EX-99.3 28 a09-17603_1ex99d3.htm CONSOLIDATED FSA HOLDING

Exhibit 99.3

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. (“FSA HOLDINGS”) AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

At
March 31,
2009

 

At
December 31,
2008

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

General investment portfolio, available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds at fair value (amortized cost of $5,375,242 and $5,398,841)

 

$

5,383,175

 

$

5,283,248

 

Equity securities at fair value (cost of $1,802 and $1,434)

 

573

 

374

 

Short-term investments (cost of $489,076 and $651,090)

 

488,561

 

651,856

 

Financial products segment investment portfolio (Note 1):

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale bonds at fair value (amortized cost of $792,020 and $9,673,475)

 

796,129

 

9,683,298

 

Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)

 

8,910

 

471,480

 

Trading portfolio at fair value

 

 

147,241

 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions (includes $170,146 and $152,527 at fair value)

 

182,812

 

166,600

 

Total investment portfolio

 

6,860,160

 

16,404,097

 

Cash

 

55,280

 

108,686

 

Note receivable from affiliate (Note 1)

 

13,576,303

 

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

297,562

 

299,321

 

Ceded unearned premium revenue (Note 3)

 

1,385,908

 

1,011,949

 

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses (Note 3)

 

325,812

 

302,124

 

Deferred tax asset

 

580,900

 

863,956

 

Financial products segment derivatives (Note 1)

 

248,229

 

511,524

 

Credit derivatives

 

126,385

 

287,449

 

Premiums receivable, net (Note 3)

 

815,819

 

16,559

 

Other assets (includes $142,383 and $190,704 at fair value) (Note 14)

 

618,971

 

452,389

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

24,891,329

 

$

20,258,054

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned premium revenue (Note 3)

 

$

3,991,368

 

$

3,044,678

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve (Note 3)

 

2,017,675

 

1,778,994

 

Financial products segment debt (includes $6,639,362 and $8,030,909 at fair value)

 

14,180,258

 

16,432,283

 

Notes payable to affiliate

 

166,224

 

 

Notes payable

 

730,000

 

730,000

 

Related party borrowings

 

 

1,310,000

 

Financial products segment derivatives (Note 1)

 

 

125,973

 

Credit derivatives

 

816,633

 

1,543,809

 

Other liabilities (Note 14)

 

707,141

 

476,541

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

22,609,299

 

25,442,278

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 17)

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock (200,000,000 shares authorized; 33,517,995 issued; par value of $.01 per share)

 

335

 

335

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

9,365,755

 

1,922,422

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred tax (benefit) provision of $3,618 and $(37,108)

 

6,712

 

(68,922

)

Accumulated earnings (deficit)

 

(7,089,937

)

(7,038,309

)

Deferred equity compensation

 

13,052

 

14,137

 

Less treasury stock at cost (173,062 and 172,002 shares held)

 

(14,137

)

(14,137

)

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) OF FSA HOLDINGS AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

2,281,780

 

(5,184,474

)

Noncontrolling interest

 

250

 

250

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

2,282,030

 

(5,184,224

)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

24,891,329

 

$

20,258,054

 

 

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

 

1



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums earned (Note 3)

 

$

78,523

 

$

72,905

 

Net investment income from general investment portfolio

 

62,117

 

64,846

 

Net realized gains (losses) from general investment portfolio

 

(5,922

)

160

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements

 

(45,754

)

36,179

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

573,194

 

(489,134

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

527,440

 

(452,955

)

Net interest income from financial products segment (Note 1)

 

34,355

 

208,764

 

Net realized gains (losses) from financial products segment (Note 1)

 

(278,359

)

 

Interest income on note receivable from affiliate

 

35,447

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

 

(180,483

)

430,766

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value

 

425,356

 

(411,390

)

Income from assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

2,172

 

3,722

 

Other income (loss)

 

(14,743

)

(1,995

)

TOTAL REVENUES

 

685,903

 

(85,177

)

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses (Note 3)

 

350,858

 

300,429

 

Interest expense

 

12,510

 

11,584

 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

 

8,999

 

15,829

 

Foreign exchange (gains) losses from financial products segment

 

(16,588

)

13,252

 

Net interest expense from financial products segment

 

127,422

 

239,267

 

Other operating expenses

 

37,435

 

19,854

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

 

520,636

 

600,215

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

165,267

 

(685,392

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

(46,165

)

(71,943

)

Deferred

 

199,887

 

(191,873

)

Total provision (benefit)

 

153,722

 

(263,816

)

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

11,545

 

$

(421,576

)

 

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

 

2



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

11,545

 

$

(421,576

)

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities arising during the period, net of deferred income tax provision (benefit) of $(60,302) and $(833,238)

 

(111,989

)

(1,547,544

)

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss), net of deferred income tax provision (benefit) of $(101,028) and $864

 

(187,623

)

1,604

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

75,634

 

(1,549,148

)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

87,179

 

$

(1,970,724

)

 

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

 

3



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-In-

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

Accumulated
Earnings

 

Deferred
Equity

 

Treasury

 

Total
Shareholders’
Equity
(Deficit) of
FSA Holdings

 

Noncontrolling

 

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Income (Loss)

 

(Deficit)

 

Compensation

 

Stock

 

and Subsidiaries

 

Interest

 

(Deficit)

 

BALANCE, December 31, 2008

 

33,517,995

 

$

335

 

$

1,922,422

 

$

(68,922

)

$

(7,038,309

)

$

14,137

 

$

(14,137

)

$

(5,184,474

)

$

250

 

$

(5,184,224

)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of deferred income tax provision (benefit) of $(34,016)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(63,173

)

 

 

 

 

(63,173

)

 

 

(63,173

)

Balance at beginning of the year, adjusted

 

33,517,995

 

335

 

1,922,422

 

(68,922

)

(7,101,482

)

14,137

 

(14,137

)

(5,247,647

)

250

 

(5,247,397

)

Net income (loss) for the period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,545

 

 

 

 

 

11,545

 

 

 

11,545

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax provision (benefit) of $40,726

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

75,634

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

75,634

 

 

 

75,634

 

Gain on deconsolidation (Note 1)

 

 

 

 

 

7,443,333

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,443,333

 

 

 

7,443,333

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,085

)

 

 

(1,085

)

 

 

(1,085

)

BALANCE, March 31, 2009

 

33,517,995

 

$

335

 

$

9,365,755

 

$

6,712

 

$

(7,089,937

)

$

13,052

 

$

(14,137

)

$

2,281,780

 

$

250

 

$

2,282,030

 

 

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

 

4



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums received, net

 

$

22,196

 

$

156,778

 

Credit derivative net inflows (outflows)

 

(35,630

)

32,819

 

Other operating expenses paid, net

 

(48,220

)

(140,153

)

Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid, net

 

(196,300

)

(67,831

)

Net investment income received from general investment portfolio

 

66,138

 

60,359

 

Federal income taxes paid

 

(15,261

)

(8,235

)

Interest paid on notes payable

 

(7,638

)

(6,713

)

Interest paid on financial products segment debt

 

(63,348

)

(186,694

)

Interest received on financial products segment investment portfolio

 

35,627

 

207,521

 

Interest paid on related party borrowings

 

(4,861

)

 

Financial products segment net derivative receipts

 

(135,573

)

83,660

 

Income received from assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

2,662

 

3,739

 

Other

 

(86

)

4,816

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

 

(380,294

)

140,066

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

General Investment Portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of bonds

 

142,602

 

886,871

 

Proceeds from maturities of bonds

 

64,404

 

47,317

 

Purchases of bonds

 

(219,859

)

(1,335,774

)

Repayment of note receivable from affiliate

 

(142,979

)

 

Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments

 

163,290

 

(76,621

)

FP Segment Investment Portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of bonds

 

(902

)

 

Proceeds from maturities of bonds

 

300,937

 

440,084

 

Purchases of bonds

 

(60,670

)

(130,040

)

Change in securities under agreements to resell

 

 

152,875

 

Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments

 

(13,975

)

413,715

 

Cash deconsolidated in FSAM risk transfer transaction

 

(2,885

)

 

Other:

 

 

 

 

 

Net purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(309

)

(594

)

Paydowns of assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

6,109

 

13,953

 

Proceeds from sales of assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

487

 

1,129

 

Other investments

 

(621

)

792

 

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

 

235,629

 

413,707

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital contribution

 

 

500,000

 

Related-party borrowings

 

1,195,000

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of financial products segment debt

 

342,782

 

400,137

 

Repayment of financial products segment debt

 

(1,438,384

)

(1,423,496

)

Repayment of notes payable to affiliate

 

(2,192

)

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(33,606

)

Securities sold under agreements to resell

 

 

22,374

 

Other

 

(5,527

)

(1,168

)

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

 

91,679

 

(535,759

)

Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash balances

 

(420

)

429

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash

 

(53,406

)

18,443

 

Cash at beginning of period

 

108,686

 

26,551

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

55,280

 

$

44,994

 

 

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

 

5



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION AND OWNERSHIP

 

Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (“FSA Holdings”) is a holding company incorporated in the State of New York. The Company, through its insurance company subsidiaries, provides financial guaranty insurance on public finance obligations in domestic and international markets. The Company’s principal insurance company subsidiary is Financial Security Assurance Inc. (“FSA”), a wholly owned New York insurance company. Historically, the Company also provided financial guaranty insurance on asset-backed obligations. In August 2008, the Company announced that it would cease insuring asset-backed obligations and instead participate exclusively in the global public finance financial guaranty business. References to the “Company” are to Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. together with its subsidiaries.

