AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2012 March (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2012
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number: 1-10777
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
(Debtor-in-possession as of November 8, 2010)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 13-3621676 | |
(State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. employer identification no.) | |
One State Street Plaza New York, New York |
10004 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
(212) 668-0340
(Registrants 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 ¨
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 ¨
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): (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | ¨ | Accelerated filer | ¨ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ¨ | Smaller reporting company | x |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of May 4, 2012, 302,431,515 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Registrant were outstanding.
Table of Contents
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Item 1. | Financial Statements of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries |
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION
(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Share Data) | March 31, 2012 |
December 31, 2011 |
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(unaudited) | ||||||||
Assets: |
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Investments: |
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Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $5,296,055 in 2012 and $5,346,897 in 2011) |
$ | 5,763,133 | $ | 5,830,289 | ||||
Fixed income securities pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost of $286,846 in 2012 and $261,958 in 2011) |
287,762 | 263,530 | ||||||
Short-term investments (amortized cost of $893,649 in 2012 and $783,015 in 2011) |
893,822 | 783,071 | ||||||
Other (approximates fair value) |
100 | 100 | ||||||
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Total investments |
6,944,817 | 6,876,990 | ||||||
Cash |
39,931 | 15,999 | ||||||
Restricted cash |
2,500 | 2,500 | ||||||
Receivable for securities |
108,185 | 38,164 | ||||||
Investment income due and accrued |
39,831 | 45,328 | ||||||
Premium receivables |
1,917,536 | 2,028,479 | ||||||
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses |
170,799 | 159,902 | ||||||
Deferred ceded premium |
202,226 | 221,303 | ||||||
Subrogation recoverable |
519,404 | 659,810 | ||||||
Deferred acquisition costs |
219,001 | 223,510 | ||||||
Loans |
19,243 | 18,996 | ||||||
Derivative assets |
272,658 | 175,207 | ||||||
Other assets |
58,875 | 104,300 | ||||||
Variable interest entity assets: |
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Fixed income securities, at fair value |
2,184,665 | 2,199,338 | ||||||
Restricted cash |
2,297 | 2,140 | ||||||
Investment income due and accrued |
1,215 | 4,032 | ||||||
Loans (includes $14,460,077 and $14,126,994 at fair value) |
14,661,522 | 14,329,515 | ||||||
Other assets |
8,179 | 8,182 | ||||||
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Total assets |
$ | 27,372,884 | $ | 27,113,695 | ||||
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Liabilities and Stockholders Equity: |
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Liabilities: |
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Liabilities subject to compromise |
$ | 1,707,417 | $ | 1,707,421 | ||||
Unearned premiums |
3,291,152 | 3,457,157 | ||||||
Losses and loss expense reserve |
6,924,346 | 7,044,070 | ||||||
Ceded premiums payable |
99,643 | 115,555 | ||||||
Obligations under investment agreements |
523,831 | 523,046 | ||||||
Obligations under investment repurchase agreements |
23,500 | 23,500 | ||||||
Current taxes |
97,449 | 95,709 | ||||||
Long-term debt |
227,189 | 223,601 | ||||||
Accrued interest payable |
196,853 | 170,169 | ||||||
Derivative liabilities |
387,476 | 414,508 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
97,144 | 107,441 | ||||||
Payable for securities purchased |
37,856 | 1,665 | ||||||
Variable interest entity liabilities: |
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Accrued interest payable |
890 | 3,490 | ||||||
Long-term debt (includes $14,426,274 and $14,039,450 at fair value) |
14,666,921 | 14,288,540 | ||||||
Derivative liabilities |
2,004,544 | 2,087,052 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
315 | 304 | ||||||
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Total liabilities |
30,286,526 | 30,263,228 | ||||||
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Stockholders deficit: |
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Preferred stock |
| | ||||||
Common stock |
3,080 | 3,080 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
2,172,027 | 2,172,027 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
445,797 | 463,259 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(5,786,940 | ) | (6,039,922 | ) | ||||
Common stock held in treasury at cost |
(411,081 | ) | (411,419 | ) | ||||
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Total Ambac Financial Group, Inc. stockholders deficit |
(3,577,117 | ) | (3,812,975 | ) | ||||
Noncontrolling interest |
663,475 | 663,442 | ||||||
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Total stockholders deficit |
(2,913,642 | ) | (3,149,533 | ) | ||||
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Total liabilities and stockholders deficit |
$ | 27,372,884 | $ | 27,113,695 | ||||
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See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION
Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data) | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||
Revenues: |
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Net premiums earned |
$ | 94,950 | $ | 91,799 | ||||
Net investment income |
112,117 | 76,468 | ||||||
Other-than-temporary impairments: |
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Total other-than-temporary impairment losses |
(4,311 | ) | (1,713 | ) | ||||
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income |
1,240 | | ||||||
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Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings |
(3,071 | ) | (1,713 | ) | ||||
Net realized investment gains |
392 | 2,450 | ||||||
Change in fair value of credit derivatives: |
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Realized gains (losses) and other settlements |
3,254 | 5,323 | ||||||
Unrealized losses |
(10,476 | ) | (14,226 | ) | ||||
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Net change in fair value of credit derivatives |
(7,222 | ) | (8,903 | ) | ||||
Derivative products |
46,957 | 21,004 | ||||||
Other income |
64,793 | 28,303 | ||||||
Income (loss) on variable interest entities |
15,220 | (6,125 | ) | |||||
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Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items |
324,136 | 203,283 | ||||||
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Expenses: |
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Losses and loss expenses |
(2,320 | ) | 919,647 | |||||
Underwriting and operating expenses |
36,534 | 45,467 | ||||||
Interest expense |
33,839 | 30,260 | ||||||
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Total expenses before reorganization items |
68,053 | 995,374 | ||||||
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Pre-tax gain (loss) from continuing operations before reorganization items |
256,083 | (792,091 | ) | |||||
Reorganization items |
2,461 | 24,805 | ||||||
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Pre-tax gain (loss) from continuing operations |
253,622 | (816,896 | ) | |||||
Provision for income taxes |
300 | 2,350 | ||||||
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Net income (loss) |
$ | 253,322 | ($ | 819,246 | ) | |||
Less: net gain attributable to the noncontrolling interest |
2 | 33 | ||||||
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Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders. |
$ | 253,320 | ($ | 819,279 | ) | |||
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Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax: |
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Net income (loss) |
$ | 253,322 | ($ | 819,246 | ) | |||
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Unrealized (losses) gains on securities, net of deferred income taxes of $0 |
(20,904 | ) | 75,425 | |||||
Less: reclassification adjustment for net (loss) gain included in net income (loss) |
(4,052 | ) | 1,015 | |||||
Gain on foreign currency translation, net of deferred income taxes of $0 |
3,213 | 4,384 | ||||||
Amortization of postretirement benefit, net of tax |
(3,792 | ) | 711 | |||||
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Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax |
(17,431 | ) | 79,505 | |||||
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Total comprehensive income (loss) |
235,891 | (739,741 | ) | |||||
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest: |
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Net income |
2 | 33 | ||||||
Currency translation adjustments |
31 | 44 | ||||||
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Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ambac Financial Group, Inc. |
235,858 | (739,818 | ) | |||||
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Net income (loss) per share attributable to Ambac Financial Group, Inc. common shareholders |
$ | 0.84 | ($ | 2.71 | ) | |||
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Net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to Ambac Financial Group, Inc. common shareholders |
$ | 0.84 | ($ | 2.71 | ) | |||
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Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: |
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Basic |
302,466,328 | 302,355,243 | ||||||
Diluted |
302,580,597 | 302,355,243 |
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
4
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity (Unaudited)
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | Total | Accumulated Deficit |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Preferred Stock |
Common Stock |
Paid-in Capital |
Common Stock Held in Treasury, at Cost |
Noncontrolling Interest |
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Balance at January 1, 2012 |
($ | 3,149,533 | ) | ($ | 6,039,922 | ) | $ | 463,259 | $ | | $ | 3,080 | $ | 2,172,027 | ($ | 411,419 | ) | $ | 663,442 | |||||||||||||
Net income |
253,322 | 253,320 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
(17,431 | ) | (17,462 | ) | 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
(338 | ) | (338 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under equity plans |
338 | 338 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance at March 31, 2012 |
($ | 2,913,642 | ) | ($ | 5,786,940 | ) | $ | 445,797 | $ | | $ | 3,080 | $ | 2,172,027 | ($ | 411,081 | ) | $ | 663,475 | |||||||||||||
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Balance at January 1, 2011 |
$ | (1,354,228 | ) | ($ | 4,042,335 | ) | $ | 291,774 | $ | | $ | 3,080 | $ | 2,187,485 | ($ | 448,540 | ) | $ | 654,308 | |||||||||||||
Net loss |
(819,246 | ) | (819,279 | ) | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
79,505 | 79,461 | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
(37,049 | ) | (37,157 | ) | 108 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of shares acquired |
(35 | ) | (35 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued under equity plans |
37,156 | 37,156 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance at March 31, 2011 |
($ | 2,093,897 | ) | ($ | 4,898,771 | ) | $ | 371,325 | $ | | $ | 3,080 | $ | 2,187,593 | ($ | 411,419 | ) | $ | 654,385 | |||||||||||||
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See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
Table of Contents
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
$ | 253,320 | ($ | 819,279 | ) | |||
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries earnings |
2 | 33 | ||||||
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Net income (loss) |
$ | 253,322 | ($ | 819,246 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
820 | 780 | ||||||
Amortization of bond premium and discount |
(64,542 | ) | (35,439 | ) | ||||
Reorganization items |
2,461 | 24,805 | ||||||
Share-based compensation |
| 108 | ||||||
Current income taxes |
300 | 2,350 | ||||||
Deferred acquisition costs |
4,509 | 2,903 | ||||||
Unearned premiums, net |
(146,928 | ) | (171,593 | ) | ||||
Losses and loss expenses, net |
9,785 | 921,429 | ||||||
Ceded premiums payable |
(15,912 | ) | (7,202 | ) | ||||
Investment income due and accrued |
5,497 | 5,351 | ||||||
Premium receivables |
110,943 | 131,676 | ||||||
Accrued interest payable |
26,684 | 24,679 | ||||||
Net mark-to-market gains |
10,476 | 14,226 | ||||||
Net realized investment gains |
(392 | ) | (2,450 | ) | ||||
Other-than-temporary impairment charges |
3,071 | 1,713 | ||||||
Variable interest entity activities |
(15,220 | ) | 6,125 | |||||
Other, net |
(144,524 | ) | (17,400 | ) | ||||
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
40,350 | 82,815 | ||||||
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Proceeds from sales of bonds |
35,024 | 93,191 | ||||||
Proceeds from matured bonds |
208,133 | 202,806 | ||||||
Purchases of bonds |
(182,008 | ) | (205,418 | ) | ||||
Change in short-term investments |
(110,751 | ) | (83,629 | ) | ||||
Loans, net |
(247 | ) | (230 | ) | ||||
Change in swap collateral receivable |
41,046 | (104 | ) | |||||
Other, net |
85 | 787 | ||||||
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Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(8,718 | ) | 7,403 | |||||
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Paydown of variable interest entity secured borrowing |
(7,280 | ) | | |||||
Proceeds from issuance of investment and repurchase agreements |
| 24 | ||||||
Payments for investment and repurchase agreement draws |
(420 | ) | (89,673 | ) | ||||
Net cash collateral received |
| (2,440 | ) | |||||
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Net cash used in financing activities |
(7,700 | ) | (92,089 | ) | ||||
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Net cash flow |
23,932 | (1,871 | ) | |||||
Cash at January 1 |
15,999 | 9,497 | ||||||
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Cash at March 31 |
$ | 39,931 | $ | 7,626 |
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Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
(Dollars in Thousands) | ||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
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Cash paid during the year for: |
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Income taxes |
$ | | $ | | ||||
Interest on variable interest entity secured borrowing |
$ | 429 | $ | | ||||
Interest on investment agreements |
$ | 3,072 | $ | 3,656 | ||||
Cash receipts and payments related to reorganization items: |
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Professional fees paid for services rendered in connection with the Chapter 11 proceeding |
$ | 1,641 | $ | 5,457 |
Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing activities:
In March 2011, the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance established pursuant to Wisc. Stat. §611.24(2) (the Segregated Account) to segregate certain segments of Ambac Assurances liabilities, issued surplus notes in connection with the commutation of two insurance policies with a par value of $3,000.
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
1. Background and Basis of Presentation
These unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Companys 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (Ambac or the Company), headquartered in New York City, is a holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware. Ambac was incorporated on April 29, 1991. On November 8, 2010 (the Petition Date), Ambac filed a voluntary petition for relief (the Bankruptcy Filing) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (Bankruptcy Code) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (Bankruptcy Court). Ambac has continued to operate in the ordinary course of business as debtor-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the orders of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company, as debtor and debtor-in-possession, filed a Fifth Amended Plan of Reorganization on March 12, 2012 (such Fifth Amended Plan of Reorganization, as it may be amended, the Reorganization Plan). The Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Reorganization Plan on March 14, 2012. Under the Reorganization Plan, Ambacs debt holders and other creditors will receive all of the equity in the reorganized company. Therefore, if the Reorganization Plan is consummated, our existing common stock will be cancelled and extinguished and the holders thereof would not be entitled to receive, and would not receive or retain any property or interest in property on account of such equity interests. Additionally, the Reorganization Plan sets forth the revised capital structure of a newly reorganized Ambac and provides for corporate governance subsequent to emergence from bankruptcy.
Ambac Assurance Corporation (Ambac Assurance) is Ambacs principal operating subsidiary. Ambac Assurance is a financial guarantee insurer that provided financial guarantees and financial services to clients in both the public and private sectors around the world. In March 2010, Ambac Assurance established a segregated account pursuant to Wisc. Stat. §611.24(2) (the Segregated Account) to segregate certain segments of Ambac Assurances liabilities. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Wisconsin (OCI (which term shall be understood to refer to such office as regulator of Ambac Assurance and the Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Wisconsin as rehabilitator of the Segregated Account (the Rehabilitator), as the context requires)) commenced rehabilitation proceedings with respect to the Segregated Account (the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings) in order to permit the OCI to facilitate an orderly run-off and/or settlement of the liabilities allocated to the Segregated Account pursuant to the provisions of the Wisconsin Insurers Rehabilitation and Liquidation Act. The Rehabilitator is Theodore Nickel, the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin. Ambac Assurance is not, itself, in rehabilitation proceedings.
On October 8, 2010, the Rehabilitator filed a plan of rehabilitation for the Segregated Account (the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan) in the Circuit Court of Dane County, Wisconsin in which the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings are pending (the Rehabilitation Court). The Rehabilitation Court confirmed the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan on January 24, 2011. The confirmed Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan also makes permanent the injunctions issued by the Rehabilitation Court on March 24, 2010.
The Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan is not effective and is subject to modification. Pursuant to the injunctions issued by the Rehabilitation Court, claims on policies allocated to the Segregated Account have not been paid since the commencement of the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings. Net par exposure as of March 31, 2012 for policies allocated to the Segregated Account is $33,593,393. The Rehabilitator may seek to effectuate the current Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan, modify such Plan or modify the injunctions issued by the Rehabilitation Court to allow for the payment of policy claims in such manner and at such times as the Rehabilitator determines to be in the best interest of policyholders. The deterioration of Ambac Assurances financial condition resulting from losses in its insured portfolio caused downgrades, and ultimately withdrawals of Ambac Assurances
8
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financial strength ratings from the independent rating agencies. These losses have prevented Ambac Assurance from being able to write new business. An inability to write new business has and will continue to negatively impact Ambacs future operations and financial results. Ambac Assurances ability to pay dividends, and as a result Ambacs liquidity, have been significantly restricted by the deterioration of Ambac Assurances financial condition, by the rehabilitation of the Segregated Account and by the terms of the Settlement Agreement entered into on June 7, 2010 by Ambac, Ambac Assurance, Ambac Credit Products, LLC (ACP) and counterparties to outstanding credit default swaps with ACP (the Settlement Agreement). Ambac Assurance is also restricted in its ability to pay dividends pursuant to the terms of its Auction Market Preferred Shares (AMPS), which state that dividends may not be paid on the common stock of Ambac Assurance unless all accrued and unpaid dividends on the AMPS for the then current dividend period have been paid, provided that dividends on the common stock may be made at all times for the purpose of, and only in such amounts as are necessary for enabling Ambac (i) to service its indebtedness for borrowed money as such payments become due or (ii) to pay its operating expenses. If dividends are paid on the common stock as provided in the prior sentence, dividends on the AMPS become cumulative until the date that all accumulated and unpaid dividends have been paid on the AMPS. Ambac Assurance has not paid dividends on AMPS since 2010. Based on the above described restrictions and circumstances, it is highly unlikely that Ambac Assurance will be able to make dividend payments to Ambac for the foreseeable future.
Chapter 11 Reorganization
The Reorganization Plan reflects a resolution of certain issues (the Amended Plan Settlement) among the Company, the statutory committee of creditors appointed by the United States Trustee on November 17, 2010 (the Creditors Committee), Ambac Assurance, the Segregated Account and OCI related to (i) the net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) of the consolidated tax group of which the Company is the parent and Ambac Assurance is a member (the Ambac Consolidated Group), (ii) certain tax refunds received in respect thereof (the Tax Refunds) and (iii) the sharing of expenses between the Company and Ambac Assurance. The terms of the Amended Plan Settlement are memorialized in that certain Mediation Agreement dated September 21, 2011 (the Mediation Agreement) among such parties. In accordance with the Amended Plan Settlement, the Company shall retain ownership of Ambac Assurance, and except as otherwise approved by OCI, the Company shall use its best efforts to preserve the use of NOLs as contemplated by the Amended Plan Settlement.
Pursuant to the Amended Plan Settlement, (i) the Company, Ambac Assurance and certain affiliates entered into an amended and restated tax sharing agreement (the Amended TSA), (ii) the Company, Ambac Assurance and certain affiliates entered into an expense sharing and cost allocation agreement (the Cost Allocation Agreement) and (iii) the Company, Ambac Assurance, the Segregated Account and OCI entered into an amendment (the Cooperation Agreement Amendment), of that certain Cooperation Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2010, by and between the Segregated Account and Ambac Assurance (the Cooperation Agreement).
The Amended TSA replaces, supersedes and nullifies in its entirety the existing tax sharing agreement among the Company and its affiliates. The Amended TSA addresses certain issues including, but not limited to, the allocation and use of NOLs by the Company, Ambac Assurance and their respective subsidiaries.
The Cost Allocation Agreement provides for the allocation of costs and expenses among the Company, Ambac Assurance and certain affiliates. The Mediation Agreement also provides for sharing by the Company and Ambac Assurance of the expenses incurred since November 1, 2010 in connection with the litigation with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) described in Note 11.
The Cooperation Agreement Amendment provides for the Rehabilitator to have certain rights with respect to (a) the tax positions taken by the Company in its consolidated tax return; (b) the acceptance by Ambac Assurance of the repayment of intercompany loans or the modification of the terms thereof; (c) changes by Ambac Assurance in the assumptions or vendors utilized in determining loss reserves determined in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles; and (d) changes to Ambac Assurances investment policy and transfer of the investment management function for Ambac Assurances investment portfolio.
The Amended Plan Settlement, Mediation Agreement, Amended TSA, Cost Allocation Agreement and Cooperation Agreement Amendment collectively memorialize the settlement of certain claims among the Company and Ambac Assurance, OCI and the Segregated Account, and contain broad releases of the Company, Ambac
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Assurance, the Segregated Account, OCI, the board of directors and board committees of the Company and Ambac Assurance, all current and former individual directors, officers, or employees of the Company and Ambac Assurance, the Creditors Committee and the individual members thereof, and certain other released parties.
Consummation of the Reorganization Plan is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions: (i) the Bankruptcy Court shall have entered an order confirming the Reorganization Plan and such order shall have become final in accordance with the Reorganization Plan; (ii) the Bankruptcy Court shall have approved any supplement filed with respect to the Reorganization Plan; (iii) new organizational documents of the Company shall have been effected; (iv) the Company shall have executed and delivered all documents necessary to effectuate the issuance of the common stock and warrants (if applicable) pursuant to the Reorganization Plan; (v) all authorizations, consents and regulatory approvals required, if any, in connection with the consummation of the Reorganization Plan shall have been obtained; (vi) the Stipulation (as defined in Note 11) shall have become effective; (vii) the terms of the IRS Settlement (as defined in Note 11) shall have been approved by OCI, the United States, the Rehabilitation Court, and the Creditors Committee, and all conditions to the effectiveness of the IRS Settlement shall have been satisfied; (viii) the IRS Settlement and all transaction documents relating thereto shall have been executed by the parties thereto; (ix) the Bankruptcy Court shall have entered an order pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019 approving the IRS Settlement; (x) the aggregate face amount of allowed and disputed general unsecured claims shall be less than $50,000; (xi) the Rehabilitation Court shall have approved the transactions contemplated by the Mediation Agreement, the Amended TSA, the Cost Allocation Agreement, and the Cooperation Agreement Amendment; (xii) $30,000 shall have been paid or paid into escrow by Ambac Assurance as provided in the Mediation Agreement; (xiii) the Amended TSA, the Cooperation Agreement Amendment and the Cost Allocation Agreement shall have been executed; and (xiv) all other actions, documents, certificates and agreements necessary to implement the Reorganization Plan shall have been effected or executed and delivered to the required parties and, to the extent required, filed with applicable governmental units in accordance with applicable laws. Of the conditions enumerated above, the following have been satisfied: (i); (x); (xi); (xii) and (xiii). There can be no assurance about whether or when the remaining conditions will be met.
Ambacs principal business strategy is to reorganize its capital structure and financial obligations through the bankruptcy process and to increase the residual value of its financial guarantee business by mitigating losses on poorly performing transactions (via the pursuit of recoveries in respect of paid claims, commutations of policies, purchases of Ambac-insured obligations, and repurchases of surplus notes issued by Ambac Assurance or the Segregated Account) and maximizing the return on its investment portfolio. The execution of such strategy with respect to liabilities allocated to the Segregated Account is subject to the authority of the Rehabilitator to control the management of the Segregated Account. In exercising such authority, the Rehabilitator will act for the benefit of policyholders, and will not take into account the interests of Ambac. Similarly, by operation of the contracts executed in connection with the establishment, and subsequent rehabilitation, of the Segregated Account, the Rehabilitator retains rights to oversee and approve certain actions taken in respect of Ambac Assurance. This oversight by the Rehabilitator could impair Ambacs ability to execute the foregoing strategy. As a result of uncertainties associated with the aforementioned factors, management has concluded that there is substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. The Companys financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 and for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are prepared assuming the Company continues as a going concern and do not include any adjustment that might result from its inability to continue as a going concern.
Ambacs liquidity and solvency are largely dependent on its current cash and investments of $33,994 at March 31, 2012 (excluding $2,500 of restricted cash), consummation of the Reorganization Plan, and on the residual value of Ambac Assurance. The principal uses of liquidity are the payment of operating expenses, professional advisory fees incurred in connection with the bankruptcy and expenses related to pending litigation. Management believes that Ambac will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs until it emerges from the bankruptcy proceeding; however, no assurance can be given regarding the timing or certainty of such emergence. If its cash and investments run out prior to emergence from bankruptcy, a liquidation of Ambac pursuant to Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code will occur.
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2. Debtor in Possession Financial Information
Liabilities Subject to Compromise
As required by ASC Topic 852, Reorganizations, the amount of the Liabilities Subject to Compromise represents our estimate of known or potential pre-petition and post-petition claims to be addressed in connection with the Bankruptcy Filing. Such claims are subject to future adjustments. The Liabilities subject to compromise in the Consolidated Balance Sheet consists of the following:
March 31, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | |||||||
Accrued interest payable |
$ | 68,123 | $ | 68,123 | ||||
Other |
17,105 | 17,109 | ||||||
Senior unsecured notes |
1,222,189 | 1,222,189 | ||||||
Directly-issued Subordinated capital securities |
400,000 | 400,000 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Consolidated liabilities subject to compromise |
1,707,417 | 1,707,421 | ||||||
Payable to non-debtor subsidiaries |
35 | 35 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Debtors Liabilities subject to compromise |
$ | 1,707,452 | $ | 1,707,456 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Interest was no longer accrued on Ambacs debt obligations included in Liabilities Subject to Compromise on the Consolidated Balance Sheets after Ambac filed for bankruptcy protection on November 8, 2010. If Ambac had continued to accrue interest on its debt obligations, contractual interest expense would have been $24,162 and $28,576 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Reorganization Items, net
Professional advisory fees and other costs directly associated with our reorganization are reported separately as reorganization items pursuant to ASC Topic 852. Reorganization items also include adjustments to reflect the carrying value of certain pre-petition liabilities at their estimated allowable claim amounts. The reorganization items in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, consisted of the following items:
Three months ended March 31, 2012 |
Three months ended March 31, 2011 |
|||||||
U.S. Trustee fees |
$ | 20 | $ | 5 | ||||
Professional fees |
2,441 | 10,498 | ||||||
Office lease settlement |
| 14,302 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total reorganization items |
$ | 2,461 | $ | 24,805 | ||||
|
|
|
|
3. Net Premiums Earned
Gross premiums are received either upfront (typical of public finance obligations) or in installments (typical of structured finance obligations). For premiums received upfront, an unearned premium revenue (UPR) liability is established, which is initially recorded as the cash amount received. For installment premium transactions, a premium receivable asset and offsetting UPR liability is initially established in an amount equal to: (i) the present value of future contractual premiums due (the contractual method) or, (ii) if the underlying insured obligation is a homogenous pool of assets which are contractually prepayable, the present value of premiums to be collected over the expected life of the transaction (the expected method). An appropriate risk-free rate corresponding to the weighted average life of each policy and exposure currency is used to discount the future premiums contractually
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due or expected to be collected. For example, U.S. dollar exposures are discounted using U.S. Treasury rates while exposures denominated in a foreign currency are discounted using the appropriate risk-free rate for the respective currency. The weighted average risk-free rate at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was 2.7% and 2.6%, respectively, and the weighted average period of future premiums used to estimate the premium receivable at March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011 was 10.2 years and 10.0 years, respectively.
Insured obligations consisting of homogeneous pools for which Ambac uses expected future premiums to estimate the premium receivable and UPR include residential mortgage-backed securities and consumer auto loans. As prepayment assumptions change for homogenous pool transactions, or if there is an actual prepayment for a contractual method installment transaction, the related premium receivable and UPR are adjusted in equal and offsetting amounts with no immediate effect on earnings using new premium cash flows and the then current risk free rate.
Generally, the priority for the payment of financial guarantee premiums to Ambac, as required by the bond indentures of the insured obligations, is very senior in the waterfall. Additionally, in connection with the allocation of certain liabilities to the Segregated Account, trustees are required under the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan and related court orders to continue to pay installment premiums, notwithstanding the claims moratorium. In evaluating the credit quality of the premiums receivable, management evaluates i.) the internal ratings of the transactions underlying the premiums receivable, and, as applicable, ii.) expected future premium collections for transactions for which loss reserves have been recognized. As of March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011 approximately 44% and 43% of the premiums receivable related to transactions with non-investment grade internal ratings, comprised mainly of non-investment grade MBS and student loan transactions, which comprised 12% and 11%, respectively, of the total premiums receivable at March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, $4,417 of premium receivables relating to a non-investment obligation were deemed uncollectible and written off. At March 31, 2012, past due premiums on policies insuring non-investment grade obligations that were not written off amounted to less than $200.
For both upfront and installment premium policies, premium revenues are earned over the life of the financial guarantee contract in proportion to the insured principal amount outstanding at each reporting date (referred to as the level-yield method). For installment paying policies, the premium receivable discount, equating to the difference between the undiscounted future installment premiums and the present value of future installment premiums, is accreted as premiums earned in proportion to the premium receivable balance at each reporting date. Because the premium receivable discount and UPR are being accreted into income using different rates, the total premiums earned as a percentage of insured principal is higher in the earlier years and lower in the later years for an installment premium transaction as compared to an upfront premium transaction. Below is the premium receivable roll-forward for the periods ended March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011:
March 31, 2012 |
December 31, 2011 |
|||||||
Beginning premium receivable |
$ | 2,028,479 | 2,422,596 | |||||
Premium payments received |
(40,130 | ) | (190,823 | ) | ||||
Adjustments for changes in expected life of homogeneous pools and actual changes to contractual cash flows |
(102,074 | ) | (240,547 | ) | ||||
Accretion of premium receivable discount |
13,892 | 62,841 | ||||||
Consolidation of certain VIEs |
| (104,736 | ) | |||||
Deconsolidation of certain VIEs |
| 87,978 | ||||||
Other adjustments (including foreign exchange) |
17,369 | (8,830 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Ending premium receivable |
$ | 1,917,536 | $ | 2,028,479 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Similar to gross premiums, premiums ceded to reinsurers are paid either upfront or in installments. For premiums paid upfront, a deferred ceded premium asset is established which is initially recorded as the cash amount paid. For installment premiums, a ceded installment premiums payable liability and offsetting deferred ceded premium asset are initially established in an amount equal to: i) the present value of future contractual premiums due or, ii) if the underlying insured obligation is a homogenous pool of assets which are contractually prepayable, the
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present value of expected premiums to be paid over the life of the transaction. An appropriate risk-free rate corresponding to the weighted average life of each policy and exposure currency is used to discount the future premiums contractually due or expected to be collected. Premiums ceded to reinsurers reduce the amount of premiums earned by Ambac from its financial guarantee insurance policies. For both up-front and installment premiums, ceded premiums written are primarily recognized in earnings in proportion to and at the same time as the related gross premium revenue is recognized. For premiums paid to reinsurers on an installment basis, Ambac records the present value of future ceding commissions as an offset to ceded premiums payable, using the same assumptions noted above for installment premiums. The ceding commission revenue associated with the ceding premiums payable is deferred (as an offset to deferred acquisition cost) and recognized in income in proportion to ceded premiums.
The table below summarizes the future gross undiscounted premiums expected to be collected, and future expected premiums earned, net of reinsurance at March 31, 2012:
Future premiums expected to be collected(1) |
Future expected premiums to be earned, net of reinsurance(1) |
|||||||
Three months ended: |
||||||||
June 30, 2012 |
$ | 39,030 | $ | 66,143 | ||||
September 30, 2012 |
39,697 | 64,293 | ||||||
December 31, 2012 |
40,787 | 62,183 | ||||||
Twelve months ended: |
||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
149,704 | 230,902 | ||||||
December 31, 2014 |
149,695 | 212,834 | ||||||
December 31, 2015 |
144,199 | 201,025 | ||||||
December 31, 2016 |
138,824 | 190,565 | ||||||
Five years ended: |
||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
623,209 | 801,266 | ||||||
December 31, 2026 |
504,110 | 577,648 | ||||||
December 31, 2031 |
374,718 | 382,984 | ||||||
December 31, 2036 |
218,400 | 208,191 | ||||||
December 31, 2041 |
72,015 | 64,386 | ||||||
December 31, 2046 |
21,871 | 19,572 | ||||||
December 31, 2051 |
5,335 | 6,248 | ||||||
December 31, 2056 |
242 | 686 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 2,521,836 | $ | 3,088,926 | ||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | The future premiums expected to be collected and future premiums expected to be earned, net of reinsurance disclosed in the above table relate to the discounted premium receivable asset and unearned premium liability recorded on Ambacs balance sheet. The use of contractual lives for many bond types which do not have homogeneous pools of underlying collateral is required in the calculation of the premium receivable as described above, which results in a higher premium receivable balance than if expected lives were considered. If installment paying policies are retired early as a result of rate step-ups or other early retirement provision incentives for the issuer, premiums reflected in the premium receivable asset and amounts reported in the above table for such policies may not be collected in the future. |
When a bond issue insured by Ambac Assurance has been retired, including those retirements due to refundings or calls, any remaining UPR is recognized at that time to the extent the financial guarantee insurance policy is legally extinguished. For installment premium paying transactions, we offset the recognition of any remaining UPR by the reduction of the related premium receivable to zero (as it will not be collected as a result of the retirement), which may cause negative accelerated premium revenue. Accelerated premium revenue for retired
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obligations for three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $15,790 and ($70), respectively. The table below shows premiums written on a gross and net basis for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||
Financial Guarantee: |
||||||||
Gross premiums written |
$ | (92,594 | ) | ($ | 160,211 | ) | ||
Ceded premiums written |
16,854 | 9,218 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net premiums written(1) |
$ | (75,740 | ) | ($ | 150,993 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Premiums written represent the change in the present value of future installment premiums. Such changes will not have an immediate impact on earned premium but will be earned over the life of the transaction using the level yield method discussed above. Factors that generate written premium are prepayments of the insured obligation, premium rate changes for policies that have variable premium structures, discount rate changes and early termination of an insured obligation. |
4. Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Common shares outstanding includes common stock issued less treasury shares plus restricted stock units for which no future service is required as a condition to the delivery of the underlying common stock. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. All dilutive potential common shares outstanding consider common stock deliverable pursuant to stock options and nonvested restricted stock units. These dilutive shares totaled 114,269 from the assumed settlement of dilutive nonvested restricted stock units at March 31, 2012. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that nonvested restricted stock units were settled and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the period. There were no dilutive effects for the period ended March 31, 2011. The following table presents securities outstanding that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they were antidilutive for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
March 31, 2012 | March 31, 2011 | |||||||
Stock options |
887,672 | 1,786,031 | ||||||
Restricted stock and units |
| 469,896 |
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5. Special Purpose Entities, Including Variable Interest Entities
Ambac has engaged in transactions with special purpose entities, including VIEs, in various capacities. Ambac most commonly has provided financial guarantees, including credit derivative contracts, for various debt obligations issued by special purpose entities, including VIEs. Ambac has also sponsored two special purpose entities that issued medium-term notes to fund the purchase of certain financial assets. Ambac is also an investor in collateralized debt obligations, mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities issued by VIEs and its ownership interest is generally insignificant to the VIE and/or Ambac does not have rights that direct the activities that are most significant to such VIE. In 2011, Ambac entered into a secured borrowing transaction under which two VIEs were created for the purpose of resecuritizing certain invested assets and collateralizing the borrowing. These VIEs are consolidated because Ambac was involved in their design and holds a significant amount of the beneficial interests issued by the VIEs. VIE debt outstanding to third parties under this secured borrowing transaction was $28,320 and $35,600 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The debt represents the senior-most tranche of the securitization structure and is to be repaid from the non-insurance proceeds of certain RMBS securities which are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance. Such securities had a fair value of $179,339 and $172,880 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Refer to Note 8, Investments for further discussion of the restrictions on these securities.
Financial Guarantees:
Ambac has provided financial guarantees in respect of assets held or debt obligations of special purpose entities, including VIEs. Ambacs primary variable interest exists through this financial guarantee insurance or credit derivative contract. The transaction structure provides certain financial protection to Ambac. This financial protection can take several forms; however, the most common are over-collateralization, first loss and excess spread. In the case of over-collateralization (i.e., the principal amount of the securitized assets exceeds the principal amount of the debt obligations guaranteed by Ambac Assurance), the structure allows the transaction to experience defaults among the securitized assets before a default is experienced on the debt obligations that have been guaranteed by Ambac Assurance. In the case of first loss, the financial guarantee insurance policy only covers a senior layer of losses on assets held or debt issued by special purpose entities, including VIEs. The first loss with respect to the assets is either retained by the asset seller or sold off in the form of equity or mezzanine debt to other investors. In the case of excess spread, the securitized assets contributed to special purpose entities, including VIEs, generate interest cash flows that are in excess of the interest payments on the related debt; such excess cash flow is applied to redeem debt, thus creating over-collateralization. Generally, upon deterioration in the performance of a transaction or upon an event of default as specified in the transaction legal documents, Ambac will obtain certain loss remediation rights. These rights may enable Ambac to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance.
We determined that Ambac generally has the obligation to absorb the VIEs expected losses given that we have issued financial guarantees supporting the liabilities (and in certain cases assets) of a VIE. We also determined for certain transactions that experienced the aforementioned performance deterioration, that we had the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of certain VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance because: a) certain triggers had been breached in these transactions resulting in Ambac having the ability to exercise certain loss remediation activities, or b) due to the passive nature of the VIEs activities, Ambacs contingent loss remediation rights upon a breach of certain triggers in the future is considered to be the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance. With respect to existing VIEs involving Ambac financial guarantees, Ambac is generally required to consolidate a VIE in the period that applicable triggers result in Ambac having control over the VIEs most significant economic activities. A VIE is deconsolidated in the period that Ambac no longer has such control, which generally occurs in connection with allocation to the Segregated Account, execution of remediation activities on the transaction or amortization of insured exposure, any of which may reduce the degree of Ambacs control over a VIE.
Ambac Sponsored VIEs:
A subsidiary of Ambac has transferred financial assets to two special purpose entities. The business purpose of these entities is to provide certain financial guarantee clients with funding for their debt obligations. These special
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purpose entities are legal entities that are demonstrably distinct from Ambac. Ambac, its affiliates or its agents cannot unilaterally dissolve these entities. The permitted activities of these entities are limited to those outlined below. Ambac does not consolidate these entities because Ambacs policies issued to these entities have been allocated to the Segregated Account, thereby limiting Ambacs control over the entities most significant economic activities. Ambac has elected to account for its equity interest in these entities at fair value under the fair value option in accordance with ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments. We believe that the fair value of the investments in these entities provides for greater transparency for recording profit or loss as compared to the equity method under ASC Topic 323, InvestmentsEquity Method in Joint Ventures. Refer to Note 7 for further information on the valuation technique and inputs used to measure the fair value of Ambacs equity interest in these entities. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 the fair value of these entities is $16,023 and $16,779, respectively, and is reported within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The change in fair value of these entities is ($756) and $1,096 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Since their inception, there have been 15 individual transactions with these entities, of which 5 transactions were outstanding as of March 31, 2012. Total principal amount of debt outstanding was $576,387 and $578,562 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In each case, Ambac sold assets to these entities. The assets are composed of asset-backed securities and utility obligations with a weighted average rating of A- at March 31, 2012 and weighted average life of 8.1 years. The purchase by these entities was financed through the issuance of medium-term notes (MTNs), which are cross-collateralized by the purchased assets. The MTNs have the same expected weighted average life as the purchased assets. Derivative contracts (interest rate swaps) are used within the entities for economic hedging purposes only. Hedges are established at the time MTNs are issued to purchase financial assets. The activities of these entities are contractually limited to purchasing assets from Ambac, issuing MTNs to fund such purchase, executing derivative hedges and obtaining financial guarantee policies with respect to indebtedness incurred. As of March 31, 2012 Ambac Assurance had financial guarantee insurance policies issued for all assets, MTNs and derivative contracts owned and outstanding by the entities.
