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MBIA INC - Quarter Report: 2009 June (Form 10-Q)

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 quarter ended June 30, 2009

or

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 1-9583

 

 

MBIA INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Connecticut   06-1185706
(State of incorporation)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

113 King Street, Armonk, New York   10504
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (914) 273-4545

 

 

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  ¨    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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x            Accelerated filer  ¨            Non-accelerated filer  ¨            Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

As of July 31, 2009, 207,994,886 shares of Common Stock, par value $1 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

INDEX

 

          PAGE
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements (Unaudited) MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries   
   Consolidated Balance Sheets—June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008    1
   Consolidated Statements of Operations—Three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008    2
   Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—Six months ended June 30, 2009    3
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008    4
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    5-76

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    77-150

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    151

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    151
PART II OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    152-154

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    155

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments    155

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    155

Item 3.

   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    155

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    155

Item 5.

   Other Information    155

Item 6.

   Exhibits    156
SIGNATURES   


Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In thousands except per share amounts)

 

     June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Assets

    

Investments:

    

Fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $11,907,958 and $13,245,574) (includes hybrid financial instruments at fair value $29,428 and $25,498)

   $ 9,797,192      $ 11,223,716   

Investments held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $2,295,828 and $3,109,248)

     2,843,238        3,156,969   

Investments pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost $848,303 and $1,101,929)

     736,615        845,887   

Short-term investments held as available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $3,403,448 and $4,728,090)

     3,365,229        4,693,283   

Short-term investments held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $1,113,431 and $485,857)

     1,114,288        498,865   

Other investments

     417,248        220,412   
                

Total investments

     18,273,810        20,639,132   

Cash and cash equivalents

     899,599        2,279,783   

Accrued investment income

     119,982        201,688   

Premiums receivable

     2,130,976        7,744   

Deferred acquisition costs

     514,194        560,632   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     450,667        216,609   

Receivable for insurance loss recoveries

     1,745,144        458,512   

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

     52,100        173,548   

Goodwill

     76,938        76,938   

Property and equipment, at cost (less accumulated depreciation of $146,275 and $141,295)

     103,942        105,364   

Receivable for investments sold

     304,118        77,464   

Derivative assets

     754,890        911,188   

Current income taxes

     64,194        240,871   

Deferred income taxes, net

     1,274,821        2,374,164   

Other assets

     531,092        706,812   
                

Total assets

   $ 27,296,467      $ 29,030,449   
                

Liabilities and Equity

    

Liabilities:

    

Unearned premium revenue

   $ 5,336,856      $ 3,424,402   

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

     1,260,652        1,557,884   

Reinsurance premiums payable

     297,153        8,672   

Investment agreements

     3,026,784        4,666,944   

Medium-term notes (includes financial instruments carried at fair value $122,006 and $176,261)

     4,135,921        6,339,527   

Variable interest entity notes

     2,637,031        1,791,597   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     690,661        802,938   

Long-term debt

     2,516,725        2,396,059   

Deferred fee revenue

     86,523        44,989   

Payable for investments purchased

     36,671        239   

Derivative liabilities

     4,189,241        6,470,874   

Other liabilities

     300,311        504,306   
                

Total liabilities

     24,514,529        28,008,431   
                

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 16)

    

Equity:

    

Preferred stock, par value $1 per share; authorized shares—10,000,000; issued and outstanding—none

     —          —     

Common stock, par value $1 per share; authorized shares—400,000,000; issued shares—274,855,122 and 273,199,801

     274,885        273,200   

Additional paid-in capital

     3,054,045        3,050,506   

Retained earnings

     3,361,494        1,629,187   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred income tax of $779,363 and $946,759

     (1,741,199     (1,775,954

Treasury stock, at cost—66,900,302 and 65,278,904 shares

     (2,184,065     (2,182,519
                

Total shareholders’ equity of MBIA Inc.

     2,765,160        994,420   

Preferred stock of subsidiary

     16,778        27,598   
                

Total equity

     2,781,938        1,022,018   
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 27,296,467      $ 29,030,449   
                

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

 

1


Table of Contents

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(In thousands except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Revenues:

        

Scheduled premiums earned

   $ 153,126      $ 145,636      $ 348,101      $ 293,156   

Refunding premiums earned

     24,822        87,757        58,516        95,552   
                                

Premiums earned (net of ceded premiums of $12,718, $36,811, $48,619 and $62,233)

     177,948        233,393        406,617        388,708   

Net investment income

     179,288        417,346        368,190        932,410   

Fees and reimbursements

     21,806        12,556        41,026        19,848   

Realized gains and other settlements on insured derivatives

     32,036        34,304        63,818        68,062   

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

     423,786        3,324,313        2,032,950        (252,790
                                

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

     455,822        3,358,617        2,096,768        (184,728

Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange

     124,379        86,785        161,758        163,347   

Net realized gains (losses)

     30,222        (383,297     64,411        (326,691

Investment losses—other than temporary impairments

     (357,418     (436,164     (587,407     (659,779

Non-credit related losses on investments not expected to be sold (recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss)

     243,752        —          243,752        —     
                                

Net investment losses—other than temporary impairments

     (113,666     (436,164     (343,655     (659,779

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

     116,303        65,676        126,401        79,217   
                                

Total revenues

     992,102        3,354,912        2,921,516        412,332   

Expenses:

        

Losses and loss adjustment

     (729,311     22,344        (35,586     309,952   

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

     26,067        22,977        46,767        38,529   

Operating

     79,951        66,322        172,490        129,779   

Interest

     112,474        307,915        249,753        698,556   
                                

Total expenses

     (510,819     419,558        433,424        1,176,816   
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,502,921        2,935,354        2,488,092        (764,484

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     604,907        1,234,994        889,430        (58,111
                                

Net income (loss)

     898,014        1,700,360        1,598,662        (706,373

Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary

     3,271        —          7,213        —     
                                

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $ 894,743      $ 1,700,360      $ 1,591,449      $ (706,373
                                

Net income (loss) per common share:

        

Basic

   $ 4.30      $ 7.14      $ 7.64      $ (3.33

Diluted

   $ 4.30      $ 7.14      $ 7.64      $ (3.33

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     208,097,729        238,152,768        208,287,929        212,242,994   

Diluted

     208,097,729        238,152,768        208,287,929        212,242,994   

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

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2009

(In thousands except per share amounts)

 

    Common Stock   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Treasury Stock     Total
Shareholders’
Equity

of MBIA Inc.
    Preferred Stock
of Subsidiary
 
    Shares   Amount         Shares     Amount       Shares     Amount  

Balance, January 1, 2009

  273,200   $ 273,200   $ 3,050,506   $ 1,629,187      $ (1,775,954   (65,279   $ (2,182,519   $ 994,420      2,759      $ 27,598   

SFAS 163 transition adjustment net of deferred income taxes of $27,170

  —       —       —       55,346        —        —          —          55,346      —          —     

FSP FAS 115-2 transition adjustment net of deferred income taxes of $29,930

  —       —       —       85,512        (55,582   —          —          29,930      —          —     

Comprehensive income:

                   

Net income

  —       —       —       1,598,662        —        —          —          1,598,662      —          —     

Other comprehensive loss:

                   

Change in unrealized depreciation of investments net of deferred income taxes of $188,810

  —       —       —       —          260,748      —          —          260,748      —          —     

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive loss, net of deferred income taxes of $55,435

  —       —       —       —          (188,317   —          —          (188,317   —          —     

Change in fair value of derivative instruments net of deferred income taxes of $29,593

  —       —       —       —          54,959      —          —          54,959      —          —     

Change in foreign currency translation net of deferred income taxes of $34,357

  —       —       —       —          (37,053   —          —          (37,053   —          —     
                         

Other comprehensive loss

                  90,337       
                         

Total comprehensive income

                  1,688,999       
                         

Treasury shares acquired under share repurchase program

  —       —       —       —          —        (1,690     (4,196     (4,196   —          —     

Share-based compensation net of income taxes of $1,733

  1,685     1,685     3,539     —          —        69        2,650        7,874      —          —     

Preferred stock of subsidiary acquired

  —       —       —       —          —        —          —          —        (1,082     (10,820

Preferred stock dividends of subsidiary

  —       —       —       (7,213     —        —          —          (7,213   —          —     
                                                                   

Balance, June 30, 2009

  274,885   $ 274,885   $ 3,054,045   $ 3,361,494      $ (1,741,199   (66,900   $ (2,184,065   $ 2,765,160      1,677      $ 16,778   
                                                                   
            2009             
                         

Disclosure of reclassification amount:

                   

Change in unrealized depreciation of investments arising during the period, net of taxes

          $ 456,540             

Reclassification adjustment, net of taxes

            (384,109          
                         

Change in net unrealized depreciation, net of taxes

          $ 72,431             
                         

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

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,598,662      $ (706,373

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

    

Amortization of bond discounts (premiums), net

     (43,102     (22,889

Decrease in accrued investment income

     81,177        107,525   

Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable

     244,927        (3,789

Decrease in deferred acquisition costs

     54,809        63,547   

Decrease in unearned premium revenue

     (413,251     (203,452

Decrease in prepaid reinsurance premiums

     79,602        23,677   

Decrease in reinsurance premiums payable

     (35,781     (22,346

Decrease in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

     (123,012     (15,470

Decrease in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

     126,011        9,485   

Increase in receivable for insurance loss recoveries

     (1,286,632     (114,965

(Decrease) increase in payable to reinsurers on recoveries

     15,608        960   

Depreciation

     4,242        4,875   

Decrease in accrued interest payable

     (99,419     (104,473

Decrease in accounts receivable

     22,399        5,664   

Decrease in accrued expenses

     (99,631     (6,426

Increase in deferred fee revenue

     41,534        1,602   

Amortization of medium-term notes and commercial paper (premiums) discounts, net

     (6,988     (8,444

Net realized (gains) losses on sale of investments

     (64,411     326,691   

Investment losses on other than temporarily impaired investments

     343,655        659,779   

Unrealized (gains) losses on insured derivatives

     (2,032,950     252,790   

Net gains on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange

     (161,758     (163,347

Current income tax provision

     176,677        204,604   

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

     931,657        (43,372

Gains on extinguishment of debt

     (126,401     (79,515

Share-based compensation

     3,215        (33,358

Other, operating

     (36,111     308,413   
                

Total adjustments to net income (loss)

     (2,403,934     1,147,766   
                

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

     (805,272     441,393   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of fixed-maturity securities

     (4,585,015     (10,108,272

Increase in payable for investments purchased

     36,428        766,494   

Sale and redemption of fixed-maturity securities

     6,185,517        15,416,977   

Increase in receivable for investments sold

     (226,878     (1,905,362

Purchase of held-to-maturity investments

     (200,027     (868,472

Redemptions of held-to-maturity investments

     557,716        2,168,891   

(Purchase) sale of short-term investments, net

     1,398,037        (2,989,219

Sale (purchase) of other investments, net

     (248,421     51,779   

Capital expenditures

     (3,320     (2,652

Disposals of capital assets

     508        —     
                

Net cash provided by investing activities

     2,914,545        2,530,164   
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of investment agreements

     296,157        1,845,817   

Payments for drawdowns of investment agreements

     (1,899,933     (2,536,634

Decrease in commercial paper

     —          (518,453

Issuance of medium-term notes

     169,211        2,109,430   

Principal paydown of medium-term notes

     (2,031,992     (5,259,019

Principal paydown of variable interest entity floating rate notes

     (50,972     (28,778

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net

     (112,277     (156,333

Dividends paid

     (6,511     (42,640

Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock

     —          1,628,405   

Capital issuance costs

     —          (75,157

Net proceeds from issuance of warrants

     —          21,467   

Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     131,612        981,153   

Repayment for retirement of short-term debt

     —          (6,225

Proceeds (payments) from derivative settlements

     48,873        (57,479

Purchase of treasury stock

     (4,196     —     

Purchase of subsidiary preferred stock

     (10,820     —     

Restricted stock awards settlements

     1,521        967   

Excess tax benefit on share-based payment

     (1,733     (14,993

Collateral from reverse repurchase agreement counterparties

     25,000        —     

Collateral (to) from swap counterparty

     (43,397     188,060   

Other, financing

     —          812   
                

Net cash used by financing activities

     (3,489,457     (1,919,600
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,380,184     1,051,957   

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

     2,279,783        263,732   
                

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

   $ 899,599      $ 1,315,689   
                

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:

    

Income taxes (refunded) paid

   $ (210,617   $ (209,269

Interest paid:

    

Investment agreements

   $ 78,382      $ 365,123   

Commercial paper

     —          13,674   

Medium-term notes

     75,353        243,641   

Variable interest entity floating rate notes

     41,871        27,834   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     41,644        21,347   

Liquidity loans

     2,754        —     

Other borrowings and deposits

     —          1,697   

Long-term debt

     79,635        39,080   

Non cash items:

    

Share-based compensation

   $ 3,215      $ (33,358

Dividends declared but not paid

     702        —     

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

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1: Business and Organization

MBIA Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, (collectively, “MBIA” or the “Company”) operates the largest financial guarantee insurance business in the industry and is a provider of asset management advisory services. The Company also manages asset/liability products and conduit programs, which are in wind-down. Beginning in 2009, the Company’s business activities are managed through three principal operations: United States (“U.S.”) public finance insurance, structured finance and international insurance, and investment management services. Corporate operations include revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities.

MBIA’s financial guarantee business is currently operated through two subsidiaries, National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (“National”) and MBIA Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries (“MBIA Corp.”). In February 2009, after receiving the required regulatory approvals, MBIA established and capitalized National as a U.S. public finance-only financial guarantor. In connection with the establishment of National, MBIA Insurance Corporation paid dividends and returned capital to MBIA Inc. and entered into a reinsurance agreement and an assignment agreement with National, the latter of which was with respect to financial guarantee insurance policies that had been reinsured from Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (“FGIC”). As a result, the Company established its U.S. public finance insurance business as a separate operating segment.

Refer to MBIA Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for further information about these changes to the Company’s operating and legal entity structure.

MBIA’s insurance and certain investment management services programs have historically relied upon triple-A credit ratings. The loss of those ratings in the second quarter of 2008 resulted in a dramatic reduction in the Company’s business activities. As of June 30, 2009, National was rated A with a developing outlook by Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”) and Baa1 with a developing outlook by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”). As of June 30, 2009, MBIA Insurance Corporation was rated BBB with a negative outlook by S&P and B3 with a negative outlook by Moody’s.

U.S. Public Finance Insurance Operations

As described above, since February 2009, MBIA’s U.S. public finance insurance business has been conducted through National. The financial guarantees issued by National provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations when due or, in the event National has the right at its discretion to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise, upon National’s acceleration. National’s guarantees insure municipal bonds, including tax-exempt and taxable indebtedness of U.S. political subdivisions, as well as utility districts, airports, health care institutions, higher educational facilities, student loan issuers, housing authorities and other similar agencies and obligations issued by private entities that finance projects that serve a substantial public purpose. Municipal bonds and privately issued bonds used for the financing of public purpose projects are generally supported by taxes, assessments, fees or tariffs related to the use of these projects, lease payments or other similar types of revenue streams.

National’s insurance portfolio principally comprises exposure assumed by National under the previously disclosed quota share reinsurance agreement it entered into with MBIA Insurance Corporation effective January 1, 2009 pursuant to which MBIA Insurance Corporation ceded all of its U.S. public finance exposure to National and under the assignment by MBIA Insurance Corporation of its rights and obligations with respect to the U.S. public finance business that MBIA Insurance Corporation assumed from FGIC.

Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations

MBIA’s structured finance and international insurance operations have been conducted through MBIA Corp. The financial guarantees issued by MBIA Corp. provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations when due, or in the event MBIA Corp. has the right at its discretion to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise, upon MBIA Corp.’s acceleration. Certain investment agreement contracts written by MBIA Inc. are insured by MBIA Corp. and if MBIA Inc. were to have insufficient assets to pay amounts due upon maturity or termination, MBIA Corp. would make such payments. Additionally, insurance policies include payments due under credit and other derivatives, including termination payments that may become due upon certain events including the insolvency or payment default of MBIA Corp.

MBIA Corp.’s guarantees insure structured finance and asset-backed obligations, privately issued bonds used for the financing of public purpose projects, which are primarily located outside of the U.S. and that include toll roads, bridges, airports, public transportation facilities and other types of infrastructure projects serving a substantial public purpose, and obligations of sovereign and sub-sovereign issuers. Structured finance and asset-backed securities (“ABSs”) typically are securities repayable from expected cash flows generated by a specified pool of assets, such as residential and commercial mortgages, insurance policies, consumer loans, corporate loans and bonds, trade and export receivables, leases for equipment, aircraft and real property, and infrastructure projects.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company is no longer insuring new credit derivative contracts except in transactions related to the reduction of existing derivative exposure. Currently, the global structured finance market is generating very little new business, and it is uncertain how or when the Company may re-engage this market.

Investment Management Services Operations

MBIA’s investment management services operations consist of an asset management advisory business, which provides cash management, discretionary asset management and structured products to the public, not-for-profit, corporate and financial sectors. The Company also has an asset/liability products business, in which it has issued debt and investment agreements, which are insured by MBIA Corp., to capital markets and municipal investors and then initially purchased assets that largely matched the duration of those liabilities, and a conduit business in which the Company has funded MBIA-insured transactions by issuing debt, which is insured by MBIA Corp. The ratings downgrades of MBIA Corp. have resulted in the termination and collateralization of certain investment agreements and, together with the rising cost and declining availability of funding and illiquidity of many asset classes, have caused the Company to begin winding down its asset/liability products and conduit businesses.

Liquidity

As a financial services company, MBIA is materially affected by conditions in global financial markets. Current conditions and events in these markets have created substantial liquidity risk for the Company.

The Company has instituted a liquidity risk management framework to evaluate its enterprise-wide liquidity position. The primary objective of this risk management system is to monitor potential liquidity constraints and guide the proactive management of liquidity resources to ensure adequate protection against liquidity risk. MBIA’s liquidity risk management framework monitors the Company’s cash and liquid asset resources using stress-scenario testing. Members of MBIA’s senior management meet frequently to review liquidity metrics, discuss contingency plans and establish target liquidity cushions on an enterprise-wide basis.

As part of MBIA’s liquidity risk management framework, the Company also evaluates and manages liquidity on both a legal entity basis and a segment basis. Segment liquidity is an important consideration for the Company as it conducts the operations of its corporate segment and certain activities within the asset/liability products segment of the Company’s investment management services operations from MBIA Inc. Dislocation in the global financial markets, the overall economic downturn in the U.S., and the loss of MBIA Corp.’s triple-A insurance financial strength ratings in 2008 have significantly increased the liquidity needs and decreased the financial flexibility in the Company’s segments. However, MBIA continued to satisfy all of its payment obligations and the Company believes that it has adequate resources to meet its ongoing liquidity needs in both the short-term and the long-term. However, if the current market dislocation and economic conditions persist or worsen, the Company’s liquidity resources will experience further stress.

U.S. Public Finance Insurance Liquidity

Liquidity risk arises in the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance segment when claims on insured exposures result in payment obligations, when operating cash inflows fall due to depressed new business writings, lower investment income, or unanticipated expenses, or when invested assets experience credit defaults or significant declines in fair value.

The Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business’s financial guarantee contracts cannot be accelerated, thereby mitigating liquidity risk. However, defaults, credit impairments and adverse capital markets conditions such as the Company is currently experiencing, can create payment requirements as the Company has made irrevocable pledges to pay principal and interest, or other amounts owing on insured obligations, when due. Additionally, the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance segment requires cash for the payment of operating expenses. Finally, National also provides liquid assets to the Company’s asset/liability products segment through matched repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements to support its business operations and liquidity position, as described below.

Structured Finance and International Insurance Liquidity

Liquidity risk arises in the Company’s structured finance and international insurance segment when claims on insured exposures result in payment obligations, when operating cash inflows fall due to depressed new business writings, lower investment income, or unanticipated expenses, or when invested assets experience credit defaults or significant declines in fair value.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In general, the Company’s structured finance and international business’s financial guarantee contracts and credit default swap (“CDS”) contracts cannot be accelerated, thereby mitigating liquidity risk. (Under the terms of the Company’s insured CDS contract, the insured counterparty may have a right to terminate the CDS contract upon an insolvency or payment default of MBIA Corp.) However, defaults, credit impairments and adverse capital markets conditions such as the Company is currently experiencing, can create payment requirements as the Company has made irrevocable pledges to pay principal and interest, or other amounts owing on insured obligations, when due. Additionally, the Company’s structured finance and international insurance segment requires cash for the payment of operating expenses, as well as principal and interest related to its surplus notes and preferred stock issuance. MBIA Corp. also provides guarantees to the holders of our asset/liability products debt obligations. If the Company’s asset/liability products segment were to be unable to service the principal and interest payments on its debt and investment agreements, the holders of the insured liabilities would make a claim under the MBIA Corp. insurance policies. MBIA Corp. has lent $2.0 billion to the asset/liability products segment on a secured basis for the purpose of minimizing the risk that such claim would be made. The loan matures in the fourth quarter of 2011. The timing of the repayment may be affected by the performance of assets in the asset/liability product’s investment portfolio.

Since the fourth quarter of 2007, MBIA Corp. made $3.7 billion of cash payments, before reinsurance, associated with insured second-lien RMBS securitizations, as well as settlement payments relating to CDS contracts referencing CDO-squared and multi-sector CDOs. Among MBIA Corp.’s outstanding insured portfolio, these types of insured exposures have exhibited the highest degree of payment volatility and continue to pose material liquidity risk to the Company’s structured finance and international insurance segment. As a result of the current economic stress, MBIA could incur additional payment obligations beyond these mortgage-related exposures, which may be substantial, increasing the stress on MBIA Corp.’s liquidity.

In order to monitor liquidity risk and maintain appropriate liquidity resources for payments associated with our residential mortgage related exposures, MBIA employs a stress scenario-based liquidity model using the same “Roll Rate Default Methodology” as it uses in its loss reserving. Using this methodology, the Company estimates the level of payments that would be required to be made under low probability stress-level default assumptions of the underlying collateral taking into account MBIA’s obligation to cover such defaults under our insurance policies. These estimated payments, together with all other significant operating, financing and investing cash flows are forecasted over the next 24-month period on a monthly basis and then annually thereafter to the final maturity of the longest dated outstanding insured obligation. The stress-loss scenarios and cash flow forecasts are frequently updated to account for changes in risk factors and to reconcile differences between forecasted and actual payments.

In addition to MBIA’s residential mortgage stress scenario, it also monitors liquidity risk using a Monte Carlo estimation of potential stress-level claims for all insured principal and interest payments due in the next 12-month period. These probabilistically determined payments are then compared to the Company’s invested assets. This theoretic liquidity model supplements the scenario-based liquidity model described above providing the Company with a robust set of liquidity metrics with which to monitor its risk position.

The Company manages the investment portfolios of its insurance segments in a conservative manner to maintain cash and liquid securities in an amount in excess of all stress scenario payment requirements. To the extent the Company’s liquidity resources fall short of its target liquidity cushions under the stress-loss scenario testing, the Company will seek to increase its cash holdings position, primarily through the sale of high-quality bonds held in its investment portfolio.

Investment Management Services Liquidity

Within MBIA’s investment management services operations, the asset/liability products segment has material liquidity risk. In addition to the payment of operating expenses, cash needs in the asset/liability products segment are primarily for the payment of principal and interest on investment agreements and medium-term notes, and for posting collateral under repurchase agreements, derivatives and investment agreements. The primary sources of cash within the asset/liability products segment used to meet its liquidity needs include scheduled principal and interest on assets held in the segment’s investment portfolio and dedicated capital held within the investment management services operations. If needed, assets held within the segment can be sold or used in secured repurchase agreement borrowings to raise cash. However, the Company’s ability to sell assets or borrow against non-U.S. government securities in the fixed-income markets decreased dramatically and the cost of such transactions increased dramatically over the last year due to the impact of the credit crisis on the willingness of investors to purchase or lend against even very high-quality assets. In addition, negative net interest spread between asset and liability positions resulted from the need to hold cash as collateral against terminable investment agreement contracts and reduced the cash flow historically provided by net investment income.

The asset/liability products segment, through MBIA Inc., maintained simultaneous repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements with National for the purpose of borrowing government securities to pledge under collateralized investment agreements and repurchase agreements. As a result of increased liquidity needs within the asset/liability products segment, the asset/liability products segment, through MBIA Inc., maintained a repurchase agreement with MBIA Insurance Corporation under which MBIA Inc. may transfer securities in its portfolio in exchange for up to $2.0 billion in cash. Additionally, $600 million was transferred to the asset/liability products segment from the Company’s corporate segment in the fourth quarter of 2008.

In order to monitor liquidity risk and maintain appropriate liquidity resources for near-term cash and collateral requirements within MBIA’s asset/liability products segment, the Company calculates monthly forecasts of asset and liability maturities, as well as collateral posting requirements. Cash availability at the low point of the Company’s 12-month forecasted cash flows is measured against liquidity needs using stress-scenario testing of each of the potential liquidity needs described above. To the extent there is a shortfall in MBIA’s liquidity coverage, the Company proactively manages its cash position and liquidity resources to maintain an adequate cushion to the stress scenario. These resources include the sale of unpledged assets, the use of free cash at the holding company, and potentially increased securities borrowings from National.

Corporate Liquidity

Liquidity needs in MBIA’s corporate segment are highly predictable and comprise principal and interest payments on corporate debt, operating expenses and dividends to MBIA Inc. shareholders. Liquidity risk is associated primarily with the dividend capacity of National and MBIA Corp., the distributable earnings of the investment management services operations conducted by MBIA Inc., dividends from asset management subsidiaries, investment income and the Company’s ability to issue equity and debt. Additionally, the corporate segment maintains excess cash and investments to ensure it is able to meet its ongoing cash requirements over a multi-year period in the event that cash becomes unavailable from one or more sources.

In addition to MBIA Inc.’s corporate liquidity needs described above, it issued investment agreements reported within the Company’s asset/liability products segment, all of which are currently collateralized by high-quality liquid investments. The Company’s corporate debt and investment agreements can be accelerated by the holders of such instruments upon the occurrence of certain events, including a breach of covenant or representation, a bankruptcy of MBIA Inc. and the filing of an insolvency proceeding in respect of MBIA Corp. In the event of any such acceleration, the Company may not have sufficient liquid resources to pay amounts due with respect to its corporate debt obligations.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies

The Company has disclosed its significant accounting policies in “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The following significant accounting policies provide an update to those included under the same captions in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, accordingly, do not include all of the information and disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for annual periods. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), but in the opinion of management such financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair statement of the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. As additional information becomes available or actual amounts become determinable, the recorded estimates are revised and reflected in operating results. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009. The December 31, 2008 balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP for annual periods. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MBIA Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries and all other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. All material intercompany revenues and expenses have been eliminated. Certain amounts have been reclassified in prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current presentation.

In addition, the Company evaluated all events subsequent to June 30, 2009 through August 5, 2009 for inclusion in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and/or accompanying notes.

Financial Guarantee Insurance Premiums

Unearned Premium Revenue and Receivable for Future Premiums

The Company records financial guarantee insurance premiums in accordance with the guidance provided in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (“SFAS”) 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts.” SFAS 163 requires the Company to recognize a liability for unearned premium revenue at the inception of financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance contracts on a contract-by-contract basis. Unearned premium revenue recognized at inception of a contract is measured at the present value of the premium due. For most financial guarantee insurance contracts, the Company receives the entire premium due at the inception of the contract, and recognizes unearned premium revenue liability at that time. For certain other financial guarantee contracts, the Company receives premiums in installments over the term of the contract. Unearned premium revenue and a receivable for future premiums is recognized at the inception of an installment contract, and measured at the present value of premiums expected to be collected over the contract period or expected period using a risk-free discount rate as required by SFAS 163. SFAS 163 only allows the expected period to be used in the present value determination of unearned premium revenue and receivable for future premiums for contracts where (a) the insured obligation is contractually prepayable, (b) prepayments are probable, (c) the amount and timing of prepayments are reasonably estimable, and (d) a homogenous pool of assets is the underlying collateral for the insured obligation. The Company has determined that substantially all of its installment contracts meet the conditions required by SFAS 163 to be treated as expected period contracts. The receivable for future premiums is reduced as installment premiums are collected. The Company reports the accretion of the discount on installment premiums receivable as premium revenue and discloses the amount recognized in “Note 4: Insurance Premiums.” The Company assesses the receivable for future premiums for collectability each reporting period, adjusts the receivable for uncollectible amounts and recognizes any write-off as operating expense and discloses the amount recognized in “Note 4: Insurance Premiums.” As premium revenue is recognized, the unearned premium revenue liability is reduced.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Premium Revenue Recognition

SFAS 163 requires financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance contracts issued by insurance enterprises to recognize and measure premium revenue based on the amount of insurance protection provided to the period in which the insurance protection is provided. Premium revenue is measured by applying a constant rate to the insured principal amount outstanding in a given period to recognize a proportionate share of the premium received or expected to be received on a financial guarantee insurance contract. A constant rate for each respective financial guarantee insurance contract is determined as the ratio of (a) the present value of premium received or expected to be received over the period of the contract to (b) the sum of all insured principal amounts outstanding during each period over the term of the contract. As premium revenue is recognized, unearned premium revenue liability is reduced.

An issuer of an insured financial obligation may retire the obligation prior to its scheduled maturity through legal defeasance in satisfaction of the obligation according to its indenture, which results in the Company’s obligation being extinguished under the financial guarantee contract. The Company recognizes any remaining unearned premium revenue on the insured obligation as premium revenue in the period the contract is extinguished to the extent the unearned premium revenue has been collected.

Non-refundable commitment fees are considered insurance premiums and are initially recorded under unearned premium revenue in the consolidated balance sheets when received. Once the related financial guarantee insurance policy is issued, the commitment fees are recognized as premium written and earned using the constant rate method. If the commitment agreement expires before the related financial guarantee is issued, the non-refundable commitment fee is immediately recognized as premium written and earned at that time.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

SFAS 163 requires a claim liability (loss reserve) to be recognized on a contract-by-contract basis when the present value of expected net cash outflows to be paid under the contract using a risk-free rate as of the measurement date exceeds the unearned premium revenue. A claim liability is subsequently remeasured each reporting period for expected increases or decreases due to changes in the likelihood of default and potential recoveries. Subsequent changes to the measurement of claim liability are recognized as claim expense in the period of change. Measurement and recognition of claim liability is reported gross of any reinsurance. The Company estimates the likelihood of possible claims payments and possible recoveries using probability-weighted expected cash flows based on information available as of the measurement date, including market information. Accretion of the discount on a claim liability is included in claim expense. The Company’s claim liability and accruals for loss adjustment expenses incurred are disclosed in “Note 10: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves.”

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments on Investment Securities

The Company’s consolidated statement of operations reflects the full impairment (the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and fair value) on debt securities that the Company intends to sell or would more likely than not be required to sell before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. For available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that management has no intent to sell and believes that it is more likely than not will not be required to be sold prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment is recognized in earnings, while the rest of the fair value loss is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security as projected using the Company’s discounted cash flow projections.

Fee and Reimbursement Revenue Recognition

The Company collects insurance related fees for services performed in connection with certain transactions. In addition, the Company may be entitled to reimbursement of third-party insurance expenses that it incurs in connection with certain transactions. Depending upon the type of fee received and whether it is related to an insurance policy, the fee is either earned when it is received or deferred and earned over the life of the related transaction. Work, waiver and consent, termination, administrative and management fees are earned when the related services are completed and the fee is received. Structuring fees are earned on a straight-line basis over the life of the related insurance policy. Expense reimbursements are recognized when received.

Fees related to investment management services are recognized in earnings over the period that the related services are provided. Asset management fees are typically based on the net asset values of assets under management.

Cash and Other Collateral

Under certain non-insurance derivative contracts entered into by the Company, collateral postings are required by either MBIA or the counterparty when the aggregate market value of derivative contracts entered into with the same counterparty exceeds a predefined threshold. Cash or securities may be posted as collateral at the option of the party posting the collateral. Refer to “Note 8: Derivative Instruments” for further information on these collateral arrangements.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company has entered into reverse repurchase agreements that require MBIA to post collateral at a predetermined multiple of the contract amount. Cash or securities may be posted by MBIA under these agreements. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had cash collateral of $6 million posted to counterparties under these term reverse repurchase agreements.

The Company reports cash received or posted in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as either operating, investing or financing consistent with the classification of the asset or liability that created the posting requirement.

Offsetting of Fair Value Amounts Related to Derivative Instruments

In the second quarter of 2009, the Company re-evaluated its election regarding offsetting the fair value amounts recognized for derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement under FIN 39. As a result, the Company decided to begin netting the fair value amounts recognized for derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty. The implementation of the counterparty netting resulted in a decrease in the Company’s derivative assets and derivative liabilities of $225 million and $509 million as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Additionally, counterparty netting resulted in a decrease in accrued investment income and other liabilities of $33 million and $52 million as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In May 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 165, “Subsequent Events,” which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. SFAS 165 is effective for the Company in the interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 and should be applied prospectively. The Company adopted this standard as of the second quarter of 2009.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly,” which supersedes SFAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active,” to provide additional guidance to highlight and expand on the factors that should be considered when there has been a significant decrease in market activity for a financial asset or financial liability being measured. The FSP also provides additional factors that entities should consider to determine whether events or circumstances indicate that a transaction is or is not orderly (i.e., distressed). FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for the Company in the interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company adopted this standard as of the second quarter of 2009. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” which amends SFAS 115 and SFAS 124, “Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations,” to amend the recognition criteria for other-than-temporary impairment guidance and to improve the presentation of other-than-temporary impairments in the financial statements. This FSP replaces the existing requirement that the entity’s management assert it has both the ability and intent to hold an impaired security until recovery with a requirement that management assert (a) it does not have the intent to sell the security and (b) it is more likely than not it would not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. When these two criteria are met, the entity will recognize only the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income. The Company adopted this standard as of the second quarter of 2009. Upon adoption and implementation of the standard, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reclassify the non-credit component of a previously recognized other-than-temporary impairment from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income. The cumulative-effect adjustment resulted in an increase in retained earnings of $86 million and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $56 million, net of deferred taxes of $30 million. Refer to “Note 7: Investment Income and Gains and Losses” for further information on the Company’s investment securities and other-than-temporary impairments.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” which amends SFAS 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments within the scope of SFAS 107 in interim and annual financial statements, and the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of those financial instruments. This FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require those disclosures in all interim financial statements. The Company adopted the FSP in the second quarter of 2009. As the standard requires only additional disclosures, the adoption of FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows. Refer to “Note 5: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for further information.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 163, effective prospectively as of January 1, 2009. SFAS 163 amends SFAS 60, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises” to clarify that financial guarantee insurance contracts issued by insurance enterprises are included within the scope of SFAS 60 as amended by SFAS 163. SFAS 163 amends the recognition and measurement of premium revenue, and claim liabilities on financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance contracts, and expands disclosure requirements. Recognition and measurement of unearned premium revenue and receivable for future premiums are also amended by SFAS 163. SFAS 163 does not apply to financial guarantee insurance contracts that are derivative instruments included within the scope of SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended. SFAS 163 nullifies the guidance for financial guarantee insurance contracts included in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. (“EITF”) 85-20, “Recognition of Fees for Guaranteeing a Loan.” Refer to “Note 4: Insurance Premiums” for disclosures related to premiums and “Note 10: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for disclosures related to loss reserves.

Upon the adoption and implementation of SFAS 163, the Company recorded a cumulative transition adjustment of $55 million net of tax, $83 million pre-tax, as an increase to its beginning retained earnings balance as of January 1, 2009. The cumulative transition adjustment represents the recognized changes in assets and liabilities resulting from the adoption of SFAS 163. The following table summarizes the adjustments made to the Company’s consolidated assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2009 on a pre-tax basis:

 

In thousands

   Increase/
      (Decrease)      
 

Assets:

  

Deferred acquisition costs

     $ 8,731   

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     313,660   

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

     4,563   

Premiums receivable

     2,287,451   

Deferred income taxes, net

     (27,170

Liabilities:

  

Unearned premium revenue

     $ 2,381,487   

Loss and LAE reserves

     (174,220

Reinsurance premiums payable

     324,262   

In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 140-4 and FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 46(R)-8, “Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities,” which requires enhanced disclosures about transfers of financial assets and involvement with variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The Company adopted FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 for financial statements prepared as of December 31, 2008 and is effective for interim reporting periods until the adoption of SFAS 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).” Refer to “Recent Accounting Developments” for discussion of SFAS 167. Since FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 only requires additional disclosures concerning transfers of financial assets and interests in VIEs, adoption of FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 did not affect the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows. Refer to “Note 9: Variable Interest Entities” for disclosures required by FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities,” effective January 1, 2009 with retrospective application. The FSP requires companies to consider unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents as participating securities, which shall be included in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company’s restricted and deferred share awards meet the definition of participating securities. The Company adopted the FSP on January 1, 2009, which resulted in an $0.04 reduction in its previously reported loss per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The previously reported amounts for basic earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 were income of $7.25 and a loss of $3.37, respectively. The previously reported amounts for diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 were income of $7.14 and a loss of $3.37, respectively.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS 161 expands the disclosure requirements about an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. The disclosure provisions of SFAS 161 apply to all entities with derivative instruments subject to SFAS 133 and its related interpretations. The provisions also apply to related hedged items, bifurcated derivatives, and non-derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS 161 on January 1, 2009. Since SFAS 161 requires only additional disclosures concerning derivatives and hedging activities, adoption of SFAS 161 did not affect the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows. Refer to “Note 8: Derivative Instruments” for disclosures required by SFAS 161.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The adoption of FSP FAS 157-2 on January 1, 2009 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB 51.” SFAS 160 requires reporting entities to present noncontrolling (minority) interest as equity (as opposed to liability or mezzanine equity) and provides guidance on the accounting for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests. The presentation and disclosure requirements are to be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted SFAS 160 on January 1, 2009 and resulted in preferred stock issued by a subsidiary to be reclassified from minority interest to a separate component of equity. The adoption of SFAS 160 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Developments

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162.” The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) will become the single source of authoritative GAAP to be applied by nongovernmental entities. On the effective date of SFAS 168, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. SFAS 168 will be effective for the Company for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company will adopt this standard as of the third quarter of 2009. The Codification is not intended to change GAAP but rather reorganize divergent accounting literature into an accessible and user-friendly system which will materially impact cited references of GAAP in the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 167 which amends FIN 46(R) to include qualifying special purpose entities (“QSPEs”) in its scope and to require the holder of a variable interest or variable interests in a VIE to determine whether it holds a controlling financial interest in a VIE. A holder of a variable interest (or combination of variable interests) that provides a controlling financial interest in a VIE is considered the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE. SFAS 167 amends FIN 46(R) to deem controlling financial interest as both a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and b) the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. SFAS 167 amends FIN 46(R) to eliminate the quantitative approach for determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE. SFAS 167 requires an ongoing reassessment of whether a holder of a variable interest is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, which amends the guidance in FIN 46(R) that requires reconsideration of whether a holder of a variable interest is the primary beneficiary only when specific events occurred. SFAS 167 nullifies FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8 and amends FIN 46(R) to require enhanced disclosures for a holder of a variable interest in a VIE that are generally consistent with the disclosures required by FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8. SFAS 167 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2010 and earlier application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this standard.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140,” to remove the concept of a QSPE. It also clarifies whether a transferor has surrendered control over transferred financial assets and meets the conditions to derecognize transferred financial assets or a portion of an entire financial asset that meets the definition of a participating interest. SFAS 166 amends SFAS 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” to require enhanced disclosures about transfers of financial assets and a transferor’s continuing involvement with transferred financial assets. SFAS 166 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2010 and earlier application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this standard.

Note 4: Insurance Premiums

The Company recognizes and measures premiums related to financial guarantee (non-derivative) insurance and reinsurance contracts in accordance with SFAS 163. Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for a description of the Company’s accounting policy for insurance premiums and the impact of the adoption of SFAS 163 on the Company’s financial statements.

As of June 30, 2009, the Company reported premiums receivable of $2.1 billion primarily related to installment policies for which premiums will be collected over the estimated term of the contracts. Premiums receivable for an installment policy is initially measured at the present value of premiums expected to be collected over the expected period or contract period of the policy using a risk-free discount rate. Premiums receivable for policies that use the expected period of risk due to expected prepayments are adjusted in subsequent measurement periods when prepayment assumptions change using the risk-free discount rate as of remeasurement date. The weighted average risk-free rate used to discount future installment premiums was 2.92% and the weighted average expected collection term of the premiums receivable was 9.16 years. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the accretion of the premiums receivable was $15 million and $28 million, respectively, and is reported in “Scheduled premiums earned” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of June 30, 2009, the Company reported reinsurance premiums payable of $297 million, which represents the portion of the Company’s premiums receivable that is due to reinsurers. The reinsurance premiums payable is accreted and paid to reinsurers as premiums due to MBIA are accreted and collected.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following table presents a roll forward of the Company’s premiums receivable for the six months ended June 30, 2009:

 

In millions    Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
    

 

Adjustments

          

Premiums
Receivable as of

December 31,
2008

   SFAS 163
Transition
  Adjustment  
      Premium   
Payments
Received
       Premiums   
from New
Business
Written
      Changes in   
Expected
Term of
Policies
       Accretion of  
Premiums
Receivable
Discount
         Other           Premiums
   Receivable as   
of June 30,

2009
     Reinsurance  
Premiums

Payable as of
June 30, 2009
  $ 8      $ 2,288      $ (167     $ -      $ (20     $ 28      $ (6     $ 2,131      $ 297
                                                              

The following table presents the undiscounted future amount of premiums expected to be collected and the period in which those collections are expected to occur:

 

In millions

   Expected
      Collection of      
Premiums

Three months ended:

  

September 30, 2009

     $ 76

December 31, 2009

     80

Twelve months ended:

  

December 31, 2010

     279

December 31, 2011

     248

December 31, 2012

     218

December 31, 2013

     176

Five years ended:

  

December 31, 2018

     640

December 31, 2023

     408

December 31, 2028 and thereafter

     618
      

Total

     $ 2,743
      

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company reported premiums earned of $178 million and $407 million, respectively, which includes $153 million and $348 million of scheduled premiums earned and $25 million and $59 million of refunding premiums earned, respectively. Refunding premiums earned represent premiums earned on policies for which the underlying insured obligations have been refunded, called, or terminated and for which MBIA’s obligation has been extinguished.

The following table presents the expected unearned premium revenue balance and the future expected premiums earned revenue as of and for the periods presented:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

          

    Future Expected Premium    

Earnings

         

In millions

         Unearned      
Premium
Revenue
       Upfront            Installments            Accretion        Total Future
    Expected Premium    
Earnings

Three months ended:

              

June 30, 2009

     $ 5,337            

September 30, 2009

     5,186      $ 78      $ 73      $ 15      $ 166

December 31, 2009

     5,039      77      70      14      161

Twelve months ended:

              

December 31, 2010

     4,488      293      258      54      605

December 31, 2011

     3,992      269      227      50      546

December 31, 2012

     3,555      248      189      46      483

December 31, 2013

     3,176      230      149      42      421

Five years ended:

              

December 31, 2018

     1,756      892      528      162      1,582

December 31, 2023

     892      543      321      103      967

December 31, 2028 and thereafter

     -      511      381      126      1,018
                              

Total

        $ 3,141      $ 2,196      $ 612      $ 5,949
                              

Note 5: Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of financial instruments reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

     June 30, 2009    December 31, 2008

In millions

       Carrying Value            Estimated Fair    
Value
       Carrying Value            Estimated Fair    
Value

Assets:

           

Fixed-maturity securities and short-term investments, held as available-for-sale, at fair value

   $ 13,899    $ 13,899    $ 16,763    $ 16,763

Investments held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

     3,958      3,408      3,656      3,595

Other investments

     417      417      220      220

Cash and cash equivalents

     900      900      2,280      2,280

Receivable for investments sold

     304      304      77      77

Derivative assets

     755      755      911      911

Note Receivable

     470      470      423      423

Liabilities:

           

Investment agreements

     3,027      2,972      4,667      5,182

Medium-term notes

     4,136      2,037      6,340      4,773

Variable interest entity notes

     2,637      2,419      1,792      1,792

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     691      657      803      758

Long-term debt

     2,517      1,276      2,396      1,367

Payable for investments purchased

     37      37      -      -

Derivative liabilities

     4,189      4,189      6,471      6,471

Warrants

     29      29      22      22

Financial Guarantees:

           

Gross

     6,598      6,592      4,982      6,078

Ceded

     503      432      390      407

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Valuation Techniques

The valuation techniques for fair valuing financial instruments included in the preceding table are described below. The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized according to the fair value hierarchy prescribed by SFAS 157 within the following “Fair Value Measurements” section.

Fixed-Maturity Securities Held As Available-for-Sale

U.S. Treasury and government agency—U.S. Treasury securities are liquid and have quoted market prices. Fair value of U.S. Treasuries is based on live trading feeds. U.S. Treasury securities are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Government agency securities include debentures and other agency mortgage pass-through certificates as well as to-be-announced (“TBA”) securities. TBA securities are liquid and have quoted market prices based on live data feeds. Fair value of mortgage pass-through certificates is obtained via a simulation model, which considers different rate scenarios and historical activity to calculate a spread to the comparable TBA security. Government agency securities use market-based and observable inputs. As such, these securities are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Foreign governments—The fair value of foreign government obligations is generally based on observable inputs in active markets. When quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined based on a valuation model that has as inputs interest rate yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads, and country credit spreads for structures similar to the bond in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. These bonds are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Bonds that contain significant inputs that are not observable are categorized as Level 3 while bonds that have quoted prices in an active market are classified as Level 1.

Corporate obligations—The fair value of corporate bonds is obtained using recently executed transactions or market price quotations where observable. When observable price quotations are not available, fair value is determined based on cash flow models with yield curves, bond or single name CDS spreads and diversity scores as key inputs. Corporate bonds are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; in instances where significant inputs are unobservable, they are categorized in Level 3 of the hierarchy. Corporate obligations may be classified as Level 1 if quoted prices in an active market are available.

Mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities—Mortgage-backed securities (“MBSs”) and ABSs are valued based on recently executed prices. When position-specific external price data is not observable, the valuation is based on prices of comparable securities. In the absence of market prices, MBSs and ABSs are valued as a function of cash flow models with observable market-based inputs (e.g. yield curves, spreads, prepayments and volatilities). MBSs and ABSs are categorized in Level 3 if significant inputs are unobservable, otherwise they are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company records under the fair value provisions of SFAS 155 certain structured investments, which are included in available-for-sale securities. Fair value is derived using quoted market prices or cash flow models. As these securities are not actively traded, certain significant inputs are unobservable. These investments are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

State and municipal bonds—The fair value of state and municipal bonds is estimated using recently executed transactions, market price quotations and pricing models that factor in, where applicable, interest rates, bond or CDS spreads and volatility. These bonds are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; in instances where significant inputs are unobservable, they are categorized in Level 3.

Investments Held-To-Maturity

The fair value of investments held-to-maturity is obtained using recently executed transactions or market price quotations where observable. When position-specific external price data is not observable, the valuation is based on prices of comparable securities. When observable price quotations are not available, fair value is determined based on internal cash flow models with yield curves and bond spreads of comparable entities as key inputs.

Other Investments

Other investments include the Company’s interest in equity securities (including exchange-traded closed-end funds), money market mutual funds and perpetual securities. Fair value of other investments is determined by using quoted prices, live trades, or valuation models that use market-based and observable inputs. Other investments are categorized in Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other investments also include premium tax credit investments that are carried at amortized cost. The carrying value of these investments approximates fair value.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Receivable for Investments Sold and Payable for Investments Purchased

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivable for investments sold and payable for investments purchased approximate their fair values as they are short-term in nature.

Note Receivable

The note receivable represents a non-recourse loan secured by collateral pledged by the counterparty to the note receivable. The fair value of the note receivable is calculated as the most recent appraised value of the underlying collateral pledged against the note receivable. The appraisal was performed by an independent third party during the current year.

Investment Agreements

The fair values of investment agreements are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based upon interest rates currently being offered for similar agreements with maturities consistent with those remaining for the investment agreements being valued. These agreements contain collateralization and termination agreements that sufficiently mitigate the nonperformance risk of the Company.

Medium-Term Notes

The fair values of medium-term notes recorded at amortized cost are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based upon interest rates currently being offered for similar notes with maturities consistent with those remaining for the medium-term notes being valued. Nonperformance risk of the Company is incorporated into the valuation by using the Company’s own credit spreads.

The Company has elected to record at fair value under the provisions of SFAS 155 four medium-term notes. Fair value of such notes is derived using quoted market prices or an internal cash flow model. Significant inputs into the valuation include yield curves and spreads to the swap curve. As these notes are not actively traded, certain significant inputs (e.g. spreads to the swap curve) are unobservable. These notes are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Variable Interest Entity Notes

The fair value of variable interest entity notes is obtained using recently executed transactions or market price quotations where observable. When position-specific external price data is not observable, the valuation is based on prices of comparable securities. When observable price quotations are not available, fair value is determined based on internal cash flow models of the underlying collateral with yield curves and bond spreads of comparable entities as key inputs.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

The fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based upon interest rates currently being offered for similar agreements. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase include term reverse repurchase agreements that contain credit enhancement provisions via over-collateralization agreements to sufficiently mitigate the nonperformance risk of the Company.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of long-term notes, debentures, surplus notes and floating rate liquidity loans. The fair value of long-term notes, debentures and surplus notes are estimated based on quoted market prices for the same or similar securities. For floating rate liquidity loans in Triple-A One Funding Corporation (“Triple-A One”), as these loans are non-recourse and fully backed by a pool of underlying assets, the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations based upon the underlying collateral pledged to the specific loans.

Derivatives—Investment Management Services

The investment management services operations have entered into derivative transactions primarily consisting of interest rate, cross currency, credit default and total return swaps and principal protection guarantees. These over-the-counter derivatives are valued using industry standard models developed by vendors. Observable and market-based inputs include interest rate yields, credit spreads and volatilities. These derivatives are categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy except with respect to certain complex derivatives where observable pricing inputs were not able to be obtained, which have been categorized as Level 3.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In compliance with requirements of SFAS 157, the Company considers its own credit risk and that of counterparties when valuing derivative assets and liabilities. The Company has policies and procedures in place regarding counterparties, including review and approval of the counterparty and the Company’s exposure limit, collateral posting requirements, collateral monitoring and margin calls on collateral. The Company manages counterparty credit risk on an individual counterparty basis through master netting arrangements covering derivative transactions in the Investment Management Services and Corporate operations. These agreements allow the Company to contractually net amounts due from a counterparty with those amounts due to such counterparty when certain triggering events occur. The Company only executes swaps under master netting agreements, which typically contain mutual credit downgrade provisions that generally provide the ability to require assignment or termination in the event either the Company or the counterparty is downgraded below a specified credit rating. The netting agreements minimize the potential for losses related to credit exposure and thus serve to mitigate the Company’s nonperformance risk under these derivatives.

In certain cases, the Company also manages credit risk through collateral agreements that give the Company the right to hold or the obligation to provide collateral when the current market value of derivative contracts exceeds an exposure threshold. Under these arrangements, the Company may receive or provide U.S. Treasury and other highly rated securities or cash to secure the derivative. The delivery of high-quality collateral can minimize credit exposure and mitigate the potential for nonperformance risk impacting the fair value of the derivatives.

Derivatives—Insurance

The derivative contracts that the Company insures cannot be legally traded and generally do not have observable market prices. In the cases with no active price quote, the Company uses a combination of internal and third-party models to estimate the fair value of these contracts. Most insured CDSs are valued using an enhanced Binomial Expansion Technique (“BET”) model (originally developed by Moody’s). Significant inputs include collateral spreads, diversity scores and recovery rates. For a limited number of other insured derivatives, the Company uses industry standard models as well as proprietary models such as Black-Scholes option models and dual-default models, depending on the type and structure of the contract. The valuation of these derivatives includes the impact of its own credit standing and the credit standing of its reinsurers. All of these derivatives are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as a significant percentage of their value is derived from unobservable inputs. For insured swaps (other than CDSs), the Company uses internally and vendor developed models with market-based inputs (e.g. interest rate, foreign exchange rate, spreads), and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Insured Derivatives

The majority of the Company’s derivative exposure is in the form of credit derivative instruments insured by MBIA Corp. Prior to 2008, MBIA Corp. insured CDSs entered into by LaCrosse Financial Products LLC (“LaCrosse”), an entity that is consolidated into MBIA’s financial statements under the FIN 46(R) criteria. In February 2008, the Company ceased insuring such derivative instruments except in transactions reducing its existing insured derivative exposure.

In most cases, the Company’s insured credit derivatives are measured at fair value as they do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception under SFAS 133. Because the Company’s insured derivatives are highly customized and there is generally no observable market for these derivatives, the Company estimates their value in a hypothetical market based on internal and third-party models simulating what a bond insurer would charge to guarantee the transaction at the measurement date. This pricing would be based on expected loss of the exposure calculated using the value of the underlying collateral within the transaction structure.

Description of MBIA’s Insured Credit Derivatives

The majority of MBIA’s insured credit derivatives reference structured pools of cash securities and CDSs. The Company generally insured the most senior liabilities of such transactions, and at transaction closing the Company’s exposure generally had more subordination than needed to achieve triple-A ratings from credit rating agencies (referred to as “Super Triple-A” exposure). The gross notional amount of such transactions totaled $133.6 billion as of June 30, 2009. The collateral backing the Company’s insured derivatives was cash securities and CDSs referencing primarily corporate, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans, and collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) securities.

Most of MBIA’s insured CDS contracts require that MBIA make payments for losses of the principal outstanding under the contracts when losses on the underlying referenced collateral exceed a predetermined deductible. The total notional amount and MBIA’s maximum payment obligation under these contracts as of June 30, 2009 was $79.1 billion. The underlying referenced collateral for contracts executed in this manner largely consist of investment grade corporate debt, structured commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) pools and, to a lesser extent, corporate and multi-sector CDOs (in CDO-squared transactions).

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company also has guarantees under principal protection fund programs, which are also accounted for as derivatives. Under these programs the Company guaranteed the return of principal to investors and is protected by a daily portfolio rebalancing obligation that is designed to minimize the risk of loss to MBIA. As of June 30, 2009, the maximum amount of future payments that the Company would be required to make under these guarantees was $49 million, but the Company has not made any payments to date relating to these guarantees. The unrealized gains (losses) on these derivatives for the years ended 2007 and 2008 and the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $0, reflecting the extremely remote likelihood that MBIA will incur a loss.

Changes in fair value of the insured derivatives are recorded in “Net change in fair value of insured derivatives.” The net change in the fair value of the Company’s insured derivatives has two primary components; (i) realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives and (ii) unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives. “Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives” include (i) net premiums received and receivable on written CDS contracts, (ii) net premiums paid and payable to reinsurers in respect of CDS contracts, (iii) net amounts received or paid on reinsurance commutations, (iv) losses paid and payable to CDS contract counterparties due to the occurrence of a credit event or settlement agreement, (v) losses recovered and recoverable on purchased CDS contracts due to the occurrence of a credit event or commutation agreement and (vi) fees relating to CDS contracts. The “Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives” include all other changes in fair value of the derivative contracts.

Considerations Regarding an Observable Market for MBIA’s Insured Derivatives

In determining fair value, the Company’s valuation approach uses observable market prices if available and reliable. Market prices are generally available for traded securities and market standard CDSs but are less available or accurate for highly customized CDSs. Most of the derivative contracts the Company insures are the latter as they are non-traded structured credit derivative transactions. In contrast, typical market CDSs are standardized, liquid instruments that reference tradable securities such as corporate bonds that themselves have observable prices. These market standard CDSs also involve collateral posting, and upon a default of the underlying reference obligation, can be settled in cash.

MBIA’s insured CDS contracts do not contain typical CDS market standard features as they have been designed to replicate the Company’s financial guarantee insurance policies. At inception of the transactions, the Company’s insured CDS instruments provided protection on pools of securities or CDSs with either a stated deductible or subordination beneath the MBIA-insured tranche. The Company is not required to post collateral in any circumstances. Payment by MBIA under an insured CDS is due after the aggregate amount of defaults of the underlying reference obligations, based on fair value determination with respect to each defaulted reference obligation, exceed the deductible or subordination in the transaction. Once such defaults exceed the deductible or the subordination MBIA is obligated to pay the fair value, as determined under the ISDA contract, of any subsequent reference obligations that default. Some contracts also provide for further deferrals of payment at the Company’s option. In the event of MBIA Corp’s failure to pay a claim under the insured CDS or the insolvency of MBIA, the insured CDS contract provides that the counterparty can terminate the CDS and make a claim for the amount due, which would be based on the fair value of the insured CDS at such time. An additional difference between the Company’s CDS and typical market standard contracts is that the Company’s contract, like its financial guarantee contracts, cannot be accelerated by the counterparty in the ordinary course of business. Similar to the Company’s financial guarantee insurance, all insured CDS policies are unconditional and irrevocable and the Company’s obligations thereunder cannot be transferred unless the transferees are also licensed to write financial guarantee insurance policies. Note that since insured CDS contracts are accounted for as derivatives under SFAS 133, the Company did not defer the charges associated with underwriting the CDS policies and they were expensed at origination.

The Company’s payment obligations are structured to prevent large one-time claims upon an event of default of underlying reference obligations and to allow for payments over time (i.e. “pay-as-you-go” basis) or at final maturity. However, the size of payments will ultimately depend on the timing and magnitude of losses. There are three types of payment provisions:

 

  (i) timely interest and ultimate principal;

 

  (ii) ultimate principal only at final maturity; and

 

  (iii) payments upon settlement of individual referenced collateral losses in excess of policy-specific deductibles and subordination. The deductible or loss threshold is the amount of losses experienced with respect to the underlying or referenced collateral that would be required to occur before a claim against an MBIA insurance policy can be made.

MBIA had transferred some of the risk of loss on these contracts using reinsurance to other financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance companies. The fair value of the transfer under the reinsurance contract with the reinsurers is accounted for as a derivative asset. These derivative assets are valued consistently with the Company’s SFAS 157 valuation policies.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Valuation Modeling of MBIA-Insured Derivatives

As a result of the significant differences between market standard CDS contracts and the CDS contracts insured by MBIA, the Company believes there are no relevant third-party exit value market observations for its insured structured credit derivative contracts and, therefore, no principal market as described in SFAS 157. In the absence of a principal market, the Company values these insured credit derivatives in a hypothetical market where market participants are assumed to be other comparably-rated primary financial guarantors. Since there are no observable transactions in the financial guarantee market that could be used to value the Company’s transactions, the Company generally uses internal and third-party models, depending on the type and structure of the contract, to estimate the fair value of its insured derivatives.

The Company’s primary model for insured CDSs simulates what a bond insurer would charge to guarantee a transaction at the measurement date, based on the market-implied default risk of the underlying collateral and the remaining structural protection in a deductible or subordination. This approach assumes that bond insurers would be willing to accept these contracts from the Company at a price equal to what they could issue them for in the current market. While the premium charged by financial guarantors is not a direct input into the Company’s model, the model estimates such premium and this premium increases as the probability of loss increases, driven by various factors including rising credit spreads, negative credit migration, lower recovery rates, lower diversity score and erosion of deductible or subordination.

