detail regarding the assumptions and variables the Company used to project collateral losses in its U.S. RMBS portfolio may be found in Note 5, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts of the Financial Statements.

 

The Company is in the process of enforcing claims for breaches of R&W regarding the characteristics of the loans included in the collateral pools. The Company calculates a credit from the RMBS issuer for such recoveries where the R&W were provided by an entity the Company believes to be financially viable and where the Company already has access or believes it will attain access to the underlying mortgage loan files. Where the Company has an agreement with an R&W provider (e.g., the Bank of America Agreement) where potential recoveries may be higher due to settlements, that credit is based on the agreement or potential agreement. In second lien RMBS transactions where there is no agreement or advanced discussions, this credit is based on a percentage of actual repurchase rates achieved across those transactions where material repurchases have been made, while in first lien RMBS transactions, where there is no agreement or advanced discussions, this credit is estimated by reducing collateral losses projected by the Company to reflect a percentage of the recoveries the Company believes it will achieve, which factor is derived based on the number of breaches identified to date and incorporated scenarios based on the amounts the Company was able to negotiate under the Bank of America Agreement. The first lien approach is different from the second lien approach because the Company’s first lien transactions have multiple tranches and a more complicated method is required to correctly allocate credit to each tranche. In each case, the credit is a function of the projected lifetime collateral losses in the collateral pool, so an increase in projected collateral losses increases the R&W credit calculated by the Company for the RMBS issuer. Further detail regarding how the Company calculates these credits may be found under “Breaches of Representations and Warranties”  in Note 5, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements.

 

The Company projects the overall future cash flow from a collateral pool by adjusting the payment stream from the principal and interest contractually due on the underlying mortgages for (a) the collateral losses it projects as described above, (b) assumed voluntary prepayments and (c) recoveries for breaches of R&W as described above. The Company then applies an individual model of the structure of the transaction to the projected future cash flow from that transaction’s collateral pool to project the Company’s future claims and claim reimbursements for that

 

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individual transaction. Finally, the projected future claims and reimbursements are discounted to a present value using a current risk-free rate to arrive at expected loss to be paid. As noted above, the Company runs several sets of assumptions regarding mortgage collateral performance, or scenarios, and probability-weights them.

 

Expected loss to be paid in the tables below consists primarily of the present value of future: expected claim payments, expected recoveries of excess spread in the transaction structures, cessions to reinsurers under quota share and excess of loss treaties, and expected recoveries for breaches of R&W and other loss mitigation strategies. Assumptions used in the determination of the expected loss to be paid presented below, such as delinquency, severity, and discount rates and expected timeframes to recovery in the mortgage market were consistent by sector regardless of the accounting model used.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Net Expected Loss to be Paid

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

FG VIEs

 

Total
Financial
Guaranty
Insurance
and VIEs(1)

 

Credit
Derivatives(2)

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

US RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

2.4

 

$

 

$

2.4

 

$

 

$

2.4

 

Alt-A first lien

 

138.2

 

9.7

 

147.9

 

163.9

 

311.8

 

Option ARM

 

205.8

 

37.0

 

242.8

 

70.8

 

313.6

 

Subprime

 

143.2

 

53.8

 

197.0

 

120.8

 

317.8

 

Total first lien

 

489.6

 

100.5

 

590.1

 

355.5

 

945.6

 

Second Lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

(45.4

)

(3.6

)

(49.0

)

(5.4

)

(54.4

)

Home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”)

 

61.1

 

(131.1

)

(70.0

)

 

(70.0

)

Total second lien

 

15.7

 

(134.7

)

(119.0

)

(5.4

)

(124.4

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

505.3

 

(34.2

)

471.1

 

350.1

 

821.2

 

TruPS

 

13.1

 

 

13.1

 

85.2

 

98.3

 

Other structured finance

 

246.5

 

 

246.5

 

110.4

 

356.9

 

Public finance

 

42.7

 

 

42.7

 

 

42.7

 

Total

 

$

807.6

 

$

(34.2

)

$

773.4

 

$

545.7

 

$

1,319.1

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

FG VIEs

 

Total
Financial
Guaranty
Insurance
and VIEs(1)

 

Credit
Derivatives(2)

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

US RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.4

 

$

 

$

1.4

 

$

 

$

1.4

 

Alt-A first lien

 

195.7

 

(11.3

)

184.4

 

215.4

 

399.8

 

Option ARM

 

524.2

 

(0.5

)

523.7

 

105.1

 

628.8

 

Subprime

 

230.7

 

(30.3

)

200.4

 

110.2

 

310.6

 

Total first lien

 

952.0

 

(42.1

)

909.9

 

430.7

 

1,340.6

 

Second Lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

52.8

 

3.8

 

56.6

 

30.9

 

87.5

 

HELOCs

 

(893.2

)

87.5

 

(805.7

)

 

(805.7

)

Total second lien

 

(840.4

)

91.3

 

(749.1

)

30.9

 

(718.2

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

111.6

 

49.2

 

160.8

 

461.6

 

622.4

 

TruPS

 

(0.6

)

 

(0.6

)

90.9

 

90.3

 

Other structured finance

 

159.7

 

 

159.7

 

101.5

 

261.2

 

Public finance

 

88.9

 

 

88.9

 

 

88.9

 

Total

 

$

359.6

 

$

49.2

 

$

408.8

 

$

654.0

 

$

1,062.8

 

 


(1)                                  Refer to Note 5, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements for additional information related to the accounting for insurance contracts.

 

(2)                                  Refer to Note 7, Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives, of the Financial Statements for additional information related to the accounting for credit derivative contracts.

 

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The following table presents a roll forward of the expected loss to be paid for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2011 before and after consideration of R&W benefits. The amounts presented below do not represent amounts recorded as loss reserves in the consolidated financial statements because of the various accounting models required under GAAP, but instead represent the economic changes in loss estimates for the insured portfolio as a whole, which is how management analyzes the information. Expected losses to be paid are first calculated without consideration of the expected R&W benefit. Then, based on updated loss estimates, loan reviews, executed contractual agreements such as the Bank of America Agreement, and progress made on receiving commitments to put-back defective loans, the expected R&W benefit is updated, which reduces the net amount of expected loss to be paid. Amounts presented are net of cessions to third-party reinsurers.

 

Net Expected Loss to be Paid, Before Benefit for Recoveries of R&W

Roll Forward by Sector(1)

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
June 30, 2011

 

Net
Economic
Loss
Development(2)

 

Net (Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

6.1

 

$

(0.7

)

$

 

$

5.4

 

Alt-A first lien

 

664.4

 

74.8

 

(27.9

)

711.3

 

Option ARM

 

1,073.4

 

125.3

 

(106.2

)

1,092.5

 

Subprime

 

376.0

 

52.5

 

(3.0

)

425.5

 

Total first lien

 

2,119.9

 

251.9

 

(137.1

)

2,234.7

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

140.8

 

24.1

 

(12.5

)

152.4

 

HELOCs

 

272.1

 

2.1

 

(76.1

)

198.1

 

Total second lien

 

412.9

 

26.2

 

(88.6

)

350.5

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

2,532.8

 

278.1

 

(225.7

)

2,585.2

 

TruPS

 

82.7

 

15.7

 

(0.1

)

98.3

 

Other structured finance

 

276.0

 

88.1

 

(7.2

)

356.9

 

Public finance

 

66.2

 

6.8

 

(30.3

)

42.7

 

Total

 

$

2,957.7

 

$

388.7

 

$

(263.3

)

$

3,083.1

 

 

Net Expected Loss to be Paid, Before Benefit for Recoveries of R&W

Roll Forward by Sector(1)

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
December 31, 2010

 

Net
Economic
Loss
Development(2)

 

Net (Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

2.5

 

$

2.9

 

$

 

$

5.4

 

Alt-A first lien

 

548.2

 

237.0

 

(73.9

)

711.3

 

Option ARM

 

940.9

 

503.1

 

(351.5

)

1,092.5

 

Subprime

 

337.4

 

103.8

 

(15.7

)

425.5

 

Total first lien

 

1,829.0

 

846.8

 

(441.1

)

2,234.7

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

265.7

 

(49.4

)

(63.9

)

152.4

 

HELOCs

 

198.4

 

263.9

 

(264.2

)

198.1

 

Total second lien

 

464.1

 

214.5

 

(328.1

)

350.5

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

2,293.1

 

1,061.3

 

(769.2

)

2,585.2

 

TruPS

 

90.3

 

11.9

 

(3.9

)

98.3

 

Other structured finance

 

261.2

 

105.9

 

(10.2

)

356.9

 

Public finance

 

88.9

 

(6.7

)

(39.5

)

42.7

 

Total

 

$

2,733.5

 

$

1,172.4

 

$

(822.8

)

$

3,083.1

 

 

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Net Expected Loss to be Paid, Net of Benefit for Recoveries of R&W

Roll Forward by Sector(1)

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
June 30, 2011

 

Net
Economic
Loss
Development(2)

 

Net (Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

3.2

 

$

(0.8

)

$

 

$

2.4

 

Alt-A first lien

 

377.9

 

(38.2

)

(27.9

)

311.8

 

Option ARM

 

350.8

 

48.8

 

(86.0

)

313.6

 

Subprime

 

294.5

 

26.3

 

(3.0

)

317.8

 

Total first lien

 

1,026.4

 

36.1

 

(116.9

)

945.6

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

(99.0

)

48.1

 

(3.5

)

(54.4

)

HELOCs

 

(38.3

)

(7.8

)

(23.9

)

(70.0

)

Total second lien

 

(137.3

)

40.3

 

(27.4

)

(124.4

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

889.1

 

76.4

 

(144.3

)

821.2

 

TruPS

 

82.7

 

15.7

 

(0.1

)

98.3

 

Other structured finance

 

276.0

 

88.1

 

(7.2

)

356.9

 

Public finance

 

66.2

 

6.8

 

(30.3

)

42.7

 

Total

 

$

1,314.0

 

$

187.0

 

$

(181.9

)

$

1,319.1

 

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
December 31, 2010

 

Net
Economic
Loss
Development(2)

 

Net (Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.4

 

$

1.0

 

$

 

$

2.4

 

Alt-A first lien

 

399.8

 

(15.2

)

(72.8

)

311.8

 

Option ARM

 

628.8

 

(34.4

)

(280.8

)

313.6

 

Subprime

 

310.6

 

22.9

 

(15.7

)

317.8

 

Total first lien

 

1,340.6

 

(25.7

)

(369.3

)

945.6

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

87.5

 

(87.0

)

(54.9

)

(54.4

)

HELOCs

 

(805.7

)

96.9

 

638.8

 

(70.0

)

Total second lien

 

(718.2

)

9.9

 

583.9

 

(124.4

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

622.4

 

(15.8

)

214.6

 

821.2

 

TruPS

 

90.3

 

11.9

 

(3.9

)

98.3

 

Other structured finance

 

261.2

 

105.9

 

(10.2

)

356.9

 

Public finance

 

88.9

 

(6.7

)

(39.5

)

42.7

 

Total

 

$

1,062.8

 

$

95.3

 

$

161.0

 

$

1,319.1

 

 


(1)                                  Amounts exclude reserves for mortgage business of $1.9 million and $2.1 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

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(2)                                  Economic loss development includes the effects of changes in assumptions based on observed market trends, changes in discount rates, accretion of discount and the economic effects of loss mitigation efforts.

 

Total economic loss development was $187.0 million ($150.6 million after tax) during Third Quarter 2011. The largest individual factor contributing approximately $147.0 million to the economic loss development was a decline in the risk-free rate used to discount losses, which primarily affected U.S. RMBS, TruPS and life securitization transactions. Approximately $120.0 million of the economic loss development attributable the decline in the risk-free rate used to discount losses was recognized in operating income.

 

U.S. RMBS Loss Projections

 

In both Third Quarter 2011 and the three-months period ended June 30, 2011 (“Second Quarter 2011”), the Company chose to use loss projection curves with generally the same shape as that used in the fourth quarter of 2010, including retaining the initial plateau period it had used in the fourth quarter of 2010. Other adjustments are described in the paragraph below. The Company’s RMBS projection methodology assumes that the housing and mortgage markets will eventually recover but are doing so at a slower than previously expected pace.

 

The scenarios used to project RMBS collateral losses in the Third Quarter 2011 were essentially the same as those used in the Second Quarter 2011, except that (i) as noted above, based on its observation of the continued elevated levels of early stage delinquencies, the Company adjusted its loss projection curves by retaining the initial plateau periods to reflect its view that the recovery would be longer than it had anticipated in the Second Quarter 2011; and (ii) the Company introduced a higher loss severity assumption in two scenarios for subprime first lien RMBS transactions.

 

The scenarios used in Third Quarter 2011 were also the same as those employed at year-end 2010, with the following exceptions: (i) the retention of the initial plateau and higher stress subprime loss severity assumption just described; (ii) an increase in the expected period for reaching the final conditional default rate for second lien transactions from that used in the fourth quarter of 2010 was established for the three-months period ended March 31, 2011 (“First Quarter 2011”) and retained in the Second and Third Quarter 2011; (iii) the initial Alt-A first lien and Option ARM loss severities were increased from 60% at year-end 2010 to 65% in the First Quarter 2011 and retained in the Second and Third Quarter 2011; and (iv) the Company’s probability weightings from the fourth quarter of 2010 were adjusted in First Quarter 2011 to reflect changes to each of its second lien scenarios and such adjustments were retained in the Second and Third Quarter 2011.

 

The Company also used generally the same methodology to project the credit received by the RMBS issuers for recoveries in R&W in Third Quarter 2011 as it used for the Second Quarter 2011 and at year-end 2010. The primary difference relates to the execution of the Bank of America Agreement and the inclusion of the terms of the agreement as a potential scenario in transactions not covered by the Bank of America Agreement in both the Second and Third Quarters 2011 that were not included at year-end 2010. During the Third Quarter 2011, the Company added an R&W credit for one more first lien transaction where it concluded for the first time that an R&W recovery was likely, but did not calculate an R&W credit for any other RMBS transaction where it had not previously calculated one. As compared to year-end 2010, the Company calculated R&W credits for two more second lien transactions and eleven more first lien transactions where either it concluded it had the right to obtain loan files that it had not previously concluded were accessible or it anticipates receiving a benefit due to an agreement or potential agreement with an R&W provider.

 

Other non-RMBS losses

 

For student loans, the Company is projecting approximately$60.4 million and $25.9 million, respectively, of expected loss to be paid in these portfolios. In general the losses are due to: (i) the poor credit performance of private student loan collateral; (ii) high interest rates on auction rate securities with respect to which the auctions have failed or (iii) high interest rates on variable rate demand obligations (“VRDO”) that have been put to the liquidity provider by the holder and are therefore bearing high “bank bond” interest rates. The largest of these losses was approximately $32.5 million and related to a transaction backed by a pool of private student loans ceded to AG Re by another monoline insurer. The guaranteed bonds were issued as auction rate securities that now bear a high rate of interest due to the downgrade of the primary insurer’s financial strength rating. Further, the underlying loan collateral has performed below expectations.

 

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The Company projects losses for trust preferred securities collateralized debt obligations (“TruPS CDOs”) by projecting the performance of the asset pools across several scenarios (which it weights) and applying the CDO structures to the resulting cash flows. As of September 30, 2011, the Company has projected expected losses to be paid for TruPS CDOs of $98.3 million.

 

The Company has insured $2.2 billion of net par in XXX life insurance reserve securitizations based on discrete blocks of individual life insurance business. Based on its analysis of the information currently available, including estimates of future investment performance provided by the investment manager, and projected credit impairments on the invested assets and performance of the blocks of life insurance business at September 30, 2011, the Company’s projected expected loss to be paid of $135.1 million. The increase from the previous quarter of $62.6 million is due primarily to (i) revised estimates of investment performance provided by the investment manager and (ii) a reduction in the discount rate used to discount the projected losses.

 

In addition to the structured finance portfolio, the Company also has expected losses for certain transactions in the public finance sector which are discussed in Note 5, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements, including Jefferson County, Harrisburg, and Greek sovereign debt.

 

For transactions accounted for as financial guaranty insurance under GAAP, each transaction’s expected loss to be expensed, net of estimated R&W recoveries, is compared with the deferred premium revenue of that transaction. Generally, when the expected loss to be expensed exceeds the deferred premium revenue, a loss is recognized in the income statement for the amount of such excess. When the Company measures operating income, a non-GAAP financial measure, it calculates the credit derivative and FG VIE losses incurred in a similar manner. Changes in fair value that are not indicative of expected loss are not included in operating income.

 

For financial guaranty contracts accounted for as insurance, the amounts reported in the GAAP financial statements may only reflect a portion of the current period’s economic development and may also include a portion

 

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of prior-period economic development. The difference between economic loss development and loss and LAE recognized in income is essentially loss development and accretion for financial guaranty insurance contracts that is, or was previously, absorbed in unearned premium reserve. Such amounts have not yet been recognized in income. The table below provides a comparison of the pretax reported amounts under both GAAP net income and non-GAAP operating income, and economic loss development by sector.

 

Comparison of Loss Measures

 

 

 

Third Quarter 2011

 

Third Quarter 2010

 

 

 

Loss and LAE
Reported(1)

 

Loss and LAE
non-GAAP
Operating
Basis(2)

 

Economic Loss
Development

 

Loss and LAE
Reported(1)

 

Loss and LAE
non-GAAP
Operating
Basis(2)

 

Economic Loss
Development

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

(0.4

)

$

(0.4

)

$

(0.8

)

$

0.5

 

$

0.5

 

$

0.5

 

Alt-A first lien

 

23.5

 

5.1

 

(38.2

)

8.8

 

16.8

 

17.8

 

Option ARM

 

83.2

 

91.1

 

48.8

 

65.3

 

65.9

 

27.1

 

Subprime

 

10.6

 

7.4

 

26.3

 

7.5

 

5.2

 

8.4

 

Total first lien

 

116.9

 

103.2

 

36.1

 

82.1

 

88.4

 

53.8

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

3.6

 

23.6

 

48.1

 

4.5

 

9.9

 

10.7

 

HELOCs

 

15.6

 

18.5

 

(7.8

)

9.7

 

17.2

 

(1.8

)

Total second lien

 

19.2

 

42.1

 

40.3

 

14.2

 

27.1

 

8.9

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

136.1

 

145.3

 

76.4

 

96.3

 

115.5

 

62.7

 

Other structured finance

 

83.8

 

113.3

 

103.8

 

15.0

 

20.6

 

27.3

 

Public finance

 

(5.2

)

(5.1

)

6.8

 

(0.6

)

0.2

 

1.2

 

Total

 

214.7

 

253.5

 

187.0

 

110.7

 

136.3

 

91.2

 

Other

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

 

Total

 

$

214.9

 

$

253.7

 

$

187.0

 

$

110.8

 

$

136.4

 

$

91.2

 

 


(1)                                  Represents amounts reported on the consolidated statements of operations in accordance with GAAP, which include only those policies that are accounted for as financial guaranty insurance.

 

(2)                                  Represents reported loss and LAE adjusted to include comparable amounts related to FG VIEs and credit derivatives in a manner consistent with the financial guaranty insurance accounting model. This represents “loss expense” included in operating income.

 

The table below presents the expected timing of loss recognition for insurance contracts on both a reported GAAP and non-GAAP operating income basis.

 

Present Value (“PV”) of Financial Guaranty Insurance Net Expected Loss to be Expensed

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss to be Expensed

 

 

 

In GAAP
Reported Income

 

In Non-GAAP
Operating Income

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2011 (October 1 - December 31)

 

$

40.7

 

$

48.7

 

2012

 

108.5

 

133.5

 

2013

 

65.7

 

86.1

 

2014

 

49.5

 

67.6

 

2015

 

38.0

 

54.6

 

2011-2015

 

302.4

 

390.5

 

2016-2020

 

144.7

 

202.1

 

2021-2025

 

70.2

 

97.3

 

2026-2030

 

39.2

 

69.0

 

After 2030

 

27.0

 

64.6

 

Total expected PV of net expected loss to be expensed

 

583.5

 

823.5

 

Discount

 

353.8

 

380.0

 

Total future value

 

$

937.3

 

$

1,203.5

 

 

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The table below provides a reconciliation of the Company’s expected loss to be paid to expected loss to be expensed. Expected loss to be paid differs from expected loss to be expensed due to: (1) the contra-paid because the payments have been made but have not yet been expensed, (2) for transactions with a net expected recovery, the addition of claim payments that have been made (and therefore are not included in expected loss to be paid) and are expected to be recovered in the future (and therefore have also reduced expected loss to be paid), and (3) loss reserves that have already been established and therefore expensed but not yet paid.

