Annual Statements Open main menu

MBIA INC - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
Form
10-K
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
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.)
   
1 Manhattanville Road, Suite 301,
 
Purchase
,
 
New York
 
10577
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(914) 273-4545
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Trading Symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Common Stock
 
MBI
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
     
Yes
  ☒    No  ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act
.     Yes  ☐    
No
  ☒
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  
    No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).    Yes  
    No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated
filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule
12b-2
of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer  
   Accelerated filer   
Non-accelerated filer  
   Smaller reporting company   
         Emerging growth company   
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act
.  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2
of the Act).    Yes  
    No  
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates
of the Registrant as of June 30, 2021 was $522,602,641.
As of February 21, 2022, 54,604,940 shares of Common Stock, par value $1 per share, were outstanding.
Documents incorporated by reference:
Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Shareholders Meeting to be held in May of 2022 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form
10-K.
 
 
 

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
    
Item 1.
  Business      1  
Item 1A.
  Risk Factors      14  
Item 1B.
  Unresolved Staff Comments      25  
Item 2.
  Properties      26  
Item 3.
  Legal Proceedings      26  
Item 4.
  Mine Safety Disclosures      26  
    
Item 5.
       27  
Item 6
  [Reserved]      28  
Item 7.
       29  
Item 7A.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      59  
Item 8.
  Financial Statements      61  
Item 9.
       134  
Item 9A.
  Controls and Procedures      134  
Item 9B.
  Other Information      134  
Item 9C.
  Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections      134  
    
Item 10.
  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      135  
Item 11.
  Executive Compensation      135  
Item 12.
       135  
Item 13.
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      136  
Item 14.
  Principal Accounting Fees and Services      136  
    
Item 15.
  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules      137  
       141  
       142  
       143  
       148  

Table of Contents
FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
This annual report of MBIA Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, (collectively, “MBIA”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) 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”, “estimate”, “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. We undertake no obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if the Company later becomes aware that such result is not likely to be achieved.
The following are some of the general 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:
 
   
increased credit losses or impairments on public finance obligations that National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (“National”) insures issued by state, local and territorial governments and finance authorities and other providers of public services, located in the U.S. or abroad, that are experiencing fiscal stress;
 
   
the possibility that loss reserve estimates are not adequate to cover potential claims;
 
   
a disruption in the cash flow from National or an inability to access the capital markets and our exposure to significant fluctuations in liquidity and asset values in the global credit markets as a result of collateral posting requirements;
 
   
our ability to fully implement our strategic plan;
 
   
the possibility that MBIA Insurance Corporation will have inadequate liquidity or resources to timely pay claims as a result of higher than expected losses on certain insured transactions or as a result of a delay or failure in collecting expected recoveries, which could lead the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYSDFS”) to put MBIA Insurance Corporation into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding under Article 74 of the New York Insurance Law and/or take such other actions as the NYSDFS may deem necessary to protect the interests of MBIA Insurance Corporation’s policyholders;
 
   
the impact on our insured portfolios or business operations caused by the global spread of the novel coronavirus
COVID-19;
 
   
deterioration in the economic environment and financial markets in the United States or abroad, real estate market performance, credit spreads, interest rates and foreign currency levels; and
 
   
the effects of changes to governmental regulation, including insurance laws, securities laws, tax laws, legal precedents and accounting rules.
The above factors provide a summary of and are qualified in their entirety by the risk factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this annual Report on Form
10-K.
The Company encourages readers to review these risk factors in their entirety.
This annual report of MBIA Inc. also includes statements of the opinion and belief of MBIA management which may be forward-looking statements subject to the preceding cautionary disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the basis for each statement of opinion or belief of MBIA management in this report is the relevant industry or subject matter experience and views of certain members of MBIA’s management. Accordingly, MBIA cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such statements, because like all statements of opinion or belief they are not statements of fact and may prove to be incorrect. We undertake no obligation to publicly correct or update any statement of opinion or belief if the Company later becomes aware that such statement of opinion or belief was not or is not then accurate. In addition, readers are cautioned that each statement of opinion or belief may be further qualified by disclosures set forth elsewhere in this report or in other disclosures by MBIA.

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business
PART I
As used in this Annual Report on Form
10-K,
(i) “MBIA,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MBIA Inc., a Connecticut corporation incorporated in 1986, together with its subsidiaries, and (ii) unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references to “MBIA Corp.” are to MBIA Insurance Corporation together with MBIA Mexico S.A. de C.V. (“MBIA Mexico”).
OVERVIEW
The Company’s operating subsidiaries are focused on running off their insured portfolios. Today, the Company’s primary objectives are ensuring that adequate liquidity exists at the holding company to satisfy all of its outstanding obligations, mitigating losses at National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (“National”) and MBIA Corp., including National’s exposures to insured debt obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities (“Puerto Rico”), and maximizing recoveries on paid insurance claims. We do not expect National or MBIA Corp. to write significant new business. The Company may also pursue strategic alternatives that could enhance shareholder value.
MBIA’s primary business has been to provide financial guarantee insurance to the United States’ public finance markets through our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, National, whose financial guarantee insurance policies provide investors with unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal, interest or other amounts owing on insured obligations when due. National ceased pursuing the writing of new financial guarantee policies in 2017, and its primary activity today is to provide ongoing surveillance, including remediation activity where warranted, of its existing insured portfolio of $36.5 billion gross par outstanding as of December 31, 2021. The Company has also provided financial guarantee insurance in the international and structured finance markets through its subsidiary MBIA Corp. As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Corp.’s total insured gross par outstanding was $5.2 billion. As a result of MBIA Corp.’s capital structure and business prospects, we do not expect its financial performance to have a material economic impact on MBIA Inc. Refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form
10-K
for a further discussion of MBIA Corp.’s insurance statutory capital.
MBIA Services Corporation (“MBIA Services”), also owned by MBIA Inc., is a service company which provides support services such as surveillance, risk management, legal, accounting, treasury and information technology, among others, to our businesses on a
fee-for-service
basis.
MBIA Inc. Capital Management
The Company manages its capital and liquidity in order to ensure that it can service its debt and other financial obligations and pay its operating expenses while maintaining an adequate cushion against potential adverse events. MBIA Inc. has received annual dividends from National. The Company maintains a stable liquidity position which is expected to allow it to service its obligations over the next several years without needing to access the capital markets. Our capital management strategies include (i) having the Company or National purchase or repurchase outstanding MBIA Inc. common shares to enhance shareholder value when management deems such actions are appropriate, taking into account regulatory capacity constraints, the price of the stock, anticipated liquidity needs, and other relevant factors and (ii) retiring our unsecured and MBIA Global Funding, LLC (“GFL”) debt through calls and repurchases at prices that create economic benefit to the Company.
Currently, MBIA Inc. and National do not have an authorization approved by the Company’s Board of Directors to repurchase or purchase outstanding MBIA Inc. common shares. Neither MBIA Inc. nor National repurchased or purchased any MBIA Inc. common shares during 2021. During 2020, the Company or National purchased or repurchased 26.4 million shares at a cost of $198 million under the repurchase authorization approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) in May 2020 and November 2017 and exhausted these share repurchase authorizations. During 2019, the Company or National purchased or repurchased 11.1 million shares at a cost of $101 million under the repurchase authorization approved by the Board in November 2017.
 
1

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
As of December 31, 2021, $897 million of unsecured debt, which includes MBIA Inc.’s senior notes and medium-term notes (“MTNs”) issued by its subsidiary, GFL, was outstanding. During 2021, MBIA Corp. purchased $5 million principal amount of MBIA Inc. 6.625% Debentures due 2028 and $1 million principal amount of MBIA Inc. 7.150% Debentures due 2027 and the Company repurchased $111 million par value outstanding of GFL MTNs. During 2020, the Company redeemed the remaining $115 million principal amount of the Company’s 6.400% Senior Notes due 2022 at par plus accrued interest. During 2019, the Company redeemed $150 million principal amount of the Company’s 6.400% Senior Notes due 2022 at par plus accrued interest and paid $57 million par value related to GFL debt maturities.
In each of the fourth quarters of 2021 and 2020, National declared and paid dividends of $60 million and $81 million, respectively, to its ultimate parent, MBIA Inc.
National Risk Mitigation
National’s most significant risk is credit risk in its large and diverse insured portfolio of domestic public finance credits. National’s risk mitigation strategy is premised on proactive portfolio management, including surveillance of financial performance and covenant compliance, the exercise of creditor rights, remediation and—in select cases—workouts of distressed credits. National’s approach generally focuses on the early detection of stress and proactive intervention, though its rights and its ability to take certain actions on a particular credit will always be case-specific. As part of its remediation efforts, National may elect to facilitate and participate in refinancings of existing credit exposures where the new transaction will have the anticipated effect of improving the issuer’s ability to service its debt and strengthen National’s legal security or covenant package. National may also seek to purchase its own insured obligations as part of an overall risk mitigation strategy, subject to internal and regulatory limitations.
Presently, the most distressed credits in National’s portfolio are obligations issued by Puerto Rico. As described further herein, two of these credits, the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority (“PRHTA”) and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”) are in bankruptcy-like processes under Title III of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”). The Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation (“COFINA”) has exited the bankruptcy-like process and National’s exposure to the credit has been reduced to zero. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Public Building Authority (“PBA”) Title III cases have been confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court and are expected to exit their bankruptcy-like processes before the end of the first quarter of 2022. For additional information relating to the risks arising from National’s Puerto Rico exposures, refer to the “Insured Portfolio Loss Related Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of this Form
10-K.
MBIA Corp. Risk Mitigation
MBIA Corp.’s strategy is focused primarily on recovering losses on insured transactions, reducing future expected economic losses in the insured portfolio through commutations and other risk mitigation strategies, and managing liquidity primarily for the benefit of its policyholders and senior creditors. Refer to “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this
Form 10-K
for further information regarding loss reserves and recoveries.
Our liquidity and capital forecasts, and projected collections of recoveries for MBIA Corp., reflect resources that we expect to be adequate to pay expected insurance claims. However, there can be no assurance that MBIA Corp. will realize its expected recoveries in full or on its projected timeframe. Refer to “Risk Factors-MBIA Corp. Risk Factors-Continuing elevated loss payments and delay or failure in realizing expected recoveries on insured transactions may materially and adversely affect MBIA Corp.’s statutory capital and its ability to meet liquidity needs and could cause the New York State Department of Financial Services (the “NYSDFS”) to put MBIA Insurance Corporation into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding if the NYSDFS concludes that MBIA Insurance Corporation will not be able to pay expected insurance claims,” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form
10-K.
Given the separation of MBIA Inc. and MBIA Corp. as distinct legal entities, the absence of any cross defaults between the entities, and the lack of reliance by MBIA Inc. on MBIA Corp. for the receipt of dividends, we do not believe that a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding of MBIA Insurance Corporation by the NYSDFS would have any material economic impact on MBIA Inc.
 
2

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
OUR INSURANCE OPERATIONS
Our U.S. public finance insurance portfolio is managed through National, and our international and structured finance insurance portfolios are managed through MBIA Corp. We do not expect National or MBIA Corp. to write new financial guarantee policies outside of remediation related activities. We have been compensated for our insurance policies by insurance premiums that were paid upfront or on an installment basis. Our financial guarantee insurance was offered in both the new issue and secondary markets. In addition, we have provided financial guarantees or sureties to debt service reserve funds. The primary risk in our insurance operations is that of adverse credit performance in the insured portfolio. When writing new business we sought to maintain a diversified insured portfolio with the aim of managing and diversifying risk based on a variety of criteria including revenue source, issue size, type of asset, industry concentrations, type of bond and geographic location. Despite this objective, there can be no assurance that we will avoid losses on multiple credits as a result of a single event or series of events. In particular, while such has not yet occurred, the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus
COVID-19
(“COVID-19”)
could in time and under adverse circumstances have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and other aspects of our business. For additional information relating to the risks arising from
COVID-19,
refer to the “Legal, Regulatory and Other Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of this Form
10-K.
Because we generally guarantee to the holder of an insured obligation the timely payment of amounts due in accordance with its insurance policy terms, in the case of a default or other triggering event, payments under the insurance policy generally cannot be accelerated against us unless we consent to the acceleration. In the event of a default, however, we may have the right, in our sole discretion, to accelerate the obligations and pay them in full. Otherwise, we are required to pay principal, interest or other amounts only as scheduled payments come due, even if the holders are permitted by the terms of the insured obligations to have the full amount of principal, accrued interest or other amounts due, declared due and payable immediately in the event of a default.
Our payment obligations after a default vary by deal and by insurance type. Our public finance insurance generally insures scheduled interest and principal. Our structured finance policies generally insure (i) timely interest and ultimate principal; (ii) ultimate principal only at final maturity; or, (iii) payments upon settlement of individual collateral losses as they occur after any deductible or subordination has been exhausted.
In the event of a default in the payment of principal, interest or other insured amounts by an issuer, the insurance company will make funds available in the insured amount generally within one to three business days following notification. Longer timeframes may apply for international transactions. Generally, our insurance companies provide for this payment upon receipt of proof of ownership of the obligations due, as well as upon receipt of instruments appointing the insurer as agent for the holders and evidencing the assignment of the rights of the holders with respect to the payments made by the insurer or other appropriate documentation.
National Insured Portfolio
National’s insured portfolio consists of municipal bonds, including
tax-exempt
and taxable indebtedness of U.S. political subdivisions and territories, as well as utilities, airports, health care institutions, higher educational facilities, 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, user fees or tariffs related to the use of these projects, lease payments or other similar types of revenue streams.
As of December 31, 2021, National had $36.5 billion of insured gross par outstanding on U.S. public finance obligations covering 2,118 policies and diversified among 1,279 “credits,” which we define as any insured obligations secured by the same revenue source. Insurance in force, which includes all gross insured debt service, as of December 31, 2021 was $71.7 billion.
All of the policies were underwritten on the assumption that the insurance will remain in force until maturity or early retirement of the insured obligations. National estimates that the average life of its domestic public finance insurance policies in force as of December 31, 2021 was 9 years. The average life was determined by applying a weighted average calculation, using the remaining years to contractual maturity and weighting them on the basis
 
3

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
of the remaining debt service insured. No assumptions were made for any future refundings, early redemptions or terminations of insured issues. Average annual insured debt service on the portfolio as of December 31, 2021 was $4.9 billion. National’s underwriting guidelines limited the insurance in force for any one insured credit, and for other categories such as geography. In addition, National is subject to regulatory single-risk limits with respect to any insured bond issue. See the “Insurance Regulation” section below for a description of these regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2021, National’s gross par amount outstanding for its ten largest insured U.S. public finance credits totaled $8.5 billion, representing 23.3% of National’s total U.S. public finance gross par amount outstanding. Refer to “Note 13: Insurance in Force” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form
10-K
for further information regarding the Company’s insured portfolio.
MBIA Corp. Insured Portfolio
MBIA Corp.’s insured portfolio consists of policies that insure various types of international public finance and global structured finance obligations that were sold in the new issue and secondary markets. International public finance obligations include bonds and loans extended to entities located outside of the U.S., including utilities, infrastructure projects and sovereign-related and
sub-sovereign
issuers, such as regions, authorities or their equivalent as well as sovereign owned entities that might be supported by a sovereign state, region or authority. Global structured finance obligations include asset-backed transactions and financing of commercial activities that are typically secured by undivided interests or collateralized by the related assets or cash flows.
As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Corp. had 222 policies outstanding in its insured portfolio. In addition, MBIA Corp. had 35 insurance policies outstanding relating to liabilities issued by MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries, which are described further under the section “Affiliated Financial Obligations Insured by MBIA Corp.” below. MBIA Corp.’s total policies in its insured portfolio are diversified among 154 credits.
As of December 31, 2021, the gross par amount outstanding of MBIA Corp.’s insured obligations (excluding $0.8 billion of insured affiliated financial obligations and $22.9 billion of U.S. public finance debt ceded to National), was $5.2 billion. Insurance in force for the above portfolio, which includes all gross insured debt service, as of December 31, 2021 was $6.8 billion.
MBIA Corp. estimates that the average life of its international and structured finance insurance policies in force as of December 31, 2021 is 6 years. The average life was determined by applying a calculation using the remaining years to contractual maturity for international public finance obligations and estimated maturity for structured finance obligations and weighting them on the basis of the remaining debt service insured. No assumptions were made for any future refundings, early redemptions or terminations of insured issues. Average annual insured debt service on the portfolio as of December 31, 2021 was $0.7 billion. Refer to “Note 13: Insurance in Force” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form
10-K
for further information regarding the Company’s insured portfolio.
Affiliated Financial Obligations Insured by MBIA Corp.
Prior to 2008, MBIA Inc. provided customized investment agreements and one of its subsidiaries, GFL, issued MTNs with varying maturities. Each of these obligations is guaranteed by MBIA Corp. GFL lent the proceeds of its GFL MTN issuances to MBIA Inc. As a result of ratings downgrades of MBIA Corp., MBIA Inc. is required to post collateral for the remaining investment agreements. Since the ratings downgrades of MBIA Corp. that began in 2008, we have not issued new MTNs or investment agreements. The investment agreements are currently fully collateralized with high quality assets. We believe the outstanding investment agreements and MTNs and corresponding asset balances will continue to decline over time as the liabilities mature, terminate, or are repurchased by the Company.
MBIA Corp. is a party to a financing facility (the “Refinanced Facility”) between MZ Funding LLC (“MZ Funding”) and certain purchasers, pursuant to which the purchasers or their affiliates agreed to refinance the outstanding insured senior notes of MZ Funding, and MBIA Inc. received amended subordinated notes of MZ Funding (the “MZ Junior Note”). The Refinanced Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in all of MBIA Corp.’s right, title and interest in the recovery of its claims from the assets of Zohar CDO
2003-1,
Limited and Zohar II
2005-1
CDO which include, among other things, loans made to, and equity interests in certain portfolio
 
4

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
companies. During 2021, MBIA Corp. repaid in full the outstanding amount of the Refinanced Facility’s senior notes. Subsequent to December 31, 2021, MBIA Inc. agreed to extend the maturity date of the MZ Junior Note, with an aggregate principal amount of $68 million, until April 20, 2022, at a reduced interest rate. Refer to “Note 10: Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form
10-K
for information on the Refinanced Facility.
Risk Management
Our largest risk is the credit exposure in our insured portfolio. The Company’s credit risk management and remediation functions are managed through committees and units that oversee risks in ongoing portfolio surveillance and remediation. The Company’s Insured Portfolio Management Divisions (“IPM”) monitor and remediate domestic and international public finance and structured risks. In addition, National and MBIA Corp. each has its own risk committee that, as appropriate, reviews certain portfolio decisions. Additionally, each subsidiary has its own investment committee that reviews its respective investment portfolio and investment-related decisions.
The Company’s Risk Oversight Committee (the “Risk Oversight Committee”) reviews material transactions and provides firm-wide review of policies and decisions related to credit, market, operational, legal, financial and business risks. The Company and its subsidiaries’ respective Loss Reserve Committees review loss reserving activity.
The Company’s Board of Directors and related Committees, including Audit, and Finance and Risk, oversee risks faced by the Company and its subsidiaries. The Board regularly evaluates and discusses emerging risks and risks associated with strategic initiatives. On an annual basis, the Board also evaluates and approves the Company’s risk tolerance policy. The purpose of the risk tolerance policy is to define the types and amounts of risks the Company is prepared to accept. The assessment includes risks associated with credit, capital adequacy, market, liquidity, legal, operations, cybersecurity and technology. This policy provides the basis upon which risk criteria and procedures are developed and seeks to have these applied consistently across the Company.
The Audit Committee oversees risks associated with financial and other reporting, auditing, legal and regulatory compliance, and risks that may otherwise result from the Company’s operations, including cybersecurity risk. The Audit Committee oversees these risks by monitoring (i) the integrity of the financial statements of the Company and of other material financial disclosures made by the Company, (ii) the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company’s independent auditor, (iii) the performance of the Company’s internal audit function, (iv) the Company’s compliance policies and procedures and its compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and (v) the performance of the Company’s operational risk management function. In connection with its oversight of cybersecurity risk, the Audit Committee receives semi-annual, or more frequent as appropriate, briefings from the Company’s senior management and Enterprise Security Council concerning, among other topics, the implementation of the Company’s Cybersecurity Policy, its ongoing training to prevent, identify and react to security incidents, periodic vulnerability assessments performed by outside vendors, and Internal Audit’s periodic reviews of MBIA’s data security policies and procedures.
The Finance and Risk Committee oversees the Company’s credit risk governance framework, market risk, liquidity risk and other material financial risks. The Finance and Risk Committee oversees these risks by monitoring the Company’s: (i) capital and liquidity, (ii) proprietary investment portfolios, (iii) exposure to changes in the market value of assets and liabilities, (iv) credit exposures in the Insured Portfolios, and (v) financial risk policies and procedures, including regulatory requirements and limits.
The Company has a designated Model Governance Team. Given the significance of models in the Company’s surveillance and remediation activities, financial reporting and corporate treasury operations, the Company established a Model Governance Policy to enhance the consistency, reliability, maintenance and transparency of its models so that model risk can be mitigated on an enterprise-wide basis. The Model Governance Team is responsible for the Model Governance Policy as well as other Model Governance related initiatives.
 
5

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
Insurance Surveillance and Remediation
We surveil and remediate our insured portfolios on an ongoing basis. Although our monitoring and remediation activities vary somewhat by sector and bond type, in all cases we focus on assessing event risk and potential losses under stress.
 
   
U.S. Public Finance:
For U.S. public finance, our ongoing credit surveillance focuses on economic and political trends, issuer or project debt and financial management, construction and start up risk, adequacy of historical and anticipated cash flows under stress, satisfactory legal structure and bond security provisions, viable tax and economic bases, including consideration of tax limitations and unemployment trends, adequacy of stressed loss coverage and project feasibility, including satisfactory reports from consulting engineers, traffic advisors and others, if applicable. Depending on the credit, specialized cash flow analyses may be conducted to understand loss sensitivity. In addition, specialized credit analysts consider the potential event risk of natural disasters or headline events on both single obligors/credits and across a sector, as well as regulatory issues. U.S. public finance credits/exposures are monitored by reviewing trustee, issuer and project financial and operating reports as well as reports provided by technical advisors and counsel. Projects may be periodically visited by MBIA personnel.
 
   
International Public Finance:
International public finance credits are monitored and remediated in a manner relatively consistent with U.S. public finance transactions. In addition, credit analysts consider country risk, including economic and political factors, the type and quality of local regulatory oversight, the strength of the legal framework in each country and the stability of the local institutional framework. Analysts also monitor local accounting and legal requirements, local financial market developments, the impact of exchange rates and local demand dynamics. Furthermore, exposures are reviewed periodically; the frequency and scope of review is often increased when an exposure is downgraded. MBIA personnel may periodically visit projects or issuers to meet with management.
 
   
Global Structured Finance Transactions:
For global structured finance credits, we focus on the historical and projected cash flows generated by the assets, the credit and operational strength of the originator, servicer, manager and/or operator of the assets, and the transaction’s structure (including the degree of protection from bankruptcy of the originator or servicer). We may use both probability modeling and cash flow sensitivity analysis (both at the transaction and asset specific levels) to test asset performance assumptions and performance covenants, triggers and remedies. In addition, IPM may use various quantitative tools and qualitative analyses to test for credit quality, correlation, liquidity and capital sensitivity within the insured portfolio.
A key to our ongoing monitoring is early detection of deterioration in either obligor credit quality or macroeconomic or market factors that could adversely impact an insured credit. If deterioration is detected, analysts generally evaluate possible remedial actions and, in the event of significant stress, we may develop and implement a remediation strategy. The nature of any remedial action is based on the type of insured issue and the nature and scope of the event giving rise to the remediation. In most cases, as part of any such remedial activity, we work with the issuer, trustee, legal counsel, financial advisors, servicer, other creditors, underwriters and/or other related parties to reduce chances of default and the potential severity of loss if a default should occur.
We use an internal credit rating system to rank credits, with frequency of review based on risk type, internal rating, performance and credit quality. Credits with performance issues are designated as “Caution
List-Low,”
“Caution List-Medium” or “Caution List-High” based on the nature and extent of our concerns, but these categories do not require establishment of any case basis reserves. In the event we determine that a claim for payment is expected with respect to an insured issue using probability-weighted cash flows, we place the issue on the “Classified List” and establish a case basis loss reserve for that insured issue. See “Losses and Reserves” below for information on our loss reserving process.
Credit Risk Models
We use credit risk models to test qualitative judgments, to design appropriate structures and to understand sensitivity within transactions and across broader portfolio exposure concentrations. Models are updated to reflect changes in both portfolio and transaction data and also in expectations of stressed future outcomes. For portfolio monitoring we use internal and third-party models based on individual transaction attributes and customized
 
6

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
structures and these models are also used to determine case basis loss reserves and, where applicable, to
mark-to-market
any insured obligations as may be required for financial reporting. When using third-party models, we generally perform the same review and analyses of the collateral, transaction structure, performance triggers and cash flow waterfalls as when using our internal models. See “Risk Factors—Insured Portfolio Loss Related Risk Factors—Financial modeling involves uncertainty over ultimate outcomes which makes it difficult to estimate liquidity, potential claims payments, loss reserves and fair values” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form
10-K.
Market Risk Assessment
We measure and assess market risk on a consolidated basis as well as at the holding company and subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis. Key market risks include changes in interest rates, credit spreads and foreign exchange rates. We use various models and methodologies to test exposure under market stress scenarios, including parallel and
non-parallel
shifts in the yield curve, changes in credit spreads, and changes in foreign exchange rates. See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Part II, Item 7A of this Form
10-K
for additional information on our market risk exposure. We also analyze stressed liquidity scenarios and stressed counterparty exposures. The analyses are used in testing investment portfolio guidelines. The Risk Oversight Committee and the Finance and Risk Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors receive periodic reports on market risk.
Operational Risk Assessment
The Operational Risk function assesses potential economic loss or reputational impact arising from processes and controls, systems, or staff actions and seeks to identify vulnerabilities to operational disruptions caused by external events. The Operational Risk framework is generally managed using a self-assessment process across our business units, with controls associated with the execution of key processes monitored through Internal Audit reviews. The Operational Risk function reports periodically to the Risk Oversight Committee and the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Audit Committee reviews the Company’s operational risk profile, risk event activity and ongoing risk mitigation efforts.
Environmental & Social Responsibility Risk Management
MBIA recognizes and embraces its responsibilities to the environment and to the promotion of social welfare. The Company’s operations are analytical and administrative in nature and it has no other material locations or operations away from its limited headquarters in an Energy Star certified office complex in Purchase, New York. Thus, while we regularly assess the impact of environmental risk on our insured portfolios, and have demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility, we believe that the nature of our business, small size and current operations provide us with limited opportunities to improve upon that record. Our Risk Oversight Committee nevertheless regularly reviews and implements policies and decisions related to environmental and social governance risks.
As part of its Enterprise Risk Management framework, MBIA has identified climate change as an emerging risk to its insured portfolio of public finance credits. While the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are no longer writing new business and therefore do not need to assess climate risk in the context of underwriting decisions, its existing insured portfolios will take decades to run off and remain exposed to the impact of climate change.
The significant majority of MBIA’s outstanding insured exposure is to U.S. municipalities, which are subject to both direct and indirect effects of climate change including an increasing risk to severe weather events, flooding and droughts. The direct effects include costs to repair storm damage and flooding and to mitigate the impact of future events. Indirect impacts include potential deterioration of tax bases as populations move away from areas prone to severe weather and flooding. The impact of climate change on MBIA’s insured portfolio is real but likely to manifest itself over a long period of time. It is as yet unclear what impact attempts to reduce carbon emissions will have. The expense to municipalities of mitigating climate risk may result in financial strain depending upon the nature of the risk being mitigated and the availability of state and/or federal funding.
In response to these threats, MBIA’s risk management and insured portfolio management groups have identified the sectors of the insured portfolio that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and factor
 
7

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
these risks into internal ratings, frequency of review and potential remedial action. Sectors at increased risk to climate-driven events include water and sewer systems, single site/revenue generating assets, bridge and road infrastructure, electric utilities and housing.
MBIA is committed to promoting social welfare—for its employees, the communities in which they live and work, and the citizens in the municipalities that benefit from its insurance. It is MBIA’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all job applicants and employees with regard to all personnel-related matters, including, but not limited to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers and training and all other terms and conditions of employment. In all such activities, MBIA prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment against any persons because of age, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), sex, race, color, religion, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, national origin, alien or citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
MBIA’s Equal Employment Opportunity and
Non-Discrimination
and Anti-Harassment Policy applies to all applicants and employees, and other
non-employee
third-parties and individuals working for or on behalf of MBIA. It prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation whether engaged in by, or directed toward, fellow employees, a supervisor or manager, or third-parties. MBIA prohibits retaliation or adverse employment action against any individual who, in good faith, reports discrimination or harassment or participates in an investigation of such reports.
MBIA reasonably accommodates employees and applicants with disabilities (including temporary disabilities), those who are pregnant, nursing mothers, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. If an employee suffers from a disability, is pregnant, or has a sincerely held religious belief that interferes with the employee’s ability to perform his or her job, the employee can contact Human Resources to inquire whether a reasonable accommodation may be available and appropriate under the circumstances.
All employees are subject to the Company’s Standard of Conduct, which serves as a critical guide for the manner in which it conducts business. All employees are required to read the Standard of Conduct and complete an
on-line
compliance training program annually.
MBIA offers its employees a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes a competitive salary and an annual cash performance bonus, paid
time-off
benefits, health and welfare voluntary benefits that include medical and dental insurance, a health savings account that includes a company match to employee contributions, and supplemental life insurance. Senior management also receives an annual long-term incentive award linked to shareholders’ interests. The Company also provides a qualified defined contribution pension, a qualified 401(k) plan and a voluntary
non-qualified
deferred compensation plan that accepts contributions that exceed limitations established by federal regulations. In addition, the Company provides paid and unpaid employee leave of absences such as Safe Time Leave, Family Medical Leave, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Military and Jury Duty Leave.
MBIA‘s corporate mission has long included enhancing the strength and vitality of communities, whether through offering its insurance product, which reduces the borrowing cost of towns, cities and municipalities, or through the sponsorship of many diverse philanthropic efforts. In 2001, MBIA formed the MBIA Foundation, a 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt
organization, whose mission is to help improve the quality of life in the communities where the Company conducts business and where its employees live and work. Since inception, the MBIA Foundation has paid out over $21 million in matching gifts, over $12 million in grants to community organizations and almost $400,000 in service grants in support of employees’ volunteer efforts. The MBIA Foundation has also been active in supporting disaster relief efforts through direct donations from the Foundation and by increasing the customary match of 2:1 to 3:1 to further encourage employees donations.
Additionally, MBIA promotes employee volunteerism through its annual company-wide days of service, volunteer initiatives and special grants to organizations where employees volunteer or serve as board members. Through the Volunteer Initiatives Committee, the Foundation promotes a number of
in-kind
donation drives each year, including clothing and food drives.
 
8

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
COVID-19
Pandemic Risk Management
In response to the
COVID-19
pandemic and in an effort to protect the health and well-being of its employees, the Company implemented its business continuity plans in early March of 2020. All employees worked remotely in 2021 until returning to the office in September, and have continued to operate
in-office
aside from a pause in January 2022 at the height of the spread of the Omicron variant. At all times, management will exercise its best judgment and operate consistently with federal, state and local guidance.
MBIA is committed to fostering the physical, emotional and financial health and well-being of its employees. The Company offers its employees a variety of wellness events on an ongoing basis, which include exercise classes, nutrition seminars, financial counseling, biometric screenings, flu vaccines, annual physical exam incentives and more.
Losses and Reserves
Loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves are established by Loss Reserve Committees in each of our operating insurance companies and are reviewed by our executive Loss Reserve Committee, which consists of members of senior management. The Company’s loss and LAE reserves as of December 31, 2021 represent case basis reserves and estimates for LAE to be incurred. Case basis reserves represent the Company’s estimate of expected losses to be paid under its insurance contracts, net of potential recoveries and discounted using a current risk-free interest rate, for contracts where the estimated loss amount exceeds the unearned premium revenue on the related insurance contract. The Company estimates expected losses net of potential recoveries using the present value of probability-weighted estimated loss payments and recoveries, discounted at a rate equal to the risk-free rate applicable to the currency and weighted average remaining life of the insurance contract as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for financial guarantee contracts. We record case basis loss reserves on insured obligations which have defaulted or are expected to default during the remaining life of the obligation.
For a further discussion of the methodology used by the Company for determining when a case basis reserve is established, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates—Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in Part II, Item 7 and “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form
10-K.
Management believes that our reserves are adequate to cover the ultimate net cost of claims. However, because the reserves are based on management’s judgment and estimates, there can be no assurance that the ultimate liability will not exceed such estimates or that the timing of claims payments and the realization of recoveries will not create liquidity issues for the corresponding insurance company.
Reinsurance
We currently have third-party reinsurance agreements in place covering 2% of our insured par outstanding. At this time we do not intend to utilize reinsurance to decrease the insured exposure in our portfolio; however, we may, from time to time, look to enter into transactions to reduce risks embedded in our insured portfolios on an individual and portfolio-wide basis.
Intercompany Reinsurance Arrangements
MBIA Corp. and National are parties to a reinsurance agreement pursuant to which National reinsures certain public finance financial guarantee policies originally written by MBIA Corp. In addition, National entered into a
second-to-pay
policy covering the reinsurance agreement.
MBIA Insurance Corporation maintains a reinsurance agreement and net worth maintenance agreement with MBIA Mexico pursuant to which MBIA Insurance Corporation reinsures 100% of the business underwritten by MBIA Mexico and agrees to maintain the amount of capital in MBIA Mexico required by applicable law or regulation, subject to certain New York State regulatory requirements as well as certain contract restrictions.
 
9

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
Insurance Regulation
National and MBIA Insurance Corporation are incorporated in and subject to primary insurance regulation and supervision by the State of New York. MBIA Corp.’s Spanish Branch is subject to local regulation in Spain. MBIA Mexico is organized and subject to primary regulation and supervision in Mexico. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are also licensed to issue financial guarantee policies in multiple jurisdictions as needed to conduct their business activities.
The extent of state and national insurance regulation and supervision varies by jurisdiction, but New York, Spain, Mexico and most other jurisdictions have laws and regulations prescribing minimum standards of solvency, including minimum capital requirements, and business conduct which must be maintained by insurance companies, and if our insurance companies fail to meet such requirements our regulators may impose certain remedial actions. Among other regulated conduct, these laws and regulations prescribe permitted classes and concentrations of investments. In addition, some state laws and regulations require the approval or filing of policy forms and rates. MBIA Insurance Corporation and National each are required to file detailed annual financial statements with the NYSDFS and similar supervisory agencies in each of the other jurisdictions in which it is licensed. The operations and accounts of the insurance companies are subject to examination by regulatory agencies at regular intervals. In addition to being subject to the insurance laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate, as a condition to obtaining required insurance regulatory approvals to enter into certain transactions and take certain other corporate actions, including the release of excessive contingency reserves in MBIA Insurance Corporation described below under “Contingency Reserves” and entry into the asset swap between MBIA Inc. and National described under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Corporate Liquidity” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form
10-K,
MBIA Inc. and its operating insurance subsidiaries have and may in the future agree to provide notice to the NYSDFS or other applicable regulators prior to entering into transactions or taking other corporate actions (such as paying dividends when applicable statutory tests are satisfied) that would not otherwise require regulatory approval.
New York Insurance Regulation
Our domestic insurance companies are licensed to provide financial guarantee insurance under Article 69 of the New York Insurance Law (the “NYIL”). Article 69 defines financial guarantee insurance to include any guarantee under which loss is payable upon proof of occurrence of financial loss to an insured as a result of certain events. These events include the failure of any obligor or any issuer of any debt instrument or other monetary obligation to pay principal, interest, premium, dividend or purchase price of or on such instrument or obligation when due. Under Article 69, our domestic insurance companies are permitted to transact financial guarantee insurance, surety insurance and credit insurance and such other kinds of business to the extent necessarily or properly incidental to the kinds of insurance which they are authorized to transact. In addition, they are empowered to assume or reinsure the kinds of insurance described above. Amendments to the statutes or regulations governing financial guarantee insurers are possible, but the adoption or timing of any such amendments is uncertain.
New York State Dividend Limitations
The laws of New York regulate the payment of dividends by National and MBIA Insurance Corporation and provide that a New York domestic stock property/casualty insurance company may not declare or distribute dividends except out of statutory earned surplus. New York law provides that the sum of (i) the amount of dividends declared or distributed during the preceding
12-month
period and (ii) the dividend to be declared may not exceed the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders’ surplus, as shown by the most recent statutory financial statement on file with the NYSDFS, or (b) 100% of adjusted net investment income for such
12-month
period (the net investment income for such
12-month
period plus the excess, if any, of net investment income over dividends declared or distributed during the
two-year
period preceding such
12-month
period), unless the Superintendent of Financial Services of the State of New York (the “Superintendent”) approves a greater dividend distribution based upon a finding that the insurer will retain sufficient surplus to support its obligations and writings.
Due to its significant earned surplus deficit, MBIA Insurance Corporation has not had the statutory capacity to pay dividends since December 31, 2009, is not expected to have any statutory capacity to pay dividends, and has agreed that it will not pay any dividends without receiving prior approval from the NYSDFS in connection with certain prior approvals to release excessive contingency reserves. The foregoing dividend limitations are determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles (“U.S. STAT”).
 
10

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
Contingency Reserves
As financial guarantee insurers, our domestic insurance companies are required by the laws and regulations of New York and other states to maintain, as applicable, contingency reserves on their municipal bond, asset-backed securities (“ABS”) or other financial guarantee liabilities. Under New York Insurance Law (the “NYIL”), a financial guarantee insurance company is required to contribute to contingency reserves 50% of premiums as they are earned on policies written prior to July 1, 1989 (net of reinsurance), and, with respect to policies written on and after July 1, 1989, such an insurer must make contributions over a period of 15 or 20 years (based on issue type), or until the contingency reserve for such insured issues equals the greater of 50% of premiums written for the relevant category of insurance or a percentage of the principal guaranteed, varying from 0.55% to 2.5%, depending upon the type of obligation guaranteed (net of collateral, reinsurance, refunding, refinancings and certain insured securities). Other states maintain similar requirements. The contribution to, and maintenance of, the contingency reserve limits the amount of earned surplus that might otherwise be available for the payment of dividends. In each state, our domestic insurance companies may apply for release of portions of their contingency reserves in certain circumstances.
During the second quarter of 2021, MBIA Corp. received a
non-disapproval
from the NYSDFS, and in accordance with the NYIL and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ statutory accounting principles, to release to surplus $125 million of contingency reserves that were deemed excessive in relation to MBIA Corp.’s outstanding obligations under its financial guarantees. In connection with this release, MBIA Corp. modified its remaining contingency reserves as follows:
 
   
Third-party policies subject to contingency reserving primarily have investment grade ratings and a track record of satisfactory performance with no past or anticipated incurred losses. Based on a probability-weighted stress case scenario, MBIA Corp. maintains fixed contingency reserves on these policies.
 
   
MTNs issued by GFL are insured by MBIA Corp. For these policies, contingency reserves, which represent 2.5% of the principal guaranteed, were established over a 15 year period.
 
   
Investment agreements issued by MBIA Inc. and insured by MBIA Corp. are fully collateralized with high-quality collateral, primarily U.S. Treasuries. Consequently, MBIA Corp. no longer maintains any contingency reserves on these policies.
Risk Limits
Insurance laws and regulations also limit both the aggregate and individual securities risks that our domestic insurance companies may insure on a net basis based on the type of obligations insured. The individual limits are generally on the amount of insured par and/or annual debt service for a given insured issue, entity or revenues source and stated as a percentage of the insurer’s policyholders’ surplus and contingency reserves. The aggregate risk limits limit the aggregate amount of insured par to a stated multiple of the insurer’s policyholders’ surplus and contingency reserves based on the types of obligations insured. The aggregate risk limits can range from 300:1 for certain municipal obligations to 50:1 for certain
non-municipal
obligations.
During 2021 and 2020, National and MBIA Insurance Corporation reported single risk limit overages to the NYSDFS due to changes in their statutory capital. National and MBIA Insurance Corporation were in compliance with their aggregate risk limits as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Holding Company Regulation
MBIA Inc., National and MBIA Insurance Corporation also are subject to regulation under the insurance holding company statutes of New York. The requirements of holding company statutes vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but generally require insurance companies that are part of an insurance holding company system to register and file certain reports describing, among other information, their capital structure, ownership and financial condition. The holding company statutes also generally require prior approval of changes in control, of certain dividends and other inter-corporate transfers of assets, and of certain transactions between insurance companies, their parents and affiliates. The holding company statutes impose standards on certain transactions with related companies, which include, among other requirements, that all transactions be fair and reasonable and those transactions not in the ordinary course of business exceeding specified limits receive prior regulatory approval.
 
11

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
Change of Control
Prior approval by the NYSDFS is required for any entity seeking to acquire, directly or indirectly, “control” of National or MBIA Insurance Corporation. In many states, including New York, “control” is presumed to exist if 10% or more of the voting securities of the insurer are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by an entity, although the insurance regulator may find that “control” in fact does or does not exist when an entity owns or controls either a lesser or greater amount of securities. MBIA Insurance Corporation would require the prior approval of MBIA Mexico’s regulator in order to transfer the shares it currently holds in MBIA Mexico.
Insurance Guarantee Funds
National and MBIA Insurance Corporation are exempt from assessments by the insurance guarantee funds in the majority of the states in which they do business. Guarantee fund laws in most states require insurers transacting business in the state to participate in guarantee associations, which pay claims of policyholders and third-party claimants against impaired or insolvent insurance companies doing business in the state. In most states, insurers licensed to write only municipal bond insurance, financial guarantee insurance and other forms of surety insurance are exempt from assessment by these funds and their policyholders are prohibited from making claims on these funds.
INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT POLICY
Investment objectives, policies and guidelines related to the Company’s businesses are generally subject to review and approval by the Finance and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors. Investment objectives, policies and guidelines related to investment activity on behalf of our insurance companies are also subject to review and approval by the respective Investment Committee of their Boards of Directors or similar body.
Insight North America, LLC manages the investment portfolios of the Company and its subsidiaries in accordance with the guidelines adopted for each such portfolio. The agreements with Insight Investment provide generally that Insight Investment will have the right to manage the fixed-income investment portfolios of the Company and its subsidiaries until December 31, 2022 and guarantee certain minimum revenues thereunder. The agreements are subject to early termination.
To continue to optimize capital resources and provide for claims-paying capabilities, the investment objectives and policies of our operations are tailored to reflect their various strategies and operating conditions. The investment objectives of National set preservation of capital as the primary objective, subject to an appropriate degree of liquidity, and optimization of
after-tax
income and total return as secondary objectives. The investment objectives of MBIA Corp. are primarily to maintain adequate liquidity to meet claims-paying and other corporate needs and secondarily to maximize
after-tax
income within defined investment risk limits. The investment objectives of the corporate segment are to provide sufficient liquidity to meet maturing liabilities and, in the case of the investment agreement business collateral posting obligations, while maximizing the total long-term return.
RATING AGENCIES
The Company does not maintain a contractual relationship with Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, or Kroll Bond Rating Agency, other than a required contract that MBIA Mexico maintains with Moody’s. Moody’s, at its discretion and in the absence of a contract with the Company, continues to maintain ratings on MBIA Inc. and its other subsidiaries.
CAPITAL FACILITIES
The Company does not currently maintain a capital facility. For a discussion of the Company’s capital resources refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form
10-K.
 