 

In addition to its financial guaranty business, the Company historically offered FSA-insured guaranteed investment contracts and other investment agreements (“GICs”) as well as medium-term notes to municipalities and other market participants through consolidated entities in its financial products (“FP”) segment. In November 2008, the Company ceased issuing GICs in contemplation of the sale of the Company to Assured Guaranty Ltd. (“Assured”). While the Company has ceased new originations of asset-backed financial guaranty business and GICs, a substantial portfolio of such obligations remains outstanding.

 

At March 31, 2009, Dexia Holdings Inc. (“Dexia Holdings”) owned over 99% of outstanding FSA Holdings shares; the only other holders of FSA Holdings common stock were directors of FSA Holdings who owned shares of FSA Holdings common stock or economic interests therein under the Company’s Director Share Purchase Program.

 

The Company is a subsidiary of Dexia Holdings, which, in turn, is owned 90% by Dexia Crédit Local S.A. (“Dexia Crédit Local”) and 10% by Dexia S.A. (“Dexia”). Dexia is a Belgian corporation primarily engaged in the business of public finance, banking and investment management in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and other European countries, as well as in the United States. Dexia Crédit Local is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dexia.

 

Expected Sale of the Company

 

Purchase Agreement with Assured Guaranty Ltd.

 

In November 2008, Dexia Holdings entered into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) providing for the sale of all Company shares owned by Dexia to Assured (the “Acquisition”), subject to the consummation of specified closing conditions, including absence of rating impairment, segregation or separation of the Company’s FP operations from the Company’s financial guaranty operations and regulatory approvals.

 

Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the “HSR Act”) and the rules promulgated thereunder by the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), the Acquisition may not be consummated until notifications have been given and certain information has been furnished to the FTC and the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and specified waiting period requirements have been satisfied. The HSR Act waiting period expired on January 21, 2009. In addition, under the insurance holding company laws and regulations applicable to the insurance subsidiaries of the Company and Assured, before a person can acquire control of a U.S. insurance company, prior written approval must be obtained from the insurance commissioner of the state where the insurer is domiciled. Assured has informed the Company that Assured received approval from the insurance departments of the States of

 

6



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION AND OWNERSHIP (Continued)

 

New York and Oklahoma and the U.K. Financial Services Authority. Dexia has informed the Company that the U.K. Financial Services Authority has approved its application in connection with its acquisition of Assured common shares pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, and that it has filed disclaimers of control with the insurance departments of the states of Maryland, New York, and Oklahoma.

 

Satisfying all three rating agencies that the necessary steps have or will be taken to transfer the FP segment credit and liquidity risk to Dexia is one of the last conditions to the Purchase Agreement closing. Rating agency confirmation that the Acquisition will not have a negative impact on the financial strength ratings of Assured’s insurance company subsidiaries or the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries is a condition for closing, and is beyond the Company’s control.

 

The Company cannot estimate whether or when the remaining closing conditions will be satisfied or relevant agreements negotiated, whether the Acquisition will be completed and, if completed, whether it will be structured as currently contemplated, or what the effects of the change in control or removal of the FP operations will be on the Company and its results of operations. If the Acquisition is not carried out, Dexia may explore other options with respect to the Company, including selling the Company or some of its operations to a third party or ceasing to write new business, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

Dexia’s Retention of the FP Operations

 

Under the Purchase Agreement, Dexia is expected to retain the Company’s FP operations after the Acquisition. The Purchase Agreement provides that Dexia will provide guarantees with respect to the FP operation assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts, and anticipates that some of its guarantees will benefit from guarantees provided by the French and Belgian states. Dexia Holdings, the Company’s parent, agreed that if such sovereign guarantees are provided, it will cause FSA Holdings to transfer the ownership interests of certain of the subsidiaries that conduct the FP operations, or all the assets and liabilities of such subsidiaries, to Dexia Holdings or one of its affiliates in form reasonably acceptable to Assured.

 

Transfer of Credit and Liquidity Risks of the GIC Business

 

The Company’s GICs were issued through the Company’s non-insurance subsidiaries FSA Capital Management Services LLC (“FSACM”), FSA Capital Markets Services (Caymans) Ltd. and FSA Capital Markets Services LLC (collectively, the “GIC Subsidiaries”). The proceeds of GICs issued by the GIC Subsidiaries were loaned to the Company’s subsidiary FSA Asset Management LLC (“FSAM”). FSAM invests the funds in fixed-income obligations that satisfy the Company’s investment criteria. FSAM wholly owns FSA Portfolio Asset Limited (“FSA-PAL”), a U.K. company that invests in non-U.S. securities.

 

The terms governing FSAM’s repayment of those proceeds to the GIC Subsidiaries match the payment terms under the related GIC. FSAM invests the proceeds in securities and enters into derivative transactions to convert most fixed-rate assets and liabilities into London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”)-based floating rate assets and liabilities. Most of FSAM’s assets consist of residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) that have suffered significant market value declines and, in more limited cases, credit deterioration. The market value declines of FSAM’s assets subject FSAM to significant liquidity risk insofar as the GICs are in most cases subject to redemption or collateralization

 

7



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION AND OWNERSHIP (Continued)

 

should FSA be downgraded below Aa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) (FSA’s current Moody’s rating) or below AA- by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”).

 

As a result of the significant decline in asset value and the November 2008 cessation of issuing GICs, the GIC business changed from a business model managed by the Company and focused on attaining positive net interest margin to a run-off business managed by Dexia and seeking to minimize liquidity risk and optimize asset recovery values.

 

In February 2009, Dexia entered into several agreements that transferred credit and liquidity risks of the GIC operations to Dexia (the “FSAM Risk Transfer Transaction”). Each of the agreements executed under the FSAM Risk Transfer Transaction directly affect FSAM and the entities that absorb the risks created by FSAM. These agreements provide for (i) the elimination of FSA’s guaranty of repayment of FSAM’s borrowings under the credit facilities provided by Dexia’s bank subsidiaries; (ii) the elimination of FSA’s guaranty of certain of FSAM’s investments; and (iii) an increase in the credit facilities provided to FSAM by Dexia’s bank subsidiaries from $5 billion to $8 billion.

 

As a result, the FSAM Risk Transfer Transaction was deemed a reconsideration event for FSAM under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46 (Revised 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—An Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46”). There was no reconsideration event for any of the GIC Subsidiaries. Upon the reconsideration event, management determined that Dexia is now absorbing the majority of the variability of expected losses of FSAM, which resulted in deconsolidation of FSAM and its subsidiary FSA-PAL as of February 24, 2009 (the “FSAM Deconsolidation Date”), the effective date of the FSAM Risk Transfer Transaction. FSAM and FSA-PAL’s assets and liabilities were deconsolidated at fair-value through the consolidated statements of operations with the difference recorded as a $7.4 billion gain on deconsolidation in additional paid in capital, net of tax.

 

The GIC subsidiaries, unlike FSAM, remain part of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which means that the GICs issued to third parties and the GIC Subsidiaries’ note receivable from FSAM of $13.6 billion (the “Note Receivable from Affiliate”) represent the liabilities and assets of the GIC business in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Note Receivable from Affiliate is carried at net realizable value, which is periodically evaluated for impairment. Prior to the FSAM Deconsolidation Date the Note Receivable from Affiliate was eliminated in consolidation.

 

Certain GICs were designated as fair value option and these GICs continue to be marked to market. However, derivatives that hedge the interest rate risk of the GICs are maintained within FSAM, and therefore contracts meant to hedge the interest rate risk of those GICs will no longer be included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This results in an increase in the potential for volatility of the Company’s results of operations.