Insurance premiums paid to Ambac Assurance by these entities are earned in a manner consistent with other insurance policies, over the risk period. Additionally, any losses incurred on such insurance policies are included in Ambacs Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income. Under the terms of an Administrative Agency Agreement, Ambac provides certain administrative duties, primarily collecting amounts due on the obligations and making interest payments on the MTNs.
There were no assets sold to these entities during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Ambac Assurance earned premiums for issuing the financial guarantee policies on the assets, MTNs and derivative contracts of $145 and $235 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Ambac paid no claims to these entities under its financial guarantee policies for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Ambac also earned fees for providing other services amounting to $11 and $11 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Derivative contracts are provided by Ambac Financial Services to these entities. Consistent with other derivatives, Ambac Financial Services (AFS) accounts for these contracts on a trade date basis at fair value. AFS paid $138 and $131 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, under these derivative contracts.
Consolidation of VIEs:
Upon initial consolidation of a VIE, we recognize a gain or loss in earnings for the difference between: a) the fair value of the consideration paid, the fair value of any non-controlling interests and the reported amount of any previously held interests and b) the net amount, as measured on a fair value basis, of the assets and liabilities consolidated. Upon deconsolidation of a VIE, we recognize a gain or loss for the difference between: a) the fair value of any consideration received, the fair value of any retained non-controlling investment in the VIE and the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest in the VIE and b) the carrying amount of the VIEs assets and liabilities. Gains or losses from consolidation and deconsolidation that are reported in earnings are reported within Income (loss) on variable interest entities.
The variable interest in VIE generally involves one or more of the following: a financial guarantee policy issued to the VIE, a written credit derivative contract that references liabilities of the VIE or an investment in
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securities issued by the VIE. The impact of consolidating such VIEs on Ambacs balance sheet is follows. For a financial guarantee policy issued to a consolidated VIE, Ambac does not reflect the financial guarantee insurance policy in accordance with the related insurance accounting rules under ASC Topic 944, Financial ServicesInsurance. The financial guarantee policy would be eliminated upon consolidation. Consequently, Ambac eliminates insurance assets (premium receivables, reinsurance recoverable, deferred ceded premium, subrogation recoverable and deferred acquisition costs) and insurance liabilities (unearned premiums, loss and loss expense reserves and ceded premiums payable) from the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For investment securities owned by Ambac that are debt instruments issued by the VIE, the investment securities balance is eliminated upon consolidation.
Income (loss) on variable interest entities included losses of $0 and $8,422 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to VIEs that were no longer consolidated as of the end the respective periods. Such losses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily related to the impact of deconsolidating a VIE during that period.
As of March 31, 2012, consolidated VIE assets and liabilities relating to 18 consolidated entities were $16,857,878 and $16,672,670, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, consolidated VIE assets and liabilities relating to 19 consolidated entities were $16,543,207 and $16,379,386, respectively. Ambac is not primarily liable for, and does not guarantee all of the debt obligations issued by the VIEs. Ambac would only be required to make payments on the guaranteed debt obligations in the event that the issuer of such debt obligations defaults on any principal or interest due. Additionally, Ambacs creditors do not have rights with regard to the assets of the VIEs. Ambac evaluates the net income statement effects and earnings per share effects to determine attributions between Ambac and non-controlling interests as a result of consolidating a VIE. Ambac has determined that the net changes in fair value of most consolidated VIE assets and liabilities are attributable to Ambac due to Ambacs interest through financial guarantee premium and loss payments with the VIE.
The financial reports of certain VIEs are prepared by outside trustees and are not available within the time constraints Ambac requires to ensure the financial accuracy of the operating results. As such, the financial results of certain VIEs are consolidated on a time lag that is no longer than 90 days.
The table below provides the fair value of fixed income securities, by asset-type, held by consolidated VIEs as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
March 31, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | |||||||
Investments: |
||||||||
Corporate obligations |
$ | 2,184,665 | $ | 2,199,338 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total variable interest entity assets: Fixed income securities |
$ | 2,184,665 | $ | 2,199,338 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The following table provides supplemental information about the loans held as assets and long-term debt associated with the VIEs for which the fair value option has been elected as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
Estimated fair value | Unpaid principal balance | |||||||
March 31, 2012: |
||||||||
Loans |
$ | 14,460,077 | $ | 13,901,703 | ||||
Long-term debt |
$ | 14,426,274 | $ | 15,344,542 | ||||
December 31, 2011: |
||||||||
Loans |
$ | 14,126,994 | $ | 13,735,799 | ||||
Long-term debt |
$ | 14,039,450 | $ | 15,134,711 |
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Variable Interests in Non-Consolidated VIEs
The following table displays the carrying amount of the assets, liabilities and maximum exposure to loss of Ambacs variable interests in non-consolidated VIEs resulting from financial guarantee and credit derivative contracts by major underlying asset classes, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
Maximum Exposure To Loss(1) |
Insurance Assets(2) |
Insurance Liabilities(3) |
Derivative Liabilities(4) |
|||||||||||||
March 31, 2012: |
||||||||||||||||
Global Structured Finance: |
||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
$ | 13,306,646 | $ | 13,628 | $ | 22,702 | $ | 120,592 | ||||||||
Mortgage-backedresidential |
29,262,148 | 709,898 | 5,268,393 | | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backedcommercial |
693,627 | | | 6,793 | ||||||||||||
Other consumer asset-backed |
7,689,924 | 122,947 | 1,259,153 | 36,711 | ||||||||||||
Other commercial asset-backed |
12,251,503 | 489,489 | 974,307 | 7,366 | ||||||||||||
Other |
7,150,257 | 139,530 | 567,141 | 2,194 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Global Structured Finance |
70,354,105 | 1,475,492 | 8,091,696 | 173,656 | ||||||||||||
Global Public Finance |
38,173,945 | 577,454 | 703,043 | 19,140 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | 108,528,050 | $ | 2,052,946 | $ | 8,794,739 | $ | 192,796 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
Maximum Exposure To Loss(1) |
Insurance Assets(2) |
Insurance Liabilities(3) |
Derivative Liabilities(4) |
|||||||||||||
December 31, 2011: |
||||||||||||||||
Global Structured Finance: |
||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
$ | 14,093,243 | $ | 15,096 | $ | 105,219 | $ | 120,614 | ||||||||
Mortgage-backedresidential |
30,307,753 | 783,329 | 5,396,711 | | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backedcommercial |
685,870 | | | 6,241 | ||||||||||||
Other consumer asset-backed |
7,851,980 | 129,234 | 1,315,146 | 35,583 | ||||||||||||
Other commercial asset-backed |
13,363,434 | 559,884 | 1,045,477 | 4,541 | ||||||||||||
Other |
7,552,264 | 139,586 | 643,864 | 1,837 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Global Structured Finance |
73,854,544 | 1,627,129 | 8,506,417 | 168,816 | ||||||||||||
Global Public Finance |
37,893,726 | 569,032 | 700,690 | 14,850 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | 111,748,270 | $ | 2,196,161 | $ | 9,207,107 | $ | 183,666 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Maximum exposure to loss represents the gross maximum future payments of principal and interest on insured obligations and credit derivative contracts. Ambacs maximum exposure to loss does not include the benefit of any financial instruments (such as reinsurance or hedge contracts) that Ambac may utilize to mitigate the risks associated with these variable interests. |
(2) | Insurance assets represent the amount recorded in Premium receivables and Subrogation recoverable for financial guarantee contracts on Ambacs Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
(3) | Insurance liabilities represent the amount recorded in Losses and loss expense reserve and Unearned premiums for financial guarantee contracts on Ambacs Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
(4) | Derivative liabilities represent the fair value recognized on credit derivative contracts on Ambacs Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
18
Table of Contents
6. Losses and Loss Expense Reserve
A loss reserve is recorded on the balance sheet on a policy-by-policy basis for the excess of: (a) the present value of expected net cash flows to be paid under an insurance contract, over (b) the UPR for that contract. Below is the loss reserve roll-forward, net of subrogation recoverable and reinsurance for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011:
Three months Ended March 31, 2012 |
Year Ended December 31, 2011 |
|||||||
Beginning balance of net loss reserves, net of subrogation recoverable and reinsurance |
6,230,780 | 4,424,450 | ||||||
Changes in the loss reserves due to: |
||||||||
Current year: |
||||||||
Establishment of new loss reserves, gross of subrogation and net of reinsurance |
29,610 | 503,697 | ||||||
Claim payments, net of subrogation and reinsurance |
(2,968 | ) | (2,442 | ) | ||||
Establishment of subrogation recoveries, net of reinsurance |
(1,786 | ) | (9,761 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total current year |
24,856 | 491,494 | ||||||
Prior year: |
||||||||
Change in previously established loss reserves, gross of subrogation and net of reinsurance |
(7,920 | ) | 1,683,831 | |||||
Change in previously established subrogation recoveries, net of reinsurance |
(9,606 | ) | (324,151 | ) | ||||
Claim recoveries (payments), net of subrogation recoverable and reinsurance |
10,422 | (179,440 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total prior year |
(7,104 | ) | 1,180,240 | |||||
Changes in loss reserves |
17,752 | 1,671,734 | ||||||
Net deconsolidation of certain VIEs |
| 134,596 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Ending loss reserves, net of subrogation recoverable and reinsurance |
$ | 6,248,532 | $ | 6,230,780 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The positive development in loss reserves established in prior years for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was driven by lower estimated losses in the first-lien RMBS and student loan portfolios, offset by lower expected subrogation recoveries and an increase in loss adjustment reserves for RMBS credits.
The adverse development in loss reserves established in prior years for the year ended December 31, 2011 was primarily due to the continued deterioration of collateral supporting structured finance policies, including RMBS and student loan exposures which resulted in greater expected ultimate losses, partially offset by higher expected subrogation recoveries related to representation and warranty breaches on insured RMBS securitizations.
The net change in loss reserves of $17,752 and $1,671,734 for the period and year ended March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, are included in loss and loss expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income. Loss expense reserves are also established for significant surveillance and mitigation expenses associated with adversely classified credits. Total net loss expense reserves were $145,766 and $86,171 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Total loss expense of $(2,320) and $919,647 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are included in loss and loss expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, reinsurance recoveries of losses included in loss and loss expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income were $12,518 and $7,691, respectively.
19
Table of Contents
The tables below summarize information related to policies currently included in Ambacs loss reserves at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
Surveillance Categories (at March 31, 2012)
I/SL | IA | II | III | IV | V | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of policies |
25 | 7 | 38 | 125 | 139 | 1 | 335 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining weighted-average contract period (in years) |
18 | 10 | 17 | 19 | 9 | 10 | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Gross insured contractual payments outstanding: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal |
1,938,086 | 173,018 | 1,981,014 | 11,557,578 | 12,974,787 | 47 | 28,624,530 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest |
1,023,136 | 62,902 | 1,029,788 | 6,696,703 | 4,070,566 | 22 | 12,883,117 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total |
2,961,222 | 235,920 | 3,010,802 | 18,254,281 | 17,045,353 | 69 | 41,507,647 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Gross undiscounted claim liability |
46,138 | 6,115 | 52,455 | 4,740,571 | 7,768,911 | 69 | 12,614,258 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Discount, gross claim liability |
(4,752 | ) | (1,044 | ) | (4,632 | ) | (1,613,139 | ) | (812,496 | ) | (16 | ) | (2,436,078 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Gross claim liability before all subrogation and before reinsurance |
41,386 | 5,071 | 47,823 | 3,127,432 | 6,956,415 | 53 | 10,178,180 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross RMBS subrogation(1) |
| | | (380,945 | ) | (2,337,818 | ) | | (2,718,763 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Discount, RMBS subrogation |
| | | 7,998 | 55,353 | | 63,351 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Discounted RMBS subrogation, before reinsurance |
| | | (372,947 | ) | (2,282,465 | ) | | (2,655,412 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross other subrogation(2) |
| (222 | ) | (421 | ) | (105,730 | ) | (691,019 | ) | | (797,392 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Discount, other subrogation |
| 80 | 119 | 11,061 | 37,278 | | 48,538 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Discounted other subrogation, before reinsurance |
| (142 | ) | (302 | ) | (94,669 | ) | (653,741 | ) | | (748,854 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Gross claim liability, net of all subrogation and discounts, before reinsurance |
41,386 | 4,929 | 47,521 | 2,659,816 | 4,020,209 | 53 | 6,773,914 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Less: Unearned premium reserves |
(24,012 | ) | (2,914 | ) | (21,449 | ) | (302,892 | ) | (165,202 | ) | | (516,469 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Plus: Loss adjustment expenses reserves |
| | | | 147,497 | | 147,497 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Claim liability reported on Balance Sheet, before reinsurance(3) |
17,374 | 2,015 | 26,072 | 2,356,924 | 4,002,504 | 53 | 6,404,942 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable reported on Balance Sheet |
2,037 | | 5,620 | 141,399 | 21,743 | | 170,799 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | RMBS subrogation represents Ambacs estimate of subrogation recoveries from RMBS transaction sponsors for representations and warranty breaches. |
(2) | Other subrogation represents subrogation other than subrogation as defined in (1) above. |
(3) | Claim liability reported is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows: |
Loss and loss expense reserve (net of potential remediation subrogation of $1,966,891) |
$ | 6,924,346 | ||
Subrogation recoverable (includes gross potential remediation of $688,521) |
(519,404 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
$ | 6,404,942 | |||
|
|
20
Table of Contents
Loss reserves ceded to reinsurers at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $156,410 and $153,480, respectively. Amounts were included in reinsurance recoverable on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Surveillance Categories (at December 31, 2011)
I/SL | IA | II | III | IV | V | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of policies |
27 | 10 | 38 | 125 | 129 | 1 | 330 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining weighted-average contract period (in years) |
18 | 10 | 17 | 19 | 9 | 6 | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Gross insured contractual payments outstanding: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal |
$ | 2,222,493 | $ | 354,713 | $ | 2,060,102 | $ | 13,342,814 | $ | 13,092,057 | $ | 47 | $ | 31,072,226 | ||||||||||||||
Interest |
1,069,538 | 100,448 | 1,088,036 | 8,117,496 | 3,587,812 | 29 | 13,963,359 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 3,292,031 | $ | 455,161 | $ | 3,148,138 | $ | 21,460,310 | $ | 16,679,869 | $ | 76 | $ | 45,035,585 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Gross undiscounted claim liability |
$ | 48,573 | $ | 10,667 | $ | 52,355 | $ | 4,766,815 | $ | 7,632,709 | $ | 75 | $ | 12,511,194 | ||||||||||||||
Discount, gross claim liability |
(4,208 | ) | (2,316 | ) | (3,800 | ) | (1,440,704 | ) | (828,061 | ) | (20 | ) | (2,279,109 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Gross claim liability before all subrogation and before reinsurance |
$ | 44,365 | $ | 8,351 | $ | 48,555 | $ | 3,326,111 | $ | 6,804,648 | $ | 55 | $ | 10,232,085 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross RMBS subrogation(1) |
| | | (461,725 | ) | (2,316,920 | ) | | (2,778,645 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Discount, RMBS subrogation |
| | | 12,278 | 46,101 | | 58,379 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Discounted RMBS subrogation, before reinsurance |
| | | (449,447 | ) | (2,270,819 | ) | | (2,720,266 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross other subrogation(2) |
| (256 | ) | | (52,871 | ) | (667,744 | ) | | (720,871 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Discount, other subrogation |
| 77 | | 6,550 | 45,912 | | 52,539 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Discounted other subrogation, before reinsurance |
| (179 | ) | | (46,321 | ) | (621,832 | ) | | (668,332 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Gross claim liability, net of all subrogation and discounts, before reinsurance |
44,365 | 8,172 | 48,555 | 2,830,343 | 3,911,997 | 55 | 6,843,487 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Less: Unearned premium reserves |
(25,264 | ) | (5,126 | ) | (22,111 | ) | (335,332 | ) | (158,687 | ) | | (546,520 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Plus: Loss adjustment expenses reserves |
| | | | 87,294 | | 87,294 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Claim liability reported on Balance Sheet, before reinsurance(3) |
19,101 | 3,046 | 26,444 | 2,495,011 | 3,840,604 | 55 | 6,384,261 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Reinsurance recoverable reported on Balance Sheet |
1,117 | 9 | 5,714 | 139,499 | 13,563 | | 159,902 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | RMBS subrogation represents Ambacs estimate of subrogation recoveries from RMBS transaction sponsors for representations and warranty breaches. |
(2) | Other subrogation represents subrogation other than subrogation as defined in (1) above. |
21
Table of Contents
(3) | Claim liability reported is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows: |
Loss and loss expense reserve (net of potential remediation subrogation of $1,890,797) |
$ | 7,044,070 | ||
Subrogation recoverable (includes gross potential remediation of $829,469) |
(659,810 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
$ | 6,384,260 | |||
|
|
Ambac records estimated subrogation recoveries for breaches of representations and warranties by sponsors of certain RMBS transactions utilizing an Adverse and Random Sample approach. Ambac has updated its estimated subrogation recoveries to $2,655,412 ($2,627,233 net of reinsurance) at March 31, 2012 from $2,720,266 ($2,692,414 net of reinsurance) at December 31, 2011. The balance of subrogation recoveries and the related claim liabilities, by estimation approach, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, are as follows:
March 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
Approach |
Count | Gross claim liability before subrogation recoveries |
Subrogation recoveries(1) |
Gross claim liability after subrogation recoveries |
||||||||||||
Adverse samples |
29 | (2) | $ | 2,699,417 | $ | (1,493,416 | ) | $ | 1,206,001 | |||||||
Random samples |
16 | (2) | 1,184,921 | (1,161,996 | ) | 22,925 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Totals |
45 | $ | 3,884,338 | $ | (2,655,412 | ) | $ | 1,228,926 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
December 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Approach |
Count | Gross claim liability before subrogation recoveries |
Subrogation recoveries(1) |
Gross claim liability after subrogation recoveries |
||||||||||||
Adverse samples |
30 | (2) | $ | 2,637,479 | $ | (1,457,472 | ) | $ | 1,180,006 | |||||||
Random samples |
16 | (2) | 1,140,102 | (1,262,794 | ) | (122,691 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Totals |
46 | $ | 3,777,581 | $ | (2,720,266 | ) | $ | 1,057,315 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | The amount of recorded subrogation recoveries related to each securitization is limited to ever-to-date paid losses plus the present value of projected future paid losses for each policy. To the extent significant losses have been paid but not yet recovered, the recorded amount of subrogation recoveries may exceed the expected future claims for a given policy. The net cash inflow for these policies is recorded as a Subrogation recoverable asset. For those transactions where the subrogation recovery is less than expected future claims, the net cash outflow for these policies is recorded as a Loss and loss expense reserve liability. Of the $2,655,412 of subrogation recoveries recorded at March 31, 2012, $688,521 was included in Subrogation recoverable and $1,966,891 was included in Loss and loss expense reserves. Of the $2,720,266 of subrogation recoveries recorded at December 31, 2011, $829,469 was included in Subrogation recoverable and $1,890,797 was included in Loss and loss expense reserves. |
22
Table of Contents
(2) | The sponsors repurchase obligation may differ depending on the terms of the particular transaction and the status of the specific loan, such as whether it is performing or has been liquidated or charged off. The estimated subrogation recovery for these transactions is based primarily on loan level data provided through trustee reports received in the normal course of our surveillance activities or provided by the sponsor. While this data may not include all the components of the sponsors contractual repurchase obligation we believe it is the best information available to estimate the subrogation recovery. |
Below is the rollforward of RMBS subrogation, by estimation approach, for the period December 31, 2011 through March 31, 2012:
Random sample |
Number of transactions |
Adverse sample |
Number of transactions |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Rollforward: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Discounted RMBS subrogation (gross of reinsurance) at December 31, 2011 |
$ | 1,262,794 | 16 | $ | 1,457,472 | 30 | 2,720,266 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Changes recognized in 2012: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Additional transactions reviewed |
| n/a | | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||
Additional adverse sample loans reviewed |
| n/a | | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||
Adverse loans repurchased by the sponsor |
| n/a | | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||||
All other changes(1) |
(100,798 | ) | n/a | 35,944 | (1 | ) | (64,854 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Discounted RMBS subrogation (gross of reinsurance) at March 31, 2012 |
$ | 1,161,996 | 16 | $ | 1,493,416 | 29 | 2,655,412 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Other changes which may impact subrogation recoveries include changes in actual or projected collateral performance and/or the projected timing of recoveries. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, one transaction was removed from the Adverse Sample subrogation population; however, the impacts on RMBS subrogation disclosed in the Adverse Sample column relate to multiple transactions. |
23
Table of Contents
7. Fair Value Measurements
ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a framework for measuring fair value and disclosures about fair value measurements.
Fair value Hierarchy:
ASC Topic 820 specifies a fair value hierarchy 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-based market assumptions. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, the fair value hierarchy prioritizes model inputs into three broad levels as follows:
Level 1 |
| Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 include US Treasury securities, exchange traded futures contracts, variable rate demand obligations, money market funds and mutual funds. | ||
Level 2 |
| Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 generally include direct investments in fixed income securities representing municipal, asset-backed and corporate obligations, financial services derivatives (including certain interest rate and currency swap derivatives), certain credit derivative contracts and most long-term debt of variable interest entities consolidated under ASC Topic 810. | ||
Level 3 |
| Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 include most credit derivative contracts written as part of the financial guarantee business, certain financial services interest rate swap contracts which are not referenced to commonly quoted interest rates, call options on long-term debt, equity interests in Ambac sponsored special purpose entities and certain investments in fixed income securities. Additionally, Level 3 assets and liabilities generally include fixed income securities and loan receivables, as well as certain long-term debt of variable interest entities consolidated under ASC Topic 810. |
The following table sets forth the carrying amount and fair value of Ambacs financial assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, including the level within the fair value hierarchy at which fair value measurements are categorized. As required by ASC Topic 820, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
24
Table of Contents
Fair Value Measurements Categorized as: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount |
Total Fair Value |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2012 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Financial assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations |
$ | 1,971,283 | $ | 1,971,283 | $ | | $ | 1,971,283 | $ | | ||||||||||
Corporate obligations |
1,148,198 | 1,148,198 | | 1,134,831 | 13,367 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations |
70,563 | 70,563 | | 70,563 | | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
129,196 | 129,196 | 129,196 | | | |||||||||||||||
U.S. agency obligations |
86,161 | 86,161 | | 84,943 | 1,218 | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
1,426,657 | 1,426,657 | | 1,426,657 | | |||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
43,419 | 43,419 | | 33,580 | 9,839 | |||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
887,656 | 887,656 | | 750,630 | 137,026 | |||||||||||||||
Short term investments |
893,822 | 893,822 | 869,126 | 24,696 | | |||||||||||||||
Other investments |
100 | 100 | | | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities, pledged as collateral: |
||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
284,744 | 284,744 | 284,744 | | | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
3,018 | 3,018 | | 3,018 | | |||||||||||||||
Cash |
39,931 | 39,931 | 39,931 | | | |||||||||||||||
Restricted cash |
2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 | | | |||||||||||||||
Loans |
19,243 | 17,616 | | | 17,616 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsasset position |
385,509 | 385,509 | | 248,131 | 137,378 | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsliability position |
(185,150 | ) | (185,150 | ) | | (26 | ) | (185,124 | ) | |||||||||||
Future contracts |
4,564 | 4,564 | 4,564 | | | |||||||||||||||
Call options on long-term debt |
67,735 | 67,735 | | | 67,735 | |||||||||||||||
Other assets |
16,023 | 16,023 | | | 16,023 | |||||||||||||||
Variable interest entity assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate obligations |
2,184,665 | 2,184,665 | | | 2,184,665 | |||||||||||||||
Restricted cash |
2,297 | 2,297 | 2,297 | | | |||||||||||||||
Loans |
14,661,522 | 14,649,776 | | 189,699 | 14,460,077 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total financial assets |
$ | 24,143,656 | $ | 24,130,283 | $ | 1,332,358 | $ | 5,938,005 | $ | 16,859,920 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Financial liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Obligations under investment and repurchase agreements |
$ | 547,331 | $ | 547,397 | $ | | $ | | $ | 547,397 | ||||||||||
Liabilities subject to compromise |
1,622,189 | 195,689 | | 195,689 | | |||||||||||||||
Long Term Debt |
227,189 | 833,248 | | | 833,248 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Credit derivatives |
201,129 | 201,129 | $ | | $ | | $ | 201,129 | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsasset position |
(949 | ) | (949 | ) | | | (949 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsliability position |
185,593 | 185,593 | | 10,168 | 175,425 | |||||||||||||||
Currency swaps |
1,574 | 1,574 | | 1,574 | | |||||||||||||||
Other contracts |
129 | 129 | | 129 | | |||||||||||||||
Liabilities for net financial guarantees written |
7,505,108 | 2,858,224 | | | 2,858,224 | |||||||||||||||
Variable interest entity liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
14,666,921 | 14,642,515 | | 11,855,871 | 2,786,644 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsliability position |
1,930,259 | 1,930,259 | | 1,930,259 | | |||||||||||||||
Currency swapsasset position |
(15,634 | ) | (15,634 | ) | | (15,634 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Currency swapsliability position |
89,919 | 89,919 | | 89,919 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total financial liabilities |
$ | 26,960,758 | $ | 21,469,093 | $ | | $ | 14,067,975 | $ | 7,401,118 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Table of Contents
Fair Value Measurements Categorized as: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount |
Total Fair Value |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Financial assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations |
$ | 2,002,999 | $ | 2,002,999 | $ | | $ | 2,002,999 | $ | | ||||||||||
Corporate obligations |
1,127,500 | 1,127,500 | | 1,119,570 | 7,930 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations |
94,795 | 94,795 | | 94,795 | | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
111,562 | 111,562 | 111,562 | | | |||||||||||||||
U.S. agency obligations |
86,871 | 86,871 | | 85,647 | 1,224 | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
1,412,517 | 1,412,517 | | 1,412,517 | | |||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
46,237 | 46,237 | | 33,755 | 12,482 | |||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
947,808 | 947,808 | | 871,922 | 75,886 | |||||||||||||||
Short term investments |
783,071 | 783,071 | 769,204 | 13,867 | | |||||||||||||||
Other investments |
100 | 100 | | | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities, pledged as collateral: |
||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
260,802 | 260,802 | 260,802 | | | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
2,728 | 2,728 | | 2,728 | | |||||||||||||||
Cash |
15,999 | 15,999 | 15,999 | | | |||||||||||||||
Restricted cash |
2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 | | | |||||||||||||||
Loans |
18,996 | 16,934 | | | 16,934 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsasset position |
411,652 | 411,652 | | 260,851 | 150,801 | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsliability position |
(242,500 | ) | (242,500 | ) | | (53 | ) | (242,447 | ) | |||||||||||
Future contracts |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Call options on long-term debt |
6,055 | 6,055 | | | 6,055 | |||||||||||||||
Other assets |
16,779 | 16,779 | | | 16,779 | |||||||||||||||
Variable interest entity assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate obligations |
2,199,338 | 2,199,338 | | | 2,199,338 | |||||||||||||||
Restricted cash |
2,140 | 2,140 | 2,140 | | | |||||||||||||||
Loans |
14,329,515 | 14,309,134 | | 182,140 | 14,126,994 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total financial assets |
$ | 23,637,464 | $ | 23,615,021 | $ | 1,162,207 | $ | 6,080,738 | $ | 16,372,076 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Financial liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Obligations under investment and repurchase agreements |
$ | 546,546 | $ | 549,043 | $ | | $ | | $ | 549,043 | ||||||||||
Liabilities subject to compromise |
1,622,189 | 112,233 | | 112,233 | | |||||||||||||||
Long Term Debt |
223,601 | 562,043 | | | 562,043 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Credit derivatives |
190,653 | 190,653 | | | 190,653 | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsasset position |
(30,859 | ) | (30,859 | ) | | | (30,859 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsliability position |
251,303 | 251,303 | | 9,913 | 241,390 | |||||||||||||||
Futures contracts |
627 | 627 | 627 | | | |||||||||||||||
Currency swaps |
2,423 | 2,423 | | 2,423 | | |||||||||||||||
Other contracts |
361 | 361 | | 361 | | |||||||||||||||
Liabilities for net financial guarantees written |
7,547,288 | 2,642,795 | | | 2,642,795 | |||||||||||||||
Variable interest entity liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
14,288,540 | 14,255,452 | | 12,320,810 | 1,934,642 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swapsliability position |
2,023,974 | 2,023,974 | | 2,023,974 | | |||||||||||||||
Currency swapsasset position |
(27,779 | ) | (27,779 | ) | | (27,779 | ) | | ||||||||||||
Currency swapsliability position |
90,857 | 90,857 | | 90,857 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total financial liabilities |
$ | 26,729,724 | $ | 20,623,126 | $ | 627 | $ | 14,532,792 | $ | 6,089,707 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
Table of Contents
Determination of Fair Value:
When available, the Company generally uses quoted market prices to determine fair value, and classifies such items within Level 1. Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, pricing sources apply available information through processes such as matrix pricing to calculate fair value. In those cases the items are classified within Level 2. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon models that use, where possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters. Items valued using valuation models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable.
The determination of fair value for financial instruments categorized in Level 2 or 3 involves significant judgment due to the complexity of factors contributing to the valuation. Market disruptions make valuation even more difficult and subjective. Third-party sources from which we obtain independent market quotes also use assumptions, judgments and estimates in determining financial instrument values and different third parties may use different methodologies or provide different prices for securities. We believe the potential for differences in third-party pricing levels is particularly significant with respect to residential mortgage-backed and certain other asset-backed securities held in our investment portfolio and referenced in our credit derivative portfolio, due to the low levels of recent trading activity for such securities. In addition, the use of internal valuation models may require assumptions about hypothetical or inactive markets. As a result of these factors, the actual trade value of a financial instrument in the market, or exit value of a financial instrument position by Ambac, may be significantly different from its recorded fair value.
Ambacs financial instruments carried at fair value are mainly comprised of investments in fixed income securities, derivative instruments, call options on certain long-term debt, most variable interest entity assets and liabilities and equity interests in Ambac sponsored special purpose entities. Valuation of financial instruments is performed by Ambacs Finance group using methods approved by senior financial management with consultation from risk management and portfolio managers as appropriate. Preliminary valuation results are discussed with portfolio managers quarterly to assess consistency with market transactions and trends as applicable. Market transactions such as trades or negotiated settlements of similar positions, if any, are reviewed quarterly to validate fair value model results. However many of the financial instruments valued using significant unobservable inputs have very little or no observable market activity. Methods and significant inputs and assumptions used to determine fair values across portfolios are reviewed quarterly by senior financial management. Additionally, changes to fair value methods and assumptions are reviewed with the CEO and audit committee when such changes may be material to the companys financial position or results. Other valuation control procedures specific to particular portfolios are described further below.
We reflect Ambacs own creditworthiness in the fair value of financial liability by including a credit valuation adjustment (CVA) in the determination of fair value. A decline (increase) in Ambacs creditworthiness as perceived by market participants will generally result in a higher (lower) CVA, thereby lowering (increasing) the fair value of Ambacs financial liabilities as reported.
Fixed Income Securities:
The fair values of fixed income investment securities held by Ambac and its operating subsidiaries are based primarily on market prices received from dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Such quotes generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same and similar securities. For those fixed income investments where quotes were not available, fair values are based on internal valuation models. Key inputs to the internal valuation models include maturity date, coupon and yield curves for asset-type and credit rating characteristics that closely match those characteristics of the specific investment securities being valued. Longer (shorter) expected maturities or higher (lower) yields used in the valuation model will, in isolation, result in decreases (increases) in fair value. Generally, lower credit ratings or longer expected maturities will be accompanied by higher yields used to value a security. At March 31, 2012, approximately 7%, 91%, and 2% of the investment portfolio (excluding variable interest entity investments) was valued using dealer quotes, alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency and internal valuation models, respectively.
Ambac performs various review and validation procedures to quoted and modeled prices for fixed income securities, including price variance analyses, missing and static price reviews, overall valuation analyses by senior
27
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traders and finance managers and reviews associated with our ongoing impairment analysis. Unusual prices identified through these procedures will be evaluated further against separate broker quotes (if available) or internally modeled prices, and the pricing source values will be challenged as necessary. Price challenges generally result in the use of the pricing sources quote as originally provided or as revised by the source following their internal diligence process. A price challenge may result in a determination that the pricing source cannot provide a reasonable value for a security or cannot adequately support a quote, in which case Ambac would resort to using either other quotes or internal models. Results of price challenges are reviewed and approved by senior traders and finance managers.
Third party quotes represent the only input to the reported fair value of Level 2 fixed income securities. Fixed income securities are classified as Level 3 when the fair value is internally modeled. Information about the valuation inputs for fixed income securities classified as Level 3 is included below:
Corporate obligations: These securities represent interest only strips of investment grade corporate obligations, and at March 31, 2012, one fixed rate investment grade corporate obligation. The fair value of such securities classified as Level 3 was $13,367 and $7,930 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow approach with the discount rate determined from the yields of corporate bonds from the same issuers. Significant inputs for the fixed rate corporate security valuation at March 31, 2012 were a coupon rate, maturity, and yield of 5.94%, 3.54 years and 2.72%, respectively. Significant inputs for the interest only strips valuation at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 include the following weighted averages:
March 31, 2012
a. | Coupon rate: 0.60% |
b. | Maturity: 21.20 years |
c. | Yield: 6.81% |
December 31, 2011
a. | Coupon rate: 0.60% |
b. | Maturity: 21.44 years |
c. | Yield: 7.20% |
U.S. agency obligations: These notes are secured by separate lease rental agreements with the U.S. Government acting through the General Services Administration. The fair value of such securities classified as Level 3 was $1,218 and $1,224 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow approach with the yield based on comparable U.S. agency securities. Significant inputs for the valuation at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 include the following weighted averages:
March 31, 2012
a. | Coupon rate: 6.91% |
b. | Maturity: 1.24 years |
c. | Yield: 2.18% |
December 31, 2011
a. | Coupon rate: 6.91% |
b. | Maturity: 1.33 years |
c. | Yield: 2.13% |
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Collateralized debt obligations (CDO): Securities are floating rate senior notes with the underlying securities of the CDO consist of subordinated bank perpetual preferred securities. The fair value of such securities classified as Level 3 was $9,839 and $12,482 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow approach with expected future cash flows discounted using a yield curve consistent with the security type and rating. Significant inputs for the valuation at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 include the following weighted averages:
March 31, 2012
a. | Coupon rate: 1.12% |
b. | Maturity: 1.50 years |
c. | Yield: 11.46% |
December 31, 2011
a. | Coupon rate: 0.86% |
b. | Maturity: 1.55 years |
c. | Yield: 11.79% |
Other asset-backed securities: These securities are floating rate investment grade notes collateralized by various asset types. The fair value of such securities classified as Level 3 was $137,026 and $75,886 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow approach with expected future cash flows discounted using a yield curve consistent with the security type and rating. Significant inputs for the valuation at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 include the following weighted averages:
March 31, 2012
a. | Coupon rate: 1.14% |
b. | Maturity: 4.18 years |
c. | Yield: 5.99% |
December 31, 2011
a. | Coupon rate: 1.41% |
b. | Maturity: 3.00 years |
c. | Yield: 4.50% |
Derivative Instruments:
Ambacs derivative instruments primarily comprise interest rate and credit default swaps, exchange traded futures contracts and call options to repurchase Ambac Assurance surplus notes. Fair value is determined based upon market quotes from independent sources, when available. When independent quotes are not available, fair value is determined using valuation models. These valuation models require market-driven inputs, including contractual terms, credit spreads and ratings on underlying referenced obligations, yield curves and tax-exempt interest ratios. The valuation of certain interest rate and currency swaps as well as all credit derivative contracts also require the use of data inputs and assumptions that are determined by management and are not readily observable in the market. Under ASC Topic 820, Ambac is required to consider its own credit risk when measuring the fair value of derivative and other liabilities. The fair value of net credit derivative liabilities was reduced by $469,692 at March 31, 2012 and $572,523 at December 31, 2011, as a result of incorporating a CVA on Ambac Assurance into the valuation model for these transactions. Interest rate swaps and other derivative liabilities may also require an adjustment to fair value to reflect Ambac Assurances credit risk. Factors considered in estimating the amount of any Ambac CVA on such contracts include collateral posting provisions, right of set-off with the counterparty, the period of time remaining on the derivatives and the pricing of recent terminations and amendments. Derivative liabilities were reduced by $131,600 at March 31, 2012 and $166,868 at December 31, 2011, as a result of Ambac CVA adjustments to derivative contracts other than credit derivatives.
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Table of Contents
As described further below, certain valuation models require other inputs that are not readily observable in the market. The selection of a model to value a derivative depends on the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in the instrument as well as the availability of pricing information in the market.