12

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Refer to “Note 12: Business Segments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form
10-K
for information on the Company’s financial information by segment and premiums earned by geographic location.
EMPLOYEES AND HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
As of December 31, 2021, MBIA had 87 employees at our single corporate headquarters located at 1 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York, none of whom are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In recent years, we have experienced only modest employee turnover and consider our employee relations to be satisfactory. MBIA’s human capital focus has been on identifying and retaining key personnel as the Company runs off its portfolios. MBIA has a succession plan in place and has identified internal candidates that could fill senior management and
mid-level
management positions as the need arises. The Company’s senior management team and senior employee relations professionals work together on employee-related issues and initiatives, and on an annual basis conduct a full review of personnel to enable managers to provide meaningful feedback and growth opportunities, and to award promotions within the Company where warranted. The Company continues to rely on compensation components (such as salary, cash bonus awards and long-term incentive plan awards) to support employee retention. The Company incorporates performance metrics as part of the annual bonus offering with increased bonus potential for exceptional results. We utilize third-party benchmark data to establish market-based compensation levels. We believe that our current compensation and incentive levels reflect high performance expectations as part of our merit pay philosophy. The targeted use of long-term incentive plan awards for key talent is an important element of MBIA’s long-term retention strategy.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company maintains a website at www.mbia.com. The Company is not including the information on its website as a part of, nor is it incorporating such information by reference into, this Form
10-K.
The Company makes available through its website under the “SEC Filings” tab, free of charge, all of its SEC filings, including annual reports on Form
10-K,
quarterly filings on Form
10-Q,
current reports on Form
8-K
and amendments to those reports as soon as is reasonably practicable after these materials have been filed with or furnished to the SEC.
As a courtesy, the Company posts on its website under the section “Legal Proceedings,” selected information and documents in reference to selected legal proceedings in which the Company is the plaintiff or the defendant. The Company will not necessarily post all documents for each proceeding and undertakes no obligation to revise or update them to reflect changes in events or expectations. The complete official court docket can be publicly accessed by contacting the clerk’s office of the respective court where each litigation matter is pending.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The executive officers of the Company and their present ages and positions with the Company as of February 28, 2022 are set forth below:
 
Name
  
Age
    
Position and Term of Office
William C. Fallon
     62      Chief Executive Officer and Director (executive officer since July 2005)
Anthony McKiernan
     52      Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (executive officer since August 2011)
Jonathan C. Harris
     50      General Counsel and Secretary (executive officer since September 2017)
Daniel M. Avitabile
     48      Assistant Vice President, and President and Chief Risk Officer of MBIA Corp. (executive officer since September 2017)
Adam T. Bergonzi
     58      Assistant Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of National (executive officer since September 2017)
Christopher H. Young
     49      Assistant Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer of National (executive officer since September 2017)
Joseph R. Schachinger
     53      Controller (executive officer since May 2017)
 
13

Table of Contents
Item 1. Business (continued)
 
William C. Fallon was elected as a Director of the Company in May 2017, and appointed as Chief Executive Officer in September 15, 2017. Prior to being named Chief Executive Officer and Director, Mr. Fallon served as President, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President of the Company and head of the Global Structured Finance Division. Mr. Fallon also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of National. From July of 2005 to March 1, 2007, Mr. Fallon was Vice President of the Company and head of Corporate and Strategic Planning. Prior to joining the Company in 2005, Mr. Fallon was a partner at McKinsey & Company and
co-leader
of that firm’s Corporate Finance and Strategy Practice.
Anthony McKiernan was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on May 1, 2012 and March 11, 2016, respectively. Immediately prior to those appointments Mr. McKiernan was Vice President and Chief Portfolio Officer of the Company. Mr. McKiernan is also Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of MBIA Corp. Mr. McKiernan joined MBIA in 2000 as a vice president in the Credit Analytics Group, and managed the Corporate Insured Portfolio Management Group prior to becoming the Head of the Structured Finance Insured Portfolio Management Group in 2007.
The Board of Directors of MBIA Inc. appointed Mr. Fallon to the office set forth opposite his name above on September 15, 2017 and appointed Mr. McKiernan to the offices set forth opposite his name above on May 1, 2012 and March 11, 2016.
Jonathan C. Harris is General Counsel and Secretary of the Company. Prior to being named General Counsel and Secretary, Mr. Harris served as Assistant Vice President and Head of Litigation. Mr. Harris joined the Company as Head of Litigation in 2009. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Harris was litigation counsel at Lehman Brothers, and practiced in the litigation department of Willkie Farr & Gallagher. The Board of Directors of MBIA Inc. appointed Mr. Harris to the offices set forth opposite his name above on May 3, 2017.
Daniel M. Avitabile is an Assistant Vice President of the Company and President and Chief Risk Officer of MBIA Corp. Prior to being named Chief Risk Officer in 2016, Mr. Avitabile managed MBIA Corp.’s Special Situations Group, which was responsible for remediation and commutation activity. Mr. Avitabile has worked at MBIA since 2000, where he has held positions in insured portfolio management, remediation, corporate strategy and structured finance new business. Prior to joining MBIA, he held positions at The Chase Manhattan Bank and State Street Bank. The Board of Directors of MBIA Inc. and MBIA Insurance Corporation appointed Mr. Avitabile to the offices set forth opposite his name above on February 13, 2018, September 15, 2017 and March 11, 2016, respectively.
Adam T. Bergonzi is an Assistant Vice President of the Company and Chief Risk Officer of National, overseeing all of National’s risk and insured portfolio management activities. Prior to being named Chief Risk Officer of National in 2010 when he rejoined the Company, Mr. Bergonzi was employed at Municipal and Infrastructure Assurance Corporation, which he
co-founded
and served as its Chief Risk Officer, from 2008 to 2010. The Board of Directors of MBIA Inc. and National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation appointed Mr. Bergonzi to the offices set forth opposite his name above on May 3, 2016 and November 15, 2010, respectively.
Christopher H. Young is an Assistant Vice President of the Company and Chief Financial Officer of National. Prior to being named National’s Chief Financial Officer in March of 2009, Mr. Young worked at MBIA Insurance Corporation, from 2001 to 2009, in a variety of Structured Finance positions and in Corporate Strategy. The Board of Directors of MBIA Inc. and National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation appointed Mr. Young to the offices set forth opposite his name above on February 13, 2018 and March 5, 2009, respectively.
Joseph R. Schachinger is the Company’s Controller. Prior to being named Controller in May of 2017, since 2009 Mr. Schachinger served as Deputy Controller. The Board of Directors of MBIA Inc. appointed Mr. Schachinger to the office set forth opposite his name above on May 3, 2017.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
References in the risk factors to the “Company” are to MBIA Inc., together with its domestic and international subsidiaries. References to “we,” “our” and “us” are to MBIA Inc. or the Company, as the context requires. Our risk factors are grouped into categories and are presented in the following order: “Insured Portfolio Loss Related
 
14

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
Risk Factors”, “Legal, Regulatory and Other Risk Factors”, “Capital, Liquidity and Market Related Risk Factors”, “MBIA Corp. Risk Factors”, and “General Risk Factors”. Risk Factors are generally listed in order of significance within each category.
Insured Portfolio Loss Related Risk Factors
Some of the state, local and territorial governments and finance authorities and other providers of public services, located in the U.S. or abroad, that issued public finance obligations we insured are experiencing fiscal stress that could result in increased credit losses or impairments on those obligations.
Certain issuers are reporting fiscal stress that has resulted in a significant increase in taxes and/or a reduction in spending or other measures in efforts to satisfy their financial obligations. In particular, certain jurisdictions have significantly underfunded pension liabilities which are placing additional stress on their finances and are particularly challenging to restructure either through negotiation or under Chapter 9 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. If the issuers of the obligations in our public finance portfolio are unable to raise taxes, or increase other revenues, cut spending, reduce liabilities, and/or receive state or federal assistance, we may experience losses or impairments on those obligations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The financial stress experienced by certain municipal issuers could result in the filing of Chapter 9 proceedings in states where municipal issuers are permitted to seek bankruptcy protection. In these proceedings, which remain rare, the resolution of bondholder claims (and by extension, those of bond insurers) may be subject to legal challenge by other creditors.
In particular, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and several of its public corporations and instrumentalities (“Puerto Rico”), which have reported significant fiscal stress, are currently in bankruptcy-like proceedings in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, pursuant to the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”).
The extent and duration of any aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies that may be offered to Puerto Rico is uncertain. Further, greater involvement of the federal government through its action to deliver disaster relief and support services to Puerto Rico heightens the political risk already inherent in the legacy debt restructuring. This risk could lead the independent oversight board created by PROMESA to oversee Puerto Rico’s debt restructuring (the “Oversight Board”), Puerto Rico itself, or the federal government to seek to extract greater concessions from creditors based on the uncertainty of Puerto Rico’s long term recovery prospects. In this event, losses at National on select Puerto Rico exposures could increase materially.
As of December 31, 2021, National had 2.6 billion of debt service outstanding related to Puerto Rico. Since 2016, Puerto Rico has been unable or unwilling to pay its obligations as and when due, and National has been required to pay claims of unpaid principal and interest when due under its insurance policies as a consequence. Puerto Rico may continue to fail to make payments when due, which could cause National to make additional claims payments which could be material. During 2021, Puerto Rico defaulted on scheduled debt service for certain National insured bonds and National paid gross claims in the aggregate of $277 million. On January 1, 2022, Puerto Rico also defaulted on scheduled debt service for certain National insured bonds and National paid gross claims in the aggregate of $47 million. While National will seek to recover any claim payments it makes under its guarantees, there is no assurance that it will be able to recover such payments. To the extent that its claims payments are ultimately substantially greater than its claims recoveries, National would experience losses on those obligations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
On February 22, 2021, National agreed to join a plan support agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021 (the “GO PSA”), among the Oversight Board, certain holders of GO Bonds and PBA Bonds, Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp, and Syncora Guarantee Inc. in connection with the GO and PBA Title III cases. The GO PSA provides that, among other things, National shall receive a pro rata share of allocable cash, newly issued General Obligation bonds, a contingent value instrument and certain fees. The GO PSA was amended on January 30, 2022 (the “Amended GO PSA”) to move the termination date from January 31, 2022 to March 15, 2022.
 
15

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
On April 12, 2021, National, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. and the Oversight Board reached an agreement in principle settling certain clawback claims and providing for a distribution of cash, bonds and a contingent value instrument to bondholders in the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (“HTA”) Title III case subject to completing negotiations on a plan support agreement in respect of an HTA plan of adjustment (the “HTA PSA”). On May 5, 2021, National, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. and the Oversight Board entered into the HTA PSA. The Disclosure Statement was approved on July 27, 2021.
The Confirmation Hearing for the Commonwealth Title III case concluded on November 23, 2021. On January 14, 2022, the Oversight Board filed its final draft of the Modified Eighth Amended Plan of Adjustment for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and, on January 18, 2022, the Court signed the confirmation order. There can be no assurance that the plan will become effective within the time permitted under the Amended GO PSA, currently March 15, 2022, or by the Bankruptcy Court.
On May 3, 2019, PREPA, the Oversight Board, the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (“AAFAF”), the Ad Hoc Group of PREPA bondholders (the “Ad Hoc Group”), and Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. entered into a Definitive Restructuring Support Agreement which was amended on September 9, 2019 to include National and Syncora Guarantee, Inc. as supporting parties (as amended, the “RSA”). The Rule 9019 hearing to approve the RSA has been delayed several times, and most recently was adjourned due to the coronavirus crisis until further notice. The debt restructuring contemplated by the RSA will not be effective until (i) confirmation of a plan of adjustment under PROMESA, (ii) negotiation and consummation of definitive documentation and legal opinions, (iii) enactment and implementation of supportive Puerto Rico legislation and (iv) receipt of Puerto Rico regulatory approval, each of which outcome is uncertain and subject to varying degrees of risk. In addition, the restructuring the RSA contemplates has received criticism from various parties including members of the Puerto Rico government and other stakeholders. This opposition could adversely affect the ability of the Oversight Board and RSA Parties to obtain the Rule 9019 Order and approve the RSA.
On February 18, 2022, the Ad Hoc Group of PREPA Bondholders filed an urgent motion to compel mediation and impose deadlines for a PREPA Plan, and on February 22, 2022, National filed a joinder to the motion. The Court agreed to set an expedited briefing schedule on the urgent motion, and will consider the pleadings on submission not before March 1, 2022.
Refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations—U.S. Public Finance Insurance Puerto Rico Exposures” section in Part II, Item 7 of this Form
10-K
for additional information on our Puerto Rico exposures.
Loss reserve estimates and credit impairments are subject to additional uncertainties and loss reserves may not be adequate to cover potential claims.
Our insurance companies issued financial guarantee policies that insure the financial performance of the obligations guaranteed over a long period of time which are unconditional and irrevocable. Under substantially all of our policies, we do not have a right to cancel the policy. We do not use actuarial approaches that are customarily used by other types of insurance companies to determine our loss reserves. The establishment of the appropriate level of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving numerous assumptions, estimates and subjective judgments by management, and therefore, there can be no assurance that future net claims in our insured portfolio will not exceed our loss reserves. If our loss reserves are not adequate to cover actual losses, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. We use financial models to project future net claims on our insured portfolio, including insured derivatives, and to establish loss reserves and estimate impairments and related recoveries. There can be no assurance that the future loss projection and impairments based on these models will ultimately reflect the actual losses and impairment and recovery that we experience. Additionally, small changes in the assumptions underlying these estimates could significantly impact loss expectations. For example, our loss reserves are discounted to a net present value reflecting our general obligation to pay claims over time and not on an accelerated basis. Risk-free rates are used to discount our loss reserves under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., and the
yield-to-maturity
of each insurer’s investment fixed-income portfolio (excluding cash and cash equivalents and other investments not intended to defease long-term liabilities) as of
year-end
is used to discount each insurer’s loss reserves under statutory accounting principles. Accordingly, changes in the risk-free rates or the yield in our insurance companies’ fixed-income investment portfolios may materially impact loss reserves.
 
16

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
Political and economic conditions in the United States and elsewhere may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
As a financial guarantee company, our insured exposures and our results of operations can be materially affected by general political and economic conditions, both in the U.S. and around the world. General global unrest, including fraud, terrorism, catastrophic events, natural disasters, pandemics such as the novel coronavirus
COVID-19
(“COVID-19”),
or similar events could disrupt the economy in the U.S. and other countries where we have insured exposure or operate our businesses. See Risk Factor “The pandemic caused by the spread of
COVID-19
could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations and other aspects of our business” under “Legal, Regulatory and Other Risk Factors” for additional information on
COVID-19.
In certain jurisdictions outside the U.S., we face higher risks of governmental intervention through nationalization or expropriation of assets, changes in regulation, an inability to enforce our rights in court or otherwise and corruption, which may cause us to incur losses on the exposures we insure or reputational harm.
Budget deficits at all levels of government in the U.S., recessions, increases in corporate, municipal, sovereign,
sub-sovereign
or consumer default rates and other general economic conditions may adversely impact the performance of our insured portfolios and the Company’s investment portfolio. In addition, we are exposed to correlation risk as a result of the possibility that multiple credits will experience losses as a result of any such event or series of events, in particular exposures that are backed by revenues from business and personal travel, such as bonds backed by hotel taxes.
Financial modeling involves uncertainty over ultimate outcomes, which makes it difficult to estimate liquidity, potential claims payments, loss reserves and fair values.
The Company uses third-party and internal financial models to estimate liquidity, potential claims payments, loss reserves and fair values. We use internal financial models to conduct liquidity stress-scenario testing to ensure that we maintain cash and liquid securities sufficient to meet our payment requirements. These measurements are performed on a legal entity and operating segment basis. We also rely on financial models, generated internally and supplemented by models generated by third parties, to estimate factors relating to the highly complex securities we insure, including future credit performance of the underlying assets, and to evaluate structures, rights and our potential obligations over time. We also use internal models for ongoing insurance portfolio monitoring and to estimate case basis loss reserves and, where applicable, to report our obligations under our contracts at fair value. We may supplement such models with third-party models or use third-party experts to consult with our internal modeling specialists. Both internal and external models are subject to model risk and information risk, and there can be no assurance that the inputs into the models received from third parties will be accurate or that the models themselves are accurate or comprehensive in estimating our liquidity, potential future paid claims, related loss reserves and fair values or that they are similar to methodologies employed by our competitors, counterparties or other market participants. Estimates of our claims payments, in particular, may materially impact our liquidity position. We may make changes to our estimated claims payments, loss reserves or fair value models from time to time. These changes could materially impact our financial results.
Our risk management policies and procedures may not adequately detect or prevent future losses.
We assess our risk management policies and procedures on a periodic basis. As a result of such assessment, we may take steps to change our internal risk assessment capabilities and procedures, portfolio management policies, systems and processes and our policies and procedures for monitoring and assessing the performance of our insured portfolio in changing market conditions. There can be no assurance, however, that these steps will be adequate to avoid future losses. In some cases, losses can be substantial, particularly if a loss occurs on a transaction in which we have a large notional exposure or on a transaction structured with large, bullet-type maturities.
Legal, Regulatory and Other Risk Factors
Regulatory change could adversely affect our businesses, and regulations limit investors’ ability to affect a takeover or business combination that shareholders might consider in their best interests.
The financial guarantee insurance industry has historically been and will continue to be subject to the direct and indirect effects of governmental regulation, including insurance laws, securities laws, tax laws, legal precedents
 
17

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
and accounting rules affecting asset-backed and municipal obligations, as well as changes in those laws. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could expose our insurance companies and/or their constituents, to fines, the loss of their insurance licenses, and the inability to engage in certain business activity, as the case may be. These laws also limit investors’ ability to affect a takeover or business combination without the approval of our insurance regulators.
Changes to laws and regulations, or the interpretation thereof could subject our insurance companies to increased loss reserves and capital requirements or more stringent regulation generally, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Finally, changes to accounting standards and regulations may require modifications to our accounting methodology, both prospectively and for prior periods; such changes could have an adverse impact on our reported financial results and/or make it more difficult for investors to understand the economics of our business and may thus influence the types or volume of business that we may choose to pursue.
Our insurance companies could become subject to regulatory action.
Our insurance companies are subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions that require them to maintain qualifying investments to support their reserves and required minimum surplus. Furthermore, our insurance companies may be restricted from making commutation or other payments if doing so would cause them to fail to meet such requirements, and the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYSDFS”) may impose other remedial actions on us as described further below to the extent our insurance companies do not meet such requirements.
Under New York Insurance Law (“NYIL”), the Superintendent of Financial Services (the “Superintendent”) may apply for an order directing the rehabilitation or liquidation of a domestic insurance company under certain circumstances, including upon the insolvency of the company, if the company has willfully violated its charter or the NYIL, or if the company is found, after examination, to be in such condition that further transaction of business would be hazardous to its policyholders, creditors or the public. The Superintendent may also suspend an insurer’s license, restrict its license authority, or limit the amount of premiums written in New York if, after a hearing, the Superintendent determines that the insurer’s surplus to policyholders is not adequate in relation to its outstanding liabilities or financial needs. If the Superintendent were to take any such action as to National, it could result in the reduction or elimination of the payment of dividends to MBIA Inc.
In addition to the Superintendent’s authority to commence a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding, if the Superintendent finds that the liabilities of MBIA Insurance Corporation exceed its admitted assets, the Superintendent could use its authority under Section 1310 of the NYIL to order MBIA Insurance Corporation to cease making claims payments (a “1310 Order”). Continuing elevated loss payments and delay or failure in realizing expected recoveries as well as certain other factors may materially and adversely affect MBIA Insurance Corporation’s liquidity and its ability to timely meet its insurance obligations, and could cause the NYSDFS to put MBIA Insurance Corporation into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding, or issue a 1310 Order, if it does not believe MBIA Insurance Corporation will be able to pay expected claims. See Risk Factor “An MBIA Insurance Corporation rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding could accelerate certain of the Company’s other obligations and have other adverse consequences” under “MBIA Corp. Risk Factors” for the potential impacts of an MBIA Insurance Corporation rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding, or a 1310 Order.
Private litigation claims could materially adversely affect our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition.
As further set forth in “Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries in Part II, Item 8 of this Form
10-K,
the Company and/or its subsidiaries are named as defendants in certain litigations, and in the ordinary course of business, may be a defendant in or party to a new or threatened legal action. Although the Company intends to vigorously defend against any current or future action, there can be no assurance that it will prevail in any such action, and any adverse ultimate outcome could result in a loss and/or have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
18

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
An ownership change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code could have materially adverse tax consequences.
In connection with transactions in our shares from time to time, we may in the future experience an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions increasing the aggregate ownership of certain stockholders in our stock by more than 50 percentage points over a testing period (generally three years). If an ownership change were to occur, our ability to use certain tax attributes, including certain losses, credits, deductions or tax basis, may be limited. On May 2, 2018, MBIA Inc.’s shareholders ratified an amendment to the Company’s
By-Laws,
which had been adopted earlier by MBIA Inc.’s Board of Directors. The amendment places restrictions on certain acquisitions of Company stock that otherwise may have increased the likelihood of an ownership change within the meaning of Section 382. The amendment generally prohibits a person from becoming a “Section 382 five-percent shareholder” by acquiring, directly or by attribution, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and will generally restrict existing “Section 382 five-percent shareholders” from increasing their ownership interest under Section 382 by more than one percentage point over their percentage stock ownership immediately prior to the effective date of the amendment or, if lower, their percentage thereafter. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that MBIA Inc. will not undergo an ownership change at a time when these limitations could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.
Changes in U.S. federal income tax law could materially adversely affect the value of the Company’s net deferred tax asset.
MBIA Inc. carries a net deferred tax asset whose value is calculated by application of the federal corporate taxation rates in effect at the time of determination. Changes in applicable U.S. tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application, including the possibility of retroactive effect, could affect our net deferred tax asset. As a result of the Company having established a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax asset in 2017, any adjustment to the Company’s net deferred tax asset, will likely result in a corresponding change to the Company’s valuation allowance, resulting in no impact to the Company’s balance sheet or income statement.
Ineffective internal controls, including internal control over financial reporting, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
We cannot be certain that we will not identify control deficiencies or material weaknesses in the future. If we fail to remediate a material weakness or fail to otherwise maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, such failure could result in a material misstatement of our annual or quarterly financial statements that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis and which could cause investors and other users to lose confidence in our financial statements, limit our ability to raise capital and have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock. Additionally, failure to remediate a material weakness or otherwise failing to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation, and could impair our ability to timely file our periodic reports with the SEC, subject us to litigation and regulatory actions and cause us to incur substantial additional costs in future periods relating to the implementation of remedial measures.
The pandemic caused by the spread of
COVID-19
could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations and other aspects of our business.
COVID-19
continues to be an ongoing pandemic. While efforts to contain
COVID-19
in the United States have been effective (distribution of vaccines and boosters, promotion of and use of masks, and social distancing), the current and longer-term impacts of
COVID-19
remains uncertain. The existence or extent of any impact on our insured or investment portfolios, or general business operations, will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain, including but not limited to the future severity of the pandemic, and the effectiveness of financial and regulatory actions taken at the state and federal levels to contain or address its impact. We also cannot predict how political, legal and regulatory responses to the pandemic, such as the nature of and conditions to aid to states or municipalities, tax policy, or programs designed to assist impacted individuals, will impact our business.
 
19

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
Federal legislation passed to combat the economic impact of the pandemic has been significant, including the $2.7 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act in 2020, which included significant aid to offset
COVID-19
related expenditures of public sector issuers including states, territories, healthcare, higher education and transportation issuers. Also, the Federal Reserve has shown willingness to promote the stability of the financial system that is directly supportive of the municipal market, such as the Municipal Lending Facility created in 2020. In March of 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package designed to further stabilize the financial system. This law allocated nearly $350 billion of aid to state and local governments to replace lost revenues resulting from the pandemic with relatively few restrictions on use of said funds. While the unprecedented amount of federal aid directed to state and local municipalities has blunted the impact of the pandemic, not all of the issuers of the obligations in National’s insured portfolio were eligible to receive it. Further, if issuers are unable to raise taxes, reduce spending, or receive federal assistance, the Company may experience new or additional losses or impairments on those obligations, which could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and financial results.
Any adverse developments on macroeconomic factors resulting from
COVID-19,
including without limitation reduced economic activity and certainty, increased unemployment, increased loan defaults or delinquencies, and increased stress on municipal budgets, including due to reduced tax revenues and the inability to raise taxes or limit spending, could materially and adversely affect the performance of our insured portfolio and our business, financial condition and results of operations. Specifically, such adverse effects could impact whether the individual municipal or structured finance credits we insure will be able to continue to meet their debt service obligations or avoid long term impairment, and could therefore result in an increase in defaults and on the amount of claims we will be obligated to pay on the related insurance policies. Such increases could cause us to revise our loss projections or other guidance we have previously provided. In particular, certain insured municipal credits, including those relating to Puerto Rico, could come under stress depending in part on the nature of the taxes, fees and revenues pledged to debt repayment and their sensitivity to the related slowdown in economic activity. Further, those structured finance policies in which the underlying principal obligations are comprised of residential or commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, could be negatively impacted by delays or failures of borrowers to make payments of principal and interest when due, or delays or moratoriums on foreclosures or enforcement actions with respect to delinquent or defaulted mortgages imposed by governmental authorities. These transactions are also subject to servicer risks, which relate to problems with the transaction’s servicer that could adversely impact performance of the underlying assets. Additionally, several of our credits, particularly within our international public finance sector, feature large, near term debt-service payments, and there can be no assurance that the liquidity position of MBIA Insurance Corporation will enable it to satisfy any claims that arise if the issuers of such credits are unable or unwilling to refinance or repay their obligations. Further, any national recession that may result from the pandemic and its aftermath could present additional but yet unknown credit risks to all of our insured portfolios.
Additionally, our liquidity position and our investment portfolios (and, specifically, the valuations of investment assets we hold) could be adversely affected as a result of market developments from the
COVID-19
pandemic and uncertainty regarding its outcome. Changes in interest rates, reduced market liquidity or a continued slowdown in U.S. or global economic conditions may also adversely affect the values and cash flows of these assets or the investment portfolio yield and income. Further, extreme market volatility may impact our ability to efficiently and effectively react to market events. Market dislocations, decreases in observable market activity or unavailability of information, in each case, arising from the spread of
COVID-19,
may restrict our access to key inputs used to derive certain estimates and assumptions made in connection with estimating the values of financial instruments within our financial reporting or otherwise, including estimates and changes in long term macro-economic assumptions relating to our estimate of current expected credit losses on our financial assets. Restricted access to such inputs may make our financial statement balances and estimates and assumptions used to run our business subject to greater variability and subjectivity.
Further, while we have implemented operational risk management and business continuity plans and taken preventive measures and other precautions that address the pandemic, there can be no assurance that such measures will prevent a material impact on our business operations. While our employees are no longer working remotely in general, should we once again be required, or choose, to close our offices, an extended period of remote work arrangements could introduce operational risks including but not limited to cybersecurity risk, and
 
20

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
impair our ability to manage our business. We also outsource certain business activities to third parties, and thus rely upon the successful implementation and execution of those third parties’ business continuity plans as well. If one or more of the third parties to whom we outsource certain business activities experience operational failures as a result of the impacts from the spread of
COVID-19,
it may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Capital, Liquidity and Market Related Risk Factors
We are a holding company and rely to a significant degree on cash flow from National. A disruption in this cash flow or an inability to access third-party capital could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition and ultimately adversely affect liquidity.
As a holding company, MBIA Inc. is largely dependent on dividends from National to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness and operating expenses, among other items. We expect that for the foreseeable future, National alone will be the source of dividends to the Company, and it is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions applicable to insurance companies generally, that limit the amount of cash dividends, loans and advances that it may pay. See “New York State Dividend Limitations” in Part 1, Item 1 and “Note 14: Insurance Regulations and Dividends” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries in Part II, Item 8 of this Form
10-K
for a further discussion of dividends.
We may also from time to time seek to raise capital from external sources. The Company’s access to external sources of financing, as well as the cost of such financing would be influenced by various factors, which could include (i) the long-term debt ratings of the Company, (ii) expected dividends from National, (iii) the financial condition and business prospects of our insurance companies and (iv) the perceptions of the financial strength of MBIA Inc. and our insurance companies. There can be no assurance that an inability to obtain adequate capital on favorable terms, or at all, would not adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Consequently, our inability to maintain access to capital on favorable terms could have an adverse impact on our ability to pay losses and debt obligations, to pay dividends on our capital stock, to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, to pay our operating expenses and to make capital investments in our subsidiaries. In addition, future capital raises for equity or equity-linked securities could result in dilution to the Company’s shareholders. Also, some securities that the Company could issue, such as preferred stock or securities issued by the Company’s operating subsidiaries may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of its common shares.
MBIA Inc. has substantial indebtedness, and may incur additional indebtedness, which could adversely affect our financial condition, and/or our ability to obtain financing in the future, react to changes in our business and/or satisfy our obligations.
As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Inc. had $590 million of medium-term note liabilities, $306 million of Senior Notes liabilities and $274 million of investment agreement liabilities. Our substantial indebtedness and other liabilities could have material consequences because:
 
   
we may be unable to obtain additional financing, should such a need arise, which may limit our ability to satisfy obligations with respect to our debt;
 
   
a large portion of MBIA Inc.’s financial resources must be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, thereby reducing the funds available to use for other purposes;
 
   
it may be more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to our creditors, resulting in possible defaults on, and acceleration of, such debt;
 
   
we may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
 
   
our ability to refinance debt may be limited or the associated costs may increase;
 
   
our flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions could be limited; and
 
   
we are exposed to the risk of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates because a portion of our liabilities are at variable rates of interest or denominated in foreign currencies.
 
21

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
Adverse developments in the credit markets may materially and adversely affect MBIA Inc.’s ability to post collateral and meet other liquidity needs.
Currently, a significant portion of the cash and securities of MBIA Inc. are pledged against investment agreement liabilities, intercompany financing arrangements and derivatives, which limit its ability to raise liquidity through asset sales. If the market value or rating eligibility of the assets which are pledged against MBIA Inc.’s obligations were to decline, we would be required to pledge additional eligible assets in order to meet minimum required collateral amounts against these liabilities. In such an event, we may sell assets, potentially with substantial losses, finance unencumbered assets through intercompany facilities, or use free cash or other assets, although there can be no assurance that these strategies will be available or adequate to meet liquidity requirements.
The level of interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, and the discontinuance of certain interbank offered rates, could materially and adversely affect our financial condition.
Increases in prevailing interest rate levels can adversely affect the value of our investment portfolios and, therefore, our financial condition. In the event that investments must be sold in order to make payments on insured exposures or other liabilities, such investments would likely be sold at discounted prices. Increases in interest rates also adversely affect the values of investments collateralizing our investment agreement liabilities in our corporate operations, which would require the Company to post additional collateral to its counterparties. In the insurance operations, with respect to credit risk, increasing interest rates could lead to increased stress on transactions in our insured portfolio with floating rate liabilities. Increasing interest rates could also result in a lower present value of salvage reserves while declining interest rates could result in a higher present value of future loss payments.
Lower interest rates can result in lower net interest income since a substantial amount of assets are now held in cash and cash equivalents given the increased focus on liquidity. Lower interest rates would also adversely impact the value of our interest rate swap contracts in our corporate operations, and would require the Company to post additional collateral to its counterparties.
Further, a number of our debt issuances, interest rate swap contracts and financial investments are indexed to an interbank offered rate, including the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and the assets or liabilities related to insured credit transactions may be indexed to LIBOR, as the applicable reference rate. In July 2017, The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that after 2021, it will no longer persuade or require banks to submit rates for LIBOR. Subsequently, on November 30, 2020, ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator for LIBOR, announced plans to cease publication (i) immediately after December 31, 2021 of one week and two month USD LIBOR settings and (ii) immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023 of the remaining USD LIBOR settings i.e., overnight and one, three, six and twelve month settings. These announcements, among other developments, have resulted in uncertainty about the future of LIBOR, and the potential or actual discontinuance of LIBOR as a benchmark rate may adversely affect the value of, return on and trading market for our financial assets and liabilities that are based on or are linked to LIBOR. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we and other market participants will be adequately prepared for an actual discontinuation of LIBOR which could have an unpredictable impact on contractual mechanics that could also produce an adverse economic impact.
In addition, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation risk in respect of assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. In addition to insured liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, some of the remaining liabilities in our corporate segment are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars and the assets of our corporate segment are predominantly denominated in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, the weakening of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies could substantially increase our potential obligations and statutory capital exposure. Conversely, the Company makes investments denominated in a foreign currency and the weakening of the foreign currency versus the U.S. dollar will diminish the value of such
non-U.S.
dollar denominated asset. Exchange rates have fluctuated significantly in recent periods and may continue to do so in the future, which could adversely impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
MBIA Corp. Risk Factors
As described further and for the reasons stated herein, we believe that MBIA Corp. will not provide significant economic or shareholder value to MBIA Inc. For additional information on MBIA Corp., refer to “Management’s
 
22

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations—International and Structured Finance Insurance” in Part II, Item 7 of this Form
10-K.
Additionally, also as described further herein, given the separation of MBIA Inc. and MBIA Corp. as distinct legal entities, the absence of any cross defaults between the entities, and the lack of reliance by MBIA Inc. on MBIA Corp. for the receipt of dividends, we do not believe that a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding of MBIA Insurance Corporation by the NYSDFS would have any material economic impact on the financial condition or liquidity of MBIA Inc. However, there can be no assurance that the financial condition or a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding of MBIA Insurance Corporation would not have an adverse impact on MBIA Inc. The risk factors described below with respect to MBIA Corp. are set forth for that reason, as well as for an independent understanding of the risks to MBIA Corp.
Continuing elevated loss payments and delay or failure in realizing expected recoveries on insured transactions may materially and adversely affect MBIA Insurance Corporation’s statutory capital and its ability to meet liquidity needs and could cause the NYSDFS to put MBIA Insurance Corporation into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding if the NYSDFS concludes that MBIA Insurance Corporation will not be able to pay expected claims.
MBIA Insurance Corporation is particularly sensitive to the risk that it will not have sufficient capital or liquid resources to meet contractual payment obligations when due or to make settlement payments in order to terminate insured exposures to avoid losses. While management’s expected liquidity and capital forecasts for MBIA Insurance Corporation reflect adequate resources to pay expected claims, there are risks to the capital and liquidity forecasts as MBIA Insurance Corporation’s remaining insured exposures and its expected salvage recoveries are potentially volatile. Such volatility exists in salvage that MBIA Insurance Corporation may collect, including in particular recoveries on the claims it paid in respect of the insured notes issued by Zohar collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”)
2003-1,
Limited and Zohar II
2005-1
CDO (collectively, the “Zohar Claims Payments”), and the exposure in its remaining insured portfolio, which could deteriorate and result in significant additional loss reserves and claim payments, including claims on insured exposures that in some cases may require large bullet payments.
In July of 2019, MBIA Insurance Corporation consummated a financing facility (the “Refinanced Facility”) between MZ Funding LLC (“MZ Funding”) and certain purchasers, pursuant to which the purchasers or their affiliates (collectively, the “Senior Lenders”), agreed to refinance the outstanding insured senior notes of MZ Funding, and MBIA Inc. received amended subordinated notes of MZ Funding. In connection with the Refinanced Facility, the Senior Lenders purchased new senior notes issued by MZ Funding with an aggregate principal amount of $278 million. During 2021, MBIA Corp. repaid in full the outstanding amount of the insured senior notes. Subsequent to December 31, 2021, MBIA Inc. agreed to extend the maturity date of the subordinated notes of MZ Funding, which had an aggregate principal amount of $68 million, to April 20, 2022 at a reduced interest rate. The Refinanced Facility is described in more detail in “Note 10: Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries in Part II, Item 8 of this Form
10-K.
While MBIA Insurance Corporation believes that it will receive substantial recoveries on the loans made to, and equity interests in, companies that, until late March of 2020, were purportedly controlled and managed by the sponsor and former collateral manager of the Zohar CDOs referenced above (collectively, the “Zohar Collateral”), recoveries thus far on the Zohar CDOs’ interests in the portfolio companies have been below expectations, and there remains significant uncertainty with respect to the realizable value of the remaining Zohar Collateral. Further, as the monetization process at the remaining portfolio companies continues to unfold in coordination with the new directors and managers in place, and new information concerning the financial condition of the portfolio companies is disclosed, we will continue to revise our expectations for recoveries. There can be no assurance that such information will not lead to material revisions to our expectations for the recovery from any individual portfolio company.
If the amount of recoveries on the Zohar Collateral falls below our expectations, MBIA Insurance Corporation would likely incur additional and potentially substantial losses, which could materially impair its statutory capital and liquidity. Further, MBIA Insurance Corporation believes that if the NYSDFS concludes at any time that MBIA Insurance Corporation will not be able to satisfy its obligations under its other issued policies, the NYSDFS would likely put MBIA Insurance Corporation into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding under Article 74 of the NYIL and/or take such other actions as the NYSDFS may deem necessary to protect the interests of MBIA Insurance
 
23

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
Corporation’s policyholders. The determination to commence such a proceeding or take other such actions is within the exclusive control of the NYSDFS. The NYSDFS enjoys broad discretion in this regard, and any determination they may make would not be limited to consideration of the matters described above. As noted, however, given the separation of MBIA Inc. and MBIA Corp. as distinct legal entities, the absence of any cross defaults between the entities, and the lack of reliance by MBIA Inc. on MBIA Corp. for the receipt of dividends, we do not believe that a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding of MBIA Insurance Corporation by the NYSDFS would have any material economic long-term liquidity impact on MBIA Inc.
MBIA Corp. insures certain transactions that continue to perform poorly and increased losses or a delay or failure in collecting expected recoveries may materially and adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.
MBIA Corp. insures certain structured finance transactions that remain volatile and could result in additional losses, which could be substantial. MBIA Corp. has also recorded significant loss reserves on its residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) exposures, and there can be no assurance that these reserves will be sufficient, in particular if the economy deteriorates. These transactions are also subject to servicer risk, which relates to problems with the transaction’s servicer that could adversely affect performance of the underlying assets. As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Corp. recorded expected RMBS recoveries of $88 million, including recoveries related to consolidated VIEs, on our RMBS transactions, in reimbursement of our past and future expected claims. Of this amount, $43 million is included in “Insurance loss recoverable” and $45 million is included in “Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. RMBS recoveries relate to structural features within the trust structures that allow for the Company to be reimbursed for prior claims paid. These reimbursements for specific trusts include recoveries that are generated from the excess spread of the transactions. Excess spread within insured RMBS securitizations is the difference between interest inflows on mortgage loan collateral and interest outflows on the insured RMBS notes. There can be no assurance that this recovery will be received in its entirety or in the expected timeframe.
An MBIA Insurance Corporation rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding could accelerate certain of the Company’s other obligations and have other adverse consequences.
As noted above, MBIA Insurance Corporation continues to face a number of significant risks and contingencies, which could, if realized, result in MBIA Insurance Corporation being placed into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding by the NYSDFS. In the event of an MBIA Insurance Corporation rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding, the Company may be subject to, among other things, the following:
 
   
MTNs issued by MBIA Global Funding LLC (“GFL”), which are insured by MBIA Insurance Corporation, would accelerate. To the extent GFL failed to pay the accelerated amounts under the GFL MTNs, the MTN holders would have policy claims against MBIA Insurance Corporation for scheduled payments of interest and principal;
 
   
An MBIA Insurance Corporation proceeding may accelerate certain investment agreements issued by MBIA Inc., including, in some cases, with make-whole payments. While the investment agreements are fully collateralized with high quality collateral, the settlements of these amounts could reduce MBIA Inc.’s liquidity resources, and to the extent MBIA Inc. fails to pay the accelerated amounts under these investment agreements or the collateral securing these investment agreements is deemed insufficient to pay the accelerated amounts due, the holders of the investment agreements would have policy claims against MBIA Insurance Corporation;
 
   
The payment of installment premiums due to National from MBIA Insurance Corporation under the reinsurance agreement between National and MBIA Insurance Corporation (Refer to Item 1, “Our Insurance Operations”, “Reinsurance” for a description of the agreement) could be disrupted, delayed or subordinated to the claims of policyholders of MBIA Insurance Corporation;
 
   
The rehabilitator or liquidator would replace the Board of Directors of MBIA Insurance Corporation and take control of the operations and assets of MBIA Insurance Corporation, which would result in the Company losing control of MBIA Insurance Corporation and possible changes to MBIA Insurance Corporation’s strategies and management; and
 
24

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors (continued)
 
   
Unplanned costs on MBIA Inc., as well as significant additional expenses for MBIA Insurance Corporation arising from the appointment of a rehabilitator or liquidator, as receiver, and payment of the fees and expenses of the advisors to such rehabilitator or liquidator.
Revenues and liquidity would be adversely impacted by a decline in realization of installment premiums.
Due to the installment nature of a significant percentage of its premium income, MBIA Corp. has an embedded future revenue stream. The amount of installment premiums actually realized by MBIA Corp. could be reduced in the future due to factors such as early termination of insurance contracts, accelerated prepayments of underlying obligations, commutation of existing financial guarantee insurance policies or
non-payment.
Such a reduction would result in lower revenues and reduced liquidity.
General Risk Factors
Interruption in information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems, could harm our business.
We depend heavily on our information technology and other operational systems and on the integrity and timeliness of data we use to run our businesses. These systems may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of events or circumstances wholly or partly beyond our control. Further, we face the risk of operational and technology failures by others, including various financial intermediaries, vendors and parties to which we outsource the provision of services or business operations. If this risk is realized, we may experience operational difficulties, increased costs and other adverse effects on our business.
Despite our implementation and maintenance of a cybersecurity program which includes a variety of security measures, our information technology systems, networks and data could be subject to cyber-attacks or physical
break-ins,
unauthorized tampering or other security breaches, resulting in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive information.
Interruption in information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems, whether due to actions or inactions by us or others, could delay or disrupt our ability to do business, harm our reputation, subject us to regulatory sanctions and other claims, lead to a loss of revenues and/or otherwise adversely affect our business.
The Company is dependent on key executives and the loss of any of these executives, or its inability to retain other key personnel, could adversely affect its business.
The Company’s success substantially depends upon its human capital management including its ability to retain qualified employees and upon the ability of its senior management and other key employees to implement its business strategy. The Company believes there are only a limited number of available qualified executives in the business lines in which the Company operates. The Company relies substantially upon the services of William C. Fallon, Chief Executive Officer, and other senior executives. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to retain the services of key executives. While the Company has a succession plan for key executives and does not expect the departure of any key executives to have a material adverse effect on its operations, there can be no assurance that the loss of the services of any of these individuals or other key members of the Company’s management team would not adversely affect the implementation of its business strategy.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
The Company from time to time receives written comments from the staff of the SEC regarding its periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There are no comments that remain unresolved that the Company received more than 180 days before the end of the year to which this report relates.
 
25

Table of Contents
Item 2. Properties
The Company maintains office space located in Purchase, New York, in which the Company, National, MBIA Corp., and MBIA Services Corporation have their headquarters. The Company also leases office space in Mexico City, Mexico. The Company generally believes that these facilities are adequate and suitable for its current needs.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of the Company’s litigation and related matters, see “Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries in Part II, Item 8. In the normal course of operating its businesses, MBIA Inc. may be involved in various legal proceedings. As a courtesy, the Company posts on its website under the section “Legal Proceedings,” selected information and documents in reference to selected legal proceedings in which the Company is the plaintiff or the defendant. The Company will not necessarily post all documents for each proceeding and undertakes no obligation to revise or update them to reflect changes in events or expectations. The complete official court docket can be publicly accessed by contacting the clerk’s office of the respective court where each litigation is pending.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
 
26

Table of Contents
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MBI.” As of February 21, 2022, there were 250 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock. The Company did not pay cash dividends on its common stock during 2021 or 2020. For information on the ability for certain subsidiaries of the Company to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends or otherwise, refer to “Item 1. Business—Insurance Regulation” in this annual report.
During 2021, the Company or National did not purchase or repurchase any shares. During 2020, the Company or National purchased or repurchased 26.4 million shares at a cost of $198 million under the repurchase authorization approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) in May 2020 and November 2017 and exhausted these share repurchase authorizations. During 2019, the Company or National purchased or repurchased 11.1 million shares at a cost of $101 million under the repurchase authorization approved by the Board in November 2017.
The table below presents repurchases made by the Company or National in each month during the fourth quarter of 2021. See “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in Part III for a further discussion of securities authorized for issuance under long-term incentive plans.
 
Month
  
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
(1)
    
Average
Price
Paid Per
Share
    
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plan
    
Maximum Amount That
May Be Purchased Under
the Plan (in millions)
 
October
     86        13.70        —        $ —    
November
     89        13.37        —          —    
December
     24,956        15.77        —          —    
 
(1) Represents 86 shares in October, 89 shares in November and 100 shares in December repurchased in open market transactions as investments in the Company’s
non-qualified
deferred compensation plan and 24,856 shares in December were repurchased by the Company in open market transactions for settling awards under the Company’s long term incentive plan.
As of December 31, 2021, 283,186,115 shares of Common Stock of the Company, par value $1 per share, were issued and 54,556,112 shares were outstanding.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return (rounded to the nearest whole dollar) of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index (“S&P 500 Index”) and the S&P 500 Financials Sector Index (“S&P Financials Index”) for the last five fiscal years. The graph assumes a $100 investment at the closing price on December 31, 2021 and reinvestment of dividends in the security/index on the respective dividend payment dates without commissions. This graph does not forecast future performance of our common stock.
 
27

Table of Contents
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (continued)
 
 
 
    
    2016    
    
    2017    
    
    2018    
    
    2019    
    
    2020    
    
    2021    
 
MBIA Inc. Common Stock
     100.00        68.41        83.36        86.92        61.50        147.57  
S&P 500 Index
     100.00        121.82        116.47        153.13        181.29        233.28  
S&P Financials Index
     100.00        122.14        106.21        140.30        137.83        185.90  
Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.
Item 6. [Reserved]
 
28

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of MBIA Inc. should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Form
10-K.
In addition, this discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations includes statements of the opinion of MBIA Inc.’s management which may be forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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. Refer to “Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements” and “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form
10-K
for a further discussion of risks and uncertainties.
This section of this Form
10-K
generally discusses 2021 and 2020 items and
year-to-year
comparisons between 2021 and 2020 results. Discussions of 2019 items and
year-to-year
comparisons between 2020 and 2019 results not included in this Form
10-K
can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
OVERVIEW
MBIA Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, (collectively, “MBIA”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) operates within the financial guarantee insurance industry. MBIA manages its business within three operating segments: 1) United States (“U.S.”) public finance insurance; 2) corporate; and 3) international and structured finance insurance. Our U.S. public finance insurance portfolio is managed through National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (“National”), our corporate segment is managed through MBIA Inc. and several of its subsidiaries, including our service company, MBIA Services Corporation (“MBIA Services”), and our international and structured finance insurance business is primarily managed through MBIA Insurance Corporation and its subsidiary (“MBIA Corp.”).
National’s primary objectives are to maximize the performance of its existing insured portfolio through effective surveillance and remediation activity and effectively manage its investment portfolio. Our corporate segment consists of general corporate activities, including providing support services to MBIA’s operating subsidiaries and asset and capital management. MBIA Corp.’s primary objectives are to satisfy all claims by its policyholders and to maximize future recoveries, if any, for its senior lending and surplus note holders, and then its preferred stock holders. MBIA Corp. is executing this strategy by, among other things, taking steps to maximize the collection of recoveries and reducing and mitigating potential losses on its insurance exposures. We do not expect National or MBIA Corp. to write significant new business.
COVID-19
and the Economic Environment
The novel coronavirus
COVID-19
(“COVID-19”)
continues to be an ongoing pandemic. While efforts to contain
COVID-19
in the United States have been effective (distribution of vaccines and boosters, promotion of and the use of masks, and social distancing), the current and longer-term impacts of
COVID-19
remain uncertain. The existence or extent of any impact on our insured or investment portfolios, or general business operations, will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain, including but not limited to the future severity of the pandemic, and the effectiveness of financial and regulatory actions taken at the state and federal levels to contain or address its impact. We also cannot predict how political, legal and regulatory responses to the pandemic, such as the nature of and conditions to aid to states or municipalities, tax policy, or programs designed to assist impacted individuals, will impact our business.
Federal legislation passed to combat the economic impact of the pandemic has been significant, including the $2.7 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act in 2020, which included significant aid to offset
COVID-19
related expenditures of public sector issuers including states, territories, healthcare, higher education and transportation issuers. Also, the Federal Reserve has shown a willingness to promote the stability of the financial system that is directly supportive of the municipal market, such as the Municipal Lending Facility created in 2020. In March of 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was enacted, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package designed to further stabilize the financial system. This law allocated nearly $350 billion of aid to state and local governments to replace lost revenues resulting from the pandemic with relatively few restrictions on use of said funds. However, economic activity, employment and inflation remain at risk as the path of
 
29

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
OVERVIEW (continued)
 
economic recovery will still be significantly affected by the course of the virus, including new variants, and the continuing progress on vaccinations throughout the country. With inflation elevating, the Federal Reserve has signaled that the economy is healthy enough and in need of a tighter monetary policy that will likely entail interest rate hikes, tapering of monthly asset purchases and a reduced balance sheet.
Insured portfolios
Any adverse developments on macroeconomic factors resulting from
COVID-19,
including without limitation reduced economic activity and certainty, increased unemployment, increased loan defaults or delinquencies, and increased stress on municipal budgets, including due to reduced tax revenues and the ability to raise taxes or limit spending, could materially and adversely affect the performance of the Company’s insured portfolios. Any impact of the pandemic on the Company’s financial guarantee credits would vary based on the nature of the taxes, fees and revenues pledged to debt repayment and their sensitivity to the related slowdown in economic activity. Economic deterioration at the state and local level weakens the credit quality of the issuers of our insured municipal bonds, reduces the performance of our insured U.S. public finance portfolio and, while such has not yet occurred materially, could increase the amount of National’s potential incurred losses. The duration of the pandemic, the efficacy of vaccines, spending of federal aid to state and local governments, and the breadth and speed of economic recovery will determine the degree of economic stress, if any, incurred by the credits in the Company’s insured portfolios. While the unprecedented amount of federal aid directed to state and local municipalities has blunted the impact of the pandemic, not all of the issuers of the obligations in National’s insured portfolio were eligible to receive it. Further, if issuers are unable to raise taxes, reduce spending, or receive federal assistance, while such has not yet occurred materially, the Company may experience new or additional losses or impairments on those obligations, which could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and financial results.
Certain of MBIA Corp.’s structured finance policies, including those in which the underlying principal obligations are comprised of residential or commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), could be negatively impacted by delays or failures of borrowers to make payments of principal and interest when due, or delays or moratoriums on foreclosures or enforcement actions with respect to delinquent or defaulted mortgages imposed by governmental authorities. MBIA Corp. has recorded significant loss reserves on its residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”) exposures, and there can be no assurance that these reserves will be sufficient if the pandemic causes further deterioration to the economy. These transactions are also subject to servicer risks, which relate to problems with the transaction’s servicer that could adversely impact performance of the underlying assets. Additionally, several of our credits, particularly within our international public finance sector, feature large, near term debt-service payments, while there can be no assurance that the liquidity position of MBIA Corp. will enable it to satisfy any claims that arise if the issuers of such credits are unable or unwilling to refinance or repay their obligations. MBIA Corp. has recorded expected recoveries on certain RMBS transactions, and the forbearance options that mortgage borrowers who were facing financial difficulties took advantage of under the CARES Act may continue to delay or impair collections on these recoveries.
Liquidity
The Company continues to monitor its cash and liquid asset resources using cash forecasting and stress-scenario testing. Members of the Company’s senior management meet regularly to review liquidity metrics, discuss contingency plans and establish target liquidity levels. While liquidity levels and collateral amounts have normalized since the beginning of the pandemic, any additional impact the pandemic may have on our future liquidity position remains uncertain. Declines in the market value or rating eligibility of assets pledged against the Company’s obligations as a result of credit market deterioration caused by
COVID-19
or other factors may require additional eligible assets to be pledged in order to meet minimum required collateral amounts against these obligations. This could require the Company to sell assets, potentially with substantial losses or use free cash or other assets to meet the collateral requirements, thus negatively impacting the Company’s liquidity position. Additionally, declines in the yields in our insurance companies’ fixed-income investment portfolios could materially impact investment income.
 