 

Financial Guaranty

 

Financial guaranty insurance generally provides an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee that protects the holder of a financial obligation against non-payment of principal and interest when due. Upon a payment default on an insured obligation, the Company is generally required to pay the principal, interest or other amounts due in accordance with the obligation’s original payment schedule or, at its option, to pay such amounts on an accelerated basis.

 

8



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION AND OWNERSHIP (Continued)

 

Obligations insured by FSA are generally awarded ratings on the basis of the financial strength ratings given to the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries by the major securities rating agencies. On March 31, 2009, FSA was rated Triple-A (negative credit watch) by S&P and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) and Aa3 (developing outlook) by Moody’s. On May 11, 2009, Fitch lowered the rating of FSA to AA+ (negative credit watch). Prior to the third quarter of 2008, the Company’s insurance company subsidiaries, as well as the obligations they insured, had been awarded Triple-A ratings by the three major rating agencies. Fitch reported that the downgrade in May of FSA to AA+ by Fitch was attributable to FSA’s credit exposure to the AA+ rating of the Kingdom of Belgium in connection with the separation of the FP operations from the Company.

 

The global financial crisis that began in 2007 in the U.S. subprime residential mortgage market transformed the financial guaranty industry. By the end of November 2008, all of the monoline guarantors that had been rated Triple-A at the beginning of the year had been downgraded in varying degrees by Moody’s, and all but one had been either downgraded or placed on negative outlook or negative credit watch by S&P and Fitch. FSA and the Company’s other insurance company subsidiaries were among the last companies to be affected, and were rated “Triple-A/stable” by all three rating agencies until July 2008. Rating agencies raised concerns about the stability of FSA’s rating during the second half of 2008, and Moody’s lowered FSA’s Aaa rating to Aa3 (developing outlook) in November. These developments, combined with illiquidity in the capital markets, led to a marked reduction in FSA’s production in the second half of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.

 

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

 

Asset-backed obligations insured by the Company were generally issued in structured transactions and are backed by pools of assets such as residential mortgage loans, consumer or trade receivables, securities or other assets having an ascertainable cash flow or market value. The Company insured synthetic asset-backed obligations that generally took the form of credit default swap (“CDS”) obligations or credit-linked notes that reference asset-backed securities (“ABS”) or pools of securities or other obligations, with a defined deductible to cover credit risks associated with the referenced securities or loans.

 

The Company has refinanced certain poorly performing transactions by employing refinancing vehicles to raise funds, prepay the claim obligations and take control of the assets. These refinancing vehicles are consolidated with the Company and considered part of the financial guaranty segment.

 

Financial Products

 

The Company consolidates the results of certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”), which include FSA Global Funding Limited (“FSA Global”) and Premier International Funding Co. (“Premier”). FSA Global is a special purpose funding vehicle partially owned by a subsidiary of FSA Holdings. FSA Global issues FSA-insured medium term notes and generally invests the proceeds from the sale of its notes in FSA-insured GICs or other FSA-insured obligations with a view to realizing the yield

 

9



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION AND OWNERSHIP (Continued)

 

difference between the notes issued and the obligations purchased with the note proceeds. Premier is principally engaged in leveraged lease transactions.

 

The GIC Subsidiaries, FSA Global and Premier, and prior to February 24, 2009, FSAM and FSA-PAL, collectively comprise the “FP segment” for accounting purposes.

 

The Company’s management believes that the assets held by FSA Global and Premier, including those that are eliminated in consolidation, are beyond the reach of the Company’s creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership. Substantially all of the assets of FSA Global are pledged to secure the repayment, on a pro rata basis, of FSA Global’s notes and its other obligations.

 

2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments and entries required to record the FSAM Risk Transfer Transaction necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the period ended March 31, 2009 and for all periods presented. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). The December 31, 2008 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The results of operations for the periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year. Certain prior-year balances have been reclassified to conform to the 2009 presentation, including the presentation of noncontrolling interests (previously “minority interests”) in accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”).

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make extensive estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, loss and loss adjustment expenses, fair value of financial instruments, the determination of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), the deferral and amortization of policy acquisition costs, expected lives and debt service schedules of certain financial guaranty contracts and taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

Special Purpose Entities

 

Asset-backed and, to a lesser extent, public finance transactions insured by the Company may have employed special purpose entities for a variety of purposes. A typical asset-backed transaction, for example, employs a special purpose entity as the purchaser of the securitized assets and as the issuer of the insured obligations. Special purpose entities are typically owned by transaction sponsors or charitable trusts, although the Company may have an ownership interest in some cases. The Company

 

10



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Continued)

 

generally maintains certain contractual rights and exercises varying degrees of influence over special purpose entity issuers of FSA-insured obligations.

 

The Company also bears some of the “risks and rewards” associated with the performance of those special purpose entities’ assets. Specifically, as issuer of the financial guaranty insurance policy insuring a given special purpose entity’s obligations, the Company bears the risk of asset performance (typically, but not always, after a significant depletion of overcollateralization, excess spread, a deductible or other credit protection).

 

The Company’s underwriting guidelines for public finance obligations generally require that a transaction be rated investment grade when FSA’s insurance is applied. The Company’s underwriting guidelines for asset-backed obligations, which it followed prior to its August 2008 decision to cease insuring such obligations, varied by obligation type in order to reflect different structures and types of credit support. The Company sought to insure asset-backed obligations that generally provided for one or more forms of overcollateralization or third-party protection. In addition, the special purpose entity typically pays a periodic premium to the Company in consideration of the issuance by the Company of its insurance policy, with the special purpose entity’s assets typically serving as the source of payment of such premium, thereby providing some of the “rewards” of the special purpose entity’s assets to the Company. Special purpose entities are also employed by the Company in connection with secondary market transactions and with refinancing underperforming, non-investment grade transactions insured by FSA.

 

The degree of influence exercised by the Company over these special purpose entities varies from transaction to transaction, as does the degree to which “risks and rewards” associated with asset performance are assumed by FSA. In analyzing special purpose entities described above, the Company considers reinsurance to be an implicit variable interest. Where the Company determines it is required to consolidate the special purpose entity, the outstanding exposure is excluded from outstanding exposure amounts reported.

 

The Company is required to consolidate special purpose entities that are considered VIEs where the Company is considered the primary beneficiary.

 

In determining whether the Company is the Primary Beneficiary of a particular VIE, a number of factors are considered. The significant factors considered are: the design of the entity and the risks it was created to pass-along to variable interest holders; the extent of credit risk absorbed by the Company through its insurance contract and the extent to which credit protection provided by other variable interest holders reduces this exposure; the exposure that the Company cedes to third party reinsurers, to reduce the extent of expected loss which the Company absorbs; and the portion of the VIE’s total notional exposure covered by the Company’s insurance policy. The Company’s accounting policy is to first conduct a qualitative analysis based on the design of the VIE in order to identify whether it is the primary beneficiary. Should the qualitative analysis not provide a basis for conclusion, the Company performs a quantitative analysis in order to determine if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE under review.

 

In considering the significance of its interest in a particular VIE, the Company considers the extent to which both the variability it absorbs from the VIE and the Company’s exposure to that VIE are material to the Company’s own financial statements. The Company believes that its surveillance categories are an appropriate measure to use for identification of VIEs in which the Company absorbs other than insignificant variability. VIEs selected for this purpose are related to risks classified as

 

11



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Continued)

 

surveillance Category IV, defined as “demonstrating sufficient deterioration to indicate that material credit losses are possible,” or risks classified as surveillance Category V, defined as “transactions where losses are most probable.” The Company believes that VIE-related risks classified as surveillance Categories IV and V are VIEs in which the Company absorbs a significant portion of the variability created by the particular VIE. For a more detailed description of the surveillance categories used by the Company, see Note 3.

 

VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but which are not consolidated have been aggregated according to principle line of business for the purpose of disclosing the nature and extent of the Company’s exposure to such VIEs. The Company aggregates such VIEs according to principle line of business, to appropriately reflect the VIE risk and reward characteristics in an aggregated manner. The table below displays the Company’s exposure to these VIEs at March 31, 2009.