1. Valuation Model Overview

Approximately 99.3% of the balance sheet fair value of insured credit derivatives as of June 30, 2009 is valued using the BET model, which is a probabilistic approach to calculating expected loss on the Company’s exposure based on market variables for underlying referenced collateral. The BET was originally developed by Moody’s to estimate a probability distribution of losses on a diverse pool of assets. The Company has made modifications to this technique in an effort to incorporate more market information and provide more flexibility in handling pools of dissimilar assets: a) the Company uses market credit spreads to determine default probability instead of using historical loss experience, and b) for collateral pools where the spread distribution is characterized by extremes, the Company models each segment of the pool individually instead of using an overall pool average.

There are three steps within BET modeling to arrive at fair value for a structured transaction: pool loss estimation, loss allocation to separate tranches of the capital structure and calculation of the change in value.

 

   

The pool loss estimation is calculated by reference to the following (described in further detail under “Model Inputs” below):

 

   

credit spreads of the underlying collateral. This is based on actual spreads or spreads on similar collateral with similar ratings, or in some cases is benchmarked,

 

   

diversity score of the collateral pool as an indication of correlation of collateral defaults, and

 

   

recovery rate for all defaulted collateral.

 

   

Losses are allocated to specific tranches of the transaction according to their subordination level within the capital structure.

 

   

For example, if the expected total collateral pool loss is 4% and the transaction has an equity tranche and three progressively more senior C, B, and A tranches with corresponding underlying subordination levels of 0%, 3%, 5% and 10%, then the 4% loss will have the greatest impact on the equity tranche. It will have a lower, but significant impact on the C tranche and a lesser impact on the B tranche. MBIA usually insures the Super Triple-A tranche with lowest exposure to collateral losses due to the underlying subordination provided by all junior tranches.

 

   

At any point in time, the unrealized gain or loss on a transaction is the difference between the original price of the risk (the original market-implied expected loss) and the current price of the risk based on the assumed market-implied expected losses derived from the model.

Additional structural assumptions of the model worth noting are listed below:

 

   

Default probability is determined by three factors: credit spread, recovery rate after default and the time period under risk.

 

   

Defaults are modeled spaced out evenly over time.

 

   

Collateral is generally considered on an average basis rather than being modeled separately.

 

   

Correlation is modeled using a diversity score, which is calculated based on rules regarding industry or sector concentrations. Recovery rates are based on historical averages and updated based on market evidence.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company reviews the model results on a quarterly basis to assess the appropriateness of the assumptions and results in light of current market activity and conditions. This review is performed by internal staff with relevant expertise. If live market spreads are observable for similar transactions, those spreads are an integral part of the analysis. For example, new insured transactions that resemble existing (previously insured) transactions would be considered, as would negotiated settlements of existing transactions. However, this data has been scarce or non-existent in recent periods. As a result, the Company’s recent reviews have focused more on internal consistency and relativity, as well as the reasonableness of modeled results given current market conditions.

2. Model Strengths and Weaknesses

The primary strengths of this CDS valuation model are:

 

  1) The model takes account of transaction structure and key drivers of market value. The transaction structure includes par insured, weighted average life, level of deductible or subordination and composition of collateral.

 

  2) The model is a well-documented, consistent approach to marking positions that minimizes the level of subjectivity. Model structure, inputs and operation are well documented both by Moody’s and by MBIA’s internal controls, creating a strong controls process in execution of the model. The Company has also developed a hierarchy for usage of various market-based spread inputs that reduces the level of subjectivity, especially during periods of high illiquidity.

 

  3) The model uses market inputs with the most relevant being credit spreads for underlying referenced collateral, assumed recovery rates specific to the type and rating of referenced collateral, and the diversity score of the entire collateral pool. These are key parameters affecting the fair value of the transaction and all inputs are market-based whenever available and reliable.

The primary weaknesses of this CDS valuation model are:

 

  1) There is no longer a market in which to test and verify the fair values generated by the Company’s model, and at June 30, 2009, the model inputs were also either unobservable or highly illiquid, adversely impacting their reliability.

 

  2) There are diverse approaches to estimating fair value of such transactions among other financial guarantee insurance companies.

 

  3) Results may be affected by averaging of spreads and use of a single diversity factor, rather than using specific spreads for each piece of underlying collateral and collateral-specific correlation assumptions. While more specific data could improve the reliability of the results, it is not currently available and neither is a model that could produce more reliable results in the absence of that data.

3. Model Inputs

Specific detail regarding these model inputs are listed below:

a. Credit spreads

The average spread of collateral is a key input as the Company assumes credit spreads reflect the market’s assessment of default probability for each piece of collateral. Spreads are obtained from market data sources published by third parties (e.g. dealer spread tables for assets most closely resembling collateral within the Company’s transactions) as well as collateral-specific spreads on the underlying reference obligations provided by trustees or market sources. Also, when these sources are not available, the Company benchmarks spreads for collateral against market spreads, including in some cases, assumed relationships between the two spreads. This data is reviewed on an ongoing basis for reasonableness and applicability to the Company’s derivative portfolio. The Company also calculates spreads based on quoted prices and on internal assumptions about expected life, when pricing information is available and spread information is not.

The actual calculation of pool average spread varies depending on whether the Company is able to use collateral-specific credit spreads or generic spreads as an input.

 

   

If collateral-specific spreads are available, the spread for each individual piece of collateral is identified and a weighted average is calculated by weighting each spread by the corresponding par exposure.

 

   

If collateral-specific credit spreads are not available, the Company uses generic spread tables based on asset class and average rating of the collateral pool. Average credit rating for the collateral is calculated from the weighted average rating factor (“WARF”) for the collateral portfolio and then mapped to an appropriate spread. WARF is based on a 10,000 point scale designed by Moody’s where lower numbers indicate better credit quality. Ratings are not spaced equally on this scale because the marginal difference in default probability at higher rating quality is much less than at lower rating levels. The Company obtains WARF from the most recent trustee’s report or the Company calculates it based on the collateral credit ratings. For a WARF calculation, the Company identifies the credit ratings of all collateral (using, in order of preference as available, Moody’s, S&P or Fitch ratings), then converts those credit ratings into a rating factor on the WARF scale, averages those factors (weighted by par) to create a portfolio WARF, and then maps the portfolio WARF back into an average credit rating for the pool. The Company then applies this pool rating to a market spread table or index

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

appropriate for the collateral type to determine the generic spread for the pool, which becomes the market-implied default input into the BET model.

 

   

If there is a high dispersion of ratings within a collateral pool, the collateral is segmented into different rating buckets and each bucket is used in calculating the overall average.

 

   

When spreads are not available on either a collateral-specific basis or ratings-based generic basis, MBIA uses its hierarchy of spread sources (see below) to identify the most appropriate spread for that asset class to be used in the model.

The Company uses the spread hierarchy listed below in determining which source of spread information to use, with the rule being to use CDS spreads where available and cash security spreads as the next alternative. Cash spreads reflect trading activity in funded fixed-income instruments while CDS spreads reflect trading levels for non-funded derivative instruments. While both markets are driven partly by an assessment of the credit quality of the referenced security, there are factors which create significant differences, such as CDS spreads can be driven by speculative activity since the CDS market facilitates both long and short positions without ownership of the underlying security, allowing for significant leverage.

Spread Hierarchy:

 

  1) Actual collateral-specific credit spreads. If up-to-date and reliable market-based spreads are available, they are used.

 

  2) Sector-specific spreads (JP Morgan and Banc of America Securities-Merrill Lynch (“BAS-ML”) spread tables by asset class and rating).

 

  3) Corporate spreads (Bloomberg and Risk Metrics spread tables based on rating).

 

  4) Benchmark from most relevant spread source (for example, if no specific spreads are available and corporate spreads are not directly relevant, an assumed relationship is used between corporate spreads or sector-specific spreads and collateral spreads). Benchmarking can also be based on a combination of market spread data and fundamental credit assumptions.

For example, if current market-based spreads are not available then the Company applies either sector-specific spreads from spread tables provided by dealers or corporate cash spread tables. The sector-specific spread applied depends on the nature of the underlying collateral. Transactions with corporate collateral use the corporate spread table. Transactions with asset-backed collateral use one or more of the dealer asset-backed tables. If there are no observable market spreads for the specific collateral, and sector-specific and corporate spread tables are not appropriate to estimate the spread for a specific type of collateral, the Company uses the fourth alternative in its hierarchy. An example is tranched corporate collateral, where the Company applies corporate spreads as an input with an adjustment for its tranched exposure.

As of June 30, 2009, actual collateral credit spreads were used in one transaction. Sector-specific spreads were used in 19% of the transactions. Corporate spreads were used in 29% of the transactions and spreads benchmarked from the most relevant spread source (number 4 above) were used for 52% of the transactions. When determining the percentages above, there were some transactions where MBIA incorporated multiple levels within the hierarchy. For example, for some transactions MBIA used actual collateral-specific credit spreads (number 1 above) in combination with a calculated spread based on an assumed relationship (number 4 above). In those cases, MBIA classified the transaction as being benchmarked from the most relevant spread source (number 4 above) even though the majority of the average spread was from actual collateral-specific spreads. The spread source can also be identified by whether or not it is based on collateral WARF. No Level 1 spreads are based on WARF, all Level 2 and 3 spreads are based on WARF and some Level 4 spreads are based on WARF. WARF-sourced and/or ratings-sourced credit spread was used for 94% of the transactions.

In the second quarter of 2009, a reliable source of current credit spreads for residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and ABS CDO collateral was not identified as the previous sources stopped publishing this information. These spreads are primarily used as inputs for valuing the Company’s insured multi-sector CDO transactions. As a result, the Company used the spreads reported at the end of the first quarter of 2009 to calculate the estimated fair value of these transactions. The Company believes this is a reasonable estimate because credit trends and market conditions did not change significantly during the second quarter and the BET model is not very sensitive to changes in credit spreads for these transactions when spreads are at extreme levels. The Company is exploring alternative valuation models for these transactions that do not require a credit spread input, which may be used in future periods.

Over time the data inputs change as new sources become available, existing sources are discontinued or are no longer considered to be reliable or the most appropriate. It is always the Company’s objective to move to higher levels on the hierarchy, but the Company sometimes moves to lower priority inputs because of discontinued data sources or because the Company considers higher priority inputs no longer representative of market spreads. This occurs when transaction volume changes such that a previously used spread index is no longer viewed to reflect current market levels, as was the case for CMBS collateral in insured CDSs beginning in 2008. Refer to section “Input Adjustments for Insured CMBS Derivatives in the Current Market” below.

 

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b. Diversity Scores

The diversity score is a measure to estimate the diversification in a portfolio. The diversity score estimates the number of uncorrelated assets that are assumed to have the same loss distribution as the actual portfolio of correlated assets. For example, if a portfolio of 100 assets had a diversity score of 50, this means that the 100 correlated assets are assumed to have the same loss distribution as 50 uncorrelated assets. A lower diversity score represents higher assumed correlation, increasing the chances of a large number of defaults, and thereby increasing the risk of loss in the senior tranche. A lower diversity score will generally have a negative impact on the valuation for the Company’s senior tranche. The calculation methodology for a diversity score includes the extent to which a portfolio is diversified by industry or asset class, which is either calculated internally or reported by the trustee on a regular basis. Diversity scores are calculated at transaction origination, and adjusted as the collateral pool changes over time. MBIA’s internal modeling of the diversity score is based on Moody’s methodology but uses MBIA’s internal assumptions on default correlation, including variables such as collateral rating and amount, asset type and remaining life.

c. Recovery Rate

The recovery rate represents the percentage of par expected to be recovered after an asset defaults, indicating the severity of a potential loss. MBIA generally uses rating agency recovery assumptions which may be adjusted to account for differences between the characteristics and performance of the collateral used by the rating agencies and the actual collateral in MBIA-insured transactions. The Company may also adjust rating agency assumptions based on the performance of the collateral manager and on empirical market data. In the first six months of 2009, the Company lowered recovery rates for CMBS collateral and certain RMBS collateral.

d. Input Adjustments for Insured CMBS Derivatives in the Current Market

Approximately $46.7 billion gross par of MBIA’s insured derivative transactions as of June 30, 2009 include substantial amounts of CMBS and commercial mortgage collateral. Prior to 2008 the Company had used spreads drawn from CMBX indices and CMBS spread tables as pricing input on the underlying referenced collateral in these transactions. In 2008, as the financial markets became illiquid, the Company saw a significant disconnect between cumulative loss expectations of market analysts on underlying commercial mortgages, which were based on the continuation of low default and loss rates, and loss expectations implied by the CMBX indices and CMBS spread tables. CMBS collateral in MBIA’s insured credit derivatives has performed in line with the market.

In addition, due to financial market uncertainty since last year, transaction volume in CMBS and trading activity in the CMBX were both dramatically lower than in prior periods. The Company also considered that the implied loss rates within the CMBX index were much higher than that forecast by fundamental researchers and MBIA’s internal analysis. As a result of these issues, the Company concluded that the CMBX indices and the CMBS spread tables were unreliable model inputs for the purpose of estimating fair value in the Company’s hypothetical market among monoline insurers.

In the first quarter of 2008, the Company modified the spread used for these transactions to reflect a combination of market spread pricing and third-party fundamental analysis of CMBS credit. The Company’s revised spread input is a CMBX index analog that combines expectations for CMBS credit performance (as forecasted by the average of three investment banks’ research departments) together with the illiquidity premium implied by the CMBX indices. The illiquidity premium the Company uses is the senior triple-A tranche spread of the CMBX index that matches the origination vintage of collateral in each transaction. For example, collateral originated in the second half of 2006 uses the triple-A tranche spread of the CMBX series 1 as the illiquidity premium. The sum of the illiquidity premium plus the derived credit spread based on the average cumulative net loss estimates of three investment bank’s research department is used as a CMBX analog index.

e. Nonperformance Risk

In compliance with the requirements of SFAS 157, the Company’s valuation methodology for insured credit derivative liabilities incorporates the Company’s own nonperformance risk and the nonperformance risk of its reinsurers. The Company calculates the fair value by discounting the market value loss estimated through the BET model at discount rates which include MBIA Corp.’s and the reinsurers’ CDS spreads at June 30, 2009. Prior to the second quarter of 2009, MBIA used the 5-year CDS spread on MBIA Corp. to calculate nonperformance risk. This assumption was compatible with the average life of the CDS portfolio, which was approximately 5 years. In the second quarter, the Company has refined this approach to include a full term structure for CDS spreads. Under the refined approach, the CDS spreads assigned to each deal is based on the weighted average life of the deal. This resulted in an increase of $333 million in the derivative liability compared to the amount that would have resulted if the Company had continued to use MBIA’s 5-year CDS spread for all transactions.

In light of recent developments in the CDS and recovery derivative markets for MBIA, in the first six months of 2009, the Company limited the effective spread on CDS on MBIA so that the derivative liability, after giving effect to nonperformance risk, could not be lower than MBIA’s recovery derivative price multiplied by the unadjusted derivative liability. In the second quarter of 2009, the

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

limitation caused by use of MBIA’s recovery rate increased the derivative liability by $1.0 billion, compared to the amount that would have resulted if no limitation had been applied for recovery rate.

In aggregate, the nonperformance calculation results in a pre-tax derivative liability which is $14.0 billion lower than the liability that would have been estimated if the discount rate were equal to the Libor swap rate. Nonperformance risk is a fair value concept and does not contradict the Company’s internal view, based on fundamental credit analysis of the Company’s economic condition, that the Company will be able to pay all claims when due.

The Company believes that it is important to consistently apply its valuation techniques. However, the Company may consider making changes in the valuation technique if the change results in a measurement that is equally or more representative of fair value under current circumstances.

Warrants

Stock warrants issued by the Company are recorded at fair value based on a modified Black-Scholes model. Inputs into the warrant valuation include interest rates, stock volatilities and dividends data. As all significant inputs are market-based and observable, warrants are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Financial Guarantees

Gross Financial Guarantees—The Company estimates the fair value of its gross financial guarantee liability using a discounted cash flow model with significant inputs that include (i) an assumption of expected loss on financial guarantee policies for which case basis reserves have not been established, (ii) the amount of loss expected on financial guarantee policies for which case basis reserves have been established, (iii) the cost of capital reserves required to support the financial guarantee liability, and (iv) the discount rate. The MBIA Corp. CDS spread and recovery rate are used as the discount rate for MBIA Corp, while the Assured Guaranty Corp. CDS spread and recovery rate are used as the discount rate for National. The discount rates incorporate the nonperformance risk of the Company. As the Company’s gross financial guarantee liability represents its obligation to pay claims under its insurance policies, the Company’s calculation of fair value does not consider future installment premium receipts or returns on invested upfront premiums as inputs.

The carrying value of the Company’s gross financial guarantee liability consists of deferred premium revenue and loss and LAE reserves as reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Ceded Financial Guarantees—The Company estimates the fair value of its ceded financial guarantee liability by calculating the portion of the gross financial guarantee liability that has been ceded to reinsurers. The carrying value of ceded financial guarantee liability consists of prepaid reinsurance premiums and reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses as reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurements

The following fair value hierarchy tables present information about the Company’s assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using      

In millions

   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
  Unobservable  
Inputs (Level 3)
       Counterparty    
and Cash
Collateral
Netting (1)
    Balance as of
    June 30, 2009    

Assets:

             

Investments:

             

Fixed-maturity investments:

             

Taxable bonds:

             

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     $ 708      $ 117      $ 6      $ -        $ 831

Foreign governments

     289      228      70      -        587

Corporate obligations

     -      2,801      371      -        3,172

Mortgage-backed securities

             

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     -      1,271      98      -        1,369

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     -      605      252      -        857

Commercial mortgage-backed

     -      2      37      -        39

Asset-backed securities

             

Collateralized debt obligations

     -      -      585      -        585

Other asset-backed

     -      479      389      -        868
                                   

Total

     997      5,503      1,808      -        8,308

State and municipal bonds

             

Tax exempt bonds

     -      2,675      74      -        2,749

Taxable bonds

     -      439      44      -        483
                                   

Total state and municipal bonds

     -      3,114      118      -        3,232

Total fixed-maturity investments

     997      8,617      1,926      -        11,540

Other investments:

             

Perpetual preferred securities

     -      274      44      -        318

Other investments

     5      141      25      -        171

Money market securities

     2,282      2      -      -        2,284
                                   

Total other investments

     2,287      417      69      -        2,773

Derivative assets

     -      234      746      (225     755
                                   

Total assets

     $ 3,284      $ 9,268      $ 2,741      $ (225     $ 15,068
                                   

Liabilities:

             

Medium-term notes

     $ -      $ -      $ 122      $ -        $ 122

Derivative liabilities

     -      413      4,137      (360     4,190

Other liabilities:

             

Warrants

     -      29      -      -        29
                                   

Total liabilities

     $ -      $ 442      $ 4,259      $ (360     $ 4,341
                                   

 

(1) - The net effect of cash and counterparty collateral netting is included in the column entitled “Counterparty and Cash Collateral Netting.” As of June 30, 2009, $135 million of cash collateral, which was previously recorded in “Other Assets,” was included in the derivative liability balance.

 

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     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using      

In millions

    Quoted Prices in
  Active Markets for  
Identical Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant Other
  Observable Inputs  
(Level 2)
   Significant
 Unobservable 
  Inputs (Level 3)  
      Counterparty   
and Cash
Collateral
Netting (1)
    Balance as of
   December 31,   
2008

Assets:

             

Investments:

             

Fixed-maturity investments:

             

Taxable bonds:

             

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     $ 1,042      $ 194      $ 32      $ -        $ 1,268

Foreign governments

     369      336      130      -        835

Corporate obligations

     -      2,776      587      -        3,363

Mortgage-backed securities

             

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     -      1,218      156      -        1,374

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     -      627      397      -        1,024

Commercial mortgage-backed

     -      16      37      -        53

Asset-backed securities

             

Collateralized debt obligations

     -      -      918      -        918

Other asset-backed

     -      444      540      -        984
                                   

Total

     1,411      5,611      2,797      -        9,819

State and municipal bonds

             

Tax exempt bonds

     -      3,011      49      -        3,060

Taxable bonds

     -      379      46      -        425
                                   

Total state and municipal bonds

     -      3,390      95      -        3,485

Total fixed-maturity investments

     1,411      9,001      2,892      -        13,304

Other investments:

             

Perpetual preferred securities

     -      275      45      -        320

Other investments

     23      40      58      -        121

Money market securities

     3,235      -      -      -        3,235
                                   

Total other investments

     3,258      315      103      -        3,676

Derivative assets

     -      613      807      (509     911
                                   

Total assets

     $ 4,669      $ 9,929    $ 3,802      $ (509     $ 17,891
                                   

Liabilities:

             

Medium-term notes

     $ -      $ -      $ 176      $ -        $ 176

Derivative liabilities

     -      741      6,305      (575     6,471

Other liabilities:

             

Warrants

     -      22      -      -        22
                                   

Total liabilities

     $ -      $ 763      $ 6,481      $ (575     $ 6,669
                                   

 

(1) - The net effect of cash and counterparty collateral netting is included in the column entitled “Counterparty and Cash Collateral Netting.” As of December 31, 2008, $66 million of cash collateral, which was previously reported in “Other Assets”, was included in the derivative liability balance.

Level 3 Analysis

Level 3 assets were $2.7 billion and $3.8 billion as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, and represented approximately 18% and 21% of total assets measured at fair value, respectively. Level 3 liabilities were $4.3 billion and $6.5 billion as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, and represented approximately 98% and 97% of total liabilities measured at fair value, respectively. The following tables present information about changes in Level 3 assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

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In millions

   Balance,
Beginning
of Interim
Period
   Realized
Gains /
(Losses)
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
   Purchases,
Issuances and

Settlements,
net
    Transfers
in (out) of
Level 3,
net(1)
    Ending
Balance
   Change in
Unrealized

Gains (Losses)
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for

Assets still held
at June 30, 2009
 

Assets:

                     

U.S. Treasury and government agency

       $ 6        $ -          $ -          $ -          $ -        $ -          $ -          $ 6        $ -   

Foreign governments

     51      -        -        (3     2      1        19        70      -   

Corporate obligations

     432      -        -        (2     1      (19     (41     371      -   

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     154      -        -        2        -      (8     (50     98      -   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     374      -        -        (58     1      (12     (53     252      -   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     33      -        -        6        1      (3     -        37      -   

Collateralized debt obligations

     775      (64     -        (103     1      (24     -        585      -   

Other asset-backed

     389      -        -        38        -      (25     (13     389      -   

State and municipal tax exempt bonds

     78      -        -        -        -      (4     -        74      -   

State and municipal taxable bonds

     46      -        -        (2     -      -        -        44      -   

Perpetual preferred securities

     35      -        -        9        -      -        -        44      -   

Other investments

     39      -        -        -        -      (14     -        25      -   
                                                                     

Total assets

       $ 2,412        $ (64       $ -          $ (113       $ 6        $ (108       $ (138       $  1,995        $ -   
                                                                     

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning

of Interim
Period
   Realized
(Gains) /
Losses
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
   Purchases,
Issuances and
Settlements,
net
    Transfers
in (out) of
Level 3,
net(1)
    Ending
Balance
   Change in
Unrealized

(Gains) Losses
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Liabilities still
held at
June 30, 2009
 

Liabilities:

                     

Medium-term notes

     $ 106      -        -        $ 9        $ 7      -        -        $ 122      -   

Derivative contracts, net

     3,848      (61     (400     -        8      (2     (2     3,391      (140
                                                                     

Total liabilities

     $ 3,954      $ (61     $ (400     $ 9        $ 15      $ (2     $ (2     $ 3,513      $ (140
                                                                     

 

(1) - Transferred in and out at the end of the period.

 

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In millions

   Balance,
Beginning

of Interim
Period
   Realized
Gains /
(Losses)
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
    Purchases,
Issuances and
Settlements,
net
    Transfers
in (out) of
Level 3, net

(1)
    Ending
Balance
   Change in
Unrealized

Gains (Losses)
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for

Assets still held
at June 30, 2008
 

Assets:

                    

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     $ 117      $ -        $ -        $ (3     $ -        $ 42        $ 1        $ 157      $ -   

Foreign governments

     91      -        -        (4     -        13        -        100      -   

Corporate obligations

     1,554      (15     -        5        (1     (566     (21     956      -   

Residential mortgage-backed

agency

     209      -        -        1        -        (19     -        191      -   

Residential mortgage-backed non-

agency

     481      (6     -        (29     (4     (136     (5     301      -   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     284      (6     -        3        (1     (112     (76     92      -   

Collateralized debt obligations

     2,098      (329     -        193        (51     (395     (93     1,423      -   

Other asset-backed

     1,377      (14     -        (50     (3     (217     (28     1,065      -   

State and municipal taxable bonds

     48      -        -        (1     -        -        -        47      -   

Perpetual preferred securities

     85      -        -        (2     -        -        -        83      -   
                                                                      

Total assets

     $ 6,344      $ (370     $ -        $ 113        $ (60     $ (1,390     $ (222     $ 4,415      $ -   
                                                                      

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning

of Interim
Period
   Realized
(Gains)
/ Losses
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
    Purchases,
Issuances and
Settlements,
net
    Transfers
in (out) of
Level 3,
net(1)
    Ending
Balance
   Change in
Unrealized

(Gains) Losses
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Liabilities still
held at June 30,

2008
 

Liabilities:

                    

Medium-term notes

     $ 354      $ (6     $ (13     $ -        $ (2     $ (19     $ -        $ 314      $ -   

Derivative contracts, net

     6,921      (147     (3,150     -        (2     33        -        3,655      (3,150
                                                                      

Total liabilities

     $ 7,275      $ (153     $ (3,163     $ -        $ (4     $ 14        $ -        $ 3,969      $ (3,150
                                                                      

 

(1) - Transferred in and out at the end of the period.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $43 million and $179 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. These transfers were principally for available-for-sale securities where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable or observable during the quarter. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. Residential mortgage-backed securities comprised the majority of the transferred instruments. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, the net unrealized gains related to the transfers into Level 3 was $0.1 million and the net unrealized gains related to the transfers out of Level 3 as of June 30, 2009 was $17 million.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $211 million and $433 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. These transfers were principally for available-for-sale securities where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable or observable during the year. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. Commercial mortgage-backed securities, CDOs and other asset-backed securities comprised the majority of the transferred instruments. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, the net unrealized losses related to the transfers into Level 3 was $2 million and the net unrealized losses related to the transfers out of Level 3 was $10 million.

The following tables present information about changes in Level 3 assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning
of Year
   Realized
Gains /
(Losses)
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
    Purchases,
Issuances and
Settlements,
net
    Transfers
in (out) of
Level 3,
net(1)
    Ending
Balance
   Change in
Unrealized

Gains (Losses)
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Assets still held

at June 30, 2009
 

Assets:

                    

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     $ 32      $ 1        $ -        $ (1     $ -        $ (26     $ -        $ 6      $ -   

Foreign governments

     129      -        -        (4     (2     (16     (37     70      -   

Corporate obligations

     586      -        -        (42     (3     (47     (123     371      -   

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     156      -        -        11        -        (19     (50     98      -   

Residential mortgage-backed

non-agency

     397      (27     -        (26     -        (24     (68     252      -   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     37      (1     -        5        -        (4     -        37      -   

Collateralized debt obligations

     921      (125     -        (144     -        (67     -        585      -   

Other asset-backed

     540      (9     -        (46     -        (88     (8     389      -   

State and municipal tax

exempt bonds

     49      -        -        (1     -        26        -        74      -   

State and municipal taxable bonds

     46      -        -        (2     -        -        -        44      -   

Perpetual preferred securities

     45      -        -        -        -        (1     -        44      -   

Other investments

     58      -        -        -        -        (33     -        25      -   
                                                                      

Total assets

     $ 2,996      $ (161     $ -        $ (250     $ (5     $ (299     $ (286     $ 1,995      $ -   
                                                                      

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning
of Year
   Realized
(Gains) /
Losses
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
    Purchases,
Issuances and
Settlements,
net
    Transfers
in (out) of
Level 3,
net(1)
    Ending
Balance
   Change in
Unrealized

(Gains) Losses
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Liabilities still
held at June 30,
2009
 

Liabilities:

                    

Medium-term notes

     $ 176      $ -        $ -        $ (52     $ (2     $ -        $ -        $ 122      $ -   

Derivative contracts, net

     5,498      (90     (2,018     2        (8     27        (20     3,391      (1,786
                                                                      

Total liabilities

     $ 5,674      $ (90     $ (2,018     $ (50     $ (10     $ 27        $ (20     $ 3,513      $ (1,786
                                                                      

 

(1) - Transferred in and out at the end of the period.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning
of Year
   Realized
Gains /
(Losses)
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
    Purchases,
Issuances and
Settlements,
net
    Transfers
in (out) of
Level 3,
net(1)
    Ending
Balance
   Change in
Unrealized

Gains (Losses)
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Assets still held

at June 30, 2008

Assets:

                    

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     $ 124      $ 3        $ -        $ (2     $ -        $ 8        $ 24        $ 157      $ -

Foreign governments

     64      -        -        (1     1        18        18        100      -

Corporate obligations

     1,400      (22     -        (27     14        (601     192        956      -

Residential mortgage-backed

agency

     239      -        -        (5     -        (43     -        191      -

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     726      (6     -        (141     1        (174     (105     301      -

Commercial mortgage-backed

     273      (6     -        (5     8        (39     (139     92      -

Collateralized debt obligations

     2,458      (463     -        57        (45     (445     (139     1,423      -

Other asset-backed

     1,430      (22     -        (108     17        (313     61        1,065      -

State and municipal tax

exempt bonds

     -      -        -        -        -        -        -        -      -

State and municipal taxable bonds

     49      -        -        (2     -        -        -        47      -

Perpetual preferred securities

     104      -        -        (21     -        -        -        83      -

Other investments

     -      -        -        -        -        -        -        -      -
                                                                    

Total assets

     $ 6,867      $ (516     $ -        $ (255     $ (4     $ (1,589     $ (88     $ 4,415      $ -
                                                                    

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning
of Year
   Realized
(Gains) /
Losses
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
    Purchases,
Issuances and
Settlements,
net
    Transfers
in (out) of
Level 3,
net(1)
    Ending
Balance
   Change in
Unrealized

(Gains) Losses
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Liabilities still
held at June 30,

2008

Liabilities:

                    

Medium-term notes

     $ 399      $ (6     $ (13     $ (20     $ 22        $ (68     $ -        $ 314      $ -

Derivative contracts, net

     3,405      (185     379        -        (10     66        -        3,655      379
                                                                    

Total liabilities

     $ 3,804      $ (191     $ 366        $ (20     $ 12        $ (2     $ -        $ 3,969      $ 379
                                                                    

 

(1) - Transferred in and out at the end of the period.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $57 million and $323 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. These transfers were principally for available-for-sale securities where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable during the period. These inputs included spreads, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. Foreign governments and corporate obligations comprised the majority of the transferred instruments. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the net unrealized gains related to the transfers into Level 3 was $15 million and the net unrealized gains related to the transfers out of Level 3 was $31 million.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $769 million and $857 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. These transfers were principally for available-for-sale securities where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable or unobservable during the year. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. Corporate obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securities and CDOs comprised the majority of the transferred instruments. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the net unrealized losses related to the transfers into Level 3 was $35 million and the net unrealized losses related to the transfers out of Level 3 was $43 million.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings pertaining to Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are reported on the consolidated statements of operations as follows:

 

 

In millions

     Unrealized
 Gains (Losses) 
on Insured
Derivatives
    Net Realized
 Gains (Losses) 
    Net Gains (Losses) on
 Financial Instruments at Fair 

Value and Foreign Exchange
 

Total gains (losses) included in earnings

       $ 424        $ (3     $ (11
                          

Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2009

       $ 164        $ -        $ (32
                          

In millions

     Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Insured
Derivatives
    Net Realized
Gains (Losses)
    Net Gains (Losses) on
Financial Instruments at Fair
Value and Foreign Exchange
 

Total gains (losses) included in earnings

       $ 3,327        $ (215     $ (221
                          

Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2008

       $ 3,327        $ -        $ -   
                          

 

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings pertaining to Level 3 assets and liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are reported on the consolidated statements of operations as follows:

 

 

   

In millions

     Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Insured
Derivatives
    Net Realized
Gains (Losses)
    Net Gains (Losses) on
Financial Instruments at

Fair Value and Foreign
Exchange
 

Total gains (losses) included in earnings

       $ 2,052        $ (251     $ (21
                          

Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2009

       $ 1,793        $ -        $ (6
                          

In millions

     Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Insured
Derivatives
    Net Realized
Gains (Losses)
    Net Gains (Losses) on
Financial Instruments at Fair
Value and Foreign Exchange
 

Total gains (losses) included in earnings

       $ (250     $ (323     $ (112
                          

Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2008

       $ (250     $ -        $ -   
                          

Fair Value Option

The Company elected, under SFAS 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments” to record at fair value certain financial assets and liabilities that contain embedded derivatives. Changes in fair value of these hybrid financial instruments are reflected in “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the fair value of hybrid financial assets increased $2 million and $4 million on a pre-tax basis and $1 million and $3 million on an after-tax basis. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, the fair value of hybrid financial liabilities, which related to four medium-term notes, increased $16 million on a pre-tax basis and $11 million on an after-tax basis. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the fair value of hybrid financial liabilities, decreased $54 million on a pre-tax basis and $35 million on an after-tax basis.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the fair value of hybrid financial assets decreased $2 million and $4 million on a pre-tax basis and $2 million and $3 million on an after-tax basis and the fair value of hybrid financial liabilities, which related to five medium-term notes, decreased $15 million and $11 million on a pre-tax basis and $10 million and $7 million on an after-tax basis, respectively. Contractual interest coupon payments related to these medium-term notes are recorded within “Interest expense” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Investments

The Company’s fixed-maturity portfolio consists of high-quality (average rating single-A) taxable and tax-exempt investments of diversified maturities. Other investments primarily comprise equity investments, including those accounted for under the equity method in accordance with APB 18 and highly rated perpetual securities that bear interest and are callable by the issuer. The following tables present the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed-maturity and other investments included in the consolidated investment portfolio of the Company as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

     June 30, 2009  

In millions

    Amortized Cost     Gross
 Unrealized 
Gains
   Gross
 Unrealized 
Losses
        Fair Value        Other-Than-
Temporary
 Impairments in 
OCI
 

Fixed-maturity investments:

             

Taxable bonds:

             

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     $ 822      $ 13      $ (4     $ 831      $ -   

Foreign governments

     569      26      (8     587      -   

Corporate obligations

     3,663      37      (528     3,172      -   

Mortgage-backed securities

             

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     1,334      41      (6     1,369      -   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     1,502      13      (658     857      (216

Commercial mortgage-backed

     56      -      (17     39      (1

Asset-backed securities

             

Collateralized debt obligations

     1,280      -      (695     585      (112

Other asset-backed

     1,187      11      (330     868      (0
                                     

Total

     10,413      141      (2,246     8,308      (329

State and municipal bonds

             

Tax exempt bonds

     2,841      19      (111     2,749      -   

Taxable bonds

     533      7      (57     483      -   
                                     

Total state and municipal bonds

     3,374      26      (168     3,232      -   

Total fixed-maturity investments

     13,787      167      (2,414     11,540      (329

Other investments:

             

Perpetual preferred securities

     486      4      (172     318      -   

Other investments

     169      2      -        171      -   

Money market securities

     2,284      -      -        2,284      -   
                                     

Total other investments

     2,939      6      (172     2,773      -   
                                     

Total available-for-sale investments

     $ 16,726      $ 173      $ (2,586     $ 14,313      $ (329
                                     

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

     December 31, 2008

In millions

     Amortized Cost        Gross Unrealized  
Gains
     Gross Unrealized  
Losses
            Fair Value        

Fixed-maturity investments:

          

Taxable bonds:

          

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     $ 1,194      $ 74      $ -        $ 1,268

Foreign governments

     818      39      (22     835

Corporate obligations

     3,861      43      (541     3,363

Mortgage-backed securities

          

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     1,359      27      (12     1,374

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     1,664      9      (649     1,024

Commercial mortgage-backed

     72      -      (19     53

Asset-backed securities

          

Collateralized debt obligations

     1,467      3      (552     918

Other asset-backed

     1,298      4      (318     984
                            

Total

     11,733      199      (2,113     9,819

State and municipal bonds

          

Tax exempt bonds

     3,273      20      (233     3,060

Taxable bonds

     473      13      (61     425
                            

Total state and municipal bonds

     3,746      33      (294     3,485

Total fixed-maturity investments

     15,479      232      (2,407     13,304

Other investments:

          

Perpetual preferred securities

     635      -      (315     320

Other investments

     126      -      (5     121

Money market securities

     3,235      -      -        3,235
                            

Total other investments

     3,996      -      (320     3,676
                            

Total available-for-sale investments

     $ 19,475      $ 232      $ (2,727     $ 16,980
                            

Fixed-maturity investments carried at fair value of $13 million and $14 million as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, were on deposit with various regulatory authorities to comply with insurance laws.

A portion of the obligations under investment agreements require the Company to pledge securities as collateral. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the fair value of securities pledged as collateral with respect to these obligations approximated $2.7 billion. Additionally, the Company has pledged cash in the amount of $600 million.

The following table presents the distribution by contractual maturity of available-for-sale fixed-maturity investments at amortized cost and fair value as of June 30, 2009. Contractual maturity may differ from expected maturity because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

 

In millions

     Amortized Cost            Fair Value      

Due in one year or less

       $ 1,141      $ 1,133

Due after one year through five years

     1,989      1,948

Due after five years through ten years

     1,283      1,154

Due after ten years through fifteen years

     610      556

Due after fifteen years

     3,405      3,031

Mortgage-backed

     2,892      2,265

Asset-backed

     2,467      1,453
             

Total fixed-maturity investments

       $ 13,787      $ 11,540
             

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Investments that are held-to-maturity are reported on the Company’s balance sheet at amortized cost. These investments, which relate to the Company’s conduit segment and consolidated VIEs, primarily consist of ABS and loans issued by major national and international corporations and other structured finance clients. As of June 30, 2009, the amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity investments totaled $4.0 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively. Unrecognized gross gains were $5 million and unrecognized gross losses were $554 million. As of December 31, 2008, the amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity investments totaled $3.7 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively. Unrecognized gross gains were $1 million and unrecognized gross losses were $62 million. The following table presents the distribution of held-to-maturity investments by contractual maturity at amortized cost and fair value as of June 30, 2009:

 

In millions

       Amortized Cost                Fair Value        

Due in one year or less

       $ -      $ -

Due after one year through five years

     1      1

Due after five years through ten years

     1      1

Due after ten years through fifteen years

     -      -

Due after fifteen years

     1,100      949

Mortgage-backed

     102      102

Asset-backed

     2,756      2,358
             

Total held-to-maturity investments

       $ 3,960      $         3,411
             

Included in the preceding tables are investments that have been insured by MBIA Corp. and National (“MBIA-Insured Investments”). As of June 30, 2009, MBIA-Insured Investments at fair value represented $2.7 billion or 15% of the consolidated investment portfolio. Conduit segment investments represented $1.5 billion or 8% of the consolidated investment portfolio and were all insured by MBIA Corp. Without giving effect to the MBIA guarantee of the MBIA-Insured Investments, the underlying ratings (those given to an investment without the benefit of MBIA’s guarantee) of the MBIA-Insured Investments as of June 30, 2009 are reflected in the following table. Amounts represent the fair value of such investments including the benefit of MBIA Corp.’s and National’s guarantee. The ratings in the following table are based on ratings from Moody’s. Alternate rating sources, such as S&P, have been used for a small percentage of securities that are not rated by Moody’s. When an external underlying rating is not available, the underlying rating is based on the Company’s best estimate of the rating of such investment.

In millions

 

Underlying Ratings Scale

   U.S. Public
Finance Insurance
Available-for-Sale
   Structured Finance
and International
Insurance Available-
for-Sale
   Investment
Management

Services Available-
for-Sale
   Investments Held-
to- Maturity
   Total

Aaa

     $ -      $ 6      $ -      $ 142      $ 148

Aa

     64      -      58      62      184

A

     219      22      188      102      531

Baa

     71      62      281      1,078      1,492

Below investment grade

     2      196      70      74      342
                                  

Total

     $ 356      $ 286      $ 597      $ 1,458      $             2,697
                                  

It is MBIA’s policy to obtain an underlying rating from both Moody’s and S&P for each new transaction funded through the Company’s conduit segment prior to the execution of such transactions. All transactions currently funded in the conduit segment had an underlying rating of investment grade by Moody’s and S&P prior to funding. The weighted average underlying rating for transactions currently funded in the Company’s conduits was A- by S&P and A2 by Moody’s at the time such transactions were funded. MBIA estimates that the weighted average underlying rating of all outstanding conduit segment transactions was BBB by S&P and Baa1 by Moody’s as of June 30, 2009.

The following tables present the gross unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 related to available-for-sale fixed-maturity and other investments. The tables segregate investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months from those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

     June 30, 2009  
     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  

In millions

   Fair Value      Unrealized  
Losses
    Fair Value      Unrealized  
Losses
    Fair Value      Unrealized  
Losses
 

Fixed-maturity investments:

               

Taxable bonds:

               

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     $ 193      $ (4     $ -      $ -        $ 193      $ (4

Foreign governments

     29      (1     50      (7     79      (8

Corporate obligations

     646      (83     1,545      (445     2,191      (528

Mortgage-backed securities

               

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     107      (2     90      (4     197      (6

Residential mortgage-backed non-

agency

     245      (127     512      (531     757      (658

Commercial mortgage-backed

     2      (1     36      (16     38      (17

Asset-backed securities

               

Collateralized debt obligations

     332      (351     256      (339     588      (690

Other asset-backed

     62      (22     556      (308     618      (330
                                             

Total

     1,616      (591     3,045      (1,650     4,661      (2,241

State and municipal bonds

               

Tax exempt bonds

     498      (7     1,597      (104     2,095      (111

Taxable bonds

     112      (15     204      (42     316      (57
                                             

Total state and municipal bonds

     610      (22     1,801      (146     2,411      (168

Total fixed-maturity investments

     2,226      (613     4,846      (1,796     7,072      (2,409
                                             

Other investments:

               

Perpetual preferred securities

     80      (21     220      (151     300      (172

Other investments

     -      -        5      -        5      -   
                                             

Total other investments

     80      (21     225      (151     305      (172
                                             

Total

     $     2,306      $ (634     $     5,071      $ (1,947     $     7,377      $ (2,581
                                             

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

     December 31, 2008  
     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  

In millions

     Fair Value        Unrealized  
Losses
      Fair Value        Unrealized  
Losses
      Fair Value        Unrealized  
Losses
 

Fixed-maturity investments:

               

Taxable bonds:

               

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     $ 5      $ -        $ 24      $ -        $ 29      $ -   

Foreign governments

     107      (10     24      (12     131      (22

Corporate obligations

     1,144      (123     1,243      (418     2,387      (541

Mortgage-backed securities

               

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     98      (5     206      (7     304      (12

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     82      (45     645      (604     727      (649

Commercial mortgage-backed

     9      (1     40      (18     49      (19

Asset-backed securities

               

Collateralized debt obligations

     165      (190     285      (351     450      (541

Other asset-backed

     419      (96     430      (222     849      (318
                                             

Total

     2,029      (470     2,897      (1,632     4,926      (2,102

State and municipal bonds

               

Tax exempt bonds

     2,034      (225     171      (8     2,205      (233

Taxable bonds

     188      (35     107      (26     295      (61
                                             

Total state and municipal bonds

     2,222      (260     278      (34     2,500      (294

Total fixed-maturity investments

     4,251      (730     3,175      (1,666     7,426      (2,396

Other investments:

               

Perpetual preferred securities

     99      (78     219      (237     318      (315

Other investments

     94      (5     -      -        94      (5
                                             

Total other investments

     193      (83     219      (237     412      (320
                                             

Total

     $ 4,444      $ (813     $ 3,394      $ (1,903     $ 7,838      $ (2,716
                                             

The following tables present the gross unrealized losses of held-to-maturity investments as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. Held-to-maturity investments are reported at amortized cost on the Company’s balance sheet. The tables segregate investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months from those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.

 

     June 30, 2009  
     

    Less than 12 Months    

    12 Months or Longer     Total  

In millions

     Fair Value        Unrealized  
Losses
      Fair Value        Unrealized  
Losses
      Fair Value        Unrealized  
Losses
 

Mortgage and other asset-backed securities

     $ 2,151      $ (526     $ 72      $ (28     $ 2,223      $ (554
                                             
     December 31, 2008  
     Less than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  

In millions

   Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Losses
 

Mortgage and other asset-backed securities

     $ 334      $ (28     $ 75      $ (34     $ 409      $ (62
                                             

As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company’s available-for-sale fixed-maturity, equity and held-to-maturity investment portfolios’ gross unrealized losses totaled $3.1 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively. The weighted average contractual maturity of securities in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was 18 years and 16 years, respectively. As of June 30, 2009, there were 912 securities that were in an unrealized loss position for a continuous twelve-month period or longer with aggregate unrealized losses of $2.0 billion. Within the 912 securities, the book value of 714 securities exceeded market value by more than 5% as presented in the following table:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Percentage Book Value Exceeded Market Value

       Number of    
Securities
   Fair Value
    (in millions)    

5% to 15%

   230      $ 1,366

16% to 25%

   165      831

26% to 50%

   183      1,099

Greater than 50%

   136      434
           

Total

   714      $ 3,730
           

As of December 31, 2008, there were 570 securities that were in an unrealized loss position for a continuous twelve-month period or longer with aggregate unrealized losses of $1.9 billion. Within the 570 securities, the book value of 486 securities exceeded market value by more than 5%.

MBIA has evaluated whether the unrealized losses in its investment portfolios were other than temporary considering the circumstances that gave rise to the unrealized losses, and whether MBIA has the intent to sell the securities or more likely than not will be required to sell the securities before its anticipated recovery. Based on its evaluation, the Company realized other-than-temporary impairments of $114 million primarily related to residential mortgage-backed and CDO securities for the three months ended June 30, 2009. The gross unrealized losses related to other-than-temporary impairments were adversely impacted by the decision to include FGIC wrapped securities in the analysis due to the downgrade of FGIC in the second quarter of 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company realized other-than-temporary impairments of $240 million primarily related to residential mortgage-backed and CDO securities and $104 million related to perpetual securities. MBIA determined that the unrealized losses on the remaining securities were temporary in nature because its impairment analysis, including projected future cash flows, indicated that the Company would be able to recover the amortized cost of impaired assets. The Company also concluded that it does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that it will not have to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis. In making this conclusion, the Company examined the cash flow projections for its investment portfolios, the potential sources and uses of cash in its businesses, and the cash resources availability to its business other than sales of securities. It also considered the existence of any risk management or other plans as of June 30, 2009 that would require the sale of impaired securities. On a quarterly basis, MBIA will reevaluate the unrealized losses in its investment portfolios and determine whether an impairment loss should be realized in current earnings. Refer to “Note 7: Investment Income and Gains and Losses” for information on realized losses due to other-than-temporary impairments. Additionally, refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” for a description of the process used by the Company to determine other-than-temporary impairments.

Note 7: Investment Income and Gains and Losses

The following table includes total investment income from all operations:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  

In millions

           2009                     2008                     2009                     2008          

Fixed-maturity

     $ 141        $ 337        $ 287        $ 748   

Held-to-maturity

     26        34        52        91   

Short-term investments

     (15     38        (28     76   

Other investments

     30        14        62        29   
                                

Gross investment income

     182        423        373        944   

Investment expenses

     3        6        5        12   
                                

Net investment income

     179        417        368        932   

Fixed-maturity

        

Gains

     32        79        93        178   

Losses

     (121     (849     (328     (1,111
                                

Net

     (89     (770     (235     (933

Other investments

        

Gains

     0        1        2        2   

Losses

     (2     (1     (110     (1
                                

Net

     (2     -        (108     1   

Other

        

Gains

     21        2        79        4   

Losses

     (13     (51     (15     (58
                                

Net

     8        (49     64        (54

Total net realized gains (losses)(1)

     (83     (819     (279     (986
                                

Total investment income

     $ 96        $ (402     $ 89        $ (54
                                

 

(1) - Includes losses from other-than-temporary impairments.

For the three months ended June 30, 2009, net realized losses from fixed-maturity investments of $89 million included other-than-temporary impairments of $114 million primarily related to residential mortgage-backed and CDO securities and realized losses on security sales. For the first six months of 2009, net realized losses from fixed-maturity investments of $235 million included other-than-temporary impairments of $240 million primarily related to residential mortgage-backed and CDO securities and losses on security sales.

For the three months ended June 30, 2008, net realized losses from fixed-maturity investments of $770 million included other-than-temporary impairments of $436 million primarily related to ABS and corporate securities and realized losses on security sales. For the first six months of 2008, net realized losses from fixed-maturity investments of $933 million included other-than-temporary impairments of $660 million primarily related to ABS and corporate securities and realized losses on security sales.

For the first six months of 2009, net realized losses in other investments of $108 million included other-than temporarily impairments of $104 million related to perpetual equity securities.

As discussed in “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies,” a portion of certain other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed-maturity securities are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by MBIA Inc. as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and the corresponding changes in such amounts.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

Credit losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities held by MBIA Inc. for which a portion of the other-
than-temporary impairment loss was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

           (in millions)        

Balance, December 31, 2008

     $ -
Credit losses remaining in retained earnings related to adoption of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2      226
Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities which matured, paid down, prepared or were sold during the period      -
Credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period(1)      -
Credit loss impairment recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired      114
Additional credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired      -
Increase due to the passage of time on previously recorded credit losses      -
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flow expected to be collected      -
      
Balance, June 30, 2009      $ 340
      

 

(1) - Represents circumstances where the Company determined in the current period that it intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost.

For ABSs (e.g., RMBSs and CDOs), the Company estimated expected future cash flows of the security by estimating the expected future cash flows of the underlying collateral and applying those collateral cash flows, together with any credit enhancements such as subordination interests owned by third parties, to the security. The expected future cash flows of the underlying collateral are determined using the remaining contractual cash flows adjusted for future expected credit losses (which considers current delinquencies and nonperforming assets, future expected default rates and collateral value by vintage and geographic region) and prepayments. The expected cash flows of the security are then discounted at the interest rate used to recognize interest income on the security to arrive at a present value amount. The following table presents a summary of the significant inputs considered in determining the measurement of the credit loss component recognized in earnings for each significant class of asset-backed securities as of June 30, 2009.

 

Asset-backed Securities

Expected remaining life of loan losses(1):

  

Range(2)

   0.99% to 85.22%

Weighted average(3)

   26.70%

Current subordination levels(4):

  

Range(2)

   0.00% to 52.16%

Weighted average(3)

   10.24%

Prepayment speed (annual CPR)(5):

  

Range(2)

   1.16% to 34.00%

Weighted average(3)

   9.70%

 

(1) - Represents future expected credit losses on impaired assets expressed as a percentage of total current outstanding balance.

 

(2) - Represents the range of inputs/assumptions based upon the individual securities within each category.

 

(3) - Calculated by weighting the relevant input/assumption for each individual security by current outstanding amortized cost basis of the security.

 

(4) - Represents current level of credit protection (subordination) for the securities, expressed as a percentage of total current underlying loan balance.

 

(5) - Values represent high and low points of lifetime vectors of constant prepayment rates.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Net unrealized gains (losses), including related deferred income taxes, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity consisted of:

 

In millions

       June 30, 2009             December 31, 2008      

Fixed-maturity:

    

Gains

     $ 167        $ 231   

Losses

     (2,414     (2,406

Foreign exchange

     (62     (102
                

Net

     (2,309     (2,277

Other investments:

    

Gains

     4        0   

Losses

     (172     (320
                

Net

     (168     (320
                

Total

     (2,477     (2,597

Deferred income taxes provision (benefit)

     (764     (867
                

Unrealized gains (losses), net

     $ (1,713     $ (1,730
                

The change in net unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

  

In millions

   June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Fixed-maturity

     $ (32     $ (2

Other investments

     152        0   
                

Total

     120        (2

Deferred income tax charged (credited)

     103        (1
                

Change in unrealized gains (losses), net

     $ 17        $ (1
                

 

Note 8: Derivative Instruments

Overview

MBIA has entered into derivative transactions as an additional form of financial guarantee and for purposes of hedging risks associated with existing assets and liabilities and forecasted transactions. CDSs are also entered into in the investment management services operations to replicate investments in cash assets consistent with the Company’s risk objectives and credit guidelines for its investment management business. The Company accounts for derivative transactions in accordance with SFAS 133, as amended, which requires that all such transactions be recorded on the Company’s balance sheet at fair value. Fair value of derivative instruments is defined as the price that would be received to sell a derivative asset or paid to transfer a derivative liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives, excluding insured derivatives, are recorded each period in current earnings within “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” or in shareholders’ equity within “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),” depending on whether the derivative is designated as a hedge, and if so designated, the type of hedge. Changes in the fair value of insured derivatives are recorded in “Net change in fair value of insured derivatives.” The net change in the fair value of the Company’s insured derivatives has two primary components; (i) realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives and (ii) unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives. “Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives” include (i) net premiums received and receivable on written CDS contracts, (ii) net premiums paid and payable to reinsurers in respect of CDS contracts, (iii) net amounts received or paid on reinsurance commutations, (iv) losses paid and payable to CDS contract counterparties due to the occurrence of a credit event or settlement agreement, (v) losses recovered and recoverable on purchased CDS contracts due to the occurrence of a credit event or settlement agreement and (vi) fees relating to CDS contracts. The “Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives” include all other changes in fair value of the derivative contracts.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

U.S. Public Finance Insurance

The Company’s derivative exposure within its U.S. public finance insurance operations primarily consists of insured interest rate and inflation-linked swaps related to insured U.S. public finance debt issues. These derivatives do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception under SFAS 133 and, therefore, must be recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet with the changes in fair value recorded in unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives.

Structured Finance and International Insurance

The Company entered into derivative transactions that it viewed as an extension of its core financial guarantee business but which do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception under SFAS 133 and, therefore, must be recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet. The Company’s structured finance and international insurance operations, which insured the majority of the Company’s notional derivative exposure, have insured derivatives primarily consisting of structured pools of CDSs that the Company intends to hold for the entire term of the contract absent a negotiated settlement with the counterparty. The Company’s structured finance and international insurance operations have also provided guarantees on the value of certain structured closed-end funds, which meet the definition of a derivative under SFAS 133. The Company reduces risks embedded in its insured portfolio through the use of reinsurance and by entering into derivative transactions. This includes cessions of insured derivatives under reinsurance agreements and capital markets transactions in which the Company economically hedges a portion of the credit and market risk associated with its insured credit derivative portfolio. Such arrangements are also accounted for as derivatives under SFAS 133 and recorded in the Company’s financial statements at fair value.

Investment Management Services

The investment management services operations have entered into derivative transactions primarily consisting of interest rate, cross currency, principal protection guarantees and CDSs. Interest rate swaps are entered into to hedge the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates or fair values of certain contracts. Cross currency swaps are entered into to hedge the variability in cash flows resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency rates. The Company has also provided loss protection on certain MBIA Municipal Investor Service Corporation (“MBIA-MISC”) managed municipal pools that invest in highly rated short-term fixed-income securities. Such protection is accounted for as a derivative under SFAS 133 and is included as part of the Company’s principal protection guarantees. CDSs are entered into to hedge credit risk or to replicate investments in cash assets consistent with the Company’s risk objectives and credit guidelines for its investment management business.

Certain interest rate and cross currency swaps qualify as cash flow hedges and fair value hedges under SFAS 133. The cash flow hedges mitigate or offset fluctuations in cash flows arising from variable rate assets or liabilities. The unrealized gains and losses relating to the cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and will be reclassified into earnings as interest revenue and expense are recognized on the hedged assets and liabilities. The fair value hedges are used to protect against changes in the market value of the hedged assets or liabilities. The gains and losses relating to the fair value hedges are recorded directly in earnings. Cash flow and fair value hedges are hedging existing assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions.

Corporate

The corporate operations have entered into a cross currency swap to hedge foreign exchange risks related to the issuance of certain MBIA long-term debt in accordance with the Company’s risk management policies. The cross currency swap has been designated as a cash flow hedge and hedges the variability arising from currency exchange rate movements on the foreign denominated fixed rate debt. Changes in the fair value of the cross currency swap are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As the debt is revalued at the spot exchange rate in accordance with SFAS 52, “Foreign Currency Translation,” an amount that will offset the related transaction gain or loss arising from the revaluation will migrate each period from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings. This cash flow hedge was 100% effective during the first six months of 2009.

Credit Derivatives Sold

The following table presents information about credit derivatives sold (insured) by the Company’s insurance operations that were outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Credit ratings represent the lower of underlying ratings currently assigned by Moody’s, S&P or MBIA.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In millions

        Notional Value  

Credit Derivatives Sold

   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
   AAA     AA     A     BBB     Below BBB     Total
Notional
   Fair Value
(Asset)
Liability
 

Credit default swaps

   5.7 Years      $ 47,321        $ 23,395        $ 35,067        $ 6,026        $ 21,614        $ 133,423      $ (4,083

Insured swaps

   17.1 Years      -        770        6,546        5,612        1,489        14,417      (4

Credit linked notes

   29.1 Years      1        -        -        -        -        1      -   

All others

   9.7 Years      -        159        216        -        36        411      (17
                                                          

Total notional

        $ 47,322        $ 24,324        $ 41,829        $ 11,638        $ 23,139        $ 148,252   
                                                    

Total fair value

        $ (432     $ (504     $ (890     $ (285     $ (1,993        $ (4,104
                                                      

The following table presents information about credit derivatives sold (insured) by the Company’s insurance operations that were outstanding as of December 31, 2008. Credit ratings represent the lower of underlying ratings currently assigned by Moody’s, S&P or MBIA.

 

    

In millions

        Notional Value  

Credit Derivatives Sold

   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
   AAA     AA     A     BBB     Below BBB     Total
Notional
   Fair Value
(Asset)
Liability
 

Credit default swaps

   5.8 Years      $ 122,213        $ 5,176        $ 120        $ 1,447        $ 16,077        $ 145,033      $ (6,175

Insured swaps

   16.1 Years      -        1,605        5,720        8,419        1,435        17,179      (5

Total return swaps

   1.7 Years      -        -        200        -        104        304      -   

Credit linked notes

   30.3 Years      -        -        1        -        -        1      -   

All others

   9.4 Years      195        -        288        -        -        483      (14
                                                          

Total notional

        $ 122,408        $ 6,781        $ 6,329        $ 9,866        $ 17,616        $ 163,000   
                                                    

Total fair value

        $ (3,450     $ (481     $ -        $ (37     $ (2,226        $ (6,194
                                                      

Referenced credit ratings assigned by MBIA to insured credit derivatives are derived by the Company’s surveillance group in conjunction with representatives from its new business and risk divisions. In assigning an internal rating, current status reports from issuers and trustees, as well as publicly available transaction-specific information, are reviewed. Also, where appropriate, cash flow analyses and collateral valuations are considered. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) on CDSs are estimated as the notional value plus any additional debt service costs, such as interest or other amounts owing on CDSs. Refer to “Note 13: Net Insurance in Force” for further information about the Company’s sold credit derivatives, including the maximum potential undiscounted payments, recourse provisions and collateral arrangements. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) on insured swaps, total return swaps and credit linked notes sold are estimated as the notional value of such contracts.