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance

Reconciliation of Present Value of Net Expected Loss to be Paid

and Present Value of Net Expected Loss to be Expensed

 

 

 

GAAP
Reported Basis(2)

 

Non-GAAP
Operating Income Basis

 

 

 

As of September 30,

 

As of September 30,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net expected loss to be paid

 

$

807.6

 

$

619.8

 

$

773.4

 

$

589.3

 

Contra-paid, net

 

82.1

 

183.5

 

194.3

 

269.7

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable, net

 

314.6

 

727.6

 

551.4

 

802.5

 

Loss and LAE reserve, net(1)

 

(620.8

)

(457.9

)

(695.6

)

(478.5

)

Net expected loss to be expensed

 

$

583.5

 

$

1,073.0

 

$

823.5

 

$

1,183.0

 

 


(1)                                  Represents loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, excluding $1.9 million and $2.1 million in reserves for other runoff lines of business as of September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

(2)                                  Net expected loss to be expensed excludes $240.0 million and $110.0 million as of September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

Net Change in Fair Value of Credit Derivatives

 

Financial guaranty contracts accounted for as credit derivatives are generally structured such that the circumstances giving rise to the Company’s obligation to make loss payments are similar to those for financial guaranty insurance contracts and only occurs upon one or more defined credit events such as failure to pay or bankruptcy, in each case, as defined within the transaction documents, with respect to one or more third-party referenced securities or loans. Financial guaranty contracts accounted for as credit derivatives are primarily comprised of CDS. In general, the Company structures credit derivative transactions such that the circumstances giving rise to the Company’s obligation to make loss payments are similar to those for financial guaranty insurance contracts but are governed by International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) documentation. Until the Company ceased selling credit protection through credit derivative contracts in the beginning of 2009, following the issuance of regulatory guidelines that limited the terms under which the credit protection could be sold, management considered these agreements to be a normal part of its financial guaranty business.

 

These contracts generally qualify as derivatives under U.S. GAAP, and are reported at fair value, with changes in fair value included in earnings. Fair value is defined as the amount at which an asset or liability could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties. The fair value gain or loss is based on estimated market pricing and may not be an indication of ultimate claims. Changes in fair value of credit derivatives occur because of changes in interest rates, credit spreads, credit ratings of the referenced obligations, the Company’s credit spread, settlements and other market factors. The unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives, excluding expected

 

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Table of Contents

 

losses to be paid (which are included in the previous section), is expected to reverse to zero as the exposure approaches its maturity date, unless there is a payment default on the exposure or early termination that was not anticipated in the expected losses to be paid. Expected losses to be paid in respect of contracts accounted for as credit derivatives are included in the discussion above: “Losses in the insured portfolio.” See also “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity Requirements and Resources”.

 

In the event that the Company terminates a credit derivative contract prior to maturity, the resulting gain or loss is realized through net change in fair value of credit derivatives. Changes in the fair value of the Company’s credit derivatives that do not reflect actual or expected claims or credit losses have no impact on the Company’s statutory claims- paying resources, rating agency capital or regulatory capital positions.

 

The impact of changes in credit spreads will vary based upon the volume, tenor, interest rates, and other market conditions at the time these fair values are determined. In addition, since each transaction has unique collateral and structural terms, the underlying change in fair value of each transaction may vary considerably. The fair value of credit derivative contracts also reflects the change in the Company’s own credit cost based on the price to purchase credit protection on AGC and AGM. The Company determines its own credit risk based on quoted CDS prices traded on the Company at each balance sheet date. Generally, a widening of the CDS prices traded on AGC and AGM has an effect of offsetting unrealized losses that result from widening general market credit spreads, while a narrowing of the CDS prices traded on AGC and AGM has an effect of offsetting unrealized gains that result from narrowing general market credit spreads. An overall narrowing of spreads generally results in an unrealized gain on credit derivatives for the Company, and an overall widening of spreads generally results in an unrealized loss for the Company.

 

There are typically no quoted prices for its instruments or similar instruments as CDS issued by financial guaranty insurance companies. Financials guaranty contracts do not typically trade in active markets. Observable inputs other than quoted market prices exist; however, these inputs reflect contracts that do not contain terms and conditions similar to those in the credit derivatives issued by the Company. Therefore, the valuation of the Company’s credit derivative contracts requires the use of models that contain significant, unobservable inputs, and are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 6, Fair Value Measurement, of the Financial Statements.

 

The fair value of these instruments represents the difference between the present value of remaining contractual premiums charged for the credit protection and the estimated present value of premiums that a comparable financial guarantor would hypothetically charge for the same protection at the balance sheet date.

 

Contractual cash flows are the most readily observable inputs since they are based on the CDS contractual terms. These variables include:

 

·                  net premiums received and receivable on written credit derivative contracts,

 

·                  net premiums paid and payable on purchased contracts,

 

·                  losses paid and payable to credit derivative contract counterparties, and

 

·                  losses recovered and recoverable on purchased contracts.

 

These models are primarily developed internally based on market conventions for similar transactions that the Company observed in the past. There has been very limited new issuance activity in this market over the past three years and as of September 30, 2011, market prices for the Company’s credit derivative contracts were generally not available. Inputs include various market indices, credit spreads, the Company’s own credit spread, and estimated contractual payments to estimate the fair value of its credit derivatives.

 

Management considers the non-standard terms of its credit derivative contracts in determining the fair value of these contracts. These terms differ from more standardized credit derivatives sold by companies outside of the financial guaranty industry. The non-standard terms include the absence of collateral support agreements or

 

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immediate settlement provisions. In addition, the Company employs relatively high attachment points. Because of these terms and conditions, the fair value of the Company’s credit derivatives may not reflect the same prices observed in an actively traded market of CDS that do not contain terms and conditions similar to those observed in the financial guaranty market. The Company’s models and the related assumptions are continuously reevaluated by management and enhanced, as appropriate, based upon improvements in modeling techniques and availability of more timely and relevant market information. The Company considers R&W claim recoveries in determining the fair value of its CDS contracts.

 

Valuation models include the use of management estimates and current market information. Management is also required to make assumptions on how the fair value of credit derivative instruments is affected by current market conditions. Management considers factors such as current prices charged for similar agreements, performance of underlying assets, life of the instrument and the nature and extent of activity in the financial guaranty credit derivative marketplace. The assumptions that management uses to determine its fair value may change in the future due to market conditions. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the assumptions used in the valuation models to determine the fair value, actual experience may differ from the estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the differences may be material.

 

Net Change in Fair Value of Credit Derivatives Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net credit derivative premiums received and receivable

 

$

40.6

 

$

49.8

 

$

147.8

 

$

154.2

 

Net ceding commissions (paid and payable) received and receivable

 

0.7

 

0.9

 

2.9

 

2.9

 

Realized gains on credit derivatives

 

41.3

 

50.7

 

150.7

 

157.1

 

Termination losses

 

 

 

(22.5

)

 

Net credit derivative losses (paid and payable) recovered and recoverable

 

(40.8

)

1.7

 

(103.1

)

(39.6

)

Total realized gains and other settlements on credit derivatives

 

0.5

 

52.4

 

25.1

 

117.5

 

Total unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives

 

1,155.5

 

(276.4

)

829.8

 

10.8

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

$

1,156.0

 

$

(224.0

)

$

854.9

 

$

128.3

 

 

Net credit derivative premiums have declined in Third Quarter and Nine Months 2011 compared with Third Quarter and Nine Months 2010 due to the decline in the net par outstanding to $90.7 billion as of September 30, 2011 from $116.0 billion as of September 30, 2010 and $109.8 billion as of December 31, 2010. The Company has terminated $1.8 billion in net par outstanding in Third Quarter 2011 and $9.5 billion in Nine Months 2011 resulting in accelerations of future premiums of $2.6 million and $24.2 million, respectively. Due to the lack of new business volume in CDS form, premiums are expected to decline in the foreseeable future. In addition, several CMBS CDS contracts were terminated for a payment of $22.5 million in the nine-months 2011. These contracts had carried high rating agency capital charges prior to termination.

 

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Credit Derivatives by Sector

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

Asset Type

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Pooled corporate obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collateralized loan obligations/collateralized bond obligations

 

$

13.1

 

$

(1.4

)

$

11.5

 

$

1.9

 

Synthetic investment grade pooled corporate

 

0.8

 

0.3

 

10.5

 

(3.7

)

Synthetic high-yield pooled corporate

 

(1.3

)

(2.9

)

(0.6

)

11.6

 

TruPS CDOs

 

82.5

 

(11.6

)

46.2

 

53.6

 

Market value CDOs of corporate obligations

 

5.1

 

(0.4

)

(0.2

)

(0.1

)

Total pooled corporate obligations

 

100.2

 

(16.0

)

67.4

 

63.3

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option ARMs and Alt-A first lien

 

780.8

 

(205.1

)

541.3

 

(44.6

)

Subprime first lien (including net interest margin)

 

108.6

 

(8.1

)

17.3

 

(7.2

)

Prime first lien

 

101.9

 

(17.2

)

89.7

 

2.2

 

Closed-end second lien and HELOCs

 

8.3

 

1.6

 

9.4

 

(4.3

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

999.6

 

(228.8

)

657.7

 

(53.9

)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)

 

(0.2

)

0.4

 

10.3

 

10.2

 

Other(1)

 

55.9

 

(32.0

)

94.4

 

(8.8

)

Total

 

$

1,155.5

 

$

(276.4

)

$

829.8

 

$

10.8

 

 

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(1)                                  “Other” includes all other U.S. and international asset classes, such as commercial receivables, international infrastructure, international RMBS securities, and pooled infrastructure securities.

 

Effect of the Company’s Credit Spread Change on

Fair Value of Credit Derivatives Gains (Losses)

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before considering implication of the Company’s credit spreads

 

$

(541.9

)

$

373.8

 

$

(439.4

)

$

588.3

 

Resulting from change in the Company’s credit spreads

 

1,697.4

 

(650.2

)

1,269.2

 

(577.5

)

After considering implication of the Company’s credit spreads

 

$

1,155.5

 

$

(276.4

)

$

829.8

 

$

10.8

 

 

Management believes that the trading levels of AGC’s and AGM’s credit spreads are due to the correlation between AGC’s and AGM’s risk profile and the current risk profile of the broader financial markets and to increased demand for credit protection against AGC and AGM as the result of its financial guaranty volume, as well as the overall lack of liquidity in the CDS market. Offsetting the inception to date benefit attributable to AGC’s and AGM’s credit spread were fair value losses in fixed income security market prices primarily attributable to widening spreads in certain markets as a result of the continued deterioration in credit markets and some credit rating downgrades. The higher credit spreads in the fixed income security market are due to the lack of liquidity in the high-yield CDO and CLO markets as well as continuing market concerns over the most recent vintages of subprime RMBS.

 

In Third Quarter 2011, U.S. RMBS unrealized fair value gains were generated primarily in the prime first lien, Alt-A, Option ARM and subprime RMBS sectors due to narrower implied net spreads. The narrower implied net spreads were primarily the result of the increased cost to buy protection in AGC’s name as the market cost of AGC’s credit protection increased significantly. These transactions were pricing above their floor levels (or the minimum rate at which the Company would consider assuming these risks based on historical experience); therefore when the cost of purchasing CDS protection on AGC, which management refers to as the CDS spread on AGC, the implied spreads that the Company would expect to receive on these transactions decreased. The cost of AGM’s credit protection also increased during the quarter, but did not lead to significant fair value gains, as the majority of AGM policies continue to price at floor levels. Given the current market conditions and the Company’s own credit spreads, the majority of our CDS contracts are fair valued using this minimum premium.

 

With respect to CDS transactions for which there is an expected claim payment within the next twelve months, the allocation of gross spreads was revised in First Quarter 2011 to reflect a higher allocation to the cost of credit rather than the bank profit component. In the current market, it is assumed that a bank would be willing to accept a lower profit on distressed transactions in order to remove these transactions from its financial statements. The effect of this refinement in assumptions was an increase in fair value losses of $260.4 million during First Quarter 2011 and was concentrated in the Alt-A first lien and Option ARM sectors.

 

The unrealized fair value gains for Nine Months 2011 were primarily driven by tighter implied net spreads in the Alt-A first lien and Option ARMs, and Subprime RMBS sectors. The tighter implied net spreads were a result of the increased cost to buy protection in AGC’s name as the market cost of AGC’s credit protection increased significantly during the period. As discussed above, these transactions were pricing above their floor levels which decreased

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the implied spreads that the Company would expect to receive on these transactions. The unrealized gains for Nine Months 2011 in the Option ARM and Alt-A first lien sectors also include an increase in R&W benefits on several credit derivative transactions within these sectors, as a result of a recent settlement with a CDS counterparty. The cost of AGM’s credit protection also increased during Nine Months 2011, but did not lead to significant fair value gains, as the majority of AGM policies continue to price at floor levels.

 

Historically, the price of CDS traded on AGC and AGM moves directionally the same as general market spreads. An overall narrowing of spreads generally results in an unrealized gain on credit derivatives for the Company, and an overall widening of spreads generally results in an unrealized loss for the Company. The following table summarizes the estimated change in fair values on the net balance of the Company’s CDS positions assuming immediate parallel shifts in credit spreads on AGC and AGM and on the risks that they both assume:

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

Credit Spreads(1)

 

Estimated Net
Fair Value
(Pretax)

 

Estimated
Change in
Gain/(Loss)
(Pretax)

 

Estimated Net
Fair Value
(Pretax)

 

Estimated
Change in
Gain/(Loss)
(Pretax)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

100% widening in spreads

 

$

(2,202.3

)

$

(1,174.2

)

$

(3,961.7

)

$

(2,091.8

)

50% widening in spreads

 

(1,618.2

)

(590.1

)

(2,923.3

)

(1,053.4

)

25% widening in spreads

 

(1,325.6

)

(297.5

)

(2,399.2

)

(529.3

)

10% widening in spreads

 

(1,150.0

)

(121.9

)

(2,084.1

)

(214.2

)

Base Scenario

 

(1,028.1

)

 

(1,869.9

)

 

10% narrowing in spreads

 

(947.8

)

80.3

 

(1,706.9

)

163.0

 

25% narrowing in spreads

 

(827.9

)

200.2

 

(1,462.5

)

407.4

 

50% narrowing in spreads

 

(648.4

)

379.7

 

(1,059.8

)

810.1

 

 


(1)           Includes the effects of spreads on both the underlying asset classes and the Company’s own credit spread.

 

Provision for Income Tax

 

For Third Quarters 2011 and 2010, the effective tax rate was 27.9% and (8.5)%, respectively. For Nine Months 2011 and 2010 the effective tax rate was 27.3% and 21.4%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates reflect the proportion of income recognized by each of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, with U.S. subsidiaries taxed at the U.S. marginal corporate income tax rate of 35%, United Kingdom (“U.K.”) subsidiaries taxed at the U.K. blended marginal corporate tax rate of 26.5%, and no taxes for the Company’s Bermuda holding company and subsidiaries. For periods subsequent to April 1, 2011, the U.K. corporation tax rate has been reduced to 26%, for periods prior to April 1, 2011 the U.K. corporation tax rate was 28%, resulting in a blended tax rate of 26.5%. Accordingly, the Company’s overall corporate effective tax rate fluctuates based on the distribution of taxable income across these jurisdictions. Third Quarter 2011 and Nine Months 2011 have income earned primarily by taxable entities with some losses incurred in non-taxable entities, offset by tax-exempt interest, and is the primary reason for the 27.9% and 27.3% effective tax rate, respectively. Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010 had income earned primarily by taxable entities, offset by tax-exempt interest, and is the primary reason for the (8.5)% and 21.4% effective tax rate, respectively.  In Third Quarter 2010 the net tax benefit included a $55.8 million benefit as a result of an amendment of an AGMH U.S. tax return for a period prior to the AGMH Acquisition.

 

Financial Guaranty Variable Interest Entities

 

As of September 30, 2011, the Company determined that, based on the assessment of its control rights over servicer or collateral manager replacement, given that servicing/managing collateral were deemed to be the VIEs’ most significant activities, 34 VIEs required consolidation, compared to 35 VIEs consolidated at June 30, 2011.  Debt on one FG VIE was fully paid off during Third Quarter 2011. The following table presents the effects on reported GAAP income resulting from consolidating these FG VIEs and eliminating their related insurance accounting entries and represents the difference between GAAP reported net income and non-GAAP operating income. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures—Operating Income” below.

 

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Effect of Consolidating FG VIEs

On Reported GAAP

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

(19.4

)

$

(12.8

)

$

(56.8

)

$

(34.4

)

Net investment income

 

(4.0

)

 

(4.7

)

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

6.7

 

 

7.2

 

 

Net change in fair value of FG VIEs

 

(99.2

)

171.3

 

(153.9

)

135.0

 

Loss and LAE

 

37.9

 

10.2

 

105.5

 

44.4

 

Total pretax effect on net income

 

(78.0

)

168.7

 

(102.7

)

145.0

 

Less: tax provision (benefit)

 

(27.3

)

59.1

 

(35.9

)

50.8

 

Total effect on net income

 

$

(50.7

)

$

109.6

 

$

(66.8

)

$

94.2

 

 

Net change in fair value of FG VIEs represents the net change in fair value of the consolidated FG VIEs’ assets and liabilities that is reported under GAAP. These contracts are not actively traded and therefore management expects the fair value gains and losses to reverse to zero as the contract approaches maturity, except for economic claim payments made by AGC and AGM. During Third Quarter, 2011, the Company recorded a net fair value loss on FG VIEs of $99.2 million, which was driven primarily by price deterioration on several HELOC transactions.  During the period, long term conditional default rates increased on these transactions, which caused the prices for these HELOCs to decline.  The prices for the corresponding liability for these transactions remained relatively consistent with the prior quarter.

 

Expected losses to be (recovered) paid in respect of consolidated FG VIEs, which were $(34.2) million as of September 30, 2011 and $49.2 million as of December 31, 2010, are included in the discussion of “Losses in the Insured Portfolio” above.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

To reflect the key financial measures management analyzes in evaluating the Company’s operations and progress towards long-term goals, the Company discusses both measures promulgated in accordance with GAAP and measures not promulgated in accordance with GAAP (“non-GAAP financial measures”). Although the financial measures identified as non-GAAP should not be considered substitutes for GAAP measures, management considers them key performance indicators and employs them as well as other factors in determining compensation. Non-GAAP financial measures, therefore, provide investors with important information about the key financial measures management utilizes in measuring its business. The primary limitation of non-GAAP financial measures is the potential lack of comparability to those of other companies, which may define non-GAAP measures differently because there is limited literature with respect to such measures. Three of the primary non-GAAP financial measures analyzed by the Company’s senior management are: operating income, adjusted book value and PVP.

 

Assured Guaranty’s management and board of directors utilize non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and as a basis for determining senior management incentive compensation. By providing these non-GAAP financial measures, investors, analysts and financial news reporters have access to the same information that management reviews internally. In addition, Assured Guaranty’s presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is consistent with how analysts calculate their estimates of Assured Guaranty’s financial results in their research reports on Assured Guaranty and with how investors, analysts and the financial news media evaluate Assured Guaranty’s financial results.

 

The following paragraphs define each non-GAAP financial measure and describe why it is useful. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure and the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, if available, is also presented below. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be viewed as substitutes for their most directly comparable GAAP measures.

 

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Operating Income

 

The table below presents net income and a reconciliation to operating income.