 

Non-Consolidated VIEs

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Liability

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss and Loss
Adjustment
Expense Reserve

 

Fair Value
of Credit
Derivatives

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Number of
VIEs

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Asset-backed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgages

 

$

1,330,694

 

$

6,703

 

$

8,954,176

 

69

 

Consumer receivables

 

49

 

 

339,992

 

2

 

Pooled corporate

 

13,508

 

39,550

 

190,754

 

5

 

Other

 

 

13,617

 

125,711

 

1

 

Total asset-backed

 

1,344,251

 

59,870

 

9,610,633

 

77

 

Public finance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

105,149

 

 

187,462

 

6

 

International

 

13,771

 

39,550

 

606,957

 

8

 

Total public finance

 

118,920

 

39,550

 

794,419

 

14

 

Total

 

$

1,463,171

 

$

99,420

 

$

10,405,052

 

91

 

 

FSA’s interest in these non-consolidated VIEs is included in “loss and loss adjustment expense reserve” and “credit derivatives” in the Company’s balance sheet.

 

The Company has consolidated certain VIEs for which it has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. The table below shows the carrying value and classification of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in the Company’s financial statements:

 

Consolidated VIEs

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Total
Assets

 

Total
Liabilities

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

FSA Global/Premier International Funding Co.

 

$

1,082,366

 

$

1,026,573

 

 

12



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

2.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Continued)

 

FSA guarantees the assets held and the notes issued by FSA Global. As a result, FSA is exposed to the risk of non-payment of the assets held by FSA Global. There are no other arrangements, either explicit or implicit, which could require the Company to provide financial support to the VIEs.

 

3.  ACCOUNTING FOR FINANCIAL GUARANTEE INSURANCE

 

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts” (“SFAS 163”). SFAS 163 changed the Company’s premium revenue recognition and loss reserving methodology. The change in the premium revenue recognition model also changed the amount of deferred acquisition cost previously amortized, as such amortization is recognized in proportion to premium earnings. The cumulative effect of the adoption of SFAS 163 was a $63.2 million after-tax decrease to the opening retained earnings balance. The retained earnings adjustment was comprised of a $31.0 million after-tax increase in net loss reserves and a $32.2 million after-tax adjustment for inception-to-date premium earnings, net of the amortization of deferred acquisition costs. As a result of the adoption of SFAS 163, premium earnings and loss and loss adjustment expenses are not comparable between 2008 and 2009. See the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, for a description of accounting policies in effect prior to January 1, 2009.

 

Premium Revenue Recognition

 

Under SFAS 163 unearned premium revenue for premiums paid in installments is equal to the present value of premiums expected to be collected over the period of the financial guarantee contract based on either the expected or contractual life. The present value of uncollected premiums expected to be collected over the period of the financial guarantee contract is recorded as “premiums receivable” on the balance sheet. Accretion of the discount on premium receivable is recorded in “net premiums earned.” The discount rate applied to discount premiums is the risk-free rate based on the country of exposure and the term to maturity of the policy. Discount rates are updated only when the debt repayment schedule changes on contracts where the expected lives are used. The term to maturity equals the expected period only if a homogeneous pool of assets underlies the insured financial obligation and the timing and amount of prepayments is reasonably estimated. When premiums receivable are determined to be uncollectible they are written off by recording a reduction of the premium receivable asset.

 

If a single premium is paid at inception of the financial guarantee contract, the unearned premium is measured as the amount received.

 

Regardless of frequency and timing of payment, premiums are recognized in earnings over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided, with a corresponding decrease in unearned premium revenue. The amount of insurance protection provided is a function of the insured principal amount outstanding. Therefore, the proportionate share of premium revenue recognized in a given period is a constant rate calculated based on the relationship between the insured principal outstanding in a given reporting period compared with the sum of the insured principal amounts outstanding for all periods. Accordingly, the premium revenue for each reporting period is determined by multiplying the insured principal amount outstanding for that period by the ratio of (a) the total present value of the premium due or expected to be collected over the period of the contract to (b) the sum of all insured principal amounts outstanding during each reporting period over the contractual or expected period of the contract.

 

13



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

3.  ACCOUNTING FOR FINANCIAL GUARANTEE INSURANCE (Continued)

 

Premium revenue and the related amortization of deferred acquisition costs are accelerated when the Company is legally released from its financial guarantee insurance contract.

 

For premiums denominated in a foreign currency, premiums receivable are revalued at each reporting date based on foreign exchange rates in effect at the reporting date. Unearned premium revenue is recorded at historical rates.

 

For financial guarantee insurance contracts where premiums are received over the period of the contract, rather than at inception, the table below presents the unearned premium revenue, the weighted-average risk-free rate used to discount the premiums expected to be collected and the weighted-average period of the premium receivable.

 

Unearned Premium Revenue for Policies Paid in Installments

 

 

 

At March 31,
2009

 

At January 1,
2009

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Gross unearned premium revenue

 

$

1,039.9

 

$

1,078.5

 

Net unearned premium revenue

 

$

625.2

 

$

647.1

 

Weighted average risk-free rate

 

3.05

%

3.05

%

Weighted average period of premium receivable (in years)

 

10.24

 

10.49

 

 

The tables below represent a schedule of premiums expected to be collected and earned in the future and a rollforward of premiums receivable.

 

Schedule of Projected Net Premium Earnings and Collections

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Projected Net
Premium
Earnings(1)

 

Projected Net
Premium
Collections(2)

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2nd Qtr. 2009

 

$

59,438

 

$

19,543

 

3rd

 

57,036

 

17,026

 

4th

 

55,510

 

19,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

206,677

 

54,051

 

2011

 

188,135

 

45,578

 

2012

 

172,459

 

40,175

 

2013

 

158,572

 

36,110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014-2018

 

651,085

 

149,732

 

2019-2023

 

438,076

 

101,285

 

2024-2028

 

279,377

 

75,211

 

2029+

 

339,095

 

111,144

 

Total

 

$

2,605,460

 

$

668,855

 

 


(1)          Represents the run-off of the net unearned premium revenue balance. Excludes accretion of discount on premiums.

 

(2)          Represents projected cash collections, which include accretion of discount on premiums.

 

14



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

3.  ACCOUNTING FOR FINANCIAL GUARANTEE INSURANCE (Continued)

 

Gross Premium Receivable Rollforward

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Premium receivable at January 1

 

$

856,688

 

Premium payments received

 

(25,013

)

Adjustments to the premium receivable:

 

 

 

Adjustments for changes in the period of a financial guarantee insurance contract

 

(5,806

)

Accretion of the premium receivable discount

 

5,711

 

Foreign exchange rate changes

 

(13,001

)

Other adjustments

 

(2,760

)

Premium receivable at March 31

 

$

815,819

 

 

The following table presents the components of net premiums earned.

 

Premiums Earned

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2009

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net premiums earned

 

$

61,371

 

Acceleration of premium earnings

 

13,766

 

Accretion of discount

 

3,386

 

Total net premiums earned and accretion

 

$

78,523

 

 

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Recognition

 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are established at the policy level only when the Company’s expected loss exceeds the unearned premium revenue. Expected loss is based on a calculation of the present value of expected net cash outflows, probability-weighted to reflect the likelihood of possible outcomes. The discount rates used are the risk-free rates based on the timing of expected cash flows, and are updated quarterly.

 

The following table presents the activity in net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.

 

Reconciliation of Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Non-Specific
Reserves

 

Specific Reserves

 

Loss and Loss
Adjustment
Expense Reserve

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

December 31, 2008 balance

 

$

154,445

 

$

1,322,425

 

$

1,476,870

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

(154,445

)

202,091

 

47,646

 

January 1, 2009 balance

 

 

1,524,516

 

1,524,516

 

Incurred

 

 

350,858

 

350,858

 

Payments and other decreases

 

 

(183,511

)

(183,511

)

March 31, 2009 balance

 

$

 

$

1,691,863

 

$

1,691,863

 

 

15



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

3.  ACCOUNTING FOR FINANCIAL GUARANTEE INSURANCE (Continued)

 

The following tables present the components of transactions with loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves by sector. Because prior year information has not been restated in accordance with SFAS 163, the amounts are determined under different accounting methods.