The following table presents information about credit derivatives sold by the Company’s investment management services operations that were outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Credit ratings represent the lower of ratings currently assigned by Moody’s, S&P or external counterparties.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

In millions

        Notional Value  

Credit Derivatives Sold

   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
        AAA               AA               A               BBB              Below BBB          Total
     Notional     
        Fair Value     
(Asset)

Liability
 

Credit default swaps

     3.8 Years      $ 20        $ 295        $ 115        $ -      $ -        $ 430      $ (29
Principal protection guarantees      0.1 Years      7,356        -        -        -      -        7,356      -   

Credit linked notes

     1.5 Years      15        100        -        -      11        126      (41
                                                         

Total notional

        $ 7,391        $   395        $ 115        $ -      $ 11        $ 7,912   
                                                   

Total fair value

        $ (2     $ (54     $ (3     $ -      $ (11        $ (70
                                                     

The following table presents information about credit derivatives sold by the Company’s investment management services operations that were outstanding as of December 31, 2008. Credit ratings represent the lower of ratings currently assigned by Moody’s, S&P or external counterparties.

 

In millions

        Notional Value  

Credit Derivatives Sold

   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
        AAA               AA               A               BBB               Below     
BBB
    Total
     Notional     
        Fair Value     
(Asset)

Liability
 

Credit default swaps

     3.2 Years      $ 180        $ 155        $ 397        $ -        $ -        $ 732      $ (55
Principal protection guarantees      0.1 Years      4,469        -        -        -        -        4,469      -   

Total return swaps

     6.8 Years      -        -        37        -        -        37      (3

Credit linked notes

     2.5 Years      15        100        -        25        6        146      (60
                                                          

Total notional

        $     4,664        $   255        $     434        $     25        $ 6      $ 5,384   
                                                    

Total fair value

        $ (28     $ (44     $ (22     $ (19     $ (5        $ (118
                                                      

The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) on derivatives presented in the preceding table are estimated as the notional value of such contracts.

Financial Statement Impact

In the second quarter of 2009, the Company re-evaluated its election regarding offsetting the fair value amounts recognized for derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement under FIN 39. As a result, the Company has decided to begin netting the fair value amounts recognized for derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty.

As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company reported derivative assets of $755 million and $911 million, respectively, and derivative liabilities of $4.2 billion and $6.5 billion, respectively, after counterparty netting, which are shown separately on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In accordance with SFAS 161 the following table presents the amount of the derivative assets and liabilities by instrument, before counterparty netting, as of June 30, 2009.

 

In millions                           

Derivatives Designated as Hedging

Instruments under SFAS 133

   Notional
Amount
     Outstanding     
        Balance Sheet     
Location
        Fair Value              Balance Sheet     
Location
            Fair Value           

Interest rate swaps

     $ 1,020    Derivative assets      $ 73    Derivative liabilities      $ (52

Currency swaps

     95    Derivative assets      27    Derivative liabilities      (3
                            

Total hedges

     $ 1,115         $ 100         $ (55
                            

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In millions                            

Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments under SFAS

133

   Notional
Amount
    Outstanding    
       Balance Sheet    
Location
       Fair Value             Balance Sheet    
Location
       Fair Value      
Credit default swaps - insured derivatives      $ 154,933    Derivative assets      $ 690      Derivative liabilities      $ (4,106
Insured swaps      14,585    Derivative assets      1      Derivative liabilities      (10
Credit default swaps - investment management      513    Derivative assets      9      Derivative liabilities      (30
Interest rate swaps      5,581    Derivative assets      124      Derivative liabilities      (281
Interest rate swaps - embedded      536    Medium-term notes      12      Medium-term notes      (17
Interest rate swaps - embedded      693    Other assets      (10   Other liabilities      -   
Credit linked notes      101    Derivative assets      -      Derivative liabilities      (28
Credit linked notes      47    Fixed-maturity
securities held at
fair value
     -      Fixed-maturity
securities held at
fair value
     (13
Currency swaps      689    Derivative assets      56      Derivative liabilities      (18
All other      7,703    Derivative assets      -      Derivative liabilities      (21
                             
Total non-hedges      $ 185,381         $ 882           $ (4,524
                             
Total derivatives      $ 186,496         $ 982           $ (4,579
                             

The following tables show the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2009:

 

In millions                     

Derivatives in SFAS 133

Fair Value Hedging

Relationships

  

Location of Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income on

Derivative

   Gain (Loss)
Recognized in

Income on
Derivative
   Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on Hedged
Item
    Net Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income

Interest rate swaps

   Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      $ 1      $ (3     $ 2

Interest rate swaps

   Net realized gains (losses)      -      -        2

Currency swaps

   Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      1      (1     -

Currency swaps

   Net realized gains (losses)      -      -        12
                        

Total

        $ 2      $ (4     $ 16
                        

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In millions          

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

under SFAS 133

 

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income

on Derivative

  Net Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income
 

Credit default swaps - insured derivatives

  Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives     $ 419   

Insured swaps

  Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives     1   

Insured swaps

  Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives     32   

Credit default swaps - investment management

  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange     23   

Interest rate swaps

  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange     79   

Total return swaps

  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange     7   

Credit linked notes

  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange     12   

Currency swaps

  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange     (6
         

Total

      $ 567   
         

The following tables show the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009:

 

In millions                      

Derivatives in SFAS 133

Fair Value Hedging

Relationships

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income on

Derivative

  Gain (Loss)
Recognized in

Income on
Derivative
    Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on Hedged

Item
    Net Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income
 

Interest rate swaps

  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange     $ 114        $ (106     $ (8

Interest rate swaps

  Net realized gains (losses)     -        -        59   

Currency swaps

  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange     (4     4        -   

Currency swaps

  Net realized gains (losses)     -        -        13   
                         

Total

      $ 110        $ (102     $ 64   
                         

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In millions

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

under SFAS 133

 

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income

on Derivative

   Net Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income
 

Credit default swaps - insured derivatives

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured

derivatives

     $ 2,035   

Insured swaps

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured

derivatives

     1   

Insured swaps

 

Realized gains (losses) and other

settlements on insured derivatives

     64   

Credit default swaps - investment management

  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      2   

Interest rate swaps

 

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and foreign

exchange

     58   

Total return swaps

 

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and foreign

exchange

     6   

Credit linked notes

 

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and

foreign exchange

     20   

All other

  Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      (7
          

Total

       $ 2,179   
          

The amount of gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges was a $85 thousand loss on interest rate swaps and a $1 million loss on cross currency swaps. The amount of gains reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) into net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange was $43 thousand for the interest rate swaps and $221 thousand for the cross currency swaps.

Counterparty Credit Risk

The Company manages counterparty credit risk on an individual counterparty basis through master netting agreements covering derivative transactions in the investment management services and corporate operations. These agreements allow the Company to contractually net amounts due from a counterparty with those amounts due to such counterparty when certain triggering events occur. The Company only executes swaps under master netting agreements, which typically contain mutual credit downgrade provisions that generally provide the ability to require assignment or termination in the event either MBIA or the counterparty is downgraded below a specified credit rating.

In certain non-insurance derivative contracts, the Company also manages credit risk through collateral agreements that give the Company the right to hold or the obligation to provide collateral when the current market value of certain derivative contracts exceeds an exposure threshold. Under these arrangements, the Company may receive or provide U.S. Treasury and other highly rated securities or cash to secure counterparties’ exposure to the Company or its exposure to counterparties, respectively. Such collateral is available to the holder to pay for replacing the counterparty in the event that the counterparty defaults. As of June 30, 2009, the Company did not hold cash collateral from derivative counterparties but posted cash collateral to derivative counterparties of $135 million. This amount is in derivative liability. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had securities with a fair value of $120 million posted to derivative counterparties.

If the Company had not elected to net the fair value amounts recognized for derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under FIN 39 and were to settle all transactions covered under master netting agreements as of June 30, 2009, the amount required to be paid to counterparties would have increased by $225 million as a result of its inability to offset amounts due from such counterparties.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

As of June 30, 2009, the fair value was positive on one Credit Support Annexes (“CSAs”) which govern collateral posting requirements between MBIA and its derivative counterparties. The aggregate positive fair value for this CSAs was $2 million for which the Company did not receive collateral because the Company’s credit rating was below the CSAs minimum credit ratings level for holding counterparty collateral. The rating of this one counterparty is AA- by S&P and Aa3 by Moody’s.

Note 9: Variable Interest Entities

Insurance

Through MBIA’s structured finance and international insurance operations, the Company provides credit enhancement services to issuers of obligations that may involve issuer-sponsored special purpose entities (“SPEs”). An SPE may be considered a VIE as defined by FIN 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities–an interpretation of ARB No. 51,” to the extent the SPE’s total equity at risk is not sufficient to permit the SPE to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or if its equity investors lack any one of the characteristics of a controlling financial interest including (i) the ability to make significant decisions through voting rights, (ii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, or (iii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity. The holder of a variable interest that will absorb the majority of the expected losses of the VIE, receive the majority of the expected returns of the VIE, or both, is required to consolidate the VIE. The variable interest holder required to consolidate a VIE is considered to be the primary beneficiary under FIN 46(R). A variable interest holder determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE at initial recognition of its variable interest in the VIE and reconsiders its determination if certain events occur in a subsequent reporting period.

The Company evaluates issuer-sponsored SPEs to determine if the entity is a VIE. For all entities determined to be VIEs, at inception and when reconsideration events occur, MBIA evaluates whether its guarantee to provide credit protection on obligations issued by VIEs will absorb the majority of the expected losses of the VIE.

The Company generally makes this determination based on a qualitative assessment of the design and purpose of the VIE, the capital structure and other variable interests that will absorb expected losses. If the Company cannot make the determination based on a qualitative analysis, a quantitative analysis is used. The Company generally provided credit protection on the most senior obligations issued by VIEs, and at inception of the contract, its exposure generally had more subordination than necessary to achieve triple-A credit ratings from credit rating agencies. MBIA generally does not absorb the majority of the expected losses and is not the primary beneficiary as the result of its guarantees of insured obligations issued by VIEs. The Company generally considers its guarantee of principal and interest payments of insured obligations, given nonperformance by a nonconsolidated VIE, to be a significant variable interest.

Consolidated VIEs

As of June 30, 2009, consolidated VIE assets and liabilities were $3.0 billion and $6.7 billion, respectively, based on the consolidation of eight VIEs. As of December 31, 2008, consolidated VIE assets and liabilities were $2.3 billion and $8.0 billion, respectively, based on the consolidation of six VIEs. Included in consolidated VIEs as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 is an entity sponsored and formed by the Company, LaCrosse Financial Products, LLC (“LaCrosse”), designed to provide credit protection to counterparties in the form of credit derivative instruments. The Company provides credit support and issues financial guarantee insurance policies that insure all LaCrosse credit protection obligations. LaCrosse lacks sufficient equity to finance its activities and is deemed a VIE. As primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates LaCrosse. In the second quarter of 2009, the Company formed MBIA Capital Management Institutional Investor Trust to invest in fixed income securities and financial instruments for income and capital appreciation, and has invested in the equity of this entity. The entity’s equity at risk does not meet all the conditions of a controlling financial interest and is deemed a VIE. The Company holds the majority of the equity of the VIE and is considered the primary beneficiary. In the second quarter of 2009, the Company initially consolidated a VIE as primary beneficiary resulting from a financial guarantee insurance policy that provides credit protection on insured obligations issued by the entity. The maturity dates of the investments held and insured obligations issued by this VIE are in May 2010. In the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company acquired additional variable interests in one consolidated VIE which has outstanding obligations insured by MBIA.

The Company determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the consolidated VIEs based on its assessment of potential exposure to expected losses from insured obligations issued by the VIEs and from holding any additional variable interests issued by the VIEs. Creditors of issuer-sponsored VIEs do not have recourse to the general assets of MBIA. In the event of nonpayment of an insured obligation issued by a consolidated VIE, the Company is obligated to pay principal and interest, when due, on the respective insured obligation only. The Company’s exposure to consolidated VIEs is limited to the credit protection provided on insured obligations and the additional variable interests acquired.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Nonconsolidated VIEs

The following tables present the total assets of nonconsolidated VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. The tables also present the Company’s maximum exposure to loss in comparison to the carrying value of liabilities resulting from financial guarantees and insured CDSs and loss and loss adjustment expense reserves as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. The Company has aggregated nonconsolidated VIEs based on the underlying credit exposure of the insured obligation. Refer to “Note 8: Derivative Instruments” for information about the Company’s valuation of insured derivatives. Additionally, as the majority of the Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves relate to guarantees of VIEs, refer to “Note 10: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for information about the Company’s loss and LAE activity.

 

     June 30, 2009
               Carrying Value of Liabilities

In millions

     VIE Assets      Maximum
  Exposure to  
Loss
     Unearned  
  Premium  
Revenue
     Derivative  
Liabilities
     Loss and Loss  
Adjustment
Expense
Reserves

Insurance:

              

Global structured finance:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     $ 61,706      $ 55,983      $ 110      $ 1,941      $ 40

Mortgage-backed residential

     82,966      29,589      147      3      973

Mortgage-backed commercial

     1,886      1,543      8      -      -

Consumer asset-backed

     18,968      11,238      49      -      22

Corporate asset-backed

     59,052      32,763      525      9      -
                                  

Total global structured finance

     $ 224,578      $ 131,116      $ 839      $ 1,953      $ 1,035

Global public finance

     28,722      10,993      161      -      -
                                  

Total insurance

     $     253,300      $     142,109      $     1,000      $     1,953      $     1,035
                                  
     December 31, 2008
               Carrying Value of Liabilities

In millions

     VIE Assets      Maximum
  Exposure to  
Loss
     Unearned  
Premium
Revenue
     Derivative  
Liabilities
     Loss and Loss  
Adjustment
Expense
Reserves

Insurance:

              

Global structured finance:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     $ 70,778      $ 51,198      $ 11      $ 2,567      $ 25

Mortgage-backed residential

     94,574      29,677      4      1      1,068

Mortgage-backed commercial

     2,196      1,660      -      -      -

Consumer asset-backed

     21,449      12,832      1      -      22

Corporate asset-backed

     68,101      38,498      43      4      -
                                  

Total global structured finance

     $ 257,098      $ 133,865      $ 59      $ 2,572      $ 1,115

Global public finance

     25,561      9,621      85      -      -
                                  

Total insurance

     $     282,659      $     143,486      $     144      $     2,572      $     1,115
                                  

The maximum exposure to losses as a result of the Company’s variable interest in the VIE is represented by net insurance in force. Net insurance in force is the maximum future payments of principal and interest, net of cessions to reinsurers, which may be required under commitments to make payments on insured obligations issued by nonconsolidated VIEs, assuming a full credit event occurs. The maximum exposure to losses presented in the preceding table is included in and not incremental to the net insurance in force presented in “Note 13: Net Insurance in Force.” The Company adopted SFAS 163, effective and applied prospectively beginning January 1, 2009, which requires unearned premium revenue to be recognized and measured based on the present value, using the risk-free discount rate, of premiums due or expected to be collected in installments. Therefore, “Unearned Premium Revenue” presented under “Carrying Value of Liabilities” in the preceding nonconsolidated VIEs tables as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, are based on different accounting estimates due to the change in accounting principle required by SFAS 163.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Investment Management Services

In its investment management services operations, the Company invests in obligations issued by issuer-sponsored SPEs which are included in fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale and investments held-to-maturity. The Company evaluates issuer-sponsored SPEs to determine if the entity is a VIE. For all entities determined to be VIEs, the Company evaluates whether its investment will absorb the majority of the expected losses of the VIE, receive the majority of the expected returns of the VIE, or both, as of the date of initial purchase and as of any subsequent date of additional acquisitions of interests in the VIE. MBIA is not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs and does not hold any significant variable interests in issuers considered VIEs based on its assessment of the investment portfolio.

In the advisory segment of its investment management services operations, the Company provides collateral management services to eight VIEs. Additional variable interests are held in certain of these VIEs in the form of either credit protection provided on VIE obligations or investment in a VIE obligation. The Company evaluates each VIE to determine whether it’s combined variable interests in each respective VIE will absorb the majority of the expected losses of the VIE, receive the majority of the expected returns of the VIE, or both. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the aforementioned VIEs. Significant variable interests resulting from credit protection provided on obligations issued by four of the VIEs are presented in the table above. The Company does not hold a significant variable interest in any of the remaining three VIEs.

As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, a Company sponsored nonconsolidated funding conduit held no material assets and had no obligations outstanding. The Company has no liquidity obligation to fund nonconsolidated funding conduits.

Consolidated VIEs

In the conduit segment of its investment management services operations, the Company manages and administers two multi-seller conduit SPEs, Triple-A One and Meridian Funding Company, LLC (collectively, the “Conduits”). The Conduits invest in various types of financial instruments, such as debt securities, loans, lease receivables, trade receivables, and obligations issued by SPEs, and fund the investments through the issuance of commercial paper and/or medium-term notes. The assets and liabilities of the Conduits are supported by credit enhancement provided through MBIA Corp. The Conduits are designed to provide issuers an efficient source of funding for issued obligations, and to provide an opportunity for MBIA Corp. to issue financial guarantee insurance policies.

The Conduits are VIEs and are consolidated by the Company as the primary beneficiary. MBIA has included on its balance sheet the assets and liabilities of each Conduit, which consist primarily of various types of investments funded by medium-term notes and liquidity loans, and has included in its statement of operations the operating revenues and expenses of the Conduits. Certain of MBIA’s consolidated subsidiaries have invested in Conduit debt obligations or have received compensation for services provided to the Conduits. As such, MBIA has eliminated intercompany transactions with the Conduits from its balance sheet and statement of operations. After the elimination of such intercompany assets and liabilities, total assets and liabilities of the Conduits were $2.1 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, as of June 30, 2009 and $2.5 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2008. Creditors of the Conduits do not have recourse to the general assets of MBIA outside of financial guarantee policies provided on obligations issued by the Conduits.

Balance Sheet Impact of Consolidated VIEs

The following table presents the carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

In millions

       June 30, 2009            December 31, 2008    

Assets:

     

Investments:

     

Fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale, at fair value

(amortized cost $581 and $632)

     $ 338      $ 632

Investments held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

     2,843      3,157

Short-term investments held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

     1,114      499

Other investments

     117      -

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

     257      91

Accrued investment income

     5      12

Deferred income taxes, net

     16      18

Other assets

     476      423
             

Total assets

     $ 5,166      $ 4,832
             

Liabilities:

     

Medium-term notes

     $ 1,640      $ 2,133

Variable interest entity notes

     2,637      1,792

Long-term debt

     389      345

Derivative liabilities

     4,111      6,202

Other liabilities

     2      2

Current income taxes payable

     5      -
             

Total liabilities

     $ 8,784      $ 10,474
             

 

(1) - Cash and cash equivalents held by certain consolidated VIEs and pledged as security for the benefit of each respective VIEs’ noteholders.

Note 10: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

A summary of the Company’s case basis reserve activity is presented in the following table:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In millions

           2Q 2009                     1Q 2009          

Gross loss and LAE reserve beginning balance

     $ 1,626        $ 1,558   

  Less: reinsurance recoverable

     68        57   

  Less: SFAS 163 transition adjustment

     -        179   
                

Net beginning balance

     1,558        1,322   
                

Incurred related to:

    

  Current year

     34        60   

  Prior years

     (763     634   
                

  Total incurred

     (729     694   
                

Net paid related to:

    

  Current year

     (99     (4

  Prior years

     (621     (612
                

  Total net paid

     (720     (616
                

Expected recoveries on paid losses

     1,117        158   
                

Net ending balance

     1,226        1,558   

  Plus: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

     35        68   
                

Gross loss and LAE reserve ending balance

     $ 1,261        $ 1,626   
                

During the first six months of 2009, the Company recognized a $36 million benefit of losses and loss adjustment expenses due to the impact of recording $1.3 billion of estimated recoveries principally in connection with ineligible mortgages in certain insured second-lien RMBS securitizations that are subject to a contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace the ineligible mortgage loans. These estimated recoveries were mostly offset by additional losses of $1.2 billion largely related to our second-lien RMBS exposure. Additionally, the Company incurred $63 million of losses in the first six months of 2009 primarily related to a U.S. public finance affordable housing transaction.

Total net paid activity for the six months ended June 30, 2009 of $1.3 billion primarily related to $1.2 billion in payments for insured obligations in the Company’s RMBS sector. Total expected recoveries on paid losses for the six months ended June 30, 2009 of $1.3 billion primarily related to an increase in receivable for insurance loss recoveries of $1.2 billion within the Company’s RMBS sector. The Company had receivables for insurance loss recoveries of $1.7 billion as of June 30, 2009 and $459 million as of December 31, 2008. Amounts due to reinsurers related to estimated recoveries totaled $32 million as of June 30, 2009 and $13 million as of December 31, 2008, and are included in “Other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

In the second quarter of 2009, the Company revised expected net cash inflows in its loss reserve calculations based on an increasing likelihood of potential recoveries related to ineligible mortgage loans in certain insured second-lien residential mortgage loan securitizations that are subject to a contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace ineligible mortgage loans. The Company’s updated recovery outlook was principally based on the following factors:

 

  1. The strength of MBIA’s existing contract claims related to ineligible loan substitution/repurchase obligations;

 

  2. the favorable outcome for MBIA on Defendants’ motion to dismiss in the action captioned, MBIA v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., et al, Index No. 08-602825 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.) where the court allowed MBIA’s fraud claims against the Countrywide defendants to proceed;

 

  3. the improvement in the financial strength of issuers due to mergers and acquisitions and/or government assistance, which will facilitate their ability to comply with required loan repurchase/substitution obligations. The Company is not aware of any provisions that explicitly preclude or limit the successors’ obligations to honor the obligations of the original sponsor. As a result, the Company did not make any significant adjustments to its estimated recoveries with respect to the credit risk of these sponsors (or their successors); and

 

  4. evidence of loan repurchase/substitution compliance by issuers for put-back requests made by other harmed parties consistent with MBIA’s assertions.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2008, MBIA engaged loan level forensic review consultants to re-underwrite/review a sample of the mortgage loan files underlying MBIA’s HELOC and CES insured transactions. Certain HELOC and CES transactions that exhibited exceptionally poor performance were chosen for a re-underwriting review. Factors MBIA believes to be indicative of this poor performance include (i) a material increase in early and late stage delinquencies; (ii) material increases in charged-off loans; (iii) significant decreases in credit enhancement; and (iv) policy payments. MBIA’s forensic loan review determined that there were significant breaches of mortgage loan representations and material deviations from underwriting guidelines. Accordingly, the Company has determined that thousands of loans were in fact contractually ineligible for inclusion in the securitized trusts insured by MBIA. In turn, MBIA has submitted thousands of ineligible loans for repurchase/substitution to the sponsors or sellers/servicers. The unsatisfactory resolution of these contractual matters in addition to the fraudulent underwriting practices prevalent within certain issuers has led to MBIA engaging in litigation with these issuers seeking the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace ineligible mortgage loans and specifically perform under its contractual obligation and damages for both breaches of contractual obligations and fraud. MBIA’s forensic examination of loan repurchase/substitution requirements for various issuers remains ongoing.

In the second quarter of 2009, MBIA recognized estimated recoveries of $1.1 billion related to reviewed transactions. Additionally, the estimated recoveries are transaction specific and based upon contractual breaches for loans which have been deemed ineligible and either put back to the originators or sellers/servicers or where analysis has been completed and put-back notices are pending. These estimated recoveries rely upon identified breaches of representations and warranties in specific transactions that MBIA has already discovered as a result of actual loan file examinations for 23,765 defaulted mortgage loans, which represent approximately 27% of the total number of delinquent or defaulted mortgage loans out of a total aggregate 496,917 loans in 24 insured second-lien mortgage loan securitizations. The aggregate loan population includes current, delinquent and charged-off loans. Estimated recoveries for these 24 transactions of $1.1 billion is based on only those loans that were examined which had substantiated breaches, and does not include any extrapolation of results from the actual loan file examinations to the remaining mortgages in the loan pool. Expected cash inflows from potential recoveries are forecasted to be recovered in 2012 for all transactions and discounted using the aforementioned risk-free rate of 1.625%. The Company considered all relevant facts and circumstances, including the factors described above, in developing its assumptions on expected cash inflows, probability of potential recoveries and recovery period. The estimated amount and likelihood of potential recoveries are expected to be revised and supplemented as facts and circumstances change and relevant information is available, including additional information on the mortgage loan pools. The Company has utilized the results of the above described loan file examinations to make demands for loan repurchases from originators and services or their successors and, in certain instances, as a part of the basis for litigation filings.

The Company will continue to assess the level of expected recoveries as it completes additional forensic reviews on additional loans and progress through the litigation proceedings that are ongoing at this time. As a result of additional loan reviews and the progression of litigation proceedings, the Company’s estimate of recoveries could change materially in the future. However, the amount of such additional recoveries cannot be estimated at this time.

The Company’s Insured Portfolio Management Division (“IPM”) monitors MBIA’s outstanding insured obligations with the objective of minimizing losses. IPM meets this objective by identifying issuers that, because of deterioration in credit quality or changes in the economic, regulatory or political environment, are at a heightened risk of defaulting on debt service of obligations insured by MBIA. In such cases, IPM works with the issuer, trustee, bond counsel, servicer, underwriter and other interested parties in an attempt to alleviate or remedy the problem and avoid defaults on debt service payments. Once an obligation is insured, MBIA typically requires the issuer, servicer (if applicable) and the trustee to furnish periodic financial and asset related information, including audited financial statements, to IPM for review. IPM also monitors publicly available information related to insured obligations. Potential problems uncovered through this review, such as poor financial results, low fund balances, covenant or trigger violations and trustee or servicer problems or other events that could have an adverse impact on the insured obligation, could result in an immediate surveillance review and an evaluation of possible remedial actions. IPM also monitors and evaluates the impact on issuers of general economic conditions, current and proposed legislation and regulations, as well as state and municipal finances and budget developments.

Insured obligations are monitored periodically. The frequency and extent of such monitoring is based on the criteria and categories described below. Insured obligations that are judged to merit more frequent and extensive monitoring or remediation activities due to a deterioration in the underlying credit quality of the insured obligation or the occurrence of adverse events related to the underlying credit of the issuer are assigned to a surveillance category (“Caution List—Low,” “Caution List—Medium,” “Caution List—High,” or “Classified List”) depending on the extent of credit deterioration or the nature of the adverse events. IPM monitors insured obligations assigned to a surveillance category more frequently and, if needed, develops a remediation plan to address any credit deterioration.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company does not establish any case basis reserves for insured obligations that are assigned to “Caution List—Low,” “Caution List—Medium,” or “Caution List—High.” In the event MBIA expects to pay a claim in excess of the unearned premium revenue with respect to an insured transaction, it places the insured transaction on its “Classified List” and establishes a case basis reserve. The following provides a description of each surveillance category:

“Caution List – Low”—Includes issuers where debt service protection is adequate under current and anticipated circumstances. However, debt service protection and other measures of credit support and stability may have declined since the transaction was underwritten and the issuer is less able to withstand further adverse events. Transactions in this category generally require more frequent monitoring than transactions that do not appear within a surveillance category. IPM subjects issuers in this category to heightened scrutiny.

“Caution List – Medium”—Includes issuers where debt service protection is adequate under current and anticipated circumstances, although adverse trends have developed and are more pronounced than for “Caution List—Low.” Issuers in this category may have breached one or more covenants or triggers. These issuers are more closely monitored by IPM but generally take remedial action on their own.

“Caution List – High”—Includes issuers where more proactive remedial action is needed but where no defaults on debt service payments are expected. Issuers in this category exhibit more significant weaknesses, such as low debt service coverage, reduced or insufficient collateral protection or inadequate liquidity, which could lead to debt service defaults in the future. Issuers in this category have breached one or more covenants or triggers, have not taken conclusive remedial action, and IPM adopts a remediation plan and takes more proactive remedial actions.

“Classified List”—Includes all insured obligations where MBIA has paid a claim or where a claim payment is expected to exceed its unearned premium revenue. Generally, IPM is actively remediating these credits where possible, including restructurings through legal proceedings, usually with the assistance of specialist counsel and advisors.

The following table provides information about the financial guarantees and related claim liability included in each of MBIA’s surveillance categories as of June 30, 2009:

 

     Surveillance Categories  

$ in millions

   Caution List-
Low
   Caution List -
Medium
   Caution List -
High
   Classified List     Total  

Number of policies

     230      46      15      117        408   

Number of issues(1)

     35      25      12      88        160   

Remaining weighted average contract period (in years)

     12.5      11.7      7.1      5.8        8.1   

Gross insured contractual payments outstanding:

             

  Principal

     $ 6,740      $ 2,222    $ 997    $       15,316      $       25,275   

  Interest

     5,675      2,301      466      4,795        13,237   
                                     

  Total

     $ 12,415      $ 4,523    $ 1,463    $ 20,111      $ 38,512   
                                     

Gross claim liability

     $ -      $ -    $ -    $ 2,710      $ 2,710   

Less:

             

  Gross potential recoveries

     -      -      -      3,218        3,218   

  Discount, net

     -      -      -      (218     (218
                                     

Net claim liability

     $ -      $ -    $ -    $ (290   $ (290
                                     

Unearned premium revenue

     $ 165      $ 27    $ 7    $ 97      $ 296   

Claim liability reported in the consolidated balance sheet(2)

     $ -      $ -    $ -    $ 1,229      $ 1,229   

Reinsurance recoverable on claim liability(3)

     $ -      $ -    $ -    $ 34      $ 34   

Receivable for insurance loss recoveries(4)

     $ -      $ -    $ -    $ 1,713      $ 1,713  

 

 

(1) - An “issue” represents the aggregate of financial guarantee policies that share the same revenue source for purposes of making debt service payments.

 

(2) - Reported within “Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves” on MBIA Inc’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(3) - Reported within “Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses” on MBIA Inc.’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(4) - Reported within “Receivable for insurance loss recoveries” on MBIA Inc.’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The gross claim liability reported in the preceding table primarily relates to expected future claim payments on insured RMBS transactions. The gross potential recoveries reported in the preceding table primarily relate to estimated recoveries resulting from ineligible mortgage loans in certain insured second-lien residential mortgage loan securitizations that are subject to a contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace the ineligible mortgage loans in addition to expected future claim payments on RMBS transactions resulting from expected excess spread generated by performing loans in such transactions.

The following table presents changes in the Company’s loss and LAE reserve for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Changes in the loss and LAE reserve attributable to the accretion of the discount on the loss reserve, changes in discount rates, and changes in the timing and amounts of estimated payments and recoveries are recorded in “Losses and loss adjustment expenses” in the Company’s statement of operations. LAE reserves are expected to be settled within a one year period and are not discounted. As of June 30, 2009, the weighted average risk-free rate used to discount the claim liability was 2.546%.

 

           
In millions  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2009

Net Loss and
LAE

Reserve as of

December

31, 2008

  SFAS 163
Transition
Adjustment
    Net Loss
Payments
for Cases
with
Reserves
    Net
Accretion
of Claim
Liability
Discount
  Net
Changes in
Discount
Rates
    Net
Changes in
Timing of
Payments
    Changes in
Amount of
Net Payments
  Net Changes in
Assumptions
  Changes in
Unearned
Premium
Revenue
    Net
Change in
LAE
Reserves
  Net Loss
and LAE
Reserve
as of
June 30,
2009
  $    1,501     $ (179     $ (1,139     $ 10     $ (27     $ (137     $ 282     $ 930     $ (38     $ 23     $ 1,226
                                                                       

Remediation actions may involve, among other things, waivers or renegotiations of financial covenants or triggers, waivers of contractual provisions, the granting of consents, transfer of servicing, consideration of restructuring plans, acceleration, security or collateral enforcement, actions in bankruptcy or receivership, litigation and similar actions. The types of remedial actions pursued are based on the insured obligation’s risk type and the nature and scope of the event giving rise to the remediation. As part of any such remedial actions, MBIA seeks to improve its security position and to obtain concessions from the issuer of the insured obligation. From time to time, the issuer of an MBIA-insured obligation may, with the consent of MBIA, restructure the insured obligation by extending the term, increasing or decreasing the par amount or decreasing the related interest rate, with MBIA insuring the restructured obligation.

Costs associated with remediating insured obligations assigned to the Company’s “Caution List—Low,” “Caution-List—Medium,” “Caution List—High” and “Classified List” are recorded as LAE. LAE is recorded as part of the Company’s provision for its loss reserves and included in “Losses and loss adjustment” on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The following table provides information about the expenses and reserves net of recoveries (gross and net of reinsurance) related to remedial actions for insured obligations included in the Company’s surveillance categories:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,

In thousands

   2009     2008    2009     2008

Loss adjustment expense incurred, gross

     $         61,657        $         1,652      $         87,069        $         6,108

Loss adjustment expense incurred, net

     $ 59,094        $ 1,578      $ 83,618        $ 5,781

Loss adjustment expense reserve, gross

     $ (732     $ 3,252      $ (732     $ 3,252
Reinsurance recoverable (payable) related to loss adjustment expense reserve      $ (532     $ 224      $ (532     $ 224

Note 11: Income Taxes

The Company’s income taxes and the related effective tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,  

In millions

  2009     2008  

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $     1,503       $     2,935     

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    $ 605   40.3     $ 1,235      42.1
    Six Months Ended June 30,  

In millions

  2009     2008  

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $     2,488       $      (765)   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    $ 890   35.8     $      (58)    7.6

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was primarily a result of an unrealized net gain recorded on the Company’s derivatives portfolio, the tax-exempt interest from investments, and the change in the valuation allowance. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company has recorded mark-to-market net gains, which are treated as discrete items for purposes of calculating its full year effective tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2008 is primarily driven by the establishment of a valuation allowance.

Embedded in the current effective tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 are the tax effects of the Company’s expected operating activities such as scheduled premium earnings, fees, and net investment income and operating expenses. However, the discrete treatment of the pre-tax amount of the unrealized net gains which is taxed at a 35% rate and the increase in the valuation allowance relative to the Company’s expected operating activities have contributed to the Company’s current effective tax rates for the quarter and year-to-date to be higher. Absent these non-recurring and discrete items, the Company would expect to have effective tax rates for the quarter and six months below the 35% statutory tax rate.

The Company has calculated its year-to-date effective tax rate by treating the unrealized net gains on its insured derivative portfolio as a discrete item. As such, these net gains, calculated at the statutory rate of 35%, are an adjustment to the annual effective tax rate that the Company has estimated for all other pre-tax income. Given the inability to estimate this item for the full year of 2009, which directly affects the Company’s ability to estimate its pre-tax gain or loss and the related effective tax rate for the full year of 2009, the Company believes that it is appropriate to treat these unrealized net gains as a discrete item for purposes of calculating the effective tax rate for the quarter. Further changes in the fair value of the Company’s derivative portfolio during 2009 will impact the Company’s annual effective tax rate.

Deferred Tax Asset, Net of Valuation Allowance

The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All evidence, both positive and negative, needs to be identified and considered in making the determination. Future realization of the existing deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of appropriate character (for example, ordinary income versus capital gains) within the carryforward period available under the tax law.

As of June 30, 2009, the Company reported a net deferred tax asset of $1.3 billion primarily related to unrealized losses recorded on the Company’s derivative and investment portfolios. Included in the net deferred tax asset of $1.3 billion is the valuation allowance of $412 million. The change in the valuation allowance for the six months ended June 30, 2009 includes a reduction in the valuation allowance of $30 million as part of the adoption of FSP FAS 115-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.” Refer to “Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for further discussion about the adoption of FSP FAS 115-2. As of June 30, 2008, the Company established a valuation allowance of $199 million.

Unrealized Losses on Credit Derivative Contracts

Approximately $928 million of the net deferred tax asset was a result of the cumulative unrealized losses of $2.7 billion, which excludes credit impairments, primarily related to insured credit derivatives. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that its total $928 million in deferred tax assets associated with the unrealized losses of $2.7 billion will be realized as the Company expects the unrealized losses to substantially reverse over time, at which point the related deferred tax asset will reverse. As such, no valuation allowance with respect to this item was established. In its conclusion, the Company considered the following evidence (both positive and negative):

 

   

Due to the long-tail nature of the financial guarantee business, it is important to note that MBIA Inc’s insurance subsidiaries, even without regard to any new business, will have a steady stream of scheduled premium earnings with respect to the existing insured portfolio. MBIA Corp.’s announcement in February 2008 of a temporary suspension in writing new structured finance transactions and a permanent cessation with respect to insuring new CDS contracts, except in transactions related to the reduction of existing derivative exposure, would not have an impact on the expected earnings related to the existing insured portfolio. Although MBIA Corp. expects the majority of the unrealized losses to reverse at maturity, MBIA Corp. performed a taxable income projection over a 15-year period to determine whether it will have sufficient income to offset its deferred tax assets that will generate future ordinary deductions. In this analysis, MBIA Corp. concluded that premium earnings, even without regard to any new business, combined with investment income, less deductible expenses, will be sufficient to recover the net deferred tax asset of $1.3 billion.

 

   

The Company’s taxable income projections used to assess the recoverability of its deferred tax asset include an estimate of future loss and loss adjustment expenses equal to the present value discount of loss reserves already recognized on the Company’s balance sheet and an estimate of loss adjustment expense which is generally insignificant. The Company does not assume additional losses, with the exception of the accretion of its existing present value loss reserves, because the Company establishes case basis reserves on a present value basis based on an estimate of probable losses on specifically identified credits that have defaulted or are expected to default.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

   

While the ratings downgrades by the rating agencies have limited the Company’s ability to write new business, the downgrades did not have a material impact on earnings from the existing insured portfolio, which the Company believes will be sufficient to absorb losses in the event that the cumulative unrealized losses become fully impaired.

 

   

With respect to installment policies, the Company generally does not have an automatic cancellation provision solely in connection with ratings downgrades. For purposes of projecting future taxable income, the Company has applied a haircut to adjust for the possible cancellation of future installment premiums based on recent data. With regards to upfront policies, to the extent that the issuer chooses to terminate a policy, any unearned premium reserve with respect to that policy will be accelerated and earned (i.e. refundings).

 

   

The Company treats the CDS contracts as insurance contracts for U.S. tax purposes. The Company provides an insurance policy guaranteeing CDS contracts written by LaCrosse. While LaCrosse’s financial information is consolidated into MBIA’s GAAP financial statements based on the FIN 46(R) criteria, MBIA does not hold any equity interest with respect to LaCrosse. MBIA’s income derived from CDS contracts is treated as premium income for statutory income purposes. In the event that there is a default in which MBIA is required to pay claims on such CDS contracts, the Company believes that the losses should be characterized as an ordinary loss for tax purposes and, as such, the event or impairment will be recorded as case reserves for statutory accounting purposes in recognition of the potential claim payment. For tax purposes, MBIA follows the statutory accounting principle as the basis for computing its taxable income. Because the federal income tax treatment of CDS contracts is an unsettled area of tax law, in the event that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has a different view in which the losses are considered capital losses, the Company would be required to establish a valuation allowance against substantially all of the deferred tax asset related to these losses, until such time as it had sufficient capital gains to offset the losses. The establishment of this valuation allowance would have a material adverse effect on MBIA’s financial condition at the time of its establishment.

Capital Losses

The Company realized capital losses of approximately $281 million in the first six months of 2009. The Company established an additional valuation allowance of $24 million during the second quarter of 2009 for a total valuation allowance of $91 million for the year, which primarily related to other-than-temporary impairments and capital losses in excess of capital gains.

Unrealized Losses on FAS 115 Securities

As of June 30, 2009, the Company had approximately $763 million in deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses on investments. The Company intends to hold these investments until maturity or until such time as the value recovers. As such, the Company expects the recovery of the value of these securities to par and the related deferred tax assets will reverse over the life of the securities.

After reviewing all of the evidence available, both positive and negative, MBIA believes that it has appropriately valued the recoverability of its deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, as of June 30, 2009. The Company continues to assess the need for additional valuation allowances as additional evidence becomes available.

Ownership Change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code

Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes annual limitations on the utilization of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, other tax carryforwards, and certain built-in losses, as defined under that Section, upon an ownership change. In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions that increase the aggregate ownership of certain stockholders in the Company’s stock by more than 50 percentage points over a testing period (generally three years).

As of June 30, 2009, the Company has not experienced an ownership change under Section 382. However, had one occurred as of June 30, 2009, the ownership change, in itself, would not have had a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company has already established a full valuation allowance against its capital loss carryforwards and the Company has the intent to hold securities with unrealized losses as of June 30, 2009 to maturity or until such time as the value recovers as not to trigger realized losses subject to limitation under Section 382. Additionally, the Company expects to have sufficient income to utilize its alternative minimum tax credit, which may be carried forward indefinitely. The Company has no net operating loss carryforwards from 2008.

FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”

The change in the unrecognized tax benefit at June 30, 2009 is as follows:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In thousands

     

Unrecognized tax positions as of December 31, 2008

    $ 19,313   

The gross amount of the increase/(decrease) in UTB as a result of tax positions taken:

 

During prior year

    -   

During current year

    152   

The amounts of decreases in the UTB related to settlements with taxing authorities

    (11,826

The reduction to UTB as a result of the applicable statute of limitation

    -   
       

Unrecognized tax positions as of June 30, 2009

    $ 7,639   
       

As of June 30, 2009, the total amount accrued with respect to uncertain tax positions is approximately $8 million. Due to the French tax settlement, as discussed below, MBIA received an abatement of interest and penalties of $2.8 million. In addition, MBIA accrued $0.2 million of interest and penalties during the second quarter. As result of this activity, the related interest and penalties accrued were reduced $2.6 million to approximately $0.2 million.

MBIA’s major tax jurisdictions include the U.S., the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) and France. MBIA and its U.S. subsidiaries file a U.S. consolidated federal income tax return and it has been examined through 2005 by the IRS. Currently, the Company’s U.S. consolidated federal income tax return is under an examination for the 2007 tax year. Also during the first six months of 2009, the IRS completed the partnership audit in relation to an adjustment that had to be accounted for by MBIA Inc. during tax years 2004 through 2006. No material adjustment was made.

The U.K. tax authorities are currently auditing tax years 2005 through 2006, which should be resolved by the end of 2009. The French tax matters have been concluded through 2006. The Company settled, in February 2009, an unrecognized tax benefit that was established in prior years relating to the timing for recognizing earned premium.

It is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months due to the possibility of the conclusion of all the tax examinations. The range of this possible change in the amount of uncertain tax benefits cannot be estimated at this time.

Note 12: Business Segments

In February 2009, after receiving the required regulatory approvals, the Company established and capitalized National. In connection with this establishment, MBIA Insurance Corporation paid dividends and returned capital to MBIA Inc. and entered into a reinsurance agreement and an assignment agreement with National. As a result, the Company established its U.S. public finance insurance business as a separate operating segment. Refer to MBIA Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for further information about these changes to the Company’s operating and legal entity structure. Consequently, MBIA now manages its activities primarily through three principal business operations: U.S. public finance insurance, structured finance and international insurance (collectively “insurance operations” for prior periods), and investment management services.

As defined by SFAS 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” an operating segment is a component of a company (i) that engages in business activities from which it earns revenue and incurs expenses, (ii) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to assess the performance of the segment and to make decisions about the allocation of resources to the segment and, (iii) for which discrete financial information is available. As a result of the aforementioned separation of the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business from its structured finance and international insurance business, as well as other factors such as the availability of discrete financial information, the use of identifiable resources, and the use of separate performance assessments with respect to the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business, the Company determined that its U.S. public finance insurance business represented a discrete operating segment in accordance with SFAS 131.

Following is a description of each of the Company’s reportable operating segments:

The Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business has been conducted through National. The financial guarantees issued by National provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, U.S. public finance insured obligations when due. The obligations are generally not subject to acceleration, except that MBIA may have the right, at its discretion, to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise. MBIA issues financial guarantees for municipal bonds and bonds backed by publicly or privately funded public-purpose projects. This segment includes all activities related to credit enhancement services provided principally by National.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company’s structured finance and international insurance operations have been principally conducted through MBIA Corp. The financial guarantees issued by MBIA Corp. provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, global structured finance and non-U.S. public finance insured obligations when due, or in the event. MBIA Corp. has the right, at its discretion, to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise, upon MBIA Corp’s acceleration. Certain guaranteed investment contracts written by MBIA Inc. are insured by MBIA Corp., and if MBIA Inc. were to have insufficient assets to pay amounts due upon maturity or termination, MBIA Corp. would make such payments. MBIA issues financial guarantees for municipal bonds, ABSs and MBSs, investor-owned utility bonds, bonds backed by publicly or privately funded public-purpose projects, bonds issued by sovereign and sub-sovereign entities, and bonds backed by other revenue sources such as corporate franchise revenues. Insured asset-backed securities include collateral consisting of a variety of consumer loans, corporate loans and bonds, trade and export receivables, aircraft, equipment and real property leases and insured MBS include collateral consisting of residential and commercial mortgages. In previous years, MBIA had insured CDSs on structured pools of corporate obligations, RMBS, and commercial real estate backed securities and loans.

The Company is no longer insuring new credit derivative contracts except for transactions related to the reduction of existing derivative exposure. Currently, the global structured finance market is generating very few new business opportunities, and it is uncertain how or when the Company may re-engage this market. This segment includes all activities related to credit enhancement services provided principally by MBIA Corp.

The Company’s investment management services operations consist of an asset management advisory business, which provides cash management, discretionary asset management and structured products to the public, not-for-profit, corporate and financial sectors. The Company also has an asset/liability management business, in which it has issued debt and investment agreements, which are insured by MBIA Corp., to capital markets and municipal investors, and then initially purchased assets that largely matched the duration of those liabilities, and a conduit business in which the Company has funded MBIA-insured transactions by issuing debt, which is insured by MBIA Corp. The ratings downgrades of MBIA Corp. have resulted in a substantial reduction of funding activities and the termination and collateralization of certain investment agreements, as well as winding down of existing asset/liability products and conduit obligations. The investment management services operations’ reportable segments consist of: asset/liability products, which include investment agreements and medium-term notes not related to the conduit segment; advisory services, which consist of third-party and related-party fee-based asset management; and conduits.

The asset/liability products segment principally consists of the activities of MBIA Investment Management Corp. (“IMC”), GFL and Euro Asset Acquisition Limited (“EAAL”). IMC, along with MBIA Inc., provides customized investment agreements, guaranteed by MBIA Corp., for bond proceeds and other public funds for such purposes as construction, loan origination, escrow and debt service or other reserve fund requirements. It also provides customized products for funds that are invested as part of asset-backed or structured product transactions. GFL raises funds through the issuance of medium-term notes with varying maturities, which are, in turn, guaranteed by MBIA Corp. GFL lends the proceeds of these medium-term note issuances to MBIA Inc. (“GFL Loans”). MBIA Inc. invests the proceeds of investment agreements and GFL Loans in eligible investments, which consist of investment grade securities at the time of purchase with a minimum average double-A credit quality rating. MBIA Inc. primarily purchases domestic securities, which are pledged to MBIA Corp. as security for its guarantees on investment agreements and medium-term notes. Additionally, MBIA Inc. loans a portion of the proceeds from investment agreements and medium-term notes to EAAL. EAAL primarily purchases foreign assets as permitted under the Company’s investment guidelines.

The advisory services segment primarily consists of the operations of MBIA-MISC, MBIA Capital Management Corp. (“CMC”) and MBIA Asset Management UK (“AM-UK”). MBIA-MISC provides investment management programs, including pooled investments products and customized asset management services. In addition, MBIA-MISC provides portfolio accounting and reporting for state and local governments, including school districts. MBIA-MISC is a Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)-registered investment adviser. CMC provides fee-based asset management services to the Company, its affiliates and third-party institutional clients. CMC is an SEC-registered investment advisor and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority member firm. AM-UK provides fee-based asset management services to the Company’s foreign insurance affiliates and EAAL, and to third-party institutional clients and investment structures. AM-UK is registered with the Financial Services Authority in the U.K.

The Company’s conduit segment administers two multi-seller conduit financing vehicles through MBIA Asset Finance, LLC. Assets financed by these conduits are currently funded by medium-term notes and liquidity loans.

The Company’s corporate operations are a reportable segment and include revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities, such as net investment income, net gains and losses, interest expense on MBIA Inc. debt and general corporate expenses.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following tables summarize the Company’s operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. As discussed above, the Company separated its insurance operations into U.S. public finance insurance and structured finance and international insurance, thereby creating two discrete segments. The Company has determined that it is impracticable to restate prior period results to conform to the current period presentation since, based on the way management has historically assessed the performance and resource requirements of its segments, prior period discrete financial information is not available. However, in order to provide comparable information to the prior period, the Company has combined its U.S. public finance insurance segment results and its structured finance and international insurance segment results for the current period under the heading “Combined Insurance Operations.”

 

    Three Months Ended June 30, 2009  

In millions

  U.S. Public
Finance
Insurance
(National)
  Structured
Finance and
International
Insurance
    Eliminations     Combined
Insurance
Operations
    Investment
Management
Services
    Corporate     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues(1)

  $ 155   $ 164      $ -      $ 319      $ 60      $ -      $ -      $ 379   

Realized gains and

other settlements on insured

derivatives

    -     32        -        32        -        -        -        32   

Unrealized gains (losses) on

insured derivatives

    1     423        -        424        -        -        -        424   

Net gains (losses) on

financial instruments at fair

value and foreign exchange

    -     12        -        12        115        (2     -        125   

Net realized gains (losses)

    7     1        -        8        18        4        -        30   

Net investment losses -

other than temporary

impairments

    -     (7     -        (7     (107     -        -        (114

Net gains on extinguishment

of debt

    -     -        -        -        115        1        -        116   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

    38     51        (68     21        4        4        (29     -   
                                                             

Total revenues

    201     676        (68     809        205        7        (29     992   

Interest expense

    -     53        -        53        42        18        -        113   

Loss and LAE incurred

    5     (735     -        (730     -        -        -        (730

Operating expenses

    14     66        -        80        19        7        -        106   

Inter-segment expense(2)

    35     33        (68     -        29        -        (29     -   
                                                             

Total expenses

    54     (583     (68     (597     90        25        (29     (511
                                                             

Income (loss) before taxes

  $ 147   $ 1,259      $ -      $ 1,406      $ 115      $ (18   $ -      $ 1,503   
                                                             

Identifiable assets

  $ 8,198   $ 17,728      $ -      $ 25,926      $ 9,094      $ 1,138      $ (8,862 )(3)    $ 27,296   
                                                             

 

(1) - Represents the sum of third-party financial guarantee net premiums earned, net investment income, insurance-related fees and reimbursements, investment management fees and other fees, and insurance recoveries.

 

(2) - Represents intercompany premium income and expense, intercompany asset management fees and expenses and intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany receivable and payables.

 

(3) - Consists of intercompany repurchase agreements and loans.

 

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     Three Months Ended June 30, 2008  

In millions

     Insurance      Investment
  Management  
Services
      Corporate         Eliminations         Consolidated    

Revenues(1)

     $ 391      $ 264        $ 8        $ -        $ 663   

Realized gains and other settlements

on insured derivatives

     34      -        -        -        34   

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured

derivatives

     3,324      -        -        -        3,324   

Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at

fair value and foreign exchange

     102      (69     54        -        87   

Net realized losses

     23      (409     3        -        (383

Net investment losses - other than temporary

impairments

     -      (436     -        -        (436

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

     -      66        -        -        66   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

     1      3        (1     (3     -   
                                       

Total revenues

     3,875      (581     64        (3     3,355   

Interest expense

     46      243        19        -        308   

Loss and LAE incurred

     22      -        -        -        22   

Operating expenses

     64      17        8        -        89   

Inter-segment expense(2)

     -      5        (2     (3     -   
                                       

Total expenses

     132      265        25        (3     419   
                                       

Income (loss) before taxes

     $ 3,743      $ (846     $ 39        $ -        $ 2,936   
                                       

Identifiable assets

     $     16,532      $   27,020        $   1,788        $ -        $   45,340   
                                       

 

(1) - Represents the sum of third-party financial guarantee net premiums earned, net investment income, insurance-related fees and reimbursements, investment management fees and other fees, and insurance recoveries.
(2) - Represents intercompany premium income and expense, intercompany asset management fees and expenses and intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany receivable and payables.

 

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    Six Months Ended June 30, 2009  

In millions

  U.S. Public
Finance
  Insurance  
(National)
  Structured
Finance and
  International  
Insurance
      Eliminations       Combined
Insurance
  Operations  
    Investment
  Management  
Services
      Corporate         Eliminations         Consolidated    

Revenues(1)

    $ 294     $ 384        $ -        $ 678        $ 137        $ 1        $ -        $ 816   

Realized gains and other

settlements on insured

derivatives

    -     64        -        64        -        -        -        64   

Unrealized gains (losses) on

insured derivatives

    -     2,033        -        2,033        -        -        -        2,033   

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and

foreign exchange

    -     12        -        12        161        (11     -        162   

Net realized gains (losses)

    7     9        -        16        45        3        -        64   

Net investment losses - other

than temporary impairments

    -     (41     -        (41     (303     -        -        (344

Net gains on extinguishment

of debt

    -     -        -        -        119        2        5        126   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

    80     100        (137     43        9        10        (62     -   
                                                             

Total revenues

    381     2,561        (137     2,805        168        5        (57     2,921   

Interest expense

    -     108        -        108        106        36        -        250   

Loss and LAE incurred

    63     (99     -        (36     -        -        -        (36

Operating expenses

    18     152        -        170        34        15        -        219   

Inter-segment expense(2)

    67     70        (137     -        62        -        (62     -   
                                                             

Total expenses

    148     231        (137     242        202        51        (62     433   
                                                             

Income (loss)

before taxes

    $ 233     $ 2,330        $ -        $ 2,563        $ (34     $ (46     $ 5        $ 2,488   
                                                             

Identifiable

assets

    $ 8,198     $ 17,728        $ -        $ 25,926        $ 9,094        $ 1,138        $ (8,862 )(3)      $ 27,296   
                                                             

 

(1)- Represents the sum of third-party financial guarantee net premiums earned, net investment income, insurance-related fees and reimbursements, investment management fees and other fees, and insurance recoveries.
(2)- Represents intercompany premium income and expense, intercompany asset management fees and expenses and intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany receivable and payables.
(3)- Consists of intercompany repurchase agreements and loans.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

    Six Months Ended June 30, 2008  

In millions

      Insurance         Investment
    Management    
Services
        Corporate             Eliminations             Consolidated      

Revenues(1)

    $ 706        $ 619        $ 16        $ -        $ 1,341   

Realized gains and other

settlements on insured derivatives

    68        -        -        -        68   

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

    (253     -        -        -        (253

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and foreign

exchange

    162        (10     11        -        163   

Net realized losses

    42        (369     1        -        (326

Net investment losses - other than

temporary impairments

    -        (660     -        -        (660

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

    -        79        -        -        79   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

    2        9        (1     (10     -   
                                       

Total revenues

    727        (332     27        (10     412   

Interest expense

    92        567        39        -        698   

Loss and LAE incurred

    310        -        -        -        310   

Operating expenses

    126        28        14        -        168   

Inter-segment expense(2)

    -        11        (1     (10     -   
                                       

Total expenses

    528        606        52        (10     1,176   
                                       

Income (loss) before taxes

    $ 199        $ (938     $ (25     $ -        $ (764
                                       

Identifiable assets

    $ 16,532        $ 27,020        $ 1,788        $ -        $ 45,340   
                                       

 

(1) - Represents the sum of third-party financial guarantee net premiums earned, net investment income, insurance-related fees and reimbursements, investment management fees and other fees, and insurance recoveries.
(2) - Represents intercompany premium income and expense, intercompany asset management fees and expenses and intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany receivable and payables.

While it is impractical for the Company to restate all revenues and expenses comprising its insurance results for prior periods, the Company is able to restate certain revenues and expenses included within the preceding tables for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008. The following table presents those revenues and expenses that the Company is able to restate, along with comparable amounts for the three months ended June 30, 2009:

 

     U.S. Public Finance Insurance      Structured Finance and
International Insurance

In millions

   2009    2008      2009    2008

Net premiums earned(1)

     $ 133      $ 144         $ 45      $ 89

Realized gains and other settlements on insured derivatives

     $ -      $ -         $ -      $ 34

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

     $ -      $ (2      $ -      $ 3,326

Interest expense

     $ -      $ -         $ -      $ 47

 

 

(1) - Included in insurance revenues in the preceding tables.

 

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The following table presents those revenues and expenses that the Company is able to restate, along with comparable amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2009:

 

     U.S. Public Finance Insurance      Structured Finance and
International Insurance
 

In millions

   2009    2008      2009    2008  

Net premiums earned(1)

     $ 283      $ 212         $ 124      $ 177   

Realized gains and other settlements on insured derivatives

     $  -      $  -         $ -      $ 68   

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

     $ -      $ (2      $ -      $ (251

Interest expense

     $ -      $ -         $ -      $ 93   

 

 

(1) - Included in insurance revenues in the preceding tables.

The following tables summarize the segments within the investment management services operations for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30, 2009  

In millions

   Asset /
Liability
  Products  
      Advisory  
Services
      Conduits        Eliminations       Total
Investment
  Management  
Services
 

Revenues(1)

     $ 49        $ 9        $ 2      $ -        $ 60   
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      116        (1     -      -        115   

Net realized losses

     18        -        -      -        18   
Net investment losses - other than temporary impairment      (107     -        -        (107

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

     95        -        20      -        115   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

     -        5        1      (2     4   
                                       

Total revenues

     171        13        23      (2     205   

Interest expense

     38        -        4      -        42   

Operating expenses

     8        11        -      -        19   

Inter-segment expense(2)

     29        1        1      (2     29   
                                       

Total expenses

     75        12        5      (2     90   
                                       

Income (loss) before taxes

     $ 96        $ 1        $ 18      $ -        $ 115   
                                       

Identifiable assets

     $ 6,919        $ 46        $ 2,086      $ 43        $ 9,094   
                                       

 

(1) - Represents the sum of third-party interest income, investment management services fees and other fees.

(2) - Represents intercompany asset management fees and expenses plus intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany debt.

 

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     Three Months Ended June 30, 2008  

In millions

   Asset /
Liability
    Products    
        Advisory    
Services
      Conduits           Eliminations         Total
Investment
    Management    
Services
 

Revenues(1)

     $ 231        $ 8     $ 25     $ -        $ 264   

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and foreign

exchange

     (73     -     4     -        (69

Net realized losses

     (409     -     -     -        (409

Net investment losses - other than

temporary impairment

     (436     -     -       (436

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

     66        -     -     -        66   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

     (2     10     2     (7     3   
                                    

Total revenues

     (623     18     31     (7     (581

Interest expense

     222        -     21     -        243   

Operating expenses

     5        10     2     -        17   

Inter-segment expense(2)

     8        2     2     (7     5   
                                    

Total expenses

     235        12     25     (7     265   
                                    

Income (loss) before taxes

     $ (858     $ 6     $ 6     $ -        $ (846
                                    

Identifiable assets

     $ 23,895        $ 39     $ 3,085     $ 1        $ 27,020   
                                    

 

(1) - Represents the sum of third-party interest income, investment management services fees and other fees.