30

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
OVERVIEW (continued)
 
2021 Business Developments
The following is a summary of 2021 business developments:
Puerto Rico (Refer to the “U.S. Public Finance Insurance Puerto Rico Exposures” section for additional information on our Puerto Rico exposures)
 
   
During 2021, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities (“Puerto Rico”) defaulted on scheduled debt service for National insured bonds and National paid gross claims in the aggregate of $277 million. On January 1, 2022, Puerto Rico also defaulted on scheduled debt service for National insured bonds and National paid gross claims in the aggregate of $47 million. As of December 31, 2021, National had $2.6 billion of debt service outstanding related to Puerto Rico.
 
   
In January of 2021, the reconstitution of the Oversight Board with the reappointment of three existing members and appointment of four new members for three-year terms, including the newly elected Governor sitting as an
ex officio
member, was confirmed.
 
   
On February 22, 2021, National agreed to join a plan support agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021 (the “GO PSA”), among the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (the “Oversight Board”), certain holders of GO Bonds and PBA Bonds, Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp, and Syncora Guarantee Inc. in connection with the GO and PBA Title III cases. The GO PSA provides that, among other things, National shall receive a pro rata share of allocable cash, newly issued General Obligation bonds, a contingent value instrument and certain fees. The GO PSA was amended on January 30, 2022 (the “Amended GO PSA”) to move the termination date from January 31, 2022 to March 15, 2022.
 
   
On April 12, 2021, National, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. and the Oversight Board reached an agreement in principle settling certain clawback claims and providing for a distribution of cash, bonds and a contingent value instrument to Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (“HTA”) bondholders subject to completing negotiations on a plan support agreement in respect of an HTA plan of adjustment (the “HTA PSA”). On May 5, 2021, National, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. and the Oversight Board entered into the HTA PSA.
 
   
The Confirmation Hearing for the Commonwealth Title III case concluded on November 23, 2021. On January 14, 2022, the Oversight Board filed its final draft of the Modified Eighth Amended Plan of Adjustment for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and on January 18, 2022, the Court signed the confirmation order. There can be no assurance that the plan will become effective within the time permitted under the Amended GO PSA or by the Bankruptcy Court.
 
   
Pursuant to the plan of adjustment, GO Bondholders were required to choose between commuting their insurance policy with National or having their insurance policy accelerated and receiving a
one-time
payment of par and accrued interest from National. Approximately 27% of bondholders voted by the deadline of October 18, 2021 to commute their insurance policies with National. The expected commutation and acceleration should occur shortly after Plan effectiveness and will reduce National’s insured Puerto Rico Commonwealth GO (“GO”) exposure to zero.
 
   
In October of 2021 and January of 2022, National sold $199 million and $231 million, respectively, of Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”) bankruptcy claims related to insurance claims paid on matured National-insured PREPA bonds. These transactions represented approximately 35% of National’s par claims to PREPA, monetized a portion of National’s salvage asset at a discount to National’s previous carrying value, and reduced potential volatility and ongoing risk of remediation around the PREPA credit. Subsequent to the sale of these PREPA bankruptcy claims, National does not have a material amount of additional par claims to PREPA that have matured and can be sold.
Credit Suisse
In January of 2021, the Court overseeing MBIA Corp.’s litigation against Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. (collectively, “Credit Suisse”), involving the ineligibility of a majority of the loans in the
 
31

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
OVERVIEW (continued)
 
HEMT
2007-2
RMBS transaction sponsored by Credit Suisse, issued an order declaring that Credit Suisse was liable to MBIA for approximately $604 million in damages. In February of 2021, the parties to the litigation entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which Credit Suisse paid MBIA Corp. $600 million, and the Court entered an order dismissing the case. Refer to “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our Credit Suisse
put-back
claims.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Summary of Consolidated Results
The following table presents a summary of our consolidated financial results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Refer to the “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Resources—Insurance Statutory Capital” section for a discussion of National’s and MBIA Insurance Corporation’s capital position under statutory accounting principles (“U.S. STAT”).
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
 
In millions except for per share, percentage and share amounts
  
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Total revenues
   $ 189      $ 282      $ 280  
Total expenses
     634        860        637  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
     (445)        (578)        (357)  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
                   2  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
   $ (445)      $ (578)      $ (359)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per basic and diluted common share
   $ (8.99)      $ (9.78)      $ (4.43)  
Effective tax rate
     0.0%        0.0%        -0.6%  
Adjusted net income (loss)
(1)
   $ (261)      $ (173)      $ (17)  
Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share
(1)
   $ (5.27)      $ (2.93)      $ (0.21)  
Cost of shares repurchased
   $      $ 198      $ 101  
Weighted average basic and diluted common shares outstanding
     49,472,281        59,071,843        81,014,285  
 
(1)—Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share are
non-GAAP
measures. Refer to the following
Non-GAAP
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) section for a discussion of adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share and a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) and GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share to adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share.
2021 vs. 2020 GAAP Results
Income (loss) Before Income Taxes
The decrease in consolidated total revenues was primarily due to VIE net losses in 2021 compared with net gains in 2020 and a decrease in investment-related revenues and gains, partially offset by gains on interest rate swaps and foreign exchange gains in 2021 compared with net losses in 2020. Net losses of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of $23 million during 2021 declined from net gains of $163 million during 2020. The unfavorable changes in VIE revenues were primarily due to gains in 2020 from an increase in the Credit Suisse
put-back
recoveries of $118 million. These
put-back
claims were settled and received in the first quarter of 2021. In addition, 2021 included losses of $14 million from the deconsolidation of VIEs compared with gains of $37 million in 2020 related to a reversal of an allowance for credit losses on the assets of a VIE. Also, 2020 included $18 million of net investment income of VIEs with no comparable income for the same period of 2021 due to the deconsolidation of VIEs in 2020. The decrease in investment related revenues resulted from lower average investment yields in 2021 and higher gains from sales of investments in 2020. In 2021, fair value gains were $36 million on our interest rate swaps for which we receive floating rates compared with fair value losses of $26 million during 2020.The fair value gains on our interest rate swaps in 2021 were due to favorable changes in interest rates compared with unfavorable changes in the same period of 2020. The foreign exchange gains in 2021 was due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared with foreign exchange losses in 2020 on Euro-denominated liabilities.
 
32

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
Consolidated total expenses for 2021 and 2020 included net insurance losses and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) of $350 million and $530 million, respectively. The decrease in losses and LAE was primarily due to a smaller write-down of expected salvage collections from insured CDOs in 2021 when compared with 2020 and an incurred benefit from changes in risk-free rates on first-lien RMBS in 2021. These decreases losses and LAE were partially offset by an increase in net losses and LAE on certain Puerto Rico credits. Refer to the following “Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses” sections of National and MBIA Corp. for additional information on our insurance losses and LAE. In addition, interest expense was lower in 2021 primarily due to the redemption of corporate debt in December of 2020. Also, interest expense of consolidated VIEs decreased in 2021 compared with 2020 due to the deconsolidation of VIEs in 2020 and the repayment of the outstanding insured senior notes of MBIA Corp.’s financing facility between MZ Funding and certain purchasers (“Refinanced Facility”) during 2021.
Provision for Income Taxes
For 2021 and 2020, our effective tax rate applied to our loss before income taxes was 0% compared with the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% due to the full valuation allowance on the changes in our net deferred tax asset, which includes our net operating loss (“NOL”).
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s valuation allowance against its net deferred tax asset was $1.1 billion and $966 million, respectively. Notwithstanding the full valuation allowance on its net deferred tax asset, the Company believes that it may be able to use some of its net deferred tax asset before the expirations associated with that asset based upon expected earnings at National. Accordingly, the Company will continue to
re-evaluate
its net deferred tax asset on a quarterly basis. There is no assurance that the Company will reverse any of its valuation allowance on its net deferred tax asset in the future. Refer to “Note 11: Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of income taxes, including the valuation allowance against the Company’s net deferred tax asset and its accounting for tax uncertainties.
The CARES Act established new tax provisions including, but not limited to: (1) five-year carryback of NOLs generated in 2018, 2019 and 2020; (2) accelerated refund of alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards; and (3) retroactive changes to allow accelerated depreciation for certain depreciable property. The legislation did not have a material impact on the Company’s tax positions due to the lack of taxable income in the carryback periods.
In December of 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act (“the Act”) to respond to the health and economic impacts of
COVID-19.
The Act includes a number of tax law changes, including the expansion of the Employee Retention Credit, important changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, and extension of a variety of expiring tax provisions. On March 6, 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act to further respond to the health and economic impacts of
COVID-19.
Among other changes, the legislation provided for an extension of the Employee Retention Credit through 2021. In November of 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act amended the law so that the Employee Retention Credit applied only to wages paid before October 1, 2021. These legislations do not have a material impact on the Company’s tax positions.
Non-GAAP
Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
In addition to our results prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP), we also analyze the operating performance of the Company using adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share, both
non-GAAP
measures. Since adjusted net income (loss) is used by management to assess performance and make business decisions, we consider adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share fundamental measures of periodic financial performance which are useful in understanding our results. Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share are not substitutes for net income (loss) and net income (loss) per diluted common share determined in accordance with GAAP, and our definitions of adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share may differ from those used by other companies.
 
33

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share include the
after-tax
results of the Company and remove the
after-tax
results of our international and structured finance insurance segment, comprising the results of MBIA Corp. which given its capital structure and business prospects, we do not expect its financial performance to have a material economic impact on MBIA Inc., as well as the following:
 
   
Mark-to-market
gains (losses) on financial instruments
– We remove the impact of
mark-to-market
gains (losses) on financial instruments that primarily include interest rate swaps and hybrid financial instruments. These amounts fluctuate based on market interest rates, credit spreads and other market factors.
 
   
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
– We remove foreign exchange gains (losses) on the remeasurement of certain assets and liabilities and transactions in
non-functional
currencies. Given the possibility of volatility in foreign exchange markets, we exclude the impact of foreign exchange gains (losses) to provide a measurement of comparability of adjusted net income (loss).
 
   
Net realized investment gains (losses), impaired securities and extinguishment of debt
– We remove realized gains (losses) on the sale of investments, net investment losses related to impairment of securities and net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt since the timing of these transactions are subject to management’s assessment of market opportunities and conditions and capital liquidity positions.
 
   
Income taxes
– We apply a zero effective tax rate for federal income tax purposes to our
pre-tax
adjustments, if applicable, consistent with our consolidated effective tax rate.
The following table presents our adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share and provides a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
 
In millions, except share and per share amounts
  
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Net income (loss)
   $ (445)      $ (578)      $ (359)  
Less: adjusted net income adjustments:
                          
Income (loss) before income taxes of our international and structured finance insurance segment and eliminations
     (283)        (391)        (369)  
Adjustments to income before income taxes of our U.S. public finance insurance and corporate segments:
                          
Mark-to-market
gains (losses) on financial instruments
(1)
     39        (27)        (39)  
Foreign exchange gains (losses)
(1)
     25        (35)        7  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
     5        48        129  
Net investment losses related to impairments of securities
                   (67)  
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt
     30               (1)  
Other net realized gains (losses)
                   (2)  
Adjusted net income adjustment to the (provision) benefit for income tax
(2)
                    
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Adjusted net income (loss)
   $ (261)      $ (173)      $ (17)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share
(3)
   $ (5.27)      $ (2.93)      $ (0.21)  
 
(1)—Reported within “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
(2)—Reported within “Provision (benefit) for income taxes” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
(3)—Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share is calculated by taking adjusted net income (loss) divided by GAAP weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding.
Book Value Adjustments Per Share
In addition to GAAP book value per share, for internal purposes management also analyzes adjusted book value (“ABV”) per share, changes to which we view as an important indicator of financial performance. ABV is also used
 
34

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
by management in certain components of management’s compensation. Since many of the Company’s investors and analysts continue to use ABV to evaluate MBIA’s share price and as the basis for their investment decisions, we present GAAP book value per share as well as the individual adjustments used by management to calculate its internal ABV metric.
Management adjusts GAAP book value to remove the book value of MBIA Corp. and for certain items which the Company believes will reverse from GAAP book value through GAAP earnings and comprehensive income, as well as add in the impact of certain items which the Company believes will be realized in GAAP book value in future periods. The Company has limited such adjustments to those items that it deems to be important to fundamental value and performance and for which the likelihood and amount can be reasonably estimated. The following provides a description of management’s adjustments to GAAP book value:
 
   
Negative Book value of MBIA Corp.
– We remove the negative book value of MBIA Corp. based on our view that given MBIA Corp.’s current financial condition, the regulatory regime in which it operates, the priority given to its policyholders, surplus note holders and preferred stock holders with respect to the distribution of assets, and its legal structure, it is not and will not likely be in a position to upstream any economic benefit to MBIA Inc. Further, MBIA Inc. does not face any material financial liability arising from MBIA Corp.
 
   
Net unrealized (gains) losses on
available-for-sale
(“AFS”) securities excluding MBIA Corp.
– We remove net unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income since they will reverse from GAAP book value when such securities mature. Gains and losses from sales and impairments of AFS securities are recorded in book value through earnings.
 
   
Net unearned premium revenue in excess of expected losses of National
– We include net unearned premium revenue in excess of expected losses. Net unearned premium revenue in excess of expected losses consists of the financial guarantee unearned premium revenue of National in excess of expected insurance losses, net of reinsurance and deferred acquisition costs. In accordance with GAAP, a loss reserve on a financial guarantee policy is only recorded when expected losses exceed the amount of unearned premium revenue recorded for that policy. As a result, we only add to GAAP book value the amount of unearned premium revenue in excess of expected losses for each policy in order to reflect the full amount of our expected losses. The Company’s net unearned premium revenue will be recognized in GAAP book value in future periods, however, actual amounts could differ from estimated amounts due to such factors as credit defaults and policy terminations, among others.
Since the Company has a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax asset and a zero consolidated effective tax rate, the book value per share adjustments reflect a zero effective tax rate.
The following table provides the Company’s GAAP book value per share and management’s adjustments to book value per share used in our internal analysis:
 
    
As of December 31,
    
As of December 31,
 
In millions except share and per share amounts
  
2021
    
2020
 
Total shareholders’ equity of MBIA Inc.
   $ (313)      $ 136  
Common shares outstanding
     54,556,112        53,677,148  
GAAP book value per share
   $ (5.73)      $ 2.55  
Management’s adjustments described above:
                 
Remove negative book value per share of MBIA Corp.
     (35.94)        (31.97)  
Remove net unrealized gains (losses) on
available-for-sale
securities included in other comprehensive income (loss)
     2.02        2.86  
Include net unearned premium revenue in excess of expected losses
     3.58        4.29  
U.S. Public Finance Insurance Segment
Our U.S. public finance insurance portfolio is managed through National. The financial guarantees issued by National provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal of, and interest or other
 
35

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
amounts owing on, insured obligations when due or, in the event National has exercised, at its discretion, the right to accelerate the payment under its policies upon the acceleration of the underlying insured obligations due to default or otherwise. National’s guarantees insure municipal bonds, including
tax-exempt
and taxable indebtedness of U.S. political subdivisions, as well as utility districts, airports, healthcare institutions, higher educational facilities, 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, user fees or tariffs related to the use of these projects, lease payments or other similar types of revenue streams. As of December 31, 2021, National had total insured gross par outstanding of $36.5 billion.
National continues to monitor and remediate its existing insured portfolio and may also pursue strategic alternatives that could enhance shareholder value. Some state and local governments and territory obligors that National insures are experiencing financial and budgetary stress which may be exacerbated by
COVID-19.
As a result of
COVID-19,
we have increased our monitoring of certain credits. Financial and budgetary stress could lead to an increase in defaults by such entities on the payment of their obligations and, while such has not yet occurred materially, losses or impairments on a greater number of the Company’s insured transactions. In particular, Puerto Rico had been experiencing significant fiscal stress and constrained liquidity, and in response, Congress passed PROMESA, which established the Oversight Board vested with the sole power to certify fiscal plans for Puerto Rico. Refer to the “U.S. Public Finance Insurance Puerto Rico Exposures” section for additional information on our Puerto Rico exposures. We continue to monitor and analyze these situations and other stressed credits closely, and the overall extent and duration of stress affecting our insured credits remains uncertain.
The following table presents our U.S. public finance insurance segment results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
    
Percent Change
 
In millions
  
   2021   
    
   2020   
    
   2019   
    
2021 vs. 2020
    
2020 vs. 2019
 
Net premiums earned
   $ 49      $ 57      $ 66        -14%        -14%  
Net investment income
     58        70        98        -17%        -29%  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
     2        37        124        -95%        -70%  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     (2)        2        15        n/m        -87%  
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments
                   (67)        n/m        -100%  
Fees and reimbursements
     3        3        3        —%        —%  
Other net realized gains (losses)
            (1)        2        -100%        -150%  
Revenues of consolidated VIEs:
                                            
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
                   64        n/m        -100%  
Other net realized gains (losses)
                   (43)        n/m        -100%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total revenues
     110        168        262        -35%        -36%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Losses and loss adjustment
     227        163        53        39%        n/m  
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
     11        11        16        —%        -31%  
Operating
     51        48        49        6%        -2%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total expenses
     289        222        118        30%        88%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   $ (179)      $ (54)      $ 144        n/m        -138%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
n/m—Percent change not meaningful.
NET PREMIUMS EARNED Net premiums earned on financial guarantees represent gross premiums earned net of premiums ceded to reinsurers, and include scheduled premium earnings and premium earnings from refunded
 
36

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
issues. Refunding activity over the past several years has accelerated premium earnings in prior years and reduced the amount of scheduled premiums that would have been earned in the current year. Refunding activity can vary significantly from period to period based on issuer refinancing behavior. For 2021 and 2020, scheduled premiums earned were $36 million and $42 million, respectively, and refunded premiums earned were $13 million and $15 million, respectively.
NET INVESTMENT INCOME The decrease in net investment income for 2021 compared with 2020 was primarily due to a lower average invested asset base in 2021 resulting from claim payments and payments of dividends to MBIA Inc., and from purchases of MBIA Inc. common shares during 2020.
NET REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES) For the year ended December 31, 2020, net realized investment gains resulted from the sales of securities from the ongoing management of our U.S. public finance investment portfolio, which includes ensuring National has adequate liquidity to pay claims.
LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES Our U.S. public finance insured portfolio management group is responsible for monitoring our U.S. public finance segment’s insured obligations. The level and frequency of monitoring of any insured obligation depends on the type, size, rating and our assessed performance of the insured issue. As a result of
COVID-19,
we have increased our monitoring of certain credits. Refer to “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company’s loss reserves.
For 2021, losses and LAE incurred primarily related to changes in loss scenario assumptions on Puerto Rico HTA, PREPA and GO credits and the impact of an increase in risk-free rates used to discount net reserves. The loss and LAE incurred related to HTA was driven by changes in loss reserve scenario assumptions to reflect the most recent Plan of Adjustment including certain assumptions about recovery valuation on the date National expects to receive cash, bonds, and the contingent value instrument (“CVI”), which resulted in a decreased recovery value. Also in 2021, National modified its PREPA scenario assumptions to reflect actual and expected sales of recoverables on PREPA bankruptcy claims that have been fully satisfied by National’s insurance claim payments, which decreased its expected PREPA recoveries, partially offset by additional expected recoveries under the PREPA RSA. In addition, during 2021, National modified its GO scenario assumptions to incorporate the final terms of the Plan of Adjustment. This included a commutation of 27% of National’s outstanding insured bonds and an acceleration of National’s remaining insured bonds. National also updated its GO loss reserve scenarios to include certain assumptions about recovery valuation on the date it expects to receive cash, bonds and the CVI, which resulted in an increased recovery value.
For 2020, losses and LAE primarily related to certain Puerto Rico exposures as a result of updating scenarios and assumptions as well as a change in the timing on expected settlements, and losses related to an investor owned utility exposure, partially offset by the decline in risk-free rates used to discount net reserves which caused future recoveries to increase
The following table presents information about our U.S. public finance insurance loss recoverable assets and loss and LAE reserves liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
 
In millions
  
December 31, 2021
    
December 31, 2020
    
Percent Change
 
Assets:
                          
Insurance loss recoverable
   $ 1,054      $ 1,220        -14%  
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
(1)
     3        6        -50%  
Liabilities:
                          
Loss and LAE reserves
     425        469        -9%  
Insurance loss recoverable—ceded
(2)
     55        48        15%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net reserve (salvage)
   $ (577)      $ (709)        -19%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Reported within “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)—Reported within “Other liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets.
 
37

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
The insurance loss recoverable as of December 31, 2021 decreased compared with December 31, 2020 primarily as a result of the sale of a portion of PREPA bankruptcy claims that have been fully satisfied by National’s insurance claim payments. In January 2022, National completed the sale of its remaining PREPA bankruptcy claims. Loss and LAE reserves as of December 31, 2021 declined compared with December 31, 2020 primarily due to actual payments made related to certain Puerto Rico exposures, partially offset by an increase in expected payments and unfavorable changes in future recoveries of unpaid losses due to changes in assumptions and an increase in risk-free discount rates.
POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES U.S. public finance insurance segment expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are presented in the following table:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
    
Percent Change
 
In millions
  
   2021   
    
   2020   
    
   2019   
    
2021 vs. 2020
    
2020 vs. 2019
 
Gross expenses
   $ 51      $ 48      $ 49        6%        -2%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
   $ 11      $ 11      $ 16        —%        -31%  
Operating
     51        48        49        6%        -2%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total insurance expenses
   $ 62      $ 59      $ 65        5%        -9%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Gross expenses represent total insurance expenses before the deferral of any policy acquisition costs. Operating expenses increased in 2021 compared with 2020 primarily due to increases in legal costs.
When an insured obligation refunds, we accelerate to expense any remaining deferred acquisition costs associated with the policy covering the refunded insured obligation. We did not defer a material amount of policy acquisition costs during 2021 or 2020 as we did not write any new insurance business in those years.
INSURED PORTFOLIO EXPOSURE Financial guarantee insurance companies use a variety of approaches to assess the underlying credit risk profile of their insured portfolios. National 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(s) of the insured obligation before the benefit of National’s insurance policy from nationally recognized rating agencies, Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). Other companies within the financial guarantee industry may report credit quality information based upon internal ratings that would not be comparable to our presentation. We maintain internal ratings on our entire portfolio, and our ratings may be higher or lower than the underlying ratings assigned by Moody’s or S&P.
The following table presents the credit quality distribution of National’s U.S. public finance outstanding gross par insured as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Capital appreciation bonds (“CABs”) are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy. All ratings are as of the period presented and represent S&P underlying ratings, where available. 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 internal equivalent rating is used.
 
    
Gross Par Outstanding
 
In millions
  
December 31, 2021
    
December 31, 2020
 
Rating
  
Amount
    
%
    
Amount
    
%
 
AAA
   $ 1,682        4.6%      $ 2,080        5.0%  
AA
     14,874        40.8%        16,299        39.0%  
A
     10,439        28.6%        12,888        30.8%  
BBB
     6,187        17.0%        7,019        16.7%  
Below investment grade
     3,269        9.0%        3,570        8.5%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 36,451        100.0%      $ 41,856        100.0%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
38

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
U.S. Public Finance Insurance Puerto Rico Exposures
The following is a summary of exposures within the insured portfolio of our U.S. public finance insurance segment related to Puerto Rico as of December 31, 2021.
 
In millions
  
Gross Par
Outstanding
   
Debt
Service
Outstanding
    
National
Internal
Rating
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA)
   $ 809     $ 1,085      d
Puerto Rico Commonwealth GO
     224       295      d
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority (PBA)
(1)
     156       200      d
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority Transportation Revenue (PRHTA)
     523       856      d
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority—Subordinated Transportation Revenue (PRHTA)
     27       33      d
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority Highway Revenue (PRHTA)
     39
(2)
 
    57      d
University of Puerto Rico System Revenue
     70       91      d
Inter American University of Puerto Rico Inc.
     17       21      a3
    
 
 
   
 
 
      
Total
   $ 1,865     $ 2,638       
    
 
 
   
 
 
      
 
(1)—Additionally secured by the guarantee of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(2)—Includes CABs that reflect the gross par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy. As of December 31, 2021, gross par outstanding plus CABs accreted interest was $41 million.
On June 30, 2016, PROMESA was signed into law by the President of the United States. PROMESA provides for the creation of the Oversight Board with powers relating to the development and implementation of a fiscal plan for the Commonwealth and each of its instrumentalities as well as a court-supervised Title III process that allows Puerto Rico to restructure its debt if voluntary agreements cannot be reached with creditors through a collective action process. Following the resignation and replacement of several Oversight Board members, the Oversight Board has been reconstituted with four new members while three existing members have been reappointed by the President for another three year term. The newly elected Governor of Puerto Rico has appointed himself as a
non-voting
member of the reconstituted Oversight Board.
On May 3, 2017, the Oversight Board certified and filed a petition under Title III of PROMESA for Puerto Rico with the District Court of Puerto Rico thereby commencing a bankruptcy-like case for the Commonwealth GO. Under separate petitions, the Oversight Board subsequently commenced Title III proceedings for COFINA, PRHTA, PREPA and PBA on May 5, 2017, May 21, 2017, July 2, 2017 and September 27, 2019, respectively. One of the proceedings was resolved on February 4, 2019, when the District of Puerto Rico entered the order confirming the Third Amended Title III Plan of Adjustment for COFINA. The Title III cases for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and PBA were confirmed on January 18, 2022, and are expected to exit bankruptcy before the end of the first quarter of 2022. There can be no assurance that the Title III proceedings for PREPA and PRHTA will be resolved with similar outcomes.
As a result of prior defaults, various stays and the Title III cases, Puerto Rico failed to make certain scheduled debt service payments for National insured bonds. As a consequence, National has paid gross claims in the aggregate amount of $1.8 billion relating to GO bonds, PBA bonds, PREPA bonds and PRHTA bonds through December 31, 2021, inclusive of the commutation payment and the additional payment in the amount of $66 million on December 17, 2019 related to COFINA.
On May 2, 2019, the Oversight Board and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of all Title III Debtors (other than COFINA) (the “Committee”) filed lien avoidance adversary complaints against several hundred defendants, including National, challenging the existence, extent, and enforceability of GO bondholders’ liens. After an approximately five-month stay of litigation entered by the Court on July 24, 2019, these adversary proceedings resumed pursuant to an interim schedule entered by the Court in December 2019. On February 5,
 
39

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
2020, National and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. filed a motion to dismiss the adversary proceeding. The adversary proceeding hearing was stayed indefinitely by further order of the Court.
On February 22, 2021, National agreed to join a plan support agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021 (the “GO PSA”), among the Oversight Board, certain holders of GO Bonds and PBA Bonds, Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp, and Syncora Guarantee Inc. in connection with the GO and PBA Title III cases. The GO PSA provides that, among other things, National shall receive a pro rata share of allocable cash, newly issued General Obligation bonds, a contingent value instrument and certain fees. The GO PSA was amended on January 30, 2022 (the “Amended GO PSA”) to move the termination date from January 31, 2022 to March 15, 2022. Pursuant to the GO PSA, the Oversight Board and National jointly obtained the entry of an order in the Title III court staying National’s participation in actions related to the clawback of HTA funds from the Commonwealth, and National shall take no further action with respect to those proceedings subject to the Commonwealth plan becoming effective.
The Confirmation Hearing for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Title III case concluded on November 23, 2021. On January 14, 2022, the Oversight Board filed its final draft of the Modified Eighth Amended Plan of Adjustment for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and on January 18, 2022, the Court signed the confirmation order. There can be no assurance that the plan will become effective within the time permitted under the Amended GO PSA, currently March 15, 2022, or by the Bankruptcy Court.
In October of 2021, bondholders voted to approve the GO PSA which included the option for National insured bondholders to choose between commuting their insurance policy with National or receiving a
one-time
cash payment equal to outstanding par and accrued interest via an acceleration of National’s insurance policy. Insured bondholders were required to choose one of these two options. Therefore, shortly after implementation of the PSA National’s insured GO exposure will be reduced to zero. The GO PSA was amended on January 30, 2022 (the “Amended GO PSA”) to move the termination date from January 31, 2022 to March 15, 2022.
On July 24, 2019, the Court entered an order staying certain adversary proceedings and contested matters until December 31, 2019, and imposing mandatory mediation under Judge Houser. Among the matters stayed in which National is either a party in interest or intervenor are the (i) PBA adversary proceeding seeking to recharacterize the PBA bonds as financings and (ii) GO adversary and HTA adversary proceedings, both challenging bondholder liens. Pursuant to interim schedules entered by the Court in December 2019, the PBA adversary proceeding and the HTA adversary proceeding were to remain stayed until March 11, 2020, but the Court subsequently stayed all such adversary proceedings indefinitely subject to the progress of the GO confirmation process. As part of the Amended GO PSA, National’s participation in this litigation will be stayed subject to the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment.
PBA
On December 21, 2018, the Oversight Board filed an adversary complaint seeking to disallow the PBA’s administrative rent claims against the Commonwealth. The PBA bonds are payable from the rent the Commonwealth pays under its lease agreements with the PBA. The Oversight Board alleges that the Commonwealth has no obligation to make rent payments under section 365(d)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and that the PBA is not entitled to a priority administrative expense claim under the leases. On April 16, 2019, the Court entered an order setting a discovery schedule. On September 27, 2019, the Oversight Board filed a Title III petition for the PBA.
The proceeding is currently stayed in the Title III court subject to the occurrence of the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment.
PREPA
National’s largest exposure to Puerto Rico, by gross par outstanding, is to PREPA.
 
40

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
On October 3, 2018, National, together with Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp., and Syncora Guarantee Inc. (collectively, “Movants”) filed a motion in the Title III case for PREPA for relief from the automatic stay to allow Movants to exercise their statutory right to have a receiver appointed at PREPA (the “Receiver Motion”). This motion is stayed pending a resolution of the 9019 Order, discussed below.
On May 3, 2019, PREPA, the Oversight Board, the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (“AAFAF”), the Ad Hoc Group of PREPA bondholders (the “Ad Hoc Group”), and Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. (“Assured”) entered into the a restructuring support agreement (“RSA”) which was amended on September 9, 2019 to include National and Syncora Guarantee, Inc. (“Syncora”) as supporting parties. Approximately 90% of PREPA’s bondholders have joined the RSA.
The RSA initially contemplated the filing of a plan of adjustment for PREPA by March 31, 2020; the timing of that action is now uncertain. The Oversight Board filed a status report with the Court on October 5, 2021 in which it stated its intention to file a PREPA plan of adjustment by the end of 2021 or early 2022.
Pursuant to the RSA, the Oversight Board filed a Rule 9019 motion with the Title III court in May 2019 seeking approval of the RSA (the “Settlement Motion”) and a Motion to Dismiss the Receiver Motion. The RSA requires, upon entry of the order approving the Settlement Motion (the “9019 Order”), that Movants will withdraw the Receiver Motion, and the Ad Hoc Group will support such withdrawal. The Receiver Motion and the Motion to Dismiss the Receiver Motion have been delayed several times, and most recently were adjourned due to the outbreak of
COVID-19
until further notice. The debt restructuring contemplated by the RSA will not be effective until (i) confirmation of a plan of adjustment under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”), (ii) negotiation and consummation of definitive documentation and legal opinions, (iii) enactment and implementation of supportive Puerto Rico legislation and (iv) receipt of Puerto Rico regulatory approval, each of which outcome is uncertain and subject to varying degrees of risk. In addition, the restructuring the RSA contemplates has received criticism from various parties including members of the Puerto Rico government and other stakeholders. This opposition could adversely affect the ability of the Oversight Board and RSA Parties to obtain the Rule 9019 Order and approve the RSA.
On February 18, 2022, the Ad Hoc Group of PREPA Bondholders filed an urgent motion to compel mediation and impose deadlines for a PREPA Plan, and on February 22, 2022, National filed a joinder to the motion. The Court agreed to set an expedited briefing schedule on the urgent motion, and will consider the pleadings on submission not before March 1, 2022.
As contemplated by the RSA, on July 1, 2019 the Oversight Board and AAFAF also filed an adversary complaint against the Trustee for the PREPA Bonds, challenging the validity of the liens arising under the Trust Agreement that secure insured obligations of National. The adversary proceeding is stayed until the earlier of (a) 60 days after the Court denies the 9019 Motion, (b) consummation of a Plan, (c) 60 days after the filing by the Oversight Board and AAFAF of a Litigation Notice, or (d) further order of the Court.
Certain objectors to the RSA have filed adversary proceedings challenging the payment priority arising under the PREPA Trust Agreement, alleging that they are entitled to be paid in full before National and other bondholders have any lien on or recourse to PREPA’s assets, including pursuant to the RSA. All litigation on this matter has been stayed until the Court places the 9019 Motion back on the calendar for hearing.
On June 22, 2020, the Oversight Board and the Puerto Rico P3 Authority announced an agreement and contract with LUMA Energy, LLC (“LUMA”) which calls for LUMA to take full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of PREPA’s transmission and distribution system; the contract runs for
15-years
following a transition period expected to take 12 months. PREPA retains ownership of the system as well as responsibility for the power generation system. LUMA assumed responsibility for operations on June 1, 2021.
On September 18, 2020, FEMA and the PR COR3 Authority announced the commitment by FEMA to provide approximately $11.6 billion (net of the required 10% cost share) to fund projects built by PREPA and the PR Department of Education; approximately $9.4 billion (net) of this amount is designated for PREPA. LUMA is now
 
41

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
involved in the planning of the related projects as well as proceedings related thereto in front the PR Energy Bureau as well as
PR-COR3.
In October of 2021 and January of 2022, National sold $199 million and $231 million, respectively, of PREPA bankruptcy claims related to insurance claims paid on matured National-insured PREPA bonds. These transactions represented approximately 35% of National’s par claims to PREPA, monetized a portion of National’s salvage asset at a discount to National’s previous carrying value, and reduced potential volatility and ongoing risk of remediation around the PREPA credit. Subsequent to the sale of these PREPA bankruptcy claims, National does not have a material amount of additional par claims to PREPA that have matured and can be sold.
PRHTA
On May 20, 2019, the Oversight Board and the Committee filed a lien avoidance adversary complaint against fiscal agents, holders, and insurers of certain PRHTA bonds, including National. The complaint challenges the extent and enforceability of certain security interests in PRHTA’s revenues. Pursuant to an interim schedule entered by the Court in December 2019, the Court has stayed the proceedings, with the understanding that the issues raised in these proceedings would be addressed in new adversary proceedings filed by the Oversight Board on January 16, 2020. Subsequent to those filings, these proceedings were stayed by order of the Court.
On April 12, 2021, National, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. and the Oversight Board reached an agreement in principle settling certain HTA clawback claims in the Commonwealth Title III case and providing for a distribution to HTA holders of cash, bonds and a contingent value instrument subject to completing negotiations on a plan support agreement in respect of the HTA PSA. On May 5, 2021, National, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. and the Oversight Board entered into the HTA PSA.
Status of Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Plans
In January of 2021, the Oversight Board requested that the Puerto Rico government submit a proposed updated Fiscal Plan for the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth submitted a revised fiscal plan on March 8, 2021. On March 15, 2021, the Oversight Board deemed the Puerto Rico government’s fiscal plan to be
non-compliant,
and has required the government to submit a revised updated fiscal plan, including all financial and supporting models. The Oversight Board certified the government’s fiscal plan on April 23, 2021. For the remaining component units, the Oversight Board certified fiscal plans for PREPA, the University of Puerto Rico (the “University”) and PRHTA on May 27, 2021. The Oversight Board also certified the fiscal year 2022 budgets for Commonwealth, PREPA, the University and PRHTA on June 27, 2021. In connection with the anticipated implementation of the Commonwealth and PRHTA plans of adjustments, the Oversight Board has commenced the process of approving revised Fiscal Plans for fiscal year 2023, which commences on July 1, 2022.
University of Puerto Rico
The University is not a debtor in Title III and continues to be current on its debt service payment. However, the University is subject to a standstill agreement with its senior bondholders, which has been extended to May 31, 2022. National is not a party to the standstill agreement.
 
42

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
The following table presents our scheduled gross debt service due on our Puerto Rico insured exposures as of December 31, 2021, for each of the subsequent five years ending December 31 and thereafter:
 
In millions
  
2022
    
2023
    
2024
    
2025
    
2026
    
Thereafter
    
Total
 
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA)
   $ 140      $ 137      $ 137      $ 105      $ 58      $ 508      $ 1,085  
Puerto Rico Commonwealth GO
(1)
     19        14        13        75        62        112        295  
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority (PBA)
     9        27        43        36        11        74        200  
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority Transportation Revenue (PRHTA)      27        36        33        36        35        689        856  
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority—Subordinated Transportation Revenue (PRHTA)      9        1        1        1               21        33  
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority Highway Revenue (PRHTA)      2        4        2        2        2        45        57  
University of Puerto Rico System Revenue
     7        12        11        16        5        40        91  
Inter American University of Puerto Rico Inc.
     3        3        3        3        1        8        21  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 216      $ 234      $ 243      $ 274      $ 174      $ 1,497      $ 2,638  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—GO scheduled debt service payments are based on the original insurance policy and do not include updates based on the GO PSA.
Corporate Segment
Our corporate segment consists of general corporate activities, including providing support services to MBIA Inc.’s subsidiaries and asset and capital management. Support services are provided by our service company, MBIA Services, and include, among others, management, legal, accounting, treasury, information technology, and insurance portfolio surveillance, on a
fee-for-service
basis. Capital management includes activities related to servicing obligations issued by MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries, MBIA Global Funding, LLC (“GFL”) and MBIA Investment Management Corp. (“IMC”). During 2020, the remaining investment agreements issued by IMC matured, and as of December 31, 2020, there were no outstanding investment agreements issued by IMC. MBIA Inc. issued debt to finance the operations of the MBIA group. GFL raised funds through the issuance of medium-term notes (“MTNs”) with varying maturities, which were in turn guaranteed by MBIA Corp. GFL lent the proceeds of these MTN issuances to MBIA Inc. IMC, along with MBIA Inc., provided 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. The Company has ceased issuing new MTNs and investment agreements and the outstanding liability balances and corresponding asset balances have declined over time as liabilities matured, terminated or were called or repurchased. All of the debt within the corporate segment is managed collectively and is serviced by available liquidity.
The following table summarizes the consolidated results of our corporate segment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
    
Percent Change
 
In millions
  
  2021  
    
  2020  
    
  2019  
    
2021 vs. 2020
    
2020 vs. 2019
 
Net investment income
   $ 29      $ 30      $ 37        -3%        -19%  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
     3        11        5        -73%        120%  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     56        (74)        (59)        n/m        25%  
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt
     30               (1)        n/m        -100%  
Fees and reimbursements
     55        56        53        -2%        6%  
Other net realized gains (losses)
     (7)               (2)        n/m        -100%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total revenues
     166        23        33        n/m        -30%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Operating
     74        72        73        3%        -1%  
Interest
     75        84        92        -11%        -9%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total expenses
     149        156        165        -4%        -5%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   $ 17      $ (133)      $ (132)        -113%        1%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
n/m—Percent change not meaningful.
 
43

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
NET REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES) Net realized investment gains (losses) are due to the sales of securities from the ongoing management of our corporate segment investment portfolio.
NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE The favorable change in net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange for 2021 compared with 2020 was primarily due to changes in the value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency fluctuations. 2021 includes net gains of $36 million related to the impact of increases in interest rates on the fair values of interest rate swaps compared with fair value net losses of $26 million on these swaps in 2020 due to decreases in interest rates. In addition, 2021 includes foreign currency gains of $26 million on Euro-denominated liabilities as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in 2021 compared with foreign exchange losses of $33 million on these liabilities as a result of the weakening of the U.S. dollar in 2020.
NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt for 2021 include gains from purchases, at discounts, of MTNs issued by the Company.
OTHER NET REALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) Other net realized losses increased for 2021 compared with 2020 primarily as a result of settling litigation disputes in 2021.
INTEREST EXPENSE Interest expense decreased for 2021 compared with 2020 primarily due to the redemption of corporate debt in December of 2020.
International and Structured Finance Insurance Segment
Our international and structured finance insurance portfolio is managed through MBIA Corp. The financial guarantees issued by MBIA Corp. generally provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on,
non-U.S.
public finance and global structured 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.
MBIA Corp. insures sovereign-related and
sub-sovereign
bonds, privately issued bonds used for the financing of utilities, toll roads, bridges, airports, public transportation facilities, and other types of infrastructure projects serving a substantial public purpose. Global structured finance and asset-backed obligations typically are securities repayable from cash flows generated by a specified pool of assets, such as residential and commercial mortgages, structured settlements, consumer loans, and corporate loans and bonds. MBIA Insurance Corporation insures the investment agreements written by MBIA Inc., and if MBIA Inc. were to have insufficient assets to pay amounts due upon maturity or termination, MBIA Insurance Corporation would be required to make such payments under its insurance policies. MBIA Insurance Corporation also insures debt obligations of other affiliates, including GFL, and MZ Funding LLC (“MZ Funding”). In addition, MBIA Corp. insures obligations under certain types of derivative contracts. MBIA Insurance Corporation provides 100% reinsurance to its subsidiary, MBIA Mexico S.A. de C.V. (“MBIA Mexico”). As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Corp.’s total insured gross par outstanding was $5.2 billion.
MBIA Corp. has contributed to the Company’s NOL carryforward, which is used in the calculation of our consolidated income taxes. If MBIA Corp. becomes profitable, it is not expected to make any tax payments under our tax sharing agreement. Based on MBIA Corp.’s current projected earnings and our expectation that it will not write significant new business, we believe it is unlikely that MBIA Corp. will generate significant income in the near future. As a result of MBIA Corp.’s capital structure and business prospects, we do not expect its financial performance to have a material economic impact on MBIA Inc.
 