 

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve Summary by Sector

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Gross Par
Outstanding

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Gross Loss
and Loss
Adjustment
Expense
Reserve

 

Net Loss
and Loss
Adjustment
Expense
Reserve

 

Number
of Risks

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Asset-backed—HELOCs

 

$

5,807,133

 

$

4,780,250

 

$

710,043

 

$

565,610

 

16

 

Asset-backed—Alt-A CES

 

988,126

 

943,473

 

300,928

 

286,755

 

5

 

Asset-backed—Option ARM

 

2,651,355

 

2,496,523

 

428,162

 

396,873

 

14

 

Asset-backed—Alt-A first lien

 

1,611,425

 

1,488,544

 

175,456

 

160,629

 

16

 

Asset-backed—NIMs

 

120,738

 

114,545

 

27,437

 

26,899

 

8

 

Asset-backed—Subprime

 

2,308,726

 

2,222,480

 

88,082

 

81,413

 

17

 

Asset-backed—other

 

2,449,883

 

1,990,983

 

25,752

 

20,657

 

33

 

Public finance

 

11,857,397

 

6,375,342

 

261,815

 

153,027

 

194

 

Total

 

$

27,794,783

 

$

20,412,140

 

$

2,017,675

 

$

1,691,863

 

303

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2008(1)

 

 

 

Gross Par
Outstanding

 

Net Par
Outstanding

 

Gross Specific
Reserve(1)

 

Net Specific
Reserve(1)

 

Number
of Risks

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Asset-backed—HELOCs

 

$

4,833,059

 

$

3,853,788

 

$

745,790

 

$

593,752

 

10

 

Asset-backed—Alt-A CES

 

999,475

 

954,296

 

245,702

 

234,158

 

5

 

Asset-backed—Option ARM

 

1,674,743

 

1,587,145

 

282,131

 

260,599

 

9

 

Asset-backed—Alt-A first lien

 

1,226,480

 

1,122,333

 

106,545

 

96,327

 

10

 

Asset-backed—NIMs

 

90,070

 

85,341

 

15,961

 

15,817

 

3

 

Asset-backed—Subprime

 

298,457

 

280,128

 

24,521

 

20,757

 

5

 

Asset-backed—other

 

54,491

 

50,969

 

13,685

 

12,933

 

3

 

Public finance

 

1,238,816

 

698,708

 

172,063

 

88,082

 

6

 

Total specific reserve

 

$

10,415,591

 

$

8,632,708

 

$

1,606,398

 

$

1,322,425

 

51

 

 


(1)          Excludes non-specific gross and net reserves of $172.6 million and $154.4 million, respectively.

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2009, loss and loss adjustment expense was $350.9 million. The expense was driven primarily by deteriorating credit performance in home equity line of credit (“HELOC”), Alt-A closed-end second-lien mortgage (“CES”) securities, Option Adjustable Rate Mortgage (“Option ARM”) transactions, Alt-A first lien mortgages and public finance transactions.

 

Losses paid is primarily driven by HELOC transactions. Generally, once the overcollateralization is exhausted on an insured HELOC transaction, the Company pays a claim if losses in a period exceed excess spread for the period. To the extent excess spread exceeds losses, the Company is reimbursed for any losses paid to date. In the first quarter of 2009, the Company paid net claims of $182.4 million on

 

16



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

3.  ACCOUNTING FOR FINANCIAL GUARANTEE INSURANCE (Continued)

 

HELOC transactions. This brought the inception to date net claim payments on HELOC transactions to $807.7 million. There were no claims paid on most other classes of insured transactions through March 31, 2009. Most claim payments on Alt-A CES are not payable until 2036 or later. Option ARM claim payments are expected to start in 2010.

 

The Company assigns each insured credit to one of five designated surveillance categories to facilitate the appropriate allocation of resources to monitoring, loss mitigation efforts and rating the credit condition of each risk exposure. Such categorization is determined in part by the risk of loss and in part by the level of routine involvement required. The surveillance categories are organized as follows:

 

·                  Categories I and II represent fundamentally sound transactions requiring routine monitoring, with Category II indicating that routine monitoring is more frequent, due, for example, to the sector or a need to monitor triggers.

 

·                  Category III represents transactions with some deterioration in asset performance, financial health of the issuer or other factors. Active monitoring and intervention is employed for Category III transactions.

 

·                  Category IV reflects transactions demonstrating sufficient deterioration to indicate that material credit losses are possible.

 

·                  Category V reflects transactions where losses are most probable. This category includes (1) risks where claim payments have been made and where ultimate losses, net of recoveries, are expected, and (2) risks where claim payments are probable but none have yet been made and ultimate losses, net of recoveries, are expected. Category IV and Category V transactions are subject to intense monitoring and intervention.

 

The tables below present the gross and net par and interest outstanding and unearned premium revenue in the insured portfolio for risks classified as described above:

 

Par and Interest Outstanding

(Excluding Credit Derivatives)

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Gross
Par

 

Gross
Interest

 

Net
Par

 

Net
Interest

 

No. of
risks

 

Weighted
Avg Life

 

Gross
Unearned
Premium
Revenue

 

Net
Unearned
Premium
Revenue

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Categories I and II

 

$

432,357

 

$

262,789

 

$

325,335

 

$

188,340

 

11,257

 

12.8

 

$

3,668

 

$

2,419

 

Category III

 

16,226

 

6,478

 

11,654

 

3,688

 

135

 

7.2

 

215

 

114

 

Category IV

 

2,069

 

917

 

1,705

 

657

 

9

 

8.5

 

52

 

26

 

Category V

 

9,518

 

2,665

 

8,091

 

2,305

 

58

 

5.7

 

56

 

46

 

Total

 

$

460,170

 

$

272,849

 

$

346,785

 

$

194,990

 

11,459

 

12.4

 

$

3,991

 

$

2,605

 

 

17



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

3.  ACCOUNTING FOR FINANCIAL GUARANTEE INSURANCE (Continued)

 

The table below represents undiscounted and discounted net cash flows for all obligations for which a loss reserve was established.

 

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve by Surveillance Category

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Category
I

 

Category
II

 

Category
III

 

Category
IV

 

Category
V

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Gross undiscounted cash outflows expected in the future

 

$

199,627

 

$

427,515

 

$

494,849

 

$

171,748

 

$

3,611,773

 

$

4,905,512

 

Less: Gross estimated recoveries in the future

 

145,559

 

223,415

 

374,310

 

137,398

 

1,249,841

 

2,130,523

 

Subtotal

 

54,068

 

204,100

 

120,539

 

34,350

 

2,361,932

 

2,774,989

 

Less: Discount taken on subtotal

 

12,455

 

42,089

 

6,912

 

1,763

 

462,601

 

525,820

 

Gross present value of expected losses

 

41,613

 

162,011

 

113,627

 

32,587

 

1,899,331

 

2,249,169

 

Gross unearned premium reserve

 

29,982

 

116,387

 

37,190

 

3,732

 

44,203

 

231,494

 

Gross loss and loss adjustment expense reserve

 

11,631

 

45,624

 

76,437

 

28,855

 

1,855,128

 

2,017,675

 

Less: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

7,546

 

13,075

 

8,026

 

1,725

 

295,440

 

325,812

 

Net loss and loss adjustment expense reserve

 

$

4,085

 

$

32,549

 

$

68,411

 

$

27,130

 

$

1,559,688

 

$

1,691,863

 

 

Management periodically evaluates its estimates for losses and LAE and establishes reserves that management believes are adequate to cover the present value of the ultimate net cost of claims. The Company will continue, on an ongoing basis, to monitor these reserves and may periodically adjust the loss and probability of loss scenarios based on the Company’s actual loss and recovery experience and economic conditions. However, because of the uncertainty involved in developing these estimates, the ultimate liability may differ materially from current estimates.

 

The weighted average risk free rate used to discount the claim liability was between 0.57% and 3.97% at March 31, 2009 and between 0.37% and 2.83% at January 1, 2009.

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

 

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 addresses how companies should measure fair value when required to use fair value measures under GAAP. SFAS 157:

 

·      defines fair value 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, and establishes a framework for measuring fair value;

 

18



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

·      establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date;

 

·      nullifies the guidance in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 02-03, “Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities” (“EITF 02-03”), which required the deferral of profit at inception of a transaction involving a derivative financial instrument in the absence of observable data supporting the valuation technique;

 

·      requires consideration of a company’s creditworthiness when valuing liabilities; and

 

·      expands disclosure requirements about instruments measured at fair value.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 provides an option to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial assets and financial liabilities not previously recorded at fair value. The Company adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008 and elected fair value accounting for certain FP segment debt and certain assets acquired in refinancing FSA-insured transactions not previously carried at fair value. For more information regarding the fair value option, see Note 5.

 

The Company applied its valuation methodologies for its assets and liabilities measured at fair value to all of the assets and liabilities carried at fair value effective January 1, 2008, whether those instruments are carried at fair value as a result of the adoption of SFAS 159 or in compliance with other authoritative accounting guidance. The Company has fair value committees to review and approve valuations and assumptions used in its models. These committees meet quarterly prior to the Company issuing its financial statements.

