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 March 31, 2012

 

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 May 1, 2012 was 182,592,088 (includes 57,435 unvested restricted shares).

 

 

 



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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011

1

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

2

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

3

 

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited) for Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

4

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

5

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

6

 

1. Business and Basis of Presentation

6

 

2. Business Changes, Risks, Uncertainties and Accounting Developments

8

 

3. Outstanding Exposure

8

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts

13

 

5. Fair Value Measurement

35

 

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives

49

 

7. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

55

 

8. Investments

58

 

9. Insurance Company Regulatory Requirements

63

 

10. Income Taxes

64

 

11. Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposures

66

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies

69

 

13. Long Term Debt and Credit Facilities

73

 

14. Earnings Per Share

77

 

15. Other Comprehensive Income

77

 

16. Subsidiary Information

78

Item 2.

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

84

 

Forward Looking Statements

84

 

Convention

85

 

Introduction

85

 

Available Information

86

 

Executive Summary

86

 

Key Business Strategies

89

 

Results of Operations

91

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

110

 

Insured Portfolio

114

 

Significant Risk Management Activities

121

 

Exposure to Residential Mortgage Backed Securities

122

 

Exposures by Reinsurer

125

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

128

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

146

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

146

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

147

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

147

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

151

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

154

Item 6.

Exhibits

155

 



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands except per share and share amounts)

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Investment portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $9,659,413 and $9,638,404)

 

$

10,204,938

 

$

10,141,850

 

Short term investments, at fair value

 

903,363

 

734,046

 

Other invested assets

 

203,900

 

222,869

 

Total investment portfolio

 

11,312,201

 

11,098,765

 

Cash

 

182,003

 

214,544

 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

 

1,018,672

 

1,002,852

 

Ceded unearned premium reserve

 

631,398

 

708,872

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

129,015

 

132,418

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

152,898

 

69,300

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

 

367,343

 

367,718

 

Credit derivative assets

 

463,556

 

468,933

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

1,031,805

 

803,529

 

Current income tax receivable

 

50,317

 

76,430

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ assets, at fair value

 

2,827,652

 

2,819,077

 

Other assets

 

337,953

 

262,222

 

Total assets

 

$

18,504,813

 

$

18,024,660

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned premium reserve

 

$

5,839,223

 

$

5,962,799

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve

 

954,475

 

679,011

 

Reinsurance balances payable, net

 

204,173

 

170,982

 

Long-term debt

 

1,034,667

 

1,038,302

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

2,416,268

 

1,772,803

 

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

 

2,365,177

 

2,396,945

 

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

 

1,085,618

 

1,061,497

 

Other liabilities

 

422,694

 

290,756

 

Total liabilities

 

14,322,295

 

13,373,095

 

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 182,524,573 and 182,235,798 shares issued and outstanding in 2012 and 2011)

 

1,825

 

1,822

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,569,526

 

2,569,922

 

Retained earnings

 

1,208,380

 

1,707,922

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of $149,205 and $135,344

 

398,387

 

367,499

 

Deferred equity compensation (320,193 shares in 2012 and 2011)

 

4,400

 

4,400

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

4,182,518

 

4,651,565

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

18,504,813

 

$

18,024,660

 

 

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

 

1



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

 

(dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

193,677

 

$

253,977

 

Net investment income

 

97,762

 

97,412

 

Net realized investment gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses

 

(27,344

)

(6,947

)

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

 

(22,465

)

(2,369

)

Other net realized investment gains (losses)

 

6,195

 

7,384

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

1,316

 

2,806

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements

 

(56,881

)

35,427

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

(633,758

)

(271,636

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

(690,639

)

(236,209

)

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

 

(13,904

)

526

 

Fair value gains (losses) on financial guaranty variable interest entities

 

(36,602

)

119,601

 

Other income

 

90,984

 

40,800

 

Total revenues

 

(357,406

)

278,913

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

246,847

 

(25,580

)

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

5,413

 

3,662

 

Interest expense

 

24,673

 

24,760

 

Other operating expenses

 

61,280

 

62,883

 

Total expenses

 

338,213

 

65,725

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(695,619

)

213,188

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

29,528

 

(197,599

)

Deferred

 

(242,123

)

271,531

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(212,595

)

73,932

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(483,024

)

$

139,256

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(2.65

)

$

0.76

 

Diluted

 

$

(2.65

)

$

0.74

 

Dividends per share

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.045

 

 

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

 

2



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(483,024

)

$

139,256

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on:

 

 

 

 

 

Investments with no other-than-temporary impairment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $19,049 and $(19,632)

 

42,123

 

(46,390

)

Investments with other-than-temporary impairment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $(7,345) and $9,195

 

(13,736

)

20,845

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax

 

28,387

 

(25,545

)

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss), net of tax provision (benefit) of $(1,272) and $172

 

(856

)

1,029

 

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

 

29,243

 

(26,574

)

Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $941 and $669

 

1,750

 

1,243

 

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

 

(105

)

(105

)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

30,888

 

(25,436

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(452,136

)

$

113,820

 

 

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

 

3



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 

(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, 2011

 

182,235,798

 

$

1,822

 

$

2,569,922

 

$

1,707,922

 

$

367,499

 

$

4,400

 

$

4,651,565

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(483,024

)

 

 

(483,024

)

Dividends ($0.09 per share)

 

 

 

 

(16,425

)

 

 

(16,425

)

Dividends on restricted stock units

 

 

 

93

 

(93

)

 

 

 

Share-based compensation and other

 

288,775

 

3

 

(489

)

 

 

 

(486

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

30,888

 

 

30,888

 

Balance, March 31, 2012

 

182,524,573

 

$

1,825

 

$

2,569,526

 

$

1,208,380

 

$

398,387

 

$

4,400

 

$

4,182,518

 

 

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

 

4



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

75,256

 

$

(122,143

)

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

(382,588

)

(511,679

)

Sales

 

189,346

 

299,877

 

Maturities

 

253,488

 

183,587

 

Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments

 

(142,735

)

242,296

 

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

 

137,595

 

162,500

 

Other

 

51,607

 

4,246

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

 

106,713

 

380,827

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(16,425

)

(8,286

)

Share activity under option and incentive plans

 

(2,478

)

(2,312

)

Net paydowns of financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities

 

(192,882

)

(241,618

)

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(5,461

)

(5,095

)

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(217,246

)

(257,311

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

2,736

 

1,825

 

Increase (decrease) in cash

 

(32,541

)

3,198

 

Cash at beginning of period

 

214,544

 

108,389

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

182,003

 

$

111,587

 

Supplemental cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid (received) during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

2,000

 

$

51,465

 

Interest

 

$

12,082

 

$

12,190

 

 

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

 

5



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

March 31, 2012

 

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 offer insurance 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. Upon an obligor’s default on scheduled principal or interest payments due on the obligation, the Company is required under the financial guaranty contract to pay the principal or interest shortfall.

 

In the past, the Company had sold credit protection by issuing policies that guaranteed payment obligations under 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 credit default swaps (“CDS”). The Company’s credit derivative transactions are governed by International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) documentation.

 

The Company has not entered into any new CDS in order to sell credit protection since the beginning of 2009, when regulatory guidelines were issued 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 enter into new CDS in the foreseeable future. The Company is actively pursuing opportunities to terminate existing CDS and in certain cases, has converted 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 has historically entered into ceded reinsurance contracts in order to obtain greater business diversification and reduce the net potential loss from large risks. In January 2012, Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. (“AGM”) and Assured Guaranty Corp. (“AGC”) entered into a new $435 million of excess of loss reinsurance facility, which reduced rating agency capital charges. In recent years, however, the Company has been reassuming previously ceded business from reinsurers. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 (“First Quarter 2012”), the Company reassumed a total of $19.1 billion in par from two reinsurers. See Note 11, Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposures.

 

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

 

6



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

1. Business and Basis of Presentation (Continued)

 

facilities and utilities. Structured finance obligations insured by the Company are generally issued by special purpose entities and backed by pools of assets such as residential or commercial mortgage loans, consumer or trade receivables, securities or other assets having an ascertainable cash flow or market value. The Company also insures other specialized financial obligations.

 

When a rating agency assigns a public rating to 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 AGL’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 Assured Guaranty’s internal ratings. Assured Guaranty’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. For example, the super senior category, which is not generally used by rating agencies, is used by Assured Guaranty in instances where Assured Guaranty’s AAA-rated exposure on its internal rating scale (which does not take into account Assured Guaranty’s financial guaranty) 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 are as of March 31, 2012 and cover First Quarter 2012 and the three-month period ended March 31, 2011 (“First Quarter 2011”). The year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.

 

The 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 all consolidated entities have been eliminated. 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 for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

AGL’s principal insurance company subsidiaries are AGC, domiciled in Maryland; 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 13, Long Term Debt and Credit Facilities.

 

7



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

2. Business Changes, Risks, Uncertainties and Accounting Developments

 

Summarized below are updates of the most significant events over the past two years 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.

 

Rating Actions

 

Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc (“Moody’s”) have downgraded the financial strength ratings of all the Company’s insurance subsidiaries over the course of the last several years. On March 20, 2012, Moody’s placed the ratings of AGL and its Subsidiaries, including the insurance financial strength rating of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, on review for possible downgrade. There can be no assurance that S&P and Moody’s will not take further action on the Company’s ratings. See Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, Note 6, Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives and Note 11, Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposure, for more information regarding the effect of S&P and Moody’s rating actions on the financial guaranty business, the credit derivative business and the assumed reinsurance business of the Company.  The insurance subsidiaries’ financial strength ratings are an important competitive factor in the financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance markets. If the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries were reduced below current levels, the Company expects it could have adverse effects 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 and results of operations in a material respect.

 

Accounting Changes

 

Recently, there has been significant GAAP rule making activity which has affected the accounting policies and presentation of the Company’s financial information, particularly:

 

·                        Adoption of new guidance on January 1, 2012 that restricted the types and amounts of costs that may be deferred. See Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts.

 

·                        Adoption of guidance that changed the presentation of other comprehensive income (“OCI”). See “Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.”

 

·                        Adoption of guidance requiring additional fair value disclosures. See Note 5, Fair Value Measurement.

 

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which will require disclosures for entities with financial instruments and derivatives that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to a master netting arrangement. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013.

 

Deutsche Bank Agreement

 

On May 8, 2012, Assured Guaranty reached a settlement with Deutsche Bank AG and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Deutsche Bank”), resolving claims related to certain residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) transactions issued, underwritten or sponsored by Deutsche Bank that were insured by Assured Guaranty under financial guaranty insurance policies and to certain RMBS exposures in re-securitization transactions as to which Assured Guaranty provides credit protection through CDS. As part of the settlement agreement (the “Deutsche Bank Agreement”), Assured Guaranty has settled its litigation against Deutsche Bank on three RMBS transactions.  See Note 4 of the Financial Statements, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, “Recovery Litigation—RMBS Transactions” for information about the RMBS transactions subject to the settlement.

 

The Deutsche Bank Agreement provides for Assured Guaranty to receive a cash payment of $165.6 million from Deutsche Bank upon signing, a portion of which will partially reimburse Assured Guaranty for past losses on certain transactions. Assured Guaranty and Deutsche Bank have also entered into loss sharing arrangements covering future RMBS related losses, which are described below. Under the Deutsche Bank Agreement, Deutsche Bank AG will place approximately $282.7 million of eligible assets in trust in order to collateralize the obligations of a reinsurance affiliate under the loss-sharing arrangements, and the Deutsche Bank reinsurance affiliate may post additional collateral in the future to satisfy rating agency requirements.

 

Included in the settlement are eight RMBS transactions (“Covered Transactions”) that Assured Guaranty has insured through financial guaranty insurance policies. The Covered Transactions are backed by first lien and second lien mortgage loans. Under the Deutsche Bank Agreement, the Deutsche Bank reinsurance affiliate will reimburse 80% of Assured Guaranty’s future losses on the Covered Transactions until Assured Guaranty’s aggregate losses (including those to date that are partially reimbursed by the $165.6 million cash payment) reach $318.8 million. Assured Guaranty currently projects that the Covered Transactions will not generate aggregate losses in excess of $318.8 million. In the event aggregate losses exceed $388.8 million, the reinsurance affiliate is required to resume reimbursement at the rate of 85% of Assured Guaranty’s losses in excess of $388.8 million until such losses reach $600.0 million. The Covered Transactions represented $581 million of gross par outstanding as of April 25, 2012.

 

Certain uninsured tranches (“Uninsured Tranches”) of three of the Covered Transactions are included as collateral in RMBS re- securitization transactions as to which Assured Guaranty provides credit protection through CDS. Under the Deutsche Bank Agreement, the Deutsche Bank reinsurance affiliate will reimburse losses on the CDS in an amount equal to 60% of losses in these Uninsured Tranches until the aggregate losses in the Uninsured Tranches reach $141.1 million. Assured Guaranty currently projects that the Uninsured Tranches will not generate losses in excess of $141.1 million. In the event aggregate losses exceed $161.1 million, reimbursement resumes at the rate of 60% until the aggregate losses reach $185.1 million. The reinsurance affiliate is required to reimburse any losses in excess of $185.1 million at the rate of 100% until the aggregate losses reach $247.8 million. The Uninsured Tranches represent $337 million of gross par outstanding as of April 25, 2012.

 

The terms of the Deutsche Bank settlement were largely reflected in Assured Guaranty’s 2011 financial guaranty insurance expected losses.

 

Except for the Uninsured Tranches, the settlement does not include Assured Guaranty’s CDS with Deutsche Bank. The parties have agreed to continue efforts to resolve CDS-related claims.

 

3. Outstanding Exposure

 

The Company’s financial guaranty 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 7, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. The outstanding par and Debt Service amounts presented below include outstanding exposures on VIEs whether or not they are consolidated.

 

8



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

3. Outstanding Exposure (Continued)

 

Debt Service Outstanding

 

 

 

Gross Debt Service
Outstanding

 

Net Debt Service
Outstanding

 

 

 

March 31,
2012

 

December 31,
 2011

 

March 31,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Public finance

 

$

786,373

 

$

798,471

 

$

735,829

 

$

716,890

 

Structured finance

 

130,802

 

137,661

 

122,698

 

128,775

 

Total financial guaranty

 

$

917,175

 

$

936,132

 

$

858,527

 

$

845,665

 

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company’s net mortgage guaranty insurance in force was approximately $176.7 million. Of the $176.7 million, $140.1 million covers loans originated in Ireland and $36.6 million covers loans originated in the UK.

 

Financial Guaranty Portfolio by Internal Rating

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

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

 

$

 

%

$

1,165

 

2.9

%

$

15,756

 

18.0

%

$

5,219

 

22.8

%

$

22,140

 

3.9

%

AAA

 

4,931

 

1.2

 

1,384

 

3.5

 

34,974

 

39.8

 

10,286

 

44.9

 

51,575

 

9.1

 

AA

 

144,987

 

34.8

 

973

 

2.4

 

10,537

 

12.0

 

936

 

4.1

 

157,433

 

27.7

 

A

 

219,095

 

52.6

 

11,126

 

27.9

 

4,759

 

5.4

 

1,389

 

6.1

 

236,369

 

41.7

 

BBB

 

42,916

 

10.3

 

22,913

 

57.4

 

4,726

 

5.4

 

3,027

 

13.2

 

73,582

 

13.0

 

Below-investment-grade (“BIG”)

 

4,570

 

1.1

 

2,352

 

5.9

 

17,032

 

19.4

 

2,045

 

8.9

 

25,999

 

4.6

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

416,499

 

100.0

%

$

39,913

 

100.0

%

$

87,784

 

100.0

%

$

22,902

 

100.0

%

$

567,098

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

As of December 31, 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

 

$

 

%

$

1,138

 

2.9

%

$

16,756

 

18.2

%

$

5,660

 

23.9

%

$

23,554

 

4.2

%

AAA

 

5,074

 

1.3

 

1,381

 

3.5

 

35,736

 

38.7

 

10,231

 

43.2

 

52,422

 

9.4

 

AA

 

139,693

 

34.6

 

1,056

 

2.7

 

12,575

 

13.6

 

976

 

4.1

 

154,300

 

27.7

 

A

 

213,164

 

52.9

 

11,744

 

30.1

 

4,115

 

4.5

 

1,518

 

6.4

 

230,541

 

41.3

 

BBB

 

40,635

 

10.1

 

21,399

 

54.8

 

5,044

 

5.5

 

3,391

 

14.3

 

70,469

 

12.6

 

BIG

 

4,507

 

1.1

 

2,328

 

6.0

 

18,008

 

19.5

 

1,919

 

8.1

 

26,762

 

4.8

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

403,073

 

100.0

%

$

39,046

 

100.0

%

$

92,234

 

100.0

%

$

23,695

 

100.0

%

$

558,048

 

100.0

%

 

9



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

3. Outstanding Exposure (Continued)

 

In First Quarter 2012, the Company reclassified as AA 80% of the net par outstanding of those first lien transactions that are covered by the Bank of America Agreement (see Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts) and that the Company otherwise internally rated below AA. The Company reclassified those amounts as AA exposure due to the eligible assets that Bank of America has placed into trust in order to collateralize its reimbursement obligation relating to 21 first lien transactions. This reclassification resulted in a decrease of net outstanding par rated BIG as of December 31, 2011 by $1,452 million from that previously reported and, without this change, net outstanding par rated BIG as of March 31, 2012 would have been $1,382 million higher. Prior periods have been revised to conform to this presentation.

 

In addition to amounts shown in the tables above, the Company had outstanding commitments to provide guaranties of $2.1 billion for structured finance and $1.0 billion for public finance obligations at March 31, 2012. 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 April 1, 2012 and February 25, 2017, with $0.7 billion expiring prior to December 31, 2012. 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.

 

Economic Exposure to the Selected European Countries

 

Several European countries are experiencing significant economic, fiscal and/or political strains such that the likelihood of default on obligations with a nexus to those countries may be higher than the Company anticipated when such factors did not exist. The Company is closely monitoring its exposures in European countries where it believes heightened uncertainties exist, specifically, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain (the “Selected European Countries”). Published reports have identified countries that may be experiencing reduced demand for their sovereign debt in the current environment. The Company selected these European countries based on these reports and its view that their credit fundamentals are deteriorating. The Company’s economic exposure to the Selected European Countries (based on par for financial guaranty contracts and notional amount for financial guaranty contracts accounted for as derivatives) is shown in the following table net of ceded reinsurance.

 

Net Economic Exposure to Selected European Countries(1)

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Greece

 

Hungary

 

Ireland

 

Italy

 

Portugal

 

Spain

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Sovereign and sub-sovereign exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public finance

 

$

291

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,040

 

$

113

 

$

270

 

$

1,714

 

Infrastructure finance

 

 

453

 

25

 

341

 

104

 

174

 

1,097

 

Sub-total

 

291

 

453

 

25

 

1,381

 

217

 

444

 

2,811

 

Non-sovereign exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated utilities

 

 

 

 

226

 

 

17

 

243

 

RMBS

 

 

249

 

140

 

522

 

 

 

911

 

Commercial receivables

 

 

1

 

20

 

27

 

15

 

18

 

81

 

Pooled corporate

 

33

 

 

244

 

251

 

14

 

544

 

1,086

 

Sub-total

 

33

 

250

 

404

 

1,026

 

29

 

579

 

2,321

 

Total

 

$

324

 

$

703

 

$

429

 

$

2,407

 

$

246

 

$

1,023

 

$

5,132

 

Total BIG

 

$

291

 

$

540

 

$

15

 

$

252

 

$

130

 

$

145

 

$

1,373

 

 


(1)                                  While the Company’s exposures are shown in U.S. dollars, the obligations the Company insures are in various currencies, including U.S. dollars, Euros and British pounds sterling. Included in the table above is $140.1 million of reinsurance assumed on a 2004 - 2006 pool of Irish residential mortgages that is part of the Company’s remaining $176.7 million legacy mortgage reinsurance business. The legacy mortgage reinsurance business is not included in the Company’s exposure tables elsewhere in this document because the amount of the exposure is relatively immaterial. One of the residential mortgage-backed securities included in the table above includes residential mortgages in both Italy and Germany, and only the portion of the transaction equal to the portion of the original mortgage pool in Italian mortgages is shown in the table.

 

Included in “Public Finance” in the tables above are $291 million (net of reinsurance) of bonds of the Hellenic Republic of Greece. The Company has not guaranteed any other sovereign bonds of the Selected European Countries. The remainder of the “Public Finance Category” is from transactions backed by receivable payments from sub-sovereigns in Italy, Spain and Portugal. Debt issued by a governmental entity or government backed entity, or supported by such an entity, that is other than direct sovereign debt of the ultimate governing body of the country.

 

10



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

3. Outstanding Exposure (Continued)

 

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 and loss severity in the event 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 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 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts). 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 at least 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.)

 

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 which is a claim that the Company expects to be reimbursed within one year) 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 $345.6 million of net par outstanding related to transactions covered by the Bank of America Agreement which represents the portion of the covered first lien transactions (20%) that are not subject to reimbursement from Bank of America as of March 31, 2012. 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. See Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

3. Outstanding Exposure (Continued)

 

Financial Guaranty Exposures

(Insurance and Credit Derivative Form)

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

BIG Net Par Outstanding

 

Net Par

 

BIG Net Par as
a % of Net Par

 

 

 

BIG 1

 

BIG 2

 

BIG 3

 

Total BIG

 

Outstanding

 

Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

77

 

$

448

 

$

 

$

525

 

$

713

 

0.1

%

Alt-A first lien

 

962

 

1,717

 

1,493

 

4,172

 

5,208

 

0.7

 

Option ARM

 

1

 

687

 

775

 

1,463

 

2,256

 

0.3

 

Subprime (including net interest margin securities)

 

208

 

1,745

 

498

 

2,451

 

7,976

 

0.4

 

Second lien U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed end second lien

 

 

493

 

504

 

997

 

1,020

 

0.2

 

Home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”)

 

401

 

 

2,716

 

3,117

 

3,700

 

0.6

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

1,649

 

5,090

 

5,986

 

12,725

 

20,873

 

2.3

 

Trust preferred securities (“TruPS”)

 

2,140

 

 

952

 

3,092

 

6,272

 

0.5

 

Other structured finance

 

1,410

 

465

 

1,385

 

3,260

 

83,541

 

0.6

 

U.S. public finance

 

3,480

 

270

 

820

 

4,570

 

416,499

 

0.8

 

Non-U.S. public finance (1)

 

2,061

 

291

 

 

2,352

 

39,913

 

0.4

 

Total

 

$

10,740

 

$

6,116

 

$

9,143

 

$

25,999

 

$

567,098

 

4.6

%

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

BIG Net Par Outstanding

 

Net Par

 

BIG Net Par as
a % of Net Par

 

 

 

BIG 1

 

BIG 2

 

BIG 3

 

Total BIG

 

Outstanding

 

Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

77

 

$

465

 

$

 

$

542

 

$

739

 

0.1

%

Alt-A first lien

 

1,695

 

1,028

 

1,540

 

4,263

 

5,329

 

0.8

 

Option ARM

 

25

 

689

 

882

 

1,596

 

2,433

 

0.3

 

Subprime (including net interest margin securities)

 

795

 

1,200

 

513

 

2,508

 

8,136

 

0.4

 

Second lien U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed end second lien

 

 

495

 

520

 

1,015

 

1,040

 

0.2

 

HELOCs

 

421

 

 

2,858

 

3,279

 

3,890

 

0.6

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

3,013

 

3,877

 

6,313

 

13,203

 

21,567

 

2.4

 

TruPS

 

2,501

 

 

951

 

3,452

 

6,334

 

0.6

 

Other structured finance

 

1,295

 

548

 

1,429

 

3,272

 

88,028

 

0.6

 

U.S. public finance

 

3,395

 

274

 

838

 

4,507

 

403,073

 

0.8

 

Non-U.S. public finance (1)

 

2,046

 

282

 

 

2,328

 

39,046

 

0.4

 

Total

 

$

12,250

 

$

4,981

 

$

9,531

 

$

26,762

 

$

558,048

 

4.8

%

 


(1)     Include $291 million in net par and $231.9 million in expected loss to be paid as of March 31, 2012 and $282 million in net par and $42.6 million in expected loss to be paid as of December 31, 2011 for bonds of the Hellenic Republic of Greece.

 

By Category Below-Investment-Grade Credits

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Number of Risks(2)

 

Description

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

BIG:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

$

7,703

 

$

3,037

 

$

10,740

 

164

 

33

 

197

 

Category 2

 

3,903

 

2,213

 

6,116

 

79

 

35

 

114

 

Category 3

 

6,913

 

2,230

 

9,143

 

125

 

26

 

151

 

Total BIG

 

$

18,519

 

$

7,480

 

$

25,999

 

368

 

94

 

462

 

 

12



Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

3. Outstanding Exposure (Continued)

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Number of Risks(2)

 

Description

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

BIG:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

$

8,297

 

$

3,953

 

$

12,250

 

171

 

40

 

211

 

Category 2

 

3,458

 

1,523

 

4,981

 

71

 

33

 

104

 

Category 3

 

7,204

 

2,327

 

9,531

 

126

 

26

 

152

 

Total BIG

 

$

18,959

 

$

7,803

 

$

26,762

 

368

 

99

 

467

 

 


(1)                                  Includes net par outstanding for 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.

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts

 

Change in accounting for deferred acquisition costs

 

In October 2010, the FASB adopted Accounting Standards Update (“Update”) No. 2010-26. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this new guidance with retrospective application. The amendment in the Update specifies that certain costs incurred in the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts should be capitalized. These costs include direct costs of contract acquisition that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction. These costs include expenses such as ceding commissions and the cost of underwriting personnel. Management uses its judgment in determining the type and amount of cost to be deferred. The Company conducts an annual study to determine which operating costs vary with, and are directly related to, the acquisition of new business, and therefore qualify for deferral. Ceding commission income on business ceded to third party reinsurers reduces policy acquisition costs and is deferred. 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 are charged to expense as incurred.

 

Expected losses, loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) and the remaining costs of servicing the insured or reinsured business are considered in determining the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs. When an insured issue is retired early, the remaining related deferred acquisition cost is expensed at that time. Ceding commission expense and income associated with future installment premiums on assumed and ceded business, respectively, are calculated at their contractually defined rates and recorded in deferred acquisition costs on the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding offset to net premium receivable or reinsurance balances payable.

 

As of January 1, 2011, the effect of retrospective application of the new guidance was a reduction to deferred acquisition costs of $94.4 million and a reduction to retained earnings of $64.0 million.

 

13



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

Effect of Retrospective Application of New Deferred Acquisition Cost Guidance

On Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

 

As Reported
First Quarter 2011

 

Retroactive
Application
Adjustment

 

As Revised
First Quarter 2011

 

 

 

(in millions except per share amounts)

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

$

7.4

 

$

(3.7

)

$

3.7

 

Other operating expenses

 

56.8

 

6.0

 

62.8

 

Total expenses

 

63.5

 

2.3

 

65.8

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

215.5

 

(2.3

)

213.2

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

74.9

 

(1.0

)

73.9

 

Net income (loss)

 

140.6

 

(1.3

)

139.3

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.76

 

$

 

$

0.76

 

Diluted

 

0.75

 

(0.01

)

0.74

 

 

The portfolio of outstanding exposures discussed in Note 3, Outstanding Exposure, 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.

 

Net Earned Premiums

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Scheduled net earned premiums

 

$

152.0

 

$

214.9

 

Acceleration of premium earnings

 

36.6

 

29.6

 

Accretion of discount on net premiums receivable

 

4.7

 

9.0

 

Total financial guaranty

 

193.3

 

253.5

 

Other

 

0.4

 

0.5

 

Total net earned premiums(1)

 

$

193.7

 

$

254.0

 

 


(1)                                  Excludes $17.0 million and $19.1 million in First Quarter 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

14



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

Gross Premium Receivable, Net of Ceding Commissions Roll Forward

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Gross premium receivable, net of ceding commissions payable:

 

 

 

 

 

Balance beginning of period

 

$

1,002.9

 

$

1,167.6

 

Premium written, net

 

56.3

 

48.0

 

Premium payments received, net

 

(86.1

)

(72.8

)

Adjustments to the premium receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in the expected term of financial guaranty insurance contracts

 

32.7

 

(51.1

)

Accretion of discount

 

6.1

 

9.2

 

Foreign exchange translation

 

12.2

 

15.9

 

Consolidation of FG VIEs

 

(5.4

)

 

Other adjustments

 

 

1.2

 

Balance, end of period (1)

 

$

1,018.7

 

$

1,118.0

 

 


(1)                                  Excludes $32.6 million and $19.8 million as of March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

Gains or losses due to foreign exchange rate changes relate to installment premium receivables denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Approximately 48%, 47% and 45% of installment premiums at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively, are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily in euro and British Pound Sterling.

 

Actual collections may differ from expected collections in the tables below due to factors such as foreign exchange rate fluctuations, counterparty collectability issues, refundings, accelerations, commutations and changes in expected lives.

 

Expected Collections of Gross Premiums Receivable,

Net of Ceding Commissions (Undiscounted)

 

 

 

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2012 (April 1 – June 30)

 

$

56.6

 

2012 (July 1 – September 30)

 

30.8

 

2012 (October 1 – December 31)

 

44.6

 

2013

 

109.5

 

2014

 

95.9

 

2015

 

85.7

 

2016

 

79.8

 

2017-2021

 

315.9

 

2022-2026

 

214.6

 

2027-2031

 

158.7

 

After 2031

 

194.4

 

Total(1)

 

$

1,386.5

 

 


(1)                                  Excludes expected cash collections on FG VIEs of $38.9 million.

 

15



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

Components of Unearned Premium Reserve

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Net(1)

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Net(1)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Deferred premium revenue

 

$

5,918.8

 

$

647.8

 

$

5,271.0

 

$

6,046.3

 

$

727.4

 

$

5,318.9

 

Contra-paid

 

(87.9

)

(16.7

)

(71.2

)

(92.2

)

(18.8

)

(73.4

)

Total financial guaranty

 

5,830.9

 

631.1

 

5,199.8

 

5,954.1

 

708.6

 

5,245.5

 

Other

 

8.3

 

0.3

 

8.0

 

8.7

 

0.3

 

8.4

 

Total

 

$

5,839.2

 

$

631.4

 

$

5,207.8

 

$

5,962.8

 

$

708.9

 

$

5,253.9

 

 


(1)                                  Total net unearned premium reserve excludes $249.7 million and $274.2 million related to FG VIE’s as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

The following table provides a schedule of the expected timing of the income statement recognition of financial guaranty insurance net deferred premium revenue and the present value of net expected losses to be expensed, pretax which are not included in loss and LAE reserve. The amount and timing of actual premium earnings and loss and LAE may differ from the estimates shown below due to factors such as refundings, accelerations, commutations, changes in expected lives and updates to loss estimates. A loss and LAE reserve 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. This table excludes amounts related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

Expected Timing of Financial Guaranty Insurance

Premium and Loss Recognition

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Scheduled
Net Earned
Premium

 

Net Expected
Loss to be
Expensed

 

Net

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2012 (April 1–June 30)

 

$

144.3

 

$

17.8

 

$

126.5

 

2012 (July 1–September 30)

 

138.2

 

17.0

 

121.2

 

2012 (October 1–December 31)

 

131.6

 

15.5

 

116.1

 

Subtotal 2012

 

414.1

 

50.3

 

363.8

 

2013

 

474.1

 

58.4

 

415.7

 

2014

 

436.6

 

46.8

 

389.8

 

2015

 

387.1

 

41.2

 

345.9

 

2016

 

351.9

 

33.2

 

318.7

 

2017 - 2021

 

1,334.4

 

136.9

 

1,197.5

 

2022 - 2026

 

838.9

 

74.0

 

764.9

 

2027 - 2031

 

508.2

 

35.8

 

472.4

 

After 2031

 

525.7

 

27.2

 

498.5

 

Total present value basis(1)(2)

 

5,271.0

 

503.8

 

4,767.2

 

Discount

 

298.8

 

292.6

 

6.2

 

Total future value

 

$

5,569.8

 

$

796.4

 

$

4,773.4

 

 


(1)                                  Balances represent discounted amounts.

 

(2)                                  Consolidation of FG VIEs resulted in reductions of $396.2 million in future scheduled amortization of deferred premium revenue and $211.0 million in net present value of expected loss to be expensed.

 

16



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

Selected Information for Policies Paid in Installments

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commission payable

 

$

1,018.7

 

$

1,002.9

 

Gross deferred premium revenue

 

2,125.6

 

2,192.6

 

Weighted-average risk-free rate used to discount premiums

 

3.7

 

3.4

 

Weighted-average period of premiums receivable (in years)

 

10.0

 

9.8

 

 

Loss Estimation Process

 

The Company’s loss reserve committees estimate expected loss to be paid. 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 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. Net 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 representations and warranties (“R&W”). The Company used weighted average risk-free rates for U.S. dollar denominated obligations, which ranged from 0.0% to 3.94% as of March 31, 2012 and 0.0% to 3.27% as of December 31, 2011. The weighted average risk-free rates for Euro denominated obligations was 0.0% - 2.84% as of March 31, 2012 and 0.0% - 2.69% as of December 31, 2011.

 

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
December 31, 2011(4)

 

Economic Loss
Development(2)

 

(Paid)
Recovered
Losses(3)

 

Net Expected
Loss to be
Paid as of
March 31, 2012(4)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.8

 

$

0.4

 

$

 

$

2.2

 

Alt-A first lien

 

134.9

 

(8.6

)

(9.4

)

116.9

 

Option ARM

 

152.9

 

(1.7

)

(75.9

)

75.3

 

Subprime

 

140.3

 

11.3

 

(1.2

)

150.4

 

Total first lien

 

429.9

 

1.4

 

(86.5

)

344.8

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

(79.6

)

(1.1

)

(9.0

)

(89.7

)

HELOCs

 

(31.1

)

7.6

 

(19.0

)

(42.5

)

Total second lien

 

(110.7

)

6.5

 

(28.0

)

(132.2

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

319.2

 

7.9

 

(114.5

)

212.6

 

Other structured finance

 

252.8

 

(23.8

)

(23.7

)

205.3

 

Public finance(5)

 

66.0

 

220.7

 

47.8

 

334.5

 

Total

 

$

638.0

 

$

204.8

 

$

(90.4

)

$

752.4

 

 

17



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

 

 

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

 

Economic Loss
Development(2)

 

(Paid)
Recovered
Losses(3)

 

Expected
Loss to be
Paid as of
March 31, 2011(4)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.4

 

$

0.1

 

$

 

$

1.5

 

Alt-A first lien

 

184.4

 

6.5

 

(19.5

)

171.4

 

Option ARM

 

523.7

 

(114.7

)

(86.9

)

322.1

 

Subprime

 

200.4

 

(17.8

)

(15.1

)

167.5

 

Total first lien

 

909.9

 

(125.9

)

(121.5

)

662.5

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

56.6

 

(106.4

)

(27.1

)

(76.9

)

HELOCs

 

(805.7

)

77.6

 

(64.6

)

(792.7

)

Total second lien

 

(749.1

)

(28.8

)

(91.7

)

(869.6

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

160.8

 

(154.7

)

(213.2

)

(207.1

)

Other structured finance

 

159.1

 

16.3

 

(2.4

)

173.0

 

Public finance(5)

 

88.9

 

(13.6

)

(9.0

)

66.3

 

Total

 

$

408.8

 

$

(152.0

)

$

(224.6

)

$

32.2

 

 


(1)

 

Amounts include all expected payments whether or not the insured VIE is consolidated. Amounts exclude reserves for mortgage business of $1.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

(3)

 

Net of ceded paid losses, whether or not such amounts have been settled with reinsurers. Ceded paid losses are typically settled 45 days after the end of the reporting period. Such amounts are recorded in reinsurance recoverable on paid losses included in other assets.

 

 

 

(4)

 

Includes expected LAE to be paid for mitigating claim liabilities of $26.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and $35.5 million as of December 31, 2011.

 

 

 

(5)

 

Includes expected loss to be paid of $231.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and $42.6 million as of December 31, 2011 related to Greek sovereign debt.

 

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).