For derivatives that are less complex and trade in liquid markets or may be valued primarily by reference to interest rates and yield curves that are observable and regularly quoted, such as interest rate and currency swaps, we utilize vendor-developed models. These models provide the net present value of the derivatives based on contractual terms and observable market data. Downgrades of Ambac Assurance, as guarantor of the financial services derivatives, beginning 2008 have increased collateral requirements and triggered termination provisions in certain interest rate and currency swaps. Increased termination activity since the initial rating downgrades of Ambac Assurance has provided additional information about the current replacement and/or exit value of our financial services derivatives, which may not be fully reflected in our vendor-models but has been incorporated into the fair value of these derivatives at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. These fair value adjustments are applied to individual groups of derivatives based on common attributes such as counterparty type and credit condition, term to maturity, derivative type and net present value. Generally, the need for counterparty (or Ambac) CVAs is mitigated by the existence of collateral posting agreements under which adequate collateral has been posted. Derivative contracts entered into with financial guarantee customers are not typically subject to collateral posting agreements. Counterparty credit risk related to such customer derivative assets is included in our fair value adjustments.
For derivatives that do not trade, or trade in less liquid markets such as credit derivatives, a proprietary model is used because such instruments tend to be unique, contain complex or heavily modified and negotiated terms, and pricing information is not readily available in the market. Derivative fair value models and the related assumptions are continuously re-evaluated by management and enhanced, as appropriate, based on improvements in modeling techniques. Ambac has not made any significant changes to its modeling techniques or related model inputs for the periods presented.
Credit Derivatives (CDS):
Fair value of Ambacs CDS is determined using internal valuation models and represents the net present value of the difference between the fees Ambac originally charged for the credit protection and our estimate of what a financial guarantor of comparable credit worthiness would hypothetically charge to provide the same protection at the balance sheet date. Ambac competed in the financial guarantee market, which differs from the credit markets where Ambac-insured obligations may trade. As a financial guarantor, Ambac assumes only credit risk; we do not assume other risks and costs inherent in direct ownership of the underlying reference securities. Additionally, as a result of having the ability to influence our CDS counterparty in certain investor decisions, financial guarantors generally have the ability to actively remediate the credit, potentially reducing the loss given a default. Financial guarantee contracts, including CDS, issued by Ambac and its competitors are typically priced to capture some portion of the spread that would be observed in the capital markets for the underlying (insured) obligation, with minimum pricing constrained by objective estimates of expected loss and financial guarantor required rates of return. Such pricing was well established by historical financial guarantee fees relative to capital market spreads as observed and executed in competitive markets, including in financial guarantee reinsurance and secondary market transactions. Because of this relationship and in the absence of severe credit deterioration, changes in the fair value of our credit default swaps will generally be less than changes in the fair value of the underlying reference obligations.
Key variables used in our valuation of substantially all of our credit derivatives include the balance of unpaid notional, expected term, fair values of the underlying reference obligations, reference obligation credit ratings, assumptions about current financial guarantee CDS fee levels relative to reference obligation spreads and the CVA applied against Ambac Assurance liabilities by market participants. Notional balances, expected remaining term and reference obligation credit ratings are monitored and determined by Ambacs Risk Group. Fair values of the underlying reference obligations are obtained from broker quotes when available, or are derived from other market indications such as new issuance spreads and quoted values for similar transactions. Implicit in the fair values we obtain on the underlying reference obligations are the markets assumptions about default probabilities, default timing, correlation, recovery rates and collateral values.
Broker quotes on the reference obligations named in our CDS contracts represent an input to determine the estimated fair value of the CDS contract. Broker quotes are indicative values for the reference obligation and
30
Table of Contents
generally do not represent a bid or doing-business quote for the reference instrument. Such quotes follow methodologies that are generally consistent with those used to value similar assets on the quote providers own books. Methodologies may differ among brokers but are understood to reflect observable trading activity (when available) and modeling that relies on empirical data and reasonable assumptions. For certain CDS contracts referencing unsecuritized pools of assets, we will obtain counterparty quotes on the credit derivative itself. Such quotes are adjusted to reflect Ambacs own credit risk when determining the fair value of credit derivative liabilities. Third party reference obligation values or specific credit derivative quotes were used in the determination of CDS fair values related to transactions representing 83% of CDS gross par outstanding and 85% of the CDS derivative liability as of March 31, 2012.
When broker quotes for reference obligations are not available, reference obligation prices used in the valuation model are estimated internally based on averages of the quoted prices for other transactions of the same bond type and Ambac rating as well as changes in published credit spreads for securities with similar collateral and ratings characteristics. When price quotes of a similar bond type vary significantly or the number of similar transactions is small, management will consider additional factors, such as specific collateral composition and performance and contractual subordination, to identify similar transactions. Reference obligation prices derived internally as described above were used in the determination of CDS fair values related to transactions representing 17% of CDS gross par outstanding and 15% of the CDS derivative liability as of March 31, 2012.
Ambacs CDS fair value calculations are adjusted for increases in our estimates of expected loss on the reference obligations and observable changes in financial guarantee market pricing. If no adjustment is considered necessary, Ambac maintains the same percentage of the credit spread (over LIBOR) demanded in the market for the reference obligation as existed at the inception of the CDS. Therefore, absent changes in expected loss on the reference obligations or financial guarantee CDS market pricing, the financial guarantee CDS fee used for a particular contract in Ambacs fair value calculations represent a consistent percentage, period to period, of the credit spread determinable from the reference obligation value at the balance sheet date. This results in a CDS fair value balance that fluctuates in proportion with the reference obligation value.
The amount of expected loss on a reference obligation is a function of the probability that the obligation will default and severity of loss in the event of default. Ambacs CDS transactions were all originally underwritten with extremely low expected losses. Both the reference obligation spreads and Ambacs CDS fees at the inception of these transactions reflect these low expected losses. When reference obligations experience credit deterioration, there is an increase in the probability of default on the obligation and, therefore, an increase in expected loss. Ambac reflects the effects of changes in expected loss on the fair value of its CDS contracts by increasing the percentage of the reference obligation spread (over LIBOR) which would be captured as a CDS fee (relative change ratio) at the valuation date, resulting in a higher mark-to-market loss on our CDS relative to any price decline on the reference obligation. The fundamental assumption is that financial guarantee CDS fees will increase relative to reference obligation spreads as the underlying credit quality of the reference obligation deteriorates and approaches payment default. For example, if the credit spread of an underlying reference obligation was 80 basis points at the inception of a transaction and Ambac received a 20 basis point fee for issuing a CDS on that obligation, the relative change ratio, which represents the CDS fee to cash market spread Ambac would utilize in its valuation calculation, would be 25%. If the reference obligation spread increased to 100 basis points in the current reporting period, absent any observable changes in financial guarantee CDS market pricing or credit deterioration, Ambacs current period CDS fee would be computed by multiplying the current reference obligation spread of 100 basis points by the relative change ratio of 25%, resulting in a 25 basis point fee. Thus, the model indicates we would need to receive an additional 5 basis points (25 basis points currently less the 20 basis points contractually received) for issuing a CDS in the current reporting period for this reference obligation. We would then discount the product of the notional amount of the CDS and the 5 basis point hypothetical CDS fee increase, over the weighted average life of the reference obligation to compute the current period mark-to-market loss. Using the same example, if the reference obligation spread increased to 100 basis points and there was credit deterioration as evidenced by an internal rating downgrade which increased the relative change ratio from 25% to 35%, we would estimate a 15 basis point hypothetical CDS fee increase in our model (35% of 100 basis points reference obligation spread, or 35 basis points currently, less the 20 basis points contractually received). Therefore, we would record a higher mark-to-market loss based on the computations described above absent any observable changes in financial guarantee CDS market pricing.
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Table of Contents
We do not adjust the relative change ratio until an actual internal rating downgrade has occurred unless we observe new pricing on financial guarantee CDS contracts. However, because we have active surveillance procedures in place for our entire CDS portfolio, particularly for transactions at or near a below investment grade threshold, we believe it is unlikely that an internal downgrade would lag the actual credit deterioration of a transaction for any meaningful time period. The factors used to increase the relative change ratio are based on rating agency probability of default percentages determined by management to be appropriate for the relevant bond type. That is, the probability of default associated with the respective tenor and internal rating of each CDS transaction is utilized in the computation of the relative change ratio in our CDS valuation model. The new relative change ratio in the event of an internal downgrade of the reference obligation is calculated as the weighted average of: (i) a given transactions inception relative change ratio and (ii) a ratio of 100%. The weight given to the inception relative change ratio is 100% minus the current probability of default (i.e. the probability of non-default) and the weight given to using a 100% relative change ratio is the probability of default. For example, assume a transaction having an inception relative change ratio of 33% is downgraded to B- during the period, at which time it has an estimated remaining life of 8 years. If the estimated probability of default for an 8 year, B- rated credit of this type is 60% then the revised relative change ratio will be 73.2%. The revised relative change ratio can be calculated as 33% x (100%-60%) + 100% x 60% = 73.2%.
As noted above, reference obligation spreads incorporate market perceptions of default probability and loss severity, as well as liquidity risk and other factors. Loss severities are generally correlated to default probabilities during periods of economic stress. By increasing the relative change ratio in our calculations proportionally to default probabilities, Ambac incorporates into its CDS fair value the higher expected loss on the reference obligation (probability of default x loss severity), by increasing the portion of reference obligation spread that should be paid to the CDS provider.
Ambac incorporates its own credit risk into the valuation of its CDS liabilities by applying a CVA to the calculations described above. Under our methodology, determination of the CDS fair value requires estimating hypothetical financial guarantee CDS fees for a given credit at the valuation date and estimating the present value of those fees. Our approach begins with pricing in the risk of default of the reference obligation using that obligations credit spread. The widening of the reference obligation spread results in a mark-to-market loss to Ambac, as the credit protection seller, and a gain to the credit protection buyer because the cost of credit protection on the reference obligation (ignoring CDS counterparty credit risk) will be greater than the amount of the actual contractual CDS fees. The Ambac CVA is a percentage applied to the estimated CDS liability fair value otherwise calculated as described above. The Ambac CVA is estimated using relevant data points, including quoted prices of securities guaranteed by Ambac Assurance which indicate the value placed by market participants on Ambac Assurances insurance obligations and the fair value of Ambac Assurance surplus notes. The resulting Ambac CVA percentage used in the valuation of CDS liabilities was 70% and 75% as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In instances where narrower reference obligation spreads result in a CDS asset to Ambac, those hypothetical future CDS fees are discounted at a rate which incorporates our counterpartys credit spread (i.e. the discount rate used is LIBOR plus the current credit spread of the counterparty).
In addition, when there are sufficient numbers of new observable transactions, negotiated settlements or other market indications of a general change in market pricing trends for CDS on a given bond type, management will adjust its assumptions about the percentage of reference obligation spreads captured as CDS fees to match the current market. No such adjustments were made during the periods presented. Ambac is not transacting CDS business currently and other guarantors have stated they have exited this product. Additionally, there have been no negotiated settlements of CDS contracts during the periods presented.
Key variables which impact the Realized gains and losses and other settlements component of Net change in fair value of credit derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income are the most readily observable variables since they are based solely on the CDS contractual terms and cash settlements. Those variables include premiums received and accrued and losses paid and payable on written credit derivative contracts for the appropriate accounting period. Losses paid and payable reported in Realized gains and losses and other settlements include those arising after a credit event that requires a payment under the contract terms has occurred or in connection with a negotiated termination of a contract. The remaining key variables described above impact the Unrealized gains (losses) component of Net change in fair value of credit derivatives. The net notional outstanding of Ambacs CDS contracts were $13,643,364 and $14,166,612 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
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Table of Contents
Credit derivative liabilities at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 had a combined fair value of $201,129 and $190,653, respectively, and related to underlying reference obligations that are classified as either CLOs or Other. Information about the above described model inputs used to determine the fair value of each class of credit derivatives as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011is summarized below:
As of March 31, 2012
|
||||||||
CLOs | Other(1) | |||||||
Notional outstanding |
$ | 8,049,334 | $ | 3,826,188 | ||||
Weighted average reference obligation price |
94.0 | 84.5 | ||||||
Weighted average life (WAL) in years |
2.5 | 4.7 | ||||||
Weighted average credit rating |
AA- | A | ||||||
Weighted average relative change ratio |
34.4 | % | 38.3 | % | ||||
CVA percentage |
70 | % | 70 | % | ||||
Fair value of derivative liabilities |
$ | (51,688 | ) | $ | (93,043 | ) |
As of December 31, 2011
|
||||||||
CLOs | Other(1) | |||||||
Notional outstanding |
$ | 8,228,577 | $ | 4,099,766 | ||||
Weighted average reference obligation price |
92.5 | 84.3 | ||||||
Weighted average life (WAL) in years |
2.7 | 4.7 | ||||||
Weighted average credit rating |
AA- | A | ||||||
Weighted average relative change ratio |
34.4 | % | 38.5 | % | ||||
CVA percentage |
75 | % | 75 | % | ||||
Fair value of derivative liabilities |
$ | (54,320 | ) | $ | (86,526 | ) |
(1) | Excludes contracts for which fair values are based on credit derivative quotes rather than reference obligation quotes. Such contracts have a combined notional outstanding of $1,767,842, WAL of 9.0 years and liability fair value of ($56,398) as of March 31, 2012. Other inputs to the valuation of these transactions at March 31, 2012 include weighted average quotes of 13% of notional, weighted average rating of A and Ambac CVA percentage of 70%. As of December 31, 2011, these contracts had a combined notional outstanding of $1,838,269, WAL of 9.0 years and liability fair value of ($49,807). Other inputs to the valuation of these transactions at December 31, 2011 include weighted average quotes of 11% of notional, weighted average rating of A+ and Ambac CVA percentage of 75%. |
Significant unobservable inputs for credit derivatives include WAL, credit rating, relative change ratio and CVA percentage. A longer (shorter) WAL, lower (higher) reference obligation credit rating, higher (lower) relative change ratio or lower (higher) CVA percentage, in isolation, would result in an increase (decrease) in the fair value liability measurement. A change in credit rating of a reference obligation in our model will generally result in a directionally opposite change in the relative change ratio. Also, a shorter (longer) WAL will generally correspond with a lower (higher) CVA percentage.
Call options on long-term debt:
The fair value of Ambac Assurances options to repurchase Ambac Assurance surplus notes at a discount to par is estimated based on a combination of internal discounted cash flow analysis and market observations. The discounted cash flow analysis uses multiple discount rate scenarios to determine the present value of the surplus notes assuming exercise and non-exercise of the options, with the difference representing the option value under that scenario. The results are probability weighted to determine the recorded option value. The weighted average discount rates used were 24.91% at March 31, 2012 and 36.57% at December 31, 2011. The board of directors of Ambac Assurance has approved the exercise of all options to purchase surplus notes issued by Ambac Assurance. The exercise of such options also requires the approval of OCI and the Rehabilitator of the Segregated Account. Ambac Assurance is seeking such approvals. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained.
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Table of Contents
Financial Guarantees:
Fair value of net financial guarantees written represents our estimate of the cost to Ambac to completely transfer its insurance obligation to another financial guarantor of comparable credit worthiness. In theory, this amount should be the same amount that another financial guarantor of comparable credit worthiness would hypothetically charge in the market place, on a present value basis, to provide the same protection as of the balance sheet date.
This fair value estimate of financial guarantees is presented on a net basis and includes direct and assumed contracts written, which represent our liability, net of ceded reinsurance contracts, which represent our asset. The fair value estimate of direct and assumed contracts written is based on the sum of the present values of (i) unearned premium reserves; and (ii) loss and loss expense reserves, including claims presented and not paid as a result of the claim moratorium imposed by the Rehabilitation Court on March 24, 2010. The fair value estimate of ceded reinsurance contracts is based on the sum of the present values of (i) deferred ceded premiums net of ceding commissions; and (ii) reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses.
Key variables are par amounts outstanding (including future periods for the calculation of future installment premiums), expected term, discount rate, and expected net loss and loss expense payments. Net par outstanding is monitored by Ambacs Risk Group. With respect to the discount rate, ASC Topic 820 requires that the nonperformance risk of a financial liability be included in the estimation of fair value. This nonperformance risk would include considering Ambac Assurances own credit risk in the fair value of financial guarantees we have issued, thus the estimated fair value for direct contracts written included an Ambac CVA to reflect Ambacs credit risk. The Ambac CVA was 70% and 75% as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Refer to Credit Derivatives above for additional information on the determination of the CVA. Refer to Note 6 for additional information on factors which influence our estimate of loss and loss expenses. The estimated fair value of ceded reinsurance contracts factors in any adjustments related to the counterparty credit risk we have with reinsurers.
There are a number of factors that limit our ability to accurately estimate the fair value of our financial guarantees. The first limitation is the lack of observable pricing data points as a result of Ambac no longer writing new financial guarantee business. Additionally, although the fair value accounting guidance for liabilities requires a company to consider the cost to completely transfer its obligation to another party of comparable credit worthiness, our primary insurance obligation is irrevocable and thus there is no established active market for transferring such obligations. Variables which are not incorporated in our current fair value estimate of financial guarantees include the credit spreads of the underlying insured obligations, the underlying ratings of those insured obligations and assumptions about current financial guarantee premium levels relative to the underlying insured obligations credit spreads.
Liabilities Subject to Compromise:
The fair value of Ambacs debt included in Liabilities Subject to Compromise is based on quoted market prices.
Long-term Debt:
The fair value of surplus notes issued by Ambac Assurance and classified as long-term debt is internally estimated considering market transactions when available and internally developed discounted cash flow models. Surplus notes were initially recorded at fair value at the date of issuance. In subsequent periods, surplus notes are carried at their face value less unamortized discount.
Other Financial Assets and Liabilities:
The fair values of Ambacs equity interest in Ambac sponsored special purpose entities (included in Other assets), Loans, and Obligations under investment and repurchase agreements are estimated based upon internal valuation models that discount expected cash flows using discount rates consistent with the credit quality of the obligor after considering collateralization.
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Table of Contents
Variable Interest Entity Assets and Liabilities:
The financial assets and liabilities of VIEs consolidated under ASC Topic 810 consist primarily of fixed income securities, loans receivable, derivative instruments and debt instruments and are generally carried at fair value. These consolidated VIEs are securitization entities which have liabilities and/or assets guaranteed by Ambac Assurance. The fair values of VIE debt instruments are determined using the same methodologies used to value Ambacs fixed income securities in its investment portfolio as described above. VIE debt fair value is based on market prices received from dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Such quotes are considered Level 2 and generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same and similar securities. For those VIE debt instruments where quotes were not available, the debt instrument fair values are considered Level 3 and are based on internal discounted cash flow models. Comparable to the sensitivities of investments in fixed income securities described above, longer (shorter) expected maturities or higher (lower) yields used in the valuation model will, in isolation, result in decreases (increases) in fair value liability measurement for VIE debt. VIE debt instruments considered Level 3 include fixed rate, floating rate and zero coupon notes secured by various asset types, primarily European ABS. Information about the valuation inputs for the various VIE debt categories classified as Level 3 is as follows:
European ABS transactions: The fair value of such obligations classified as Level 3 was $2,786,644 and $1,934,642 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Fair values were calculated by using a discounted cash flow approach. The discount rates used were based on the rates implied from the third party quoted values (Level 2) for comparable notes from the same securitization. Significant inputs for the valuation at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 include the following weighted averages:
March 31, 2012
a. | Coupon rate: 1.64% |
b. | Maturity: 13.24 years |
c. | Yield: 4.10% |
December 31, 2011
a. | Coupon rate: 1.56% |
b. | Maturity: 11.99 years |
c. | Yield: 3.90% |
VIE derivative asset and liability fair values are determined using valuation models. When specific derivative contractual terms are available and may be valued primarily by reference to interest rates, foreign exchange rates and yield curves that are observable and regularly quoted the derivatives are valued using vendor-developed models. Other derivatives within the VIEs that include significant unobservable valuation inputs are valued using internally developed models. VIE derivative fair value balances at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were developed using vendor-developed models and do not use significant unobservable inputs.
The fair value of VIE assets are obtained from market quotes when available. Typically the asset fair values are not readily available from market quotes and are estimated internally. The consolidated VIEs are securitization entities in which net cash flows from assets and derivatives (after adjusting for financial guarantor cash flows and other expenses) will be paid out to note holders or equity interests. Our valuation of VIE assets (fixed income securities or loans), therefore, are derived from the fair value of notes and derivatives, as described above, adjusted for the fair value of cash flows from Ambacs financial guarantee. The fair value of financial guarantee cash flows include: (i) estimated future premiums discounted at a rate consistent with that implicit in the fair value of the VIEs liabilities and (ii) internal estimates of future loss payments by Ambac discounted at a rate that includes Ambacs own credit risk. Excluding changes in estimated financial guarantee cash flows, changes in the fair value of VIE assets will be accompanied by corresponding and offsetting changes in the fair value of VIE liabilities plus VIE derivatives. Higher (lower) estimated future premiums or lower (higher) estimated loss payments on financial guarantee policies in isolation will result in increases (decreases) in the fair value measurement of VIE assets. Changes in financial guarantee estimated premiums and loss payments are generally independent. A higher CVA will reduce the fair value of expected claim payments and therefore increase VIE asset measures. The amount of CVA is generally independent of other significant inputs to the calculation of VIE assets. Estimated future premium payments to be paid by the VIEs were discounted at a weighted average rate of 7.2% and 8.4% at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The value of future loss payments to be paid by Ambac to the VIEs was adjusted to include an Ambac CVA appropriate for the term of expected Ambac claim payments.
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The following tables present the changes in the Level 3 fair value category for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Ambac classifies financial instruments in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy when there is reliance on at least one significant unobservable input to the valuation model. In addition to these unobservable inputs, the valuation models for Level 3 financial instruments typically also rely on a number of inputs that are readily observable either directly or indirectly. Thus, the gains and losses presented below include changes in the fair value related to both observable and unobservable inputs.
Level-3 financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value
VIE Assets and Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2012 |
Investments | Other assets |
Derivatives | Investments | Loans | Derivatives | Long-term debt |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | 97,522 | $ | 16,779 | $ | (486,775 | ) | $ | 2,199,338 | $ | 14,126,994 | | $ | (1,934,642 | ) | $ | 14,019,216 | |||||||||||||||
Additions of VIEs consolidated |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings |
(49 | ) | (756 | ) | 122,327 | (82,816 | ) | 166,665 | | (136,563 | ) | 68,808 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income |
7,814 | | | 68,143 | 415,857 | | (63,205 | ) | 428,609 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements |
(2,742 | ) | | 8,832 | | (249,439 | ) | | 13,030 | (230,319 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers in Level 3 |
58,905 | | | | | | (665,264 | ) | (606,359 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deconsolidation of VIEs |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ | 161,450 | $ | 16,023 | $ | (355,616 | ) | $ | 2,184,665 | $ | 14,460,077 | $ | | $ | (2,786,644 | ) | $ | 13,679,955 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date |
$ | | $ | (756 | ) | $ | 107,245 | $ | (82,816 | ) | $ | 167,146 | $ | | $ | (136,563 | ) | $ | 54,256 | |||||||||||||
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Table of Contents
VIE Assets and Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2011 |
Investments | Other Assets |
Derivatives | Investments | Loans | Derivatives | Long-term debt |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | 199,172 | $ | 17,909 | $ | (195,933 | ) | $ | 1,904,361 | $ | 15,800,918 | $ | 4,511 | $ | (1,856,366 | ) | $ | 15,874,572 | ||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings |
(50 | ) | 1,096 | 17,645 | (28,844 | ) | (49,464 | ) | (4,511 | ) | 29,749 | (34,739 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income |
3,223 | | | 54,174 | 435,170 | | (52,185 | ) | 440,382 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements |
(2,269 | ) | | (11,325 | ) | | (262,311 | ) | | (873 | ) | (276,778 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Transfers in Level 3 |
| | | | | | (50,125 | ) | (50,125 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 |
| | | | | | 57,106 | 57,106 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deconsolidation of VIEs |
| | | | (1,894,967 | ) | | | (1,894,967 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
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|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ | 200,076 | $ | 19,005 | $ | (189,613 | ) | $ | 1,929,691 | $ | 14,029,346 | $ | | $ | (1,872,694 | ) | $ | 14,115,811 | ||||||||||||||
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|
|
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The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date |
$ | | $ | 1,096 | $ | 13,342 | $ | (28,844 | ) | $ | (49,464 | ) | $ | (4,511 | ) | $ | 29,749 | $ | (38,632 | ) | ||||||||||||
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|
|
The tables below provide roll-forward information by class of investments and derivatives measured using significant unobservable inputs. This information is provided for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, as required by ASC Topic 820.
Three months ended March 31, 2012 |
Collateralized Debt Obligations |
Other Asset Backed Securities |
Corporate Obligations |
U.S.
Agency Obligations |
Total Investments |
|||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | 12,482 | $ | 75,886 | $ | 7,930 | $ | 1,224 | $ | 97,522 | ||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings |
(2 | ) | | (46 | ) | (1 | ) | (49 | ) | |||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income |
101 | 8,072 | (354 | ) | (5 | ) | 7,814 | |||||||||||||
Purchases |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Issuances |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Settlements |
(2,742 | ) | | | | (2,742 | ) | |||||||||||||
Transfers in Level 3 |
| 53,068 | 5,837 | | 58,905 | |||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
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Balance, end of period |
$ | 9,839 | $ | 137,026 | $ | 13,367 | $ | 1,218 | $ | 161,450 | ||||||||||
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The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
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Table of Contents
Level 3 Investments by class
Three months ended March 31, 2011 |
Collateralized Debt Obligations |
Other Asset Backed Securities |
Corporate Obligations |
U.S.
Agency Obligations |
Total Investments |
|||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | 30,433 | $ | 159,473 | $ | 8,069 | $ | 1,197 | $ | 199,172 | ||||||||||
Additions of VIEs for ASC 2009-17 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings |
(6 | ) | | (43 | ) | (1 | ) | (50 | ) | |||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income |
1,133 | 2,190 | (90 | ) | (10 | ) | 3,223 | |||||||||||||
Purchases |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Issuances |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Settlements |
(1,533 | ) | (736 | ) | | | (2,269 | ) | ||||||||||||
Transfers in Level 3 |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ | 30,027 | $ | 160,927 | $ | 7,936 | $ | 1,186 | $ | 200,076 | ||||||||||
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|
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|
|||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
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|
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|
|
Level 3 Derivatives by class
Three months ended March 31, 2012 |
Interest
Rate Swaps |
Credit Derivatives |
Currency Swaps |
Call Options on Long-term debt |
Total Derivatives |
|||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | (302,177 | ) | $ | (190,653 | ) | $ | | $ | 6,055 | $ | (486,775 | ) | |||||||
Additions of VIEs for ASC 2009-17 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings |
67,869 | (7,222 | ) | | 61,680 | 122,327 | ||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Purchases |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Issuances |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Settlements |
12,086 | (3,254 | ) | | | 8,832 | ||||||||||||||
Transfers in Level 3 |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Deconsolidation of VIEs |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ | (222,222 | ) | $ | (201,129 | ) | $ | | $ | 67,735 | $ | (355,616 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date |
$ | 61,598 | $ | (16,033 | ) | $ | | $ | 61,680 | $ | 107,245 | |||||||||
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Table of Contents
Level 3 Derivatives by class
Three months ended March 31, 2011 |
Interest
Rate Swaps |
Credit Derivatives |
Currency Swaps |
Call Options on Long-term debt |
Total Derivatives |
|||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period |
$ | 25,750 | $ | (221,683 | ) | $ | | $ | | $ | (195,933 | ) | ||||||||
Additions of VIEs for ASC 2009-17 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Included in earnings |
9,823 | (8,903 | ) | | 16,725 | 17,645 | ||||||||||||||
Included in other comprehensive income |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Purchases |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Issuances |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Settlements |
(6,002 | ) | (5,323 | ) | | | (11,325 | ) | ||||||||||||
Transfers in Level 3 |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3 |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
Deconsolidation of VIEs |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance, end of period |
$ | 29,571 | $ | (235,909 | ) | $ | | $ | 16,725 | $ | (189,613 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date |
$ | 13,800 | $ | (17,183 | ) | $ | | $ | 16,725 | $ | 13,342 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Invested assets and VIE long-term debt are transferred into Level 3 when internal valuation models that include significant unobservable inputs are used to estimate fair value. All such securities that have internally modeled fair values have been classified as Level 3 as of March 31, 2012 and 2011. Derivative instruments are transferred into Level 3 when the use of unobservable inputs becomes significant to the overall valuation. All transfers into and out of Level 3 represent transfers between Level 3 and Level 2. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the periods presented. All transfers between fair value hierarchy Levels 1, 2, and 3 are recognized at the beginning of each accounting period.
39
Table of Contents
Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) relating to Level 3 assets and liabilities included in earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are reported as follows:
Net investment income |
Realized gains or (losses) and other settlements on credit derivative contracts |
Unrealized gains or (losses) on credit derivative contracts |
Derivative products revenues (interest rate swaps) |
Income (loss) on variable interest entities |
Other income |
|||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended 2012 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains or losses included in earnings for the period |
$ | (49 | ) | $ | 3,254 | $ | (10,476 | ) | $ | 67,869 | $ | (52,714 | ) | $ | 60,924 | |||||||||
Changes in unrealized gains or losses relating to the assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date |
| | (16,033 | ) | 61,598 | (52,233 | ) | 60,924 | ||||||||||||||||
Three months ended 2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gains or losses included in earnings for the period |
$ | (50 | ) | $ | 5,323 | $ | (14,226 | ) | $ | 26,548 | $ | (53,070 | ) | $ | 17,821 | |||||||||
Changes in unrealized gains or losses relating to the assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date |
| | (17,183 | ) | 13,800 | (53,070 | ) | 17,821 |
40
Table of Contents
8. Investments
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments, excluding VIE investments, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:
Amortized Cost |
Gross Unrealized Gains |
Gross Unrealized Losses |
Estimated Fair Value |
Non-credit
other- than-temporary Impairments(1) |
||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2012 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations |
$ | 1,817,105 | $ | 154,317 | $ | 139 | $ | 1,971,283 | $ | | ||||||||||
Corporate obligations |
1,093,463 | 70,590 | 15,855 | 1,148,198 | | |||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations |
66,433 | 4,130 | | 70,563 | | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
127,134 | 2,701 | 639 | 129,196 | | |||||||||||||||
U.S. agency obligations |
80,908 | 5,253 | | 86,161 | | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
1,152,486 | 316,650 | 42,479 | 1,426,657 | 14,318 | |||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
44,800 | 328 | 1,709 | 43,419 | | |||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
913,726 | 23,247 | 49,317 | 887,656 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
5,296,055 | 577,216 | 110,138 | 5,763,133 | 14,318 | ||||||||||||||||
Short-term |
893,649 | 173 | | 893,822 | | |||||||||||||||
Other |
100 | | | 100 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
6,189,804 | 577,389 | 110,138 | 6,657,055 | 14,318 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Fixed income securities pledged as collateral: |
||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
284,033 | 1,079 | 368 | 284,744 | | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
2,813 | 205 | | 3,018 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total collateralized investments |
286,846 | 1,284 | 368 | 287,762 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total investments |
$ | 6,476,650 | $ | 578,673 | $ | 110,506 | $ | 6,944,817 | $ | 14,318 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
December 31, 2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations |
$ | 1,858,493 | $ | 144,989 | $ | 483 | $ | 2,002,999 | $ | | ||||||||||
Corporate obligations |
1,087,629 | 63,074 | 23,203 | 1,127,500 | | |||||||||||||||
Foreign obligations |
89,951 | 4,844 | | 94,795 | | |||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
107,717 | 3,847 | 2 | 111,562 | | |||||||||||||||
U.S. agency obligations |
80,960 | 5,911 | | 86,871 | | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
1,119,517 | 350,816 | 57,816 | 1,412,517 | 20,907 | |||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
48,686 | 142 | 2,591 | 46,237 | | |||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
953,944 | 53,965 | 60,101 | 947,808 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
5,346,897 | 627,588 | 144,196 | 5,830,289 | 20,907 | ||||||||||||||||
Short-term |
783,015 | 57 | 1 | 783,071 | | |||||||||||||||
Other |
100 | | | 100 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
6,130,012 | 627,645 | 144,197 | 6,613,460 | 20,907 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Fixed income securities pledged as collateral: |
||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
259,401 | 1,525 | 124 | 260,802 | | |||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
2,557 | 171 | | 2,728 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total collateralized investments |
261,958 | 1,696 | 124 | 263,530 | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total investments |
$ | 6,391,970 | $ | 629,341 | $ | 144,321 | $ | 6,876,990 | $ | 20,907 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Represents the amount of non-credit other-than-temporary impairment losses remaining in accumulated other comprehensive loss on securities that also had a credit impairment. These losses are included in gross unrealized losses as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. |
41
Table of Contents
Foreign obligations at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consist primarily of government issued securities which are denominated in Pounds Sterling and held by Ambac UK.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments, excluding VIE investments, at March 31, 2012, by contractual maturity, were as follows:
Amortized Cost |
Estimated Fair Value |
|||||||
Due in one year or less |
$ | 784,189 | $ | 788,333 | ||||
Due after one year through five years |
914,085 | 955,103 | ||||||
Due after five years through ten years |
1,140,063 | 1,223,801 | ||||||
Due after ten years |
1,524,488 | 1,616,830 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
4,362,825 | 4,584,067 | |||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
1,155,299 | 1,429,675 | ||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
44,800 | 43,419 | ||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
913,726 | 887,656 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$ | 6,476,650 | $ | 6,944,817 | |||||
|
|
|
|
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.
Unrealized Losses:
The following table shows gross unrealized losses and fair values of Ambacs investments, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or More | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss |
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss |
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss |
|||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2012: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations. |
$ | 2,108 | $ | 17 | $ | 7,293 | $ | 122 | $ | 9,401 | $ | 139 | ||||||||||||
Corporate obligations |
185,885 | 2,445 | 131,320 | 13,410 | 317,205 | 15,855 | ||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
222,333 | 1,007 | | | 222,333 | 1,007 | ||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
126,752 | 9,257 | 111,127 | 33,222 | 237,879 | 42,479 | ||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
25,954 | 422 | 9,839 | 1,287 | 35,793 | 1,709 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
208,591 | 1,124 | 201,573 | 48,193 | 410,164 | 49,317 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
771,623 | 14,272 | 461,152 | 96,234 | 1,232,775 | 110,506 | |||||||||||||||||||
Short-term |
4,599 | | | | 4,599 | | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total temporarily impaired securities |
$ | 776,222 | $ | 14,272 | $ | 461,152 | $ | 96,234 | $ | 1,237,374 | $ | 110,506 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42
Table of Contents
Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or More | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss |
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss |
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss |
|||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2011: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations. |
$ | 9,359 | $ | 309 | $ | 14,635 | $ | 174 | $ | 23,994 | $ | 483 | ||||||||||||
Corporate obligations |
155,528 | 6,220 | 178,861 | 16,983 | 334,389 | 23,203 | ||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
130,422 | 126 | | | 130,422 | 126 | ||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
125,826 | 14,495 | 105,705 | 43,321 | 231,531 | 57,816 | ||||||||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
33,037 | 840 | 12,482 | 1,751 | 45,519 | 2,591 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
181,792 | 8,319 | 204,855 | 51,782 | 386,647 | 60,101 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
635,964 | 30,309 | 516,538 | 114,011 | 1,152,502 | 144,320 | |||||||||||||||||||
Short-term |
5,773 | 1 | | | 5,773 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total temporarily impaired securities |
$ | 641,737 | $ | 30,310 | $ | 516,538 | $ | 114,011 | $ | 1,158,275 | $ | 144,321 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management has determined that the unrealized losses reflected in the tables above are temporary in nature as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 based upon (i) no unexpected principal and interest payment defaults on these securities; (ii) analysis of the creditworthiness of the issuer and financial guarantor, as applicable, and analysis of projected defaults on the underlying collateral; (iii) management has no intent to sell these investments in debt securities; and (iv) it is not more likely than not that Ambac will be required to sell these debt securities before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis. The assessment under (iv) is based on a comparison of future available liquidity from the fixed income investment portfolio against the projected net cash outflow from operating activities and debt service. For purposes of this assessment, available liquidity from the fixed income investment portfolio is comprised of the fair value of securities for which management has asserted its intent to sell plus the scheduled maturities and interest payments from the remaining securities in the portfolio. To the extent that securities that management intends to sell are in an unrealized loss position, they would have already been considered other-than-temporarily impaired with the amortized cost written down to fair value. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, management has not asserted an intent to sell any securities in an unrealized loss position. Because the above-described assessment indicates that future available liquidity exceeds projected net cash outflow, it is not more likely than not that we would be required to sell securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis. In the liquidity assessment described above, principal payments on securities pledged as collateral are not considered to be available for other liquidity needs until the collateralized positions are projected to be settled. Projected interest receipts on securities pledged as collateral generally belong to Ambac and are considered to be sources of available liquidity from the investment portfolio. As of March 31, 2012, for securities that have indications of possible other-than-temporary impairment but which management does not intend to sell and will not more likely than not be required to sell, management compared the present value of cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost basis of the securities to assess whether the amortized cost will be recovered. Cash flows were discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition or for debt securities that are beneficial interests in securitized financial assets, at a rate equal to the current yield used to accrete the beneficial interest. For floating rate securities, future cash flows and the discount rate used were both adjusted to reflect changes in the index rate applicable to each security as of the evaluation date.
Of the securities that were in a gross unrealized loss position at March 31, 2012, $294,507 of the total fair value and $63,042 of the unrealized loss related to below investment grade securities and non-rated securities. Of the securities that were in a gross unrealized loss position at December 31, 2011, $268,633 of the total fair value and $77,947 of the unrealized loss related to below investment grade securities and non-rated securities.
Corporate Obligations
Gross unrealized losses on corporate obligations during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 is primarily the result of an increase in credit spreads on life insurers. Of the $13,410 of unrealized losses on corporate obligations greater than 12 months, one security comprises $6,736 of the total. This security, which was purchased in multiple lots, is a closed-block life insurance issuance that is insured by Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation, has been in an unrealized loss position for 33-51 months. Another security comprises $4,620 of the
43
Table of Contents
total. This security, which is an issuance by a large diversified financial services company that has a credit support agreement from its AA-rated parent, has been in an unrealized loss position for 57 months. The unrealized losses on these securities are the result of general credit spread widening since the date of purchase. Given the investment grade ratings, management believes that timely receipt of all principal and interest is probable.