44

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
The following table presents our international and structured finance insurance segment results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
    
Percent Change
 
In millions
  
    2021    
    
    2020    
    
    2019    
    
2021 vs. 2020
    
2020 vs. 2019
 
Net premiums earned
   $ 32      $ 24      $ 27        33%        -11%  
Net investment income
     6        5        7        20%        -29%  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
                   1        —%        -100%  
Change in fair value of insured derivatives:
              
Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives
            (1)        (10)        -100%        -90%  
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives
            7        25        -100%        -72%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net change in fair value of insured derivatives
            6        15        -100%        -60%  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     (14)        (14)        (34)        —%        -59%  
Fees and reimbursements
     17        12        21        42%        -43%  
Other net realized gains (losses)
     1        1        4        —%        -75%  
Revenues of consolidated VIEs:
              
Net investment income
            18        34        -100%        -47%  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     (8)        108        41        -107%        n/m  
Other net realized gains (losses)
     (15)        37        (20)        -141%        n/m  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total revenues
     19        197        96        -90%        105%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Losses and loss adjustment
     123        367        189        -66%        94%  
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
     13        16        21        -19%        -24%  
Operating
     24        27        26        -11%        4%  
Interest
     109        116        131        -6%        -11%  
Expenses of consolidated VIEs:
              
Operating
     6        5        9        20%        -44%  
Interest
     26        57        89        -54%        -36%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total expenses
     301        588        465        -49%        26%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   $ (282)      $ (391)      $ (369)        -28%        6%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
n/m—Percent change not meaningful.
NET PREMIUMS EARNED Our international and structured finance insurance segment generates net premiums from insurance policies accounted for as financial guarantee contracts. Certain premiums are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements as a result of the Company consolidating VIEs. In addition, we generate net premiums from insured derivatives that are included in “Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives” on our consolidated statements of operations. Net premiums from insured derivatives have decreased significantly over time due to the maturity and termination of contracts.
The following table provides net premiums earned from our financial guarantee contracts for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
    
Percent Change
 
In millions
  
    2021    
    
    2020    
    
    2019    
    
2021 vs. 2020
    
2020 vs. 2019
 
Net premiums earned:
              
Non-U.S.
   $ 29      $ 18      $ 21        61%        -14%  
U.S.
     3        6        6        -50%        —%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total net premiums earned
   $ 32      $ 24      $ 27        33%        -11%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
VIEs (eliminated in consolidation)
   $ 3      $ (7)      $ (3)        -143%        133%  
 
45

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
Net premiums earned represent gross premiums earned net of premiums ceded to reinsurers, and include scheduled premium earnings and premium earnings from refunded issues. The increase in net premiums earned for 2021 compared with 2020 was due to the acceleration of premium earnings related to the termination of an international public finance insurance policy during the third quarter of 2021. The negative VIE net premiums earned (eliminated in consolidation) for 2020 was primarily due to the termination of policies, resulting in the reversal of previously eliminated net premiums in excess of cash received.
NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE In 2021, the net losses were primarily due to losses from foreign currency revaluations of premium receivables and loss reserves denominated in Chilean unidad de fomento and Unidad de Inversion, respectively, as a result of fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar to those foreign currencies. The net losses for 2020 were primarily due to unfavorable
mark-to-market
fluctuations on derivatives.
FEES AND REIMBURSEMENTS The increase in fees and reimbursements for 2021 compared with 2020 was primarily due to an increase in waiver and consent fees related to the termination of an international public finance insurance policy during the third quarter of 2021. Due to the transaction-specific nature inherent in fees and reimbursements, these revenues can vary significantly from period to period.
REVENUES OF CONSOLIDATED VIEs: NET INVESTMENT INCOME There was net investment income of $18 million in 2020 with no comparable income for 2021. During 2020, we deconsolidated all remaining VIEs for which net investment income was recorded.
REVENUES OF CONSOLIDATED VIEs: NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE The unfavorable change for 2021 compared with 2020 was primarily due to gains of $118 million related to the increase in expected recoveries from the Credit Suisse
put-back
claims in 2020.
REVENUES OF CONSOLIDATED VIEs: OTHER NET REALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) The losses for 2021 related to losses from the deconsolidation of VIEs. The gains for 2020 were primarily due to $37 million of reversals of allowances for credit losses.
LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES Our international and structured finance insured portfolio management group is responsible for monitoring international and structured finance insured obligations. The level and frequency of monitoring of any insured obligation depends on the type, size, rating and our assessed performance of the insured issue. As a result of
COVID-19,
we have increased our monitoring of certain credits. Refer to “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Company’s loss reserving policy and additional information related to its loss reserves.
Losses and LAE incurred decreased for the year ended December 31, 2021, when compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to a smaller write-down of expected salvage collections from insured CDOs in 2021 when compared with 2020. In addition, during 2021, risk-free rates used to discount our first-lien RMBS net loss reserves increased, which decreased the present value of loss reserves, compared with a decrease in those risk-free rates during 2020, which increased the present value of the net loss reserves.
As a result of the consolidation of VIEs, loss and LAE excludes losses and LAE benefits of $21 million and $144 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, as VIE losses and LAE activity is eliminated in consolidation.
 
46

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
Refer to “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our insurance loss recoverable and loss and LAE reserves. The following table presents information about our insurance loss recoverable and loss and LAE reserves for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
 
    
December 31,
    
December 31,
    
Percent
 
In millions
  
2021
    
2020
    
Change
 
Assets:
        
Insurance loss recoverable
   $ 242      $ 457        -47%  
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
(1)
     5        5        0%  
Liabilities:
        
Loss and LAE reserves
     469        521        -10%  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net reserve (salvage)
   $ 222      $ 59        n/m  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Reported within “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets.
n/m—Percent change not meaningful.
The insurance loss recoverable primarily relates to reimbursement rights arising from the payment of claims on MBIA Corp.’s policies insuring certain CDOs and RMBS. Such payments also entitle MBIA Corp. to exercise certain rights and remedies to seek recovery of its reimbursement entitlements. The decrease in the insurance loss recoverable from 2020 is primarily due to a decline in expected salvage collections on insured CDOs as well as the collection of salvage related to certain CDO transactions and the collection of excess spread related to the termination of certain second-lien RMBS trusts.
Refer to “Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding risks and uncertainties related to future collections of estimated recoveries. Refer to “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our loss reserving policy, loss reserves and recoverables.
POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES International and structured finance insurance segment expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are presented in the following table:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
    
Percent Change
 
In millions
  
2021
    
2020
    
2019
    
2021 vs. 2020
    
2020 vs. 2019
 
Gross expenses
   $ 25      $ 28      $ 26        -11%        8%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
   $ 13      $ 16      $ 21        -19%        -24%  
Operating
     24        27        26        -11%        4%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total insurance expenses
   $ 37      $ 43      $ 47        -14%        -9%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Gross expenses represent total insurance expenses before the deferral of any policy acquisition costs. We did not defer a material amount of policy acquisition costs during 2021 or 2020 as no new business was written. Policy acquisition costs in these periods were primarily related to ceding commissions and premium taxes on installment policies written in prior periods.
INTEREST EXPENSE Interest expense relates to MBIA Corp.’s surplus notes which are indexed to London Interbank Offered Rate (”LIBOR”). The decrease in 2021 compared with 2020 is due to changes in LIBOR.
INTEREST EXPENSE OF CONSOLIDATED VIEs Interest expense of consolidated VIEs decreased in 2021 compared with 2020 due to the deconsolidation of VIEs in 2020 and the repayment of the outstanding insured senior notes of the Refinanced Facility during 2021.
 
47

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
 
International and Structured Finance Insurance Portfolio Exposures
Credit Quality
The credit quality of our international and structured finance insured portfolio is assessed in the same manner as our U.S. public finance insured portfolio. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, 26% and 24%, respectively, of our international and structured finance insured portfolio was rated below investment grade, before giving effect to MBIA’s guarantees, based on MBIA’s internal ratings, which are generally more current than the underlying ratings provided by S&P and Moody’s for this subset of our insured portfolio. Below investment grade insurance policies primarily include our residential mortgage and CDO exposures.
Selected Portfolio Exposures
The following is a summary of selected significant exposures within our residential mortgage insured portfolio of our international and structured finance insurance segment. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, MBIA Corp. insured $231 million of CDOs and related instruments. We may experience considerable incurred losses in certain of these sectors. There can be no assurance that the loss reserves recorded in our financial statements will be sufficient or that we will not experience losses on transactions on which we currently have no loss reserves, in particular if the economy deteriorates. We may seek to purchase, directly or indirectly, obligations guaranteed by MBIA Corp. or seek to commute policies. The amount of insurance exposure reduced, if any, and the nature of any such actions will depend on market conditions, pricing levels from time to time, and other considerations. In some cases, these activities may result in a reduction of loss reserves, but in all cases they are intended to limit our ultimate losses and reduce the future volatility in loss development on the related policies. Our ability to purchase guaranteed obligations and to commute policies will depend on management’s assessment of available liquidity.
Residential Mortgage Exposure
MBIA Corp. insures RMBS backed by residential mortgage loans, including second-lien RMBS transactions and first-lien alternative
A-paper
(“Alt-A”)
and subprime mortgage loans directly through RMBS securitizations. The following table presents the gross par outstanding of MBIA Corp.’s total direct RMBS insured exposure as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Amounts include the gross par outstanding related to transactions that the Company consolidates under accounting guidance for VIEs.
 
In millions
  
Gross Par Outstanding as of
        
    
December 31,
    
December 31,
    
Percent
 
Collateral Type
  
2021
    
2020
    
Change
 
Second-lien
(1)
   $ 4      $ 373        -99%  
Alt-A
First-lien
(2)
     760        825        -8%  
Subprime First-lien
     215        285        -25%  
Prime First-lien
     4        6        -33%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 983      $ 1,489        -34%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Decline in second-lien RMBS exposure was primarily due to the termination of insured exposures.
(2)—Includes international exposure of $238 million and $237 million as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
U.S. Public Finance and International and Structured Finance Reinsurance
Reinsurance enables the Company to cede exposure for purposes of syndicating risk. 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. Currently, we do not intend to use reinsurance to decrease the insured exposure in our portfolio. Refer to “Note 13: Insurance in Force” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form
10-K
for a further discussion about reinsurance agreements.
 
48

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
We use a liquidity risk management framework, the primary objective of which is to match liquidity resources to needs. We monitor our cash and liquid asset resources using cash forecasting and stress-scenario testing. Members of MBIA’s senior management meet regularly to review liquidity metrics, discuss contingency plans and establish target liquidity levels. We evaluate and manage liquidity on a legal-entity basis to take into account the legal, regulatory and other limitations on available liquidity resources within the enterprise. Additionally, we continue to monitor the current
COVID-19
pandemic with respect to our cash and liquid asset positions and resources. Refer to the
“Overview—COVID-19
and the Economic Environment” section for additional information about liquidity and
COVID-19.
Consolidated Cash Flows
Information about our consolidated cash flows by category is presented on our consolidated statements of cash flows. The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
    
Percent Change
 
In millions
  
2021
    
2020
    
2019
    
2021 vs. 2020
    
2020 vs. 2019
 
Statement of cash flow data:
                                            
Net cash provided (used) by:
                                            
Operating activities
   $ 511      $ (390)      $ (368)        n/m        6%  
Investing activities
     (61)        1,738        1,267        -104%        37%  
Financing activities
     (457)        (1,265)        (1,096)        -64%        15%  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
            1               -100%        n/m  
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year
     167        83        280        101%        -70%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year
   $ 160      $ 167      $ 83        -4%        101%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
n/m—Percent change not meaningful.
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased for 2021 compared with 2020 primarily due to proceeds received from loan repurchase commitments of $600 million as a result of the settlement of the Credit Suisse litigation in the first quarter of 2021, an increase in proceeds from recoveries and reinsurance of $198 million primarily from the sale of certain PREPA bankruptcy claims and a decrease in losses and loss adjustment expenses paid of $133 million.
Investing activities
Net cash used by investing activities increased for 2021 compared with 2020 primarily due to paydowns of
held-to-maturity
investments of $890 million within VIEs, a decrease in net cash provided by purchases, sales, paydowns and maturities of AFS investments of $626 million, and an increase in net cash used for purchases, sales, paydowns and maturities of short-term investments of $242 million.
Financing activities
Net cash used by financing activities decreased for 2021 compared with 2020 primarily due to decreases in principal paydowns of VIE notes of $545 million and decreases in purchases of treasury stock of $199 million.
 
49

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
 
Consolidated Investments
The following discussion of investments, including references to consolidated investments, excludes investments reported under “Assets of consolidated variable interest entities” on our consolidated balance sheets. Investments of VIEs support the repayment of VIE obligations and are not available to settle obligations of MBIA. Fixed-maturity securities purchased by the Company are generally designated as AFS. Our AFS investments comprise high-quality fixed-income securities and short-term investments.
The credit quality distribution of the Company’s AFS fixed-maturity investment portfolios, excluding short-term investments, are based on ratings from Moody’s and alternate ratings sources, such as S&P or the best estimate of the ratings assigned by the Company, have been used for a small percentage of securities that are not rated by Moody’s. As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average credit quality rating of the Company’s AFS fixed-maturity investment portfolio, excluding short-term investments, was Aa and 92% of the investments were investment grade.
The fair values of securities in the Company’s AFS fixed-maturity investment portfolio are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Decreases in interest rates generally result in increases in the fair values of fixed-maturity securities and increases in interest rates generally result in decreases in the fair values of fixed-maturity securities.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had $139 million and $177 million of unrealized gains net of deferred taxes related to its investment portfolio recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income within equity. The decrease in unrealized gains during 2021 resulted from higher interest rates, partially offset by tightening credit spreads.
Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies,” and “Note 8: Investments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our accounting policies and investments.
Insured Investments
MBIA’s consolidated investment portfolio includes investments that are insured by various financial guarantee insurers (“Insured Investments”), including investments insured by National and MBIA Corp. (“Company-Insured Investments”). When purchasing Insured Investments, the Company’s third-party portfolio manager 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 third-party portfolio manager assigns underlying ratings to Insured Investments without giving effect to financial guarantees based on underlying ratings assigned by Moody’s or S&P, when a rating is not published by Moody’s. When a Moody’s or S&P underlying rating is not available, the underlying rating is based on the portfolio manager’s best estimate of the rating of such investment. If the Company determines that declines in the fair values of third-party Insured Investments are related to credit loss, the Company will establish an allowance for credit losses and recognize the credit component through earnings.
As of December 31, 2021, Insured Investments at fair value represented $279 million or 10% of consolidated investments, of which $251 million or 9% of consolidated investments were Company-Insured Investments. As of December 31, 2021, based on the actual or estimated underlying ratings of our consolidated investment portfolio, without giving effect to financial guarantees, the weighted average rating of only the Insured Investments in the investment portfolio would be in the below investment grade range. Without giving effect to the National and MBIA Corp. guarantees of the Company-Insured Investments in the consolidated investment portfolio, as of December 31, 2021, based on actual or estimated underlying ratings, the weighted average rating of the consolidated investment portfolio was in the A range. The weighted average rating of only the Company-Insured Investments was in the below investment grade range, and investments rated below investment grade in the Company-Insured Investments were 8% of the total consolidated investment portfolio.
 
50

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
 
National Liquidity
The primary sources of cash available to National are:
 
   
principal and interest receipts on assets held in its investment portfolio, including proceeds from the sale of assets;
 
   
recoveries associated with insurance loss payments; and
 
   
installment premiums.
The primary uses of cash by National are:
 
   
loss payments and LAE on insured transactions;
 
   
payments of dividends; and
 
   
payments of operating expenses, taxes and investment portfolio asset purchases.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, National held cash and investments of $2.0 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, of which $199 million and $359 million, respectively, were cash and cash equivalents or short-term investments comprised of highly rated commercial paper, money market funds and municipal, U.S. agency and corporate bonds.
The insurance policies issued or reinsured by National provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of payments of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations when due. In the event of a default in payment of principal, interest or other insured amounts by an issuer, National generally promises to make funds available in the insured amount within one to three business days following notification. In some cases, the amount due can be substantial, particularly if the default occurs on a transaction to which National has a large notional exposure or on a transaction structured with large, bullet-type principal maturities. The U.S. public finance insurance segment’s financial guarantee contracts generally cannot be accelerated by a party other than the insurer which helps to mitigate liquidity risk in this segment.
In October of 2021 and January of 2022, National sold $199 million and $231 million, respectively, of PREPA bankruptcy claims related to insurance claims paid on matured National-insured PREPA bonds. These transactions monetized a portion of National’s salvage asset at a discount to National’s previous carrying value and, as a result, strengthened National’s balance sheet, increased National’s projected investment income and furthers the Company’s objective of reducing its exposure to Puerto Rico over the short to medium term. Subsequent to the sale of these PREPA bankruptcy claims, National does not have a material amount of additional par claims to PREPA that have matured and can be sold.
Corporate Liquidity
The primary sources of cash available to MBIA Inc. are:
 
   
dividends from National;
 
   
available cash and liquid assets not subject to collateral posting requirements;
 
   
principal and interest receipts on assets held in its investment portfolio, including proceeds from the sale of assets; and
 
   
access to capital markets.
The primary uses of cash by MBIA Inc. are:
 
   
servicing outstanding unsecured corporate debt obligations and MTNs;
 
   
meeting collateral posting requirements under investment agreements and derivative arrangements;
 
   
payments related to interest rate swaps;
 
51

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
 
   
payments of operating expenses; and
 
   
funding share repurchases and debt buybacks.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the liquidity positions of MBIA Inc. were $239 million and $294 million, respectively, and included cash and cash equivalents and other investments comprised of highly rated commercial paper and U.S. government and asset-backed bonds.
During 2021, MBIA Inc. returned $10 million of tax payments to National as a result of tax losses incurred by National. The return was pursuant to the terms of the tax sharing agreement. Under the CARES Act, National’s 2020 taxable loss became subject to a five-year NOL carry-back, which allowed it to recover taxes paid in years in which the tax rate was 35%. There can be no assurance that any future payments under the Tax Escrow Account from subsidiaries will be released to MBIA Inc. due to deductible or creditable tax attributes of those subsidiaries and/or the market value performance of the assets supporting the Tax Escrow Account.
Based on our projections of National’s and MBIA Corp.’s future earnings and losses, we expect that for the foreseeable future National will be the primary source of payments to MBIA Inc. There can be no assurance as to the amount and timing of any future dividends from National. Also, absent a special dividend subject to the approval of the NYSDFS, we expect the declared and paid dividend amounts from National to be limited to the prior twelve months of adjusted net investment income as reported in its most recent statutory filings. Refer to the following “Capital Resources” section for additional information on payments of dividends. We do not expect MBIA Inc. to receive dividends or utilize the Company’s tax escrow account from MBIA Corp.
Currently, a significant portion of the cash and securities held by MBIA Inc. is pledged against investment agreement liabilities, the Asset Swap (simultaneous repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement) and derivatives, which limits its ability to raise liquidity through asset sales. As the market value or rating eligibility of the assets pledged against MBIA Inc.’s obligations declines, we are required to pledge additional eligible assets in order to meet minimum required collateral amounts against these liabilities. To mitigate these risks, we seek to maintain cash and liquidity resources that we believe will be sufficient to make all payments due on our obligations and to meet other financial requirements, such as posting collateral. Contingent liquidity resources include: (1) sales of invested assets exposed to credit spread stress risk, which may occur at losses; (2) termination and settlement of interest rate swap agreements; and (3) accessing the capital markets. These actions, if taken, are expected to result in either additional liquidity or reduced exposure to adverse credit spread movements. There can be no assurance that these actions will be sufficient to fully mitigate this risk.
MBIA Corp. Liquidity
The primary sources of cash available to MBIA Corp. are:
 
   
recoveries associated with insurance loss payments;
 
   
installment premiums and fees; and
 
   
principal and interest receipts on assets held in its investment portfolio, including the proceeds from the sale of assets.
The primary uses of cash by MBIA Corp. are:
 
   
loss and LAE or commutation payments on insured transactions;
 
   
repayment of MZ Funding’s debt obligations; and
 
   
payments of operating expenses.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, MBIA Corp. held cash and investments of $544 million and $243 million, respectively, of which $310 million and $130 million, respectively, were cash and cash equivalents or liquid investments comprised of money market funds and municipal, U.S. Treasury and corporate bonds that were immediately available to MBIA Insurance Corporation. The increase in cash and investments in 2021 was due to the collection of proceeds from the settlement of the Credit Suisse litigation.
 
52

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
 
Insured transactions that require payment of scheduled debt service payments insured when due or payment in full of the principal insured at maturity could present liquidity risk for MBIA Corp., as any salvage recoveries from such payments could be recovered over an extended period of time after the payment is made. MBIA Corp. is generally required to satisfy claims within one to three business days, and as a result seeks to identify potential claims in advance through our monitoring process. In order to monitor liquidity risk and maintain appropriate liquidity resources, we use the same methodology as we use to monitor credit quality and losses within our insured portfolio, including stress scenarios.
During 2021, MBIA Corp. repaid in full the outstanding amount of the senior notes of the Refinanced Facility. As of December 31, 2021, the subordinated notes between MZ Funding and MBIA Inc. remained outstanding. These subordinated notes and the related interest are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements. For additional information on these notes, refer to “Note 10: Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Advances Agreement
MBIA Inc., National, MBIA Insurance Corporation and certain other affiliates are party to an intercompany advances agreement (the “MBIA Advances Agreement”). The MBIA Advances Agreement permits National to make advances to MBIA Inc. and other MBIA group companies that are party to the agreement at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 0.25%. The agreement also permits other affiliates to make advances to National or MBIA Insurance Corporation at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR minus 0.10%. Advances by National cannot exceed 3% of its net admitted assets as of the last quarter end. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no amounts drawn under the agreement.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes the Company’s future estimated cash payments relating to contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021. Estimating these payments requires management to make estimates and assumptions regarding these obligations. The estimates and assumptions used by management are described below. Since these estimates and assumptions are subjective, actual payments in future periods may vary from those reported in the following table. Refer to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about these contractual obligations, including “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” and “Note 13: Insurance in Force” for additional information about our insurance claim obligations and exposures under our insurance contracts.
 
In millions
  
Total
    
Due Within
1 Year
 
U.S. public finance insurance segment:
                 
Gross insurance claim obligations
(1)
   $ 1,985      $ 469  
Lease liability
     26        3  
Corporate segment:
                 
Long-term debt
     434        20  
Investment agreements
     379        11  
Medium-term notes
     826        55  
International and structured finance insurance segment:
                 
Gross insurance claim obligations
(1)
     967        41  
Surplus notes
     3,210        1,173  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 7,827      $ 1,772  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Amounts exclude any recoveries the Company expects to receive related to these estimated payments or to prior paid claims.
Gross insurance claim obligations represent the future value of probability-weighted payments the Company’s insurance companies expects to make (before reinsurance and the consolidation of VIEs) under insurance policies for which the Company has recorded loss reserves. Certain probability-weighted payments incorporate commutation and/or acceleration of specific exposures and, therefore, expected payments may differ from those
 
53

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
 
the Company is contractually obligated to make. Also, these amounts exclude any recoveries National or MBIA Corp. expect to receive related to these estimated payments or to claims paid in prior periods. For certain of our estimated future payments, the amount of recoveries expected to be received in the future will offset some or all of the payments.
Estimated potential insurance claim payments for obligations issued by VIEs consolidated in our international and structured finance insurance segment are included within “Gross insurance claim obligations” in the preceding table. Obligations of these VIEs are collateralized by assets held by the VIEs, and investors in such obligations do not have recourse to the general credit of MBIA. As of December 31, 2021, VIE notes issued by issuer-sponsored consolidated VIEs totaled $291 million and are not considered contractual obligations of MBIA beyond MBIA’s insurance claim obligation. The Company’s involvement with VIEs is continually reassessed as required by consolidation guidance, and may result in consolidation or deconsolidation of VIEs in future periods. As the Company consolidates and deconsolidates VIEs, the amount of VIE debt obligations recorded on its balance sheet may change significantly.
Long-term debt, investment agreements, MTNs and surplus notes include principal and interest and exclude premiums or discounts. Liabilities issued at discounts reflect principal due at maturity. Interest payments on floating rate obligations are estimated using applicable forward rates. Principal and interest on callable obligations or obligations that allow investors to withdraw funds prior to legal maturity are based on the expected call or withdrawal dates of such obligations. Liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are presented in U.S. dollars using applicable exchange rates as of December 31, 2021. Principal payments under investment agreements are based on contractual maturity and exclude puttable options. All other principal payments are based on contractual maturity dates. Refer to “Note 10: Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about MBIA Inc.’s debt obligations.
Included in the international and structured finance insurance segment’s surplus notes due within one year is $1.1 billion of unpaid interest related to 2013 through 2021 interest payments for which MBIA Insurance Corporation’s requests for approval to pay was not approved by the NYSDFS. This deferred interest payment will be due on the first business day on or after which MBIA Insurance Corporation obtains approval to make such payment from NYSDFS. No interest will accrue on the deferred interest. There can be no assurance that the NYSDFS will approve any subsequent payments, or that it will approve any payment by its scheduled interest payment date. Refer to “MBIA Insurance Corporation—Capital and surplus” section below for additional information on MBIA Insurance Corporation’s surplus notes and statutory capital.
Capital Resources
The Company manages its capital resources to minimize its cost of capital while maintaining appropriate claims-paying resources (“CPR”) for National and MBIA Corp. The Company’s capital resources consist of total shareholders’ equity, total debt issued by MBIA Inc. for general corporate purposes, surplus notes issued by MBIA Corp., and the Refinanced Facility prior to being repaid. Total capital resources were $0.9 billion and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
In addition to scheduled debt maturities, from time to time, we reduce unsecured debt through calls or repurchases. Also, MBIA Inc. may repurchase or National may purchase outstanding MBIA Inc. common shares when we deem it beneficial to our shareholders. Purchases or repurchases of debt and common 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 may also choose to redeem debt obligations where permitted by the relevant agreements. MBIA Inc. or National may acquire or redeem outstanding common shares of MBIA Inc. and outstanding debt obligations at prices when we deem it beneficial to our shareholders. Refer to “Note 17: Common and Preferred Stock” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about MBIA Inc.’s share repurchases and National’s share purchases and “Note 10: Debt” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about debt repurchases or redemptions. We seek to maintain sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet the Company’s general corporate needs and debt service. Based on MBIA Inc.’s debt service requirements and expected operating expenses, we expect that MBIA Inc. will have sufficient resources to satisfy
 
54

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
 
its debt obligations and its general corporate needs over time from distributions from National; however, there can be no assurance that MBIA Inc. will have sufficient resources to do so. In addition, the Company may also consider raising third-party capital. Refer to “Capital, Liquidity and Market Related Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form
10-K
and the “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity—Corporate Liquidity” section included herein for additional information about MBIA Inc.’s liquidity.
Insurance Statutory Capital
National and MBIA Insurance Corporation are incorporated and licensed in, and are subject to primary insurance regulation and supervision by New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYSDFS”). MBIA Mexico is regulated by the Comisión Nacional de Seguros y Fianzas in Mexico. MBIA Corp.’s Spanish Branch is subject to local regulation in Spain. National and MBIA Insurance Corporation each are required to file detailed annual financial statements, as well as interim financial statements, with the NYSDFS and similar supervisory agencies in each of the other jurisdictions in which it is licensed. These financial statements are prepared in accordance with New York State and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ statements of U.S. STAT and assist our regulators in evaluating minimum standards of solvency, including minimum capital requirements, and business conduct.
National—Statutory Capital and Surplus
National had statutory capital of $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. As of December 31, 2021, National’s unassigned surplus was $1.0 billion. For 2021, National had statutory net income of $55 million. Refer to the “National—Claims-Paying Resources (Statutory Basis)” section below for additional information on National’s statutory capital.
In order to maintain its New York State financial guarantee insurance license, National is required to maintain a minimum of $65 million of policyholders’ surplus. National is also required to maintain contingency reserves to provide protection to policyholders in the event of extreme losses in adverse economic events. As of December 31, 2021, National was in compliance with its aggregate risk limits under New York Insurance Law (“NYIL”), but was not in compliance with certain of its single risk limits. Since National does not comply with certain of its single risk limits, the NYSDFS could prevent National from transacting any new financial guarantee insurance business.
NYIL regulates the payment of dividends by financial guarantee insurance companies and provides that such companies may not declare or distribute dividends except out of statutory earned surplus. Under NYIL, the sum of (i) the amount of dividends declared or distributed during the preceding
12-month
period and (ii) the dividend to be declared may not exceed the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders’ surplus, as reported in the latest statutory financial statements or (b) 100% of adjusted net investment income for such
12-month
period (the net investment income for such
12-month
period plus the excess, if any, of net investment income over dividends declared or distributed during the
two-year
period preceding such
12-month
period), unless the Superintendent of the NYSDFS approves a greater dividend distribution based upon a finding that the insurer will retain sufficient surplus to support its obligations.
National had positive earned surplus as of December 31, 2021 from which it may pay dividends, subject to the limitations described above. During 2021, National declared and paid a dividend of $60 million to its ultimate parent, MBIA Inc. We expect the
as-of-right
declared and paid dividend amounts from National to be limited to prior year adjusted net investment income for the foreseeable future.
National—Claims-Paying Resources (Statutory Basis)
CPR is a key measure of the resources available to National to pay claims under its insurance policies. CPR consists of total financial resources and reserves calculated on a statutory basis. CPR has been a common measure used by financial guarantee insurance companies to report and compare resources and continues to be used by MBIA’s management to evaluate changes in such resources. We have provided CPR to allow investors and analysts to evaluate National using the same measure that MBIA’s management uses to evaluate National’s
 
55

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
 
resources to pay claims under its insurance policies. There is no directly comparable GAAP measure. Our calculation of CPR may differ from the calculation of CPR reported by other companies.
National’s CPR and components thereto, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are presented in the following table:
 
In millions
  
As of
December 31,
2021
    
As of
December 31,
2020
 
Policyholders’ surplus
   $ 1,569      $ 1,526  
Contingency reserves
     402        445  
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
Statutory capital
     1,971        1,971  
Unearned premiums
     311        355  
Present value of installment premiums
(1)
     121        129  
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
Premium resources
(2)
     432        484  
Net loss and LAE reserves
(1)
     (386)        (301)  
Salvage reserves on paid claims
(1)
     944        961  
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
Gross loss and LAE reserves
     558        660  
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total claims-paying resources
   $ 2,961      $ 3,115  
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Calculated using a discount rate of 3.65% and 3.49% as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2)—Includes financial guarantee and insured derivative related premiums.
MBIA Insurance Corporation—Statutory Capital and Surplus
MBIA Insurance Corporation had statutory capital of $134 million as of December 31, 2021 compared with $273 million as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Insurance Corporation’s negative unassigned surplus was $1.9 billion. For 2021, MBIA Insurance Corporation had a statutory net loss of $129 million. Refer to the “MBIA Insurance Corporation—Claims-Paying Resources (Statutory Basis)” section below for additional information on MBIA Insurance Corporation’s statutory capital.
In order to maintain its New York State financial guarantee insurance license, MBIA Insurance Corporation is required to maintain a minimum of $65 million of policyholders’ surplus. MBIA Insurance Corporation is also required to maintain contingency reserves to provide protection to policyholders in the event of extreme losses in adverse economic events. Pursuant to a
non-disapproval
by the NYSDFS, and in accordance with NYIL, MBIA Insurance Corporation released to surplus $125 million of excessive contingency reserves during 2021. As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Insurance Corporation was in compliance with its aggregate risk limits under the NYIL, but was not in compliance with certain of its single risk limits. Since MBIA Insurance Corporation does not comply with its single risk limits, the NYSDFS could prevent MBIA Insurance Corporation from transacting any new financial guarantee insurance business.
Due to its significant earned surplus deficit, MBIA Insurance Corporation has not had the statutory capacity to pay dividends since December 31, 2009. Based on estimated future income, MBIA Insurance Corporation is not expected to have any statutory capacity to pay dividends.
The NYSDFS has not approved MBIA Insurance Corporation’s requests to make interest payments on MBIA Insurance Corporation’s Surplus Notes due January 15, 2033 (the “Surplus Notes”) since, and including, the January 15, 2013 interest payment. The NYSDFS has cited both MBIA Insurance Corporation’s liquidity and financial condition as well as the availability of “free and divisible surplus” as the basis for such
non-approvals.
As of January 15, 2022, the most recent scheduled interest payment date, there was $1.1 billion of unpaid interest on the par amount outstanding of $953 million of the Surplus Notes. Under Section 1307 of the NYIL and the Fiscal Agency Agreement governing the surplus notes, Surplus Note payments may be made only with the prior approval by the NYSDFS and if MBIA Insurance Corporation has sufficient “Eligible Surplus”, or as we believe, “free and divisible surplus” as an appropriate calculation of “Eligible Surplus.” As of December 31, 2021, MBIA
 
56

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)
 
Insurance Corporation had “free and divisible surplus” of $80 million. There is no assurance the NYSDFS will approve Surplus Note payments, notwithstanding the sufficiency of MBIA Insurance Corporation’s liquidity and financial condition. The unpaid interest on the Surplus Notes will become due on the first business day on or after which MBIA Insurance Corporation obtains approval to pay some or all of such unpaid interest. No interest has been accrued or will accrue on the deferred interest.
MBIA Insurance Corporation—Claims-Paying Resources (Statutory Basis)
CPR is a key measure of the resources available to MBIA Corp. to pay claims under its insurance policies. CPR consists of total financial resources and reserves calculated on a statutory basis. CPR has been a common measure used by financial guarantee insurance companies to report and compare resources, and continues to be used by MBIA’s management to evaluate changes in such resources. We have provided CPR to allow investors and analysts to evaluate MBIA Corp., using the same measure that MBIA’s management uses to evaluate MBIA Corp.’s resources to pay claims under its insurance policies. There is no directly comparable GAAP measure. Our calculation of CPR may differ from the calculation of CPR reported by other companies.
MBIA Corp.’s CPR and components thereto, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are presented in the following table:
 
    
As of
December 31,
   
As of
December 31,
 
In millions
  
2021
   
2020
 
Policyholders’ surplus
   $ 97     $ 106  
Contingency reserves
     37       167  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
Statutory capital
     134       273  
Unearned premiums
     46       79  
Present value of installment premiums
(1)
     48       73  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
Premium resources
(2)
     94       152  
Net loss and LAE reserves
(1)
     266       (478)  
Salvage reserves on paid claims
(1)
     231
(3)
 
    1,045
(4)
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
Gross loss and LAE reserves
     497       567  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total claims-paying resources
   $ 725     $ 992  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)—Calculated using a discount rate of 4.99% and 5.10% as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2)—Includes financial guarantee and insured derivative related premiums.
(3)—This amount primarily consists of expected recoveries related to the Company’s CDOs and excess spread.
(4)—This amount primarily consists of expected recoveries related to the Company’s
put-back,
CDOs and excess spread.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
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 critical accounting estimates with the Company’s Audit Committee. Financial results could be materially different if other methodologies were used or if management modified its assumptions.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
Loss and LAE reserves are established by loss reserve committees in each of our major operating insurance companies (National and MBIA Insurance Corporation) and reviewed by our executive Loss Reserve Committee,
 
57

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES (continued)
 
which consists of members of senior management. Loss and LAE reserves include case basis reserves and accruals for LAE incurred with respect to
non-derivative
financial guarantees. Case basis reserves represent our estimate of expected losses to be paid under insurance contracts, net of expected recoveries, on insured obligations that have defaulted or are expected to default. These reserves require the use of judgment and estimates with respect to the occurrence, timing and amount of paid losses and recoveries on insured obligations. Given that the reserves are based on such estimates and assumptions, there can be no assurance that the actual ultimate losses will not be greater than or less than such estimates, resulting in the Company recognizing additional or reversing excess loss and LAE reserves through earnings.
We take into account a number of variables 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 issuers of the insured obligations, expected recovery rates on unsecured obligations, the projected cash flow or market value of any assets pledged as collateral on secured obligations, and the expected rates of recovery, cash flow or market values on such obligations or assets. Factors that may affect the actual ultimate realized losses for any policy include economic conditions and trends, political developments, the extent to which sellers/servicers comply with the representations or warranties made in connection therewith, levels of interest rates, borrower behavior, the default rate and salvage values of specific collateral, and our ability to enforce contractual rights through litigation and otherwise. Also, any adverse developments on macroeconomic factors resulting from
COVID-19
could result in new or additional losses on insured obligations. Our remediation strategy for an insured obligation that has defaulted or is expected to default may also have an impact on our loss reserves.
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 the weighted average remaining life of the insurance contract. 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.
Refer to “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our loss reserves and recoveries, including critical accounting estimates used in the determination of these amounts.
Valuation of Financial Instruments
We have categorized our financial instruments measured at fair value into the three-level hierarchy according to accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures based on the significance of pricing inputs to the measurement in its entirety. Fair value measurements of financial instruments that use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are generally categorized as Level 1, fair value measurements of financial instruments that use quoted prices in markets that are not active where significant inputs are observable are generally categorized as Level 2, and fair value measurements of financial instruments where significant inputs are not observable are generally categorized as Level 3. We categorize our financial instruments based on the lowest level category at which we can generate reliable fair values. The determination of reliability requires management to exercise judgment. The degree of judgment used to determine the fair values of financial instruments generally correlates to the degree that pricing is not observable.
The fair value measurements 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. The use of alternate valuation methods generally requires considerable judgment in the application of estimates and assumptions and changes to these variables may produce materially different values.
 
58

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES (continued)
 
The fair value pricing of assets and liabilities is a function of many components which include 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. Substantially all of the Company’s investments carried and reported at fair value are priced by independent third parties, including pricing services and brokers.
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. Level 3 assets represented approximately 3% and 20% of total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Level 3 liabilities represented approximately 75% and 68% of total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Refer to “Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value, including valuation techniques and significant inputs used to estimate fair values.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to “Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of accounting guidance recently adopted by the Company.
Interbank Offered Rates Transition
In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (the “U.K. Authority”) announced that after 2021, it will no longer persuade or require banks to submit rates for LIBOR. Subsequently, on November 30, 2020, ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator for LIBOR, announced plans to cease publication (i) immediately after December 31, 2021 of one week and two month USD LIBOR settings and (ii) immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023 of the remaining USD LIBOR settings i.e., overnight and one, three, six and twelve month settings. While we expect LIBOR to be available in substantially its current form until at least the end of June of 2023, there is uncertainty that it will become unavailable prior to that point, which may adversely affect the value of, return on and trading market for our financial assets and liabilities that are based on or are linked to LIBOR.
The Company has identified LIBOR transition risk related to its insurance portfolio exposures that reference or are indexed to LIBOR, insured interest rate swaps referencing LIBOR, financial investments indexed to an interbank offered rate, including LIBOR, and MBIA Corp.’s surplus notes. Currently, the Company is evaluating the impact of such changes on existing exposures, transactions and debt and developing the processes and protocols to execute the upcoming LIBOR transition.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company’s market risk exposures relate to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and credit spreads that affect the fair value of its financial instruments, primarily investment securities, MTNs and investment agreement liabilities. The Company’s investments are primarily U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities including municipal bonds, U.S. government bonds, corporate bonds, MBS and asset-backed securities. In periods of rising and/or volatile interest rates, foreign exchange rates and credit spreads, profitability could be adversely affected should the Company have to liquidate these securities. The Company minimizes its exposure to interest rate risk, foreign exchange 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.
 
59

Table of Contents
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (continued)
 
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
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 December 31, 2021 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
   $ 373      $ 214      $ 94      $ (76)      $ (138)      $ (188)  
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE SENSITIVITY
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk in respect of liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Certain liabilities included in our corporate segment are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. The majority of the Company’s foreign exchange rate risks is with the Euro. Foreign exchange rate sensitivity can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical instantaneous increase or decrease in foreign exchange rates. The following table presents the estimated
pre-tax
change in fair value of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2021 from instantaneous shifts in foreign exchange rates:
 
    
Change in Foreign Exchange Rates
 
    
Dollar Weakens
    
Dollar Strengthens
 
In millions
  
    20%    
    
    10%    
    
    10%    
    
    20%    
 
Estimated change in fair value
   $ (47)      $ (23)      $ 23      $ 47  
CREDIT SPREAD SENSITIVITY
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 as of December 31, 2021 from instantaneous shifts in credit spread curves. 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. The changes in fair value reflect partially offsetting effects as the value of the investment portfolios generally changes in an opposite direction from the liability portfolio:
 
    
Change in Credit Spreads
 
In millions
  
50 Basis Point
Decrease
    
50 Basis Point
Increase
    
200 Basis Point
Increase
 
Estimated change in fair value
   $ 61      $ (56)      $ (195)  
 
60

Table of Contents
Item 8. Financial Statements
MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     62  
     65  
     66  
     67  
     68  
     69  
     70  
     70  
     74  
     80  
     81  
     83  
     84  
     93  
     103  
     108  
     111  
     114  
     117  
     120  
     123  
     125  
     127  
     128  
     129  
     129  
 
61

Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of MBIA Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income (loss), of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, including the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
 
62

Table of Contents
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Certain Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense (LAE) Reserves and Insurance Loss Recoverable
As described in Notes 1, 2 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, management recognizes loss reserves on a contract-by-contract basis when the present value of probability-weighted expected net cash outflows to be paid under the contract discounted using a risk-free rate as of the measurement date exceeds the unearned premium revenue. Management estimates the likelihood of possible claim payments and possible recoveries of such claim payments using probability-weighted expected cash flows based on information available as of the measurement date, including market information. As of December 31, 2021, total loss and LAE reserves were $894 million and primarily relate to first-lien residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and exposures to insured debt obligations of Puerto Rico. The establishment of the appropriate level of loss reserves is an uncertain process involving numerous assumptions, estimates and subjective judgments by management that depend primarily on the nature of the underlying insured obligation, including 1) the nature and creditworthiness of the issuers of the insured obligations, 2) expected recovery rates on unsecured obligations, 3) the projected cash flow or market value of any assets pledged as collateral on secured obligations, 4) the expected rates of recovery, cash flow or market values on such obligations or assets, 5) economic conditions and trends, 6) political developments, 7) levels of interest rates, 8) borrower behavior, the default rate and salvage values of specific collateral, 9) management’s ability to enforce contractual rights through litigation and otherwise, including the collection of contractual interest on claim payments, and 10) management’s remediation strategy for an insured obligation that has defaulted or is expected to default. In addition, management recognizes potential recoveries on paid claims based on probability-weighted net cash inflows present valued at applicable risk-free rates as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2021, total insurance loss recoverable was $1,296 million and primarily relates to first-lien RMBS excess spread recoverables, recoverables on paid Puerto Rico losses, and recoverables from claims paid in respect of insured notes issued by Zohar CDO 2003-1, Limited (“Zohar I”) and Zohar II 2005-1, Limited (“Zohar II”). Excess spread within insured RMBS securitizations is the difference between interest inflows on mortgage loan collateral and interest outflows on the insured RMBS notes. For recoverables on paid Puerto Rico losses, the estimates include assumptions related to 1) economic conditions and trends, 2) political developments, 3) the Company’s ability to enforce contractual rights through litigation and otherwise, 4) management’s discussions with other creditors and the obligors and any existing proposals, and 5) the remediation strategy for an insured obligation that has defaulted or is expected to default. The estimate of the insurance loss recoverable for Zohar I and Zohar II, includes probability-weighted scenarios of the ultimate monetized recovery from the Zohar collateral.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the estimation of certain loss and LAE reserves and insurance loss recoverable is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management in determining the estimates for the loss and LAE reserves and insurance loss recoverable related to first-lien RMBS and Puerto Rico, and recoveries on paid claims related to the Zohar I and Zohar II assets, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor subjectivity and judgment in performing procedures related to these estimates; (ii) the significant audit effort and judgment in evaluating the audit evidence relating to the aforementioned assumptions, cash flow models, estimates and subjective judgments; and (iii) the audit effort
 
63

Table of Contents
included the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the estimation of certain loss and LAE reserves and insurance loss recoverable, including controls over the cash flow models and the development of significant assumptions. These procedures, for a sample of contracts, also included, among others, the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in i) independently estimating a range of net cash flows that support the estimation of loss and LAE reserves and insurance loss recoverable related to first-lien RMBS and the Zohar I and Zohar II assets, using industry data and other benchmarks, and comparing the independently estimated range to management’s projected net cash flows; and ii) for the portion of loss and LAE reserves and insurance loss recoverable related to Puerto Rico, evaluating the appropriateness of management’s cash flow models and the reasonableness of the aforementioned assumptions. Evaluating the reasonableness of management’s estimates involved testing the completeness and accuracy of data provided by management.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers
New York, New York
February 28, 2022
We have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1986. We have not been able to determine the specific year we began serving as auditor of the Company.
 