 

18



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

Reconciliation of Present Value of Net Expected Loss to be Paid

and Net Present Value of Net Expected Loss to be Expensed

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net expected loss to be paid

 

$

752.4

 

Less: net expected loss to be paid for FG VIEs

 

(155.5

)

Total

 

907.9

 

Contra-paid, net

 

71.2

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

 

367.3

 

Ceded salvage and subrogation recoverable(1)

 

(42.9

)

Loss and LAE reserve

 

(951.3

)

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

151.6

 

Net expected loss to be expensed(2)

 

$

503.8

 

 


(1)                            Recorded in reinsurance balances payable on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

(2)                            Excludes $211.0 million related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

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

 

The Company projects losses on its insured 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 using risk-free rates. For transactions where the Company projects it will receive recoveries from providers of R&W, it projects the amount of recoveries and either establishes a recovery for claims already paid or 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 its 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

 

19



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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) or where it is in advanced discussions on a potential agreement, 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, based on the number of breaches identified to date and incorporating 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 generally 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 using risk-free rates. As noted above, the Company runs several sets of assumptions regarding mortgage collateral performance, or scenarios, and probability weights them.

 

First Quarter-End 2012 U.S. RMBS Loss Projections

 

The shape of the RMBS loss projection curves used by the Company assume that the housing and mortgage markets will eventually improve. The Company retained the same general shape of the RMBS loss projection curves at March 31, 2012 as December 31, 2011, reflecting the Company’s view, based on its observation of continued elevated levels of early stage delinquencies, that the housing and mortgage market recovery is occurring at a slower than previously expected pace.

 

The scenarios the Company used to project RMBS collateral losses for second lien RMBS transactions at March 31, 2012 were essentially the same as those it used at December 31, 2011, except that based on its observation of the continued elevated levels of early stage delinquencies, as noted above, the Company retained the same general shape of its RMBS loss projection curves. This had the effect of reflecting a slower recovery in the housing market than had been assumed at December 31, 2011.

 

The Company used the same general approach to project RMBS collateral losses for first lien RMBS transactions at March 31, 2012 as it did at December 31, 2011, except that, as noted above, based on its observation of the continued elevated levels of early stage delinquencies, the Company retained the same general shape of its RMBS loss projection curves. This had the effect of reflecting a slower recovery in the housing market than had been assumed at December 31, 2011.

 

The Company also used generally the same methodology to project the credit received for recoveries in R&W at March 31, 2012 as December 31, 2011. The primary differences relate to the refinement of the calculation of benefits due to potential agreements with R&W providers with which it is having discussions.

 

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

 

20



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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 (or agreements with R&W providers related to such obligations). 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.

 

Key Assumptions in Base Case Expected Loss Estimates

Second Lien RMBS(1)

 

HELOC Key Variables

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

3.3 – 26.3%

 

4.0 – 27.4%

 

Final conditional default rate trended down to

 

0.4 – 3.2%

 

0.4 – 3.2%

 

Expected period until final conditional default rate

 

36 months

 

36 months

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

2.6 – 15.1%

 

1.4 – 25.8%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

10%

 

10%

 

Loss severity

 

98%

 

98%

 

Initial draw rate

 

0.0 – 7.8%

 

0.0 – 15.3%

 

 

Closed end second lien Key Variables

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

5.4 – 24.9%

 

6.9 – 24.8%

 

Final conditional default rate trended down to

 

3.3 – 9.2%

 

3.5 – 9.2%

 

Expected period until final conditional default rate

 

36 months

 

36 months

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

1.2 – 8.6%

 

0.9 – 14.7%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

10%

 

10%

 

Loss severity

 

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.

 

As of March 31, 2012, for the base case 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 case scenario, the time over which the conditional default rate trends down to its final conditional default rate is 30 months. Therefore, the total

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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 December 31, 2011. 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 a very low recovery. Based on current expectations of future performance, the Company assumes that it will only recover 2% of the collateral, the same as December 31, 2011.

 

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 for most transactions, but lower than the historical average, which reflects the Company’s continued uncertainty about the projected performance of the borrowers in these transactions. This pattern is consistent with how the Company modeled the conditional prepayment rate at December 31, 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 1.5% in all but one instance where the final draw rate was 3.9%.

 

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, the same three scenarios and weightings as December 31, 2011. 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 March 31, 2012, 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), the same as December 31, 2011. 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 $49.9 million for HELOC transactions and $4.8 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 $46.7 million for HELOC transactions and $2.6 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. First 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

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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 Loan Performance securities databases, provided by CoreLogic, Inc., are said to be the industry’s largest and most comprehensive and include loan-level data on more than $2.2 trillion in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities (more than 90% of the market) as well as analytical tools designed to help evaluate that data. 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.The Company used the same liquidation rates for March 31, 2012 as it did for December 31, 2011. The following table shows liquidation assumptions for various delinquency categories.

 

First Lien Liquidation Rates

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

30 – 59 Days Delinquent

 

 

 

 

 

Alt A and Prime

 

35

%

35

%

Option ARM

 

50

 

50

 

Subprime

 

30

 

30

 

60 – 89 Days Delinquent

 

 

 

 

 

Alt A and Prime

 

55

 

55

 

Option ARM

 

65

 

65

 

Subprime

 

45

 

45

 

90+ Days Delinquent

 

 

 

 

 

Alt A and Prime

 

65

 

65

 

Option ARM

 

75

 

75

 

Subprime

 

60

 

60

 

Bankruptcy

 

 

 

 

 

Alt A and Prime

 

55

 

55

 

Option ARM

 

70

 

70

 

Subprime

 

50

 

50

 

Foreclosure

 

 

 

 

 

Alt A and Prime

 

85

 

85

 

Option ARM

 

85

 

85

 

Subprime

 

80

 

80

 

Real Estate Owned (REO)

 

 

 

 

 

All

 

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 delinquent 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 20% 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

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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 high levels generally will continue for another year (in the case of subprime loans, the Company assumes the unprecedented 90% loss severity rate will continue for six months then drop to 80% for six months before following the ramp described below). The Company determines its initial loss severity based on actual recent experience. (The Company’s loss severity assumptions for March 31, 2012 were the same as it used for December 31, 2011.) The Company then assumes that loss severities begin returning to levels consistent with underwriting assumptions beginning in March 2013, and in the base case scenario, decline over two years to 40%.

 

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

First Lien RMBS

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

Alt-A First Lien

 

 

 

 

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

2.7% – 33.9%

 

2.8% – 41.3%

 

Intermediate conditional default rate

 

0.5% – 6.8%

 

0.6% – 8.3%

 

Final conditional default rate

 

0.1% – 1.7%

 

0.1% – 2.1%

 

Initial loss severity

 

65%

 

65%

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

0.0% – 34.1%

 

0.0% – 24.4%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

15%

 

15%

 

Option ARM

 

 

 

 

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

9.7% – 32.2%

 

11.7% –31.5%

 

Intermediate conditional default rate

 

1.9% – 6.4%

 

2.3% – 6.3%

 

Final conditional default rate

 

0.5% – 1.6%

 

0.6% – 1.6%

 

Initial loss severity

 

65%

 

65%

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

0.1% – 5.3%

 

0.3% – 10.8%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

15%

 

15%

 

Subprime

 

 

 

 

 

Plateau conditional default rate

 

8.3% – 30.0%

 

8.6% – 29.9%

 

Intermediate conditional default rate

 

1.7% – 6.0%

 

1.7% – 6.0%

 

Final conditional default rate

 

0.4% – 1.5%

 

0.4% – 1.5%

 

Initial loss severity

 

90%

 

90%

 

Initial conditional prepayment rate

 

0.0% – 8.8%

 

0.0% – 16.3%

 

Final conditional prepayment rate

 

15%

 

15%

 

 

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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

In estimating expected losses, the Company modeled and probability weighted sensitivities for first lien transactions by varying its assumptions of how fast a recovery is expected to occur. One of the variables used to model 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. The Company probability weighted a total of five scenarios (including its base case) at March 31, 2012, the same as December 31, 2011. In a somewhat more stressful environment than that of the base case, 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 recover only to 60%), expected loss to be paid would increase from current projections by approximately $26.7 million for Alt-A first liens, $31.0 million for Option ARM, $120.0 million for subprime and $0.7 million for prime transactions. In an even more stressful scenario where other loss severities were assumed to recover over eight years (and subprime severities were assumed to recover only to 60% and other assumptions were the same as the other stress scenario), expected loss to be paid would increase from current projections by approximately $67.8 million for Alt-A first liens, $65.9 million for Option ARM, $167.1 million for subprime and $2.3 million for prime transactions. The Company also considered two scenarios where the recovery was faster than in its base case. In a scenario with a somewhat less stressful environment than the base case, where conditional default rate recovery was somewhat less gradual and the initial subprime loss severity rate was assumed to be 80% for 12 months and was assumed to recover to 40% over two years (the same scenario used for the base case at December 31, 2010), expected loss to be paid would decrease from current projections by approximately $5.2 million for Alt-A first lien, $30.1 million for Option ARM, $22.1 million for subprime and $0.2 million for prime transactions. In an even less stressful 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 from current projections by approximately $24.4 million for Alt-A first lien, $67.7 million for Option ARM, $46.3 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 has resulted in three negotiated agreements in respect of the Company’s R&W claims, including one on April 14, 2011 with Bank of America and one on May 8, 2012 with Deutsche Bank AG as described under “Deutsche Bank Agreement” in Note 2, Business Changes, Uncertainties and Accounting Developments.

 

For the RMBS transactions as to which the Company had not settled its claims for breaches of R&W as of March 31, 2012, the Company had performed a detailed review of approximately 16,500 second lien and 20,300 first lien non-performing loan files, representing approximately $1.1 billion in second lien and $5.9 billion in first lien outstanding par of non-performing loans underlying insured transactions. The Company identified approximately 15,300 second lien transaction loan files and approximately 18,100 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 become non-performing 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 March 31, 2012, excluding settled transactions, the Company had reached agreement with R&W providers for the repurchase of $41.8 million of second lien and $74.8 million of first lien mortgage loans. The $41.8 million for second lien loans represents the calculated repurchase price for 514 loans and the $74.8 million for first lien loans represents the calculated repurchase price for 285 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 March 31, 2012 an estimated benefit from loan repurchases related to breaches of R&W of $1.4 billion, which includes amounts from Bank of America. Where the

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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 limited recoveries. The Company did not include any recoveries related to breaches of R&W in amounts greater than the losses it paid or 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. As noted above, in circumstances where potential recoveries may be higher due to settlements, the recovery assumption is based on the probability of the potential agreement.

 

Balance Sheet Classification of R&W Benefit, Net of Reinsurance

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

 

$

389.1

 

$

(216.4

)

$

172.7

 

$

401.8

 

$

(197.3

)

$

204.5

 

Loss and LAE reserve

 

818.5

 

(74.5

)

744.0

 

857.5

 

(74.6

)

782.9

 

Unearned premium reserve

 

190.0

 

(56.2

)

133.8

 

175.5

 

(49.9

)

125.6

 

Total

 

$

1,397.6

 

$

(347.1

)

$

1,050.5

 

$

1,434.8

 

$

(321.8

)

$

1,113.0

 

 

The following table represents the Company’s total estimated R&W 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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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

Net of Reinsurance

 

 

 

Future Net
R&W Benefit as of
December 31, 2011

 

R&W Development
and Accretion of
Discount
During 2012

 

R&W Recovered
During
2012(1)

 

Future Net
R&W Benefit as of
March 31, 2012(2)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Prime first lien

 

$

3.0

 

$

0.6

 

$

 

$

3.6

 

Alt-A first lien

 

202.7

 

9.4

 

(1.0

)

211.1

 

Option ARM

 

713.9

 

27.5

 

(17.6

)

723.8

 

Subprime

 

101.5

 

(5.1

)

 

96.4

 

Closed end second lien

 

223.8

 

(2.2

)

 

221.6

 

HELOC

 

189.9

 

2.2

 

(51.0

)

141.1

 

Total

 

$

1,434.8

 

$

32.4

 

$

(69.6

)

$

1,397.6

 

 

 

 

Future Net
R&W Benefit as of
December 31, 2010

 

R&W Development
and Accretion of
Discount
During 2011

 

R&W Recovered
During
2011(1)

 

Future Net
R&W Benefit as of
March 31, 2011(2)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.1

 

$

1.2

 

$

 

$

2.3

 

Alt-A first lien

 

81.0

 

39.7

 

 

120.7

 

Option ARM

 

309.3

 

335.3

 

(25.6

)

619.0

 

Subprime

 

26.8

 

54.3

 

 

81.1

 

Closed end second lien

 

178.2

 

95.0

 

 

273.2

 

HELOC

 

1,004.1

 

154.5

 

(33.9

)

1,124.7

 

Total

 

$

1,600.5

 

$

680.0

 

$

(59.5

)

$

2,221.0

 

 


(1)           Gross amounts recovered were $77.2 million and $64.2 million in First Quarter 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

(2)           Includes R&W benefit of $482.1 million as of March 31, 2012 and $1,324.3 million as of March 31, 2011 attributable to transactions covered by the Bank of America Agreement.

 

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

 

 

 

Number of Risks (1) as of

 

Debt Service as of

 

 

 

March 31,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

March 31,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Prime first lien

 

1

 

1

 

$

40.5

 

$

41.9

 

Alt-A first lien

 

21

 

22

 

1,670.0

 

1,732.6

 

Option ARM

 

11

 

12

 

1,337.6

 

1,459.7

 

Subprime

 

5

 

5

 

825.7

 

905.8

 

Closed-end second lien

 

4

 

4

 

262.8

 

361.4

 

HELOC (2)

 

7

 

15

 

731.2

 

2,978.5

 

Total

 

49

 

59

 

$

4,867.8

 

$

7,479.9

 

 


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

 

(2)                                  The decline in number of HELOC risks and debt service relates to the final payment from Bank of America for covered HELOC transactions.

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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.

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

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

 

$

 

$

107.1

 

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

 

79.7

 

198.4

 

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

 

(51.3

)

39.8

 

Results of settlements

 

 

334.1

 

Accretion of discount on balance

 

4.0

 

0.6

 

Total

 

$

32.4

 

$

680.0

 

 

The R&W development during First Quarter 2012 resulted in large part from the change in recovery assumption related to a select group of transactions where the Company believes there is an increased probability of a settlement.  The remainder of the development relates to changes in collateral losses.

 

The Company assumes that recoveries on transactions backed by HELOC and closed-end second lien loans that were not subject to the Bank of America Agreement or projected settlements will occur in two to four years from the balance sheet date depending on the scenarios and that recoveries on transactions backed by 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 were paid in full by March 31, 2012.

 

As of March 31, 2012, cumulative collateral losses on the 20 first lien RMBS transactions executed as financial guaranties and subject to a comprehensive agreement with Bank of America Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Countrywide Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Bank of America”) (the “Bank of America Agreement”) were approximately $2.1 billion. The Company estimates that cumulative projected collateral losses for these first lien transactions will be $4.8 billion, which will result in estimated gross expected losses to the Company of $626.5 million before considering R&W recoveries from Bank of America, and $125.3 million after considering such R&W recoveries, all on a discounted basis.  The Bank of America Agreement covers cumulative collateral losses up to $6.6 billion for these transactions plus one CDS transaction. As of March 31, 2012, and before cessions to reinsurers, AGC and AGM had collected $76.3 million, sent invoices for an additional $13.9 million in claims paid in March 2012 and expected to collect an additional $487.2 million, on a discounted basis, for covered first lien transactions under the Bank of America Agreement. Bank of America had placed approximately $1.0 billion of eligible assets in trust in order to collateralize the reimbursement obligation relating to these and one covered first lien CDS transaction. The amount of assets required to be posted may increase or decrease from time to time as determined by rating agency requirements.

 

Student Loan Transactions

 

The Company has insured or reinsured $2.8 billion net par of student loan securitizations, $1.3 billion issued by private issuers and classified as asset-backed and $1.5 billion issued by public authorities and classified as public finance. Of these amounts, $170.7 million and $609.6 million, respectively, are rated BIG. The Company is projecting approximately $65.4 million of net 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 $24.7 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. The decrease of approximately $9.2 million in net expected loss during First Quarter 2012 is primarily due to the increase in risk free rates used for discounting as well as some favorable experience with respect to prospective commutations potentially achieved by the primary insurer on some transactions.

 

Trust Preferred Securities Collateralized Debt Obligations

 

The Company has insured or reinsured $1.8 billion of net par of collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) backed by TruPS and similar debt instruments, or “TruPS CDOs.” Of that amount, $796.7 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

 

28



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

similar instruments issued by insurance companies, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and other real estate related issuers.

 

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. At March 31, 2012, the Company has projected expected losses to be paid for TruPS CDOs that are accounted for as financial guaranty insurance of $8.5 million. The decrease of approximately $4.7 million in net expected loss during First Quarter 2012 was driven primarily by the increase in the risk free rate used to discount loss projections (which was partially offset by refinements and updates of the model used to project losses).

 

“XXX” Life Insurance Transactions

 

The Company’s $2.3 billion net par of XXX life insurance transactions includes, as of March 31, 2012, $882.5 million rated BIG. The BIG “XXX” life insurance reserve securitizations are 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.

 

The BIG “XXX” life insurance transactions consist of two transactions: Ballantyne Re p.l.c and Orkney Re II p.l.c. These 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 March 31, 2012, the Company’s projected net expected loss to be paid is $122.7 million. The decrease of $6.8 million during First Quarter 2012 is due primarily to the increase in the risk free rate used to discount loss projections (offset in part by loss development related to updated mortality experience).

 

Other Notable Loss or Claim Transactions

 

The Company projects losses on, or is monitoring particularly closely, a number of other individual transactions, the most significant of which are described in the following paragraphs.

 

As of March 31, 2012 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 €114.1 million of inflation-linked debt (€52.6 million on a net basis) due in 2057 with a 2.085% coupon. On February 24, 2012, Greece announced the terms of exchange offers and consent solicitations that requested the voluntary participation by holders of certain Greek bonds, including the insured 2037 and 2057 bonds, in an exchange that would result in the cancellation of such bonds in exchange for a package of replacement securities with lower principal amounts, and requested the consent of holders to amendments of the bonds that could be used to impose the same terms on holders that do not voluntarily participate in the exchange. In March 2012, the exchange was imposed through collective action clauses on the Company’s exposure to the 2037 bonds. In April 2012, the Company consented to the exchange with respect to its exposure on the 2057 bonds. The exchanges have caused the Company to recognize inception to date economic loss development of $334.1 million gross of reinsurance and $231.9 million, net of reinsurance and net of salvage received in the form of such exchanged securities, as of March 31, 2012. This represents an increase from the equivalent amounts of $64.7 million gross of reinsurance and $42.6 million net of reinsurance as of December 31, 2011.

 

The Company has net exposure to Jefferson County, Alabama of $710.4 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 net exposure relates to $478.5 million of warrants issued by Jefferson County in respect of its sewer system, of which $205.4 million is direct and $273.1 million is assumed. Jefferson County’s sewer revenue warrants are secured by a pledge of the net revenues of the sewer system, and the bankruptcy court has affirmed that the net revenues constitute “special revenue” under Chapter 9. Therefore, the net revenues of the sewer system are not subject to an automatic stay during the pendency of the County’s bankruptcy case. However, whether sufficient net revenues will be made available for the payment of regularly scheduled debt service will be a function of the bankruptcy court’s determination of “necessary operating expenses” under the bankruptcy code and the valuation of the sewer revenue stream which the bankruptcy court ultimately approves. The Company has projected loss to be paid of $50.4 million as of March 31, 2012 and $26.7 million as of December 31, 2011 on the sewer revenue warrants, which is an estimate based on a number of

 

29



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

probability-weighted scenarios. The economic development of $23.7 million during First Quarter 2012 was due primarily to market factors, namely the increase in the discount rate and the increase in the forward London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) curve.

 

·                  The Company’s remaining net exposure of $231.8 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. Of this, $168.1 million is direct and $63.7 million is assumed. The Company projects less than $1 million of expected loss to be paid as of March, 31 2012 and December 31, 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.

 

As of March 31, 2012 the Company had purchased all of the Company’s net outstanding insured bonds backed by telephone directory “yellow pages” (both print and digital) in various jurisdictions with a net par of $110 million and guaranteed by Ambac Assurance Corporation (“Ambac”).

 

The Company insures a total of $326.9 million net par of securities backed by manufactured housing loans, a total of $221.3 million rated BIG. The Company has expected loss to be paid of $16.6 million as of March 31, 2012 compared to $18.4 million as of December 31, 2011 on two direct transactions from 2000-2001 with an aggregate net par of $140.9 million and one assumed transaction from 2001 with an aggregate net par of $4.9 million.

 

The Company has $168.8 million of net par exposure to The City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, of which $94.8 million is BIG. The Company has paid $8.0 million in net claims to date, and expects a full recovery.

 

Recovery Litigation

 

RMBS Transactions

 

As of March 31, 2012, AGM and AGC have filed lawsuits with regard to the following 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:

 

·                              ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-GP1 (a second lien transaction in which AGM has sued Deutsche Bank AG affiliates DB Structured Products, Inc. and ACE Securities Corp.);

 

·                              ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL2 and the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL3 (both second lien transactions in which AGC has sued Deutsche Bank AG affiliates DB Structured Products, Inc. and ACE Securities Corp.);

 

·                              Flagstar Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2005-1 and Series 2006-2 (both second lien transactions in which AGM has sued Flagstar Bank, FSB, Flagstar Capital Markets Corporation and Flagstar ABS, LLC);

 

·                              SACO I Trust 2005-GP1 (a second lien transaction in which AGC has sued JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s affiliate EMC Mortgage LLC (formerly known as EMC Mortgage Corporation), J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (formerly known as Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.); and

 

·                              Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust 2005-AC5 and Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust 2005-AC6 (both first lien transactions in which AGC has sued EMC Mortgage LLC).

 

In these lawsuits, AGM and AGC seek damages, including indemnity or reimbursement for losses.

 

In September 2010, AGM 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

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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:

 

·                              IndyMac Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-H1 (a second lien transaction in which AGM has sued Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.); and

·                              IndyMac IMSC Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-HOA-1 (a first lien transaction in which AGM has sued UBS Securities LLC).

 

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 (AGM insured);

·                              CSAB Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2006-3 (AGM insured);

·                              CSAB Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2006-4 (AGM insured);

·                              CMSC Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2007-3 (AGM insured);

·                              CSAB Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2007-1 (AGC insured); and

·                              TBW Mortgage-Backed Pass Through Certificates, Series 2007-2 (AGC insured).

 

The complaint alleges breaches of R&W by DLJ in respect of the underlying loans in the transactions, breaches of contract by DLJ and Credit Suisse in procuring falsely inflated shadow ratings (a condition to the issuance by AGC and AGM of its policies) by providing false and misleading information to the rating agencies, and failure by DLJ to cure or repurchase defective loans identified by AGM and AGC.

 

In February 2012, AGM filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against UBS Real Estate Securities Inc. with respect to three first lien U.S. RMBS transactions it had insured:

 

·                              MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 2006-OA2;

·                              MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 2007-1; and

·                              MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 2007-3.

 

The complaint alleges breaches of R&W by UBS Real Estate in respect of the underlying loans in the transactions, breaches of UBS Real Estate’s repurchase obligations with respect to the defective loans identified by AGM, and breaches of contract by UBS Real Estate in procuring falsely inflated shadow ratings (a condition to the issuance by AGM of its policies) by providing false and misleading information to the rating agencies concerning the underlying loans in the transactions.

 

In connection with the Deutsche Bank Agreement, Assured Guaranty will dismiss lawsuits it has filed against Deutsche Bank involving the following RMBS transactions:

 

·                              ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL2;

·          ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL3; and

·                              IndyMac Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-H1.

 

The Deutsche Bank Agreement does not resolve the litigation filed by AGM against Deutsche Bank regarding the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-GP1 securitization transaction, which involves second lien mortgage loans originated by a third party.

 

“XXX” Life Insurance Transactions

 

In December 2008, Assured Guaranty (UK) Ltd. (“AGUK”) filed an action against 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. After AGUK’s claims were dismissed with prejudice in January 2010, AGUK was successful in its subsequent motions and appeals and, as of December 2011, all of AGUK’s claims for breaches of fiduciary duty, gross negligence and contract were reinstated in full. Separately, at the trial court level, discovery is ongoing.

 

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 has filed a motion with the Jefferson County bankruptcy court to confirm that continued prosecution of the lawsuit against JPMorgan will not violate the automatic stay applicable to Jefferson County notwithstanding JPMorgan’s interpleading of Jefferson County into the lawsuit. 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

 

31



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

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 in October 2011, which petition and a subsequent appeal were dismissed by the bankruptcy judge in November 2011. The City Council has appealed the dismissal of the appeal. As a result of the dismissal, however, the actions brought by AGM and the trustees against The City of Harrisburg and The Harrisburg Authority are no longer stayed. A receiver for The City of Harrisburg (the “City Receiver”) was appointed by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in December 2011. The City Receiver filed a motion to intervene in the mandamus action and action for the appointment of a receiver for the resource recovery facility. In March 2012, the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania issued an order granting the motion for the appointment of a receiver for the resource recovery facility, which order has been appealed by The Harrisburg Authority.

 

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 March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Loss and
LAE
Reserve

 

Salvage and
Subrogation
Recoverable 

 

Net

 

Loss and
LAE
Reserve 

 

Salvage and
Subrogation
Recoverable

 

Net

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.6

 

$

 

$

1.6

 

$

1.2

 

$

 

$

1.2

 

Alt-A first lien

 

59.9

 

57.1

 

2.8

 

69.8

 

55.4

 

14.4

 

Option ARM

 

139.0

 

147.6

 

(8.6

)

141.7

 

140.3

 

1.4

 

Subprime

 

59.7

 

0.2

 

59.5

 

51.4

 

0.3

 

51.1

 

Total first lien

 

260.2

 

204.9

 

55.3

 

264.1

 

196.0

 

68.1

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

9.3

 

139.8

 

(130.5

)

11.2

 

136.2

 

(125.0

)

HELOC

 

54.8

 

186.5

 

(131.7

)

61.1

 

177.2

 

(116.1

)

Total second lien

 

64.1

 

326.3

 

(262.2

)

72.3

 

313.4

 

(241.1

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

324.3

 

531.2

 

(206.9

)

336.4

 

509.4

 

(173.0

)

Other structured finance

 

176.2

 

9.8

 

166.4

 

233.0

 

5.9

 

227.1

 

Public finance (1)

 

362.3

 

75.6

 

286.7

 

100.0

 

69.9

 

30.1

 

Total financial guaranty

 

862.8

 

616.6

 

246.2

 

669.4

 

585.2

 

84.2

 

Other

 

1.9

 

 

1.9

 

1.9

 

 

1.9

 

Subtotal

 

864.7

 

616.6

 

248.1

 

671.3

 

585.2

 

86.1

 

Effect of consolidating FG VIEs

 

(63.1

)

(292.2

)

229.1

 

(61.6

)

(258.1

)

196.5

 

Total (2)

 

$

801.6

 

$

324.4

 

$

477.2

 

$

609.7

 

$

327.1

 

$

282.6

 

 


(1)                                  Includes $275.5 million of net loss reserves as of March 31, 2012 and $32.6 million of net loss reserves as of December 31, 2011 related to sovereign debt of Greece.

 

(2)                                  See “Components of Net Reserves (Salvage)” table for loss and LAE reserve and salvage and subrogation recoverable components.

 

The following table reconciles the loss and LAE reserve and salvage and subrogation components on the consolidated balance sheet to the financial guaranty net reserves (salvage) in the financial guaranty BIG transaction loss summary tables above.

 

Components of Net Reserves (Salvage)

 

 

 

As of
 March 31, 2012

 

As of
 December 31, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Loss and LAE reserve

 

$

954.5

 

$

679.0

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

(152.9

)

(69.3

)

Subtotal

 

801.6

 

609.7

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

 

(367.3

)

(367.7

)

Salvage and subrogation payable(1)

 

42.9

 

40.6

 

Subtotal

 

(324.4

)

(327.1

)

Total

 

477.2

 

282.6

 

Less: other

 

1.9

 

1.9

 

Financial guaranty net reserves (salvage)

 

$

475.3

 

$

280.7

 

 


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

 

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

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

Loss and LAE Reported

on the Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Financial Guaranty:

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

0.4

 

$

(0.1

)

Alt-A first lien

 

(1.3

)

8.2

 

Option ARM

 

52.5

 

(29.1

)

Subprime

 

7.8

 

(9.4

)

Total first lien

 

59.4

 

(30.4

)

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

Closed end second lien

 

(0.8

)

(9.9

)

HELOC

 

15.1

 

61.0

 

Total second lien

 

14.3

 

51.1

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

73.7

 

20.7

 

Other structured finance

 

(32.4

)

20.3

 

Public finance(1)

 

208.7

 

(15.8

)

Total

 

250.0

 

25.2

 

Effect of consolidating FG VIEs

 

(3.2

)

(50.7

)

Total loss and LAE

 

$

246.8

 

$

(25.5

)

 


(1) Includes $189.3 million related to sovereign debt of Greece for First Quarter 2012.

 

The following table provides information on financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance contracts categorized as BIG.

 

33



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance BIG Transaction Loss Summary

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

BIG Categories

 

 

 

BIG 1

 

BIG 2

 

BIG 3

 

 

 

Effect of

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Total
BIG, Net

 

Consolidating
FG VIEs

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Number of risks(1)

 

164

 

(58

)

79

 

(27

)

125

 

(48

)

368

 

 

368

 

Remaining weighted-average contract period (in years)

 

10.3

 

9.1

 

13.3

 

25.5

 

9.3

 

6.5

 

10.6

 

 

10.6

 

Net outstanding exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

$

9,048.8

 

$

(1,345.6

)

$

4,192.3

 

$

(289.5

)

$

7,512.5

 

$

(599.2

)

$

18,519.3

 

$

 

$

18,519.3

 

Interest

 

4,143.5

 

(464.5

)

3,206.1

 

(515.4

)

2,401.3

 

(163.8

)

8,607.2

 

 

8,607.2

 

Total(2)

 

$

13,192.3

 

$

(1,810.1

)

$

7,398.4

 

$

(804.9

)

$

9,913.8

 

$

(763.0

)

$

27,126.5

 

$

 

$

27,126.5

 

Expected cash outflows (inflows)

 

$

1,567.6

 

$

(646.0

)

$

2,203.4

 

$

(233.3

)

$

2,691.8

 

$

(123.6

)

$

5,459.9

 

$

(818.2

)

$

4,641.7

 

Potential recoveries(3)

 

(1,688.0

)

669.8

 

(1,049.2

)

50.0

 

(2,423.4

)

94.0

 

(4,346.8

)

905.6

 

(3,441.2

)

Subtotal

 

(120.4

)

23.8

 

1,154.2

 

(183.3

)

268.4

 

(29.6

)

1,113.1

 

87.4

 

1,200.5

 

Discount

 

9.9

 

(4.8

)

(279.1

)

23.1

 

(110.5

)

0.7

 

(360.7

)

68.1

 

(292.6

)

Present value of expected cash flows

 

$

(110.5

)

$

19.0

 

$

875.1

 

$

(160.2

)

$

157.9

 

$

(28.9

)

$

752.4

 

$

155.5

 

$

907.9

 

Deferred premium revenue

 

$

112.3

 

$

(13.6

)

$

311.5

 

$

(32.0

)

$

899.0

 

$

(107.5

)

$

1,169.7

 

$

(343.8

)

$

825.9

 

Reserves (salvage)(4)

 

$

(136.6

)

$

24.1

 

$

637.0

 

$

(141.7

)

$

(145.5

)

$

8.9

 

$

246.2

 

$

229.1

 

$

475.3

 

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance BIG Transaction Loss Summary

December 31, 2011

 

 

 

BIG Categories

 

 

 

BIG 1

 

BIG 2

 

BIG 3

 

 

 

Effect of

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Gross

 

Ceded

 

Total
BIG, Net

 

Consolidating
FG VIEs

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

Number of risks(1)

 

171

 

(68

)

71

 

(26

)

126

 

(48

)

368

 

 

368

 

Remaining weighted-average contract period (in years)

 

10.0

 

9.2

 

13.7

 

20.5

 

9.2

 

6.4

 

10.4

 

 

10.4

 

Net outstanding exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

$

9,675.8

 

$

(1,378.0

)

$

3,731.6

 

$

(274.0

)

$

7,830.8

 

$

(627.7

)

$

18,958.5

 

$

 

$

18,958.5

 

Interest

 

4,307.9

 

(485.6

)

2,889.4

 

(404.8

)

2,486.4

 

(170.0

)

8,623.3

 

 

8,623.3

 

Total(2)

 

$

13,983.7

 

$

(1,863.6

)

$

6,621.0

 

$

(678.8

)

$

10,317.2

 

$

(797.7

)

$

27,581.8

 

$

 

$

27,581.8

 

Expected cash outflows (inflows)

 

$

1,730.6

 

$

(658.8

)

$

1,833.3

 

$

(120.3

)

$

2,423.0

 

$

(133.4

)

$

5,074.4

 

$

(998.4

)

$

4,076.0

 

Potential recoveries(3)

 

(1,798.0

)

664.0

 

(1,079.3

)

38.5

 

(2,040.5

)

100.3

 

(4,115.0

)

1,059.8

 

(3,055.2

)

Subtotal

 

(67.4

)

5.2

 

754.0

 

(81.8

)

382.5

 

(33.1

)

959.4

 

61.4

 

1,020.8

 

Discount

 

15.7

 

(4.6

)

(240.6

)

31.6

 

(125.1

)

1.6

 

(321.4

)

45.3

 

(276.1

)

Present value of expected cash flows

 

$

(51.7

)

$

0.6

 

$

513.4

 

$

(50.2

)

$

257.4

 

$

(31.5

)

$

638.0

 

$

106.7

 

$

744.7

 

Deferred premium revenue

 

$

260.8

 

$

(69.1

)

$

280.9

 

$

(12.3

)

$

991.8

 

$

(126.6

)

$

1,325.5

 

$

(390.7

)

$

934.8

 

Reserves (salvage)(4)

 

$

(96.6

)

$

6.9

 

$

319.5

 

$

(41.9

)

$

(110.2

)

$

6.5

 

$

84.2

 

$

196.5

 

$

280.7

 

 


(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 ceded number of risks represents the number of risks for which the Company ceded a portion of its exposure.

 

 

(2)

Includes BIG amounts related to FG VIEs which are not eliminated.

 

 

(3)

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

 

34



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

4. Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts (Continued)

 

(4)

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

 

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, if the insured obligors were unable to pay.

 

For example, AGM and AGC have issued financial guaranty insurance policies in respect of the obligations of municipal obligors under interest rate swaps. Under the swaps, AGM or AGC, as the case may be, insures periodic payments owed by the municipal obligors to the bank counterparties. Under certain of the swaps, AGM or AGC also insures termination payments that may be owed by the municipal obligors to the bank counterparties. The bank counterparty benefiting from AGM or AGC’s insurance policy may have the right to terminate the swap if AGM or AGC’s financial strength rating declines below a certain level. The particular level varies on a transaction by transaction basis; a significant amount of swap exposure would be terminable by the bank counterparty if AGM or AGC were downgraded below “A” by S&P or below “A2” by Moody’s. The amount that AGM or AGC may be obligated to pay upon termination could be limited both in the aggregate and on an annual basis by the terms of the swap. In many cases, the bank counterparty is not entitled to terminate the swap if the municipal obligor either replaces AGM or AGC, or posts collateral under the swap. If AGM or AGC has been downgraded below the rating trigger set forth in a swap under which it has insured the termination payment; the municipal obligor has failed to post collateral or replace AGM or AGC, as the case may be, or to otherwise cure the downgrade of AGM or AGC; the bank counterparty has elected to terminate the swap; a termination payment is payable by the municipal obligor; and the municipal obligor has failed to make the termination payment payable by it, in an amount that equals or exceeds the limit set forth in the financial guaranty relating to such swap, then AGM and AGC would be required to pay the termination payments due by the municipal obligor. The claim payment would be subject to recovery from such municipal obligor.