Residential mortgage-backed securities
The gross unrealized loss on mortgage-backed securities during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 is primarily related to Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities. Of the $33,222 of unrealized losses on mortgage-backed securities for greater than 12 months, $33,168, or 99.8%, is attributable to 16 individual Alt-A securities. These individual securities have been in an unrealized loss position for 51 months. Each of these Alt-A securities have very similar characteristics such as vintage of the underlying collateral (2004-2007) and placement in the structure (generally class-A tranche rated triple-A at issuance). The significant declines in fair value relate to the actual and potential effects of declining U.S. housing prices, the recession and weak economic conditions in general on the performance of collateral underlying residential mortgage backed securities. This has been reflected in decreased liquidity for RMBS securities and increased risk premiums demanded by investors resulting in a required return on investment that is significantly higher than at the time the securities were purchased.
As part of the quarterly impairment review process, management estimates expected future cash flows from residential mortgage-backed securities, considering the likelihood of a wide dispersion of possible outcomes to develop cash flow scenarios. Management has contracted consultants to model each of the securities in our portfolio. This approach includes the utilization of market accepted software tools in conjunction with detailed data of the historical performance of the collateral pools, which assists in the determination of assumptions such as defaults, severity and voluntary prepayment rates that are largely driven by home price forecasts as well as other macro-economic factors. These assumptions are used to project various future cash flow scenarios for each security. The expected future cash flows used to assess impairment are derived by probability-weighting the various cash flow scenarios. Management considered this analysis in making our determination that non-receipt of contractual cash flows is not probable on these transactions.
Other asset-backed securities
The gross unrealized losses on other asset-backed securities during the three month period ended March 31, 2012 is the result of overall risk aversion in the market due to economic uncertainty in the United States and abroad, as well as a flight to higher quality, more liquid investments. Of the $48,193 of unrealized losses on other asset-backed securities greater than 12 months, one security comprises $29,812 of the total. This security, which is secured by lease payments on an IRS facility and is insured by Ambac Assurance, has been in an unrealized loss position for 51 months. The unrealized loss on this security is largely due to the illiquid nature of this structured transaction which does not trade in the broad secondary market. Management believes that the timely receipt of all principal and interest on this position as well as on other asset-backed securities is probable.
Realized Gains and Losses and Other-Than-Temporary Impairments:
The following table details amounts included in net realized gains (losses) and other-than-temporary impairments included in earnings for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Three months ended March 31, |
||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Gross realized gains on securities |
$ | 824 | $ | 3,609 | ||||
Gross realized losses on securities |
(321 | ) | (862 | ) | ||||
Foreign exchange losses |
(111 | ) | (297 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net realized gains |
$ | 392 | $ | 2,450 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net otherthan-temporary impairments(1) |
$ | (3,071 | ) | $ | (1,713 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Other-than-temporary impairments exclude impairment amounts recorded in other comprehensive income under ASC Paragraph 320-10-65-1, which comprise non-credit related amounts on securities that are credit impaired but which management does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the company will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis. |
44
Table of Contents
Other-than-temporary impairment charges to earnings were $3,071 and $1,713 for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These losses primarily resulted from adverse changes to projected cash flows on securities guaranteed by Ambac Assurance and on certain Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities. On March 24, 2010, OCI commenced the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings in order to permit the OCI to facilitate an orderly run-off and/or settlement of the liabilities allocated to the Segregated Account. As a result of actions taken by OCI, financial guarantee payments on securities guaranteed by Ambac Assurance which have been allocated to the Segregated Account were suspended in March 2010 and are no longer under the control of Ambac management. Claim payments under Segregated Account policies have remained suspended throughout the three month period ended March 31, 2012. Delays in the estimated timing of resumption of claim payments have resulted in adverse changes in projected cash flows on certain impaired Ambac-wrapped securities during the three month period ended March 31, 2012. Further delays in the resumption of claim payments could result in additional other-than-temporary impairment charges in the future. As of March 31, 2012, management has not asserted an intent to sell any securities in an unrealized loss position from its portfolio. Future changes in our estimated liquidity needs could result in a determination that Ambac no longer has the ability to hold such securities, which could result in additional other-than-temporary impairment charges.
The following table presents a roll-forward of Ambacs cumulative credit impairments that were recognized in earnings on securities held as of March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Credit Impairment | ||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Balance as of January 1 |
$ | 201,317 | $ | 139,766 | ||||
Additions for credit impairments recognized on: |
||||||||
Securities not previously impaired |
2,609 | 856 | ||||||
Securities previously impaired |
462 | 857 | ||||||
Reductions for credit impairments previously recognized on: |
||||||||
Securities that matured or were sold during the period |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Balance as of March 31 |
$ | 204,388 | $ | 141,479 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Counterparty Collateral, Deposits with Regulators and Other Restrictions:
Ambac routinely pledges and receives collateral related to certain business lines and/or transactions. The following is a description of those arrangements by collateral source:
(1) | Cash and securities held in Ambacs investment portfolioAmbac pledges assets it holds in its investment portfolio to investment and repurchase agreement and derivative counterparties. Securities pledged to investment agreement counterparties may not then be re-pledged to another entity. Ambacs counterparties under derivative agreements have the right to pledge or rehypothecate the securities and as such, pledged securities are separately classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Fixed income securities pledged as collateral, at fair value. |
(2) | Cash and securities pledged to Ambac under derivative agreementsAmbac may re-pledge securities it holds from certain derivative counterparties to other derivative counterparties in accordance with its rights and obligations under those agreements. |
45
Table of Contents
The following table presents (i) the sources of collateral either received from various counterparties where Ambac is permitted to sell or re-pledge or directly held in the investment portfolio and (ii) how that collateral was pledged to various investment agreement, derivative and repurchase agreement counterparties at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
Fair Value of Cash and Underlying Securities |
Fair Value of Cash and Securities Pledged to Investment and Repurchase Agreement Counterparties |
Fair Value of Cash and Securities Pledged to Derivative Counterparties |
||||||||||
March 31, 2012: |
||||||||||||
Sources of Collateral: |
||||||||||||
Cash and securities pledged directly from the investment portfolio |
$ | 858,143 | $ | 563,242 | $ | 294,901 | ||||||
Cash and securities pledged from its derivative counterparties |
| | | |||||||||
December 31, 2011: |
||||||||||||
Sources of Collateral: |
||||||||||||
Cash and securities pledged directly from the investment portfolio |
$ | 874,987 | $ | 564,036 | $ | 310,951 | ||||||
Cash and securities pledged from its derivative counterparties |
| | |
Securities carried at $7,066 and $7,132 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, were deposited by Ambac Assurance and Everspan with governmental authorities or designated custodian banks as required by laws affecting insurance companies.
Securities with fair value of $179,339 and $172,880 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, were held by a bankruptcy remote trust to collateralize and fund repayment of debt issued through a resecuritization transaction. The securities may not be sold or repledged by the trust. These assets are held and the secured debt is issued by entities that qualify as VIEs and are consolidated in Ambacs unaudited consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 5, Special Purpose Entities, including Variable Interest Entities for a further description of this transaction.
46
Table of Contents
9. Derivative Instruments
The following tables summarize the location and fair values of individual derivative instruments reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Amounts are presented gross of the effect of offsetting balances even where a legal right of offset exists.
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Derivative Asset |
Derivative Liability |
|||||||||||
Balance Sheet Location |
Fair Value |
Balance Sheet Location |
Fair value | |||||||||
March 31, 2012 |
||||||||||||
Derivatives held for trading |
||||||||||||
Credit derivatives |
Derivative assets | $ | | Derivative liabilities | $ | 201,129 | ||||||
Interest rate swaps |
Derivative assets | 385,509 | Derivative liabilities | 185,593 | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities | 949 | Derivative assets | 185,150 | |||||||||
Currency swaps |
Derivative assets | | Derivative liabilities | 1,574 | ||||||||
Futures contracts |
Derivative assets | 4,564 | Derivative liabilities | | ||||||||
Other contracts |
Derivative assets | | Derivative liabilities | 129 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total derivatives held for trading |
391,022 | 573,575 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Call options on long-term debt |
Derivative assets | 67,735 | Derivative liabilities | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total non-VIE derivatives |
$ | 458,757 | $ | 573,575 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Variable Interest Entities |
||||||||||||
Currency swaps |
VIEDerivative liabilities | 15,634 | VIEDerivative liabilities | 89,919 | ||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
VIEDerivative liabilities | | VIEDerivative liabilities | 1,930,259 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total VIE derivatives |
$ | 15,634 | $ | 2,020,178 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
December 31, 2011: |
||||||||||||
Derivatives held for trading |
||||||||||||
Credit derivatives |
Derivative assets | $ | | Derivative liabilities | $ | 190,653 | ||||||
Interest rate swaps |
Derivative assets | 411,652 | Derivative liabilities | 251,303 | ||||||||
Derivative liabilities | 30,859 | Derivative assets | 242,500 | |||||||||
Currency swaps |
Derivative assets | | Derivative liabilities | 2,423 | ||||||||
Futures contracts |
Derivative assets | | Derivative liabilities | 627 | ||||||||
Other contracts |
Derivative assets | | Derivative liabilities | 361 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total derivatives held for trading |
442,511 | 687,867 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Call options on long-term debt |
Derivative assets | 6,055 | Derivative liabilities | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total non-VIE derivatives |
$ | 448,566 | $ | 687,867 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Variable Interest Entities |
||||||||||||
Currency swaps |
VIEDerivative liabilities | 27,779 | VIEDerivative liabilities | 90,857 | ||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
VIEDerivative liabilities | | VIEDerivative liabilities | 2,023,974 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total VIE derivatives |
$ | 27,779 | $ | 2,114,831 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
Amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral are not offset against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amounts representing the right to reclaim cash collateral and posted margin, recorded in Other assets were $7,139 and $47,421 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The amounts representing the obligation to return cash collateral, recorded in Other liabilities were $0 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
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The following tables summarize the location and amount of gains and losses of derivative contracts in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively:
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income |
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income |
|||||||||
March 31, 2012 | March 31, 2011 | |||||||||
Financial Guarantee: |
||||||||||
Credit derivatives |
Net change in fair value of credit derivatives |
$ | (7,222 | ) | $ | (8,903 | ) | |||
Financial Services derivatives products: |
||||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
Derivative products |
42,185 | 23,692 | |||||||
Currency swaps |
Derivative products |
156 | (202 | ) | ||||||
Futures contracts |
Derivative products |
4,308 | (2,568 | ) | ||||||
Other derivatives |
Derivative products |
308 | 82 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total Financial Services derivative products |
46,957 | 21,004 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Call options on long-term debt |
Other income |
61,680 | 16,725 | |||||||
Variable Interest Entities: |
||||||||||
Credit derivatives |
Income (loss) on variable interest entities |
| (4,511 | ) | ||||||
Currency swaps |
Income (loss) on variable interest entities |
(11,207 | ) | (12,699 | ) | |||||
Interest rate swaps |
Income (loss) on variable interest entities |
93,715 | 58,829 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total Variable Interest Entities |
82,508 | 41,619 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total derivative contracts |
$ | 183,923 | $ | 70,445 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
Financial Guarantee Credit Derivatives:
Credit derivatives, which are privately negotiated contracts, provide the counterparty with credit protection against the occurrence of a specific event such as a payment default or bankruptcy relating to an underlying obligation. Upon a credit event, Ambac is generally required to make payments equal to the difference between the scheduled debt service payment and the actual payment made by the issuer. The majority of our credit derivatives are written on a pay-as-you-go basis. Similar to an insurance policy execution, pay-as-you-go provides that Ambac pays interest shortfalls on the referenced transaction as they are incurred on each scheduled payment date, but only pays principal shortfalls upon the earlier of (i) the date on which the assets designated to fund the referenced obligation have been disposed of and (ii) the legal final maturity date of the referenced obligation.
In a small number of transactions, Ambac is required to (i) make a payment equal to the difference between the par value and market value of the underlying obligation or (ii) purchase the underlying obligation at its par value and a loss is realized for the difference between the par and market value of the underlying obligation. There are nine transactions, which are not pay-as-you-go, with a combined notional of approximately $191,848 and a net liability fair value of $332 as of March 31, 2012. These transactions are primarily in the form of CLOs written between 2002 and 2005. Substantially all of Ambacs credit derivative contracts relate to structured finance transactions. Credit derivatives issued are insured by Ambac Assurance. None of our outstanding credit derivative transactions at March 31, 2012, include ratings based collateral-posting triggers or otherwise require Ambac to post collateral regardless of Ambacs ratings or the size of the mark to market exposure to Ambac.
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Ambac maintains internal credit ratings on its guaranteed obligations, including credit derivative contracts, solely to indicate managements view of the underlying credit quality of the guaranteed obligations. Independent rating agencies may have assigned different ratings on the credits in Ambacs portfolio than Ambacs internal ratings. The following tables summarize the net par outstanding for CDS contracts, by Ambac rating, for each major category as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
March 31, 2012 Ambac Rating |
CLO | Other | Total | |||||||||
AAA |
$ | 209,285 | $ | 940,559 | $ | 1,149,844 | ||||||
AA |
6,060,401 | 933,643 | 6,994,044 | |||||||||
A |
1,779,648 | 2,917,064 | 4,696,712 | |||||||||
BBB(1) |
| 511,431 | 511,431 | |||||||||
Below investment grade(2) |
| 291,333 | 291,333 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
$ | 8,049,334 | $ | 5,594,030 | $ | 13,643,364 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
December 31, 2011 Ambac Rating |
CLO | Other | Total | |||||||||
AAA |
$ | 297,741 | $ | 913,857 | $ | 1,211,598 | ||||||
AA |
6,193,522 | 1,248,584 | 7,442,106 | |||||||||
A |
1,737,314 | 2,967,445 | 4,704,759 | |||||||||
BBB(1) |
| 518,142 | 518,142 | |||||||||
Below investment grade(2) |
| 290,007 | 290,007 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
$ | 8,228,577 | $ | 5,938,035 | $ | 14,166,612 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | BBB internal rating reflects bonds which are of medium grade credit quality with adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Certain protective elements and margins may weaken under adverse economic conditions and changing circumstances. These bonds are more likely than higher rated bonds to exhibit unreliable protection levels over all cycles. |
(2) | Below investment grade (BIG) internal ratings reflect bonds which are of speculative grade credit quality with the adequacy of future margin levels for payment of interest and repayment of principal potentially adversely affected by major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse conditions. |
The tables below summarize information by major category as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
CLO | Other | Total | ||||||||||
March 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
Number of CDS transactions |
42 | 22 | 64 | |||||||||
Remaining expected weighted-average life of obligations (in years) |
2.5 | 6.0 | 3.9 | |||||||||
Gross principal notional outstanding |
$ | 8,049,334 | $ | 5,594,030 | $ | 13,643,364 | ||||||
Net derivative liabilities at fair value |
$ | (51,688 | ) | $ | (149,441 | ) | $ | (201,129 | ) | |||
CLO | Other | Total | ||||||||||
December 31, 2011 | ||||||||||||
Number of CDS transactions |
44 | 24 | 68 | |||||||||
Remaining expected weighted-average life of obligations (in years) |
2.7 | 6.0 | 4.1 | |||||||||
Gross principal notional outstanding |
$ | 8,228,577 | $ | 5,938,035 | $ | 14,166,612 | ||||||
Net derivative liabilities at fair value |
$ | (54,320 | ) | $ | (136,333 | ) | $ | (190,653 | ) |
The maximum potential amount of future payments under Ambacs credit derivative contracts written on a pay-as-you-go basis is generally the gross principal notional outstanding amount included in the above table plus
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future interest payments payable by the derivative reference obligations. For contracts that are not written with pay-as-you-go terms, the maximum potential future payment is represented by the principal notional only. Since Ambacs credit derivatives typically reference obligations of or assets held by SPEs that meet the definition of a VIE, the amount of maximum potential future payments for credit derivatives is included in the table in Note 5, Special Purpose Entities Including Variable Interest Entities.
Changes in fair value of Ambacs credit derivative contracts are accounted for at fair value since they do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception under ASC Topic 815. Changes in fair value are recorded in Net change in fair value of credit derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income. Although CDS contracts are accounted for at fair value, they are surveilled similar to non-derivative financial guarantee contracts. As with financial guarantee insurance policies, Ambacs surveillance group tracks credit migration of CDS contracts reference obligations from period to period. Adversely classified credits are assigned risk classifications by the surveillance group. As of March 31, 2012, there are four CDS contracts on Ambacs adversely classified credit listing, with a net derivative liability fair value of $50,999 and total notional principal outstanding of $291,333. As of March 31, 2011 there were three CDS contracts on Ambacs adversely classified credit listing, with a net derivative liability fair value of $22,561 and a total notional principal outstanding of $242,915.
Financial Services Derivative Products:
Ambac, through its subsidiary Ambac Financial Services (AFS), provided interest rate and currency swaps to states, municipalities and their authorities, asset-backed issuers and other entities in connection with their financings. AFS manages its interest rate swaps business with the goal of being market neutral to changes in benchmark interest rates while retaining some basis risk and excess interest rate sensitivity as an economic hedge against the effects of rising interest rates elsewhere in the Company, including on Ambacs financial guarantee exposures. Basis risk in the portfolio arises primarily from (i) variability in the ratio of benchmark tax-exempt to taxable interest rates, (ii) potential changes in the counterparty bond issuers bond-specific variable rates relative to taxable interest rates, and (iii) variability between Treasury and swap rates. The derivative portfolio also includes an unhedged Sterling-denominated exposure to Consumer Price Inflation in the United Kingdom. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 the notional amounts of AFSs trading derivative products are as follows:
Type of derivative |
Notional March 31, 2012 |
Notional December 31, 2011 |
||||||
Interest rate swapsreceive-fixed/pay-variable |
$ | 1,083,238 | $ | 1,370,995 | ||||
Interest rate swapspay-fixed/receive-variable |
2,518,844 | 3,798,305 | ||||||
Interest rate swapsbasis swaps |
175,835 | 175,835 | ||||||
Currency swaps |
9,561 | 13,559 | ||||||
Futures contracts |
295,000 | 53,500 | ||||||
Other contracts |
118,450 | 118,930 |
Derivatives of Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Certain VIEs consolidated under ASC Topic 810 entered into derivative contracts to meet specified purposes within the securitization structure. The notional for VIE derivatives outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:
Notional | ||||||||
Type of VIE derivative |
March 31, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | ||||||
Interest rate swapsreceive-fixed/pay-variable |
$ | 1,755,561 | $ | 1,702,113 | ||||
Interest rate swapspay-fixed/receive-variable |
4,678,049 | 4,535,626 | ||||||
Currency swaps |
743,814 | 721,168 | ||||||
Credit derivatives |
21,017 | 20,934 |
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Call Options on Long-Term Debt
Ambac Assurance has certain contractual options to repurchase its surplus notes at a discount to their par value which are considered stand-alone derivatives. The surplus notes are classified under Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of surplus notes that may be repurchased under these stand-alone options is $500,000 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. These call options expire on June 7, 2012. The fair value of the options was $67,735 and $6,055 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Gains of $61,680 and $16,725 from the change in fair value of the call options were recognized within Other income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The board of directors of Ambac Assurance has approved the exercise of all options to purchase surplus notes issued by Ambac Assurance. The exercise of such options also requires the approval of OCI and the Rehabilitator of the Segregated Account. Ambac Assurance is seeking such approvals. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained.
Contingent Features in Derivatives Related to Ambac Credit Risk
Ambacs interest rate swaps with professional swap-dealer counterparties and certain front-end counterparties are generally executed under standardized derivative documents including collateral support and master netting agreements. Under these agreements, Ambac is required to post collateral in the event net unrealized losses exceed predetermined threshold levels. Additionally, given that Ambac Assurance is no longer rated by an independent rating agency, counterparties have the right to terminate the swap positions.
As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with contingent features linked to Ambacs own credit risk that are in a net liability position after considering legal rights of offset was $187,988 and $266,626, respectively, related to which Ambac had posted assets as collateral with a fair value of $287,762 and $263,530, respectively. All such ratings-based contingent features have been triggered as requiring maximum collateral levels to be posted by Ambac while preserving counterparties rights to terminate the contracts. Assuming all contracts terminated on March 31, 2012, settlement of collateral balances and net derivative liabilities would result in a net receipt of cash and/or securities by Ambac. If counterparties elect to exercise their right to terminate, the actual termination payment amounts will be determined in accordance with derivative contract terms, which may result in amounts that differ from market values as reported in Ambacs financial statements.
10. Income Taxes
Ambac files a consolidated Federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. Ambac and its subsidiaries also file separate or combined income tax returns in various states, local and foreign jurisdictions. The following are the major jurisdictions in which Ambac and its affiliates operate and the earliest tax years subject to examination:
Jurisdiction |
Tax Year | |||
United States |
2005 | |||
New York State |
2008 | |||
New York City |
2011 | |||
United Kingdom |
2006 | |||
Italy |
2007 |
On February 24, 2012, Ambac, the Creditors Committee, Ambac Assurance, the Segregated Account, OCI, and the Rehabilitator submitted to the Department of Justice, Tax Division a proposal (the Offer Letter) to settle outstanding disputes with the IRS which includes the following terms that Ambac believes will be acceptable to the United States: (i) a payment by Ambac Assurance of approximately $100,000; (ii) a payment by Ambac of approximately $1,900; (iii) Ambacs consolidated tax group will relinquish its claim to all loss carry-forwards resulting from losses on credit default swap contracts and arising on or before December 31, 2010 to the extent such loss carry-forwards exceed $3,400,000; and (iv) the IRS will be paid 12.5% of any payment to Ambac by Ambac Assurance associated with NOL Usage Tier C (as described in the Amended TSA) and the IRS will be paid 17.5% of any payment to Ambac by Ambac Assurance associated with NOL Usage Tier D (as described in the Amended TSA). Finality of the settlement will require the satisfaction of certain conditions and the approval of the United States, the Bankruptcy Court and the Rehabilitation Court. There can be no assurance that the IRS Settlement will be finalized on the terms described above, if at all, or as to the timing of any such settlement. Nevertheless, this possible settlement has been provided for in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes.
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In 2011, Ambac settled tax years 2000 through 2010 with New York City for a cash payment of $2,000 and forfeiture of a $1,234 over payment, which was being applied to future tax years.
Ambacs provision for income taxes charged to income from continuing operations is comprised of the following:
For the three month period ended March 31, |
||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Current taxes |
$ | 300 | $ | 2,350 | ||||
Deferred taxes |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$ | 300 | $ | 2,350 | |||||
|
|
|
|
The total effect of income taxes on net income and stockholders equity for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011 is as follows:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Total income taxes charged to net income |
$ | 300 | $ | 77,422 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Income taxes charged (credited) to stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities |
(18,217 | ) | 58,597 | |||||
Valuation Allowance to Equity |
18,217 | (58,597 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total charged to stockholders equity: |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total effect of income taxes |
$ | 300 | $ | 77,422 | ||||
|
|
|
|
As a result of the development of additional losses and the related impact on the Companys cash flows, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not generate sufficient taxable income to recover the deferred tax operating asset. As of March 31, 2012, the company had a valuation allowance of $3,103,614.
As of March 31, 2012 Ambac has an ordinary U. S. federal net operating tax carryforward of approximately $7,348,824, which if not utilized will begin expiring in 2028 and will fully expire in 2032. As disclosed above, to settle outstanding disputes with the IRS Ambac has proposed to relinquish its claim to all net operating loss carry-forwards resulting from losses on credit default swap contracts arising on or before December 31, 2010 to the extent such net operating loss carry-forwards exceed $3,400,000. The exact amount of the loss carry-forward relinquishment will be determined upon the execution of a closing agreement.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Ambac and certain of its present or former officers or directors have been named in lawsuits that allege violations of the federal securities laws and/or state law. Various putative class action suits alleging violations of the federal securities laws have been filed against Ambac and certain of its present or former directors and officers. These suits include four class actions filed in January and February of 2008 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the District Court) that were consolidated on May 9, 2008 under the caption In re Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Securities Litigation, Lead Case No. 08 CV 411. On July 25, 2008, another suit, Painting Industry Insurance and Annuity Funds v. Ambac Assurance Corporation, et al., case No. 08 CV 6602, was filed in the United States District for the Southern District of New York. On or about August 22, 2008, a consolidated amended complaint was filed in the consolidated action. The consolidated amended complaint includes the allegations presented by the original four class actions, the allegations presented by the Painting Industry action, and additional allegations. The consolidated amended complaint purports to be brought on behalf of purchasers of Ambacs common stock from October 25, 2006 to April 22, 2008, on behalf of purchasers of Ambacs DISCS,
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issued in February of 2007, and on behalf of purchasers of equity units and common stock in Ambacs March 2008 offerings. The suit names as defendants Ambac, the underwriters for the three offerings, Ambacs independent Certified Public Accountants and certain present and former directors and officers of Ambac. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants issued materially false and misleading statements regarding Ambacs business and financial results and guarantees of CDO and MBS transactions and that the Registration Statements pursuant to which the three offerings were made contained material misstatements and omissions in violation of the securities laws. On August 27, 2009, Ambac and the individual defendants named in the consolidated securities action moved to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. On February 22, 2010, the Court dismissed the claims arising out of the March 2008 equity units and common stock offering (resulting in the dismissal of Ambacs independent Certified Public Accountants from the action), and otherwise denied the motions to dismiss. On December 9, 2010, Ambac and the present or former officers or directors who are defendants in these actions entered into a memorandum of understanding with Plaintiffs with respect to settlement and, as discussed in more detail below, on May 4, 2011, Ambac and the present or former officers or directors who are defendants in these actions entered in a stipulation of settlement to settle the claims asserted in these actions. As also discussed in more detail below, on September 13, 2011, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the stipulation of settlement and Ambacs entry into the stipulation of settlement and performance of all of its obligations thereunder (which the District Court affirmed on December 29, 2011), and on September 28, 2011, the District Court entered a judgment approving the settlement. As noted below, an objector to the settlement is pursuing an appeal from the District Courts order affirming the Bankruptcy Courts order as well as an appeal from the District Courts judgment.
On December 24, 2008, a complaint in a putative class action entitled Stanley Tolin et al. v. Ambac Financial Group, Inc. et al., asserting alleged violations of the federal securities laws was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Ambac, one former officer and director and one former officer, Case No. 08 CV 11241 (such action, together with the consolidated actions referred to above, the Securities Class Actions). An amended complaint was subsequently filed on January 20, 2009. This action is brought on behalf of all purchasers of Structured Repackaged Asset-Backed Trust Securities, Callable Class A Certificates, Series 2007-1, STRATS(SM) Trust for Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Securities 2007-1 (STRATS) from June 29, 2007 through April 22, 2008. The STRATS are asset-backed securities that were allegedly issued by a subsidiary of Wachovia Corporation and are allegedly collateralized solely by Ambacs DISCS. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants issued materially false and misleading statements regarding Ambacs business and financial results and Ambacs guarantees of CDO and MBS transactions, in violation of the securities laws. On April 15, 2009, Ambac and the individual defendants named in Tolin moved to dismiss the amended complaint. On December 23, 2009, the Court initially denied defendants motion to dismiss, but later recalled that decision and requested further briefing from parties in the case before it rendered a decision on the motion to dismiss. On December 9, 2010, Ambac and the former officer and director and the former officer who are defendants in this action entered into a memorandum of understanding with Plaintiffs with respect to settlement and, as discussed in more detail below, on May 4, 2011, Ambac and the former officer and director and the former officer who are defendants in this action entered into a stipulation of settlement to settle the claims asserted in this action. As also discussed in more detail below, on September 13, 2011, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving the stipulation of settlement and Ambacs entry into the stipulation of settlement and performance of all of its obligations thereunder (which the District Court affirmed on December 29, 2011), and on September 28, 2011, the District Court entered a judgment approving the settlement. As noted below, an objector to the settlement is pursuing an appeal from the District Courts order affirming the Bankruptcy Courts order as well as an appeal from the District Courts judgment.
Various shareholder derivative actions have been filed against certain present or former officers or directors of Ambac, and against Ambac as a nominal defendant. These suits, which are brought purportedly on behalf of Ambac, are in many ways similar and allege violations of law for conduct occurring between October 2005 and the dates of suit regarding, among other things, Ambacs guarantees of CDO and MBS transactions, Ambacs public disclosures regarding such guarantees and Ambacs financial condition, and certain defendants alleged insider trading on non-public information. The suits (the Derivative Actions) include (i) three actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York that have been consolidated under the caption In re Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Derivative Litigation, Lead Case No. 08 CV 854; on June 30, 2008, plaintiffs filed a consolidated and amended complaint that asserts violations of state and federal law, including breaches of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment and violations of the federal securities laws; on August 8, 2008, Ambac and the individual defendants named in the consolidated Southern District of New York derivative action moved to dismiss
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that action for want of demand and failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; on December 11, 2008, the court granted plaintiffs motion for leave to amend the complaint and plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on December 17, 2008; on June 2, 2009 defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint; on November 22, 2010, the Court dismissed the consolidated derivative action without prejudice to its renewal when and if the automatic stay provided by the Bankruptcy Code is lifted; (ii) two actions filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery that have been consolidated under the caption In re Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Shareholders Derivative Litigation, Consolidated C.A. No. 3521; on May 7, 2008, plaintiffs filed a consolidated and amended complaint that asserts claims including breaches of fiduciary duties, waste, reckless and gross mismanagement, and unjust enrichment; on December 30, 2008, the Delaware Court of Chancery granted defendants motion to stay the Delaware shareholder derivative action in favor of the Southern District of New York Consolidated Derivative Action; plaintiffs in the Delaware action subsequently moved to intervene in the Southern District of New York derivative action and on May 12, 2009, the motion to intervene was denied; on August 15, 2011, the Delaware Court of Chancery modified the stay to permit the defendants to move for dismissal pursuant to the Bankruptcy Court 9019 Order approving the settlement (discussed further below); on September 27, 2011, defendants moved to dismiss; on December 15, 2011, the Court of Chancery dismissed the Delaware derivative action; one derivative plaintiff, the Police and Fire Retirement System of the City of Detroit (PFRS), appealed to the Delaware Supreme Court, which affirmed the Court of Chancerys dismissal on May 7, 2012; and (iii) two actions filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, that have been consolidated under the caption In re Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Shareholder Derivative Litigation, Consolidated Index No. 650050/2008E; on September 22, 2008, plaintiffs filed a consolidated and amended complaint that asserts claims including breaches of fiduciary duties, gross mismanagement, abuse of control, and waste; on January 5, 2010, the New York Supreme Court granted defendants motion to stay the New York Supreme Court action in favor of the Southern District of New York Consolidated Derivative Action; both actions are now listed on the Courts docket as dismissed.
Pursuant to the terms of a memorandum of understanding entered into on December 9, 2010, on May 4, 2011, Ambac and all of its present or former officers or directors who are defendants in the Securities Class Actions or the Derivative Actions, entered into a stipulation of settlement (the Stipulation) with the lead plaintiffs in In re Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Securities Litigation and the named plaintiffs in Tolin v. Ambac Financial Group, Inc. for settlement of both of the Securities Class Actions. The Stipulation provides that the claims of the putative plaintiff classes, among other claims, will be settled for a cash payment of $27,100. Certain of the insurance carriers who provided directors and officers liability coverage to Ambacs present and former officers and directors for the period July 2007-July 2009 have agreed to pay $24,600 of the settlement, pursuant to a separate agreement entered into between Ambac, the present or former officers or directors who are defendants in the Securities Class Actions or the Derivative Actions, and those insurance carriers. Ambac has agreed to pay $2,500 of the settlement and previously deposited that amount into an escrow account (classified as Restricted Cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheet since these amounts are held in escrow). Lead and named plaintiffs in the Securities Class Actions, on behalf of themselves and all other members of the settlement class, have agreed to releases of claims against, among others, Ambac and the present or former officers or directors who are parties to the Stipulation. The settlement provided for in the Stipulation is subject to various conditions, including, among others, approval by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and approval by the Bankruptcy Court of Ambacs entry into the settlement and of certain releases and bar orders that would release and bar claims (among others) by or on behalf of Ambac, including by any shareholder or creditor of Ambac purportedly acting derivatively on behalf of Ambac, against present or former officers or directors of Ambac that were, could have been, might have been or might be in the future asserted in any of the Securities Actions or any of the Derivative Actions. The Stipulation further provides that nothing in the Stipulation shall be deemed an admission by any defendant of any fault, liability, or wrongdoing. The above description of terms of the Stipulation is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Stipulation, which was filed in In re Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Securities Litigation on May 6, 2011. On May 19, 2011, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order lifting the automatic stay pursuant to section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code to permit inter alia the settling parties to seek preliminary approval of the settlement in the District Court. On June 14, 2011, the District Court entered an order preliminarily approving the settlement. On July 19, 2011, the Bankruptcy Court granted the Debtors motion pursuant to section 105(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019 approving the Stipulation and related agreements and the Debtors entry into the Stipulation and related agreements and performance of all of its obligations thereunder. The Bankruptcy Courts order also approved certain releases and bars that will, upon the effective date of the settlement, release and bar claims (among others) by or on behalf of Ambac, including by any shareholder or creditor of Ambac purportedly acting derivatively on behalf of Ambac,
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against present or former officers or directors of Ambac that were, could have been, might have been or might be in the future asserted in any of the Securities Actions or any of the Derivative Actions. On July 25, 2011, the Debtor sought by Notice of Presentment to enter an amended order pursuant to section 105(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019. Certain objections were filed on behalf of putative shareholders who were plaintiffs in the derivative actions in the Delaware Court of Chancery or the Southern District of New York, including the Police and Fire Retirement System of the City of Detroit (PFRS) (one of the plaintiffs in the Delaware Court of Chancery). Hearings on the proposed amended order were held before the Bankruptcy Court on August 10, 2011 and September 8 and 9, 2011. On September 13, 2011, the Bankruptcy Court entered the amended order pursuant to section 105(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, approving the Stipulation and related agreements and the Debtors entry into the Stipulation and related agreements and performance of all of its obligations thereunder. On September 23, 2011, the Bankruptcy Court issued an opinion explaining its reasons for entering the amended order and its reasons for overruling the objections filed on behalf of putative shareholders who are or were plaintiffs in the derivative actions in the Delaware Court of Chancery or the Southern District of New York. On September 28, 2011, the District Court held a settlement hearing to consider the proposed settlement. Counsel for PFRS, the same putative shareholder who had objected in the Bankruptcy Court, also appeared in the District Court and objected to the proposed settlement. The District Court overruled the objection, and on September 28, 2011 entered a judgment approving the class action settlement with Ambac and the individual defendants.
PFRS, the putative shareholder who objected to the proposed settlement in both the Bankruptcy Court and the District Court, is currently pursuing appeals from both the Bankruptcy Courts amended order and the District Courts judgment. On September 26, 2011, counsel for PFRS filed a notice of appeal to the District Court from the Bankruptcy Courts amended order. On October 28, 2011, counsel for PFRS filed a notice of appeal from the District Courts September 28, 2011 judgment approving the settlement. PFRSs appeal from the Bankruptcy Courts amended order was considered first by the District Court, which affirmed the Bankruptcy Courts amended order on December 29, 2011. On January 4, 2012, PFRS filed a further notice of appeal from the District Courts order affirming the Bankruptcy Courts amended order. Thus, as of January 4, 2012, both of PFRSs appeals were pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and were docketed as Case Nos. 11-4643 and 12-59. On January 19, 2012, Ambac and the individual defendants-appellees moved to consolidate the two appeals and to expedite the resolution of the consolidated appeal. On January 26, 2012, the Court granted certain relief sought in the motion to consolidate and expedite, and consolidated both appeals under Lead Case No. 11-4643. On March 23, 2012, the Court issued an expedited briefing schedule for the consolidated appeal. Pursuant to the briefing schedule, appellant PFRS filed its opening brief on April 26, 2012 and appellees brief is due on or before May 31, 2012. The appeal is scheduled to be heard during the week of June 25, 2012.
Karthikeyan V. Veera v. Ambac Financial Group, Inc., et al., (United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Case No. 10 CV 4191, filed on or about May 24, 2010, and amended on September 7, 2010). Plaintiff, a former employee and participant in Ambacs Savings Incentive Plan (the Plan), asserts violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and names as defendants the Plan Administrative Committee, the Plan Investment Committee, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Ambac, and a number of current and former officers and directors of Ambac. This action is purportedly brought on behalf of all persons, excluding defendants and their immediate families, who were participants in the Plan from October 1, 2006 through July 2, 2008 and whose Plan accounts included an investment in Ambac stock. The complaint alleges, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duties by defendants in respect of the continued offering of Ambac stock as an investment option for the Plan and the failure to provide complete and accurate information to Plan participants regarding Ambacs financial condition. This ERISA action seeks, among other things, compensatory damages, a constructive trust for amounts by which the fiduciaries allegedly benefited as a result of their breaches, and attorneys fees. On October 20, 2010, all of the defendants named in the amended complaint moved to dismiss all of the claims in the amended complaint. In an Opinion and Order issued January 6, 2011, the Court denied the motion to dismiss, but held that the defendants had no affirmative duty under ERISA to disclose information about the companys financial condition to plan participants. On January 18, 2011, Ambac filed an adversary complaint in the Bankruptcy Court against Plaintiff, seeking declaratory relief to confirm the applicability of the automatic stay under Bankruptcy Code section 362(a) to plaintiffs claims or, alternatively, for injunctive relief under section 105(a) of the Bankruptcy Code to preclude plaintiff from prosecuting his claims pending the effective date of a chapter 11 plan or further order of the Bankruptcy Court. On February 11, 2011, Ambac filed a motion in the adversary proceeding for summary judgment declaring that the protections of the automatic stay apply or should be extended to the claims in the ERISA action and for injunctive relief. Following a hearing on Ambacs motion on
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March 4, 2011, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order granting Ambacs motion, holding that the automatic stay applied to the ERISA action, but also granted Plaintiff relief from the stay to pursue limited discovery during the extended exclusivity period in Ambacs Chapter 11 case. On July 15, 2011, plaintiff filed a motion for additional relief from the automatic stay. The Bankruptcy Court denied plaintiffs motion on July 20, 2011 ordering that the automatic stay shall continue to apply to the ERISA action but granting plaintiff limited relief from the automatic stay in order to permit plaintiff to participate in mediation, which occurred in September 2011. The parties were unable to reach a settlement in September but informal discussions continued through the mediator. Veera filed an objection to Ambacs Reorganization Plan to the extent the releases in the Reorganization Plan sought to extinguish Veeras claims against the defendants. On March 13, 2012, Veera and Ambac entered into a stipulation and agreed order resolving Veeras objection. Pursuant to such Stipulation, Veera and Ambac agreed on certain parameters for discovery and Ambac agreed that the automatic stay could be lifted as it applies to the ERISA action with respect to discovery that Ambac and Ambac Assurance have agreed to provide. On April 10, 2012, defendants filed a motion for partial summary judgment seeking dismissal of all claims based on the defendants alleged failure to act on material non-public information. Veera filed an opposition to the motion on April 24, 2012 and the motion was fully briefed on May 4, 2012 and is currently expected to be argued later this month.