 

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Operating Income

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

761.2

 

$

164.6

 

$

859.2

 

$

677.2

 

Less after-tax adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) on investments

 

(12.6

)

(1.3

)

(13.5

)

1.1

 

Non-credit-impairment unrealized fair value gains (losses) on credit derivatives

 

800.1

 

(187.1

)

508.8

 

84.3

 

Fair value gains (losses) on committed capital securities

 

1.6

 

(3.6

)

2.3

 

3.8

 

Foreign exchange gains (losses) on revaluation of premiums receivable

 

(15.5

)

24.4

 

(2.5

)

(17.6

)

Effect of consolidating FG VIEs

 

(50.7

)

109.6

 

(66.8

)

94.2

 

Operating income

 

$

38.3

 

$

222.6

 

$

430.9

 

$

511.4

 

 

Management believes that operating income is a useful measure because it clarifies the understanding of the underwriting results of the Company’s financial guaranty insurance business, and also includes financing costs and net investment income, and enables investors and analysts to evaluate the Company’s financial results as compared with the consensus analyst estimates distributed publicly by financial databases. Operating income is defined as net income (loss) attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd., as reported under GAAP, adjusted for the following:

 

1)             Elimination of the after-tax realized gains (losses) on the Company’s investments, except for gains and losses on securities classified as trading. The timing of realized gains and losses, which depends largely on market credit cycles, can vary considerably across periods. The timing of sales is largely subject to the Company’s discretion and influenced by market opportunities, as well as the Company’s tax and capital profile. Trends in the underlying profitability of the Company’s business can be more clearly identified without the fluctuating effects of these transactions.

 

2)             Elimination of the after-tax non-credit-impairment unrealized fair value gains (losses) on credit derivatives, which is the amount in excess of the present value of the expected estimated economic credit losses and non-economic payments. Such fair value adjustments are heavily affected by, and in part fluctuate with, changes in market interest rates, credit spreads and other market factors and are not expected to result in an economic gain or loss. Additionally, such adjustments present all financial guaranty contracts on a more consistent basis of accounting, whether or not they are subject to derivative accounting rules.

 

3)             Elimination of the after-tax fair value gains (losses) on the Company’s committed capital securities (“CCS”). Such amounts are heavily affected by, and in part fluctuate with, changes in market interest rates, credit spreads and other market factors and are not expected to result in an economic gain or loss.

 

4)             Elimination of the after-tax foreign exchange gains (losses) on revaluation of net premium receivables. Long-dated receivables constitute a significant portion of the net premium receivable balance and represent the present value of future contractual or expected collections. Therefore, the current period’s foreign exchange revaluation gains (losses) are not necessarily indicative of the total foreign exchange gains (losses) that the Company will ultimately recognize.

 

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5)             Elimination of the effects of consolidating certain FG VIEs in order to present all financial guaranty contracts on a more consistent basis of accounting, whether or not GAAP requires consolidation. GAAP requires the Company to consolidate certain VIEs that have issued debt obligations insured by the Company even though the Company does not own such VIEs.

 

Adjusted Book Value and Operating Shareholders’ Equity

 

Management also uses adjusted book value to measure the intrinsic value of the Company, excluding franchise value. Growth in adjusted book value is one of the key financial measures used in determining the amount of certain long term compensation to management and employees and used by rating agencies and investors.

 

Reconciliation of Shareholders’ Equity to Adjusted Book Value

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Total

 

Per Share

 

Total

 

Per Share

 

 

 

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

$

4,766.7

 

$

26.16

 

$

3,733.5

 

$

20.32

 

Less after-tax adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of consolidating FG VIEs

 

(393.4

)

(2.16

)

(371.4

)

(2.02

)

Non-credit impairment unrealized fair value gains (losses) on credit derivatives

 

(237.1

)

(1.30

)

(763.0

)

(4.15

)

Fair value gains (losses) on committed capital securities

 

14.5

 

0.08

 

12.2

 

0.07

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment portfolio excluding foreign exchange effect

 

271.2

 

1.49

 

101.2

 

0.55

 

Operating shareholders’ equity

 

5,111.5

 

28.05

 

4,754.5

 

25.88

 

After-tax adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Deferred acquisition costs

 

236.1

 

1.30

 

248.4

 

1.35

 

Plus: Net present value of estimated net future credit derivative revenue

 

331.4

 

1.82

 

424.8

 

2.31

 

Plus: Net unearned premium reserve on financial guaranty contracts in excess of expected loss to be expensed

 

3,698.1

 

20.30

 

4,058.0

 

22.08

 

Adjusted book value

 

$

8,904.9

 

$

48.87

 

$

8,988.9

 

$

48.92

 

 

As of September 30, 2011, shareholders’ equity increased to $4.8 billion from $3.7 billion at December 31, 2010 due primarily to net income of $859.2 million and unrealized gains on the investment portfolio. Adjusted book value and adjusted book value per share decreased slightly, mainly due to economic loss development offset by R&W recoveries, new business and commutations. Shares outstanding decreased by 1.5 million due primarily to repurchases of 2.0 million shares, which was partially offset by the issuance of vested restricted stock awards and units in Nine Months 2011.

 

Management believes that operating shareholders’ equity is a useful measure because it presents the equity of AGL with all financial guaranty contracts accounted for on a more consistent basis and excludes fair value adjustments that are not expected to result in economic loss. Many investors, analysts and financial news reporters use operating shareholders’ equity as the principal financial measure for valuing AGL’s current share price or projected share price and also as the basis of their decision to recommend to buy or sell AGL’s common shares. Many of the Company’s fixed income investors also use operating shareholders’ equity to evaluate the Company’s capital adequacy. Operating shareholders’ equity is the basis of the calculation of adjusted book value (see below). Operating shareholders’ equity is defined as shareholders’ equity attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd., as reported under GAAP, adjusted for the following:

 

1)             Elimination of the effects of consolidating certain FG VIEs in order to present all financial guaranty contracts on a more consistent basis of accounting, whether or not GAAP requires consolidation. GAAP requires the Company to consolidate certain VIEs that have issued debt obligations insured by the Company even though the Company does not own such VIEs.

 

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2)             Elimination of the after-tax non-credit-impairment unrealized fair value gains (losses) on credit derivatives, which is the amount in excess of the present value of the expected estimated economic credit losses and non-economic payments. Such fair value adjustments are heavily affected by, and in part fluctuate with, changes in market interest rates, credit spreads and other market factors and are not expected to result in an economic gain or loss.

 

3)             Elimination of the after-tax fair value gains (losses) on the Company’s CCS. Such amounts are heavily affected by, and in part fluctuate with, changes in market interest rates, credit spreads and other market factors and are not expected to result in an economic gain or loss.

 

4)             Elimination of the after-tax unrealized gains (losses) on the Company’s investments that are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) (excluding foreign exchange revaluation). The AOCI component of the fair value adjustment on the investment portfolio is not deemed economic because the Company generally holds these investments to maturity and therefore will not recognize an economic loss.

 

Management believes that adjusted book value is a useful measure because it enables an evaluation of the net present value of the Company’s in-force premiums and revenues in addition to operating shareholders’ equity. The premiums and revenues included in adjusted book value will be earned in future periods, but actual earnings may differ materially from the estimated amounts used in determining current adjusted book value due to changes in, foreign exchange rates, refinancing or refunding activity, prepayment speeds, terminations, credit defaults and other factors. Many investors, analysts and financial news reporters use adjusted book value to evaluate AGL’s share price and as the basis of their decision to recommend, buy or sell the AGL common shares. Adjusted book value is operating shareholders’ equity, as defined above, further adjusted for the following:

 

1)             Elimination of after-tax deferred acquisition costs. These amounts represent net deferred expenses that have already been paid or accrued and will be expensed in future accounting periods.

 

2)             Addition of the after-tax net present value of estimated net future credit derivative revenue. See below.

 

3)             Addition of the after-tax value of the unearned premium reserve on financial guaranty contracts in excess of expected loss to be expensed, net of reinsurance. This amount represents the expected future net earned premiums, net of expected losses to be expensed, which are not reflected in GAAP equity.

 

Net Present Value of Estimated Net Future Credit Derivative Revenue

 

Management believes that this amount is a useful measure because it enables an evaluation of the value of future estimated credit derivative revenue. There is no corresponding GAAP financial measure. This amount represents the present value of estimated future revenue from the Company’s credit derivative in-force book of business, net of reinsurance, ceding commissions and premium taxes for contracts without expected economic losses, and is discounted at 6% (which represents the Company’s tax-equivalent pretax investment yield on its investment portfolio). Estimated net future credit derivative revenue may change from period to period due to changes in foreign exchange rates, prepayment speeds, terminations, credit defaults or other factors that affect par outstanding or the ultimate maturity of an obligation.

 

PVP or Present Value of New Business Production

 

Management believes that PVP is a useful measure because it enables the evaluation of the value of new business production for the Company by taking into account the value of estimated future installment premiums on all new contracts underwritten in a reporting period as well as premium supplements and additional installment premium on existing contracts as to which the issuer has the right to call the insured obligation but has not exercised such right, whether in insurance or credit derivative contract form, which GAAP gross premiums written and the net credit derivative premiums received and receivable portion of net realized gains and other settlement on credit

 

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derivatives (“Credit Derivative Revenues”) do not adequately measure. PVP in respect of insurance and credit derivative contracts written in a specified period is defined as gross upfront and installment premiums received and the present value of gross estimated future installment premiums, in each case, discounted at 6% (the Company’s tax-equivalent pretax investment yield on its investment portfolio). For purposes of the PVP calculation, management discounts estimated future installment premiums on insurance contracts at 6%, while under GAAP, these amounts are discounted at a risk-free rate. Additionally, under GAAP, management records future installment premiums on financial guaranty insurance contracts covering non-homogeneous pools of assets based on the contractual term of the transaction, whereas for PVP purposes, management records an estimate of the future installment premiums the Company expects to receive, which may be based upon a shorter period of time than the contractual term of the transaction. Actual future net earned or written premiums and Credit Derivative Revenues may differ from PVP due to factors including, but not limited to, changes in foreign exchange rates, refinancing or refunding activity, prepayment speeds, terminations, credit defaults, or other factors that affect par outstanding or the ultimate maturity of an obligation.

 

The table below reconciles PVP to gross written premiums.

 

Reconciliation of PVP to Gross Written Premium

 

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Total PVP

 

$

50.8

 

$

88.9

 

$

155.2

 

$

257.6

 

Less: PVP of credit derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

PVP of financial guaranty insurance

 

50.8

 

88.9

 

155.2

 

257.6

 

Less: Financial guaranty installment premium PVP

 

11.3

 

4.9

 

35.9

 

17.4

 

Total: Financial guaranty upfront gross written premiums

 

39.5

 

84.0

 

119.3

 

240.2

 

Plus: Financial guaranty installment gross written premiums

 

(17.9

)

(6.4

)

(92.2

)

21.2

 

Total gross written premiums

 

$

21.6

 

$

77.6

 

$

27.1

 

$

261.4

 

 

Insured Portfolio

 

The following tables present the insured portfolio by asset class net of cessions to reinsurers as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. See Note 12, Reinsurance, of the Financial Statements for information related to reinsurers. It includes all financial guaranty contracts outstanding as of the dates presented, regardless of the form written (i.e. credit derivative form or traditional financial guaranty insurance form) or the applicable accounting model (i.e. insurance, derivative or VIE accounting).

 

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Net Par Outstanding and Average Internal Rating by Asset Class

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

Sector

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Avg.
Rating

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Avg.
Rating

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Public finance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General obligation

 

$

174,385

 

A+

 

$

181,799

 

A+

 

Tax-backed

 

79,615

 

A+

 

83,403

 

A+

 

Municipal utilities

 

66,677

 

A

 

70,066

 

A

 

Transportation

 

35,543

 

A

 

36,973

 

A

 

Healthcare

 

19,740

 

A

 

21,592

 

A

 

Higher education

 

15,613

 

A+

 

15,687

 

A+

 

Housing

 

5,996

 

AA-

 

6,562

 

AA-

 

Infrastructure finance

 

4,194

 

BBB

 

4,092

 

BBB+

 

Investor-owned utilities

 

1,178

 

A-

 

1,505

 

A-

 

Other public finance—U.S.

 

5,124

 

A-

 

5,317

 

A-

 

Total public finance—U.S.

 

408,065

 

A+

 

426,996

 

A+

 

Non-U.S.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Infrastructure finance

 

15,113

 

BBB

 

15,973

 

BBB

 

Regulated utilities

 

13,259

 

BBB+

 

13,978

 

BBB+

 

Pooled infrastructure

 

3,387

 

AA-

 

3,432

 

AA

 

Other public finance—non-U.S.

 

7,508

 

A+

 

7,360

 

AA-

 

Total public finance—non-U.S.

 

39,267

 

A-

 

40,743

 

A-

 

Total public finance

 

447,332

 

A

 

467,739

 

A

 

Structured finance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pooled corporate obligations

 

54,820

 

AAA

 

67,384

 

AAA

 

RMBS

 

22,464

 

BB

 

25,130

 

BB

 

Financial products(1)

 

5,809

 

AA-

 

6,831

 

AA-

 

CMBS and other commercial real estate related exposures

 

4,835

 

AAA

 

7,084

 

AAA

 

Consumer receivables

 

4,745

 

A+

 

6,073

 

AA-

 

Commercial receivables

 

1,852

 

BBB+

 

2,139

 

BBB+

 

Insurance securitizations

 

1,643

 

A+

 

1,584

 

A+

 

Structured credit

 

434

 

B-

 

1,729

 

BBB

 

Other structured finance—U.S.

 

1,367

 

A-

 

802

 

A-

 

Total structured finance—U.S.

 

97,969

 

AA-

 

118,756

 

AA-

 

Non-U.S.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pooled corporate obligations

 

20,116

 

AAA

 

22,610

 

AAA

 

RMBS

 

2,406

 

AA

 

3,394

 

AA+

 

Commercial receivables

 

1,316

 

BBB+

 

1,729

 

A-

 

Structured credit

 

1,061

 

BBB

 

1,267

 

BBB

 

Insurance securitizations

 

964

 

CCC-

 

964

 

CCC-

 

CMBS and other commercial-real-estate-related exposures

 

183

 

AAA

 

251

 

AAA

 

Other structured finance—non-U.S.

 

378

 

Super Senior

 

421

 

Super Senior

 

Total structured finance—non-U.S.

 

26,424

 

AA+

 

30,636

 

AA+

 

Total structured finance

 

124,393

 

AA-

 

149,392

 

AA

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

571,725

 

A+

 

$

617,131

 

A+

 

 

The September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 amounts above include $65.1 billion and $78.4 billion, respectively, of AGM structured finance net par outstanding. AGM has not insured a mortgage-backed transaction since January 2008 and announced its complete withdrawal from the structured finance market in August 2008. The

 

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structured finance transactions that remain in AGM’s insured portfolio are of double-A average underlying credit quality, according to the Company’s internal rating system. Management expects AGM’s structured finance portfolio to run off rapidly: 2% by year-end 2011, 19% by year end 2013, and 33% by year-end 2015.

 

The following tables set forth the Company’s net financial guaranty portfolio as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 by internal rating:

 

Financial Guaranty Portfolio by Internal Rating

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Public Finance
U.S.

 

Public Finance
Non-U.S.

 

Structured Finance
U.S

 

Structured Finance
Non-U.S

 

Total

 

Rating Category

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Super senior

 

$

 

%

$

1,386

 

3.5

%

$

17,544

 

17.9

%

$

6,664

 

25.2

%

$

25,594

 

4.5

%

AAA

 

5,073

 

1.2

 

1,383

 

3.5

 

37,544

 

38.3

 

12,159

 

46.0

 

56,159

 

9.8

 

AA

 

149,190

 

36.6

 

1,094

 

2.8

 

12,532

 

12.8

 

1,255

 

4.7

 

164,071

 

28.7

 

A

 

208,837

 

51.2

 

12,022

 

30.6

 

5,086

 

5.2

 

926

 

3.5

 

226,871

 

39.7

 

BBB

 

41,700

 

10.2

 

21,231

 

54.1

 

5,283

 

5.4

 

3,589

 

13.7

 

71,803

 

12.5

 

BIG

 

3,265

 

0.8

 

2,151

 

5.5

 

19,980

 

20.4

 

1,831

 

6.9

 

27,227

 

4.8

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

408,065

 

100.0

%

$

39,267

 

100.0

%

$

97,969

 

100.0

%

$

26,424

 

100.0

%

$

571,725

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Public Finance
U.S.

 

Public Finance
Non-U.S.

 

Structured Finance
U.S

 

Structured Finance
Non-U.S

 

Total

 

Rating Category

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Super senior

 

$

 

%

$

1,420

 

3.5

%

$

21,837

 

18.4

%

$

7,882

 

25.7

%

$

31,139

 

5.0

%

AAA

 

5,784

 

1.4

 

1,378

 

3.4

 

45,067

 

37.9

 

13,573

 

44.3

 

65,802

 

10.7

 

AA

 

161,906

 

37.9

 

1,330

 

3.3

 

17,355

 

14.6

 

1,969

 

6.4

 

182,560

 

29.6

 

A

 

214,199

 

50.2

 

12,482

 

30.6

 

6,396

 

5.4

 

1,873

 

6.1

 

234,950

 

38.1

 

BBB

 

41,948

 

9.8

 

22,338

 

54.8

 

7,543

 

6.4

 

4,045

 

13.2

 

75,874

 

12.3

 

BIG

 

3,159

 

0.7

 

1,795

 

4.4

 

20,558

 

17.3

 

1,294

 

4.3

 

26,806

 

4.3

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

426,996

 

100.0

%

$

40,743

 

100.0

%

$

118,756

 

100.0

%

$

30,636

 

100.0

%

$

617,131

 

100.0

%

 

Significant Risk Management Activities

 

Surveillance Categories

 

The Company segregates its insured portfolio into investment grade and BIG surveillance categories to facilitate the appropriate allocation of resources to monitoring and loss mitigation efforts and to aid in establishing the appropriate cycle for periodic review for each exposure. BIG exposures include all exposures with internal credit ratings below BBB-. The Company’s internal credit ratings are based on the Company’s internal assessment of the likelihood of default. The Company’s internal credit ratings are expressed on a ratings scale similar to that used by the rating agencies and generally reflect an approach similar to that employed by the rating agencies.

 

The Company monitors its investment grade credits to determine whether any new credits need to be internally downgraded to BIG. The Company refreshes its internal credit ratings on individual credits in quarterly, semi-annual or annual cycles based on the Company’s view of the credit’s quality, loss potential, volatility and sector. Ratings on credits in sectors identified as under the most stress or with the most potential volatility are reviewed every quarter. The Company’s insured credit ratings on assumed credits are based on the Company’s reviews of low-rated credits or credits in volatile sectors, unless such information is not available, in which case, the

 

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ceding company’s credit rating of the transactions are used. For example, the Company models all assumed RMBS credits with par above $1 million, as well as certain RMBS credits below that amount.

 

Credits identified as BIG are subjected to further review to determine the probability of a loss (see “Losses in the Insured Portfolio” above). Surveillance personnel then assign each BIG transaction to the appropriate BIG surveillance category based upon whether a lifetime loss is expected and whether a claim has been paid. The Company expects “lifetime losses” on a transaction when the Company believes there is more than a 50% chance that, on a present value basis, it will pay more claims over the life of that transaction than it will ultimately have been reimbursed. For surveillance purposes, the Company calculates present value using a constant discount rate of 5%. (A risk-free rate is used for recording of reserves for financial statement purposes.) A “liquidity claim” is a claim that the Company expects to be reimbursed within one year.

 

Intense monitoring and intervention is employed for all BIG surveillance categories, with internal credit ratings reviewed quarterly. The BIG categories are defined as follows:

 

·                  BIG Category 1: Below-investment-grade transactions showing sufficient deterioration to make lifetime losses possible, but for which none are currently expected. Transactions on which claims have been paid but are expected to be fully reimbursed (other than investment grade transactions on which only liquidity claims have been paid) are in this category.

 

·                  BIG Category 2: Below-investment-grade transactions for which lifetime losses are expected but for which no claims (other than liquidity claims) have yet been paid.

 

·                  BIG Category 3: Below-investment-grade transactions for which lifetime losses are expected and on which claims (other than liquidity claims) have been paid. Transactions remain in this category when claims have been paid and only a recoverable remains.