 

As another example, with respect to VRDOs for which a bank has agreed to provide a liquidity facility, a downgrade of AGM or AGC 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%, and capped at the lesser of 25% and the maximum legal limit). In the event the bank holds such bonds for longer than a specified period of time, usually 90-180 days, 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 AGM or AGC under its financial guaranty policy. As of March 31, 2012, AGM and AGC has insured approximately $1.1 billion of par of VRDOs issued by municipal obligors rated BBB- or lower pursuant to the Company’s internal rating. For a number of such obligations, a downgrade of AGM or AGC below “A+” by S&P or below “A1” by 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 13, Long Term Debt and Credit Facilities for a discussion of the impact of a downgrade in the financial strength rating on the Company’s insured leveraged lease transactions and Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies for a discussion of the impact of a downgrade in the financial strength rating on guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”) that AGM has insured.

 

5. 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 on a hypothetical 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

 

35



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

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 as applicable.

 

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 First Quarter 2012, 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. The Company generally defines an active market as a market in which trading occurs at significant volumes. Active markets generally are more liquid and have a lower bid-ask spread than an inactive market.

 

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. During the periods presented, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and no transfers in or out of Level 3.

 

Measured and Carried at Fair Value

 

Fixed Maturity Securities and Short-term Investments

 

The fair value of bonds in the investment portfolio is generally based on prices received from third party pricing services or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. The pricing services prepare estimates of fair value measurements using their pricing applications, which include available relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing. Additional valuation factors that can be taken into account are nominal spreads and liquidity adjustments. The pricing services evaluate each asset class based on relevant market and credit information, perceived market movements, and sector news. The market inputs used in the pricing evaluation, listed in the approximate order of priority include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data and industry and economic events. The extent of the use of each input is dependent on the asset class and the market conditions. Given the asset class, the priority of the use of inputs may change or some market inputs may not be relevant. Additionally, the valuation of fixed maturity investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to the lack of market based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction would occur. The overwhelming majority of fixed maturities are classified as Level 2.

 

36



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

Short-term investments, which comprise securities due to mature within one year of the date of purchase that are traded in active markets, are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and are based on quoted market prices. Securities such as discount notes are classified within Level 2 because these securities are typically not actively traded due to their approaching maturity and, as such, their cost approximates fair value.

 

Prices determined based upon model processes where at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable, are considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. At March 31, 2012, the Company used model processes to price 26 fixed maturity securities, which was 4% or $403.3 million of the Company’s fixed-income securities and short-term investments at fair value. Level 3 securities were priced with the assistance of an independent third-party. The pricing is based on a discounted cash flow approach using the third-party’s proprietary pricing models, which includes information from Intex Solutions Inc. The models use inputs such as projected prepayment speeds;  severity assumptions; recovery lag assumptions; estimated default rates (determined on the basis of an analysis of collateral attributes, historical collateral performance, borrower profiles and other features relevant to the evaluation of collateral credit quality); house price depreciation/appreciation rates based on macroeconomic forecasts and recent trading activity.  The yield used to discount the projected cash flows is determined by reviewing various attributes of the bond including collateral type, weighted average life, sensitivity to losses, vintage, and convexity, in conjunction with market data on comparable securities.  Significant changes to any of these inputs could materially change the expected timing of cash flows within these securities which is a significant factor in determining the fair value of the securities.

 

Other Invested Assets

 

Other invested assets includes certain investments that are carried and measured at fair value on a recurring basis and non-recurring basis, as well as assets not carried at fair value.  Within other invested assets, $60.7 million are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012. These assets primarily comprise certain short-term investments and fixed maturity securities classified as trading and are Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Also carried at fair value on a recurring basis are $1.6 million in notes classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of these notes is determined by calculating the present value of the expected cash flows. The unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the notes are discount rate, prepayment speed and default rate.

 

Within other invested assets, $7.8 million are measured and carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2012.  These assets are comprised of mortgage loans which are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as there are significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of such loans. The non-performing portion of these mortgage loans is valued using an average recovery rate. 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. The unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the mortgage loans are discount rate, recovery on delinquent loans, loss severity, prepayment speed and default rate.

 

Other Assets

 

Committed Capital Securities

 

The fair value of committed capital securities (“CCS”), which is recorded in “other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets, represents the difference between the present value of remaining expected put option premium payments under AGC’s CCS (the “AGC CCS Securities”) and AGM’s Committed Preferred Trust Securities (the “AGM CPS Securities”) agreements, and the estimated present value that the Company would hypothetically have to pay currently for a comparable security (see Note 13, Long Term Debt and Credit Facilities). The estimated current cost of the Company’s CCS depends on several factors, including broker-dealer quotes for the outstanding securities, the U.S. dollar forward swap curve, LIBOR curve projections and the term the securities are estimated to remain outstanding.

 

Changes in fair value of the AGM CPS and AGC CCS securities were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2012 these securities were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because there is a reliance on significant unobservable inputs to the valuation model, including the broker-dealer quote and the Company’s estimate of the term the securities will be outstanding. Prior to the third quarter 2011, the significant market inputs used were observable, therefore, the Company classified this fair value measurement as Level 2. The CCS were transferred to Level 3 on the fair value hierarchy in the third quarter of 2011 because the Company was no longer able to obtain the same level of pricing information as in past quarters.

 

37



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

 

The Company classifies the fair value measurement of the assets of the Company’s various supplemental executive retirement plans as Level 1. The fair value of these assets is valued based on the observable published daily values of the underlying mutual fund and company stock investments included in the aforementioned plans.

 

Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives

 

The Company’s credit derivatives consist primarily of insured CDS contracts, and also include net interest margin securitizations and interest rate swaps that fall under derivative accounting standards requiring fair value accounting through the statement of operations. The Company does not enter into CDS with the intent to trade these contracts and the Company may not unilaterally terminate a CDS contract; however, the Company has mutually agreed with various counterparties to terminate certain CDS transactions.

 

The terms of the Company’s CDS contracts differ from more standardized credit derivative contracts sold by companies outside the financial guaranty industry. Management considers the non-standard terms of its credit derivative contracts in determining the fair value of these contracts. The non-standard terms include the absence of collateral support agreements or immediate settlement provisions. In addition, the Company employs relatively high attachment points and does not exit derivatives it sells or purchases for credit protection purposes, except under specific circumstances such as mutual agreements with counterparties to terminate certain CDS contracts.

 

Due to the lack of quoted prices for its instruments or for similar instruments, the Company determines the fair value of its credit derivative contracts primarily through modeling that uses various inputs to derive an estimate of the fair value of the Company’s contracts in principal markets. Observable inputs other than quoted market prices exist; however, these inputs reflect contracts that do not contain terms and conditions similar to the credit derivative contracts issued by the Company. Management does not believe there is an established market where financial guaranty insured credit derivatives are actively traded. The terms of the protection under an insured financial guaranty credit derivative do not, except for certain rare circumstances, allow the Company to exit its contracts. Management has determined that the exit market for the Company’s credit derivatives is a hypothetical one based on its entry market. Management has tracked the historical pricing of the Company’s deals to establish historical price points in the hypothetical market that are used in the fair value calculation. These contracts are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy since there is reliance on at least one unobservable input deemed significant to the valuation model, most significantly the Company’s estimate of the value of the non-standard terms and conditions of its credit derivative contracts and of the Company’s current credit standing.

 

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 fair value of the Company’s credit derivative contracts represents the difference between the present value of remaining net premiums the Company expects to receive or pay for the credit protection under the contract and the estimated present value of premiums that a financial guarantor of comparable credit-worthiness would hypothetically charge or pay the Company for the same protection. The fair value of the Company’s credit derivatives depends on a number of factors, including notional amount of the contract, expected term, credit spreads, changes in interest rates, the credit ratings of referenced entities, the Company’s own credit risk and remaining contractual cash flows. The expected remaining contractual cash flows are the most readily observable inputs since they are based on the CDS contractual terms. These cash flows include premiums to be received or paid under the terms of the contract. Credit spreads capture the effect of recovery rates and performance of underlying assets of these contracts, among other factors. If credit spreads of the underlying obligations change, the fair value of the related credit derivative changes. Market liquidity also affects valuations of the underlying obligations. Market conditions at March 31, 2012 were such that market prices of the Company’s CDS contracts were not available. Since market prices were not available, the Company used proprietary valuation models that used both unobservable and observable market data inputs as described under “Assumptions and Inputs” below. These models are primarily developed internally based on market conventions for similar transactions.

 

Valuation models include management estimates and current market information. Management is also required to make assumptions of 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, when available, 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 the 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 of these credit derivative products, actual experience may differ from the estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the differences may be material.

 

38



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

Assumptions and Inputs

 

Listed below are various inputs and assumptions that are key to the establishment of the Company’s fair value for CDS contracts.

 

·                  How gross spread is calculated: 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 LIBOR. Such pricing is well established by historical financial guaranty fees relative to the credit spread on risks assumed as observed and executed in competitive markets, including in financial guaranty reinsurance and secondary market transactions.

 

·                  How gross spread is allocated: Gross spread on a financial guaranty contract 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 by the originator to hedge their counterparty credit risk exposure to the Company (“hedge cost”).

 

·      The weighted average life which is based on expected remaining contractual cash flows and debt service schedules, which are readily observable inputs since they are based on the CDS contractual terms.

 

·                  The rates used to discount future expected losses.

 

The expected future premium cash flows for the Company’s credit derivatives were discounted at rates ranging from 0.24% to 3.02% at March 31, 2012. The expected future cash flows for the Company’s credit derivatives were discounted at rates ranging from 0.30% to 2.70% at December 31, 2011.

 

Gross spread is used to ultimately determine the net spread a comparable financial guarantor would charge the Company to transfer its risk at the reporting date.The Company obtains gross spreads on risks assumed from market data sources published by third parties (e.g. dealer spread tables for the collateral similar to assets within the Company’s transactions) as well as collateral-specific spreads provided by trustees or obtained from market sources. If observable market credit spreads are not available or reliable for the underlying reference obligations, then market indices are used that most closely resemble the underlying reference obligations, considering asset class, credit quality rating and maturity of the underlying reference obligations. These indices are adjusted to reflect the non-standard terms of the Company’s CDS contracts. Market sources determine credit spreads by reviewing new issuance pricing for specific asset classes and receiving price quotes from their trading desks for the specific asset in question. Management validates these quotes by cross-referencing quotes received from one market source against quotes received from another market source to ensure reasonableness. In addition, the Company compares the relative change in price quotes received from one quarter to another, with the relative change experienced by published market indices for a specific asset class. Collateral specific spreads obtained from third-party, independent market sources are un-published spread quotes from market participants or market traders who are not trustees. Management obtains this information as the result of direct communication with these sources as part of the valuation process.

 

With respect to CDS transactions for which there is an expected claim payment within the next twelve months, the allocation of gross spreads reflects 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 following spread hierarchy is utilized in determining which source of gross spread to use, with the rule being to use CDS spreads where available. If not available, the Company either interpolates or extrapolates CDS spreads based on similar transactions or market indices.

 

·                  Actual collateral specific credit spreads (if up-to-date and reliable market-based spreads are available).

 

39



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

·                  Deals priced or closed during a specific quarter within a specific asset class and specific rating.

 

·                  Credit spreads interpolated based upon market indices.

 

·                  Credit spreads provided by the counterparty of the CDS.

 

·                  Credit spreads extrapolated based upon transactions of similar asset classes, similar ratings, and similar time to maturity.

 

Information by Credit Spread Type

 

 

 

As of
 March 31, 2012

 

As of
 December 31, 2011

 

Based on actual collateral specific spreads

 

5

%

5

%

Based on market indices

 

90

%

90

%

Provided by the CDS counterparty

 

5

%

5

%

Total

 

100

%

100

%

 

Over time the data inputs can change as new sources become available or existing sources are discontinued or are no longer considered to be the most appropriate. It is the Company’s objective to move to higher levels on the hierarchy whenever possible, but it is sometimes necessary to move to lower priority inputs because of discontinued data sources or management’s assessment that the higher priority inputs are no longer considered to be representative of market spreads for a given type of collateral. This can happen, for example, if transaction volume changes such that a previously used spread index is no longer viewed as being reflective of current market levels.

 

The Company interpolates a curve based on the historical relationship between the premium the Company receives when a financial guaranty contract accounted for as CDS is closed, to the daily closing price of the market index related to the specific asset class and rating of the deal. This curve indicates expected credit spreads at each indicative level on the related market index. For transactions with unique terms or characteristics where no price quotes are available, management extrapolates credit spreads based on an alternative transaction for which the Company has received a spread quote from one of the first three sources within the Company’s spread hierarchy. This alternative transaction will be within the same asset class, have similar underlying assets, similar credit ratings, and similar time to maturity. The Company then calculates the percentage of relative spread change quarter over quarter for the alternative transaction. This percentage change is then applied to the historical credit spread of the transaction for which no price quote was received in order to calculate the transactions’ current spread. Counterparties determine credit spreads by reviewing new issuance pricing for specific asset classes and receiving price quotes from their trading desks for the specific asset in question. These quotes are validated by cross-referencing quotes received from one market source with those quotes received from another market source to ensure reasonableness.

 

The premium the Company receives is referred to as the “net spread.” The Company’s pricing model takes into account not only how credit spreads on risks that it assumes affect pricing, but also how the Company’s own credit spread affects the pricing of its deals. 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. For credit spreads on the Company’s name the Company obtains the quoted price of CDS contracts traded on AGC and AGM from market data sources published by third parties. 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. Given the current market conditions and the Company’s own credit spreads, approximately 76% of our CDS contracts are fair valued using this minimum premium. The Company corroborates the assumptions in its fair value model, including the portion of exposure to AGC and AGM hedged by its counterparties, with independent third parties each reporting period. The current level of AGC’s and AGM’s own credit spread has resulted in the bank or deal originator hedging a significant portion of its exposure to AGC and AGM. This reduces the amount of contractual cash flows AGC and AGM can capture as premium for selling its protection.

 

40



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

The amount of premium a financial guaranty insurance market participant can demand is inversely related to the cost of credit protection on the insurance company as measured by market credit spreads assuming all other assumptions remain constant. This is because the buyers of credit protection typically hedge a portion of their risk to the financial guarantor, due to the fact that the Company’s contracts’ contractual terms typically do not require the posting of collateral by the guarantor. The widening of a financial guarantor’s own credit spread increases the cost to buy credit protection on the guarantor, thereby reducing the amount of premium the guarantor can capture out of the gross spread on the deal. The extent of the hedge depends on the types of instruments insured and the current market conditions.

 

A credit derivative asset on protection sold is the result of contractual cash flows on in-force deals in excess of what a hypothetical financial guarantor could receive if it sold protection on the same risk as of the current reporting date. If the Company were able to freely exchange these contracts (i.e., assuming its contracts did not contain proscriptions on transfer and there was a viable exchange market), it would be able to realize a gain representing the difference between the higher contractual premiums to which it is entitled and the current market premiums for a similar contract. 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.

 

Example

 

Following is an example of how changes in gross spreads, the Company’s own credit spread and the cost to buy protection on the Company affect the amount of premium the Company can demand for its credit protection. The assumptions used in these examples are hypothetical amounts. Scenario 1 represents the market conditions in effect on the transaction date and Scenario 2 represents market conditions at a subsequent reporting date.

 

 

 

Scenario 1

 

Scenario 2

 

 

 

bps

 

% of Total

 

bps

 

% of Total

 

Original gross spread/cash bond price (in bps)

 

185

 

 

 

500

 

 

 

Bank profit (in bps)

 

115

 

62

%

50

 

10

%

Hedge cost (in bps)

 

30

 

16

 

440

 

88

 

The Company premium received per annum (in bps)

 

40

 

22

 

10

 

2

 

 

In Scenario 1, the gross spread is 185 basis points. The bank or deal originator captures 115 basis points of the original gross spread and hedges 10% of its exposure to AGC, when the CDS spread on AGC was 300 basis points (300 basis points × 10% = 30 basis points). Under this scenario the Company received premium of 40 basis points, or 22% of the gross spread.

 

In Scenario 2, the gross spread is 500 basis points. The bank or deal originator captures 50 basis points of the original gross spread and hedges 25% of its exposure to AGC, when the CDS spread on AGC was 1,760 basis points (1,760 basis points × 25% = 440 basis points). Under this scenario the Company would receive premium of 10 basis points, or 2% of the gross spread. Due to the increased cost to hedge AGC’s name, the amount of profit the bank would expect to receive, and the premium the Company would expect to receive decline significantly.

 

In this example, the contractual cash flows (the Company premium received per annum above) exceed the amount a market participant would require the Company to pay in today’s market to accept its obligations under the CDS contract, thus resulting in an asset. This credit derivative asset is equal to the difference in premium rates discounted at the corresponding LIBOR over the weighted average remaining life of the contract.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses of Model

 

The Company’s credit derivative valuation model, like any financial model, has certain strengths and weaknesses.

 

The primary strengths of the Company’s CDS modeling techniques are:

 

·                  The model takes into account the transaction structure and the key drivers of market value. The transaction structure includes par insured, weighted average life, level of subordination and composition of collateral.

 

·                  The model maximizes the use of market-driven inputs whenever they are available. The key inputs to the model are market-based spreads for the collateral, and the credit rating of referenced entities. These are viewed by the Company to be the key parameters that affect fair value of the transaction.

 

41



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

·                  The model is a consistent approach to valuing positions. The Company has developed a hierarchy for market-based spread inputs that helps mitigate the degree of subjectivity during periods of high illiquidity.

 

The primary weaknesses of the Company’s CDS modeling techniques are:

 

·                  There is no exit market or actual exit transactions. Therefore the Company’s exit market is a hypothetical one based on the Company’s entry market.

 

·                  There is a very limited market in which to validate the reasonableness of the fair values developed by the Company’s model.

 

·                  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the markets for the inputs to the model were highly illiquid, which impacts their reliability.

 

·                  Due to the non-standard terms under which the Company enters into derivative contracts, the fair value of its credit derivatives may not reflect the same prices observed in an actively traded market of credit derivatives that do not contain terms and conditions similar to those observed in the financial guaranty market.

 

As of March 31, 2012 these contracts were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because there is a reliance on at least one unobservable input deemed significant to the valuation model, most significantly the Company’s estimate of the value of non-standard terms and conditions of its credit derivative contracts and of the Company’s current credit standing.

 

Fair Value Option on FG VIEs’ Assets and Liabilities

 

The Company elected the fair value option for the FG VIEs’ assets and liabilities upon adoption of VIE consolidation accounting guidance on January 1, 2010. The fair value option was also elected for all subsequently consolidated FG VIEs. See Note 7, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.

 

The FG VIEs that are consolidated by the Company issued securities collateralized by HELOCs, first lien RMBS, Alt-A first and second lien RMBS, subprime automobile loans, and other loans and receivables. As the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of these securities in its entirety was a Level 3 input (i.e. unobservable), management classified all such securities as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The securities were priced with the assistance of an independent third-party. The pricing is based on a discounted cash flow approach and the third-party’s proprietary pricing models. The models to price the FG VIEs’ liabilities used, where appropriate, inputs such as estimated prepayment speeds; market values of the assets that collateralize the securities; estimated default rates (determined on the basis of an analysis of collateral attributes, historical collateral performance, borrower profiles and other features relevant to the evaluation of collateral credit quality); discount rates implied by market prices for similar securities; house price depreciation/appreciation rates based on macroeconomic forecasts and, for those liabilities insured by the Company, the benefit from the Company’s insurance policy guaranteeing the timely payment of principal and interest for the FG VIE tranches insured by the Company, taking into account the timing of the potential default and the Company’s own credit rating. These inputs are utilized to project the future cash flows of the security and to evaluate the overall bond profile. The third-party also utilizes an internal model to determine an appropriate yield at which to discount the cash flows of the security, by factoring in collateral types, weighted-average lives, and other structural attributes specific to the security being priced. The expected yield is further calibrated by utilizing algorithm’s designed to aggregate market color, received by the third-party, on comparable bonds.

 

Changes in fair value of the FG VIEs’ assets and liabilities are included in fair value gains (losses) on FG VIEs within the consolidated statement of operations. Except for credit impairment that triggers a claim on the financial guaranty contract, the unrealized fair value adjustments related to the consolidated FG VIEs will reverse to zero over the terms of these financial instruments.

 

The fair value of the Company’s FG VIE assets is sensitive to changes relating to estimated prepayment speeds; estimated default rates (determined on the basis of an analysis of collateral attributes such as: historical collateral performance, borrower profiles and other features relevant to the evaluation of collateral credit quality); discount rates implied by market prices for similar securities; and house price depreciation/appreciation rates based on macroeconomic forecasts. Significant changes to some of these inputs could materially change the market value of the FG VIE’s assets and the implied collateral losses within the transaction. In general, the fair value of the FG VIE is most sensitive to changes in the projected collateral losses, where an increase in collateral losses typically leads to a decrease in the fair value of the

 

42



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

Company’s FG VIE assets, while a decrease in collateral losses typically leads to an increase in the fair value of the Company’s FG VIE assets. These factors also directly impact the fair value of the Company’s uninsured VIE liabilities.

 

The fair value of the Company’s insured FG VIE liabilities is also sensitive to changes relating to estimated prepayment speeds; market values of the assets that collateralize the securities; estimated default rates (determined on the basis of an analysis of collateral attributes such as: historical collateral performance, borrower profiles and other features relevant to the evaluation of collateral credit quality); discount rates implied by market prices for similar securities; and house price depreciation/appreciation rates based on macroeconomic forecasts. In addition, the Company’s insured FG VIE liabilities are also sensitive to changes in the Company’s implied credit worthiness. Significant changes to any of these inputs could materially change the timing of expected losses within the insured transaction which is a significant factor in determining the implied benefit from the Company’s insurance policy guaranteeing the timely payment of principal and interest for the FG VIE tranches insured by the Company. In general, when the timing of expected loss payments by the Company is extended into the future, this typically leads to a decrease in the value of the Company’s insurance and a decrease in the fair value of the Company’s insured FG VIE liabilities, while a shortening of the timing of expected loss payments by the Company typically leads to an increase in the value of the Company’s insurance and an increase in the fair value of the Company’s insured FG VIE liabilities.

 

Not Carried at Fair Value

 

Financial Guaranty Contracts in Insurance Form

 

The fair value of the Company’s financial guaranty contracts accounted for as insurance was based on management’s estimate of what a similarly rated financial guaranty insurance company would demand to acquire the Company’s in-force book of financial guaranty insurance business. This amount was based on the pricing assumptions management has observed for portfolio transfers that have occurred in the financial guaranty market and included adjustments to the carrying value of unearned premium reserve for stressed losses, ceding commissions and return on capital. The significant inputs were not readily observable. The Company accordingly classified this fair value measurement as Level 3.

 

Long-Term Debt

 

The Company’s long-term debt, excluding notes payable, is valued by broker-dealers using third party independent pricing sources and standard market conventions. The market conventions utilize market quotations, market transactions for the Company’s comparable instruments, and to a lesser extent, similar instruments in the broader insurance industry. The fair value measurement was classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

The fair value of the notes payable that are recorded within long-term debt was determined by calculating the present value of the expected cash flows. The Company uses a market approach to determine discounted future cash flows using market driven discount rates and a variety of assumptions, including LIBOR curve projections, prepayment and default assumptions, and AGM CDS spreads.  The fair value measurement was classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because there is a reliance on significant unobservable inputs to the valuation model, including the discount rates, prepayment and default assumptions, loss severity and recovery on delinquent loans.

 

Other Invested Assets

 

Assets Acquired in Refinancing Transactions

 

The fair value of the other invested assets was determined by calculating the present value of the expected cash flows. The Company uses a market approach to determine discounted future cash flows using market driven discount rates and a variety of assumptions, including LIBOR curve projections, prepayment and default assumptions, and AGM CDS spreads.  The fair value measurement was classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because there is a reliance on significant unobservable inputs to the valuation model, including the discount rates, prepayment and default assumptions, loss severity and recovery on delinquent loans.

 

43



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

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 March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

$

866.7

 

$

 

$

866.7

 

$

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

5,526.1

 

 

5,516.6

 

9.5

 

Corporate securities

 

1,042.8

 

 

1,042.8

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,424.0

 

 

1,288.3

 

135.7

 

CMBS

 

501.5

 

 

501.5

 

 

Asset-backed securities

 

482.9

 

 

224.8

 

258.1

 

Foreign government securities

 

360.9

 

 

360.9

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

10,204.9

 

 

9,801.6

 

403.3

 

Short-term investments

 

903.4

 

220.3

 

683.1

 

 

Other invested assets(1)

 

68.5

 

0.1

 

59.0

 

9.4

 

Credit derivative assets

 

463.6

 

 

 

463.6

 

FG VIEs’ assets, at fair value

 

2,827.7

 

 

 

2,827.7

 

Other assets(2)

 

67.9

 

28.0

 

 

39.9

 

Total assets carried at fair value

 

$

14,536.0

 

$

248.4

 

$

10,543.7

 

$

3,743.9

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

$

2,416.3

 

$

 

$

 

$

2,416.3

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities with recourse, at fair value

 

2,365.2

 

 

 

2,365.2

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities without recourse, at fair value

 

1,085.6

 

 

 

1,085.6

 

Total liabilities carried at fair value

 

$

5,867.1

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,867.1

 

 

44



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

As of December 31, 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

 

$

922.4

 

$

 

$

922.4

 

$

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

5,455.4

 

 

5,445.9

 

9.5

 

Corporate securities

 

1,038.4

 

 

1,038.4

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,427.9

 

 

1,294.3

 

133.6

 

CMBS

 

500.0

 

 

500.0

 

 

Asset-backed securities

 

458.1

 

 

222.6

 

235.5

 

Foreign government securities

 

339.7

 

 

339.7

 

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

10,141.9

 

 

9,763.3

 

378.6

 

Short-term investments

 

734.0

 

210.3

 

523.7

 

 

Other invested assets(1)

 

43.5

 

 

32.8

 

10.7

 

Credit derivative assets

 

468.9

 

 

 

468.9

 

FG VIEs’ assets, at fair value

 

2,819.1

 

 

 

2,819.1

 

Other assets(2)

 

79.5

 

25.7

 

 

53.8

 

Total assets carried at fair value

 

$

14,286.9

 

$

236.0

 

$

10,319.8

 

$

3,731.1

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

$

1,772.8

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,772.8

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities with recourse, at fair value

 

2,396.9

 

 

 

2,396.9

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities without recourse, at fair value

 

1,061.5

 

 

 

1,061.5

 

Total liabilities carried at fair value

 

$

5,231.2

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,231.2

 

 


(1)                                  Includes mortgage loans that are recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, such investments were carried at their market value of $7.8 million and $9.0 million, respectively.

 

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

 

Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

 

The table below presents a roll forward of the Company’s Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis during First Quarter 2012 and 2011.

 

45



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

Fair Value Level 3 Rollforward

Recurring Basis

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Fixed Maturity Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FG VIEs’

 

FG VIEs’

 

 

 

Obligations
of State and
Political
Subdivisions

 

RMBS

 

Asset-
Backed
Securities

 

Other
Invested
Assets

 

FG VIEs’
Assets at
Fair
Value

 

Other
Assets

 

Credit

Derivative
Asset
(Liability),
net(5)

 

Liabilities
with
Recourse,
at Fair
Value

 

Liabilities
without
Recourse,
at Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fair value as of December 31, 2011

 

$

9.5

 

$

133.6

 

$

235.5

 

$

1.7

 

$

2,819.1

 

$

53.8

 

$

(1,303.9

)

$

(2,396.9

)

$

(1,061.5

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

0.2

(2)

0.8

(2)

5.8

(2)

 

135.1

(3)

(13.9

)(4)

(690.6

)(6)

(118.0

)(3)

(79.8

)(3)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

0.4

 

9.9

 

0.1

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

18.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

 

(0.6

)

(8.6

)

(1.3

)

 

(141.0

)

 

41.8

 

170.3

 

55.7

 

FG VIE consolidations

 

 

 

 

 

14.5

 

 

 

(20.6

)

 

Fair value as of March 31, 2012

 

$

9.5

 

$

135.7

 

$

258.1

 

$

1.6

 

$

2,827.7

 

$

39.9

 

$

(1,952.7

)

$

(2,365.2

)

$

(1,085.6

)

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) related to financial instruments held as of March 31, 2012

 

$

0.4

 

$

9.9

 

$

0.1

 

$

(0.1

)

$

231.4

 

$

(13.9

)

$

(634.6

)

$

(107.0

)

$

(118.1

)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

 

 

 

Fixed Maturity
Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FG VIEs’

 

FG VIEs’

 

 

 

RMBS

 

Asset-
Backed
Securities

 

Other
Invested
Assets

 

FG
VIEs’

Assets at
Fair
Value

 

Credit
Derivative
Asset
(Liability),
net(5)

 

Liabilities
with
Recourse,
at Fair
Value

 

Liabilities
without
Recourse,
at
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fair value as of 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)

 

3.9

(2)

1.6

(2)

 

234.4

(3)

(236.2

)(6)

(11.1

)(3)

(135.5

)(3)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(30.8

)

20.3

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

150.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

(4.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

 

(8.9

)

 

 

(212.9

)

(33.9

)

167.8

 

99.7

 

Fair value as of March 31, 2011

 

$

210.1

 

$

232.1

 

$

2.2

 

$

3,679.0

 

$

(2,140.0

)

$

(2,874.2

)

$

(1,373.0

)

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) related to financial instruments held as of March 31, 2011

 

$

(30.2

)

$

20.3

 

$

(0.1

)

$

348.3

 

$

(282.8

)

$

(35.9

)

$

(172.0

)

 


(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 fair value gains (losses) on 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.

 

46



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

Level 3 Fair Value Disclosures

 

Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Inputs

 

Financial Instrument Description

 

Fair Value at

March 31, 2012

(in millions)

 

Valuation

Technique

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs

 

Range (Weighted
Average)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

$

9.5

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Rate of inflation

Timing of collateral sales

Assumed sale proceeds

Collateral recovery period

 

1.0% - 3.0%

3 years - 11 years

0.0% - 11.9%

3 years - 11 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

135.7

 

Discounted cash flow

 

CPR

CDR

Severity

Yield

 

0.0% - 7.5%

3.5% - 41.5%

48.5% - 104.5%

6.0% - 16.0%

 

Asset-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whole business securitization

 

44.3

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Annual gross revenue projections

Value of primary financial guaranty policy

Liquidity discount

 

$54 million - $96 million

 

 43.8%
5.0% - 20.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investor owned utility

 

185.3

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Liquidation value

 

Years to liquidation

Discount factor

 

$161.8 million - $261.0 million
0 years - 2 years
0.9% - 1.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

XXX life insurance transactions

 

28.1

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Yield
Discount on asset cash flows

 

14.5%

40.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other asset-backed

 

0.4

 

Discounted cash flow

 

CPR

CDR

Severity

Yield

 

0.0% - 10.0%

2.0% - 10.0%

40.0% - 100.0%

3.0% - 15.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other invested assets

 

9.4

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Discount for lack of liquidity Recovery on delinquent loans Default rates

Loss severity

Prepayment speeds

 

10% - 20%

20% - 60%

1% - 10%

40% - 90%

6% - 15%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FG VIEs’ assets, at fair value

 

2,827.7

 

Discounted cash flow

 

CPR

CDR

Severity

Yield

 

0.0% - 10.9%

1.8% - 39.1%

25.5% - 110.1%

4.4% - 22.4%

 

 

47



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

Financial Instrument Description

 

Fair Value at

March 31, 2012

(in millions)

 

Valuation

Technique

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs

 

Range (Weighted
Average)

 

Other assets

 

39.9

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Quotes from third party pricing

Term

 

 

$40 - $45

3 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit derivative liabilities, net

 

(1,952.7

)

Discounted cash flow

 

Year 1 loss estimates

Hedge cost (in bps)

Bank profit (in bps)

Internal floor (in bps)

Internal credit rating

 

0% - 100%

94.5bps - 743bps

1.0bps -1,271.5bps

7.0bps - 40.0bps

AAA - CCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities, at fair value

 

(3,450.8

)

Discounted

 

CPR

 

0.0% - 10.9%

 

 

 

 

 

cash flow

 

CDR

 

1.8% - 39.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Severity

 

25.5% - 110.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yield

 

4.4% - 22.4%

 

 

48



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

5. Fair Value Measurement (Continued)

 

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are presented in the following table.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

$

10,204.9

 

$

10,204.9

 

$

10,141.9

 

$

10,141.9

 

Short-term investments

 

903.4

 

903.4

 

734.0

 

734.0

 

Other invested assets

 

154.1

 

157.7

 

170.4

 

182.4

 

Credit derivative assets

 

463.6

 

463.6

 

468.9

 

468.9

 

FG VIEs’ assets, at fair value

 

2,827.7

 

2,827.7

 

2,819.1

 

2,819.1

 

Other assets

 

169.0

 

169.0

 

180.2

 

180.2

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial guaranty insurance contracts(1)

 

4,827.6

 

6,102.3

 

4,664.0

 

4,319.8

 

Long-term debt(2)

 

1,034.7

 

1,265.6

 

1,038.3

 

1,186.3

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

2,416.3

 

2,416.3

 

1,772.8

 

1,772.8

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities with recourse, at fair value

 

2,365.2

 

2,365.2

 

2,396.9

 

2,396.9

 

FG VIEs’ liabilities without recourse, at fair value

 

1,085.6

 

1,085.6

 

1,061.5

 

1,061.5

 

Other liabilities

 

18.3

 

18.3

 

7.6

 

7.6

 

 


(1)                                  Carrying amount includes the balance sheet amounts related to financial guaranty insurance contract premiums and losses, net of reinsurance.

 

(2)                                  Carrying amount represented principal less accumulated discount or plus accumulated premium.

 

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives

 

The Company has a portfolio of financial guaranty contracts that meet the definition of a derivative in accordance with GAAP (primarily CDS). 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.

 

Credit Derivative Net Par Outstanding by Sector

 

The estimated remaining weighted average life of credit derivatives was 4.0 years at March 31, 2012 and 4.3 years at December 31, 2011. In First Quarter 2012, CDS contracts totaling $0.2 billion in net par were terminated. The components of the Company’s credit derivative net par outstanding are presented below.

 

49



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives (Continued)

 

Credit Derivatives Net Par Outstanding

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

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 obligation/collateral bond obligations

 

$

34,272

 

33.0

%

32.2

%

AAA

 

$

34,567

 

32.6

%

32.0

%

AAA

 

Synthetic investment grade pooled corporate

 

11,521

 

20.8

 

19.0

 

AAA

 

12,393

 

20.4

 

18.7

 

AAA

 

Synthetic high yield pooled corporate

 

5,077

 

35.7

 

29.8

 

AA+

 

5,049

 

35.7

 

30.3

 

AA+

 

TruPS CDOs

 

4,475

 

46.5

 

31.6

 

BB

 

4,518

 

46.6

 

31.9

 

BB

 

Market value CDOs of corporate obligations

 

4,122

 

34.9

 

30.1

 

AAA

 

4,546

 

30.6

 

28.9

 

AAA

 

Total pooled corporate obligations

 

59,467

 

32.0

 

29.3

 

AAA

 

61,073

 

31.2

 

28.9

 

AAA

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option ARM and Alt-A first lien

 

3,953

 

19.2

 

12.8

 

BB

 

4,060

 

19.6

 

13.6

 

BB-

 

Subprime first lien (including net interest margin)

 

3,925

 

29.4

 

53.6

 

A+

 

4,012

 

30.1

 

53.9

 

A+

 

Prime first lien

 

382

 

10.9

 

7.9

 

B

 

398

 

10.9

 

8.4

 

B

 

Closed end second lien and HELOCs

 

59

 

 

 

B

 

62

 

 

 

B

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

8,319

 

23.5

 

31.8

 

BBB

 

8,532

 

24.1

 

32.2

 

BBB

 

CMBS

 

4,410

 

33.5

 

40.3

 

AAA

 

4,612

 

32.6

 

38.9

 

AAA

 

Other

 

10,806

 

 

 

A

 

10,830

 

 

 

A

 

Total

 

$

83,002

 

 

 

 

 

AA+

 

$

85,047

 

 

 

 

 

AA+

 

 


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

 

Except for TruPS CDOs, the Company’s exposure to pooled corporate obligations is highly diversified in terms of obligors and 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 obligation (“CLO”) 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.