(2) - Represents intercompany asset management fees and expenses plus intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany debt.

The following tables summarize the segments within the investment management services operations for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

    Six Months Ended June 30, 2009  

In millions

  Asset /
Liability
    Products    
        Advisory    
Services
        Conduits             Eliminations         Total
Investment
    Management    
Services
 

Revenues(1)

    $ 109        $ 18        $ 10        $ -        $ 137   

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and foreign

exchange

    171        (1     (9     -        161   

Net realized losses

    45        -        -        -        45   

Net investment losses - other than

temporary impairment

    (303     -        -        -        (303

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

    98        -        21        -        119   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

    1        10        2        (4     9   
                                       

Total revenues

    121        27        24        (4     168   

Interest expense

    97        -        9        -        106   

Operating expenses

    13        20        1        -        34   

Inter-segment expense(2)

    62        2        2        (4     62   
                                       

Total expenses

    172        22        12        (4     202   
                                       

Income (loss) before taxes

    $ (51     $ 5        $ 12        $ -        $ (34
                                       

Identifiable assets

    $ 6,919        $ 46        $ 2,086        $ 43        $  9,094   
                                       

 

(1) - Represents the sum of third-party interest income, investment management services fees and other fees.

 

(2) - Represents intercompany asset management fees and expenses plus intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany debt.

 

     Six Months Ended June 30, 2008  

In millions

   Asset /
    Liability    
Products
        Advisory    
Services
      Conduits             Eliminations             Total
Investment
    Management    
Services
 

Revenues(1)

     $ 535        $ 16     $ 68        $ -        $ 619   

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and foreign

exchange

     (9     -     (1     -        (10

Net realized losses

     (369     -     -        -        (369

Net investment losses - other than

temporary impairment

     (660     -     -        -        (660

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

     79        -     -        -        79   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

     -        19     4        (14     9   
                                      

Total revenues

     (424     35     71        (14     (332

Interest expense

     506        -     61        -        567   

Operating expenses

     10        16     2        -        28   

Inter-segment expense(2)

     17        4     4        (14     11   
                                      

Total expenses

     533        20     67        (14     606   
                                      

Income (loss) before taxes

     $ (957     $ 15     $ 4        $ -        $ (938
                                      

Identifiable assets

     $ 23,895        $ 39     $ 3,085        $ 1        $ 27,020   
                                      

 

(1) - Represents the sum of third-party interest income, investment management services fees and other fees.

 

(2) - Represents intercompany asset management fees and expenses plus intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany debt.

 

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Premiums on financial guarantees and insured derivatives reported within the Company’s insurance segments are generated within and outside the U.S. The following table summarizes premiums earned on financial guarantees and insured derivatives by geographic location of risk for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

     

Three Months Ended June 30,

   Six Months Ended June 30,

In millions

   2009    2008    2009    2008

Total premiums earned:

           

United States

     $ 154      $ 212      $ 331      $ 349

United Kingdom

     1      11      10      22

Europe (excluding United Kingdom)

     10      8      14      18

Internationally diversified

     19      17      76      35

Central and South America

     11      15      20      26

Asia

     5      8      9      15

Other

     5      5      9      8
                           

Total

     $ 205      $ 276      $ 469      $ 473
                           

Note 13: Net Insurance in Force

MBIA guarantees the payment of principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, municipal, asset-backed, mortgage-backed and other non-municipal securities. Additionally, MBIA Corp. has insured CDSs primarily on pools of collateral, which it previously considered part of its core financial guarantee business. The pools of collateral are made up of corporate obligations, but also include commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities-related assets. MBIA’s net insurance in force represents the aggregate amount of the insured principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on insured obligations, net of cessions to reinsurers. MBIA’s ultimate exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the issuer of the insured obligation is represented by the net insurance in force in the tables that follow.

The financial guarantees issued by MBIA provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations when due. The obligations are generally not subject to acceleration, except that MBIA may have the right, at its discretion, to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise. Certain guaranteed investment contracts written by MBIA Inc. and guaranteed by MBIA Corp. are terminable upon ratings downgrades, and if MBIA Inc. were to have insufficient assets to pay the termination payments, MBIA Corp. would make such payments. These amounts have been excluded in the tables that follow.

The creditworthiness of each insured obligation is evaluated prior to the issuance of insurance, and each insured obligation must comply with National or MBIA Corp.’s underwriting guidelines. Further, the payments to be made by the issuer on the bonds or notes may be backed by a pledge of revenues, reserve funds, letters of credit, investment contracts or collateral in the form of mortgages or other assets. The right to such funds or collateral would typically become National or MBIA Corp.’s upon the payment of a claim by either National or MBIA Corp.

National and MBIA Corp. maintain underwriting guidelines based on those aspects of credit quality that it deems important for each category of obligation considered for insurance. For global public finance transactions these include economic and social trends, debt and financial management, adequacy of anticipated cash flow, satisfactory legal structure and other security provisions, viable tax and economic bases, adequacy of loss coverage and project feasibility. For global structured finance transactions, MBIA Corp.’s underwriting guidelines, analysis and due diligence focus on counterparty credit and operational quality. MBIA Corp. also analyzes the quality of asset pools, as well as their historical and projected performance. The strength of a structure, including legal segregation of the assets, cash flow analysis, the size and source of first loss protection, asset performance triggers and financial covenants are also reviewed. Such guidelines are subject to periodic review by a senior risk committee, which is responsible for establishing the criteria for the Company’s underwriting standards as well as maintaining the standards in its insurance operations.

As of June 30, 2009, net insurance in force, which represents principal and interest or other amounts owing on insured obligations, net of cessions to reinsurers, had an expected maturity range of 1-48 years. The distribution of net insurance in force by geographic location, excluding $5.3 billion and $8.5 billion relating to transactions guaranteed by MBIA Corp. on behalf of various investment management services affiliated companies as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, is presented in the following table:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In billions

   June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Geographic Location

   Net Insurance
in Force
   % of Net
Insurance in
Force
    Net Insurance
in Force
   % of Net
Insurance in
Force
 

California

     $ 158.1    13.7     $ 163.6    13.7

New York

     83.5    7.2     86.3    7.2

Florida

     66.1    5.7     68.0    5.7

Texas

     53.8    4.6     56.4    4.7

Illinois

     50.3    4.3     51.8    4.3

New Jersey

     39.2    3.4     40.5    3.4

Pennsylvania

     31.3    2.7     32.9    2.7

Washington

     29.7    2.6     30.5    2.5

Michigan

     26.1    2.2     27.0    2.3

Massachusetts

     22.6    2.0     24.0    2.0
                          

Subtotal

     560.7    48.4     581.0    48.5

Nationally diversified

     178.5    15.4     178.5    14.9

Other states

     307.5    26.6     319.8    26.7
                          

Total United States

     1,046.7    90.4     1,079.3    90.1
                          

Internationally diversified

     39.3    3.4     43.9    3.6

Country specific

     72.4    6.2     75.1    6.3
                          

Total non-United States

     111.7    9.6     119.0    9.9
                          

Total

     $ 1,158.4    100.0     $ 1,198.3    100.0
                          

The net insurance in force by type of bond, excluding transactions guaranteed by MBIA Corp. on behalf of various investment management services affiliated companies, is presented in the following table:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In billions

   June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Bond Type

   Net Insurance in
Force
   % of Net
Insurance in
Force
    Net Insurance
in Force
   % of Net
Insurance in
Force
 

Global public finance - United States:

          

General obligation

     $ 311.6    26.9     $ 322.2    26.8

General obligation - lease

     66.8    5.8     69.1    5.8

Municipal utilities

     156.5    13.5     162.8    13.6

Tax-backed

     109.2    9.4     111.9    9.3

Transportation

     90.5    7.8     93.0    7.8

Higher education

     48.5    4.2     50.5    4.2

Health care

     30.7    2.6     34.6    2.9

Military housing

     21.5    1.9     21.7    1.8

Investor-owned utilities(1)

     15.3    1.3     15.8    1.3

Municipal housing

     13.3    1.1     15.0    1.3

Student loans

     6.4    0.6     7.0    0.6

Other(2)

     3.9    0.3     4.4    0.4
                          

  Total United States

     874.2    75.4     908.0    75.8
                          

Global public finance - non-United States:

          

International utilities

     20.4    1.8     18.6    1.6

Sovereign and sub-sovereign (3)

     18.4    1.6     17.3    1.4

Transportation

     13.6    1.2     14.1    1.2

Local governments(4)

     0.4    0.0     0.9    0.1

Municipal housing

     0.2    0.0     0.2    0.0

Health care

     0.1    0.0     0.1    0.0

Higher education

     0.1    0.0     0.1    0.0
                          

  Total non-United States

     53.2    4.6     51.3    4.3
                          

Total global public finance

     927.4    80.0     959.3    80.1
                          

Global structured finance - United States:

          

Collateralized debt obligations(5)

     104.4    9.0     98.3    8.2

Mortgage-backed residential

     28.6    2.5     28.6    2.4

Mortgage-backed commercial

     0.6    0.0     0.7    0.1

Consumer asset-backed:

          

Auto loans

     5.4    0.5     6.8    0.6

Student loans

     2.7    0.2     2.8    0.2

Manufactured housing

     2.6    0.2     2.7    0.2

Other consumer asset-backed

     0.7    0.1     0.9    0.1

Corporate asset-backed:

          

Operating assets:

          

Aircraft portfolio lease securitizations

     3.0    0.3     3.2    0.3

Rental car fleets

     2.7    0.2     3.1    0.3

Secured airline equipment securitization (EETC)

     2.9    0.3     3.1    0.3

Other operating assets

     1.1    0.1     1.6    0.1

Structured insurance securitizations

     8.7    0.8     10.0    0.8

Franchise assets

     1.4    0.1     1.5    0.1

Intellectual property

     4.0    0.3     4.1    0.3

Other corporate asset-backed

     3.6    0.3     3.9    0.3
                          

Total United States

     172.4    14.9     171.3    14.3
                          

 

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Global structured finance-non-United States:

          

Collateralized debt obligations(5)

     38.2    3.3     40.2    3.3

Mortgage-backed residential

     3.0    0.3     8.5    0.7

Mortgage-backed commercial

     5.4    0.5     6.2    0.5

Corporate asset-backed:

          

  Operating assets:

          

  Aircraft portfolio lease securitizations

     1.9    0.2     2.1    0.2

  Secured airline equipment securitization (EETC)

     0.4    0.0     0.4    0.0

  Structured insurance securitizations

     0.1    0.0     0.1    0.0

  Franchise assets

     1.4    0.1     1.2    0.1

  Intellectual property

     -    0.0     0.8    0.1

  Future flow

     2.1    0.2     2.9    0.2

  Other corporate asset-backed

     6.1    0.5     5.3    0.5
                          

Total non-United States

     58.6    5.1     67.7    5.6
                          

Total global structured finance

     231.0    20.0     239.0    19.9
                          

Total

     $ 1,158.4    100.0     $ 1,198.3    100.0
                          

 

(1)  - Includes investor owned utilities, industrial development and pollution control revenue bonds.
(2)  - Includes certain non-profit enterprises and stadium related financing.
(3)  - Includes regions, departments or their equivalent in each jurisdiction as well as sovereign owned entities that are supported by a sovereign state, region or department.
(4)  - Includes municipal owned entities backed by sponsoring local government.
(5)  - Includes transactions (represented by structured pools of primarily investment grade corporate credit risks or commercial real estate assets) that do not include typical collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) structuring characteristics, such as tranched credit risk, cash flow waterfalls, or interest and over-collateralization coverage tests.

The insurance operations have entered into certain guarantees of derivative contracts, included in the preceding tables, which do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception under SFAS 133. MBIA generally guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest related to these derivatives upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to a referenced obligation. The maximum amount of future payments that MBIA may be required to make under these guarantees is $134.4 billion. This amount is net of $24.1 billion of insured derivatives ceded under reinsurance agreements and capital market transactions in which MBIA economically hedges a portion of the credit and market risk associated with its insured derivatives. MBIA’s guarantees of derivative contracts have a legal maximum maturity range of 1-87 years. A small number of insured credit derivative contracts have long-dated maturities, which comprise the longest maturity dates of the underlying collateral. However, the expected maturities of such contracts are much shorter due to amortizations and prepayments in the underlying collateral pools. In accordance with SFAS 133, the fair values of these guarantees as of June 30, 2009 are recorded on the balance sheet as assets and liabilities, representing gross gains and losses, of $696 million and $4.1 billion, respectively. These derivative contracts are discussed further in “Note 8: Derivative Instruments.”

MBIA may hold recourse provisions with third parties in derivative transactions through both reinsurance and subrogation rights. MBIA’s reinsurance arrangements provide that should MBIA pay a claim under a guarantee of a derivative contract, then MBIA could collect amounts from any reinsurers that have reinsured the guarantee on either a proportional or non-proportional basis, depending upon the underlying reinsurance agreement. MBIA may also have recourse through subrogation rights whereby if MBIA makes a claim payment, it is entitled to any rights of the insured counterparty, including the right to any assets held as collateral.

MBIA Corp. has also issued guarantees of certain obligations issued by its investment management affiliates that are not included in the previous tables. These guarantees take the form of insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp. on behalf of the investment management services affiliates. Should one of these affiliates default on its insured obligations, MBIA Corp. will be required to pay all scheduled principal and interest amounts outstanding. As of June 30, 2009, the maximum amount of future payments that MBIA Corp. could be required to make under these guarantees is $5.3 billion. These guarantees, which have a maximum maturity range of 1-38 years, were entered into on an arm’s length basis and are fully collateralized by marketable securities. MBIA Corp. has both direct recourse provisions and subrogation rights in these transactions. If MBIA Corp. is required to make a payment under any of these affiliate guarantees, it would have the right to seek reimbursement from such affiliate and to liquidate any collateral to recover amounts paid under the guarantee.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 14: Reinsurance

Ceded Exposure

Reinsurance enables the Company to cede exposure for purposes of syndicating risk and increasing its capacity to write new business while complying with its single risk and credit guidelines. MBIA reinsures exposure to other insurance companies under various treaty and facultative reinsurance contracts, both on a proportional and non-proportional basis. In the event that any or all of the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations, MBIA would be liable for such defaulted amounts. When a reinsurer is downgraded by one or more of the rating agencies, less capital credit is given to MBIA under rating agency models and the overall value of the reinsurance to MBIA is reduced.

The Company generally retains the right to reassume the business ceded to reinsurers under certain circumstances, including a reinsurer’s rating downgrade below specified thresholds. MBIA will continue to evaluate its use of reinsurance during 2009, which may result in future portfolio commutations from reinsurers.

MBIA requires certain unauthorized reinsurers to maintain bank letters of credit or establish trust accounts to cover liabilities ceded to such reinsurers under reinsurance contracts. As of June 30, 2009, the total amount available under these letters of credit and trust arrangements was $698 million. The Company remains liable on a primary basis for all reinsured risk, and although MBIA believes that its reinsurers remain capable of meeting their obligations, there can be no assurance of such in the future.

The aggregate amount of insurance in force ceded by MBIA to reinsurers under reinsurance agreements was $70.2 billion and $76.2 billion as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The distribution of ceded insurance in force by geographic location is presented in the following table:

 

In billions

   June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Geographic Location

   Ceded
    Insurance in    
Force
   % of Ceded
    Insurance in    
Force
    Ceded
    Insurance in    
Force
   % of Ceded
    Insurance in    
Force
 

California

     $ 5.2    7.4     $ 5.9    7.7

New York

     2.7    3.9     3.1    4.1

Massachusetts

     1.9    2.7     2.1    2.8

Colorado

     1.8    2.5     1.8    2.4

Puerto Rico

     1.6    2.2     1.7    2.2

New Jersey

     1.5    2.1     1.6    2.1

Texas

     1.4    2.0     1.7    2.2

Illinois

     1.3    1.9     1.5    2.0

Florida

     1.3    1.9     1.4    1.8

Washington

     0.7    1.0     0.8    1.0
                          

Subtotal

     19.4    27.6     21.6    28.3

Nationally diversified

     19.9    28.4     20.4    26.8

Other states

     8.0    11.4     9.3    12.2
                          

Total United States

     47.3    67.4     51.3    67.3
                          

Internationally diversified

     11.0    15.7     12.1    15.9

Country specific

     11.9    16.9     12.8    16.8
                          

Total non-United States

     22.9    32.6     24.9    32.7
                          

Total

     $ 70.2    100.0     $ 76.2    100.0
                          

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The distribution of ceded insurance in force by type of bond is presented in the following table:

 

In billions

   June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  

Bond Type

   Ceded
Insurance in
Force
   % of Ceded
Insurance in
Force
    Ceded
Insurance in
Force
   % of Ceded
Insurance in
Force
 

Global public finance - United States:

          

General obligation

     $ 5.8    8.3     $ 6.7    8.8

General obligation lease

     1.9    2.7     2.1    2.8

Municipal utilities

     4.5    6.4     5.3    7.0

Tax-backed

     3.1    4.4     3.5    4.6

Transportation

     6.2    8.8     6.6    8.7

Health care

     2.8    4.0     3.3    4.3

Higher education

     0.9    1.3     1.1    1.4

Municipal housing

     0.4    0.6     0.5    0.7

Military housing

     0.5    0.7     0.5    0.7

Investor-owned utilities(1)

     0.8    1.1     0.8    1.0

Student loans

     0.2    0.3     0.3    0.4

Other(2)

     0.2    0.3     0.2    0.2
                          

Total United States

     27.3    38.9     30.9    40.6
                          

Global public finance - non-United States:

          

Sovereign and sub-sovereign(3)

     3.4    4.8     3.2    4.2

Transportation

     2.8    4.0     3.2    4.2

International utilities

     3.0    4.3     2.9    3.8

Local governments(4)

     0.4    0.6     0.6    0.8

Municipal housing

     0.0    0.0     0.0    0.0

Health care

     0.1    0.1     0.1    0.1

Higher education

     0.0    0.0     0.0    0.0
                          

Total non-United States

     9.7    13.8     10.0    13.1
                          

Total global public finance

     37.0    52.7     40.9    53.7
                          

Global structured finance - United States:

          

Collateralized debt obligations(5)

     15.3    21.8     14.4    18.9

Mortgage-backed residential

     0.9    1.3     1.2    1.6

Mortgage-backed commercial

     0.0    0.0     0.0    0.0

Consumer asset-backed:

          

Auto loans

     0.2    0.3     0.4    0.5

Student loans

     0.2    0.3     0.2    0.3

Manufactured housing

     0.1    0.1     0.1    0.1

Other consumer asset-backed

     0.1    0.1     0.1    0.1

Corporate asset-backed:

          

Operating assets:

          

Aircraft portfolio lease securitizations

     0.4    0.6     0.5    0.7

Rental car fleets

     0.4    0.6     0.7    0.9

Secured airline equipment securitization (EETC)

     0.8    1.2     0.9    1.2

Other operating assets

     0.1    0.1     0.1    0.1

Structured insurance securitizations

     1.2    1.8     1.5    2.0

Franchise assets

     0.1    0.1     0.1    0.1

Intellectual property

     0.1    0.1     0.1    0.1

Other corporate asset-backed

     0.1    0.1     0.2    0.3
                          

Total United States

     20.0    28.5     20.5    26.9
                          

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Global structured finance - non-United States:

          

Collateralized debt obligations(5)

     9.6    13.7     10.2    13.4

Mortgage-backed residential

     0.1    0.1     0.4    0.5

Mortgage-backed commercial

     0.8    1.1     0.9    1.2

Corporate asset-backed:

          

Operating assets:

          

Aircraft portfolio lease securitizations

     0.4    0.6     0.4    0.6

Secured airline equipment securitization (EETC)

     0.0    0.0     0.0    0.0

Structured insurance securitizations

     0.0    0.0     0.0    0.0

Franchise assets

     0.1    0.1     0.1    0.1

Intellectual property

     0.0    0.0     0.1    0.1

Future flow

     0.6    0.9     1.0    1.3

Other corporate asset-backed

     1.6    2.3     1.7    2.2
                          

Total non-United States

     13.2    18.8     14.8    19.4
                          

Total global structured finance

     33.2    47.3     35.3    46.3
                          

Total

     $ 70.2    100.0     $ 76.2    100.0
                          

 

(1)  - Includes investor owned utilities, industrial development and pollution control revenue bonds.
(2)  - Includes certain non-profit enterprises and stadium related financing.
(3)  - Includes regions, departments or their equivalent in each jurisdiction as well as sovereign owned entities that are supported by a sovereign state, region or department.
(4)  - Includes municipal owned entities backed by sponsoring local government.
(5)  - Includes transactions (represented by structured pools of primarily investment grade corporate credit risks or commercial real estate assets) that do not include typical collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) structuring characteristics, such as tranched credit risk, cash flow waterfalls, or interest and over-collateralization coverage tests.

As of June 30, 2009, the aggregate amount of insured par outstanding ceded by MBIA to reinsurers under reinsurance agreements was $50.3 billion. The following table presents the credit ratings and ratings status, percentage of outstanding par ceded, the reinsurance recoverable, derivative asset, and estimated credit impairments by reinsurer as of June 30, 2009 for the Company’s combined insurance operations. Estimated credit impairments represent the reinsurers’ portion of amounts the Company expects to pay on insured derivative contracts.

 

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In millions

 

Reinsurers

   Standard &
Poor’s Rating
(Status)
    Moody’s
Rating
(Status)
  Percentage of
Total Par
Ceded
    Reinsurance
Recoverable
   Derivative
Asset
   Estimated Credit
Impairments on
Insured Derivatives

Channel Reinsurance Ltd.

   N/R (2)    RWR(3)   70.57     $ 21    $ 636    $ 320

Assured Guaranty Corp.

   AAA

(Stable)

  

  

  Aa2(RUR)(4)
  12.41     10      0      -

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance

Company LTD.

   AA

(Negative

Outlook)

  

  

  

  Aa3 (Stable)   7.27     15      48      4

Ambac Assurance Corporation

   BBB
(Negative

Watch)

  
  

  

  Ba3

(Developing)

  5.95     2      -      -

Assured Guaranty Re Ltd.

   AA (Stable)      Aa3(RUR)(4)
  1.46     2      1      -

Syncora Guarantee Re Ltd.

   R(5)      Ca

(Developing)

  0.75     1      -      -

Overseas Private Investment

Corporation

   AAA

(Stable)

  

  

  Aaa (Stable)   0.59     -      -      -

Old Republic Insurance

Company

   A+ (Negative
Outlook)
  
  
  Aa3 (Stable)   0.42     1      -      -

Export Development

Corporation

   AAA
(Stable)
  
  
  Aaa (Stable)   0.41     -      -      -

Other(1)

   CC or above      Ca or above   0.12     0      -      -

Not currently rated

       0.05     0      -      -
                              

Total

       100.00     $ 52    $ 685    $ 324
                              

 

(1) - Several reinsurers within this category are not rated by Moody’s.

(2) - Not rated.

(3) - Rating withdrawn.

(4) - Rating under review.

(5) - Regulatory supervision.

MBIA owns a 17.4% equity interest in Channel Re. In March 2009, Moody’s downgraded Channel Re to B3 with a negative outlook and the rating was subsequently withdrawn. In March 2009, S&P downgraded Channel Re to BB+ and the rating was subsequently withdrawn. As of June 30, 2009, the Company expects Channel Re to continue to report negative shareholders’ equity on a GAAP basis primarily due to unrealized losses on its insured credit derivatives based on fair value accounting. As of June 30, 2009, the fair value of the derivative assets related to credit derivatives ceded to Channel Re was $636 million and the reinsurance recoverable from Channel Re was $21 million. After considering the credit risk of Channel Re in fair valuing its derivative assets, the Company believes Channel Re has sufficient liquidity supporting its business to fund amounts due to MBIA. In performing its assessment, MBIA determined that cash and investments, inclusive of approximately $501 million that Channel Re had on deposit in trust accounts for the benefit of MBIA as of June 30, 2009, and borrowing facilities available to Channel Re were in excess of MBIA’s exposure to Channel Re. Although the trust accounts limit the potential for Channel Re to default on its obligations to MBIA, there can be no assurance that Channel Re will not default on its obligations to MBIA that exceed the amounts already held in the trust accounts.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Since December 2007, several of the Company’s other financial guarantee reinsurers, including Ambac Assurance Corporation, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Re Ltd., Old Republic Insurance Co., Syncora Guarantee Re Ltd. and Syncora Guarantee Inc. (formerly known as XL Financial Assurance and XL Capital Assurance, respectively), have had their credit ratings either downgraded or put on negative watch by one or more of the major rating agencies. On July 28, 2009 Ambac Assurance Corporation was downgraded by Standard & Poor’s from BBB (Negative Watch) to CC (Negative Outlook). Although there was no material impact on the Company for any of these rating agency actions relating to these reinsurers, a further downgrade of one or more of these reinsurers could require the establishment of reserves against any receivables due from the reinsurers.

Premium Summary

The components of financial guarantee net premiums written and earned, including premiums assumed from and ceded to other companies, are presented in the following table:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,  
      2009     2008  

In millions

     Written         Earned         Written         Earned    

Direct

     $         (31     $ 165        $ 135        $ 276   

Assumed

     7        137        3        3   
                                

Gross

     (24     302        138        279   

Ceded

     39        (88     (21     (38
                                

Net before elimination

     15        214        117        241   

Elimination(1)

     (3     (36     (8     (8
                                

Net

     $ 12        $         178        $         109        $         233   
                                

 

(1) - Represents eliminations of intercompany premiums.

        
     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2009     2008  

In millions

     Written         Earned         Written         Earned    

Direct

   $         (60   $         405      $         257      $         464   

Assumed

     (2     290        6        6   
                                

Gross

     (62     695        263        470   

Ceded

     38        (211     (40     (64
                                

Net before elimination

     (24     484        223        406   

Elimination(1)

     (8     (77     (17     (17
                                

Net

   $ (32   $ 407      $ 206      $ 389   
                                

 

(1) - Represents eliminations of intercompany premiums.

For the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, recoveries received under reinsurance contracts totaled $28 million and $38 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2009 recoveries received under reinsurance contracts totaled $54 million and $46 million, respectively. Ceding commissions received from reinsurers, before deferrals and net of return ceding commissions were $0.5 million and $7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Ceding commissions received from reinsurers, before deferrals and net of return ceding commissions were $4 million and $13 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Note 15: Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the dilutive effect of all stock options and other items outstanding during the period that could potentially result in the issuance of common stock. For the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, there were 7,689,693 and 6,898,517, respectively, of stock options outstanding that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were antidilutive. For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, there were 7,270,999 and 6,662,929, respectively, of stock options outstanding that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were antidilutive.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,  

$ in millions except per share amounts

  2009   2008   2009   2008  

Net income (loss)

    $ 898     $ 1,700     $ 1,599     $ (706

Net income (loss) available to common

shareholders

    $ 895     $ 1,700     $ 1,591     $ (706

Basic weighted average shares(1)

    208,097,729     238,152,768     208,287,929     212,242,994   

Effect of common stock equivalents:

       

Stock options

    -     -     -     -   

Restricted stock and units

    -     -     -     -   
                         

Diluted weighted average shares

    208,097,729     238,152,768     208,287,929     212,242,994   
                         

Basic EPS:

       

Net income (loss)

    $ 4.30     $ 7.14     $ 7.64     $ (3.33
                         

Diluted EPS:

       

Net income (loss)

    $ 4.30     $ 7.14     $ 7.64     $ (3.33
                         

 

(1) - Includes 5,430,414 and 3,514,582 for the quarters ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of unvested restricted stock and units that receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents. Includes 5,040,144 and 2,569,421 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of unvested restricted stock and units that receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents.

Note 16: Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of operating its businesses, the Company may be involved in various legal proceedings.

The Company was named as a defendant, along with certain of its current and former officers, in private securities actions that were consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York as In re MBIA Inc. Securities Litigation; (Case No. 05 CV 03514(LLS); S.D.N.Y.) (filed October 3, 2005). The plaintiffs asserted claims under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The lead plaintiffs purport to be acting as representatives for a class consisting of purchasers of the Company’s stock during the period from August 5, 2003 to March 30, 2005 (the “Class Period”). The lawsuit asserts, among other things, violations of the federal securities laws arising out of the Company’s allegedly false and misleading statements about its financial condition and the nature of the arrangements entered into by MBIA Corp. in connection with the AHERF loss. The plaintiffs allege that, as a result of these misleading statements or omissions, the Company’s stock traded at artificially inflated prices throughout the Class Period.

The defendants, including the Company, filed motions to dismiss this lawsuit on various grounds. On February 13, 2007, the Court granted those motions, and dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety, on the grounds that plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations. The Court did not reach the other grounds for dismissal argued by the Company and the other defendants. On November 12, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the Court’s dismissal on statute of limitations grounds, but remanded the case to allow the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint. The Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint was filed on February 18, 2009. The defendants filed their renewed motion to dismiss on April 17, 2009, and plaintiffs filed their response on June 30, 2009.

On October 17, 2008, a consolidated amended class action complaint in a separate shareholder class action lawsuit against the Company and certain of its officers, In re MBIA Inc. Securities Litigation, No. 08-CV-264, (KMK) (the “Consolidated Class Action”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging violations of the federal securities laws. Lead plaintiff the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma seeks to represent a class of shareholders who purchased MBIA stock between July 2, 2007 and January 9, 2008. The amended complaint alleges that defendants MBIA Inc., Gary C. Dunton and C. Edward Chaplin violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Among other things, the complaint alleges that defendants issued false and misleading statements with respect to the Company’s exposure to CDOs containing RMBS, specifically its exposure to so-called “CDO-squared” securities, which allegedly caused the Company’s stock to trade at inflated prices. Defendants’ motion to dismiss is fully briefed. No oral argument has been scheduled to date.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On February 13, 2008, a shareholder derivative lawsuit against certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors, and against the Company, as nominal defendant, Trustees of the Police and Fire Retirement System of the City of Detroit v. Clapp et al., No. 08-CV-1515, (the “Detroit Complaint”), was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The gravamen of the Detroit Complaint is similar to the aforementioned Consolidated Class Action, except that the legal claims are against the directors for breach of fiduciary duty and related claims. The Detroit Complaint purports to relate to a so-called “Relevant Time Period” from February 9, 2006, through the time of filing of the complaint. A Special Litigation Committee of two independent directors of MBIA Inc. (the “SLC”) has determined after a good faith and thorough investigation that pursuit of the allegations set out in the Detroit Complaint is not in the best interests of MBIA and its shareholders. On January 23, 2009, the SLC served a motion to dismiss the Detroit Complaint.

On August 11, 2008, shareholder derivative lawsuit Crescente v. Brown et al., No. 08-17595 (the “Crescente Complaint”) was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Westchester against certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors, and against the Company, as nominal defendant. The gravamen of this complaint is similar to the Detroit Complaint except that the time period assertedly covered is from January, 2007, through the time of filing of this complaint. The derivative plaintiff has agreed to stay the action pending the outcome of the SLC’s motion to dismiss the Detroit Complaint.

The Company has received subpoenas or informal inquiries from a variety of regulators, including the SEC, the Securities Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Attorney General of the State of California, and other states’ regulatory authorities, regarding a variety of subjects, including disclosures made by the Company to underwriters and issuers of certain bonds, disclosures regarding the Company’s structured finance exposure, the Company’s communications with rating agencies, and the methodologies used by rating agencies for determining the credit rating of municipal debt. The Company is cooperating fully with each of these regulators and is in the process of satisfying all such requests. The Company may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

On July 23, 2008, the City of Los Angeles filed two complaints in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles against the Company and others. The first, against the Company, AMBAC Financial Group, Inc., XL Capital Assurance Inc., ACA Financial Guaranty Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, and CIFG Assurance North America, Inc., alleged (i) participation in a conspiracy in violation of California’s antitrust laws to maintain a dual credit rating scale that misstated the credit default risk of municipal bond issuers and created market demand for municipal bond insurance and (ii) participation in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that damaged each bond insurer’s financial condition (thereby undermining the value of each of their guaranties), and a failure adequately to disclose the impact of those transactions on their financial condition. These latter allegations form the predicate for five separate causes of action against each of the Insurers: breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, negligence, and negligent misrepresentation. Complaints making the same allegations against the Company and nearly all of the same co-defendants were filed in Superior Court, San Francisco County, by the City of Stockton on July 23, 2008, by the City of Oakland on August 28, 2008, by the City of San Francisco on October 8, 2008, by the County of San Mateo on October 23, 2008, by the County of Alameda on October 30, 2008, by the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on December 31, 2008, by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District on December 31, 2008, and by the City of Sacramento on January 6, 2009. These cases are now coordinated as Ambac Bond Insurance Cases in San Francisco Superior Court (Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding No. 4555). On April 8, 2009, The Olympic Club filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco, making similar allegations of participation in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that allegedly damaged the Company’s financial condition, and of a failure adequately to disclose the impact of those transactions on the Company’s financial condition. These allegations form the predicate for the same five common law causes of action as those in the Ambac Bond Insurance Cases, as well as a California unfair competition cause of action. The Olympic Club did not include an antitrust cause of action. The Olympic Club case is being coordinated with the Ambac Bond Insurance Cases.

The City of Los Angeles’s second complaint named as defendants certain other financial institutions as well as bond insurers, including the Company, AMBAC Financial Group, Inc., Financial Security Assurance, Inc., Financial Guaranty Insurance Company and Security Capital Assurance Inc., and alleged fraud and violations of California’s antitrust laws through bid-rigging in the sale of municipal derivatives to municipal bond issuers. Complaints making the same allegations against the Company and nearly all of the same co-defendants were filed in Superior Court, Los Angeles County, by the County of San Diego on August 28, 2008, and in Superior Court, San Francisco County, by the City of Stockton on July 23, 2008, by the County of San Mateo on October 7, 2008, and by the County of Contra Costa on October 8, 2008. The City of Los Angeles and City of Stockton actions were removed to federal court and transferred by order dated November 26, 2008, to the Southern District of New York for inclusion in the multidistrict litigation In re Municipal Derivatives Antitrust Litigation, M.D.L. No. 1950; the San Diego County, San Mateo County, and Contra Costa County actions were removed to federal court and transferred to the Southern District of New York for inclusion in that proceeding by order dated February 4, 2009.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On September 30, 2008, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in the New York State Supreme Court against Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Countrywide Securities Corp. and Countrywide Financial Corp. (collectively, “Countrywide”). The complaint alleges that Countrywide fraudulently induced MBIA to provide financial guaranty insurance on securitizations of home equity lines of credit and closed end second liens by misrepresenting the true risk profile of the underlying collateral and Countrywide’s adherence to its strict underwriting standards and guidelines. The complaint also alleges that Countrywide breached its representations and warranties and its contractual obligations, including its obligation to cure or repurchase ineligible loans as well as its obligation to service the loans in accordance with industry standards. In an order dated July 8, 2009, the New York State Supreme Court denied Countrywide’s motion to dismiss in part, allowing the fraud cause of action to proceed against all three Countrywide defendants and the contract causes of action to proceed against Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Defendants filed their answer to the Complaint on August 3, 2009. On July 10, 2009, MBIA Insurance Corporation commenced an action in Los Angeles Superior Court against Bank of America Corporation, Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Home Loans, Inc, Countrywide Securities Corporation, Angelo Mozilo, David Sambol, Eric Sieracki, Ranjit Kripalani, Jennifer Sandefur, Stanford Kurland, Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., UBS Securities, LLC, and various Countrywide-affiliated Trusts. The complaint alleges that Countrywide made numerous misrepresentations and omissions of material fact in connection with its sale of certain residential mortgage-backed securities, including that the underlying collateral consisting of mortgage loans, had been originated in strict compliance with its underwriting standards and guidelines. MBIA commenced this action as subrogee of the purchasers of the residential mortgage-backed securities, who incurred severe losses that have been passed on to MBIA as the insurer of the income streams on these securities.

On October 15, 2008, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Residential Funding Company, LLC (“RFC”). On December 5, 2008, a notice of voluntary dismissal without prejudice was filed in the Southern District of New York and the complaint was re-filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. The complaint alleges that RFC fraudulently induced MBIA Corp. to provide financial guarantee policies with respect to five RFC closed-end home equity second-lien and HELOC securitizations, and that RFC breached its contractual representations and warranties, as well as its obligation to repurchase ineligible loans, among other things.

On April 30, 2009, MBIA Corp. and LaCrosse Financial Products (for purposes of this paragraph, collectively, “MBIA”) commenced an action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith, Inc. and Merrill Lynch International (collectively, “Merrill”). The complaint (amended on May 15, 2009) seeks damages in an as yet indeterminate amount believed to be in excess of several hundred million dollars arising from alleged misrepresentations and breaches of contract in connection with eleven CDS contracts pursuant to which MBIA wrote protection in favor of Merrill and other parties on a total of $5.7 billion in collateralized debt obligations arranged and marketed by Merrill. The complaint also seeks rescission of the CDS contracts.

In its determination of expected ultimate insurance losses on financial guarantee contracts, the Company has considered the probability of potential recoveries arising out of the contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace ineligible mortgage loans in certain second-lien mortgage securitizations, which include potential recoveries that may be affected by the legal actions against Countrywide and RFC. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in either the Countrywide or RFC actions, or the Merrill Lynch action.

On March 11, 2009, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York against the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled Aurelius Capital Master, Ltd. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al., 09-cv-2242 (S.D.N.Y.). The lead plaintiffs, Aurelius Capital Master, Ltd., Aurelius Capital Partners, LP, Fir Tree Value Master Fund, L.P., Fir Tree Capital Opportunity Master Fund, L.P., and Fir Tree Mortgage Opportunity Master Fund, L.P., purport to be acting as representatives for a class consisting of all holders of securities, instruments, or other obligations for which MBIA Corp., before February 18, 2009, issued financial guarantee insurance other than United States municipal/governmental bond securities. The complaint alleges that certain of the terms of the transactions entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Transactions”), which were approved by the New York State Department of Insurance, constituted fraudulent conveyances under §§ 273, 274 and 276 of New York Debtor and Creditor Law and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under New York common law. The Complaint seeks, inter alia, (a) a declaration that the alleged fraudulent conveyances are null and void and set aside, (b) a declaration that National is responsible for the insurance polices issued by MBIA Insurance Corporation up to February 17, 2009, and (c) an award of damages in an unspecified amount together with costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees in connection with the action. Defendants’ motion to dismiss is fully briefed. No oral arguments have been scheduled to date.

On April 6, 2009, a complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware against two subsidiaries of the Company, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled Third Avenue Trust and Third Avenue Variable Series Trust v. MBIA Insurance Corp. and MBIA Insurance Corp. of Illinois, CA 4486-UCL. Plaintiffs allege that they are holders of approximately $400 million of surplus notes issued by MBIA Corp. (for purposes of this section, the “Notes”) in January 2008. The complaint alleges (Count I) that certain of the Transactions breached the terms of the Notes and the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated January 16, 2008 pursuant to which the Notes were issued. The complaint also alleges that certain transfers under the Transactions were fraudulent in that they allegedly left MBIA Corp. with “unreasonably small capital” (Count II), “insolvent” (Count III), and were made with an “actual intent to defraud” (Count IV). The complaint seeks a judgment (a) ordering the defendants to unwind the Transactions (b) declaring that the Transactions constituted a fraudulent conveyance, and (c) damages in an unspecified amount. Defendants’ motion to dismiss is fully briefed. Oral argument is scheduled for August 31, 2009.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On May 13, 2009, a complaint was filed in the New York State Supreme Court against the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al. The plaintiffs, a group of 19 domestic and international financial institutions, purport to be acting as holders of insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp. directly or indirectly guaranteeing the repayment of structured finance products. The complaint alleges that certain of the terms of the transactions entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries, which were approved by the New York State Department of Insurance, constituted fraudulent conveyances and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under New York law. The complaint seeks a judgment (a) ordering the defendants to unwind the Transactions, (b) declaring that the Transactions constituted a fraudulent conveyance, (c) declaring that MBIA Inc. and National are jointly and severally liable for the insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp., and (d) ordering damages in an unspecified amount. Defendants’ motion to dismiss is fully briefed and the court heard oral arguments on July 27, 2009.

On June 15, 2009, the same group of 19 domestic and international financial institutions who filed the above described plenary action in New York State Supreme Court filed a proceeding pursuant to Article 78 of New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules in New York State Supreme Court against the New York Insurance Department, Eric Dinallo in his capacity as Superintendent for the Department, and the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. Eric Dinallo, in his capacity as Superintendent of the New York Insurance Department, the New York State Insurance Department, MBIA Inc. et al. In its motions to dismiss the three above-referenced plenary actions, the Company argued that an Article 78 proceeding is the exclusive forum in which a plaintiff may raise any challenge to the Transformation approved by the Superintendent and the Department. The petition seeks a judgment (a) declaring void and to annul the approval letter of the Superintendent of Insurance, (b) to recover dividends paid in connection with the Transactions, (c) declaring that the approval letter does not extinguish plaintiffs’ direct claims against MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries in the plenary action described above.

The Company intends to vigorously defend against the aforementioned actions in which it is a defendant and against other potential actions, and the Company does not expect the outcome of these matters to have a materially adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition. The Company cannot provide assurance, however, that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not cause a loss nor have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

There are no other material lawsuits pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party.

Note 17: Subsequent Events

Refer to “Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies” for information about legal proceedings that commenced after June 30, 2009.

 

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

FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

This quarterly report of MBIA Inc. (“MBIA”, the “Company” or “we”) includes statements that are not historical or current facts and are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “will likely result,” “looking forward” or “will continue,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those presently anticipated or projected. MBIA cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only to their respective dates. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if it later becomes aware that such result is not likely to be achieved.

The following are some of the factors that could affect financial performance or could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates contained in or underlying the Company’s forward-looking statements:

 

   

the possibility that the Company will experience severe losses or liquidity needs due to increased deterioration in its insurance portfolios and in particular, due to the performance of residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”);

 

   

significant fluctuations in liquidity and asset values within the global credit markets;

 

   

our ability to fully implement our Strategic Plan, including our ability to achieve our ratings targets for our ratings-sensitive businesses;

 

   

further changes in the Company’s credit ratings;

 

   

further deterioration in the economic environment and financial markets in the United States or abroad, particularly with regard to credit spreads, interest rates and foreign currency levels;

 

   

competitive conditions for bond insurance, including potential entry into the public finance market of a national insurer of municipal bonds;

 

   

legislative, regulatory or political developments;

 

   

technological developments;

 

   

changes in tax laws;

 

   

the effects of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; and

 

   

uncertainties that have not been identified at this time.

The above factors and other factors that could affect our financial performance and business are discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of MBIA Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Business Description

MBIA operates the largest financial guarantee insurance business in the industry and is a provider of asset management advisory services. We also manage an asset/liability products program and a conduit program, which are in wind-down. Beginning in 2009, our business activities are managed through three principal operations: United States (“U.S.”) public finance insurance, structured finance and international insurance, and investment management services. Corporate operations include revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities.

MBIA’s financial guarantee business is currently operated through two subsidiaries, National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (“National”) and MBIA Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries (“MBIA Corp.”). In February 2009, after receiving the required regulatory approvals, MBIA established and capitalized National as a U.S. public finance-only financial guarantor. In connection with the establishment of National, MBIA Insurance Corporation paid dividends and returned capital to MBIA Inc. and entered into a reinsurance agreement and an assignment agreement with National, the latter of which was with respect to financial guarantee insurance policies that had been reinsured from Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (“FGIC”).

 

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

 

The establishment of National as a separate U.S. public finance-only financial guarantee insurance company was a key step in achieving our strategic plan announced in February 2008. National provides MBIA with greater resilience and financial flexibility because we expect it will enable MBIA to resume writing financial guarantee insurance in the domestic public finance sector during the current market crisis. National’s separate capitalization and operations respond to the substantial issuer and investor demand that MBIA has observed for bond insurance to be provided by a monoline bond insurer devoted exclusively to public finance transactions in the U.S. At the same time, by participating in the public finance bond insurance market, MBIA expects to provide lower-cost funds to public issuers and to assist in “unfreezing” the public finance and infrastructure markets. The establishment of National is expected to generate the writing of new business in the active U.S. public finance market once high stable ratings are achieved for the operating subsidiary, leading to increased profitability and additional sources of liquidity for MBIA Inc. to support its own operations or those of its other subsidiaries.

MBIA’s new operating structure also facilitates transparency for investors through the establishment of distinct business operations and discrete financial reporting through a newly created reporting segment for the U.S. public finance business. This transparency between our distinct business lines permits issuers, investors, and rating agencies to separately assess each of our businesses. By establishing a new holding company for the U.S. public finance operation, we anticipate better access to investors with interest in the specific business risks and opportunities available in the U.S. public finance sector.

The transfer of capital to National did not have a material impact on our consolidated claims-paying resources, and was evaluated by us and the New York State Insurance Department (“NYSID”) prior to the NYSID’s approval of the transfer on February 17, 2009. The capitalization of National in February 2009 had the effect of reducing the claims-paying resources of MBIA Corp. from $15.0 billion to $8.8 billion, based on December 31, 2008 balances, and increasing the claims-paying resources of National. In connection with the capitalization of National, National reinsured from MBIA Corp. all of MBIA Corp’s U.S. public finance exposure thereby reducing MBIA Corp.’s net insured debt service outstanding from $1,198.3 billion to $290.3 billion, based on December 31, 2008 balances, and the amount of claims-paying resources required to be maintained by MBIA Corp.

The Company believes that after the capitalization of National, MBIA Corp. continues to be able to meet its expected obligations. Additionally, the NYSID found that MBIA Corp. retained sufficient surplus to support its obligations and writings following the payment of the dividend by MBIA Corp. and that the return of capital by MBIA Corp. was reasonable and equitable to MBIA Corp. The NYSID also found that the reinsurance transaction with National was fair and equitable. Claims-paying resources are calculated using statutory capital and reserves. As of March 31, 2009, the quarter end following the capitalization of National, MBIA Corp. had total claims-paying resources of $8.0 billion while statutory loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves for future claim payments were $1.7 billion. Similarly, as of March 31, 2009, National had total claims-paying resources of $5.5 billion while statutory LAE expense reserves for future claim payments were $0.2 billion.

Several lawsuits have been filed against the Company relating to the above transactions, which are discussed in “Note 16: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. These lawsuits have impeded our ability to achieve higher insurance financial strength ratings for our insurance companies and, therefore, our ability to write new insurance business.

Refer to MBIA Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for further information about changes to our operating and legal entity structure.

U.S. Public Finance Insurance Operations

As described above, since February 2009, our U.S. public finance insurance business has been conducted through National. The financial guarantees issued by National provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations when due or, in the event National has the right at its discretion to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise, upon National’s acceleration. National’s guarantees insure municipal bonds, including tax-exempt and taxable indebtedness of U.S. political subdivisions, as well as utility districts, airports, health care institutions, higher educational facilities, student loan issuers, housing authorities and other similar agencies and obligations issued by private entities that finance projects that serve a substantial public purpose. Municipal bonds and privately issued bonds used for the financing of public purpose projects are generally supported by taxes, assessments, fees or tariffs related to the use of these projects, lease payments or other similar types of revenue streams.

National’s insurance portfolio principally comprises exposure assumed by National under the quota share reinsurance agreement it entered into with MBIA Insurance Corporation effective January 1, 2009 pursuant to which MBIA Insurance Corporation ceded all of its U.S. public finance exposure to National and under the assignment by MBIA Insurance Corporation of its rights and obligations with respect to the U.S. public finance business that MBIA Insurance Corporation assumed from FGIC.

 

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Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations

MBIA’s structured finance and international insurance operations have been principally conducted through MBIA Corp. The financial guarantees issued by MBIA Corp. provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations when due or, in the event MBIA Corp. has the right at its discretion to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise, upon MBIA Corp.’s acceleration. Certain investment agreement contracts written by MBIA Inc. are insured by MBIA Corp. and if MBIA Inc. were to have insufficient assets to pay amounts due upon maturity or termination, MBIA Corp. would make such payments. Additionally, insurance policies include payments due under credit and other derivatives, including termination payments that may become due upon certain events including the insolvency or payment default of MBIA Corp.

MBIA Corp.’s guarantees insure structured finance and asset-backed obligations, privately issued bonds used for the financing of public purpose projects, which are primarily located outside of the U.S. and that include toll roads, bridges, airports, public transportation facilities and other types of infrastructure projects serving a substantial public purpose, and obligations of sovereign and sub-sovereign issuers. Structured finance and asset-backed securities (“ABSs”) typically are securities repayable from expected cash flows generated by a specified pool of assets, such as residential and commercial mortgages, insurance policies, consumer loans, corporate loans and bonds, trade and export receivables, leases for equipment, aircraft and real property, and infrastructure projects.

In certain cases, the Company may be required to consolidate entities established as part of securitizations when it insures the assets or liabilities of those entities and in connection with remediations or renegotiations of policies. These entities typically meet the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an interpretation of ARB No. 51.” We do not believe there is any difference in the risks and profitability of financial guarantees provided to VIEs compared with other financial guarantees written by the Company. Additional information relating to VIEs is contained in the “Variable Interest Entities” section included herein.

Investment Management Services Operations

MBIA’s investment management services operations consist of an asset management advisory business, which provides cash management, discretionary asset management and structured products to the public, not-for-profit, corporate and financial sectors. We also have an asset/liability products business in which we have issued debt and investment agreements, which are insured by MBIA Corp., to capital markets and municipal investors and then initially purchased assets that largely matched the duration of those liabilities, and a conduit business in which we have funded MBIA-insured transactions by issuing debt, which is insured by MBIA Corp. The ratings downgrades of MBIA Corp. have resulted in the termination and collateralization of certain investment agreements and, together with the rising cost and declining availability of funding and illiquidity of many asset classes, have caused the Company to begin winding down its asset/liability products and conduit businesses. Since the downgrades of MBIA Corp., we have not issued debt in connection with either business and we believe the outstanding liability balances and corresponding asset balances will continue to decline over time as liabilities mature, terminate, or are repurchased by the Company.

Credit Ratings

The current financial strength ratings of National, MBIA Insurance Corporation and MBIA Inc. are summarized below:

 

Agency

     

Rating/Outlook

       

 

National

 

 

MBIA Insurance Corporation

 

 

MBIA Inc.

S&P

    A / Developing outlook   BBB / Negative outlook   BB/ Negative outlook

Moody’s

    Baa1 / Developing outlook   B3 / Negative outlook   Ba3 / Negative outlook

Fitch

    Withdrawn   Withdrawn   Withdrawn

On June 5, 2009, S&P downgraded National’s insurance financial strength rating to A with a developing outlook from AA- with credit watch developing. Also on June 5, 2009, S&P downgraded MBIA Insurance Corporation’s insurance financial strength rating to BBB with a negative outlook from BBB+ with a negative outlook.

On June 25, 2009, Moody’s confirmed National’s insurance financial strength rating at Baa1 but changed its outlook to developing from review for upgrade and Moody’s confirmed MBIA Insurance Corporation’s insurance financial strength rating at B3 but changed its outlook to negative from developing. Also on June 25, 2009, Moody’s downgraded MBIA Inc.’s financial strength rating to Ba3 with a negative outlook from Ba1 with a developing outlook.

 

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

 

Financial Highlights

For the three months ended June 30, 2009, we recorded consolidated net income of $895 million or $4.30 per share, after adjusting for preferred stock dividends of MBIA Insurance Corporation, compared with net income of $1.7 billion or $7.14 per share for the same period of 2008.

Consolidated revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2009 decreased 70% to $992 million from $3.4 billion for the same period of 2008. The decrease in our consolidated revenues reflects a reduction in unrealized gains on insured credit derivatives and a reduction in net investment income. These reductions were partially offset by net gains on securities sales and fewer losses from the write-down of impaired securities in the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared with the same period of 2008. Consolidated expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were a negative expense of $511 million compared with expense of $420 million for the same period of 2008. The negative expense in 2009 reflects a net benefit of $729 million in losses and LAE as a result of recognizing the present value of expected net cash inflows from recoveries on our residential mortgage-backed insured exposure, which exceeded gross losses and LAE recognized for financial guarantee insurance contracts in the quarter.

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we recorded consolidated net income of $1.6 billion or $7.64 per share, after adjusting for preferred stock dividends of MBIA Insurance Corporation, as compared with a net loss of $706 million or $3.33 per share for the same period of 2008.

Consolidated revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $2.9 billion compared with $412 million for the same period of 2008. The increase in our consolidated revenues reflects an unrealized gain on insured credit derivatives within our insurance operations in 2009 compared with an unrealized loss in 2008. Additionally, net realized losses from securities sales and losses from the write-down of impaired securities decreased, partially offset by a decrease in net investment income, in 2009 compared with 2008. Consolidated expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $433 million compared with $1.2 billion for the same period of 2008. The decrease in our consolidated expenses resulted from a decrease in interest expense due to the decline in outstanding debt within our investment management services operations over the last several quarters and recoveries on our residential mortgage-backed insured exposures recorded in loss and LAE in the second quarter of 2009.

Our consolidated book value (total shareholders’ equity) was $2.8 billion as of June 30, 2009, increasing from $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2008. Our consolidated book value per share as of June 30, 2009 was $13.38 reflecting an increase from $4.92 as of December 31, 2008.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (“SFAS”) 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts.” Upon the adoption of SFAS 163, the Company recorded a cumulative transition adjustment of $55 million, net of tax, as an increase to its beginning retained earnings balance as of January 1, 2009. The cumulative transition adjustment resulted from changes in the manner in which the Company records financial guarantee insurance premiums and losses, as prescribed by SFAS 163. Refer to the “Recent Accounting Pronouncement” section included herein for further information about the effects of adopting SFAS 163 on our financial statements.

The Company also adopted FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments,” which amends SFAS 115 and SFAS 124, “Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations” as of the second quarter of 2009. Upon the adoption of FAS 115-2, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reclassify the non-credit component of a previously recognized other-than-temporary impairment from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income. The cumulative effect adjustment resulted in an increase in retained earnings of $86 million and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $56 million, net of deferred taxes of $30 million. Refer to “Note 7: Investment Income and Gains and Losses” for further information on the Company’s investment securities and other-than-temporary impairments.

A further discussion of our financial results is presented within the “Results of Operations” section included herein.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. The following accounting estimates are viewed by management to be critical because they require significant judgment on the part of management. Management has discussed and reviewed the development, selection and disclosure of the critical accounting estimates with the Company’s Audit Committee. Financial results could be materially different if alternate methodologies were used or if management modified its assumptions.

 

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Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Loss and LAE reserves are established by National’s and MBIA Corp.’s respective Loss Reserve Committee and reviewed by our executive Loss Reserve Committee, which consists of members of senior management. This estimate requires the use of judgment and estimates with respect to the occurrence, timing and amount of a loss on an insured obligation. Loss and LAE reserves relate only to MBIA’s non-derivative financial guarantees.

Effective with the adoption of SFAS 163 beginning January 1, 2009, the Company no longer recognizes an unallocated loss reserve for losses that have occurred or are probable to occur as a result of credit deterioration in the Company’s insured portfolio but which have not yet been specifically identified and applied to specific insured obligations. Therefore, the Company’s loss and LAE reserves as of June 30, 2009 only represent case basis reserves established in accordance with SFAS 163 and accruals for LAE incurred. Case basis reserves represent the Company’s estimate of expected losses to be paid under an insurance contract, net of potential recoveries and discounted using a current risk-free interest rate, on insured obligations that have defaulted or are expected to default when this amount exceeds unearned premium revenue. Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Company’s accounting for insurance losses under SFAS 163 and the impact of the adoption of SFAS 163 on the Company’s financial statements.

In the initial application of SFAS 163, a cumulative-effect adjustment was recognized to beginning retained earnings as of January 1, 2009, which included reducing our unallocated loss reserve of $232 million as of December 31, 2008 to zero or $151 million on an after-tax basis. As of June 30, 2009, the Company reported total loss and LAE reserves, net of reinsurance, of $1.2 billion, representing 0.12% of its outstanding non-derivative net debt service insured of $1.0 trillion. We believe that these reserves are adequate to cover ultimate net losses. Given that the reserves are based on estimates and assumptions, there can be no assurance that ultimate losses will not exceed such estimates resulting in the Company recognizing additional loss and LAE in earnings.

Case Basis Reserves

A number of variables are taken into account in establishing specific case basis reserves for individual policies that depend primarily on the nature of the underlying insured obligation. These variables include the nature and creditworthiness of the underlying issuer of the insured obligation, whether the obligation is secured or unsecured and the expected recovery rates on the insured obligation, the projected cash flow or market value of any assets that support the insured obligation, and the historical and projected loss rates on such assets. Factors that may affect the actual ultimate realized losses for any policy include economic conditions and trends, changes in interest rates, rates of inflation, changes in borrower behavior, and the default rate and salvage values of specific collateral.

In establishing case basis loss reserves, we calculate the present value of probability-weighted estimated loss payments, net of estimated recoveries, using a discount rate equal to the risk-free rate applicable to the currency and expected term of such net payments. Yields on U.S. Treasury offerings are used to discount loss reserves denominated in U.S. dollars, which represent the majority of our loss reserves. Similarly, yields on foreign government offerings are used to discount loss reserves denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. If the Company were to apply different discount rates, its case basis reserves may have been higher or lower than those established as of June 30, 2009. For example, a higher discount rate would have decreased the amount of a case basis reserve established by the Company and a lower rate would have increased the amount of a reserve established by the Company. However, we believe that the discount rates used represent the most appropriate risk-free rates for present valuing our case basis loss reserves, as these rates are commonly used throughout financial markets.

In the first six months of 2009, additions to case basis reserves, net of reinsurance, totaled $1.3 billion, inclusive of $1.2 billion related to our RMBS exposure. Additions to case basis reserves of $1.3 billion were offset by $1.3 billion of insurance loss recoveries recognized on our RMBS exposure, which principally relate to estimates of potential recoveries resulting from ineligible mortgages included in insured second-lien residential mortgage securitization exposures that are subject to a contractual obligation by sellers/servicers to remove or replace such mortgages. Refer to “Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses” included in the Results of Operations section herein for further information regarding case basis reserve activity.

RMBS Reserves

In determining the RMBS case basis reserves recorded as of June 30, 2009, which relate to RMBS backed by home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) and closed-end second mortgages (“CES”), the Company employed a multi-step process using a database of loan level information which allowed the Company to determine borrower payment status, including delinquencies and charge-offs. The Company relied upon this database to determine the likelihood of a delinquent loan being charged off. The information was then used in conjunction with a proprietary internal cash flow model and a commercially available model to estimate expected ultimate cumulative losses to our insured bonds. The “Current Roll to Loss” approach, described below, was used for estimating expected future defaults for loans that are current (not delinquent).

 

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The following are the principal assumptions used with respect to the underlying loans to determine the expected losses on our insured RMBS transactions:

 

   

We assumed that loans reported as delinquent as of May 31, 2009 would default during the following six months at an assumed default rate based on the number of days that the loan was delinquent at such time (the “Roll Rate Default Methodology”).