 

By Category Below-Investment-Grade Credits

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Number of Risks

 

Description

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance

 

FG VIEs

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance

 

FG
VIEs

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

BIG:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

$

6,254

 

$

436

 

$

3,869

 

$

10,559

 

162

 

3

 

35

 

200

 

Category 2

 

4,107

 

1,084

 

1,898

 

7,089

 

64

 

8

 

38

 

110

 

Category 3

 

5,917

 

1,276

 

2,386

 

9,579

 

113

 

14

 

25

 

152

 

Total BIG

 

$

16,278

 

$

2,796

 

$

8,153

 

$

27,227

 

339

 

25

 

98

 

462

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Number of Risks

 

Description

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance

 

FG
 VIEs

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance

 

FG
 VIEs

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

 

 

(restated)

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

(restated)

 

 

 

 

 

(restated)

 

BIG:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

$

5,091

 

$

359

 

$

3,241

 

$

8,691

 

117

 

2

 

31

 

150

 

Category 2

 

5,222

 

495

 

3,457

 

9,174

 

96

 

2

 

50

 

148

 

Category 3

 

5,901

 

1,380

 

1,660

 

8,941

 

102

 

13

 

12

 

127

 

Total BIG

 

$

16,214

 

$

2,234

 

$

8,358

 

$

26,806

 

315

 

17

 

93

 

425

 

 

118



Table of Contents

 

Exposure to Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

The tables below provide information on the risk ratings and certain other risk characteristics of the Company’s financial guaranty insurance and credit derivative RMBS exposures as of September 30, 2011. U.S. RMBS exposures represent 4% of the total net par outstanding and 56% of total BIG net par outstanding. The tables presented provide information with respect to the underlying performance indicators of this book of business. Please refer to Note 5, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements for a discussion of expected losses to be paid on U.S. RMBS exposures.

 

Net par outstanding in the following tables are based on values as of September 30, 2011. All performance information such as pool factor, subordination, cumulative losses and delinquency is based on September 30, 2011 information obtained from Intex, Bloomberg, and/or provided by the trustee and may be subject to restatement or correction.

 

Pool factor in the following tables is the percentage of the current collateral balance divided by the original collateral balance of the transactions at inception.

 

Subordination in the following tables represents the sum of subordinate tranches and overcollateralization, expressed as a percentage of total transaction size and does not include any benefit from excess spread collections that may be used to absorb losses. Many of the closed-end second lien RMBS transactions insured by the Company have unique structures whereby the collateral may be written down for losses without a corresponding write-down of the obligations insured by the Company. Many of these transactions are currently undercollateralized, with the principal amount of collateral being less than the principal amount of the obligation insured by the Company. The Company is not required to pay principal shortfalls until legal maturity (rather than making timely principal payments), and takes the undercollateralization into account when estimating expected losses for these transactions.

 

Cumulative losses in the following tables are defined as net charge-offs on the underlying loan collateral divided by the original collateral balance.

 

60+ day delinquencies in the following tables are defined as loans that are greater than 60 days delinquent and all loans that are in foreclosure, bankruptcy or real estate owned divided by current collateral balance.

 

U.S. Prime First Lien in the tables below includes primarily prime first lien plus an insignificant amount of other miscellaneous RMBS transactions.

 

The Company has not insured or reinsured any U.S. RMBS transactions since June 2008.

 

Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Internal Rating and Type of Exposure as of September 30, 2011

 

Ratings:

 

Prime
First
Lien

 

Closed End
Second
Lien

 

HELOC

 

Alt-A
First Lien

 

Option
ARM

 

Subprime
First
Lien

 

Net
Interest
Margin

 

Total Net
Par
Outstanding

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

AAA

 

$

7

 

$

 

$

382

 

$

67

 

$

 

$

1,989

 

$

 

$

2,445

 

AA

 

22

 

26

 

227

 

274

 

25

 

1,981

 

 

2,554

 

A

 

2

 

1

 

22

 

3

 

10

 

865

 

 

902

 

BBB

 

126

 

 

12

 

355

 

205

 

598

 

 

1,296

 

BIG

 

603

 

1,035

 

3,430

 

4,842

 

2,387

 

2,924

 

46

 

15,267

 

Total exposures

 

$

760

 

$

1,061

 

$

4,072

 

$

5,541

 

$

2,627

 

$

8,357

 

$

46

 

$

22,464

 

 

119



Table of Contents

 

Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Year Insured and Type of Exposure as of September 30, 2011

 

Year insured:

 

Prime
First
Lien

 

Closed End
Second
Lien

 

HELOC

 

Alt-A
First Lien

 

Option
ARMs

 

Subprime
First
Lien

 

Net
Interest
Margin

 

Total Net
Par
Outstanding

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2004 and prior

 

$

46

 

$

1

 

$

303

 

$

119

 

$

45

 

$

1,540

 

$

 

$

2,054

 

2005

 

178

 

 

914

 

646

 

125

 

327

 

 

2,189

 

2006

 

126

 

448

 

1,224

 

436

 

619

 

3,546

 

0

 

6,398

 

2007

 

410

 

612

 

1,632

 

2,806

 

1,740

 

2,848

 

46

 

10,093

 

2008

 

 

 

 

1,534

 

98

 

98

 

 

1,730

 

Total exposures

 

$

760

 

$

1,061

 

$

4,072

 

$

5,541

 

$

2,627

 

$

8,357

 

$

46

 

$

22,464

 

 

Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Internal Rating and Year Insured as of September 30, 2011

 

Year insured:

 

AAA
Rated

 

AA
Rated

 

A
Rated

 

BBB
Rated

 

BIG
Rated

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2004 and prior

 

$

1,333

 

$

122

 

$

46

 

$

191

 

$

364

 

$

2,054

 

2005

 

129

 

145

 

1

 

135

 

1,781

 

2,189

 

2006

 

695

 

1,756

 

818

 

315

 

2,815

 

6,398

 

2007

 

272

 

391

 

38

 

559

 

8,833

 

10,093

 

2008

 

17

 

140

 

 

98

 

1,475

 

1,730

 

Total exposures

 

$

2,445

 

$

2,554

 

$

902

 

$

1,296

 

$

15,267

 

$

22,464

 

% of total

 

10.9

%

11.4

%

4.0

%

5.8

%

67.9

%

100

%

 

Distribution of Financial Guaranty Direct U.S. RMBS

Insured January 1, 2005 or Later by Exposure Type, Average Pool Factor, Subordination,

Cumulative Losses and 60+ Day Delinquencies as of September 30, 2011

U.S. Prime First Lien

 

Year insured:

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Pool Factor

 

Subordination

 

Cumulative
Losses

 

60+ Day
Delinquencies

 

Number of
Transactions

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2005

 

$

174

 

43.2

%

5.3

%

1.3

%

9.7

%

6

 

2006

 

126

 

59.9

 

8.4

 

0.1

 

17.3

 

1

 

2007

 

410

 

54.4

 

9.1

 

3.5

 

16.6

 

1

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

710

 

52.6

%

8.1

%

2.3

%

15.0

%

8

 

 

U.S. Closed End Second Lien

 

Year insured:

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Pool Factor

 

Subordination

 

Cumulative
Losses

 

60+ Day
Delinquencies

 

Number of
Transactions

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2005

 

$

 

%

%

%

%

 

2006

 

437

 

16.3

 

 

59.8

 

10.9

 

2

 

2007

 

612

 

19.8

 

 

65.3

 

10.5

 

10

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,049

 

18.3

%

%

63.0

%

10.7

%

12

 

 

U.S. HELOC

 

Year insured:

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Pool Factor

 

Subordination

 

Cumulative
Losses

 

60+ Day
Delinquencies

 

Number of
Transactions

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2005

 

$

861

 

18.3

%

2.7

%

14.6

%

12.2

%

6

 

2006

 

1,202

 

29.5

 

2.2

 

32.8

 

9.9

 

7

 

2007

 

1,632

 

44.6

 

3.3

 

28.7

 

7.1

 

9

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,695

 

33.5

%

2.8

%

26.7

%

9.2

%

22

 

 

120


 


Table of Contents

 

U.S. Alt-A First Lien

 

Year insured:

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Pool Factor

 

Subordination

 

Cumulative
Losses

 

60+ Day
Delinquencies

 

Number of
Transactions

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2005

 

$

644

 

35.9

%

10.2

%

5.6

%

18.9

%

21

 

2006

 

436

 

41.8

 

 

16.6

 

37.2

 

7

 

2007

 

2,806

 

53.3

 

5.2

 

11.9

 

33.1

 

12

 

2008

 

1,534

 

49.7

 

23.4

 

11.8

 

30.3

 

5

 

 

 

$

5,420

 

49.3

%

10.5

%

11.5

%

31.0

%

45

 

 

U.S. Option ARM

 

Year insured:

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Pool Factor

 

Subordination

 

Cumulative
Losses

 

60+ Day
Delinquencies

 

Number of
Transactions

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2005

 

$

116

 

25.8

%

7.6

%

9.2

%

37.2

%

4

 

2006

 

613

 

49.5

 

2.8

 

13.6

 

53.7

 

7

 

2007

 

1,740

 

53.4

 

3.9

 

14.9

 

41.0

 

11

 

2008

 

98

 

56.5

 

49.1

 

10.2

 

38.8

 

1

 

 

 

$

2,566

 

51.4

%

5.5

%

14.1

%

43.8

%

23

 

 

U.S. Subprime First Lien

 

Year insured:

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Pool
Factor

 

Subordination

 

Cumulative
Losses

 

60+ Day
Delinquencies

 

Number of
Transactions

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2005

 

$

316

 

35.4

%

43.8

%

6.0

%

38.2

%

6

 

2006

 

3,539

 

23.1

 

61.7

 

15.7

 

37.6

 

4

 

2007

 

2,848

 

54.2

 

23.6

 

17.0

 

47.1

 

13

 

2008

 

81

 

66.4

 

28.9

 

11.5

 

28.1

 

1

 

 

 

$

6,783

 

37.2

%

44.5

%

15.7

%

41.5

%

24

 

 

Exposures by Reinsurer

 

Ceded par outstanding represents the portion of insured risk ceded to other reinsurers. Under these relationships, the Company cedes a portion of its insured risk in exchange for a premium paid to the reinsurer. The Company remains primarily liable for all risks it directly underwrites and is required to pay all gross claims. It then seeks reimbursement from the reinsurer for its proportionate share of claims. The Company may be exposed to risk for this exposure if it were required to pay the gross claims and not be able to collect ceded claims from an assuming company experiencing financial distress. A number of the financial guaranty insurers to which the Company has ceded par have experienced financial distress and been downgraded by the rating agencies as a result. In addition, state insurance regulators have intervened with respect to some of these insurers.

 

Assumed par outstanding represents the amount of par assumed by the Company from other monolines. Under these relationships, the Company assumes a portion of the ceding company’s insured risk in exchange for a premium. The Company may be exposed to risk in this portfolio in that the Company may be required to pay losses without a corresponding premium in circumstances where the ceding company is experiencing financial distress and is unable to pay premiums.

 

In addition to assumed and ceded reinsurance arrangements, the company may also have exposure to some financial guaranty reinsurers (i.e. monolines) in other areas. Second-to-pay insured par outstanding represents transactions the Company has insured that were previously insured by other monolines. The Company underwrites such transactions based on the underlying insured obligation without regard to the primary insurer. Another area of exposure is in the investment portfolio where the Company holds fixed maturity securities that are wrapped by

 

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monolines and whose value may decline based on the rating of the monoline. At September 30, 2011, the Company had $803.9 million of fixed maturity securities in its investment portfolio wrapped by MBIA Insurance Corporation, $596.8 million by Ambac Assurance Corp. and $57.6 million by other guarantors at fair value.

 

Exposure by Reinsurer

 

 

 

Ratings at
November 9, 2011

 

Par Outstanding as of
September 30, 2011

 

Reinsurer

 

Moody’s
Financial
Strength
Rating

 

S&P
Financial
Strength
Rating

 

Ceded
Par
Outstanding(3)

 

Second-to-
Pay
Insured Par
Outstanding

 

Assumed
Par
Outstanding

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc.

 

Ba1

 

BB-

 

$

20,026

 

$

56

 

$

 

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

 

Aa2(1)

 

AA-

 

17,117

 

 

933

 

RAM Reinsurance Co. Ltd.

 

WR(2)

 

WR

 

12,067

 

 

24

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

Ca

 

WR

 

4,203

 

2,197

 

217

 

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd.

 

Aa3

 

AA-

 

2,416

 

 

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corp

 

NR

 

WR

 

856

 

12

 

2

 

Swiss Reinsurance Co.

 

A1

 

AA-

 

507

 

 

 

Ambac Assurance Corporation

 

WR

 

WR

 

87

 

7,551

 

23,259

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

WR

 

WR

 

69

 

258

 

7,077

 

MBIA Insurance Corporation

 

B3

 

B

 

40

 

11,598

 

10,864

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.

 

WR

 

WR

 

 

3,754

 

 

Other

 

Various

 

Various

 

1,049

 

2,001

 

2,406

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

$

58,437

 

$

27,427

 

$

44,782

 

 


(1)                                  The Company has structural collateral agreements satisfying the triple-A credit requirement of S&P and/or Moody’s.

 

(2)                                  Represents “Withdrawn Rating.”

 

(3)                                  Includes $5,994 million in ceded par outstanding related to insured credit derivatives.

 

Ceded Par Outstanding by Reinsurer and Credit Rating

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Internal Credit Rating

 

Reinsurer

 

Super
Senior

 

AAA

 

AA

 

A

 

BBB

 

BIG

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc.

 

$

144

 

$

971

 

$

8,819

 

$

7,020

 

$

2,736

 

$

336

 

$

20,026

 

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

 

393

 

1,671

 

5,218

 

5,959

 

3,072

 

804

 

17,117

 

RAM Reinsurance Co. Ltd.

 

297

 

1,971

 

4,297

 

3,277

 

1,777

 

448

 

12,067

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

 

 

448

 

808

 

2,808

 

139

 

4,203

 

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd.

 

8

 

156

 

903

 

863

 

408

 

78

 

2,416

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corp

 

 

 

565

 

247

 

44

 

 

856

 

Swiss Reinsurance Co.

 

 

10

 

108

 

215

 

97

 

77

 

507

 

Ambac Assurance Corporation

 

 

 

 

87

 

 

 

87

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

69

 

69

 

MBIA Insurance Corporation

 

 

 

40

 

 

 

 

40

 

Other

 

 

 

221

 

742

 

86

 

 

1,049

 

Total

 

$

842

 

$

4,779

 

$

20,619

 

$

19,218

 

$

11,028

 

$

1,951

 

$

58,437

 

 

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In accordance with statutory accounting requirements and U.S. insurance laws and regulations, in order for the Company to receive credit for liabilities ceded to reinsurers domiciled outside of the U.S., such reinsurers must secure their liabilities to the Company. All of the unauthorized reinsurers in the table above post collateral for the benefit of the Company in an amount equal to at least the sum of their ceded unearned premium reserve, loss reserves and contingency reserves, all calculated on a statutory basis of accounting. CIFG Assurance North America Inc. and Radian Asset Assurance Inc. are authorized reinsurers. Their collateral equals or exceeds their ceded statutory loss reserves. Collateral may be in the form of letters of credit or trust accounts. The total collateral posted by all non-affiliated reinsurers as of September 30, 2011 is approximately $1 billion.

 

Second-to-Pay

Insured Par Outstanding by Internal Rating

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Public Finance

 

Structured Finance

 

 

 

 

 

AAA

 

AA

 

A

 

BBB

 

BIG

 

Super
Senior

 

AAA

 

AA

 

A

 

BBB

 

BIG

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc.

 

$

 

$

 

$

13

 

$

31

 

$

11

 

$

 

$

1

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

56

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

 

26

 

384

 

738

 

310

 

 

237

 

140

 

12

 

98

 

252

 

2,197

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corp

 

 

7

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

Ambac Assurance Corporation

 

6

 

2,094

 

3,125

 

1,123

 

346

 

 

101

 

70

 

265

 

84

 

337

 

7,551

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

 

11

 

69

 

133

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

258

 

MBIA Insurance Corporation

 

65

 

3,158

 

4,524

 

1,870

 

9

 

 

 

1,404

 

56

 

489

 

23

 

11,598

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co

 

 

185

 

1,197

 

560

 

336

 

476

 

745

 

 

182

 

10

 

63

 

3,754

 

Other

 

 

 

2,001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,001

 

Total

 

$

71

 

$

5,481

 

$

11,313

 

$

4,460

 

$

1,057

 

$

476

 

$

1,084

 

$

1,614

 

$

515

 

$

681

 

$

675

 

$

27,427

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

AGL and its Holding Company Subsidiaries

 

AGL and its holding company subsidiaries’ liquidity is largely dependent on its operating results and its access to external financing. Liquidity requirements include the payment of operating expenses, interest on debt of Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc. (“AGUS”) and AGMH and dividends on common shares. AGL and its holding company subsidiaries may also require liquidity to make periodic capital investments in its operating subsidiaries. In the ordinary course of business, the Company evaluates its liquidity needs and capital resources in light of holding company expenses and dividend policy, as well as rating agency considerations. Management believes that AGL will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs over the next twelve months, including the ability to pay dividends on AGL common shares. See “—Insurance Company Regulatory Restrictions” below for a discussion of dividend restrictions. In addition, under the terms of the purchase agreement under which AGMH was acquired, AGM is subject to a dividend restriction until July 1, 2012.

 

The Company anticipates that for the next twelve months, amounts paid by AGL’s operating subsidiaries as dividends will be a major source of its liquidity. It is possible that in the future, AGL or its subsidiaries may need to seek additional external debt or equity financing in order to meet its obligations. External sources of financing may or may not be available to the Company, and if available, the cost of such financing may be higher than the Company’s current level.

 

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AGL and Holding Company Subsidiaries

Significant Cash Flow Items

 

 

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Dividends received and return of capital from subsidiaries

 

$

99.0

 

$

77.0

 

Share repurchases

 

(23.3

)

(10.5

)

Dividends paid

 

(24.8

)

(24.9

)

Interest paid

 

(52.5

)

(52.5

)

 

Insurance Company Subsidiaries

 

Liquidity of the insurance company subsidiaries is primarily used to pay (1) operating expenses, (2) claims, including payment obligations in respect of credit derivatives, (4) collateral postings in connection with credit derivatives and reinsurance transactions, (4) reinsurance premiums, (5) dividends to AGUS and AGMH for debt service and dividends to AGL, and (6) where appropriate, to make capital investments in their own subsidiaries. Management believes that its subsidiaries’ liquidity needs for the next twelve months can be met from current cash, short-term investments and operating cash flow, including premium collections and coupon payments as well as scheduled maturities and paydowns from their respective investment portfolios.

 

Beyond the next 12 months, the ability of the operating subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends may be influenced by a variety of factors, including market conditions, insurance regulations and rating agency capital requirements and general economic conditions.

 

Insurance policies issued provide, in general, that payments of principal, interest and other amounts insured may not be accelerated by the holder of the obligation. Amounts paid by the Company therefore are typically in accordance with the obligation’s original payment schedule or, at the Company’s option, may be on an accelerated basis. CDS may provide for acceleration of amounts due upon the occurrence of certain credit events, subject to single-risk limits specified in the insurance laws of the State of New York (the “New York Insurance Law”). These constraints prohibit or limit acceleration of certain claims according to Article 69 of the New York Insurance Law and serve to reduce the Company’s liquidity requirements.

 

Payments made in settlement of the Company’s obligations arising from its insured portfolio may, and often do, vary significantly from year to year, depending primarily on the frequency and severity of payment defaults and whether the Company chooses to accelerate its payment obligations in order to mitigate future losses.

 

Claims Paid

 

 

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Claims paid

 

$

822.8

 

$

756.3

 

R&W recoveries (1)

 

(983.8

)

(131.4

)

Claims paid (recovered), net(2)

 

$

(161.0

)

$

624.9

 

 


(1)                                  Includes recoveries under the Bank of America Agreement.