County of Alameda et al. v. Ambac Assurance Corporation et al. (Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco, second amended complaint filed on or about August 23, 2011) (Alameda Complaint); Contra Costa County et al. v. Ambac Assurance Corporation et al. (Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco, third amended complaint filed on or about October 21, 2011) (Contra Costa Complaint); The Olympic Club v. Ambac Assurance Corporation et al. (Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco, fourth amended complaint filed on or about October 21, 2011) (Olympic Club Complaint). The Contra Costa Complaint is brought on behalf of five California municipal entities and the non-profit Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. The Alameda Complaint is brought on behalf of nineteen California municipal entities. The Olympic Club Complaint is brought on behalf of the non-profit Olympic Club. The three actions make similar allegations against Ambac Assurance, various other financial guarantee insurance companies and employees thereof (collectively with Ambac Assurance, the Bond Insurer Defendants), and, in the case of the Contra Costa Complaint and the Olympic Club Complaint, the major credit rating agencies (the Rating Agencies). The actions allege that (1) Ambac Assurance and the other Bond Insurer Defendants colluded with the Rating Agencies to perpetuate a dual rating system pursuant to which the Rating Agencies rated the debt obligations of municipal issuers differently from corporate debt obligations, thereby keeping municipal ratings artificially low relative to corporate ratings; (2) Ambac Assurance and the other Bond Insurer Defendants issued false and misleading financial statements which failed to disclose the extent of the insurers respective exposures to mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations; and (3) as a result of these actions, plaintiffs incurred higher interest costs and bond insurance premiums in respect of their respective bond issues. Ambac Financial Group was originally a defendant in each of these actions, but on November 22, 2010, Ambac Financial Group was dismissed without prejudice as a defendant by the plaintiffs in each of these actions. Ambac Assurance and the other Bond Insurer Defendants filed a demurrer seeking the dismissal of each of these complaints on September 17, 2010. The Superior Court of California sustained the demurrer in part, dismissing the causes of actions for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, negligence, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment with prejudice and dismissing the claim for fraud without prejudice, allowing the Plaintiffs an opportunity to amend their complaints for that cause of action. The demurrers were otherwise overruled. Amended complaints were filed on August 23, 2011. (Further technical amendments to the Contra Costa Complaint and the Olympic Club Complaint were filed on October 21, 2011 to correct a non-substantive error.) Ambac Assurance and the other Bond Insurer Defendants filed a demurrer seeking dismissal of the current amended complaints on September 21, 2011, which was denied on October 20, 2011. (The October 20, 2011 denial applies to the Contra Costa Complaint and the Olympic Club Complaint, both of which were given a technical filing date of October 21, 2011). On December 2, 2011, Ambac Assurance and the other Bond Insurer Defendants filed a special motion to strike the current amended complaints under Californias Anti-SLAPP statute (Calif. Code of Civ. Proc. Section 425.16). A hearing on the motion was held on March 23, 2012. On May 1, 2012, the Court ruled that the complaints were governed by the Anti-SLAPP statute to the extent they alleged conspiracy to influence the rating agencies rating methodologies, but not to the extent that the complaints alleged false or misleading statements or nondisclosures. The case will now proceed to a determination whether the conspiracy branch of the complaint can proceed given the requirement of the Anti-SLAPP statute that plaintiff show a probability of success on the merits.
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Ambac Assurance has periodically received various regulatory inquiries and requests for information with respect to investigations and inquiries that such regulators are conducting. Ambac Assurance has complied with all such inquiries and requests for information.
On March 24, 2010, Ambac Assurance established a segregated account (the Segregated Account) and allocated to the Segregated Account certain financial guaranty insurance policies and other contingent liabilities, certain claims and other rights, and certain equity interests in subsidiaries. An insurance rehabilitation proceeding (the Rehabilitation Proceeding) was commenced with respect to the Segregated Account in the Wisconsin Circuit Court for Dane County (the Rehabilitation Court) on March 24, 2010 by the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin (the Commissioner) and the Rehabilitation Court entered an order of rehabilitation for the Segregated Account, appointing the Commissioner as Rehabilitator, and entered orders enjoining certain actions that could have an adverse effect on the financial condition of the Segregated Account.
Various third parties have filed motions or objections in the Rehabilitation Court and/or moved to intervene in the Rehabilitation Proceeding. On January 24, 2011, the Rehabilitation Court issued its Decision and Final Order Confirming the Rehabilitators Plan of Rehabilitation, with Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (the Confirmation Order). Notices of appeal from the Confirmation Order were filed by various parties, including policyholders. Such appeals are pending.
On November 10, 2011, the Rehabilitation Court issued an order authorizing the Commissioner, as Rehabilitator, and the Segregated Account to proceed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Mediation Agreement and its related agreements and to carry out all transactions necessary to effectuate those agreements. Notices of appeal from this order were filed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and a group describing itself as the RMBS Holders, which claims to own or manage funds that own residential mortgage-backed securities insured by Ambac Assurance.
Ambac Assurances CDS portfolio experienced significant losses. The majority of these CDS contracts are on a pay as you go basis, and we believe that they are properly characterized as notional principal contracts for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Generally, losses on notional principal contracts are ordinary losses. However, the federal income tax treatment of CDS is an unsettled area of the tax law. In 2010, the IRS opened an examination into certain issues related to Ambac Assurances tax accounting methods with respect to such CDS contracts and Ambac Assurances related characterization of such losses as ordinary losses. As discussed above, Ambac Assurance believes these contracts are properly characterized as notional principal contracts. However, on May 4, 2011, as a result of its examination, the IRS issued to Ambac Notices of Proposed Adjustment asserting that these contracts should be characterized as capital assets or as generating capital losses. On June 3, 2011, Ambac notified the IRS that it disagreed with the proposed adjustments. On May 4, 2011 the IRS filed a proof of claim in the Bankruptcy Court in the amount of $807,244 relating to the tax treatment of the CDS contracts (the IRS Claim). Ambac filed its opposition to the proof of claim on June 14, 2011. If the IRS is successful in its claim, Ambac Assurance would be subject to both a substantial reduction in its net operating loss carryforwards and would suffer a material assessment for federal income taxes up to an estimated amount of $807,244.
On November 9, 2010, Ambac filed and served a complaint against the IRS for a declaratory judgment relating to the tax refunds, which resulted from the losses on the CDS portfolio. On the same date, Ambac and the IRS agreed to a stipulation on the record that provides that the IRS would give notice at least 5 business days prior to taking any action against Ambacs non-debtor subsidiaries in the consolidated tax group that would violate the injunction entered by the Wisconsin Rehabilitation Court, whether or not such injunction is in effect. The stipulation permits the status quo to be maintained from November 9, 2010 until a hearing on the preliminary injunction under Bankruptcy Code section 105(a) barring assessment and collection of the 2003 through 2008 tax refunds by the IRS against Ambacs non-debtor subsidiaries in the consolidated tax group.
On January 14, 2011, the IRS filed its answer and opposition to Ambacs motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction. As of this date, no hearing on such motion has been scheduled. On January 13, 2011, the IRS filed a motion in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (USDC SDNY) to withdraw the adversary proceeding from the Bankruptcy Court to the USDC SDNY. Ambac has opposed such motion and no hearing on the motion has been scheduled. On February 1, 2011, Ambac filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court for Pretrial Conference and for Authorization to Implement Alternative Dispute
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Resolution Procedures. The Bankruptcy Court on March 2, 2011 ordered the process of non-binding mediation to begin on or about May 1, 2011. Mediation was held in New York on July 6, 7 and 8, 2011. Mediation continued in New York on September 8 and 9, and October 18 and 20, 2011. The Bankruptcy Court also approved a scheduling order that, pursuant to further stipulation of the parties, required all discovery in the adversary proceeding to be completed by November 2, 2011, dispositive motions to be filed by November 4, 2011, and trial to be scheduled, thereafter, pursuant to further order of the Court. On October 12, 2011, Ambac filed a motion for an order (a) determining that the IRS Claim shall be estimated pursuant to Bankruptcy Code section 502(c), and (b) setting procedures and a hearing date for such estimation inclusive of the determination pursuant to Bankruptcy Code section 505(a) of, among other things, (i) the appropriate method to account for Ambacs losses on its post-2004 CDS contracts and (ii) whether (A) an ownership change, within the meaning of section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Tax Code), with respect to Ambac Assurance, or (B) any event that results in neither Ambac Assurance nor any entity that succeeds to the tax attributes of Ambac Assurance being characterized as an includible corporation with the affiliated group of corporations of which Ambac (or any successor thereto) is the common parent, within the meaning of the Tax Code, occurred during the 2010 taxable year as a result of the transactions consummated pursuant to the Settlement Agreement or for any other reason [Docket No. 362] (the IRS Claim Estimation Motion). The IRS Claim Estimation Motion was scheduled for hearing on December 13, 2011, but was adjourned pending settlement discussions with the United States.
The IRS has also sought to assert legal rights against Ambac Assurance, as joint and several obligor in respect of any assessment for federal income taxes against the consolidated tax group. On December 8, 2010, the IRS removed the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings to the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (the District Court). On December 17, 2010, the IRS filed a motion in the District Court to dissolve a supplemental injunction (the Supplemental Injunction) that had been entered by the Rehabilitation Court on November 8, 2010 to prevent certain actions by the IRS that could have an adverse effect on the financial condition of the Segregated Account. The Commissioner moved to remand the proceeding back to the Rehabilitation Court, and on January 14, 2011, that motion was granted by the District Court, which found that it lacked subject matter jurisdiction. The IRS has appealed this decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. On February 9, 2011, the IRS filed a complaint and a motion for a preliminary injunction in the District Court seeking, inter alia, to enjoin enforcement against the IRS of the Supplemental Injunction and the Confirmation Order. The District Court dismissed the suit for lack of subject matter jurisdiction on February 18, 2011, and the IRS filed a notice of appeal on February 22, 2011. On August 22, 2011 the Seventh Circuit granted a motion by the IRS to consolidate the two appeals. Briefing on the consolidated appeals concluded on January 24, 2012, but oral argument has not been scheduled. The parties have jointly asked the Seventh Circuit not to schedule oral argument in light of the written settlement offer submitted to the IRS and the Department of Justice, Tax Division, which is described below.
On February 24, 2012, Ambac, the Creditors Committee, Ambac Assurance, the Segregated Account, OCI, and the Rehabilitator submitted to the IRS and the Department of Justice, Tax Division a proposal (the Offer Letter) to settle the IRS Dispute and related proceedings which includes the following terms that Ambac believes will be acceptable to the United States: (i) a payment by Ambac Assurance of $100,000; (ii) a payment by Ambac of $1,900; (iii) the Ambac Consolidated Group will relinquish its claim to all loss carry-forwards resulting from losses on credit default swap contracts and arising on or before December 31, 2010 to the extent such loss carry-forwards exceed $3.4 billion; and (iv) the IRS will be paid 12.5% of any payment to Ambac by Ambac Assurance associated with NOL Usage Tier C and the IRS will be paid 17.5% of any payment to Ambac by Ambac Assurance associated with NOL Usage Tier D (the IRS Settlement). Finality of the settlement will require the satisfaction of certain conditions and the approval of the United States, the Bankruptcy Court and the Rehabilitation Court. As a result of the progress made toward a settlement framework, remaining discovery in the case was put on hold pending the parties further reports to the Bankruptcy Court. There can be no assurance that the IRS Settlement will be finalized on the terms described above, if at all, or as to the timing of any such settlement. Pursuant to the terms of the Offer Letter, on April 24, 2012 Ambac submitted to the IRS a private letter ruling request (PLR) seeking, in part, a favorable ruling from the IRS with respect to rulings under section 382 and section 269 of the Code regarding certain U.S. federal income tax consequences related to Ambacs bankruptcy plan of reorganization. The IRS Settlement is conditioned on the IRS issuing a favorable ruling on the PLR request.
In the ordinary course of their businesses, certain of Ambacs subsidiaries assert claims in legal proceedings against third parties to recover losses already paid and/or mitigate future losses. The amounts recovered and/or losses avoided which may result from these proceedings is uncertain, although recoveries and/or losses avoided in any one or more of these proceedings during any quarter or fiscal year could be material to Ambacs results of operations in that quarter or fiscal year.
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In connection with Ambacs efforts to seek redress for breaches of representations and warranties and fraud related to the information provided by both the underwriters and the sponsors of various transactions and for failure to comply with the obligation by the sponsors to repurchase ineligible loans, Ambac Assurance has filed the following lawsuits:
| Ambac Assurance Corporation v. EMC Mortgage LLC (formerly known as EMC Mortgage Corporation), J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. (formerly known as Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.), and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, filed February 17, 2011). This case is the continuation of a case that was originally filed on November 5, 2008 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York but that was dismissed from federal court after Ambac Assurance was granted leave to amend its complaint to add certain new claims (but not others) and a new party, which deprived the federal court of jurisdiction over the litigation. After the decision by the federal judge, dated February 8, 2011, Ambac Assurance re-filed the suit in New York state court on February 17, 2011. On July 18, 2011, Ambac Assurance filed a First Amended Complaint in its state-court litigation. In its state-court action, Ambac Assurance asserts claims for breach of contract, indemnification and reimbursement against EMC, as well as claims of fraudulent conduct by EMC and J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. In its First Amended Complaint, Ambac Assurance asserts an additional claim for breach of contract against EMC and a claim for successor liability against a new defendant, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. The Defendants filed their answer to the First Amended Complaint on August 30, 2011, and the parties are currently engaged in discovery. |
| Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation v. EMC Mortgage LLC (formerly known as EMC Mortgage Corporation), J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. (formerly known as Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.), and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, filed March 30, 2012). Ambac Assurance alleges claims for fraudulent inducement and breach of contract against EMC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as well as claims against JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as EMCs successor in interest, arising from the defendants misrepresentations and breaches of contractual warranties regarding certain transactions that are not the subject of Ambac Assurances previously filed lawsuit against the same defendants (described above). Defendants have not yet responded to the complaint. |
| Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation v. First Franklin Financial Corporation, Bank of America, N.A., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., Merrill Lynch Mortgage Lending, Inc., and Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc. (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, filed April 16, 2012). Ambac Assurance alleges breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, indemnification, reimbursement and requested the repurchase of loans that breach representations and warranties as required under the contracts, as well as damages. Defendants have not yet responded to the Complaint. |
| Ambac Assurance Corporation and the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation v. DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, filed on January 12, 2010). Ambac Assurance alleged breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, breach of implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, indemnification, reimbursement and requested the repurchase of loans that breach representations and warranties as required under the contracts, as well as damages. On July 8, 2010, the defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. Ambac Assurance opposed the motion. In decisions dated April 7, 2011 and October 7, 2011, the Court granted the defendants motion in part striking only Ambac Assurances claim for consequential damages and jury demand. The Court otherwise denied the defendants motion. Discovery is ongoing. No trial date has been set. |
| Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation v. Countrywide Securities Corp., Countrywide Financial Corp. (a.k.a. Bank of America Home Loans) and Bank of America Corp. (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, filed on September 28, 2010). Ambac Assurance filed an Amended Complaint on September 8, 2011. Ambac Assurance has alleged breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, indemnification and reimbursement, breach of representations and warranties and has requested the repurchase of loans that breach representations and warranties as required under the contracts as well as damages and has asserted a successor liability claim against Bank of America. The defendants answered the Amended Complaint on or about November 3, 2011. Discovery is ongoing. No trial date has been set. |
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It is not reasonably possible to predict whether additional suits will be filed or whether additional inquiries or requests for information will be made, and it is also not possible to predict the outcome of litigation, inquiries or requests for information. It is possible that there could be unfavorable outcomes in these or other proceedings. Legal accruals for certain litigation matters discussed above which are probable and reasonably estimable, and managements estimated range of loss for such matters, are not material to the operating results or financial position of the Company. For the remaining litigation matters that do not meet the probable and reasonably estimable accrual threshold and where no loss estimates have been provided above, management is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from unfavorable outcomes but, under some circumstances, adverse results in any such proceedings could be material to our business, operations, financial position, profitability or cash flows. The Company believes that it has substantial defenses to the claims filed against it in these lawsuits and, to the extent that these actions proceed, the Company intends to defend itself vigorously; however, the Company is not able to predict the outcomes of these actions.
12. Segment Information
Ambac has two reportable segments, as follows: (1) Financial Guarantee, which provided financial guarantees (including credit derivatives) for public finance, structured finance and other obligations; and (2) Financial Services, which provided investment agreements, funding conduits, interest rate and currency swaps, principally to clients of the financial guarantee business. Ambacs reportable segments were strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each business required different marketing strategies, personnel skill sets and technology.
Ambac Assurance guarantees the swap and investment agreement obligations of its Financial Services affiliates. Such premiums are determined as if they were premiums paid by third parties, that is, at current market prices. Additionally, Ambac Assurance provides loans to the Financial Services businesses. Inter-segment revenues include the premiums and investment income earned under those loan agreements.
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Information provided below for Corporate and Other primarily relates to corporate activities, including interest income on the investment portfolio. Corporate and Other intersegment revenue relates to payments under the Mediation Agreement between Ambac Financial Group and Ambac Assurance. For additional information on the Mediation Agreement, please refer to Note 1. The following table is a summary of financial information by reportable segment as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Three months ended March 31, |
Financial Guarantee |
Financial Services |
Corporate and Other |
Intersegment Eliminations |
Total Consolidated |
|||||||||||||||
2012: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated customers |
$ | 269,827 | $ | 54,252 | $ | 57 | $ | $ | 324,136 | |||||||||||
Intersegment |
1,499 | (1,443 | ) | 645 | (701 | ) | | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 271,326 | $ | 52,809 | $ | 702 | $ | (701 | ) | $ | 324,136 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Pre-tax loss from continuing operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated customers |
$ | 206,287 | $ | 51,670 | $ | (4,335 | ) | $ | | $ | 253,622 | |||||||||
Intersegment |
1,027 | (1,355 | ) | 328 | | | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Pre-tax loss from continuing operations |
$ | 207,314 | $ | 50,315 | $ | (4,007 | ) | $ | | $ | 253,622 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 26,183,305 | $ | 1,146,877 | $ | 42,702 | $ | | $ | 27,372,884 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
2011: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated customers |
$ | 175,011 | $ | 28,195 | $ | 77 | $ | | $ | 203,283 | ||||||||||
Intersegment |
22,679 | (22,605 | ) | | (74 | ) | | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 197,690 | $ | 5,590 | $ | 77 | $ | (74 | ) | $ | 203,283 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Pre-tax loss from continuing operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated customers |
$ | (815,081 | ) | $ | 23,390 | $ | (25,205 | ) | $ | | $ | (816,896 | ) | |||||||
Intersegment |
21,290 | (21,826 | ) | 536 | | | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Pre-tax loss from continuing operations |
$ | (793,791 | ) | $ | 1,564 | $ | (24,669 | ) | $ | | $ | (816,896 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 25,895,317 | $ | 1,447,059 | $ | 67,928 | $ | | $ | 27,410,304 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Included in the table above are revenues from unaffiliated customers for the three months ended March 31, 2012 relating to net investment income of $105,261 for Financial Guarantee, $6,799 for Financial Services and $57 for Corporate and Other, compared with $71,665, 4,726 and $77 for Financial Guarantee, Financial Services and Corporate and Other, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Included in the line item pre-tax loss from continuing operationsunaffiliated customers for the first quarter of 2012 is interest expense, of which $32,049 is for Financial Guarantee, $1,790 for Financial Services and $0 for Corporate and Other, compared to the first quarter of 2011 with $28,069, $2,191 and $0 for Financial Guarantee, Financial Services and Corporate and Other, respectively. Interest expense for Financial Guarantee relates to the interest accrued on surplus notes and interest from a secured borrowing on a variable interest entity, and Financial Services relates to the interest on investment agreements.
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The following tables summarize gross premiums written, net premiums earned and the net change in fair value of credit derivatives included in the Financial Guarantee segment, by location of risk for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Three months ended March 31, |
Gross Premiums Written |
Net Premiums Earned |
Net change in fair value of credit derivatives |
|||||||||
2012 |
||||||||||||
United States |
$ | (92,724 | ) | $ | 72,985 | $ | (3,451 | ) | ||||
United Kingdom |
6,414 | 15,041 | (3,624 | ) | ||||||||
Other international |
(6,284 | ) | 6,924 | (147 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
$ | (92,594 | ) | $ | 94,950 | $ | (7,222 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
2011 |
||||||||||||
United States |
$ | (144,266 | ) | $ | 71,481 | $ | (7,199 | ) | ||||
United Kingdom |
(7,269 | ) | 10,933 | (682 | ) | |||||||
Other international |
(8,676 | ) | 9,385 | (1,022 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
$ | (160,211 | ) | $ | 91,799 | $ | (8,903 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. Future Application of Accounting Standards and Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Future Application of Accounting Standards:
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The ASU requires disclosures to allow investors to better compare financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP with financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards. The new disclosures include: a) gross amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities; b) amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities offset on the balance sheet; c) net amounts after taking in account (a) and (b); d) amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreements not otherwise included in (b); and e) net amounts after deducting amounts in (d) from the amounts in (c). ASU 2011-11 is effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. Retrospective application is required. Ambac will adopt ASU 2011-11 on January 1, 2013. Since this ASU requires enhanced disclosures only, the adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on Ambacs financial statements.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards:
Effective January 1, 2012, Ambac adopted ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. Upon the adoption of this ASU, Ambac presented the components of net income and other comprehensive income in a single continuous statement within the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income. Components of other comprehensive income are no longer included within the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity.
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Item 2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
Cautionary Statement Pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
In this Quarterly Report, we have included statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as estimate, project, plan, believe, anticipate, intend, planned, potential and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as will, should, would, could, and may, or the negative of those expressions or verbs, identify forward-looking statements. We caution readers that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our beliefs regarding future events, which, may by their nature be inherently uncertain and some of which may be outside our control. These statements may relate to plans and objectives with respect to the future, among other things which may change. We are alerting you to the possibility that our actual results may differ, possibly materially, from the expected objectives or anticipated results that may be suggested, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those discussed under Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A of the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.
Any or all of managements forward-looking statements here or in other publications may turn out to be incorrect and are based on Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (Ambac or the Company) managements current belief or opinions. Ambacs actual results may vary materially, and there are no guarantees about the performance of Ambacs securities. Among events, risks, uncertainties or factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are: (1) a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 will not be consummated; (2) if Ambac is not successful in consummating a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11, it is likely it would have to liquidate pursuant to Chapter 7; (3) the impact of the bankruptcy proceeding on the holders of Ambac securities; (4) our dispute with the United States Internal Revenue Service may not be satisfactorily resolved; (5) the unlikely ability of Ambac Assurance Corporation (Ambac Assurance) paying dividends to Ambac in the foreseeable future; (6) adverse events arising from the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings, including the failure of the injunctions issued by the Wisconsin Rehabilitation Court to protect the Segregated Account and Ambac Assurance from certain adverse actions; (7) litigation arising from the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings; (8) decisions made by the Rehabilitator for the benefit of policyholders may result in material adverse consequences for Ambacs securityholders; (9) potential of a full rehabilitation proceeding against Ambac Assurance or material changes to the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan, with resulting adverse impacts; (10) inadequacy of reserves established for losses and loss expenses, including our inability to realize the remediation recoveries or future commutations included in our reserves; (11) adverse developments in our portfolio of insured public finance credits; (12) market risks impacting assets in our investment portfolio or the value of our assets posted as collateral in respect of investment agreements and interest rate swap and currency swap transactions; (13) risks relating to determination of amount of impairments taken on investments; (14) credit and liquidity risks due to unscheduled and unanticipated withdrawals on investment agreements; (15) market spreads and pricing on insured collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and other derivative products insured or issued by Ambac or its subsidiaries; (16) Ambacs financial position and the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings may prompt departures of key employees and may impact our ability to attract qualified executives and employees; (17) the risk of litigation and regulatory inquiries or investigations, and the risk of adverse outcomes in connection therewith, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, financial position, profitability or cash flows; (18) credit risk throughout our business, including but not limited to credit risk related to residential mortgage-backed securities, pooled student loan securitizations, CLOs, public finance obligations and exposures to reinsurers; (19) default by one or more of Ambac Assurances portfolio investments, insured issuers, counterparties or reinsurers; (20) the risk that our risk management policies and practices do not anticipate certain risks and/or the magnitude of potential for loss as a result of unforeseen risks; (21) factors that may influence the amount of installment premiums paid to Ambac, including the continuation of the moratorium with respect to claims payments as a result of Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings; (22) changes in prevailing interest rates; (23) the risk of volatility in income and earnings, including volatility due to the application of fair value accounting, required under the relevant derivative accounting guidance, to the portion of our credit enhancement business which is executed in credit derivative form; (24) changes in accounting principles or practices that may impact Ambacs reported financial results; (25) legislative and regulatory developments; (26) operational risks, including with respect to internal processes, risk models, systems and employees; (27) changes in tax laws, tax disputes and other tax-related risks; and (28) other risks and uncertainties that have not been identified at this time.
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OVERVIEW
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (Ambac or the Company), headquartered in New York City, is a holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware. Ambac was incorporated on April 29, 1991. On November 8, 2010, Ambac filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (Bankruptcy Code) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (Bankruptcy Court). Ambac has continued to operate in the ordinary course of business as debtor-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the orders of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company, as debtor and debtor-in-possession, filed a Fifth Amended Plan of Reorganization on March 12, 2012 (such Fifth Amended Plan of Reorganization, as it may be amended, the Reorganization Plan). The Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Reorganization Plan on March 14, 2012. Under the Reorganization Plan, Ambacs debt holders and other creditors will receive all of the equity in the reorganized company. Additionally, the Reorganization Plan sets forth the revised capital structure of a newly reorganized Ambac and provides for corporate governance subsequent to emergence from bankruptcy.
Ambac Assurance is Ambacs principal operating subsidiary. Ambac Assurance is a financial guarantee insurer which provided financial guarantees and financial services to clients in both the public and private sectors around the world. In March 2010, Ambac Assurance established a segregated account pursuant to Wisc. Stat. §611.24(2) (the Segregated Account) to segregate certain segments of Ambac Assurances liabilities. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Wisconsin (OCI (which term shall be understood to refer to such office as regulator of Ambac Assurance and to the Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Wisconsin as rehabilitator of the Segregated Account (the Rehabilitator), as the context requires)) commenced rehabilitation proceedings with respect to the Segregated Account (the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings) in order to permit the OCI to facilitate an orderly run-off and/or settlement of the liabilities allocated to the Segregated Account pursuant to the provisions of the Wisconsin Insurers Rehabilitation and Liquidation Act. The Rehabilitator is Theodore Nickel, the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin. Ambac Assurance is not, itself, in rehabilitation proceedings.
Through its financial services subsidiaries, Ambac provided financial and investment products, including investment agreements, funding conduits, interest rate and currency swaps, principally to the clients of its financial guarantee business. Ambac Assurance insured all of the obligations of its financial services subsidiaries. The interest rate swap and investment agreement businesses are in active runoff, which is being effectuated by means of transaction terminations, settlements, assignments and scheduled amortization of contracts.
Financial information concerning our business segments is set forth in the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, which are in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our Internet address is www.ambac.com. We make available free of charge, on or through the investor relations section of our web site, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as proxy statements, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Investor Relations Department can be contacted at Ambac Financial Group, Inc., One State Street Plaza, New York, New York 10004, Attn: Investor Relations, telephone: 212-208-3222.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
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Critical accounting policies are considered critical because they place significant importance on management to make difficult, complex or subjective estimates regarding matters that are inherently uncertain. Financial results could be materially different if alternative methodologies were used or if management modified its assumptions or estimates. Management has identified (i) the accounting for loss and loss expenses of non-derivative financial guarantees, (ii) the valuation of financial instruments, including the determination of whether an investment impairment is other-than-temporary and the (iii) valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, as critical accounting policies. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereon included elsewhere in this report. We have discussed with the Audit Committee managements assessment of such critical accounting policies, the reasons why they are considered critical, and how current and anticipated future events impact those determinations. The Companys critical accounting policies and estimates are as follows:
Losses and Loss Expenses of Non-derivative Financial Guarantees:
The loss and loss expense reserves for financial guarantee insurance discussed herein relates only to Ambacs non-derivative insurance business for insurance policies issued to beneficiaries, including variable interest entites (VIEs), for which we do not consolidate the VIE. Losses and loss expenses are based upon estimates of the ultimate aggregate losses inherent in the non-derivative financial guarantee portfolio as of the reporting date. The evaluation process for determining the level of reserves is subject to certain estimates and judgments.
ASC Topic 944, Financial ServicesInsurance provides guidance for financial guarantee insurance contracts issued by insurance enterprises, including the recognition and measurement of claim liabilities (i.e. loss reserves). Under ASC Topic 944, a loss reserve is recorded on the balance sheet for the excess of (a) the present value of expected losses, over (b) the unearned premium reserve (UPR) for that contract. Expected losses represent projected net cash flows and are defined as the expected future claims to be paid under an insurance contract plus the impact of potential settlement outcomes upon future installment premiums, less potential recoveries. To the extent (a) is less than (b), no loss reserve is recorded. Changes to the loss reserve estimate in subsequent periods are recorded as a loss and loss expense on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income. For those policies where the potential recovery is less than the expected future claims, the resulting net cash outflow is recorded as a Loss and loss expense reserve liability. For those policies where losses have been paid, but not yet recovered, the potential recovery may be greater than the expected future claims and the resulting net cash inflow is recorded as a Subrogation recoverable asset.
Ambacs loss reserves are based on managements on-going review of the non-derivative financial guarantee insurance portfolio. Active surveillance of the insured portfolio enables Ambacs surveillance group to track credit migration of insured obligations from period to period and update internal credit ratings for each transaction. Non-adversely classified credits are assigned a Class I or Survey List (SL) risk classification, while adversely classified credits are assigned a risk classification of Class IA through Class V. The criteria for an exposure to be assigned an adversely classified credit rating includes the deterioration of an issuers financial condition, underperformance of the underlying collateral (for collateral dependent transactions such as mortgage-backed securitizations), poor performance by the servicer of the underlying collateral and other adverse economic events or trends. The servicer of the underlying collateral of an insured securitization transaction is a consideration in assessing credit quality because the servicers performance can directly impact the performance of the related issue. For example, a servicer of a mortgage-backed securitization that does not remain current in its collection and loss mitigation efforts could cause an increase in delinquencies and potential defaults of the underlying obligations. Similarly, loss severities increase when a servicer does not effectively handle loss mitigation activities such as (i) the advancing of delinquent principal and interest and default-related expenses which are deemed to be recoverable by the servicer, (ii) pursuit of loan charge-offs which maximize cash flows from pools securitized assets, and (iii) other asset disposition strategies and timelines.
The population of credits evaluated in Ambacs loss reserve process are (i) all adversely classified credits and (ii) non-adversely classified credits which had an internal Ambac credit rating downgrade since the transactions inception. One of two approaches is then utilized to estimate expected losses to ultimately determine if a loss reserve should be established. The first approach is a statistical expected loss approach, which considers the likelihood of all
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possible outcomes. The base case statistical expected loss is the product of: (i) the net par outstanding on the credit; (ii) internally developed historical default information (taking into consideration internal ratings and average life of an obligation); (iii) internally developed loss severities; and (iv) a discount factor. The loss severities and default information are based on rating agency information, are specific to each bond type and were established and approved by Ambacs senior management. For certain credit exposures, Ambacs additional monitoring; loss remediation efforts and probabilities of potential settlement outcomes may provide information relevant to adjust this estimate of base case statistical expected losses. As such, the loss severities used in estimating the base case statistical expected losses may be adjusted based on the professional judgment of the surveillance analyst monitoring the credit with the approval of senior management. Analysts may accept the base case statistical expected loss as the best estimate of expected loss or assign multiple probability weighted severities to determine an adjusted statistical expected loss that better reflects a given transactions potential severity, as well as the potential for additional remediation activities.
The second approach entails the use of more precise estimates of future claim payments, net of potential recoveries, expected to be paid to the holder of the insured financial obligation. Ambacs surveillance group will consider the likelihood of all possible outcomes and develop appropriate cash flow scenarios. This approach can include the utilization of internal or external models to project future claim payment estimates. We have utilized external models for residential mortgage-backed and student loan exposures. In general, these tools use historical performance of the collateral pools in order to then assume or derive future performance characteristics, such as default and voluntary prepayment rates, which in turn determine projected future claim payments. In this approach a probability-weighted expected loss estimate is developed based on assigning probabilities to multiple claim payment scenarios and applying an appropriate discount factor. Additionally, we assign a probability to the issuers ability to refinance an insured issue and/or Ambacs ability to execute a potential settlement (i.e. commutation) of the insurance policy, inclusive of the impact on future installment premiums. The methodology used to estimate the most substantial amount of the potential recovery component of expected losses is further described in the RMBS Representation and Warranty Subrogation Recovery section below.
The discount factor applied to both of the above described approaches is based on a risk-free discount rate corresponding to the remaining expected weighted-average life of the exposure and the exposure currency. The discount factor is updated for the current risk-free rate each reporting period.
Ambac establishes loss expense reserves based on our estimate of expected net cash outflows for loss expenses, such as legal and consulting costs.
As the probability of default for an individual credit increases and/or the severity of loss given a default increases, our loss reserve for that insured obligation will also increase. Political, economic, credit or other unforeseen events could have an adverse impact on default probabilities and loss severities. The performance and loss reserves for many transactions (such as many public finance exposures) are derived from the issuers obligation to pay. The performance and loss reserves of other transactions such as most structured finance exposures including RMBS have no direct issuer support and therefore are derived from the default activity and loss given default of collateral supporting the transactions. Many transactions have a combination of issuer/entity and collateral support. Loss reserves reflect our assessment of the transactions overall structure, support and expected performance. Loss reserve volatility will be a direct result of the credit performance of our insured portfolio, including the number, size, bond types and quality of credits included in our loss reserves as well as our ability to execute commutations. The number and severity of credits included in our loss reserves depend to a large extent on transaction specific attributes, but will generally increase during periods of economic stress and decline during periods of economic stability. Reinsurance recoveries do not have a significant effect on loss reserve volatility because Ambac has little exposure ceded to reinsurers and has received collateral from the majority of its reinsurers.
Ambac has exposure to various bond types issued in the debt capital markets. Our experience has shown that, for the majority of bond types, we have not experienced significant claims. We have observed that, with respect to certain bond types, it is reasonably possible that a material change in actual loss severities and defaults could occur over time. In the future, our experience may differ with respect to the types of guaranteed bonds affected or the magnitude of the effect. The bond types that have experienced the most significant claims are residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), student loan securities and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs). These three bond types represent 92% of our ever-to-date insurance claims presented with RMBS comprising 88% of our ever-to-date claims payments.
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The table below indicates the number of credits, gross par outstanding and gross loss reserves (including loss adjustment expenses) related to policies in Ambacs loss reserves on credits at March 31, 2012:
($ in millions) |
Number of credits |
Gross par outstanding |
Gross
Loss Reserves(2) |
|||||||||
RMBS |
176 | $ | 16,779 | $ | 4,410 | |||||||
Student Loans |
64 | 5,981 | 1,109 | |||||||||
All other credits |
95 | 5,865 | 739 | |||||||||
Loss adjustment expenses |
n.a. | n.a. | 147 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Totals |
335 | $ | 28,625 | $ | 6,405 | (1) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Ceded Par Outstanding and ceded loss reserves are $1,287 and $155, respectively. Ceded loss reserves are included in Reinsurance Recoverable on paid and unpaid losses. |
(2) | Loss reserves of $6,405 are included in the balance sheet in the following line items: Loss and loss expense reserve$6,924 and Subrogation recoverable$519. |
RMBS:
Ambac insures RMBS transactions that contain first-lien mortgages. Ambac classifies its insured first-lien RMBS exposure principally into two broad credit risk classes: mid-prime (including Alt-A, interest only, and negative amortization) and sub-prime. Mid-prime loans were typically made to borrowers who had stronger credit profiles relative to sub-prime loans, but weaker than prime loans. Compared with mid-prime loans, sub-prime loans typically had higher loan-to-value ratios, reflecting the greater difficulty that sub-prime borrowers have in making down payments and the propensity of these borrowers to extract equity during refinancing. The mid-prime category includes:
| Loans with specific payment features that afforded borrowers the option to have lower payments in the early years with potential resets after several years. For example, so-called interest only loans have monthly payments comprised of interest but no principal. So called negative amortization loans permit borrowers to defer interest and principal in the early years and then make higher payments in the period after the reset. Both types may also have lower interest rates in the early years. Future increases in monthly payments, commonly called payment shock, raise the probability of delinquencies and defaults given the decline in house prices over the past few years. |
| Loans backed by borrowers who typically did not meet standard agency guidelines for documentation requirement, property type or loan-to-value ratio. These are typically higher-balance loans made to individuals who might have past credit problems that were not severe enough to warrant sub-prime classification, or borrowers who chose not to obtain a prime mortgage due to documentation requirements. |
Ambac has also insured RMBS transactions that contain predominantly second-lien mortgage loans such as closed-end seconds and home equity lines of credit. A second-lien mortgage loan is a type of loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral and the second-lien loan is subordinate to the first-lien loan outstanding on the home. The borrower is obligated to make monthly payments on both their first and second-lien loans. If the borrower defaults on the payments due under these loans and the property is subsequently liquidated, the liquidation proceeds are first utilized to pay off the first-lien loan (as well as costs due the servicer) and any remaining funds are applied to pay off the second-lien loan. As a result of this subordinate position to the first-lien loan, second-lien loans carry a significantly higher severity in the event of a loss, typically at or above 100% in the current housing market.