64

Table of Contents
MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions except share and per share amounts)
 
 
  
December 31,
2021
 
  
December 31,
2020
 
Assets
  
     
  
     
Investments:
  
     
  
     
Fixed-maturity securities held as
available-for-sale,
at fair value (amortized cost $2,016 and $2,078)
   $ 2,157      $ 2,257  
Investments carried at fair value
     258        196  
Investments pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost $4 and $6)
     4        1  
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost $374 and $281)
     374        282  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total investments
     2,793        2,736  
Cash and cash equivalents
     151        158  
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for credit losses $5 and $5)
     178        216  
Deferred acquisition costs
     42        50  
Insurance loss recoverable
     1,296        1,677  
Other assets
     67        84  
Assets of consolidated variable interest entities:
                 
Cash
     9        9  
Investments carried at fair value
     60        77  
Loans receivable at fair value
     77        120  
Loan repurchase commitments
            604  
Other assets
     23        20  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total assets
  
$
4,696
 
  
$
5,751
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
                 
Liabilities:
                 
Unearned premium revenue
   $ 322      $ 405  
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
     894        990  
Long-term debt
     2,331        2,229  
Medium-term notes (includes financial instruments carried at fair value of $98 and $110)
     590        710  
Investment agreements
     274        269  
Derivative liabilities
     131        215  
Other liabilities
     163        161  
Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities:
                 
Variable interest entity notes (includes financial instruments carried at fair value of $291 and $350)
     291        623  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities
  
 
4,996
 
  
 
5,602
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Refer to Note 19)
                 
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—
283,186,115 and
283,186,115
     283        283  
Additional
paid-in
capital
     2,931        2,962  
Retained earnings (deficit)
     (458)        (13)  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $8 and $8
     100        115  
Treasury stock, at
 
cost—
228,630,003 and 229,508,967 shares
     (3,169)        (3,211)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity of MBIA Inc.
     (313)        136  
Preferred stock of subsidiary
     13        13  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total equity
  
 
(300)
 
  
 
149
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
  
$
4,696
 
  
$
5,751
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
65

Table of Contents
MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions except share and per share amounts)
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
 
    
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Revenues:
                          
Premiums earned:
                          
Scheduled premiums earned
   $ 64      $ 59      $ 68  
Refunding premiums earned
     10        14        17  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Premiums earned (net of ceded premiums of $16, $5 and $5)
     74        73        85  
Net investment income
     62        76        114  
Net realized investment gains (losses)
     5        48        130  
Change in fair value of insured derivatives:
                          
Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives
            (1)        (10)  
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives
            7        25  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net change in fair value of insured derivatives
            6        15  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     40        (86)        (78)  
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments:
                          
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
                   (67)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments
                   (67)  
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt
     30               (1)  
Fees and reimbursements
     7        2        1  
Other net realized gains (losses)
     (6)               4  
Revenues of consolidated variable interest entities:
                          
Net investment income
            18        34  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     (8)        108        105  
Other net realized gains (losses)
     (15)        37        (62)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total revenues
     189        282        280  
Expenses:
                          
Losses and loss adjustment
     350        530        242  
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs
     6        10        11  
Operating
     91        87        92  
Interest
     163        178        201  
Expenses of consolidated variable interest entities:
                          
Operating
     6        5        9  
Interest
     18        50        82  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total expenses
     634        860        637  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
     (445)        (578)        (357)  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
                   2  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
  
$
(445)
 
  
$
(578)
 
  
$
(359)
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share:
                          
Basic
   $ (8.99)      $ (9.78)      $ (4.43)  
Diluted
   $ (8.99)      $ (9.78)      $ (4.43)  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                          
Basic
     49,472,281        59,071,843        81,014,285  
Diluted
     49,472,281        59,071,843        81,014,285  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
66

Table of Contents
MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
 
 
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  
2021
 
  
2020
 
  
2019
 
Net income (loss)
   $ (445)      $ (578)      $ (359)  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                          
Available-for-sale
securities with no credit losses:
                          
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
     (26)        83        139  
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income (loss)
     (12)        (19)        (13)  
Available-for-sale
securities with credit losses:
                          
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income (loss)
                   25  
Foreign currency translation:
                          
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)
     4        (3)         
Instrument-specific credit risk of liabilities measured at fair value:
                          
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
     (17)        50        (25)  
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income (loss)
     36        6        28  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
     (15)        117        154  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
(460)
 
  
$
(461)
 
  
$
(205)
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
67

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(In millions except share amounts)
 
 
  
2021
 
  
2020
 
  
2019
 
Common shares
  
  
  
Balance at beginning of year
     283,186,115        283,433,401        283,625,689  
Common shares issued (cancelled), net
            (247,286)        (192,288)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance at end of year
     283,186,115        283,186,115        283,433,401  
Common stock amount
                          
Balance at beginning and end of year
   $ 283      $ 283      $ 284  
Period change
                   (1)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance at end of period
   $ 283      $ 283      $ 283  
Additional
paid-in
capital
                          
Balance at beginning of year
   $ 2,962      $ 2,999      $ 3,025  
Share-based compensation
     (31)        (37)        (26)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance at end of year
   $ 2,931      $ 2,962      $ 2,999  
Retained earnings (deficit)
                          
Balance at beginning of year
   $ (13)      $ 607      $ 966  
ASU
2016-13
transition adjustment
            (42)         
Net income (loss)
     (445)        (578)        (359)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance at end of year
   $ (458)      $ (13)      $ 607  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
                          
Balance at beginning of year
   $ 115      $ (2)      $ (156)  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
     (15)        117        154  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance at end of year
   $ 100      $ 115      $ (2)  
Treasury shares
                          
Balance at beginning of year
     (229,508,967)        (204,000,108)        (193,803,976)  
Treasury shares acquired under share repurchase program
            (26,430,768)        (11,098,995)  
Share-based compensation
     878,964        921,909        902,863  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance at end of year
     (228,630,003)        (229,508,967)        (204,000,108)  
Treasury stock amount
                          
Balance at beginning of year
   $ (3,211)      $ (3,061)      $ (3,000)  
Treasury shares acquired under share repurchase program
            (198)        (101)  
Share-based compensation
     42        48        40  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance at end of year
   $ (3,169)      $ (3,211)      $ (3,061)  
Total shareholders’ equity of MBIA Inc.
                          
Balance at beginning of year
   $ 136      $ 826      $ 1,119  
Period change
     (449)        (690)        (293)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance at end of year
  
$
(313)
 
  
$
136
 
  
$
826
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Preferred stock of subsidiary shares
                          
Balance at beginning and end of year
     1,315        1,315        1,315  
Preferred stock of subsidiary amount
                          
Balance at beginning of year
   $ 13      $ 13      $ 13  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance at end of year
     13        13        13  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total equity
  
$
(300)
 
  
$
149
 
  
$
839
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
68

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
 
    
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                          
Premiums, fees and reimbursements received
   $ 44      $ 28      $ 47  
Investment income received
     77        118        176  
Insured derivative commutations and losses paid
            (1)        (11)  
Financial guarantee losses and loss adjustment expenses paid
     (343)        (475)        (489)  
Proceeds from recoveries and reinsurance
     282        84        155  
Proceeds from loan repurchase commitments
     600                
Operating expenses paid and other operating
     (88)        (73)        (77)  
Interest paid, net of interest converted to principal
     (61)        (84)        (180)  
Income taxes (paid) received
            13        11  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
     511        (390)        (368)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                          
Purchases of
available-for-sale
investments
     (1,163)        (1,133)        (2,140)  
Sales of
available-for-sale
investments
     597        1,095        2,195  
Paydowns and maturities of
available-for-sale
investments
     626        724        857  
Purchases of investments at fair value
     (206)        (179)        (151)  
Sales, paydowns and maturities of investments at fair value
     174        198        617  
Sales, paydowns and maturities (purchases) of short-term investments, net
     (99)        143        (157)  
Sales, paydowns and maturities of
held-to-maturity
investments
            890         
Paydowns and maturities of loans receivable and other instruments at fair value
     77        16        74  
Consolidation of variable interest entities
                   72  
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities
                   (2)  
(Payments) proceeds for derivative settlements
     (66)        (16)        (98)  
Capital expenditures
     (1)                
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
     (61)        1,738        1,267  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                          
Proceeds from investment agreements
     2        12        15  
Principal paydowns of investment agreements
     (2)        (48)        (25)  
Principal paydowns of medium-term notes
     (81)               (57)  
Principal paydowns of variable interest entity notes
     (369)        (914)        (765)  
Principal paydowns of long-term debt
     (6)        (115)        (150)  
Purchases of treasury stock
     (1)        (200)        (106)  
Other financing
                   (8)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
     (457)        (1,265)        (1,096)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
            1         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
     (7)        84        (197)  
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year
     167        83        280  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year
   $ 160      $ 167      $ 83  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
                          
Net income (loss)
   $ (445)      $ (578)      $ (359)  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
                          
Change in:
                          
Premiums receivable
     31        29        62  
Deferred acquisition costs
     8        10        12  
Accrued investment income
            6        20  
Unearned premium revenue
     (83)        (77)        (105)  
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
     (102)        86         
Insurance loss recoverable
     381        16        (99)  
Loan repurchase commitments
     604                
Accrued interest payable
     107        133        106  
Accrued expenses
     4        34        12  
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments
                   67  
Unrealized (gains) losses on insured derivatives
            (7)        (25)  
Net (gains) losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     (40)        (70)        (157)  
Other net realized (gains) losses
     21        (37)        58  
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
            12        13  
Interest on variable interest entities, net
     3        6        (3)  
Other operating
     22        47        30  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total adjustments to net income (loss)
     956        188        (9)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
   $ 511      $ (390)      $ (368)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
69

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties
Summary
MBIA Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, (collectively, “MBIA” or the “Company”) operates within the financial guarantee insurance industry. MBIA manages three operating segments: 1) United States (“U.S.”) public finance insurance; 2) corporate; and 3) international and structured finance insurance. The Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business is managed through National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (“National”), the corporate segment is operated through MBIA Inc. and several of its subsidiaries, including its service company, MBIA Services Corporation (“MBIA Services”) and its international and structured finance insurance business is primarily operated through MBIA Insurance Corporation and its subsidiary (“MBIA Corp.”).
Refer to “Note 12: Business Segments” for further information about the Company’s operating segments.
Business Developments
Puerto Rico
During 2021, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities (“Puerto Rico”) defaulted on scheduled debt service for National insured bonds and National paid gross claim payments in the aggregate of $277 million. On January 1, 2022, Puerto Rico also defaulted on scheduled debt service for National insured bonds and National paid gross claims in the aggregate of $47 million. As of December 31, 2021, National had $2.6 billion of debt service outstanding related to Puerto Rico. 
PREPA
In September of 2019, National agreed to join the restructuring support agreement, as amended (“RSA”), with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”), other monoline insurers, a group of uninsured PREPA bondholders, Puerto Rico, and the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (the “Oversight Board”). The Rule 9019 hearing to approve the RSA has been delayed several times, and most recently was adjourned due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus
COVID-19
(“COVID-19”)
until further notice. The debt restructuring contemplated by the RSA will not be effective until (i) confirmation of a plan of adjustment under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”), (ii) negotiation and consummation of definitive documentation and legal opinions, (iii) enactment and implementation of supportive Puerto Rico legislation and (iv) receipt of Puerto Rico regulatory approval, each of which outcome is uncertain and subject to varying degrees of risk. On February 18, 2022, the Ad Hoc Group of PREPA Bondholders filed an urgent motion to compel mediation and impose deadlines for a PREPA Plan, and on February 22, 2022, National filed a joinder to the motion. The Court agreed to set an expedited briefing schedule on the urgent motion, and will consider the pleadings on submission not before March 1, 2022.
In October of 2021 and January of 2022, National sold $199 million and $231 million, respectively, of PREPA bankruptcy claims related to insurance claims paid on matured National-insured PREPA bonds. These transactions represented approximately 35% of National’s par claims to PREPA, monetized a portion of National’s salvage asset at a discount to National’s previous carrying value, and reduced potential volatility and ongoing risk of remediation around the PREPA credit. Subsequent to the sale of these PREPA bankruptcy claims, National does not have a material amount of additional par claims to PREPA that have matured and can be sold.
GO and HTA
On February 22, 2021, National agreed to join a plan support agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021 (the “GO PSA”), among the Oversight Board, certain holders of Puerto Rico Commonwealth GO (“GO”) Bonds and Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority (“PBA”) Bonds, Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp, and Syncora Guarantee Inc. in connection with the GO and PBA Title III cases. The GO PSA provides that, among other things, National shall receive a pro rata share of allocable cash, newly issued General Obligation bonds, a contingent value instrument (“CVI”) and certain fees. The GO PSA was amended on January 30, 2022 (the “Amended GO PSA”) to move the termination date from January 31, 2022 to March 15, 2022. On April 12,
 
70

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties (continued) 
 
2021, National, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. and the Oversight Board reached an agreement in principle settling certain clawback claims and providing for a distribution of cash, bonds and a CVI to Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (“HTA”) bondholders subject to completing negotiations on a plan support agreement in respect of an HTA plan of adjustment (the “HTA PSA”). On May 5, 2021, National, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. and the Oversight Board entered into the HTA PSA.
The Confirmation Hearing for the Commonwealth Title III case concluded on November 23, 2021. On January 14, 2022, the Oversight Board filed its final draft of the Modified Eighth Amended Plan of Adjustment for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and on January 18, 2022, the Court signed the confirmation order. There can be no assurance that the plan will become effective within the time permitted under the Amended GO PSA, currently March 15, 2022, or by the Bankruptcy Court.
Pursuant to
the
 plan of adjustment, bondholders were required to choose between commuting their insurance policy with National or having their insurance policy accelerated and receiving a
one-time
payment of par and accrued interest from National. Approximately
27
% of bondholders voted by the deadline of October 
18
,
2021
to commute their insurance policies with National. The expected commutation and acceleration should occur shortly after Plan approval and will reduce National’s insured GO exposure to
zero
. Refer to “Note
 
6
: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for a further discussion of the Company’s GO recoveries.
Credit Suisse
In January of 2021, the Court overseeing MBIA Corp.’s litigation against Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. (collectively, “Credit Suisse”), involving the ineligibility of a majority of the loans in the HEMT
2007-2
RMBS transaction sponsored by Credit Suisse, issued an order declaring that Credit Suisse was liable to MBIA for approximately $604 million in damages. In February of 2021, the parties to the litigation entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which Credit Suisse paid MBIA Corp. $600 million, and the Court entered an order dismissing the case. Refer to “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for a discussion of the Company’s Credit Suisse
put-back
claims.
Debt Securities
As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Corp. repaid in full the outstanding amount of a financing facility’s senior notes between MZ Funding LLC (“MZ Funding”) and certain purchasers or their affiliates (collectively, the “Senior Lenders”). In addition, MBIA Inc. holds amended subordinated notes of MZ Funding that are eliminated in consolidation. Collectively, this financing facility is referred as the (the “Refinanced Facility”). Refer to “Note 10: Debt” for additional information on the Refinanced Facility.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company repurchased $111 million par value outstanding of GFL medium-term notes (“MTNs”) with maturity dates between
2022
and 2036 issued by the corporate segment at a weighted average cost of approximately 73% of par value.

Risks and Uncertainties
The Company’s financial statements include estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The outcome of certain significant risks and uncertainties could cause the Company to revise its estimates and assumptions or could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s estimates. The discussion below highlights the significant risks and uncertainties that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements and business objectives in future periods.
COVID-19
The novel coronavirus
COVID-19
(“COVID-19”)
continues to be an ongoing pandemic. While efforts to contain
COVID-19
in the United States have been effective (distribution of vaccines and boosters, promotion of and the
 
71

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties (continued)
 
use of masks, and social distancing), the current and longer-term impacts of
COVID-19
remain uncertain. The existence or extent of any impact on the Company’s insured or investment portfolios, or general business operations, will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain, including but not limited to the future severity of the pandemic, and the effectiveness of financial and regulatory actions taken at the state and federal levels to contain or address its impact. There is also uncertainty with how political, legal and regulatory responses to the pandemic, such as the nature of and conditions to aid to states or municipalities, tax policy, or programs designed to assist impacted individuals, will impact the Company’s business.
Federal legislation
passed to combat the economic impact of the pandemic has been significant, including the $2.7 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act in 2020, which included significant aid to offset
COVID-19
related expenditures of public sector issuers including states, territories, healthcare, higher education and transportation issuers. Also, the Federal Reserve has shown willingness to promote the stability of the financial system that is directly supportive of the municipal market, such as the Municipal Lending Facility created in 2020. In March of 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package designed to further stabilize the financial system. This law allocated nearly $350 billion of aid to state and local governments to replace lost revenues resulting from the pandemic with relatively few restrictions on use of said funds. However, economic activity, employment and inflation remain at risk as the path of economic recovery will still be significantly affected by the course of the virus, including new variants, and the continuing progress on vaccinations throughout the country
.
Insured portfolios
Any adverse developments on macroeconomic factors resulting from
COVID-19,
including without limitation reduced economic activity and certainty, increased unemployment, increased loan defaults or delinquencies, and increased stress on municipal budgets, including due to reduced tax revenues and the ability to raise taxes or limit spending, could materially and adversely affect the performance of the Company’s insured portfolios. Any impact of the pandemic on the Company’s financial guarantee credits would vary based on the nature of the taxes, fees and revenues pledged to debt repayment and their sensitivity to the related slowdown in economic activity. The duration of the pandemic, the efficacy of vaccines, spending of federal aid to state and local governments, and the breadth and speed of economic recovery will determine the economic stress, if any, incurred by the credits in the Company’s insured portfolios. While the unprecedented amount of federal aid directed to state and local municipalities has blunted the impact of the pandemic, not all of the issuers of the obligations in National’s insured portfolio were eligible to receive it. Further, if issuers are unable to raise taxes, reduce spending, or receive federal assistance, while such has not yet occurred materially, the Company may experience new or additional losses or impairments on those obligations, which could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and financial results.
Certain of MBIA Corp.’s structured finance policies, including those in which the underlying principal obligations are comprised of residential or commercial mortgages and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), could be negatively impacted by delays or failures of borrowers to make payments of principal and interest when due, or delays or moratoriums on foreclosures or enforcement actions with respect to delinquent or defaulted mortgages imposed by governmental authorities. MBIA Corp. has recorded significant loss reserves on its residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”) exposures, and there can be no assurance that these reserves will be sufficient if the pandemic causes further deterioration to the economy. These transactions are also subject to servicer risks, which relate to problems with the transaction’s servicer that could adversely impact performance of the underlying assets. Additionally, several of the Company’s credits, particularly within its international public finance sector, feature large, near term debt-service payments, while there can be no assurance that the liquidity position of MBIA Corp. will enable it to satisfy any claims that arise if the issuers of such credits are unable or unwilling to refinance or repay their obligations. MBIA Corp. has recorded expected recoveries on certain RMBS transactions, and the forbearance options that mortgage borrowers who were facing financial difficulties took advantage of under the CARES Act may continue to delay or impair collections on these recoveries.

72

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties (continued)
 
Liquidity
The Company continues to monitor its cash and liquid asset resources using cash forecasting and stress-scenario testing. Members of the Company’s senior management meet regularly to review liquidity metrics, discuss contingency plans and establish target liquidity levels. While liquidity levels and collateral amounts have normalized since the beginning of the pandemic, any additional impact the pandemic may have on the Company’s future liquidity position remains uncertain. Declines in the market value or rating eligibility of assets pledged against the Company’s obligations as a result of credit market deterioration caused by
COVID-19
or other factors may require additional eligible assets to be pledged in order to meet minimum required collateral amounts against these obligations. This could require the Company to sell assets, potentially with substantial losses or use free cash or other assets to meet the collateral requirements, thus negatively impacting the Company’s liquidity position. Additionally, declines in the yields in the Company’s insurance companies’ fixed-income portfolios could materially impact investment income.
National’s Insured Portfolio

National continues to monitor and remediate its existing insured portfolio and may also pursue strategic alternatives that could enhance shareholder value. Certain state and local governments and territory obligors that National insures are under financial and budgetary stress. This could lead to an increase in defaults by such entities on the payment of their obligations and losses or impairments on a greater number of National’s insured transactions. In particular, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and several of its public corporations and instrumentalities, which have reported significant fiscal stress, are currently in bankruptcy-like proceedings in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, pursuant to the PROMESA. Since 2016, Puerto Rico has been unable or unwilling to pay its obligations as and when due, and National has been required to pay claims of unpaid principal and interest when due under its insurance policies as a consequence. Puerto Rico may continue to fail to make payments when due, which could cause National to make additional claims payments which could be material. While National will seek to recover any claim payments it makes under its guarantees, there is no assurance that it will be able to recover such payments. National monitors and analyzes these situations and other stressed credits closely, and the overall extent and duration of this stress is uncertain
.
MBIA Corp.’s Insured Portfolio
MBIA Corp.’s primary objectives are to satisfy all claims by its policyholders and to maximize future recoveries, if any, for its senior lending and surplus note holders, and then its preferred stock holders. MBIA Corp. is executing this strategy by, among other things, taking steps to maximize the collection of recoveries and by reducing and mitigating potential losses on its insurance exposures. MBIA Corp.’s insured portfolio performance could deteriorate and result in additional significant loss reserves and claim payments. MBIA Corp.’s ability to meet its obligations is limited by available liquidity and its ability to secure additional liquidity through financing and other transactions. There can be no assurance that MBIA Corp. will be successful in generating sufficient resources to meet its obligations.
Zohar and RMBS Recoveries
Payment of claims on MBIA Corp.’s policies insuring the
Class A-1
and
A-2
notes issued by Zohar CDO
2003-1,
Limited (“Zohar I”) and Zohar II
2005-1,
Limited (“Zohar II”), entitles MBIA Corp. to reimbursement of such amounts plus interest and expenses and/or to exercise certain rights and remedies to seek recovery of such amounts. MBIA Corp. anticipates that it will receive substantial recoveries on the loans made to, and equity interests in, companies that, until late March of 2020, were purportedly controlled and managed by the sponsor and former collateral manager of the Zohar CDOs referenced above (collectively, the “Zohar Collateral”). There still remains significant uncertainty with respect to the realizable value of the remaining Zohar Collateral. Further, as the monetization process at the remaining portfolio companies continues to unfold in coordination with the new directors and managers in place, and new information concerning the financial condition of the portfolio companies is disclosed, the Company will continue to revise its expectations for recoveries. 
 
73

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties (continued)
 
MBIA Corp. also projects to collect recoveries from prior claims associated with insured RMBS; however, the amount and timing of these collections are uncertain.
Failure to collect its expected recoveries could impede MBIA Corp.’s ability to make payments when due on other policies. MBIA Corp. believes that if the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYSDFS”) concludes at any time that MBIA Insurance Corporation will not be able to pay its policyholder claims, the NYSDFS would likely put MBIA Insurance Corporation into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding under Article 74 of the New York Insurance Law (“NYIL”) and/or take such other actions as the NYSDFS may deem necessary to protect the interests of MBIA Insurance Corporation’s policyholders. The determination to commence such a proceeding or take other such actions is within the exclusive control of the NYSDFS.
Given the separation of MBIA Inc. and MBIA Corp. as distinct legal entities, the absence of any cross defaults between the entities and the lack of reliance by MBIA Inc. on MBIA Corp. for dividends, the Company does not believe that a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding with respect to MBIA Insurance Corporation would have any significant liquidity impact on MBIA Inc. Such a proceeding could have material adverse consequences for MBIA Corp., including the termination of derivative contracts for which counterparties may assert market-based claims, the acceleration of debt obligations issued by affiliates and insured by MBIA Corp., the loss of control of MBIA Insurance Corporation to a rehabilitator or liquidator, and unplanned costs.
Refer to “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for additional information about MBIA Corp.’s recoveries.

Corporate Liquidity
Based on the Company’s projections of National’s dividends and other cash inflows, the Company expects that MBIA Inc. will have sufficient cash to satisfy its debt service and general corporate needs. However, MBIA Inc. continues to have liquidity risk that could be caused by interruption of or reduction in dividends from National, deterioration in the performance of invested assets, impaired access to the capital markets, as well as other factors, which are not anticipated at this time. Furthermore, failure by MBIA Inc. to settle liabilities that are insured by MBIA Corp. could result in claims on MBIA Corp.
Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. As additional information becomes available or actual amounts become determinable, the recorded estimates are revised and reflected in operating results. Certain amounts have been reclassified in prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current presentation. This includes the presentation of “Net realized investment gains (losses)” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. These amounts were previously included in “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Consolidation
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 intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether an entity is a voting interest entity or a VIE. 
 
74

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 
Voting interest entities are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable an entity to finance its activities independently and (ii) the equity holders have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. Voting interest entities are consolidated when the Company has a majority voting interest.
VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. The consolidation of a VIE is required if an entity has a variable interest (such as an equity or debt investment, a beneficial interest, a guarantee, a written put option or a similar obligation) and that variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in the VIE. A controlling financial interest is present when an enterprise has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The enterprise with the controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, is required to consolidate the VIE. The Company consolidates all VIEs in which it is the primary beneficiary. The Company may elect to apply the fair value option to the financial assets and financial liabilities of consolidated VIEs on a
VIE-by-VIE
basis. Refer to “Note 4: Variable Interest Entities” for additional information.
Investments
The Company classifies its investments as
available-for-sale
(“AFS”),
held-to-maturity
(“HTM”), or trading. AFS investments are reported in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with
non-credit
related unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable deferred income taxes, reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in shareholders’ equity. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses on AFS securities. Investments carried at fair value consist of equity instruments, investments elected under the fair value option, and investments classified as trading. Short-term investments include all fixed-maturity securities held as AFS with a remaining maturity of less than one year at the date of purchase, including commercial paper and money market securities. Changes in the fair values of investments carried at fair value and realized gains and losses from the sale and other dispositions of investment securities are reflected in earnings as part of “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” and “Net realized investment gains (losses)”, respectively, on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations
.
Investment income is recorded as earned which includes the current period interest accruals deemed collectible. Accrued interest income is recorded as part of “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Bond discounts and premiums are amortized using the effective yield method over the remaining term of the securities and reported in “Net investment income” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. However, premiums on certain callable debt securities are amortized to the next call date. For MBS and asset-backed securities (“ABS”), discounts and premiums are amortized using the retrospective or prospective method.
Accrued interest income on debt securities is not assessed for credit losses since the Company reverses any past due accrued interest income through earnings as a charge against net investment income. Interest income is subsequently recognized to the extent cash is received.
Credit Losses on Debt Securities
For AFS debt securities, the Company’s consolidated statements of operations reflect the full impairment (the difference between a security’s amortized cost basis and fair value) if the Company intends to sell or would more likely than not be required to sell before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position and HTM debt securities are evaluated on a quarterly basis to determine if credit losses exist. The Company considers that credit losses exist when the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security. The Company measures an allowance for credit losses on a
security-by-security
basis as the difference between the recorded investment and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected, discounted at the instrument’s effective interest rate. Only the amounts of impairment associated with the credit losses are recognized as charges to earnings. 
 
75

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
 
As part of the adoption of ASU
2016-13,
effective January 1, 2020, the Company no longer records impairments for credit losses as adjustments to the amortized cost of the debt securities, but rather records an allowance for credit losses. The carrying values of debt securities are presented net of any allowance for credit losses. For AFS debt securities, adjustments to the amortized cost basis are recorded if there is an intent to sell before recovery of the impairment. For debt securities with an allowance for credit loss, changes in credit losses including accretion of the allowance for credit losses are recognized in earnings through other net realized gains (losses) with a corresponding change to the allowance for credit losses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits, and deposits with banks with original maturities of less than three months.
Deferred Acquisition Costs
The Company deferred acquisition costs that were directly related to new or renewal insurance business. Acquisition costs are costs to acquire an insurance contract which result directly from and are essential to the insurance contracts transaction and would not have been incurred by the Company had the contract transaction not occurred. Acquisition costs include compensation of employees involved in underwriting, certain rating agency fees, state premium taxes and certain other underwriting expenses, reduced by ceding commission income on premiums ceded to reinsurers. Acquisition costs also included ceding commissions paid by the Company in connection with assuming business from other financial guarantors. Acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions received, related to
non-derivative
insured financial guarantee transactions are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. Since the cessation of new insurance business by the Company, new acquisition costs relate to installment-based policies written prior to such cessation.
Derivatives
Derivative instruments are reported at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities depending on the rights or obligations under the contract, and changes in fair value are reported in the consolidated statements of operations within “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” or “Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives” depending on the nature of the derivative. 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) premiums received and receivable on insured derivative contracts, (ii) premiums paid and payable to reinsurers in respect to insured derivative contracts, (iii) net amounts received or paid on reinsurance commutations, (iv) losses paid and payable to insured derivative contract counterparties due to the occurrence of a payment event or settlement agreement, (v) losses recovered and recoverable on insured derivative contracts and (vi) fees related to insured derivative contracts. “Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives” include all other changes in the fair values of the insured derivative contracts. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no remaining insured exposure accounted for as an insured credit default swap (“CDS”) derivative.
In certain instances, the Company purchased or issued securities that contain embedded derivatives that were separated from the host contracts and accounted for as derivative instruments. In addition, the Company elected to record at fair value certain financial instruments that contain an embedded derivatives that would have otherwise required bifurcation from the host contracts and been accounted for separately as derivative instruments. These hybrid financial instruments included certain MTNs and certain AFS securities. The Company elected to fair value these hybrid financial instruments in their entirety given the complexity of bifurcating the embedded derivatives.
Refer to “Note 9: Derivative Instruments” for a further discussion of the Company’s use of derivatives and their impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and “Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for derivative valuation techniques and fair value disclosures.
 
76

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
 
Fair Value Measurements—Definition and Hierarchy
The Company carries certain financial instruments at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement 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, the Company uses alternate valuation methods, including either dealer quotes for similar instruments or pricing models that use market data inputs. The use of alternate valuation methods generally requires considerable judgment in the application of estimates and assumptions and changes to such estimates and assumptions may produce materially different fair values. The Company considers its own nonperformance risk and the nonperformance risk of its counterparties when measuring fair value.

The accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that categorizes into three levels, the inputs used to measure fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available and reliable. Observable inputs are those that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on available market data. Unobservable inputs are those that reflect the Company’s beliefs about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:
 
 
 
Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access at the measurement date. An active market is a market in which transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
 
 
 
Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 assets include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, securities which are priced using observable inputs and derivative contracts whose values are determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
 
 
 
Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable or supported by little or no market activity, and that are significant to the overall fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques where significant inputs are unobservable, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and period to period depending on the type of instrument, market activity, the approach used to measure fair value, and other factors. The Company categorizes a financial instrument within the fair value hierarchy based on the least observable input that is significant to the fair value measurement. When the inputs used to measure fair value of an asset or a liability are categorized within different levels based on the definition of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement.
Refer to “Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for additional fair value disclosures.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
The Company recognizes loss reserves on a
contract-by-contract
basis when the present value of probability-weighted expected net cash outflows to be paid under the contract discounted using a risk-free rate as of the measurement date exceeds the unearned premium revenue. A loss reserve 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 loss reserves are recognized as loss expense or benefit
 
77

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
 
in the period of change. Measurement and recognition of loss reserves are reported gross of any reinsurance on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company estimates the likelihood of possible claim payments and possible recoveries of such claim payments using probability-weighted expected cash flows as of the measurement date based on information available, including market information. Accretion of the discounts on loss reserves and recoveries is included in loss expense. The Company considers its ability to collect contractual interest on claim payments when developing its expected inflows. The inclusion of such interest may result in the Company recording recoveries in excess of its actual or expected claim payments on a policy.
The Company recognizes potential recoveries on paid claims based on probability-weighted cash inflows present valued at applicable risk-free rates as of the measurement date. Such amounts are reported within “Insurance loss recoverable” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. To the extent the Company had recorded potential recoveries in its loss reserves previous to a claim payment, such recoveries are reclassified to “Insurance loss recoverable” upon payment of the related claim and remeasured at each reporting period.
The Company’s loss reserves, insurance loss recoverable, and accruals for loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) incurred are disclosed in “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves.”
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt is carried at the principal amount outstanding plus accrued interest and net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts. Interest expense is accrued at the contractual interest rate. Debt issuance costs and discounts are amortized and reported as interest expense.
Medium-Term Notes and Investment Agreements
MTNs and investment agreements are carried at the principal amount outstanding plus accrued interest and net of unamortized discounts, or at fair value for certain MTNs. Interest expense is accrued at the contractual interest rate. Discounts are amortized and reported as interest expense.
Financial Guarantee Insurance Premiums
Unearned Premium Revenue and Receivable for Future Premiums
The Company recognized 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 received the entire premium due at the inception of the contract, and recognized an 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 were recognized at the inception of each 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. The expected period is 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. 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 the remeasurement date. The Company has determined that substantially all of its installment contracts meet the conditions required to be treated as expected period contracts. Premiums receivable also includes the current amount of premiums due from installment policies insuring consolidated VIEs when the premiums are payable by third-parties on behalf of the consolidated VIEs. 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 5: Insurance Premiums.” As premium revenue is recognized, the unearned premium revenue liability is reduced.
 
78

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
 
Credit Losses on Premium Receivables
The Company evaluates the collectability of outstanding premium receivables on a quarterly basis and measures any allowance for credit losses as the difference between the recorded premium receivable amount and the current projected net present value of premiums expected to be collected, discounted at the effective interest rate, which is the applicable risk-free rate described in the preceding paragraph. Estimating the allowance for credit losses involves substantial judgment, including forecasting an insured transaction’s cash flows, such as the future performance of the transaction’s underlying assets and the impact of certain macro-economic factors, as well as incorporating any historical experience of uncollectible balances and a transaction’s liability structure, including the seniority of premium payments to the Company.
Premium Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes and measures premium revenue over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection 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 calculated 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.
An issuer of an insured financial obligation may retire the obligation prior to its scheduled maturity through refinancing or 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 refunding premiums earned in the period the contract is extinguished to the extent the unearned premium revenue has been collected.

Fee and Reimbursement Revenue Recognition
The Company collects insurance related fees for services performed in connection with certain transactions. Fees are earned when the related services are completed. Types of fees include waiver and consent and termination fees.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes in earnings, generally over the vesting or service period of an award, the cost of all stock-based payment transactions using the fair value of the stock-based compensation provided. Refer to “Note 15: Benefit Plans” for a further discussion regarding the methodology utilized in recognizing employee stock compensation expense.
Foreign Currency Translation
Financial statement assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are reported in U.S. dollars generally using rates of exchange prevailing as of the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments resulting from the translation of the financial statements of the Company’s
non-U.S.
operations from its functional currency into U.S. dollars are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in shareholders’ equity. Operating results of the Company’s
non-U.S.
operations are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses resulting from transactions in
non-functional
currencies are recorded in earnings. The Company derecognizes the cumulative translation adjustment reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” and includes the amount as part of the gain or loss on the sale or liquidation of its investment in a foreign entity in the period in which the sale or liquidation occurs.
 
79

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
 
Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recorded with respect to temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts in the Company’s financial statements that will result in deductible or taxable amounts in future years when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Such temporary differences relate principally to net operating losses (“NOLs”), accrued surplus note interest, foreign tax credits, loss reserve deductions, premium revenue recognition, deferred acquisition costs, and unrealized gains and losses. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had a full valuation allowance on its net deferred tax asset. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effect of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which changes are approved by the relevant authority.
MBIA Inc. and its eligible U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The U.S. income taxes are allocated based on the provisions of the Company’s tax sharing agreement, which governs the intercompany settlement of tax obligations and benefits. The method of allocation between the members is based upon calculations as if each member filed its separate tax return. Under the Company’s tax sharing agreement, each member with an NOL will receive the benefits of its tax losses and credits as it is able to earn them out in the future.
In establishing a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit (“UTB”), assumptions may be made in determining whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authority and also in determining the ultimate amount that is likely to be realized. A tax position is recognized only when, based on management’s judgment regarding the application of income tax laws, it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. The amount of tax benefit recognized is based on the Company’s assessment of the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement with the taxing authority. This measurement is based on many factors, including whether a tax dispute may be settled through negotiation with the taxing authority or is only subject to review in the courts. As new information becomes available, the Company evaluates its tax positions, and adjusts its UTB, as appropriate. If the tax benefit ultimately realized differs from the amount previously recognized, the Company recognizes an adjustment of the UTB.
Refer to “Note 11: Income Taxes” for additional information about the Company’s income taxes.
Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
During 2021, the Company did not adopt any new accounting pronouncements that had a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Developments
Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope (ASU
2021-01)
and Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (ASU
2020-04)
In January of 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)
2021-01,
“Reference Rate Reform – Scope,” which clarified the scope and application of the original guidance, ASU
2020-04,
“Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” issued in March of 2020. ASU
2020-04
provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or other rates that are expected to be discontinued, subject to meeting certain criteria. Both ASU
2020-04
and ASU
2021-01
were effective upon issuance, and the Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of adopting ASU
2021-01
and
2020-04
and expect to adopt these ASUs when LIBOR is discontinued by June of 2023.
 
80

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 4: Variable Interest Entities
Primarily through MBIA’s international and structured finance insurance segment, the Company provides credit protection to issuers of obligations that may involve issuer-sponsored special purpose entities (“SPEs”). An SPE may be considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”) 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 its equity investors lack any one of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of the SPE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. A holder of a variable interest or interests in a VIE is required to assess whether it has a controlling financial interest, and thus is required to consolidate the entity as primary beneficiary. An assessment of a controlling financial interest identifies the primary beneficiary as the variable interest holder that has both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE. An ongoing reassessment of controlling financial interest is required to be performed based on any substantive changes in facts and circumstances involving the VIE and its variable interests
.
The Company evaluates issuer-sponsored SPEs initially to determine if an entity is a VIE, and is required to reconsider its initial determination if certain events occur. For all entities determined to be VIEs, MBIA performs an ongoing reassessment to determine whether its guarantee to provide credit protection on obligations issued by VIEs provides the Company with a controlling financial interest. Based on its ongoing reassessment of controlling financial interest, the Company determines whether a VIE is required to be consolidated or deconsolidated.
The Company makes its determination for consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the purpose and design of a VIE, the terms and characteristics of variable interests of an entity, and the risks a VIE is designed to create and pass through to holders of variable interests. The Company generally provides credit protection on obligations issued by VIEs, and holds certain contractual rights according to the purpose and design of a VIE. The Company may have the ability to direct certain activities of a VIE depending on facts and circumstances, including the occurrence of certain contingent events, and these activities may be considered the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. The Company generally considers its guarantee of principal and interest payments of insured obligations, given nonperformance by a VIE, to be an obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. At the time the Company determines it has the ability to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity based on facts and circumstances, MBIA is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in the VIE and is required to consolidate the entity as primary beneficiary. The Company performs an ongoing reassessment of controlling financial interest that may result in consolidation or deconsolidation of any VIE.

Consolidated VIEs
The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs were $169 million and $291 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021 and $830 million and $623 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are presented separately in “Assets of consolidated variable interest entities” and “Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. VIEs are consolidated or deconsolidated based on an ongoing reassessment of controlling financial interest, when events occur or circumstances arise, and whether the ability to exercise rights that constitute power to direct activities of any VIEs are present according to the design and characteristics of these entities. In 2021, the Company deconsolidated three structured finance VIEs due to the prepayment of the outstanding notes of the VIEs
that were insured by MBIA Corp., 
and recorded losses of $14 million primarily due to credit losses in AOCI that were released to earnings
 under fair value accounting.
In 2020, the Company deconsolidated two structured finance VIEs due to the prepayment of the outstanding notes of the VIEs
 that were insured by MBIA Corp. In addition, the
allowance for credit losses on HTM assets held by one of the
deconsolidated 
structured finance VIEs was reduced to zero. Refer to “Note 8: “Investments” for further information on credit losses on investments. Also in 2020, the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation (“COFINA”) Trusts established in 2019 were legally dissolved and the seven related VIEs were deconsolidated. There was no impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations in 2020 due to the deconsolidation of these VIEs. Consolidation and deconsolidation

 
81

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 4: Variable Interest Entities (continued)
 
gains and losses, if any, are recorded within “Other net realized gains (losses)” under “Revenues of consolidated variable interest entities” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Holders of insured obligations of issuer-sponsored VIEs do not have recourse to the general assets of the Company. 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 any additional variable interests held by the Company.
Nonconsolidated VIEs
The following tables present the Company’s maximum exposure to loss for nonconsolidated VIEs and carrying values of the assets and liabilities for its interests in these VIEs in its insurance operations as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The maximum exposure to loss as a result of MBIA’s variable interests in VIEs is represented by insurance in force. Insurance in force is the maximum future payments of principal and interest which may be required under commitments to make payments on insured obligations issued by nonconsolidated VIEs. The Company has aggregated nonconsolidated VIEs based on the underlying credit exposure of the insured obligation. The nature of the Company’s variable interests in nonconsolidated VIEs is related to financial guarantees and any investments in obligations issued by nonconsolidated VIEs.
 
 
  
December 31, 2021
 
 
  
 
 
  
Carrying Value of Assets
 
  
Carrying Value of Liabilities
 
In millions
  
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss
 
  
Investments
 
  
Premiums
Receivable
 
  
Insurance
Loss
Recoverable
 
  
Unearned
Premium
Revenue
 
  
Loss and
Loss
Adjustment
Expense
Reserves
 
Insurance:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Global structured finance:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Mortgage-backed residential
 
$
1,261
 
  
$
87
 
  
$
14
 
  
$
40
 
  
$
11
 
  
$
430
 
Consumer asset-backed
 
 
226
 
  
 
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
6
 
Corporate asset-backed
 
 
503
 
  
 
 
 
 
3
 
  
 
200
 
  
 
4
 
  
 
11
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total global structured finance
 
 
1,990
 
  
 
87
 
  
 
18
 
  
 
241
 
  
 
16
 
  
 
447
 
Global public finance
 
 
834
 
  
 
 
  
 
6
 
  
 
 
  
 
5
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total insurance
 
$
2,824
 
  
$
87
 
  
$
24
 
  
$
241
 
  
$
21
 
  
$
447
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
December 31, 2020
 
 
  
 
 
  
Carrying Value of Assets
 
  
Carrying Value of Liabilities
 
In millions
  
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss
 
  
Investments
 
  
Premiums
Receivable
 
  
Insurance
Loss
Recoverable
 
  
Unearned
Premium
Revenue
 
  
Loss and
Loss
Adjustment
Expense
Reserves
 
Insurance:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Global structured finance:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Mortgage-backed residential
  
$
1,835
 
  
$
21
 
  
$
16
 
  
$
90
 
  
$
14
 
  
$
482
 
Consumer asset-backed
  
 
293
 
  
 
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
15
 
Corporate asset-backed
  
 
735
 
  
 
 
  
 
5
 
  
 
364
 
  
 
5
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total global structured finance
  
 
2,863
 
  
 
21
 
  
 
22
 
  
 
455
 
  
 
20
 
  
 
497  
Global public finance
  
 
1,434
 
  
 
 
  
 
7
 
  
 
 
  
 
7
 
  
 
2
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total insurance
  
$
4,297
 
  
$
21
 
  
$
29
 
  
$
455
 
  
$
27
 
  
$
499
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 

82


MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 5: Insurance Premiums
The Company
recognizes and measures premiums related to financial guarantee
(non-derivative)
insurance and reinsurance contracts in accordance with the accounting principles for financial guarantee insurance contracts.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had an allowance for credit losses on premium receivables of $5 million. Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” for further information regarding the accounting related to credit losses on premium receivables.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the weighted average risk-free rates used to discount future installment premiums
were
2.8% and 2.7%, respectively, and the weighted average expected collection term of the premiums receivable was 9.09 years and 8.75 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, reinsurance premiums payable was $5 million and $15 million, respectively, and is included in “Other liabilities” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The decline in reinsurance premiums payable from the prior year relates to the termination of an international public finance credit. The reinsurance premiums payable is accreted and paid to reinsurers as premiums due to MBIA are accreted and collected.
The following tables present a roll forward of the Company’s premiums receivable for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
 
In millions
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
Adjustments
 
  
 
 
Premiums
Receivable as of
December 31, 2020
  
Premium
Payments
Received
 
  
Premiums from
New Business
Written
 
  
Changes in
Expected Term
of Policies
 
  
Accretion of
Premiums
Receivable
Discount
(1)
 
  
Other
(2)
 
  
Premiums
Receivable as
of December 31,
2021
 
$        216    $ (44)      $      $ 7      $ 5      $ (6)       $ 178  
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Recorded within premiums earned on MBIA’s consolidated statement of operations.
(2)—The change primarily relates to a foreign exchange loss due to the termination of an international public finance credit.
 
In millions
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
Adjustments
 
  
 
 
Premiums
Receivable as of
December 31, 2019
  
Premium
Payments
Received
 
  
Premiums from
New Business
Written
 
  
Changes in
Expected Term
of Policies
 
  
Accretion of
Premiums
Receivable
Discount
(1)
 
  
Other
(2)
 
  
Premiums
Receivable as
of December 31,
2020
 
$        249    $ (30)      $      $ (1)      $ 6      $ (8)      $ 216  
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Recorded within premiums earned on MBIA’s consolidated statement of operations.
(2)—The change primarily relates to a reduction in installment premiums due to refunding activity and the recording of an allowance for credit losses under Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, partially offset by changes in foreign exchange currency rates.
 
83

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 5: Insurance Premiums (continued)
 
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 ending:
  
     
March 31, 2022
   $ 3  
June 30, 2022
     6  
September 30, 2022
     4  
December 31, 2022
     7  
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve months ending:
        
December 31, 2023
     18  
December 31, 2024
     17  
December 31, 2025
     16  
December 31, 2026
     14  
 
 
 
 
 
Five years ending:
        
December 31, 2031
     57  
December 31, 2036
     42  
December 31, 2041 and thereafter
     47  
    
 
 
 
Total
  
$
231  
    
 
 
 
The following table presents the unearned premium revenue balance and future expected premium earnings as of and for the periods presented:
 
In millions
  
Unearned
Premium

Revenue
 
  
Expected Future
Premium Earnings
 
  
Accretion
 
  
Total Expected
Future Premium

Earnings
 
  
Upfront
 
  
Installments
 
December 31, 2021
   $ 322                                      
           
Three months ending:
                                            
March 31, 2022
     312      $ 5      $ 5      $ 1      $ 11  
June 30, 2022
     302        5        5        1        11  
September 30, 2022
     293        5        4        2        11  
December 31, 2022
     284        5        4        1        10  
           
Twelve months ending:
                                            
December 31, 2023
     250        18        16        4        38  
December 31, 2024
     219        16        15        4        35  
December 31, 2025
     192        14        13        4        31  
December 31, 2026
     168        13        11        3        27  
           
Five years ending:
                                            
December 31, 2031
     87        41        40        14        95  
December 31, 2036
     41        18        28        8        54  
December 31, 2041 and thereafter
            12        29        7        48  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
            $ 152      $ 170      $ 49      $ 371  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
The Company’s insured portfolio management groups within its U.S. public finance insurance and international and structured finance insurance businesses (collectively, “IPM”) monitor the Company’s outstanding insured
 
84

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)
 
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 the Company. 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. The Company typically requires the issuer, servicer (if applicable) and the trustee of insured obligations 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, political developments, as well as sovereign, state and municipal finances and budget developments.
The frequency and extent of IPM’s 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.
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, the Company 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 insured obligation by the Company may, with the consent of the Company, restructure the insured obligation by extending the term, increasing or decreasing the par amount or decreasing the related interest rate, with the Company insuring the restructured obligation.
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 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 may have breached one or more covenants or triggers and have not taken conclusive remedial action. Therefore, IPM adopts a remediation plan and takes more proactive remedial actions.
 
85

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)
 
“Classified List”
—Includes all insured obligations where the Company has paid a claim or where a claim payment is expected. It also includes insured obligations where a significant LAE payment has been made, or is expected to be made, to mitigate a claim payment. This may include property improvements, bond purchases and commutation payments. Generally, IPM is actively remediating these credits where possible, including restructurings through legal proceedings, usually with the assistance of specialist counsel and advisors.
The establishment of the appropriate level of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving numerous assumptions, estimates and subjective judgments by management that depend primarily on the nature of the underlying insured obligation. These variables include the nature and creditworthiness of the issuers of the insured obligations, expected recovery rates on unsecured obligations, the projected cash flow or market value of any assets pledged as collateral on secured obligations, and the expected rates of recovery, cash flow or market values on such obligations or assets. Factors that may affect the actual ultimate realized losses for any policy include economic conditions and trends, political developments, levels of interest rates, borrower behavior, the default rate and salvage values of specific collateral, and the Company’s ability to enforce contractual rights through litigation and otherwise, including the collection of contractual interest on claim payments. The Company’s remediation strategy for an insured obligation that has defaulted or is expected to default may also have an impact on the Company’s loss reserves.