 

50



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives (Continued)

 

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, REITs and other real estate related issuers while CLOs typically contain primarily senior secured obligations. However, to mitigate these risks TruPS CDOs were typically structured with higher levels of embedded credit enhancement than typical CLOs.

 

The Company’s exposure to “Other” CDS contracts is also highly diversified. It includes $3.2 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 at origination. The remaining $7.6 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, infrastructure, regulated utilities and consumer receivables.

 

Distribution of Credit Derivative Net Par Outstanding by Internal Rating

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

Ratings

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

% of Total

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

% of Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Super Senior

 

$

20,787

 

25.0

%

$

21,802

 

25.6

%

AAA

 

40,099

 

48.3

 

40,240

 

47.3

 

AA

 

3,617

 

4.4

 

4,084

 

4.8

 

A

 

5,906

 

7.1

 

5,830

 

6.9

 

BBB

 

5,114

 

6.2

 

5,030

 

5.9

 

BIG

 

7,479

 

9.0

 

8,061

 

9.5

 

Total credit derivative net par outstanding

 

$

83,002

 

100.0

%

$

85,047

 

100.0

%

 

Credit Derivative

U.S. Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

First Quarter
2012

 

Vintage

 

Net Par
Outstanding
(in millions)

 

Original
Subordination(1)

 

Current
Subordination(1)

 

Weighted
Average
Credit Rating

 

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
(in millions)

 

2004 and Prior

 

$

140

 

6.4

%

19.4

%

BBB+

 

$

(1.5

)

2005

 

2,444

 

30.6

 

65.3

 

AA

 

(5.7

)

2006

 

1,621

 

29.4

 

35.5

 

A-

 

(33.4

)

2007

 

4,114

 

17.5

 

10.8

 

BB-

 

(588.8

)

Total

 

$

8,319

 

23.5

%

31.8

%

BBB

 

$

(629.4

)

 


(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.

 

 

Credit Derivative

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

First Quarter
2012

 

Vintage

 

Net Par
Outstanding
(in millions)

 

Original
Subordination(1)

 

Current
Subordination(1)

 

Weighted
Average
Credit Rating

 

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
(in millions)

 

2004 and Prior

 

$

144

 

28.2

%

59.2

%

AAA

 

$

(0.1

)

2005

 

672

 

17.9

 

33.9

 

AAA

 

(0.1

)

2006

 

2,104

 

33.9

 

39.8

 

AAA

 

0.5

 

2007

 

1,490

 

40.5

 

42.2

 

AAA

 

(0.1

)

Total

 

$

4,410

 

33.5

%

40.3

%

AAA

 

$

0.2

 

 

51



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives (Continued)

 


(1)                                  Represents the sum of subordinate tranches and over-collateralization 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

 

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

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net credit derivative premiums received and receivable

 

$

28.9

 

$

59.6

 

Net ceding commissions (paid and payable) received and receivable

 

(0.1

)

1.4

 

Realized gains on credit derivatives

 

28.8

 

61.0

 

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

 

(85.7

)

(25.6

)

Total realized gains (losses) and other settlements on credit derivatives

 

(56.9

)

35.4

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives

 

(633.8

)

(271.6

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

$

(690.7

)

$

(236.2

)

 

Net credit derivative premiums received and receivable included $0.2 million in First Quarter 2012, which represents the acceleration of future premium revenues for terminated CDS. In First Quarter 2011, CDS contracts totaling $2.6 billion in net par were terminated for total net payments to the Company of $15.5 million. The increase in paid losses was due primarily to claims paid on an insured film securitization.

 

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 (losses) 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 are 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.

 

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

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

Asset Type

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pooled corporate obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

CLOs/Collateral bond obligations

 

$

7.3

 

$

2.0

 

Synthetic investment grade pooled corporate

 

1.6

 

10.5

 

Synthetic high yield pooled corporate

 

10.8

 

(2.8

)

TruPS CDOs

 

(13.8

)

(20.8

)

Market value CDOs of corporate obligations

 

(0.4

)

(0.1

)

Total pooled corporate obligations

 

5.5

 

(11.2

)

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

Option ARM and Alt-A first lien

 

(517.7

)

(267.6

)

Subprime first lien (including net interest margin)

 

(26.1

)

(24.1

)

Prime first lien

 

(86.1

)

0.6

 

Closed end second lien and HELOCs

 

0.5

 

0.3

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

(629.4

)

(290.8

)

CMBS

 

0.2

 

0.7

 

Other

 

(10.1

)

29.7

 

Total

 

$

(633.8

)

$

(271.6

)

 

In First Quarter 2012, U.S. RMBS unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily in the Option ARM, Alt-A, prime first lien and subprime RMBS sectors due to wider implied net spreads. The wider implied net spreads were primarily a result of the decreased cost to buy protection in AGC’s name as the market cost of AGC’s credit protection decreased. These transactions were pricing above their floor levels (or the minimum rate at which the Company would consider

 

52



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives (Continued)

 

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, decreased the implied spreads that the Company would expect to receive on these transactions increased. The cost of AGM’s credit protection also decreased during the quarter, but did not lead to significant fair value losses, as the majority of AGM policies continue to price at floor levels.

 

In First Quarter 2011, U.S. RMBS unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily in the Option ARM, Alt-A first lien, and Subprime RMBS sectors due to wider implied net spreads. The wider implied net spreads were a result of price deterioration as well as the decreased cost to buy protection in AGC’s name as the market cost of AGC’s credit protection declined. These transactions were pricing above their floor levels; therefore when the cost of purchasing CDS protection on AGC declined, which management refers to as the CDS spread on AGC, the implied spreads that the Company would expect to receive on these transactions increased. The cost of AGM’s credit protection remained relatively flat during the quarter. The unrealized fair value gain within the Other asset class resulted from price improvement on a XXX life-securitization policy within the quarter.

 

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.

 

Five-Year CDS Spread on AGC and AGM

 

 

 

As of
 March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

Quoted price of CDS contract (in basis points):

 

 

 

 

 

AGC

 

743

 

1,140

 

AGM

 

555

 

778

 

 

Components of Credit Derivative Assets (Liabilities)

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Credit derivative assets

 

$

463.6

 

$

468.9

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

(2,416.3

)

(1,772.8

)

Net fair value of credit derivatives

 

$

(1,952.7

)

$

(1,303.9

)

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

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

 

$

(4,897.7

)

$

(5,595.8

)

Less: Effect of AGC and AGM credit spreads

 

(2,945.0

)

(4,291.9

)

Net fair value of credit derivatives

 

$

(1,952.7

)

$

(1,303.9

)

 

The fair value of CDS contracts at First Quarter 2012 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 March 31, 2012 compared with December 31, 2011, there was tightening 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 tightening of spreads resulted in a gain of approximately $698.1 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 higher credit spreads in the

 

53



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives (Continued)

 

fixed income security markets. The higher credit spreads in the fixed income security market are due to the lack of liquidity in the high yield CDO, Trust- Preferred CDO, and CLO markets as well as continuing market concerns over the most recent vintages of subprime RMBS.

 

The following table presents the fair value and the present value of expected claim payments or recoveries for contracts accounted for as derivatives.

 

Net Fair Value and Expected Losses of Credit Derivatives by Sector

 

 

 

Fair Value of Credit Derivative
Asset (Liability), net

 

Present Value of Expected Claim
(Payments) Recoveries(1)

 

Asset Type

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Pooled corporate obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOs/ Collateralized bond obligations

 

$

6.6

 

$

(0.7

)

$

 

$

 

Synthetic investment grade pooled corporate

 

(22.6

)

(23.8

)

 

 

Synthetic high-yield pooled corporate

 

(4.9

)

(15.7

)

(0.6

)

(5.2

)

TruPS CDOs

 

(25.8

)

(11.9

)

(38.1

)

(39.3

)

Market value CDOs of corporate obligations

 

2.3

 

2.5

 

 

 

Total pooled corporate obligations

 

(44.4

)

(49.6

)

(38.7

)

(44.5

)

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option ARM and Alt-A first lien(2)

 

(1,137.2

)

(596.4

)

(159.4

)

(191.2

)

Subprime first lien (including net interest margin)

 

(31.6

)

(22.5

)

(94.6

)

(94.9

)

Prime first lien

 

(130.4

)

(44.3

)

 

 

Closed-end second lien and HELOCs

 

(14.4

)

(14.9

)

12.8

 

6.6

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

(1,313.6

)

(678.1

)

(241.2

)

(279.5

)

CMBS

 

(4.6

)

(4.9

)

 

 

Other

 

(590.1

)

(571.3

)

(96.3

)

(94.9

)

Total

 

$

(1,952.7

)

$

(1,303.9

)

$

(376.2

)

$

(418.9

)

 


(1)          Represents amount in excess of the present value of future installment fees to be received of $54.4 million as of March 31, 2012 and $47.1 million as of December 31, 2011. Includes R&W on credit derivatives of $233.4 million as of March 31, 2012 and $215.0 million as of December 31, 2011.

 

(2)          Includes one transaction which is covered under the Bank of America Agreement.

 

Ratings Sensitivities of Credit Derivative Contracts

 

Within the Company’s insured CDS portfolio, the transaction documentation for $2.3 billion in CDS par insured provides that if the financial strength rating of AGC were downgraded past a specified level (which level varies from transaction to transaction), would constitute a termination event that would allow the CDS counterparty to terminate the affected transactions. If the CDS counterparty elected to terminate the affected transactions, under some transaction documents the Company could be required to make a termination payment (or may be entitled to receive a termination payment from the CDS counterparty) and under other transaction documents the credit protection would be cancelled and no termination payment would be owing by either party. Under certain documents, the Company has 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 financial strength 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, an additional approximately $2.2 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.

 

54



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives (Continued)

 

Under a limited number of other CDS contracts, the Company may be required to post eligible collateral to secure its obligation to make payments under such contracts. Eligible collateral is generally cash or U.S. government or agency securities; eligible collateral other than cash is valued at a discount to the face amount. For certain of such contracts, the CDS counterparty has agreed to have some exposure to the Company on an unsecured basis, but as the financial strength ratings of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries decline, the amount of unsecured exposure to the Company allowed by the CDS counterparty decreases until, at a specified rating level (which level varies from transaction to transaction), the Company must collateralize all of the exposure. The amount of collateral required is based on a mark-to-market valuation of the exposure that must be secured. Under other contracts, the Company has negotiated caps such that the posting requirement cannot exceed a certain fixed amount, regardless of the financial strength ratings of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2012 the amount of insured par that is subject to collateral posting is approximately $14.6 billion (which amount is not reduced by unsecured exposure to the Company allowed by CDS counterparties at current financial strength rating levels), for which the Company has agreed to post approximately $678.2 million of collateral (which amount reflects some of the eligible collateral being valued at a discount to the face amount). The Company may be required to post additional collateral from time to time, depending on its financial strength ratings and on the market values of the transactions subject to the collateral posting. For approximately $14.1 billion of that $14.6 billion, at the Company’s current ratings, the Company need not post on a cash basis more than $625 million, regardless of any change in the market value of the transactions, due to caps negotiated with counterparties. For the avoidance of doubt, the $625 million is already included in the $678.2 million that the Company has agreed to post. In the event AGC’s ratings are downgraded to A+ or A3, the maximum amount to be posted against the $14.1 billion increases by $50 million to $675 million.

 

Sensitivity to Changes in Credit Spread

 

The following table summarizes the estimated change in fair values on the net balance of the Company’s credit derivative positions assuming immediate parallel shifts in credit spreads on AGC and AGM and on the risks that they both assume.

 

Effect of Changes in Credit Spread

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

Credit Spreads(1)

 

Estimated Net
Fair Value
(Pre-Tax)

 

Estimated Change
in Gain/(Loss)
(Pre-Tax)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

100% widening in spreads

 

$

(4,060.1

)

$

(2,107.4

)

50% widening in spreads

 

(3,009.8

)

(1,057.1

)

25% widening in spreads

 

(2,484.6

)

(531.9

)

10% widening in spreads

 

(2,169.5

)

(216.8

)

Base Scenario

 

(1,952.7

)

 

10% narrowing in spreads

 

(1,774.4

)

178.3

 

25% narrowing in spreads

 

(1,497.0

)

455.7

 

50% narrowing in spreads

 

(1,037.1

)

915.6

 

 


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

 

7. 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

 

55



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

7. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (Continued)

 

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.

 

AGC and AGM are not primarily liable for the debt obligations issued by the VIEs they insure and would only be required to make payments on these debt obligations in the event that the issuer of such debt 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 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts.

 

Consolidated FG VIEs

 

During First Quarter 2012, two additional VIEs were consolidated. This resulted in a net loss on consolidation of $6.1 million, which was included in “fair value gains (losses) on FG VIEs” in the consolidated statement of operations.  As a result, there were a total of 35 consolidated FG VIEs at March 31, 2012, compared to 33 FG VIEs at December 31, 2011.

 

The total unpaid principal balance for the FG VIEs’ assets that were over 90 days or more past due was approximately $1,048.1 million. The difference between the aggregate unpaid principal and aggregate fair value of the FG VIEs’ assets was approximately $3,121.8 million at March 31, 2012. The change in the instrument-specific credit risk of the FG VIEs’ assets for the First Quarter ended March 31, 2012 was a gain of approximately $85.9 million. The gain in instrument-specific credit risk was determined by calculating the change in credit impairment for the Company’s VIE assets during the period, which are provided by a third party pricing source.

 

The aggregate unpaid principal balance was approximately $2,498.7 million less than the aggregate fair value of the FG VIEs’ liabilities as of March 31, 2012.

 

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. Interest income and interest expense are derived from the trustee reports and included in “fair value gains (losses) on FG VIEs” in the consolidated statement of operations. 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 that collateralize their respective debt obligations.

 

56



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

7. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (Continued)

 

Consolidated FG VIEs

By Type of Collateral

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Number of
FG VIEs

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Number of
FG VIEs

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

With recourse:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HELOCs

 

8

 

$

572.2

 

$

898.7

 

8

 

$

572.9

 

$

907.9

 

First liens:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alt-A first lien

 

3

 

117.8

 

104.4

 

3

 

118.0

 

106.1

 

Option ARM

 

2

 

43.0

 

230.3

 

2

 

49.7

 

244.7

 

Subprime

 

7

 

399.7

 

499.0

 

5

 

386.8

 

472.7

 

Closed-end second lien

 

10

 

184.3

 

207.7

 

10

 

184.6

 

219.9

 

Automobile loans

 

4

 

126.9

 

126.9

 

4

 

155.8

 

155.8

 

Life insurance

 

1

 

298.2

 

298.2

 

1

 

289.8

 

289.8

 

Total with recourse

 

35

 

1,742.1

 

2,365.2

 

33

 

1,757.6

 

2,396.9

 

Without recourse

 

 

 

1,085.6

 

1,085.6

 

 

 

1,061.5

 

1,061.5

 

Total

 

 

 

$

2,827.7

 

$

3,450.8

 

 

 

$

2,819.1

 

$

3,458.4

 

 

Gross Par Outstanding for FG VIEs’ Liabilities

With Recourse

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Gross par outstanding for FG VIEs’ liabilities with recourse

 

$

3,674.8

 

$

3,796.4

 

 

Contractual Maturity Schedule of FG VIE Liabilities with Recourse

 

Contractual Maturity

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2012

 

$

 

2013

 

11.8

 

2014

 

114.1

 

2015

 

 

2016

 

 

Thereafter

 

3,548.9

 

Total

 

$

3,674.8

 

 

The consolidation of FG VIEs has a significant effect on net income and shareholder’s equity due to (1) changes in fair value gains (losses) on FG VIE assets and liabilities, (2) the eliminations of premiums and losses related to the AGC and AGM insured FG VIE liabilities and (3) the elimination of investment balances related to the Company’s purchase of AGC and AGM insured FG VIE debt. Upon consolidation of a FG VIE, the related insurance and, if applicable, the related investment balances, are considered intercompany transactions and therefore eliminated. Such eliminations are included in the table below to present the full effect of consolidating FG VIEs.

 

57



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

7. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (Continued)

 

Effect of Consolidating FG VIEs on Net Income

and Shareholders’ Equity(1)

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

(17.0

)

$

(19.1

)

Net investment income

 

(3.2

)

(0.3

)

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

1.4

 

0.3

 

Fair value gains (losses) on FG VIEs

 

(36.6

)

119.6

 

Loss and LAE

 

3.2

 

50.7

 

Total pretax effect on net income

 

(52.2

)

151.2

 

Less: tax provision (benefit)

 

(18.3

)

53.0

 

Total effect on net income (loss)

 

$

(33.9

)

$

98.2

 

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Total (decrease) increase on shareholders’ equity

 

$

(438.7

)

$

(405.2

)

 


(1)                                  Includes the effect of eliminating insurance balances related to the financial guaranty insurance contracts.

 

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 3, Outstanding Exposure.

 

8. Investments

 

Investment Portfolio

 

Net investment income is a function of the yield that the Company earns on invested assets and the size of the portfolio. 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 slightly due to a shift to longer duration assets, higher income on loss mitigation bonds and additional earnings on higher invested asset balances offset by a reduction in income due to an increase in RMBS prepayment speeds and a decrease in income due to the elimination of income related to consolidated FG VIE’s. Accrued investment income on fixed maturity, short-term investments and assets acquired in refinancing transactions was $101.0 million and $100.7 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

Net Investment Income

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Income from fixed maturity securities

 

$

98.9

 

$

98.5

 

Income from short-term investments

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

Income from assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

1.0

 

1.3

 

Gross investment income

 

100.1

 

100.1

 

Investment expenses

 

(2.3

)

(2.7

)

Net investment income

 

$

97.8

 

$

97.4

 

 

58



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

8. Investments (Continued)

 

Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Realized gains on investment portfolio

 

$

9.5

 

$

9.9

 

Realized losses on investment portfolio

 

(3.3

)

(2.5

)

Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”)

 

 

 

 

 

Intent to sell

 

(0.3

)

(2.7

)

Credit component of OTTI securities

 

(4.6

)

(1.9

)

OTTI

 

(4.9

)

(4.6

)

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

$

1.3

 

$

2.8

 

 

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 OCI.

 

Roll Forward of Credit Losses in the Investment Portfolio

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

46.7

 

$

27.3

 

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

 

2.1

 

1.4

 

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

 

2.5

 

0.5

 

Balance, end of period

 

$

51.3

 

$

29.2

 

 

Fixed Maturity Securities and Short Term Investments

by Security Type

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

Investment Category

 

Percent
of
Total(1)

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Estimated
Fair
Value

 

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

 

Weighted
Average
Credit
Quality

(3)

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

8

%

$

803.2

 

$

63.7

 

$

(0.2

)

$

866.7

 

$

 

AA+

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

49

 

5,144.3

 

383.2

 

(1.4

)

5,526.1

 

6.4

 

AA

 

Corporate securities

 

9

 

986.8

 

56.2

 

(0.2

)

1,042.8

 

0.3

 

A+

 

Mortgage-backed securities(4):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

14

 

1,439.7

 

63.7

 

(79.4

)

1,424.0

 

(54.1

)

AA

 

CMBS

 

4

 

472.1

 

29.4

 

(0.0

)

501.5

 

3.1

 

AAA

 

Asset-backed securities

 

4

 

463.6

 

34.6

 

(15.3

)

482.9

 

25.6

 

BBB-

 

Foreign government securities

 

3

 

349.7

 

15.7

 

(4.5

)

360.9

 

 

AA+

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

91

 

9,659.4

 

646.5

 

(101.0

)

10,204.9

 

(18.7

)

AA

 

Short-term investments

 

9

 

902.9

 

0.5

 

 

903.4

 

 

AAA

 

Total investment portfolio

 

100

%

$

10,562.3

 

$

647.0

 

$

(101.0

)

$

11,108.3

 

$

(18.7

)

AA

 

 

59



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

8. Investments (Continued)

 

 

 

As of December 31, 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

 

Weighted
Average
Credit
Quality

(2)

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

8

%

$

850.2

 

$

72.3

 

$

(0.1

)

$

922.4

 

$

 

AA+

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

49

 

5,097.3

 

358.6

 

(0.5

)

5,455.4

 

5.7

 

AA

 

Corporate securities

 

10

 

989.0

 

51.8

 

(2.4

)

1,038.4

 

(0.2

)

A+

 

Mortgage-backed securities(3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

14

 

1,454.3

 

63.9

 

(90.3

)

1,427.9

 

(35.1

)

AA

 

CMBS

 

5

 

475.6

 

24.4

 

 

500.0

 

2.7

 

AAA

 

Asset-backed securities

 

4

 

439.5

 

37.7

 

(19.1

)

458.1

 

29.2

 

BBB-

 

Foreign government securities

 

3

 

332.6

 

13.3

 

(6.2

)

339.7

 

 

AAA

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

93

 

9,638.5

 

622.0

 

(118.6

)

10,141.9

 

2.3

 

AA

 

Short-term investments

 

7

 

734.0

 

 

 

734.0

 

 

AAA

 

Total investment portfolio

 

100

%

$

10,372.5

 

$

622.0

 

$

(118.6

)

$

10,875.9

 

$

2.3

 

AA

 

 


(1)                                  Based on amortized cost.

 

(2)                                  Accumulated OCI.

 

(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)                                  Government-agency obligations were approximately 65% of mortgage backed securities as of March 31, 2012 and 66% as of December 31, 2011 based on fair value. Excluding loss mitigation related purchases, government- agency obligations were 70% of mortgage backed securities as of March 31, 2012 and 71% as of December 31, 2011 based on fair value.

 

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 March 31, 2012, amounts, net of tax, in AOCI included a net unrealized loss of $10.7 million for securities for which the Company had recognized OTTI and a net unrealized gain of $406.6 million for securities for which the Company had not recognized OTTI. As of December 31, 2011, amounts, net of tax, in AOCI included a net unrealized gain of $3.1 million for securities for which the Company had recognized OTTI and a net unrealized gain of $363.6 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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Securities rated lower than A-/A3 by S&P or Moody’s are not eligible to be purchased for the Company’s portfolio unless acquired for loss mitigation or risk management strategies.

 

The following tables present the fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale municipal bond portfolio as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by state, excluding $430.0 million and $403.4 million of pre-refunded bonds, respectively. The credit ratings are based on the underlying ratings and do not include any benefit from bond insurance.

 

60



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

8. Investments (Continued)

 

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

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

State

 

State
General
Obligation

 

Local
General
Obligation

 

Revenue

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Average
Credit
Rating

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Texas

 

$

86.6

 

$

330.4

 

$

365.2

 

$

782.2

 

$

726.7

 

AA

 

New York

 

12.5

 

59.8

 

644.1

 

716.4

 

672.4

 

AA

 

California

 

18.8

 

69.3

 

307.5

 

395.6

 

360.7

 

AA

 

Florida

 

34.1

 

61.5

 

243.1

 

338.7

 

311.0

 

AA

 

Illinois

 

14.1

 

83.4

 

194.3

 

291.8

 

271.6

 

A

 

Washington

 

38.1

 

52.3

 

142.5

 

232.9

 

218.3

 

AA

 

Massachusetts

 

42.4

 

9.6

 

168.3

 

220.3

 

202.0

 

AA

 

Arizona

 

 

7.6

 

171.0

 

178.6

 

168.0

 

AA

 

Michigan

 

 

36.9

 

99.6

 

136.5

 

128.1

 

AA

 

Georgia

 

12.5

 

29.3

 

87.0

 

128.8

 

122.6

 

AA

 

All others

 

293.3

 

241.3

 

1,139.7

 

1,674.3

 

1,564.9

 

AA

 

Total

 

$

552.4

 

$

981.4

 

$

3,562.3

 

$

5,096.1

 

$

4,746.3

 

AA

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

State

 

State
General
Obligation

 

Local
General
Obligation

 

Revenue

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Average
Credit
Rating

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Texas

 

$

86.3

 

$

342.0

 

$

345.6

 

$

773.9

 

$

724.0

 

AA

 

New York

 

12.3

 

60.3

 

622.6

 

695.2

 

653.8

 

AA

 

California

 

19.1

 

50.9

 

296.8

 

366.8

 

336.2

 

AA

 

Florida

 

34.2

 

61.7

 

247.4

 

343.3

 

316.9

 

AA

 

Illinois

 

16.2

 

86.9

 

197.1

 

300.2

 

281.5

 

AA

 

Massachusetts

 

42.5

 

9.7

 

163.7

 

215.9

 

198.9

 

AA

 

Washington

 

37.8

 

52.5

 

123.4

 

213.7

 

199.7

 

AA

 

Arizona

 

 

7.7

 

164.6

 

172.3

 

163.0

 

AA

 

Ohio

 

 

52.7

 

85.9

 

138.6

 

128.8

 

AA

 

Michigan

 

 

37.2

 

99.0

 

136.2

 

128.5

 

AA

 

All others

 

310.5

 

271.8

 

1,113.6

 

1,695.9

 

1,588.6

 

AA

 

Total

 

$

558.9

 

$

1,033.4

 

$

3,459.7

 

$

5,052.0

 

$

4,719.9

 

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.

 

Revenue Sources

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

Type

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Tax backed

 

$

804.8

 

$

749.9

 

$

800.0

 

$

748.7

 

Transportation

 

748.9

 

693.9

 

717.4

 

669.7

 

Municipal utilities

 

562.1

 

522.4

 

528.8

 

493.5

 

Water and sewer

 

546.1

 

511.9

 

530.4

 

500.7

 

Higher education

 

401.4

 

374.4

 

332.1

 

307.2

 

Healthcare

 

275.9

 

257.0

 

273.4

 

257.6

 

All others

 

223.1

 

211.3

 

277.6

 

265.4

 

Total

 

$

3,562.3

 

$

3,320.8

 

$

3,459.7

 

$

3,242.8

 

 

61



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

8. Investments (Continued)

 

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 quarterly 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 March 31, 2012

 

 

 

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

 

$

7.2

 

$

(0.2

)

$

 

$

 

$

7.2

 

$

(0.2

)

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

132.7

 

(1.3

)

3.7

 

(0.1

)

136.4

 

(1.4

)

Corporate securities

 

27.7

 

(0.2

)

 

 

27.7

 

(0.2

)

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

170.7

 

(36.7

)

67.8

 

(42.7

)

238.5

 

(79.4

)

CMBS

 

2.8

 

(0.0

)

 

 

2.8

 

(0.0

)

Asset-backed securities

 

19.3

 

(9.1

)

11.0

 

(6.2

)

30.3

 

(15.3

)

Foreign government securities

 

117.9

 

(4.5

)

 

 

117.9

 

(4.5

)

Total

 

$

478.3

 

$

(52.0

)

$

82.5

 

$

(49.0

)

$

560.8

 

$

(101.0

)

Number of securities

 

 

 

97

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

115

 

Number of securities with OTTI

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 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

 

17.0

 

(0.0

)

20.6

 

(0.5

)

37.6

 

(0.5

)

Corporate securities

 

79.9

 

(2.3

)

3.1

 

(0.1

)

83.0

 

(2.4

)

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

186.6

 

(68.2

)

36.5

 

(22.1

)

223.1

 

(90.3

)

CMBS

 

2.8

 

(0.0

)

 

 

2.8

 

(0.0

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

25.7

 

(19.1

)

25.7

 

(19.1

)

Foreign government securities

 

141.4

 

(6.2

)

 

 

141.4

 

(6.2

)

Total

 

$

431.5

 

$

(76.8

)

$

85.9

 

$

(41.8

)

$

517.4

 

$

(118.6

)

Number of securities

 

 

 

72

 

 

 

54

 

 

 

126

 

Number of securities with OTTI

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

10

 

 

The decrease in gross unrealized losses was primarily attributable to RMBS and asset backed securities. Of the securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more as of March 31, 2012, nine securities had unrealized losses greater than 10% of book value. The total unrealized loss for these securities as of March 31, 2012 was $47.7 million. The Company has determined that the unrealized losses recorded as of March 31, 2012 are yield related and not the result of other-than-temporary impairments.

 

62



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

8. Investments (Continued)

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity as of March 31, 2012 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 March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Due within one year

 

$

461.5

 

$

463.7

 

Due after one year through five years

 

1,384.1

 

1,447.6

 

Due after five years through 10 years

 

2,426.2

 

2,639.4

 

Due after 10 years

 

3,475.8

 

3,728.7

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,439.7

 

1,424.0

 

CMBS

 

472.1

 

501.5

 

Total

 

$

9,659.4

 

$

10,204.9

 

 

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 $386.8 million and $380.1 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In addition, to fulfill state licensing requirements the Company has placed on deposit eligible securities of $23.6 million and $23.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, for the protection of policyholders. To provide collateral for a letter of credit, the Company holds a fixed maturity investment in a segregated account which amounted to $3.5 million and $3.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In connection with an excess of loss reinsurance facility $21.8 million in cash has been deposited into a trust for the benefit of the reinsurers.

 

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 fair value assessments in excess of contractual thresholds. The fair market value of the Company’s pledged securities totaled $678.2 million and $779.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

No material investments of the Company were non-income producing for First Quarter 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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 March 31, 2012, securities purchased for loss mitigation purposes included in the fixed maturity portfolio on the consolidated balance sheet had a fair value of $216.1 million representing $734.9 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 $186.9 million, representing $221.3 million in par. In connection with the recent Greek debt restructuring, the Company has taken delivery of Assured Guaranty (Europe) Ltd. guaranteed securities that were subsequently exchanged for new Greek securities that are recorded in the investment portfolio.  Such amounts totaled $63.4 million representing $213.3 million of par.

 

9. Insurance Company Regulatory Requirements

 

Dividend Restrictions and Capital Requirements

 

AGC is a Maryland domiciled insurance company. As of March 31, 2012, the amount available for distribution from AGC during 2012 with notice to, but without prior approval of, the Maryland Commissioner of Insurance under the Maryland insurance law is approximately $99.2 million. During First Quarter 2012 and 2011, AGC declared and paid $15.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively, in dividends to AGUS.

 

AGM is a New York domiciled insurance company. Based on AGM’s statutory statements to be filed for First Quarter 2012, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends by AGM without regulatory approval over the 12 months following March 31, 2012, was approximately $99.8 million. Also in connection with the AGMH Acquisition, the Company committed

 

63



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

9. Insurance Company Regulatory Requirements (Continued)

 

to the New York Department of Financial Services that AGM would not pay any dividends for a period of two years from the Acquisition Date without written approval of the New York Department of Financial Services and therefore AGM did not pay any dividends in 2011. During First Quarter 2012, AGM declared and paid dividends of $30.0 million to its parent, AGMH.

 

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 2012 in compliance with Bermuda law is approximately $231 million. However, any distribution that results in a reduction of 15% ($192.3 million as of December 31, 2011) 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. During First Quarter 2012 and 2011, AG Re declared and paid $30.0 million and $12.0 million, to its parent, AGL, respectively.

 

10. 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 with current period credit for net losses to the extent used in consolidation. Assured Guaranty Overseas US Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries AGRO, Assured Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company and AG Intermediary Inc., have historically filed their own 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.

 

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 2012. 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. corporate tax rate of 26% unless subject to U.S. tax by election or as a U.S. controlled foreign corporation, and no taxes for the Company’s Bermuda holding company and Bermuda subsidiaries unless subject to U.S. tax by election or as a U.S. controlled foreign corporation. For periods subsequent to April 1, 2012, the U.K. corporation tax rate has been reduced to 24%,  for the period April 1, 2011 to April 1, 2012 the U.K. corporation tax rate was 26% and prior to April 1, 2011, the U.K. corporation tax rate was 28%.The Company’s overall corporate effective tax rate fluctuates based on the distribution of taxable income across these jurisdictions.

 

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.

 

64



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

10. Income Taxes (Continued)

 

Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

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

 

$

(198.8

)

$

87.7

 

Tax-exempt interest

 

(15.4

)

(15.3

)

Change in liability for uncertain tax positions

 

0.6

 

0.6

 

Other

 

1.0

 

0.9

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

$

(212.6

)

$

73.9

 

Effective tax rate

 

30.6

%

34.7

%

 

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.

 

Pretax Income (Loss) by Tax Jurisdiction(1)

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

United States

 

$

(568.2

)

$

250.7

 

Bermuda

 

(127.6

)

(37.6

)

UK

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

Total

 

$

(695.6

)

$

213.2

 

 

Revenue by Tax Jurisdiction(1)

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

United States

 

$

(280.4

)

$

293.7

 

Bermuda

 

(77.0

)

(14.8

)

UK

 

0.0

 

0.1

 

Total

 

$

(357.4

)

$

279.0

 

 


(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

 

The Company came to the conclusion that it is more likely than not that its net deferred tax asset will be fully realized after weighing all positive and negative evidence available as required under GAAP. The positive evidence that was considered included the cumulative operating income the Company has earned over the last three years, and the significant unearned premium income to be included in taxable income. The positive evidence outweighs any negative evidence that exists. As such, the Company believes that no valuation allowance is necessary in connection with this deferred tax asset. The Company will continue to analyze the need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.

 

65



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

11. Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposures

 

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 and Ceded 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:

 

(a)                                  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

 

(b)                                 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 Assumed Business ceded to AG Re and assets representing substantially all of the statutory unearned premium (net of ceding commissions) and loss reserves (if any) associated with that business. As of March 31, 2012, if all of AG Re’s Assumed Business was recaptured, it would result in a corresponding one-time reduction to net income of approximately $20.3 million. In the case of AGC, some of its in force financial guaranty Assumed Business is subject to recapture at AGC’s current ratings. Subject to the terms of each reinsurance agreement, upon recapture the ceding company typically is owed assets representing substantially all of the statutory unearned premium (net of ceding commissions) and loss reserves (if any) associated with that business. As of March 31, 2012, if all of AGC’s Assumed Business was recaptured, it would result in a corresponding one-time reduction to net income of approximately $10.3 million.

 

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 previously ceded books of business from BIG financial guaranty companies and its other reinsurers. The Company also cancelled assumed reinsurance contracts. These commutations of ceded business resulted in gains of $83.3 million and $24.1 million for First Quarter 2012 and 2011 which were recorded in other income. While certain Ceded Business has been reassumed, the Company still has significant Ceded Business with third parties.

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

11. Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposures (Continued)

 

Net Effect of Commutations of Ceded

Reinsurance Contracts

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Increase in net unearned premium reserve

 

$

106.1

 

$

2.3

 

Increase in net par outstanding

 

19,073

 

265

 

 

Effect of Reinsurance on Statement of Operations

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Premiums Written:

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

61.9

 

$

30.5

 

Assumed(1)

 

26.5

 

(42.0

)

Ceded(2)

 

87.0

 

4.0

 

Net

 

$

175.4

 

$

(7.5

)

Premiums Earned:

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

206.1

 

$

276.3

 

Assumed

 

14.2

 

10.0

 

Ceded

 

(26.6

)

(32.3

)

Net

 

$

193.7

 

$

254.0

 

Loss and LAE:

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

308.7

 

$

7.1

 

Assumed

 

17.3

 

(13.0

)

Ceded

 

(79.2

)

(19.6

)

Net

 

$

246.8

 

$

(25.5

)

 


(1)                                  Negative assumed premiums written were due to 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 March 31, 2012, based on fair value, the Company had $772.2 million of fixed maturity securities in its investment portfolio wrapped by National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation, $550.2 million by Ambac and $49.8 million by other guarantors.

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

11. Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposures (Continued)

 

Exposure by Reinsurer

 

 

 

Ratings at May 4, 2012

 

Par Outstanding as of March 31, 2012

 

Reinsurer

 

Moody’s
Reinsurer
Rating

 

S&P
Reinsurer
Rating

 

Ceded Par
Outstanding(1)

 

Second-to-
Pay Insured
Par
Outstanding

 

Assumed Par
Outstanding

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

American Overseas Reinsurance Company Limited(2)

 

WR (3)

 

WR

 

$

11,146

 

$

 

$

24

 

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Tokio”)

 

Aa3 (4)

 

AA- (4)

 

9,444

 

 

936

 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc. (“Radian”)

 

Bal

 

B+

 

5,591

 

45

 

1,768

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

Ca

 

WR

 

4,304

 

2,174

 

213

 

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd.