RMBS transaction-specific behavior is analyzed on a risk-priority basis. We employ a screening tool to assess the sufficiency of credit enhancement remaining in a transaction, as well as other adverse credit data that may identify deterioration. Transactions which are experiencing escalating delinquencies and increasing loss severities and/or which are experiencing declining levels of subordination or overcollateralization relative to collateral losses are identified as underperforming. For underperforming transactions, historical collateral performance is examined and future collateral performance and cash flows are projected and evaluated. These underperforming transactions are then included in an adversely classified credit list and assigned a credit classification consistent with the degree of underperformance.
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Methodology for Projecting Expected Losses in our RMBS Portfolio
For the first three quarters of 2011, we determined expected losses by using (i) an internal roll-rate model to project losses for our second-lien transactions; (ii) and a licensed third-party multi-scenario stochastic (Monte Carlo) cash flow model (stochastic model) to project losses for our first-lien transactions; and (iii) a licensed statistical regression model (regression model) to develop estimates of projected losses for both our second and first-lien transactions. As of the quarter ending December 31, 2011, we discontinued the use of both the stochastic model and the internal roll-rate model and utilized the regression model to develop estimates of projected losses.
Our reserving methodology in the first three quarters of 2011 reflected a blending of the results of the two approaches used for each transaction, with 50% probability assigned to the regression model and 50% assigned to either our internal roll-rate model in the case of second-lien transactions or to the stochastic model in the case of our first-lien transactions. In the months leading up to the transition to one model, we worked extensively with the vendor for the regression model to ensure the model was adequately projecting the performance of our transactions, and to provide additional information and data to improve the precision of the models projections. Prior to solely utilizing the results of the regression model, our internal RMBS credit and quantitative professionals evaluated and analyzed the results of the regression model versus loss estimates generated utilizing our internal roll-rate model for second-lien transactions and our stochastic model for first-lien transactions. This cross disciplined team compared the specific drivers and methodology of the regression model with our existing approaches, and analyzed deal performance and model outputs across the portfolio. For example, the team considered the general reasonableness of the models projected defaults of borrowers not currently in seriously delinquent or worse payment status and also conducted selective collateral analyses. The team also assessed the models cumulative loss estimates and compared such estimates by asset type and vintage with rating agency and other published loss projections. Based upon this analysis, we believe the exclusive use of the regression model to project RMBS losses is reasonable at this time. Although RMBS loss projections can be widely disparate and there can be no certainty with regard to projecting such losses, we believe our current reserving approach, including the regression model itself and the assumptions utilized, is sound and reasonable.
The regression model is subject to ongoing refinements resulting from industry research and performance that better inform model assumptions, enhanced model capabilities and other factors. A new release of this model was implemented in the first quarter of 2012 and includes, among other enhancements, improved treatment of borrowers payment history to better reflect our belief that borrowers with strong payment history will experience lower default rates than borrowers with poor payment history.
In our experience, market performance and model characteristics change and are updated through time and a regular review of models and the overall approach to loss estimation is beneficial. Our ability to drive change in the models we license is limited and subject to the expertise and views of the independent developer/vendor. On the other hand, our ability to estimate losses without such models is difficult and challenging for a large portfolio across multiple RMBS exposure types.
Summarized below is our approach to projecting claims and ultimate losses in our RMBS portfolio.
Second-Lien
The regression model estimates mortgage loan collateral performance, the effect of such collateral cash flows within the transaction waterfall and the liability structure we insure. Collateral performance is frequently modeled at the deal level given the paucity of mortgage loan level data for second-lien transactions. Without specific loan-level information, the deal-level approach processes a loan pool as if it were a single loan, selecting certain aggregated deal-level characteristics to then perform a statistical analysis using a multinomial logistic regression model. We use three home price appreciation (HPA) projection scenarios to develop a base case as well as stress and upside cases. The highest probability is assigned to the base case, with significantly lower probabilities to the stress and upside cases. This deal-level approach of the regression model takes a relatively complicated monthly cash flow and simplifies it into two parts: a borrower-behavior-dependent stage and a servicer-behavior-dependent stage. The borrower stage is designed to forecast the probability of a loans present delinquency status transitioning to any of
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eight future statuses. Through the borrower-behavior-dependent stage, at any given monthly period, a loan can take on one of the following eight statuses: current, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180+ days delinquent, or prepaid. The deal-level approach calculates defaults using a roll-rate that evaluates the possible future state of a set of loans based on its current status and three variables: average FICO (credit score), average current consolidated loan to value ratio (CLTV), and an overall quality indicator. The servicer-behavior-dependent stage of the regression model governs a loans life cycle after it reaches 180 or more days delinquent. This stage evaluates the servicers propensity to foreclose or pursue a short sale, the speed of the foreclosure process, and the speed of the post-foreclosure distressed property liquidation. The transition probabilities between advanced delinquency and foreclosure, foreclosure and REO, and finally REO and ultimate liquidation are assumed by the model to depend upon how long a loan has already been in a particular status, as well as on the servicer and on state-specific liquidation timeline factors.
The internal roll-rate model used until third quarter 2011 observes trends in delinquencies, defaults, loss severities and prepayments and extrapolates ultimate performance from this data on an individual transaction basis (and their component pools where they exist). As more information (performance and other) accumulates for each underperforming transaction we were able to update assumptions in this model to reflect these changes. In employing the roll-rate methodology, we examined the historical rate at which delinquent loans in each transaction rolled into later delinquency categories (i.e. 30-59 days, 60-89 days, 90+ days). This historical rate was adjusted each period to reflect current performance. The key inputs for this model were prepayment rates and loss severity. Voluntary prepayments have declined, driven by negative HPA, an impaired mortgage market, and borrowers inability to prepay balances. In our opinion, these factors will not improve in the foreseeable future and thus we generally projected recent trends into the future. This resulted in projected prepayment rates in the 2% to 5% range. We estimated loss severities between 100% and 105% as we expected complete write-offs of mortgage loans exacerbated by carrying costs. We determined a pool specific current-to-30-to-59 day delinquency curve and applied a statistical regression technique to historical roll rates. We carried forward the non-performing mortgages through the delinquency pipeline through the 60-89 and 90+ day delinquency categories all the way through to charge-off. We used this data in the internal roll-rate model to project a default curve for the life of the transaction.
First-Lien
For most first-lien transactions, the regression model utilizes home mortgage loan level data from recognized market sources to calculate each loans probability of default and prepayment based on the characteristics of the loan. The loan-level approach of the regression model uses the results of a regression analysis to project prepayment and default vectors on a monthly basis based on its embedded risks. For first-lien transactions that do not have loan-level data available, we use the deal-level approach of the regression model that is described in the Second-Lien section above.
There are three transitional stages with the loan-level approach of the regression model: current, prepayment or default. The model then looks beyond the stages to assess a set of loans based on a number of individual characteristics that are distinct to that set of loans. These individual characteristics are property type, occupancy status, loan purpose, documentation type, cumulative loan-to-value ratio, originator quality rating, servicer quality rating, FICO score, original loan balance, interest rate margin, and regional unemployment rate. The model then estimates the rate at which a loan will prepay or default reducing the balance of each loan monthly during the projection period based on the borrowers given probability of defaulting or prepaying for that month. Servicer behavior is a unique variable in the loan-level approach of the regression model and is used to calculate the impact of servicer performance on expected prepayments and defaults. Consistent with the second-lien modeling, we consider three HPA scenarios in the regression model to develop a base case as well as stress and upside cases. The highest probability is assigned to the base case, with significantly lower probabilities to the stress and upside cases.
The stochastic model used in prior periods projected multiple scenarios at the individual mortgage loan level using various inputs, including:
(i) | Home price projections obtained from an independent third party at the Core Based Statistical Area (CBSA) level; |
(ii) | An interest rate tool to generate term interest rate scenarios; |
(iii) | An unemployment module to project unemployment rates at the state level; |
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(iv) | A mortgage home loan-level credit module to estimate the probability of monthly loan level credit performance through time across eight possible status states (current, 30 day delinquent, 60 day delinquent, 90 + day delinquent, foreclosure, REO, prepay, and default); and |
(v) | A severity module which pairs with the credit module and, on the basis of loan level information, generates a Loss Given Default severity time line. |
The pool of mortgage loans backing each securitization was selected from a loan-level database and the loss and prepayment scenarios across all loans were used to generate aggregated future collateral cash flows. The stochastic model embeds all the priority of payments and cash-diversion structures documented in the contracts which define the liability payment obligations of the security being analyzed. We took the average of the 300 stochastic claim cash-flow scenarios and discount it, as appropriate, to estimate the net cash outflows.
Additional RMBS factors for first and second-lien transactions
Additional factors that may impact ultimate RMBS losses include, but may not be limited to, mortgage insurance, government programs and servicer intervention. These factors, and the impact on our loss reserve estimate, are further discussed below:
Mortgage insurance: Six of our mortgage-backed transactions have pool-level mortgage insurance remaining. Pool mortgage insurance is a master policy issued to the mortgage securitization trust, which indemnifies the trust either on a first loss or mezzanine basis in the event that covered mortgage loans in the trust default. The mortgage insurance master policy specifies the particular characteristics and conditions of each individual loan within the mortgage trust that is subject to coverage. The policy also includes various conditions including exclusions, conditions for notification of loans in default and claims settlement. We have noted with regard to these transactions that payment by mortgage insurers of claims presented by the mortgage trusts has been inconsistent; resulting in higher claims presented under Ambac Assurances financial guarantee policies. As a result, the impact of mortgage insurance on our loss reserve estimate is negligible.
Government programs: In May of 2009, the Federal Government initiated the Home Affordable Modification Plan (HAMP) which allows servicers to modify loans. After determining a borrowers eligibility, a servicer can take a series of steps to reduce the monthly mortgage payment. HAMP is applicable to the Ambac-wrapped transactions serviced by the servicers that have signed servicer participation agreements to modify loans under HAMP. Based on the activity HAMP offers and indications from government published sources that suggest this program is unlikely to have a material impact on Ambac-wrapped transactions, beginning in the third quarter of 2011 we no longer assumed any impact for HAMP on our first-lien portfolio. At December 31, 2010, Ambacs first-lien stochastic model assumed that 0.5% of HAMP-eligible loans will be modified monthly for 24 months for Ambac portfolios serviced by HAMP participating servicers. During the first half of 2011 we reduced the impact of HAMP modifications to reflect the reported performance of HAMP. We have not given credit to any other government programs, most of which are targeted to home mortgages that are bank owned, and not in RMBS securitizations.
Servicer Intervention: With the exception of the internal second-lien roll-rate model used until the fourth quarter of 2011, we are able to include in our modeling the steps which Ambac is taking to address shortcomings in servicing performance including transfers of servicing where the legal right exists to do so. Ambac has initiated, with the cooperation of the Rehabilitator of the Segregated Account, programs with special servicers that we believe will mitigate losses on such transactions through intervention strategies such as loan modifications, improved liquidation timelines, and short sales. Ambac believes these are the principal factors that will result in reduced losses over time. Given the uncertainty in initiating additional programs of this nature, we are projecting that only exposures that have already transferred servicing or entered into special servicing agreements will benefit from the effects of servicer intervention strategies.
RMBS Representation and Warranty Subrogation Recoveries:
In an effort to better understand the unprecedented levels of delinquencies, Ambac or its counsel engaged consultants with significant mortgage underwriting experience to review the underwriting documentation for mortgage loans underlying certain insured RMBS transactions. Transactions which exhibited exceptionally poor performance were chosen for further examination of the underwriting documentation supporting the underlying loans. Factors which Ambac believes to be indicative of poor performance include (i) high levels of early payment
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defaults, (ii) significant number of loan liquidations or charge-offs and resulting high levels of losses, and (iii) rapid elimination of credit protections inherent in the transactions structures. Item (ii), loan liquidations refers to loans for which the servicer has liquidated the related collateral and the securitization has realized losses on the loan; charge-offs refers to loans which have been written off as uncollectible by the servicer, thereby generating no recoveries to the securitization, and may also refer to the unrecovered balance of liquidated loans. In either case, the servicer has taken actions to recover against the collateral, and the securitization has incurred losses to the extent such actions did not result in full repayment of the borrowers obligations. Generally, the sponsor of the transaction provided representations and warranties with respect to the securitized loans, including representations with respect to the loan characteristics, the absence of fraud or other misconduct in the origination process, and attesting to the compliance of loans with the prevailing underwriting policies. In such cases, the sponsor of the transaction is contractually obligated to repurchase, cure or substitute collateral for any loan that breaches the representations and warranties. Refer to Note 6 of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for more information regarding representation and warranty subrogation recoveries.
The table below distinguishes between RMBS credits for which we have not established a representation and warranty subrogation recovery and those for which we have, providing in both cases the number of credits, gross par outstanding, gross loss reserves before subrogation recoveries, subrogation recoveries, and gross loss reserves net of subrogation for all RMBS exposures for which Ambac established reserves at March 31, 2012:
($ in millions) |
Number of policies |
Gross par outstanding |
Gross loss reserve before subrogation recoveries |
Subrogation recoveries |
Gross loss reserve net of subrogation recoveries |
|||||||||||||||
Second-lien |
20 | $ | 2,462 | 559 | | $ | 559 | |||||||||||||
First-lien-Mid-prime |
58 | 4,286 | 2,144 | | 2,144 | |||||||||||||||
First-lien-Sub-prime |
40 | 1,657 | 202 | | 202 | |||||||||||||||
Other |
13 | 554 | 276 | | 276 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total Credits Without Subrogation |
131 | 8,959 | 3,181 | | 3,181 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Second-lien |
24 | 3,746 | 1,660 | (1,549 | ) | 111 | ||||||||||||||
First-lien Mid-prime |
16 | 1,830 | 1,186 | (621 | ) | 565 | ||||||||||||||
First-lien Sub-prime |
5 | 2,244 | 1,038 | (485 | ) | 553 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total Credits With Subrogation |
45 | 7,820 | 3,884 | (2,655 | ) | 1,229 | ||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
176 | $ | 16,779 | $ | 7,065 | $ | (2,655 | ) | $ | 4,410 | ||||||||||
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STUDENT LOANS:
Our student loan portfolio consists of credits collateralized by (i) federally guaranteed loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and (ii) private student loans. Whereas FFELP loans are guaranteed for a minimum of 97% of defaulted principal and interest, private loans have no government guarantee and therefore are subject to credit risk as with other types of unguaranteed credits. Private student loans are outside the purview of recent government programs designed to assist borrowers. Recent default data has shown a continued deterioration in the performance of private student loans underlying our transactions. Due to the failure of the auction rate and variable rate markets in 2008, the interest rates on the Ambac insured securities increased significantly to punitive levels pursuant to the terms of the transactions. Such increases have caused the collateralization ratio in these transactions to deteriorate due to negative excess spread and/or the use of principal receipts to pay current interest. Further rating agency downgrades of outstanding auction rate notes has resulted in a step-ups of the interest rate payable on such securities which further accelerate the erosion of the trust estate.
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Methodology for Projecting Expected Losses in our Student Loan Portfolio
The calculation of loss reserves for our student loan portfolio involves evaluating numerous factors that can impact ultimate losses. The factor which contributes to the greatest degree of uncertainty in ascertaining appropriate loss reserves is the long time horizon associated with the final legal maturity date of the bonds. Most of the student loan bonds which we insure were issued with original terms of 20 to 40 years until final maturity. Since our policy covers timely interest and ultimate payment of principal, our loss projections must make assumptions for many factors covering a long time horizon. Key assumptions that will impact ultimate losses include but are not limited to the following: collateral performance which is highly correlated to the economic environment, interest rates, operating risks associated with the issuer, servicers, administrators, issuers willingness and ability to refinance, investor appetitive for tendering Auction Rate Securities at a discount and, as applicable, Ambacs ability and willingness to commute policies.
In evaluating our Student Loan portfolio, losses were projected using either a cash flow or statistical expected loss approach. As noted above, the statistical methodology uses probability of default and loss given default (LGD) under various scenarios to derive at a weighted average loss expectation. The scenarios used under the statistical expected loss approach evaluate each transaction under base case and stress case scenarios. The main drivers in assigning appropriate probabilities to LGDs for each policy includes an analysis of the collateral mix; debt type and interest rates; parity level; enhancement levels and remediation opportunities. We believe the statistical expected loss approach is a more efficient methodology for certain deals in our student loan portfolio, such as (i) deals where collateral loan level data is unavailable (and thus the cash flow model, as more fully discussed below could not be used), and (ii) deals where we do not expect to experience meaningful losses.
We use a third party deterministic cash flow model to develop loss projections for a portion of our portfolio. The model allows us to capture each transactions particular structure (i.e. the waterfall structure, triggers, redemption priority). For collateral performance, the model uses loan level detail that allows us to make specific default and recovery assumptions for each type of loan. We contract with a separate third party to run the model at our direction. We provide the third party with the material deal level assumptions such as default, recovery and interest rate assumptions.
We develop multiple cash flow scenarios and assign probabilities to each cash flow scenario based on each transactions unique situation. Probabilities assigned are based on available data related to the credit, any contact with the issuer, and any economic or market information that may impact the outcomes of the various scenarios being evaluated. Our base case usually projects the deal out to maturity using expected loss assumptions and interest rates adhering to the projected forward interest rate curve at the reporting date. We also develop stress cases that incorporate various stresses to the transaction, including but not limited to defaults, recoveries and interest rates. In estimating loss reserves, we also incorporate scenarios which represent remediation strategies. Remediation scenarios may include the following; (i) a potential refinancing of the transactions by the issuer; (ii) the issuers ability to redeem outstanding auction rate securities at a discount, thereby increasing the structures ability to absorb future losses; and (iii) our ability to terminate the policy in whole or in part (e.g. commutation). The remediation scenarios and the related probabilities of occurrence vary by policy depending on on-going discussions and negotiations that are underway with issuers and/or investors. In addition to commutation negotiations that are underway with various counterparties in various forms, our reserve estimates may also include scenarios which incorporate our ability to commute additional exposure with other counterparties.
REASONABLY POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL LOSSES:
RMBS:
It is possible that our loss estimate assumptions for the RMBS insurance policies discussed above could be materially under-estimated as a result of continued deterioration in housing prices, poor servicing, the effects of a weakened economy marked by growing unemployment and wage pressures, inability to execute commutation transactions with insurers and/or investors and/or continued illiquidity of the mortgage market. Additionally, our actual subrogation recoveries could be lower than our current estimates of $2,655.4 million if the sponsors of these transactions: (i) fail to honor their obligations to repurchase the mortgage loans, (ii) successfully dispute our breach findings, or (iii) no longer have the financial means to fully satisfy their obligations under the transaction documents.
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We have attempted to identify the reasonably possible additional losses using more stressful assumptions. Different methodologies, assumptions and models could produce different base and reasonably possible additional losses and actual results may differ materially from any of these various modeled results.
In the case of both first and second-lien exposures, the regression models reasonably possible stress case assumes a significantly harsher HPA projection, which in turn drives higher defaults and severities. Using this approach, the reasonably possible increase in loss reserves for RMBS credits for which we have an estimate of expected loss at March 31, 2012 could be approximately $901 million. The reasonably possible scenario considers the highest stress scenario that was utilized in the development of our probability-weighted expected loss at March 31, 2012 and assumes an inability to execute commutation transactions with issuers and/or investors.
Student Loans:
It is possible that our loss estimate assumptions for student loan credits could be materially under-estimated as a result of various uncertainties including but not limited to, the interest rate environment, an increase in default rates and loss severities on the collateral due to economic factors, inadequate servicing, inability to execute commutation transactions with issuers and/or investors, as well as a failure of issuers to refinance insured bonds which have a failed debt structure, such as auction rate securities and variable rate debt obligations. For student loan credits for which we have an estimate of expected loss at March 31, 2012, the reasonably possible increase in loss reserves from loss reserves at March 31, 2012 could be approximately $1,034 million. The reasonably possible scenario considers the highest stress scenario that was utilized in the development of our probability-weighted expected loss at March 31, 2012 and assumes an inability to execute commutation transactions with issuers and/or investors.
Ambacs management believes that the reserves for losses and loss expenses and unearned premium reserves are adequate to cover the ultimate net cost of claims, but reserves are based on estimates and there can be no assurance that the ultimate liability for losses will not exceed such estimates.
Valuation of Financial Instruments:
Ambacs financial instruments that are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value and subject to valuation estimates include investments in fixed income securities, VIE assets and liabilities and derivatives comprising credit default, interest rate and currency swap transactions. Surplus notes issued by Ambac Assurance or the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance are recorded at fair value at the date of issuance and subsequently reported at amortized cost within Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Determination of fair value for newly issued surplus notes is a highly subjective process which relies upon the use of significant unobservable inputs and management judgment consistent with a Level 3 valuation.
The fair market values of financial instruments held are determined by using independent market quotes when available and valuation models when market quotes are not available. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures requires the categorization of these assets and liabilities according to a fair value valuation hierarchy. Approximately 83% of our assets and approximately 71% of our liabilities are carried at fair value and categorized in either Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy (meaning that their fair value was determined by reference to quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets and other observable inputs) or Level 3 (meaning that their fair value was determined by reference to significant inputs that are unobservable in the market and therefore require a greater degree of management judgment). The determination of fair value for financial instruments categorized in Level 2 or 3 involves significant judgment due to the complexity of factors contributing to the valuation. Third-party sources from which we obtain independent market quotes also use assumptions, judgments and estimates in determining financial instrument values and different third parties may use different methodologies or provide different prices for securities. In addition, the use of internal valuation models for certain highly structured instruments, such as credit default swaps, require assumptions about markets in which there has been a negligible amount of trading activity for several years. As a result of these factors, the actual trade value of a financial instrument in the market, or exit value of a financial instrument position owned by Ambac, may be significantly different from its recorded fair value. Refer to Note 7 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for discussion related to the transfers in and/or out of Level 1, 2 and 3 fair value categories.
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Investment in Fixed Income Securities:
Investments in fixed income securities are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 320, InvestmentsDebt and Equity Securities. ASC Topic 320 requires that all debt instruments and certain equity instruments be classified in Ambacs Consolidated Balance Sheets according to their purpose and, depending on that classification, be carried at either cost or fair market value. The fair values of fixed income investments held in the investment portfolios of Ambac and its operating subsidiaries are based primarily on quoted market prices received from dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. For those fixed income investments where quotes were not available, fair values are based on internal valuation models. Refer to Note 7 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further discussion of the valuation methods, inputs and assumptions for fixed income securities. Ambac performs various review and validation procedures to quoted and modeled prices for fixed income securities, including price variance analyses, missing and static price reviews, overall valuation analyses by senior traders and finance managers and reviews associated with our ongoing impairment analysis. Unusual prices identified through these procedures will be evaluated further against separate broker quotes (if available) or internally modeled prices, and the pricing source values will be challenged as necessary. Price challenges generally result in the use of the pricing sources quote as originally provided or as revised by the source following their internal diligence process. A price challenge may result in a determination that the pricing source cannot provide a reasonable value for a security or cannot adequately support a quote, in which case Ambac would resort to using either other quotes or internal models. Results of price challenges are reviewed and approved by senior traders and finance managers. Valuation results, particularly those derived from valuation models and quotes on certain mortgage and asset-backed securities, could differ materially from amounts that would actually be realized in the market.
Ambacs investments in fixed income securities (excluding VIE investments) classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with the after-tax difference from amortized cost reflected in stockholders equity as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI). One of the significant estimates related to available-for-sale securities is the evaluation of investments for other-than-temporary impairments. Under GAAP, if management assesses that it either (i) has the intent to sell its investment in a debt security or (ii) more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss, then an other-than-temporary impairment charge must be recognized in earnings, with the amortized cost of the security being written-down to fair value. If these conditions are not met, but it is determined that a credit loss exists, the impairment is separated into the amount related to the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and the amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. To determine whether a credit loss has occurred, management considers certain factors, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value of the security has been less than its amortized cost and downgrades of the securitys credit rating. If such factors indicate that a potential credit loss exists, management will compare the present value of estimated cash flows from the security to the amortized cost basis to assess whether the entire amortized cost basis will be recovered. When it is determined that all or a portion of the amortized cost basis will not be recovered, a credit impairment charge is recorded in earnings in the amount of the difference between the present value of cash flows and the amortized cost at the balance sheet date, with the amortized cost basis of the impaired security written-down to the present value of cash flows. Ambac estimates expected future cash flows from residential mortgage-backed securities using models and assumptions consistent with those used to project losses in the financial guarantee RMBS portfolio described above under Critical Accounting PoliciesLosses and Loss Expenses of Non-derivative Financial Guarantees. Estimated cash flows are discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition or, for debt securities that are beneficial interests in securitized financial assets, at a rate equal to the current yield used to accrete the beneficial interest. For floating rate securities, estimated cash flows are projected using the relevant index rate forward curve and the discount rate is adjusted for changes in that curve. For debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairments were recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected are accreted as interest income over the expected remaining life of the security.
Ambacs investment portfolio includes certain securities that are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance. As described further in Note 8 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, future cash flows used to measure credit impairment of Ambac-wrapped bonds represents the sum of (i) the bonds intrinsic cash flows and (ii) the estimated fair value of Ambac claim payments. Under the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan, which has been confirmed but is not effective and is subject to change, future claim payments made by Ambac Assurance on these securities would be satisfied 25% in cash and 75% in surplus notes. However, it is uncertain whether the actual form and amount of claim payments will conform to that set forth in the Segregated
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Account Rehabilitation Plan. Pursuant to the injunctions issued by the Rehabilitation Court, claims on policies allocated to the Segregated Account have not been paid since the commencement of the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings. The Rehabilitator may seek to effectuate the current Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan, modify such Plan or modify the injunctions issued by the Rehabilitation Court to allow for the payment of policy claims in such manner and at such times as the Rehabilitator determines to be in the best interest of policyholders. As a result, the date that claim payments will resume is uncertain and estimation of the fair value of future claim payments is highly subjective.
The evaluation of securities for impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuers or guarantors financial condition and/or future prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the expected recovery period. There is also significant judgment in determining whether Ambac intends to sell securities or will continue to have the ability to hold temporarily impaired securities until recovery. Future events could occur that were not reasonably foreseen at the time management rendered its judgment on the Companys intent to retain such securities until recovery. Examples of such events include, but are not limited to, the deterioration in the issuers or guarantors creditworthiness, a change in regulatory requirements or a major business combination or major disposition.
VIE Assets and Liabilities:
The financial assets and liabilities of VIEs consolidated under ASC Topic 810, Consolidation consist primarily of fixed income securities, loans receivable, derivative instruments and debt instruments and are generally carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Income (loss) on variable interest entities of the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income. These consolidated VIEs are primarily securitization entities which have liabilities and/or assets guaranteed by Ambac Assurance or Ambac UK. The fair values of VIE debt instruments are determined using the same methodologies used to value Ambacs fixed income securities in its investment portfolio as described above.
VIE derivative asset and liability fair values are determined using valuation models. When specific derivative contractual terms are available and may be valued primarily by reference to interest rates, exchange rates and yield curves that are observable and regularly quoted, the derivatives are valued using vendor-developed models. Other derivatives within the VIEs that include significant unobservable valuation inputs are valued using internally developed models.
The fair value of VIE assets are obtained from market quotes when available. Typically the asset fair values are not readily available from market quotes and are estimated internally. The consolidated VIEs are securitization entities in which net cash flows from assets and derivatives (after adjusting for financial guarantor cash flows and other expenses) will be paid out to note holders or equity interests. Therefore, when market quotes are not available, our valuation of VIE assets (fixed income securities or loans) are derived from the fair value of debt and derivatives, as described above, adjusted for the fair value of cash flows related to the financial guarantee. The fair value of financial guarantee cash flows include: (i) estimated future premiums discounted at a rate consistent with that implicit in the fair value of the VIEs liabilities and (ii) internal estimates of future loss payments by Ambac Assurance or Ambac UK discounted to consider the guarantors credit risk.
Derivatives:
Ambacs operating subsidiaries exposure to derivative instruments is created primarily through interest rate swaps, US Treasury futures contracts and credit default swaps. These contracts are accounted for at fair value under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. Valuation models are used for the derivatives portfolios, using market data from a variety of third-party data sources. Several of the more significant types of market data that influence fair value include interest rates (taxable and tax-exempt), credit spreads, default probabilities, recovery rates, comparable securities with observable pricing, and the credit rating of the referenced entities. The valuation of certain interest rate and currency swaps as well as all credit derivative contracts also require the use of data inputs and assumptions that are determined by management and are not readily observable in the market, including the amount that Ambacs own credit risk impacts the fair value of derivative liabilities. Refer to Note 7 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further discussion of the models, model
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inputs and assumptions used to value derivative instruments. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the assumptions used in the valuation models to determine the fair value of derivative instruments, actual value realized in a market transaction may differ significantly from the estimates reflected in our financial statements.
Ambacs credit derivative valuation model, like any financial model, has certain strengths and weaknesses. We believe our models primary strength is that it maximizes the use of market-driven inputs. Most importantly, the model uses market-based discount rates and fair values of the underlying reference obligations. Ambac employs a three-level hierarchy for obtaining reference obligation fair values used in the model as follows: (i) broker quotes on the reference obligation, (ii) prices and spreads from other transactions in the portfolio with similar asset, structure and credit attributes, and (iii) internal models comparable to those used for invested assets when quotes are unavailable. We believe using this type of approach is preferable to other models, which may emphasize modeled expected losses or which rely more heavily on the use of market indices that may not be reflective of the underlying reference obligation. Another strength is that our model is relatively easy to understand, which increases its transparency.
A potential weakness of our valuation model is our reliance on broker quotes obtained from dealers which originated the underlying transactions, who in certain cases may also be the counterparty to our CDS transaction. All of the transactions falling into this category are illiquid and it is usually difficult to obtain alternative quotes. Ambac employs various procedures to corroborate the reasonableness of quotes received; including comparing to other quotes received on similarly structured transactions, observed spreads on structured products with comparable underlying assets and, on a selective basis when possible, values derived through internal estimates of discounted future cash flows. Each quarter, the portfolio of CDS transactions is reviewed to ensure every reference obligation price has been updated. Period to period valuations are compared for each CDS and by underlying bond type. For each CDS, this analysis includes comparisons of key valuation inputs to the prior period and against other CDS within the bond type. No adjustments were made to the broker quotes we received when determining fair value of CDS contracts as of March 31, 2012. Another potential weakness of our valuation model is the lack of new CDS transactions executed by financial guarantors, which makes it difficult to validate the percentage of the reference obligation spread which would be captured as a CDS fee at the valuation date (i.e. the relative change ratio). Changes to the relative change ratio based on internal ratings assigned are another potential weakness as internal ratings could differ from actual ratings provided by rating agencies. However, we believe our internal ratings are updated at least as frequently as the external ratings. We believe the approach we have developed to increase the relative change ratio as the underlying reference obligation experiences credit deterioration is consistent with a market-based approach to valuation. Ultimately, our approach exhibits the same weakness as other modeling approaches, as it is unclear if we could execute at these values.
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets:
Our provision for taxes is based on our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available. Deferred tax assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. More specifically, deferred tax assets represent a future tax benefit (or receivable) that results from losses recorded under U.S. GAAP in a current period which are only deductible for tax purposes in future periods and net operating loss carry forwards. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, we evaluate our deferred income taxes quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. ASC Topic 740 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a more likely than not standard. All available evidence, both positive and negative, needs to be identified and considered in making the determination with significant weight given to evidence that can be objectively verified. The level of deferred tax asset recognition is influenced by managements assessment of future expected taxable income, which depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character (ordinary vs. capital) within the carry back or carry forward periods available under the tax law. In the event that we determine that we would not be able to realize all or a portion of our deferred tax assets, we would record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable in the period in which that determination is made.
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Financial Guarantees in Force
Financial guarantee products were sold in three principal markets: the U.S. public finance market, the U.S. structured finance market and the international finance market. The following table provides a breakdown of guaranteed net par outstanding by market sector at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Guaranteed net par outstanding includes the exposures of policies that insure VIEs consolidated in accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation:
($ in millions) |
March 31, 2012 |
December 31, 2011 |
||||||
Public Finance |
$ | 170,313 | $ | 176,817 | ||||
Structured Finance |
52,201 | 55,145 | ||||||
International Finance |
40,894 | 40,542 | ||||||
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|
|
|
|||||
Total net par outstanding |
$ | 263,408 | $ | 272,504 | ||||
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|
|
Included in the above net par exposures at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are $13,643 and $14,167, respectively, of exposures that were executed in the form of credit derivatives, primarily collateralized loan exposures.
Ratings Distribution
The following tables provide a rating distribution of guaranteed total net par outstanding based upon internal Ambac Assurance credit ratings at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and a distribution by bond type of Ambac Assurances below investment grade exposures at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Below investment grade is defined as those exposures with a credit rating below BBB-:
Percentage of Guaranteed Portfolio (1)
March 31, 2012 |
December 31, 2011 |
|||||||
AAA |
1 | % | 1 | % | ||||
AA |
24 | 24 | ||||||
A |
43 | 43 | ||||||
BBB |
17 | 17 | ||||||
BIG |
15 | 15 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
100 | % | 100 | % | ||||
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|
|
|
(1) | Internal credit ratings are provided solely to indicate the underlying credit quality of guaranteed obligations based on the view of Ambac Assurance. In cases where Ambac Assurance has insured multiple tranches of an issue with varying internal ratings, or more than one obligation of an issuer with varying internal ratings, a weighted average rating is used. Ambac Assurance credit ratings are subject to revision at any time and do not constitute investment advice. Ambac Assurance, or one of its affiliates, has guaranteed the obligations listed and may also provide other products or services to the issuers of these obligations for which Ambac Assurance may have received premiums or fees. |
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Summary of Below Investment Grade Exposure
Bond Type |
March 31, 2012 |
December 31, 2011 |
||||||
($ in millions) | ||||||||
Public Finance: |
||||||||
Transportation |
$ | 646 | $ | 669 | ||||
Health care |
77 | 79 | ||||||
General obligation |
532 | 492 | ||||||
Tax-backed |
753 | 764 | ||||||
Housing |
776 | 790 | ||||||
Other |
1,188 | 1,137 | ||||||
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|
|
|||||
Total Public Finance |
3,972 | 3,931 | ||||||
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|
|||||
Structured Finance: |
||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed and home equityfirst-lien |
11,223 | 11,673 | ||||||
Residential mortgage-backed and home equitysecond-lien |
8,567 | 8,784 | ||||||
Student loans |
7,368 | 7,728 | ||||||
Structured Insurance |
1,657 | 1,657 | ||||||
Auto Rentals |
745 | 820 | ||||||
Mortgage-backed and home equityother |
578 | 586 | ||||||
Enhanced equipment trust certificates |
401 | 401 | ||||||
Other |
617 | 639 | ||||||
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|
|
|||||
Total Structured Finance |
31,156 | 32,288 | ||||||
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|
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International Finance: |
||||||||
Airports |
1,511 | 1,466 | ||||||
Other |
3,470 | 3,399 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total International Finance |
4,981 | 4,865 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 40,109 | $ | 41,084 | ||||
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|
|
The sections that follow will discuss below investment grade exposures with residential mortgage-backed and student loan exposures.