(2)                                  Includes $59.7 million and $95.9 million for consolidated FG VIEs for Nine Months 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

The terms of the Company’s CDS contracts generally are modified from standard CDS contract forms approved by ISDA in order to provide for payments on a scheduled basis and to replicate the terms of a traditional financial guaranty insurance policy. Some contracts the Company enters into as the credit protection seller, however, utilize standard ISDA settlement mechanics of cash settlement (i.e., a process to value the loss of market value of a reference obligation) or physical settlement (i.e., delivery of the reference obligation against payment of principal by the protection seller) in the event of a “credit event,” as defined in the relevant contract. Cash settlement or physical settlement generally requires the payment of a larger amount, prior to the maturity of the reference obligation, than would settlement on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, under which the Company would be required to pay scheduled interest shortfalls during the term of the reference obligation and scheduled principal shortfall only at the final maturity of

 

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the reference obligation. The Company’s CDS contracts also generally provide that if events of default or termination events specified in the CDS documentation were to occur, the non-defaulting or the non-affected party, which may be either the Company or the counterparty, depending upon the circumstances, may decide to terminate the CDS contract prior to maturity. The Company may be required to make a termination payment to its swap counterparty upon such termination. See also “—Ratings Sensitivity in Financial Guaranty Direct Business.”

 

Potential acceleration of claims with respect to CDS obligations occur with funded CDOs and synthetic CDOs, as described below:

 

·                  Funded CDOs:  The Company has credit exposure to the senior tranches of funded corporate CDOs. The senior tranches are typically rated triple-A at inception. While the majority of these exposures obligate the Company to pay only shortfalls in scheduled interest and principal at final maturity, in a limited number of cases the Company has agreed to physical settlement following a credit event. In these limited circumstances, the Company has adhered to internal limits within applicable statutory single-risk constraints. In these transactions, the credit events giving rise to a payment obligation are (a) the bankruptcy of the special purpose issuer or (b) the failure by the issuer to make a scheduled payment of interest or principal pursuant to the referenced senior debt security.

 

·                  Synthetic CDOs:  In the case of pooled corporate synthetic CDOs, where the Company’s credit exposure was typically set at super senior levels at inception, the Company is exposed to credit losses of a synthetic pool of corporate obligors following the exhaustion of a deductible. In these transactions, losses are typically calculated using ISDA cash settlement mechanics. As a result, the Company’s exposures to the individual corporate obligors within any synthetic transaction are constrained by the New York Insurance Law single-risk limits. In these transactions, the credit events giving rise to a payment obligation are generally (a) the reference entity’s bankruptcy; (b) failure by the reference entity to pay its debt obligations; and (c) in certain transactions, the restructuring of the reference entity’s debt obligations. The Company generally would not be required to make a payment until aggregate credit losses exceed the designated deductible threshold and only as each incremental default occurs. Once the deductible is exhausted, each further credit event would give rise to cash settlements.

 

Pooled Corporate CDS

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Funded CDOs

 

$

46,830

 

71

%

$

56,779

 

71

%

Synthetic CDOs

 

19,406

 

29

 

23,154

 

29

 

Total pooled corporate CDS

 

$

66,236

 

100

%

$

79,933

 

100

%

 

Insurance Company Regulatory Restrictions

 

The insurance company subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends depends, among other things, upon their financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements and compliance with rating agency requirements, and is also subject to restrictions contained in the insurance laws and related regulations of their states of domicile. Dividends paid by a U.S. company to a Bermuda holding company presently are subject to a 30% withholding tax.

 

Under Maryland’s insurance law, AGC may pay dividends out of earned surplus in any twelve-month period in an aggregate amount not exceeding the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders’ surplus or (b) net investment income at the preceding December 31 (including net investment income that has not already been paid out as dividends for the three calendar years prior to the preceding calendar year) without prior approval of the Maryland Commissioner of Insurance. As of September 30, 2011, the amount available for distribution from AGC during 2011 with notice to, but without prior approval of, the Maryland Commissioner was approximately $111.2 million.

 

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Under the New York Insurance Law, AGM may pay dividends out of earned surplus, provided that, together with all dividends declared or distributed by AGM during the preceding 12 months, the dividends do not exceed the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders’ surplus as of its last statement filed with the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York (the “New York Superintendent”) or (b) adjusted net investment income (net investment income at the preceding December 31 plus net investment income that has not already been paid out as dividends for the three calendar years prior to the preceding calendar year) during this period. Based on AGM’s statutory statements for Nine Months 2011, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends by AGM without regulatory approval over the 12 months following September 30, 2011 was approximately $129.5 million.

 

The amount available at AG Re to pay dividends or make a distribution of contributed surplus in 2011 in compliance with Bermuda law is $1,150 million. However, any distribution that results in a reduction of 15% or more of AG Re’s total statutory capital, as set out in its previous years’ financial statements, would require the prior approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Dividends are limited by requirements that the subject company must at all times (i) maintain the minimum solvency margin required under the Insurance Act of 1978 and (ii) have relevant assets in an amount at least equal to 75% of relevant liabilities, both as defined under the Insurance Act of 1978. AG Re, as a Class 3B insurer, is prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year’s statutory balance sheet) unless it files (at least seven days before payment of such dividends) with the Authority an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet the required margins.

 

Cash Flows

 

Cash Flow Summary

 

 

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

601.0

 

$

(104.3

)

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

 

357.9

 

707.1

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(897.8

)

(551.0

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

3.8

 

(1.5

)

Cash at beginning of period

 

108.4

 

44.1

 

Total cash at the end of the period

 

$

173.3

 

$

94.4

 

 

Operating cash flows in Nine Months 2011 and 2010 include cash flows from FG VIEs. Claims paid on consolidated FG VIEs are presented in the consolidated cash flow statements as paydowns on FG VIE liabilities in financing activities as opposed to operating activities. Excluding consolidated FG VIEs the increase in operating cash flows was mainly due to the cash proceeds received from Bank of America Agreement.

 

Investing activities were primarily net sales (purchases) of fixed maturity and short-term investment securities. Investing cash flows in Nine Months 2011 and 2010 include $598.2 million inflow and $323.6 million inflow for FG VIEs, respectively.

 

Financing activities consisted primarily of paydowns of FG VIEs. Financing cash flows in Nine Months 2011 and 2010 include $830.1 million outflow and $497.3 million outflow for FG VIEs, respectively.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

Leases

 

AGL and its subsidiaries are party to various lease agreements. Future cash payments associated with contractual obligations pursuant to operating leases for office space have not materially changed since December 31, 2010.

 

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Long-Term Debt Obligations

 

The principal and carrying values of the Company’s long-term debt issued by AGUS and AGMH were as follows:

 

Principal and Carrying Amounts of Debt

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Principal

 

Carrying
Value

 

Principal

 

Carrying
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

AGUS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.0% Senior Notes

 

$

200.0

 

$

197.6

 

$

200.0

 

$

197.6

 

8.50% Senior Notes

 

172.5

 

171.8

 

172.5

 

171.0

 

Series A Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

150.0

 

149.8

 

150.0

 

149.8

 

Total AGUS

 

522.5

 

519.2

 

522.5

 

518.4

 

AGMH(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

67/8% QUIBS

 

100.0

 

67.3

 

100.0

 

67.0

 

6.25% Notes

 

230.0

 

135.7

 

230.0

 

135.0

 

5.60% Notes

 

100.0

 

53.4

 

100.0

 

53.0

 

Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

300.0

 

156.8

 

300.0

 

152.5

 

Total AGMH

 

730.0

 

413.2

 

730.0

 

407.5

 

AGM(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Payable

 

102.4

 

109.3

 

119.3

 

127.0

 

Total AGM

 

102.4

 

109.3

 

119.3

 

127.0

 

Total

 

$

1,354.9

 

$

1,041.7

 

$

1,371.8

 

$

1,052.9

 

 


(1)                                  Principal amounts vary from carrying amounts due primarily to acquisition method fair value adjustments at the Acquisition Date, which are accreted or amortized into interest expense over the remaining terms of these obligations.

 

AGL fully and unconditionally guarantees the following debt obligations issued by AGUS: (1) 7.0% Senior Notes and (2) 8.50% Senior Notes. AGL also fully and unconditionally guarantees the following AGMH debt obligations: (1) 67/8% Quarterly Income Bonds Securities (“QUIBS”), (2) 6.25% Notes and (3) 5.60% Notes. In addition, AGL guarantees, on a junior subordinated basis, AGUS’s Series A, Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures and the $300 million of AGMH’s outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures.

 

Debt Issued by AGUS

 

7.0% Senior Notes.  On May 18, 2004, AGUS issued $200.0 million of 7.0% senior notes due 2034 (“7.0% Senior Notes”) for net proceeds of $197.3 million. Although the coupon on the Senior Notes is 7.0%, the effective rate is approximately 6.4%, taking into account the effect of a cash flow hedge executed by the Company in March 2004.

 

8.50% Senior Notes.  On June 24, 2009, AGL issued 3,450,000 equity units for net proceeds of approximately $166.8 million in a registered public offering. The net proceeds of the offering were used to pay a portion of the consideration for the AGMH Acquisition. Each equity unit consists of (i) a forward purchase contract and (ii) a 5% undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount 8.50% senior notes due 2014 issued by AGUS. Under the purchase contract, holders are required to purchase, and AGL is required to issue, between 3.8685 and 4.5455 of AGL common shares for $50 no later than June 1, 2012. The actual number of shares purchased will be based on the average closing price of the common shares over a 20-trading day period ending three trading days prior to June 1, 2012. More specifically, if the average closing price per share for the relevant period (the “Applicable Market Value”) is equal to or exceeds $12.93, the settlement rate will be 3.8685 shares. If the Applicable Market Value is less than or equal to $11.00, the settlement rate will be 4.5455 shares, and if it is between $11.00 and $12.93, the settlement rate will be equal to the quotient of $50.00 and the Applicable Market Value. The notes are pledged by the holders of the equity units to a collateral agent to secure their obligations under the purchase contracts. Interest on the notes is payable, initially, quarterly at the rate of 8.50% per year. The notes

 

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are subject to a mandatory remarketing between December 1, 2011 and May 1, 2012 (or, if not remarketed during such period, during a designated three business day period in May 2012). In the remarketing, the interest rate on the notes will be reset and certain other terms of the notes may be modified, including to extend the maturity date, to change the redemption rights (as long as there will be at least two years between the reset date and any new redemption date) and to add interest deferral provisions. If the notes are not successfully remarketed, the interest rate on the notes will not be reset and holders of all notes will have the right to put their notes to the Company on the purchase contract settlement date at a put price equal to $1,000 per note ($50 per equity unit) plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes are redeemable at AGUS’ option, in whole but not in part, upon the occurrence and continuation of certain events at any time prior to the earlier of the date of a successful remarketing and the purchase contract settlement date. The aggregate redemption amount for the notes is equal to an amount that would permit the collateral agent to purchase a portfolio of U.S. Treasury securities sufficient to pay the principal amount of the notes and all scheduled interest payment dates that occur after the special event redemption date to, and including the purchase contract settlement date; provided that the aggregate redemption amount may not be less than the principal amount of the notes. Other than in connection with certain specified tax or accounting related events, the notes may not be redeemed by AGUS prior to June 1, 2014.

 

Series A Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures.  On December 20, 2006, AGUS issued $150.0 million of the Debentures due 2066 for net proceeds of $149.7 million. The Debentures pay a fixed 6.40% rate of interest until December 15, 2016, and thereafter pay a floating rate of interest, reset quarterly, at a rate equal to three month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin equal to 2.38%. AGUS may elect at one or more times to defer payment of interest for one or more consecutive periods for up to 10 years. Any unpaid interest bears interest at the then applicable rate. AGUS may not defer interest past the maturity date.

 

Debt Issued by AGMH

 

67/8% QUIBS.  On December 19, 2001, AGMH issued $100.0 million face amount of 67/8% QUIBS due December 15, 2101, which are callable without premium or penalty.

 

6.25% Notes.  On November 26, 2002, AGMH issued $230.0 million face amount of 6.25% Notes due November 1, 2102, which are callable without premium or penalty in whole or in part.

 

5.60% Notes.  On July 31, 2003, AGMH issued $100.0 million face amount of 5.60% Notes due July 15, 2103, which are callable without premium or penalty in whole or in part.

 

Junior Subordinated Debentures.  On November 22, 2006, AGMH issued $300.0 million face amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures with a scheduled maturity date of December 15, 2036 and a final repayment date of December 15, 2066. The final repayment date of December 15, 2066 may be automatically extended up to four times in five-year increments provided certain conditions are met. The debentures are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time prior to December 15, 2036 at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption or, if greater, the make-whole redemption price. Interest on the debentures will accrue from November 22, 2006 to December 15, 2036 at the annual rate of 6.40%. If any amount of the debentures remains outstanding after December 15, 2036, then the principal amount of the outstanding debentures will bear interest at a floating interest rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 2.215% until repaid. AGMH may elect at one or more times to defer payment of interest on the debentures for one or more consecutive interest periods that do not exceed 10 years. In connection with the completion of this offering, AGMH entered into a replacement capital covenant for the benefit of persons that buy, hold or sell a specified series of AGMH long-term indebtedness ranking senior to the debentures. Under the covenant, the debentures will not be repaid, redeemed, repurchased or defeased by AGMH or any of its subsidiaries on or before the date that is 20 years prior to the final repayment date, except to the extent that AGMH has received proceeds from the sale of replacement capital securities. The proceeds from this offering were used to pay a dividend to the shareholders of AGMH.

 

Debt Issued by AGM

 

Notes Payable represents debt, issued by special purpose entities consolidated by AGM, to the Financial Products Companies transferred to Dexia Holdings prior to the AGMH Acquisition. The funds borrowed were used to finance the purchase of the underlying obligations of AGM-insured obligations which had breached triggers allowing AGM to exercise its right to accelerate payment of a claim in order to mitigate loss. The assets purchased are classified as assets acquired in refinancing transactions and recorded in “other invested assets”. The term of the

 

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notes payable matches the terms of the assets.

 

Recourse Credit Facilities

 

2006 Credit Facility

 

On November 6, 2006, AGL and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a $300.0 million, five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2006 Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of banks. Under the 2006 Credit Facility, each of AGC, Assured Guaranty (UK) Ltd., AG Re, Assured Guaranty Re Overseas Ltd. AGRO and AGL was entitled to request the banks to make loans to such borrower or to request that letters of credit be issued for the account of such borrower. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Assured Guaranty was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the 2006 Credit Facility.  As of September 30, 2011, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor had there been any borrowings during the life of the 2006 Credit Facility.  Letters of credit totaling approximately $2.9 million remained outstanding as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The Company obtained the letters of credit in connection with entering into a lease for new office space in 2008, which space was subsequently sublet.  The 2006 Credit Facility expired on November 6, 2011.  The Company has determined it has sufficient liquidity and decided not to enter into a new revolving credit facility at this time.

 

2009 Strip Coverage Facility

 

In connection with the AGMH Acquisition, AGM agreed to retain the risks relating to the debt and strip policy portions of the leveraged lease business. The liquidity risk to AGM related to the strip policy portion of the leveraged lease business is mitigated by the strip coverage facility described below.

 

In a leveraged lease transaction, a tax-exempt entity (such as a transit agency) transfers tax benefits to a tax-paying entity by transferring ownership of a depreciable asset, such as subway cars. The tax-exempt entity then leases the asset back from its new owner.

 

If the lease is terminated early, the tax-exempt entity must make an early termination payment to the lessor. A portion of this early termination payment is funded from monies that were pre-funded and invested at the closing of the leveraged lease transaction (along with earnings on those invested funds). The tax-exempt entity is obligated to pay the remaining, unfunded portion of this early termination payment (known as the “strip coverage”) from its own sources. AGM issued financial guaranty insurance policies (known as “strip policies”) that guaranteed the payment of these unfunded strip coverage amounts to the lessor, in the event that a tax-exempt entity defaulted on its obligation to pay this portion of its early termination payment. AGM can then seek reimbursement of its strip policy payments from the tax-exempt entity, and can also sell the transferred depreciable asset and reimburse itself from the sale proceeds.

 

One event that may lead to an early termination of a lease is the downgrade of AGM, as the strip coverage provider, or the downgrade of the equity payment undertaker within the transaction, in each case, generally to a financial strength rating below double-A. Upon such downgrade, the tax-exempt entity is generally obligated to find a replacement credit enhancer within a specified period of time; failure to find a replacement could result in a lease default, and failure to cure the default within a specified period of time could lead to an early termination of the lease and a demand by the lessor for a termination payment from the tax-exempt entity. However, even in the event of an early termination of the lease, there would not necessarily be an automatic draw on AGM’s policy, as this would only occur to the extent the tax-exempt entity does not make the required termination payment.

 

AIG International Group, Inc. is one entity that has acted as equity payment undertaker in a number of transactions in which AGM acted as strip coverage provider. AIG was downgraded in the third quarter of 2008, and AGM was downgraded by Moody’s in the fourth quarter of 2008. As a result of those downgrades, as of September 30, 2011, 45 leveraged lease transactions in which AGM acts as strip coverage provider were breaching either a ratings trigger related to AIG or a ratings trigger related to AGM. For such 45 leveraged lease transactions, if early termination of the leases were to occur and the tax-exempt entities do not make the required early termination payments, then AGM would be exposed to possible liquidity claims on gross exposure of approximately

 

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$1.1 billion as of September 30, 2011. If AGM were downgraded to A+ by S&P or A1 by Moody’s, as of September 30, 2011, another 26 leveraged lease transactions in which AGM acts as strip coverage provider would be affected. For such 26 leveraged lease transactions, if early termination of the leases were to occur and the tax-exempt entities do not make the required early termination payments, then AGM would be exposed to possible liquidity claims on gross exposure of an additional approximately $1.0 billion as of September 30, 2011. To date, none of the leveraged lease transactions that involve AGM has experienced an early termination due to a lease default and a claim on the AGM guaranty. It is difficult to determine the probability that the Company will have to pay strip provider claims or the likely aggregate amount of such claims. At September 30, 2011, approximately $0.6 billion of cumulative strip par exposure had been terminated on a consensual basis. The consensual terminations have resulted in no claims on AGM.

 

On July 1, 2009, AGM and Dexia Crédit Local (“DCL”), acting through its New York Branch (“Dexia Crédit Local (NY)”), entered into a credit facility (the “Strip Coverage Facility”). Under the Strip Coverage Facility, Dexia Crédit Local (NY) agreed to make loans to AGM to finance all draws made by lessors on AGM strip policies that were outstanding as of November 13, 2008, up to the commitment amount. The commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility was $1 billion at closing of the AGMH Acquisition but is scheduled to amortize over time. As of September 30, 2011, the maximum commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility has amortized to $984.5 million. It may also be reduced in 2014 to $750 million, if AGM does not have a specified consolidated net worth at that time.

 

Fundings under this facility are subject to certain conditions precedent, and their repayment is collateralized by a security interest that AGM granted to Dexia Crédit Local (NY) in amounts that AGM recovers—from the tax-exempt entity, or from asset sale proceeds—following its payment of strip policy claims. The Strip Coverage Facility will terminate upon the earliest to occur of an AGM change of control, the reduction of the commitment amount to $0, and January 31, 2042.

 

The Strip Coverage Facility’s financial covenants require that AGM and its subsidiaries maintain a maximum debt-to-capital ratio of 30% and maintain a minimum net worth of 75% of consolidated net worth as of July 1, 2009, plus, starting July 1, 2014, 25% of the aggregate consolidated net income (or loss) for the period beginning July 1, 2009 and ending on June 30, 2014 or, if the commitment amount has been reduced to $750 million as described above, zero. As of September 30, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Strip Coverage Facility.

 

The Strip Coverage Facility contains restrictions on AGM, including, among other things, in respect of its ability to incur debt, permit liens, pay dividends or make distributions, dissolve or become party to a merger or consolidation. Most of these restrictions are subject to exceptions. The Strip Coverage Facility has customary events of default, including (subject to certain materiality thresholds and grace periods) payment default, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings and cross-default to other debt agreements.

 

As of September 30, 2011, no amounts were outstanding under this facility, nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

Under the Strip Coverage Facility, AGM covenants to deliver GAAP-compliant quarterly financial statements for itself and its consolidated subsidiaries within 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter or 115 days after the end of the fiscal year.  Neither the failure to deliver financial statements on time nor the failure to deliver GAAP-compliant financials is an event of default, but would be a covenant breach that, until cured, would prevent AGM from borrowing under the Strip Coverage Facility.  In addition, the failure to deliver financial statements that present fairly the financial condition of AGM and its consolidated subsidiaries is a breach of representation and warranty that would prevent AGM from borrowing under the Strip Coverage Facility. However, if such financial statements are restated so as to make them present fairly the financial condition of AGM and its consolidated subsidiaries and AGM delivers such restated financial statements to Dexia, then AGM could resume borrowing. The Company anticipates that AGM would be able to borrow again by December 2011, and does not anticipate that AGM would have any need to borrow under the Strip Coverage Facility prior to that time.