 

   

The Roll Rate Default Methodology involves reviewing on a transaction-specific basis the percentage of 30-59 and 60-89 day delinquent loans that became 90 days delinquent (“Roll to Loss”). Generally, the rates of Roll to Loss are calculated for the previous three months and averaged. The Company made the assumption that 100% of the 90 or more days delinquent loans would result in a loss. The Roll to Loss was then applied to the amounts in the respective delinquency buckets based upon delinquencies as of May 31, 2009 to eliminate all delinquencies as of the current reporting period.

 

   

For loans that are current (not delinquent), we derived the “Current Roll to Loss” rates by multiplying the percentage of loans in the 30-59 bucket and the Roll to Loss rates for the 30-59 delinquency bucket. We applied this percentage each month going forward to the remaining current pool balance to project future losses. For example, if 10% of the loans in the pool are in the 30-59 delinquency bucket and the transaction’s performance suggests that 30% of those loans will be charged off, the Current Roll to Loss rate for the transaction is 3%. Our model would assume that 3% of the performing loans are charged off every month for the period of elevated losses beyond the next six months.

After the elevated loss period, we assume that the Current Roll to Loss rate will reduce linearly to 25% of its original value over six months (i.e. 3% will linearly reduce to 0.75% over six months). Based upon performance trends and our view of market conditions over the next several years, we further reduced the Current Roll to Loss rate to 0% by early 2014 with the expectation that the performing seasoned loans and an economic recovery will eventually result in loan performance reverting to historically low levels of default.

 

   

We have run various elevated default period duration scenarios when determining loss reserves. Our increased loss expectations for the second quarter of 2009 resulted from the combination of higher delinquent loans in the pipeline and the anticipation that the elevated loss period will extend to at least early 2010.

 

   

We assumed servicer advances for delinquent loans to be zero.

 

   

We assumed that all defaulted loans will result in a total loss of principal after a six-month liquidation period.

In addition, for transactions secured by HELOCs, the model considered borrower draws and repayment rates. For HELOCs, the current three-month average draw rate was used to project future draws on the line. For HELOCs and transactions secured by fixed rate CES, the three-month average conditional repayment rate (“CRR”) was used to project voluntary principal repayments. Cash flows also assumed a constant basis spread between floating rate assets and floating rate insured debt obligations (the difference between Prime and LIBOR interest rates, minus any applicable fees). For all transactions, cash flows considered allocations and other structural aspects of a transaction, including managed amortization periods, rapid amortization periods and claims against MBIA’s insurance policy consistent with such policy’s terms and conditions.

The assumptions and cash flow structure referenced above resulted in a forecasted cumulative collateral loss that was added to existing actual cumulative collateral losses. The resulting estimated net claims on MBIA’s insurance policies were discounted to a net present value reflecting MBIA’s obligation to pay claims over time and not on an accelerated basis. The above assumptions represent MBIA’s best estimates of how transactions will perform over time.

We monitor portfolio performance on a monthly basis against projected performance, reviewing delinquencies, roll rates, prepayment rates (including voluntary and involuntary) and default rate trends. In the event of a material deviation in actual performance from projected performance, we would increase or decrease our case basis reserves quarterly accordingly. If defaults and losses remained at the peak levels we are modeling for six months longer than in our base case, the addition to our case basis loss and LAE reserve would be approximately $500 million.

In the second quarter of 2009, the Company revised expected net cash inflows based on an increasing likelihood of potential recoveries related to ineligible mortgage loans in certain insured second-lien residential mortgage loan securitizations that are subject to a contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace ineligible mortgage loans. Our updated recovery outlook was principally based on the following factors:

 

  1. The strength of our existing contract claims related to ineligible loan substitution/repurchase obligations;

 

  2. the favorable outcome for MBIA on Defendants’ motion to dismiss in the action captioned, MBIA v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., et al, Index No. 08-602825 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.) where the court allowed MBIA’s fraud claims against the Countrywide defendants to proceed;

 

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  3. the improvement in the financial strength of issuers due to mergers and acquisitions and/or government assistance, which will facilitate their ability to comply with required loan repurchase/substitution obligations. We are not aware of any provisions that explicitly preclude or limit the successors’ obligations to honor the obligations of the original sponsor. As a result, we did not make any significant adjustments to our estimated recoveries with respect to the credit risk of these sponsors (or their successors); and

 

  4. evidence of loan repurchase/substitution compliance by issuers for put-back requests made by other harmed parties consistent with MBIA’s assertions.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2008, MBIA engaged loan level forensic review consultants to re-underwrite/review a sample of the mortgage loan files underlying MBIA’s HELOC and CES insured transactions. Certain HELOC and CES transactions that exhibited exceptionally poor performance were chosen for a re-underwriting review. Factors MBIA believes to be indicative of this poor performance include (i) a material increase in early and late stage delinquencies; (ii) material increases in charged-off loans; (iii) significant decreases in credit enhancement; and (iv) policy payments. Our forensic loan review determined that there were significant breaches of mortgage loan representations and material deviations from underwriting guidelines. Accordingly, we have determined that thousands of loans were in fact contractually ineligible for inclusion in the securitized trusts insured by MBIA. In turn, MBIA has submitted thousands of ineligible loans for repurchase/substitution to the sponsors or sellers/servicers. The unsatisfactory resolution of these contractual matters in addition to the fraudulent underwriting practices prevalent within certain issuers has led to MBIA engaging in litigation with these issuers seeking the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace ineligible mortgage loans and specifically perform under its contractual obligation and damages for both breaches of contractual obligations and fraud. MBIA’s forensic examination of loan repurchase/substitution requirements for various issuers remains ongoing.

In the second quarter of 2009, MBIA recognized estimated recoveries of $1.1 billion related to reviewed transactions. Additionally, the estimated recoveries are transaction specific and based upon contractual breaches for loans which have been deemed ineligible and either put back to the originators or sellers/servicers or where analysis has been completed and put-back notices are pending. These estimated recoveries rely upon identified breaches of representations and warranties in specific transactions that MBIA has already discovered as a result of actual loan file examinations for 23,765 defaulted mortgage loans, which represent approximately 27% of the total number of delinquent or defaulted mortgage loans out of a total aggregate 496,917 loans in 24 insured second-lien mortgage loan securitizations. The aggregate loan population includes current, delinquent and charged-off loans. Estimated recoveries for these 24 transactions of $1.1 billion is based on only those loans that were examined which had substantiated breaches, and does not include any extrapolation of results from the actual loan file examinations to the remaining mortgages in the loan pool. Expected cash inflows from potential recoveries are forecasted to be recovered in 2012 for all transactions and discounted using the aforementioned risk-free rate of 1.625%. We considered all relevant facts and circumstances, including the factors described above, in developing our assumptions on expected cash inflows, probability of potential recoveries and recovery period. The estimated amount and likelihood of potential recoveries are expected to be revised and supplemented as facts and circumstances change and relevant information is available, including additional information on the mortgage loan pools. We have utilized the results of the above described loan file examinations to make demands for loan repurchases from originators and services or their successors and, in certain instances, as a part of the basis for litigation filings.

We will continue to assess the level of expected recoveries as we complete additional forensic reviews on additional loans and progress through the litigation proceedings that are ongoing at this time. As a result of additional loan reviews and the progression of litigation proceedings, our estimate of recoveries could change materially in the future. However, the amount of such additional recoveries cannot be estimated at this time.

Valuation of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at a measurement date. The degree of judgment used to determine the fair values of financial instruments generally correlates to the degree of pricing observability. Financial instruments in liquid markets with readily available and actively quoted prices, or with such prices for comparable instruments usually have the most pricing observability. Financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted have less observability and are usually measured by valuation models that require judgment. Pricing observability is affected by type of financial instrument, whether the instrument is well established in the market, by characteristics unique to individual transactions and by overall market conditions.

We have categorized our financial instruments measured at fair value into the three-level classification of SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which considers this issue of pricing observability. Fair value measurements of financial instruments that use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are generally categorized as Level 1, and fair value measurements of financial instruments where significant inputs are not observable are generally categorized as Level 3. We categorize our financial instruments conservatively using the lowest level category at which we can generate reliable fair values. The determination of reliability requires management to exercise judgment.

 

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The fair market values of financial instruments held or issued by the Company are determined through the use of observable market data when available. Market data is obtained from a variety of third-party sources, including dealer quotes. If dealer quotes are not available for an instrument that is infrequently traded, we use alternate valuation methods, including either dealer quotes for similar contracts or modeling using market data inputs. Using alternate valuation methods generally requires considerable judgment in the estimates and assumptions used and changes to these variables may produce materially different values.

The fair value pricing of assets and liabilities is a function of many components which includes interest rate risk, market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. For financial instruments that are internally valued by the Company, as well as those for which the Company uses broker quotes or pricing services, credit risk is typically incorporated by using appropriate credit spreads or discount rates as inputs. Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 5: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value.

1. Financial Assets

The Company’s financial assets are primarily debt and equity investments. The majority of these are accounted for in accordance with SFAS 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” SFAS 115 requires all debt instruments and certain equity instruments to be classified in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet according to their purpose and, depending on that classification, to be carried at either amortized cost or fair value. Most valuations of the Company’s financial assets use observable market-based inputs, including dealer quotes when available. However, since mid 2007, illiquidity in the credit markets has significantly reduced the availability of observable market data. Other financial assets that require fair value reporting or disclosures within the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are valued based on the estimated value of the underlying collateral or the Company’s estimate of discounted cash flows.

Assets with fair values derived from broker quotes or pricing services can be classified within Level 1, 2 or 3 of the SFAS 157 fair value hierarchy, depending on the observability of inputs. Typically we receive one broker quote or pricing service value for each instrument, which represents a non-binding indication of value. We review the assumptions, inputs and methodologies used by pricing services to obtain reasonable assurance that the prices used in our valuations reflect fair value and as a basis for classification within the three levels of the SFAS 157 fair value hierarchy. For example, broker quoted prices are classified as Level 3 if we consider the inputs used not to be market-based and observable. Pricing service data is received monthly and quarterly, and we use a variety of methods to analyze the reasonableness of these third-party valuations, including comparisons to similar quality and maturity assets, internal modeling of implied credit spreads by sector and quality, comparison to published spread estimates, and assessment relative to comparable dealer offerings or any actual transactions from a recent time period. When we believe a third-party quotation differs significantly from our internal value, whether higher or lower, we review our data or assumptions with the provider. The price provider may subsequently provide an updated price. We do not make any internal adjustments to prices provided by a broker or pricing service.

While we review third-party prices for reasonableness, we are not the source for any of the inputs or assumptions used in developing those prices. Additionally, we do not have access to the specific models used by the third-party price providers. As a result, we cannot provide the potential impact of reasonably likely changes in inputs and assumptions used in these models. Consequently, we are unable to determine if such reasonably likely changes in inputs and assumptions would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Financial assets recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at fair value as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 totaled $15.1 billion and $17.9 billion, respectively, of which $12.7 billion and $16.3 billion, respectively, were valued using pricing services or broker quotes. The following tables present the type, amount and fair value hierarchy classification for financial assets for which pricing services or broker quotes were used by the Company in determining fair value as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

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    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using    

In millions

  Quoted Prices in
  Active Markets for  
Identical Assets
(Level 1)(1)
  Significant Other
  Observable Inputs  
(Level 2)(1)
  Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)(2)
  Balance as of
  June 30, 2009  

Assets

       

Investments:

       

Fixed-maturity investments:

       

Taxable bonds:

       

U.S. Treasury and government agency

  $ 708   $ 117   $ 6   $ 831

Foreign governments

    289     229     70     588

Corporate obligations

    -     2,800     290     3,090

Mortgage-backed securities

       

Residential mortgage-backed agency

    -     1,271     98     1,369

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

    -     605     117     722

Commercial mortgage-backed

    -     2     29     31

Asset-backed securities

       

Collateralized debt obligations

    -     -     384     384

Other asset-backed

    -     480     329     809
                       

Total

    997     5,504     1,323     7,824

State and municipal bonds

       

Tax exempt bonds

    -     2,674     -     2,674

Taxable bonds

    -     439     44     483
                       

Total state and municipal bonds

    -     3,113     44     3,157

Total fixed-maturity investments

    997     8,617     1,367     10,981

Other investments:

       

Perpetual preferred securities

    -     274     44     318

Other investments

    5     117     -     122

Money market securities

    1,237     -     -     1,237
                       

Total other investments

    1,242     391     44     1,677

Derivative assets

    -     -     61     61
                       

Total assets

  $ 2,239   $ 9,008   $ 1,471   $ 12,717
                       

 

 

     (1) - Assets measured using pricing services.

     (2) - Assets measured using broker quotes.

 

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    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using    

In millions

 

 

Quoted Prices in
  Active Markets for  
Identical Assets
(Level 1)(1)

  Significant Other
  Observable Inputs  
(Level 2)(1)
  Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)(2)
  Balance as of
  December 31,  

2008

Assets:

       

Investments:

       

Fixed-maturity investments:

       

Taxable bonds:

       

U.S. Treasury and government agency

  $ 1,042   $ 194   $ -   $ 1,236

Foreign governments

    369     335     104     808

Corporate obligations

    -     2,775     598     3,373

Mortgage-backed securities

       

Residential mortgage-backed agency

    -     1,217     156     1,373

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

    -     630     397     1,027

Commercial mortgage-backed

    -     14     37     51

Asset-backed securities

       

Collateralized debt obligations

    -     -     553     553

Other asset-backed

    -     444     273     717
                       

Total

    1,411     5,609     2,118     9,138

State and municipal bonds

       

Tax exempt bonds

    -     3,011     -     3,011

Taxable bonds

    -     380     46     426
                       

Total state and municipal bonds

    -     3,391     46     3,437

Total fixed-maturity investments

    1,411     9,000     2,164     12,575

Other investments:

       

Perpetual preferred securities

    -     273     45     318

Other investments

    23     42     49     114

Money market securities

    3,234     -     -     3,234
                       

Total other investments

    3,257     315     94     3,666

Derivative assets

    -     -     60     60
                       

Total assets

  $ 4,668   $ 9,315   $ 2,318   $ 16,301
                       

 

 

     (1) - Assets measured using pricing services.

     (2) - Assets measured using broker quotes.

The Company monitors investments in which fair value is less than amortized cost in order to assess if declines in value are other-than-temporary and should therefore be reflected as a realized loss in net income. Such assessments include identifying the cause, duration and extent of the decline and whether we have the intent to sell the investment, or if it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the investment before recovery. It also includes judgment as to whether an investment is impaired based on market conditions and trends and the availability of relevant data. For additional information about our investment portfolios, refer to “Investments” within the “Liquidity” section included herein.

 

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2. Financial Liabilities

The Company’s financial instruments categorized as liabilities primarily consist of investment agreements and medium-term notes (“MTNs”) issued by the asset/liability products and conduit segments within our investment management services operations, as well as debt issued for general corporate purposes. Such liabilities are typically recorded at face value adjusted for premiums or discounts. The fair values of these financial instruments are generally not reported within the Company’s financial statements but disclosed in the accompanying notes. However, financial liabilities which qualify as part of fair value hedging arrangements under SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended are reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at a value that reflects changes in the risks being hedged, which offsets changes in the value of the hedging instrument. MBIA uses cash flow modeling techniques to estimate the value of its liabilities that qualify as hedged obligations under SFAS 133, incorporating current market data. Financial liabilities that the Company has elected to fair value under SFAS 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments” or that require fair value reporting or disclosures within the Company’s notes to its financial statements are valued based on either estimated value of the underlying collateral, the Company’s or a third-party’s estimate of discounted cash flows or quoted market values for similar transactions.

The following table presents the type, amount and fair value hierarchy classification for financial liabilities for which pricing services or broker quotes were used by the Company in determining fair value as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using     

In millions

    Quoted Prices in Active 
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   Significant Other
  Observable Inputs  
(Level 2)
   Significant
 Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)(1)
     Counterparty and  
Cash Collateral
Netting
   Balance as of
  June 30, 2009  

Liabilities:

              

Derivative liabilities

   $    $ -    $ 40    $ -    $ 40
                                  

Total liabilities

   $    $ -    $ 40    $ -    $ 40
                                  

 

 

(1) - Liabilities measured using broker quotes.

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using     

In millions

    Quoted Prices in Active 
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   Significant Other
  Observable Inputs  
(Level 2)
   Significant
 Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)(1)
     Counterparty and  
Cash Collateral
Netting
   Balance as of
December 31,
2008

Liabilities:

              

Derivative liabilities

   $    $ -    $ 90    $ -    $ 90
                                  

Total liabilities

   $    $ -    $ 90    $ -    $ 90
                                  

 

(1) - Liabilities measured using broker quotes.

3. Derivatives

MBIA has entered into derivative transactions both within its financial guarantee insurance business and in hedging risks associated with its assets and liabilities. Credit default swap (“CDS”) contracts are also used in the investment management services operations to replicate investments in cash assets consistent with the risk tolerance and criteria for this business. We account for derivative transactions in accordance with SFAS 133, which requires that all such transactions be recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The fair value of derivative instruments is determined as the amount that would be received to sell the derivative when in an asset position (when the Company would be owed money under the derivative in a termination) or transfer the derivative when in a liability position (when the Company would owe money under the derivative in a termination). Changes in the fair value of derivatives, exclusive of insured derivatives, are recorded each period in current earnings within “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” or in shareholders’ equity within “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” depending on whether the derivative is designated as a hedge, and if so designated, the type of hedge.

 

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4. Insured Credit Derivatives

The majority of our derivative exposure is in the form of credit derivative instruments insured by MBIA Corp. Prior to 2008, MBIA Corp. insured CDSs entered into by LaCrosse Financial Products LLC (“LaCrosse”), an entity that is consolidated into MBIA’s financial statements under the FIN 46(R) criteria. In February 2008, we ceased insuring such derivative instruments except in transactions reducing our existing insured derivative exposure.

In most cases, our insured credit derivatives are measured at fair value as they do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception under SFAS 133. Because our insured derivatives are highly customized and there is generally no observable market for these derivatives, we estimate their value in a hypothetical market based on internal and third-party models simulating what a bond insurer would charge to guarantee the transaction at the measurement date. This pricing would be based on expected loss of the exposure calculated using the value of the underlying collateral within the transaction structure.

Description of MBIA’s Insured Credit Derivatives

The majority of MBIA’s insured credit derivatives reference structured pools of cash securities and CDSs. We generally insured the most senior liabilities of such transactions, and at transaction closing our exposure generally had more subordination than needed to achieve triple-A ratings from credit rating agencies (referred to as “Super Triple-A” exposure). The gross notional amount of such transactions totaled $133.6 billion as of June 30, 2009. The collateral backing our insured derivatives was cash securities and CDSs referencing primarily corporate, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans, and CDO securities.

Most of MBIA’s insured CDS contracts require that MBIA make payments for losses of the principal outstanding under the contracts when losses on the underlying referenced collateral exceed a predetermined deductible. The total notional amount and MBIA’s maximum payment obligation under these contracts as of June 30, 2009 was $79.1 billion. The underlying referenced collateral for contracts executed in this manner largely consist of investment grade corporate debt, structured commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) pools and, to a lesser extent, corporate and multi-sector CDOs (in CDO-squared transactions).

We also have guarantees under principal protection fund programs, which are also accounted for as derivatives. Under these programs we guaranteed the return of principal to investors and are protected by a daily portfolio rebalancing obligation that is designed to minimize the risk of loss to MBIA. As of June 30, 2009, the maximum amount of future payments that the Company would be required to make under these guarantees was $49 million, but we have not made any payments to date relating to these guarantees. The unrealized gains (losses) on these derivatives for the years ended 2007 and 2008 and the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $0, reflecting the extremely remote likelihood that MBIA will incur a loss.

Changes in fair value of the insured derivatives are recorded in “Net change in fair value of insured derivatives.” The net change in the fair value of our insured derivatives has two primary components; (i) realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives and (ii) unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives. “Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives” include (i) net premiums received and receivable on written CDS contracts, (ii) net premiums paid and payable to reinsurers in respect of CDS contracts, (iii) net amounts received or paid on reinsurance commutations, (iv) losses paid and payable to CDS contract counterparties due to the occurrence of a credit event or settlement agreement, (v) losses recovered and recoverable on purchased CDS contracts due to the occurrence of a credit event or commutation agreement and (vi) fees relating to CDS contracts. The “Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives” include all other changes in fair value of the derivative contracts.

Considerations Regarding an Observable Market for MBIA’s Insured Derivatives

In determining fair value, our valuation approach uses observable market prices if available and reliable. Market prices are generally available for traded securities and market standard CDSs but are less available or accurate for highly customized CDSs. Most of the derivative contracts we insure are the latter as they are non-traded structured credit derivative transactions. In contrast, typical market CDSs are standardized, liquid instruments that reference tradable securities such as corporate bonds that themselves have observable prices. These market standard CDSs also involve collateral posting, and upon a default of the underlying reference obligation, can be settled in cash.

 

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MBIA’s insured CDS contracts do not contain typical CDS market standard features as they have been designed to replicate our financial guarantee insurance policies. At inception of the transactions, our insured CDS instruments provided protection on pools of securities or CDSs with either a stated deductible or subordination beneath the MBIA-insured tranche. We are not required to post collateral in any circumstances. Payment by MBIA under an insured CDS is due after the aggregate amount of defaults on the underlying reference obligations, based on a fair value determination with respect to each defaulted reference obligation, exceed the deductible or subordination in the transaction. Once such defaults exceed the deductible or the subordination MBIA is obligated to pay the fair value, as determined under the ISDA contract, of any subsequent reference obligations that default. Some contracts also provide for further deferrals of payment at our option. In the event of MBIA Corp.’s failure to pay a claim under the insured CDS or the insolvency of MBIA, the insured CDS contract provides that the counterparty can terminate the CDS and make a claim for the amount due, which would be based on the fair value of the insured CDS at such time. An additional difference between our CDS and typical market standard contracts is that our contract, like our financial guarantee contracts, cannot be accelerated by the counterparty in the ordinary course of business. Similar to our financial guarantee insurance, all insured CDS policies are unconditional and irrevocable and our obligations thereunder cannot be transferred unless the transferees are also licensed to write financial guarantee insurance policies. Note that since insured CDS contracts are accounted for as derivatives under SFAS 133, the Company did not defer the charges associated with underwriting the CDS policies and they were expensed at origination.

Our payment obligations are structured to prevent large one-time claims upon an event of default of underlying reference obligations and to allow for payments over time (i.e. “pay-as-you-go” basis) or at final maturity. However, the size of payments will ultimately depend on the timing and magnitude of losses. There are three types of payment provisions:

 

  (i) timely interest and ultimate principal;

 

  (ii) ultimate principal only at final maturity; and

 

  (iii) payments upon settlement of individual referenced collateral losses in excess of policy-specific deductibles and subordination. The deductible or loss threshold is the amount of losses experienced with respect to the underlying or referenced collateral that would be required to occur before a claim against an MBIA insurance policy can be made.

MBIA had transferred some of the risk of loss on these contracts using reinsurance to other financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance companies. The fair value of the transfer under the reinsurance contract with the reinsurers is accounted for as a derivative asset. These derivative assets are valued consistently with our SFAS 157 valuation policies.

Valuation Modeling of MBIA-Insured Derivatives

As a result of the significant differences between market standard CDS contracts and the CDS contracts insured by MBIA, we believe there are no relevant third-party exit value market observations for our insured structured credit derivative contracts and, therefore, no principal market as described in SFAS 157. In the absence of a principal market, we value these insured credit derivatives in a hypothetical market where market participants are assumed to be other comparably-rated primary financial guarantors. Since there are no observable transactions in the financial guarantee market that could be used to value our transactions, we generally use internal and third-party models, depending on the type and structure of the contract, to estimate the fair value of our insured derivatives.

Our primary model for insured CDSs simulates what a bond insurer would charge to guarantee a transaction at the measurement date, based on the market-implied default risk of the underlying collateral and the remaining structural protection in a deductible or subordination. This approach assumes that bond insurers would be willing to accept these contracts from us at a price equal to what they could issue them for in the current market. While the premium charged by financial guarantors is not a direct input into our model, the model estimates such premium and this premium increases as the probability of loss increases, driven by various factors including rising credit spreads, negative credit migration, lower recovery rates, lower diversity score and erosion of deductible or subordination.

1. Valuation Model Overview

Approximately 99.3% of the balance sheet fair value of insured credit derivatives as of June 30, 2009 is valued using the BET model, which is a probabilistic approach to calculating expected loss on our exposure based on market variables for underlying referenced collateral. The BET was originally developed by Moody’s to estimate a probability distribution of losses on a diverse pool of assets. We have made modifications to this technique in an effort to incorporate more market information and provide more flexibility in handling pools of dissimilar assets: a) we use market credit spreads to determine default probability instead of using historical loss experience, and b) for collateral pools where the spread distribution is characterized by extremes, we model each segment of the pool individually instead of using an overall pool average.

There are three steps within BET modeling to arrive at fair value for a structured transaction: pool loss estimation, loss allocation to separate tranches of the capital structure and calculation of the change in value.

 

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The pool loss estimation is calculated by reference to the following (described in further detail under “Model Inputs” below):

 

   

credit spreads of the underlying collateral. This is based on actual spreads or spreads on similar collateral with similar ratings, or in some cases is benchmarked,

 

   

diversity score of the collateral pool as an indication of correlation of collateral defaults, and

 

   

recovery rate for all defaulted collateral.

 

   

Losses are allocated to specific tranches of the transaction according to their subordination level within the capital structure.

 

   

For example, if the expected total collateral pool loss is 4% and the transaction has an equity tranche and three progressively more senior C, B, and A tranches with corresponding underlying subordination levels of 0%, 3%, 5% and 10%, then the 4% loss will have the greatest impact on the equity tranche. It will have a lower, but significant impact on the C tranche and a lesser impact on the B tranche. MBIA usually insures the Super Triple-A tranche with lowest exposure to collateral losses due to the underlying subordination provided by all junior tranches.

 

   

At any point in time, the unrealized gain or loss on a transaction is the difference between the original price of the risk (the original market-implied expected loss) and the current price of the risk based on the assumed market-implied expected losses derived from the model.

Additional structural assumptions of the model worth noting are listed below:

 

   

Default probability is determined by three factors: credit spread, recovery rate after default and the time period under risk.

 

   

Defaults are modeled spaced out evenly over time.

 

   

Collateral is generally considered on an average basis rather than being modeled separately.

 

   

Correlation is modeled using a diversity score, which is calculated based on rules regarding industry or sector concentrations. Recovery rates are based on historical averages and updated based on market evidence.

The Company reviews the model results on a quarterly basis to assess the appropriateness of the assumptions and results in light of current market activity and conditions. This review is performed by internal staff with relevant expertise. If live market spreads are observable for similar transactions, those spreads are an integral part of the analysis. For example, new insured transactions that resemble existing (previously insured) transactions would be considered, as would negotiated settlements of existing transactions. However, this data has been scarce or non-existent in recent periods. As a result, our recent reviews have focused more on internal consistency and relativity, as well as the reasonableness of modeled results given current market conditions.

2. Model Strengths and Weaknesses

The primary strengths of this CDS valuation model are:

 

  1) The model takes account of transaction structure and key drivers of market value. The transaction structure includes par insured, weighted average life, level of deductible or subordination and composition of collateral.

 

  2) The model is a well-documented, consistent approach to marking positions that minimizes the level of subjectivity. Model structure, inputs and operation are well documented both by Moody’s and by MBIA’s internal controls, creating a strong controls process in execution of the model. We have also developed a hierarchy for usage of various market-based spread inputs that reduces the level of subjectivity, especially during periods of high illiquidity.

 

  3) The model uses market inputs with the most relevant being credit spreads for underlying referenced collateral, assumed recovery rates specific to the type and rating of referenced collateral, and the diversity score of the entire collateral pool. These are key parameters affecting the fair value of the transaction and all inputs are market-based whenever available and reliable.

The primary weaknesses of this CDS valuation model are:

 

  1) There is no longer a market in which to test and verify the fair values generated by our model, and at June 30, 2009, the model inputs were also either unobservable or highly illiquid, adversely impacting their reliability.

 

  2) There are diverse approaches to estimating fair value of such transactions among other financial guarantee insurance companies.

 

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  3) Results may be affected by averaging of spreads and use of a single diversity factor, rather than using specific spreads for each piece of underlying collateral and collateral-specific correlation assumptions. While more specific data could improve the reliability of the results, it is not currently available and neither is a model that could produce more reliable results in the absence of that data.

3. Model Inputs

Specific detail regarding these model inputs are listed below:

a. Credit spreads

The average spread of collateral is a key input as we assume credit spreads reflect the market’s assessment of default probability for each piece of collateral. Spreads are obtained from market data sources published by third parties (e.g. dealer spread tables for assets most closely resembling collateral within our transactions) as well as collateral-specific spreads on the underlying reference obligations provided by trustees or market sources. Also, when these sources are not available, we benchmark spreads for collateral against market spreads, including in some cases, assumed relationships between the two spreads. This data is reviewed on an ongoing basis for reasonableness and applicability to our derivative portfolio. We also calculate spreads based on quoted prices and on internal assumptions about expected life, when pricing information is available and spread information is not.

The actual calculation of pool average spread varies depending on whether we are able to use collateral-specific credit spreads or generic spreads as an input.

 

   

If collateral-specific spreads are available, the spread for each individual piece of collateral is identified and a weighted average is calculated by weighting each spread by the corresponding par exposure.

 

   

If collateral-specific credit spreads are not available, we use generic spread tables based on asset class and average rating of the collateral pool. Average credit rating for the collateral is calculated from the weighted average rating factor (“WARF”) for the collateral portfolio and then mapped to an appropriate spread. WARF is based on a 10,000 point scale designed by Moody’s where lower numbers indicate better credit quality. Ratings are not spaced equally on this scale because the marginal difference in default probability at higher rating quality is much less than at lower rating levels. We obtain WARF from the most recent trustee’s report or we calculate it based on the collateral credit ratings. For a WARF calculation, we identify the credit ratings of all collateral (using, in order of preference as available, Moody’s, S&P or Fitch ratings), then convert those credit ratings into a rating factor on the WARF scale, average those factors (weighted by par) to create a portfolio WARF, and then map the portfolio WARF back into an average credit rating for the pool. We then apply this pool rating to a market spread table or index appropriate for the collateral type to determine the generic spread for the pool, which becomes the market-implied default input into the BET model.

 

   

If there is a high dispersion of ratings within a collateral pool, the collateral is segmented into different rating buckets and each bucket is used in calculating the overall average.

 

   

When spreads are not available on either a collateral-specific basis or ratings-based generic basis, MBIA uses its hierarchy of spread sources (see below) to identify the most appropriate spread for that asset class to be used in the model.

We use the spread hierarchy listed below in determining which source of spread information to use, with the rule being to use CDS spreads where available and cash security spreads as the next alternative. Cash spreads reflect trading activity in funded fixed-income instruments while CDS spreads reflect trading levels for non-funded derivative instruments. While both markets are driven partly by an assessment of the credit quality of the referenced security, there are factors which create significant differences, such as CDS spreads can be driven by speculative activity since the CDS market facilitates both long and short positions without ownership of the underlying security, allowing for significant leverage.

Spread Hierarchy:

 

  1) Actual collateral-specific credit spreads. If up-to-date and reliable market-based spreads are available, they are used.

 

  2) Sector-specific spreads (JP Morgan and Banc of America Securities-Merrill Lynch (“BAS-ML”) spread tables by asset class and rating).

 

  3) Corporate spreads (Bloomberg and Risk Metrics spread tables based on rating).

 

  4) Benchmark from most relevant spread source (for example, if no specific spreads are available and corporate spreads are not directly relevant, an assumed relationship is used between corporate spreads or sector-specific spreads and collateral spreads). Benchmarking can also be based on a combination of market spread data and fundamental credit assumptions.

 

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For example, if current market-based spreads are not available then we apply either sector-specific spreads from spread tables provided by dealers or corporate cash spread tables. The sector-specific spread applied depends on the nature of the underlying collateral. Transactions with corporate collateral use the corporate spread table. Transactions with asset-backed collateral use one or more of the dealer asset-backed tables. If there are no observable market spreads for the specific collateral, and sector-specific and corporate spread tables are not appropriate to estimate the spread for a specific type of collateral, we use the fourth alternative in our hierarchy. An example is tranched corporate collateral, where we apply corporate spreads as an input with an adjustment for our tranched exposure.

As of June 30, 2009, actual collateral credit spreads were used in one transaction. Sector-specific spreads were used in 19% of the transactions. Corporate spreads were used in 29% of the transactions and spreads benchmarked from the most relevant spread source (number 4 above) were used for 52% of the transactions. When determining the percentages above, there were some transactions where MBIA incorporated multiple levels within the hierarchy. For example, for some transactions MBIA used actual collateral-specific credit spreads (number 1 above) in combination with a calculated spread based on an assumed relationship (number 4 above). In those cases, MBIA classified the transaction as being benchmarked from the most relevant spread source (number 4 above) even though the majority of the average spread was from actual collateral-specific spreads. The spread source can also be identified by whether or not it is based on collateral WARF. No Level 1 spreads are based on WARF, all Level 2 and 3 spreads are based on WARF and some Level 4 spreads are based on WARF. WARF-sourced and/or ratings-sourced credit spread was used for 94% of the transactions.

In the second quarter of 2009, a reliable source of current credit spreads for RMBS and ABS CDO collateral was not identified as the previous sources stopped publishing this information. These spreads are primarily used as inputs for valuing our insured multi-sector CDO transactions. As a result, we used the spreads reported at the end of the first quarter of 2009 to calculate the estimated fair value of these transactions. We believe this is a reasonable estimate because credit trends and market conditions did not change significantly during the second quarter of 2009 and the BET model is not very sensitive to changes in credit spreads for these transactions when spreads are at extreme levels. We are exploring alternative valuation models for these transactions that do not require a credit spread input, which may be used in future periods.

Over time the data inputs change as new sources become available, existing sources are discontinued or are no longer considered to be reliable or the most appropriate. It is always our objective to move to higher levels on the hierarchy, but we sometimes move to lower priority inputs because of discontinued data sources or because we consider higher priority inputs no longer representative of market spreads. This occurs when transaction volume changes such that a previously used spread index is no longer viewed to reflect current market levels, as was the case for CMBS collateral in insured CDSs beginning in 2008. Refer to section “Input Adjustments for Insured CMBS Derivatives in the Current Market” below.

b. Diversity Scores

The diversity score is a measure to estimate the diversification in a portfolio. The diversity score estimates the number of uncorrelated assets that are assumed to have the same loss distribution as the actual portfolio of correlated assets. For example, if a portfolio of 100 assets had a diversity score of 50, this means that the 100 correlated assets are assumed to have the same loss distribution as 50 uncorrelated assets. A lower diversity score represents higher assumed correlation, increasing the chances of a large number of defaults, and thereby increasing the risk of loss in the senior tranche. A lower diversity score will generally have a negative impact on the valuation for our senior tranche. The calculation methodology for a diversity score includes the extent to which a portfolio is diversified by industry or asset class, which is either calculated internally or reported by the trustee on a regular basis. Diversity scores are calculated at transaction origination, and adjusted as the collateral pool changes over time. MBIA’s internal modeling of the diversity score is based on Moody’s methodology but uses MBIA’s internal assumptions on default correlation, including variables such as collateral rating and amount, asset type and remaining life.

c. Recovery Rate

The recovery rate represents the percentage of par expected to be recovered after an asset defaults, indicating the severity of a potential loss. MBIA generally uses rating agency recovery assumptions which may be adjusted to account for differences between the characteristics and performance of the collateral used by the rating agencies and the actual collateral in MBIA-insured transactions. We may also adjust rating agency assumptions based on the performance of the collateral manager and on empirical market data. In the first six months of 2009, we lowered recovery rates for CMBS collateral and certain RMBS collateral.

 

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d. Input Adjustments for Insured CMBS Derivatives in the Current Market

Approximately $46.7 billion gross par of MBIA’s insured derivative transactions as of June 30, 2009 include substantial amounts of CMBS and commercial mortgage collateral. Prior to 2008 we had used spreads drawn from CMBX indices and CMBS spread tables as pricing input on the underlying referenced collateral in these transactions. In 2008, as the financial markets became illiquid, we observed a significant disconnect between cumulative loss expectations of market analysts on underlying commercial mortgages and loss expectations implied by the CMBX indices and CMBS spread tables. CMBS collateral in MBIA’s insured credit derivatives has performed in line with the market.

In addition, due to financial market uncertainty since last year, transaction volume in CMBS and trading activity in the CMBX were both dramatically lower than in prior periods. We also considered that the implied loss rates within the CMBX index were much higher than that forecast by fundamental researchers and MBIA’s internal analysis. As a result of these issues, we concluded that the CMBX indices and the CMBS spread tables were unreliable model inputs for the purpose of estimating fair value in our hypothetical market among monoline insurers.

In the first quarter of 2008, we modified the spread used for these transactions to reflect a combination of market spread pricing and third-party fundamental analysis of CMBS credit. Our revised spread input is a CMBX index analog that combines expectations for CMBS credit performance (as forecasted by the average of three investment banks’ research departments) together with the illiquidity premium implied by the CMBX indices. The illiquidity premium we use is the senior triple-A tranche spread of the CMBX index that matches the origination vintage of collateral in each transaction. For example, collateral originated in the second half of 2006 uses the triple-A tranche spread of the CMBX series 1 as the illiquidity premium. The sum of the illiquidity premium plus the derived credit spread based on the average cumulative net loss estimates of three investment bank’s research department is used as a CMBX analog index.

e. Nonperformance Risk

In compliance with the requirements of SFAS 157, our valuation methodology for insured credit derivative liabilities incorporates the Company’s own nonperformance risk and the nonperformance risk of its reinsurers. We calculate the fair value by discounting the market value loss estimated through the BET model at discount rates which include MBIA Corp.’s and the reinsurers’ CDS spreads at June 30, 2009. Prior to the second quarter of 2009, MBIA used the 5-year CDS spread on MBIA Corp. to calculate nonperformance risk. This assumption was compatible with the average life of the CDS portfolio, which was approximately 5 years. In the second quarter of 2009, we have refined this approach to include a full term structure for CDS spreads. Under the refined approach, the CDS spreads assigned to each deal are based on the weighted average life of the deal. The use of CDS spreads based on the weighted average life of deals resulted in an increase of $333 million in our derivative liability compared to the liability that would have resulted if we had continued to use MBIA’s 5-year CDS spread for all transactions.

In light of recent developments in the CDS and recovery derivative markets for MBIA, in the first six months of 2009, we limited the effective spread on CDS on MBIA so that the derivative liability, after giving effect to nonperformance risk, could not be lower than MBIA’s recovery derivative price multiplied by the unadjusted derivative liability. In the second quarter of 2009, the limitation caused by the use of MBIA’s recovery rate increased the derivative liability by $1.0 billion compared to the amount that would have resulted if no limitation had been applied.

In aggregate, the nonperformance calculation results in a pre-tax derivative liability which is $14.0 billion lower than the liability that would have been estimated if we did not include nonperformance risk in our valuation. Nonperformance risk is a fair value concept and does not contradict the Company’s internal view, based on fundamental credit analysis of our economic condition, that the Company will be able to pay all claims when due.

The Company believes that it is important to consistently apply its valuation techniques. However, we may consider making changes in the valuation technique if the change results in a measurement that is equally or more representative of fair value under current circumstances.

 

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Fair Value Hierarchy – Level 3

SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Instruments that trade infrequently and therefore have little or no price transparency are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Also included in Level 3 are financial instruments that have significant unobservable inputs deemed significant to the instrument’s overall fair value. The following table presents the fair values of assets and liabilities recorded on our consolidated balance sheet that are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, along with a brief description of the valuation technique for each type of asset and liability:

 

In millions

      June 30, 2009      

Valuation Technique

Investments:

   

  U.S. Treasury and government agency

  $ 6   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

  Foreign governments

    70   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

  Corporate obligations

    371  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

  Mortgage-backed securities

   

    Residential mortgage-backed agency

    98   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

    Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

    252   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

    Commercial mortgage-backed

    37   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

  Asset-backed securities

   

    Collateralized debt obligations

    585  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

    Other asset-backed

    389  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

  State and municipal bonds

   

    Tax exempt bonds

    74   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

    Taxable bonds

    44   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

  Perpetual preferred securities

    44   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

Other investments

    25  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

Derivative assets

    746  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

 

       

Total Level 3 assets at fair value

  $             2,741  
       

Medium-term notes

    122  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

 

Derivative liabilities

    4,137  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

 

       

Total Level 3 liabilities at fair value

  $ 4,259  
       

 

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In millions

      December 31, 2008      

Valuation Technique

Investments:

   

  U.S. Treasury and government agency

  $ 32   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

  Foreign governments

    130   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

  Corporate obligations

    587  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

  Mortgage-backed securities

   

    Residential mortgage-backed agency

    156   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

    Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

    397   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

    Commercial mortgage-backed

    37   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

  Asset-backed securities

   

    Collateralized debt obligations

    918  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

    Other asset-backed

    540  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

  State and municipal bonds

   

    Tax exempt bonds

    49   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

    Taxable bonds

    46   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

  Perpetual preferred securities

    45   Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable

Other investments

    58  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

Derivative assets

    807  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

 

       

Total Level 3 assets at fair value

  $             3,802  
       

Medium-term notes

  $ 176  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

Derivative liabilities

    6,305  

Quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation

models with significant unobservable inputs

 

       

Total Level 3 liabilities at fair value

  $ 6,481  
       

Level 3 assets were $2.7 billion and $3.8 billion as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, and represented approximately 18% and 21% of total assets measured at fair value, respectively. Level 3 liabilities were $4.3 billion and $6.5 billion as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, and represented approximately 98% and 97% of total liabilities measured at fair value, respectively.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $57 million and $323 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. These transfers were principally for available-for-sale securities where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable during the period. These inputs included spreads, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. Foreign governments and corporate obligations comprised the majority of the transferred instruments. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the net unrealized gains related to the transfers into Level 3 was $15 million and the net unrealized gains related to the transfers out of Level 3 was $31 million.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $769 million and $857 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. These transfers were principally for available-for-sale securities where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable or unobservable during the period. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. Corporate obligations, CMBS and CDOs comprised the majority of the transferred instruments. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the net unrealized losses related to the transfers into Level 3 was $35 million and the net unrealized losses related to the transfers out of Level 3 was $43 million.

 

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Fair Value Control Processes

The majority of pricing for investments is provided by third-party providers who use their own data sources and models to arrive at fair value pricing for each security. Refer to “Financial Assets” above for a discussion on the use of pricing services and brokers, as well as the validation procedures performed.

With respect to insured credit derivatives, we use a fair value validation process. We review the model results on a quarterly basis to assess the appropriateness of the assumptions and results in light of current market activity and conditions. This review is performed by internal staff with relevant expertise. If live market spreads are observable for similar transactions, those spreads are an integral part of the analysis. For example, new insured transactions that resemble existing (previously insured) transactions would be considered, as would negotiated settlements of existing transactions. However, there have been no new insured transactions in recent periods. There were several insured CDS transactions that MBIA commuted or were terminated during the second quarter of 2009. In those cases, MBIA did not make any payment to the counterparties. As a result, the termination amounts were lower than our derivative liability. However, we did not use these transactions to adjust the valuation of other insured derivatives because we determined that there were unique characteristics to the terminated transactions that did not apply to the remaining portfolio. As a result of very limited observable activity, our recent reviews have focused more on internal consistency and relativity, as well as the reasonableness of modeled results given current market conditions.

Refer to the “Market Risk” section included herein for a further discussion of how the Company manages the risks inherent in its financial instruments.

Premium Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes premium revenue in accordance with the guidance provided by SFAS 163. SFAS 163 requires financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance contracts issued by insurance enterprises to recognize and measure premium revenue based on the amount of insurance protection provided to the period in which the insurance protection is provided. Premium revenue is measured by applying a constant rate to the insured principal amount outstanding in a given period to recognize a proportionate share of the premium received or expected to be received on a financial guarantee insurance contract. A constant rate for each respective financial guarantee insurance contract is determined as the ratio of (a) the present value of premium received or expected to be received over the period of the contract to (b) the sum of all insured principal amounts outstanding during each period over the term of the contract. As premium revenue is recognized, unearned premium revenue liability is reduced.

An issuer of an insured financial obligation may retire the obligation prior to its scheduled maturity through legal defeasance in satisfaction of the obligation according to its indenture, which results in the Company’s obligation being extinguished under the financial guarantee contract. The Company recognizes any remaining unearned premium revenue on the insured obligation as premium revenue in the period the contract is extinguished to the extent the unearned premium revenue has been collected.

Non-refundable commitment fees are considered insurance premiums and are initially recorded under unearned premium revenue in the consolidated balance sheets when received. Once the related financial guarantee insurance policy is issued, the commitment fees are recognized as premium written and earned using the constant rate method. If the commitment agreement expires before the related financial guarantee is issued, the non-refundable commitment fee is immediately recognized as premium written and earned at that time.

Deferred Income Taxes

As of June 30, 2009, we reported a net deferred tax asset of $1.3 billion primarily related to the unrealized losses recorded on the Company’s derivative and investment portfolios. With respect to temporary differences related to insured CDS contracts, on a pre-tax basis, the Company estimates that it is more likely than not the entire amount of such benefit will be utilized in future periods as an offset to ordinary income and has not established a valuation allowance. However, since the federal income tax treatment for CDS contracts is an unsettled area of tax law, in the event that the Internal Revenue Service has a different view than the Company, such that insured CDS losses are considered capital losses, the Company would be required to establish a valuation allowance against substantially all of the deferred tax asset related to these losses. With respect to realized capital losses on the disposal and impairment of investments in the asset/liability products segment’s investment portfolio, the Company established a valuation allowance of $412 million as of June 30, 2009, which is included in the net deferred tax asset of $1.3 billion. Refer to “Note 11: Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about the Company’s deferred income taxes.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Refer to “Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion about accounting standards recently adopted by the Company, as well as recent accounting developments relating to standards not yet adopted by the Company.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary of Consolidated Results

The following tables present a summary of our consolidated financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

         Three Months Ended June 30,      

In millions (except per share amounts)

  

 

2009

   

 

2008

 

Total revenues

   $ 992      $ 3,355   

Total expenses

     (511     420   
                

Pre-tax income (loss)

     1,503        2,935   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     605        1,235   
                

Net income (loss)

   $ 898      $ 1,700   
                

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $ 895      $ 1,700   
                

Net income (loss) per diluted common share

   $                 4.30      $                 7.14   
     Six Months Ended June 30,  

In millions (except per share amounts)

  

 

2009

   

 

2008

 

Total revenues

   $ 2,921      $ 412   

Total expenses

     433        1,176   
                

Pre-tax income (loss)

     2,488        (764

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     889        (58
                

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,599      $ (706
                

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

   $ 1,591      $ (706
                

Net income (loss) per diluted common share

   $ 7.64      $ (3.33

 

    

The Company recorded net income available to common shareholders for the three months ended June 30, 2009 of $895 million compared with net income available to common shareholders of $1.7 billion for same period of 2008. Net income per diluted common share was $4.30 for the second quarter of 2009 compared with net income per diluted common share of $7.14 for the same period of 2008. Weighted average shares diluted outstanding totaled 208 million in the second quarter of 2009, down 13% from the same period of 2008 as a result of repurchases of stock.

Consolidated revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2009 decreased 70% to $992 million from $3.4 billion for the same period of 2008. The decrease in our consolidated revenues reflects a $2.9 billion reduction in unrealized gains on insured credit derivatives and a $238 million reduction in net investment income. These reductions were partially offset by net gains on securities sales and fewer losses from the write-down of impaired securities in the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared with the same period of 2008.

Consolidated expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were a negative expense of $511 million compared with expense of $420 million for the same period of 2008. The negative expense in 2009 reflects negative loss and LAE of $729 million as a result of recording anticipated recoveries on our residential mortgage-backed insured exposure. Additionally, interest expense decreased $195 million due to the decline in outstanding debt within our investment management services operations over the last several quarters.

The Company recorded net income available to common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2009 of $1.6 billion compared with a net loss of $706 million for same period of 2008. Net income per diluted common share was $7.64 for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared with net loss per diluted common share of $3.33 for the same period of 2008. Weighted average shares diluted outstanding totaled 208 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, down 2% from the same period of 2008 as a result of repurchases of stock.

 

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Consolidated revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $2.9 billion compared with $412 million for the same period of 2008. The increase in our consolidated revenues reflects an unrealized gain on insured credit derivatives of $2.0 billion within our insurance operations in 2009 compared with an unrealized loss of $253 million in 2008. Additionally, net realized losses from securities sales and losses from the write-down of impaired securities decreased, partially offset by a decrease in net investment income, in 2009 compared with 2008.

Consolidated expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $433 million compared with $1.2 billion for the same period of 2008. The decrease in our consolidated expenses resulted from a decrease in interest expense due to the decline in outstanding debt within our investment management services operations over the last several quarters and anticipated recoveries on our residential mortgage-backed insured exposure recorded in loss and LAE in the second quarter of 2009.

Our consolidated book value (total shareholders’ equity) was $2.8 billion as of June 30, 2009, increasing from $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2008. Our consolidated book value per share as of June 30, 2009 was $13.38 reflecting an increase from $4.92 as of December 31, 2008.

U.S. Public Finance Insurance and Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations

As described in the previous “Business Description” section, in the first quarter of 2009 we separated our insurance operations into two segments; U.S. public finance insurance and structured finance and international insurance. However, in order to provide a basis of comparison for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, we have combined the results of our U.S public finance insurance and structured finance and international insurance segments in the discussions that follow. Where practical, we have provided information about the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 separately for our U.S. public finance insurance segment and our structured finance and international insurance segment. Additionally, the results presented in this section include revenues and expenses from transactions with our investment management services and corporate operations:

 

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    Three Months Ended June 30,      
   

 

    2009

   

 

2008

     

In millions

  U.S. Public
Finance
 

 

Structured
Finance and
International

      Eliminations      

 

Combined
Insurance
Operations

    Insurance
Operations
  Percent
  Change 2009  
vs. 2008
 

Net premiums written

  $ 7   $ 8      $ -      $ 15      $ 117   -87

Premiums earned

  $ 133   $ 81      $ (32   $ 182      $ 242   -25

Net investment income

    60     84        -        144        148   -2

Fees and reimbursements

    0     48        (35     13        2   n/m   

Realized gains (losses) and other

settlements on insured derivatives

    0     32        -        32        34   -6

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured

derivatives

    0     424        -        424        3,325   -87
                                         

Net change in fair value of insured

derivatives

    0     456        -        456        3,359   -87

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and foreign

exchange

    -     12        -        12        102   -88

Net realized gains (losses)

    7     1        -        8        23   -67

Investment losses - other-than-

temporary impairments

    -     (91     -        (91     -   -100

Non-credit related losses on

investments not expected to be sold

(recognized in accumulated other

comprehensive loss)

    -     85        -        85        -   100
                                         

Net investment losses - other-

than-temporary impairments

    -     (6     -        (6     -   -100

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

    -     -        -        -        -   0
                                         

Total revenues

    200     676        (67     809        3,876   -79
                                         

Losses and loss adjustment

    5     (735     -        (730     22   n/m   

Amortization of deferred acquisition

costs

    28     59        (61     26        23   13

Operating

    21     39        (6     54        41   30

Interest

    -     53        -        53        47   14
                                         

Total expenses

    54     (584     (67     (597     133   n/m   
                                         

Pre-tax income (loss)

  $             146   $             1,260      $             -      $             1,406      $             3,743               -62
                                         

 

n/m -  Percentage change not meaningful.

  

 

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    Six Months Ended June 30,        
   

 

2009

   

 

2008

       

In millions

  U.S. Public
Finance
   

 

Structured
Finance and
International

      Eliminations      

 

Combined
Insurance
Operations

    Insurance
Operations
    Percent
  Change 2009  
vs. 2008
 

Net premiums written

  $ (2   $ (22   $ -      $ (24   $ 223      -111

Premiums earned

  $ 283      $ 201      $ (69   $ 415      $ 406      2

Net investment income

    91        191        -        282        301      -6

Fees and reimbursements

    1        90        (67     24        2      n/m   

Realized gains (losses) and other

settlements on insured derivatives

    0        64        -        64        68      -6

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured

derivatives

    0        2,033        -        2,033        (253   n/m   
                                             

Net change in fair value of insured

derivatives

    0        2,097        -        2,097        (185   n/m   

Net gains (losses) on financial

instruments at fair value and foreign

exchange

    -        12        -        12        162      -92

Net realized gains (losses)

    7        9        -        16        42      -62

Investment losses - other-than-

temporary impairments

    -        (125     -        (125     -      -100

Non-credit related losses on

investments not expected to be sold

(recognized in accumulated other

comprehensive loss)

    -        85        -        85        -      100
                                             

Net investment losses - other-

than-temporary impairments

    -        (40     -        (40     -      -100

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

    -        0        -        -        -      0
                                             

Total revenues

    382        2,560        (136     2,806        728      n/m   
                                             

Losses and loss adjustment

    63        (99     -        (36     310      -111

Amortization of deferred acquisition

costs

    57        116        (126     47        39      21

Operating

    28        105        (10     123        87      40

Interest

    -        108        -        108        93      16
                                             

Total expenses

    148        230        (136     242        529      -54
                                             

Pre-tax income (loss)

  $             234      $             2,330      $             -      $             2,564      $             199                  n/m   
                                             

 

n/m -  Percentage change not meaningful.

  

 

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

 

Gross premiums written (“GPW”) and net premiums written (“NPW”) on non-derivative financial guarantees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following tables. GPW represents premiums received or due in the current period on upfront policies and the present value of installment premiums expected to be collected in future periods on policies closed in the current period. GPW also reflects changes in actual or expected installment premium collections for policies written in prior periods. NPW represents gross premiums written net of premiums ceded to reinsurers.

 

        Three Months Ended June 30,           Percent Change      

In millions

      2009             2008           2009 vs. 2008      

Gross premiums written:

     

U.S. public finance

  $ 6      $ 32   -80

Structured finance and international

     

  U.S.

    20        53   -62

  Non-U.S.

    (43     52   n/m   
                   

  Total structured finance and international

    (23     105   -122
                   

Total

  $ (17   $ 137   -112
                   

Net premiums written:

     

U.S. public finance

  $ 7      $ 32   -79

Structured finance and international

     

  U.S.

    28        47   -40

  Non-U.S.

    (20     38   n/m   
                   

  Total structured finance and international

    8        85   -90
                   

Total

  $ 15      $ 117   -87
                   

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

  

 

        Six Months Ended June 30,           Percent Change      

In millions

  2009     2008   2009 vs. 2008  

Gross premiums written:

     

U.S. public finance

  $ (2   $ 59   -104

Structured finance and international

     

  U.S.

    2        111   -98

  Non-U.S.

    (54     93   n/m   
                   

  Total structured finance and international

    (52     204   -126
                   

Total

  $ (54   $ 263   -121
                   

Net premiums written:

     

U.S. public finance

  $ (2   $ 56   -104

Structured finance and international

     

  U.S.

    11        97   -89

  Non-U.S.

    (33     70   -147
                   

  Total structured finance and international

    (22     167   -113
                   

Total

  $ (24   $ 223   -111
                   

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

  

 

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

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company did not write any material U.S. public finance insurance or any structured finance and international insurance. The lack of insurance writings in 2009 in each segment reflects the significant decline in demand for MBIA’s insurance by issuers and investors as a result of the insurance financial strength credit ratings downgrades of MBIA Insurance Corporation by the major rating agencies that occurred in 2008 and 2009, and the ratings assigned to National in 2009. The Company does not expect National to write a material amount of new business prior to an upgrade of its insurance financial strength rating by Moody’s to at least the “A” category and market acceptance that such ratings will be stable or higher in the future. The timing of any such upgrade is uncertain and will depend on a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors used by the rating agencies in their evaluation of National, including the resolution of pending litigation. Similarly, the Company does not expect MBIA Corp. to write a material amount of new business prior to an upgrade of its insurance financial strength credit ratings. The likelihood of an upgrade of MBIA Corp.’s insurance financial strength ratings to required levels in the near future is low given its significant exposure to mortgage-related risks, as well as a degradation in other qualitative factors such as its financial flexibility and business franchise value which are considered by the rating agencies in their ratings evaluation process. The amounts presented in the preceding table represent adjustments to premiums on installment policies closed in prior periods due to changes in the expected term of such policies.

Net premiums earned on non-derivative financial guarantees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following tables. Net premiums earned include scheduled premium earnings and premium earnings from refunded issues.

 

        Three Months Ended June 30,           Percent Change      

In millions

  2009   2008       2009 vs. 2008      

Net premiums earned:

     

U.S. public finance

  $ 133   $ 144   -7

Structured finance and international

     

  U.S.

    45     48   -6

  Non-U.S.

    36     50   -28
                 

  Total structured finance and international

    81     98   -17
                 

Total

  $ 214   $ 242   -12
                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,   Percent Change  

In millions

  2009   2008   2009 vs. 2008  

Net premiums earned:

     

U.S. public finance

  $ 283   $ 212   33

Structured finance and international

     

  U.S.

    87     97   -10

  Non-U.S.

    114     97   17
                 

  Total structured finance and international

    201     194   3
                 

Total

  $ 484   $ 406   19
                 

U.S. public finance net premiums earned of $133 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 decreased 7% compared with the same period in 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a $55 million or 65% decline in refunded premiums earned in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the same period of 2008. The decrease is consistent with the overall decline in refundings experienced in the municipal market during 2009. However, the decrease was partially offset by an increase in scheduled premiums earned of $44 million or 73% due to premium earnings on policies assumed from FGIC in the third quarter of 2008. U.S. public finance net premiums earned of $283 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, increased 33% compared with the same period of 2008. The increase was primarily due to premium earnings on policies assumed from FGIC offset by a decrease in refunding activity of $25 million from the same period in 2008. Structured finance and international net premiums earned of $81 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 decreased 17% compared with the same period in 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in structured finance premiums related to applying the earnings methodology prescribed by SFAS 163. For the six months ended June 30, 2009 structured finance and international net premiums earned of $201 million increased 3% compared with the same period in 2008 as a result of the recognition of $45 million of premiums related to the termination of MBIA’s remaining Eurotunnel exposure, partially offset by a reduction in structured finance premiums related to applying the earnings methodology prescribed by SFAS 163.

 

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

 

CREDIT QUALITY Financial guarantee insurance companies use a variety of approaches to assess the underlying credit risk profile of their insured portfolios. MBIA uses both an internally developed credit rating system as well as third-party rating sources in the analysis of credit quality measures of its insured portfolio. In evaluating credit risk, we obtain, when available, the underlying rating of the insured obligation before the benefit of its insurance policy from nationally recognized rating agencies (Moody’s, S&P and Fitch). All references to insured credit quality distributions contained herein reflect the underlying rating levels from these third-party sources. Other companies within the financial guarantee industry may report credit quality information based upon internal ratings that would not be comparable to our presentation.

The following table presents the credit quality distribution of MBIA’s outstanding net par insured as of June 30, 2009 and 2008. All ratings are as of the period presented and represent S&P ratings. If transactions are not rated by S&P, a Moody’s equivalent rating is used. If transactions are not rated by either S&P or Moody’s, an MBIA equivalent rating is used.