In establishing case basis loss reserves, the Company calculates 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 the weighted average remaining life of the insurance contract as required by accounting principles for financial guarantee contracts. Yields on U.S. Treasury offerings are used to discount loss reserves denominated in U.S. dollars, which represent the majority of the loss reserves. Similarly, yields on foreign government offerings are used to discount loss reserves denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Significant changes in discount rates from period to period may have a material impact on the present value of the Company’s loss reserves and expected recoveries. In addition, if the Company were to apply different discount rates, its case basis reserves may have been higher or lower than those established as of December 31, 2021. For example, a higher discount rate applied to expected future payments 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. Similarly, a higher discount rate applied to the potential future recoveries would have decreased the amount of a loss recoverable established by the Company and a lower rate would have increased the amount of a loss recoverable established by the Company.
U.S. Public Finance Insurance
U.S. public finance insured transactions consist of municipal bonds, including
tax-exempt
and taxable indebtedness of U.S. political subdivisions, as well as utilities, airports, health care institutions, higher educational facilities, housing authorities and other similar agencies and obligations issued by private entities that finance projects that serve a substantial public purpose. The Company estimates future losses by using probability-weighted cash flow scenarios that are customized to each insured transaction. Future loss estimates consider debt service due for each insured transaction, which includes par outstanding and interest due, as well as recoveries for such payments, if any. Gross par outstanding for capital appreciation bonds represents the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy.
Certain state and local governments and territory obligors that National insures are under financial and budgetary stress. In addition, the
COVID-19
pandemic may present additional but unknown credit risks to National’s insured portfolio. Puerto Rico had been experiencing significant fiscal stress and constrained liquidity, and in response, the U.S. Congress passed PROMESA. In formulating loss reserves, the Company considers the following: environmental and political impacts; litigation; ongoing discussions with creditors; timing and amount of debt service payments and future recoveries; existing proposed restructuring plans or agreements; and deviations from these proposals in its probability-weighted scenarios. On April 12, 2021, National, other monoline insurers and the Oversight Board reached an agreement in principle settling certain HTA clawback claims in the Commonwealth
 
86

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)
 
Title III case and providing for a distribution to HTA holders of cash, bonds and a contingent value instrument and on February 22, 2021, National agreed to join the GO PSA. In September of 2019, National agreed to join the RSA with PREPA, other monoline insurers, a group of uninsured PREPA bondholders, Puerto Rico, and the Oversight Board. Refer to “Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties” for further information on
COVID-19
and the Company’s Puerto Rico exposures.
Recoveries on Puerto Rico Losses
For recoveries on paid Puerto Rico losses, the estimates include assumptions related to the following: economic conditions and trends; political developments; the Company’s ability to enforce contractual rights through litigation and otherwise; discussions with other creditors and the obligors, any existing proposals; and the remediation strategy for an insured obligation that has defaulted or is expected to default.
As part of the GO and HTA PSAs, National will receive certain consideration to include cash, bonds and the CVI. The ultimate recovery value to National will depend on the value of these assets once issued and over time. During 2021, National updated its loss reserve scenarios on the GO and HTA, which include a probability weighting of potential outcomes, to include certain assumptions about recovery valuation on the date it expects to receive the cash, bonds and the CVI. Previously, National’s estimate of GO and HTA recoveries was based on expected long-term cash flows and sale prices at future dates of the consideration it expects to receive from the GO and HTA PSAs, respectively, discounted at risk free rates used for GAAP loss reserving. Also during 2021, National modified its PREPA scenario assumptions to reflect assumptions about actual and anticipated sales of the recoverables on PREPA bankruptcy claims that had been fully satisfied by National’s insurance claim payments. Refer to the section entitled
Loss and LAE Activity
below for further information.
International and Structured Finance Insurance
The international and structured finance insurance segment’s case basis reserves and insurance loss recoveries recorded in accordance with GAAP do not include reserves and recoveries on consolidated VIEs, since they are eliminated in consolidation. In addition,
COVID-19
may present additional but unknown credit risks to MBIA Corp.’s insured portfolio. Refer to “Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties” for further information on
COVID-19.
RMBS Case Basis Reserves (Financial Guarantees)
The Company’s first-lien RMBS case basis reserves primarily relate to RMBS backed by alternative
A-paper
and subprime mortgage loans. The Company’s second-lien RMBS case basis reserves relate to RMBS backed by home equity lines of credit and
closed-end
second mortgages. The Company calculated RMBS case basis reserves as of December 31, 2021 for both first and second-lien RMBS transactions using a process called the Roll Rate Methodology (“Roll Rate Methodology”). The Roll Rate Methodology is a multi-step process using databases of loan level information, proprietary internal cash flow models, and commercially available models to estimate potential losses and recoveries on insured bonds. Roll Rate is defined as the probability that current loans become delinquent and subsequently default and loans in the delinquent pipeline are
charged-off
or liquidated. The loss reserve estimates are based on a probability-weighted average of potential scenarios of loan losses. Additional data used for both first and second-lien loans include historic averages of deal specific voluntary prepayment rates, forward projections of the LIBOR interest rates, and historic averages of deal-specific loss severities. Where applicable, the Company factors in termination scenarios when clean up calls are imminent.
In calculating ultimate cumulative losses for RMBS, the Company estimates the amount of first-lien loans that are expected to be liquidated in the future through foreclosure or short sale, and estimates, the amount of second-lien loans that are expected to be
charged-off
(deemed uncollectible by servicers of the transactions). The time to liquidation for a defaulted loan is specific to the loan’s delinquency bucket.
 
87

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)
 
For all RMBS transactions, cash flow models consider allocations and other structural aspects and claims against MBIA Corp.’s insurance policy consistent with such policy’s terms and conditions. The estimated net claims from the procedure above are then discounted using a risk-free rate to a net present value reflecting MBIA’s general obligation to pay claims over time and not on an accelerated basis.
The Company monitors RMBS portfolio performance on a monthly basis against projected performance, reviewing delinquencies, roll rates, and prepayment rates (including voluntary and involuntary). However, loan performance remains difficult to predict and losses may exceed expectations. In the event of a material deviation in actual performance from projected performance, the Company would increase or decrease the case basis reserves accordingly and
re-evaluate
its assumptions.
RMBS Recoveries
The Company’s RMBS recoveries relate to structural features within the trust structures that allow for the Company to be reimbursed for prior claims paid. These reimbursements for specific trusts include recoveries that are generated from the excess spread of the transactions. Excess spread within insured RMBS securitizations is the difference between interest inflows on mortgage loan collateral and interest outflows on the insured RMBS notes. Previously, recoveries also included second-lien
“put-back”
claims related to those mortgage loans whose inclusion in an insured securitization failed to comply with representations and warranties (“ineligible loans”); however the Company has settled all of its
put-back
claims relating to the inclusion of ineligible loans in securitizations it insured. See “Second-lien
Put-Back
Claims Related to Ineligible Loans” below.
Second-lien
Put-Back
Claims Related to Ineligible Loans
During the first quarter of 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Credit Suisse related to its
put-back
claims. In the litigation brought to pursue these claims, Credit Suisse had challenged the Company’s assessment of the ineligibility of individual mortgage loans. In November of 2020, following a trial and post-trial briefing, the Court overseeing the litigation issued a decision declaring that MBIA Corp. had succeeded in establishing that a majority of the loans in the transaction were ineligible. In January of 2021, the Court issued an order declaring that Credit Suisse was liable to MBIA for approximately
$604 million in damages. In February of 2021, the parties to the litigation entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which Credit Suisse paid MBIA Corp. $600 million, and the Court entered an order dismissing the case. As of December 31, 2020, the Company consolidated the RMBS securitization originated by Credit Suisse as a VIE and, therefore,
eliminated
its estimate of recoveries from its insurance accounting and
reflected
such recoveries in its accounting for the loan repurchase commitments asset of the VIE using a fair value measurement.
CDO Reserves and Recoveries
The Company also has loss and LAE reserves on certain transactions within its CDO portfolio, primarily its multi-sector CDO asset class that was insured in the form of financial guarantee policies. MBIA’s insured multi-sector CDOs are transactions that include a variety of collateral ranging from corporate bonds to structured finance assets (which includes, but are not limited to, RMBS, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), ABS and CDO collateral). The Company’s process for estimating reserves and credit impairments on these policies is determined as the present value of the probability-weighted potential future losses, net of estimated recoveries, across multiple scenarios. The Company considers several factors when developing the range of potential outcomes and their impact on MBIA. A range of loss scenarios is considered under different default and severity rates for each transaction’s collateral. Additionally, each transaction is evaluated for its commutation potential.

Zohar Recoveries
MBIA Corp. is seeking to recover the payments it made (plus interest and expenses) with respect to Zohar I and Zohar II. Salvage and subrogation recoveries related to Zohar I and Zohar II are reported within “Insurance loss recoverable” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s estimate of the insurance loss recoverable for Zohar I and Zohar II includes probability-weighted scenarios of the ultimate monetized recovery from the Zohar Collateral.
 
88

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)
 
MBIA Corp. anticipates that it will receive substantial recoveries on the Zohar Collateral. There still remains significant uncertainty with respect to the realizable value of the remaining Zohar Collateral. Further, as the monetization process at the remaining portfolio companies continues to unfold in coordination with the new directors and managers in place, and new information concerning the financial condition of the portfolio companies is disclosed, the Company will continue to revise its expectations for recoveries.
Summary of Loss and LAE Reserves and Recoveries
The Company’s loss and LAE reserves and recoveries before consolidated VIE eliminations, along with amounts that were eliminated as a result of consolidating VIEs for the international and structured finance insurance segment, which are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are presented in the following table:
 
 
  
As of December 31, 2021
 
  
As of December 31, 2020
 
In millions
  
Balance Sheet Line Item
 
  
Balance Sheet Line Item
 
 
  
Insurance
loss
recoverable
 
  
Loss and
LAE
reserves
(2)
 
  
Insurance
loss
recoverable
 
  
Loss and
LAE
reserves
(2)
 
U.S. Public Finance Insurance
   $ 1,054      $ 425      $ 1,220      $ 469  
International and Structured Finance Insurance:

                          
Before VIE eliminations
(1)
     244        687        1,082        780  
VIE eliminations
(1)
     (2)        (218)        (625)        (259)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total international and structured finance insurance
     242        469        457        521  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 1,296      $ 894      $ 1,677      $ 990  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Includes loan repurchase commitments of $604 million as of December 31, 2020.
(2)—Amounts are net of estimated recoveries of expected future claims.

 
Changes in Loss and LAE Reserves
Loss and LAE reserves represent the Company’s estimate of future claims and LAE payments, net of any future recoveries of such payments. 
The following table presents changes in the Company’s loss and LAE reserves for the years ended December 31, 2021. Changes in loss and LAE reserves, with the exception of loss and LAE payments and the impact of the revaluation of loss reserves denominated in amounts other than U.S. dollars, are recorded in “Losses and loss adjustment” expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average risk-free rate used to discount the Company’s loss reserves (claim liability) was 1.53%. LAE reserves are generally expected to be settled within a
one-year
period and are not discounted. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s gross loss and LAE reserves included $38 million and $30 million, respectively, related to LAE.
 
In millions
  
Changes in Loss and LAE Reserves for the Year Ended December 31, 2021
 
  
 
 
Gross Loss
and LAE
Reserves as of
December 31,
2020
(1)
  
Loss
Payments
 
  
Accretion
of Claim
Liability
Discount
 
  
Changes in
Discount
Rates
 
  
Changes in
Assumptions
 
  
Changes in
Unearned
Premium
Revenue
 
  
Gross Loss
and LAE
Reserves as of
December 31,
2021
(1)
 
$
         990
  
$
(302)
 
  
$
15
 
  
$
(40)
 
  
$
226
 
  
$
5
 
  
$
894
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
(1)—Includes changes in amount and timing of estimated payments and recoveries.
 
89

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)
 
 
In millions
  
Changes in Loss and LAE Reserves for the Year Ended December 31, 2020
 
  
 
 
Gross Loss
and LAE
Reserves as of
December 31,
2019
(1)
  
Loss
Payments
 
  
Accretion
of Claim
Liability
Discount
 
  
Changes in
Discount
Rates
 
  
Changes in
Assumptions
 
  
Changes in
Unearned
Premium
Revenue
 
  
Other
 
  
Gross Loss
and LAE
Reserves as of
December 31,
2020
(1)
 
$
        
901
  
$
(441)
 
  
$
11
 
  
$
(86)
 
  
$
606
 
  
$
8
 
  
$
(9)
 
  
$
990
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
(1)—Includes changes in amount and timing of estimated payments and recoveries.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, loss and LAE reserves declined compared to December 31, 2020, primarily related to claim payments made on Puerto Rico exposures and a decrease in expected payments related to certain insured first-lien RMBS transactions as a result of an increase in risk-free rates used to present value loss reserves during 2021. This decline was partially offset by an increase in losses on certain Puerto Rico exposures as a result of a change in scenario assumptions as discussed above, and an increase in risk-free rates in 2021, which caused future recoveries of unpaid losses to decline.
The increase in the Company’s loss reserves for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily related to an increase in expected payments on certain Puerto Rico exposures and an increase in losses on insured first-lien RMBS due to the decline in risk-free rates during 2020 used to present value loss reserves. This increase was partially offset by actual payments made and favorable changes in future recoveries on unpaid losses due to the decline in risk-free rates on certain Puerto Rico exposures.
Changes in Insurance Loss Recoverable
Insurance loss recoverable represents the Company’s estimate of recoveries on paid claims and LAE. The Company recognizes potential recoveries on paid claims based on the probability-weighted net cash inflows present valued at applicable risk-free rates as of the measurement date. The following table presents changes in the Company’s insurance loss recoverable for the years ended December 31, 2021. Changes in insurance loss recoverable with the exception of collections, are recorded in “Losses and loss adjustment” expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Insurance Loss Recoverable
for the Year Ended December 31, 2021
 
In millions
 
Gross
Reserve as of
December 31,
2020
 
 
Collections
for Cases
 
 
Accretion of
Recoveries
 
 
Changes in
Discount
Rates
 
 
Changes in
Assumptions
 
 
Gross
Reserve as of
December 31,
2021
 
Insurance loss recoverable
  $ 1,677     $ (266)     $ 15     $ 25     $ (155)     $ 1,296  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Insurance Loss Recoverable
for the Year Ended December 31, 2020
 
In millions
 
Gross
Reserve as of
December 31,
2019
 
 
Collections
for Cases
 
 
Accretion of
Recoveries
 
 
Changes in
Discount
Rates
 
 
Changes in
Assumptions
 
 
Gross
Reserve as of
December 31,
2020
 
Insurance loss recoverable
  $ 1,694     $ (49)     $ 14     $ 115     $ (97)     $ 1,677  
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
The decrease in the Company’s insurance loss recoverable during 2021 was the result of the sale of a portion of PREPA bankruptcy claims that have been fully satisfied by National’s insurance claim payments, a decline in expected recoveries on CDOs, the collection of salvage related to certain CDO transactions, and the collection of excess spread related to the sale of loans within and termination of certain second-lien RMBS transactions. This was partially offset by an increase in estimated recoveries for claims paid on certain Puerto Rico credits during 2021 for which the Company expects recoveries.
The decrease in the Company’s insurance loss recoverable during 2020 was primarily due to a decline in expected recoveries on CDOs. This was partially offset by certain Puerto Rico claim payments that are expected to be recovered in the future, as well as the impact of a decline in risk-free rates on certain Puerto Rico exposures.
 
90

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)
 
Loss and LAE Activity
For the year ended December 31, 2021, loss and LAE incurred primarily related to changes in loss and recovery scenario assumptions on HTA, PREPA, GO, CDO and RMBS credits, and changes in risk-free rates. National modified its HTA scenarios to reflect the most recent Plan of Adjustment including certain assumptions about recovery valuation on the date it expects to receive cash, bonds, and a CVI, which resulted in a decreased recovery value. National modified its PREPA scenarios to reflect assumptions about actual and anticipated sales of the recoverables on PREPA bankruptcy claims that have been fully satisfied by National’s insurance claim payments, which decreased its expected PREPA recoveries, partially offset by additional expected recoveries under the PREPA RSA. With regard to GO, National recorded a benefit as a result of modifying its scenario assumptions to incorporate the final terms of the Plan of Adjustment. This includes a commutation of
 27% of National’s outstanding insured bonds and an acceleration of National’s remaining insured bonds. In addition, National updated its GO loss reserve scenarios to include certain assumptions about recovery valuation on the date it expects to receive cash, bonds and a CVI. For CDOs, the Company incurred losses related to a decline in estimated recoveries of paid claims. The increase in risk free rates during 2021 resulted in unfavorable changes in future recoveries on unpaid losses on certain Puerto Rico exposure and favorable changes in unpaid losses on the Company’s insured first-lien RMBS exposure.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, loss and LAE incurred primarily related to a decrease in expected salvage collections related to CDOs, an increase in actual and expected payments on certain Puerto Rico credits and an increase in losses on first-lien RMBS due to the decline in risk-free rates used to present value loss reserves. During 2020, overall risk-free rates used to discount loss reserve and recovery cash flows declined. The decline in risk-free rates had the impact of increasing the present value of recoveries, primarily on certain Puerto Rico credits, which was partially offset by the impact of increasing the present value of future claim payments across the Company’s insured portfolio.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, loss and LAE incurred primarily related to a decrease in expected salvage collections related to CDOs, an increase in expected payments on insured first-lien RMBS transactions and certain Puerto Rico exposures.
Costs associated with remediating insured obligations assigned to the Company’s surveillance categories are recorded as LAE and are included in “Losses and loss adjustment” expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, gross LAE related to remediating insured obligations were $47 million, $51 million and $29
 
million, respectively.
 
91

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)
 
Surveillance Categories
The following table provides information about the financial guarantees and related claim liability included in each of MBIA’s surveillance categories as of December 31, 2021:
 
 
  
Surveillance Categories
 
 
  
Caution
 
  
Caution
 
  
Caution
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
List
 
  
List
 
  
List
 
  
Classified
 
  
 
 
$ in millions
  
Low
 
  
Medium
 
  
High
 
  
List
 
  
Total
 
Number of policies
     55        3               202        260  
Number of issues
(1)
     16        2               88        106  
Remaining weighted average contract period (in years)
     6.1        2.6               8.1        7.4  
Gross insured contractual payments outstanding:
(2)
                                            
Principal
   $ 1,366      $ 6      $      $ 2,719      $ 4,091  
Interest
     1,867        1               1,214        3,082  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 3,233      $ 7      $      $ 3,933      $ 7,173  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Gross Claim Liability
(3)
   $
 
  
$
 
  
$
 
  
$ 1,051
 
  
$ 1,051  
Less:
                                            
Gross Potential Recoveries
(4)
                          1,498        1,498  
Discount, net
(5)
                          (32)        (32)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net claim liability (recoverable)
   $      $      $      $ (415)
 
   $ (415)
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Unearned premium revenue
   $ 8      $      $      $ 29      $ 37  
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
(6)
                                       $ 7  
 
(1)—An “issue” represents the aggregate of financial guarantee policies that share the same revenue source for purposes of making debt service payments on the insured debt.
(2)—Represents contractual principal and interest payments due by the issuer of the obligations insured by MBIA.
(3)—The gross claim liability with respect to Puerto Rico exposures are net of expected recoveries for policies in a net payable position.
(4)—Gross potential recoveries with respect to certain Puerto Rico exposures are net of the claim liability for policies in a net recoverable position.
(5)—Represents discount related to Gross Claim Liability and Gross Potential Recoveries.
(6)—Included in “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The following table provides information about the financial guarantees and related claim liability included in each of MBIA’s surveillance categories as of December 31, 2020:
 
 
  
Surveillance Categories
 
 
  
Caution
 
  
Caution
 
  
Caution
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
List
 
  
List
 
  
List
 
  
Classified
 
  
 
 
$ in millions
  
Low
 
  
Medium
 
  
High
 
  
List
 
  
Total
 
Number of policies
     46        16               219        281  
Number of issues
(1)
     16        3               100        119  
Remaining weighted average contract period (in years)
     6.4        6.4               7.9        7.4  
Gross insured contractual payments outstanding:
(2)
                                            
Principal
   $ 1,422      $ 123      $      $ 3,302      $ 4,847  
Interest
     1,974        54               1,441        3,469  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 3,396      $ 177      $      $ 4,743      $ 8,316  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Gross Claim Liability
(3)
   $      $      $      $ 1,088      $ 1,088  
Less:
                                            
Gross Potential Recoveries
(4)
                          1,947        1,947  
Discount, net
(5)
                          (173)        (173)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net claim liability (recoverable)
   $      $      $      $ (686)      $ (686)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Unearned premium revenue
   $ 10      $      $      $ 35      $ 45  
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses
(6)
                                       $ 11  
 
(1)—An “issue” represents the aggregate of financial guarantee policies that share the same revenue source for purposes of making debt service payments on the insured debt.
(2)—Represents contractual principal and interest payments due by the issuer of the obligations insured by MBIA.
(3)—The gross claim liability with respect to Puerto Rico exposures are net of expected recoveries for policies in a net payable position.
(4)—Gross potential recoveries with respect to certain Puerto Rico exposures are net of the claim liability for policies in a net recoverable position.
(5)—Represents discount related to Gross Claim Liability and Gross Potential Recoveries.
(6)—Included in “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

92


MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurement

Financial Assets and Liabilities
Financial assets held by the Company primarily consist of investments in debt securities, loans receivables at fair value and loan repurchase commitments held by consolidated VIEs. The Company’s remaining loan repurchase commitments were settled in the first quarter of 2021. Financial liabilities, excluding derivative liabilities, issued by the Company primarily consist of debt issued for general corporate purposes within its corporate segment, MTNs, investment agreements and debt issued by consolidated VIEs. The Company’s derivative liabilities are primarily interest rate swaps and insured credit derivatives.
Valuation Techniques
Valuation techniques for financial instruments measured at fair value are described below.
Fixed-Maturity Securities Held as
Available-For-Sale,
Investments Carried at Fair Value, Investments Pledged as Collateral and Short-term Investments
These investments include investments in U.S. Treasury and government agencies, state and municipal bonds, foreign governments, corporate obligations, MBS, ABS, money market securities, and perpetual debt and equity securities.    
Substantially all of these investments are valued based on recently executed transaction prices or quoted market prices by independent third parties, including pricing services and brokers. When quoted market prices are not available, fair value is generally determined using quoted prices of similar investments or a valuation model based on observable and unobservable inputs. Inputs vary depending on the type of investment. Observable inputs include contractual cash flows, interest rate yield curves, CDS spreads, prepayment and volatility scores, diversity scores, cross-currency basis index spreads, and credit spreads for structures similar to the financial instrument in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. Unobservable inputs include cash flow projections and the value of any credit enhancement.
Investments based on quoted market prices of identical investments in active markets are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 investments generally consist of U.S. Treasury and government agency, money market securities and perpetual debt and equity securities. Quoted market prices of investments in less active markets, as well as investments which are valued based on other than quoted prices for which the inputs are observable, such as interest rate yield curves, are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Investments that contain significant inputs that are not observable are categorized as Level 3.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature and credit worthiness of these instruments and are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Loans Receivable at Fair Value
Loans receivable at fair value are assets held by consolidated VIEs consisting of residential mortgage loans and are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Fair values of residential mortgage loans are determined using quoted prices for similar securities or MBS issued by the respective VIE and adjusted for the fair values of the financial guarantees provided by MBIA Corp. on the related MBS. The fair values of the financial guarantees consider expected claim payments, net of recoveries, under MBIA Corp.’s policies.
Loan Repurchase Commitments
Loan repurchase commitments are obligations owed by the sellers/servicers of mortgage loans to MBIA as reimbursement of paid claims. Loan repurchase commitments were assets of certain consolidated VIEs. These assets represented the rights of MBIA against the sellers/servicers for breaches of representations and warranties
 
93

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
that the securitized residential mortgage loans sold to the trust to comply with stated underwriting guidelines and for the sellers/servicers to cure, replace, or repurchase mortgage loans. Fair value measurements of loan repurchase commitments represented the amounts owed by the sellers/servicers to MBIA as reimbursement of paid claims and contractual interest. Loan repurchase commitments were not securities and no quoted prices or comparable market transaction information were observable or available. Fair values of loan repurchase commitments were determined using discounted cash flow techniques and were categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s loan repurchase commitments were settled in the first quarter of 2021.
Other Assets
A VIE consolidated by the Company entered into a derivative instrument consisting of a cross currency swap. The cross currency swap was entered into to manage the variability in cash flows resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency rates. The fair value of the VIE derivative is determined based on inputs from unobservable cash flows projection of the derivative, discounted using observable discount rates. As the significant inputs are unobservable, the derivative contract is categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Other assets also include receivables representing the right to receive reimbursement payments on claim payments expected to be made on certain insured VIE liabilities due to risk mitigating transactions with third parties executed to effectively defease, or,
in-substance
commute the Company’s exposure on its financial guarantee policies. The right to receive reimbursement payments is based on the value of the Company’s financial guarantee determined using a cash flow model. The fair value of the financial guarantee primarily contains unobservable inputs and is categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Medium-term Notes at Fair Value
The Company has elected to measure certain MTNs at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of certain MTNs are based on quoted market prices provided by third-party sources, where available. When quoted market prices are not available, the Company applies a matrix pricing grid to determine fair value based on the quoted market prices received for similar instruments and considering the MTNs’ stated maturity and interest rate. Nonperformance risk is included in the quoted market prices and the matrix pricing grid. MTNs are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and do not include accrued interest.
Variable Interest Entity Notes
The fair values of VIE notes are determined based on recently executed transaction prices or quoted prices where observable. When position-specific quoted prices are not observable, fair values are based on quoted prices of similar securities. Fair values based on quoted prices of similar securities may be adjusted for factors unique to the securities, including any credit enhancement. Observable inputs include interest rate yield curves and bond spreads of similar securities. Unobservable inputs include the value of any credit enhancement. VIE notes are categorized in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Derivatives
The corporate segment has entered into derivative transactions primarily consisting of interest rate swaps. Fair values of over-the-counter derivatives are determined using valuation models based on observable inputs, nonperformance risk of the Company and nonperformance risk of the counterparties. Observable and market-based inputs include interest rate yields, credit spreads and volatilities. These derivatives are categorized in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
 
94

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
Derivatives—Insurance
The derivative contracts insured by the Company cannot be legally traded and generally do not have observable market prices. The Company determines the fair values of certain insured credit derivatives using valuation models based on observable inputs and considering nonperformance risk of the Company. These insured credit derivatives are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Derivatives—Other
The Company also had other derivative liabilities as a result of a commutation that occurred in 2014. The fair value of these derivative liabilities were determined using a discounted cash flow model. Key inputs included unobservable cash flows projected over the expected term of the derivative. As the significant inputs were unobservable, the derivative contract was categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. These derivative liabilities were settled in the first quarter of 2021.
Significant Unobservable Inputs
The following tables provide quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used by the Company for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
 
In millions
 
Fair Value as
of
December 31,
2021
 
 
Valuation Techniques
 
Unobservable Input
  
Range (Weighted
Average)
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
 
     
 
 
 
 
  
 
Loans receivable at fair value
  $ 77      Market prices of similar liabilities adjusted for financial guarantees provided to VIE obligations    Impact of financial guarantee    23%—72%(55%)
(1)
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
                      
Variable interest entity notes
    291      Market prices of VIE assets adjusted for financial guarantees provided or market prices of similar liabilities    Impact of financial guarantee    33%—73%(59%)
(1)
 
(1)—Weighted average represents the total MBIA guarantees as a percentage of total instrument fair value.
 
95

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
 
In millions
 
Fair Value as
of
December 31,
2020
 
 
Valuation Techniques
 
Unobservable Input
  
Range (Weighted
Average)
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
 
     
 
 
 
 
  
 
Loans receivable at fair value
 
$
120
 
 
Market prices adjusted for financial guarantees provided to VIE obligations
 
Impact of financial guarantee
(2)
  
-28%—109% (22%)
(1)
Loan repurchase commitments
 
 
604
 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Recovery value
(3)
  
 
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
 
     
 
 
 
 
  
 
Variable interest entity notes
 
 
303
 
 
Market prices of VIE assets adjusted for financial guarantees provided
 
Impact of financial guarantee
  
30%—73% (57%)
(1)
Other derivative liabilities
 
 
49
 
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Cash flows
  
$49—$49 ($49)
 
(1)—Weighted average represents the total MBIA guarantees as a percentage of total instrument fair value.
(2)—Negative percentage represents financial guarantee policies in a receivable position.
(3)—Recovery value reflects an estimate of the amount to be awarded to the Company as part of litigation seeking to enforce its contractual rights.
Sensitivity of Significant Unobservable Inputs
The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s residential loans receivable at fair value of consolidated VIEs is the impact of the financial guarantee. The fair value of residential loans receivable is calculated by subtracting the value of the financial guarantee from the quoted price of VIE liabilities or the market value of similar instruments to that of the VIE liabilities. The value of a financial guarantee is estimated by the Company as the present value of expected cash payments, net of recoveries, under the policy. If there had been a lower expected cash flow on the underlying loans receivable of the VIE, the value of the financial guarantee provided by the Company under the insurance policy would have been higher. This would have resulted in a lower fair value of the residential loans receivable in relation to the obligations of the VIE.
As of December 31, 2020, the significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s loan repurchase commitments of consolidated VIEs was a recovery value, which reflected an estimate of the amount to be awarded to the Company as part of litigation seeking to enforce its contractual rights. The Company’s remaining loan repurchase commitments were settled in the first quarter of 2021 for $600 million.
The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s VIE notes of consolidated VIEs is the impact of the financial guarantee. The fair value of VIE notes is calculated by adding the value of the financial guarantee to the market value of VIE assets. When the VIE note is backed by RMBS, the fair value of the VIE liability is calculated by applying the market value of similar instruments to that of the VIE liabilities. The value of a financial guarantee is estimated by the Company as the present value of expected cash payments under the policy. If the value of the guarantee provided by the Company to the obligations issued by the VIE had increased, the credit support would have added value to the liabilities of the VIE. This would have resulted in an increased fair value of the liabilities of the VIE.
As of December 31, 2020, the significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of MBIA Corp.’s other derivatives, which were valued using a discounted cash flow model, was the estimates of future cash flows discounted using market rates and CDS spreads. This derivative contract was settled in the first quarter of 2021 for an amount consistent with the reported amount as of December 31, 2020.
 
96

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present the fair value of the Company’s assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
 
 
  
        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)
 
  
Balance as of
December 31,
2021
 
Assets:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Fixed-maturity investments:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
U.S. Treasury and government agency
   $ 750      $ 95      $      $ 845  
State and municipal bonds
            168               168  
Foreign governments
            17               17  
Corporate obligations
            1,050               1,050  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                   
Residential mortgage-backed agency
            198               198  
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency
            98               98  
Commercial mortgage-backed
            13               13  
Asset-backed securities:
                                   
Collateralized debt obligations
            150               150  
Other asset-backed
            106               106  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total fixed-maturity investments
     750        1,895               2,645  
Money market securities
     78                      78  
Perpetual debt and equity securities
     47        23               70  
Cash and cash equivalents
     151                      151  
Derivative assets:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Non-insured
interest rate derivatives
  
 
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
 
  
 
1
 
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Corporate obligations
  
 
 
  
 
5
 
  
 
 
  
 
5
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency
  
 
 
  
 
27
 
  
 
 
  
 
27
 
Commercial mortgage-backed
  
 
 
  
 
10
 
  
 
 
  
 
10
 
Asset-backed securities:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Collateralized debt obligations
  
 
 
  
 
6
 
  
 
4
 
  
 
10
 
Other asset-backed
  
 
 
  
 
8
 
  
 
 
  
 
8
 
Cash
  
 
9
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
9
 
Loans receivable at fair value:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Residential loans receivable
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
77
 
  
 
77
 
Other assets:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Currency derivatives
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
9
 
  
 
9
 
Other
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
14
 
  
 
14
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Total assets
  
$
1,035
 
  
$
1,975
 
  
$
104
 
  
$
3,114
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Liabilities:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Medium-term notes
  
$
 
  
$
 
  
$
98
 
  
$
98
 
Derivative liabilities:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Insured credit derivatives
  
 
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
 
  
 
1
 
Non-insured
interest rate derivatives
  
 
 
  
 
130
 
  
 
 
  
 
130
 
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Variable interest entity notes
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
291
 
  
 
291
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Total liabilities
  
$
 
  
$
131
 
  
$
389
 
  
$
520
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
97

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
 
 
  
        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)
 
  
Balance as of
December 31,
2020
 
Assets:
  
  
  
  
Fixed-maturity investments:
  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury and government agency
   $ 750      $ 105      $      $ 855  
State and municipal bonds
            195               195  
Foreign governments
            15               15  
Corporate obligations
            975               975  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                   
Residential mortgage-backed agency
            319               319  
Residential mortgage-backed
non-agency
            32               32  
Commercial mortgage-backed
            20               20  
Asset-backed securities:
                                   
Collateralized debt obligations
            121               121  
Other asset-backed
            141               141  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total fixed-maturity investments
     750        1,923               2,673  
Money market securities
     1                      1  
Perpetual debt and equity securities
     37        25               62  
Cash and cash equivalents
     158                      158  
Derivative assets:
                                   
Non-insured
interest rate derivatives
            1               1  
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
                                   
Corporate obligations
            6               6  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                   
Residential mortgage-backed
non-agency
            40               40  
Commercial mortgage-backed
            16               16  
Asset-backed securities:
                                   
Collateralized debt obligations
            8               8  
Other asset-backed
            7               7  
Cash
     9                      9  
Loans receivable at fair value:
                                   
Residential loans receivable
                   120        120  
Loan repurchase commitments
                   604        604  
Other assets:
                                   
Currency derivatives
                   6        6  
Other
                   14        14  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total assets
  
$
955     
$
2,026     
$
744     
$
3,725  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Liabilities:
                                   
Medium-term notes
   $      $      $ 110      $ 110  
Derivative liabilities:
                                   
Insured credit derivatives
            2               2  
Non-insured
interest rate derivatives
            164               164  
Other
non-insured
                   49        49  
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
                                   
Variable interest entity notes
            47        303        350  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities
  
$
    
$
213     
$
462     
$
675  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
98

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
Level 3 assets
 
at fair value as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 represented approximatel
y
 
3
% an
d
 
20
%, respectively, of total assets measured at fair value. Level 3 liabilities at fair value as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 represented approximately
75
% and
68
%, respectively, of total liabilities measured at fair value.

The following tables present the fair values and carrying values of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are disclosed at fair value but not reported at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The majority of the financial assets and liabilities that the Company requires fair value reporting or disclosures are valued based on the Company’s or a third-party’s estimate of discounted cash flow model estimates, or quoted market values for the identical or similar products.
 
 
  
        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)
 
  
Fair Value
Balance as of
December 31,
2021
 
  
Carry Value
Balance as of
December 31,
2021
 
Liabilities:
  
  
  
  
  
Long-term debt
   $      $ 433      $      $ 433      $ 2,331  
Medium-term notes
                   322        322        490  
Investment agreements
                   355        355        274  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities
   $      $ 433      $ 677      $ 1,110      $ 3,095  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Financial Guarantees:
                                            
Gross liability
(recoverable)
   $      $      $ 848      $ 848      $ (80)  
Ceded recoverable
(liability)
                   30        30        (42)  
 
  
        
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)
 
  
Fair Value
Balance as of
December 31,
2020
 
  
Carry Value
Balance as of
December 31,
2020
 
Liabilities:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Long-term debt
   $      $ 631      $      $ 631      $ 2,229  
Medium-term notes
                   396        396        598  
Investment agreements
                   376        376        269  
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
                                            
Variable interest entity notes
            276               276        273  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities
   $      $ 907      $ 772      $ 1,679      $ 3,369  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Financial Guarantees:
                                            
Gross liability (recoverable)
   $      $      $ 811      $ 811      $ (282)  
Ceded recoverable (liability)
                   45        45        (17)  
 
99

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
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 years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Year Ended December 31, 2021
 
In millions
 
Balance,
Beginning
of Year
 
 
Total
Gains /
(Losses)
Included
in
Earnings
 
 
Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included
in OCI
(1)
 
 
Purchases
 
 
Issuances
 
 
Settlements
 
 
Sales
 
 
Transfers
into
Level 3
 
 
Transfers
out of
Level 3
 
 
Ending
Balance
 
 
Change in
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) for
the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Assets still
held as of
December 31,
2021
 
 
Change in
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) for
the Period
Included in
OCI for
Assets still
held as of
December 31,
2021
(1)
 
Assets:
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
Commercial mortgage-backed
  $     $     $     $     $     $ (4)     $     $ 4     $     $     $     $  
Collateralized debt obligations
                                              4             4              
Loans receivable-residential
    120       32                         (15)       (60)                   77       21        
Loan repurchase commitments
    604       (4)                         (600)                                      
Currency derivatives
    6       3                                                 9       3        
Other
    14                                                       14              
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total assets
  $ 744     $ 31     $     $     $     $ (619)     $ (60)     $ 8     $     $ 104     $ 24     $  
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
In millions
 
Balance,
Beginning
of Year
 
 
Total
(Gains) /
Losses
Included
in
Earnings
 
 
Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included
in Credit
Risk in
OCI
(2)
 
 
Purchases
 
 
Issuances
 
 
Settlements
 
 
Sales
 
 
Transfers
into
Level 3
 
 
Transfers
out of
Level 3
 
 
Ending
Balance
 
 
Change in
Unrealized
(Gains)
Losses for
the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Liabilities
still held
as of
December 31,
2021
 
 
Change in
Unrealized
(Gains)
Losses for
the Period
Included in
OCI for
Liabilities
still held
as of
December 31,
2021
(2)
 
Liabilities:
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
Medium-term notes
  $ 110     $ (17)     $ 10     $     $     $ (5)     $     $     $     $ 98     $ (17)     $ 10  
Other derivatives
    49                               (49)                                      
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
                                                                                               
VIE notes
    303       46       (15)                   (38)       (5)                   291       24       5  
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total liabilities
  $ 462     $ 29     $ (5)     $     $     $ (92)     $ (5)     $     $     $ 389     $ 7     $ 15  
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)—Reported
within the “Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities” on MBIA’s Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/Loss.
(2)—Reported
within the “Instrument-specific credit risk of liabilities measured at fair value” on MBIA’s Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/Loss.
Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Year Ended December 31, 2020
 
In millions
 
Balance,
Beginning
of Year
 
 
Total
Gains /
(Losses)
Included
in
Earnings
 
 
Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included
in OCI
(1)
 
 
Purchases
 
 
Issuances
 
 
Settlements
 
 
Sales
 
 
Transfers
into
Level 3
 
 
Transfers
out of
Level 3
 
 
Ending
Balance
 
 
Change in
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) for
the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Assets still
held as of
December 31,
2020
 
 
Change in
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) for
the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Assets still
held as of
December 31,
2020
(1)
 
Assets:
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
Other asset-backed
  $ 1     $     $     $     $     $ (1)     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
                                                                                               
Loans receivable-residential
    136                               (16)                         120       (4)        
Loan repurchase commitments
    486       118                                                 604       118        
Currency derivatives
    8       (2)                                                 6       (2)        
Other
    18       (4)                                                 14       (4)        
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total assets
  $ 649     $ 112     $     $     $     $ (17)     $     $     $     $ 744     $ 108     $  
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
100

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
 
In millions
 
Balance,
Beginning
of Year
 
 
Total
(Gains) /
Losses
Included
in
Earnings
 
 
Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included
in OCI
(2)
 
 
Purchases
 
 
Issuances
 
 
Settlements
 
 
Sales
 
 
Transfers
into
Level 3
 
 
Transfers
out of
Level 3
 
 
Ending
Balance
 
 
Change in
Unrealized
(Gains)
Losses for
the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Liabilities
still held
as of
December 31,
2020
 
 
Change in
Unrealized
(Gains)
Losses for
the Period
Included in
OCI for
Liabilities
still held
as of
December 31,
2020
(2)
 
Liabilities:
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
Medium-term notes
  $ 108     $ 15     $ (13)     $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 110     $ 15     $ (13)  
Credit derivatives
    7       (6)                         (1)                                      
Other derivatives
    34       15                                                 49       15        
Other payable
    4                               (4)                                      
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:
                                                                                               
VIE notes
    347       11       (40)                   (15)                         303       5       (38)  
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total liabilities
  $ 500     $ 35     $ (53)     $     $     $ (20)     $     $     $     $ 462     $ 35     $ (51)  
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)—Reported
within the “Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities” on MBIA’s Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/Loss.
(2)—Reported
within the “Instrument-specific credit risk of liabilities measured at fair value” on MBIA’s Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/Loss.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, sales include the impact of the deconsolidation of VIEs. Refer to “Note 4: Variable Interest Entities” for additional information about the deconsolidation of VIEs.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, transfers into Level 3 and out of Level 2 were principally related to CMBS and CDOs, where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable during the quarter. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. There were no transfers out of Level 3.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.
Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings relating to Level 3 assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are reported on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as follows:
 
In millions
  
Total Gains (Losses)
Included in Earnings
 
  
Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)
for the Period Included in Earnings
for Assets and Liabilities still held as
of December 31,
 
 
  
2021
 
  
2020
 
  
2019
 
  
2021
 
  
2020
 
  
2019
 
Revenues:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives
   $      $ 7      $ 25      $      $      $ 25  
Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives
            (1)        (10)                       
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign
exchange
     17        (30)        (26)        17        (30)        (27)  
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments
                   (1)                       
Other net realized gains (losses)
                   (2)                      (2)  
Revenues of consolidated VIEs:
                                                     
Net
 
gains
 
(losses)
 
on
 
financial
 
instruments
 
at
 
fair
 
value
 
and
 
foreign
exchange
     (15)        101        53               103        68  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 2      $ 77      $ 39      $ 17      $ 73      $ 64  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
101

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
Fair Value Option
The Company elected to record at fair value certain financial instruments, including financial instruments that are consolidated in connection with the adoption of the accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs.
The following table presents the gains and (losses) included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 for financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected:
 
 
  
Years Ended

December 31,

 
In millions
  
2021
 
  
2020
 
  
2019
 
Investments carried at fair value
(1)
   $ 3      $ 2      $ 15  
Fixed-maturity securities held at fair
value-VIE
(2)
     4        4        95  
Loans receivable and other instruments at fair value:
                          
Residential mortgage loans
(2)
     32               35  
Loan repurchase commitments
(2)
     (4)        118        68  
Other
assets-VIE
(2)
            (4)        4  
Medium-term notes
(1)
     17        (15)        1  
Other liabilities
(3)
                   (2)  
Variable interest entity notes
 
(2)
     (50)        (12)        (89)  
 
(1)—Reported within “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on MBIA’s consolidated statements of operations.
(2)—Reported within “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE” on MBIA’s consolidated statements of operations.
(3)—Reported within “Other net realized gains (losses)” on MBIA’s consolidated statements of operations.
The following table reflects the difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate remaining contractual principal balance outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 for loans and notes for which the fair value option was elected:
 
 
  
As of December 31, 2021
 
  
As of December 31, 2020
 
In millions
  
Contractual
Outstanding
Principal
 
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Difference
 
  
Contractual
Outstanding
Principal
 
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Difference
 
Loans receivable at fair value:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Residential mortgage loans—current
   $ 40      $ 40      $      $ 89      $ 89      $  
Residential mortgage loans (90 days or more past due)
     141        37        104        147        31        116  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total loans receivable and other instruments at fair value
   $ 181      $ 77      $ 104      $ 236      $ 120      $ 116  
Variable interest entity notes
   $ 922      $ 291      $ 631      $ 1,117      $ 350      $ 767  
Medium-term notes
   $ 108      $ 98      $ 10      $ 122      $ 110      $ 12  
The differences between the contractual outstanding principal and the fair values on loans receivable, VIE notes and MTNs in the preceding table are primarily attributable to credit risk. This is due to the high rate of defaults on loans (90 days or more past due), the collateral supporting the VIE notes and the nonperformance risk of the Company on its MTNs, all of which resulted in depressed pricing of the financial instruments.
Instrument-Specific Credit Risk of Liabilities Elected Under the Fair Value Option
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the cumulative changes in instrument-specific credit risk of liabilities elected under the fair value option were losses of $32 million and $51 million, respectively, reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Changes in value attributable to

 
102

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)
 
instrument-specific credit risk were derived principally from changes in the Company’s credit spread. For liabilities of VIEs, additional adjustments to instrument-specific credit risk are required, which is determined by an analysis of deal specific performance of collateral that support these liabilities. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the portions of instrument-specific credit risk included in AOCI that were recognized in earnings due to settlement of liabilities were losses of $36 million,
 
$
6 million and $28 million, respectively.
Note 8: Investments
Investments, excluding equity instruments and those elected under the fair value option,
consist of
debt instruments classified as AFS.
The following tables present the amortized cost, allowance for credit losses, corresponding gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for AFS investments in the Company’s consolidated investment portfolio as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
 
 
  
December 31, 2021
 
In millions
  
Amortized
Cost
 
  
Allowance
for Credit
Losses
 
  
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
  
Fair
Value
 
AFS Investments
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Fixed-maturity investments:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
U.S. Treasury and government agency
   $ 782      $      $ 54      $ (2)      $ 834  
State and municipal bonds
     140               27               167  
Foreign governments
     13               1               14  
Corporate obligations
     905               53        (5)        953  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                            
Residential mortgage-backed agency
     190               3        (1)        192  
Residential mortgage-backed
non-agency
     80               12               92  
Commercial mortgage-backed
     10                             10  
Asset-backed securities:
                                            
Collateralized debt obligations
     101                             101  
Other asset-backed
     95                      (1)        94  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total AFS investments
   $ 2,316      $      $ 150      $ (9)      $ 2,457  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
December 31, 2020
 
In millions
  
Amortized
Cost
 
  
Allowance
for Credit
Losses
 
  
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
  
Fair
Value
 
AFS Investments
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Fixed-maturity investments:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
U.S. Treasury and government agency
   $ 775      $      $ 75      $ (1)      $ 849  
State and municipal bonds
     162               32               194  
Foreign governments
     11               1               12  
Corporate obligations
     827               64        (1)        890  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                            
Residential mortgage-backed agency
     305               8        (1)        312  
Residential mortgage-backed
non-agency
     22               3               25  
Commercial mortgage-backed
     17               1               18  
Asset-backed securities:
                                            
Collateralized debt obligations
     120                      (2)        118  
Other asset-backed
     121                             121  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total AFS investments
   $ 2,360      $      $ 184      $ (5)      $ 2,539  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
103

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 8: Investments (continued)
 
The following table presents the distribution by contractual maturity of AFS fixed-maturity securities at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses, and fair value as of December 31, 2021. Contractual maturity may differ from expected maturity as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
 
 
  
AFS Securities
 
In millions
  
Net
Amortized
Cost
 
  
Fair
Value
 
Due in one year or less
   $ 412      $ 413  
Due after one year through five years
     328        339  
Due after five years through ten years
     364        380  
Due after ten years
     736        836  
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed
     476        489  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total fixed-maturity investments
   $ 2,316      $ 2,457  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
​​​​​​​
Deposited and Pledged Securities

The fair value of securities on deposit with various regulatory authorities as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $11 million. These deposits are required to comply with state insurance laws.
Pursuant to the Company’s tax sharing agreement, securities held by MBIA Inc. in the Tax Escrow Account are included as “Investments pledged as collateral, at fair value” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Investment agreement obligations require the Company to pledge securities as collateral. Securities pledged in connection with investment agreements may not be repledged by the investment agreement counterparty. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of securities pledged as collateral for these investment agreements approximated $280 million and $282 million, respectively. The Company’s collateral as of December 31, 2021 consisted principally of U.S. Treasury and government agency and corporate obligations, and was primarily held with major U.S. banks.