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U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities exposure included in financial guarantee insurance portfolio
Ambac has exposure to the U.S. mortgage market through direct financial guarantees of RMBS. Ambac insures tranches issued in RMBS, including transactions that contain risks to first and second-liens. The following tables provide current gross par outstanding by vintage and type, and underlying credit rating of Ambacs affected U.S. RMBS book of business:
Total Gross Par Outstanding At March 31, 2012 ($ in millions) |
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Year of Issue |
Second-Lien | Sub-prime | Mid-prime(1) | Other(4) | ||||||||||||
1998-2001 |
$ | 86.7 | $ | 631.4 | $ | 5.4 | $ | 518.4 | ||||||||
2002 |
41.9 | 566.2 | 63.0 | 17.9 | ||||||||||||
2003 |
29.6 | 859.4 | 428.3 | 176.1 | ||||||||||||
2004 |
1,186.6 | 462.6 | 733.7 | 40.2 | ||||||||||||
2005 |
1,217.1 | 1,101.8 | 2,375.9 | 62.4 | ||||||||||||
2006 |
2,997.1 | 788.8 | 1,529.2 | 203.3 | ||||||||||||
2007 |
3,271.7 | 521.5 | 2,339.2 | 287.5 | ||||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 8,830.7 | $ | 4,931.7 | $ | 7,474.7 | $ | 1,305.8 | ||||||||
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% of Total RMBS Portfolio |
39.2 | % | 21.9 | % | 33.2 | % | 5.7 | % | ||||||||
Gross claim liability, before Subrogation Recoveries At March 31, 2012 ($ in millions) |
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Year of Issue |
Second-Lien | Sub-prime | Mid-prime(1) | Other(4) | ||||||||||||
1998-2001 |
$ | | $ | 72.3 | $ | | $ | 17.2 | ||||||||
2002 |
| 69.3 | 1.8 | | ||||||||||||
2003 |
| 34.5 | 6.7 | | ||||||||||||
2004 |
149.9 | 38.5 | 33.3 | 1.6 | ||||||||||||
2005 |
291.9 | 438.9 | 989.3 | 21.8 | ||||||||||||
2006 |
1,462.3 | 429.6 | 1,066.8 | 158.5 | ||||||||||||
2007 |
383.6 | 215.4 | 1,277.7 | 86.6 | ||||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 2,287.7 | $ | 1,298.5 | $ | 3,375.6 | $ | 285.7 | ||||||||
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Gross Subrogation Recoveries At March 31, 2012 ($ in millions) |
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Year of Issue |
Second-Lien | Sub-prime | Mid-prime(1) | Other(4) | ||||||||||||
1998-2001 |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
2002 |
| | | | ||||||||||||
2003 |
| | | | ||||||||||||
2004 |
(54.4 | ) | | | | |||||||||||
2005 |
(144.9 | ) | (209.7 | ) | (246.2 | ) | | |||||||||
2006 |
(795.0 | ) | (200.8 | ) | (165.6 | ) | | |||||||||
2007 |
(554.5 | ) | (75.2 | ) | (209.1 | ) | | |||||||||
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Total |
$ | (1,548.8 | ) | $ | (485.7 | ) | $ | (620.9 | ) | $ | | |||||
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Percent of Related RMBS Transactions Gross Par At March 31, 2012 |
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Internal Ambac Credit Rating(2) |
Second-Lien | Sub-prime | Mid-prime(1) | Other(4) | ||||||||||||
AAA |
0 | % | 3 | % | 0 | % | 10 | % | ||||||||
AA |
<0.1 | % | 3 | % | 4 | % | 24 | % | ||||||||
A |
1 | % | 5 | % | 1 | % | 13 | % | ||||||||
BBB(3) |
1 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | 6 | % | ||||||||
Below investment grade(3) |
98 | % | 88 | % | 94 | % | 47 | % |
(1) | Mid-prime includes Alt-A transactions and affordability product transactions, which includes interest only or option adjustable rate features. |
(2) | Ambac Assurance ratings set forth above reflect internal credit ratings as of March 31, 2012, and may be changed at any time based on our internal credit review. Ambac Assurance undertakes no obligation to update such ratings. This does not constitute investment advice. Ambac Assurance or one of its affiliates has guaranteed the obligations listed and may also provide other products or services to the issuers of these obligations for which Ambac Assurance may have received premiums or fees. |
(3) | Ambacs BBB internal rating reflects bonds which are of medium grade credit quality with adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Certain protective elements and margins may weaken under adverse economic condition and changing circumstances. These bonds are more likely than higher rated bonds to exhibit unreliable protection levels over all cycles. Ambacs below investment grade internal ratings reflect bonds which are of speculative grade credit quality with the adequacy of future margin levels for payment of interest and repayment of principal potentially adversely affected by major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse conditions. Ambac Assurances below investment grade category includes transactions on which claims have been submitted. |
(4) | Other includes primarily manufactured housing and lot loan exposures. |
Student Loans
Our student loan portfolio consists of credits collateralized by (i) federally guaranteed loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and (ii) private student loans. Whereas FFELP loans are guaranteed for a minimum of 97% of defaulted principal and interest, private loans have no government guarantee and, therefore, are subject to credit risk as with other types of unguaranteed credits. Private student loans are outside the purview of recent government programs designed to assist borrowers. Recent default data has shown a significant deterioration in the performance of private student loans underlying our transactions. Additionally, due to the failure of the auction rate and variable rate markets as noted below in Auction Rate and Variable Rate Demand Obligation, the interest rates on student loan securities has increased significantly to punitive levels pursuant to the transaction terms. Such increases have caused the collateralization ratio in these transactions to deteriorate on an accelerated basis due to negative excess spread and/or the use of principal receipts to pay current interest. Effective July 1, 2010, lenders were unable to originate federal guaranteed loans, due to the termination of the FFELP program. The resulting reduction in new revenues may adversely affect a number of smaller issuers, whose ability to remain a going concern may be at risk.
Student loan net par outstanding, excluding debt service reserve funds on Ambac insured obligations:
Issuer Type ($ in millions) |
March 31, 2012 Net Par |
% of Net Par |
December 31, 2011 Net Par |
% of Net Par |
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For-Profit Issuers |
$ | 3,267.0 | 45 | % | $ | 3,288.5 | 43 | % | ||||||||
Not-For-Profit Issuers |
4,064.9 | 55 | % | 4,391.1 | 57 | % | ||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 7,331.9 | 100 | % | $ | 7,679.6 | 100 | % | ||||||||
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Collateral for the For-Profit Issuers consists of private loans which are uninsured and do not have any federal guarantee as to defaulted principal and interest. Collateral for the Not-For-Profit Issuers consists of both FFELP and private loans. For the total student loan portfolio, approximately 65% of the collateral backing student loan trusts consists of private loans while the remaining 35% consists of FFELP loans. Private loan defaults have been on the rise since the credit crisis in 2008 began. Elevated unemployment rates, combined with high student loan debt levels will continue to put pressure on borrowers ability to pay their loans.
The following table represents the student loan net par outstanding by underlying debt type, excluding debt service reserve funds on Ambac insured obligations:
Debit Type ($ in millions) |
March 31, 2012 Net Par |
% of net Par |
December 31, 2011 Net Par |
% of net Par |
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Auction Rate |
$ | 4,531.5 | 62 | % | $ | 4,644.6 | 61 | % | ||||||||
Fixed Rate |
399.5 | 5 | % | 414.9 | 5 | % | ||||||||||
VRDOs |
| | % | 204.6 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
Floating Rate Notes |
2,400.9 | 33 | % | 2,415.5 | 31 | % | ||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 7,331.9 | 100 | % | $ | 7,679.6 | 100 | % | ||||||||
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Ambac follows the accounting prescribed by ASC Topic 852, Reorganizations. Entities operating in bankruptcy and expecting to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code are subject to the additional accounting and financial reporting guidance in ASC Topic 852. While ASC Topic 852 provides specific guidance for certain matters, other portions of US GAAP continue to apply so long as the guidance does not conflict with ASC Topic 852. This accounting literature provides guidance for periods subsequent to a Chapter 11 filing for, among other things, the presentation of liabilities that are and are not subject to compromise by the Bankruptcy Court proceedings, as well as the treatment of interest expense and presentation of costs associated with the proceedings. Accordingly, the financial results in the prior periods or filed in future filings may not be comparable.
Ambacs net income was $253.3 million or $0.84 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($819.3) million or ($2.71) per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The first quarter 2012 financial results compared to 2011 were primarily positively impacted by (i) a lower provision for loss and loss expenses; (ii) higher gains on variable interest entities; (iii) higher net investment income; (iv) lower reorganization items related to our Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and (v) higher derivative product and other income.
The following paragraphs describe the consolidated results of operations of Ambac and its subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and its financial condition as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
Commutations, Terminations and Settlements of Financial Guarantee Contracts. A key business strategy for Ambac is to increase the residual value of its financial guarantee business by mitigating losses on poorly performing transactions via the pursuit of commutations and terminations of financial guarantee insurance contracts, including insurance policies and credit derivative contracts. For three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, Ambac executed a number of such transactions as follows:
In the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance made a gross cash payment of $17.5 million ($10.5 million net of reinsurance) to commute $204.6 million of net par exposure relating to two student loan transactions.
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In the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance completed the commutation of two student loan transactions representing $419.9 million of net par exposure, with cash payment of $11.0 million, and the issuance of Segregated Account surplus notes with a par value of $3.0 million.
Net Premiums Earned. Net premiums earned during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $95.0 million, an increase of 3.5% from $91.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Net premiums earned include accelerated premiums, which result from refunding, calls and other accelerations. Ambac had accelerated earnings of $15.8 million during the first quarter of 2012 versus ($0.1) million in the first quarter of 2011. The net increase in accelerated earnings was driven by an increase in overall volume of calls of Ambac insured debt within the public finance market. Ambac recognizes negative accelerations on polices when the GAAP premiums receivable for the policy exceeds the policys unearned premium reserve at termination. Normal net premiums earned exclude accelerated premiums. Normal net premiums earned for 2012 has been negatively impacted by the runoff of the insured portfolio either via transaction terminations, refundings or scheduled maturities. Normal net premiums earned and accelerated premiums are reconciled to total net premiums earned in the table below and are included in the Financial Guarantee segment. The following table provides a breakdown of net premiums earned by market sector:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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($ in millions) |
2012 | 2011 | ||||||
Public Finance |
$ | 39.0 | $ | 42.4 | ||||
Structured Finance |
18.3 | 29.7 | ||||||
International Finance |
21.9 | 19.8 | ||||||
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Total normal premiums earned |
79.2 | 91.9 | ||||||
Accelerated earnings |
15.8 | (0.1 | ) | |||||
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Total net premiums earned |
$ | 95.0 | $ | 91.8 | ||||
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The following table provides a breakdown of accelerated earnings by market sector:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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($ in millions) |
2012 | 2011 | ||||||
Public Finance |
$ | 23.0 | $ | 4.7 | ||||
Structured Finance |
(7.3 | ) | (5.3 | ) | ||||
International Finance |
0.1 | 0.5 | ||||||
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Total accelerated earnings |
$ | 15.8 | $ | (0.1 | ) | |||
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Net Investment Income. Net investment income the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $112.1 million, an increase of 47% from $76.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The following table provides details by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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($ in millions) |
2012 | 2011 | ||||||
Financial Guarantee |
$ | 105.2 | $ | 71.7 | ||||
Financial Services |
6.8 | 4.7 | ||||||
Corporate |
0.1 | 0.1 | ||||||
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Total net investment income |
$ | 112.1 | $ | 76.5 | ||||
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The increase in Financial Guarantee net investment income in the three months ended March 31, 2012, reflects the benefit of higher yielding assets in the portfolio and a higher average invested asset base compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. Higher average yields on the portfolio resulted from the shift in the portfolio mix away from tax-exempt municipals toward taxable securities, primarily corporate bonds, taxable municipals and Ambac-insured securities. In addition to the impact of greater holdings of Ambac Assurance guaranteed securities, investment income from such securities in the first quarter 2012 was higher than first quarter 2011 due to the impact of changes in projected cash flows in each period. Favorable changes to projected cash flows increased investment income in the 2012 period, while adverse changes reduced income in the first quarter 2011. The par value of Ambac Assurance-wrapped securities as of March 31, 2012 was $1,297
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million compared to $1,136 million at March 31, 2011. The overall size of the Financial Guarantee long-term asset portfolio has grown by approximately $294 million since March 31, 2011, benefiting from the moratorium on claim payments and continuing collection of installment paying financial guarantee premiums and coupon receipts on invested assets.
The increase in Financial Services investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, was driven primarily by improved cash flows on certain RMBS securities which had a positive impact on income for the quarter, partially offset by the effects of a smaller portfolio of investments in the investment agreement business. The portfolio decreased primarily as a result of sales of securities to fund repayment of investment agreements as Ambacs investment agreement obligations were reduced from $717.1 million at March 31, 2011, to $547.3 million at March 31, 2012.
Corporate investment income relates to the investments from Ambacs investment portfolio.
Net Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses. Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income include only the credit related impairment amounts to the extent management does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the company will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis less any current period credit impairment. Non-credit related impairment amounts are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the balance sheet. Alternatively, the non-credit related impairment would be recorded in net other-than-temporary impairment losses in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income if management intends to sell the securities or it is more likely than not the company will be required to sell before recovery of amortized cost less any current period credit impairment. Charges for other-than-temporary impairment losses were $3.1 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
As further described in Note 1 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements located in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, on March 24, 2010, OCI commenced the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings in order to facilitate an orderly run-off and/or settlement of the liabilities allocated to the Segregated Account. As a result of actions taken by the OCI, financial guarantee payments on securities guaranteed by Ambac Assurance which have been allocated to the Segregated Account were suspended in March 2010 and are no longer under the control of Ambac management. The form and timing of future financial guarantee payments will be determined by the Rehabilitator. Claim payments under Segregated Account policies have been suspended since March 24, 2010. Changes in the estimated date of resumption of claim payments have resulted in adverse changes in projected cash flows on certain impaired Ambac-wrapped securities during 2012 and 2011. Net other-than-temporary impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 resulted primarily from adverse changes to projected cash flows on Ambac-wrapped securities stemming from the continued suspension of claim payments as described above and from credit impairments on certain other non-agency RMBS securities. As of March 31, 2012, management has not asserted an intent to sell any securities from its portfolio that are in an unrealized loss position. Future changes in our estimated liquidity needs could result in a determination that Ambac no longer has the ability to hold such securities, which could result in additional other-than-temporary impairment charges.
Net Realized Investment Gains. The following table provides a breakdown of net realized gains for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
($ in millions) |
Financial Guarantee |
Financial Services |
Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2012: |
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Net gains on securities sold or called |
$ | | $ | 0.5 | $ | | $ | 0.5 | ||||||||
Foreign exchange losses |
(0.1 | ) | | | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||
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Total net realized (losses) gains |
(0.1 | ) | $ | 0.5 | | 0.4 | ||||||||||
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March 31, 2011: |
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Net gains (losses) on securities sold or called |
$ | 0.3 | $ | 2.5 | $ | | $ | 2.8 | ||||||||
Foreign exchange losses |
(0.3 | ) | | | (0.3 | ) | ||||||||||
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Total net realized gains |
$ | | $ | 2.5 | $ | | $ | 2.5 | ||||||||
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Change in Fair Value of Credit Derivatives. The net change in fair value of credit derivatives was a loss of $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to a loss of $8.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The net losses on change in fair value of credit derivatives for both periods resulted from a reduction of the Ambac credit valuation adjustment (CVA) to reflect Ambacs own credit risk in the fair value of credit derivatives partially offset by improvement in reference obligation prices, gains associated with runoff of the portfolio and CDS fees earned. The CVA reductions reflected observed increases in the market value of Ambac Assurances direct and guaranteed obligations during the period. Of the change in fair value of credit derivatives reported for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, losses of $33.5 million and $47.2 million, respectively, are attributable to reductions of the Ambac CVA. See Note 7 for a further description of Ambacs methodology for determining the fair value of credit derivatives.
Realized gains and other settlements on credit derivative contracts were $3.3 million and $5.3 million for the three months March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts represent premiums received and accrued on written contracts plus net losses and settlements paid and payable where a formal notification of shortfall has occurred. There were no losses or settlements included in net realized gains for the three months ended March 31, 2012 or 2011.
Unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivative contracts were ($10.5) million and ($14.2) million in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The net unrealized gains (losses) in fair value of credit derivatives reflect the same factors as the overall change in fair value of credit derivatives as noted above.
Derivative Product Revenues. Net gains reported in derivative product revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $47.0 million compared to net gains of $21.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Results for both periods were driven primarily from mark-to-market gains caused by changes in long-term interest rates during the respective periods. The derivative products portfolio is positioned to benefit from rising rates as an economic hedge against interest rate exposure in the financial guarantee portfolio (the macro-hedge). This additional interest rate sensitivity contributed gains of $49.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the $16.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Excluding the impact of the macro-hedge, derivative products revenue resulted in a loss of ($2.7) million and a gain of $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily reflecting mark-to-market gains on financial guarantee customer swaps, net of the negative impact of adjustments to the Ambac CVA as described below.
The fair value of derivatives includes a valuation adjustment to reflect Ambacs own credit risk when appropriate (Ambac CVA). Within the financial services derivatives portfolio, an Ambac CVA is generally applicable for uncollateralized derivative liabilities that may not be offset by derivative assets under a master netting agreement. Changes to the Ambac CVA contributed losses within derivative products revenues of $35.3 million and $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Other Income. Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $64.8 million, as compared to $28.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Included within other income are mark-to market gains and losses relating to options to call certain Ambac Assurance surplus notes, non-investment portfolio related foreign exchange gains and losses, deal structuring fees, commitment fees and reinsurance settlement gains (losses). Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 primarily resulted from mark-to-market gains of $61.7 million related to Ambacs option to call up to $500 million par of bank surplus notes. Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 includes mark-to-market gains of $16.7 million related to surplus note call option and the impact of the movement in the British Pound and Euro to US Dollar exchange rate upon premium receivables which resulted in a gain of approximately $3.0 million.
The surplus note call options that are free-standing derivatives expire on June 7, 2012. These options are carried as assets on the balance sheet at a fair value of $67.7 million at March 31, 2012. Upon the earlier of exercise or expiration of the options, the asset will be reversed with the change in fair value recognized as a loss in the Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income. The board of directors of Ambac Assurance has approved the exercise of all options to purchase surplus notes issued by Ambac Assurance. The exercise of such options also requires the approval of OCI and the Rehabilitator of the Segregated Account. Ambac Assurance is seeking such approvals. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained.
Income (loss) on variable interest entities. Income (loss) on variable interest entities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $15.2 million and ($6.1) million, respectively. Included within Income (loss)
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on variable interest entities are income statement amounts relating to VIEs consolidated under ASC Topic 810, including gains or losses attributable to consolidating or deconsolidating VIEs during the period reported. Generally, the Companys consolidated VIEs are entities for which Ambac has provided financial guarantees on its assets or liabilities. In consolidation, most assets and liabilities of the VIEs are reported at fair value and the related insurance assets and liabilities are eliminated. Differences between the net carrying value of the insurance accounts and the carrying value of the consolidated VIEs net assets are recorded through income at the time of consolidation or deconsolidation.
The gain for the three months ended March 31, 2012 reflects the positive change in the fair value of net assets of consolidated VIEs during the period. The loss for the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily reflects the loss upon deconsolidation of a transaction.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses are based upon estimates of the aggregate losses inherent in the non-derivative financial guarantee portfolio for insurance policies issued to beneficiaries, including unconsolidated VIEs. Loss and loss expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $(2.3) million and $919.6 million, respectively. The net benefit realized for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was driven by lower estimated losses in the first-lien RMBS and student loan portfolios, partially offset by higher estimated losses for public finance credits and loss expense reserves for RMBS credits. Losses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were driven by higher estimated losses in the first-lien RMBS portfolio, offset by a reduction in estimated losses for the second lien RMBS portfolio, as well as higher expected losses for certain structured insurance, student loan, and transportation credits.
The following table summarizes the changes in the total net loss reserves for three months ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011:
($ in millions) |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 |
Year Ended December 31, 2011 |
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Beginning balance of loss reserves, net of Subrogation recoverable and reinsurance |
$ | 6,230.8 | $ | 4,424.5 | ||||
Provision for losses and loss expenses |
(2.3 | ) | 1,859.5 | |||||
Losses paid |
(35.3 | ) | (308.6 | ) | ||||
Recoveries of losses paid from reinsurers |
10.0 | 21.0 | ||||||
Other recoveries, net of reinsurance |
32.8 | 105.7 | ||||||
Other adjustments (including foreign exchange) |
12.5 | (5.9 | ) | |||||
Net deconsolidation of certain VIEs |
| 134.6 | ||||||
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Ending balance of net loss reserves |
$ | 6,248.5 | $ | 6,230.8 | ||||
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Refer to Note 5 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of the Form 10-Q for further information on the basis for consolidations and deconsolidations of VIEs.
The losses and loss expense reserves as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are net of estimated recoveries under representation and warranty breaches for certain RMBS transactions in the amount of $2,655.4 million and $2,720.2 million, respectively. Please refer to the Critical Accounting Estimates section of this Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and to Note 6 of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further background information on the change in estimated recoveries.
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The following tables provide details of net claims presented, net of recoveries received for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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($ in millions) |
2012 | 2011 | ||||||
Net claims presented: |
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Public Finance |
$ | 19.0 | $ | 5.3 | ||||
Structured Finance |
363.5 | 345.1 | ||||||
International Finance |
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Total(1) |
$ | 382.5 | $ | 350.4 | ||||
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(1) | On March 24, 2010 the Rehabilitation Court instituted a claim moratorium on the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance. As a result, for the period from March 24, 2010 up to and including March 31, 2012, there have been $3,162.4 million of claims presented to Ambac Assurance that have not been paid. Claims presented to the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance and not paid for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $393.8 million and $357.3 million, respectively. |
Please refer to the Critical Accounting Policies and EstimatesLosses and Loss Expenses of Non-derivative Financial Guarantees section of this Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and to the Loss Reserves section located in Note 6 of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements located in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further background information on loss reserves.
Underwriting and Operating Expenses. Underwriting and operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $36.5 million and $45.5 million, respectively, a decrease of 20%. Underwriting and operating expenses consist of gross underwriting and operating expenses plus the amortization of previously deferred expenses (included in Financial Guarantee segment). The following table provides details of underwriting and operating expenses by segment for three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
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($ in millions) |
2012 | 2011 | ||||||
Underwriting and operating expenses: |
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Financial Guarantee |
$ | 33.8 | $ | 42.4 | ||||
Financial Services |
0.8 | 2.6 | ||||||
Corporate |
1.9 | 0.5 | ||||||
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Total |
$ | 36.5 | $ | 45.5 | ||||
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The decrease in Financial Guarantee underwriting and operating expenses for three months ended March 31, 2012 were primarily due to lower compensation, premises, premium taxes and rating agency fees, partially offset by higher legal costs. The decrease in Financial Services underwriting and operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were primarily due to lower compensation costs and legal fees.
As a consequence of the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings, the Rehabilitator retains operational control and decision-making authority with respect to all matters related to the Segregated Account, including the hiring of advisors. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 expenses incurred in connection with legal and consulting services provided for the benefit of OCI amounted to $1.0 million and $2.2 million. Future expenses may include a significant amount of advisory costs for the benefit of OCI that are outside the control of Ambacs management.
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Interest Expense. Interest expense includes accrued interest and accretion of the discount on surplus notes issued by Ambac Assurance and the Segregated Account, the interest expense relating to investment agreements, and the interest expense related to a secured borrowing transaction closed in December 2011. The following table provides details for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||||||
($ in millions) |
2012 | 2011 | ||||||
Interest expense: |
||||||||
Surplus notes |
$ | 31.5 | $ | 28.1 | ||||
Investment agreements |
1.8 | 2.2 | ||||||
Secured borrowing |
0.5 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 33.8 | $ | 30.3 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The increase in interest expense on surplus notes resulted from the higher average par amount of surplus notes outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 and to the impact of applying the level yield method as the discount to the face value of the surplus notes accretes over time. Surplus note interest payments require the approval of OCI. On June 1, 2011 OCI issued its disapproval of the requests of Ambac Assurance and the Rehabilitator of the Segregated Account, acting for and on behalf of the Segregated Account, to pay interest on all outstanding surplus notes issued by Ambac and the Segregated Account on the first scheduled interest payment date of June 7, 2011. Such interest was capitalized and the Company is accruing interest on these additional amounts.
The decline in interest expense related to investment agreements stemmed primarily from reductions on outstanding investment agreements, as the carrying value declined to $547.3 million at March 31, 2012 from $717.1 million at March 31, 2011.
Interest expense in the period ended March 31, 2012 includes interest on a $35.6 million (balance of $28.3 million as of March 31, 2012) 6.65% note issued on December 16, 2011. The note is secured by certain Ambac Assurance-wrapped RMBS securities that were deposited into a bankruptcy remote trust. The trusts used to effectuate this transaction qualify as VIEs and are consolidated by Ambac. Interest expense in the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $0.5 million.
Interest was no longer accrued on Ambacs debt obligations included in Liabilities Subject to Compromise on the Consolidated Balance Sheets after Ambac filed for bankruptcy protection on November 8, 2010. If Ambac had continued to accrue interest on its debt obligations, contractual interest expense would have been $24.2 million and $28.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.
Reorganization Items. Reorganization items are primarily expenses directly attributed to our Chapter 11 reorganization process. Reorganization items in three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $2.5 million and $24.8 million, respectively, including professional advisory fees of approximately $2.4 million and $10.0 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. On March 1, 2011, Ambac, Ambac Assurance, the Segregated Account and One State Street, LLC (OSS) entered into a settlement agreement (the OSS Settlement Agreement) to terminate the Companys office lease with OSS and to settle all claims among the parties. The OSS Settlement Agreement provides that OSS will have an allowed general unsecured claim in Ambacs bankruptcy case for approximately $14.1 million.
Provision for Income Taxes. Income tax expense was $0.3 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 relates predominantly to pre-tax profits in Ambac UKs Italian branch, which can not be offset by losses in other jurisdictions.
Ambac Assurance Statutory Basis Financial Results
Ambac Assurances statutory financial statements are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the OCI (SAP). OCI recognizes only statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Wisconsin for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company for determining its solvency under Wisconsin Insurance Law. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Accounting Practices and Procedures manual (NAIC SAP) has been adopted as a component of prescribed practices by the State of Wisconsin.
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On March 24, 2010, Ambac Assurance acquiesced to the request of OCI to establish a Segregated Account. Under Wisconsin insurance law, the Segregated Account is a separate insurer from Ambac Assurance and accordingly is subject to all of the filing and statutory reporting requirements of Wisconsin domiciled insurers. The purpose of the Segregated Account is to segregate certain segments of Ambac Assurances liabilities. The total assets, total liabilities, and total surplus of the Segregated Account are reported as discrete components of Ambac Assurances assets, liabilities, and surplus reported in Ambac Assurances statutory basis financial statements. Accordingly, Ambac Assurances statutory financial statements include the results of Ambac Assurances account, the Segregated Account, as well as, Ambac Assurances equity investment in its subsidiaries.
Ambac Assurance reported statutory capital and surplus of $262.9 million and $495.3 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Ambac Assurance, combined with Everspan, reported contingency reserves of $287.9 million and $192.7 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Ambac Assurance reported a statutory net loss of $146.9 million and $183.3 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The primary drivers of the statutory net loss were increases in statutory loss and loss expenses related primarily to RMBS financial guarantee contracts that defaulted during 2012.
Statutory surplus is sensitive to: (i) further credit deterioration on the defaulted credits in the insured portfolio, (ii) deterioration in the financial position of Ambac Assurance subsidiaries that have their obligations guaranteed by Ambac Assurance, (iii) first time payment defaults of insured obligations, which increases statutory loss reserves, (iv) commutations of insurance policies or credit derivative contracts at amounts that differ from the amount of liabilities recorded, (v) reinsurance contract terminations at amounts that differ from net assets recorded, (vi) reductions in the fair value of previously impaired investments or additional downgrades of the ratings on investment securities to below investment grade by the independent rating agencies, (vii) settlements of representation and warranty breach claims at amounts that differ from amounts recorded, including failures to collect such amounts, and (viii) issuance of surplus notes.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Liquidity. The matters described herein, to the extent that they relate to future events or expectations, may be significantly affected by Ambacs Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing. We believe the consummation of a successful restructuring under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code is critical to our continued viability and long term liquidity. As with any judicial proceeding, there are risks of unavoidable delay with a Chapter 11 proceeding. Delays in the consummation of a plan would add expense as Ambac may be required to incur substantial costs for professional fees and other expenses associated with the administration of the Chapter 11 proceedings. While management believes that Ambac will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs until it emerges from the bankruptcy proceeding, delays, higher than anticipated costs, or unforeseen events may jeopardize its ability to pay all such expenses. If its liquidity runs out prior to emergence from bankruptcy, a liquidation of Ambac pursuant to Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code will likely occur.
Ambacs liquidity and solvency are largely dependent on its current cash and investments of $34.0 million at March 31, 2012 (excluding $2.5 million of restricted cash), consummation of the Reorganization Plan and on the residual value of Ambac Assurance. Pursuant to the Mediation Agreement, Amended TSA and Cost Allocation Agreement (as each such term is defined in Note 1 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q), Ambac Assurance is required, under certain circumstances, to make payments to the Company with respect to the utilization of NOLs and to reimburse certain costs and expenses. It is highly unlikely that Ambac Assurance will be able to make dividend payments to Ambac for the foreseeable future and therefore the aforementioned payments and reimbursements will be Ambacs principal source of funds in the near term. The principal uses of liquidity are the payment of operating expenses, professional advisory fees incurred in connection with the bankruptcy and expenses and settlements related to pending litigation. Ambacs liquidity requirements are being funded by cash on hand and reimbursements of a portion of IRS litigation expenses from Ambac Assurance, and any contingencies could cause material additional liquidity strains.
Ambac Assurance Liquidity. Ambac Assurances liquidity is dependent on the balance of liquid investments and, over time, the net impact of sources and uses of funds. The principal sources of Ambac Assurances liquidity are
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gross installment premiums on insurance and credit default swap contracts, investment coupon receipts, scheduled investment maturities, sales of investment securities, proceeds from repayment of affiliate loans, claim and reinsurance recoveries and RMBS subrogation recoveries. The principal uses of Ambac Assurances liquidity are the payment of operating expenses, claim and commutation payments on both insurance and credit derivative contracts, ceded reinsurance premiums, surplus notes principal and interest payments and additional loans to affiliates. Additionally, an exercise of surplus note call options and payment of the IRS Settlement amount may be a potential use of liquidity in 2012. The board of directors of Ambac Assurance has approved the exercise of all options to purchase surplus notes issued by Ambac Assurance. The exercise of such options also requires the approval of OCI and the Rehabilitator of the Segregated Account. Ambac Assurance is seeking such approvals. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained. Pursuant to the injunctions issued by the Rehabilitation Court, claims on policies allocated to the Segregated Account have not been paid since the commencement of the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings. The Rehabilitator may seek to effectuate the current Segregated Account Rehabilitation Plan, modify such Plan or modify the injunctions issued by the Rehabilitation Court to allow for the payment of policy claims in such manner and at such times as the Rehabilitator determines to be in the best interest of policyholders. The date of resumption of claim payments is uncertain. Surplus note interest payments require the approval of OCI. On June 1, 2011 OCI issued its disapproval of the requests of Ambac Assurance and the Rehabilitator of the Segregated Account, acting for and on behalf of the Segregated Account, to pay interest on all outstanding surplus notes issued by Ambac and the Segregated Account on the first scheduled interest payment date of June 7, 2011.
Our ability to recover RMBS subrogation recoveries is subject to significant uncertainty, including risks inherent in litigation, collectability of such amounts from counterparties (and/or their respective parents and affiliates), timing of receipt of any such recoveries, regulatory intervention which could impede our ability to take actions required to realize such recoveries and uncertainty inherent in the assumptions used in estimating such recoveries. Our current estimate considers that we will receive subrogation recoveries of $2,718.8 million, beginning in 2013. The amount of these subrogation recoveries is significant and if we are unable to recover any amounts our future available liquidity to pay claims would be reduced materially. Similarly, our right to receive installment premium as well as the amount is impacted by the contractual terms of each policy and period in which the insured obligation remains outstanding. Termination of installment premium policies on an accelerated basis may adversely impact Ambac Assurances liquidity.
A subsidiary of Ambac Assurance provides a $360 million liquidity facility to a reinsurance company which acts as reinsurer with respect to a portfolio of life insurance policies. The liquidity facility, which is guaranteed by Ambac Assurance, provides temporary funding in the event that the reinsurance companys capital is insufficient to make payments under the reinsurance agreement. The reinsurer is required to repay all amounts drawn under the liquidity facility. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $8.8 million was drawn on this liquidity facility. On March 26, 2012, the subsidiary received notice that the reinsurance treaty was terminated, as such there will be no further draws on the facility and Ambac Assurance expects full repayment of the $8.8 million in 2012.
Ambac and its affiliates participate in leveraged lease transactions with municipalities, utilities and quasi-governmental agencies (collectively lessees), either directly or through various affiliated companies. Assets underlying these leveraged lease transactions involve equipment and facilities used by the lessees to provide basic public services such as mass transit and utilities. Ambac and its affiliates provided one or more of the following financial products in these transactions: (i) credit default swaps, (ii) guarantees of the lessees termination payment obligations, (iii) loans, (iv) sureties and (v) investment agreements and payment agreements, both of which serve as collateral to economically defease portions of the lessees payment obligations in respect of termination payments.
These transactions expose Ambac to the following risks, primarily as a result of Ambac Assurances rating downgrades:
| Collateral posting requirements due to Ambac Assurance rating downgrade triggering events under certain agreements. |
| Lease events of default and the requirement for a lessee to make a termination payment upon a demand by the lessor. Portions of any termination payments may be funded from the liquidation of the related defeasance collateral (i.e. payment agreements, investment agreements and/or other securities). To the extent a lessee fails to make a required termination payment, Ambac may be required to make a surety bond payment, or a swap settlement, under its guarantee policy or credit default swap, as applicable. |
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The payment required under the Ambac credit enhancement will be based on the difference between the termination amount and the value derived from the defeasance collateral. Following a payment, Ambac would then be entitled to settle a credit default swap with the lessee or exercise its reimbursement rights against the lessee. In such circumstances Ambac, through subrogation or ownership in the leased assets, would have the right, along with other remedies, to liquidate the leased assets. |
Ambac Assurances aggregate financial guarantee exposure to termination payments related to leveraged lease transactions that contain Ambac Assurance rating downgrade triggers at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $836.6 million and $844.3 million, respectively. Ambac Assurances financial guarantee exposure to these termination payments, net of defeasance collateral was $690.4 million and $699.9 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. However, the court supervising the rehabilitation of the Segregated Account has issued an injunction barring the early termination of contracts based on the occurrence of events or the existence of circumstances like those described above. As a result, Ambac Assurance does not expect to make early termination payments in respect of leveraged lease transactions where such amounts are claimed based on the occurrence of events, or the existence of circumstances, relating to the financial condition of Ambac Assurance.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambac Assurance is a party to credit default swaps (CDS) with various commercial counterparties. Ambac Assurance guarantees its subsidiarys payment obligations under such CDS. The terms of such CDS include events of default or termination events based on the occurrence of certain events, or the existence of certain circumstances, relating to the financial condition of Ambac Assurance, including the commencement of an insolvency, rehabilitation or like proceeding. If such an event of default or termination event were to occur, the CDS counterparties could claim the contractual right to terminate the CDS and require Ambac Assurance, as financial guarantor, to make termination payments. Ambac Assurance estimates that such potential termination payments amounted to $1,265.6 million as of March 31, 2012, and $1,454.2 million as of December 31, 2011. However, the court supervising the rehabilitation of the Segregated Account has issued an injunction barring the early termination of contracts based on the occurrence of events or the existence of circumstances like those described above. As a result, Ambac Assurance does not expect to make early termination payments in respect of CDSs where such amounts are claimed based on the occurrence of events, or the existence of circumstances, relating to the financial condition of Ambac Assurance.
Financial Services Liquidity. The principal uses of liquidity by Financial Services subsidiaries are payments on investment and repurchase agreement obligations; payments on intercompany loans; payments under derivative contracts (primarily interest rate swaps and US Treasury futures); collateral posting; and operating expenses. Management believes that its Financial Services short and long-term liquidity needs can be funded from investment coupon receipts; the maturity of invested assets; sales of invested assets; intercompany loans from Ambac Assurance; and receipts from derivative contracts.
While meaningful progress has been made in unwinding the Financial Services businesses, multiple sources of risk continue to exist. These include further deterioration in investment security market values, additional unexpected draws on outstanding investment agreements, the settlement of potential swap terminations and the inability to replace or establish new hedge positions.
Investment agreements subject Ambac to liquidity risk associated with unanticipated withdrawals of principal as allowed by the terms of certain contingent withdrawal investment agreements, including those issued to entities that provide credit protection with respect to collateralized debt obligations. These entities issue credit linked-notes, invest a portion of the proceeds in the contingent withdrawal investment agreements and typically sell credit protection by issuing a credit default swap referencing specified asset-backed or corporate securities. Upon a credit event of one of the underlying reference obligations, the issuer may need to draw on the investment agreement to pay under the terms of the credit default swap. Accordingly, these investment agreements may be drawn prior to our original expectations, resulting in an unanticipated withdrawal. As of March 31, 2012, $361.6 million of contingent withdrawal investment agreements issued to CDOs remained outstanding. To manage the liquidity risk of unscheduled withdrawals, Ambac utilizes several tools, including regular surveillance of the related transactions. This surveillance process is customized for each investment agreement transaction and includes a review of past activity, recently issued trustee reports, reference name performance characteristics and third party tools to analyze early withdrawal risk.
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Credit Ratings and Collateral. The significant rating downgrades and withdrawals of ratings of Ambac Assurance by Moodys and S&P resulted in the triggering of required cure provisions in nearly all of the investment agreements issued. In many cases, Ambac chose to terminate investment agreements, particularly when it was able to do so at levels that resulted in meaningful discounts to book value. In addition, Ambac has posted collateral of $563.2 million in connection with its outstanding investment agreements, including accrued interest, at March 31, 2012.
Ambac Financial Services (AFS) provided interest rate and currency swaps for states, municipalities, asset-backed issuers and other entities in connection with their financings. AFS hedges most of the related risks of these instruments with standardized derivative contracts, which include collateral support agreements. Under these agreements, AFS is required to post collateral to a swap dealer to cover unrealized losses. In addition, AFS is often required to post independent amounts of collateral in excess of the amounts needed to cover unrealized losses. Additionally, AFS hedges part of its interest rate risk with financial futures contracts which require it to post margin with its futures clearing merchant. All AFS derivative contracts possessing rating-based downgrade triggers that could result in collateral posting or a termination have been triggered. If additional terminations were to occur, it would generally result in a return of collateral to AFS in the form of cash, U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agency obligations with market values approximately equal to or in excess of market values of the swaps. In most cases, AFS will look to re-establish the hedge positions that are terminated early. This may result in additional collateral posting obligations or the use of futures contracts or other derivative instruments which could require AFS to post margin amounts. The amount of additional collateral required or margin posted on futures contracts will depend on several variables including the degree to which counterparties exercise their termination rights and the ability to replace these contracts with existing counterparties under existing documents and credit support arrangements. All contracts that require collateral posting are currently collateralized. Collateral and margin posted by AFS totaled a net amount of $295.0 million, including independent amounts, under these contracts at March 31, 2012.
Ambac Credit Products (ACP) entered into credit derivative contracts. ACP is not required to post collateral under any of its contracts.
BALANCE SHEET
Total assets increased by approximately $259.2 million to $27.37 billion at March 31, 2012, primarily as a result of higher consolidated variable interest entity assets. As of March 31, 2012, total stockholders deficit was $2.91 billion; at December 31, 2011, total stockholders deficit was $3.15 billion. This change was primarily caused by net income for the period, partially offset by a decline in fair value of investment securities during the period.