 

In millions       June 30, 2009             June 30, 2008      
        Net Par Outstanding             Net Par Outstanding      

Rating

      Amount           %             Amount           %      

U.S. public finance:

       

AAA

  $ 19,295   3.6   $ 10,182   2.6

AA

    245,718   45.7     172,853   43.9

A

    219,290   40.8     160,598   40.8

BBB

    50,471   9.4     46,885   11.9

Below investment grade

    2,684   0.5     2,965   0.8
                       

Total

  $ 537,458   100.0   $ 393,483   100.0
                       

Structured finance and international:

       

AAA

  $ 109,461   50.5   $ 133,979   53.4

AA

    16,359   7.6     22,543   9.0

A

    25,777   11.9     27,322   10.9

BBB

    38,808   17.9     57,346   22.9

Below investment grade

    26,210   12.1     9,558   3.8
                       

Total

  $ 216,615   100.0   $ 250,748   100.0
                       

As of June 30, 2009, total U.S. public finance net par outstanding rated A or above, before giving effect to MBIA’s guarantee, was 90% compared with 87% as of June 30, 2008. The increase reflects the addition of a significant amount of par assumed from FGIC in the third quarter of 2008, which comprised high-quality domestic public finance exposure. As of June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008, net par outstanding rated below investment grade was less than 1%.

As of June 30, 2009, total structured finance and international net par outstanding rated A or above, before giving effect to MBIA’s guarantee, was 70% compared with 73% as of June 30, 2008. Additionally, 12% of net par outstanding was rated below investment grade as of June 30, 2009 compared with 4% as of June 30, 2008. Adverse changes in the ratings of our structured finance and international net par outstanding was principally a result of ratings downgrades on our mortgage-related exposure.

INVESTMENT INCOME Net investment income in our insurance operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 and ending investment asset balances at amortized cost as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are presented in the following tables:

 

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

 

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,      
In millions  

 

2009

 

 

2008

     

Net Investment Income

    U.S. Public  
Finance
  Structured
Finance and
  International  
    Eliminations       Combined  
Insurance
  Operations  
    Insurance  
  Operations  
    Percent Change  
2009 vs. 2008
 

Core net investment income

  $ 60   $ 58   $ -   $ 118   $ 137   -14

VIE investment income

    -     26     -     26     11   134
                                   

Pre-tax investment income

  $ 60   $ 84   $ -   $ 144   $ 148   -2

After-tax investment income

  $ 48   $ 56   $ -   $ 104   $ 118   -12
    Six Months Ended June 30,      
In millions  

 

2009

 

 

2008

     

Net Investment Income

  U.S. Public
Finance
  Structured
Finance and
International
  Eliminations   Combined
Insurance
Operations
  Insurance
Operations
  Percent Change
2009 vs. 2008
 

Core net investment income

  $ 91   $ 144   $ -   $ 235   $ 273   -14

VIE investment income

    -     47     -     47     28   66
                                   

Pre-tax investment income

  $ 91   $ 191   $ -   $ 282   $ 301   -6

After-tax investment income

  $ 73   $ 130   $ -   $ 203   $ 239   -15

 

In millions   June 30, 2009         December 31, 2008      

Investments at Amortized Cost

    U.S. Public  
Finance
  Structured
Finance and
  International  
    Eliminations       Combined  
Insurance
Operations
    Pre-tax  
yield(1)
      Insurance  
Operations
    Pre-tax  
yield(1)
 

Fixed-income securities:

             

Tax-exempt

  $ 2,623   $ 142   $ -   $ 2,765   4.53   $ 3,157   4.49

Taxable

    1,933     1,345     -     3,278   8.19     3,454   5.69

Short-term

    548     1,500     -     2,048   1.05     1,542   2.16
                                 

Total fixed-income

    5,104     2,987     -     8,091   5.13     8,153   4.56
                                 

Other

    -     2,800     -     2,800       1,895  
                                 

Ending asset balances at amortized cost

  $ 5,104   $ 5,787   $ -   $ 10,891     $ 10,048  
                                 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 31   $ 183   $ -   $ 214     $ 1,069  
                                 

 

  (1) - Estimated yield-to-maturity.

  

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, our U.S. public finance insurance investment portfolio generated $60 million and $91 million, respectively, of pre-tax net investment income, excluding net realized gains and losses. Invested assets in this segment were principally funded by capital contributions to National and the assumption of U.S. public finance premiums from MBIA Corp., including those premiums assigned under the reinsurance agreement with FGIC on February 17, 2009. Additionally, National entered into simultaneous repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements with our asset/liability products segment, which provides yield enhancement to our U.S. public finance insurance investment portfolio as a result of increased net interest earnings from these collective agreements. As of June 30, 2009, the notional amount utilized under these agreements was $1.7 billion.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, our structured finance and international insurance investment portfolio generated $84 million and $191 million, respectively, of pre-tax net investment income, excluding net realized gains and losses. Invested assets in this segment were adversely impacted by dividends from MBIA Corp. to MBIA Inc. and the cession of MBIA Corp.’s U.S. public finance business to National on February 17, 2009. Additionally, MBIA Corp. entered into a repurchase agreement with our asset/liability products segment for which interest income on this secured lending arrangement is included in our structured finance and international insurance net investment income. As of June 30, 2009, the amount loaned to our asset/liability products segment under this agreement totaled $2.0 billion.

 

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

 

Our combined insurance pre-tax net investment income, excluding net realized gains and losses, decreased 2% to $144 million from $148 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009. For the first six months of 2009, combined insurance pre-tax net investment income, excluding net realized gains and losses, decreased 6% to $282 million from $301 million for the same period of 2008. The decrease in pre-tax net investment income reflects a decline in average invested assets as a result of loss payments made over the past 12 months and a decline in investment yields as a result of investing in shorter term assets with lower yields. After-tax net investment income decreased 12% and 15% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, compared with the same periods of 2008. The larger decrease in after-tax net investment income resulted from a higher proportion of taxable investments held in the first six months of 2009.

VIE investment income is generated from interest bearing assets held by such entities and supports the payment of interest expense on debt issued by these entities. The increase in VIE interest income primarily resulted from an increase in VIEs consolidated by MBIA Insurance Corporation during the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding interest income related to VIEs, combined insurance net investment income decreased 14% and 14% on a pre-tax basis and 21% and 22% on an after-tax basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2008.

Combined insurance ending assets at amortized cost as of June 30, 2009 increased compared with December 31, 2008 due to a VIE consolidated in the second quarter of 2009. Combined insurance ending asset balances at amortized cost excluding VIE assets were $8.1 billion and $8.2 billion as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Tax-exempt investments represented 34% and 40% of ending asset balances, excluding VIE assets, as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

FEES AND REIMBURSEMENTS For the three months ended June 30, 2009, combined insurance fees and reimbursements were $13 million compared with $2 million for the same period of 2008. The increase principally related to fees collected in connection with the termination of a reinsurance contract. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, combined insurance fees and reimbursements were $24 million compared with $2 million for the same period of 2008. The increase in fees and reimbursements in the six months ended June 30, 2009 also includes an advisory fee on a Latin American infrastructure transaction and an increase in waiver and consent fees related to the ongoing management of our structured finance and international insurance business. Due to the transaction-specific nature inherent in fees and reimbursements, these revenues can vary significantly period to period.

NET CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF INSURED CREDIT DERIVATIVES MBIA has sold credit protection by insuring derivative contracts with various financial institutions. In certain cases, the Company reinsured these policies thereby purchasing credit protection on a portion of the risk written. Substantially all of the Company’s insured derivative exposure was written by its structured finance and international insurance segment. Insured derivatives within the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance segment primarily relate to interest rate swaps that were insured with municipal debt obligations.

Changes in fair value of the insured derivatives are recorded in “Net change in fair value of insured derivatives” in the consolidated statements of operations. The “Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives” include (i) net premiums received and receivable on written CDS contracts, (ii) net premiums paid and payable to reinsurers in respect of CDS contracts, (iii) net amounts received or paid on reinsurance commutations, (iv) losses paid and payable to CDS contract counterparties due to the occurrence of a credit event or settlement agreement, (v) losses recovered and recoverable on purchased CDS contracts due to the occurrence of a credit event or settlement agreement, and (vi) fees relating to CDS contracts. The “Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives” include all other changes in fair value of the derivative contracts. The following tables present the net premiums earned related to derivatives and the components of the net change in fair value of insured derivatives for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

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

 

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,        
    2009   2008        

In millions

  U.S.
Public
  Finance  
  Structured
Finance and
  International  
    Eliminations     Combined
Insurance
  Operations  
  Insurance
  Operations  
    Percent
  Change 2009  
vs. 2008
 

Net Premiums earned on insured derivatives

  $ -   $ 32   $ -   $ 32   $ 34      -6

Realized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

    -     -     -     -     -      0
                                     

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

    -     32     -     32     34      -6

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

    -     424     -     424     3,324      -87
                                     

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

  $ -   $ 456   $ -   $ 456   $ 3,358      -86
                                     
    Six Months Ended June 30,        
    2009   2008        

In millions

  U.S.
Public
  Finance  
  Structured
Finance and
  International  
    Eliminations     Combined
Insurance
  Operations  
  Insurance
  Operations  
    Percent
  Change 2009  
vs. 2008
 

Net Premiums earned on insured derivatives

  $ -   $ 64   $ -   $ 64   $ 68      -6

Realized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

    -     -     -     -     -      0
                                     

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

    -     64     -     64     68      -6

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

    -     2,033     -     2,033     (253   n/m   
                                     

     Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

  $ -   $ 2,097   $ -   $ 2,097   $ (185   n/m   
                                     

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

  

The Company no longer insures new credit derivative contracts except in transactions related to the restructuring or reduction of existing derivative exposure. As a result, premiums earned related to insured credit derivatives will decrease over time as exposure to such transactions declines.

Unrealized gains on insured derivatives for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were $424 million compared with unrealized gains of $3.3 billion in the same period of 2008. Unrealized gains in the second quarter of 2009 were principally due to favorable credit spreads on corporate collateral, the passage of time and a higher discount rate, partially offset by collateral erosion and credit migration. Unrealized gains in the second quarter of 2009 were also offset by the effects of MBIA’s nonperformance risk. Unrealized gains in the second quarter of 2008 were primarily due to the effects of MBIA’s nonperformance risk on MBIA’s derivative liability. Unrealized gains for the six months ended June 30, 2009 of $2.0 billion were primarily due to tighter spreads on corporate collateral, the passage of time and a higher discount rate. These positive effects were partially offset by collateral erosion, credit migration, and lower recovery rates. The effects of MBIA’s nonperformance risk contributed to unrealized gains for the six months ended June 30, 2009. In the second quarter of 2009 unrealized gains on insured credit derivatives would have been approximately $3.6 billion compared to unrealized losses of $52 million in second quarter of 2008, excluding the effects of MBIA’s and reinsurer’s nonperformance risk. As of June 30, 2009, MBIA Corp.’s one to ten year spread ranged from an upfront spread of 34.75% plus 5% per annum to 64.25% upfront plus 5% per annum compared to a 5-year spread of 40.75% upfront plus 5% per annum as of June 30, 2008. In light of recent developments in the CDS and recovery derivative markets for MBIA, in 2009, we limited the effective spread on CDS on MBIA so that the derivative liability, after giving effect to nonperformance risk, could not be lower than MBIA’s recovery derivative price multiplied by the unadjusted derivative liability. This calculation results in a pre-tax derivative liability which is $14.0 billion lower than the liability that would have been estimated if we did not include nonperformance risk in our valuation. The limitation on the effective CDS spread discussed above makes the derivative liability $1.0 billion higher than if the spread were not so limited.

 

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

 

We estimate that additional credit impairments on insured derivatives for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were $287 million across 8 CDO transactions. Cumulative credit impairments on insured derivatives as of June 30, 2009 were estimated at $2.1 billion across 13 CDO transactions, inclusive of four CDO transactions for which we realized net losses of $558 million through negotiated settlements in 2008. Credit impairments on insured derivatives represent the present values of our estimates of expected future claim payments, which may differ from a transaction’s fair value. Insured derivative contracts have similar terms and conditions to the Company’s non-derivative insurance contracts and are evaluated for credit impairment under the same risk monitoring process. The fair value of an insured derivative contract will be influenced by a variety of market and transaction-specific factors that may not result in a claim payment. In the absence of further credit impairment or the termination of derivatives at a loss, the cumulative unrealized losses recorded from fair valuing insured derivatives should reverse at the maturity of these contracts. Additionally, the Company is not required to post collateral to counterparties of these contracts, thereby avoiding liquidity risks typical of standard credit derivative contracts. Refer to “Note 16: Commitment and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about legal actions commenced by MBIA with respect to certain CDS contracts. The outcome of such legal actions may affect the amount of realized losses ultimately incurred by the Company. During the second quarter of 2009, 9 insured credit derivative transactions, representing $9.4 billion in net par outstanding, either matured or were contractually terminated prior to maturity without payments by MBIA.

Costs associated with mitigating credit impairments on insured derivatives are expensed as incurred and included within “Operating expenses” in our consolidated statements of operations. Such costs totaled $2 million and $665 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, and $16 million and $776 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The following table estimates the attribution of the unrealized loss for the three months ended June 30, 2009 by sector and does not represent actual losses paid due to each attribute, which were zero:

 

In millions   Attribute        

Sector

  Spread
  Changes  
    Credit
  Migration  
      Collateral  
Erosion
       Recovery  
Rates
  Time to
  Maturity  
      Change in  
Libor
    Nonperformance  
Risk
       Other         Total    

Multi-sector CDO

  $ 2      $ (85   $ (621    $ -   $ 17      $ 77   $ (51    $ 416      $ (245

Multi-sector CDO-

squared

    (1     (8     4         -     (11     95     (114      65        30   

CRE/CMBS

    540        (85     10         -     194        306     (785      47        227   

Corporate

    2,097        (33     (67      -     231        153     (1,966      (25     390   

Other

    (3     -        6         -     39        12     (216      183        21   
                                                                     

Total

  $ 2,635      $ (211   $ (668    $ -   $ 470      $ 643   $ (3,132    $ 686      $ 423   
                                                                     

The following table estimates the attribution of the unrealized loss for the six months ended June 30, 2009 by sector and does not represent actual losses paid due to each attribute, which were zero:

 

In millions    Attribute     

Sector

   Spread
  Changes  
    Credit
  Migration  
      Collateral  
Erosion
      Recovery  
Rates
    Time to
  Maturity  
      Change in  
Libor
     Nonperformance  
Risk
      Other        Total  

Multi-sector CDO

   $ (23   $ (144   $ (1,075   $ (80   $ 26      $ 85    $ 1,305      $ 630    $ 724

Multi-sector CDO-

squared

     (2     (34     (123     -        (25     119      164        56      155

CRE/CMBS

     (1,659     (24     3        (189     345        404      1,131        68      79

Corporate

     2,141        (281     (123     (226     456        192      (1,391     161      929

Other

     (90     -        19        -        76        15      (140     265      145
                                                                    

Total

   $ 367      $ (483   $ (1,299   $ (495   $ 878      $ 815    $ 1,069      $ 1,180    $ 2,032
                                                                    

Refer to the preceding “Critical Accounting Estimates” section included herein for further information about the fair values of our insured derivative instruments.

 

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

 

NET REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES Combined insurance net realized gains totaled $8 million and $23 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008, respectively. The net realized gains for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were primarily generated from the ongoing management of U.S. public finance related portfolios. In the first six months of 2009, net realized gains in our combined insurance segment were $16 million compared with net realized gains of $42 million for the same period in 2008. The net realized gains for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were primarily generated from the ongoing management of our U.S. public finance insurance and our structured finance and international insurance portfolios.

NET GAINS AND LOSSES ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE Combined insurance net gains and losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange primarily represent foreign exchange gains and losses on the sale of investments and translation of non-functional currency activities. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, net gains on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange were $12 million compared with net gains of $102 million in the same period in 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, net gains on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange were $12 million compared with net gains of $162 million in the same period in 2008. Net gains for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 were generated by our structured finance and international insurance segment and were due to foreign exchange gains. Net gains for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 were largely due to $99 million and $147 million gains, respectively, resulting from the changes in the fair value of a credit facility, which was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2008. Gains on this facility for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 were due to an increase in the differential between the Company’s CDS spreads and the yield applicable to the facility.

LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES MBIA’s Insured Portfolio Management (“IPM”) Division is responsible for monitoring MBIA-insured issues. The level and frequency of MBIA’s monitoring of any insured issue depends on the type, size, rating and performance of the insured issue. If IPM identifies concerns with respect to the performance of an insured issue it may designate such insured issue as “Caution List-Low,” “Caution List-Medium” or “Caution List-High.” The designation of any insured issue as “Caution List-Medium” or “Caution List-High” is based on the nature and extent of these concerns and requires that an increased monitoring and, if needed, a remediation plan be implemented for the related insured issue.

The amounts included within this “Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense” section exclude realized and unrealized gains and losses and estimated credit impairments on insured credit derivatives. Refer to “Net Change in Fair Value of Insured Credit Derivatives” section included herein for information about payments we have made or expect to make under insured credit derivative transactions.

Upon adoption of SFAS 163, the Company no longer records an unallocated loss reserve for losses that have occurred or are probable to occur as a result of credit deterioration in the Company’s insured portfolio but which have not yet been specifically identified and applied to specific insured obligations beginning January 1, 2009. Therefore, the Company’s loss and LAE reserves as of June 30, 2009 represent case basis reserves established in accordance with SFAS 163. Case basis reserves represent the Company’s estimate of expected losses on credits that have defaulted or are expected to default.

Refer to “Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the impact of adopting SFAS 163 on the Company’s financial statements. Additionally, a further description of the Company’s loss reserving policy is included in “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table presents the components of our total loss and LAE reserves as of June 30, 2009 and 2008, as well as our loss and LAE provision for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 

    June 30,      
   

 

2009

   

 

2008

     

In millions

    U.S. Public  
Finance
  Structured
Finance and
  International  
    Combined
Insurance
  Operations  
    Insurance
  Operations  
  Percent
    Change 2009  
vs. 2008
 

Gross losses and LAE reserves

  $ 206   $ 1,055      $ 1,261      $ 1,111   13

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

    12     23        35        73   (52 %) 

Unallocated

    -     -        -        220   (100 %) 
                                 

Net losses and LAE reserves

  $ 194   $ 1,032      $ 1,226      $ 1,258   (3 %) 
                                 

Losses and LAE incurred

  $ 63   $ (99   $ (36   $ 310   (111 %)      

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

  

 

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

 

Losses and LAE incurred in our U.S. public finance insurance segment totaled $63 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and primarily related to an affordable housing transaction. Losses and LAE incurred in our structured finance and international insurance segment was a negative expense of $99 million in the first six months of 2009 due to the impact of recording $1.3 billion of estimated recoveries principally in connection with ineligible mortgages in certain insured second-lien RMBS securitizations that are subject to a contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace the ineligible mortgage loans. These estimated recoveries were mostly offset by additional losses of $1.2 billion largely related to our second-lien RMBS exposure. As a result of the estimated recoveries recorded in our structured finance and international insurance segment, the Company’s combined insurance losses and LAE incurred was a negative expense of $36 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Losses on our second-lien RMBS exposure during 2009 continue to be primarily driven by high levels of loans that did not meet eligibility criteria for inclusion in MBIA-insured transactions, improperly serviced loans, and the impact of weakening economic conditions.

Included in the Company’s case basis reserves are both loss reserves for insured obligations for which a payment default has occurred and MBIA has already paid a claim and also for which a payment default has not yet occurred but a claim is expected in the future. As of June 30, 2009, case basis reserves consisted of the following:

 

$ in millions

   Number of Case
      Basis Issues      
       Loss Reserve            Net Par Outstanding    

U.S. Public Finance

        

Gross of reinsurance:

   7    $ 196    $ 236

Issues with defaults

   3      10      150
                  

Issues without defaults

   10    $ 206    $ 386

Total gross U.S. public finance

        

Net of reinsurance:

        

Issues with defaults

   7    $ 185    $ 224

Issues without defaults

   3      9      145
                  

Total net U.S. public finance

   10    $ 194    $ 369

Structured finance and international

        

Gross of reinsurance:

        

Issues with defaults

   67    $ 1,010    $ 14,021

Issues without defaults

   7      45      664
                  

Total gross structured finance and international

   74    $ 1,055    $ 14,685

Net of reinsurance:

        

Issues with defaults

   67    $ 990    $ 13,610

Issues without defaults

   7      42      622
                  

Total net structured finance and international

   74    $ 1,032    $ 14,232
                  

MBIA may recognize an expected potential recovery based on the present value of expected net cash inflows to be received discounted at the risk-free rate as of the measurement date. Such amounts are reported as “Receivable for insurance loss recoveries” and the corresponding estimated recovery amounts due to reinsurers are included within “Other liabilities” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, receivable for insurance loss recoveries was $1.7 billion and $459 million, respectively. The increase in our receivable for insurance loss recoveries principally resulted from $1.1 billion in expected recoveries resulting from the aforementioned obligations of the sellers/servicers of RMBS transactions to repurchase ineligible loans. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, salvage due to reinsurers totaled $32 million and $13 million, respectively. Salvage recoveries are only paid to reinsurers upon receipt of such amounts by MBIA.

 

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

 

Structured Finance and International Insurance Losses

Residential Mortgage Exposure

MBIA insures MBS backed by subprime mortgages directly through RMBS securitizations. MBIA also has indirect exposure to subprime mortgages that are included in CDOs, in which MBIA guaranteed the senior most tranche of such transactions. There has been considerable stress and continued deterioration in the subprime mortgage market throughout 2008 and the first six months of 2009 reflected by increased delinquencies and losses, particularly related to subprime mortgage loans originated during 2005, 2006 and 2007. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had $3.9 billion of net par outstanding from direct exposure to subprime mortgages and $5.6 billion of indirect exposure to subprime mortgages in the form of performing collateral within CDOs. Of the $5.6 billion of indirect exposure, $4.3 billion was related to CDOs executed in derivative form. While subprime transactions directly guaranteed by MBIA include collateral consisting of mortgages originated during 2005, 2006, and 2007, given the amount of subordination below MBIA’s insured portion of such transactions available to absorb any losses from collateral defaults, we currently do not expect material ultimate losses on these transactions. As of June 30, 2009, there were no insured direct subprime mortgage transactions with 2005, 2006, or 2007 subprime mortgage collateral appearing on the Company’s Classified List or Caution Lists. However, as of June 30, 2009, we expected losses of $13 million (on a present value basis) on five secondary market multi-sector CDOs with net par outstanding of $160 million that include subprime mortgage exposure and that was reported on our Classified List. Additionally, there were six secondary market multi-sector CDOs with net par outstanding of $192 million that included subprime mortgage exposure and that was reported on our Caution List.

MBIA also insures MBS backed by mortgages that when originally underwritten were deemed to be issued to prime and near prime borrowers, including second-lien residential mortgage securitizations (revolving HELOC loans and CES mortgages). Since the second half of 2007, the performance of our home equity transactions has deteriorated significantly. As of June 30, 2009, MBIA Corp. had established cumulative case basis reserves of $3.6 billion for future payments in connection with these transactions, the balance of which was $946 million as of June 30, 2009. The outstanding reserve of $946 million is net of estimated recoveries on future payments. During the first six months of 2009, the Company paid $1.3 billion in claims, net of reinsurance, on 32 credits in this sector. As of June 30, 2009, net par insured of $13.2 billion remained outstanding on these transactions.

Since the second half of 2008, we have observed an increase in delinquencies and a greater than expected level of losses being realized within the individual transactions of our insured second-lien residential mortgage securitizations. Due to a combination of the overall weakening in the economic environment, servicer performance related issues and relatively few successful loan modifications by the loan servicers, we recorded loss and LAE related to our second-lien residential mortgage exposures of $1.2 billion in the first six months of 2009. This provision primarily reflects additions to previously established reserves on certain deals rather than a material increase in the number of transactions requiring loss reserves. Loss and LAE on these transactions were offset by the establishment of receivables for insurance loss recoveries of $1.3 billion primarily related to loan losses principally associated with ineligible mortgage loans in certain insured second-lien residential mortgage loan securitizations that are subject to a contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace the mortgages loans.

The majority of expected recoveries from second-lien RMBS transactions recorded in the first six months of 2009 arise from a forensic review of defaulted mortgage loans in 24 insured second-lien mortgage loan securitizations. The representations and warranties in each insured RMBS securitization contractually obligate the seller to repurchase these ineligible loans at a price equal to their outstanding principal balance plus accrued interest or to replace them with eligible mortgage loans. While the Company believes that these mortgage loans are subject to a repurchase or replacement obligation by the sellers/servicers, successful challenges of such determinations by the sellers/servicers could result in the Company recovering less than the amount of its estimated recoveries. The Company is continuing to review and evaluate additional mortgage loans in its insured RMBS pools and expects that there will be additional mortgages in these or in other transactions that are subject to a repurchase or replacement obligation by the seller/servicer. In addition, recoveries and damages from legal actions that MBIA has filed against certain of the seller-servicers could result in recoveries that are substantially higher than the amount currently recognized as recoveries. Refer to the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section included herein for additional information about assumptions used to estimate recoveries on our RMBS exposure.

 

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

 

In October 2008, MBIA Corp. filed lawsuits against two mortgage loan seller/servicers alleging, among other things, misrepresentations concerning the quality of loans made by these seller/servicers, which were included in a number of MBIA-insured second-lien residential mortgage securitizations. In particular, MBIA believes that a very high proportion of the defaulted loans in these securitizations are in breach of the originators’ representations with respect to such loans and, therefore, should have been excluded from the securitizations. In addition, after extensive review, we believe that these entities have failed to honor their contractual obligations regarding loan repurchases and ongoing servicing practices. For more information on these and other lawsuits commenced by MBIA, refer to “Note 16: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The ineligibility of mortgages in the securitizations and the litigation in general will have no impact on the holders of the insured securities, as MBIA will continue to honor its payment obligations under its insurance policies.

The following table presents the net par outstanding of MBIA’s RMBS insured exposure as of June 30, 2009 by S&P credit rating category:

 

     Net Par Outstanding

In millions

  

 

    Prime    

       Subprime            HELOC            CES            Total    

AAA

   $ 3,760    $ 2,685    $ -    $ 22    $ 6,467

AA

     25      30      -      -      55

A

     507      256      94      44      901

BBB

     729      120      1,430      1,588      3,867

Below investment grade

     865      783      5,184      5,967      12,799
                                  

Total Net Par

   $ 5,886    $ 3,874    $ 6,708    $ 7,621    $ 24,089
                                  

The following table presents the net par outstanding by vintage year of MBIA Corp.’s second-lien residential mortgage securitization insured exposure as of June 30, 2009:

 

     Net Par Outstanding  

In millions

       HELOC       

 

% of Total
    HELOC    

        CES            % of Total CES      

2008

   $ -    0   $ -    0

2007

     983    15     5,083    67

2006

     2,418    36     2,355    31

2005

     1,888    28     -    0

2004

     1,123    17     117    1

2003 and prior

     296    4     66    1
                          

Total net par

   $ 6,708    100   $ 7,621    100
                          

 

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

 

The following table provides a listing of second-lien residential mortgage securitization transactions included in MBIA’s insured portfolio that were performing below MBIA’s expectations as of June 30, 2009:

 

Obligor Name

  

Net Par
Outstanding
(in millions)

HELOC:

  

GMACM 2006-HE4

   $ 847

Countrywide Home Equity Master Trust 2005-M

     607

Countrywide Home Equity Master Trust 2005-I

     570

Countrywide Home Equity 2006-E

     560

Countrywide Home Equity Series 2007-E

     533

Countrywide Home Equity Series 2005-E

     473

Countrywide Home Equity 2006-G

     392

IndyMac Home Equity Line Asset-Backed Series 2006-H4

     360

GMAC Mortgage Corporation 2004-HE4

     341

Residential Funding Home Equity Loan Trust 2006-HSA1

     239

Countrywide Home Loans Inc 2005-A 1-A, 2-A

     238

Countrywide Home Loans Inc 2004-1

     225

Countrywide Home Loans Inc 2004P

     150

Residential Funding Mortgage Securities 2007-HSA3

     140

Residential Funding Home Equity Loan Trust 2006-HSA4

     134

Residential Funding Home Equity Loan Trust 2006-HSA5

     125

GSR 2007-HEL1

     71
      

Total HELOC net par outstanding

     6,005

CES:

  

Countrywide Home Loans CWHEQ 2007-S1

     1,042

GMACM Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-HE1

     677

Countrywide Home Loans CWHEQ 2007-S2

     663

Residential Funding Corporation 2007-HSA2

     611

Countrywide Home Loans CWHEQ 2006-S8

     605

Countrywide Home Equity 2006-S9

     598

Countrywide Home Loans CWHEQ 2007-S3

     493

Flagstar Home Equity Loan Asset Backed Trust 2007-1

     427

Credit Suisse Home Equity Mortgage Trust

     368

Residential Funding Mortgage Securities 2007-HSA3

     341

IndyMac Home Equity Mortgage Loan 2007-1 Class A & Class A-IO

     209

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-9SL

     160

IndyMac Home Equity Loan ABS Trust 2007-2

     91
      

Total CES net par outstanding

     6,285

Alt-A:

  

Deutshe Bank Alt-A Securities Trust 2007-AR3

     554

Total Alt-A net par outstanding

     554
      

Total net par outstanding

   $ 12,844
      

 

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

 

Manufactured Housing

MBIA continues to closely monitor the manufactured housing sector, which has experienced stress during the last several years. MBIA ceased writing business in this sector, other than through certain CDO transactions, in 2000. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had $22 million in case basis reserves, net of reinsurance, covering net insured par outstanding of $107 million on three credits within the manufactured housing sector. The Company had additional manufactured housing net insured par outstanding of $1.6 billion as of June 30, 2009, of which approximately 23% was reported as “Caution List-Medium” and “Caution List-High.”

Other

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company took remediation action on an international infrastructure financing transaction for which the performance trends had increased the risk of future losses. The project’s revenue was below original projections and the issuer’s debt was trading at a significant discount. In the fourth quarter of 2008, we purchased approximately 62% of the outstanding debt of the issuer at a discount to par. As a consequence, the Company consolidated the issuer as a VIE. In the first six months of 2009, the Company purchased an additional 11% of the outstanding debt of the issuer at a discount to par.

REINSURANCE Reinsurance enables the Company to cede exposure for purposes of syndicating risk and increasing its capacity to write new business while complying with its single risk and credit guidelines. When a reinsurer is downgraded by one or more of the rating agencies, less capital credit is given to MBIA under rating agency models and the overall value of the reinsurance to MBIA is reduced. The Company generally retains the right to reassume the business ceded to reinsurers under certain circumstances, including a reinsurer’s rating downgrade below specified thresholds.

MBIA requires certain unauthorized reinsurers to maintain bank letters of credit or establish trust accounts to cover liabilities ceded to such reinsurers under reinsurance contracts. As of June 30, 2009, the total amount available under these letters of credit and trust arrangements was $698 million. The Company remains liable on a primary basis for all reinsured risk, and although MBIA believes that its reinsurers remain capable of meeting their obligations, there can be no assurance of such in the future.

As of June 30, 2009, the aggregate amount of insured par outstanding ceded by MBIA to reinsurers under reinsurance agreements was $50.3 billion compared with $54.9 billion as of December 31, 2008. Of the $50.3 billion of ceded par outstanding as of June 30, 2009, $16.0 billion was ceded from our U.S. public finance insurance segment and $34.3 billion was ceded from our structured finance and international insurance segment. The following table presents the credit ratings and ratings status, percentage of outstanding par ceded, the reinsurance recoverable, derivative asset, and estimated credit impairments by reinsurer as of June 30, 2009 for our combined insurance operations. Estimated credit impairments represent the reinsurers’ portion of amounts we expect to pay on insured derivative contracts.

 

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

 

 

    In millions                          
   

Reinsurers

  Standard &
Poor’s Rating
(Status)
  Moody’s
Rating
(Status)
  Percentage of
Total Par
Ceded
    Reinsurance
Recoverable
  Derivative
Asset
  Estimated Credit
Impairments on
Insured Derivatives
 

Channel Reinsurance Ltd.

  N/R(2)   RWR(3)     70.57   $ 21   $ 636   $ 320
 

Assured Guaranty Corp.

  AAA
(Stable)
  Aa2(RUR)(4)     12.41     10     0     -
  Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Ltd.   AA
(Negative
Outlook)
  Aa3 (Stable)     7.27     15     48     4
 

Ambac Assurance Corporation

 

 

BBB
(Negative
Watch)

  Ba3
(Developing)
    5.95     2     -     -
 

Assured Guaranty Re Ltd.

  AA (Stable)   Aa3(RUR)(4)     1.46     2     1     -
 

Syncora Guarantee Re Ltd.

  R(5)   Ca
(Developing)
    0.75     1     -     -
 

 

Overseas Private Investment

Corporation

  AAA
(Stable)
  Aaa (Stable)     0.59     -     -     -
 

Old Republic Insurance

Company

  A+ (Negative
Outlook)
  Aa3 (Stable)     0.42     1     -     -
 

Export Development

Corporation

  AAA
(Stable)
  Aaa (Stable)     0.41     -     -     -
 

Other(1)

  CC or above   Ca or above     0.12     0     -     -
 

 

Not currently rated

        0.05     0     -     -
                               
 

 

Total

        100.00   $ 52   $ 685   $ 324
                               
 

Total insured par outstanding

ceded to reinsurers

      $ 50,280         

 

 

     (1)  - Several reinsurers within this category are not rated by Moody’s.

     (2)  - Not rated.

     (3)  - Rating withdrawn.

     (4)  - Rating under review.

     (5)  - Regulatory supervision.

MBIA owns a 17.4% equity interest in Channel Re. In March 2009, Moody’s downgraded Channel Re to B3 with a negative outlook and the rating was subsequently withdrawn. In March 2009, S&P downgraded Channel Re to BB+ and the rating was subsequently withdrawn. As of June 30, 2009, the Company expects Channel Re to continue to report negative shareholders’ equity on a GAAP basis primarily due to unrealized losses on its insured credit derivatives based on fair value accounting. As of June 30, 2009, the fair value of the derivative assets related to credit derivatives ceded to Channel Re was $636 million and the reinsurance recoverable from Channel Re was $21 million. After considering the credit risk of Channel Re in fair valuing our derivative assets, we believe Channel Re has sufficient liquidity supporting its business to fund expected amounts due to MBIA. In performing our assessment, we determined that cash and investments, inclusive of approximately $501 million that Channel Re had on deposit in trust accounts for the benefit of MBIA as of June 30, 2009, and borrowing facilities available to Channel Re were in excess of MBIA’s exposure to Channel Re. Although the trust accounts limit the potential for Channel Re to default on its obligations to MBIA, there can be no assurance that Channel Re will not default on its obligations to MBIA that exceed the amounts already held in the trust accounts.

 

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

 

Since December 2007, several of the Company’s other financial guarantee reinsurers, including Ambac Assurance Corporation, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Re Ltd., Old Republic Insurance Co., Syncora Guarantee Re Ltd. and Syncora Guarantee Inc. (formerly known as XL Financial Assurance and XL Capital Assurance, respectively), have had their credit ratings either downgraded or put on negative watch by one or more of the major rating agencies. On July 28, 2009 Ambac Assurance Corporation was downgraded by Standard & Poor’s from BBB (Negative Watch) to CC (Negative Outlook). Although there was no material impact on the Company for any of these rating agency actions relating to these reinsurers, a further downgrade of one or more of these reinsurers could require the establishment of reserves against any receivables due from the reinsurers.

POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES Expenses that vary with and are primarily related to the production of the Company’s insurance business (policy acquisition costs) are deferred and recognized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. The Company does not defer costs associated with underwriting CDS policies and expenses such costs immediately. If an insured issue is refunded and the related premium is earned early, the associated acquisition costs previously deferred are also recognized immediately.

The Company’s insurance expenses, as well as its expense ratios, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following tables:

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,                        
    2009     2008        

In millions

  U.S.
Public
    Finance    
    Structured
Finance and
    International    
        Eliminations         Combined
Insurance
    Operations    
    Insurance
    Operations    
    Percent
  Change 2009  
    vs. 2008    
 

Gross expenses

  $ 21      $ 36      $ (6   $ 51      $ 38      32
                                             

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

  $ 28      $ 59      $ (61   $ 26      $ 23      13

Operating

    21        39        (6     54        41      29
                                             

Total insurance operating expenses

  $ 49      $ 98      $ (67   $ 80      $ 64      23
                                             

Expense ratio

    37     142       47     23  

 

    Six Months Ended June 30,                        
    2009     2008        

In millions

  U.S.
Public
    Finance    
    Structured
Finance and
    International    
        Eliminations         Combined
Insurance
    Operations    
    Insurance
    Operations    
    Percent
 Change 2009 
    vs. 2008    
 

Gross expenses

  $ 28      $ 105      $ (10   $ 123      $ 75      63
                                             

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

  $ 57      $ 116      $ (126   $ 47      $ 39      21

Operating

    28        105        (10     123        87      40
                                             

Total insurance operating expenses

  $ 85      $ 221      $ (136   $ 170      $ 126      34
                                             

Expense ratio

    30     118       42     27  

Gross expenses in our U.S. public finance insurance segment totaled $21 million and gross expenses in our structured finance and international insurance segment totaled $36 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009. Combined gross expenses of $51 million increased 32% for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $38 million for the same period of 2008. The increase was primarily due to higher compensation costs related to the reversal of prior year bonus and long-term incentive award accruals in 2008, higher legal costs associated with litigation and higher consulting costs related to changes in the legal entity structure of our subsidiaries. Gross expenses in our U.S. public finance insurance segment totaled $28 million and gross expenses in our structured finance and international insurance segment totaled $105 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009. Combined gross expenses of $123 million increased 63% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $75 million for the same period of 2008. The increase was primarily due to higher compensation costs related to the reversal of prior year bonus and long-term incentive award accruals in 2008, higher loss prevention expenses related to insured credit derivatives, higher legal costs associated with litigation, and higher consulting costs related to changes in the legal entity structure of our subsidiaries. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, our combined insurance amortization of deferred acquisition costs increased 13%, to $26 million from $23 million for the same period of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, our combined insurance amortization of deferred acquisition costs increased 21%, to $47 million from $39 million for the same period of 2008. The increase in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs was principally due to the change in amortization methods resulting from the adoption of SFAS 163.

 

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U.S. public finance insurance segment operating expenses totaled $21 million and $28 million, and structured finance and international insurance segment operating expenses totaled $39 million and $105 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. Combined operating expenses of $54 million increased 29% for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $41 million for the same period of 2008 due to the increase in gross expenses. Combined operating expenses of $123 million increased 40% for the six months ended June 30, 2009 from $87 million for the same period of 2008 due to the increase in gross expenses.

Financial guarantee insurance companies use the expense ratio (expenses divided by net premiums earned) as a measure of expense management. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, combined insurance expenses increased while premiums earned decreased compared with the same period of 2008 and for the six months ended June 30, 2009, combined insurance expenses increased at a greater rate than premiums compared with the same period of 2008 resulting in higher expense ratios as reported in the preceding table.

INTEREST EXPENSE Interest expense in our insurance business is incurred by our structured finance and international insurance segment and primarily consists of interest related to MBIA Corp.’s surplus notes and debt issued by consolidated VIEs. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, interest expense increased to $53 million from $47 million for the same period of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, interest expense increased to $108 million from $93 million for the same period of 2008. The increases are primarily due to interest expense associated with three additional VIEs consolidated by MBIA Corp. in the fourth quarter of 2008.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES MBIA consolidates certain third-party VIEs as a result of financial guarantees provided by our structured finance and international insurance segment and a VIE sponsored and formed by the Company to provide credit protection to counterparties in the form of credit derivative instruments. As of June 30, 2009, the assets of these VIEs primarily consisted of fixed rate and floating rate securities and loans, and the liabilities of these VIEs primarily consisted of fixed rate and floating rate notes and derivative liabilities. Any investments by MBIA in VIE notes issued by consolidated VIEs are eliminated upon consolidation into MBIA’s financial statements. The following table presents the carrying value of assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 by balance sheet classification related to consolidated VIEs, after the aforementioned eliminations:

 

In millions

  

June 30,

2009

 

December 31,

2008

Assets:

    

Fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale

   $ 338   $ 632

Investments held-to-maturity

     1,188     1,215

Short-term investments held-to-maturity

     914     31

Other investments

     117     -

Accrued investment income

     1     2

Other assets (loans)

     470     423

Liabilities:

    

Variable interest entity notes

   $ 2,637   $ 1,792

Derivative liabilities

     4,101     6,189

Revenues related to consolidated VIEs are primarily recorded in “Net investment income” and “Net realized gains (losses)” and expenses are primarily recorded in “Interest expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Consolidation of such VIEs does not increase our exposure above that which is already committed to in our insurance policies and other variable interests held in consolidated VIEs. Additionally, consolidation of VIEs does not affect the capital ratios, debt covenants, dividends or credit ratings of the Company.

Refer to “Note 9: Variable Interest Entities” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about the Company’s interest in consolidated and nonconsolidated VIEs.

COLLATERALIZED DEBT OBLIGATIONS AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS As part of our structured finance and international insurance activities, we provide guarantees on the senior most tranches of CDOs, as well as protection on structured pools of CMBS and corporate securities, and CDS referencing such securities.

MBIA Corp.’s $119.2 billion CDO portfolio comprised 55% of its total insured net par of $216.6 billion as of June 30, 2009. MBIA Corp.’s aggregate CDO portfolio is diversified by vintage and collateral type 89% of this exposure, or $105.6 billion, was insured through CDSs. The distribution of the Company’s insured CDO and related instruments portfolio by collateral type is presented in the following table:

 

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In billions

 

Collateral Type

   Net Par    Percent  

Multi-sector CDOs(1)

   $ 16.2    14

Multi-sector CDO-Squared

     8.1    7

Investment grade CDOs and structured corporate credit pools

     37.6    32

High yield corporate CDOs

     12.4    10

Structured CMBS pools and CRE CDOs

     44.8    38
                

Total(2)

   $             119.2                100
                

 

        

(1) -  Does not include multi-sector CDO-Squared transactions totaling $8.063 billion net par

(2) -  Totals may not sum due to rounding

Multi-Sector CDOs

Multi-sector CDOs are transactions that include a variety of structured finance asset classes in their collateral pools. As of June 30, 2009, $24.3 billion, or approximately 11%, of MBIA Corp.’s total insured net par outstanding of $216.6 billion comprised multi-sector CDOs. Additionally, as of June 30, 2009, 20% of MBIA Corp.’s $119.2 billion CDO and related instruments portfolio insured net par outstanding comprised multi-sector CDOs. The collateral in the multi-sector CDOs includes subprime RMBS and other RMBS, CDOs of ABS (multi-sector CDOs), Corporate CDOs, Collateralized Loan Obligations (“CLOs”), other ABS (e.g. securitizations of auto receivables, credit cards, etc.), CRE CDOs, CMBS, and Corporate credits.

For the multi-sector CDOs, the next four tables provide breakdowns of the collateral composition and ratings of subprime RMBS collateral, non-subprime RMBS collateral, and CDOs of ABS collateral by vintage year and rating. CDOs of ABS may contain exposure to various types of collateral, including RMBS. The collateral level detail presented for each year insured was calculated using a weighted average of the total collateral as of June 30, 2009 for deals closed for the insured year. The total collateral amount of the portfolio exceeds the net par written as a result of credit enhancement (such as over-collateralization and subordination) and reinsurance.

 

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

 

Multi-Sector CDO Portfolio: Collateral Composition, Subordination, and Net Derivative Asset/Liability

 

$ in millions       Collateral as a % of Performing Pool Balance as of June 30, 2009  

Year

 Insured(1) 

  Net Par
 Outstanding 
   Other 
RMBS
  Sub-
prime
 RMBS 
   ABS     CMBS     Corp.     CLO    CDO
of
 ABS 
   Other 
CDO
   Total    Current
 Subordination 
Range Below
MBIA(2)
  Original
 Subordination 
Range Below
MBIA(2)
  Net Derivative /
 Asset (Liability)(3) 
 

CDOs of High-Grade U.S. ABS(4)

                         

2004

    1,380   30%   31%   8%   3%   0%   12%   11%   5%   100%   0.0-9.0%   12.5-13.0%     (185

2005

    641   48%   37%   2%   2%   0%   6%   0%   7%   100%   0.0%   20.0%     (100

2006(5)

    3,260   56%   28%   1%   13%   0%   0%   0%   2%   100%   0.0%   12.0-14.0%     (578

2007(5)(6)

    6,624   41%   19%   0%   21%   0%   10%   1%   9%   100%   0.0-18.9%   13.0-60.0%     (648
                                   

    Subtotal

 

 

$

 

11,905

                        $ (1,511
                                   

CDOs of Mezzanine U.S. ABS

                         

2000

    28   0%   0%   16%   77%   7%   0%   0%   0%   100%   41.5%   21.4%     -   

2002

    713   33%   8%   17%   23%   8%   6%   3%   2%   100%   0.0-53.0%   13.8-40.0%     (24

2003

    739   30%   18%   18%   22%   2%   5%   1%   4%   100%   0.0-74.8%   21.5-29.8%     (0

2004

    713   24%   37%   5%   27%   0%   2%   1%   4%   100%   0.0-23.2%   16.0-30.5%     (22

2005

    313   25%   42%   0%   28%   0%   0%   2%   3%   100%   0.0%   19.5%     (44
                                   

    Subtotal

 

 

$

 

2,505

                        $ (90
                                   

CDOs of Multi-Sector High Grade Collateral (CDO-Squared)

 

2001

    191   0%   0%   0%   0%   0%   68%   0%   32%   100%   24.1%   5.0%     -   

2003

    300   0%   0%   0%   0%   0%   60%   0%   40%   100%   88.1%   20.0%     (35

2004

    1,158   1%   0%   2%   0%   0%   76%   19%   2%   100%   11.5-16.7%   10.0%     (38

2005

    1,397   0%   20%   0%   0%   0%   64%   14%   2%   100%   10.3%   10.0%     (56

2006(5)

    1,739   5%   25%   3%   0%   0%   63%   3%   1%   100%   6.2-7.6%   10.0-13.0%     (64

2007(5)

    3,278   4%   6%   0%   0%   0%   79%   7%   4%   100%   0.3-9.7%   13.0-15.0%     (122
                                   

    Subtotal

  $ 8,063                         $ (315
                                   

            Total

    22,474                           (1,916
    684  

Multi-Sector CDO’s European Mezzanine and Other Collateral (3 CDOs)(6)

    (34
    1,143  

Multi-Sector CDO’s insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2005 (37 CDOs)(6)

    -   
                                   

Grand Total

  $ 24,301                         $ (1,950
                                   

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

The range represents the minimum and maximum subordination for deals written in that year.

 

(3)

This column represents the net derivative asset/(liability) primarily for CDS deals written in that year. Note that not all insurance contracts are considered derivatives. Please refer to “Note 5: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and “Note 8: Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Company’s accounting treatment of derivatives (including CDS on CDOs).

 

(4)

The insured credit derivative contracts for three CDO transactions insured in 2007 were terminated during the second quarter of 2009 without any payment from MBIA. The three CDOs, totaled $2.4 billion of net par outstanding at March 31, 2009.

 

(5)

As of June 30 2009, the Company estimated $1.6 billion of total credit impairment on ten deals insured during 2006 and 2007, with a total net par of $11.7 billion. Four transactions insured in 2006 (totaling $3.5 billion) have an impairment of $0.5 billion while six transactions insured in 2007 (totaling $8.2 billion), have an impairment of $1.1 billion.

 

(6)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on 40 CDOs totaling $1.8 billion of net par. Three deals, with $0.7 billion of net par, contain European Mezzanine ABS assets including 56% RMBS, 21% CDO, 18% CMBS and 5% other, and were closed in 2004, 2005 and 2006. In addition, 37 deals represent insurance sold to investors for CDO tranches in their portfolios (secondary market insurance executions). The deals total $1.1 billion of par and all were insured prior to 2005. In addition, all 37 deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance on them.

The multi-sector CDO portfolio is comprised of transactions that rely on underlying collateral originally rated single-A or above (CDOs of High Grade U.S. ABS) and transactions that rely on collateral primarily rated triple-B (CDOs of Mezzanine U.S. ABS). The multi-sector CDO portfolio is also comprised of CDOs of multi-sector high-grade collateral (also referred to as CDO-squared transactions), which are diversified CDOs primarily comprised of collateral originally rated single-A and above. The collateral in MBIA’s insured CDO-squared transactions comprises primarily tranches of CLOs, CDOs of ABS, and RMBS.

MBIA’s multi-sector CDOs benefit from two sources of credit enhancement. First, the subordination in the underlying securities collateralizing the MBIA wrapped tranche must be fully eroded and second, the subordination below MBIA’s insurance coverage in the CDO transaction must be fully eroded before MBIA’s insured interest is subject to a claim. The original subordination levels and those as of June 30, 2009 are detailed in the above table. MBIA’s payment obligations after a default vary by deal and by insurance type. There are three policy payment types: (i) where MBIA insures current interest and ultimate principal; (ii) where MBIA insures ultimate principal only; and (iii) where MBIA insures payments upon settlement of individual collateral losses as they occur after the complete erosion of deal deductibles, such payment profiles are referred to as Asset Coverage with a Deductible.

 

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Multi-Sector CDO Portfolio: Vintage and Collateral Ratings of CDOs Containing Subprime RMBS

 

$ in millions             Vintage of Subprime
RMBS
    Subprime RMBS - Ratings As of
July 9, 2009
 

 Year Insured(1) 

  Net Par
 Outstanding 
  % Collateral that
 is Subprime RMBS 
    2005
and
 Prior 
     2006       2007       Total       AAA       AA       A       BBB       Below IG(2)       Total   

 

CDOs of High-Grade U.S. ABS(3)

  

2004

    1,380   31   22   2   7   31   2   10   7   4   8   31

2005

    641   37   33   3   0   37   2   4   3   4   23   37

2006(4)

    3,260   28   17   10   0   28   2   7   4   2   13   28

2007(4)(5)

    6,624   19   3   9   6   19   0   1   2   2   14   19
                           

    Subtotal

  $ 11,905                      
                           

 

CDOs of Mezzanine U.S. ABS

  

2000

    28   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2002

    713   8   7   0   0   8   0   1   2   1   4   8

2003

    739   18   16   1   1   18   1   2   4   7   5   18

2004

    713   37   24   2   11   37   0   2   6   8   20   37

2005

    313   42   33   0   8   42   0   3   7   5   27   42
                           

    Subtotal

  $ 2,505                      
                           

 

CDOs of Multi-Sector High Grade Collateral (CDO-Squared)

  

2001

    191   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2003

    300   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2004

    1,158   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2005

    1,397   20   16   3   1   20   1   6   3   2   8   20

2006(4)

    1,739   25   6   7   12   25   1   2   2   1   20   25

2007(4)

    3,278   6   2   1   3   6   0   0   1   0   5   6
                           

    Subtotal

  $ 8,063                      
                           

            Total

    22,474                      
    684  

Multi-Sector CDO’s European Mezzanine and Other Collateral (3 CDOs)(5)

 

    1,143  

Multi-Sector CDO’s insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2005 (37 CDOs)(5)

 

                           

Grand Total

  $ 24,301                      
                           

All figures represent MBIA’s insured net par outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. Collateral ratings are current as of July 9, 2009. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

Below IG (Investment Grade) denotes collateral credit ratings of below BBB-.

 

(3)

The insured credit derivative contracts for three CDO transactions insured in 2007 were terminated during the second quarter of 2009 without any payment from MBIA. The three CDOs, totaled $2.4 billion of net par outstanding at March 31, 2009.

 

(4)

As of June 30, 2009, the Company estimated $1.6 billion of total credit impairment on ten deals insured during 2006 and 2007, with a total net par of $11.7 billion. Four transactions insured in 2006 (totaling $3.5 billion) have an impairment of $0.5 billion while six transactions insured in 2007 (totaling $8.2 billion), have an impairment of $1.1 billion.

 

(5)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on 40 CDOs totaling $1.8 billion of net par. Three deals, with $0.7 billion of net par, contain European Mezzanine ABS assets including 56% RMBS, 21% CDO, 18% CMBS and 5% other, and were closed in 2004, 2005 and 2006. In addition, 37 deals represent insurance sold to investors for CDO tranches in their portfolios (secondary market insurance executions). The deals total $1.1 billion of par and all were insured prior to 2005. In addition, all 37 deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance on them.

 

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Multi-Sector CDO Portfolio: Vintage and Collateral Ratings of CDOs Containing Non Subprime RMBS

 

$ in millions             Vintage of Non Subprime RMBS     Non Subprime RMBS - Ratings As of July 9, 2009  

 Year Insured(1) 

  Net Par
 Outstanding 
   % Collateral that 
is Non Subprime
RMBS
    2005
and
 Prior 
     2006       2007       2008       Total       AAA       AA       A       BBB       Below IG(2)       Total   

 

CDOs of High-Grade U.S. ABS(3)

  

2004

    1,380   30   26   1   3   0   30   3   9   2   7   8   30

2005

    641   48   46   0   1   0   48   0   6   3   15   25   48

2006(4)

    3,260   56   29   26   0   1   56   4   6   6   6   35   56

2007(4)(5)

    6,624   41   6   24   11   0   41   0   1   1   3   35   41
                             

    Subtotal

 

 

$

 

11,905

                       
                             

 

CDOs of Mezzanine U.S. ABS

  

2000

    28   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2002

    713   33   32   1   0   0   33   3   3   5   9   14   33

2003

    739   30   30   1   0   0   30   4   5   5   6   11   30

2004

    713   24   19   2   4   0   24   0   1   4   5   14   24

2005

    313   25   19   4   1   0   25   0   7   3   3   12   25
                             

    Subtotal

 

 

$

 

2,505

                       
                             

 

CDOs of Multi-Sector High Grade Collateral (CDO-Squared)

  

2001

    191   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2003

    300   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2004

    1,158   1   1   0   0   0   1   1   0   0   0   0   1

2005

    1,397   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2006(4)

    1,739   5   2   1   1   0   5   0   1   0   1   3   5

2007(4)

    3,278   4   1   2   1   0   4   0   0   0   0   4   4
                             

    Subtotal

  $ 8,063                        
                             

            Total

    22,474                        
    684  

Multi-Sector CDO’s European Mezzanine and Other Collateral (3 CDOs)(5)

  

    1,143  

Multi-Sector CDO’s insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2005 (37 CDOs)(5)

  

                             

Grand Total

  $ 24,301                        
                             

All figures represent MBIA’s insured net par outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. Collateral ratings are current as of July 9, 2009. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

Below IG (Investment Grade) denotes collateral credit ratings of below BBB-.

 

(3)

The insured credit derivative contracts for three CDO transactions insured in 2007 were terminated during the second quarter of 2009 without any payment from MBIA. The three CDOs, totaled $2.4 billion of net par outstanding at March 31, 2009.

 

(4)

As of June 30, 2009, the Company estimated $1.6 billion of total credit impairment on ten deals insured during 2006 and 2007, with a total net par of $11.7 billion. Four transactions insured in 2006 (totaling $3.5 billion) have an impairment of $0.5 billion while six transactions insured in 2007 (totaling $8.2 billion), have an impairment of $1.1 billion.

 

(5)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on 40 CDOs totaling $1.8 billion of net par. Three deals, with $0.7 billion of net par, contain European Mezzanine ABS assets including 56% RMBS, 21% CDO, 18% CMBS and 5% other, and were closed in 2004, 2005 and 2006. In addition, 37 deals represent insurance sold to investors for CDO tranches in their portfolios (secondary market insurance executions). The deals total $1.1 billion of par and all were insured prior to 2005. In addition, all 37 deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance on them.

 

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Multi-Sector CDO Portfolio: Vintage and Collateral Ratings of CDOs Containing CDOs of ABS

 

$ in millions               Vintage of CDO of ABS     CDO of ABS - Ratings As of July 9, 2009  

  Year Insured(1)  

   Net Par
  Outstanding  
     % Collateral that  
is CDO of ABS
    2005
and
 Prior 
     2006       2007       Total        AAA         AA         A         BBB         Below IG(2)         Total    

 

CDOs of High-Grade U.S. ABS(3)

  

2004

     1,380    11   11   0   0   11   1   0   1   0   10   11

2005

     641    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2006(4)

     3,260    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2007(4)(5)

     6,624    1   1   0   0   1   0   0   0   0   0   1
                             

    Subtotal

  

 

$

 

11,905

                      
                             

 

CDOs of Mezzanine U.S. ABS

  

2000

     28    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2002

     713    3   3   1   0   3   0   0   0   0   3   3

2003

     739    1   1   0   0   1   0   0   0   0   1   1

2004

     713    1   1   0   0   1   0   0   0   0   1   1

2005

     313    2   2   0   0   2   0   0   0   0   2   2
                             

    Subtotal

  

 

$

 

2,505

                      
                             

 

CDOs of Multi-Sector High Grade Collateral (CDO-Squared)

  

2001

     191    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2003

     300    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2004

     1,158    19   19   0   0   19   0   3   3   0   13   19

2005

     1,397    14   5   8   0   14   2   0   0   0   11   14

2006(4)

     1,739    3   1   1   0   3   0   0   0   0   3   3

2007(4)

     3,278    7   0   1   6   7   0   0   0   0   7   7
                             

    Subtotal

   $ 8,063                       
                             

Total

     22,474                       
     684   

Multi-Sector CDO’s European Mezzanine and Other Collateral (3 CDOs)(5)

  

     1,143   

 

Multi-Sector CDO’s insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2005 (37 CDOs)(5)

 

  

                             

Grand Total

   $ 24,301                       
                             

All figures represent MBIA’s insured net par outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. Collateral ratings are current as of July 9, 2009. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

Below IG (Investment Grade) denotes collateral credit ratings of below BBB-.

 

(3)

The insured credit derivative contracts for three CDO transactions insured in 2007 were terminated during the second quarter of 2009 without any payment from MBIA. The three CDOs, totaled $2.4 billion of net par outstanding at March 31, 2009.

 

(4)

As of June 30, 2009, the Company estimated $1.6 billion of total credit impairment on ten deals insured during 2006 and 2007, with a total net par of $11.7 billion. Four transactions insured in 2006 (totaling $3.5 billion) have an impairment of $0.5 billion while six transactions insured in 2007 (totaling $8.2 billion), have an impairment of $1.1 billion.

 

(5)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on 40 CDOs totaling $1.8 billion of net par. Three deals, with $0.7 billion of net par, contain European Mezzanine ABS assets including 56% RMBS, 21% CDO, 18% CMBS and 5% other, and were closed in 2004, 2005 and 2006. In addition, 37 deals represent insurance sold to investors for CDO tranches in their portfolios (secondary market insurance executions). The deals total $1.1 billion of par and all were insured prior to 2005. In addition, all 37 deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance on them.