 

A1

 

A+ (4)

 

2,388

 

 

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corp.

 

NR

 

WR

 

860

 

7

 

2

 

Swiss Reinsurance Co.

 

A1

 

AA-

 

506

 

 

 

Ambac

 

WR

 

WR

 

87

 

7,488

 

22,330

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

WR

 

WR

 

65

 

258

 

6,246

 

MBIA Inc.

 

B3(5)

 

B(5)

 

25

 

11,598

 

9,719

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.

 

WR

 

WR

 

 

3,789

 

2,129

 

Other

 

Various

 

Various

 

1,019

 

2,052

 

96

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

$

35,435

 

$

27,411

 

$

43,463

 

 


(1)                                  Includes $4,646 million in ceded par outstanding related to insured credit derivatives.

 

(2)                                  Formerly RAM Reinsurance Company Ltd.

 

(3)                                  Represents “Withdrawn Rating.”

 

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

 

(5)                                  MBIA Inc. includes various subsidiaries which are rated BBB to B by S&P and Baa2, B3, WR and NR by Moody’s.

 

Amounts Due (To) From Reinsurers

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Assumed
Premium
Receivable, net
of Commissions

 

Ceded
Premium
Payable, net
of
Commissions

 

Assumed
Expected
Loss and LAE

 

Ceded
Expected
Loss and LAE

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Overseas Reinsurance Company Limited

 

$

 

$

(12.5

)

$

 

$

24.7

 

Tokio

 

 

(26.3

)

 

83.8

 

Radian

 

 

(19.4

)

 

25.9

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

 

(39.0

)

2.0

 

0.6

 

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd.

 

 

(4.7

)

 

25.1

 

Swiss Reinsurance Co.

 

 

(3.5

)

 

20.4

 

Ambac

 

97.2

 

 

(91.9

)

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

0.2

 

 

(0.1

)

2.2

 

MBIA Inc.

 

0.2

 

 

(12.6

)

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.

 

10.8

 

 

(49.3

)

 

Other

 

 

(44.8

)

 

 

Total

 

$

108.4

 

$

(150.2

)

$

(151.9

)

$

182.7

 

 

Excess of Loss Reinsurance Facility

 

On January 22, 2012, AGC and AGM entered into an aggregate excess of loss reinsurance facility, effective as of January 1, 2012. At AGC’s and AGM’s option, the facility will cover losses occurring from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2019 or from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2020. The contract terminates, unless AGC and AGM choose to extend it, on January 1, 2014. The facility covers U.S. public finance credits insured or reinsured by AGC and AGM as of September 30, 2011, excluding credits that were rated non-investment grade as of December 31, 2011 by

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

11. Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposures (Continued)

 

Moody’s or S&P or internally by AGC or AGM and subject to certain per credit limits. The facility attaches when AGC’s or AGM’s net losses (net of AGC’s and AGM other reinsurance, other than pooling reinsurance provided to AGM by AGM’s subsidiaries and net of recoveries) exceed in the aggregate $2 billion and covers a portion of the next $600 million of losses, with the reinsurers assuming pro rata in the aggregate $435 million of the $600 million of losses and AGC and AGM jointly retaining the remaining $165 million of losses. The reinsurers are required to be rated at least AA-(Stable Outlook) through December 31, 2014 or to post collateral sufficient to provide AGM and AGC with the same reinsurance credit as reinsurers rated AA-. AGM and AGC are obligated to pay the reinsurers their share of recoveries relating to losses during the coverage period in the covered portfolio. This obligation is secured by a pledge of the recoveries, which will be deposited into a trust for the benefit of the reinsurers. The Company has paid approximately $21.8 million of premiums during First Quarter 2012. The remaining $21.8 million of premiums, which are due in January 2013, are in a trust, recorded as restricted cash and included in “other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2012.

 

Re-Assumption and Reinsurance Agreements with Radian Asset Assurance Inc.

 

On January 24, 2012, AGM entered into an agreement under which it has reassumed $12.9 billion of par it had previously ceded to Radian. Also, through AGC, the Company has reinsured approximately $1.8 billion of Radian public finance par. The Company has received a payment of $86 million from Radian for the re-assumption, which consists 96% of public finance exposure and 4% of structured finance credits; additionally, the Company projects it will receive an incremental $1.9 million present value from future installment premiums. In connection with assuming $1.8 billion of public finance par, the Company has received a payment of $22 million. Both the reassumed and reinsured portfolios are composed entirely of selected credits that meet the Company’s underwriting standards. In addition, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire MIAC from a subsidiary of Radian. The purchase of MIAC is subject to regulatory approval, which Assured Guaranty anticipates will be obtained in the first half of 2012.

 

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. Agreement

 

Effective as of March 1, 2012, AGM and Tokio entered into a Commutation, Reassumption and Release Agreement for a portfolio consisting of approximately $6.2 billion in par of U.S. public finance exposures outstanding as of February 29, 2012. Tokio paid AGM the statutory unearned premium outstanding as of February 29, 2012 plus a commutation premium.

 

12. 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 fiscal quarter or 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 Note 4 (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.

 

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

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

connection with the issuance of the County’s debt. The complaint in this lawsuit seeks equitable relief, unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs. 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 Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

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 AGM and AGC 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 AGM and AGC. 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 denied 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. On December 2, 2011, AGM, AGC and the other bond insurer defendants filed an Anti-SLAPP (“Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation”) motion to strike the complaints under California’s Code of Civil Procedure. On May 1, 2012, the court ruled in favor of the bond insurer defendants on the Anti-SLAPP motion as to the causes of action arising from the alleged conspiracy, but denied the bond insurer defendants’ Anti-SLAPP motion for those causes of action based on transaction specific representations and omissions about the bond insurer defendants’ credit ratings and financial health.  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 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 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. On December 13, 2011, the court entered judgment substantially in conformance with its March 29, 2011 decision. AGM appealed the judgment and in April 2012, the magistrate judge recommended granting AGM’s motion 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

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

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 have appealed Judge Johnston’s order to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

 

On November 28, 2011, Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (in administration) (“LBIE”) sued AG Financial Products Inc. (“AG Financial Products”), an affiliate of AGC which in the past had provided credit protection to counterparties under credit default swaps. AGC acts as the credit support provider of AG Financial Products under these credit default swaps. LBIE’s complaint, which was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, alleged that AG Financial Products improperly terminated nine credit derivative transactions between LBIE and AG Financial Products and improperly calculated the termination payment in connection with the termination of 28 other credit derivative transactions between LBIE and AG Financial Products. With respect to the 28 credit derivative transactions, AG Financial Products calculated that LBIE owes AG Financial Products approximately $24.8 million, whereas LBIE asserted in the complaint that AG Financial Products owes LBIE a termination payment of approximately $1.4 billion. LBIE is seeking unspecified damages. Following defaults by LBIE, AG Financial Products properly terminated the transactions in question in compliance with the requirements of the agreement between AG Financial Products and LBIE, and calculated the termination payment properly. On February 3, 2012, AG Financial Products filed a motion to dismiss certain of the counts in the complaint. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

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 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 S.A. (“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 civil 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;

 

·                  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

 

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Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

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.

 

In July 2010, a former employee of AGM who had been involved in AGMH’s former Financial Products Business was indicted along with two other persons with whom he had worked at Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.  His trial began on April 16, 2012.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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March 31, 2012

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 

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.

 

13. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

 

Long-Term Debt Obligations

 

The principal and carrying values of the Company’s long-term debt are presented in the table below.

 

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March 31, 2012

 

13. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Continued)

 

Principal and Carrying Amounts of Debt

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

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

 

172.3

 

172.5

 

172.0

 

Series A Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

150.0

 

149.9

 

150.0

 

149.9

 

Total AGUS

 

522.5

 

519.8

 

522.5

 

519.5

 

AGMH:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

67/8% QUIBS

 

100.0

 

67.5

 

100.0

 

67.4

 

6.25% Notes

 

230.0

 

136.2

 

230.0

 

136.0

 

5.60% Notes

 

100.0

 

53.7

 

100.0

 

53.5

 

Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

300.0

 

159.6

 

300.0

 

158.2

 

Total AGMH

 

730.0

 

417.0

 

730.0

 

415.1

 

AGM:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Payable

 

91.7

 

97.9

 

97.1

 

103.7

 

Total AGM

 

91.7

 

97.9

 

97.1

 

103.7

 

Total

 

$

1,344.2

 

$

1,034.7

 

$

1,349.6

 

$

1,038.3

 

 

Recourse Credit Facilities

 

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 March 31, 2012, 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

 

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March 31, 2012

 

13. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Continued)

 

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 billion as of March 31, 2012. S&P’s downgrade of AGM to AA- in November 2011 did not have an additional impact on the transactions. However, if AGM were downgraded to A+ by S&P or A1 by Moody’s, as of March 31, 2012, 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 $991 million as of March 31, 2012. 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 March 31, 2012, approximately $607 million 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 March 31, 2012, the maximum commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility has amortized to $979.8 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 financial 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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, no amounts were outstanding under this facility, nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

Letters of Credit

 

AGC entered into a letter of credit agreement in December 2011 with Bank of New York Mellon totaling approximately $2.9 million in connection with a 2008 lease for office space, which space was subsequently sublet. This

 

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March 31, 2012

 

13. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Continued)

 

agreement replaces a previous letter of credit for $2.9 million with Royal Bank of Scotland which was terminated in December 2011. As of March 31, 2012, $2.9 million was outstanding under this letter of credit.

 

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 Securities 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.

 

Committed Capital Securities

Fair Value Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

First Quarter,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

AGC CCS

 

$

(8.5

)

$

0.3

 

AGM CPS

 

(5.4

)

0.2

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

14. Earnings Per Share

 

Computation of Earnings Per Share

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions, except per
share amounts)

 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”):

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to AGL

 

$

(483.0

)

$

139.3

 

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

 

(0.6

)

0.2

 

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

 

$

(482.4

)

$

139.1

 

Basic shares

 

182.4

 

183.9

 

Basic EPS

 

$

(2.65

)

$

0.76

 

Diluted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

$

(482.4

)

$

139.1

 

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

 

$

(482.4

)

$

139.1

 

Basic shares

 

182.4

 

183.9

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Options and restricted stock awards

 

 

0.8

 

Equity units

 

 

2.4

 

Diluted shares

 

182.4

 

187.1

 

Diluted EPS

 

$

(2.65

)

$

0.74

 

Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS because of antidilutive effect

 

18.7

 

4.9

 

 

15. Other Comprehensive Income

 

The following tables present the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

(in millions)

 

 

 

Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses) on
Investments

 

Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment

 

Cash Flow Hedge

 

Total Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

 

$

366.7

 

$

(8.6

)

$

9.4

 

$

367.5

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

29.2

 

1.8

 

(0.1

)

30.9

 

Balance, March 31, 2012

 

$

395.9

 

$

(6.8

)

$

9.3

 

$

398.4

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses) on
Investments

 

Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment

 

Cash Flow Hedge

 

Total Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

 

Balance, December 31, 2010

 

$

109.7

 

$

(7.7

)

$

9.8

 

$

111.8

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(26.5

)

1.2

 

(0.1

)

(25.4

)

Balance, March 31, 2011

 

$

83.2

 

$

(6.5

)

$

9.7

 

$

86.4

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

16. 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 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The information for AGMH and AGUS presents its subsidiaries on the equity method of accounting.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF MARCH 31, 2012

(in millions)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investment portfolio and cash

 

$

43.2

 

$

31.9

 

$

68.1

 

$

11,351.0

 

$

 

$

11,494.2

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

4,131.1

 

3,357.2

 

2,785.6

 

2,923.3

 

(13,197.2

)

 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

 

 

 

 

1,159.7

 

(141.0

)

1,018.7

 

Ceded unearned premium reserve

 

 

 

 

1,654.4

 

(1,023.0

)

631.4

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

216.4

 

(87.4

)

129.0

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

 

 

 

333.7

 

(180.8

)

152.9

 

Credit derivative assets

 

 

 

 

490.3

 

(26.7

)

463.6

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

 

22.3

 

(76.1

)

1,098.4

 

(12.8

)

1,031.8

 

Intercompany receivable

 

 

 

 

300.0

 

(300.0

)

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ assets, at fair value

 

 

 

 

2,827.7

 

 

2,827.7

 

Other

 

16.3

 

40.8

 

21.6

 

811.2

 

(134.4

)

755.5

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

4,190.6

 

$

3,452.2

 

$

2,799.2

 

$

23,166.1

 

$

(15,103.3

)

$

18,504.8

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned premium reserves

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,822.8

 

$

(983.6

)

$

5,839.2

 

Loss and LAE reserve

 

 

 

 

1,148.5

 

(194.0

)

954.5

 

Long-term debt

 

 

519.8

 

417.0

 

97.9

 

 

1,034.7

 

Intercompany payable

 

 

 

 

300.0

 

(300.0

)

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

 

0.2

 

 

2,442.8

 

(26.7

)

2,416.3

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities, at fair value

 

 

 

 

3,450.8

 

 

3,450.8

 

Other

 

8.1

 

8.9

 

20.9

 

847.0

 

(258.1

)

626.8

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

8.1

 

528.9

 

437.9

 

15,109.8

 

(1,762.4

)

14,322.3

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

4,182.5

 

2,923.3

 

2,361.3

 

8,056.3

 

(13,340.9

)

4,182.5

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

4,190.6

 

$

3,452.2

 

$

2,799.2

 

$

23,166.1

 

$

(15,103.3

)

$

18,504.8

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

16. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 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

 

$

32.9

 

$

99.5

 

$

61.4

 

$

11,119.5

 

$

 

$

11,313.3

 

Investment in subsidiaries

 

4,606.7

 

3,730.0

 

2,801.3

 

3,258.1

 

(14,396.1

)

 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

 

 

 

 

1,149.6

 

(146.7

)

1,002.9

 

Ceded unearned premium reserve

 

 

 

 

1,739.1

 

(1,030.2

)

708.9

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

223.3

 

(90.9

)

132.4

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

 

 

 

211.8

 

(142.5

)

69.3

 

Credit derivative assets

 

 

 

 

503.4

 

(34.5

)

468.9

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

 

22.5

 

(76.9

)

867.2

 

(9.3

)

803.5

 

Intercompany receivable

 

 

 

 

300.0

 

(300.0

)

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ assets, at fair value

 

 

 

 

2,819.1

 

 

2,819.1

 

Other

 

23.1

 

(71.3

)

26.9

 

836.5

 

(108.8

)

706.4

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

4,662.7

 

$

3,780.7

 

$

2,812.7

 

$

23,027.6

 

$

(16,259.0

)

$

18,024.7

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned premium reserves

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,949.4

 

$

(986.6

)

$

5,962.8

 

Loss and LAE reserve

 

 

 

 

834.2

 

(155.2

)

679.0

 

Long-term debt

 

 

519.5

 

415.1

 

103.7

 

 

1,038.3

 

Intercompany payable

 

 

 

 

300.0

 

(300.0

)

 

Credit derivative liabilities

 

 

0.2

 

 

1,807.1

 

(34.5

)

1,772.8

 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities’ liabilities, at fair value

 

 

 

 

3,458.4

 

 

3,458.4

 

Other

 

11.1

 

2.9

 

15.7

 

674.7

 

(242.6

)

461.8

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

11.1

 

522.6

 

430.8

 

14,127.5

 

(1,718.9

)

13,373.1

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

4,651.6

 

3,258.1

 

2,381.9

 

8,900.1

 

(14,540.1

)

4,651.6

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

4,662.7

 

$

3,780.7

 

$

2,812.7

 

$

23,027.6

 

$

(16,259.0

)

$

18,024.7

 

 

79



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

16. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012

(in millions)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

188.5

 

$

5.2

 

$

193.7

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

0.3

 

101.2

 

(3.7

)

97.8

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

1.3

 

 

1.3

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements

 

 

 

 

(56.9

)

 

(56.9

)

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

(633.8

)

 

(633.8

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

 

 

 

(690.7

)

 

(690.7

)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(476.5

)

(353.3

)

(6.5

)

(360.0

)

1,196.3

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

40.8

 

(0.3

)

40.5

 

TOTAL REVENUES

 

(476.5

)

(353.3

)

(6.2

)

(718.9

)

1,197.5

 

(357.4

)

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

 

 

 

249.2

 

(2.4

)

246.8

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

8.9

 

(3.5

)

5.4

 

Interest expense

 

 

9.9

 

13.4

 

5.1

 

(3.7

)

24.7

 

Other operating expenses

 

6.5

 

0.4

 

0.2

 

55.1

 

(0.9

)

61.3

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

 

6.5

 

10.3

 

13.6

 

318.3

 

(10.5

)

338.2

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

(483.0

)

(363.6

)

(19.8

)

(1,037.2

)

1,208.0

 

(695.6

)

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

(3.6

)

(12.2

)

(208.4

)

11.6

 

(212.6

)

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

(483.0

)

$

(360.0

)

$

(7.6

)

$

(828.8

)

$

1,196.4

 

$

(483.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

30.9

 

$

25.1

 

$

17.0

 

$

56.3

 

$

(98.4

)

$

30.9

 

 

80



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

16. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2011

(in millions)

 

 

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)

 

AGUS
(Issuer)

 

AGMH
(Issuer)

 

Other
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

251.4

 

$

2.6

 

$

254.0

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

0.2

 

100.9

 

(3.7

)

97.4

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

2.8

 

 

2.8

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements

 

 

 

 

35.4

 

 

35.4

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

 

 

 

(271.6

)

 

(271.6

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

 

 

 

(236.2

)

 

(236.2

)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

147.7

 

175.1

 

291.6

 

168.6

 

(783.0

)

 

Other

 

 

 

 

162.1

 

(1.1

)

161.0

 

TOTAL REVENUES

 

147.7

 

175.1

 

291.8

 

449.6

 

(785.2

)

279.0

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

 

 

 

(26.8

)

1.3

 

(25.5

)

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

 

 

 

11.1

 

(7.4

)

3.7

 

Interest expense

 

 

9.8

 

13.4

 

5.3

 

(3.7

)

24.8

 

Other operating expenses

 

8.4

 

0.2

 

0.5

 

55.1

 

(1.4

)

62.8

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

 

8.4

 

10.0

 

13.9

 

44.7

 

(11.2

)

65.8

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

139.3

 

165.1

 

277.9

 

404.9

 

(774.0

)

213.2

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

(3.5

)

(4.8

)

79.4

 

2.8

 

73.9

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

139.3

 

$

168.6

 

$

282.7

 

$

325.5

 

$

(776.8

)

$

139.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

(25.4

)

$

(17.8

)

$

(20.0

)

$

(43.1

)

$

80.9

 

$

(25.4

)

 

81



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

16. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012

(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

 

$

29.2

 

$

(67.6

)

$

37.0

 

$

181.7

 

$

(105.0

)

$

75.3

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

(0.3

)

(10.4

)

(371.9

)

 

(382.6

)

Sales

 

 

 

 

189.3

 

 

189.3

 

Maturities

 

 

 

0.7

 

252.8

 

 

253.5

 

Sales (purchases) of short-term investments, net

 

(10.3

)

27.0

 

2.7

 

(162.1

)

 

(142.7

)

Net proceeds from financial guaranty variable entities’ assets

 

 

 

 

137.6

 

 

137.6

 

Repayment of notes receivable from PFC LLC

 

 

 

 

46.4

 

 

46.4

 

Other

 

 

 

 

5.2

 

 

5.2

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

 

(10.3

)

26.7

 

(7.0

)

97.3

 

 

106.7

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(16.4

)

 

(30.0

)

(75.0

)

105.0

 

(16.4

)

Share activity under option and incentive plans

 

(2.5

)

 

 

 

 

(2.5

)

Net paydowns of financial guaranty variable entities’ liabilities

 

 

 

 

(192.9

)

 

(192.9

)

Payment of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

(5.4

)

 

(5.4

)

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(18.9

)

 

(30.0

)

(273.3

)

105.0

 

(217.2

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

2.7

 

 

2.7

 

Increase (decrease) in cash

 

(0.0

)

(40.9

)

 

8.4

 

 

(32.5

)

Cash at beginning of period

 

0.0

 

71.7

 

 

142.8

 

 

214.5

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

0.0

 

$

30.8

 

$

0.0

 

$

151.2

 

$

 

$

182.0

 

 

82



Table of Contents

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

March 31, 2012

 

16. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 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

 

$

12.0

 

$

6.3

 

$

(7.2

)

$

(111.2

)

$

(22.0

)

$

(122.1

)

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

(0.3

)

(511.4

)

 

(511.7

)

Sales

 

 

 

 

299.9

 

 

299.9

 

Maturities

 

 

 

0.2

 

183.4

 

 

183.6

 

Sales (purchases) of short-term investments, net

 

(1.4

)

(16.4

)

7.3

 

252.8

 

 

242.3

 

Net proceeds from financial guaranty variable entities’ assets

 

 

 

 

162.5

 

 

162.5

 

Other

 

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

4.2

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

 

(1.4

)

(16.4

)

7.2

 

391.4

 

 

380.8

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(8.3

)

 

 

(22.0

)

22.0

 

(8.3

)

Share activity under option and incentive plans

 

(2.3

)

 

 

 

 

(2.3

)

Net paydowns of financial guaranty variable entities’ liabilities

 

 

 

 

(241.6

)

 

(241.6

)

Payment of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

(5.1

)

 

(5.1

)

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(10.6

)

 

 

(268.7

)

22.0

 

(257.3

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

1.8

 

Increase (decrease) in cash

 

 

(10.1

)

 

13.3

 

 

3.2

 

Cash at beginning of period

 

 

13.0

 

 

95.4

 

 

108.4

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

 

$

2.9

 

$

 

$

108.7

 

$

 

$

111.6

 

 

83



Table of Contents

 

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 Assured Guaranty or any of its subsidiaries and/or of transactions that Assured Guaranty’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, Assured Guaranty’s loss experience, 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;

 

·                  the impact of rating agency action with respect to sovereign debt and the resulting effect on the value of securities in the Company’s investment portfolio and collateral posted by and to the Company;

 

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

 

·                  the impact of market volatility on the mark-to-market of Assured Guaranty’s contracts written in credit default swap form;

 

·                  reduction in the amount of insurance opportunities available to Assured Guaranty;

 

·                  deterioration in the financial condition of Assured Guaranty’s reinsurers, the amount and timing of reinsurance recoverables actually received and the risk that reinsurers may dispute amounts owed to Assured Guaranty under its reinsurance agreements;

 

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

 

·                  the possibility that budget shortfalls or other factors will result in credit losses or impairments on obligations of state and local governments that the Company insures or reinsures;

 

·                  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 Assured Guaranty’s business strategy;

 

·                  contract cancellations;

 

·                  Assured Guaranty’s dependence on customers;

 

·                  loss of key personnel;

 

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Table of Contents

 

·                  adverse technological developments;

 

·                  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 Assured Guaranty’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 on Assured Guaranty’s insured portfolio reflect its internal rating. 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. For example 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.

 

Introduction

 

AGL 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 offer insurance that protect holders of debt instruments and other monetary obligations from defaults in scheduled payments, including scheduled interest and principal payments. Financial guaranty contracts provide an unconditional and irrevocable guaranty that protects the holder of a financial obligation against non-payment of principal and interest when due.

 

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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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 generally issued by special purpose entities.

 

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 credit default swap (“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. On March 20, 2012, Moody’s placed the ratings of AGL and its subsidiaries, including the financial strength ratings of the insurance subsidiaries, on review for possible downgrade.

 

Available Information

 

The Company maintains an Internet web site at www.assuredguaranty.com. The Company makes available, free of charge, on its web site (at www.assuredguaranty.com/investor-information/by-company/assured-guaranty-ltd/sec-filings) the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. The Company also makes available, free of charge, through its web site (at www.assuredguaranty.com/governance) links to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, its Code of Conduct and the charters for its Board Committees.

 

The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its web site (at www.assuredguaranty.com/about-us/company-statements). The Company uses this web site as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under SEC Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Information portion of the Company’s web site, 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 web site is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this report.

 

Executive Summary

 

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes which appear elsewhere in this 10-Q. It contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Forward Looking Statements” for more information. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, particularly under the headings “Forward Looking Statements.”

 

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 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.

 

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Economic Environment

 

The Company continued to be the most active provider of financial guaranty insurance in the three months ended March 31, 2012 (“First Quarter 2012”) as a result of its financial strength and its ability to maintain its financial strength ratings in the double-A ratings category throughout the financial crisis. All of the Company’s pre-2007 financial guaranty competitors, except AGM, which the Company acquired in 2009, have had their financial strength ratings downgraded by rating agencies to below investment grade levels or are no longer rated, rendering them unable to underwrite new business. Business conditions have been difficult for the entire financial guaranty insurance industry since mid-2007 and the Company continues to face challenges in maintaining its market penetration today.

 

While the overall economic environment in the U.S. in First Quarter 2012 was stronger than in the three months ended March 31, 2011 (“First Quarter 2011”), housing delinquency trends have not improved, unemployment rates have declined but remain relatively high, crude oil prices rose by 9.3%, and the ultimate credit experience on U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) transactions underwritten from the end of 2004 through 2008 by many financial institutions, including the financial guaranty insurers, remains poor. While hiring trends have improved, it may take years to return to pre-recession levels, which may adversely affect Assured Guaranty’s loss experience on RMBS.

 

The U.S. municipal bond market, which has been the Company’s principal market since 2007, has also changed significantly during the past three years. Municipal credits have experienced increased budgetary stress. In addition, many states and towns have significant unfunded pension and retiree health care liabilities that create additional budgetary stress. Although total state tax collections as well as sales tax and personal income tax collections grew in First Quarter 2012,  overall tax collections are still weak compared with recent historical standards. In First Quarter 2012, new issuance volume in the U.S. and international public finance sectors increased but did not return to historical levels, and the market for financial guaranty insurance was hampered by ratings uncertainty and municipal rating recalibrations. A contributing factor to the trend of low issuance volume has been a reduction in capital spending due to municipal budget constraints and fiscal austerity, resulting in less need for increased debt, and a reluctance to increase taxes to service principal and interest costs under new debt.

 

In the international arena, troubled Eurozone countries are a source of stress in global equity and debt markets following the execution of the debt restructuring in Greece. Debt costs in Portugal, Spain and Italy remain elevated, and successful execution of structural reforms is necessary to avert further fiscal stress in those and other EU countries. The Company’s exposure to Greece and other troubled Eurozone countries is described in “—Results of Operations—Consolidated Results of Operations—Losses in the Insured Portfolio” and “—Insured Portfolio—Selected European Exposures.”

 

The current economic environment has had a significant negative impact on the demand by investors for financial guaranty policies, and it is uncertain when or if demand for financial guaranties will return to their pre-economic crisis level. In particular, there has been limited new issue activity and also limited demand for financial guaranties in First Quarter 2012 in both the global structured finance and international infrastructure finance markets. As a result, near-term opportunities for financial guaranties in these two sectors are largely in secondary markets. The Company expects that global structured finance and international infrastructure opportunities will increase in the future as the global economy recovers, issuers return to the capital markets for financings and institutional investors again utilize financial guaranties, although the Company cannot assure that this will occur. Financial guaranties had been an essential component of capital market financings for international infrastructure projects and asset-based lending, such as for auto loans and leases and equipment financings, but these financings have been largely financed in recent years with relatively short-term bank loans.

 

In First Quarter 2012, the Company continued to be affected by a negative perception of financial guaranty insurers arising from the financial distress suffered by other companies in the industry during the financial crisis. S&P announced in January 2011 that it would be revising its bond insurance rating criteria and it was not until November 2011 that AGM and AGC were assigned financial strength ratings of AA- (Stable Outlook). AGM and AGC’s financial strength ratings have been rated Aa3 (Negative Outlook) by Moody’s since December 2009. However, on March 20, 2012, Moody’s placed the ratings of AGL and all of its subsidiaries, including those of insurers AGM, AGC, Assured Guaranty Re Ltd. (“AG Re”) and Assured Guaranty (Europe) Ltd. (“AGE”), on review for possible downgrade. The negative perception of financial guaranty insurers arising from the financial distress suffered by other companies in the industry during the financial

 

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crisis and the rating uncertainty of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries resulted in lower demand for the Company’s insurance product.

 

The demand for the Company’s insurance has also been negatively impacted by its credit spread. The spread is a reflection of the risk that investors perceive with the Company. The higher the spread, the lower the benefit of the Company’s guaranty. If investors view the Company as being only marginally less risky, or perhaps even as risky, as the uninsured security, the coupon on a security insured by the Company may not be much lower, or may be the same as, an uninsured security offered by the same issuer. Accordingly, issuers may be unwilling to pay a premium for the Company to insure their securities if the insurance does not lower the costs of issuance. While AGC and AGM credit spreads declined significantly in First Quarter 2012 compared with December 31, 2011, they remained high compared to pre-2007 credit spreads.

 

Financial Performance of Assured Guaranty

 

Financial Results

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Change

 

 

 

(dollars in millions, except per
share amounts)

 

Selected income statement data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

193.7

 

$

254.0

 

$

(60.3

)

Net investment income

 

97.8

 

97.4

 

0.4

 

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on credit derivatives

 

(56.9

)

35.4

 

(92.3

)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives

 

(633.8

)

(271.6

)

(362.2

)

Fair value gains (losses) on financial guaranty variable interest entities

 

(36.6

)

119.6

 

(156.2

)

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

 

(246.8

)

25.5

 

(272.3

)

Other operating expenses

 

(61.3

)

(62.8

)

1.5

 

Net income (loss).

 

(483.0

)

139.3

 

(622.3

)

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

(2.65

)

$

0.74

 

$

(3.39

)

Selected non-GAAP measures(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

71.2

 

$

247.4

 

$

(176.2

)

Operating income per share

 

0.38

 

1.32

 

(0.94

)

Present value of new business production (“PVP”)

 

56.3

 

52.5

 

3.8

 

 


(1)                                  Please refer to “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

 

Credit spreads of underlying CDS obligations and consolidated financial guaranty variable interest entities (“FG VIEs”), and the Company’s own credit spreads, have had a significant effect on reported net income.  In First Quarter 2012, the Company reported net loss of $483.0 million primarily as a result of the tightening of AGC credit spreads (which have the effect of increasing unrealized losses on credit derivatives), loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) due primarily to the Company’s insured Greek sovereign debt of $189.3 million, and fair value losses on consolidated FG VIEs. In First Quarter 2011, the Company reported net income of $139.3 million, which included unrealized losses on credit derivatives due to tightening of the Company’s own credit spreads, fair value gains related to FG VIEs and the benefit related to the Bank of America Agreement.  Non-GAAP operating income, which excludes, among other items, fair value adjustments considered to be non-economic, was $71.2 million in First Quarter 2012 compared with $247.4 million in First Quarter 2011.  The decline in operating income was primarily attributable to loss expense related to the Company’s exposure to insured Greek sovereign debt.

 

The decrease in net earned premiums was consistent with the expected amortization of deferred premium revenue and was offset in part by an increase in refundings and accelerations. Net investment income was relatively flat compared with First Quarter 2011. Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on credit derivatives decreased as expected as the book of business amortizes and also due to an increase in claim payments. Loss and LAE in First Quarter 2012 reflects an increase in Greek sovereign debt losses, while First Quarter 2011 benefited significantly from increased estimates of recoveries for breaches of representations and warranties (“R&W”) which largely offset increases in projected losses on the U.S. RMBS portfolio. Net economic

 

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loss development measures changes in the ultimate expected losses of the Company and was $211.8 million in First Quarter 2012 driven primarily by increases in projected losses on insured Greek sovereign debt and other structured finance obligations.

 

Key Business Strategies

 

The Company has been focused on three principal strategies: loss mitigation, including the pursuit of recoveries for R&W breaches and of servicing improvements; strengthening its capital position; and new business development.

 

Loss Mitigation

 

On May 8, 2012, Assured Guaranty reached a settlement with Deutsche Bank AG and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Deutsche Bank”), resolving claims related to certain RMBS transactions issued, underwritten or sponsored by Deutsche Bank that were insured by Assured Guaranty under financial guaranty insurance policies and to certain RMBS exposures in re-securitization transactions as to which Assured Guaranty provides credit protection through CDS.

 

Assured Guaranty received a cash payment of $165.6 million from Deutsche Bank upon signing of the agreement (the “Deutsche Bank Agreement”), a portion of which will partially reimburse Assured Guaranty for past losses on certain transactions. Assured Guaranty and Deutsche Bank have also entered into loss sharing arrangements covering future RMBS related losses, which are described below. Under the Deutsche Bank Agreement, Deutsche Bank AG will place approximately $282.7 million of eligible assets in trust in order to collateralize the obligations of a reinsurance affiliate under the loss-sharing arrangements, and the Deutsche Bank reinsurance affiliate may post additional collateral in the future to satisfy rating agency requirements.

 

The settlement includes eight RMBS transactions (“Covered Transactions”) that Assured Guaranty has insured through financial guaranty insurance policies. The Covered Transactions are backed by first lien and second lien mortgage loans. Under the Deutsche Bank Agreement, the Deutsche Bank reinsurance affiliate will reimburse 80% of Assured Guaranty’s future losses on the Covered Transactions until Assured Guaranty’s aggregate losses (including those to date that are partially reimbursed by the $165.6 million cash payment) reach $318.8 million. Assured Guaranty currently projects that the Covered Transactions will not generate aggregate losses in excess of $318.8 million. In the event aggregate losses exceed $388.8 million, the reinsurance affiliate is required to resume reimbursement at the rate of 85% of Assured Guaranty’s losses in excess of $388.8 million until such losses reach $600.0 million. The Covered Transactions represented $581 million of gross par outstanding as of April 25, 2012.

 

Certain uninsured tranches (“Uninsured Tranches”) of three of the Covered Transactions are included as collateral in RMBS re- securitization transactions as to which Assured Guaranty provides credit protection through CDS. Under the Deutsche Bank Agreement, the Deutsche Bank reinsurance affiliate will reimburse losses on the CDS in an amount equal to 60% of losses in these Uninsured Tranches until the aggregate losses in the Uninsured Tranches reach $141.1 million. Assured Guaranty currently projects that the Uninsured Tranches will not generate losses in excess of $141.1 million. In the event aggregate losses exceed $161.1 million, reimbursement resumes at the rate of 60% until the aggregate losses reach $185.1 million. The reinsurance affiliate is required to reimburse any losses in excess of $185.1 million at the rate of 100% until the aggregate losses reach $247.8 million. The Uninsured Tranches represent $337 million of gross par outstanding as of April 25, 2012.

 

Assured Guaranty had filed complaints against Deutsche Bank on two of the Covered Transactions.  As part of the settlement, Assured Guaranty has settled its litigation against Deutsche Bank on those two Covered Transactions and on one other RMBS transaction.  See Note 4 of the Financial Statements, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, “Recovery Litigation—RMBS Transactions” for information about the RMBS transactions subject to the settlement.

 

The terms of the Deutsche Bank settlement were largely reflected in Assured Guaranty’s 2011 financial guaranty insurance net expected losses.

 

Except for the Uninsured Tranches, the settlement does not include Assured Guaranty’s CDS with Deutsche Bank. The parties have agreed to continue efforts to resolve CDS-related claims.

 

Net expected loss to be paid for both financial guaranty insurance and credit derivatives increased $211.8 million in First Quarter 2012. The Company continued its risk remediation strategies which lowered losses and also created additional rating agency capital. The following are examples of the strategies employed by the Company.

 

The Company is continuing to purchase attractively priced below-investment-grade (“BIG”) obligations that it had insured in order to mitigate losses, which resulted in a reduction to net expected loss to be paid of $481.4 million as of March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, the carrying value of assets purchased or obtained for loss mitigation purposes was $550.6 million, with a par of $1,864.0 million.