Investment Portfolio. Ambac Assurances investment objective for the Financial Guarantee portfolio is to achieve the highest after-tax yield on a diversified portfolio of fixed income investments while employing asset/liability management practices to satisfy all operating and strategic liquidity needs. Ambac Assurances investment portfolio is subject to internal investment guidelines and is subject to limits on types and quality of investments imposed by the insurance laws and regulations of the States of Wisconsin and New York. Such guidelines set forth minimum credit rating requirements and credit risk concentration limits. Within these guidelines, Ambac Assurance opportunistically purchases Ambac Assurance insured securities in the open market given their relative risk/reward characteristics and to mitigate the effect of potential future adverse development in the insured portfolio. Further, Ambac Assurances investment policies are subject to oversight by the Rehabilitator of the Segregated Account pursuant to contracts entered into between Ambac Assurance and the Segregated Account.
Ambac UKs investment policy is designed with the primary objective of ensuring that Ambac UK is able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due, in particular with respect to policy holders and meeting their claims. Ambac UKs investment portfolio is subject to internal investment guidelines and may be subject to limits on types and quality of investments imposed by the FSA as regulator of Ambac UK. Ambac UKs investment policy sets forth minimum credit rating requirements and concentration limits, among other restrictions.
The Financial Services investment portfolio consists primarily of assets funded with proceeds from the issuance of investment agreement liabilities. The investment objectives are to invest in primarily high-grade securities that produce sufficient cash flow to satisfy all investment agreement liabilities and intercompany loans, and which will satisfy investment agreement collateral requirements. The investment portfolio is subject to internal investment guidelines. Such guidelines set forth minimum credit rating requirements and credit risk concentration limits.
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The following table summarizes the composition of Ambacs investment portfolio at fair value by segment at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
($ in millions) |
Financial Guarantee |
Financial Services |
Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2012: |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations(1) |
$ | 1,971.3 | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,971.3 | ||||||||
Corporate obligations |
1,036.0 | 112.2 | | 1,148.2 | ||||||||||||
Foreign obligations |
70.6 | | | 70.6 | ||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
89.0 | 40.2 | | 129.2 | ||||||||||||
U.S. agency obligations |
81.9 | 4.3 | | 86.2 | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities(2) |
1,063.5 | 363.2 | | 1,426.7 | ||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
29.6 | 13.8 | | 43.4 | ||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
669.1 | 218.5 | | 887.6 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
5,011.0 | 752.2 | | 5,763.2 | |||||||||||||
Short-term(1) |
848.4 | 11.5 | 33.9 | 893.8 | ||||||||||||
Other |
0.1 | | | 0.1 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
5,859.5 | 763.7 | 33.9 | 6,657.1 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Fixed income securities pledged as collateral: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
284.7 | | | 284.7 | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
3.0 | | | 3.0 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
287.7 | | | 287.7 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total investments |
$ | 6,147.2 | $ | 763.7 | $ | 33.9 | $ | 6,944.8 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Percent total |
88.5 | % | 11.0 | % | 0.5 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||
December 31, 2011: |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities: |
||||||||||||||||
Municipal obligations(1) |
$ | 2,003.0 | $ | | $ | | $ | 2,003.0 | ||||||||
Corporate obligations |
1,015.6 | 111.9 | | 1,127.5 | ||||||||||||
Foreign obligations |
94.8 | | | 94.8 | ||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
86.2 | 25.4 | | 111.6 | ||||||||||||
U.S. agency obligations |
82.6 | 4.3 | | 86.9 | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
1,054.5 | 358.0 | | 1,412.5 | ||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
31.7 | 14.5 | | 46.2 | ||||||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
669.6 | 278.2 | | 947.8 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
5,038.0 | 792.3 | | 5,830.3 | |||||||||||||
Short-term(1) |
729.5 | 18.7 | 34.9 | 783.1 | ||||||||||||
Other |
0.1 | | | 0.1 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
5,767.6 | 811.0 | 34.9 | 6,613.5 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Fixed income securities pledged as collateral: |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. government obligations |
260.8 | | | 260.8 | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
2.7 | | | 2.7 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
263.5 | | | 263.5 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total investments |
$ | 6,031.1 | $ | 811.0 | $ | 34.9 | $ | 6,877.0 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Percent total |
87.7 | % | 11.8 | % | 0.5 | % | 100 | % |
(1) | Includes taxable and tax exempt securities. |
(2) | Includes RMBS insured by Ambac Assurance. |
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The following table represents the fair value of mortgage and asset-backed securities at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by classification:
($ in millions) |
Financial Guarantee |
Financial Services |
Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||
March 31, 2012: |
||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities: |
||||||||||||||||
RMBSFirst-lienAlt-A |
$ | 433.8 | $ | 241.7 | $ | | $ | 675.5 | ||||||||
RMBSSecond Lien |
401.2 | | | 401.2 | ||||||||||||
U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprise Mortgages |
86.5 | 117.1 | | 203.6 | ||||||||||||
RMBSFirst LienSub Prime |
130.4 | | | 130.4 | ||||||||||||
RMBSFirst LienPrime |
11.5 | | | 11.5 | ||||||||||||
Government National Mortgage Association |
3.1 | 4.4 | | 7.5 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total residential mortgage-backed securities |
1,066.5 | 363.2 | | 1,429.7 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
||||||||||||||||
Military Housing |
344.6 | | | 344.6 | ||||||||||||
Credit Cards |
| 176.5 | | 176.5 | ||||||||||||
Structured Insurance |
132.4 | | | 132.4 | ||||||||||||
Auto |
87.0 | 32.0 | | 119.0 | ||||||||||||
Student Loans |
15.9 | 10.0 | | 25.9 | ||||||||||||
Other |
89.2 | | | 89.2 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total other asset-backed securities |
669.1 | 218.5 | | 887.6 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,735.6 | $ | 581.7 | $ | | $ | 2,317.3 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
December 31, 2011 |
||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities: |
||||||||||||||||
RMBSFirst-lienAlt-A |
$ | 443.0 | $ | 224.4 | $ | | $ | 667.4 | ||||||||
RMBSSecond Lien |
386.8 | | | 386.8 | ||||||||||||
U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprise Mortgages |
93.7 | 128.7 | | 222.4 | ||||||||||||
RMBSFirst LienSub Prime |
126.0 | | | 126.0 | ||||||||||||
RMBSFirst LienPrime |
4.4 | | | 4.4 | ||||||||||||
Government National Mortgage Association |
3.3 | 4.9 | | 8.2 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total residential mortgage-backed securities |
1,057.2 | 358.0 | | 1,415.2 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
||||||||||||||||
Military Housing |
376.7 | | | 376.7 | ||||||||||||
Credit Cards |
| 176.4 | | 176.4 | ||||||||||||
Structured Insurance |
123.3 | | | 123.3 | ||||||||||||
Auto |
55.6 | 78.1 | | 133.7 | ||||||||||||
Student Loans |
16.6 | 13.6 | | 30.2 | ||||||||||||
Other |
97.4 | 10.1 | | 107.5 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total other asset-backed securities |
669.6 | 278.2 | | 947.8 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,726.8 | $ | 636.2 | $ | | $ | 2,363.0 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average rating, which is based on the lower of Standard & Poors or Moodys ratings, of the mortgage and asset-backed securities is BB-, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. There is additional auto exposure in short term investments of $14.2 million and $7.9 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
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The following table provides the fair value of residential mortgage-backed securities (excluding U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprises and Government National Mortgage Association Mortgages) by vintage and type at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
Year of Issue |
First-lien Alt-A |
Second-lien | First-lien Prime |
First-lien Sub-Prime |
Total | |||||||||||||||
($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2012 |
||||||||||||||||||||
2003 and prior |
$ | | $ | 1.4 | $ | | $ | 4.1 | $ | 5.5 | ||||||||||
2004 |
29.2 | 6.9 | | 1.4 | 37.5 | |||||||||||||||
2005 |
145.5 | 65.8 | 11.5 | 3.7 | 226.5 | |||||||||||||||
2006 |
186.5 | 269.3 | | 84.5 | 540.3 | |||||||||||||||
2007 |
314.3 | 57.8 | | 36.7 | 408.8 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
$ | 675.5 | $ | 401.2 | $ | 11.5 | $ | 130.4 | $ | 1,218.6 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
December 31, 2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||
2003 and prior |
$ | | $ | 0.5 | $ | | $ | 4.3 | $ | 4.8 | ||||||||||
2004 |
29.0 | 7.1 | | 1.3 | 37.4 | |||||||||||||||
2005 |
135.9 | 63.7 | 4.4 | 3.6 | 207.6 | |||||||||||||||
2006 |
175.4 | 254.0 | | 83.8 | 513.2 | |||||||||||||||
2007 |
327.1 | 61.5 | | 33.0 | 421.6 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
$ | 667.4 | $ | 386.8 | $ | 4.4 | $ | 126.0 | $ | 1,184.6 | ||||||||||
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|
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|
|
|
Ambacs fixed income portfolio includes securities covered by guarantees issued by Ambac Assurance and other financial guarantors (insured securities). The published Moodys and S&P ratings on these securities reflect the higher of the financial strength rating of the financial guarantor and the rating of the underlying issuer. Rating agencies do not always publish separate underlying ratings (those ratings excluding the insurance by the financial guarantor) because generally the insurance cannot be legally separated from the underlying security by the insurer. Ambac obtains underlying ratings through ongoing dialogue with rating agencies and other sources. In the event these underlying ratings are not available from the rating agencies, Ambac will assign an internal rating. Since the insurance cannot be legally separated from the underlying security, the fair value of the insured securities in the investment portfolio includes the value of any financial guarantee embedded in such securities, including guarantees written by Ambac Assurance. In addition, a hypothetical fair value assuming the absence of the insurance is not readily available from our independent pricing sources.
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The following table represents the fair value, including the value of the financial guarantee, and weighted-average underlying rating, excluding the financial guarantee, of the insured securities at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively:
($ in millions) |
Municipal obligations |
Corporate obligations |
Mortgage and asset- backed securities |
Short term | Total | Weighted Average Underlying Rating(1) |
||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2012 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ambac Assurance Corporation |
$ | 61.1 | $ | 4.6 | $ | 1,097.6 | $ | | $ | 1,163.3 | B+ | |||||||||||||
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation |
801.4 | 80.8 | | | 882.2 | A+ | ||||||||||||||||||
Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation |
434.0 | 162.5 | 7.0 | 24.0 | 627.5 | A | ||||||||||||||||||
Assured Guaranty Corporation |
| | 24.6 | | 24.6 | CC | ||||||||||||||||||
Financial Guarantee Insurance Corporation |
17.9 | | 7.0 | | 24.9 | BBB+ | ||||||||||||||||||
MBIA Insurance Corporation |
| 19.8 | 3.5 | | 23.3 | BBB- | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,314.4 | $ | 267.7 | $ | 1,139.7 | $ | 24.0 | $ | 2,745.8 | BBB | |||||||||||||
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
December 31, 2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ambac Assurance Corporation |
$ | 59.9 | $ | 4.6 | $ | 1,123.8 | $ | | $ | 1,188.3 | B+ | |||||||||||||
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation |
816.7 | 82.4 | | | 899.1 | A+ | ||||||||||||||||||
Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation |
447.0 | 160.2 | 9.3 | 24.0 | 640.5 | A | ||||||||||||||||||
Financial Guarantee Insurance Corporation |
17.3 | | 7.7 | | 25.0 | BBB+ | ||||||||||||||||||
Assured Guaranty Corporation |
| | 38.4 | | 38.4 | CCC+ | ||||||||||||||||||
MBIA Insurance Corporation |
| 19.1 | 3.8 | | 22.9 | BBB- | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,340.9 | $ | 266.3 | $ | 1,183.0 | $ | 24.0 | $ | 2,814.2 | BBB | |||||||||||||
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|
(1) | Ratings represent the lower underlying rating assigned by S&P or Moodys. If unavailable, Ambacs internal rating is used. |
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Table of Contents
The following table provides the ratings distribution of the fixed income investment portfolio at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by segment:
Rating(1):
Financial Guarantee |
Financial Services |
Combined | ||||||||||
March 31, 2012: |
||||||||||||
AAA |
28 | % | 54 | % | 31 | % | ||||||
AA |
30 | 17 | 29 | |||||||||
A |
15 | <1 | 13 | |||||||||
BBB |
8 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||
Below investment grade |
14 | 23 | 15 | |||||||||
Not rated |
5 | | 5 | |||||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|||||||
100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
December 31, 2011: |
||||||||||||
AAA |
25 | % | 57 | % | 29 | % | ||||||
AA |
33 | 17 | 31 | |||||||||
A |
14 | <1 | 12 | |||||||||
BBB |
8 | 5 | 8 | |||||||||
Below investment grade |
13 | 21 | 14 | |||||||||
Not rated |
7 | | 6 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
(1) | Ratings are based on the lower of Moodys or S&P ratings. If guaranteed, rating represents the higher of the underlying or guarantors financial strength rating. |
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The following table summarizes, for all 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 those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:
March 31, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | |||||||||||||||
($ in millions) |
Estimated Fair Value(1) |
Gross Unrealized Losses(1) |
Estimated Fair Value(1) |
Gross Unrealized Losses(1) |
||||||||||||
Municipal obligations in continuous unrealized loss for: |
||||||||||||||||
06 months |
$ | 0.1 | $ | | $ | 4.4 | $ | 0.1 | ||||||||
712 months |
2.0 | | 5.0 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||
Greater than 12 months |
7.3 | 0.1 | 14.6 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
9.4 | 0.1 | 24.0 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Corporate obligations in continuous unrealized loss for: |
||||||||||||||||
06 months |
157.3 | 2.0 | 139.3 | 4.1 | ||||||||||||
712 months |
28.6 | 0.5 | 16.2 | 2.1 | ||||||||||||
Greater than 12 months |
131.3 | 13.4 | 178.9 | 17.0 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
317.2 | 15.9 | 334.4 | 23.2 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
U.S. treasury obligations in continuous unrealized loss for: |
||||||||||||||||
06 months |
157.2 | 0.9 | 130.4 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||
712 months |
65.1 | 0.1 | | | ||||||||||||
Greater than 12 months |
| | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
222.3 | 1.0 | 130.4 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities in continuous unrealized loss for: |
||||||||||||||||
06 months |
94.3 | 3.6 | 113.4 | 12.2 | ||||||||||||
712 months |
32.5 | 5.7 | 12.4 | 2.3 | ||||||||||||
Greater than 12 months |
111.1 | 33.2 | 105.7 | 43.3 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
237.9 | 42.5 | 231.5 | 57.8 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations in continuous unrealized loss for: |
||||||||||||||||
06 months |
| 0.1 | 33.0 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||
712 months |
26.0 | 0.3 | | | ||||||||||||
Greater than 12 months |
9.8 | 1.3 | 12.5 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
35.8 | 1.7 | 45.5 | 2.6 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Other asset-backed securities in continuous unrealized loss for: |
||||||||||||||||
06 months |
99.4 | 1.1 | 176.6 | 8.3 | ||||||||||||
712 months |
109.2 | | 5.2 | | ||||||||||||
Greater than 12 months |
201.6 | 48.2 | 204.9 | 51.8 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
410.2 | 49.3 | 386.7 | 60.1 | |||||||||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Short term securities in continuous unrealized loss for: |
||||||||||||||||
06 months |
4.6 | | 5.8 | | ||||||||||||
712 months |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Greater than 12 months |
| | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
4.6 | | 5.8 | | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,237.4 | $ | 110.5 | $ | 1,158.3 | $ | 144.3 | ||||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Since the table is presented in millions, securities with market values and unrealized losses that are less than $0.1 will be shown as zero. |
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Table of Contents
Management has determined that the unrealized losses in fixed income securities at March 31, 2012 are primarily driven by the uncertainty in the structured finance market, primarily with respect to non-agency residential mortgage backed securities, including those guaranteed by Ambac Assurance, and a general increase in risk and liquidity premiums demanded by fixed income investors. Ambac has concluded that unrealized losses reflected in the table above are temporary in nature based upon (a) no unexpected principal and interest payment defaults on these securities; (b) analysis of the creditworthiness of the issuer and financial guarantor, as applicable, and analysis of projected defaults on the underlying collateral; (c) management has no intent to sell these securities; and (d) it is not more likely than not that Ambac will be required to sell these debt securities before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis. Of the $1,237.4 million that were in a gross unrealized loss position at March 31, 2012, below investment grade securities and non-rated securities had a fair value of $294.5 million and unrealized loss of $63.0 million, which represented 23.8% of the total fair value, and 57.0% of the unrealized loss as shown in the table above. Of the $1,158.3 million that were in a gross unrealized loss position at December 31, 2011, below investment grade securities and non-rated securities had a fair value of $268.6 million and unrealized loss of $77.9 million, which represented 23.2% of the total fair value, and 54.0% of the unrealized loss as shown in the table above.
During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were other-than-temporary impairment write-downs of $3.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Other-than-temporary impairment charges to earnings in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were due to credit losses on securities guaranteed by Ambac Assurance and on certain Alt-A residential mortgage-backed securities. As a result of the rehabilitation of the Segregated Account, financial guarantee payments on securities guaranteed by Ambac Assurance which have been placed in the Segregated Account are no longer under the control of Ambac management. As of March 31, 2012, management has not asserted an intent to sell any securities in an unrealized loss position from its portfolio. Future changes in our estimated liquidity needs could result in a determination that Ambac no longer has the ability to hold such securities, which could result in other-than-temporary impairment charges.
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The following table summarizes amortized cost and fair value for all securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by contractual maturity date:
March 31, 2012 | December 31, 2011 | |||||||||||||||
($ in millions) |
Amortized Cost |
Estimated Fair Value |
Amortized Cost |
Estimated Fair Value |
||||||||||||
Municipal obligations: |
||||||||||||||||
Due in one year or less |
$ | 2.9 | $ | 2.8 | $ | 2.9 | $ | 2.8 | ||||||||
Due after one year through five years |
2.7 | 2.7 | | | ||||||||||||
Due after five years through ten years |
1.9 | 1.9 | 15.1 | 14.9 | ||||||||||||
Due after ten years |
2.0 | 2.0 | 6.5 | 6.3 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
9.5 | 9.4 | 24.5 | 24.0 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Corporate obligations: |
||||||||||||||||
Due in one year or less |
6.7 | 6.6 | | | ||||||||||||
Due after one year through five years |
127.5 | 126.3 | 114.3 | 111.1 | ||||||||||||
Due after five years through ten years |
164.6 | 155.5 | 189.7 | 177.3 | ||||||||||||
Due after ten years |
34.3 | 28.8 | 53.6 | 46.0 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
333.1 | 317.2 | 357.6 | 334.4 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
U.S. treasury obligations: |
||||||||||||||||
Due in one year or less |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Due after one year through five years |
211.5 | 210.9 | 130.3 | 130.2 | ||||||||||||
Due after five years through ten years |
11.8 | 11.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||
Due after ten years |
| | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
223.3 | 222.3 | 130.5 | 130.4 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities |
280.4 | 237.9 | 289.3 | 231.5 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
37.5 | 35.8 | 48.1 | 45.5 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Other asset-backed securities |
459.5 | 410.2 | 446.8 | 386.7 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Short term securities |
4.6 | 4.6 | 5.8 | 5.8 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,347.9 | $ | 1,237.4 | $ | 1,302.6 | $ | 1,158.3 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Table of Contents
Cash Flows. Net cash provided by operating activities was $40.3 million and $82.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Operating cash flows decreased primarily due to higher interest rate swaps payments during the first quarter of 2012. Future net cash provided by operating activities will be impacted by the level of premium collections, surplus note interest payments (subject to approval by OCI) and claim payments (including the ultimate payment of presented but unpaid claims as a result of the claim moratorium), including payments under credit default swap contracts.
Net cash used in financing activities was ($7.7) million and ($92.1) million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 included a paydown of $7.3 million on available interest entity secured borrowing and repayments of investment and payment agreements of $0.4 million and $89.7 million, respectively.
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities was ($8.7) million and $7.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
SPECIAL PURPOSE AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Please refer to Note 5, Special Purpose Entities, Including Variable Interest Entities of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, located in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, for information regarding special purpose and variable interest entities. Ambac does not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Please refer to Note 13, Future Application of Accounting Standards and Adoption of New Accounting Standards of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, located in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for a discussion of the impact of recent accounting pronouncements on Ambacs financial condition and results of operations.
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Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
RISK MANAGEMENT
Ambacs principal business strategy is to increase the residual value of its financial guarantee business by mitigating losses on poorly performing transactions (including through the pursuit of recoveries in respect of paid claims, commutations of policies, purchases of Ambac-insured obligations and repurchases of surplus notes) and maximizing the return on its investment portfolio. The Risk Management group is primarily responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of loss mitigation strategy. As a consequence of the Segregated Account Rehabilitation Proceedings, the Rehabilitator retains operational control and decision-making authority with respect to all matters related to the Segregated Account, including surveillance, remediation and loss mitigation. Similarly, by virtue of the contracts executed between Ambac Assurance and the Segregated Account in connection with the establishment, and subsequent rehabilitation, of the Segregated Account, the Rehabilitator retains the discretion to oversee and approve certain actions taken by Ambac Assurance in respect of assets and liabilities which remain in Ambac Assurance. As such, Ambacs risk management practices are qualified by reference to the rehabilitators exercise of its discretion to alter or eliminate any of these risk management practices. By virtue of a management services contract executed between Ambac Assurance and the Segregated Account in connection with the establishment, and subsequent rehabilitation, of the Segregated Account, the Risk Management group is responsible for all surveillance, remediation and mitigation services provided to the Segregated Account under the supervision of the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin (OCI). Please refer to Risk Management located in Part I, Item 1: Business of the Form 10-K for further discussion of our Risk Management Group.
Credit Risk
Ambac is exposed to credit risk in various capacities including as an issuer of financial guarantees, including credit default swaps, as counterparty to reinsurers, derivative and other financial contracts and as a holder of investment securities.
Financial GuaranteesRisk Managements focus is on surveillance, remediation, loss mitigation and risk reduction. Surveillance analysts review, on a regular and ad hoc basis, credits in the financial guarantee book of business. Risk-adjusted surveillance strategies have been developed for each bond type. The monitoring activities are designed to detect deterioration in credit quality or changes in the economic, regulatory or political environment which could adversely impact the portfolio. Active surveillance enables Portfolio Risk Management to track single credit migration and industry credit trends. In some cases, Portfolio Risk Management will engage workout experts, attorneys and other consultants with appropriate expertise in the targeted loss mitigation to assist management in examining the underlying contracts or collateral, providing industry specific advice and/or executing strategies.
Investment SecuritiesAmbac manages credit risk associated with its investment portfolio through adherence to specific investment guidelines. These guidelines establish limits based upon single risk concentration, asset type, and minimum credit rating standards. Additionally, senior credit personnel monitor the portfolio on a continuous basis. Credit monitoring of the investment portfolio includes procedures on residential mortgage-backed securities consistent with those utilized to assess the risk of our insured RMBS exposures.
DerivativesCredit risks relating to derivative positions primarily concern the default of a counterparty. Counterparty default exposure on derivatives (other than credit derivatives) is mitigated through the use of industry standard collateral posting agreements. For counterparties subject to such collateral posting agreements, collateral is posted when a derivative counterpartys credit exposure exceeds contractual limits. Derivative contracts entered into with financial guarantee customers are not subject to collateral posting agreements. Credit risk associated with such customer derivatives, including credit derivatives, is managed through the financial guarantee portfolio risk management processes described above. In some cases, derivatives between Ambac and financial guarantee customers are placed through a third party financial intermediary and do not require collateral posting. These transactions include structural mechanisms such as separate trust accounts to mitigate credit exposure to the intermediary.
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ReinsuranceTo minimize its exposure to losses from reinsurers, Ambac Assurance (i) monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers; (ii) is entitled to receive collateral from its reinsurance counterparties in certain reinsurance contracts; and (iii) has certain cancellation rights that can be exercised by Ambac Assurance in the event of rating agency downgrades of a reinsurer (among other events and circumstances). At the inception of each reinsurance contract, Ambac Assurance requires collateral from certain reinsurers primarily to (i) receive statutory credit for the reinsurance for foreign reinsurers, and (ii) provide liquidity to Ambac Assurance in the event of claims on the reinsured exposures. Ambac Assurance held letters of credit and collateral amounting to approximately $338.9 million from its reinsurers at March 31, 2012. The largest reinsurer accounted for 7.1% of gross par outstanding at March 31, 2012.
As of March 31, 2012, the aggregate amount of insured par ceded by Ambac Assurance to reinsurers under reinsurance agreements was $23,473 million. The following table represents the percentage ceded to reinsurers and reinsurance recoverable at March 31, 2012 and the reinsurers rating levels as of May 4, 2012:
Reinsurers |
Rating | Moodys Outlook | Percentage of total ceded par |
Net unsecured reinsurance recoverable (in thousands)(1) |
||||||||||
Assured Guaranty Re Ltd |
A1 | Ratings Under Review | 86.23 | % | $ | | ||||||||
Sompo Japan Insurance Inc |
A1 | Stable | 7.42 | | ||||||||||
Assured Guaranty Corporation |
Aa3 | Ratings Under Review | 6.35 | 15,559 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
100.00 | % | $ | 15,559 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Represents reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses and deferred ceded premiums, net of ceded premium payables due to reinsurers, letters of credit, and collateral posted for the benefit of the Company. |
Market Risk
Market risk represents the potential for losses that may result from changes in the value of a financial instrument as a result of changes in market conditions. The primary market risks that would impact the value of Ambacs financial instruments are interest rate risk, basis risk (e.g., taxable index rates relative to issue specific or tax-exempt index rates), credit spread risk and foreign currency exchange risk. Below we discuss each of these risks and the specific types of financial instruments impacted. Senior managers in Ambacs Risk Management group are responsible for monitoring risk limits and applying risk measurement methodologies. The estimation of potential losses arising from adverse changes in market conditions is a key element in managing market risk. Ambac utilizes various systems, models and stress test scenarios to monitor and manage market risk. This process includes frequent analyses of both parallel and non-parallel shifts in the benchmark interest rate curve and Value-at-Risk (VaR) measures. These models include estimates, made by management, which utilize current and historical market information. The valuation results from these models could differ materially from amounts that would actually be realized in the market.
Interest Rate Risk:
Financial instruments for which fair value may be affected by changes in interest rates consist primarily of investment securities, loans, investment agreement liabilities, obligations under repurchase agreements, long-term debt, surplus notes and interest rate derivatives. The sensitivity of the fair value of these financial instruments to immediate changes in interest rates at March 31, 2012 is comparable to that at December 31, 2011, as disclosed under Market Risk in Part II, Item 7A of Ambacs 2011 Annual Report filed on March 22, 2012.
Changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates are driven primarily by the impact of interest rate shifts on the investment portfolio (which declines in value as rates increase) and the interest rate swap portfolio (which is positioned to increase in value as rates increase). Interest rate increases would also have a negative economic impact on expected future claim payments on the financial guarantee portfolio.
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Basis Risk.
Ambac Financial Services (AFS) manages its swaps business with the goal of being market neutral to changes in benchmark interest rates while retaining some basis risk and some excess interest rate sensitivity as an economic hedge against the effects of rising interest rates elsewhere in the Company, including on Ambacs financial guarantee exposures (the Macro Hedge). The incremental interest rate sensitivity of the interest rate swap portfolio attributable to the Macro Hedge position would produce mark-to-market gains or losses of approximately $1.6 million for a 1 basis point parallel shift in USD Libor and US Treasury rates up or down at March 31, 2012. Basis risk in the portfolio arises from (i) variability in the ratio of benchmark tax-exempt to taxable interest rates, (ii) potential changes in municipal issuers bond-specific variable rates relative to taxable interest rates, and (iii) variability between Treasury and swap rates. If actual or projected benchmark tax-exempt interest rates increase or decrease in a parallel shift by 1 basis point in relation to taxable interest rates, Ambac would experience a mark-to-market gain or loss of $0.2 million at March 31, 2012. For a 1 basis point parallel shift in USD Libor interest rates versus the US Treasury rate Ambac would experience a mark-to-market gain or loss of $0.002 million March 31, 2012. Each of the amounts above is presenting sensitivity (gain or loss) under the assumption that all other variables remain unchanged. Actual changes in tax-exempt interest rates, and US Libor vs. US Treasury rates, as well as changes in Libor curves for different currencies themselves are correlated. This correlation is taken into account when we produce VaR numbers based on historical changes of all interest rate risk components as discussed below.
The estimation of potential losses arising from adverse changes in market relationships, known as VaR, is a key element in managements monitoring of basis risk for the municipal interest rate swap portfolio. Ambac has developed a VaR methodology to estimate potential losses using a one day time horizon and a 99% confidence level. This means that Ambac would expect to incur losses greater than that predicted by VaR estimates only once in every 100 trading days, or about 2.5 times a year. Ambacs methodology estimates VaR using a 300-day historical look back period. This means that changes in market values are simulated using market inputs from the past 300 days. For the three month period ended March 31, 2012, Ambacs VaR, for its interest rate swap portfolio (including the Macro Hedge) averaged approximately $41.0 million. Ambacs VaR ranged from a high of $43.7 million to a low of $38.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2012. These VaR measures exclude the impact of changes to the Ambac CVA or counterparty credit risk which could result in larger changes in market value. Ambac supplements its VaR methodology, which it believes is a good risk management tool in normal markets, by performing rigorous stress testing to measure the potential for losses in volatile markets. These stress tests include (i) parallel and non-parallel shifts in the benchmark interest rate curve and (ii) immediate changes in normal basis relationships, such as those between taxable and tax-exempt markets.
Credit Spread Risk:
Financial instruments that may be adversely affected by changes in credit spreads include Ambacs outstanding credit derivative contracts and investment assets. Changes in credit spreads are generally caused by changes in the markets perception of the credit quality of the underlying obligor. Market liquidity and prevailing risk premiums demanded by market participants are also reflected in credit spreads and impact valuations.
Ambac, through its subsidiary Ambac Credit Products (ACP), entered into credit derivative contracts. These contracts require ACP to make payments upon the occurrence of certain defined credit events relating to an underlying obligation (generally a fixed income obligation). If credit spreads of the underlying obligations change, the market value of the related credit derivative changes. As such, ACP could experience mark-to-market gains or losses.
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The following table summarizes the estimated change in fair values on the net balance of Ambacs net credit derivative contracts assuming immediate parallel shifts in reference obligation spreads at March 31, 2012:
($ in millions) Change in Underlying Spreads |
CLO | Other | Total | Total Estimated Unrealized Gain/(Loss) |
||||||||||||
500 basis point widening |
$ | (105 | ) | $ | (189 | ) | $ | (294 | ) | $ | (495 | ) | ||||
250 basis point widening |
(53 | ) | (94 | ) | (147 | ) | (348 | ) | ||||||||
50 basis point widening |
(11 | ) | (18 | ) | (29 | ) | (230 | ) | ||||||||
Base scenario |
| | | (201 | ) | |||||||||||
50 basis point narrowing |
11 | 17 | 28 | (173 | ) | |||||||||||
250 basis point narrowing |
45 | 83 | 128 | (73 | ) | |||||||||||
500 basis point narrowing |
51 | 122 | 173 | (28 | ) |
Also included in the fair value of credit derivative liabilities is the effect of Ambacs creditworthiness, which reflects market perception of Ambacs ability to meet its obligations. Incorporating estimates of Ambacs credit valuation adjustment into the determination of fair value has resulted in a $469.7 million reduction to the credit derivatives liability as of March 31, 2012. At March 31, 2012 the credit valuation adjustment was calculated as 70% of the credit derivative liability as measured before considering Ambac credit risk. Refer to Note 7 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements located in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further information on the measurement of the credit valuation adjustment.
Current yields on certain fixed income securities held in our investment portfolio imply credit spreads that are in some cases greater than 1,100 basis points over LIBOR as of March 31, 2012. These are generally Alt-A and subprime residential mortgage backed securities, some of which are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance. Credit spreads may reflect the non-payment risk of the underlying mortgages, the guarantor or both. Some of the impairments to fair value on these securities have been determined to be other-than-temporary during managements quarterly evaluation process resulting in adjustments to the cost basis of the securities. Future performance of the mortgages underlying these securities, as well as U. S. residential mortgages in general, market liquidity for RMBS securities and other factors could result in significant changes to credit spreads and consequently the fair value of our invested assets.
Foreign Exchange Risk:
Ambac has financial instruments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily pounds sterling and euros. These financial instruments are primarily invested assets, derivative instruments and assets and liabilities of Ambac UK and Ambacs consolidated VIEs. The following table summarizes the estimated net change in fair value of these financial instruments assuming immediate shifts in foreign exchange rates as of March 31, 2012.
($ in millions) | Change in Foreign Exchange Rates Against U.S. Dollar | |||||||||||||||
20% Decrease | 10% Decrease | 10% Increase | 20% Increase | |||||||||||||
Estimated change in fair value |
$ | (89.3 | ) | $ | (44.6 | ) | $ | 44.6 | $ | 89.3 |
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk relates to the possible inability to satisfy contractual obligations when due. This risk is present in financial guarantee contracts, derivative contracts, surplus notes (included in Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet) and investment agreements. Ambac Assurance manages its liquidity risk by maintaining a comprehensive analysis of projected cash flows. Additionally, the financial guarantee business maintains a specified level of cash and short-term investments at all times. Interest and principal payments on surplus notes are subject to approval of Ambac Assurances insurance regulator, which has full discretion over deferral of payments regardless of the liquidity position of Ambac Assurance. The investment agreement business manages liquidity risk by closely matching the maturity schedules of its invested assets with the maturity schedules of its investment agreement liabilities. AFS maintains cash and short-term investments and closely matches the date swap payments are made
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and received. Liquidity risk also exists in the derivative contract and investment agreement portfolios due to contract provisions which may require collateral posting or early termination of contracts. Both the investment agreement business and AFS also borrow cash and securities from Ambac Assurance to meet liquidity needs when such borrowing is determined to be most economically beneficial to Ambac Assurance. Intercompany loans are made under established lending agreements with defined borrowing limits that have received non-disapproval from Ambac Assurances insurance regulator.
Operational Risk
Operational risk relates to the potential for loss resulting from: inadequate or failed internal processes, loss of key personnel, breakdown of settlement or communication systems, inadequate execution of strategy or from external events, leading to disruption of our business. Events subject to operational risk include:
* | Internal Fraudmisappropriation of assets, intentional mismarking of positions |
* | External Fraudtheft of information, third-party theft and forgery |
* | Clients, Products, & Business Practiceimproper trade, fiduciary breaches |
* | Damage to Physical Assetsvandalism |
* | Business Disruption & Systems Failuressoftware failures, hardware failures; and |
* | Execution, Delivery, & Process Managementdata entry errors, accounting errors, failed mandatory reporting, settlement errors, negligence. |
Ambac mitigates operational risk through the maintenance of current control documentation and the performance of control procedures surrounding transaction authorization, confirmation, booking and settlement. Additionally, internal operational audits and control reviews are performed throughout the year to help validate the ongoing design and operating effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting (ICOFR) and other controls determined to be key to Ambacs operations.
Ambac tests critical systems (and their backup), and maintains a disaster recovery site as part of its Disaster Recovery Plan. This remote hot-site facility is complete with user work stations, phone system, data center, internet connectivity and a power generator, capable of serving the needs of the disaster recovery team to support all business operations. The plan, facility and systems are revised and upgraded where necessary, and user tested annually to confirm their readiness.
Legal Risk
Legal risks attendant to Ambacs businesses include uncertainty with respect to the enforceability of the obligations insured by Ambac and the security for such obligations, as well as uncertainty with respect to the enforceability of the obligations of Ambacs counterparties, including contractual provisions intended to reduce exposure by providing for the offsetting or netting of mutual obligations. Ambac seeks to remove or minimize such uncertainties through continuous consultation with internal and external legal advisers to analyze and understand the nature of legal risk, to improve documentation and to strengthen transaction structure.
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures. |
In connection with the preparation of this First Quarter Form 10-Q, an evaluation was carried out by Ambacs management, with the participation of Ambacs Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of Ambacs disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding
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required disclosures. Based on its evaluation, and as a result of the previously identified material weakness in internal control relating to the accuracy of inputs to a non-RMBS loss reserve model as described in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Ambacs Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, Ambacs disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective.
Notwithstanding the existence of this material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, Ambac believes that the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, Ambacs consolidated financial condition as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and consolidated results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and consolidated cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In addition, there has been no change in Ambacs internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Ambacs internal control over financial reporting.
Ambac management is committed to maintaining an effective internal control environment over financial reporting and has been actively addressing the above noted material weakness. Managements remediation strategy involves critical assessments of non-RMBS loss reserve models to ensure that key controls over the models design and application are operating effectively. Key controls include, but are not limited to model security and managements review over data inputs to and output from each model.
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Item 1. | Legal Proceedings. |
Please refer to Note 11 Commitments and Contingencies of the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements located in Part I, Item 1 in this Form 10-Q for a discussion on legal proceedings against Ambac and its subsidiaries.
Item 1A. | Risk Factors. |
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
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Part IV
Item 6. | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. |
(a) | Documents filed as a part of this report: |
1. | Financial Statements |
The Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 above are filed as part of this Form 10-Q.
2. | Exhibits |
The following items are annexed as exhibits:
Exhibit Number |
Description | |
31.1+ |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) Promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. | |
31.2+ |
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) Promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. | |
32.1++ |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer 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 Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
101.INS |
XBRL Instance Document. | |
101.SCH |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |
101.CAL |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
101.LAB |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |
101.PRE |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |
101.DEF |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. |
+ | Filed herewith. |
++ | Furnished herewith. |
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. | ||||
Dated: May 10, 2012 | By: | /s/ DAVID TRICK | ||
Name: | David Trick | |||
Title: | Senior Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) |
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Exhibit Number |
Description | |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) Promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. | |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) Promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. | |
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer 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 Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. |
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