Since mid-2007, the multi-sector CDO portfolio has experienced stress related to the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis. Impairment estimates were established for three CDOs during the fourth quarter of 2007. In addition, impairments were estimated for an additional six CDOs during the first quarter of 2008 due to the further degradation of underlying RMBS and CDO of ABS collateral. During the second quarter of 2008, impairments were further increased to reflect the effects of the shortening of the discount period by three months. During the third quarter of 2008, an impairment on one additional CDO was established. During the fourth quarter of 2008, MBIA increased the impairments further and added four transactions to the list of impaired deals. During the first quarter of 2009, impairments were established for two additional multi-sector deals, as well as increased impairments due to accretion. During the second quarter of 2009, impairments were increased to reflect further increases in the Average Serious Delinquency buckets (60+, REO, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure), increases in Average Accumulated Losses and further erosion of Current Support levels of the Subprime RMBS market and the RMBS supporting MBIA-insured deals. As of June 30, 2009, MBIA estimated credit impairment in connection with 14 multi-sector CDO transactions, CDS and non-CDS, aggregating to $1.6 billion for which MBIA expects to incur actual claims in the future. In the event of further deteriorating performance of the collateral referenced or held in the multi-sector CDO transactions, the amount of credit impairments could increase materially.

 

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

 

Investment Grade Corporate CDOs and Structured Corporate Credit Pools

As of June 30, 2009, the majority of insurance protection provided by MBIA for its Investment Grade Corporate CDO exposure attached at a super senior level. Although several of the Company’s insured Investment Grade Corporate CDOs referenced obligors who have recently defaulted, none experienced any material credit deterioration. The Company’s net par exposure to Investment Grade Corporate CDOs represents 32% of MBIA Corp.’s CDO exposure and approximately 17% of MBIA Corp.’s total net par insured. MBIA Corp.’s Investment Grade Corporate CDO exposure references pools of predominantly investment grade corporate credits; some of these pools may also include limited exposure to other asset classes, including structured finance securities (including RMBS and CDO collateral). Most of MBIA Corp.’s Investment Grade Corporate CDO policies guarantee coverage of losses on collateral assets once subordination in the form of a deductible has been eroded, and are generally highly customized structures.

In addition, $14.1 billion net par of MBIA’s insured Investment Grade Corporate CDOs are typically structured to include buckets (30%-35% allocations) of references to specific tranches of other Investment Grade Corporate CDOs (monotranches). In such transactions, MBIA’s insured Investment Grade Corporate CDOs includes, among direct corporate or structured credit reference risks, a monotranche or single layer of credit risk referencing a diverse pool of corporate assets or obligors with a specific attachment and a specific detachment point. The reference monotranches in such CDOs are typically rated double-A and each reference monotranche will typically be sized to approximately 3% of the overall reference risk pool. Deals with buckets for monotranche exposure are managed transactions. The inner referenced monotranches are themselves managed exposures (managed by the same manager as the MBIA-insured Investment Grade Corporate CDO). The inner referenced monotranches are not subject to acceleration and do not give control rights to a senior investor.

Of MBIA Corp.’s $37.6 billion net par Investment Grade CDO portfolio at June 30, 2009, the collateral composition, underlying credit ratings of the collateral that support the Subprime RMBS, Non-subprime RMBS, and CDOs of ABS exposures along with their vintage are presented in the following tables. The collateral level detail for each year insured was calculated using a weighted average of the total collateral for deals closed for the insured year. The total collateral amount of the portfolio exceeds the net par written as a result of credit enhancement (such as over-collateralization and subordination) and reinsurance.

Investment Grade Corporate CDO Portfolio: Collateral Composition, Subordination, and Net Derivative Asset/Liability

 

$ in millions       Collateral as a % of Performing Pool Balance as of June 30, 2009  

  Year Insured(1)  

  Net Par
  Outstanding  
   Corp.(5)       ABS      Sub-
Prime
 RMBS 
    Other
 RMBS 
     CDO(2)       Other       Total      Current
  Subordination  
Range Below
MBIA(3)
    Original
  Subordination  
Range Below
MBIA(3)
     Net Derivative 
/ Asset
(Liability)(4)
 

 

  2003 and Prior

    3,845   100   0   0   0   0   0   100   11.4-27.6   11.0-22.0     (8

2004(5)

    5,616   90   0   4   2   2   1   99   8.1-19.8   10.0-15.0     (176

2005(5)

    7,813   95   0   1   3   0   0   99   12.3-24.4   12.5-25.0     (104

2006(5)

    6,335   92   0   4   3   0   0   100   13.8-24.8   16.0-40.0     (149

2007(5)

    13,636   96   0   1   2   0   0   100   14.1-34.9   15.0-35.0     (177
                               

 

    Subtotal

  $ 37,245                     $ (614
                               
 

 

 

 

352

 

Investment Grade Corporate CDOs insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2003 (12 CDOs)(6)

     

    (2
                               

Grand Total

 

 

$

 

37,597

                    $ (616
                               

Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

The CDO collateral composition contains CDOs of ABS, CLOs, and Collateralized Bond Obligations (“CBOs”).

 

(3)

The range represents the minimum and maximum subordination for deals written in that year. The impact of all credit events delivered and settled as of June 30, 2009 have been reflected in the current subordination levels.

 

(4)

This column represents the net derivative asset/(liability) primarily for CDS deals written in that year. Note that not all insurance contracts are considered derivatives. Please refer to “Note 5: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and “Note 8: Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Company’s accounting treatment of derivatives (including CDS on CDOs).

 

(5)

Years contain deals with allowances for synthetic tranches of leveraged investment grade corporate debt. In such transactions, MBIA’s insured Investment Grade Corporate CDOs include, among direct corporate or structured credit reference risks, a monotranche or single layer of credit risk referencing a diverse pool of assets or obligors with a specific attachment and a specific detachment point. The reference monotranches in such CDOs are typically rated double-A and each reference monotranche will typically be sized to approximately 3% of the overall reference risk pool. Deals with buckets for monotranche exposure are managed transactions. The inner referenced monotranches are themselves managed exposures (managed by the same manager as the MBIA-insured Investment Grade Corporate CDO). The inner referenced monotranches are not subject to acceleration and do not give control rights to a senior investor. These transactions also may contain RMBS securities within limits ranging from 0% to 20% with one exception at 34%.

 

(6)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on 12 Investment Grade CDOs totaling $0.4 billion of net par. These deals were insured prior to 2003. In addition, all 12 deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance on them.

 

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

 

Investment Grade Corporate CDO Portfolio: Vintage and Collateral Ratings of CDOs Containing Subprime RMBS

 

$ in millions               Vintage of Subprime RMBS     Subprime RMBS - Ratings As of June 30, 2009  

Year Insured(1)  

   Net Par
Outstanding
   % Collateral that
is Subprime
    2005
and
Prior
    2006     2007     Total     AAA     AA     A     BBB     Below IG(2)     Total  

2003 and Prior

     3,845    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2004(3)

     5,616    4   3   1   0   4   0   0   1   1   3   4

2005(3)

     7,813    1   0   0   0   1   0   0   0   0   1   1

2006(3)

     6,335    4   1   3   0   4   0   0   0   0   4   4

2007(3)

     13,636    1   0   1   1   1   0   0   0   0   1   1
                             

    Subtotal

   $ 37,245                       
                             
     352   

Investment Grade Corporate CDOs insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2003 (12 CDOs)(4)

  

                             

    Grand Total

   $ 37,597                       
                             

All figures represent MBIA’s insured net par outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. Collateral ratings are current as of June 30, 2009. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

Below IG (Investment Grade) denotes collateral credit ratings of below BBB-.

 

(3)

These years contain deals with allowances for synthetic tranches of leveraged investment grade corporate debt. Collateral contained in referenced Monotranche obligations are classified as Corporate Exposure as they are 100% corporate references.

 

(4)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on 12 Investment Grade CDOs totaling $0.4 billion of net par. These deals were insured prior to 2003. In addition, all 12 deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance on them.

Investment Grade Corporate CDO Portfolio: Vintage and Collateral Ratings of CDOs Containing Non Subprime RMBS

 

$ in millions               Vintage of Non Subprime RMBS     Non Subprime RMBS - Ratings As of June 30, 2009  

Year Insured(1)  

   Net Par
Outstanding
   % Collateral that
is Non Subprime
    2005
and
Prior
    2006     2007     Total     AAA     AA     A     BBB     Below IG(2)     Total  

2003 and Prior

     3,845    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2004(3)

     5,616    2   1   1   0   2   0   0   0   0   2   2

2005(3)

     7,813    3   1   2   0   3   0   0   0   0   3   3

2006(3)

     6,335    3   0   2   0   3   0   0   0   0   3   3

2007(3)

     13,636    2   0   1   1   2   0   0   0   0   2   2
                             

    Subtotal

   $ 37,245                       
                             
     352   

Investment Grade Corporate CDOs insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2003 (12 CDOs)(4)

  

                             

Grand Total

   $ 37,597                       
                             

All figures represent MBIA’s insured net par outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. Collateral ratings are current as of June 30, 2009. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

Below IG (Investment Grade) denotes collateral credit ratings of below BBB-.

 

(3)

The years contain deals with allowances for synthetic tranches of leveraged investment grade corporate debt. Collateral contained in referenced Monotranche obligations are classified as Corporate Exposure as they are 100% corporate references.

 

(4)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on 12 Investment Grade CDOs totaling $0.4 billion of net par. These deals were insured prior to 2003. In addition, all 12 deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance on them.

 

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

 

Investment Grade Corporate CDO Portfolio: Vintage and Collateral Ratings of CDOs Containing CDOs of ABS

 

$ in millions               Vintage of CDO of ABS     CDO of ABS - Ratings As of June 30, 2009  

Year Insured(1)  

   Net Par
Outstanding
   % Collateral that
is CDO of ABS
    2005 and
Prior
    2006     2007     Total     AAA     AA     A     BBB     Below IG(2)     Total  

 

  2003 and Prior

     3,845    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2004(3)

     5,616    2   1   1   0   2   0   0   0   0   2   2

2005(3)

     7,813    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2006(3)

     6,335    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

2007(3)

     13,636    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0
                             

      Subtotal

   $ 37,245                       
                             
     352   

Investment Grade Corporate CDOs insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2003 (12 CDOs)(4)

  

                             

Grand Total

   $ 37,597                       
                             

All figures represent MBIA’s insured net par outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. Collateral ratings are current as of June 30, 2009. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

Below IG (Investment Grade) denotes collateral credit ratings of below BBB-.

 

(3)

These years contain deals with allowances for synthetic tranches of leveraged investment grade corporate debt. Collateral contained in referenced Monotranche obligations are classified as Corporate Exposure as they are 100% corporate references.

 

(4)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on 12 Investment Grade CDOs totaling $0.4 billion of net par. These deals were insured prior to 2003. In addition, all 12 deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance on them.

High Yield Corporate CDOs

The High Yield Corporate CDO portfolio totaling $12.4 billion is largely comprised of middle-market/special-opportunity corporate loan transactions, broadly syndicated bank CLOs and older vintage corporate high yield bond CDOs. The CDOs in this category are diversified by both vintage and geography (with European and U.S. collateral). MBIA Corp.’s net par exposure to High Yield Corporate CDOs represents 10% of the MBIA Corp.’s CDO exposure and approximately 6% of MBIA Corp.’s total net par insured as of June 30, 2009. MBIA Corp. did not experience any material credit deterioration to this portfolio during the six months ended June 30, 2009. The High Yield Corporate CDO portfolio did not contain any Subprime RMBS, Non-subprime RMBS, and CDOs of ABS exposures.

The following table shows the collateral composition, original and current subordination for the High Yield Corporate CDOs, as well as the net derivative asset/(liability) for each year insured. The collateral level detail for each year insured was calculated using a weighted average of the net par written for deals closed for the insured year. The total collateral amount of the portfolio exceeds the net par written as a result of credit enhancement (such as over-collateralization and subordination) and reinsurance.

 

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

 

High Yield Corporate CDOs: Collateral Composition, Subordination, and Net Derivative Asset/Liability

 

$ in millions       Collateral as a % of Performing Pool Balance as of June 30, 2009  

 

Year Insured(1)            

      Net Par    
    Outstanding    
      Corp.          Current Subordination Range
Below MBIA(2)
      Original Subordination Range 
  Below MBIA(2) 
        Net Derivative Asset /    
    Liability(3)    
 

      1997

    54           100   0.0 %(4)    12.1     -   

      1998

    0           100   0.0   28.4-34.2     -   

      1999

    20           100   11.6   22.3-29.4     -   

      2002

    220           100   12.2   19.4     -   

      2003

    817           100   16.3-58.8   24.2-40.0     -   

      2004

    3,064           100   28.5-31.1   22.0-33.3     -   

      2005

    1,194           100   18.6-35.7   21.8-34.0     (1

      2006

    4,277           100   10.0-46.4   10.0-49.0     0   

      2007

    2,201           100   28.0-41.0   31.0-42.0     (4
                   

Subtotal

  $ 11,846                 $ (5
                   
    578                   0   
                   

Grand Total

  $ 12,424                 $ (5
                   

Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

The range represents the minimum and maximum subordination for deals written in that year.

 

(3)

This column represents the net derivative asset / (liability) primarily for CDS deals written in that year. Note that not all insurance contracts are considered derivatives. Please refer to “Note 5: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and “Note 8: Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Company’s accounting treatment of derivatives (including CDS on CDOs).

 

(4)

CDOs with zero subordination are currently being remediated and have reserves established against them.

 

(5)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on 26 High Yield CDOs totaling $0.6 billion of net par. These deals were insured prior to 2004. In addition, all 26 deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance on them.

Structured CMBS Pools and CRE CDOs

The Structured CMBS Pools and CRE CDO portfolio is a diversified global portfolio of highly-rated structured transactions primarily supported by collateral from the CRE sector. This portfolio can be sub-divided into two distinct pools: Structured CMBS pools and CRE CDOs.

MBIA Corp.’s exposure to Structured CMBS Pools totaling $35.2 billion represents 30% of MBIA Corp.’s CDO exposure and approximately 16% of MBIA Corp.’s total net par insured as of June 30, 2009. These transactions are pools of CMBS, Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) debt and CRE CDOs that were structured with a first loss deductible sized to a triple-A (or a multiple of triple-A) level of credit protection before consideration was given to the wrap provided by the Company. The credit protection sizing was a function of the underlying collateral ratings and the structural attributes. MBIA’s guarantee for most structured CMBS pool transactions covers losses on collateral assets once a deductible has been eroded. The securities in the pool are either cash assets or (more typically) securities referenced synthetically. Each pool consists primarily of CMBS securities drawn from a range of different CMBS securitizations, which in turn are backed by a diverse pool of loans secured by CRE properties. The Company’s Structured CMBS Pools are static, meaning that the collateral pool of securitizations cannot be changed.

MBIA Corp.’s CRE CDO exposure comprised approximately 8% or $9.7 billion of MBIA Corp.’s CDO exposure and 4% of the Company’s total insured net par as of June 30, 2009. CRE CDOs are managed pools of CMBS, CRE whole loans, B-Notes, mezzanine loans, REIT debt and other securities (including, in some instances, buckets for RMBS and CRE CDOs) that allow for reinvestment during a defined time period. The structures benefit from typical CDO structural protections such as cash diversion triggers, collateral quality tests and manager replacement provisions. MBIA guarantees timely interest and ultimate principal on these CDOs. As with the Company’s other CDOs, these transactions are generally structured with triple-A, or a multiple of triple-A credit support protection below the Company’s guarantee.

 

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

 

The following table shows the collateral composition, original and current subordination for Structured CMBS Pools and CRE CDOs, as well as the net derivative asset/(liability) for each year insured. The collateral level detail for each year insured was calculated using a weighted average of the net par written for deals closed for the insured year. The total collateral amount of the portfolio exceeds the net par written as a result of credit enhancement (such as over-collateralization and subordination) and reinsurance.

Structured CMBS Pools and CRE CDOs: Collateral Composition, Subordination, and Net Derivative Asset/Liability

 

$ in millions       Collateral as a % of Performing Pool Balance as of June 30, 2009  

Year Insured(1)

   Net Par 
 Outstanding 
   Cusip 
 CMBS 
   Whole 
 Loans 
   REIT 
 Debt 
   Sub- 
 prime 
 RMBS 
   Other 
 RMBS 
   ABS     Other     Total   

 

Current
 Subordination 
Range Below
MBIA(3)

  Original
 Subordination 
Range Below
MBIA(3)
  Net Derivative / Asset
(Liability)(3)
 

CRE CDOs

                       

  2004

    406   64%   1%   19%   14%   3%   0%   0%   100%   20.9-23.0%   22.0-22.4%     -   

  2005

    1,417   59%   1%   9%   17%   4%   5%   6%   100%   17.3-31.9%   18.0-36.0%     (18

  2006

    3,432   39%   50%   4%   1%   0%   0%   7%   100%   18.8-59.3%   24.0-55.0%     (15

  2007

    4,469   61%   26%   4%   1%   1%   0%   6%   100%   18.4-52.9%   20.0-60.0%     (42
                                 

Subtotal

  $ 9,724                       $ (74
                                 

Structured CMBS Pools

                   

  2003

    158   62%   0%   37%   0%   0%   0%   1%   100%   32.6%   32.2%     -   

  2005

    2,200   100%   0%   0%   0%   0%   0%   0%   100%   8.0%   8.0%     (4

  2006

    7,193   89%   0%   0%   0%   0%   0%   11%   100%   10.0-70.0%   10.0-70.0%     (136

  2007

    25,282   97%   0%   0%   0%   0%   0%   3%   100%   5.0-83.4%   5.0-82.3%     (501
                                 

Subtotal

  $ 34,832                       $ (641
                                 

    Total

  $ 44,556                       $ (715
    281   Structured CMBS Pools insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2003 (8 pools)(4)     -   
                                 

Grand Total

  $ 44,837                       $ (715
                                 

Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

The range represents the minimum and maximum subordination for deals written in that year.

 

(3)

This column represents the net derivative asset/(liability) primarily for CDS deals written in that year. Note that not all insurance contracts are considered derivatives. Please refer to “Note 5: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and “Note 8: Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Company’s accounting treatment of derivatives (including CDS on CDOs).

 

(4)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on eight Structured CMBS pools totaling $0.3 billion of net par executed in the secondary market. These deals were insured prior to 2005. In addition, all eight deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance.

The Company’s $44.8 billion net par Structured CMBS Pools and CRE CDO portfolio at June 30, 2009 did not contain any CDOs of ABS exposures, and the Structured CMBS Pools did not contain any Subprime and Non-subprime RMBS exposures. The underlying credit ratings of the collateral that support the Subprime RMBS, Non-subprime RMBS exposures along with their vintage are presented for the CRE CDO portfolio in the following tables.

 

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

 

CRE CDOs: Vintage and Collateral Ratings of CDOs Containing Subprime RMBS

 

$ in millions               Vintage of Subprime RMBS     Subprime RMBS - Ratings As of July 16, 2009  

    Year Insured(1)    

     Net Par  
  Outstanding  
     % Collateral that  
  is Subprime  
      2005  
  and  
  Prior  
      2006         2007         Total         AAA         AA         A         BBB        Below IG(2)        Total    

 

CRE CDOs

                         

 2004

     406    14   11   0   2   14   1   0   5   2   6   14

 2005

     1,417    17   11   3   2   17   0   1   2   7   7   17

 2006

     3,432    1   0   0   0   1   0   0   0   0   0   1

 2007

     4,469    1   0   0   0   1   0   0   0   0   0   1
                             

    Subtotal

   $ 9,724                       
                             
     34,832    Structured CMBS Pools       
                             

  Total

   $ 44,556                       
                             
     281    Structured CMBS Pools insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2005 (8 pools)(3)   
                             

Grand Total

   $ 44,837                       
                             

All figures represent MBIA’s insured net par outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. Collateral ratings are current as of July 16, 2009. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

Below IG (Investment Grade) denotes collateral credit ratings of below BBB-.

 

(3)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on eight Structured CMBS pools totaling $0.3 billion of net par executed in the secondary market. These deals were insured prior to 2005. In addition, all eight deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance.

CRE CDOs: Vintage and Collateral Ratings of CDOs Containing Non Subprime RMBS

 

$ in millions               Vintage of Non Subprime RMBS     Non Subprime RMBS - Ratings As of July 16, 2009  

    Year Insured(1)    

     Net Par  
  Outstanding  
     % Collateral that  
  is Non Subprime  
      2005  
  and  
  Prior  
      2006         2007         Total         AAA         AA         A         BBB        Below IG(2)        Total    

 

CRE CDOs

  

                   

 2004

     406    3   1   1   1   3   1   0   0   2   0   3

 2005

     1,417    4   2   2   0   4   0   0   0   3   1   4

 2006

     3,432    0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0

 2007

     4,469    1   1   0   0   1   0   0   0   0   0   1
                             

    Subtotal

   $ 9,724                       
                             
     34,832    Structured CMBS Pools       
                             

Total

   $ 44,556                       
                             
     281    Structured CMBS Pools insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2005 (8 pools)(3)   
                             

Grand Total

   $ 44,837                       
                             

All figures represent MBIA’s insured net par outstanding as of June 30, 2009. Data was gathered from several third-party sources such as trustee reports, Intex, Bloomberg and rating agency websites; therefore, amounts and distributions may differ depending on data source and interpretation. Collateral ratings are current as of July 16, 2009. The totals may not sum due to rounding.

 

(1)

Years in which no exposure was insured were omitted.

 

(2)

Below IG (Investment Grade) denotes collateral credit ratings of below BBB-.

 

(3)

The table does not provide collateral level detail on eight Structured CMBS pools totaling $0.3 billion of net par executed in the secondary market. These deals were insured prior to 2005. In addition, all eight deals were rated triple-A at the time MBIA wrote insurance.

 

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

 

While we have observed continued stress in the CMBS market, including a substantial rise in delinquencies by borrowers, we have not recognized impairments on these transactions. Our static pooled portfolio comprises over 56,000 loans and is well diversified geographically and by property type in keeping with the industry as a whole. The current weighted average debt service coverage ratio of underlying mortgages in the CMBS pools is 1.55, with a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 70%. The maturities of the underlying mortgages are generally between 6 to 7 years, with over 95% of the collateral in the form of fixed-rate loans. These factors, combined with MBIA deal attachment points ranging from 5% to 80% depending upon collateral composition provide substantial protection against losses. Additionally, underlying bond collateral loss coverage in our pools generally ranging from 2% to 30% provides further protection against losses.

Delinquencies of underlying commercial mortgages continue to rise, albeit from historically low levels. As of June 30, 2009, 30-day and over delinquencies continued to increase rapidly in the CMBS market to 4.0% and in MBIA’s insured portfolio 4.1%, primarily due to MBIA’s concentration in the 2006 vintage. MBIA believes delinquencies will continue to increase over the next 9 to 15 months. Large increases in delinquencies this quarter have been driven by the bankruptcies of several notable borrowers, such as General Growth Properties.

Over the past six months, all three major rating agencies announced and/or executed plans to review and downgrade recent vintage CMBS collateral. Moreover, they continue to change their fundamental rating methodologies for this sector. Many of our positions have been downgraded by one or more of the agencies. Given the recent increase in delinquencies we have also downgraded many of our positions internally. Given these actual and anticipated downgrades, some of the Company’s insured positions may be further downgraded. In addition, we believe there continues to be a risk of a severe and prolonged recession, which could result in increased losses on CMBS collateral. In such an event, the performance of the underlying commercial mortgages in the portfolio may be materially adversely affected. In the event that loan level losses exceed the credit enhancement in our pools, the Company could incur substantial losses.

Investment Management Services Operations

Our investment management services operations provide asset management advisory services, including cash management, discretionary asset management and structured products, to the public, not-for-profit, corporate and financial services sectors. We also have investment agreement, MTN, and commercial paper programs related to funding assets for third-party clients and for investment purposes. Such products and services are provided primarily by MBIA Inc. and certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries. The investment management services operations consist of three operating segments: advisory services, which consist of third-party and related-party fee-based asset management; asset/liability products, which include investment agreements and MTNs not related to the conduit segment; and conduits. The ratings downgrades of MBIA Corp. have resulted in the termination and collateralization of certain investment agreements and, together with the rising cost and declining availability of funding and illiquidity of many asset classes, have caused the Company to begin winding down its asset/liability products and conduit businesses.

The following tables summarize the results and assets under management of our investment management services operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. These results include revenues and expenses from transactions with the Company’s insurance and corporate operations.

 

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     Three Months Ended June 30,         Percent Change      

In millions

   2009     2008         2009 vs. 2008      

Net investment income

   $ 52      $ 252      (79 %) 

Fees and reimbursements

     12        15      (15 %) 

Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange

     115        (69   n/m   

Net realized gains (losses)

     18        (409   105

Investment losses - other-than-temporary impairments

     (265     (436   39

Non-credit related losses on investments not expected to be sold (recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss)

     158        -      100
                      

Net investment losses - other-than-temporary impairments

     (107     (436   75

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

     115        66      75
                      

Total revenues

     205        (581   135
                      

Operating

     21        22      (13 %) 

Interest

     69        243      (71 %) 
                      

Total expenses

     90        265      (66 %) 
                      

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ 115      $ (846   114

Ending assets under management:

      

Third-party

   $ 24,070      $ 21,977      10

Affiliated

     18,695        37,832      (51 %) 
                      

Total

   $ 42,765      $ 59,809      (29 %) 
                      
     Six Months Ended June 30,         Percent Change      

In millions

   2009     2008         2009 vs. 2008      

Net investment income

   $ 122      $ 602      (80 %) 

Fees and reimbursements

     24        26      (4 %) 

Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange

     161        (10   n/m   

Net realized gains (losses)

     45        (369   112

Investment losses - other-than-temporary impairments

     (461     (660   30

Non-credit related losses on investments not expected to be sold (recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss)

     158        -      100
                      

Net investment losses - other-than-temporary impairments

     (303     (660   54

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

     119        79      50
                      

Total revenues

     168        (332   150
                      

Operating

     38        40      (5 %) 

Interest

     164        566      (71 %) 
                      

Total expenses

     202        606      (67 %) 
                      

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ (34   $ (938   96
                      

Ending assets under management:

      

Third-party

   $ 24,070      $ 21,977      10

Affiliated

     18,695        37,832      (51 %) 
                      

Total

   $ 42,765      $ 59,809      (29 %) 
                      

 

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

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2009, investment management services’ revenues were a gain of $205 million compared with a loss of $581 million for the same period of 2008. Excluding net realized gains and losses, net investment losses – other-than-temporary impairments, and net gains on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange, revenues were $179 million compared with revenues of $333 million in the second quarter of 2008. For the first six months of 2009, investment management services’ revenues were a gain of $168 million compared with a loss of $332 million in 2008. Excluding net realized gains and losses, investment losses – other-than-temporary impairments, and net gains on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange, revenues were $265 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $707 million for the same period of 2008. The decreases in revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 were primarily due to lower assets under management, particularly in the asset/liability products segment, together with reduced interest income from lower yielding short-term assets purchased to increase the liquidity of that segment, partially offset by greater gains on extinguishment of debt from repurchasing MTNs. Total investment management services’ expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were $90 million, down 66% compared with the second quarter of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, total expenses of $202 million decreased by 67% from the same period of 2008. The decreases in expenses for the quarter and six months were primarily driven by a decline in interest expense from lower MTN and investment agreement balances outstanding and lower operating expenses that vary with asset and liability balances, partially offset by a reversal in 2008 of compensation-related accruals recorded in prior years.

In the second quarter of 2009, the Company adopted the provisions of FSP FAS 115-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments”. The new accounting guidance requires us to reduce net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments with the portion management determines to be other than credit related losses. Credit related losses are identified as the amount of cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security using the Company’s discounted cash flow projections and assumptions. The difference between the fair value and the amount we do not expect to receive over the remaining term of the security is the non-credit losses.

Investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments in the investment management services operations were $265 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared with losses of $436 million for the same period of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments were $461 million compared with losses of $660 million for the same period of 2008. The investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 are partially offset by non-credit related losses of $158 million on investments not expected to be sold. The new accounting guidance was to be applied prospectively and, as such, there is no reduction recorded in the three and six month period ended June 30, 2008 nor is there a reduction recorded during the first three months of the six month period ended June 30, 2009. Had this accounting guidance been in effect for prior periods, the total net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments would have been less by the amount of the non-credit related losses expected on those investments during the respective period. Upon adoption of FSP FAS 115-2, the non-credit related losses associated with impairments taken in prior periods for investments still held as of June 30, 2009 was recorded as an $86 million transition adjustment to retained earnings. Refer to “Note 6: Investments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the effects of adopting FSP FAS 115-2 on our financial statements.

Net gains on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange in the investment management services operations for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were $115 million compared with net losses of $69 million for the same period of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, net gains on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange were $161 million compared with net losses of $10 million for the same period of 2008. The net gains for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 were primarily generated from gains on interest rate swaps due to higher interest rates. The net losses in the first and second quarter of 2008 were primarily generated from losses on CDSs due to wider spreads and the terminations of swaps. As of June 30, 2009, ending assets under management were $42.8 billion, $0.8 billion lower compared with assets under management of $43.6 billion as of December 31, 2008 and $17.0 billion lower compared with assets under management of $59.8 billion as of June 30, 2008. Decreases in assets under management were predominantly due to a reduction in outstanding investment agreements and MTNs within the asset/liability products segment from scheduled amortization, termination of investment agreements due to ratings downgrades, and repurchases of MTNs by the Company. Conduit ending assets included in assets under management as of June 30, 2009 totaled $1.8 billion compared with $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2008. Conduit assets declined due to the maturity and scheduled amortization of transactions. Advisory services segment balances, which include assets managed for external clients and our insurance and corporate investment portfolios, increased $2.9 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2009 due to an increase in third-party assets managed. Total average assets under management decreased 8% to $42.2 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2009 from $46.0 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2008, due to decline in the asset/liability products and conduit segments partially offset by an increase in assets managed for third-party clients.

The following provides a summary of each of the investment management services’ businesses by segment. Refer to “Note 12: Business Segments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about the Company’s investment management services’ segments.

 

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

 

Advisory Services

 

       Three Months Ended June 30,          Percent Change          Six Months Ended June 30,         Percent Change      

 

In millions

   2009    2008        2009 vs. 2008         2009    2008        2009 vs. 2008      

Total revenues

   $ 13     $ 18     (28 %)    $ 27     $ 35     (25 %) 

Total expenses

     12       12     3     22       20     8
                                        

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $    $    (79 %)    $    $ 15     (68 %) 
                                        

For the three months ended June 30, 2009, advisory services reported pre-tax income of $1 million compared to $6 million in the same period of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, pre-tax income of $5 million was down $10 million compared with the same period of 2008. The decrease in pre-tax income for the three and six months ended June 30, of 2009 primarily resulted from a decrease in asset management fees earned on assets in our asset/liability products and conduit segments, which declined substantially.

Average third-party assets under management for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $34.1 billion, compared with $32.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008. As of June 30, 2009, third-party ending assets under management at market value were $24.1 billion, increasing 18% from $20.3 billion as of December 31, 2008. The increase in third-party ending assets under management resulted from increases in municipal pool balances and, to a lesser extent, increases in discretionary account balances related to existing and new accounts. As of June 30, 2009, ending assets under management at market value related to the Company’s other segments (affiliates) were $18.7 billion, decreasing 20% from $23.3 billion as of December 31, 2008. The decrease in assets managed for affiliates was principally the result of sales of investments to repurchase MTNs and repay maturing and terminated investment agreements in our asset/liability products segment.

The Company has issued commitments to three pooled investment programs managed or administered by MBIA-MISC and its subsidiary. These commitments cover losses in such programs should the net asset values per share decline below specified per share values. At June 30, 2009, the maximum amount of future payments that the Company would be required to make under these commitments was $7.3 billion. These commitments will be in effect so long as MBIA-MISC and its subsidiary remain as manager or administrator and each program remains in compliance with its respective investment objectives and policies. Although the pools generally hold high-quality short-term investments, given the current credit and liquidity environment, there is an increased risk that the Company will be required to make payments or incur a loss under these guarantees in the event of material redemptions by shareholders of the pools and the need to liquidate investments held in the pools. These guarantees are accounted for as derivatives, and the net unrealized gains (losses) on these derivatives for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were gains of $2 thousand, losses of $1 thousand, gains of $2 thousand and gains of $11 thousand, respectively. The Company has, and may in the future, purchase investments at its discretion from the pooled investment programs it manages, whether or not such programs have been guaranteed by the Company.

Asset/Liability Products

 

       Three Months Ended June 30,           Percent Change          Six Months Ended June 30,          Percent Change      

 

In millions

   2009    2008         2009 vs. 2008         2009     2008         2009 vs. 2008      

Total revenues

   $ 171     $ (623   (127 %)    $ 121      $ (424   129

Total expenses

     75       235      (68 %)      172        533      (68 %) 
                                           

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ 96     $ (858   (111 %)    $ (51   $ (957   95
                                           

For the three months ended June 30, 2009, asset/liability products reported a pre-tax gain of $96 million compared with pre-tax loss of $858 million for the same period of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, pre-tax loss was $51 million, compared to $957 million for the same period of 2008. The pre-tax gain for the three months ended June 30, 2009 resulted from $116 million of net gains on financial instruments recorded at fair value and foreign exchange, $95 million on net gains on MTN repurchases gains and investment agreement terminations, and partially offset by $108 million in investment losses – other-than-temporary impairments. The pre-tax loss for the six months ended June 30, 2009 resulted from $303 million in investment losses – other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by net gains on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange of $171 million and net gains on extinguishment of debt of $98 million. Excluding realized gains and losses from investment securities, net gains and losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange, investment losses – other-than-temporary impairments, and net gains from debt repurchases, the segment’s pre-tax gain for the three months ended June 30, 2009 was $26 million compared with pre-tax loss of $8 million for the same period of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the segment’s pre-tax loss, excluding realized gains and losses from investment securities, net gains and losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange, investment losses – other-than-temporary impairments, and net gains from debt repurchases, was $62 million compared with pre-tax income of $6 thousand with the same period of 2008.

 

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

 

These decreases were principally due to a significant decline in net interest income, which resulted from a decrease in total assets in the segment and interest earned on remaining assets as we rebalanced the portfolio into cash and short-term investments to meet current and future liquidity needs, together with increased interest costs for inter-segment loan facilities from the Company’s structured finance and international insurance segment, the U.S. public finance insurance segment, and the corporate segment.

As of June 30, 2009, principal and accrued interest outstanding on investment agreement and MTN obligations and securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $6.2 billion compared with $9.7 billion at December 31, 2008. In addition, as of June 30, 2009, the segment had a repurchase agreement outstanding with MBIA Corp. for $2.0 billion and cash advanced from the Company’s corporate segment of $600 million, which was unchanged from December 31, 2008. Cash and investments supporting the segment’s liabilities, including intercompany liabilities, had market values plus accrued interest of $5.8 billion and $9.1 billion as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. These assets comprise securities with an average credit quality rating of single-A. The fair values of assets increased for the three months ended June 30, 2009 relative to the carrying value of liabilities due to the tightening of credit spreads across the fixed-income market in general and for certain specific asset holdings, while the liabilities are not carried at fair value. Additionally, receivables for securities sold net of payables for securities purchased were $7 million and $64 million as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Refer to the “Liquidity” section included herein for a discussion about the liquidity position of the asset/liability products program.

Through MBIA Inc., the asset/liability products segment has also entered into matched repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements with National. These agreements, collectively, provide high-quality collateral to the asset/liability products segment, which is then pledged to investment agreement counterparties, and low-risk investment portfolio yield enhancement to the U.S. public finance insurance segment.

Conduits

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,        Percent Change         Six Months Ended June 30,        Percent Change      

In millions

   2009    2008        2009 vs. 2008         2009    2008        2009 vs. 2008      

Total revenues

   $ 23     $ 31     (21 %)    $ 24     $ 71     (65 %) 

Total expenses

          25     (78 %)      12       67     (81 %) 
                                        

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ 18     $    n/m      $ 12     $    n/m   
                                        

For the three months ended June 30, 2009, our conduits segment reported a pre-tax gain of $18 million compared with a pre-tax gain of $6 million for the same period of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, pre-tax income of $12 million increased $8 million from the same period of 2008. Excluding losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange and net gains on extinguishment of debt, Conduits’ pre-tax loss was $1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared with pre-tax income of $4 million in the same period of 2008. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, excluding losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange and net gains on extinguishment of debt, Conduits’ pre-tax loss was $0.6 million compared with pre-tax income of $7 million for the same period of 2008. The increase in pre-tax income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 principally resulted from the net gains on debt extinguishment partially offset by net losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange primarily consist of an $1 million and $9 million loss, respectively, related to fair valuing an embedded derivative, which captures the difference between initial expectations of cash receipts in three Meridian Funding Company, LLC (“Meridian”) prepaid swaps and updated expectations based upon revised cash flow/discount factors. Certain of MBIA’s consolidated subsidiaries have invested in our conduit debt obligations or have received compensation for services provided to our conduits. As such, we have eliminated intercompany transactions with our conduits from our consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations. After the elimination of such intercompany assets and liabilities, conduit investments (including cash) and conduit debt obligations totaled $2.1 billion at June 30, 2009. The effect of the elimination on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet is a reduction of fixed-maturity investments, representing investments in conduit MTNs by other MBIA subsidiaries, with a corresponding reduction of conduit MTNs .

Meridian is one of two MBIA-owned and administered conduit financing vehicles. Meridian has invested the proceeds of a 2008 prepayment in eligible assets. Certain of the eligible assets were purchased from MBIA Inc. The eligible assets are expected to provide adequate proceeds to meet Meridian’s obligations as they come due. Triple-A One Funding Corporation (“Triple-A One”), another MBIA-owned and administered conduit, historically issued commercial paper and maintained A-1/P-1 backstop liquidity facilities covering 100% of the face amount of commercial paper outstanding. During 2008, conditions in the asset-backed commercial paper market deteriorated making it increasingly difficult for Triple-A One to issue new commercial paper to repay maturing obligations. Accordingly, Triple-A One began borrowing under its liquidity facilities to repay maturing commercial paper. The financial guarantee policies issued by MBIA Corp. to insure the assets of Triple-A One cannot be accelerated to repay maturing commercial paper or borrowings under liquidity facilities and only guarantee ultimate payments over time relating to the assets. By September 2008, these facilities were drawn in full and Triple-A One ceased issuing commercial paper. In November 2008, Moody’s and S&P withdrew the ratings of Triple-A One at its request.

 

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

 

 

Corporate Operations

Our corporate operations primarily consist of holding company activities. The following tables summarize the consolidated results of our corporate operations for the three and the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. These results include revenues and expenses from transactions with the Company’s insurance and investment management services operations.

 

         Three Months Ended June 30,     Percent Change        

In millions

      

 

2009

   

 

2008

   

 

2009 vs. 2008

 

Net investment income

     $ 4      $ 7      (43%

Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange

       (2     54      n/m       

Net realized gains (losses)

       4        3      33%   

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

       1        -      n/m       
                        

Total revenues

       7        64      (89%
                        

Operating

       7        6      17%   

Interest

       18        19      (5%
                        

Total expenses

                     25        25      0%   
                        

Pre-tax income (loss)

     $ (18   $               39                    n/m       
                        
         Six Months Ended June 30,     Percent Change        

In millions

      

 

2009

   

 

2008

   

 

2009 vs. 2008

 

Net investment income

     $ 11      $ 15      (27%

Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange

       (11     11      n/m       

Net realized gains (losses)

       3        1      n/m       

Net gains on extinguishment of debt

       2        -      n/m       
                        

Total revenues

       5        27      (81%
                        

Operating

       15        13      15%   

Interest

       36        39      (7%
                        

Total expenses

       51        52      (2%
                        

Pre-tax income (loss)

     $ (46   $ (25   84%   
                        

 

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For the three months ended June 30, 2009, revenues in our corporate operations decreased 89% to $7 million compared with revenues of $64 million for the same period in 2008. Revenues in 2009 included a gain of $1 million related to fair valuing warrants issued to Warburg Pincus, which is included in net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange, compared with a gain of $57 million in 2008. Additionally, net investment income decreased to $4 million in 2009 from $7 million in 2008 due to a decrease in yields on invested assets and a decrease in the average balance of invested assets. The average balance of invested assets declined due to payments of interest on corporate debt and operating expenses in the absence of dividends from subsidiaries. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, expenses in our corporate segment of $25 million were consistent with the same period in 2008. An increase in operating expenses of $1 million, primarily due to an increase in the amount of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance expense allocated to this segment, was offset by a $1 million decrease in interest expense. Interest expense decreased as a result of repurchasing corporate debt during 2008 and 2009.

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, revenues in our corporate operations decreased 81% to $5 million compared with $27 million for the same period in 2008. Revenues in 2009 included a loss of $8 million related to fair valuing warrants issued to Warburg Pincus compared with a gain of $12 million in 2008. Additionally, net investment income decreased to $11 million in 2009 from $15 million in 2008 due to a decrease in yields on invested assets and a decrease in the average balance of invested assets. The average balance of invested assets declined due to payments of interest on corporate debt and operating expenses in the absence of dividends from subsidiaries. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, expenses in our corporate segment of $51 million were slightly below the same period in 2008. An increase in operating expenses of $2 million, primarily due to an increase in the amount of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance expense allocated to this segment, was offset by a $3 million decrease in interest expense. Interest expense decreased as a result of repurchasing corporate debt during 2008 and 2009.

Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company’s income taxes and the related effective tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,  

In millions

  

 

2009

   

 

2008

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $     1,503      $     2,935     

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ 605    40.3   $ 1,235      42.1
     Six Months Ended June 30,  

In millions

  

 

2009

   

 

2008

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ 2,488      $ (765  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ 890    35.8   $ (58   7.6

The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was primarily a result of an unrealized net gain recorded on the Company’s derivatives portfolio, the tax-exempt interest from investments, and the change in the valuation allowance. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company has recorded mark-to-market net gains, which are treated as discrete items for purposes of calculating its full year effective tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2008 is primarily driven by the establishment of a valuation allowance.

Embedded in the current effective tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 are the tax effects of the Company’s expected operating activities such as scheduled premium earnings, fees, and net investment income and operating expenses. However, the discrete treatment of the pre-tax amount of the unrealized net gains which is taxed at a 35% rate and the increase in the valuation allowance relative to the Company’s expected operating activities have contributed to the Company’s current effective tax rates for the quarter and year-to-date to be higher. Absent these non-recurring and discrete items, the Company would expect to have effective tax rates for the quarter and six months below the 35% statutory tax rate.

The Company has calculated its year-to-date effective tax rate by treating the unrealized net gain on its insured credit derivative portfolio as a discrete item. As such, the tax on this net gain, calculated at the statutory tax rate of 35%, is an adjustment to the annual effective tax rate that the Company has estimated for all other pre-tax income. Given its inability to estimate this item for the full year of 2009, which directly affects the Company’s ability to estimate its pre-tax gain or loss and the related effective tax rate for the full year of 2009, the Company believes that it is appropriate to treat these unrealized net gains as a discrete item for purposes of calculating the effective tax rate for the quarter. Further changes in the fair value of the Company’s derivative portfolio during 2009 will impact the Company’s annual effective tax rate.

 

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Deferred Tax Asset, Net of Valuation Allowance

The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. All evidence, both positive and negative, needs to be identified and considered in making the determination. Future realization of the existing deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of appropriate character (for example, ordinary income versus capital gains) within the carryforward period available under the tax law.

As of June 30, 2009, the Company reported a net deferred tax asset of $1.3 billion primarily related to unrealized losses recorded on the Company’s derivative and investment portfolios. Included in the net deferred tax asset of $1.3 billion is the valuation allowance of $412 million. The change in the valuation allowance for the six months ended June 30, 2009 includes a reduction in the valuation allowance of $30 million as part of the adoption of FSP FAS 115-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.” Refer to “Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion about the adoption of FSP FAS 115-2. As of June 30, 2008, the Company established a valuation allowance of $199 million. Refer to “Note 11: Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion about our deferred tax asset and valuation allowance.

Ownership Change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code

Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes annual limitations on the utilization of NOL carryforwards, other tax carryforwards, and certain built-in losses, as defined under that Section, upon an ownership change. In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions that increase the aggregate ownership of certain stockholders in our stock by more than 50 percentage points over a testing period (generally three years).

As of June 30, 2009, the Company has not experienced an ownership change under Section 382. However, had one occurred as of June 30, 2009, the ownership change, in itself, would not have had a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company has already established a full valuation allowance against its capital loss carryforwards and the Company has the intent to hold securities with unrealized losses as of June 30, 2009 to maturity or until such time as the value recovers as not to trigger realized losses subject to limitations under Section 382. Additionally, the Company expects to have sufficient income to utilize its alternative minimum tax credit, which may be carried forward indefinitely. The Company has no net operating loss carryforwards from 2008.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company manages its capital resources to maintain appropriate claims-paying resources for National and MBIA Corp. Capital resources are defined by the Company as total shareholders’ equity and long-term debt issued by MBIA Inc. for general business purposes, surplus notes issued by MBIA Corp., and bank loans under liquidity facilities. As of June 30, 2009, total shareholders’ equity was $2.8 billion and total long-term debt was $2.5 billion. MBIA maintains debt at levels it considers to be prudent based on its cash flow and total capital (shareholders’ equity plus long-term debt).

Securities Repurchases

Equity securities

Repurchases of stock may be made from time to time in the open market or in private transactions as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements. We believe that share repurchases can be an appropriate deployment of capital in excess of amounts needed to support our liquidity and other business needs.

During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased 1.7 million common shares of MBIA Inc. under our share repurchase program at a cost of $4.2 million and an average price of $2.48 per share. As of June 30, 2009, we had repurchased a total of 42.1 million shares under our share repurchase program at an average price of $21.01 per share and $115 million remained available under the program.

MBIA Inc. also repurchased 1,082 shares of the outstanding preferred stock of MBIA Insurance Corporation at a purchase price of $10,000 per share or 10% of the face value, of which 1,012 shares were repurchased in connection with the previously announced tender offer. As of June 30, 2009, 1,677 preferred shares of MBIA Insurance Corporation remained outstanding with a carrying value of $16.8 million.

 

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Debt securities

In addition to stock repurchases, MBIA Inc. or its subsidiaries may repurchase their outstanding debt securities at prices that we deem to be economically advantageous. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, MBIA Inc. repurchased $11.1 million par value outstanding of its general corporate debt at an average price of 81.98 and our investment management services operations repurchased $403.9 million par value outstanding of MTNs issued by its asset/liability products segment at an average price of 51.40. Additionally, during the six months ended June 30, 2009, MBIA Inc. repurchased $7.5 million par value of surplus notes issued by MBIA Corp. at an average price of 30.67. The gain on the repurchase of surplus notes is only reflected in the consolidated accounts of the Company.

Soft Capital

MBIA Corp. maintained a $450 million limited recourse standby line of credit facility with a group of major banks to provide funds for the payment of claims in excess of the greater of $500 million of cumulative claims, net of recoveries, or 5% of average annual debt service with respect to U.S. public finance transactions. As a result of the reinsurance of all of MBIA Corp.’s U.S. public finance insurance exposure by National, MBIA Corp. voluntarily terminated the facility effective March 31, 2009. MBIA Corp. had no outstanding borrowings under the facility, and there were no early termination fees or premiums paid as a result of terminating the facility.

Shelf Registration

From time to time, MBIA accesses the capital markets to support the growth of its businesses. As such, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3ASR with the SEC in June 2007 for an indeterminate amount which replaced and canceled remaining balances on all prior shelf registration statements filed with the SEC. This shelf registration permits us to issue various debt and equity securities described in the prospectus filed as part of the registration statement. In February 2008, we filed amendments to our Form S-3ASR to allow the issuance of $1.15 billion of common stock as part of our capital strengthening.

LIQUIDITY

As a financial services company, we carefully manage liquidity risk, which is the risk that an enterprise will not have sufficient resources to meet contractual payment obligations when due. Management of liquidity risk is of critical importance to financial services companies, and most failures of financial institutions have occurred in large part due to their inability to maintain sufficient liquidity resources under adverse circumstances. Generally, lack of sufficient resources results from an enterprise’s inability to access the capital markets or to sell assets at values necessary to satisfy payment obligations and/or an unexpected acceleration of payments to settle liabilities. We encounter significant liquidity risk in our insurance businesses, asset/liability products business and corporate operations.

The Company has instituted a liquidity risk management framework to evaluate its enterprise-wide liquidity position. The primary objective of this risk management system is to monitor potential liquidity constraints and guide the proactive management of liquidity resources to ensure adequate protection against liquidity risk. Our liquidity risk management framework monitors the Company’s cash and liquid asset resources using stress-scenario testing. Members of MBIA’s senior management meet frequently to review liquidity metrics, discuss contingency plans and establish target liquidity cushions on an enterprise-wide basis.

As part of our liquidity risk management framework, we also evaluate and manage liquidity on both a legal entity basis and a segment basis. Segment liquidity is an important consideration for the Company as we conduct the operations of our corporate segment and certain activities within the asset/liability products segment of our investment management services operations from MBIA Inc. Dislocation in the global financial markets, the overall economic downturn in the U.S., and the loss of our triple-A insurance financial strength ratings in 2008 significantly increased the liquidity needs and decreased the financial flexibility in our segments. However, we continued to satisfy all of our payment obligations and we believe that we have adequate resources to meet our ongoing liquidity needs in both the short-term and the long-term. However, if the current market dislocation and economic conditions persist or worsen, the Company’s liquidity resources will experience further stress.

Insurance Liquidity

U.S. Public Finance Insurance

Liquidity risk arises in our U.S. public finance insurance segment when claims on insured exposures result in payment obligations, when operating cash inflows fall due to depressed new business writings, lower investment income, or unanticipated expenses, or when invested assets experience credit defaults or significant declines in fair value.

 

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Our U.S. public finance insurance segment’s financial guarantee contracts cannot be accelerated, thereby mitigating liquidity risk. However, defaults, credit impairments and adverse capital markets conditions such as we are currently experiencing, can create payment requirements as a result of our irrevocable pledges to pay principal and interest, or other amounts owing on insured obligations, when due. Additionally, our U.S. public finance insurance segment requires cash for the payment of operating expenses. Finally, National also provides liquid assets to our asset/liability products segment through matched repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements to support its business operations and liquidity position, as described below.

Since inception, National, the entity from which we conduct our U.S. public finance insurance business, has exhibited robust cash flows from operations, and relatively stable and predictable cash outflows. National had a substantial cash and short-term investment position of $506 million as of June 30, 2009, and a highly liquid investment portfolio. All restrictions on cash and investments related to the FGIC trust were released on July 1, 2009 under the terms of the agreement.

As of June 30, 2009, the Company determined that the liquidity position of its U.S. public finance insurance segment was sufficient to meet cash requirements in the ordinary course of business.

Structured Finance and International Insurance

Liquidity risk arises in our structured finance and international insurance segment when claims on insured exposures result in payment obligations, when operating cash inflows fall due to depressed new business writings, lower investment income, or unanticipated expenses, or when invested assets experience credit defaults or significant declines in fair value.

In general, our structured finance and international segment’s financial guarantee contracts and CDS contracts cannot be accelerated, thereby mitigating liquidity risk. (Under the terms of our insured CDS contract, the insured counterparty may have a right to terminate the CDS contract upon an insolvency or payment default of MBIA Corp.) However, defaults, credit impairments and adverse capital markets conditions such as we are currently experiencing, can create payment requirements as a result of our irrevocable pledges to pay principal and interest, or other amounts owing on insured obligations, when due. Additionally, our structured finance and international insurance segment requires cash for the payment of operating expenses, as well as principal and interest related to its surplus notes and preferred stock issuance. MBIA Corp. also provides guarantees to the holders of our asset/liability products debt obligations. If our asset/liability products segment were to be unable to service the principal and interest payments on its debt and investment agreements, the holders of the insured liabilities would make a claim under the MBIA Corp. insurance policies. MBIA Corp. has lent $2.0 billion to the asset/liability products segment on a secured basis for the purpose of minimizing the risk that such claim would be made. The loan matures in the fourth quarter of 2011. The timing of the repayment may be affected by the performance of assets in the asset/liability product’s investment portfolio.

Since the fourth quarter of 2007, MBIA Corp. made $3.7 billion of cash payments, before reinsurance, associated with insured second-lien RMBS securitizations, as well as settlement payments relating to CDS contracts referencing CDO-squareds and multi-sector CDOs. Among MBIA Corp.’s outstanding insured portfolio, these types of insured exposures have exhibited the highest degree of payment volatility and continue to pose material liquidity risk to the Company’s structured finance and international insurance segment. As a result of the current economic stress, MBIA could incur additional payment obligations beyond these mortgage-related exposures, which may be substantial, increasing the stress on MBIA Corp.’s liquidity.

In order to monitor liquidity risk and maintain appropriate liquidity resources for payments associated with our residential mortgage related exposures, MBIA employs a stress scenario-based liquidity model using the same “Roll Rate Default Methodology” as described under the “Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense” heading within the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section included herein. Using this methodology, the Company estimates the level of payments that would be required to be made under low probability stress-level default assumptions of the underlying collateral taking into account MBIA’s obligation to cover such defaults under our insurance policies. These estimated payments, together with all other significant operating, financing and investing cash flows are forecasted over the next 24-month period on a monthly basis and then annually thereafter to the final maturity of the longest dated outstanding insured obligation. The stress-loss scenarios and cash flow forecasts are frequently updated to account for changes in risk factors and to reconcile differences between forecasted and actual payments.

In addition to our residential mortgage stress scenario, we also monitor liquidity risk using a Monte Carlo estimation of potential stress-level claims for all insured principal and interest payments due in the next 12-month period. These probabilistically determined payments are then compared to the Company’s invested assets. This theoretic liquidity model supplements the scenario-based liquidity model described above providing the Company with a robust set of liquidity metrics with which to monitor its risk position.

 

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The Company manages the investment portfolios of its insurance segments in a conservative manner to maintain cash and liquid securities in an amount in excess of all stress scenario payment requirements. To the extent our liquidity resources fall short of our target liquidity cushions under the stress-loss scenario testing, the Company will seek to increase its cash holdings position, primarily through the sale of high-quality bonds held in its investment portfolio. As of June 30, 2009, MBIA Corp. had unencumbered cash and available-for-sale investments of $3.5 billion, of which $1.7 billion comprised cash and highly liquid assets of MBIA Insurance Corporation. We believe that MBIA Corp. has sufficient cash on hand, liquid assets and future cash receipts to satisfy expected claims payments.

Investment Management Services Liquidity

Within our investment management services operations, the asset/liability products segment has material liquidity risk. In addition to the payment of operating expenses, cash needs in the asset/liability products segment are primarily for the payment of principal and interest on investment agreements and MTNs, and for posting collateral under repurchase agreements, derivatives and investment agreements. The primary sources of cash within the asset/liability products segment used to meet its liquidity needs include scheduled principal and interest on assets held in the segment’s investment portfolio and dedicated capital held within the investment management services operations. If needed, assets held within the segment can be sold or used in secured repurchase agreement borrowings to raise cash. However, our ability to sell assets or borrow against non-U.S. government securities in the fixed-income markets decreased dramatically and the cost of such transactions increased dramatically over the last year due to the impact of the credit crisis on the willingness of investors to purchase or lend against even very high-quality assets. In addition, negative net interest spread between asset and liability positions resulted from the need to hold cash as collateral against terminable investment agreement contracts and reduced the cash flow historically provided by net investment income.

In order to monitor liquidity risk and maintain appropriate liquidity resources for near-term cash and collateral requirements within our asset/liability products segment, the Company calculates monthly forecasts of asset and liability maturities, as well as collateral posting requirements. Cash availability at the low point of our 12-month forecasted cash flows is measured against liquidity needs using stress-scenario testing of each of the potential liquidity needs described above. To the extent there is a shortfall in our liquidity coverage, the Company proactively manages its cash position and liquidity resources to maintain an adequate cushion to the stress scenario. These resources include the sale of unpledged assets, the use of free cash at the holding company, and potentially increased securities borrowings from National.

The asset/liability products segment, through MBIA Inc., maintained simultaneous repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements with MBIA Insurance Corporation under which MBIA Inc. borrowed government securities in exchange for lending other investment grade fixed-income securities to MBIA Insurance Corporation. The government securities borrowed by the asset/liability products segment are pledged to counterparties under collateralized investment agreements and repurchase agreements. In connection with the Company’s separation of its insurance business into distinct legal entities in February 2009, the assets borrowed by MBIA Inc. were transferred from MBIA Insurance Corporation to National. As a result, the Company terminated the repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements between MBIA Inc. and MBIA Insurance Corporation and established new agreements between MBIA Inc. and National for up to $2.0 billion under substantially the same terms. As of June 30, 2009, the fair value of security borrowings under these agreements totaled $1.9 billion.

Other liquidity support outstanding as of June 30, 2009 included a $600 million advance from our corporate segment to our asset/liability products segment and an intercompany repurchase agreement between MBIA Inc. and MBIA Insurance Corporation for up to $2.0 billion, under which the full $2.0 billion was borrowed. As of June 30, 2009, including the $2.6 billion of intercompany resources, the asset/liability products segment had cash and investments of $5.8 billion and receivables for securities sold net of payables for securities purchased of $7 million.

Following the Moody’s downgrade of MBIA Corp. to Baa1 in November 2008, most outstanding investment agreements were terminated in accordance with their terms. As of June 30, 2009, we had $6.2 billion in remaining liabilities related to our asset/liability products business, of which $3.0 billion were investment agreements. All of the investment agreements were collateralized by cash or high-grade securities. This included $1.3 billion of investment agreements which were terminable at the holders’ option upon the downgrade of MBIA Corp. to Baa1 by Moody’s or to BBB+ by S&P, but for which the holders did not choose to terminate the investment agreements. The remaining $3.2 billion in liabilities consist of MTNs issued by MBIA Global Funding, LLC and term repurchase agreements. No additional collateral or termination provisions would be triggered in the event of a further downgrade of MBIA Corp.’s credit rating. Payments and additional collateral requirements on the liabilities in the asset/liability products segment are expected to be met without the need for additional asset sales in the current stressed credit environment but rather from cash flows from investments and the intercompany facilities described above.

 

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We currently believe that the liquidity position of the asset/liability products segment, including the utilization of intercompany resources, is adequate to meet projected payments. Certain events, however, could place further stress on our ability to meet asset/liability segment obligations without additional asset sales or borrowing facilities, including any further asset impairments, asset or liability cash flow variability, or increased collateral margin requirements due to a reduction in the market value or rating eligibility of assets pledged as collateral. In such events, we may be forced to sell additional assets at potentially substantial losses to meet such obligations. Additionally, the asset/liability products segment may receive further liquidity support from our corporate segment, however, there can be no assurance that such support would be adequate to meet all payment obligations.

Corporate Liquidity

Liquidity needs in our corporate segment are highly predictable and comprise principal and interest payments on corporate debt, operating expenses and dividends to MBIA Inc. shareholders. Liquidity risk is associated primarily with the dividend capacity of National and MBIA Insurance Corporation, the distributable earnings of the investment management services operations conducted by MBIA Inc., dividends from asset management subsidiaries, investment income and our ability to issue equity and debt. Additionally, the corporate segment maintains excess cash and investments to ensure it is able to meet its ongoing cash requirements over a multi-year period in the event that cash becomes unavailable from one or more sources.

As of June 30, 2009, the corporate activities of MBIA Inc. had $410 million of cash and highly liquid assets available for general corporate liquidity purposes, of which $370 million comprised cash and short-term investments, compared with estimated debt service, including maturities, and operating expenses of $220 million through year-end 2010.