 

The Company has established a group to mitigate RMBS losses by influencing mortgage servicing, including, if possible, causing the transfer of servicing or establishing special servicing. As a result of the Company’s efforts, at March 31, 2012 the servicing of approximately $1.3 billion of mortgage loans had been transferred to a new servicer and another $2.2 billion of mortgage loans were being special serviced. (“Special servicing” is an industry term referencing more intense servicing applied to delinquent loans aimed at mitigating losses.) The Company also agreed to terminate its exposure to certain structured finance risks, and it reassumed risks that it had ceded to certain lower rated reinsurers.

 

Capital Position

 

The Company has been pursuing strategies to improve its rating agency capital position. As part of that effort, in January 2012, AGC and AGM entered into an aggregate excess of loss reinsurance facility that covers certain U.S. public finance credits insured or reinsured by AGC or AGM as of September 30, 2011. At AGC’s and AGM’s option, the facility will cover losses occurring from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2019 or from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2020. The contract terminates, unless AGC and AGM choose to extend it, on January 1, 2014. The facility attaches when AGC’s or AGM’s net losses exceed in the aggregate $2 billion and covers a portion of the next $600 million of losses, with the reinsurers assuming pro rata in the aggregate $435 million of the $600 million of losses and AGC and AGM jointly retaining the remaining $165 million of losses. The reinsurers are required to be rated at least AA- (Stable outlook) through December 31, 2014 or to post collateral sufficient to provide AGM and AGC with the same reinsurance credit as reinsurers rated AA-. This facility provides additional rating agency capital credit.

 

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. Few individual or even institutional investors have the analytic resources to cover the tens of thousands of municipal credits in the market. For those exposures that the Company guarantees, it undertakes the tasks of credit selection, analysis, negotiation of terms, surveillance 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.

 

Municipal Market Data(1)

 

 

 

First Quarter
2012

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Par

 

Number of
issues

 

Par

 

Number of
issues

 

 

 

(dollars in billions, except number of issues)

 

New municipal bonds issued

 

$

78.2

 

2,953

 

$

285.2

 

10,176

 

Insured by AGC and AGM(2)

 

3.7

 

350

 

15.2

 

1,228

 

 


(1)                                  Based on the date the transactions are sold.

 

(2)                                  Represents 100% market share.

 

U.S Public Finance Market Data

 

 

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

As of
 December 31, 2011

 

As of
 March 31, 2011

 

Market penetration par

 

4.7%

 

4.8%

 

4.9%

 

Market penetration based on number of issues

 

11.9

 

11.6

 

10.9

 

% of single A par sold

 

18.2

 

12.9

 

13.3

 

% of single A transactions sold

 

36.6

 

31.2

 

35.8

 

% of under $25 million par sold

 

14.9

 

13.9

 

13.3

 

% of under $25 million transactions sold

 

13.6

 

12.7

 

11.8

 

 

As a continuation of its strategy to create value, on January 24, 2012, the Company announced a three-part agreement with Radian Asset Assurance Inc. (“Radian”) under which it reassumed $12.9 billion of par it had previously ceded to Radian, reinsured approximately $1.8 billion of Radian public finance par and agreed to acquire MIAC, which is licensed to provide financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance in 38 U.S. jurisdictions including the District of Columbia. The purchase of MIAC is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first half of 2012. In addition to the Radian reassumption, the Company also reassumed $6.2 billion in par from Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Tokio”). The Company recognized $83.3 million in pre-tax commutation gains as a result of these transactions.

 

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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. See “—Non-GAAP Measures—PVP or Present Value of New Business Production.”

 

New Business Production

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

PVP:

 

 

 

 

 

Public Finance—U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed from Radian

 

$

21.9

 

$

 

Primary Markets

 

27.2

 

26.7

 

Secondary Markets

 

3.3

 

7.3

 

Structured Finance—U.S.

 

3.9

 

11.3

 

Structured Finance—non-U.S.

 

 

7.2

 

Total PVP

 

$

56.3

 

$

52.5

 

Gross Par Written:

 

 

 

 

 

Public Finance—U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed from Radian

 

$

1,797

 

$

 

Primary Markets

 

2,902

 

1,886

 

Secondary Markets

 

144

 

333

 

Structured Finance—U.S.

 

38

 

100

 

Structured Finance—non-U.S.

 

 

 

Total PVP

 

$

4,881

 

$

2,319

 

 

PVP was $56.3 million for First Quarter 2012, compared with $52.5 million for First Quarter 2011. PVP for First Quarter 2012 includes $21.9 million in assumed public finance business from Radian, representing the Company’s first third party assumed reinsurance treaty written since 2009. Direct U.S. public finance PVP was slightly lower than First Quarter 2011 due to differences in the mix of business and tightening of spreads. Direct U.S. public finance par written increased 37.3% in First Quarter 2012 when compared to First Quarter 2011. First Quarter 2012 market penetration, based on par, was consistent with First Quarter 2011 and, based on number of new-issue transactions, increased to 11.9% from 10.9% in First Quarter 2011. In today’s challenging market environment, the Company has continued to adhere to its strict underwriting standards, as demonstrated by the increase in the average internal rating of direct par written from A- in First Quarter 2011 to A in First Quarter 2012. As mentioned, pricing varies due to the mix of business; however, premium rates in First Quarter 2012, excluding the Radian assumption, were consistent by sector and asset class with First Quarter 2011.

 

Structured finance business production varies significantly from quarter to quarter based on market conditions and new issuances. A significant portion of the decline in PVP in First Quarter 2012 relates to the structured finance sector.

 

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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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of significant accounting policies and fair value methodologies. The following discussion of the results of operations includes information regarding the estimates 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 for Deferred Acquisition Costs

 

The Company adopted a new pronouncement on January 1, 2012, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which specifies that certain costs incurred in the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts should be capitalized. These costs include 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. The Company adopted this new guidance with retrospective application and revised previously issued historical financial statements. See Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements.

 

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Effect of Retrospective Application of New Deferred Acquisition Cost Guidance

 

 

 

As Reported
First Quarter
2011

 

Retroactive
Application
Adjustment

 

As Revised
First Quarter
2011

 

 

 

(in millions except per share amounts)

 

Statement of Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

$

7.4

 

$

(3.7

)

$

3.7

 

Other operating expenses

 

56.8

 

6.0

 

62.8

 

Total expenses

 

63.5

 

2.3

 

65.8

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

215.5

 

(2.3

)

213.2

 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

74.9

 

(1.0

)

73.9

 

Net income (loss)

 

140.6

 

(1.3

)

139.3

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.76

 

$

 

$

0.76

 

Diluted

 

0.75

 

(0.01

)

0.74

 

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

193.7

 

$

254.0

 

Net investment income

 

97.8

 

97.4

 

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

1.3

 

2.8

 

Change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements

 

(56.9

)

35.4

 

Net unrealized gains

 

(633.8

)

(271.6

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

(690.7

)

(236.2

)

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

 

(13.9

)

0.5

 

Fair value gains (losses) on FG VIEs

 

(36.6

)

119.6

 

Other income

 

91.0

 

40.9

 

Total revenues

 

(357.4

)

279.0

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Loss and LAE

 

246.8

 

(25.5

)

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

5.4

 

3.7

 

Interest expense

 

24.7

 

24.8

 

Other operating expenses

 

61.3

 

62.8

 

Total expenses

 

338.2

 

65.8

 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

 

(695.6

)

213.2

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(212.6

)

73.9

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(483.0

)

$

139.3

 

 

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Net Earned Premiums

 

Net earned premiums are recognized over the remaining contractual lives, or in the case of homogeneous pools of insured obligations, the expected remaining lives of financial guaranty insurance contracts.

 

Net Earned Premiums

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Financial guaranty:

 

 

 

 

 

Public finance

 

 

 

 

 

Scheduled net earned premiums and accretion

 

$

83.0

 

$

91.2

 

Refundings and accelerations(1)

 

36.6

 

29.6

 

Total public finance

 

119.6

 

120.8

 

Structured finance

 

 

 

 

 

Scheduled net earned premiums and accretion(2)

 

73.7

 

132.7

 

Total structured finance

 

73.7

 

132.7

 

Other

 

0.4

 

0.5

 

Total net earned premiums

 

$

193.7

 

$

254.0

 

 


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

 

(2)                                  Excludes $17.0 million in First Quarter 2012 and $19.1 million in First Quarter 2011 related to consolidated FG VIEs.

 

Net earned premiums decreased in First Quarter 2012 compared with First Quarter 2011, primarily due to the decline in structured finance scheduled net earned premium corresponding to the decline in the par outstanding, offset in part by an increase in refundings and accelerations in First Quarter 2012. At March 31, 2012, $5.3 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. Had the FG VIEs not been consolidated in First Quarter 2012 and 2011, the decline in net earned premiums would have been 23%.

 

Net Investment Income

 

Net investment income is a function of the yield that the Company earns on invested assets and the size of the portfolio. 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 slightly in First Quarter 2012 compared with First Quarter 2011 due to a shift to longer duration assets, higher income on loss mitigation bonds and additional earnings on higher invested asset balances offset by a reduction in income due to an increase in RMBS prepayment speeds and a decrease in income due to the elimination of income related to consolidated FG VIE’s. The pre-tax book yield was 3.96% at March 31, 2012 and 3.89% at March 31, 2011, respectively.

 

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 and asset-backed securities where we have the intent to sell.

 

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Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Realized investment gains (losses) on sales of investments

 

$

6.2

 

$

7.4

 

OTTI:

 

 

 

 

 

Intent to sell

 

(0.3

)

(2.7

)

Credit losses on securities

 

(4.6

)

(1.9

)

OTTl

 

(4.9

)

(4.6

)

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

$

1.3

 

$

2.8

 

 

Other Income

 

Other income is comprised of recurring income items such as foreign exchange revaluation of premiums receivable, ancillary fees on financial guaranty policies such as commitment, consent and processing fees as well as other revenue items on financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance contracts such as commutation gains on re-assumptions of previously ceded business.

 

Other Income

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) on revaluation of premium receivable

 

$

10.0

 

$

12.9

 

Commutation gains (losses)

 

83.3

 

24.1

 

Other

 

(2.3

)

3.9

 

Total other income

 

$

91.0

 

$

40.9

 

 

Over the past several years, the Company has entered into several commutations in order to reassume previously ceded books of business from BIG financial guaranty companies and its other reinsurers. In First Quarter 2012, the Company reassumed two previously ceded reinsurance contracts from Radian and Tokio in exchange for a cash payment to the Company of $210 million. These two transactions represent $19.1 billion in par and $106.1 million in related unearned premium reserve. The commutation gains related to these reassumptions were $83.3 million. In First Quarter 2011, the Company reassumed two previously ceded reinsurance contracts for $0.3 billion in par and $2.3 million in related unearned premium reserve. The commutation gains related to these reassumption were $24.1 million.

 

Other Operating Expenses and Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs

 

Other operating expenses and amortization of deferred acquisition costs were affected by the retrospective application of new accounting guidance which changed the type and amount of expenses that  may be deferred and amortized. The effect of this new guidance on First Quarter 2011 was an increase in operating expenses of $6.0 million and a decrease in amortization of deferred acquisition costs of $3.7 million. The guidance was retrospectively applied and therefore prior period amounts presented herein have been revised from previously reported amounts. Other operating expenses were relatively consistent with First Quarter 2011 and deferral rates were 5% in First Quarter 2012 compared with First Quarter 2011.

 

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 in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for a full description of the three

 

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accounting models: financial guaranty insurance, credit derivatives and consolidated FG VIEs. 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 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 included non-standard terms and are not actively traded as are credit derivatives in other financial services industries. As a result, 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 claim payments are 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. See Note 5, Fair Value Measurement, of the Financial Statements.

 

·                  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 and the Company’s own credit 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 evaluate and 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. The discussion of expected losses in “—U.S. RMBS Loss Projections”, “—U.S. RMBS Loss Mitigation” and “—Other Non-RMBS Losses” below encompasses expected losses on all policies in the insured portfolio, whatever the accounting treatment, while Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements , encompasses only those policies accounted for as financial guaranty insurance.

 

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 Company’s loss reserve committees for consideration in estimating the expected loss to be paid. Such analyses includes the consideration of various scenarios with potential probabilities assigned to them. Depending upon the nature of the risk, the

 

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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.

 

U.S. RMBS Loss Projections

 

The Company projects losses on its insured 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 or tranching) of the RMBS to the projected performance of the collateral over time. The resulting projected claim payments or reimbursements are then discounted using risk-free rates. For transactions where the Company projects it will receive recoveries from providers of R&W, it projects the amount of recoveries and either establishes a recovery for claims already paid or 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 its experience to date.

 

The shape of the RMBS loss projection curves used by the Company assume that the housing and mortgage markets will eventually improve. The Company retained the same general shape of the RMBS loss projection curves at March 31, 2012 as December 31, 2011, reflecting the Company’s view, based on its observation of continued elevated levels of early stage delinquencies, that the housing and mortgage market recovery is occurring at a slower than previously expected pace.

 

The scenarios the Company used to project RMBS collateral losses for second lien RMBS transactions at March 31, 2012 were essentially the same as those it used at December 31, 2011, except that based on its observation of the continued elevated levels of early stage delinquencies, as noted above, the Company retained the same general shape of its RMBS loss projection curves. This had the effect of reflecting a slower recovery in the housing market than had been assumed at December 31, 2011.

 

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The Company used the same general approach to project RMBS collateral losses for first lien RMBS transactions at March 31, 2012 as it did at December 31, 2011, except that, as noted above, based on its observation of the continued elevated levels of early stage delinquencies, the Company retained the same general shape of its RMBS loss projection curves. This had the effect of reflecting a slower recovery in the housing market than had been assumed at December 31, 2011.

 

The Company also used generally the same methodology to project the credit received for recoveries in R&W at March 31, 2012 as December 31, 2011. The primary differences relate to the refinement of the calculation of benefits due to potential agreements with R&W providers with which it is having discussions. Compared with year-end 2011, the Company calculated R&W credits for one more first lien transaction subject to settlement discussion with an R&W provider.

 

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 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements “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.”

 

U.S. RMBS 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 $4.2 billion ($3.9 billion net par outstanding) as of March 31, 2012.

 

During First Quarter 2012 Bank of America paid the final $57.3 million in respect of covered second lien transactions, bringing the total paid to $1.1 billion. In return, the Company 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 agreed to 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 March 31, 2012, Bank of America had placed approximately $1,007 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 March 31, 2012, the Company’s estimate of expected future recoveries for the first lien transactions covered under the Bank of America Agreement was $544 million, discounted and gross of reinsurance. As of March 31, 2012, cumulative collateral losses on the 21 first lien RMBS transactions were approximately $2.2 billion. The Company estimates that cumulative projected collateral losses for these first lien transactions will reach $5.0 billion, which will result in estimated gross future expected losses to the Company of $680.5 million before considering R&W recoveries from Bank of America, and $136.1 million after considering such R&W recoveries. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had been reimbursed $76.3 million and had invoiced for an additional $13.9 million in claims paid in March with respect to the covered first lien transactions under the Bank of America Agreement.

 

The Company believes the Bank of America Agreement and Deutsche Bank Agreement were significant steps 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 and is in discussions with other R&W providers regarding potential agreements. It has also initiated litigation against R&W providers. See “Recovery Litigation” in Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements for a discussion of the litigation proceedings the Company has initiated against other R&W providers.

 

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Through March 31, 2012 the Company has caused entities providing R&Ws to pay or agree to pay approximately $2.4 billion in respect of their R&W liabilities. Of this, $1.8 billion are payments made or to be made directly to the Company pursuant to agreements with R&W providers (e.g. the Bank of America Agreement) and approximately $603 million are amounts paid (or committed to be paid) into the relevant RMBS transactions pursuant to the transaction documents.

 

The $1.8 billion of payments made or to be made directly to the Company by R&W providers includes $1.3 billion that has already been received by the Company as well as $558 million the Company projects receiving in the future pursuant to such currently existing agreements. Because most of that $558 million is projected to be received through loss-sharing arrangements, the exact amount the Company will receive will depend on actual losses experienced by the covered transactions. That $558 million is included in the Company’s calculated credit for R&W recoveries, described below.

 

The $603 million paid, or committed to be paid, by R&W providers into the relevant RMBS transactions pursuant to the transaction documents flow through the transaction “waterfalls.” Because the Company may insure only a portion of the capital structure of a transaction, such payments will not necessarily directly benefit the Company dollar-for-dollar, especially in first lien transactions. However, such payments do reduce collateral pool losses and so usually reduce the Company’s expected losses.

 

Based on this success in pursuing R&W breaches to date, the Company calculates a credit for future R&W 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 or potential agreement with an R&W provider (e.g., the Bank of America Agreement), 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. Further detail regarding how the Company calculates these credits may be found under “Breaches of Representations and Warranties” in Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements. The net expected losses to be paid includes an R&W credit of $1,631.0 million net of reinsurance. As of the date of this filing, $840.4 million of this amount is the projected benefit of existing agreements with Bank of America and Deutsche Bank.

 

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 future claims and reimbursements are discounted 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.

 

Non-RMBS Losses

 

The Company has insured or reinsured $2.8 billion net par of student loan securitizations, $1.3 billion issued by private issuers and classified as asset-backed and $1.5 billion issued by public authorities and classified as public finance. Of these amounts, $170.7 million and $609.6 million, respectively, are rated BIG. The Company is projecting approximately $65.4 million of net 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 that have been put to the liquidity provider by the holder and are therefore bearing high

 

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“bank bond” interest rates. The largest of these losses was approximately $24.7 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. The decrease of approximately $9.2 million in net expected loss during First Quarter 2012 is primarily due to the increase in risk free rates used for discounting as well as some favorable experience with respect to prospective commutations potentially achieved by the primary insurer on some transactions.

 

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 March 31, 2012, the Company has projected net expected losses to be paid for TruPS CDOs of $58.2 million. The decrease of approximately $6.0 million in net expected loss during First Quarter 2012 was driven primarily by the increase in the risk free rate used to discount loss projections (which was partially offset by refinements and updates of the model used to project losses).

 

The Company has insured $2.4 billion of net par in XXX life insurance reserve securitizations based on discrete blocks of individual life insurance business of which $923.0 million is rated BIG. 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 March 31, 2012, the Company’s projected net expected loss to be paid of $125.7 million. The decrease of approximately $5.9 million during First Quarter 2012 is due primarily to the increase in the risk free rate used to discount loss projections (offset in part by loss development related to updated mortality experience).

 

As of March 31, 2012 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 €114.1 million of inflation-linked debt (€52.6 million on a net basis) due in 2057 with a 2.085% coupon. See “—Insured Portfolio—Selected European Exposures.” On February 24, 2012, Greece announced the terms of exchange offers and consent solicitations that requested the voluntary participation by holders of certain Greek bonds, including the insured 2037 and 2057 bonds, in an exchange that would result in the cancellation of such bonds in exchange for a package of replacement securities with lower principal amounts, and requested the consent of holders to amendments of the bonds that could be used to impose the same terms on holders that do not voluntarily participate in the exchange.  In March 2012, the exchange was imposed through collective action clauses on the Company’s exposure to the 2037 bonds.  In April 2012, the Company consented to the exchange with respect to its exposure on the 2057 bonds.  The exchanges have caused the Company to recognize an inception to date economic loss development of $334.1 million gross of reinsurance and $231.9 million, net of reinsurance and net of salvage received in the form of such exchanged securities, as of March 31, 2012. This represents an increase from the equivalent amounts of $64.7 million gross of reinsurance and $42.6 million net of reinsurance as of December 31, 2011.

 

The Company also has expected losses for certain other transactions discussed in Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements, including Jefferson County and transactions backed by manufactured housing loans.

 

Net 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, and expected recoveries for breaches of R&W and other loss mitigation strategies. Assumptions used in the determination of the net 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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Net Expected Loss to be Paid

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

FG VIEs

 

Total
Financial
Guaranty
Insurance
and FG VIEs(1)

 

Credit
Derivatives(2)

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

US RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

2.2

 

$

 

$

2.2

 

$

 

$

2.2

 

Alt-A first lien

 

117.3

 

(0.4

)

116.9

 

151.3

 

268.2

 

Option ARM

 

74.1

 

1.2

 

75.3

 

43.6

 

118.9

 

Subprime

 

98.2

 

52.2

 

150.4

 

97.4

 

247.8

 

Total first lien

 

291.8

 

53.0

 

344.8

 

292.3

 

637.1

 

Second Lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

(57.6

)

(32.1

)

(89.7

)

(11.5

)

(101.2

)

Home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”)

 

133.9

 

(176.4

)

(42.5

)

 

(42.5

)

Total second lien

 

76.3

 

(208.5

)

(132.2

)

(11.5

)

(143.7

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

368.1

 

(155.5

)

212.6

 

280.8

 

493.4

 

TruPS

 

8.5

 

 

8.5

 

49.7

 

58.2

 

Other structured finance

 

196.8

 

 

196.8

 

98.5

 

295.3

 

Public finance(3)

 

334.5

 

 

334.5

 

1.6

 

336.1

 

Total

 

$

907.9

 

$

(155.5

)

$

752.4

 

$

430.6

 

$

1,183.0

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

FG VIEs

 

Total
Financial
Guaranty
Insurance
and FG VIEs(1)

 

Credit
Derivatives(2)

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

US RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.8

 

$

 

$

1.8

 

$

 

$

1.8

 

Alt-A first lien

 

130.2

 

4.7

 

134.9

 

159.6

 

294.5

 

Option ARM

 

128.0

 

24.9

 

152.9

 

57.5

 

210.4

 

Subprime

 

95.7

 

44.6

 

140.3

 

101.0

 

241.3

 

Total first lien

 

355.7

 

74.2

 

429.9

 

318.1

 

748.0

 

Second Lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

(57.7

)

(21.9

)

(79.6

)

(6.5

)

(86.1

)

HELOCs

 

127.9

 

(159.0

)

(31.1

)

 

(31.1

)

Total second lien

 

70.2

 

(180.9

)

(110.7

)

(6.5

)

(117.2

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

425.9

 

(106.7

)

319.2

 

311.6

 

630.8

 

TruPS

 

13.2

 

 

13.2

 

51.0

 

64.2

 

Other structured finance

 

239.6

 

 

239.6

 

102.5

 

342.1

 

Public finance(3)

 

66.0

 

 

66.0

 

0.9

 

66.9

 

Total

 

$

744.7

 

$

(106.7

)

$

638.0

 

$

466.0

 

$

1,104.0

 

 


(1)           Refer to Note 4 of the Financial Statements, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, for additional information related to the accounting for financial guaranty insurance contracts.

 

(2)           Refer to Note 6 of the Financial Statements, Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Credit Derivatives, for additional information related to the accounting for credit derivative contracts.

 

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(3)           Includes expected loss to be paid of $285.9 million and of March 31, 2012 and $42.6 million as of December 31, 2011 related to Greek sovereign debt.

 

The following table presents a roll forward of the net expected loss to be paid for the three months ended March 31, 2012 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
December 31, 2011

 

Economic
Loss
Development(2)

 

(Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

4.8

 

$

1.0

 

$

 

$

5.8

 

Alt-A first lien

 

701.7

 

25.7

 

(26.0

)

701.4

 

Option ARM

 

934.8

 

26.1

 

(106.9

)

854.0

 

Subprime

 

342.8

 

10.5

 

(9.1

)

344.2

 

Total first lien

 

1,984.1

 

63.3

 

(142.0

)

1,905.4

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

137.7

 

(5.1

)

(12.2

)

120.4

 

HELOCs

 

158.8

 

9.8

 

(70.0

)

98.6

 

Total second lien

 

296.5

 

4.7

 

(82.2

)

219.0

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

2,280.6

 

68.0

 

(224.2

)

2,124.4

 

TruPS

 

64.2

 

(4.4

)

(1.6

)

58.2

 

Other structured finance

 

342.1

 

(22.4

)

(24.4

)

295.3

 

Public finance

 

66.9

 

221.4

 

47.8

 

336.1

 

Total

 

$

2,753.8

 

$

262.6

 

$

(202.4

)

$

2,814.0

 

 

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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
December 31, 2011

 

Economic Loss
Development(2)

 

(Paid)
Recovered
Losses

 

Net Expected Loss
to be Paid as of
March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

1.8

 

$

0.4

 

$

 

$

2.2

 

Alt-A first lien

 

294.5

 

(1.3

)

(25.0

)

268.2

 

Option ARM

 

210.4

 

(2.2

)

(89.3

)

118.9

 

Subprime

 

241.3

 

15.6

 

(9.1

)

247.8

 

Total first lien

 

748.0

 

12.5

 

(123.4

)

637.1

 

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

(86.1

)

(2.9

)

(12.2

)

(101.2

)

HELOCs

 

(31.1

)

7.6

 

(19.0

)

(42.5

)

Total second lien

 

(117.2

)

4.7

 

(31.2

)

(143.7

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

630.8

 

17.2

 

(154.6

)

493.4

 

TruPS

 

64.2

 

(4.4

)

(1.6

)

58.2

 

Other structured finance

 

342.1

 

(22.4

)

(24.4

)

295.3

 

Public finance

 

66.9

 

221.4

 

47.8

 

336.1

 

Total

 

$

1,104.0

 

$

211.8

 

$

(132.8

)

$

1,183.0

 

 


(1)           Amounts exclude reserves for mortgage business of $1.9 million and $1.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

(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 in First Quarter 2012 was $211.8 million. The primary driver of the economic loss development was $189.3 million related to exposure to sovereign debt of Greece. U.S. RMBS development was $17.2 million which reflects higher losses in the underlying collateral, largely offset by a higher R&W benefit. Where the Company has an agreement with an R&W provider (e.g., the Bank of America Agreement and Deutsche Bank Agreement) or, where potential recoveries may be higher due to settlements, that benefit is based on the agreement or probability of a potential agreement.  Due to an increase in interest rates in First Quarter 2012 and the GAAP requirement to update discount rates at each reporting period to the current risk free rates, the economic loss development was positively affected, although this change does not reflect credit improvement or impairment in the underlying collateral.

 

Accounting Treatment of Losses for Transactions Accounted for as Financial Guaranty Insurance

 

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 in excess of expected loss that are not indicative of economic deterioration 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 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 had 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.

 

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Comparison of Loss Measures

 

 

 

First Quarter 2012

 

First Quarter 2011

 

 

 

Loss and
LAE
Reported(1)

 

Loss Expense
Non-GAAP
Operating
Basis(2)

 

Economic
Loss
Development

 

Loss and
LAE
Reported(1)

 

Loss Expense
Non-GAAP
Operating
Basis(2)

 

Economic
Loss
Development

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime first lien

 

$

0.4

 

$

0.4

 

$

0.4

 

$

(0.1

)

$

(0.1

)

$

0.1

 

Alt-A first lien

 

(0.2

)

(2.4

)

(1.3

)

3.1

 

11.7

 

14.4

 

Option ARM

 

49.4

 

51.6

 

(2.2

)

(60.6

)

(35.2

)

(119.4

)

Subprime

 

5.7

 

13.4

 

15.6

 

(18.6

)

22.5

 

13.4

 

Total first lien

 

55.3

 

63.0

 

12.5

 

(76.2

)

(1.1

)

(91.5

)

Second lien:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end second lien

 

(0.1

)

(2.7

)

(2.9

)

(10.9

)

(36.7

)

(133.7

)

HELOCs

 

15.3

 

15.1

 

7.6

 

57.1

 

61.0

 

77.6

 

Total second lien

 

15.2

 

12.4

 

4.7

 

46.2

 

24.3

 

(56.1

)

Total U.S. RMBS

 

70.5

 

75.4

 

17.2

 

(30.0

)

23.2

 

(147.6

)

Other structured finance

 

(32.4

)

(36.8

)

(26.8

)

20.3

 

17.9

 

12.5

 

Public finance(3)

 

208.7

 

208.8

 

221.4

 

(15.8

)

(15.8

)

(13.2

)

Total

 

$

246.8

 

$

247.4

 

$

211.8

 

$

(25.5

)

$

25.3

 

$

(148.3

)

 


(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.

 

 

(3)

First Quarter 2012 columns include losses related to Greek sovereign debt.

 

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

 

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

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Net Expected Loss to be Expensed

 

 

 

In GAAP
Reported
Income

 

In Non-GAAP
Operating
Income

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

2012 (April 1 — June 30)

 

$

17.8

 

$

19.2

 

2012 (July 1 — September 30)

 

17.0

 

19.5

 

2012 (October 1 — December 31)

 

15.5

 

19.2

 

Subtotal 2012

 

50.3

 

57.9

 

2013

 

58.4

 

76.9

 

2014

 

46.8

 

66.1

 

2015

 

41.2

 

57.9

 

2016

 

33.2

 

48.1

 

2017-2021

 

136.9

 

185.7

 

2022-2026

 

74.0

 

98.8

 

2027-2031

 

35.8

 

64.4

 

After 2031

 

27.2

 

59.0

 

Total expected PV of net expected loss to be expensed

 

503.8

 

714.8

 

Discount

 

292.6

 

360.7

 

Total future value

 

$

796.4

 

$

1,075.5

 

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of the Company’s expected loss to be paid to expected loss to be expensed. See Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements.

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance

Reconciliation of Present Value of Net Expected Loss to be Paid

and Present Value of Net Expected Loss to be Expensed

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

GAAP
Reported Basis(2)

 

Non-GAAP
Operating Income
Basis

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net expected loss to be paid

 

$

907.9

 

$

752.4

 

Contra-paid, net

 

71.2

 

208.6

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable, net

 

324.4

 

616.6

 

Loss and LAE reserve, net(1)

 

(799.7

)

(862.8

)

Net expected loss to be expensed

 

$

503.8

 

$

714.8

 

 


(1)           Represents loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, excluding $1.9 million in reserves for other runoff lines of business as of March 31, 2012.

 

(2)           The difference between GAAP reported basis and non-GAAP operating income basis relates to 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

 

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Table of Contents

 

giving rise to the Company’s obligation to make loss payments are similar to those for financial guaranty insurance contracts but are governed by 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 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 Sources.”

 

In the event that the Company is able to terminate and does terminate 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. Financial 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 5, 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. The fair value of these contracts depends on a number of factors including notional amount of the contract, expected term, credit spreads, changes in interest rates, the credit ratings of the referenced entities, the Company’s own credit risk and remaining contractual flows.

 

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

 

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·      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 March 31, 2012, 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 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)

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net credit derivative premiums received and receivable

 

$

28.9

 

$

59.6

 

Net ceding commissions (paid and payable) received and receivable

 

(0.1

)

1.4

 

Realized gains on credit derivatives

 

28.8

 

61.0

 

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

 

(85.7

)

(25.6

)

Total realized gains (losses) and other settlements on credit derivatives

 

(56.9

)

35.4

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives

 

(633.8

)

(271.6

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

$

(690.7

)

$

(236.2

)

 

Net credit derivative premiums have declined in First Quarter 2012 compared with First Quarter 2011 due primarily to the decline in the net par outstanding to $83.0 billion at March 31, 2012 from $106.4 billion at March 31, 2011. In First Quarter 2011, CDS contracts totaling $2.6 billion in net par were terminated for total net payments to the Company of $15.5 million. Because the Company no longer anticipates writing new business using a CDS form of execution, premiums are expected to decline in the foreseeable future. These contracts had carried high rating agency capital charges prior to termination. The increase in net credit derivative losses paid and payable was due to higher payments on film securitization transaction.

 

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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Five-Year CDS Spread on AGC and AGM

 

 

 

As of
 March 31, 2012

 

As of
December 31, 2011

 

Quoted price of CDS contract (in basis points):

 

 

 

 

 

AGC

 

743

 

1,140

 

AGM

 

555

 

778

 

 

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

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

Asset Type

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Pooled corporate obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

Collateralize loan obligations/Collateralized bond obligations

 

$

7.3

 

$

2.0

 

Synthetic investment grade pooled corporate

 

1.6

 

10.5

 

Synthetic high yield pooled corporate

 

10.8

 

(2.8

)

TruPS CDOs

 

(13.8

)

(20.8

)

Market value CDOs of corporate obligations

 

(0.4

)

(0.1

)

Total pooled corporate obligations

 

5.5

 

(11.2

)

U.S. RMBS:

 

 

 

 

 

Alt-A option ARMs and Alt-A first lien

 

(517.7

)

(267.6

)

Subprime first lien (including net interest margin)

 

(26.1

)

(24.1

)

Prime first lien

 

(86.1

)

0.6

 

Closed end second lien and HELOCs

 

0.5

 

0.3

 

Total U.S. RMBS

 

(629.4

)

(290.8

)

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)

 

0.2

 

0.7

 

Other(1)

 

(10.1

)

29.7

 

Total

 

$

(633.8

)

$

(271.6

)

 


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

 

In First Quarter 2012, U.S. RMBS unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily in the prime first lien, Alt-A, Option ARM and subprime RMBS sectors due to wider implied net spreads. The wider implied net spreads were primarily a result of the decreased cost to buy protection in AGC’s name as the market cost of AGC’s credit protection decreased. 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, decreased the implied spreads that the Company would expect to receive on these transactions increased. The cost of AGM’s credit protection also decreased during the quarter, but did not lead to significant fair value losses, as the majority of AGM policies continue to price at floor levels.

 

In First Quarter 2011, U.S. RMBS unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily in the Option ARM, Alt-A first lien, and Subprime RMBS sectors due to wider implied net spreads. The wider implied net spreads were a result of price deterioration as well as the decreased cost to buy protection in AGC’s name as the market cost of AGC’s credit protection declined. These transactions were pricing above their floor levels,

 

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therefore when the cost of purchasing CDS protection on AGC declined, which management refers to as the CDS spread on AGC, the implied spreads that the Company would expect to receive on these transactions increased. The cost of AGM’s credit protection remained relatively flat during the quarter. The unrealized fair value gain within the Other asset class resulted from price improvement on a XXX life-securitization policy within the quarter.

 

Effect of the Company’s Credit Spread Change on

Fair Value of Credit Derivatives Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

Before considering implication of the Company’s credit spreads

 

$

713.0

 

$

(41.0

)

Resulting from change in the Company’s credit spreads

 

(1,346.8

)

(230.6

)

After considering implication of the Company’s credit spreads

 

$

(633.8

)

$

(271.6

)

 

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.

 

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. In certain circumstances, due to the fact that spread movements are not perfectly correlated, the narrowing or widening of the price of CDS traded on AGC and AGM, can have a more significant financial statement impact than the changes in underlying collateral prices. 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 March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

Credit Spreads(1)

 

Estimated Net
Fair Value
(Pre-tax)

 

Estimated
Change in
Gain/(Loss)
(Pre-tax)

 

Estimated Net
Fair Value
(Pre-tax)

 

Estimated
Change in
Gain/(Loss)
(Pre-tax)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

100% widening in spreads

 

$

(4,060.1

)

$

(2,107.4

)

$

(2,739.7

)

$

(1,435.8

)

50% widening in spreads

 

(3,009.8

)

(1,057.1

)

(2,023.6

)

(719.7

)

25% widening in spreads

 

(2,484.6

)

(531.9

)

(1,665.7

)

(361.8

)

10% widening in spreads

 

(2,169.5

)

(216.8

)

(1,450.9

)

(147.0

)

Base Scenario

 

(1,952.7

)

 

(1,303.9

)

 

10% narrowing in spreads

 

(1,774.4

)

178.3

 

(1,188.7

)

115.2

 

25% narrowing in spreads

 

(1,497.0

)

455.7

 

(1,018.4

)

285.5

 

50% narrowing in spreads

 

(1,037.1

)

915.6

 

(741.4

)

562.5

 

 


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

 

Fair Value Gain (Loss) on Committed Capital Securities

 

Committed capital securities (“CCS”) consist of committed preferred trust securities which allow AGC and AGM to issue preferred stock to trusts created for the purpose of issuing such securities that invest in high quality

 

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investments and selling put options to AGC and AGM in exchange for cash. The fair value of CCS represents the difference between the present value of remaining expected put option premium payments under AGC’s CCS (the “AGC CCS Securities”) and AGM’s Committed Preferred Trust Securities (the “AGM CPS Securities”) agreements and the estimated present value that the Company would hypothetically have to pay currently for a comparable security.  The estimated current cost of the Company’s CCS depends on several factors, including broker-dealer quotes for the outstanding securities, the U.S.dollar forward swap curve, London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) curve projections and the term the securities are estimated to remain outstanding. The unrealized loss for CCS for First Quarter 2012 was driven by lower quotes received from broker-dealer.