 

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Limited Recourse Credit Facilities

 

AG Re Credit Facility

 

On July 31, 2007, AG Re entered into a limited recourse credit facility (“AG Re Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of banks, which provides up to $200.0 million for the payment of losses in respect of the covered portfolio. The AG Re Credit Facility expires in June 2014. The facility can be utilized after AG Re has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $260 million or the average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by 4.5%. The obligation to repay loans under this agreement is a limited recourse obligation payable solely from, and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and other collateral.

 

As of September 30, 2011, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

AGM Credit Facility

 

On April 30, 2005, AGM entered into a limited recourse credit facility (“AGM Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of international banks, which provides up to $297.5 million for the payment of losses in respect of the covered portfolio. The AGM Credit Facility expires April 30, 2015. The facility can be utilized after AGM has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $297.5 million or the average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by 5.0%. The obligation to repay loans under this agreement is a limited recourse obligation payable solely from, and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and other collateral. The ratings downgrade of AGM by Moody’s to Aa3 in November 2008 resulted in an increase to the commitment fee.

 

As of September 30, 2011, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

Committed Capital Securities

 

The AGC CCS Securities

 

On April 8, 2005, AGC entered into separate agreements (the “Put Agreements”) with four custodial trusts (each, a “Custodial Trust”) pursuant to which AGC may, at its option, cause each of the Custodial Trusts to purchase up to $50 million of perpetual preferred stock of AGC (the “AGC Preferred Stock”).

 

Each of the Custodial Trusts is a special purpose Delaware statutory trust formed for the purpose of (a) issuing a series of flex AGC CCS Securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Custodial Trust; (b) investing the proceeds from the issuance of the AGC CCS Securities or any redemption in full of AGC Preferred Stock in a portfolio of high-grade commercial paper and (in limited cases) U.S. Treasury Securities (the “Eligible Assets”), and (c) entering into the Put Agreement and related agreements. The Custodial Trusts are not consolidated in Assured Guaranty’s financial statements.

 

Income distributions on the AGC CCS Securities were equal to an annualized rate of one-month LIBOR plus 110 basis points for all periods ending on or before April 8, 2008. For periods after that date, distributions on the AGC CCS Securities were determined pursuant to an auction process. However, on April 7, 2008 the auction process failed. As a result, the annualized rate on the AGC CCS Securities increased to one-month LIBOR plus 250 basis points. When a Custodial Trust holds Eligible Assets, the relevant distribution period is 28 days; when a Custodial Trust holds AGC Preferred Stock, however, the distribution period is 49 days.

 

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Put Agreements.  Pursuant to the Put Agreements, AGC pays a monthly put premium to each Custodial Trust except during any periods when the relevant Custodial Trust holds the AGC Preferred Stock that has been put to it or upon termination of the Put Agreement. This put premium equals the product of:

 

·                  the applicable distribution rate on the AGC CCS Securities for the relevant period less the excess of (a) the Custodial Trust’s stated return on the Eligible Assets for the period (expressed as an annual rate) over (b) the expenses of the Custodial Trust for the period (expressed as an annual rate);

 

·                  the aggregate face amount of the AGC CCS Securities of the Custodial Trust outstanding on the date the put premium is calculated; and

 

·                  the number of days in the distribution period divided by 360.

 

Upon AGC’s exercise of its put option, the relevant Custodial Trust will liquidate its portfolio of Eligible Assets and purchase the AGC Preferred Stock. The Custodial Trust will then hold the AGC Preferred Stock until the earlier of the redemption of the AGC Preferred Stock and the liquidation or dissolution of the Custodial Trust.

 

The Put Agreements have no scheduled termination date or maturity. However, each Put Agreement will terminate if (subject to certain grace periods) (1) AGC fails to pay the put premium as required, (2) AGC elects to have the AGC Preferred Stock bear a fixed rate dividend (a “Fixed Rate Distribution Event”), (3) AGC fails to pay dividends on the AGC Preferred Stock, or the Custodial Trust’s fees and expenses for the related period, (4) AGC fails to pay the redemption price of the AGC Preferred Stock, (5) the face amount of a Custodial Trust’s CCS Securities is less than $20 million, (6) AGC terminates the Put Agreement, or (7) a decree of judicial dissolution of the Custodial Trust is entered. If, as a result of AGC’s failure to pay the put premium, the Custodial Trust is liquidated, AGC will be required to pay a termination payment, which will in turn be distributed to the holders of the AGC CCS Securities. The termination payment will be at a rate equal to 1.10% per annum of the amount invested in Eligible Assets calculated from the date of the failure to pay the put premium through the end of the applicable period. As of September 30, 2011 the put option had not been exercised.

 

AGC Preferred Stock.  The dividend rate on the AGC Preferred Stock is determined pursuant to the same auction process applicable to distributions on the AGC CCS Securities. However, if a Fixed Rate Distribution Event occurs, the distribution rate on the AGC Preferred Stock will be the fixed rate equivalent of one-month LIBOR plus 2.50%. For these purposes, a “Fixed Rate Distribution Event” will occur when AGC Preferred Stock is outstanding, if (subject to certain grace periods): (1) AGC elects to have the AGC Preferred Stock bear dividends at a fixed rate, (2) AGC does not pay dividends on the AGC Preferred Stock for the related distribution period or (3) AGC does pay the fees and expenses of the Custodial Trust for the related distribution period. During the period in which AGC Preferred Stock is held by a Custodial Trust and unless a Fixed Rate Distribution Event has occurred, dividends will be paid every 49 days. Following a Fixed Rate Distribution Event, dividends will be paid every 90 days.

 

Unless redeemed by AGC, the AGC Preferred Stock will be perpetual. Following exercise of the put option during any Flexed Rate Period, AGC may redeem the AGC Preferred Stock held by a Custodial Trust in whole and not in part on any distribution payment date by paying the Custodial Trust the liquidation preference amount of the AGC Preferred Stock plus any accrued but unpaid dividends for the then current distribution period. If AGC redeems the AGC Preferred Stock held by a Custodial Trust, the Custodial Trust will reinvest the redemption proceeds in Eligible Assets and AGC will pay the put premium to the Custodial Trust. If the AGC Preferred Stock was distributed to holders of AGC CCS Securities during any Flexed Rate Period then AGC may not redeem the AGC Preferred Stock until the end of the period.

 

Following exercise of the put option, AGC Preferred Stock held by a Custodial Trust in whole or in part on any distribution payment date by paying the Custodial Trust the liquidation preference amount of the AGC Preferred Stock to be redeemed plus any accrued but unpaid dividends for the then current distribution period. If AGC partially redeems the AGC Preferred Stock held by a Custodial Trust, the redemption proceeds will be distributed pro rata to the holders of the CCS Securities (with a corresponding reduction in the aggregate face amount of AGC CCS Securities). However, AGC must redeem all of the AGC Preferred Stock if, after giving effect to a partial redemption, the aggregate liquidation preference amount of the AGC Preferred Stock held by the Custodial Trust

 

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immediately following such redemption would be less than $20 million. If a Fixed Rate Distribution Event occurs, AGC may not redeem the AGC Preferred Stock for two years from the date of the Fixed Rate Distribution Event.

 

The AGM CPS Securities

 

In June 2003, $200.0 million of AGM CPS Securities, money market preferred trust securities, were issued by trusts created for the primary purpose of issuing the AGM CPS Securities, investing the proceeds in high-quality commercial paper and selling put options to AGM, allowing AGM to issue the trusts noncumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock (the “AGM Preferred Stock”) of AGM in exchange for cash. There are four trusts each with an initial aggregate face amount of $50 million. These trusts hold auctions every 28 days at which time investors submit bid orders to purchase AGM CPS Securities. If AGM were to exercise a put option, the applicable trust would transfer the portion of the proceeds attributable to principal received upon maturity of its assets, net of expenses, to AGM in exchange for Preferred Stock of AGM. AGM pays a floating put premium to the trusts, which represents the difference between the commercial paper yield and the winning auction rate (plus all fees and expenses of the trust). If any auction does not attract sufficient clearing bids, however, the auction rate is subject to a maximum rate of 200 basis points above LIBOR for the next succeeding distribution period. Beginning in August 2007, the AGM CPS Securities required the maximum rate for each of the relevant trusts. AGM continues to have the ability to exercise its put option and cause the related trusts to purchase AGM Preferred Stock. The trusts provide AGM access to new capital at its sole discretion through the exercise of the put options. The Company does not consider itself to be the primary beneficiary of the trusts because it does not retain the majority of the residual benefits or expected losses. As of September 30, 2011 the put option had not been exercised.

 

Investment Portfolio

 

The Company’s principal objectives in managing its investment portfolio are to preserve the highest possible ratings for each operating company; to manage investment risk within the context of the underlying portfolio of insurance risk; to maintain sufficient liquidity to cover unexpected stress in the insurance portfolio; and to maximize after-tax net investment income.

 

Fixed Maturity Securities and Short-Term Investments

 

The Company’s fixed maturity securities and short-term investments had a duration of 4.7 years as of September 30, 2011, compared with 5.0 years as of December 31, 2010. The Company’s fixed maturity securities are designated as available-for-sale. Fixed maturity securities are reported at their fair value, and the change in fair value is reported as part of AOCI except for the credit component of the unrealized loss for securities deemed to be OTTI. The Company reviews the investment portfolio for possible impairment losses. If management believes the decline in fair value is “other-than-temporary,” the Company writes down the carrying value of the investment and records a realized loss in the consolidated statements of operations for an amount equal to the credit component of the unrealized loss. For additional information, see Note 9, Investments, of the Financial Statements.

 

Fair value of fixed maturity securities is based upon market prices provided by either independent pricing services or, when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications. The Company’s fixed maturity and short term portfolio is primarily invested in publicly traded securities. For more information about the Investment Portfolio and a detailed description of the Company’s valuation of investments see Note 9, Investments, of the Financial Statements.

 

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Fixed Maturity Securities and Short-Term Investments

by Security Type

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gain

 

Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 

Estimated
Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

862.6

 

$

73.9

 

$

(0.1

)

$

936.4

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

5,066.8

 

303.4

 

(1.8

)

5,368.4

 

Corporate securities

 

1,064.7

 

48.3

 

(2.3

)

1,110.7

 

Mortgage-backed securities(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,341.9

 

68.3

 

(80.6

)

1,329.6

 

CMBS

 

490.8

 

17.6

 

(0.0

)

508.4

 

Asset-backed securities

 

492.5

 

28.0

 

(19.4

)

501.1

 

Foreign government securities

 

331.0

 

10.9

 

(5.3

)

336.6

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

9,650.3

 

550.4

 

(109.5

)

10,091.2

 

Short-term investments

 

873.3

 

 

 

873.3

 

Total fixed maturity and short-term investments

 

$

10,523.6

 

$

550.4

 

$

(109.5

)

$

10,964.5

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2010
(restated)

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gain

 

Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 

Estimated
Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

1,000.3

 

$

48.3

 

$

(0.4

)

$

1,048.2

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

4,922.0

 

99.9

 

(62.0

)

4,959.9

 

Corporate securities

 

980.1

 

25.2

 

(12.8

)

992.5

 

Mortgage-backed securities(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,158.9

 

56.5

 

(44.3

)

1,171.1

 

CMBS

 

365.7

 

14.8

 

(1.4

)

379.1

 

Asset-backed securities

 

498.2

 

9.9

 

(5.2

)

502.9

 

Foreign government securities

 

349.5

 

5.3

 

(6.2

)

348.6

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

9,274.7

 

259.9

 

(132.3

)

9,402.3

 

Short-term investments

 

1,055.3

 

0.3

 

 

1,055.6

 

Total fixed maturity and short-term investments

 

$

10,330.0

 

$

260.2

 

$

(132.3

)

$

10,457.9

 

 


(1)                                  As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, approximately 65% and 64% of the Company’s total mortgage-backed securities were government agency obligations.

 

The following tables summarize, for all fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the amounts have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

 

Fixed Maturity Securities

Gross Unrealized Loss by Length of Time

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Less than 12 months

 

12 months or more

 

Total

 

 

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Loss

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Loss

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Loss

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

3.8

 

$

(0.1

)

$

 

$

 

$

3.8

 

$

(0.1

)

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

45.3

 

(0.9

)

49.7

 

(0.9

)

95.0

 

(1.8

)

Corporate securities

 

153.1

 

(2.3

)

 

 

153.1

 

(2.3

)

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

121.4

 

(54.6

)

32.8

 

(26.0

)

154.2

 

(80.6

)

CMBS

 

9.9

 

(0.0

)

 

 

9.9

 

(0.0

)

Asset-backed securities

 

22.5

 

(19.3

)

2.2

 

(0.1

)

24.7

 

(19.4

)

Foreign government securities

 

143.0

 

(5.3

)

 

 

143.0

 

(5.3

)

Total

 

$

499.0

 

$

(82.5

)

$

84.7

 

$

(27.0

)

$

583.7

 

$

(109.5

)

Number of securities

 

 

 

81

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

104

 

Number of securities with OTTI

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

9

 

 

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As of December 31, 2010
(restated)

 

 

 

Less than 12 months

 

12 months or more

 

Total

 

 

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Loss

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Loss

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Loss

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

20.5

 

$

(0.4

)

$

 

$

 

$

20.5

 

$

(0.4

)

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

1,694.5

 

(58.9

)

23.5

 

(3.1

)

1,718.0

 

(62.0

)

Corporate securities

 

403.6

 

(12.8

)

 

 

403.6

 

(12.8

)

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

143.4

 

(32.1

)

37.3

 

(12.2

)

180.7

 

(44.3

)

CMBS

 

92.6

 

(1.4

)

 

 

92.6

 

(1.4

)

Asset-backed securities

 

228.3

 

(5.1

)

2.3

 

(0.1

)

230.6

 

(5.2

)

Foreign government securities

 

245.3

 

(6.2

)

 

 

245.3

 

(6.2

)

Total

 

$

2,828.2

 

$

(116.9

)

$

63.1

 

$

(15.4

)

$

2,891.3

 

$

(132.3

)

Number of securities

 

 

 

405

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

423

 

Number of securities with OTTI

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

13

 

 

The decrease in gross unrealized losses during the Nine Months 2011 was due to $32.6 million of OTTI losses realized during the period and the continuing decrease in U.S. Treasury yields during Third Quarter 2011. Of the securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more as of September 30, 2011, 6 securities had unrealized losses greater than 10% of book value. The total unrealized loss for these securities as of September 30, 2011 was $24.8 million. The unrealized loss is yield-related and not specific to individual issuer credit. The Company has determined that these securities were not other-than-temporarily-impaired as of September 30, 2011.

 

Approximately 92% and 90% of the Company’s investments were long-term fixed maturity securities based on fair value, as at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Changes in interest rates affect the value of the Company’s fixed maturity portfolio. As interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed maturity securities increases, and as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed maturity securities decreases. The Company’s portfolio of fixed maturity securities consists primarily of high-quality, liquid instruments. The Company continues to receive sufficient information to value its investments and has not had to modify its approach due to the current market conditions.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

Distribution of Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Due within one year

 

$

285.2

 

$

283.9

 

Due after one year through five years

 

1,700.7

 

1,760.5

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

2,425.9

 

2,605.8

 

Due after ten years

 

3,405.8

 

3,603.0

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,341.9

 

1,329.6

 

CMBS

 

490.8

 

508.4

 

Total

 

$

9,650.3

 

$

10,091.2

 

 

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The following table summarizes the ratings distributions of the Company’s investment portfolio as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Ratings reflect the lower of the Moody’s and S&P classifications, except for bonds purchased for loss mitigation or risk management strategies, which use Assured Guaranty’s internal ratings classifications.

 

Distribution of Fixed Maturity Securities by Rating

 

Rating

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

As of
December 31, 2010

 

AAA

 

19.3

%

43.2

%

AA

 

61.9

 

36.1

 

A

 

15.2

 

15.0

 

BBB

 

0.2

 

1.8

 

BIG(1)

 

1.5

 

2.0

 

Not rated(1)

 

1.9

 

1.9

 

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 


(1)                                  Include securities purchased or obtained as part of loss mitigation or other risk management strategies of $719.2 million in par with carrying value of $342.0 million or 3.4% of fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2011 and of $748.7 million in par with carrying value of $309.1 million or 3.3% of fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2010.

 

As of September 30, 2011, the Company’s investment portfolio contained 21 securities that were not rated or rated BIG compared to 37 securities as of December 31, 2010. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the weighted average credit quality of the Company’s entire investment portfolio was AA.

 

The Company purchased securities that it has insured, and for which it has expected losses, in order to mitigate the economic effect of insured losses. These securities were purchased at a discount and are accounted for excluding the effects of the Company’s insurance on the securities. As of September 30, 2011, securities purchased for loss mitigation purposes, excluding securities issued by consolidated VIEs, had a fair value of $148.0 million, representing $473.8 million of par. Under the terms of certain credit derivative contracts, the Company has obtained the obligations referenced in the transactions and recorded such assets in fixed maturity securities in the consolidated balance sheets. Such amounts totaled $194.0 million, representing $245.4 million in par.

 

As of September 30, 2011, $1,458.3 million of the Company’s fixed maturity securities were guaranteed by third parties. The following table presents the fair value of securities with third-party guaranties by underlying credit rating:

 

Rating(1)

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

AAA

 

$

2.3

 

AA

 

838.6

 

A

 

607.5

 

BBB

 

 

BIG

 

8.0

 

Not Available

 

1.9

 

Total

 

$

1,458.3

 

 


(1)                                  Ratings are lower of Moody’s and S&P.

 

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Distribution by Third-Party Guarantor

 

Guarantor

 

As of
September 30, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

MBIA Insurance Corporation

 

$

803.9

 

Ambac Assurance Corporation

 

596.8

 

Other

 

57.6

 

Total

 

$

1,458.3

 

 

Short-term investments include securities with maturity dates equal to or less than one year at the time of purchase. The Company’s short-term investments consist of money market funds, discounted notes and certain time deposits for foreign cash portfolios. Short-term investments are reported at fair value.

 

Under agreements with its cedants and in accordance with statutory requirements, the Company maintains fixed maturity securities in trust accounts for the benefit of reinsured companies, which amounted to $406.1 million and $365.3 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. In addition, to fulfill state licensing requirements the Company has placed on deposit eligible securities of $23.1 million and $19.2 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, for the protection of the policyholders.

 

Under certain derivative contracts, the Company is required to post eligible securities as collateral. The need to post collateral under these transactions is generally based on mark-to-market valuations in excess of contractual thresholds. The fair market value of the Company’s pledged securities totaled $774.3 million and $765.9 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

Other Invested Assets

 

Assets Acquired in Refinancing Transactions

 

The Company has rights under certain of its financial guaranty insurance policies and indentures that allow it to accelerate the insured notes and pay claims under its insurance policies upon the occurrence of predefined events of default. To mitigate financial guaranty insurance losses, the Company may elect to purchase the outstanding insured obligation or its underlying collateral. Generally, refinancing vehicles reimburse AGM in whole for its claims payments in exchange for assignments of certain of AGM’s rights against the trusts. The refinancing vehicles obtained their funds from the proceeds of AGM-insured guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) issued in the ordinary course of business by the Financial Products Companies (See “Liquidity Arrangements with respect to AGMH’s former Financial Products Business—The GIC Business” below). The refinancing vehicles are consolidated with the Company.

 

Investment in Portfolio Funding Company LLC I

 

In the third quarter of 2010, as part of loss mitigation efforts under a CDS contract insured by the Company, the Company acquired a 50% interest in Portfolio Funding Company LLC I (“PFC”). PFC owns the distribution rights of a motion picture film library. The Company accounts for its interest in PFC as an equity investment. The Company’s equity earnings in PFC are included in net change in fair value of credit derivatives, as any proceeds from the investment are used to offset the Company’s payments under its CDS contract.