In addition to MBIA Inc.’s corporate liquidity needs described above, it issued investment agreements reported within the Company’s asset/liability products segment, all of which are currently collateralized by high-quality liquid investments. The Company’s corporate debt and investment agreements can be accelerated by the holders of such instruments upon the occurrence of certain events, including a breach of covenant or representation, a bankruptcy of MBIA Inc. and the filing of an insolvency proceeding in respect to MBIA Corp. In the event of any such acceleration, the Company may not have sufficient liquid resources to pay amounts due with respect to its corporate debt obligations.

Consolidated Cash Flows

Operating Cash Flows

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, net cash used by operating activities totaled $805 million compared with net cash provided by operating activities of $441 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Net cash used by operating activities in the first six months of 2009 was largely related to loss payments on financial guarantee insurance policies insuring RMBS exposure. Cash from operating activities during 2009 was adversely impacted by a decrease in net investment income and premium collections. Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was driven by premium collections, investment income and $253 million in refunds of income taxes paid in prior years, partially offset by claim payments made on financial guarantee insurance policies.

During the remainder of 2009, we currently expect that we will be required to make loss and CDS settlement payments, before reinsurance, of between $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion primarily relating to insured RMBS and multi-sector CDO credits. In addition, our surplus notes will require interest payments totaling approximately $67 million in July 2009. We believe that we have sufficient cash on hand, liquid assets and future cash receipts to satisfy expected claims payments and other expenses.

Investing Cash Flows

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, net cash provided by investing activities was $2.9 billion compared with $2.5 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Net cash provided by investing activities in the first six months of 2009 resulted from sales of securities for purposes of funding investment agreement withdrawals and terminations, MTN maturities and repurchases, insurance-related loss payments, and improving liquidity in our business segments. Similarly, net cash provided by investing activities in the first six months of 2008 resulted from sales of securities for purposes of funding investment agreement withdrawals and terminations, MTN maturities and repurchases, and improving liquidity primarily within our asset/liability products segment.

 

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Financing Cash Flows

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, net cash used by financing activities was $3.5 billion compared with $1.9 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Net cash used by financing activities in the first six months of 2009 principally related to withdrawals and terminations of investment agreements and maturities and repurchases of MTNs within our asset/liability products segment. Net cash used by financing activities in the first six months of 2008 also related to withdrawals and terminations of investment agreements and maturities and repurchases of MTNs within our asset/liability products segment, partially offset by proceeds received from our capital issuance and surplus notes transactions.

Subsidiary Dividends

Under New York State insurance law, without prior approval of the Superintendent of the NYSID, financial guarantee insurance companies can pay dividends from earned surplus subject to retaining a minimum capital requirement. The payment of regular dividends in any 12-month period are limited to the lesser of (i) 10% of policyholders’ surplus as shown on MBIA Corp.’s latest filed statutory financial statements and (ii) 100% of adjusted net investment income.

On February 17, 2009, MBIA Corp. declared and paid a dividend of $1.1 billion to MBIA Inc. after receiving prior approval from the Superintendent of the NYSID. As a result, MBIA Corp. will not be able to pay dividends without prior approval from the Superintendent of the NYSID until February 17, 2010. The $1.1 billion dividend, together with a $938 million return of capital, was used to further capitalize National.

In connection with the separation of our insurance operations, National entered into the previously disclosed reinsurance agreement with MBIA Insurance Corporation, whereby National assumed all of MBIA Insurance Corporation’s outstanding U.S. public finance business. As a consequence of the reinsurance transaction, National recorded a $1.3 billion contingency reserve, which brought its earned surplus to deficit of $2.0 billion. Under Illinois insurance law, dividends can only be paid from earned surplus. Therefore, National would be unable to pay dividends for an extended period. The Company has submitted applications to its regulators to redomesticate National to New York and has simultaneously requested approval from the NYSID to reset National’s unassigned surplus.

Credit Facilities

MBIA maintained a revolving credit facility totaling $500 million with a group of highly rated global banks. MBIA elected to terminate the facility effective February 27, 2009 in accordance with its rights under the credit facility. As of the termination date, neither MBIA Inc. nor MBIA Corp. had outstanding borrowings under the facility, and there were no early termination fees or premiums paid as a result of terminating the facility.

Triple-A One, an MBIA-administered multi-seller conduit consolidated in the Company’s conduit segment, historically issued commercial paper to fund assets, which were insured by MBIA Corp. Triple-A One also maintained backstop liquidity facilities covering 100% of the face amount of commercial paper outstanding. During 2008, conditions in the asset-backed commercial paper market deteriorated making it increasingly difficult for Triple-A One to issue new commercial paper at commercially acceptable rates to repay maturing obligations. Accordingly, Triple-A One borrowed under its liquidity facilities to repay maturing commercial paper. By September 2008, these facilities were drawn in full and Triple-A One ceased issuing commercial paper. As of June 30, 2009 borrowings under liquidity facilities totaled $389 million and will be repaid as the assets purchased by Triple-A One mature. The financial guarantee policies issued by MBIA Corp. to insure the assets of Triple-A One cannot be accelerated to repay borrowings under the liquidity facilities and only guarantee ultimate payments over time relating to the assets.

Investments

Our available-for-sale investment portfolios comprise high-quality fixed-income securities and short-term investments. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the fair value of our consolidated available-for-sale investment portfolio was $14.3 billion and $17.0 billion, respectively, as presented in the following table. Additionally, consolidated cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were $0.9 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively.

 

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In millions

   June 30, 2009     December 31, 2008     Percent Change
2009 vs. 2008
 

Available-for-sale investments:

      

U.S. public finance insurance operations:

      

Amortized cost

   $ 5,104      $ -      -   

Unrealized net gain (loss)

     (62     -      -   
                      

Fair value

   $ 5,042      $ -      -   
                      

Structured finance and international insurance operations

      

Amortized cost

   $ 3,683      $ -      -   

Unrealized net gain (loss)

     (251     -      -   
                      

Fair value

   $ 3,432      $ -      -   
                      

Combined insurance operations:

      

Amortized cost

   $ 8,787      $ 8,834      -1

Unrealized net gain (loss)

     (313     (160   97
                      

Fair value

   $ 8,474      $ 8,674      -2
                      

Investment management services operations:

      

Amortized cost

   $ 7,580      $ 10,279      -26

Unrealized net gain (loss)

     (2,096     (2,328   10
                      

Fair value

   $ 5,484      $ 7,951      -31
                      

Corporate operations:

      

Amortized cost

   $ 359      $ 365      -1

Unrealized net gain (loss)

     (3     (7                           -52
                      

Fair value

   $ 356      $ 358      0
                      

Total available-for-sale investments:

      

Amortized cost

   $                 16,726      $ 19,478      -14

Unrealized net gain (loss)

     (2,412     (2,495   3
                      

Total available-for-sale investments at fair value

   $ 14,314      $ 16,983      -16
                      

Held-to-maturity investments:

      

Combined insurance operations:

      

Amortized cost

   $ 2,104      $ 1,215      73

Investment management services operations:

      

Amortized cost

     1,856        2,441      -24
                      

Total held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost

     3,960        3,656      8
                      

Consolidated investments at carrying value

   $ 18,274      $                 20,639      -11
                      

The carrying value of our consolidated investment portfolio decreased 11% to $18.3 billion as of June 30, 2009 from $20.6 billion as of December 31, 2008. The decrease in the amortized cost of available-for-sale investments in the investment management services operations principally resulted from the maturity and sale of investments to repay investment agreement and MTN obligations within our asset/liability products segment, as well as the other-than-temporary impairment of securities.

The fair value of the Company’s investments is based on prices which include quoted prices in active markets and prices based on market-based inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable, as well as prices from dealers in relevant markets. Differences between fair value and amortized cost arise primarily as a result of changes in interest rates and general market credit spreads occurring after a fixed-income security is purchased, although other factors influence fair value, including specific credit-related changes, supply and demand forces and other market factors. When the Company holds an available-for-sale investment to maturity, any unrealized gain or loss currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the shareholders’ equity section of the balance sheet is reversed. As a result, the Company would realize a value substantially equal to amortized cost. However, when investments are sold prior to maturity, the Company will realize any difference between amortized cost and the sale price of an investment as a gain or loss within its statement of operations. The Conduit portfolios are considered held-to-maturity, as the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments to their contractual maturity. Therefore, these portfolios are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at amortized cost and are not adjusted to reflect unrealized changes in fair value.

 

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

 

  Credit Quality

The quality distribution of the Company’s fixed-income investment portfolios, excluding short-term investments, based on ratings from Moody’s as of June 30, 2009 is presented in the following table. Alternate ratings sources, such as S&P, have been used for a small percentage of securities that are not rated by Moody’s.

 

    U.S. Public
Finance
  Available-for-Sale  
    Structured Finance
and
International
  Available-for-Sale  
    Investment
Management
Services
  Available-for-Sale  
    Corporate
  Available-for-Sale  
    Investments
Held-to-Maturity
    Total  

In millions    

  Fair
Value
  % of Fixed-
Income
Investments
    Fair
Value
  % of Fixed-
Income
Investments
    Fair
Value
  % of Fixed-
Income
Investments
    Fair
Value
  % of Fixed-
Income
Investments
    Fair
 Value 
  % of Fixed-
Income
 Investments 
    Fair
Value
  % of Fixed-
Income
 Investments 
 
Aaa   $ 2,012   45   $ 702   39   $ 967   23   $ 29   85   $ 194   8   $ 3,904   30
Aa     1,622   36     225   12     960   23     -   0     15   1     2,822   22
A     688   15     212   12     1,303   31     -   0     68   3     2,271   17
Baa     170   4     193   11     579   14     -   0     1,998   89     2,940   23

Below

investment

grade

    -   0     476   26     391   9     5   15     21   1     893   8
Not rated     -   0     -   0     -   0     -   0     -   0     -   0
                                                                       
Total   $ 4,492   100   $ 1,808   100   $ 4,200   100   $ 34   100   $ 2,296   100   $ 12,830   100

Short-term

investments

    550       1,507       992       316       1,114       4,479  

Unrealized

loss not

reflected in carrying value

of held-to-

maturity

investments

    -       -       -       -       548       548  

Other

investments

    -       117       292       6       2       417  
                                               

Consolidated

investments at

carrying value

  $ 5,042     $  3,432     $  5,484     $   356     $ 3,960     $   18,274  
                                               

As of June 30, 2009, the weighted average credit quality of the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance, structured finance and international insurance, and investment management services fixed-income available-for-sale investment portfolios, excluding short-term and other investments and investments categorized as held-to-maturity, was Aa, A, and A, respectively, as presented in the preceding table. Investments categorized as held-to-maturity had a weighted average credit quality of Baa.

Insured Investments

MBIA’s consolidated investment portfolio includes investments that are insured by various financial guarantee insurers (“Insured Investments”), including investments insured by MBIA Corp. and National (“MBIA-Insured Investments”). As of June 30, 2009, Insured Investments at fair value represented $4.3 billion or 23% of consolidated investments, of which $2.7 billion or 15% of consolidated investments were insured by MBIA Corp and National. This includes conduit investments, which were all insured by MBIA Corp., at fair value of $1.5 billion or 8% of consolidated investments.

As of June 30, 2009, based on the actual or estimated underlying ratings of our consolidated investment portfolio, without giving effect to financial guarantees, the weighted average rating of the consolidated investment portfolio would be in the A range, the weighted average rating of only the Insured Investments in the investment portfolio would be in the Baa range, and 4% of the total investment portfolio would be rated below investment grade.

The distribution of the Company’s Insured Investments by financial guarantee insurer as of June 30, 2009 is presented in the following table:

 

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

 

 

    U.S. Public
Finance
    Available-for-Sale    
    Structured Finance
and
International
Available-for-Sale
    Investment
Management
Services
Available-for-Sale
    Corporate
Available-for-Sale
    Investments
Held-to-Maturity
    Total  

In millions  

  Fair
 Value 
  % of Fixed-
Income
 Investments 
    Fair
 Value 
  % of Fixed-
Income
 Investments 
    Fair
 Value 
  % of Fixed-
Income
 Investments 
    Fair
 Value 
  % of Fixed-
Income
 Investments 
    Fair
 Value 
  % of Fixed-
Income
 Investments 
    Fair
 Value 
  % of Fixed-
Income
 Investments 
 

 

MBIA Corp.

  $ 74   0   $ 264   2   $ 500   3   $ -   0   $ 1,458   8   $ 2,296   13

 

FSA

    304   2     13   0     328   2     -   0     -   0     645   4

 

Ambac

    121   1     11   0     352   2     5   0     -   0     489   3

 

National

    282   2     23   0     96   1     -   0     -   0     401   2

 

FGIC

    22   0     2   0     149   1     -   0     -   0     173   1

 

Other

    203   1     1   0     70   0     -   0     -   0     274   2
                                                                       

 

Total

  $ 1,006   6   $ 314   2   $ 1,495   9   $ 5   0   $ 1,458   8   $ 4,278   25
                                                                       

In purchasing Insured Investments, the Company independently assesses the underlying credit quality, structure and liquidity of each investment, in addition to the creditworthiness of the insurer. Insured Investments are diverse by sector, issuer and size of holding. The Company assigns underlying ratings to its Insured Investments without giving effect to financial guarantees based on underlying ratings assigned by Moody’s, or another external agency, when a rating is not published by Moody’s. When an external underlying rating is not available, the underlying rating is based on the Company’s best estimate of the rating of such investment. A downgrade of a financial guarantee insurer will likely have an adverse affect on the fair value of investments insured by the downgraded financial guarantee insurer. If MBIA determines that declines in the fair values of Insured Investments are other than temporary, the Company will record a realized loss through earnings.

The underlying ratings of the MBIA-Insured Investments as of June 30, 2009 are reflected in the following table. Amounts represent the fair value of such investments including the benefit of the MBIA guarantee. The ratings in the following table are based on ratings from Moody’s. Alternate ratings sources, such as S&P, have been used for a small percentage of securities that are not rated by Moody’s.

 

In millions   U.S. Public   Structured Finance and   Investment        
Underlying Ratings   Finance Insurance   International Insurance   Management Services   Conduit    

Scale

    Available-for-Sale       Available-for-Sale       Available-for-Sale       Held-to-Maturity       Total  

MBIA Corp.:

         

 

Aaa

  $ -   $ 6   $ -   $ 142   $ 148

 

Aa

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

 

62

 

 

 

 

90

 

A

 

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

144

 

 

 

 

102

 

 

 

 

288

 

Baa

 

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

 

62

 

 

 

 

258

 

 

 

 

1,078

 

 

 

 

1,428

 

Below investment grade

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

196

 

 

 

 

70

 

 

 

 

74

 

 

 

 

342

                             

 

Total MBIA Corp.

 

 

$

 

74

 

 

$

 

264

 

 

$

 

500

 

 

$

 

1,458

 

 

$

 

2,296

                             

 

National:

         

 

Aaa

  $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -

 

Aa

 

 

 

 

64

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

94

 

A

 

 

 

 

177

 

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

243

 

Baa

 

 

 

 

41

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

64

 

Below investment grade

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

-

                             

 

Total National

 

 

$

 

282

 

 

$

 

22

 

 

$

 

97

 

 

$

 

-

 

 

$

 

401

                             

 

Total MBIA-Insured

Investments

  $ 356   $ 286   $ 597   $ 1,458   $ 2,697
                             

 

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

 

Without giving effect to the MBIA guarantee of MBIA-Insured Investments in the consolidated investment portfolio, at June 30, 2009, based on the actual or estimated underlying ratings, the weighted average rating of the consolidated investment portfolio would be in the A range, the weighted average rating of only the MBIA-Insured Investments would be in the Baa range, and 2% of the consolidated investment portfolio would be rated below investment grade.

Conduit programs involve the use of rating agencies in assessing the quality of asset purchases and in assigning ratings to the various programs funded through the conduits. All transactions currently funded in the conduits had an underlying rating of at least investment grade by Moody’s and S&P prior to funding. The weighted average underlying rating for transactions currently funded in the conduits was A- by S&P and A2 by Moody’s at the time such transactions were funded. MBIA estimates that the current weighted average underlying rating of all outstanding conduit transactions was BBB by S&P and Baa1 by Moody’s at June 30, 2009.

Impaired Investments

Investments for which the Company has recorded unrealized losses are tested quarterly for other-than-temporary impairment. For each security that meets the threshold of either 20% impaired at the time of review or 5% impaired at the time of review with a fair value below amortized cost for a consecutive 12-month period, a further analysis of the security is performed to assess if the impairment is other than temporary. As of June 30, 2009, the Company had a pre-tax unrealized net loss of $2.1 billion related to its investment management services operations’ available-for-sale investment portfolio. Included in the investment management services operations’ pre-tax unrealized net loss of $2.1 billion were unrealized gross losses totaling $1.0 billion within the asset-backed sector, primarily consisting of CDO and credit card investments, which primarily resulted from changes in the fair value of these securities due to a significant widening of market credit spreads.

The following table presents the fair values and gross unrealized losses by credit rating category of ABS included in our consolidated investment portfolio as of June 30, 2009 for which fair value was less than amortized cost. Of the total $1.2 billion of fair value and $1.0 billion of unrealized losses, $942 million of fair value and $843 million of unrealized losses relates to ABS included in our asset/liability products investment portfolio. Fair values include the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA. The credit ratings are based on ratings from Moody’s as of June 30, 2009 or an alternate ratings source, such as S&P, when a security is not rated by Moody’s. For insured bonds, the credit rating reflects the greater of the insurer’s rating or the underlying bond’s rating.

 

In millions   Aaa     Aa     A     Baa     Below
 Investment Grade 
    Total  

Asset-Backed  

Sector

  Fair
 Value 
    Unrealized  
Loss
    Fair
 Value 
     Unrealized  
Loss
    Fair
 Value 
    Unrealized  
Loss
    Fair
 Value 
    Unrealized  
Loss
    Fair
 Value 
    Unrealized  
Loss
    Fair
 Value 
    Unrealized  
Loss
 

ABS CDO

  $ 16   $ (54   $ 3    $ (7   $ 11   $ (30   $ 12   $ (17   $ 245   $ (377   $ 287   $ (485

 

Corporate CDO

    192     (118     93      (39     97     (76     2     (23     1     (11     385     (267

 

Auto loans

    4     -        52      (7     -     -        -     -        12     (11     68     (18

 

Credit cards

    82     (13     18      (10     4     -        -     -        43     (6     147     (29

 

Equipment Leases

    1     -        -      -        -     -        36     (18     -     -        37     (18

 

Small business/

student loans

    18     (8     -      -        -     -        18     (13     -     -        36     (21

 

Other ABS

    54     (4     68      (97     57     (42     67     (39     -     -        246     (182
                                                                                    

 

Total

  $ 367   $ (197   $ 234    $ (160   $ 169   $ (148   $ 135   $ (110   $ 301   $ (405   $ 1,206   $ (1,020
                                                                                    

Seventy-five percent of our investments in ABS reported in the preceding table were rated investment grade with 30% rated Aaa. Of the $1.2 billion of ABS investments reported in the preceding table, $337 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by third-party financial guarantors and $255 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by MBIA Corp. The average credit rating of all guaranteed ABS investments, using the higher of the guarantors’ ratings or the underlying bond ratings, was A and the average underlying credit rating of guaranteed ABS investments, without giving effect to the guarantees, was BBB. Without giving effect to the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA Corp., $326 million or 27% of the securities included in the preceding table were rated below investment grade.

 

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

 

The following table presents the fair values and gross unrealized losses by credit rating category of direct corporate obligations included in our consolidated investment portfolio as of June 30, 2009 for which fair value was less than amortized cost:

 

In millions    Aaa     Aa     A     Baa     Below
Investment Grade
    Total  
     Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
 

 

Direct Corporate

Obligations

   $ 232    $ (12   $ 352    $ (61   $ 1,050    $ (236   $ 519    $ (169   $ 38    $ (50   $ 2,191    $ (528
                                                                                          

 

Total

   $ 232    $ (12   $ 352    $ (61   $ 1,050    $ (236   $ 519    $ (169   $ 38    $ (50   $ 2,191    $ (528
                                                                                          

Ninety-eight percent of our investments in corporate obligations reported in the preceding table were rated investment grade with 11% rated Aaa. Of the $2.2 billion of corporate obligations reported in the preceding table, $119 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by third-party financial guarantors, $79 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by MBIA Corp., and $21 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by National. The average credit rating of all guaranteed corporate obligations included in the preceding table, using the higher of the guarantors’ ratings or the underlying bond ratings, was A and the average underlying credit rating of these guaranteed corporate obligations without giving effect to the guarantees was BBB. Without giving effect to the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA Corp. and National, $81 million or 4% of the securities included in the preceding table were rated below investment grade.

The following table presents the fair values and gross unrealized losses by credit rating category of mortgage-backed securities included in our consolidated investment portfolio as of June 30, 2009 for which fair value was less than amortized cost:

 

In millions    Aaa     Aa     A     Baa     Below
Investment Grade
    Total  

 

Mortgage Backed

Securities

   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Loss
 

RMBS:

                              

 

Collateralized

   $ 136    $ (18   $ 39    $ (58   $ 4    $ (8   $ 20    $ (14   $ 268    $ (279   $ 467    $ (377

 

Home Equity

     7      (2     101      (92     13      (3     24      (7     184      (150     329      (254

 

Pass-through

securities

     109      (2     -      -        -      -        -      -        -      -        109      (2

 

Other

     13      (2     19      (18     1      -        -      -        24      (13     57      (33

 

CMBS

     7      (3     18      (6     1      (1     1      -        3      (5     30      (15
                                                                                          

 

Total

   $ 272    $ (27   $ 177    $ (174   $ 19    $ (12   $ 45    $ (21   $ 479    $ (447   $ 992    $ (681
                                                                                          

Fifty-two percent of our investments in MBS reported in the preceding table were rated investment grade with 27% rated Aaa. Of the $992 million of MBS investments reported in the preceding table, $536 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by third-party financial guarantors and $75 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by MBIA Corp. The average credit rating of all guaranteed MBS investments, using the higher of the guarantors’ ratings or the underlying bond ratings, was A and the average underlying credit rating of guaranteed MBS investments, without giving effect to the guarantees, was BB. Without giving effect to the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA Corp., $585 million or 59% of the securities included in the preceding table were rated below investment grade.

We have reviewed the above securities as part of our assessment of other-than-temporary impairments of our entire investment portfolio. During our review, we assessed (i) the magnitude and duration of declines in fair value and (ii) the reasons for the declines, such as general credit spread movements in each asset-backed sector, transaction-specific changes in credit spreads, credit rating downgrades, and modeled defaults and principal and interest payment priorities within each investment structure.

 

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

 

Based on our assessment of other-than-temporary impairments within our investment portfolios, we concluded that 24 ABS investments included in the preceding table were other-than-temporarily impaired and we recorded realized losses of $129 million in the first six months of 2009 on those securities through current earnings. Other-than-temporary impairments of ABS investments resulted from our reassessment of the likelihood we will not receive an amount equal to our amortized cost over the remaining maturities of the securities. For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and all preceding periods, whenever we believed that we would not recover an amount equal to the amortized cost of a security over its remaining expected holding period, including maturity, we would record the difference between the amortized cost and the fair value in earnings as an other-than-temporary impairment loss. Under FSP FAS 115-2, which we adopted beginning with the three months ended June 30, 2009, we record the difference between the fair value and the amount we expect to ultimately recover based on our best estimate of cash flows discounted at the prescribed rate in earnings as a reduction to other-than-temporary impairment losses. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security as projected using the Company’s cash flow projections and base assumptions. Had this accounting guidance been in effect for prior periods, the total net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments would have been less by the amount of the non-credit related losses expected on those investments during the respective periods. We believe that, over time, the unrealized losses currently recorded on our impaired investments will recover to fair values at least equal to their current amortized costs through improvements in market conditions and the repayment of principal. As we do not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that we would not be required to sell these securities prior to repayment or until such a recovery in value, we have not realized additional losses on the remainder of our investment portfolio through current earnings. However, if the creditworthiness of these investments or our intent to hold were to change, we may take additional impairments on these securities through earnings in the future.

We consider all sources of cash flows in evaluating if a security is other-than-temporarily impaired, including credit enhancements that support the payment of amounts owed by the issuer of a security. This includes the consideration of cash expected to be provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA Corp. and National, resulting from an actual or potential insurance policy claim. Therefore, we do not record other-than-temporary impairments related to credit concerns about issuers of securities insured by MBIA since investors in these securities, including MBIA, are guaranteed payment of principal and interest.

MBIA-insured securities, whether or not owned by the Company, are evaluated for impairment as part of our insurance surveillance process and, therefore, losses on MBIA-insured securities are recorded in accordance with our loss reserving policy. Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 8: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 for information about our loss reserving policy and loss reserves. The determination of an impairment under our loss reserving process and under our investment impairment process differ in several ways. The two primary differences are (i) the consideration of unearned premium revenue in establishing loss reserves and (ii) the use of a risk free discount rate (prescribed by SFAS 163) in establishing loss reserves compared with the use of a discount rate reflecting the original purchase price yield on a security, which would typically be used in our analysis of other-than-temporary impairments of investments.

The following table presents the values of MBIA-Insured Investments for which fair value is less than amortized cost, along with the amount of insurance loss reserves corresponding to the par amount owned by the Company, as of June 30, 2009. The amortized cost represents the par value owned adjusted for any purchase price premium or discount. The insurance loss reserves represent the present value of the total amount of debt service payments (principal and interest) the Company expects to make over the term of the securities. If the Company were to hold the MBIA-Insured Investments presented in the following table to maturity, the unrealized loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income would reverse to zero and any losses resulting from the issuers inability to pay principal or interest would be recorded as an insurance loss in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, the difference between amortized cost and the par value of a security will be recorded in earnings through the accretion of the discount or amortization of the premium over the term of the security.

 

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

 

In millions   As of June 30, 2009

Security Type

      Amortized Cost           Fair Value       Unrealized Loss
Recorded in Other
 Comprehensive Income
        Insurance Loss    
Reserve(1)

Mortgage-backed securities

  $ 122   $ 91   $ (31   $ 67

 

Asset-backed securities

    616     280     (336     2

 

Corporate obligations

    130     100     (30     -

 

State and municipal bonds

    360     305     (55     -

 

Other investments

    128     68     (60     -

 

Conduits (consolidated)

    1,678     1,274     (404     -
                         

 

Total

  $ 3,034   $ 2,118   $ (916   $ 69
                         

 

(1) - Insurance loss reserve estimates are based on the proportion of par value owned to the total amount of par value insured.

Debt Obligations

Principal payments due under our debt obligations (liabilities) in the six months ending December 31, 2009 and each of the subsequent four years ending December 31 and thereafter are presented in the following table. Principal payments under investment agreements are based on expected withdrawal dates. All other principal payments are based on contractual maturity dates. Foreign currency denominated liabilities are presented in U.S. dollars and liabilities issued at a discount reflect principal amounts due at maturity.

 

     June 30, 2009

In millions

  

 

Six Months
ending
  December 31,  
2009

   2010      2011      2012      2013          Thereafter        Total

 Structured finance and international insurance segment:

                    

 

   Surplus notes

   $ -    $ -    $ -    $ -    $ -    $ 946    $ 946

 

   TALF loans

     -      -      -      102      -      -      102

 

   VIE notes

     79      995      163      78      210      1,252      2,777

 

Investment management services segment:

                    

 

 Asset/liability products segment:

                    

 

   Investment agreements

     284      523      103      469      186      1,639      3,204

 

   Medium-term notes

     -      407      56      127      197      2,297      3,084

 

   Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     175      15      -      500      -      -      690

 

 Conduit segment:

                    

 

   Medium-term notes

     124      152      -      -      -      1,379      1,655

 

   Long-term liquidity loans

     7      15      17      18      19      313      389

 

Corporate-segment:

                    

 

   Long-term debt

     -      73      93      -      -      916      1,082
                                                

 

Total

   $ 669    $ 2,180    $ 432    $ 1,294    $ 612    $ 8,742    $ 13,929
                                                

In the second quarter of 2009 we consolidated an additional VIE, which resulted in an increase to our consolidated investments and VIE notes of $900 million, respectively. The notes of this VIE are currently scheduled to be repaid in May 2010 and have been included in the preceding table.

 

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

 

Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company purchased ABS under the Federal Reserve’s Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (“TALF”). TALF provides secured financing for ABS backed by certain types of consumer and small business loans. The TALF financing agreements represent term loans with varying maturities ranging from 2 to 4 years. These loans are non-recourse to MBIA, less a haircut, and are collateralized by the ABS purchased with the loan proceeds. Collateral haircuts are established by the Federal Reserve for each class of eligible collateral and determined based on price volatility. Under the program, MBIA can deliver the collateralized ABS to a special purpose vehicle created by the Federal Reserve in full defeasance of the loans.

As of June 30, 2009, the Company held ABS with a fair value of $113 million purchased under TALF that are recorded as available-for-sale investments and had $102 million of secured financings from the Federal Reserve related to the purchase of these securities that are recorded in “Long-term debt” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

MARKET RISK

In general, MBIA’s market risk relates to changes in the value of financial instruments that arise from adverse movements in factors such as interest rates, credit spreads and foreign exchange rates. MBIA is exposed to changes in interest rates and credit spreads that affect the fair value of its financial instruments, namely investment securities, investment agreement liabilities, MTNs, debentures and certain derivative transactions. The Company’s investment portfolio holdings are primarily U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities including municipal bonds, U.S. Government bonds, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, corporate bonds and ABS. In periods of rising and/or volatile interest rates and credit spreads, profitability could be adversely affected should the Company have to liquidate these securities.

MBIA minimizes its exposure to interest rate risk and credit spread movement through active portfolio management to ensure a proper mix of the types of securities held and to stagger the maturities of its fixed-income securities. In addition, the Company enters into various swap agreements that hedge the risk of loss due to interest rate and foreign currency volatility.

Interest rate sensitivity can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical instantaneous increase or decrease in interest rates. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value of the Company’s financial instruments as of June 30, 2009 from instantaneous shifts in interest rates.

 

     Change in Interest Rates  

In millions

   300 Basis Point
Decrease
   200 Basis Point
Decrease
   100 Basis Point
Decrease
   100 Basis Point
Increase
    200 Basis Point
Increase
    300 Basis Point
Increase
 

 Estimated change in fair value

   $ 487    $ 376    $ 207    $ (220   $ (438   $ (645

Credit spread sensitivity can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical instantaneous increase or decrease in credit spreads. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value of the Company’s financial instruments (including investment securities and investment agreement and MTN obligations) as of June 30, 2009 from instantaneous shifts in credit spread curves. For this table it was assumed that all credit spreads move by the same amount. It is more likely that the actual changes in credit spreads will vary by security. MBIA Corp.’s investment portfolio would generally be expected to experience lower credit spread volatility than the investment portfolio of the asset/liability products segment because of higher credit quality and portfolio composition in sectors that have been less volatile historically. The table shows hypothetical increases and decreases in credit spreads of 50 and 200 basis points. Because downward movements of these amounts in some cases would result in negative spreads, a floor was assumed for minimum spreads. The changes in fair value reflect partially offsetting effects as the value of the investment portfolios generally change in opposite direction from the liability portfolio.

 

     Change in Credit Spreads  

In millions

   200 Basis Point
Decrease
   50 Basis Point
Decrease
   50 Basis Point
Increase
    200 Basis Point
Increase
 

 Estimated change in fair value

   $ 241    $ 104    $ (100   $ (377

 

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

 

MBIA issued insurance policies insuring payments due on structured credit derivative contracts and directly entered into credit derivative contracts, which are marked-to-market through earnings under the requirements of SFAS 133. All these transactions were insured by the Company’s structured finance and international insurance operations. The majority of these structured CDSs related to structured finance transactions with underlying reference obligations of cash securities and CDSs referencing liabilities of corporations or of other structured finance securitizations. The asset classes of the underlying reference obligations included corporate, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities. These transactions were usually underwritten at or above a triple-A credit rating level. As of June 30, 2009, approximately 35% of the tranches insured by the Company were rated triple-A. Additionally, MBIA’s investment management services operations enter into single-name CDSs as part of its asset management activities. In the first six months of 2009, the value of the Company’s credit derivative contracts were affected predominantly by changes in credit spreads of the underlying reference obligations’ collateral, changes in recovery rate assumptions, erosion of subordination, ratings downgrades of securities backing CDOs and the effect of the Company’s own credit risk on the portfolio in accordance with SFAS 157. As those risk factors change, the values of credit derivative contracts will change and the resulting gains or losses will be recorded within net income.

Since December 31, 2006, the Company’s portfolio of insured structured CDSs has become increasingly concentrated in transactions where the underlying reference obligations comprise CMBS and asset-backed collateral including RMBS, in addition to corporate securities. As a result, the portfolio is more sensitive to changes in credit spreads in those sectors. Beginning in the second half of 2007, credit spreads in those sectors increased significantly, resulting in a substantial decrease in the fair value of the Company’s portfolio of structured CDSs. Refer to the discussion of the attribution of the first six months of 2009 unrealized loss included in the “Results of Operations” section.

In the first six months of 2009, we have observed a further widening of CMBS market spreads, a tightening of corporate credit spreads and credit quality deterioration of certain tranches within our insured CDOs. In addition, the Company has observed an extensive widening of its own credit spreads. Predominantly, as a result of corporate spread tightening, the passage of time, termination of transactions, and the effect of SFAS 157, MBIA had gains on the portfolio, which was partially offset by wider spreads for CMBS collateral and the deterioration of some credit factors. As changes in fair value can be caused by factors unrelated to the performance of MBIA’s business and credit portfolio, including general market conditions and perceptions of credit risk, as well as market use of credit derivatives for hedging purposes unrelated to the specific referenced credits in addition to events that affect particular credit derivative exposures, the application of fair value accounting may cause the Company’s earnings to be more volatile than would be suggested by the underlying performance of MBIA’s business operations and credit portfolio.

The following tables reflect sensitivities to changes in credit spreads, recovery rates, rating migrations and to changes in our own credit spreads. Each table stands on its own and should be read independently of each other.

Sensitivity to changes in credit spreads can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical instantaneous shift in credit spread curves. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the cumulative estimated net fair value of the Company’s credit derivatives portfolio of instantaneous shifts in credit spreads as of June 30, 2009. Estimated changes in fair value are calculated using the valuation methods described in the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section included herein. In scenarios where credit spreads decreased, a floor of zero was used.

 

     Change in Credit Spreads  

In millions

   600 Basis
Point
Decrease
    200 Basis
Point
Decrease
    50 Basis
Point
Decrease
    0 Basis
Point
Change
    50 Basis
Point
Increase
    200 Basis
Point
Increase
    600 Basis
Point
Increase
 

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (loss)

   $ 1,351      $ 586      $ 153      $ -      $ (154   $ (676   $ (1,945

 

 Estimated net fair value

   $ (2,130   $ (2,895   $ (3,328   $ (3,481   $ (3,635   $ (4,157   $ (5,426

Actual shifts in credit spread curves will vary based on the credit quality of the underling reference obligations. In general, within any asset class, higher credit rated reference obligations will exhibit less credit spread movement than lower credit rated reference obligations. Additionally, the degree of credit spread movement can vary significantly for different asset classes. The basis point change presented in the preceding table, however, represents a fixed basis point change in reference obligation credit spreads across all credit quality rating categories and asset classes and, therefore, the actual impact of spread changes would vary from this presentation depending on the credit rating and distribution across asset classes, both of which will adjust over time depending on new business written and runoff of the existing portfolio.

Sensitivity to changes in the collateral portfolio credit quality can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical change in rating migrations. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the cumulative estimated net fair value of the Company’s insurance credit derivatives portfolio of a one and three notch rating change in the credit quality as of June 30, 2009. A notch represents a one step movement up or down in the credit rating. Estimated changes in fair value are calculated using the valuation methods described in the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section included herein.

 

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

 

 

     Change in Credit Ratings
(Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations)
 

In millions

   Three Notch
Increase
    One Notch
Increase
    No Change     One Notch
Decrease
    Three Notch
Decrease
 

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (loss)

   $ 778      $ 315      $ -      $ (219   $ (682

 

 Estimated net fair value

   $ (2,641   $ (3,104   $ (3,419   $ (3,638   $ (4,101

Recovery rates on defaulted collateral are an input into the Company’s valuation model. Sensitivity to changes in the recovery rate assumptions used by the Company can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical change in these assumptions. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the cumulative estimated net fair value of the Company’s insurance credit derivatives portfolio of a 10% and 20% change in the recovery rate assumptions as of June 30, 2009. Estimated changes in fair value are calculated using the valuation methods described in the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section included herein

 

     Change in Recovery Rates
(Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations)
 

In millions

   20% Increase     10% Increase     No Change     10% Decrease     20% Decrease  

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (loss)

   $ 555      $ 315      $ -      $ (365   $ (772

 

 Estimated net fair value

   $ (2,864   $ (3,104   $ (3,419   $ (3,784   $ (4,191

SFAS 157 requires the Company to incorporate its own nonperformance risk in its valuation methodology. Sensitivity to changes in the Company’s credit spreads can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical change in this assumption. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the cumulative estimated net fair value of the Company’s insurance credit derivative portfolio using upfront credit spreads of 0%, an increase of 15%, and a decrease of 30%. The actual upfront spread used in the valuation at June 30, 2009 ranged from 34.75% to 64.25% based on the tenor of each transaction. The below amounts include an additional annual running credit spread of 5%.

 

     MBIA Upfront Credit Spread  
    

 

(Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations)

 

 

In millions

   Increase by 15
Percent
    No
Change
    Decrease by 30
Percent
    Decrease to 0
Percentage Points
 

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (loss)

   $ 265      $ -      $ (2,577   $ (11,333

 

 Estimated net fair value

   $ (3,154   $ (3,419   $ (5,996   $ (14,752

Following the inclusion of the MBIA recovery rate in the calculation of nonperformance risk for insured CDS liabilities, this year we have added a sensitivity analysis that shows the change in fair value of insured CDS liabilities due to changes in that recovery rate. The values we are showing below reflect the approximate trading range of the MBIA recovery rate in the last few months.

 

     MBIA's Recovery Rate

 

(Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations)

 

In millions

   Decrease to 15
Percentage Points
    No Change     Increase to 25
Percentage Points
 

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (loss)

   $ 194      $ -      $ (1,360

 

 Estimated net fair value

   $ (3,225   $ (3,419   $ (4,779

MBIA’s insurance of structured credit derivatives typically remain in place until the maturity of the derivative. The Company does, however, periodically establish positions which offset its insurance positions in the reinsurance market, in which contracts also typically remain in place until the maturity of the insurance contract. Any difference between the price of the initial transaction and the offsetting transaction will result in gains or losses. With respect to MBIA’s insured structured credit derivatives, in the absence of credit impairment, the cumulative gains and losses should reverse at maturity. Additionally, in the event of the termination and settlement of a contract prior to maturity, any resulting gain or loss upon settlement will be recorded in the Company’s financial statements. In February 2008, we decided not to insure credit derivatives in the future, except in transactions that are intended to reduce our overall exposure to insured derivatives. This may result in termination of certain existing contracts prior to maturity.

 

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Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

An update of the Company’s market risk as of June 30, 2009 is included under “Market Risk” within Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. In addition, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of operating its businesses, the Company may be involved in various legal proceedings.

The Company was named as a defendant, along with certain of its current and former officers, in private securities actions that were consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York as In re MBIA Inc. Securities Litigation; (Case No. 05 CV 03514(LLS); S.D.N.Y.) (filed October 3, 2005). The plaintiffs asserted claims under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The lead plaintiffs purport to be acting as representatives for a class consisting of purchasers of the Company’s stock during the period from August 5, 2003 to March 30, 2005 (the “Class Period”). The lawsuit asserts, among other things, violations of the federal securities laws arising out of the Company’s allegedly false and misleading statements about its financial condition and the nature of the arrangements entered into by MBIA Corp. in connection with the AHERF loss. The plaintiffs allege that, as a result of these misleading statements or omissions, the Company’s stock traded at artificially inflated prices throughout the Class Period.

The defendants, including the Company, filed motions to dismiss this lawsuit on various grounds. On February 13, 2007, the Court granted those motions, and dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety, on the grounds that plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations. The Court did not reach the other grounds for dismissal argued by the Company and the other defendants. On November 12, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the Court’s dismissal on statute of limitations grounds, but remanded the case to allow the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint. The Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint was filed on February 18, 2009. The defendants filed their renewed motion to dismiss on April 17, 2009, and plaintiffs filed their response on June 30, 2009.

On October 17, 2008, a consolidated amended class action complaint in a separate shareholder class action lawsuit against the Company and certain of its officers, In re MBIA Inc. Securities Litigation, No. 08-CV-264, (KMK) (the “Consolidated Class Action”) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging violations of the federal securities laws. Lead plaintiff the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma seeks to represent a class of shareholders who purchased MBIA stock between July 2, 2007 and January 9, 2008. The amended complaint alleges that defendants MBIA Inc., Gary C. Dunton and C. Edward Chaplin violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Among other things, the complaint alleges that defendants issued false and misleading statements with respect to the Company’s exposure to CDOs containing RMBS, specifically its exposure to so-called “CDO-squared” securities, which allegedly caused the Company’s stock to trade at inflated prices. Defendants’ motion to dismiss is fully briefed. No oral argument has been scheduled to date.

On February 13, 2008, a shareholder derivative lawsuit against certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors, and against the Company, as nominal defendant, Trustees of the Police and Fire Retirement System of the City of Detroit v. Clapp et al., No. 08-CV-1515, (the “Detroit Complaint”), was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The gravamen of the Detroit Complaint is similar to the aforementioned Consolidated Class Action, except that the legal claims are against the directors for breach of fiduciary duty and related claims. The Detroit Complaint purports to relate to a so-called “Relevant Time Period” from February 9, 2006, through the time of filing of the complaint. A Special Litigation Committee of two independent directors of MBIA Inc. (the “SLC”) has determined after a good faith and thorough investigation that pursuit of the allegations set out in the Detroit Complaint is not in the best interests of MBIA and its shareholders. On January 23, 2009, the SLC served a motion to dismiss the Detroit Complaint.

On August 11, 2008, shareholder derivative lawsuit Crescente v. Brown et al., No. 08-17595 (the “Crescente Complaint”) was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Westchester against certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors, and against the Company, as nominal defendant. The gravamen of this complaint is similar to the Detroit Complaint except that the time period assertedly covered is from January, 2007, through the time of filing of this complaint. The derivative plaintiff has agreed to stay the action pending the outcome of the SLC’s motion to dismiss the Detroit Complaint.

The Company has received subpoenas or informal inquiries from a variety of regulators, including the SEC, the Securities Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Attorney General of the State of California, and other states’ regulatory authorities, regarding a variety of subjects, including disclosures made by the Company to underwriters and issuers of certain bonds, disclosures regarding the Company’s structured finance exposure, the Company’s communications with rating agencies, and the methodologies used by rating agencies for determining the credit rating of municipal debt. The Company is cooperating fully with each of these regulators and is in the process of satisfying all such requests. The Company may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

 

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On July 23, 2008, the City of Los Angeles filed two complaints in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles against the Company and others. The first, against the Company, AMBAC Financial Group, Inc., XL Capital Assurance Inc., ACA Financial Guaranty Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, and CIFG Assurance North America, Inc., alleged (i) participation in a conspiracy in violation of California’s antitrust laws to maintain a dual credit rating scale that misstated the credit default risk of municipal bond issuers and created market demand for municipal bond insurance and (ii) participation in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that damaged each bond insurer’s financial condition (thereby undermining the value of each of their guaranties), and a failure adequately to disclose the impact of those transactions on their financial condition. These latter allegations form the predicate for five separate causes of action against each of the Insurers: breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, negligence, and negligent misrepresentation. Complaints making the same allegations against the Company and nearly all of the same co-defendants were filed in Superior Court, San Francisco County, by the City of Stockton on July 23, 2008, by the City of Oakland on August 28, 2008, by the City of San Francisco on October 8, 2008, by the County of San Mateo on October 23, 2008, by the County of Alameda on October 30, 2008, by the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on December 31, 2008, by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District on December 31, 2008, and by the City of Sacramento on January 6, 2009. These cases are now coordinated as Ambac Bond Insurance Cases in San Francisco Superior Court (Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding No. 4555). On April 8, 2009, The Olympic Club filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco, making similar allegations of participation in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that allegedly damaged the Company’s financial condition, and of a failure adequately to disclose the impact of those transactions on the Company’s financial condition. These allegations form the predicate for the same five common law causes of action as those in the Ambac Bond Insurance Cases, as well as a California unfair competition cause of action. The Olympic Club did not include an antitrust cause of action. The Olympic Club case is being coordinated with the Ambac Bond Insurance Cases.

The City of Los Angeles’s second complaint named as defendants certain other financial institutions as well as bond insurers, including the Company, AMBAC Financial Group, Inc., Financial Security Assurance, Inc., Financial Guaranty Insurance Company and Security Capital Assurance Inc., and alleged fraud and violations of California’s antitrust laws through bid-rigging in the sale of municipal derivatives to municipal bond issuers. Complaints making the same allegations against the Company and nearly all of the same co-defendants were filed in Superior Court, Los Angeles County, by the County of San Diego on August 28, 2008, and in Superior Court, San Francisco County, by the City of Stockton on July 23, 2008, by the County of San Mateo on October 7, 2008, and by the County of Contra Costa on October 8, 2008. The City of Los Angeles and City of Stockton actions were removed to federal court and transferred by order dated November 26, 2008, to the Southern District of New York for inclusion in the multidistrict litigation In re Municipal Derivatives Antitrust Litigation, M.D.L. No. 1950; the San Diego County, San Mateo County, and Contra Costa County actions were removed to federal court and transferred to the Southern District of New York for inclusion in that proceeding by order dated February 4, 2009.

On September 30, 2008, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in the New York State Supreme Court against Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Countrywide Securities Corp. and Countrywide Financial Corp. (collectively, “Countrywide”). The complaint alleges that Countrywide fraudulently induced MBIA to provide financial guaranty insurance on securitizations of home equity lines of credit and closed end second liens by misrepresenting the true risk profile of the underlying collateral and Countrywide’s adherence to its strict underwriting standards and guidelines. The complaint also alleges that Countrywide breached its representations and warranties and its contractual obligations, including its obligation to cure or repurchase ineligible loans as well as its obligation to service the loans in accordance with industry standards. In an order dated July 8, 2009, the New York State Supreme Court denied Countrywide’s motion to dismiss in part, allowing the fraud cause of action to proceed against all three Countrywide defendants and the contract causes of action to proceed against Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Defendants filed their answer to the Complaint on August 3, 2009. On July 10, 2009, MBIA Insurance Corporation commenced an action in Los Angeles Superior Court against Bank of America Corporation, Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Home Loans, Inc, Countrywide Securities Corporation, Angelo Mozilo, David Sambol, Eric Sieracki, Ranjit Kripalani, Jennifer Sandefur, Stanford Kurland, Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., UBS Securities, LLC, and various Countrywide-affiliated Trusts. The complaint alleges that Countrywide made numerous misrepresentations and omissions of material fact in connection with its sale of certain residential mortgage-backed securities, including that the underlying collateral consisting of mortgage loans, had been originated in strict compliance with its underwriting standards and guidelines. MBIA commenced this action as subrogee of the purchasers of the residential mortgage-backed securities, who incurred severe losses that have been passed on to MBIA as the insurer of the income streams on these securities.

On October 15, 2008, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Residential Funding Company, LLC (“RFC”). On December 5, 2008, a notice of voluntary dismissal without prejudice was filed in the Southern District of New York and the complaint was re-filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. The complaint alleges that RFC fraudulently induced MBIA Corp. to provide financial guarantee policies with respect to five RFC closed-end home equity second-lien and HELOC securitizations, and that RFC breached its contractual representations and warranties, as well as its obligation to repurchase ineligible loans, among other things.

 

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On April 30, 2009, MBIA Corp. and LaCrosse Financial Products (for purposes of this paragraph, collectively, “MBIA”) commenced an action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith, Inc. and Merrill Lynch International (collectively, “Merrill”). The complaint (amended on May 15, 2009) seeks damages in an as yet indeterminate amount believed to be in excess of several hundred million dollars arising from alleged misrepresentations and breaches of contract in connection with eleven CDS contracts pursuant to which MBIA wrote protection in favor of Merrill and other parties on a total of $5.7 billion in collateralized debt obligations arranged and marketed by Merrill. The complaint also seeks rescission of the CDS contracts.

In its determination of expected ultimate insurance losses on financial guarantee contracts, the Company has considered the probability of potential recoveries arising out of the contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace ineligible mortgage loans in certain second-lien mortgage securitizations, which include potential recoveries that may be affected by the legal actions against Countrywide and RFC. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in either the Countrywide or RFC actions, or the Merrill Lynch action.

On March 11, 2009, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York against the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled Aurelius Capital Master, Ltd. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al., 09-cv-2242 (S.D.N.Y.). The lead plaintiffs, Aurelius Capital Master, Ltd., Aurelius Capital Partners, LP, Fir Tree Value Master Fund, L.P., Fir Tree Capital Opportunity Master Fund, L.P., and Fir Tree Mortgage Opportunity Master Fund, L.P., purport to be acting as representatives for a class consisting of all holders of securities, instruments, or other obligations for which MBIA Corp., before February 18, 2009, issued financial guarantee insurance other than United States municipal/governmental bond securities. The complaint alleges that certain of the terms of the transactions entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Transactions”), which were approved by the New York State Department of Insurance, constituted fraudulent conveyances under §§ 273, 274 and 276 of New York Debtor and Creditor Law and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under New York common law. The Complaint seeks, inter alia, (a) a declaration that the alleged fraudulent conveyances are null and void and set aside, (b) a declaration that National is responsible for the insurance polices issued by MBIA Insurance Corporation up to February 17, 2009, and (c) an award of damages in an unspecified amount together with costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees in connection with the action. Defendants’ motion to dismiss is fully briefed. Nor oral arguments have been scheduled to date.

On April 6, 2009, a complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware against two subsidiaries of the Company, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled Third Avenue Trust and Third Avenue Variable Series Trust v. MBIA Insurance Corp. and MBIA Insurance Corp. of Illinois, CA 4486-UCL. Plaintiffs allege that they are holders of approximately $400 million of surplus notes issued by MBIA Corp. (for purposes of this section, the “Notes”) in January 2008. The complaint alleges (Count I) that certain of the Transactions breached the terms of the Notes and the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated January 16, 2008 pursuant to which the Notes were issued. The complaint also alleges that certain transfers under the Transactions were fraudulent in that they allegedly left MBIA Corp. with “unreasonably small capital” (Count II), “insolvent” (Count III), and were made with an “actual intent to defraud” (Count IV). The complaint seeks a judgment (a) ordering the defendants to unwind the Transactions (b) declaring that the Transactions constituted a fraudulent conveyance, and (c) damages in an unspecified amount. Defendants’ motion to dismiss is fully briefed. Oral argument is scheduled for August 31, 2009.

On May 13, 2009, a complaint was filed in the New York State Supreme Court against the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al. The plaintiffs, a group of 19 domestic and international financial institutions, purport to be acting as holders of insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp. directly or indirectly guaranteeing the repayment of structured finance products. The complaint alleges that certain of the terms of the transactions entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries, which were approved by the New York State Department of Insurance, constituted fraudulent conveyances and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under New York law. The complaint seeks a judgment (a) ordering the defendants to unwind the Transactions, (b) declaring that the Transactions constituted a fraudulent conveyance, (c) declaring that MBIA Inc. and National are jointly and severally liable for the insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp., and (d) ordering damages in an unspecified amount. Defendants filed their motion to dismiss on June 11, 2009, and plaintiffs filed their response on July 13, 2009.

On June 15, 2009, the same group of 19 domestic and international financial institutions who filed the above described plenary action in New York State Supreme Court filed a proceeding pursuant to Article 78 of New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules in New York State Supreme Court against the New York Insurance Department, Eric Dinallo in his capacity as Superintendent for the Department, and the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. Eric Dinallo, in his capacity as Superintendent of the New York Insurance Department, the New York State Insurance Department, MBIA Inc. et al. In its motions to dismiss the three above-referenced plenary actions, the Company argued that an Article 78 proceeding is the exclusive forum in which a plaintiff may raise any challenge to the Transformation approved by the Superintendent and the Department. The petition seeks a judgment (a) declaring void and to annul the approval letter of the Superintendent of Insurance, (b) to recover dividends paid in connection with the Transactions, (c) declaring that the approval letter does not extinguish plaintiffs’ direct claims against MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries in the plenary action described above.

The Company intends to vigorously defend against the aforementioned actions in which it is a defendant and against other potential actions, and the Company does not expect the outcome of these matters to have a materially adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition. The Company cannot provide assurance, however, that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not cause a loss nor have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

There are no other material lawsuits pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

There has been no material change in the Company’s risk factors during the six months ended June 30, 2009. For additional information on risk factors, refer to Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None

 

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

The table below presents repurchases made by the Company in each month during the second quarter of 2009:

 

Month

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased(1)(2)
   Average Price
Paid Per Share
   Total Amount
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan(1)
   Maximum Amount
That May

Be Purchased Under
the Plan (in thousands)(1)

April

   —      $ —      —      $ 115,077

May

   100      6.14    —        115,077

June

   —        —      —        115,077
(1) -

In February 2007, the Company’s Board of Director’s authorized the repurchase of common stock up to $1 billion under a new share repurchase program, which superseded the previously authorized program. During the latter part of 2007, the Company decided to suspend the repurchase program in light of concerns and uncertainties regarding the housing market. In August 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the resumption of the $1 billion share repurchase program.

 

(2) -

100 shares were repurchased by the Company for settling awards under the Company’s long-term incentive plans.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

 

Item 5. Other Information

(a) Election of Director.

On August 3, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company elected Theodore Shasta as a member of its Board. Mr. Shasta is a former Senior Vice President and Partner of Wellington Management Company, a global investment advisor with over $400 billion in client assets under management. At Wellington Management Company, Mr. Shasta specialized in the financial analysis of publicly traded insurance companies, including both property casualty and financial guarantee insurers. Mr. Shasta joined Wellington Management Company in March 1996 as a global industry analyst responsible for the insurance industry. In January 2008, Mr. Shasta became a portfolio advisor responsible for senior-level relationship management for existing institutional clients and consultants as well as development of new business, a position that he held until June 2009. In addition, effective January 1999, Mr. Shasta was elected Partner and was promoted to Senior Vice President, and served in such positions until he withdrew from the partnership in June 2009. Prior to joining Wellington Management Company, Mr. Shasta was a Senior Vice President with Loomis, Sayles & Company where he was an industry analyst responsible for the automotive, freight transportation and insurance industries. Before that, he served in various capacities with Dewey Square Investors and Bank of Boston. Mr. Shasta is a Trustee of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, a nonprofit organization.

Effective as of the date of his election to MBIA’s Board of Directors, Mr. Shasta was appointed to serve as a member of the Audit Committee. MBIA’s Board of Directors has determined in accordance with the independence standards set forth in the MBIA Inc. Board Corporate Governance Practices that Mr. Shasta is an Independent Director. In addition, Mr. Shasta meets the definition of “Independent Director” set forth in the New York Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Listing Standards. The MBIA Inc. Board Corporate Governance Practices can be found on MBIA’s website, www.mbia.com.

(b) Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

In order to retain his services to focus on key remediations in its current portfolio, MBIA has entered into an employment agreement with Mitchell Sonkin, MBIA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Portfolio Officer, that restructures his compensation arrangements consistent with this focus. It is contemplated that Mr. Sonkin’s duties and responsibilities will remain primarily focused on remediations, but MBIA has the right to change such duties or the entities under MBIA’s control that he works for.

In his capacity as Chief Portfolio Officer, Mr. Sonkin is responsible for the oversight of MBIA’s $778 billion global portfolio of insured credits, including all workout, remediation and asset recovery activities including asset recovery litigation. Since joining MBIA in 2004, Mr. Sonkin’s oversight and management of MBIA’s remediation activities have included the debt restructurings of various MBIA insured credits including Eurotunnel, Delta Airlines, US Airways, and Northwest Airlines among others and have resulted in the mitigation and avoidance of substantial potential losses.

Mr. Sonkin has over 30 years of experience in U.S. and international workouts and restructurings, corporate reorganization and insolvency matters, and has served as a court appointed examiner. Mr. Sonkin has played a significant role in complex structured finance, corporate infrastructure, utility, healthcare and insurance company reorganizations and served as chief counsel in the rehabilitations of Mutual Benefit Life and Confederation Life Insurance (U.S.). Before joining MBIA in 2004, Mr. Sonkin was a senior partner at the international law firm, King & Spalding, where he was co-chair of King & Spalding’s Financial Restructuring Group and a member of the firm’s Policy Committee. Prior to joining King & Spalding, Mr. Sonkin was senior partner and co-chair of the Financial Restructuring Department at the Wall Street law firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft and a member of its Management Committee.

The term of the employment under the agreement is effective as of July 1, 2009 and continues until June 30, 2010. Under the agreement, Mr. Sonkin will no longer receive long-term incentive awards in accordance with MBIA’s normal policies and practices for its senior officers. Additionally, he will no longer continue to participate in the annual incentive program for such senior officers, except that he will be treated as participating in that program for the first six months of 2009. Instead of participating in the standard arrangements, Mr. Sonkin will be paid an annual salary (his current salary) of $650,000, quarterly payments of $587,500, and have a separate bonus program based on successful remediations. The new arrangements are intended to more closely reflect the compensation arrangements and levels that Mr. Sonkin could have received had he pursued other potential employment opportunities.

The separate bonus program will provide Mr. Sonkin with the opportunity to earn up to a maximum of $1,000,000, based on performance over the 12-month period commencing on the effective date of his contract. The amount earned will be determined based on performance criteria established especially for Mr. Sonkin and the aspects of our business over which he has primary responsibility. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer will determine the extent to which such additional bonus opportunity is earned.

The agreement provides that Mr. Sonkin will continue to participate in the other benefit plans and programs made available to employees on generally the same terms and conditions as apply to those employees.

In the event that during the term of the Agreement Mr. Sonkin’s employment is terminated by MBIA other than for Cause or if Mr. Sonkin terminates the agreement for Good Reason, he will be paid the remaining base salary and quarterly payments that would have been payable under the agreement through the end of the employment period plus a bonus determined by the Compensation Committee of the board as specified under the agreement. If Mr. Sonkin retires in accordance with MBIA’s retirement policy applicable to its senior officers or at the end of the term of the agreement, he will receive the benefits otherwise made available under the applicable MBIA plans and policies, except that he will not be entitled to any prorated bonus or cash in lieu of long term incentive award upon retirement.

The Agreement also contains certain restrictive covenants regarding Mr. Sonkin’s conduct following the termination of his employment, including a two year restriction on his ability to work for certain competitors or persons who have interests adverse to those of MBIA.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

10.1

  Employment Agreement between MBIA Inc. and Mitchell Sonkin dated August 4, 2009

31.1

  Chief Executive Officer - Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

  Chief Financial Officer - Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

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

32.2

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

99.1

  Additional Exhibits - National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation Financial Statements

99.2

  Additional Exhibits - MBIA Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

  MBIA INC.

  Registrant

Date: August 6, 2009    

  /s/ C. Edward Chaplin

      C. Edward Chaplin
      Chief Financial Officer
Date: August 6, 2009    

  /s/ Douglas C. Hamilton

      Douglas C. Hamilton
      Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)