 

Changes in fair value of the AGM CPS and AGC CCS securities were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2012 these securities were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because there is a reliance on significant unobservable inputs to the valuation model, including the broker-dealer quote and the Company’s estimate of the term the securities will be outstanding. Prior to the third quarter 2011, the significant market inputs used were observable, therefore, the Company classified this fair value measurement as Level 2. The CCS were transferred to Level 3 on the fair value hierarchy in the third quarter of 2011 because the Company was no longer able to obtain the same level of pricing information as in past quarters.

 

Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Committed Capital Securities

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

AGC CCS Securities

 

$

(8.5

)

$

0.3

 

AGM CPS Securities

 

(5.4

)

0.2

 

Total

 

$

(13.9

)

$

0.5

 

 

Provision for Income Tax

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Such temporary differences relate principally to unrealized gains and losses on investments and credit derivatives, FG VIE fair value adjustments, loss and LAE reserve, unearned premium reserve and tax attributes for net operating losses, alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credits and foreign tax credits. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had a net deferred income tax asset of $1,031.8 million and $803.5 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, the Company has foreign tax credits carried forward of $30.2 million which expire in 2018 through 2021. As of March 31, 2012, the Company has AMT credits of $32.0 million which do not expire. Foreign tax credits of $22.3 million are from its acquisition of Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc. (“AGMH”) on July 1, 2009 (“AGMH Acquisition”). The Internal Revenue Code limits the amounts of foreign tax credits and AMT credits the Company may utilize each year.

 

For the First Quarter 2012 income tax benefit was $212.6 million and First Quarter 2011 income tax expense was $73.9 million. The Company’s effective tax rate was 30.6% for First Quarter 2012 and 34.7% for First Quarter 2011. 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. corporate tax rate of 26% unless subject to U.S. tax by election or as a U.S. controlled foreign corporation, and no taxes for the Company’s Bermuda holding company and subsidiaries unless subject to U.S tax by election or as a U.S. controlled foreign corporation. For periods subsequent to April 1, 2012, the U.K. corporation tax rate has been reduced to 24%, for the periods April 1, 2011 to April 1, 2012, the U.K. corporation tax rate was 26% and prior to April 1, 2011, the U.K. corporation rate was 28%. Accordingly, the Company’s overall corporate effective tax rate fluctuates based on the distribution of taxable income across these jurisdictions. First Quarter 2012 and First Quarter 2011 had income earned primarily by taxable entities with some losses incurred in non-taxable entities, offset by tax-exempt interest, and are the primary reasons for the 30.6% and 34.7% effective tax rates respectively.

 

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Financial Guaranty Variable Interest Entities

 

Pursuant to GAAP, the Company evaluated its power to direct the significant activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of VIEs that have debt obligations insured by the Company and, accordingly, where the Company is obligated to absorb VIE losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE. As of March 31, 2012, 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, 35 VIEs required consolidation, compared to 33 FG VIEs consolidated at December 31, 2011. The following table presents the effects on reported GAAP income resulting from consolidating these FG VIEs and eliminating their related insurance and investment accounting entries and represents a difference between GAAP reported net income and non-GAAP operating income. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures—Operating Income” below.

 

The consolidation of FG VIEs has a significant effect on net income and shareholder’s equity due to (1) changes in fair value gains (losses) on FG VIE assets and liabilities, (2) the eliminations of premiums and losses related to the AGC and AGM insured FG VIE liabilities and (3) the elimination of investment balances related to the Company’s purchase of AGC and AGM insured FG VIE debt. Upon consolidation of a FG VIE, the related insurance and, if applicable, the related investment balances, are considered intercompany transactions and therefore eliminated.

 

Effect of Consolidating FG VIEs on Net Income (Loss)

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net earned premiums

 

$

(17.0

)

$

(19.1

)

Net investment income

 

(3.2

)

(0.3

)

Net realized investment gains (losses)

 

1.4

 

0.3

 

Fair value gains (losses) on FG VIEs

 

(36.6

)

119.6

 

Loss and LAE

 

3.2

 

50.7

 

Total pretax effect on net income

 

(52.2

)

151.2

 

Less: tax provision (benefit)

 

(18.3

)

53.0

 

Total effect on net income (loss)

 

$

(33.9

)

$

98.2

 

 

Fair value gains (losses) on FG VIEs represents the net change in fair value on 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 First Quarter 2012, the Company saw price appreciation across all of the Company’s FG VIE assets and liabilities as a result of positive economic data at the beginning of the year. However, the price appreciation was greater on the wrapped FG VIE liabilities during the period, as market participants gave more value to the guarantees provided by monoline insurers. This resulted in a pre-tax fair value loss on FG VIEs of $36.6 million during the period. A pre-tax fair value gain of approximately $119.6 million was recorded on the consolidated FG VIEs during First Quarter 2011and was primarily driven by longer liquidation time lines on RMBS transactions, which resulted in an increased value for the FG VIE assets.

 

Expected losses to be recovered in respect of consolidated FG VIEs, which were $155.5 million as March 31, 2012 and $106.7 million as of December 31, 2011, 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

 

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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.

 

Operating Income

 

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd.

to Operating Income

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(483.0

)

$

139.3

 

Less after-tax adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) on investments

 

(0.7

)

1.9

 

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

 

(517.0

)

(217.7

)

Fair value gains (losses) on CCS

 

(9.1

)

0.3

 

Foreign exchange gains (losses) on revaluation of premiums receivable and loss and LAE reserves

 

6.5

 

9.2

 

Effect of consolidating FG VIEs

 

(33.9

)

98.2

 

Operating income

 

$

71.2

 

$

247.4

 

 

The decrease in operating income in First Quarter 2012 was primarily attributable to the loss expense on Greek sovereign exposure, the declines in net earned premiums and credit derivative revenues offset in part by commutation gains on two reassumption transactions. Operating income in First Quarter 2011 was primarily attributable to the R&W benefit taken on transactions covered under the Bank of America Agreement and updated R&W assumptions on transactions with other counterparties which was supported by the recovery realization rates in the Bank of America Agreement.

 

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 AGL, 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.

 

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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. 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 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 and loss and LAE reserves. 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.

 

5)             Elimination of the effects of consolidating 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 March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Total

 

Per Share

 

Total

 

Per Share

 

 

 

(dollars in millions, except
per share amounts)

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

$

4,182.5

 

$

22.91

 

$

4,651.6

 

$

25.52

 

Less after-tax adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of consolidating FG VIEs

 

(438.7

)

(2.40

)

(405.2

)

(2.22

)

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

 

(1,021.1

)

(5.59

)

(498.0

)

(2.74

)

Fair value gains (losses) on CCS

 

26.0

 

0.14

 

35.0

 

0.19

 

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

 

353.9

 

1.93

 

318.4

 

1.75

 

Operating shareholders’ equity

 

5,262.4

 

28.83

 

5,201.4

 

28.54

 

After-tax adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Deferred acquisition costs

 

173.0

 

0.95

 

174.1

 

0.95

 

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

 

274.8

 

1.51

 

302.3

 

1.66

 

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

 

3,646.1

 

19.98

 

3,658.0

 

20.07

 

Adjusted book value

 

$

9,010.3

 

$

49.37

 

$

8,987.6

 

$

49.32

 

 

As of March 31, 2012, shareholders’ equity decreased to $4.2 billion from $4.7 billion at December 31, 2011 due primarily to net loss of $483.0 million, offset in part by unrealized gains on the investment portfolio. Adjusted book value increased slightly, mainly due to new business and commutations of reassumed business, largely offset by economic loss development primarily related to Greek exposures. Shares outstanding increased by

 

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0.3 million due primarily to the issuance of vested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units in First Quarter 2012.

 

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 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.

 

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 should not recognize an economic gain or 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, 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.

 

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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%. 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

 

Reconciliation of PVP to Gross Written Premiums

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Total PVP

 

$

56.3

 

$

52.5

 

Less: Financial guaranty installment premium PVP

 

4.0

 

18.7

 

Total: Financial guaranty upfront gross written premiums

 

52.3

 

33.8

 

Plus: Financial guaranty installment gross written premiums

 

36.1

 

(45.3

)

Total gross written premiums

 

$

88.4

 

$

(11.5

)

 

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 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% . 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, prepayment speeds, terminations, credit defaults, or other factors that affect par outstanding or the ultimate maturity of an obligation.

 

Insured Portfolio

 

The following tables present the insured portfolio by asset class net of cessions to reinsurers as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. See Note 11, Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposures, 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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Table of Contents

 

Net Par Outstanding and Average Internal Rating by Asset Class

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

Sector

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Avg.
Rating

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Avg.
Rating

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Public finance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General obligation

 

$

179,653

 

A+

 

$

173,061

 

A+

 

Tax backed

 

79,977

 

A+

 

78,006

 

A+

 

Municipal utilities

 

66,100

 

A

 

65,204

 

A

 

Transportation

 

37,864

 

A

 

35,396

 

A

 

Healthcare

 

20,482

 

A

 

19,495

 

A

 

Higher education

 

16,040

 

A+

 

15,677

 

A+

 

Housing

 

5,875

 

AA-

 

5,696

 

AA-

 

Infrastructure finance

 

4,105

 

BBB

 

4,110

 

BBB

 

Investor-owned utilities

 

1,119

 

A-

 

1,124

 

A-

 

Other public finance—U.S.

 

5,284

 

A-

 

5,304

 

A-

 

Total public finance—U.S.

 

416,499

 

A+

 

403,073

 

A+

 

Non-U.S.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Infrastructure finance

 

15,683

 

BBB

 

15,405

 

BBB

 

Regulated utilities

 

13,595

 

BBB+

 

13,260

 

BBB+

 

Pooled infrastructure

 

3,217

 

AA-

 

3,130

 

AA-

 

Other public finance—non-U.S.

 

7,418

 

A+

 

7,251

 

A+

 

Total public finance—non-U.S.

 

39,913

 

BBB+

 

39,046

 

BBB+

 

Total public finance

 

456,412

 

A

 

442,119

 

A

 

Structured finance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pooled corporate obligations

 

49,833

 

AAA

 

51,520

 

AAA

 

RMBS

 

20,873

 

BB+

 

21,567

 

BB+

 

CMBS and other commercial real estate related exposures

 

4,621

 

AAA

 

4,774

 

AAA

 

Financial products(1)

 

4,368

 

AA-

 

5,217

 

AA-

 

Consumer receivables

 

3,524

 

A+

 

4,326

 

AA-

 

Insurance securitizations

 

1,824

 

A+

 

1,893

 

A+

 

Commercial receivables

 

1,109

 

BBB

 

1,214

 

BBB

 

Structured credit

 

380

 

B

 

424

 

B-

 

Other structured finance—U.S.

 

1,252

 

BBB+

 

1,299

 

A-

 

Total structured finance—U.S.

 

87,784

 

AA-

 

92,234

 

AA-

 

Non-U.S.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pooled corporate obligations

 

17,419

 

AAA

 

17,731

 

AAA

 

Commercial receivables

 

1,639

 

A-

 

1,865

 

A-

 

RMBS

 

1,539

 

AA-

 

1,598

 

AA

 

Insurance securitizations

 

923

 

CCC-

 

964

 

CCC-

 

Structured credit

 

887

 

BBB

 

979

 

BBB

 

CMBS and other commercial real estate related exposures

 

118

 

AAA

 

180

 

AAA

 

Other structured finance—non-U.S.

 

377

 

Super Senior

 

378

 

Super Senior

 

Total structured finance—non-U.S.

 

22,902

 

AA

 

23,695

 

AA

 

Total structured finance

 

110,686

 

AA-

 

115,929

 

AA-

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

567,098

 

A+

 

$

558,048

 

A+

 

 

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The March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 amounts above include $56.5 billion and $59.6 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 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: 18% by year-end 2012, 61% by year end 2014, and 75% by year-end 2016.

 

The following tables set forth the Company’s net financial guaranty portfolio as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by internal rating:

 

Financial Guaranty Portfolio by Internal Rating

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

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

 

$

 

%

$

1,165

 

2.9

%

$

15,756

 

18.0

%

$

5,219

 

22.8

%

$

22,140

 

3.9

%

AAA

 

4,931

 

1.2

 

1,384

 

3.5

 

34,974

 

39.8

 

10,286

 

44.9

 

51,575

 

9.1

 

AA

 

144,987

 

34.8

 

973

 

2.4

 

10,537

 

12.0

 

936

 

4.1

 

157,433

 

27.7

 

A

 

219,095

 

52.6

 

11,126

 

27.9

 

4,759

 

5.4

 

1,389

 

6.1

 

236,369

 

41.7

 

BBB

 

42,916

 

10.3

 

22,913

 

57.4

 

4,726

 

5.4

 

3,027

 

13.2

 

73,582

 

13.0

 

BIG

 

4,570

 

1.1

 

2,352

 

5.9

 

17,032

 

19.4

 

2,045

 

8.9

 

25,999

 

4.6

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

416,499

 

100.0

%

$

39,913

 

100.0

%

$

87,784

 

100.0

%

$

22,902

 

100.0

%

$

567,098

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

As of December 31, 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

 

$

 

%

$

1,138

 

2.9

%

$

16,756

 

18.2

%

$

5,660

 

23.9

%

$

23,554

 

4.2

%

AAA

 

5,074

 

1.3

 

1,381

 

3.5

 

35,736

 

38.7

 

10,231

 

43.2

 

52,422

 

9.4

 

AA

 

139,693

 

34.6

 

1,056

 

2.7

 

12,575

 

13.6

 

976

 

4.1

 

154,300

 

27.7

 

A

 

213,164

 

52.9

 

11,744

 

30.1

 

4,115

 

4.5

 

1,518

 

6.4

 

230,541

 

41.3

 

BBB

 

40,635

 

10.1

 

21,399

 

54.8

 

5,044

 

5.5

 

3,391

 

14.3

 

70,469

 

12.6

 

BIG

 

4,507

 

1.1

 

2,328

 

6.0

 

18,008

 

19.5

 

1,919

 

8.1

 

26,762

 

4.8

 

Total net par outstanding

 

$

403,073

 

100.0

%

$

39,046

 

100.0

%

$

92,234

 

100.0

%

$

23,695

 

100.0

%

$

558,048

 

100.0

%

 

In First Quarter 2012, the Company reclassified as AA 80% of the net par outstanding of those first lien transactions that are covered by the Bank of America Agreement and that the Company otherwise internally rated below AA. The Company reclassified those amounts as AA exposure due to the eligible assets that Bank of America has placed into trust in order to collateralize its reimbursement obligation relating to 21 first lien transactions. This reclassification resulted in a decrease of net outstanding par rated BIG as of December 31, 2011 by $1,452 million from that previously reported and, without this change, net outstanding par rated BIG as of March 31, 2012 would have been $1,382 million higher. Prior periods have been revised to conform to this presentation.

 

Selected European Exposure

 

Several European countries are experiencing significant economic, fiscal and / or political strains such that the likelihood of default on obligations with a nexus to those countries may be higher than the Company anticipated when such factors did not exist. The Company is closely monitoring its exposures in European countries where it believes heightened uncertainties exist: specifically, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain (the “Selected European Countries”). The Company selected these European countries based on its view that their credit fundamentals are deteriorating as well as on published reports identifying countries that may be experiencing

 

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reduced demand for their sovereign debt in the current environment. See “—Selected European Countries” below for an explanation of the circumstances in each country leading the Company to select that country for further discussion.

 

Economic Exposure to the Selected European Countries

 

The Company’s economic exposure to the Selected European Countries (based on par for financial guaranty contracts and notional amount for financial guaranty contracts accounted for as derivatives) is shown in the following tables, both gross and net of ceded reinsurance:

 

Gross Economic Exposure to Selected European Countries(1)

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Greece

 

Hungary

 

Ireland

 

Italy

 

Portugal

 

Spain

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Sovereign and sub-sovereign exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public finance

 

$

419

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,399

 

$

138

 

$

435

 

$

2,391

 

Infrastructure finance

 

 

481

 

25

 

360

 

104

 

177

 

1,147

 

Sub-total

 

419

 

481

 

25

 

1,759

 

242

 

612

 

3,538

 

Non-sovereign exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated utilities

 

 

 

 

246

 

 

17

 

263

 

RMBS

 

 

261

 

140

 

592

 

 

 

993

 

Commercial receivables

 

 

1

 

20

 

28

 

16

 

19

 

84

 

Pooled corporate

 

34

 

 

275

 

272

 

15

 

601

 

1,197

 

Sub-total

 

34

 

262

 

435

 

1,138

 

31

 

637

 

2,537

 

Total

 

$

453

 

$

743

 

$

460

 

$

2,897

 

$

273

 

$

1,249

 

$

6,075

 

Total BIG

 

$

419

 

$

574

 

$

16

 

$

270

 

$

156

 

$

148

 

$

1,583

 

 

Net Economic Exposure to Selected European Countries(1)

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Greece

 

Hungary

 

Ireland

 

Italy

 

Portugal

 

Spain

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Sovereign and sub-sovereign exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public finance

 

$

291

 

$

 

$

 

$

1,040

 

$

113

 

$

270

 

$

1,714

 

Infrastructure finance

 

 

453

 

25

 

341

 

104

 

174

 

1,097

 

Sub-total

 

291

 

453

 

25

 

1,381

 

217

 

444

 

2,811

 

Non-sovereign exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated utilities

 

 

 

 

226

 

 

17

 

243

 

RMBS

 

 

249

 

140

 

522

 

 

 

911

 

Commercial receivables

 

 

1

 

20

 

27

 

15

 

18

 

81

 

Pooled corporate

 

33

 

 

244

 

251

 

14

 

544

 

1,086

 

Sub-total

 

33

 

250

 

404

 

1,026

 

29

 

579

 

2,321

 

Total

 

$

324

 

$

703

 

$

429

 

$

2,407

 

$

246

 

$

1,023

 

$

5,132

 

Total BIG

 

$

291

 

$

540

 

$

15

 

$

252

 

$

130

 

$

145

 

$

1,373

 

 


(1)                                  While the Company’s exposures are shown in U.S. dollars, the obligations the Company insures are in various currencies, including U.S. dollars, Euros and British pounds sterling. Included in both tables above is $140.1 million of reinsurance assumed on a 2004 - 2006 pool of Irish residential mortgages that is part of the Company’s remaining $176.7 million legacy mortgage reinsurance business. The legacy mortgage reinsurance business is not included in the Company’s exposure tables elsewhere in this document because the amount of the exposure is relatively immaterial. One of the residential mortgage-backed securities included in the table above includes residential mortgages in both Italy and Germany, and only the portion of the transaction equal to the portion of the original mortgage pool in Italian mortgages is shown in the tables.

 

Included in “Public Finance” in the tables above are $291 million (net of reinsurance) of bonds of the Hellenic Republic of Greece. See “—Results of Operations—Consolidated Results of Operations—Losses in the

 

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Insured Portfolio—Other Non-RMBS Losses.” The Company has not guaranteed any other sovereign bonds of the Selected European Countries. (The remainder of the “Public Finance Category” is from transactions backed by receivable payments from sub-sovereigns in Italy, Spain and Portugal.)

 

The tables above include the par amount of financial guaranty contracts accounted for as derivatives. The Company’s credit derivative transactions are governed by ISDA documentation, and the Company is required to make a loss payment on them only upon the occurrence of one or more defined credit events with respect to the referenced securities or loans. For those financial guaranty contracts included in the tables above and accounted for as derivatives, the tables below show their fair value, net of reinsurance:

 

Fair Value Gain (Loss) of Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Derivatives,

With Exposure to Selected European Countries, Net of Reinsurance

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Greece

 

Hungary

 

Ireland

 

Italy

 

Portugal

 

Spain

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Sovereign and sub-sovereign exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public finance

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Infrastructure finance

 

 

(2

)

(1

)

(4

)

(4

)

(1

)

Total sovereign exposure

 

 

(2

)

(1

)

(4

)

(4

)

(1

)

Non-sovereign exposure:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated utilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

Total non-sovereign exposure

 

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

 

$

(4

)

$

(1

)

$

(4

)

$

(4

)

$

(1

)

 

The Company purchases reinsurance in the ordinary course to cover both its financial guaranty insurance and credit derivative exposures. Aside from this type of coverage the Company does not purchase credit default protection to manage the risk in its financial guaranty business. Rather, the Company has reduced its risks by ceding a portion of its business (including its financial guaranty contracts accounted for as derivatives) to third-party reinsurers that are generally required to pay their proportionate share of claims paid by the Company, and the net amounts shown above are net of such third-party reinsurance (reinsurance of financial guaranty contracts accounted for as derivatives is accounted for as a purchased derivative). See Note 11, Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposure, of the Financial Statements.

 

Indirect Exposure to Selected European Countries

 

The Company has included in the exposure tables above its indirect economic exposure to the Selected European Countries through insurance it provides on (a) pooled corporate and (b) commercial receivables transactions. The Company considers economic exposure to a Selected European Country to be indirect when that exposure relates to only a small portion of an insured transaction that otherwise is not related to that Selected European Country.

 

The Company’s pooled corporate obligations are highly diversified in terms of obligors and, except in the case of TruPS CDOs or transactions backed by perpetual preferred securities (“Perps”), highly diversified in terms of industry. Most pooled corporate obligations are structured to limit exposure to any given obligor and any given non-U.S. country or region. The insured pooled corporate transactions generally benefit from embedded credit enhancement which allows a transaction a certain level of losses in the underlying collateral without causing the Company to pay a claim. Some pooled corporate obligations include investments in companies with a nexus to the Selected European Countries.

 

The Company’s commercial receivable transactions included in the exposure tables above are rail car lease transactions and aircraft lease transactions where some of the lessees have a nexus with the Selected European Countries. Like the pooled corporate transactions, the commercial receivable transactions generally benefit from embedded credit enhancement which allows a transaction a certain level of losses in the underlying collateral without causing the Company to pay a claim.

 

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The following table shows the Company’s indirect economic exposure (net of reinsurance) to the Selected European Countries in pooled corporate obligations and commercial receivable transactions calculated as the percent of the obligation insured by the Company (based on par for financial guaranty contracts and notional amount for financial guaranty contracts accounted for as derivatives) equal to the percent of the relevant collateral pool reported as having a nexus to the Selected European Countries:

 

Net Indirect Exposure to Selected European Countries

March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Greece

 

Hungary

 

Ireland

 

Italy

 

Portugal

 

Spain

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Pooled Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$millions

 

$

33

 

$

 

$

244

 

$

251

 

$

14

 

$

544

 

$

1,086

 

Average proportion

 

1.8

%

%

2.7

%

3.0

%

1.2

%

4.1

%

3.2

%

Commercial Receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$millions

 

$

 

$

1

 

$

20

 

$

27

 

$

15

 

$

18

 

$

81

 

Average Proportion

 

%

4.2

%

8.9

%

3.6

%

2.3

%

2.1

%

3.2

%

Total $ millions

 

$

33

 

$

1

 

$

264

 

$

278

 

$

29

 

$

562

 

$

1,167

 

 

Many primarily U.S. pooled corporate obligations permit investments of up to 10% or 15% (or occasionally 20%) of the pool in non-U.S. (or non-U.S. or -Canadian) collateral. Given the relatively low level of permitted international investments in these transactions and their generally high current credit quality, they are excluded from the table above.

 

Selected European Countries

 

The Company follows and analyzes public information regarding developments in countries to which the Company has exposure, including the Selected European Countries, and utilizes this information to evaluate risks in its financial guaranty portfolio. Because the Company guarantees payments under its financial guaranty contracts, its analysis is focused primarily on the risk of payment defaults by these countries or obligors in these countries. However, dramatic developments with respect to the Selected European Countries would also impact the fair value of insurance contracts accounted for as derivatives and with a nexus to those countries.

 

On February 27, 2012, the Hellenic Republic of Greece was downgraded by S&P from “CC” to “SD” (selective default). Following the March 9, 2012 conclusion of an exchange of EUR177 billion of Greece’s sovereign debt that is governed by Greek law, the rating agency assigned a “CCC” issue rating to the new bonds. Moody’s had previously downgraded Greece from “Ca” to “C”, which is the lowest rating on Moody’s rating scale. Despite the exchange, which substantially lowered Greece’s debt burden, the country still faces a precarious fiscal position and generally uncertain economic prospects. As of March 31, 2012 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 €114.1 million of inflation-linked debt (€52.6 million on a net basis) due in 2057 with a 2.085% coupon. On February 24, 2012, Greece announced the terms of exchange offers and consent solicitations that requested the voluntary participation by holders of certain Greek bonds, including the insured 2037 and 2057 bonds, in an exchange that would result in the cancellation of such bonds in exchange for a package of replacement securities with lower principal amounts, and requested the consent of holders to amendments of the bonds that could be used to impose the same terms on holders that do not voluntarily participate in the exchange.  In March 2012, the exchange was imposed through collective action clauses on the Company’s exposure to the 2037 bonds.  In April 2012, the Company consented to the exchange with respect to its exposure on the 2057 bonds.  The exchanges have caused the Company to recognize an inception to date economic loss development of $334.1 million gross of reinsurance and $231.9 million net of reinsurance as of March 31, 2012, an increase from the equivalent amounts of $64.7 million gross of reinsurance and $42.6 million net of reinsurance and net of salvage received in the form of such exchanged securities, as of December 31, 2011. See “—Results of Operations—Consolidated Results of Operations—Losses in the Insured Portfolio.”

 

The Republic of Italy was downgraded to “BBB+” from “A” by S&P on January 13, 2012 and to “A3” from “A2” by Moody’s on February 13, 2012. The worsening domestic and global economic climate, high levels of public debt, limited funding availability and fiscal consolidation measures have had a negative impact on the Republic of Italy’s economic prospects and credit ratings. Yields on Italian sovereign debt remain volatile at a time when financing needs are high. The Company’s sovereign exposure to Italy depends on payments by Italian

 

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governmental sub-sovereigns in connection with infrastructure financings or for services already rendered. The Company internally rates one of the infrastructure transactions ($251 million net par) below investment grade. The Company’s non-sovereign Italian exposure is to securities backed by Italian residential mortgages or in one case a government-sponsored water utility. The Company is closely monitoring the ability and willingness of these obligors to make timely payments on their obligations.

 

The Republic of Hungary, currently rated “BB+” and “Ba1” by S&P and Moody’s, respectively, has been negatively impacted over the past five years by constrained fiscal flexibility and external imbalances, including a current account deficit and large, unhedged foreign currency exposures at the household level (since some households took out mortgages denominated in foreign currencies). In October 2008 Hungary requested and later received financial assistance from the EU and the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”). Hungary again requested financial assistance in November 2011, which is currently under consideration. The Company’s sovereign exposure to Hungarian credits includes infrastructure financings dependent on payments by government agencies. The Company rates one of the infrastructure financings ($414 million net par) below investment grade. The Company is closely monitoring developments with respect to the ability and willingness of these entities to meet their payment obligations. The Company’s non-sovereign exposure to Hungary comprises primarily covered mortgage bonds issued by Hungarian banks. The Company rates the covered bonds of one of the banks ($126 million net par) below investment grade.

 

The Kingdom of Spain was downgraded by Moody’s on February 13, 2012 to “A3” from “A1” and to “BBB+” from “A” by S&P on April 26, 2012. Spain’s financial profile and credit ratings have deteriorated over the past few years, partly as a result of large borrowing needs in the context of a challenging funding environment. The weakening of the country’s real estate sector has resulted in the deterioration of the banking system’s financial profile, in particular that of the savings and loans. The regional finances are also a source of concern, given the fiscal slippage exhibited by some of the regions. Fiscal consolidation measures are being implemented in an environment of economic contraction and high unemployment. Yields on Spanish sovereign debt continue to exhibit significant volatility. The Company’s exposure to Spanish credits includes infrastructure financings dependent on payments by sub-sovereigns and government agencies, financings dependent on lease and other payments by sub-sovereigns and government agencies, and an issuance by a regulated utility. The Company rates one of the infrastructure financings ($145 million net par) below investment grade. The Company is closely monitoring developments with respect to the ability and willingness of these entities to meet their payment obligations.

 

The Republic of Portugal was downgraded by S&P on January 13, 2012 to “BB” from “BBB-”and to “Ba3” from “Ba2” by Moody’s on February 13, 2012. Over the past three years, the Republic of Portugal’s economy and credit ratings have been adversely affected by fiscal imbalances, high indebtedness and the difficult macroeconomic situation generally facing the countries in the euro area. In order to stabilize its debt position, in April 2011 Portugal requested and subsequently received financial assistance from the EU and the IMF. In return, Portugal agreed to a set of deficit reduction and debt targets. The meeting of these targets will likely represent a significant burden on the Portuguese economy in an environment of decelerating economic activity and volatile bank and sovereign credit markets. Yields on Portuguese sovereign debt continue to exhibit significant volatility. The Company’s exposure to Portuguese credits includes infrastructure financings dependent on payments by sub-sovereigns and government agencies and financings dependent on lease payments by sub-sovereigns and government agencies. The Company rates four of these transactions ($130 million aggregate net par) below investment grade. The Company is closely monitoring developments with respect to the ability and willingness of these entities to meet their payment obligations.

 

The Republic of Ireland, currently rated “BBB+” and “Ba1” by S&P and Moody’s, respectively, has been adversely affected over the past few years by the weakening global economic environment and the need to provide wide-ranging support to its banking sector, which resulted in a rapid deterioration of the country’s public finances. In November 2010, the Republic of Ireland applied for and subsequently received a financial assistance package from the EU and the IMF. The package included an allocation to support the Irish banking system. Ireland’s fiscal consolidation plan is being implemented in the context of a severe economic contraction and restricted availability of credit. The Company’s exposure to Irish credits includes exposure in a pool of infrastructure financings dependent on payments by a sub-sovereign and mortgage reinsurance on a pool of Irish residential mortgages originated in 2004-2006 left from its legacy mortgage reinsurance business. Only $15 million of the Company’s exposure to Ireland is below investment grade, and it is indirect in non-sovereign pooled corporate transactions.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Identifying Exposure to Selected European Countries

 

When the Company directly insures an obligation, it assigns the obligation to a geographic location or locations based on its view of the geographic location of the risk. For most exposures this can be a relatively straight-forward determination as, for example, a debt issue supported by availability payments for a toll road in a particular country. The Company may also assign portions of a risk to more than one geographic location as it has, for example, in a residential mortgage backed security backed by residential mortgage loans in both Germany and Italy. The Company may also have exposures to the Selected European Countries in business assumed from other monoline insurance companies. See Note 11, Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposures, of the Financial Statements. In the case of Assumed Business, the Company depends upon geographic information provided by the primary insurer.

 

The Company also has indirect exposure to the Selected European Countries through structured finance transactions backed by pools of corporate obligations or receivables, such as lease payments, with a nexus to such countries. In most instances, the trustees and/or servicers for such transactions provide reports that identify the domicile of the underlying obligors in the pool (and the Company relies on such reports), although occasionally such information is not available to the Company. The Company has reviewed transactions through which it believes it may have indirect exposure to the Selected European Countries that is material to the transaction and included in the tables above the proportion of the insured par equal to the proportion of obligors so identified as being domiciled in a Selected European Country. The Company may also have indirect exposures to Selected European Countries in business assumed from other monoline insurance companies. However, in the case of Assumed Business, the primary insurer generally does not provide information to the Company permitting it to geographically allocate the exposure proportionally to the domicile of the underlying obligors.

 

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 internal assessments of the likelihood of default and loss severity in the event 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 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 “—Results of Operations—Consolidated Results of Operations—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 at least 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:

 

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Table of Contents

 

·                  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 which is a claim that the Company expects to be reimbursed within one year) 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.

 

Net Par Outstanding for Below Investment Grade Credits

By Category Below-Investment-Grade Credits

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Number of Risks(2)

 

Description

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

BIG:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

$

7,703

 

$

3,037

 

$

10,740

 

164

 

33

 

197

 

Category 2

 

3,903

 

2,213

 

6,116

 

79

 

35

 

114

 

Category 3

 

6,913

 

2,230

 

9,143

 

125

 

26

 

151

 

Total BIG

 

$

18,519

 

$

7,480

 

25,999

 

368

 

94

 

462

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Number of Risks(2)

 

Description

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

Financial
Guaranty
Insurance(1)

 

Credit
Derivative

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

BIG:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

$

8,297

 

$

3,953

 

$

12,250

 

171

 

40

 

211

 

Category 2

 

3,458

 

1,523

 

4,981

 

71

 

33

 

104

 

Category 3

 

7,204

 

2,327

 

9,531

 

126

 

26

 

152

 

Total BIG

 

$

18,959

 

$

7,803

 

$

26,762

 

368

 

99

 

467

 

 


(1)                                  Includes net par outstanding of FG VIE.

 

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

 

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 March 31, 2012. U.S. RMBS exposures represent 4% of the total net par outstanding and BIG U.S. RMBS represent 49% 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 4, 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 March 31, 2012. All performance information such as pool factor, subordination, cumulative losses and delinquency is based on March 31, 2012

 

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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.

 

Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Internal Rating and Type of Exposure as of March 31, 2012

 

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

 

$

6

 

$

0

 

$

97

 

$

288

 

$

 

$

2,473

 

$

 

$

2,865

 

AA

 

53

 

22

 

185

 

433

 

572

 

1,614

 

 

2,878

 

A

 

2

 

1

 

265

 

11

 

37

 

883

 

 

1,198

 

BBB

 

128

 

 

37

 

304

 

185

 

554

 

 

1,208

 

BIG

 

525

 

997

 

3,117

 

4,172

 

1,463

 

2,433

 

18

 

12,725

 

Total exposures

 

$

713

 

$

1,019

 

$

3,700

 

$

5,208

 

$

2,256

 

$

7,958

 

$

18

 

$

20,873

 

 

Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Year Insured and Type of Exposure as of March 31, 2012

 

Year
insured:

 

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)

 

2004 and prior

 

$

40

 

$

1

 

$

277

 

$

114

 

$

42

 

$

1,478

 

$

0

 

$

1,952

 

2005

 

174

 

 

833

 

619

 

106

 

233

 

0

 

1,966

 

2006

 

118

 

445

 

1,097

 

412

 

499

 

3,381

 

0

 

5,952

 

2007

 

382

 

573

 

1,493

 

2,642

 

1,520

 

2,769

 

18

 

9,398

 

2008

 

 

 

 

1,421

 

89

 

96

 

 

1,606

 

Total exposures

 

$

713

 

$

1,019

 

$

3,700

 

$

5,208

 

$

2,256

 

$

7,958

 

$

18

 

$

20,873

 

 

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Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Internal Rating and Year Insured as of March 31, 2012

 

Year
insured:

 

AAA
Rated

 

AA
Rated

 

A
Rated

 

BBB
Rated

 

BIG
Rated

 

Total

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2004 and prior

 

$

1,277

 

$

66

 

$

62

 

$

218

 

$

329

 

$

1,952

 

2005

 

171

 

240

 

 

76

 

1,479

 

1,966

 

2006

 

1,269

 

1,376

 

837

 

278

 

2,192

 

5,952

 

2007

 

6

 

1,195

 

298

 

547

 

7,350

 

9,398

 

2008

 

143

 

 

 

89

 

1,374

 

1,606

 

Total exposures

 

$

2,865

 

$

2,878

 

$

1,198

 

$

1,208

 

$

12,725

 

$

20,873

 

% of total

 

13.7

%

13.8

%

5.7

%

5.8

%

61.0

%

100.0

%

 

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 March 31, 2012

 

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

 

$

171

 

38.0

%

5.0

%

1.6

%

11.5

%

6

 

2006

 

118

 

56.7

 

8.6

 

0.1

 

18.2

 

1

 

2007

 

382

 

49.9

 

7.9

 

4.3

 

18.8

 

1

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

670

 

48.1

%

7.3

%

2.9

%

16.8

%

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

 

434

 

14.4

 

 

61.3

 

10.0

 

2

 

2007

 

573

 

17.3

 

 

67.3

 

9.8

 

10

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,008

 

16.1

%

%

67.4

%

9.9

%

12

 

 

U.S. HELOC

 

Year
insured:

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Pool
Factor

 

Subordination

 

Cumulative
Losses

 

60+ Day
Delinquencies

 

Number of
Transactions

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2005

 

$

783

 

16.8

%

2.8

%

15.6

%

11.3

%

6

 

2006

 

1,076

 

26.8

 

2.6

 

34.4

 

9.2

 

7

 

2007

 

1,493

 

41.8

 

3.2

 

30.1

 

6.9

 

9

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,351

 

31.2

%

2.9

%

28.1

%

8.6

%

22

 

 

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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

 

$

617

 

33.1

%

9.5

%

6.2

%

19.4

%

21

 

2006

 

412

 

38.8

 

0.0

 

17.9

 

38.6

 

7

 

2007

 

2,642

 

49.6

 

4.1

 

13.4

 

33.9

 

12

 

2008

 

1,421

 

46.5

 

21.1

 

13.2

 

29.7

 

5

 

 

 

$

5,092

 

45.9

%

9.2

%

12.8

%

31.4

%

45

 

 

U.S. Option ARMs

 

Year
insured:

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Pool
Factor

 

Subordination

 

Cumulative
Losses

 

60+ Day
Delinquencies

 

Number of
Transactions

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

2005

 

$

97

 

23.5

%

6.0

%

10.2

%

35.9

%

3

 

2006

 

493

 

46.1

 

1.0

 

15.9

 

53.2

 

7

 

2007

 

1,520

 

49.3

 

2.7

 

17.1

 

40.6

 

11

 

2008

 

89

 

52.2

 

48.9

 

12.0

 

36.3

 

1

 

 

 

$

2,199

 

47.6

%

4.4

%

16.3

%

43.1

%

22

 

 

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

 

$

222

 

39.4

%

28.2

%

5.9

%

35.5

%

4

 

2006

 

3,375

 

21.8

 

61.9

 

16.8

 

37.5

 

4

 

2007

 

2,769

 

50.7

 

20.7

 

19.6

 

46.5

 

13

 

2008

 

79

 

63.1

 

26.6

 

13.8

 

31.7

 

1

 

 

 

$

6,446

 

35.3

%

42.6

%

17.6

%

41.2

%

22

 

 

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

 

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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 March 31, 2012, based on fair value, the Company had $772.2 million of fixed maturity securities in its investment portfolio wrapped by National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation, $550.2 million by Ambac Assurance Corporation (“Ambac”) and $49.8 million by other guarantors.