 

Fair value is based upon pricing received from dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency, internally developed estimates that employ credit-spread algorithms or models that use market-based or independently sourced market data inputs, including yield curves, interest rates, volatilities, debt prices, foreign exchange rates and credit curves. In addition to market information, models also incorporate instrument-specific data, such as maturity date.

 

Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret the data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amount the Company would realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair-value amounts.

 

The transition adjustment in connection with the adoption of SFAS 157 was an increase of $26.6 million after-tax to beginning retained earnings, which relates to day one gains that had been deferred under EITF 02-03.

 

19



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the components of the fair-value adjustments included in the consolidated statements of operations:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

REVENUES Gains/(Losses):

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) from general investment portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

Fair-value adjustment attributable to impairment charges in general investment portfolio

 

$

(8,744

)

$

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives (Note 12)

 

$

527,440

 

$

(452,955

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income from financial products segment(1):

 

 

 

 

 

Fair-value adjustments on FP segment investment portfolio

 

$

(99,542

)

$

75,984

 

Fair-value adjustments on FP segment derivatives

 

101,459

 

(76,058

)

Net interest income from financial products segment

 

$

1,917

 

$

(74

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses) from financial products segment(1):

 

 

 

 

 

Fair-value adjustments attributable to impairment charges in FP segment investment portfolio

 

$

(261,903

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

FP segment derivatives (Note 13)(1)(2)

 

$

(180,479

)

$

430,597

 

Other financial guaranty segment derivatives

 

(4

)

169

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

 

$

(180,483

)

$

430,766

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

Financial guaranty segment:

 

 

 

 

 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

$

23,019

 

$

(1,861

)

Committed preferred trust put options

 

15,700

 

32,000

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value in the financial guaranty segment

 

38,719

 

30,139

 

FP segment:

 

 

 

 

 

Assets designated as trading portfolio(1)

 

(16,831

)

(62,198

)

Fixed-rate FP segment debt:

 

 

 

 

 

Fair-value adjustments other than the Company’s own credit risk

 

290,956

 

(409,559

)

Fair-value adjustments attributable to the Company’s own credit risk

 

112,512

 

30,228

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value in the FP segment

 

386,637

 

(441,529

)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value

 

$

425,356

 

$

(411,390

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (loss)(3)

 

$

5,085

 

$

(11,060

)

 


(1)   Amounts for FP Investment Portfolio and FP derivatives supporting the GIC operations are recorded in FSAM, which was deconsolidated on February 24, 2009. Amounts related to FSAM pertain to activity through the FSAM Deconsolidation Date. See “—Valuation Techniques—FP Segment Investment Portfolio” for a description of the FP Segment Investment Portfolio and FP Investment Portfolio.

(2)   Represents derivatives not in designated fair-value hedging relationships.

(3)   Represents fair-value adjustments on the assets that economically defease the Company’s liability for deferred compensation plans (“DCP”) and supplemental executive retirement plans (“SERP”) and fair-value adjustments on assets acquired in refinancing transaction portfolio.

 

20



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

Valuation Hierarchy

 

SFAS 157 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

·      Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

·      Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model- derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

 

·      Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant drivers of the fair value measurement.

 

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Inputs to Valuation Techniques

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants use in pricing assets or liabilities, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable.

 

·      Observable inputs are inputs that reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on market data obtained from independent sources.

 

·      Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions management makes about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Valuation Techniques

 

Valuation techniques used for assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value are generally categorized into three types:

 

·      The market approach uses prices and other relevant information from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach often use market multiples derived from a set of comparables or matrix pricing. Market multiples might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable. The selection of where within the range the appropriate multiple falls requires judgment, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors specific to the measurement. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used principally to value certain securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but comparing the securities to benchmark or comparable securities.

 

·      The income approach converts future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present amount, or a discounted amount. Income approach techniques rely on current market expectations of future amounts. Examples of income approach valuation techniques include

 

21



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

present value techniques, option-pricing models that incorporate present value techniques, and the multi-period excess earnings method.

 

·      The cost approach is based upon the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset, or the current replacement cost. That is, from the perspective of a market participant (seller), the price that would be received for the asset is determined based on the cost to a market participant (buyer) to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility.

 

The Company uses valuation techniques that it concludes are appropriate in the specific circumstances and for which sufficient data are available. In selecting the valuation technique to apply, management considers the definition of an exit price and considers the nature of the asset or liability being valued.

 

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies the Company uses for financial instruments including the general classification of such instruments within the valuation hierarchy.

 

General Investment Portfolio

 

The “General Investment Portfolio” consists of the investments attributable to the financial guaranty segment held by FSA Holdings, FSA and other subsidiaries, excluding investments held in the FP Segment Investment Portfolio. The fair value of bonds in the General Investment Portfolio is generally based on quoted market prices received from third party pricing services or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Such quotes generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same and similar securities. If quoted market prices are not available, the valuation is based on pricing models that use dealer price quotations, price activity for traded securities with similar attributes and other relevant market factors as inputs, including security type, rating, vintage, tenor and its position in the capital structure of the issuer. Assets in this category are primarily categorized as Level 2.

 

At March 31, 2009, the Company’s equity securities were comprised of common stock of Dexia. The fair value of the common stock is based upon quoted prices and is categorized as Level 1.

 

For short-term investments in the General Investment Portfolio, which are those investments with a maturity of less than one year at time of purchase, the carrying amount approximates fair value. These short-term investments include money-market funds and other highly liquid short-term investments, which are categorized as Level 1 on the valuation hierarchy, and foreign government and agency securities, which are categorized as Level 2.

 

FP Segment Investment Portfolio

 

The “FP Investment Portfolio” is comprised of investments made with the proceeds of FSA-insured GICs. The “VIE Investment Portfolio” is made up of the investments supporting the VIE liabilities. Prior to the FSAM Deconsolidation Date, the FP Investment Portfolio and VIE Investment Portfolio together formed the “FP Segment Investment Portfolio.” As of the FSAM Deconsolidation Date, FSAM, the entity holding the FP Investment Portfolio, is no longer consolidated for accounting purposes with the Company, and therefore the VIE Investment Portfolio is the only component of the FP Segment Investment Portfolio.

 

22



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

The available-for-sale FP Investment Portfolio is broadly comprised of short-term investments, non-agency RMBS, securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government sponsored agencies, taxable municipal bonds, securities issued by utilities, infrastructure-related securities, collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), and other asset backed securities. In addition to its available-for-sale portfolio, the FP Investment Portfolio includes foreign currency denominated securities classified as “trading.”

 

The fair value of bonds in the FP Segment Investment Portfolio is generally based on quoted market prices received from dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Such quotes generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same and similar securities. If quoted market prices are not available, the valuation is based on pricing models that use dealer price quotations, price activity for traded securities with similar attributes and other relevant market factors as inputs, including security type, rating, vintage, tenor and its position in the capital structure of the issuer. For assets not valued by quoted market prices received from dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources, fair value is based on either internally developed models using market based inputs or based on broker quotes for identical or similar assets. Valuation results, particularly those derived from valuation models and quotes on certain mortgage and asset-backed securities, could differ materially from amounts that would actually be realized in the market. Non-agency mortgage-backed and other asset-backed investments are generally categorized as Level 3 due to the reduced liquidity that exists for such assets, which increases use of unobservable inputs.

 

The trading portfolio is comprised of U.K. pound sterling-denominated inflation-linked bonds for which fair value is based on broker quotes derived from their internally-developed models that use observable market inputs to the extent possible. The investments are classified as Level 3. The trading portfolio is owned by FSAM and as a result is no longer consolidated with the Company as of the FSAM Deconsolidation Date.

 

Assets Acquired in Refinancing Transactions

 

For certain assets acquired in refinancing transactions, fair value is either the present value of expected cash flows or a quoted market price as of the reporting date. This portfolio is comprised primarily of bonds, securitized loans, common stock, mortgage loans, real estate and short term investments, of which bonds, common stocks and certain securitized loans are carried at fair value. Mortgage loans are accounted for at fair value when lower than cost. The majority of the assets in this portfolio are categorized as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy, except for the short-term investments, which are categorized as Level 2.

 

Credit Derivatives in the Insured Portfolio

 

The Company’s insured portfolio includes contracts accounted for as derivatives, namely,

 

·                  CDS contracts in which the Company sells protection to various financial institutions, and in certain cases, purchases back-to-back credit protection on all or a portion of the risk written, primarily from reinsurance companies;

 

·                  insured interest rate (“IR”) swaps entered into by the issuer in connection with the issuance of certain public finance obligations, which guaranty the municipality’s performance under the IR swap to the IR swap counterparty; and

 

23



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

·                  insured net interest margin (“NIM”) securitizations and other financial guaranty contracts that guarantee risks other than credit risk, such as interest rate basis risk (“FG contracts with embedded derivatives”) issued after January 1, 2007.