 

Liquidity Arrangements with respect to AGMH’s former Financial Products Business

 

AGMH’s former financial products segment had been in the business of borrowing funds through the issuance of GICs and medium term notes and reinvesting the proceeds in investments that met AGMH’s investment criteria.  The financial products business also included the equity payment undertaking agreement portion of the leveraged lease business, as described further below in “—Strip Coverage Facility for the Leveraged Lease Business.”

 

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The GIC Business

 

Until November 2008, AGMH issued, through its financial products business, AGM-insured GICs to municipalities and other market participants.  The GICs were issued through AGMH’s non-insurance subsidiaries (the “GIC Issuers”) FSA Capital Management Services LLC, FSA Capital Markets Services LLC and FSA Capital Markets Services (Caymans) Ltd.  In return for an initial payment, each GIC entitles its holder to receive the return of the holder’s invested principal plus interest at a specified rate, and to withdraw principal from the GIC as permitted by its terms.  AGM insures the GIC Issuer’s payment obligations on all GICs issued by the applicable GIC Issuer.

 

The proceeds of GICs issued by the GIC Issuers were loaned to AGMH’s former subsidiary FSA Asset Management LLC (“FSAM”) pursuant to certain intercompany financing agreements between the GIC Issuers and FSAM (the “Intercompany Financings”).  FSAM in turn invested these funds in fixed-income obligations (primarily residential mortgage-backed securities, but also short-term investments, securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government sponsored agencies, taxable municipal bonds, securities issued by utilities, infrastructure-related securities, collateralized debt obligations, other asset-backed securities and foreign currency denominated securities) that satisfied AGM’s investment criteria (the “FSAM assets”).  The terms governing FSAM’s repayment of GIC proceeds to the GIC Issuers under the Intercompany Financings were intended to match the payment terms under the related GIC.  FSAM historically depended in large part on operating cash flow from interest and principal payments on the FSAM assets to provide sufficient liquidity to pay the GICs on a timely basis.  FSAM also sought to manage the financial products business liquidity risk through the maintenance of liquid collateral and liquidity agreements.  During the course of 2008, AGMH’s former financial products business developed significant liquidity shortfalls as a result of a number of factors, including (i) greater-than-anticipated GIC withdrawals and terminations due, for the most part, to redemptions caused by events of default under collateralized debt obligations backed by asset-backed securities and under-collateralized loan obligations; (ii) slower-than-anticipated amortization of residential mortgage-backed securities, which comprised most of the portfolio of FSAM assets; (iii) redemption/collateralization requirements triggered by the downgrade of AGM’s financial strength ratings; and (iv) a significant decline in market value of certain of the FSAM assets due to a general market dislocation, leading to many of the FSAM assets becoming illiquid.

 

Prior to the completion of the AGMH Acquisition, AGMH transferred its ownership interest in the GIC Issuers and FSAM to Dexia Holdings.  Even though AGMH no longer owns the GIC Issuers or FSAM, AGM’s guarantees of the GICs remain in place, and must remain in place until each GIC is terminated.

 

In connection with the AGMH Acquisition and as further described below, Dexia SA, Dexia Holdings’ ultimate parent, and certain of its affiliates have entered into a number of agreements pursuant to which they have guaranteed certain amounts, agreed to lend certain amounts or post liquid collateral, and agreed to provide hedges against interest rate risk to or in respect of AGMH’s former financial products business, including the GIC business.  The purpose of these agreements is to mitigate the credit, interest rate and liquidity risks described above that are primarily associated with the GIC business and the related AGM guarantees.  These agreements include a guaranty jointly and severally issued by Dexia SA and DCL to AGM that guarantees the payment obligations of AGM under its policies related to the GIC business, and an indemnification agreement between AGM, Dexia SA and DCL that protects AGM from other losses arising out of or as a result of the GIC business, as well as the liquidity facilities and the swap agreements described below.

 

On June 30, 2009, to support the payment obligations of FSAM and the GIC Issuers, each of Dexia SA and DCL entered into two separate ISDA Master Agreements, each with its associated schedule, confirmation and credit support annex (the “Guaranteed Put Contract” and the “Non-Guaranteed Put Contract” respectively, and collectively, the “Dexia Put Contracts”), the economic effect of which is that Dexia SA and DCL jointly and severally guarantee the scheduled payments of interest and principal in relation to each FSAM asset, as well as any failure of Dexia to provide liquidity or liquid collateral under the committed liquidity lending facilities provided by Dexia affiliates.  The Dexia Put Contracts reference separate portfolios of FSAM assets to which assets owned by FSAM as of September 30, 2008 were allocated, with the less-liquid assets and the assets with the lowest mark-to-market values generally being allocated to the Guaranteed Put Contract.

 

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On May 27, 2011, Dexia issued a press release announcing the acceleration of its asset divestment program as part of the financial restructuring of its group. Since such announcement, through September 30, 2011, (i) Dexia has from time to time exercised its par call option under the Guaranteed Put Contract with respect to all of the FSAM assets covered thereby, having, as of the respective dates of such calls, an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $9.2 billion, thus transferring to FSAM an equal amount of cash, and (ii) FSAM has applied a portion of such cash proceeds to reduce the outstanding principal amount of its borrowings under certain committed liquidity lending facilities provided by Dexia affiliates by approximately $5.3 billion (to approximately $1.9 billion at September 30, 2011), with the balance of approximately $3.9 billion used to purchase permitted investments in accordance with the transaction documents entered into at the time of the AGMH Acquisition.  As a result, the credit, interest rate and liquidity protection provided by the Guaranteed Put Contract effectively terminated when the last FSAM asset covered thereby was sold.

 

Separately, pursuant to the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract, FSAM may put an amount of FSAM assets to Dexia SA and DCL:

 

·              in exchange for funds in an amount generally equal to the lesser of:

 

(a)           the outstanding principal balance of the GICs and

 

(b)           the shortfall related to (i) the failure of a Dexia party to provide liquidity or collateral as required under the committed liquidity lending facilities provided by Dexia affiliates, as described below (a “Liquidity Default Trigger”), or (ii) the failure by either Dexia SA or DCL to transfer the required amount of eligible collateral under the credit support annex of the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract (a “Collateral Default Trigger”);

 

·              in exchange for funds in an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of an FSAM asset with respect to which any of the following events have occurred (an “Asset Default Trigger”):

 

(a)           the issuer of such FSAM asset fails to pay the full amount of the expected interest when due or to pay the full amount of the expected principal when due (following expiration of any grace period) or within five business days following the scheduled due date,

 

(b)           a writedown or applied loss results in a reduction of the outstanding principal amount, or

 

(c)           the attribution of a principal deficiency or realized loss results in a reduction or subordination of the current interest payable on such FSAM asset;

 

provided, that Dexia SA and DCL have the right to elect to pay only the difference between the amount of the expected principal or interest payment and the amount of the actual principal or interest payment, in each case, as such amounts come due, rather than paying an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount of applicable FSAM asset; and/or

 

·              in exchange for funds in an amount equal to the lesser of:

 

(a)           the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all FSAM assets and

 

(b)           the aggregate outstanding principal balance of all of the GICs, upon the occurrence of an insolvency event with respect to Dexia SA as set forth in the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract (a “Bankruptcy Trigger”).

 

To secure the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract, Dexia SA and DCL will, pursuant to the credit support annex thereto, post eligible highly liquid collateral having an aggregate value (subject to agreed reductions) equal to at least the excess of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding GICs over (ii) the aggregate mark-to-market value of FSAM’s assets.  The agreed-to reductions applicable to the value of FSAM assets range from 98% to 82% percent for obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, sovereign obligations of the United

 

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Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France or Belgium, obligations guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and for mortgage securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. sponsored agencies, and range from 75% to 0% for the other FSAM assets.

 

As of September 30, 2011, the aggregate accreted GIC balance was approximately $5.7 billion. As of the same date, with respect to the FSAM assets covered by the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract, the aggregate principal balance was approximately $7.8 billion, the aggregate market value was approximately $7.2 billion and the aggregate market value after agreed reductions was approximately $6.0 billion. Cash and net derivative value constituted another $0.3 billion of assets.

 

As of September 30, 2011, because the aggregate mark-to-market value of the FSAM assets exceeded the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding GICs and certain other business and hedging costs of the GIC Subsidiaries, no posting of collateral was required under the credit support annex applicable to the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract.  Under the terms of that credit support annex, the collateral posting is recalculated on a weekly basis according to the formula set forth in the credit support annex, and a collateral posting is required whenever the collateralization levels tested by the formula are not satisfied, subject to a threshold of up to $5 million.

 

To provide additional support to the GIC Issuers’ ability to pay their GIC obligations when due, Dexia affiliates have agreed to assume the risk of loss and support the payment obligations of the GIC Subsidiaries in respect of the GICs and the GIC business by providing liquidity commitments to lend against the FSAM assets.  The term of the commitments will generally extend until the GICs have been paid in full.  The liquidity commitments comprise (i) an amended and restated revolving credit agreement (the “Liquidity Facility”) pursuant to which DCL and Dexia Bank Belgium SA commit to provide funds to FSAM in an amount up to $8.0 billion (approximately $1.9 billion of which was outstanding as of September 30, 2011), and (ii) a master repurchase agreement (the “Repurchase Facility Agreement” and, together with the Liquidity Facility, the “Guaranteed Liquidity Facilities”) pursuant to which DCL will provide up to $3.5 billion of funds in exchange for the transfer by FSAM to DCL of FSAM securities that are not eligible to satisfy collateralization obligations of the GIC Issuers under the GICs.  As of September 30, 2011, no amounts were outstanding under the Repurchase Facility Agreement.  The failure of the Dexia affiliates to perform on the Guaranteed Liquidity Facilities will trigger Dexia SA’s and DCL’s obligations to purchase FSAM assets under the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract, as described above.

 

Despite the execution of the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract and the Guaranteed Liquidity Facilities, and the significant portion of FSAM assets comprised of highly liquid securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (as of September 30, 2011 approximately 64.1% of the FSAM Assets (measured by aggregate principal balance) was in cash or were obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the United States), AGM remains subject to the risk that Dexia may not make payments or securities available (i) on a timely basis, which is referred to as “liquidity risk,” or (ii) at all, which is referred to as “credit risk,” because of the risk of default. Even if Dexia has sufficient assets to pay all amounts when due, concerns regarding Dexia’s financial condition or willingness to comply with their obligations could cause one or more rating agencies to view negatively the ability or willingness of Dexia and its affiliates to perform under their various agreements and could negatively affect AGM’s ratings.  If Dexia or its affiliates do not fulfill their contractual obligations, the Financial Products Companies may not have the financial ability to pay upon the withdrawal of GIC funds or post collateral or make other payments in respect of the GICs, thereby resulting in claims upon the AGM financial guaranty insurance policies.  If AGM is required to pay a claim due to a failure of the GIC Subsidiaries to pay amounts in respect of the GICs, AGM is subject to the risk that the GICs will not be paid from funds received from Dexia before it is required to make payment under its financial guaranty policies, or that it will not receive the guaranty payment at all.

 

One situation in which AGM may be required to pay claims in respect of AGMH’s former financial products business if Dexia and its affiliates do not comply with their obligations is if AGM is downgraded.  Most of the GICs insured by AGM allow for the withdrawal of GIC funds in the event of a downgrade of AGM, unless the relevant GIC Issuer posts collateral or otherwise enhances its credit.  Most GICs insured by AGM allow for the termination of the GIC contract and a withdrawal of GIC funds at the option of the GIC holder in the event of a downgrade of AGM below a specified threshold, generally below A- by S&P or A3 by Moody’s, with no right of the GIC Issuer to avoid such withdrawal by posting collateral or otherwise enhancing its credit. Each GIC contract stipulates the thresholds below which the GIC provider must post eligible collateral along with the types of securities eligible for posting and the collateralization percentage applicable to each security type.  These

 

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collateralization percentages range from 100% of the GIC balance for cash posted as collateral to, typically, 108% for asset-backed securities. At September 30, 2011, a downgrade of AGM to below AA- by S&P and Aa3 by Moody’s (i.e., A+ by S&P and A1 by Moody’s) would result in withdrawal of $413.1 million of GIC funds and the need to post collateral on GICs with a balance of $4.6 billion. In the event of such a downgrade, assuming an average margin of 105%, the market value as of September 30, 2011 that the GIC Issuers would be required to post in order to avoid withdrawal of any GIC funds would be $4.8 billion.

 

The Medium Term Notes Business

 

In connection with the AGMH Acquisition, DCL agreed to fund, on behalf of AGM and Assured Guaranty (Bermuda) Ltd., 100% of all policy claims made under financial guaranty insurance policies issued by AGM and Assured Guaranty (Bermuda) in relation to the medium term notes issuance program of FSA Global Funding Limited. Such agreement is set out in a Separation Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2009, between DCL, AGM, Assured Guaranty (Bermuda), FSA Global Funding and Premier International Funding Co., and in a funding guaranty and a reimbursement guaranty that DCL issued for the benefit of AGM and Assured Guaranty (Bermuda). Under the funding guaranty, DCL guarantees to pay to or on behalf of AGM or Assured Guaranty (Bermuda) amounts equal to the payments required to be made under policies issued by AGM or Assured Guaranty (Bermuda) relating to the medium term notes business. Under the reimbursement guaranty, DCL guarantees to pay reimbursement amounts to AGM or Assured Guaranty (Bermuda) for payments they make following a claim for payment under an obligation insured by a policy they have issued. Notwithstanding DCL’s obligation to fund 100% of all policy claims under those policies, AGM and Assured Guaranty (Bermuda) have a separate obligation to remit to DCL a certain percentage (ranging from 0% to 25%) of those policy claims. AGM, the Company and related parties are also protected against losses arising out of or as a result of the medium term note business through an indemnification agreement with DCL.

 

Strip Coverage Facility for the Leveraged Lease Business

 

Under the Strip Coverage Facility entered into in connection with the AGMH Acquisition, Dexia Credit Local (NY) agreed to make loans to AGM to finance all draws made by lessors on certain AGM strip policies, as described further under “Commitments and Contingencies—Recourse Credit Facilities—2009 Strip Coverage Facility” under this Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. AGM may request advances under the Strip Coverage Facility without any explicit limit on the number of loan requests, provided that the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding as of any date may not initially exceed the commitment amount. The commitment amount:

 

(a)                                  may be reduced at the option of AGM without a premium or penalty; and

 

(b)                                 will be reduced in the amounts and on the dates described in the Strip Coverage Facility either in connection with the scheduled amortization of the commitment amount or to $750 million if AGM’s consolidated net worth as of June 30, 2014 is less than a specified consolidated net worth.

 

As of September 30, 2011, the maximum commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility had amortized to $984.5 million. As of September 30, 2011, no advances were outstanding under the Strip Coverage Facility.

 

Dexia Crédit Local (NY)’s commitment to make advances under the Strip Coverage Facility is subject to the satisfaction by AGM of customary conditions precedent, including compliance with certain financial covenants, and will terminate at the earliest of (i) the occurrence of a change of control with respect to AGM, (ii) the reduction of the Commitment Amount to $0 and (iii) January 31, 2042.

 

Under the Strip Coverage Facility, AGM covenants to deliver GAAP-compliant quarterly financial statements for itself and its consolidated subsidiaries within 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter or 115 days after the end of the fiscal year.  Neither the failure to deliver financial statements on time nor the failure to deliver GAAP-compliant financials is an event of default, but would be a covenant breach that, until cured, would prevent AGM from borrowing under the Strip Coverage Facility.  In addition, the failure to deliver financial statements that present fairly the financial condition of AGM and its consolidated subsidiaries is a breach of representation and

 

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warranty that would prevent AGM from borrowing under the Strip Coverage Facility. However, if such financial statements are restated so as to make them present fairly the financial condition of AGM and its consolidated subsidiaries and AGM delivers such restated financial statements to Dexia, then AGM could resume borrowing. The Company anticipates that AGM would be able to borrow again by December 2011, and does not anticipate that AGM would have any need to borrow under the Strip Coverage Facility prior to that time.

 

Item 3.  Market Risk

 

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for an updated sensitivity analysis for credit derivatives and expected losses on contracts accounted for as insurance. There were no material changes in market risk since December 31, 2010.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

AGL’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in consultation with the Audit Committee, have concluded that the restatement errors  related to intercompany eliminations between the Company’s consolidated financial guaranty VIEs and the insurance company subsidiaries of Assured Guaranty, described in Note 2 to the Assured Guaranty financial statements under Part I, Financial Statements, resulted from a material weakness in Assured Guaranty’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2011.  Specifically, the Company did not maintain effective controls over intercompany eliminations for consolidated financial guaranty variable interest entities.  Effective controls were not in place to ensure the completeness of the intercompany eliminations and the accuracy of reconciliations which impacted the financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities and the net change in financial guaranty variable interest entities.  During the Third Quarter 2011, the Company implemented measures to remediate this material weakness.  As of September 30, 2011, however, effective controls were not in place for a sufficient period of time to allow management to conclude that the material weakness had been remediated.  As a result, AGL’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not, as of September 30, 2011, effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by AGL (including its consolidated subsidiaries) in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

 

The financial statements included in this Form 10-Q were prepared with particular attention to the material weakness. The Company concluded that the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The Company continually reviews its disclosure controls and procedures and makes changes, as necessary, to ensure the quality of its financial reporting. As detailed below, the Company implemented certain additional controls that it believes will remediate the material weakness that existed at September 30, 2011.

 

Management’s Plan for Remediation

 

Management and the Board of Directors are committed to remediation of the material weakness described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements as well as the continued improvement of the Company’s overall system of internal control over financial reporting. Management believes the remediation measures described below will remediate the identified control deficiencies and strengthen the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As management continues to evaluate and works to enhance the internal control over financial reporting, it may be determined that additional measures must be taken to address control deficiencies or it may be determined that the Company needs to modify or otherwise adjust the remediation measures described below.

 

Management has implemented measures to remediate the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described above. Specifically, management implemented the following controls:

 

·      Implemented additional quarterly reconciliations between the VIE accounts and the insurance and investment accounts where intercompany transactions occur; and

 

·      Implemented an additional layer of review of VIE reconciliations.

 

Risks Related to the Restatement

 

As a result of the material weakness discussed above, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective and failed to timely prevent or detect errors in its consolidated financial statements which led to the restatement herein. As of the date of this Form 10-Q and as described above, management has implemented remedial measures related to the identified material weakness. If the Company’s efforts to remediate the weakness identified are not successful, or if other deficiencies occur, these weaknesses or deficiencies could result in misstatements of the Company’s results of operations, additional restatements of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, a decline in its stock price and investor confidence or other material effects on its business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

Lawsuits arise in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. It is the opinion of the Company’s management, based upon the information available, that the expected outcome of litigation against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity, although an adverse resolution of litigation against the Company in a quarter or fiscal year could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year. In addition, in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries assert claims in legal proceedings against third parties to recover losses paid in prior periods. For example, as described in “Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts—Loss Estimation Process—Recovery Litigation” within Note 5 of the Financial Statements, as of the date of this filing, AGC and AGM have filed complaints against certain sponsors and underwriters of RMBS securities that AGC or AGM had insured, alleging, among other claims, that such persons had breached representations and warranties in the transaction documents, failed to cure or repurchase defective loans and/or violated state securities laws. The amounts, if any, the Company will recover in proceedings to recover losses are uncertain, and recoveries, or failure to obtain recoveries, in any one or more of these proceedings during any quarter or fiscal year could be material to the Company’s results of operations in that particular quarter or fiscal year.