 

Exposure by Reinsurer

 

 

 

Ratings at
May 4, 2012

 

Par Outstanding as of March 31, 2012

 

Reinsurer

 

Moody’s
Reinsurer
Rating

 

S&P
Reinsurer
Rating

 

Ceded
Par
Outstanding(1)

 

Second-to-
Pay
Insured Par
Outstanding

 

Assumed
Par
Outstanding

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

American Overseas Reinsurance Company Limited(2)

 

WR (3)

 

WR

 

$

11,146

 

$

 

$

24

 

Tokio

 

Aa3 (4)

 

AA- (4)

 

9,444

 

 

936

 

Radian(5)

 

Bal

 

B+

 

5,591

 

45

 

1,768

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

Ca

 

WR

 

4,304

 

2,174

 

213

 

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd.

 

A1

 

A+ (4)

 

2,388

 

 

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corp.

 

NR

 

WR

 

860

 

7

 

2

 

Swiss Reinsurance Co.

 

A1

 

AA-

 

506

 

 

 

Ambac

 

WR

 

WR

 

87

 

7,488

 

22,330

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

WR

 

WR

 

65

 

258

 

6,246

 

MBIA Inc.

 

B3(6)

 

B(6)

 

25

 

11,598

 

9,719

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.

 

WR

 

WR

 

 

3,789

 

2,129

 

Other

 

Various

 

Various

 

1,019

 

2,052

 

96

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

$

35,435

 

$

27,411

 

$

43,463

 

 


(1)

Includes $4,646 million in ceded par outstanding related to insured credit derivatives.

 

 

(2)

Formerly RAM Reinsurance Company Ltd.

 

 

(3)

Represents “Withdrawn Rating.”

 

 

(4)

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

 

 

(5)

The Company entered into an agreement with Radian on January 24, 2012. See “—Key Business Strategies—New Business Development.”

 

 

(6)

MBIA Inc. includes various subsidiaries which are rated BBB to B by S&P and Baa2, B3, WR and NR by Moody’s.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ceded Par Outstanding by Reinsurer and Credit Rating

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Internal Credit Rating

 

Reinsurer

 

Super
Senior

 

AAA

 

AA

 

A

 

BBB

 

BIG

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

American Overseas Reinsurance Company Limited

 

$

263

 

$

1,597

 

$

3,854

 

$

3,184

 

$

1,721

 

$

527

 

$

11,146

 

Tokio

 

320

 

1,356

 

1,740

 

2,780

 

2,488

 

760

 

9,444

 

Radian

 

10

 

308

 

397

 

2,573

 

1,919

 

384

 

5,591

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

 

 

287

 

801

 

2,572

 

644

 

4,304

 

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd.

 

8

 

169

 

814

 

882

 

434

 

81

 

2,388

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corp.

 

 

 

482

 

337

 

41

 

 

860

 

Swiss Reinsurance Co.

 

 

9

 

6

 

322

 

98

 

71

 

506

 

Ambac

 

 

 

 

87

 

 

 

87

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

65

 

65

 

MBIA Inc.

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

25

 

Other

 

 

 

116

 

819

 

84

 

 

1,019

 

Total

 

$

601

 

$

3,439

 

$

7,721

 

$

11,785

 

$

9,357

 

$

2,532

 

$

35,435

 

 

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 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 March 31, 2012 exceeds $1.0 billion.

 

Second-to-Pay

Insured Par Outstanding by Internal Rating

As of March 31, 2012(1)

 

 

 

Public Finance

 

Structured Finance

 

 

 

 

 

AAA

 

AA

 

A

 

BBB

 

BIG

 

Super
Senior

 

AAA

 

AA

 

A

 

BBB

 

BIG

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Radian

 

$

 

$

 

$

13

 

$

20

 

$

12

 

$

 

$

0

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

45

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

 

25

 

386

 

752

 

332

 

 

348

 

 

10

 

89

 

232

 

2,174

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corp.

 

 

3

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

Ambac

 

 

1,727

 

3,483

 

1,137

 

341

 

 

80

 

63

 

254

 

82

 

321

 

7,488

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

 

11

 

69

 

134

 

44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

258

 

MBIA Inc.

 

67

 

3,088

 

4,611

 

1,920

 

8

 

 

 

1,378

 

51

 

326

 

149

 

11,598

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.

 

 

155

 

1,274

 

573

 

360

 

476

 

715

 

 

172

 

6

 

58

 

3,789

 

Other

 

 

 

2,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,052

 

Total

 

$

67

 

$

5,009

 

$

11,888

 

$

4,540

 

$

1,097

 

$

476

 

$

1,143

 

$

1,441

 

$

487

 

$

503

 

$

760

 

$

27,411

 

 


(1)           Assured Guaranty’s internal rating.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity Requirements and Sources

 

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. The Company maintains a balance of its most liquid assets including cash and short term securities, Treasuries, agency RMBS and pre-refunded municipal bonds equal to 1.5 times its projected operating company cash flow needs over the next four quarters. The Company also subjects its cash flow projections and its assets to a stress test maintaining a liquid asset balance of one time its stressed operating company net cash flows. 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.

 

AGL and Holding Company Subsidiaries

Significant Cash Flow Items

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

 

$

75.0

 

$

22.0

 

Dividends paid

 

(16.4

)

(8.3

)

Interest paid

 

(10.4

)

(10.4

)

 

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, (3) 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. The Company intends to hold and has the ability to hold temporarily impaired debt securities until the date of anticipated recovery.

 

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

 

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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.

 

The Company also has outstanding exposures to certain infrastructure transactions in its insured portfolio that may expose it to refinancing risk. These transactions were entered into assuming they could be refinanced in the market prior to the expiration of the Company’s financial guaranty policy. Due to market dislocation and increased credit spreads the Company may have to participate in these refinancings and then recover its payment from revenues produced by the transaction. The Company generally projects that in most scenarios it will be fully reimbursed for such payments. The projected inflows and outflows are included in the Company’s “Financial Guaranty Insurance BIG Transaction Loss Summary” table in Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements.

 

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

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Claims paid before R&W recoveries, net of reinsurance(1)

 

$

202.4

 

$

297.1

 

R&W recoveries(2)

 

(69.6

)

(59.5

)

Claims paid, net of reinsurance(3)

 

$

132.8

 

$

237.6

 

 


(1)                                  First Quarter 2012 amount is net of salvage received in the form of exchanged securities of Greek bonds in the amount of $53.9 million. See Note 4, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, of the Financial Statements.

 

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

 

(3)                                  Includes $36.5 million and $58.2 million for consolidated FG VIEs for First Quarter 2012 and 2011, 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 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.

 

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

 

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(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 March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

%

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Funded CDOs

 

$

42,869

 

72

%

$

43,631

 

71

%

Synthetic CDOs

 

16,598

 

28

 

17,442

 

29

 

Total pooled corporate CDS

 

$

59,467

 

100

%

$

61,073

 

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 March 31, 2012, the amount available for distribution from AGC during 2012 with notice to, but without prior approval of, the Maryland Commissioner of Insurance was approximately $99.2 million.

 

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 to be filed for First Quarter 2012, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends by AGM without regulatory approval over the 12 months following March 31, 2012 was approximately $99.8 million. In connection with Assured Guaranty’s acquisition of AGMH, Assured Guaranty agreed with Dexia that, until July 1, 2012, AGM will not pay dividends in excess of 125% of AGMH’s annual debt service. Until this covenant is no longer in effect, it constitutes a limitation on AGM’s ability to pay dividends that is more restrictive than the statutory limitation. During First Quarter 2012, AGM declared and paid dividends of $30.0 million to its parent, AGMH.

 

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The amount available at AG Re to pay dividends or make a distribution of contributed surplus in First Quarter 2012 in compliance with Bermuda law is approximately $231 million. However, any distribution that results in a reduction of 15% ($192.3 million as of December 31, 2011) 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 and the Company’s applicable enhanced capital requirements 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

 

 

 

First Quarter

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

75.3

 

$

(122.1

)

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

 

106.7

 

380.8

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(217.2

)

(257.3

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

2.7

 

1.8

 

Cash at beginning of period

 

214.5

 

108.4

 

Total cash at the end of the period

 

$

182.0

 

$

111.6

 

 

Operating cash flows in First Quarter 2012 and First Quarter 2011 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 cash received on the two commutations in First Quarter 2012 of $210.2 million compared with $22.0 million in First Quarter 2011, and lower payments for taxes.

 

Investing activities were primarily net sales (purchases) of fixed maturity and short-term investment securities. Investing cash flows in First Quarter 2012 and First Quarter 2011 include $137.6 million inflow and $162.5 million inflow for FG VIEs, respectively. In addition, First Quarter 2012 included proceeds from a paydown of notes receivable from PFC LLC, which were used to offset the Company’s payments under its CDS contract.

 

Financing activities consisted primarily of paydowns of FG VIEs. Financing cash flows in First Quarter 2012 and First Quarter 2011 include $192.9 million outflow and $241.6 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, 2011.

 

Long-Term Debt Obligations

 

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

 

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Principal and Carrying Amounts of Debt

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

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

 

172.3

 

172.5

 

172.0

 

Series A Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

150.0

 

149.9

 

150.0

 

149.9

 

Total AGUS

 

522.5

 

519.8

 

522.5

 

519.5

 

AGMH(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

67/8% QUIBS

 

100.0

 

67.5

 

100.0

 

67.4

 

6.25% Notes

 

230.0

 

136.2

 

230.0

 

136.0

 

5.60% Notes

 

100.0

 

53.7

 

100.0

 

53.5

 

Junior Subordinated Debentures

 

300.0

 

159.6

 

300.0

 

158.2

 

Total AGMH

 

730.0

 

417.0

 

730.0

 

415.1

 

AGM(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Payable

 

91.7

 

97.9

 

97.1

 

103.7

 

Total AGM

 

91.7

 

97.9

 

97.1

 

103.7

 

Total

 

$

1,344.2

 

$

1,034.7

 

$

1,349.6

 

$

1,038.3

 

 


(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 of 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 settlement rate is also subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments.  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. Unless certain actions are taken by the holders of the notes on or before May 22, 2012, the notes will be remarketed during the period between May 24, 2012 and May 29, 2012. AGL and AGUS intend to remarket the notes exclusively to AGL or one of its affiliates.  As a result, all the

 

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notes included in the remarketing will be retired on or about June 1, 2012. The interest rate on the notes will be reset to a rate determined by the remarketing agent based solely on the bid submitted by AGL or its affiliate.  Any notes not included in the remarketing will remain outstanding, will bear interest at the rate determined in the remarketing and will mature on 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 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 represent debt, issued by special purpose entities consolidated by AGM, to the former AGMH subsidiaries that conducted AGMH’s Financial Products Business (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 notes payable matches the terms of the assets.

 

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Recourse Credit Facilities

 

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 March 31, 2012, 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 of approximately $1 billion as of March 31, 2012. S&P’s downgrade of AGM to AA- in November 2011 did not have an additional impact on the transactions. However, if AGM were downgraded to A+ by S&P or A1 by Moody’s, as of March 31, 2012, 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 of an additional approximately $991 million as of March 31, 2012. 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 March 31, 2012, approximately $607 million 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 S.A. (“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 March 31, 2012, the maximum commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility has amortized to $979.8 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-

 

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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 March 31, 2012 the Company is 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 March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, no amounts were outstanding under this facility, nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

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 March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

 

Letters of Credit

 

AGC entered into a letter of credit agreement in December 2011 with Bank of New York Mellon totaling approximately $2.9 million in connection with a 2008 lease for office space, which space was subsequently sublet. This agreement replaces a previous letter of credit for $2.9 million with Royal Bank of Scotland which was terminated in December 2011. As of March 31, 2012, $2.9 million was outstanding under this letter of credit.

 

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

 

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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.

 

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 March 31, 2012 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.

 

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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 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. As of March 31, 2012 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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. 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. 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 8, 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 8, Investments, of the Financial Statements.

 

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Fixed Maturity Securities and Short Term Investments

by Security Type

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gain

 

Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

803.2

 

$

63.7

 

$

(0.2

)

$

866.7

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

5,144.3

 

383.2

 

(1.4

)

5,526.1

 

Corporate securities

 

986.8

 

56.2

 

(0.2

)

1,042.8

 

Mortgage-backed securities(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,439.7

 

63.7

 

(79.4

)

1,424.0

 

CMBS

 

472.1

 

29.4

 

(0.0

)

501.5

 

Asset-backed securities

 

463.6

 

34.6

 

(15.3

)

482.9

 

Foreign government securities

 

349.7

 

15.7

 

(4.5

)

360.9

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

9,659.4

 

646.5

 

(101.0

)

10,204.9

 

Short-term investments

 

902.9

 

0.5

 

 

903.4

 

Total fixed maturity and short-term investments

 

$

10,562.3

 

$

647.0

 

$

(101.0

)

$

11,108.3

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gain

 

Gross
Unrealized
Loss

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government and agencies

 

$

850.2

 

$

72.3

 

$

(0.1

)

$

922.4

 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

5,097.3

 

358.6

 

(0.5

)

5,455.4

 

Corporate securities

 

989.0

 

51.8

 

(2.4

)

1,038.4

 

Mortgage-backed securities(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,454.3

 

63.9

 

(90.3

)

1,427.9

 

CMBS

 

475.6

 

24.4

 

 

500.0

 

Asset-backed securities

 

439.5

 

37.7

 

(19.1

)

458.1

 

Foreign government securities

 

332.6

 

13.3

 

(6.2

)

339.7

 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

9,638.5

 

622.0

 

(118.6

)

10,141.9

 

Short-term investments

 

734.0

 

 

 

734.0

 

Total fixed maturity and short-term investments

 

$

10,372.5

 

$

622.0

 

$

(118.6

)

$

10,875.9

 

 


(1)                                  The Company’s total percentage of mortgage-backed securities that were government-agency obligations was approximately 65% as of March 31, 2012 and 66% as of December 31, 2011. Excluding loss mitigation purchases, government-agency obligations as a percentage of mortgage-backed securities were 70% as of March 31, 2012 and 71% as of December 31, 2011.

 

The following tables summarize, for all fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the amounts have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

 

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Fixed Maturity Securities

Gross Unrealized Loss by Length of Time

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

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

 

$

7.2

 

$

(0.2

)

$

 

$

 

$

7.2

 

$

(0.2

)

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

 

132.7

 

(1.3

)

3.7

 

(0.1

)

136.4

 

(1.4

)

Corporate securities

 

27.7

 

(0.2

)

 

 

27.7

 

(0.2

)

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

170.7

 

(36.7

)

67.8

 

(42.7

)

238.5

 

(79.4

)

CMBS

 

2.8

 

(0.0

)

 

 

2.8

 

(0.0

)

Asset-backed securities

 

19.3

 

(9.1

)

11.0

 

(6.2

)

30.3

 

(15.3

)

Foreign government securities

 

117.9

 

(4.5

)

 

 

117.9

 

(4.5

)

Total

 

$

478.3

 

$

(52.0

)

$

82.5

 

$

(49.0

)

$

560.8

 

$

(101.0

)

Number of securities

 

 

 

97

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

115

 

Number of securities with OTTI

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 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

 

17.0

 

(0.0

)

20.6

 

(0.5

)

37.6

 

(0.5

)

Corporate securities

 

79.9

 

(2.3

)

3.1

 

(0.1

)

83.0

 

(2.4

)

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

186.6

 

(68.2

)

36.5

 

(22.1

)

223.1

 

(90.3

)

CMBS

 

2.8

 

(0.0

)

 

 

2.8

 

(0.0

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

25.7

 

(19.1

)

25.7

 

(19.1

)

Foreign government securities

 

141.4

 

(6.2

)

 

 

141.4

 

(6.2

)

Total

 

$

431.5

 

$

(76.8

)

$

85.9

 

$

(41.8

)

$

517.4

 

$

(118.6

)

Number of securities

 

 

 

72

 

 

 

54

 

 

 

126

 

Number of securities with OTTI

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

10

 

 

The $17.6 million decrease in gross unrealized losses was primarily attributable to RMBS and asset-backed securities. Of the securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more as of March 31, 2012, nine securities had an unrealized loss greater than 10% of book value. The total unrealized loss for these securities as of March 31, 2012 was $47.7 million. The Company has determined that the unrealized losses recorded as of March 31, 2012 are yield related and not the result of other-than-temporary impairments.

 

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 March 31, 2012, 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.

 

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Distribution of Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Estimated
Fair Value

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Due within one year

 

$

461.5

 

$

463.7

 

Due after one year through five years

 

1,384.1

 

1,447.6

 

Due after five years through 10 years

 

2,426.2

 

2,639.4

 

Due after 10 years

 

3,475.8

 

3,728.7

 

Mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

 

 

RMBS

 

1,439.7

 

1,424.0

 

CMBS

 

472.1

 

501.5

 

Total

 

$

9,659.4

 

$

10,204.9

 

 

The following table summarizes the ratings distributions of the Company’s investment portfolio as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. 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

 

 

 

As of
March 31,

 

As of
December 31,

 

Rating

 

2012

 

2011

 

AAA

 

18.6

%

19.0

%

AA

 

62.4

 

62.6

 

A

 

14.7

 

14.5

 

BBB

 

 

 

BIG(1)

 

4.1

 

1.6

 

Not rated

 

0.2

 

2.3

 

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 


(1)                                  Includes securities purchased or obtained as part of loss mitigation or other risk management strategies of $1,169.5 million in par with carrying value of $466.4 million or 4.6% of fixed maturity securities as of March 31, 2012 and of $923.7 million in par with carrying value of $378.3 million or 3.7% of fixed maturity securities as of December 31, 2011.

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company’s investment portfolio contained 48 securities that were not rated or rated BIG, compared to 30 securities as of December 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 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 March 31, 2012, securities purchased for loss mitigation purposes, excluding securities issued by consolidated FG VIEs, had a fair value of $216.1 million representing $734.9 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 $186.9 million, representing $221.3 million in par. In connection with the recent Greek debt restructuring, the Company has taken delivery of AGE guaranteed securities that were subsequently exchanged for new Greek securities that are recorded in the investment portfolio. Such amounts totaled $63.4 million representing $213.3 million of par as of March 31, 2012.

 

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As of March 31, 2012, $1,372.2 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
March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

AAA

 

$

2.3

 

AA

 

793.6

 

A

 

568.3

 

BBB

 

 

BIG

 

8.0

 

Total

 

$

1,372.2

 

 


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

 

Distribution by Third-Party Guarantor

 

Guarantor

 

As of
March 31, 2012

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation

 

$

772.2

 

Ambac

 

550.2

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

24.7

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.

 

11.0

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

9.1

 

Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corporation

 

5.0

 

Total

 

$

1,372.2

 

 

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 $386.8 million and $380.1 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In addition, to fulfill state licensing requirements the Company has placed on deposit eligible securities of $23.6 million and $23.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, for the protection of the policyholders. To provide collateral for a letter of credit, the Company holds a fixed maturity investment in a segregated account which amounted to $3.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  In connection with an excess of loss reinsurance facility $21.8 million in cash has been deposited into a trust for the benefit of the reinsurers.

 

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 $678.2 million and $779.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 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 elected to purchase certain outstanding insured obligation or its underlying collateral, primarily franchise loans. 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

 

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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. During the First Quarter 2012, the Company received $46.4 million from a payment of notes receivable from PFC.

 

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.”

 

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 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 sold 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

 

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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 referenced 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.

 

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 December 31, 2011, Dexia has exercised its par call option under the Guaranteed Put Contract, over time, with respect to all of the FSAM assets covered thereby and transferred to FSAM an amount of cash equal to the par value of such assets. 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”).

 

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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 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 March 31, 2012, the aggregate accreted GIC balance was approximately $4.3 billion. As of the same date, with respect to the FSAM assets covered by the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract, the aggregate accreted principal balance was approximately $6.0 billion, the aggregate market value was approximately $5.7 billion and the aggregate market value after agreed reductions was approximately $4.6 billion. Cash and net derivative value constituted another $0.3 billion of assets. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2012, the aggregate fair value (after agreed reductions) of the assets supporting the GIC business exceeded the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding GICs and certain other business and hedging costs of the GIC business. Therefore, 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 Belfius (formerly Dexia Bank Belgium SA prior to its sale by Dexia to the Belgian state in October 2011) commit to provide funds to FSAM in an amount up to $8.0 billion (approximately $1.6 billion of which was outstanding as of March 31, 2012), 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 March 31, 2012, 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 March 31, 2012 approximately 46.4% 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 the 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

 

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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 collateralization percentages range from 100% of the GIC balance for cash posted as collateral to, typically, 108% for asset-backed securities. At March 31, 2012, 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 $388.2 million of GIC funds and the need to post collateral on GICs with a balance of $3.3 billion. In the event of such a downgrade, assuming an average margin of 105%, the market value as of March 31, 2012 that the GIC Issuers would be required to post in order to avoid withdrawal of any GIC funds would be $3.4 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 March 31, 2012, the maximum commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility has amortized to $979.8 million.

 

As of March 31, 2012, 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,

 

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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.

 

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT 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, 2011.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Assured Guaranty’s management, with the participation of AGL’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a 15(e) and 15d 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) that are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, information required to be disclosed by AGL in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Management of the Company, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2012. Based on their evaluation as of March 31, 2012 covered by this Form 10-Q, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s quarter ended March 31, 2012, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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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 fiscal quarter or 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 Note 4, “Recovery Litigation—RMBS Transactions,” of the Financials Statements and Supplementary Data, 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 (“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.

 

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. The complaint in this lawsuit seeks equitable relief, unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs. 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 Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

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 AGM and AGC 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 AGM and AGC. 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

 

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July and October 2011 relating to AGM, AGC and the other defendants’ motion to dismiss, the court denied 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. On December 2, 2011, AGM, AGC and the other bond insurer defendants filed an Anti-SLAPP (“Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation”) motion to strike the complaints under California’s Code of Civil Procedure. On May 1, 2012, the court ruled in favor of the bond insurer defendants on the Anti-SLAPP motion as to the causes of action arising from the alleged conspiracy, but denied the bond insurer defendants’ Anti-SLAPP motion for those causes of action based on transaction specific representations and omissions about the bond insurer defendants’ credit ratings and financial health.  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 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 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. On December 13, 2011, the court entered judgment substantially in conformance with its March 29, 2011 decision. AGM appealed the judgment and in April 2012, the magistrate judge recommended granting AGM’s motion 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 have appealed Judge Johnston’s order to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

 

On November 28, 2011, Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (in administration) (“LBIE”) sued AG Financial Products Inc. (“AG Financial Products”), an affiliate of AGC which in the past had provided credit protection to counterparties under credit default swaps. AGC acts as the credit support provider of AG Financial Products under these credit default swaps. LBIE’s complaint, which was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of

 

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New York, alleged that AG Financial Products improperly terminated nine credit derivative transactions between LBIE and AG Financial Products and improperly calculated the termination payment in connection with the termination of 28 other credit derivative transactions between LBIE and AG Financial Products. With respect to the 28 credit derivative transactions, AG Financial Products calculated that LBIE owes AG Financial Products approximately $24.8 million, whereas LBIE asserted in the complaint that AG Financial Products owes LBIE a termination payment of approximately $1.4 billion. LBIE is seeking unspecified damages. Following defaults by LBIE, AG Financial Products properly terminated the transactions in question in compliance with the requirements of the agreement between AG Financial Products and LBIE, and calculated the termination payment properly.On February 3, 2012, AG Financial Products filed a motion to dismiss certain of the counts in the complaint. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

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 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 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 civil 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;

 

·                  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.

 

In July 2010, a former employee of AGM who had been involved in AGMH’s former Financial Products Business was indicted along with two other persons with whom he had worked at Financial Guaranty Insurance Company. His trial began on April 16, 2012.

 

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

 

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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.

 

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

 

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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 for the year ended December 31, 2011, and should be considered carefully and read in conjunction with the information set forth in such Annual Report on Form 10-K 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.

 

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 S&P and 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 conditions or results of operations due to underwriting or investment losses or other factors, changes in the rating agency’s outlook for

 

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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 placed such ratings on watch for possible downgrade.

 

The most recent rating action by Moody’s on AGL and its subsidiaries took place on December 18, 2009, when Moody’s confirmed the Aa3 insurance financial strength rating of AGM, AGC and AGUK, and the A1 insurance financial strength rating of AG Re, AGRO and Assured Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company, with a negative outlook on each. On March 20, 2012, Moody’s placed the ratings of AGL and its subsidiaries, including the insurance financial strength ratings of AGM, AGC, AGE and AG Re, on review for possible downgrade.  Moody’s noted the following considerations in its decision to review Assured Guaranty’s ratings:  constrained business opportunities reflecting lower origination volume and reduced demand for financial guaranty insurance across sectors; continued economic stress in the U.S. and Europe, resulting in an elevated portion of Assured Guaranty’s portfolio being in risks assessed as below investment grade; and pressure on new business margins due to low interest rates and tight credit spreads.  Moody’s also stated that if a ratings downgrade were to occur upon conclusion of the review, the ratings were likely to remain within one or two notches of the current levels.

 

S&P lowered the counterparty credit and financial strength ratings of AGC, AGM and their respective insurance subsidiaries to AA- on November 30, 2011. On that date, S&P also lowered the financial enhancement rating of AG Re and AGRO to AA- from AA. At the same time, S&P changed its outlook on such entities from CreditWatch Negative to Stable. These actions by S&P took place at the end of almost an entire year of uncertainty over the Company’s financial strength ratings. The uncertainty began on January 24, 2011, when S&P released a publication entitled “Request for Comment: Bond Insurance Criteria,” in which it requested comments on proposed changes to its bond insurance ratings criteria and noted that it could lower its financial strength ratings on existing investment grade bond insurers (which included the Company’s insurance subsidiaries) by one or more rating categories if the proposed bond insurance ratings criteria were adopted, unless those bond insurers raised additional capital or reduced risk. Over the course of 2011, market participants provided comments on the proposed criteria and awaited the issuance of the new criteria. When S&P released its final criteria in August 2011, the criteria contained a new “largest obligor test” that had not been included in the Request for Comment. The largest obligor test had the effect of significantly reducing Assured Guaranty’s allowed single risk limits and limiting its financial strength rating level. Then, in September 2011, S&P placed the financial strength ratings of AGM and AGC, their respective insurance company subsidiaries and AG Re on CreditWatch negative. In November 2011, S&P assigned AGM, AGC and AG Re financial strength ratings of AA- (Stable Outlook). The Company cannot assure you that S&P will not take additional negative action on such ratings.

 

The Company believes that these rating agency actions and proposals, including the uncertainty caused by the release of S&P’s Request for Comment, 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 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. See Note 4 of the Financial Statements, Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts, for a discussion of how a downgrade of one of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries may result in increased claims under financial guaranties such subsidiary has issued and Note 11 of the Financial Statements, Reinsurance and Other Monoline Exposures, for a discussion of how a downgrade of AGC may result in portions of its in-force financial guaranty assumed business becoming subject to recapture, and AGC thereby owing the ceding company statutory unearned premium and loss reserves (if any) associated with that assumed business. In addition,

 

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as discussed in greater detail under “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Commitments and Contingencies—Recourse Credit Facilities—2009 Strip Coverage Facility” within “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” 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. See the risk factor entitled “If AGC’s financial strength or financial enhancement ratings were downgraded, the Company could be required to make termination payments or post collateral under certain of its credit derivative contracts, which could impair its liquidity, results of operations and financial condition” in the Company’s 2011 Form 10-K.

 

If AGM’s financial strength or financial enhancement ratings were downgraded, AGM-insured GICs issued by the Financial Products Companies 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. See the risk factor entitled “Risks Related to the AGMH Acquisition—The Company has substantial exposure to credit and liquidity risks from Dexia” in the Company’s 2011 Form 10-K.

 

Changes in or inability to comply with applicable law could adversely affect the Company’s ability to do business.

 

The Company’s businesses are subject to direct and indirect regulation under state insurance laws, federal securities, commodities and tax laws affecting public finance and asset backed obligations, and federal regulation of derivatives, as well as applicable laws in the other countries in which the Company operates. Future legislative, regulatory, judicial or other legal changes in the jurisdictions in which the Company does business may adversely affect its ability to pursue its current mix of business, thereby materially impacting its financial results by, among other things, limiting the types of risks it may insure, lowering applicable single or aggregate risk limits, increasing required reserves or capital, increasing the level of supervision or regulation to which the Company’s operations may be subject, imposing restrictions that make the Company’s products less attractive to potential buyers, lowering the profitability of the Company’s business activities, requiring the Company to change certain of its business practices and exposing it to additional costs (including increased compliance costs).

 

In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) signed into law on July 21, 2010 could result in requirements to maintain capital and/or post margin with respect to any future derivative transactions and possibly its existing insured derivatives portfolio. The SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) recently released final rules indicating that the Company’s existing derivatives portfolio, including portions that are in run-off, will be included in tests used to determine if the Company or its affiliates will be deemed to be “swap dealers” or “major swap participants” under the Dodd-Frank Act.  Although the Company is still assessing its status under these rules, the practical impact of such a designation, including in particular the magnitude of related capital or margin requirements, and the extent to which such requirements would apply to the Company’s existing derivatives portfolio, will depend on rulemaking by the SEC and CFTC, much of which has not yet occurred. As discussed in the risk factor entitled “Risks Related to the Company’s Capital and Liquidity Requirements—The Company may require additional capital from time to time, including from soft capital and liquidity credit facilities, which may not be available or may be available only on unfavorable terms” in the Company’s 2011 Form 10-K, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain, or obtain on favorable terms, any additional capital that may be required by the Dodd-Frank Act. If the new regulations require a substantial amount of collateral to be posted, this could have material adverse effects on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity and results of operation.

 

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, a Federal Insurance Office (“FIO”) has been established to develop federal policy relating to insurance matters. The FIO is conducting a study for submission to the U.S. Congress on how to

 

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modernize and improve insurance regulation in the U.S.  Moreover, various federal regulatory agencies have begun proposing and adopting regulations in furtherance of the Dodd-Frank Act provisions and will continue in the coming months, such as the proposed regulations issued by the Financial Stability Oversight Council to identify certain nonbank financial companies to be subject to supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. To the extent these or other requirements ultimately apply to the Company, they could require the Company to change how it conducts and manages its business, including subjecting it to higher capital requirements, and could adversely affect it.

 

The foregoing requirements, as well as others that could be applied to the Company as a result of the legislation, could limit the Company’s ability to conduct certain lines of business and/or subject the Company to enhanced business conduct standards and/or otherwise adversely affect its future results of operations. Because many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are being implemented through agency rulemaking processes, many of which have not been completed, our assessment of the legislation’s impact on the Company and its business remains uncertain and is subject to change.

 

In addition, the decline in the financial strength of many financial guaranty insurers has caused government officials to examine the suitability of some of the complex securities guaranteed by financial guaranty insurers. For example, the New York Insurance Department had announced that it would develop new rules and regulations for the financial guaranty industry. On September 22, 2008, the Department issued Circular Letter No. 19 (2008) (the “Circular Letter”), which established best practices guidelines for financial guaranty insurers effective January 1, 2009. The Department had announced that it plans to propose legislation and regulations to formalize these guidelines. Such guidelines and the related legislation and regulations may limit the amount of new structured finance business that AGC may write.

 

Furthermore, if the Company fails to comply with applicable insurance laws and regulations it could be exposed to fines, the loss of insurance licenses, limitations on the right to originate new business and restrictions on its ability to pay dividends, all of which could have an adverse impact on its business results and prospects. As a result of a number of factors, including incurred losses and risks reassumed from troubled reinsurers, AGM and AGC have from time to time exceeded regulatory risk limits. Failure to comply with these limits allows the Department the discretion to cause the Company to cease writing new business. Although the Company has notified the Department of such noncompliance, the Department has not exercised such discretion in the past. If an insurance company’s surplus declines below minimum required levels, the insurance regulator could impose additional restrictions on the insurer or initiate insolvency proceedings. AGC and AGM may increase surplus by various means, including obtaining capital contributions from the Company, purchasing reinsurance or entering into other loss mitigation arrangements, reducing the amount of new business written or obtaining regulatory approval to release contingency reserves. From time to time, AGM and AGC have obtained approval from their regulators to release contingency reserves based on the expiration of their insured exposure.

 

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 First Quarter 2012. All shares repurchased were for the payment of employee withholding taxes due in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards.

 

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

 

January 1 - January 31

 

 

$

 

 

5,000,000

 

February 1 - February 29

 

18,625

 

$

17.03

 

 

5,000,000

 

March 1 - March 31

 

 

$

 

 

5,000,000

 

Total

 

18,625

 

$

17.03

 

 

 

 

 

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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: May 10, 2012

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

10.1

 

Employment Continuation and Termination of Employment Agreement between Dominic J. Frederico and the Registrant*

10.2

 

Employment Continuation and Termination of Employment Agreement between James M. Michener and the Registrant*

10.3

 

Employment Continuation and Termination of Employment Agreement between Robert B. Mills and the Registrant*

10.4

 

Employment Continuation and Termination of Employment Agreement between Robert A. Bailenson and the Registrant*

10.5

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd. Executive Severance Plan*

10.6

 

Assured Guaranty Ltd. Perquisite Policy*

10.7

 

2012 Form of Executive Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under Assured Guaranty Ltd. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan*

10.8

 

2012 Form of Executive Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under Assured Guaranty Ltd. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan*

10.9

 

2012 Form of Executive Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under Assured Guaranty Ltd. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan*

10.10

 

Terms of Performance Retention Award Four Year Installment Vesting Granted on February 9, 2012 for Participants Subject to $1 million Limit*

10.11

 

Form of Acknowledgement Letter for Participants in Assured Guaranty Ltd. Executive Severance Plan*

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 March 31, 2012 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (iv) Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months ended March 31, 2012; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


*Management contract or compensatory plan

 

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