 

The Company considers all such agreements to be a normal part of its financial guaranty insurance business but, for accounting purposes, these contracts are deemed to be derivative instruments and therefore must be recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in “net change in fair value of credit derivatives.”

 

Credit Default Swap Contracts

 

In the case of CDS contracts, a trust that is consolidated by the Company writes a derivative contract that provides for payments to be made if certain credit events occur related to certain specified reference obligations, in exchange for a fee. The insurance laws of the State of New York allow a financial guaranty insurer to guarantee special purpose entities that issue CDS. The trust’s obligation on the CDS contracts it writes are guaranteed by a financial guaranty contract written by FSA that provides payments to the insured if the trust defaults on its payments under the derivative contract. In these transactions, FSA is considered the counterparty to a financial guaranty contract that is defined under GAAP as a derivative. The credit event is typically based upon failure to pay or the insolvency of a referenced obligation. In such cases, the claim represents payment for the shortfall amount.

 

The Company’s accounting policy regarding CDS contract valuations requires management to make numerous complex and subjective judgments relating to amounts that are inherently uncertain. CDS contracts are valued using proprietary models because such instruments are unique, complex and are typically highly customized transactions. Valuation models and the related assumptions are continuously reevaluated by management and enhanced, as appropriate, based on market developments and improvements in modeling techniques and the availability of market observable data. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs required to value CDS contracts, they are considered to be Level 3 under the SFAS 157 fair value hierarchy.

 

Significant assumptions that, if changed, could result in materially different fair values include:

 

·                  the assumed credit quality of the underlying referenced obligations,

 

·                  the assumed credit spread attributable to credit risk of the underlying referenced obligations exclusive of funding costs,

 

·                  the reference credit index used, which includes a market correlation factor for pooled corporate CDS contracts, and

 

·                  the price source and credit spread attributable to the Company’s own credit risk.

 

Market perceptions of credit deterioration of the underlying referenced obligation would result in an increase in the expected exit value (the amount required to be paid to exit the transaction due to wider credit spreads).

 

24



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

Fair Value of CDS Contracts in which the Company Sells Protection

 

Determination of Current Exit Value Premium:  The estimation of the current exit value premium is derived using a unique credit-spread algorithm for each defined CDS category that utilizes various publicly available credit indices, depending on the types of assets referenced by the CDS contract and the duration of the contract. The “exit price” derived is technically an “entry price” and not an “exit price” (i.e., the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability that is required under SFAS 157). This is because a monoline insurer cannot observe “exit prices” for the CDS contract that it writes in a principal market since these contracts are not transferable. While SFAS 157 provides that the transaction (entry) price and the exit price may not be equal if the transaction price includes transaction costs, the Company believes those transaction costs would be the same in an “entry” market and a hypothetical “exit” market and thus it would be inappropriate to record a day one gain when using the estimated “entry price” to determine the exit value premium.

 

Management applies judgment when developing these estimates and considers factors such as current prices charged for similar agreements, if available, performance of underlying assets, changes in internal credit assessments or rating agency-based shadow ratings, and the level at which the deductible has been set. Estimates generated from the Company’s valuation process may differ materially from values that may be realized in market transactions.

 

In a financial guaranty insurance policy, a deductible is the portion of a loss under that policy that is not covered by the policy or, in other words, the amount of the loss for which the insurer is not responsible. In a CDS contract, the deductible is quoted as a percentage of the contract’s notional amount, and is also referred to as the contract’s attachment point. For example, for a CDS with a $1 billion notional amount and a 15% deductible, the Company would only be obligated to make a claim payment after the insured incurred more than $150 million (15% of $1 billion) of losses (net of recoveries). The attachment points for each of the Company’s CDS contracts vary, as the deductibles are negotiated on a contract-by-contract basis.

 

In the ordinary course, the Company does not post collateral to the counterparty as security for the Company’s obligation under CDS contracts. As a result, the Company receives a smaller fee than it would for a CDS contract that required the posting of collateral. In order to calculate the exit value premium for CDS that do not require collateral to be posted, the Company applies a factor (the “non-collateral posting factor”) to the indicated market premium for CDS contracts that require collateral to be posted. The non-collateral posting factor was approximately 87% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009.

 

The Company calculates the non-collateral posting factor quarterly based in part on observable market inputs. In the market where transactions are executed, the Company observed during 2008 that, when a collateral posting counterparty executes a CDS contract purchasing protection from a non-collateral posting counterparty, it will hold back a portion of the CDS premium (the “collateral posting premium”) it charged to provide the CDS protection. The Company believes that the non-collateral posting factor has the effect of adjusting the fair value of these contracts for the Company’s credit quality in addition to adjusting the contract to a collateral posting basis. Accordingly, the Company adds an additional amount to the collateral posting premium to reflect the market price of CDS protection on FSA. The Company estimated the collateral posting premium and additional amount at March 31, 2009 to be approximately 13% and 74%, respectively, using an algorithm that uses as an input FSA’s current annual five-year CDS credit spread, which was approximately 2,764 basis

 

25



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

points at March 31, 2009. The Company uses the current five-year CDS credit spread based on its observation that the five-year instrument is the standard term for CDS contracts used to hedge counterparty credit risk. Quoted prices for shorter or longer terms are typically not available and, when available, are less reliable.

 

The underlying securities of the Company’s CDS contracts are predominantly corporate obligations, specifically investment grade pooled corporate CDS, high yield pooled corporate CDS and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”). The Company’s exposure to underlying securities such as those backed by domestic RMBS and CDOs of ABS was less than one percent of the total CDS par outstanding at March 31, 2009.

 

Below is an explanation of how the Company determines the current exit value for each of the following types of CDS contracts:

 

·                  Pooled Corporate CDS Contracts:

 

·                  investment grade pooled corporate CDS;

 

·                  high yield pooled corporate CDS; and

 

·                  CDS of funded CDOs and CLOs.

 

Pooled Corporate CDS Contracts:  A pooled corporate CDS contract insures the default risk of a pool of referenced corporate entities. As there is no observable exchange trading of bespoke pooled corporate CDS, the Company values these contracts using an internal pricing model that uses the mid-point of the bid and ask prices (the “mid-market price”) of dealer quotes on specific indexes as inputs to its pricing model, principally the Dow Jones CDX for domestic corporate CDS (“DJ CDX”) and iTraxx for European corporate CDS (“iTraxx”). The mid-market price is a practical expedient for the fair-value measurement within a bid-ask spread. For those pooled corporate CDS contracts that include both domestic and foreign reference entities, the Company applies the iTraxx price in proportion to the pool of applicable foreign reference entities comprising the pool by calculating a weighted average of the DJ CDX and iTraxx quoted prices.

 

The Company’s valuation process for pooled corporate CDS involves stratifying the pools into either investment grade credits or high-yield credits and then by remaining term to maturity, consistent with the reference indexes. Within maturity bands, further distinction is made for contracts that have higher attachment points. Both the DJ CDX and iTraxx indices provide quoted prices for standard attachment and detachment points (or “tranches”) for contracts with maturities of three, five, seven and ten years.

 

Prices quoted for these tranches do not represent perfect pricing references, but are the only relevant market-based information available for this type of non-traded contract. The recent market volatility in the index tranches has had a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the Company’s portfolio of pooled corporate CDS.

 

Investment-Grade Pooled Corporate CDS Contracts:  The Company applies quoted prices to its investment-grade pooled corporate CDS contracts (“IG CDS”) by stratifying its IG CDS contracts into four maturity bands: less than 3.5 years; 3.5 to 5.5 years; 5.5 to 7.5 years; and 7.5 to 10 years. Within the maturity bands, further distinction is made for contracts that have a significantly higher starting attachment point (usually 30% or higher).