Refer to “Note 9: Derivative Instruments” for information about securities posted to derivative counterparties.
Impaired Investments
The following tables present the non-credit related gross unrealized losses related to AFS investments as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
 
 
  
December 31, 2021
 
 
  
Less than 12 Months
 
  
12 Months or Longer
 
  
Total
 
In millions
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Unrealized
Losses
 
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Unrealized
Losses
 
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Unrealized
Losses
 
AFS Investments
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Fixed-maturity investments:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
U.S. Treasury and government agency
   $ 161      $ (1)      $ 16      $ (1)      $ 177      $ (2)  
State and municipal bonds
     11                             11         
Foreign governments
     3                             3         
Corporate obligations
     270        (5)        8               278        (5)  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                                     
Residential mortgage-backed agency
     94        (1)        1               95        (1)  
Residential mortgage-backed
non-agency
     3               1               4         
Commercial mortgage-backed
     2                             2         
Asset-backed securities:
                                                     
Collateralized debt obligations
     60               29               89         
Other asset-backed
     72        (1)                      72        (1)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total AFS investments
   $ 676      $ (8)      $ 55      $ (1)      $ 731      $ (9)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
104

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 8: Investments (continued)
 
 
 
  
December 31, 2020
 
 
  
Less than 12 Months
 
  
12 Months or Longer
 
  
Total
 
In millions
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Unrealized
Losses
 
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Unrealized
Losses
 
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Unrealized
Losses
 
AFS Investments
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Fixed-maturity investments:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
U.S. Treasury and government agency
   $ 99      $ (1)      $      $      $ 99      $ (1)  
Foreign governments
     2                             2         
Corporate obligations
     103        (1)        7               110        (1)  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                                     
Residential mortgage-backed agency
     53        (1)                      53        (1)  
Residential mortgage-backed
non-agency
     2               1               3         
Commercial mortgage-backed
                   5               5         
Asset-backed securities:
                                                     
Collateralized debt obligations
     37               78        (2)        115        (2)  
Other asset-backed
     29                             29         
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total AFS investments
   $ 325      $ (3)      $ 91      $ (2)      $ 416      $ (5)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Gross unrealized losses on AFS investments increased as of December 31, 2021 compared with December 31, 2020 primarily due to higher interest rates, partially offset by tightening credit spreads.
With the weighting applied on the fair value of each security relative to the total fair value, the weighted average contractual maturity of securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was 11 and 9 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were 36 and 42 securities, respectively, that were in an unrealized loss position for a continuous twelve-month period or longer, of which, fair values of 7 and 9 securities, respectively, were below book value by more than 5%.
The following table presents the distribution of securities in an unrealized loss position for a continuous twelve-month period or longer where fair value was below book value by more than 5% as of December 31, 2021:

 
 
  
AFS Securities
 
Percentage of Fair Value
Below Book Value
  
Number of
Securities
 
  
Book Value
(in millions)
 
  
Fair Value
(in millions)
 
> 5% to 15%
     5      $ 6      $ 5  
> 50%
     2                
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
     7      $ 6      $ 5  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Impaired securities that the Company intends to sell before the expected recovery of such securities’ fair values have been written down to fair value. As of December 31, 2021, the Company concluded that it does not have the intent to sell securities in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not, that it would 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 available to its business other than sales of securities. It also considered the existence of any risk management or other plans as of December 31, 2021 that would require the sale of impaired securities.
Credit Losses on Investments
In calculating credit-related losses, the Company uses cash flow modeling based on the type of security. The Company’s cash flow analysis considers all sources of cash that support the payment of amounts owed by an issuer of a security. For AFS investments, this includes the credit enhancement taking into 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. In general, any change in the amount and/or timing of cash flows received or
 
105

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 8: Investments (continued)
 
expected to be received, whether or not such cash flows are contractually defined, is reflected in the Company’s cash flow analysis for purposes of assessing a credit loss on an impaired security.
Each quarter, an internal committee, comprising staff that is independent of the Company’s evaluation process for determining credit losses of securities, reviews and approves the valuation of investments. Among other responsibilities, this committee ensures that the Company’s process for identifying and calculating allowance for credit losses, including the use of models and assumptions, is reasonable and complies with the Company’s internal policy.
Determination of Credit Losses on ABS, MBS and Corporate Obligations
AFS ABS investments are evaluated for credit loss using historical collateral performance, deal waterfall and structural protections, credit ratings, and forward looking projections of collateral performance based on business and economic conditions specific to each collateral type and risk. The underlying collateral is evaluated to identify any specific performance concerns, and stress scenarios are considered in forecasting ultimate returns of principal. Based on this evaluation, if a principal default is projected for a security, estimated future cash flows are discounted at the security’s effective interest rate used to recognize interest income on the security. For CDO investments, the Company uses the same tools as its RMBS investments discussed below, aggregating the bond level cash flows to the CDO investment level. If the present value of cash flows is less than the Company’s amortized cost for the security, the difference is recorded as a credit loss.
AFS RMBS investments are evaluated for credit losses using several quantitative tools. Loan level data is obtained and analyzed in a model that produces prepayment, default, and severity vectors. The model uses macro inputs, including housing price assumptions and interest rates. The vector outputs are used as inputs to a third-party cash flow model, which considers deal waterfall dynamics and structural features, to generate cash flows for an RMBS investment. The expected cash flows of the security are then discounted at the interest rate used to recognize interest income of the security to arrive at a present value amount. If the present value of the cash flows is less than the Company’s amortized cost for the investment, the difference is recorded as a credit loss.
For AFS corporate obligation investments, credit losses are evaluated using credit analysis techniques. The Company’s analysis includes a detailed review of a number of quantitative and qualitative factors impacting the value of an individual security. These factors include the interest rate of the security (fixed or floating), the security’s current market spread, any collateral supporting the security, the security’s position in the issuer’s capital structure, and credit rating upgrades or downgrades. Additionally, these factors include an assessment of various issuer-related credit metrics including market capitalization, earnings, cash flow, capitalization, interest coverage, leverage, liquidity and management. The Company’s analysis is augmented by comparing market prices for similar securities of other issuers in the same sector, as well as any recent corporate or government actions that may impact the ultimate return of principal. If the Company determines that a principal default is projected, a recovery analysis is performed using the above data. If the Company’s estimated recovery value for the security is less than its amortized cost, the difference is recorded as a credit loss.
For HTM corporate obligation investments, credit losses are evaluated based on quarterly estimates of the probability-weighted amount of principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated remaining lives of the security. Developing the Company’s probability-weighted expected future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third-party sources along with certain internal assumptions regarding the future performance. The Company’s considerations include, but are not limited to, (a) changes in the financial conditions of the security’s underlying collateral, (b) whether the issuer is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, (c) changes in the financial condition, credit rating and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (d) level of excess cash flows generated from the underlying collateral supporting the principal and interest payments of the security. Estimates of collectability require the use of significant management judgment and include the probability and timing of issuer’s default and loss severity estimates. In addition, cash flow projections may change when these factors are reviewed and updated as appropriate.
 
106

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 8: Investments (continued)
 
Determination of Credit Loss Guaranteed by the Company on Other Third-Party Guarantors
The Company does not recognize credit losses on securities insured by MBIA Corp. and National since those securities, whether or not owned by the Company, are evaluated for impairments in accordance with its loss reserving policy. Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” included herein for information about the Company’s loss reserving policy and “Note 6: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves: for information about loss reserves.
The following table provides information about securities held by the Company as of December 31, 2021 that were in an unrealized loss position and insured by a financial guarantor, along with the amount of insurance loss reserves corresponding to the par amount owned by the Company. The Company did not hold any securities in an unrealized loss position that were insured by a third-party financial guarantor as of December 31, 2021.
 
In millions
  
Fair
Value
    
Unrealized
Loss
    
Insurance Loss
Reserve
(1)
 
Mortgage-backed
   $ 1      $      $  
 
(1)—Insurance loss reserve estimates are based on the proportion of par value owned to the total amount of par value insured and are discounted using a discount rate equal to the risk-free rate applicable to the currency and weighted average remaining life of the insurance contract and may differ from the fair
value. 
Allowance for Credit Losses Rollforward
The Company did not establish an allowance for credit losses for AFS securities as of December 31, 2021 or purchase any credit-deteriorated assets during 2021.
The following table presents the rollforward of the allowance for credit losses on HTM investments for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the allowance for credit losses was reduced to zero as a result of the repayment of the assets, at par, in the fourth quarter of 2020.
 
           
Year Ended December 31, 2020
        
In millions
  
Balance
as of
January 1,
2020
(1)
    
Current
period provision
for expected
credit losses
    
Initial
allowance
recognized for
PCD assets
    
Write-Offs
    
Recoveries
    
Balance
as of
December 31,
2020
 
HTM Investments
                                                     
Assets of consolidated VIEs:
                                                     
Corporate obligations
   $ 37      $ (37)      $      $      $      $  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total Allowance on HTM investments
   $ 37      $ (37)      $      $      $      $  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Represents
transition adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-13.
Credit Loss Rollforward for AFS
The portion of certain unrealized losses on fixed-maturity securities that does not represent credit losses is recognized in AOCI. For these impairments, the net amount recognized in earnings represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future discounted cash flows prior to impairment. Any remaining difference between the fair value and amortized cost is recognized in AOCI. The following table presents the amount of credit loss impairments recognized in earnings on fixed-maturity securities held by MBIA as of December 31, 2019, for which a portion of the non-credit related losses was recognized in AOCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts. The additional credit loss impairments on securities previously impaired for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily related to a corporate obligation that incurred liquidity concerns, ongoing credit risk and other adverse financial conditions. Due to the Company’s
 
107

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 8: Investments (continued)
 
intent to sell, this security was impaired to fair value with any incremental impairment recorded as a credit loss impairments in earnings, as well as a reduction of inception-to-date recognized credit loss impairments.
 
In millions
  
Year Ended
 
Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings Related to OTTI
  
December 31, 2019
 
Beginning balance
   $ 37  
Additions for credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired
     67  
Reductions for credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities impaired to fair value during the period
     (104)  
    
 
 
 
Ending balance
   $  
    
 
 
 
Sales of
Available-for-Sale
Investments
Gross realized gains and losses from sales of AFS investments are recorded within “Net realized investment gains (losses)” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The proceeds and the gross realized gains and losses from sales of fixed-maturity securities held as AFS for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
 
 
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
In millions
  
        2021        
 
  
        2020        
 
  
        2019        
 
Proceeds from sales
   $ 597      $ 1,095      $ 2,195  
Gross realized gains
   $ 12      $ 59      $ 103  
Gross realized losses
   $ (9)      $ (15)      $ (4)  
Equity Investments
Unrealized gains and losses recognized on equity investments held as of the end of each period for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
 
 
  
Years Ended
December 31,
 
In millions
  
2021
 
  
2020
 
  
2019
 
Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on
 
equity securities
   $ 6      $ 3      $ 11  
Less:
                          
Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on
 
equity securities sold during the period
     1        (1)        1  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Unrealized gains and (losses) recognized during the

period on equity securities still held at the reporting date
   $ 5      $ 4      $ 10  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Note 9: Derivative Instruments
U.S. Public Finance Insurance
The Company’s derivative exposure within its U.S. public finance insurance operations primarily consists of insured interest rate swaps related to insured U.S. public finance debt issues. These derivatives do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception and are accounted for as derivative instruments. Changes in the fair values of the Company’s insured derivatives within its U.S. Public Finance segment are included in “Net change in fair value of insured derivatives” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
 
108

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)
 
Corporate
The Company has entered into derivative instruments primarily consisting of interest rate swaps to manage the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates affecting the value of certain assets. Changes in the fair values of the Company’s derivatives within its corporate segment are included in “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
International and Structured Finance Insurance
The Company’s derivative exposure within its international and structured finance insurance segment includes insured interest rate and inflation-linked swaps related to insured debt issues. Changes in the fair values of the Company’s insured derivatives within its International and Structured Finance segment are included in “Net change in fair value of insured derivatives” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The Company had also entered into a derivative contract in connection with the commutation of certain insurance exposure, which occurred in 2014. Changes in the fair value of this
non-insured
derivative are included in “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. This derivative contract was settled in the first quarter of 2021 for an amount consistent with the amount reported at fair value as of December 31, 2020.
Variable Interest Entities
A VIE consolidated by the Company is party to a cross currency swap, which was entered into to manage the variability in cash flows resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency rates. Changes in the fair value of the VIE derivative are included in “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign
exchange-VIE”
on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Credit Derivatives Sold
The following tables present information about credit derivatives sold by the Company’s insurance operations that were outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Credit ratings represent the lower of underlying ratings assigned to the collateral by Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC (“S&P”) or MBIA.
 
$ in millions
  
As of December 31, 2021
 
Credit Derivatives Sold
  
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
 
  
AAA
 
  
AA
 
  
A
 
  
BBB
 
  
Below
Investment
Grade
 
  
Total
Notional
 
  
Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
 
Insured swaps
     14.1 Years      $      $ 61      $ 1,136      $ 292      $      $ 1,489      $ (1)  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total fair value
            $      $      $ (1)      $      $               $ (1)  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
 
 
$ in millions
  
As of December 31, 2020
 
Credit Derivatives Sold
  
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
 
  
AAA
 
  
AA
 
  
A
 
  
BBB
 
  
Below
Investment
Grade
 
  
Total
Notional
 
  
Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
 
Insured swaps
     13.9 Years      $      $ 58      $ 1,327      $ 358      $      $ 1,743      $ (2)  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total fair value
            $      $      $ (1)      $ (1)      $               $ (2)  
             
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
             
 
 
 
Internal credit ratings assigned by MBIA on the underlying credit exposures are assigned by the Company’s surveillance group. In assigning an internal rating, current status reports from issuers and trustees, as well as publicly available transaction-specific information, are reviewed. The maximum potential amount of future
 
109

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)
 
payments (undiscounted) on insured swaps that are primarily insured interest rate swaps is estimated as the net interest settlements plus principal payments where applicable, on amortizing swaps.
MBIA may hold recourse provisions through subrogation rights of the swap counterparty, whereby if MBIA makes a claim payment, it may be entitled to receive net swap settlements from the issuer under the swap agreement.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The Company manages counterparty credit risk on an individual counterparty basis through master netting agreements covering derivative instruments in the corporate segment. 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.
Under these agreements, the Company may receive or provide cash, U.S. Treasury or other highly rated securities 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 December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company did not hold or post cash collateral to derivative counterparties.
As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had securities with a fair value
 
of $159 million and $214 million, respectively, posted to derivative counterparties and these amounts are included within “Fixed-maturity securities held as
available-for-sale,
at fair value” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
 
As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value on one Credit Support Annex (“CSA”) was $
1
 million. This CSA governs collateral posting requirements between MBIA and its derivative counterparties. The Company did not receive collateral due to the Company’s credit rating, which was below the CSA minimum credit ratings level for holding counterparty collateral. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the counterparty was rated Aa3 by Moody’s and A+ by S&P.
Financial Statement Presentation
The fair value of amounts recognized for eligible derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement, including any cash collateral that may have been received or posted by the Company, is presented on a net basis in accordance with accounting guidance for the offsetting of fair value amounts related to derivative instruments. Insured swaps are not subject to master netting agreements. VIE derivative assets and liabilities are not presented net of any master netting agreements. Counterparty netting of derivative assets and liabilities offsets balances in “Interest rate swaps”, when applicable.
The following tables present the total fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities by instrument and balance sheet location, before counterparty netting, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
 
In millions
  
 
 
  
Derivative Assets
(1)
 
  
Derivative Liabilities
(1)
 
Derivative Instruments
  
Notional
Amount
Outstanding
 
  
Balance Sheet Location
 
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Balance Sheet Location
 
  
Fair
Value
 
Not designated as hedging instruments:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Insured swaps
   $ 1,489        Other assets      $        Derivative liabilities      $ (1)  
Interest rate swaps
     399        Other assets        1        Derivative liabilities        (130)  
Interest rate swaps-embedded
     206       
Medium-term notes
             
Medium-term notes
       (9)  
Currency
swaps-VIE
     50        Other
assets-VIE
       9       
Derivative liabilities-VIE

        
    
 
 
             
 
 
             
 
 
 
Total
non-designated
derivatives
  
$
2,144              
$
10              
$
(140)  
    
 
 
             
 
 
             
 
 
 
 
(1)—In accordance with the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivative instruments is determined by the location of the related host contract.
 
110

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)
 
 
In millions
  
 
 
  
Derivative Assets
(1)
 
  
Derivative Liabilities
(1)
 
Derivative Instruments
  
Notional
Amount
Outstanding
 
  
Balance Sheet Location
 
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Balance Sheet

Location

 
  
Fair
Value
 
Not designated as hedging instruments:
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
Insured swaps
   $ 1,743        Other assets      $        Derivative liabilities      $ (2)  
Interest rate swaps
     437        Other assets        1        Derivative liabilities        (164)  
Interest rate swaps-embedded
     252       
Medium-term notes
             
Medium-term notes
       (10)  
Currency
swaps-VIE
     53        Other
assets-VIE
       6       
Derivative
 
liabilities-VIE

        
All other
     49        Other assets               Derivative liabilities        (49)  
    
 
 
             
 
 
             
 
 
 
Total
non-designated
derivatives
  
$
2,534              
$
7              
$
(225)  
    
 
 
             
 
 
             
 
 
 
 
(1)—In accordance with the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivative instruments is determined by the location of the related host contract.

The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
In millions
  
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Derivatives Not Designated as
Hedging Instruments
  
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
  2021  
 
 
  2020  
 
 
  2019  
 
Insured credit default swaps
  
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives
  $     $ 7     $ 25  
Insured credit default swaps
  
Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives
          (1)       (10)  
Interest rate swaps
  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
    18       (42)       (66)  
Currency
swaps-VIE
  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign
exchange-VIE
    3       (2)       (8)  
All other
  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange

          (15)       (26)  
        
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total
       $ 21     $ (53)     $ (85)  
        
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
Note 10: Debt
Long-Term Debt
The Company’s long-term debt consists of notes and debentures including accrued interest as follows:
 
 
  
As of December 31,
 
In millions
  
    2021    
 
  
    2020    
 
7.000
% Debentures due
2025
   $ 46      $ 46  
7.150
% Debentures due
2027
     99        100  
6.625
% Debentures due
2028
     136        141  
5.700
% Senior Notes due
2034
(1)
     21        21  
Surplus Notes due
2033
(2)
     940        940  
Accrued interest
     1,098        991  
Debt issuance costs
     (9)        (10)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 2,331      $ 2,229  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Callable anytime at the greater of par or the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest.
(2)—Contractual interest rate is based on three month LIBOR plus 11.26%.
 

111


Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 10: Debt (continued)
During 2021, MBIA Corp. purchased $5 million principal amount of MBIA Inc. 6.625% Debentures due 2028 and $1 
million principal amount of MBIA Inc. 7.150% Debentures due 2027. During 2020, the Company redeemed the remaining
 $115 
million principal amount of its
 6.400%
Senior Notes due 2022 at a cost of
 100
% of par value plus accrued interest. Additionally, as of December 31, 2021, National owned
$308 
million principal
amount of the
5.700%
Senior Notes due
 2034 
and
$10
 
million principal amount of MBIA Inc. 7.000% Debentures due 2025; and MBIA Inc., through its corporate segment, owned $13 million of MBIA Corp. surplus notes. These amounts are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Interest and principal payments on the surplus notes are subject to prior approval by the NYSDFS. From the January 15, 2013 interest payment to the present, MBIA Corp.’s requests for approval of the note interest payments have not been approved by the NYSDFS. MBIA Corp. provides notice to the Fiscal Agent when it will not make a scheduled interest payment. The deferred interest payment will become due on the first business day on or after which MBIA Corp. obtains approval
from the NYSDFS 
to make such payment. No interest will accrue on the deferred interest. The surplus notes were callable at par at the option of MBIA Corp. on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance, and are callable at par on January 15, 2023 and every fifth anniversary thereafter and are callable on any other date at par plus a make-whole amount, subject to prior approval by the Superintendent and other restrictions. The cash received from the issuance of surplus notes was used for general business purposes and the deferred debt issuance costs are being amortized over the term of the surplus notes.
The aggregate maturities of principal payments of long-term debt obligations in each of the next five years ending December 31, and thereafter, are as follows:
 
In millions
  
2022
 
  
2023
 
  
2024
 
  
2025
 
  
2026
 
  
Thereafter
 
  
Total
 
Corporate debt
   $      $      $      $ 46      $      $ 256      $ 302  
Surplus Notes due 2033
                                        940        940  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total debt obligations due
   $      $      $      $ 46      $      $ 1,196      $ 1,242  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Investment Agreements
Certain investment agreements provide for early termination, including, in some cases, with make-whole payments, upon certain contingent events including the bankruptcy of MBIA Inc. or the commencement of an insolvency proceeding with respect to MBIA Corp. Upon the occurrence of certain contractually agreed-upon events, some of these funds may be withdrawn by the investor prior to their contractual maturity dates. All of the investment agreements have been collateralized in accordance with the contractual terms.
Investment agreements have been issued with fixed interest rates in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the annual interest rates on these agreements ranged from 4.78% to 6.88% and the weighted average interest rates were 5.89% and 5.86%, respectively. Expected principal payments due under these investment agreements in each of the next five years ending December 31, and thereafter, based upon contractual maturity dates, are as follows: 
 
 
 
 
In millions
  
Principal Amount
 
Maturity date:
        
2022
   $ 3  
2023
     19  
2024
     23  
2025
     35  
2026
     96  
Thereafter (through 2037)
     128  
    
 
 
 
Total expected principal payments
(1)
   $ 304  
Less discount and other adjustments
(2)
     30  
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 274  
    
 
 
 
 
(1
)—
Amounts reflect principal due at maturity for investment agreements issued at a discount.
(2
)—
Discount is net
of carrying amount adjustment of $3 million and accrued interest adjustment of $5 million.

 
112

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 10: Debt (continued)
 
Medium-Term Notes
MTNs have been issued with fixed or floating interest rates in U.S. dollars or Euros. Floating rates on Euro-denominated MTNs are floored at 0% when the actual floating rates become negative. Certain MTNs are measured at fair value in accordance with the accounting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”. As of December 31, 2021, the interest rates of the MTNs ranged from
0% to 5.90% and the weighted average interest rate was 3.62%. As of December 31, 2020, the interest rates of the MTNs ranged from 0% to 6.00% and the weighted average interest rate was 2.97%. Expected principal payments due under MTN obligations based on their contractual maturity dates are as follows:
 
In millions
  
Principal Amount
 
Maturity date:
        
2022
   $ 52  
2023
     12  
2024
     54  
2025
     57  
2026
      
Thereafter (through 2035)
     606  
    
 
 
 
Total expected principal payments
(1)
   $ 781  
Less discount and other adjustments
(2)
     191  
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 590  
    
 
 
 
 
(1
)—
Amounts reflect principal due at maturity for notes issued at a discount.
(2
)—
Discount
is net of carrying amount and market value adjustments of $29 million and accrued interest adjustment of $3 million.

Variable Interest Entity Notes
VIE notes elected to be recorded at fair value are debt instruments that were issued primarily in U.S. dollars by VIEs consolidated within the Company’s international and structured finance insurance segment. These VIE notes consist of debt instruments issued by issuer-sponsored consolidated VIEs collateralized by assets held by those consolidated VIEs. Holders of insured obligations of issuer-sponsored VIEs do not have recourse to the general assets of the Company. In the event of non-payment of an obligation issued by a consolidated VIE, the Company is obligated to pay principal and interest, when due, on MBIA-insured obligations only.
In July of 2019, MBIA Insurance Corporation consummated the Refinanced Facility. In connection with the Refinanced Facility, original notes issued by MZ Funding in January of 2017 were redeemed or amended, as applicable, and the Senior Lenders purchased new senior notes issued by MZ Funding (the “Insured Senior Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $278 million. In addition, MBIA Inc. received amended subordinated notes issued by MZ Funding (and together with the Insured Senior Notes, the “New MZ Funding Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $54 million. The New MZ Funding Notes were scheduled to mature on January 20, 2022 and bore interest at 12% per annum. The Refinanced Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in all of MBIA Corp.’s right, title and interest in the recovery of its claims from the Zohar Collateral. If funds received from MBIA Corp. under the Refinanced Facility were insufficient to pay interest on interest payment dates, MZ Funding may elect to pay interest in kind, which increases the outstanding principal amount. As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding
amount of the Insured Senior Notes
 was
 $273
 
million. During 2021, MBIA Corp. repaid in full the outstanding amount of the Insured Senior Notes. Subsequent to December 31, 2021, MBIA Inc. agreed to extend the maturity date of the subordinated notes of MZ Funding, which had an aggregate principal amount of
 $68 
million, to April 20, 2022 at a reduced rate of 7% per annum. The subordinated notes of MZ Funding are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate unpaid contractual principal of consolidated VIE notes was $922 million and $1.4 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the unpaid contractual principal of MBIA-insured consolidated VIE notes was $350 million and $722 million, respectively, which excludes liabilities where the

 
113

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 10: Debt (continued)
 
Company’s insured exposure has been fully offset by way of loss remediation transactions. Refer to “Note 7: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for information about the fair values of consolidated VIE notes. As of December 31, 2020, the only VIE note not accounted for at fair value was the MZ Funding note with a contractual interest rate of 12%.
The following table provides the expected principal payments due under MBIA-insured consolidated VIE notes as of December 31, 2021, which are net of principal payments where the Company’s insured exposure has been fully offset by way of loss remediation transactions. For RMBS consolidated VIEs, principal amounts are based on the expected maturity dates and for all other consolidated VIEs, principal amounts are based on the contractual maturity dates.
 
In millions
  
Insured Principal
Amount
 
Maturity date:
  
     
2022
   $ 26  
2023
     21  
2024
     20  
2025
     18  
2026
     10  
Thereafter (through 2038)
     255  
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 350  
    

 
 
Note 11: Income Taxes
Income (loss) from operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of:
 
 
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
In millions
  
2021
 
  
 
 
  
2020
 
  
 
 
  
2019
 
Domestic
   $ (445)  
 
 
 
 
  $ (578)  
 
 
 
 
   $ (357)  
Foreign
      
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
      
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
   $ (445)  
 
 
 
 
   $ (578)  
 
 
 
 
   $ (357)  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
The Company files a consolidated tax return that includes all of its U.S. subsidiaries and foreign branches. The Company also files tax returns in Spain, Mexico, and various state and local jurisdictions. Income tax expense (benefit) on income (loss) and shareholders’ equity, net of changes in the Company’s valuation allowance, consisted of:
 
 
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
In millions
  
    2021    
 
  
    2020    
 
  
    2019    
 
Current taxes:
  
     
  
     
  
     
Federal
   $      $      $  
State
                   2  
Deferred taxes:
                          
Federal
                    
Foreign
                    
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
                   2  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Income taxes charged (credited) to shareholders’ equity related to:
                          
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities
                    
Change in AFS securities with OTTI
                    
Change in foreign currency translation
                    
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total income taxes charged (credited) to shareholders’ equity
                    
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total effect of income taxes
   $      $      $ 2  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
114

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 11: Income Taxes (continued)

A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is presented in the following table:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
 
    
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Federal income tax computed at the statutory rate
     21.0%        21.0%        21.0%  
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:
                          
Change in valuation allowance
     (20.6)%        (20.3)%        (20.7)%  
State income tax, net of federal benefit
     0.0%        0.0%        (0.4)%  
Other
     (0.4)%        (0.7)%        (0.5)%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
     0.0%        0.0%        (0.6)%  
Deferred Tax Asset, Net of Valuation Allowance
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on tax assets and liabilities is recognized in inc
o
me in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 are presented in the following table:
 
 
  
As of
 
In millions
  
December 31,
2021
 
  
December 31,
2020
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
  
     
  
     
Unearned premium revenue
   $ 40      $ 48  
Deferred acquisition costs
     5        10  
Net unrealized gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income
     21        25  
Net deferred taxes on VIEs
     34        53  
Other
            6  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
     100        142  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets:
                 
Compensation and employee benefits
     8        9  
Accrued interest
     233        210  
Partnership basis difference
            10  
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
     45        98  
Net operating loss
     777        656  
Foreign tax credits
     58        61  
Other-than-temporary impairments and capital loss carryforward
     9         
Net unrealized gains and losses on insured derivatives
            10  
Net gains and losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     28        54  
Other
     4         
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total gross deferred tax assets
     1,162        1,108  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Valuation allowance
     1,062        966  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net deferred tax asset
   $      $  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 

115

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 11: Income Taxes (continued)
 

The Company assesses
 
the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of its existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the Company having a three-year cumulative loss. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as the Company’s projections of
pre-tax
income. On the basis of this evaluation, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax asset of $
1.1
 billion and $
966
 million as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company will continue to analyze the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis.
NOLs of property and casualty insurance companies are permitted to be carried back two years and carried forward 20 years, except where modified by the CARES Act as outlined below. NOLs of property and casualty insurance companies are not subject to the 80 percent taxable income limitation and indefinite lived carryforward period required by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act applicable to general corporate
NOLs. 
Treatment of Undistributed Earnings of Certain Foreign Subsidiaries—“Accounting for Income Taxes—Special Areas”
The Company’s amount of undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries was not material as of December 31, 2021.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
The Company’s policy is to record and disclose any change in unrecognized tax benefit (“UTB”) and related interest and/or penalties to income tax in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company includes interest as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had no UTB.
Federal income tax returns through 2011 have been examined or surveyed. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s NOL is approximately $3.7 billion. NOLs generated prior to tax reform and property and casualty NOLs generated after tax reform will expire between tax years 2031 through 2041. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has a foreign tax credit carryforward of $58 million, which will expire between tax years 2022 through 2031.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code
On May 2, 2018, MBIA Inc.’s shareholders ratified an amendment to the Company’s
By-Laws,
which had been adopted earlier by MBIA Inc.’s Board of Directors. The amendment places restrictions on certain acquisitions of Company stock that otherwise may have increased the likelihood of an ownership change within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. With certain exceptions, the amendment generally prohibits a person from becoming a “Section 382 five-percent shareholder” by acquiring, directly or by attribution, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.
COVID-19
Tax Impact
On March 27, 2020, as part of the business stimulus package in response to
COVID-19,
the U.S. government enacted the CARES Act. The CARES Act established new tax provisions including, but not limited to: (1) five-year carryback of NOLs generated in 2018, 2019 and 2020; (2) accelerated refund of alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforwards; and (3) retroactive changes to allow accelerated depreciation for certain depreciable property. The legislation did not have a material impact on the Company’s tax positions due to the lack of taxable income in the carryback periods. On December 21, 2020, The Consolidated Appropriations Act (“Act”) passed by Congress to respond to the health and economic impacts of
COVID-19.
The Act includes a number of tax law changes, including the expansion of Employee Retention Credit, important changes to Paycheck Protection Program, and extension of a variety of expiring tax provisions. On March 6, 2021, The American Rescue Plan Act was passed by Congress to further respond to the health and economic impacts of
COVID-19.
Among other
 
116

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 11: Income Taxes (continued)
 
changes, the legislation provides for an extension of the Employee Retention Credit through 2021. In November of 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act amended the law so that the Employee Retention Credit applied only to wages paid before October 1, 2021. These legislations do not have a material impact on the Company’s tax positions.
Note 12: Business Segments
As defined by segment reporting, 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 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.
The Company manages its businesses across three operating segments: 1) U.S. public finance insurance; 2) corporate; and 3) international and structured finance insurance. The Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business is operated through National and its international and structured finance insurance business is operated through MBIA Corp.
The following sections provide a description of each of the Company’s reportable operating segments.
U.S. Public Finance Insurance
The Company’s U.S. public finance insurance portfolio is managed 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, U.S. public finance insured obligations when due. The obligations are not subject to acceleration, except that National may have the right, at its discretion, to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise. National’s guarantees insure municipal bonds, including
tax-exempt
and taxable indebtedness of U.S. political subdivisions, as well as utilities, airports, health care institutions, higher educational facilities, 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.
Corporate
The Company’s corporate segment consists of general corporate activities, including providing support services to MBIA Inc.’s subsidiaries as well as asset and capital management. Support services are provided by the Company’s service company, MBIA Services, and include, among others, management, legal, accounting, treasury, information technology, and insurance portfolio surveillance, on a
fee-for-service
basis. Capital management includes activities related to servicing obligations issued by MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries, MBIA Global Funding, LLC (“GFL”) and MBIA Investment Management Corp. (“IMC”). MBIA Inc. issued debt to finance the operations of the MBIA group. GFL raised funds through the issuance of MTNs with varying maturities, which were in turn guaranteed by MBIA Corp. GFL lent the proceeds of these MTN issuances to MBIA Inc. IMC, along with MBIA Inc., provided 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. The Company has ceased issuing new MTNs and investment agreements and the outstanding liability balances and corresponding asset balances have declined over time as liabilities matured, terminated or were called or repurchased. During 2020, the remaining investment agreements issued by IMC matured. IMC was liquidated and dissolved in 2021. All of the debt within the corporate segment is managed collectively and is serviced by available liquidity.

 
117

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 12: Business Segments (continued)
 
International and Structured Finance Insurance
The Company’s international and structured finance insurance segment is principally conducted through MBIA Corp. The financial guarantees issued by MBIA Corp. generally provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, non-U.S. public finance and global structured 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. MBIA Corp. insures the investment contracts written by MBIA Inc., and if MBIA Inc. were to have insufficient assets to pay amounts due upon maturity or termination, MBIA Corp. would make such payments. MBIA Corp. insures debt obligations of the following affiliates:
 
 
 
MBIA Inc.;
 
 
 
GFL; and
 
 
 
MZ Funding LLC.
MBIA Corp. insures non-U.S. public finance and global structured finance obligations, including asset-backed obligations. MBIA Corp. has insured sovereign-related and sub-sovereign bonds, utilities, privately issued bonds used for the financing of projects that include toll roads, bridges, airports, public transportation facilities, and other types of infrastructure projects serving a substantial public purpose. Global structured finance and asset-backed obligations typically are securities repayable from expected cash flows generated by a specified pool of assets, such as residential and commercial mortgages, structured settlements, consumer loans, and corporate loans and bonds. MBIA Corp. has also written policies guaranteeing obligations under certain derivative contracts, including termination payments that may become due upon certain insolvency or payment defaults of the financial guarantor or the issuer. MBIA Corp. has not written any meaningful amount of business since 2008.
Segments Results
The following tables provide the Company’s segment results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
    
Year Ended December 31, 2021
 
In millions
  
U.S.
Public
Finance
Insurance
    
Corporate
    
International
and Structured
Finance
Insurance
    
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Revenues
(1)
  
$
85
 
  
$
20
 
  
$
43
 
  
$
 
 
$
148
 
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
  
 
(2)
 
  
 
56
 
  
 
(14)
 
  
 
 
 
 
40
 
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt
  
 
 
  
 
30
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
30
 
Other net realized gains (losses)
  
 
 
  
 
(7)
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
 
 
 
(6)
 
Revenues of consolidated VIEs
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
(23)
 
  
 
 
 
 
(23)
 
Inter-segment revenues
(2)
  
 
27
 
  
 
67
 
  
 
12
 
  
 
(106)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
  
 
110
 
  
 
166
 
  
 
19
 
  
 
(106)
 
 
 
189
 
Losses and loss adjustment
  
 
227
 
  
 
 
  
 
123
 
  
 
 
 
 
350
 
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and operating
  
 
17
 
  
 
71
 
  
 
9
 
  
 
 
 
 
97
 
Interest
  
 
 
  
 
56
 
  
 
107
 
  
 
 
 
 
163
 
Expenses of consolidated VIEs
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
24
 
  
 
 
 
 
24
 
Inter-segment expenses
(2)
  
 
45
 
  
 
22
 
  
 
38
 
  
 
(105)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total expenses
  
 
289
 
  
 
149
 
  
 
301
 
  
 
(105)
 
 
 
634
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  
$
(179)
 
  
$
17
 
  
$
(282)
 
  
$
(1)
 
 
$
(445)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Identifiable assets
  
$
3,313
 
  
$
873
 
  
$
2,800
 
  
$
(2,290)
(3)
 

$
4,696
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)—Consists of net premiums earned, net investment income, net realized investment gains (losses), insurance-related fees and reimbursements and other fees.
(2)—Primarily represents intercompany service charges and intercompany net investment income and expense.
(3)—Consists principally of intercompany reinsurance balances.
118

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 12: Business Segments
 
(continued)
 
 
    
Year Ended December 31, 2020
 
In millions
  
U.S.
Public
Finance
Insurance
    
Corporate
    
International
and Structured
Finance
Insurance
    
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Revenues
(1)
  
$
139
 
  
$
31
 
  
$
29
 
  
$
 
 
$
199
 
Net change in fair value of insured derivatives
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
6
 
  
 
 
 
 
6
 
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
  
 
2
 
  
 
(74)
 
  
 
(14)
 
  
 
 
 
 
(86)
 
Other net realized gains (losses)
  
 
(1)
 
  
 
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues of consolidated VIEs
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
163
 
  
 
 
 
 
163
 
Inter-segment revenues
(2)
  
 
28
 
  
 
66
 
  
 
12
 
  
 
(106)
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total revenues
  
 
168
 
  
 
23
 
  
 
197
 
  
 
(106)
 
 
 
282
 
Losses and loss adjustment
  
 
163
 
  
 
 
  
 
367
 
  
 
 
 
 
530
 
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and operating
  
 
14
 
  
 
69
 
  
 
14
 
  
 
 
 
 
97
 
Interest
  
 
 
  
 
65
 
  
 
113
 
  
 
 
 
 
178
 
Expenses of consolidated VIEs
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
55
 
  
 
 
 
 
55
 
Inter-segment expenses
(2)
  
 
45
 
  
 
22
 
  
 
39
 
  
 
(106)
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Total expenses
  
 
222
 
  
 
156
 
  
 
588
 
  
 
(106)
 
 
 
860
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  
$
(54)
 
  
$
(133)
 
  
$
(391)
 
  
$
 
 
$
(578)
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
Identifiable assets
  
$
3,644
 
  
$
954
 
  
$
3,671
 
  
$
(2,518)
(3)
 
 
$
5,751
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
(1)—Consists of net premiums earned, net investment income, net realized investment gains (losses), insurance-related fees and reimbursements and other fees.
(2)—Primarily represents intercompany service charges and intercompany net investment income and expense.
(3)—Consists primarily of intercompany reinsurance balances.

 
 
  
Year Ended December 31, 2019
 
In millions
  
U.S.
Public
Finance
Insurance
 
  
Corporate
 
  
International
and Structured
Finance
Insurance
 
  
Eliminations
 
  
Consolidated
 
Revenues
(1)
  
$
263
 
  
$
32
 
  
$
35
 
  
$
 
  
$
330
 
Net change in fair value of insured derivatives
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
15
 
  
 
 
  
 
15
 
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
  
 
15
 
  
 
(59)
 
  
 
(34)
 
  
 
 
  
 
(78)
 
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments
  
 
(67)
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
(67)
 
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt
  
 
 
  
 
(1)
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
(1)
 
Other net realized gains (losses)
  
 
2
 
  
 
(2)
 
  
 
4
 
  
 
 
  
 
4
 
Revenues of consolidated VIEs
  
 
21
 
  
 
1
 
  
 
55
 
  
 
 
  
 
77
 
Inter-segment revenues
(2)
  
 
28
 
  
 
62
 
  
 
21
 
  
 
(111)
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total revenues
  
 
262
 
  
 
33
 
  
 
96
 
  
 
(111)
 
  
 
280
 
Losses and loss adjustment
  
 
53
 
  
 
 
  
 
189
 
  
 
 
  
 
242
 
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and operating
  
 
13
 
  
 
69
 
  
 
21
 
  
 
 
  
 
103
 
Interest
  
 
 
  
 
73
 
  
 
128
 
  
 
 
  
 
201
 
Expenses of consolidated VIEs
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
91
 
  
 
 
  
 
91
 
Inter-segment expenses
(2)
  
 
52
 
  
 
23
 
  
 
36
 
  
 
(111)
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total expenses
  
 
118
 
  
 
165
 
  
 
465
 
  
 
(111)
 
  
 
637
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  
$
144
 
  
$
(132)
 
  
$
(369)
 
  
$
 
  
$
(357)
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Consists of net premiums earned, net investment income, net realized investment gains (losses), insurance-related fees and reimbursements and other fees.
(2)—Primarily represents intercompany service charges and intercompany net investment income and expense.
 
119

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 12: Business Segments (continued)
 
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 years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
 
In millions
  
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Total premiums earned:
                          
United States
   $ 45      $ 55      $ 63  
Other Americas
     29        16        17  
Other
     1        2        5  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 75      $ 73      $ 85  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Note 13: Insurance in Force
The Company guarantees the payment of principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, municipal, asset-backed, mortgage-backed and other
non-municipal
securities. The Company’s insurance in force represents the aggregate amount of the insured principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations. The Company’s ultimate exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the issuer of the insured obligation is represented by the insurance in force in the tables that follow.
The financial guarantees issued by the Company 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 in the event the Company has the right, at its discretion, to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise. 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’s or MBIA Corp.’s upon the payment of a claim by either National or MBIA Corp.

 
120

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 13: Insurance in Force (continued)
 
As of December 31, 2021, insurance in force, which represents principal and interest or other amounts owing on insured obligations, had an expected maturity through
 2058
. The distribution of MBIA Corp.’s and National’s combined insurance in force by geographic location, excluding financial obligations guaranteed by MBIA Corp. on behalf of affiliated companies, is presented in the following table:​​​​​​​
 
    
As of December 31,
 
$ in billions
  
2021
    
2020
 
Geographic Location
  
Insurance
in Force
    
% of
Insurance
in Force
    
Insurance
in Force
    
% of
Insurance
in Force
 
California
   $ 16.8        21.4%      $ 20.0        21.9%  
Illinois
     8.2        10.4%        8.9        9.7%  
New Jersey
     4.5        5.8%        5.4        5.9%  
Hawaii
     3.9        5.0%        4.1        4.4%  
Texas
     3.1        4.0%        3.7        4.0%  
Virginia
     3.0        3.9%        3.2        3.6%  
Puerto Rico
     2.7        3.4%        2.9        3.2%  
New York
     2.4        3.0%        3.0        3.3%  
Oregon
     2.3        2.9%        2.7        2.9%  
Colorado
     2.0        2.5%        2.1        2.3%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Subtotal
     48.9        62.3%        56.0        61.2%  
Nationally Diversified
     7.5        9.6%        8.7        9.5%  
Other states
     17.3        22.0%        19.8        21.7%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total United States
     73.7        93.9%        84.5        92.4%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Internationally Diversified
     0.3        0.3%        0.3        0.3%  
Country specific
     4.5        5.8%        6.6        7.3%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
non-United
States
     4.8        6.1%        6.9        7.6%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 78.5        100.0%      $ 91.4        100.0%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
121

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 13: Insurance in Force (continued)
 
The insurance in force and insured gross par outstanding by type of bond, excluding financial obligations guaranteed by MBIA Corp. on behalf of affiliated companies, are presented in the following table:

 
 
  
As of December 31,
 
$ in billions
  
    2021    
 
  
    2020    
 
Bond type
  
Insurance
in Force
 
  
Gross Par
Amount
 
  
Insurance
in Force
 
  
Gross Par
Amount
 
Global public finance—United States:
                                   
General obligation
(1)
   $ 22.1      $ 10.7      $ 25.0      $ 12.1  
Military housing
     14.3        6.9        14.8        7.0  
Tax-backed
     14.2        6.8        15.7        7.9  
Municipal utilities
     8.7        6.0        10.6        7.3  
Transportation
     7.7        2.6        9.2        3.0  
General obligation—lease
     1.7        1.2        2.4        1.9  
Higher education
     1.3        1.0        1.5        1.1  
Health care
     1.0        0.7        1.2        0.8  
Investor-owned utilities
(2)
     0.6        0.5        0.9        0.6  
Other
(3)
     0.1        0.1        0.1        0.1  
Municipal housing
                   0.1        0.1  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total United States
     71.7        36.5        81.5        41.9  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Global public finance—non-United States:
                                   
Sovereign-related and sub-sovereign
(4)
     2.0        1.6        2.8        2.1  
Transportation
     1.2        1.0        2.1        1.8  
International utilities
     0.5        0.5        0.9        0.8  
Other
(5)
     0.1        0.1        0.1        0.1  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
non-United
States
     3.8        3.2        5.9        4.8  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total global public finance
     75.5        39.7        87.4        46.7  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Global structured finance:
                                   
Mortgage-backed residential
     1.5        1.0        2.0        1.5  
Corporate asset-backed
(6)
     0.6        0.4        0.8        0.6  
Mortgage-backed commercial
     0.4        0.2        0.5        0.2  
Collateralized debt obligations
     0.3        0.2        0.4        0.3  
Consumer asset-backed
     0.2        0.2        0.3        0.3  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total global structured finance
     3.0        2.0        4.0        2.9  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
   $ 78.5      $ 41.7      $ 91.4      $ 49.6  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Includes general obligation unlimited and limited (property) tax bonds, general fund obligation bonds and pension obligation bonds of states, cities, counties, schools and special districts.
(2)—Includes investor owned utilities, industrial development and pollution control revenue bonds.
(3)—Includes stadium related financings and certain non-profit enterprises.
(4)—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.
(5)—Includes municipal owned entities backed by sponsoring local government and tax backed transactions.
(6)—As of December 31, 2020, all remaining insurance in force and gross par relating to structured insurance securitizations was terminated.
Affiliated Financial Obligations Insured by MBIA Corp.
Investment agreement contracts and MTNs issued by the Company’s corporate segment and the Refinanced Facility issued by the Company’s international and structured finance insurance segment are insured by MBIA Corp. and are not included in the previous tables. If MBIA Inc. or these subsidiaries were to have insufficient assets to pay amounts due, MBIA Corp. would be obligated to make such payments under its insurance policies. As of December 31, 2021, the maximum amount of future payments that MBIA Corp. could be required to make
 
122

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 13: Insurance in Force (continued)
 
under these guarantees is $1.3 billion. These guarantees, which mature through 2037, were entered into on an arm’s length basis. 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.
Reinsured Exposure
Reinsurance enables the Company to cede exposure for purposes of syndicating risk. 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. At this time, the Company does not intend to utilize reinsurance to decrease the insured exposure in its portfolio.
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. The Company remains liable on a primary basis for all reinsured risk. MBIA believes that its reinsurers remain capable of meeting their obligations, although, there can be no assurance of such in the future.
The aggregate amount of insurance in force ceded by MBIA to reinsurers was $2.2 billion and $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of insured par outstanding ceded by MBIA to reinsurers under reinsurance agreements was $1.0 billion compared with $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021, $0.8 billion of the ceded par outstanding was ceded from the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance segment and $169 million was ceded from the Company’s international and structured finance insurance segment. Under National’s reinsurance agreement with MBIA Corp., if a reinsurer of MBIA Corp. is unable to pay claims ceded by MBIA Corp. on U.S. public finance exposure, National will assume liability for such ceded claim payments. The following table presents information about the Company’s reinsurance agreements as of December 31, 2021 for its U.S. public finance and international and structured finance insurance operations.​​​​​​​
 
In millions
                                 
Reinsurers
  
Standard &
Poor’s Rating
(Status)
    
Moody’s Rating
(Status)
   
Ceded Par
Outstanding
    
Letters of
Credit/Trust
Accounts
    
Reinsurance
Recoverable/
(Payable)
(1)
 
Assured Guaranty Re Ltd.
 