 

Proceedings Relating to the Company’s Financial Guaranty Business

 

The Company receives subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories from regulators from time to time. The Company has satisfied the requests it has received. It may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

 

Beginning in December 2008, AGM and various other financial guarantors were named in complaints filed in the Superior Court, San Francisco County, California. Since that time, plaintiffs’ counsel has filed amended complaints against AGC and AGM and added additional plaintiffs. As of the date of this filing, the plaintiffs with complaints against AGM and AGC, among other financial guaranty insurers, are: (a) City of Los Angeles, acting by and through the Department of Water and Power; (b) City of Sacramento; (c) City of Los Angeles; (d) City of Oakland; (e) City of Riverside; (f) City of Stockton; (g) County of Alameda; (h) County of Contra Costa; (i) County of San Mateo; (j) Los Angeles World Airports; (k) City of Richmond; (l) Redwood City; (m) East Bay Municipal Utility District; (n) Sacramento Suburban Water District; (o) City of San Jose; (p) County of Tulare; (q) The Regents of the University of California; (r) The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside; (s) The Public Financing Authority of the City of Riverside; (t) The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco; (u) The San Jose Redevelopment Agency; (v) The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton; (w) The Public Financing Authority of the City of Stockton; and (x) The Olympic Club. Complaints filed by the City and County of San Francisco and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District were subsequently dismissed against AGC and AGM.  These complaints allege that the financial guaranty insurer defendants (i) participated in a conspiracy in violation of California’s antitrust laws to maintain a dual credit rating scale that misstated the credit default risk of municipal bond issuers and created market demand for municipal bond insurance, (ii) participated in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that damaged each insurer’s financial condition (thereby undermining the value of each of their guaranties), and (iii) failed to adequately disclose the impact of those transactions on their financial condition. In addition to their antitrust claims, various plaintiffs in these actions assert claims for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, unjust enrichment, negligence, and negligent misrepresentation.  At hearings held in July and October 2011 relating to AGM, AGC and the other defendants’ motion to dismiss, the court overruled the motion to dismiss on the following claims: breach of contract, violation of California’s antitrust statute and of its unfair business practices law, and fraud.  The remaining claims were dismissed.  The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses.  The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

 

In August 2008, a number of financial institutions and other parties, including AGM and other bond insurers, were named as defendants in a civil action brought in the circuit court of Jefferson County, Alabama relating to the County’s problems meeting its debt obligations on its $3.2 billion sewer debt: Charles E. Wilson vs. JPMorgan Chase & Co et al (filed the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama), Case No. 01-CV-2008-901907.00, a putative class action. The action was brought on behalf of rate payers, tax payers and citizens residing in Jefferson County, and alleges conspiracy and fraud in connection with the issuance of the County’s debt. On January 13, 2011, the circuit court issued an order denying a motion by the bond insurers and other defendants to dismiss the action. Defendants, including the bond insurers, have petitioned the Alabama Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to the circuit court vacating such order and directing the dismissal with prejudice of plaintiffs’ claims for lack of standing. The complaint in this lawsuit seeks equitable relief, unspecified monetary

 

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damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs.  The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

In September 2010, AGM, among others, was named as a defendant in an interpleader complaint filed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trust administrator, in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York. The interpleader complaint relates to the MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 2006-OA2, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-OA2 RMBS transaction, in which AGM had insured certain classes of certificates. Certain holders of uninsured certificates have disputed payments made by the trust administrator to reimburse AGM for claims it had paid under its financial guaranty policy, and the trust administrator sought adjudication of the priority of AGM’s reimbursements. On March 29, 2011, the court granted a motion for judgment on the pleadings and ruled that, pursuant to the waterfall, AGM is only entitled to receive funds that would otherwise have been distributed to the holders of the classes that AGM insures, and that AGM receive such funds at the respective steps in the waterfall that immediately follow the steps at which such certificateholders would otherwise have received such funds. The court further ordered AGM to repay to the MARM 2006-OA2 trust the approximately $7.2 million that had been credited to it by Wells Fargo. After its ruling, the court referred the matter to the assigned magistrate judge for a recommendation as to the terms of the judgment, and the magistrate issued a report and recommendation on November 3, 2011.  AGM intends to appeal the judgment once entered, and to request that the judgment be stayed pending the appeal. AGM estimates that as a result of this adverse decision (if and to the extent that the adverse decision is not modified), total unreimbursed claims paid by AGM could be up to approximately $144 million (on a gross discounted basis, without taking into account the benefit of representation and warranty recoveries, and exclusive of the repayment of the $7.2 million credit), over the life of the transaction.

 

On April 8, 2011, AG Re and AGC filed a Petition to Compel Arbitration with the Supreme Court of the State of New York, requesting an order compelling Ambac Assurance Corporation (“Ambac”) to arbitrate Ambac’s disputes with AG Re and AGC concerning their obligations under reinsurance agreements with Ambac. In March 2010, Ambac placed a number of insurance policies that it had issued, including policies reinsured by AG Re and AGC pursuant to the reinsurance agreements, into a segregated account. The Wisconsin state court has approved a rehabilitation plan whereby permitted claims under the policies in the segregated account will be paid 25% in cash and 75% in surplus notes issued by the segregated account. Ambac has advised AG Re and AGC that it has and intends to continue to enter into commutation agreements with holders of policies issued by Ambac, and reinsured by AG Re and AGC, pursuant to which Ambac will pay a combination of cash and surplus notes to the policyholder. AG Re and AGC have informed Ambac that they believe their only current payment obligation with respect to the commutations arises from the cash payment, and that there is no obligation to pay any amounts in respect of the surplus notes until payments of principal or interest are made on such notes. Ambac has disputed this position on one commutation and may take a similar position on subsequent commutations. On April 15, 2011, attorneys for the Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner, as Rehabilitator of Ambac’s segregated account, and for Ambac filed a motion with Lafayette County, Wis., Circuit Court Judge William Johnston, asking him to find AG Re and AGC to be in violation of an injunction protecting the interests of the segregated account by their seeking to compel arbitration on this matter and failing to pay in full all amounts with respect to Ambac’s payments in the form of surplus notes. On June 14, 2011, Judge Johnston issued an order granting the Rehabilitator’s and Ambac’s motion to enforce the injunction against AGC and AG Re and the parties filed a stipulation dismissing the Petition to Compel Arbitration without prejudice. AGC and AG Re are appealing Judge Johnston’s order to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

 

Proceedings Related to AGMH’s Former Financial Products Business

 

The following is a description of legal proceedings involving AGMH’s former Financial Products Business. Although the Company did not acquire AGMH’s former Financial Products Business, which included AGMH’s former guaranteed investment contract (“GIC”) business, medium term notes business and portions of the leveraged lease businesses, certain legal proceedings relating to those businesses are against entities that the Company did acquire. While Dexia SA and Dexia Crédit Local (“DCL”), jointly and severally, have agreed to indemnify the Company against liability arising out of the proceedings described below in this “—Proceedings Related to AGMH’s Former Financial Products Business” section, such indemnification might not be sufficient to fully hold the Company harmless against any injunctive relief or criminal sanction that is imposed against AGMH or its subsidiaries.

 

Governmental Investigations into Former Financial Products Business

 

AGMH and/or AGM have received subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories or civil investigative demands from the Attorney General of the States of Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Texas and West Virginia relating to their investigations of alleged bid rigging of municipal GICs. AGMH is responding to such requests.

 

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AGMH may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future. In addition,

 

·                  AGMH received a subpoena from the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice in November 2006 issued in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation of bid rigging of awards of municipal GICs and other municipal derivatives;

 

·                  AGM received a subpoena from the SEC in November 2006 related to an ongoing industry-wide investigation concerning the bidding of municipal GICs and other municipal derivatives; and

 

·                  AGMH received a “Wells Notice” from the staff of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the SEC in February 2008 relating to the investigation concerning the bidding of municipal GICs and other municipal derivatives. The Wells Notice indicates that the SEC staff is considering recommending that the SEC authorize the staff to bring a civil injunctive action and/or institute administrative proceedings against AGMH, alleging violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and Section 17(a) of the Securities Act.

 

Pursuant to the subpoenas, AGMH has furnished to the Department of Justice and SEC records and other information with respect to AGMH’s municipal GIC business. The ultimate loss that may arise from these investigations remains uncertain.

 

Lawsuits Relating to Former Financial Products Business

 

During 2008, nine putative class action lawsuits were filed in federal court alleging federal antitrust violations in the municipal derivatives industry, seeking damages and alleging, among other things, a conspiracy to fix the pricing of, and manipulate bids for, municipal derivatives, including GICs. These cases have been coordinated and consolidated for pretrial proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as MDL 1950, In re Municipal Derivatives Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 1:08-cv-2516 (“MDL 1950”).

 

Five of these cases named both AGMH and AGM: (a) Hinds County, Mississippi v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (b) Fairfax County, Virginia v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (c) Central Bucks School District, Pennsylvania v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (d) Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Maryland v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; and (e) Washington County, Tennessee v. Wachovia Bank, N.A. In April 2009, the MDL 1950 court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss on the federal claims, but granted leave for the plaintiffs to file a second amended complaint. In June 2009, interim lead plaintiffs’ counsel filed a Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint; although the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint currently describes some of AGMH’s and AGM’s activities, it does not name those entities as defendants. In March 2010, the MDL 1950 court denied the named defendants’ motions to dismiss the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

 

Four of the cases named AGMH (but not AGM) and also alleged that the defendants violated California state antitrust law and common law by engaging in illegal bid-rigging and market allocation, thereby depriving the cities or municipalities of competition in the awarding of GICs and ultimately resulting in the cities paying higher fees for these products: (f) City of Oakland, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; (g) County of Alameda, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; (h) City of Fresno, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; and (i) Fresno County Financing Authority v. AIG Financial Products Corp. When the four plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint in September 2009, the plaintiffs did not name AGMH as a defendant. However, the complaint does describe some of AGMH’s and AGM’s activities. The consolidated complaint generally seeks unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs. In April 2010, the MDL 1950 court granted in part and denied in part the named defendants’ motions to dismiss this consolidated complaint.

 

In 2008, AGMH and AGM also were named in five non-class action lawsuits originally filed in the California Superior Courts alleging violations of California law related to the municipal derivatives industry: (a) City of Los Angeles, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (b) City of Stockton, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (c) County of San Diego, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (d) County of San Mateo, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; and (e) County of Contra Costa, California v. Bank of America, N.A. Amended complaints in these actions were filed in September 2009, adding a federal antitrust claim and naming AGM (but not AGMH) and AGUS, among other defendants. These cases have been transferred to the Southern District of New York and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings.

 

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In late 2009, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in six additional non-class action cases filed in federal court, which also have been coordinated and consolidated for pretrial proceedings with MDL 1950: (f) City of Riverside, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (g) Sacramento Municipal Utility District v. Bank of America, N.A.; (h) Los Angeles World Airports v. Bank of America, N.A.; (i) Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton v. Bank of America, N.A.; (j) Sacramento Suburban Water District v. Bank of America, N.A.; and (k) County of Tulare, California v. Bank of America, N.A.

 

The MDL 1950 court denied AGM and AGUS’s motions to dismiss these eleven complaints in April 2010. Amended complaints were filed in May 2010. On October 29, 2010, AGM and AGUS were voluntarily dismissed with prejudice from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District case only. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek or sought unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from the remaining lawsuits.

 

In May 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in five additional non-class action cases filed in federal court in California: (a) City of Richmond, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California); (b) City of Redwood City, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California); (c) Redevelopment Agency of the City and County of San Francisco, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 21, 2010, N.D. California); (d) East Bay Municipal Utility District, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California); and (e) City of San Jose and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California). These cases have also been transferred to the Southern District of New York and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. In September 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in a sixth additional non-class action filed in federal court in New York, but which alleges violation of New York’s Donnelly Act in addition to federal antitrust law: Active Retirement Community, Inc. d/b/a Jefferson’s Ferry v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on September 21, 2010, E.D. New York), which has also been transferred to the Southern District of New York and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. In December 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in a seventh additional non-class action filed in federal court in the Central District of California, Los Angeles Unified School District v. Bank of America, N.A., and in an eighth additional non-class action filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York, Kendal on Hudson, Inc. v. Bank of America, N.A. These cases also have been consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

 

In January 2011, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in an additional non-class action case filed in federal court in New York, which alleges violation of New York’s Donnelly Act in addition to federal antitrust law: Peconic Landing at Southold, Inc. v. Bank of America, N.A. This case has been consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaint in this lawsuit generally seeks unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

In September 2009, the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia filed a lawsuit (Circuit Ct. Mason County, W. Va.) against Bank of America, N.A. alleging West Virginia state antitrust violations in the municipal derivatives industry, seeking damages and alleging, among other things, a conspiracy to fix the pricing of, and manipulate bids for, municipal derivatives, including GICs. An amended complaint in this action was filed in June 2010, adding a federal antitrust claim and naming AGM (but not AGMH) and AGUS, among other defendants. This case has been removed to federal court as well as transferred to the S.D.N.Y. and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaint in this lawsuit generally seeks civil penalties, unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

The following information, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results, contains material updates and/or additions to the risk factors set forth in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2010 and Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on form 10-Q, as amended, for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, and should be considered carefully and read in conjunction with the information set forth in such Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC.  The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces.  Additional risks not presently known to the Company or that it currently deems immaterial may also impair its business or results of operations.  Any of the risks described below could result in a significant or material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

 

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A downgrade of the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of any of the Company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries would adversely affect its business and prospects and, consequently, its results of operations and financial condition.

 

The financial strength and financial enhancement ratings assigned by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) to the Company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries provide the rating agencies’ opinions of the insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders and cedants in accordance with the terms of the financial guaranties it has issued or the reinsurance agreements it has executed.  The ratings also reflect qualitative factors, such as the rating agencies’ opinion of an insurer’s business strategy and franchise value, the anticipated future demand for its product, the composition of its portfolio, and its capital adequacy, profitability and financial flexibility.  Issuers, investors, underwriters, credit derivative counterparties, ceding companies and others consider the Company’s financial strength or financial enhancement ratings an important factor when deciding whether or not to utilize a financial guaranty or purchase reinsurance from the Company’s insurance or reinsurance subsidiaries.  A downgrade by a rating agency of the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of the Company’s subsidiaries could impair the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, liquidity, business prospects or other aspects of the Company’s business. The ratings assigned by the rating agencies that publish financial strength or financial enhancement ratings on the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to frequent review and may be downgraded by a rating agency as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the rating agency’s revised stress loss estimates for the Company’s portfolio, adverse developments in the Company’s or the subsidiaries’ financial condition or results of operations due to underwriting or investment losses or other factors, changes in the rating agency’s outlook for the financial guaranty industry or in the markets in which the Company operates, or a revision in the rating agency’s capital model or ratings methodology.  Their reviews occur at any time and without notice to the Company and could result in a decision to downgrade, revise or withdraw the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of AGL’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Since 2008, each of S&P and Moody’s has reviewed and downgraded the financial strength ratings of AGL’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, including AGC, AGM and AG Re.  In addition, the rating agencies have from time to time changed the ratings outlook for certain of the Company’s subsidiaries to “negative” from “stable” or have put the ratings of the Company on CreditWatch negative.

 

The most recent rating action by S&P on AGL and its subsidiaries took place on September 27, 2011, when S&P published a Research Update in which it placed its ratings of Assured Guaranty on CreditWatch Negative.  This action included changing the financial strength ratings of AGC and AGM from AA+ (Negative Outlook) to AA+ (CreditWatch Negative), and the AA (Negative Outlook) rating of AG Re to AA (CreditWatch Negative), signifying that S&P may downgrade such financial strength ratings in the near future.  In the Research Update, S&P stated that the CreditWatch placement is due to significant concentration risk in Assured Guaranty’s consolidated insured portfolio; the portfolio contains exposures that are not consistent with S&P’s new bond insurance rating criteria and breach the “largest obligor test” in such new criteria.  The largest obligor test appears to have the effect of significantly reducing Assured Guaranty’s allowed single risk limits and limiting its financial strength rating level.  S&P published updated criteria in Bond Insurance Rating Methodology and Assumptions on August 25, 2011, subsequent to its publication of Request for Comment: Bond Insurance Criteria on January 24, 2011.  According to S&P, based on statements from Assured Guaranty’s management that Assured Guaranty intends to take action such as create capital or utilize additional forms of reinsurance to mitigate these concentration risks, it is likely such actions, if taken, would support financial strength ratings in the “AA” category.  S&P noted that it expects to resolve this CreditWatch placement no later than November 30, 2011.  The Company is considering transactions that are designed to create capital and/or mitigate its concentration risks but can give no assurance that it will be able to complete the transactions at all or on terms that are acceptable.  If it cannot do so, S&P may downgrade the financial strength ratings of AGL and its subsidiaries, which downgrade may have an adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, liquidity, business prospects or other aspects of the Company’s business and on its insured portfolio.

 

The most recent rating action by Moody’s on AGL and its subsidiaries took place on December 18, 2009, when Moody’s concluded the financial strength rating review of AGC and AG Re that it had initiated on November 12, 2009 (when it downgraded the insurance financial strength ratings of AGC and AGUK from Aa2 to Aa3 and of AG Re, AGRO and Assured Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company from Aa3 to A1, and placed all of the insurance companies’ ratings on review for possible downgrade).  In December 2009, Moody’s confirmed the Aa3 insurance financial strength rating of AGC and AGUK, and the A1 insurance financial strength rating of AG Re, AGRO and Assured Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company.  Moody’s is in the process of reviewing Assured Guaranty as of the date of this filing and there can be no assurance as to any further ratings action that Moody’s may take with respect to Assured Guaranty.

 

The Company believes that these rating agency actions have reduced the Company’s new business opportunities and have also affected the value of the Company’s product to issuers and investors.  The insurance subsidiaries’ financial strength

 

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ratings are an important competitive factor in the financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance markets.  If the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of any of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries were reduced below current levels, the Company expects it would have further adverse effect on its future business opportunities as well as the premiums it could charge for its insurance policies and consequently, a downgrade could harm the Company’s new business production, results of operations and financial condition.

 

In addition, a downgrade may have a negative impact on the Company in respect of the transactions that it has insured or reinsurance that it has assumed.  For example, a downgrade of one of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries may result in increased claims under financial guaranties such subsidiary has issued.  In addition, a downgrade of AGM may result in early termination of leases under leveraged lease transactions insured by AGM.  Upon early termination of a lease, to the extent the early termination payment owing to the lessor within such a transaction is not paid, a claim could be made to AGM under its financial guaranty.  Separately, in certain other transactions beneficiaries of financial guaranties issued by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries may have the right to cancel the credit protection offered by the Company, which would result in the loss of future premium earnings and the reversal of any fair value gains or losses recorded by the Company.

 

If AGC’s financial strength or financial enhancement ratings were downgraded, the Company could be required to post collateral under certain of its credit derivative contracts or certain of the Company’s counterparties could have a right to terminate such credit derivative contract, in which case, the Company could be obligated to make a termination payment to the relevant counterparty.

 

If AGM’s financial strength or financial enhancement ratings were downgraded, AGM-insured GICs issued by the former AGMH subsidiaries that conducted AGMH’s former financial products business may come due or may come due absent the provision of collateral by the GIC issuers. The Company relies on agreements pursuant to which Dexia has agreed to guarantee or lend certain amounts, or to post liquid collateral, in regards to AGMH’s former financial products business.

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer’s Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The following table reflects purchases of AGL common shares made by the Company during the Third Quarter 2011.

 

Period

 

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

 

Average
Price Paid
Per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program (1)

 

Maximum Number
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Program

 

July 1 - July 31

 

 

$

 

 

2,000,000

 

August 1 - August 31

 

2,138,375

(2)

$

11.60

 

2,000,000

 

 

September 1 - September 30

 

 

$

 

 

 

Total

 

2,138,375

 

$

11.60

 

2,000,000

 

 

 

 


(1)          In August 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program for up to 2.0 million common shares.  This program replaced a prior program, which was completed in May 2010.  In August 2011, the Company paid $23.3 million to repurchase 2.0 million common shares in open market transactions. On November 14, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program for up to 5.0 million common shares.

 

(2)          This amount includes 138,375 common shares which the Company acquired  in connection with  a supplemental employee retirement plan of the Company.

 

Item 6.  Exhibits.

 

See Exhibit Index for a list of exhibits filed with this report.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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.

 

 

ASSURED GUARANTY LTD.
(Registrant)

 

 

 

Dated: November 14, 2011

By:

/s/ ROBERT A. BAILENSON

 

 

 

Robert A. Bailenson
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description of Document

31.1

 

Certification of CEO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13A-14 and 15D-14, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

 

Certification of CFO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13A-14 and 15D-14, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

 

Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

 

Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

101.1

 

The following financial information from Assured Guaranty Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (iv) Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2011; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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