   AA
 
 
   WR
(2)
 
  $ 503      $ 15      $ (2)  
       (Stable Outlook)                                     
Assured Guaranty Corp.
 
   AA
 
 
   A3
 
    463               (45)  
       (Stable Outlook)        (Stable Outlook)                            
Others
 
  
A+ or above
 
 
  
WR
(2)
 or above
 
 
 
51
 
  
 
 
  
 
(1)
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
$
1,017
 
  
$
15
 
  
$
(48)
 
                     
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
(1)—Total reinsurance recoverable/(payable) is primarily related to recoverables on unpaid losses net of (payables) on salvage received.
(2)—Represents a withdrawal of ratings.
Note 14: Insurance Regulations and Dividends
National and MBIA Insurance Corporation are subject to insurance regulations and supervision of the State of New York (their state of domicile) and all U.S. and
non-U.S.
jurisdictions in which they are licensed to conduct insurance business. In order to maintain their New York State financial guarantee insurance license, National and MBIA Insurance Corporation are required to maintain a minimum of $65 million of policyholders’ surplus. MBIA Mexico is regulated by the Comisión Nacional de Seguros y Fianzas in Mexico. MBIA Corp.’s Spanish Branch is subject to local regulation in Spain. The extent of insurance regulation and supervision varies by jurisdiction, but New York and most other jurisdictions have laws and regulations prescribing minimum standards of solvency and business conduct, which must be maintained by insurance companies. Among other things,
these
laws
prescribe
 
123

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 14: Insurance Regulations and Dividends (continued)
 
permitted classes and concentrations of investments and limit both the aggregate and individual securities risks that National and MBIA Insurance Corporation may insure on a net basis based on the type of obligations insured. In addition, some insurance laws and regulations require the approval or filing of policy forms and rates. National and MBIA Insurance Corporation are required to file detailed annual financial statements with the NYSDFS. The operations and accounts of National and MBIA Insurance Corporation are subject to examination by regulatory agencies at regular intervals.
Statutory Capital and Regulations
National
For 2021, 2020 and 2019, National had a statutory net income of
$55 
million, statutory net loss of
$82 
million and statutory net income of $39 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, National’s statutory capital was
$2.0 
billion, consisting of policyholders’ surplus of
$1.6 billion and contingency reserves of $402 million. As of December 31, 2020, National had statutory capital of $2.0 
billion.
As
of December 31, 2020, National was in compliance with its aggregate risk limits under NYIL, but was not in compliance with certain of its single risk limits.
MBIA Insurance Corporation
For 2021, 2020 and 2019, MBIA Insurance Corporation had statutory net losses of
$129 million
,
 $202 
million and $141 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Insurance Corporation’s statutory capital was
$134 million, consisting of policyholders’ surplus of $97 million and contingency reserves of $37 million. As of December 31, 2020, MBIA Insurance Corporation had statutory capital of $273 million. MBIA Insurance Corporation’s policyholders’ surplus as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 included negative unassigned surplus of $1.9 billion. MBIA Insurance Corporation’s policyholders’ surplus may be further negatively impacted if future additional insured losses are incurred.
As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Insurance Corporation was in compliance with its aggregate risk limits under the NYIL, but was not in compliance with certain of its single risk limits. If new overages occur with respect to its single risk limits, MBIA Insurance Corporation will report them to the NYSDFS.

Dividends
NYIL regulates the payment of dividends by financial guarantee insurance companies and provides that such companies may not declare or distribute dividends except out of statutory earned surplus. Under NYIL, the sum of (i) the amount of dividends declared or distributed during the preceding
12-month
period and (ii) the dividend to be declared may not exceed the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders’ surplus, as reported in the latest statutory financial statements or (b) 100% of adjusted net investment income for such
12-month
period (the net investment income for such
12-month
period plus the excess, if any, of net investment income over dividends declared or distributed during the
two-year
period preceding such
12-month
period), unless the Superintendent of the NYSDFS approves a greater dividend distribution based upon a finding that the insurer will retain sufficient surplus to support its obligations.
During 2021 and 2020, National declared and paid dividends of $60 million and $81 million, respectively, to its ultimate parent, MBIA Inc.
In 2021, MBIA Insurance Corporation did not declare or pay any dividends to MBIA Inc. or the holders of its preferred stock. MBIA Insurance Corporation is currently unable to pay dividends, including those related to its preferred stock, as a result of its earned surplus deficit as of December 31, 2021 and is not expected to have any statutory capacity to pay dividends in the near term. In connection with MBIA Insurance Corporation obtaining approval from the NYSDFS to release excess contingency reserves in previous periods, MBIA Insurance Corporation agreed that it would not pay any dividends without prior approval from the NYSDFS.
 
124

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15: Benefit Plans
Long-term Incentive Plans
Plan Description
The Company maintains the MBIA Inc. 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), as amended on May 7, 2009, May 1, 2012 and May 5, 2020. Under the Omnibus Plan a maximum of 16,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock can be used for any type of award including stock options, performance shares, performance units, restricted stock, restricted stock units and dividend equivalents. Any shares issued under the Omnibus Plan in connection with stock options shall be counted against this limit as 1 share covered by such option. For all awards other than stock options, any shares issued shall be counted against this limit as 1.28 shares for every share issued after the May 1, 2012 amendment and two shares for every share issued prior to the May 1, 2012 amendment. Currently, the Company grants restricted stock.
Under the restricted stock component of the Omnibus Plan, certain employees are granted restricted shares of the Company’s common stock. These awards have a restriction period lasting between three to seven years depending on the type of award, after which time the awards fully vest. During the vesting period, these shares may not be sold. Restricted stock may be granted to all employees.
There were 2,085,874 shares available for future grants under the Omnibus Plan as of December 31, 2021.
In accordance with accounting guidance for share-based payments, the Company expenses the fair value of stock-based compensation
as described in the following sections. In addition, the guidance classifies share-based payment awards as either liability awards, which
are remeasured at fair value at each balance sheet date, or equity awards, which are measured on the grant date and not subsequently remeasured. Generally, awards with cash-based settlement repurchase features or that are settled at a fixed dollar amount are classified
as liability awards, and changes in fair value will be reported in earnings. Awards with net-settlement features are classified as equity
awards and changes in fair value are not reported in earnings. The Company’s long-term incentive plans include features which result in
equity awards. In addition, the guidance requires the use of a forfeiture estimate. The Company uses historical employee termination information to estimate the forfeiture rate applied to current stock-based awards.
The Company maintains voluntary retirement benefits, which provide certain benefits to eligible employees of the Company upon retirement. A description of these benefits is included in the Company’s proxy statement. One of the components of the retirement program for those employees that are retirement eligible is to continue to vest all performance-based restricted stock awards beyond the retirement date in accordance with the original vesting terms and to immediately vest all outstanding time-based restricted stock grants. The accounting guidance for share-based payment requires compensation costs for those employees to be recognized from the date of grant through the retirement eligible date. Accelerated expense, if any, relating to this retirement benefit for restricted stock awards has been included in the compensation expense amounts. Refer to the “Performance Based Awards” section below for additional information on compensation expense.

Restricted Stock
The fair value of the restricted shares awarded, net of cancellations, determined on the grant date during 2021 and 2020 was $7 million in each of the years, respectively. The amount of unearned compensation, net of estimated forfeitures, was $21 million as of December 31, 2021, which is expected to be recognized as expense over a weighted average period of 2.03 years. Unearned compensation is amortized to expense over the appropriate vesting period.
Compensation expense related to the restricted shares, net of estimated forfeitures, was $12 million, $11 million and $12 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. There was no tax charge related to the restricted share awards during 2021, 2020 and 2019 after consideration of the Company’s valuation
allowance
.

125

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15: Benefit Plans (continued)
 
A summary of the Company’s restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, and changes during the years ended on those dates, is presented in the following table:
 
    
Restricted Share Activity
 
    
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
    
Number of
Shares
    
Weighted
Average Price
Per Share
    
Number of
Shares
    
Weighted
Average Price
Per Share
    
Number of
Shares
    
Weighted
Average Price
Per Share
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
     5,454,807      $ 9.5344        5,146,828      $ 10.0958        5,044,616      $ 9.7986  
Granted
     978,866        6.8492        1,003,720        6.8150        711,176        11.4185  
Vested
     (526,037)        8.4418        (448,455)        8.9834        (416,676)        9.0332  
Forfeited
                   (247,286)        11.1800        (192,288)        9.4917  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Outstanding at end of year
     5,907,636      $ 9.1868        5,454,807      $ 9.5344        5,146,828      $ 10.0958  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Performance Based Awards
During 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company granted 502,822, 502,738 and 221,213
restricted shares, respectively, to certain key employees which have a vesting schedule dependent on the achievement of certain stock price targets of the Company. The grants and corresponding compensation expense have been included in the above restricted stock disclosures. As permitted by the accounting guidance for share-based payments, the Company estimates the fair value of awards that contain market performance conditions at the date of grant using a binomial lattice model with a Monte Carlo simulation and recognizes compensation cost over the requisite service period. The binomial lattice model can better incorporate assumptions about a stock price path because the model can accommodate a large number of potential stock prices over the award’s term in comparison to the Black-Scholes model. The Company estimates the fair value of awards that contain internal performance conditions at the date of grant and recognizes compensation cost over the requisite service period if it is probable that the internal performance conditions will be achieved. The Company reassesses the probability of vesting at each reporting period and the final compensation cost associated with awards dependent on the achievement of certain internal performance conditions will reflect only those awards that ultimately vest. As of December 31, 2021 certain previously awarded grants exceeded the stock price performance target. The corresponding issuance of additional shares has been included in the above restricted stock disclosures. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, certain previously awarded grants did not meet the stock price performance target or the internal performance conditions. The corresponding cancellation of shares and expense reversal, if applicable, have been included in the above restricted stock disclosures.
Pension, 401(k) and Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company maintains a qualified
non-contributory
defined contribution pension plan to which the Company contributes 10% of each eligible employee’s annual compensation. Annual compensation for determining such contributions consists of base salary and bonus, as applicable, up to a maximum of $2 million. Pension benefits vest over the first five-year period of employment with 20% vested after two years, 60% vested after three years, 80% vested after four years and 100% vested after five years. The Company funds the annual pension contribution by the following February of each applicable year.
The Company also maintains a qualified 401(k) plan. The plan is a voluntary contributory plan that allows eligible employees to defer compensation for federal income tax purposes under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Employees may contribute, through payroll deductions, up to 25% of eligible compensation. The Company matches employee contributions up to the first 5% of such compensation. The 401(k) matching contributions are made in the form of cash, whereby participants may direct the Company match to an investment of their choice. The 401(k) matching benefits vest over the first five-year period of employment with 20% vested after two years, 60% vested after three years, 80% vested after four years and 100% vested after five years. Generally, a participating employee is entitled to distributions from the plans upon termination of employment, retirement, death or
disability
.

126

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 15: Benefit Plans (continued)
 
In addition to the above two plans, the Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Contributions to the above qualified plans that exceed limitations established by federal regulations are then contributed to the non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
Expenses related to these plans for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $4 million in each of the years.
Note 16: Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is calculated using the
two-class
method in which earnings are allocated to common stock and participating securities based on their rights to receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents. The Company grants restricted stock to certain employees and
non-employee
directors in accordance with the Company’s long-term incentive programs, which entitle the participants to receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting period on the same basis as those dividends are paid to common shareholders. These unvested stock awards represent participating securities. During periods of net income, the calculation of earnings per share exclude the income attributable to participating securities in the numerator and the dilutive impact of these securities from the denominator. During periods of net loss, no effect is given to participating securities in the numerator and the denominator excludes the dilutive impact of these securities since they do not share in the losses of the Company.
Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) 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 unvested restricted stock outstanding during the period that could potentially result in the issuance of common stock. The dilution from unvested restricted stock is calculated by applying the
two-class
method and using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method assumes the proceeds from the unrecognized compensation expense from unvested restricted stock will be used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at the average market price during the period. If the potentially dilutive securities disclosed in the table below become vested, the transaction would be net share settled resulting in a significantly lower impact to the outstanding share balance in comparison to the total amount of the potentially dilutive securities. During periods of net loss, unvested restricted stock is excluded from the calculation because they would have an antidilutive affect. Therefore, in periods of net loss, the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share would result in the same value.
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
    
Years Ended December 31,
 
In millions except per share amounts
  
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Basic earnings per share:
                          
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
   $ (445)      $ (578)      $ (359)  
Basic weighted average shares
(1)
     49.5        59.1        81.0  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per basic common share
   $ (8.99)      $ (9.78)      $ (4.43)  
Diluted earnings per share:
                          
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
     (445)        (578)        (359)  
Diluted weighted average shares
     49.5        59.1        81.0  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per diluted common share
   $ (8.99)      $ (9.78)      $ (4.43)  
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the diluted EPS because of antidilutive affect

     5.1        4.6        4.3  
 
(1) Includes 0.9 million, 0.9 million and 1.0 million of participating securities that met the service condition and were eligible to receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 
127

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 17: Common and Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Share Repurchases
Purchases or repurchases of common 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. The Company believes that share purchases or repurchases can be an appropriate deployment of capital in excess of amounts needed to support the Company’s liquidity while maintaining the claims-paying resources of MBIA Corp. and National, as well as other business needs. Currently, MBIA Inc. or National does not have an authorization approved by the Company’s Board of Directors to repurchase or purchase outstanding MBIA Inc. common shares. The following table provides information about the Company’s or National’s share purchases or repurchases for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
In millions, except per share amounts
  
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Number of shares purchased or repurchased
            26.4        11.1  
Average price paid per share
   $      $ 7.50      $ 9.12  
Remaining authorization as of December 31
   $      $      $ 101  
Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2021, MBIA Insurance Corporation had 2,759 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding with a carrying value of $28 million, including 1,444 shares held by MBIA Inc. that were purchased at a weighted average price of $10,900 per share or 10.9% of face value and 1,315 shares held by unaffiliated investors. During
2021
, MBIA Inc. did not repurchase any additional shares.
In accordance with MBIA’s fixed-rate election, the dividend rate on the preferred stock was determined using a fixed-rate equivalent of LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Each share of preferred stock has a par value of $1,000 with a liquidation preference of $100,000. The holders of the preferred stock are generally not entitled to any voting rights. Subject to certain requirements, the preferred stock may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of MBIA Corp. at any time or from time to time for cash at a redemption price equal to the liquidation preference per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon at the date of redemption for the then current dividend period and any previously accumulated dividends payable without interest on such unpaid dividends. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no dividends declared on the preferred stock. Payment of dividends on MBIA Corp.’s preferred stock is subject to the same restrictions that apply to dividends on common stock under NYIL.
 
128

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 18: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income​​​​​​​
The following table presents the changes in the components of AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
In millions
  
Unrealized
    Gains (Losses)    
on AFS
Securities, Net
    
Foreign
    Currency    
Translation, Net
    
Instrument-Specific

Credit Risk of
Liabilities Measured
at Fair Value, Net
    
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2019
   $ (39)      $ (7)      $ (110)      $ (156)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
     139               (25)        114  
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
     12               28        40  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net period other comprehensive income (loss)
     151               3        154  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2019
   $ 112      $ (7)      $ (107)      $ (2)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
     83        (3)        50        130  
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
     (19)               6        (13)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net period other comprehensive income (loss)
     64        (3)        56        117  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2020
  
$
176     
$
(10)     
$
(51)     
$
115  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
     (26)        4        (17)        (39)  
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
     (12)               36        24  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net period other comprehensive income (loss)
     (38)        4        19        (15)  
  
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2021
  
$
138     
$
(6)     
$
(32)     
$
100  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
The following table presents the details of the reclassifications from AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
 
In millions
  
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
         Years Ended December 31,         
      
Details about AOCI Components
  
2021
    
2020
    
2019
    
Affected Line Item on the Consolidated
Statements of Operations
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities:
                               
Realized gain (loss) on sale of securities
   $ 12      $ 19      $ 14      Net
 
realized investment
 
gains (losses) 
Credit losses
                   (25)
   Net investment losses related to OTTI
Amortization on securities
                   (1)
   Net investment income
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
      
       12        19        (12)
   Income (loss) before income taxes
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
      
       12        19        (12)
  
Net income (loss)
Instrument-specific credit risk of
liabilities:
           
Settlement of liabilities
     (36)        (6)        (28)
   Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
      
Total reclassifications for the period
   $ (24)      $ 13      $ (40)
  
Net income (loss)
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
      
Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies
MBIA has received subpoenas or informal inquiries from a variety of regulators, regarding a variety of subjects. MBIA has cooperated fully with each of these regulators and has or is in the process of satisfying all such requests. MBIA may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

 
129

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
 
Litigation
Tilton v. MBIA Inc.,
Index No. 68880/2015 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Westchester County)
On November 2, 2015, Lynn Tilton and Patriarch Partners XV, LLC filed a complaint in New York State Supreme Court, Westchester County, against MBIA Inc. and MBIA Corp., seeking damages based on allegations of fraudulent inducement and related claims arising from purported promises made in connection with insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp. on certain collateralized loan obligations managed by Ms. Tilton and affiliated Patriarch entities. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on January 15, 2016. In December of 2021, the parties agreed to settle the dispute and it was dismissed with prejudice.
Tilton et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al.,
Adversary Case No. 19-50390 (KBO) (Bankr. Del.)
On October 1, 2019, Lynn Tilton and certain affiliated entities commenced an adversary proceeding in the Zohar Funds Bankruptcy Cases against MBIA Inc., MBIA Corp. and other Zohar Funds creditor seeking the equitable subordination of those creditors’ claims with respect to the Zohar Funds. Plaintiffs claim they are entitled to relief due to inequitable and unfair conduct by defendants. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on January 6, 2022, which the defendants have moved to dismiss in its entirety. Those motion to dismiss will be fully submitted, argument is scheduled to be heard, as of March 3, 2022.
Zohar CDO 2003-1, Ltd., et al. v. Patriarch Partners, LLC et al.,
Case No. 1:17-cv-0307-WHP (S.D.N.Y.)
On November 27, 2017, Lynn Tilton and certain affiliated entities including Patriarch Partners, LLC commenced a third-party complaint against MBIA Inc., MBIA Insurance Corp. and other Zohar Fund stakeholders seeking damages for alleged breaches of the contracts governing the Zohar Funds and additional alleged legal duties and obligations relating to the Funds. On December 22, 2020, the Company and the other third-party defendants moved to dismiss the third-party complaint. On July 6, 2021, following the completion of briefing on those motions to dismiss, the presiding judge, the Honorable William H. Pauley died, and the case was reassigned to the Honorable P. Kevin Castel. On September 29, 2021, Judge Castel issued a decision on the motions to dismiss; granting them almost in full, with certain claims being stayed rather than dismissed, pending further developments in the Adversary Proceedings pending in the Zohar Funds Bankruptcy Cases in Delaware Bankruptcy Court.
MBIA Insurance Corp. v. Tilton et al.,
Adversary Case No. 20-50776 (KBO) (Bankr. Del.)
On July 30, 2020, MBIA Corp. commenced an adversary proceeding in the Zohar Funds Bankruptcy Cases against Lynn Tilton and certain affiliated entities seeking damages incurred by MBIA Corp. in connection with insurance policies it issued on senior notes issued by Zohar I and Zohar II. On July 23, 2021, the court denied in part and granted in part Tilton’s and her affiliated defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint. The court denied defendants’ motion with respect to MBIA’s claims for breach of contract, tortious interference, unjust enrichment, and malicious prosecution of claims commenced by Tilton in Delaware. On February 1, 2022, MBIA filed an Amended Complaint consistent with the court’s rulings on defendants’ motion to dismiss and related filings.
The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, as representative of The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, et al.
,
Case No.
 17 BK
4780-LTS
(
D.P.R. July 19, 2017) (Swain, J.)

On July 18, 2017, National, together with other PREPA bondholders, asked the court overseeing PREPA’s Title III bankruptcy proceeding to lift the automatic bankruptcy stay, and permit bondholders to seek appointment of a receiver to oversee PREPA. On September 14, 2017, the court held that PROMESA barred relief from the stay. The bondholders appealed the decision to the First Circuit. On August 8, 2018, the First Circuit issued an order reversing the Court’s decision on jurisdictional grounds and remanding the motion. On October 3, 2018, National, together with other monolines filed an updated motion for relief from the automatic stay to allow Movants to exercise their statutory right to have a receiver appointed at PREPA. The Oversight Board filed a motion to dismiss the receiver motion. These motions have been stayed until five business days following the ruling on the PREPA 9019 Settlement Motion. The PREPA 9019 Settlement Motion has been adjourned until further order of the Court.
130

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
On May 3, 2019, PREPA, the Oversight Board, the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (“AAFAF”), the Ad Hoc Group of PREPA bondholders (the “Ad Hoc Group”), and Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. (“Assured”) (together, the “RSA Parties”) entered into the RSA. On September 9, 2019 National, Syncora Guarantee Inc. (“Syncora”), and the RSA Parties agreed on an amendment to the RSA pursuant to which National and Syncora joined the RSA. The RSA includes the agreement for resolving PREPA’s restructuring plan issues and arrangements.
Pursuant to the RSA, the Oversight Board filed a Rule 9019 motion with the Title III court in May of 2019 seeking approval of the RSA (the “Settlement Motion”). The RSA requires, upon entry of the order approving the Settlement Motion (the “9019 Order”), that Movants will withdraw the Receiver Motion, and the Ad Hoc Group will support such withdrawal. As contemplated by the RSA, on July 1, 2019, the Oversight Board and AAFAF also filed an adversary complaint against the Trustee for the PREPA Bonds, challenging the validity of the liens arising under the Trust Agreement that secure insured obligations of National. The adversary proceeding is stayed until the earlier of (a) 60 days after the Court denies the Settlement Motion, (b) consummation of a Plan, (c) 60 days after the filing by the Oversight Board and AAFAF of a Litigation Notice, or (d) further order of the Court. The hearing for the Settlement Motion has been adjourned until further order of the Court.
Cortland Capital Market Services LLC, et al. v. The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico et al.,
Case
No. 19-00396
(D.P.R. July 9, 2019) (Swain, J.)
On July 9, 2019, the “Fuel Line Lenders,” parties who extended approximately $700 million to PREPA beginning in 2012 to fund fuel purchases, filed an adversary complaint against the Oversight Board, PREPA, AAFAF, and the Trustee for the PREPA Bonds, alleging that they are entitled to be paid in full before National and other bondholders have any lien on or recourse to PREPA’s assets, including pursuant to the RSA. On September 30, 2019, the Fuel Line Lenders filed an amended complaint which added National, Assured, Syncora, and the Ad Hoc Group as defendants. Defendants moved to dismiss the Fuel Line Lenders’ adversary complaint on November 11, 2019. The Fuel Line Lenders filed their opposition to the motion to dismiss on December 5, 2019. Defendants’ reply in support of the motion to dismiss was filed February 3, 2020. The hearing on the motion to dismiss was adjourned until the Court determines when the 9019 Settlement Motion and related litigation will recommence.
The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, as Representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, et al. v. the Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority,
Case
No. 18-00149
(D.P.R. December 21, 2018) (Swain, J.)
On December 21, 2018, the Oversight Board and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of all Debtors other than COFINA filed an adversary complaint against the PBA, seeking a declaration that leases purportedly entered into by PBA are in fact disguised financing transactions and that PBA therefore has no right under PROMESA or the Bankruptcy Code to receive post-petition payments from the Title III debtors or administrative claims against the debtors. On January 28, 2019, National filed a motion to intervene in the proceeding. On March 12, 2019, the Court granted National’s intervention motion. On March 19, 2019, National filed an answer to the complaint. On September 27, 2019, the Oversight Board filed a voluntary petition for relief for PBA pursuant to PROMESA, commencing a case under Title III. The complaint has been stayed indefinitely by order of the Court. As part of the GO PSA, National has agreed to stay its participation in this litigation subject to the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment.
The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, as Representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, et al. v. National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation, et al
., Case No. 19-00291 (D.P.R. May 2, 2019) (Swain, J.)
On May 2, 2019, the Oversight Board and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of all Title III Debtors (other than COFINA) (the “Committee”) filed lien avoidance adversary complaints against several hundred defendants, including National, challenging the existence, extent, and enforceability of GO bondholders’ liens. After an approximately five-month stay of litigation entered by the Court on July 24, 2019, these adversary
 
131

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies
 
(continued)
 
proceedings resumed pursuant to an interim schedule entered by the Court in December 2019. On February 5, 2020, National and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. filed a motion to dismiss the adversary proceeding. The motion has been stayed indefinitely by order of the Court. As part of the GO PSA, National has agreed to stay its participation in this litigation subject to the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment.
The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, as Representative of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, et al.,
Case No. 17-03567 LTS (D.P.R. July 17, 2020) (Swain, J.)
On July 17, 2020, National, Ambac Assurance Corporation, Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company sought appointment as trustees under Section 926 of Title 11 of the United States Code to pursue certain claims on behalf of HTA against the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. On August 11, 2020, the Court denied the motion. The movants appealed to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and briefing is underway. As part of the GO PSA and HTA PSA, National’s participation in this litigation will be stayed subject to the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment.
National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation et al. v. UBS Financial Services, Inc. et al.,
No. SJ2019CV07932 (Superior Court San Juan)
On August 8, 2019, National and MBIA Corp. filed suit in the Court of First Instance in San Juan, Puerto Rico against UBS Financial Services, Inc., UBS Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Merrill Lynch, Fenner & Smith Inc., RBC Capital Markets LLC, and Santander Securities LLC, bringing two claims under Puerto Rico law: doctrina de actos propios (the doctrine of one’s own acts) and unilateral declaration of will. These claims concern the insurance by National of bonds issued by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its instrumentalities that were underwritten by these defendants. National alleges that, when the defendants solicited bond insurance, they represented through their acts that they would investigate certain information they provided to National and that they had a reasonable basis to believe that information was true and complete. National further alleges that the defendants did not perform such investigations and that key information was untrue or incomplete. National seeks damages to be proven at trial. On September 16, 2020, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. National filed its objection to that motion on October 7, 2020, and briefing concluded on November 30, 2020. On June 2, 2021, the Superior Court denied Defendants’ motion to dismiss. Defendants appealed but filed an answer to the complaint on July 15, 2021. On December 17, 2021, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Court of Appeals issued a judgment reversing the Superior Court’s decision on the motion to dismiss. On January 4, 2022, National filed with the Court of Appeals a motion for reconsideration of its judgment concerning the motion to dismiss. On February 17, 2022, the Court of Appeals issued an order denying National’s motion for reconsideration.
Complaint Objecting to Defendants’ Claims and Seeking Related Relief,
Case No.
17-03283-LTS
(D.P.R. January 16, 2020) (Swain J.)
On January 16, 2020, the Oversight Board filed an adversary complaint against National, Ambac, Assured Guaranty, Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, Peaje Investments LLC and the Bank of New York Mellon as fiscal agent. The Oversight Board challenges the claims and validity of the liens asserted against the Commonwealth by holders of HTA bonds. The complaint contains 201 counts against the bondholder parties objecting to proofs of claim and security interests asserted regarding the Commonwealth’s retention of certain revenues previously assigned to HTA. This matter is currently stayed but the Court permitted the Oversight Board to file certain limited cross motions on April 28, 2020. The cross motions for summary judgment were filed on July 16, 2020. On September 23, 2020, the Court heard argument on the limited cross motions for summary judgment, which remain pending. On January 20, 2021, the Court issued an order deferring the adjudication of the summary judgment motions so that defendant monolines can seek limited discovery from the Oversight Board on all documents related to the collection and flow of Excise Taxes and pledged revenue into and out of its accounts, among other things. On April 6, 2021, the Oversight Board filed a motion to lift the litigation stay for the limited purpose of filing further summary judgment motions that would dispose of substantially all of the remaining claims challenged in this complaint. The hearing on this motion was held April 28, 2021, and the motion was denied. As part of the GO PSA and HTA PSA, National has agreed to stay its participation in this litigation subject to the effective date of the HTA plan of
adjustment.
 
132

Table of Contents
MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
 
Complaint Objecting to Defendants’ Claims and Seeking Related Relief,
Case No.
20-00007-LTS
(January 16, 2020) (Swain J.)
On January 16, 2020, the Oversight Board and the Creditors Committee filed an adversary complaint against National and other
defendants challenging the claims and validity of the liens asserted against HTA by holders and insurers of HTA bonds. The complaint contains 302 counts challenging the claims and liens asserted against HTA. This matter has been stayed indefinitely by order of the Court. As part of the GO PSA and HTA PSA, National has agreed to stay its participation in this litigation subject to the effective date of the Commonwealth plan of adjustment.
For those aforementioned actions in which it is a defendant, the Company is defending against those actions and expects ultimately to prevail on the merits. There is no assurance, however, that the Company will prevail in these actions. Adverse rulings in these actions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to implement its strategy and on its business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. At this stage of the litigation, there has not been a determination as to the amount, if any, of damages. Accordingly, the Company is not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss. The Company similarly can provide no assurance that it will be successful in those actions in which it is a plaintiff.
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.
Leases
The Company has a lease agreement for its headquarters in Purchase, New York. The initial lease term expires in 2030 with the option to terminate the lease in 2025 upon the payment of a termination amount. This lease agreement included an incentive amount to fund certain leasehold improvements, renewal options, escalation clauses and a free rent period. This lease agreement has been classified as an operating lease and the Company recognizes operating rent expense on a straight-line basis. The following below table presents the Company’s operating lease information as of December 31, 2021:
 
$ in millions
  
As of
December 31, 2021
    
Balance Sheet Location
 
Right-of-use
asset
   $ 18        Other assets  
Lease liability
   $ 18        Other liabilities  
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
     7.5           
Discount rate used for operating leases
     7.5%           
Total future minimum lease payments
   $ 26           
       
 
133

Table of Contents
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) 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 Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021, the end of the period covered by this report.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
MBIA’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; (2) provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and, (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of MBIA Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making its assessment, management used the criteria described in
Internal Control—Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment and those criteria, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 was effective.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in Item 8, “Financial Statements.”
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter covered by this annual report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2021.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
None.
 
134

Table of Contents
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information regarding directors will be set forth under “Proposals for Shareholder Approval Recommended by the Board—Proposal 1: Election of Directors” and “Board of Directors Corporate Governance—The Board of Directors and its Committees” in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (the “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated by reference.
Information regarding executive officers is set forth under Part I, Item 1, “Business—Executive Officers of the Registrant,” included in this annual report.
Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance will be set forth in the section “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference.
Information regarding the Company’s Audit Committee will be set forth under “Board of Directors Corporate Governance—The Board of Directors and its Committees” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference.
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees of the Company including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and its controller. A copy of such code of ethics can be found on the Company’s internet website at www.mbia.com. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of its code of ethics and that relates to a substantive amendment or material departure from a provision of the Code by posting such information on its internet website at www.mbia.com.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information regarding compensation of the Company’s directors and executive officers will be set forth under “Board of Directors Corporate Governance—The Board of Directors and its Committees,” “Compensation and Governance Committee Report,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation Tables” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be set forth under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference.
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2021, regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans. All outstanding awards relate to our common stock. For additional information about our equity compensation plans refer to “Note 15: Benefit Plans” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
  
(a)
 
  
(b)
 
  
(c)
 
Plan category
  
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(1)
 
  
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
  
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(2)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
  
 
62,406
 
  
$
12.96
 
  
 
2,243,735
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Total
  
 
62,406
 
  
$
12.96
 
  
 
2,243,735
 
 
(1)—Represents phantom shares granted under the Deferred Compensation and Stock Ownership Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
(2)—Includes 2,085,874 shares of common stock available for future grants under the MBIA Inc. 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan and 157,861 shares of common stock available for future grants under the Deferred Compensation and Stock Ownership Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
 
135

Table of Contents
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions will be set forth under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference. Information regarding director independence will be set forth under “Proposals for Shareholder Approval Recommended by the Board—Proposal 1: Election of Directors—Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information regarding principal accounting fees and services will be set forth under “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference.
 
136

Table of Contents
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits
1. Financial Statements
The following financial statements of MBIA Inc. have been included in Part II, Item 8 hereof:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Notes to consolidated financial statements.
2. Financial Statement Schedules
The following financial statement schedules are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Schedule
  
Title
I.
  
Summary of investments, other than investments in related parties, as of December 31, 2021.
II.
  
Condensed financial information of Registrant:
 
  
Condensed balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
 
  
Condensed statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
 
  
Condensed statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
 
  
Notes to condensed financial statements.
IV.
  
Reinsurance for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
The report of the Registrant’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to the above listed financial statement schedules is included within the report listed under Item 15.1 above.
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits
An exhibit index immediately preceding the Exhibits indicates the exhibit number where each exhibit filed as part of this report can be found.
(
Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts
: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MBIA Inc., its subsidiaries or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.)
 
137

Table of Contents 
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules (continued)
 
3. Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.
4. Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, including Indentures.
4.1. Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1990, between MBIA Inc. and The First National Bank of Chicago, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.72 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 22, 2002, between MBIA Inc. and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, in connection with the $300,000,000 6.4% senior notes due 2022, incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.04 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2002, and the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2012, between MBIA Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 26, 2012.
4.2. Senior Indenture, dated as of November 24, 2004, between MBIA Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2004 as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 24, 2004, between MBIA Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, in connection with the $350,000,000 5.70% senior notes due 2034, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.02 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2004 as amended by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2012, between MBIA Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 26, 2012.
 
138

Table of Contents
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules (continued)
 
10. Material Contracts
Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements
The following Exhibits identify all existing executive compensation plans and arrangements:
 
139

Table of Contents
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules (continued)
 
101.INS. XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because iXBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104.Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
 
140

Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
MBIA Inc.
(Registrant)
Dated: February 28, 2022
 
 
By
 
/s/  William C. Fallon        
 
 
Name:
 
  William C. Fallon
 
 
Title:
 
  Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature
  
Title
 
Date
/s/    William C. Fallon        
William C. Fallon
  
Director and Chief Executive Officer
 
February 28, 2022
/s/    Anthony McKiernan        
Anthony McKiernan
  
Chief Financial Officer
 
February 28, 2022
/s/    Joseph R. Schachinger        
Joseph R. Schachinger
  
Assistant Vice President and Controller (Chief Accounting Officer)
 
February 28, 2022
/s/    Charles R. Rinehart            
Charles R. Rinehart
  
Chairman and Director
 
February 28, 2022
/s/    Diane L. Dewbrey                
Diane L. Dewbrey
  
Director
 
February 28, 2022
/s/    Steven J. Gilbert            
Steven J. Gilbert
  
Director
 
February 28, 2022
/s/    Janice L. Innis-Thompson        
Janice L. Innis-Thompson
  
Director
 
February 28, 2022
/s/    Theodore Shasta                
Theodore Shasta
  
Director
 
February 28, 2022
/s/    Richard C. Vaughan            
Richard C. Vaughan
  
Director
 
February 28, 2022
 
141

Table of Contents
SCHEDULE I
MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS, OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
December 31, 2021
(In millions) 

 
 
  
December 31, 2021
 
Type of investment
  
Cost
 
  
Fair
Value
 
  
Amount at
which shown
in the
balance sheet
 
Available-for-sale:
  
     
  
     
  
     
U.S. Treasury and government agency
   $ 515      $ 566      $ 566  
State and municipal bonds
     140        167        167  
Foreign governments
     11        11        11  
Corporate obligations
     881        930        930  
Mortgage-backed securities:
                          
Residential mortgage-backed agency
     190        192        192  
Residential mortgage-backed
non-agency
     80        92        92  
Commercial mortgage-backed
     10        10        10  
Asset-backed securities:
                          
Collateralized debt obligations
     101        101        101  
Other asset-backed
     90        90        90  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total long-term
available-for-sale
     2,018        2,159        2,159  
Short-term
available-for-sale
     298        298        298  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total
available-for-sale
     2,316        2,457        2,457  
Investments at fair value
     323        336        336  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total investments
   $ 2,639      $ 2,793      $ 2,793  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Assets of consolidated variable interest entities:
                          
Investments at fair value
   $ 68      $ 60      $ 60  
Loans receivable
     108        77        77  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total investments of consolidated variable interest entities
   $ 176      $ 137      $ 137  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
142

Table of Contents
SCHEDULE II
MBIA INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions except share and per share amounts) 
 
 
  
December 31,
2021
 
  
December 31,
2020
 
Assets
  
     
  
     
Investments:
  
     
  
     
Fixed-maturity securities held as
available-for-sale,
at fair value (amortized cost $556 and $621)
   $ 618      $ 719  
Investments carried at fair value
            1  
Investments pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost $3 and $10)
     4        1  
Short-term investments held as
available-for-sale,
at fair value (amortized cost $52 and $31)
     52        31  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total investments
     674        752  
Cash and cash equivalents
     15        26  
Investment in wholly-owned subsidiaries
     336        728  
Other assets
     5        139  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total assets
  
$
1,030
 
  
$
1,645
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
                 
Investment agreements
   $ 274      $ 269  
Long-term debt
     306        312  
Affiliate loans payable
     579        695  
Income taxes payable
     3        12  
Derivative liabilities
     130        164  
Other liabilities
     51        57  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities
  
 
1,343
 
  
 
1,509
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Shareholders’ 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—283,186,115 and 283,186,115
     283        283  
Additional
paid-in
capital
     2,931        2,962  
Retained earnings (deficit)
     (458)        (13)  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
     100        115  
Treasury stock, at cost—
228,630,003 and 229,508,967 shares
     (3,169)        (3,211)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity of MBIA Inc.
  
 
(313)
    
 
136
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  
$
1,030
 
  
$
1,645
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the accompanying notes.
 
143

Table of Contents
SCHEDULE II
MBIA INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
 
    
Years ended December 31,
 
    
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Revenues:
                          
Net investment income
   $ 26      $ 28      $ 35  
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     52        (67)        (57)  
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt
     30               (1)  
Other net realized gains (losses)
     (6)               (2)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total revenues
     102        (39)        (25)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Expenses:
                          
Operating
     10        10        10  
Interest
     75        83        90  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total expenses
     85        93        100  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Gain (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries
     17        (132)        (125)  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
     (3)        (4)        (99)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Gain (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
     20        (128)        (26)  
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries
     (465)        (450)        (333)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
   $ (445)      $ (578)      $ (359)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the accompanying notes.

144

Table of Contents
SCHEDULE II
MBIA INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
 
    
Years ended December 31,
 
    
2021
    
2020
    
2019
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                           
Investment income received
   $ 80      $ 101      $ 156  
Operating expenses paid and other operating
     (14)        (47)        (17)  
Interest paid, net of interest converted to principal
     (50)        (60)        (88)  
Income taxes (paid) received
     6        5        34  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
     22        (1)        85  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                           
Purchases of
available-for-sale
investments
     (150)        (216)        (278)  
Sales of
available-for-sale
investments
     202        183        319  
Paydowns and maturities of
available-for-sale
investments
     20        41        179  
Purchases of investments at fair value
     (2)        (2)        5  
Sales, paydowns and maturities of investments at fair value
     3        2         
Sales, paydowns and maturities (purchases) of short-term investments, net
     (27)        137        (61)  
(Payments) proceeds for derivative settlements
     (17)        (16)        (98)  
Return of capital
from subsidiaries
     11                
Contributions
(to) from subsidiaries, net
                   (14)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
     40        129        52  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                          
Proceeds from investment agreements
     2        12        15  
Principal paydowns of investment agreements
     (2)        (18)        (20)  
Principal paydowns of long-term debt
            (115)        (150)  
Payments for affiliate loans
     (81 )               (19)  
Restricted stock awards settlements
     8        8        8  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
     (73)        (113)        (166)  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents                     
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents      (11)        15        (29)  
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year      26        11        40  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year    $ 15      $ 26      $ 11  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:                           
Net income (loss)
   $ (445)      $ (578)      $ (359)  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
                          
Change in:
                          
Intercompany accounts receivable
     (7)        (39)        (16)  
Current income taxes
     6        5        23  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
     465        450        333  
Dividends from subsidiaries
     60        81        134  
Net (gains) losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange
     (52)        67        57  
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
     (3)        (4)        (88)  
(Gains) losses on extinguishment of debt
     (30)               1  
Other operating
     28        17         
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Total adjustments to net income (loss)
     467        577        444  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
   $ 22      $ (1)      $ 85  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the accompanying notes.
 
145

Table of Contents
SCHEDULE II
MBIA INC. (PARENT COMPANY)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Condensed Financial Statements
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. This includes the statements of comprehensive income (loss) which is exactly the same as the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
The activities of MBIA Inc. (the “Parent Company”) consist of general corporate activities and funding activities, which principally include holding and managing investments, servicing outstanding corporate debt, investment agreements issued by the Parent Company and its subsidiaries, and posting collateral under investment agreement and derivative contracts.
The Parent Company is subject to the same liquidity risks and uncertainties as described in footnote 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2021, the liquidity position of the Parent Company, which included cash and cash equivalents or short-term investments comprised of highly rated commercial paper, money market funds and municipal, U.S. agency and corporate bonds for general corporate purposes, excluding the amount held in escrow under its tax sharing agreement, was $239 million.
During 2021, MBIA Corp. purchased $5 million principal amount of the Parent company 6.625% Debentures due 2028 and $1 million principal amount of Parent company 7.15% Debentures due 2027. During 2020, the Parent Company redeemed the remaining
$115 
million
 
principal amount of its 6.400% Senior Notes due 2022 at a cost of 100% of par value plus accrued interest.
Additionally, as
of December 31
, 2021
, National owned $308 million principal amount of the 5.700% Senior Notes due 2034 and $10 million principal amount of MBIA Inc. 7.000% Debentures due 2025, and MBIA Inc., through its corporate segment, owned $13 million of MBIA Corp. surplus notes. These amounts are eliminated from the Parent Company’s condensed balance sheet.
2. Accounting Policies
The Parent Company carries its investments in subsidiaries under the equity method.
For a further discussion of significant accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements, refer to footnotes 2 and 3 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
3. Dividends from Subsidiaries
During 2021, National declared and paid a dividend of $60 
million to its ultimate parent, MBIA Inc. 
During 2020, National declared and paid dividends of $81 
million to its ultimate parent, MBIA Inc. 
During 2019, National declared and paid dividends of $134 million to its ultimate parent, MBIA Inc.
4. Deferred Tax Asset, Net of Valuation Allowance
The Parent Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized.
The Parent Company assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of its existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the Parent Company having a three-year cumulative loss. Such
objective
 
146

Table of Contents
evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as the Parent Company’s projections of
pre-tax
income. On the basis of this evaluation, the Parent Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax asset.
For a further discussion of the net deferred tax asset, refer to footnote 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
5. Obligations under Investment Agreements
Refer to footnote 10 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for information on investment agreements.
6. Pledged Collateral
Substantially all of the obligations under investment
 
agreements require the Parent Company and its subsidiaries to pledge securities as collateral. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the fair value of securities pledged as collateral with respect to these investment agreements approximated $280 million and $282 million, respectively. The Parent Company’s collateral as of December 31, 2021, consisted principally of U.S. Treasury and government agency and state and municipal bonds, and was primarily held with major U.S. banks.
Under derivative contracts entered into by the Parent Company, collateral postings are required by either the Parent Company or the counterparty when the aggregate market value of derivative contracts entered into with the same counterparty exceeds a predefined threshold. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Parent Company and its subsidiaries pledged securities with a fair value of $159 million and $214 million, respectively, to derivative counterparties.
7. Affiliate Loans Payable
Affiliate loans payable consists of loans payable to MBIA Global Funding, LLC (“GFL”). GFL raised funds through the issuance of medium-term notes with varying maturities, which were, in turn, guaranteed by MBIA Corp. GFL lent the proceeds of these medium-term note issuances to the Parent Company.

147

Table of Contents
SCHEDULE IV
MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
REINSURANCE
Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(In millions)
 
Column A
Insurance
Premium Written

  
Column B
Direct
Amount
 
  
Column C
Ceded to
Others
 
  
Column D
Assumed
From
Other
Companies
 
  
Column E
Net
Amount
 
  
Column F
Percentage
of Amount
Assumed
to Net
 
2021
   $ 8      $ 2      $      $ 6        0%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
2020
   $ 1      $ 1      $      $        0%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
2019
   $ 3      $      $      $ 3        0%  
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
148