 

26



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

The CDX North America IG Index (“CDX IG Index”) is comprised of prices sourced from 125 North American investment grade CDS quoted (each, an “Index CDS”) and is supported by at least 10 of the largest CDS dealers. In addition to the full capital structure, the CDX IG Index also provides price quotes for various tranches delineated by attachment and detachment points: 0 to 3%; 3 to 7%; 7 to10%; 10 to 15%; 15 to 30% and 30 to 100%. Approximately every six months, a new “series” of the CDX IG Index is published (“on-the-run”) based on a new grouping of 125 Index CDS, which changes the composition of the 125 Index CDS of older (“off-the-run”) series. Each quarter, the Company compares the composition of the 125 Index CDS in both the on-the-run and off-the run series of the CDX IG Index to the CDS pool referenced by the Company’s IG CDS contracts (the “reference CDS pool”) and uses the average of the series of the CDX IG Index and the comparable iTraxx Index that most closely relates to the credit characteristics of the Company’s IG CDS contracts, mainly the Weighted-Average Rating Factor (“WARF”), of the Company’s IG CDS contracts. The Company also remodels each of its contracts to determine if the credit quality remains comparable to that of the relevant index. WARF is a 10,000 point scale developed by Moody’s that is used as an indicator of collateral pool risk. A higher WARF indicates a lower average collateral rating.

 

The Company calibrates the quoted index price to the approximate attachment points for its IG CDS contracts by calculating the weighted average of the given quoted tranche prices for IG CDS of a given maturity using the CDX IG Index and iTraxx quoted tranche widths. The relevant widths of the quoted tranches used by the two indices differ. DJ CDX uses tranches of 10 to 15%, 15 to 30%, and 30 to 100%, resulting in tranche widths of five, 15 and 70 percentage points, whereas iTraxx uses tranches of 9 to 12%, 12 to 22% and 22 to 100%, resulting in tranche widths of three, 10 and 78 percentage points.

 

The Company’s IG CDS contracts typically attach at 10% or higher. The following table indicates FSA’s typical attachment points at origination and total tranche widths:

 

Portfolio Classification

 

Index Quoted
Duration

 

FSA’s Typical
Original
Attachment
Point

 

FSA’s Total
Tranche
Width

 

 

 

(in years)

 

 

 

 

 

Less than 3.5 Yrs

 

3

 

10

%

90

%

3.5 to 5.5 Yrs

 

5

 

10

 

90

 

5.5 to 7.5 Yrs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lower attachment

 

7

 

15

 

85

 

Higher attachment

 

7

 

30

 

70

 

7.5 to 10 Yrs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lower attachment

 

10

 

15

 

85

 

Higher attachment

 

10

 

30

 

70

 

 

To calculate the weighted average price for the entire tranche width of the Company’s IG CDS (the “total tranche width”), a price is obtained for each quoted tranche comprising the total tranche width, and the sum of the weighted average prices is divided by the total tranche width. The price for each quoted tranche is the mid-market of the quoted price for that tranche, weighted by the width of that tranche. The following table illustrates the calculation of the weighted-average price of the Company’s IG CDS contracts with a maturity of up to 3.5 years, given quoted CDX IG tranche prices

 

27



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

of 310.5 basis points, 73.5 basis points and 76.9 basis points for the 10 to 15%, 15 to 30%, and 30 to 100% tranches, respectively.

 

FSA Portfolio Classification

 

CDX IG Mid-Market Price Multiplied by the Tranche Width

 

Total
Tranche

 

Weighted
Average

 

Attachment/Detachment

 

10 to 15%

 

15 to 30%

 

30 to 100%

 

Total

 

Width

 

Price

 

Less than 3.5 Yrs

 

310.5 bps × 5
= 1,552.5

 

73.5 bps × 15
= 1,102.5

 

76.9 bps × 70
= 5,383.0

 

8,038

 

90

 

89.3 bps

 

 

The Company applies a factor to the quoted prices (the “IG calibration factor”). The calibration factor is intended to calibrate the index price to each of the Company’s pooled corporate investment grade CDS contracts, which reference pools of entities that are typically of lower average credit quality than those reflected in the CDX IG Index. The IG calibration factor is determined for each IG CDS contract by calibrating the WARF of the index so that it approximately equals the WARF of each IG CDS contract. To do so, the Company recalculates the index price after removing from the index the reference obligations that have the highest ratings. This recalculated index price is then divided by the unadjusted index price to arrive at the IG calibration factor. At March 31, 2009, the IG calibration factor applied to the Company’s IG CDS contracts ranged from 109% to 342% of the WARF of the index.

 

The Company’s Transaction Oversight Group reviews the pooled corporate CDS portfolio regularly and no less than quarterly and factors in any rating changes. Any new reported credit events under a given CDS contract are factored into the contract’s deductible level. As such credit events occur, the contract’s attachment point is recalculated based on the revised deductible amount to determine if the attachment point for each contract in the portfolio continues to be at a “Super Triple-A” credit rating.

 

To arrive at the exit value premium applied to each of the Company’s IG CDS contracts, the Company:

 

(a)          determines the weighted average of the mid-market prices for the applicable tranches by (1) multiplying the mid-market price for each tranche by the tranche width and (2) dividing the total amount derived by the total tranche width, using CDX IG and iTraxx quoted prices (as shown above); and then

 

(b)         applies the IG calibration factor and non-collateral posting factor to the weighted-average market price determined for each maturity band (as shown below).

 

Below is an example of the pricing algorithm that is applied to the Company’s domestic IG CDS contracts with durations of 0.0 to 3.5 years, assuming an average IG calibration factor of 185%, to determine the exit premium value at March 31, 2009:

 

Index
Duration

 

Unadjusted
Quoted Price

 

After IG
Calibration
Factor

 

Adjusted to Non-
Collateral
Posting
Contract Value

 

3 yrs

 

89.3 bps

 

165.4 bps

 

21.7 bps

 

 

28



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

High-Yield Pooled Corporate CDS Contracts:  In order to estimate the market price for high-yield pooled corporate CDS contracts (“HY CDS”), the Company uses the average of the dealer mid-market prices obtained for the most senior quoted of the respective three-year, five-year and seven-year tranches of the CDX North America High Yield Index (“CDX HY Index”). The CDX HY Index is comprised of prices sourced from 100 of the most liquid North American high yield CDS quoted (each, an “Index CDS”) and is supported by more than 10 of the largest CDS dealers. In addition to the full capital structure, the CDX HY Index also provides price quotes for various tranches delineated by attachment and detachment points: 0 to 10%; 10 to 15%; 15 to 25%; 25 to 35%; and 35 to 100%. The Company uses an average of the dealer mid-market quotes of the index because the Company believes that dealer price quotes have historically been indicative of where trades have been executed in the high-yield market.

 

The Company applies a factor to the quoted prices (the “HY calibration factor”). The HY calibration factor is intended to calibrate the index price to each of the Company’s pooled corporate high-yield CDS contracts, which reference pools of entities that are typically of higher average credit quality than those reflected in the CDX HY Index. The HY calibration factor is determined for each HY CDS contract by calibrating the WARF of the index so that it approximately equals the WARF of each HY CDS contract. To do so, the Company recalculates the index price after removing from the index the reference obligations that have the lowest ratings. This recalculated index price is then divided by the unadjusted index price to arrive at the HY calibration factor. At March 31, 2009, the HY calibration factor applied to the Company’s HY CDS contracts ranged from 23% to 100% of the WARF of the index.

 

Approximately every six months, a new “series” of the CDX HY Index is published (“on-the-run”) based on a new grouping of 100 single name CDS, which changes the composition of the Index of older (“off-the-run”) series. The Company compares the composition of the Index in both the on-the-run and off-the-run series of the HY index to each CDS pool (i.e., “reference entities” or companies included in each contract) referenced by the Company’s contracts (the “reference CDS pool”). Based on that comparison, the Company determines which of the actively quoted series most closely relates to the credit characteristics, mainly with reference to the WARF, of the Company’s HY CDS contracts, and then uses the average of dealer quotes of that series. The Company also remodels each of its contracts to determine if the credit quality remains comparable to that of the relevant index.

 

To arrive at the exit value premium that is applied to each of the Company’s CDS contracts in a given maturity band, the non-collateral posting factor is applied to the weighted-average market price determined for that maturity band.

 

·                  For purposes of this calculation, the Company’s HY CDS contracts are stratified into three maturity bands: less than 3.5 years; 3.5 to 5.5 years; and 5.5 to 7.5 years.

 

·                  Each quarter, the average of the series of the CDX HY or iTraxx that most closely relates to the credit characteristics of the CDS contracts in the Company’s portfolio is used. In some cases it may be the most recently published series of those indices, but in other cases, it may be the previously published series to the extent that it is still being published.

 

·                  The appropriate HY calibration factor and the 87% non-collateral posting factor adjustment are applied to the average of the quotes received at March 31, 2009.

 

29



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

Below is an example of the pricing algorithm that is applied to the Company’s domestic HY CDS contracts with durations of 0.0 to 3.5 years, assuming an average HY calibration factor of 64% to determine the exit premium value at March 31, 2009:

 

Index
Duration

 

Unadjusted
Quoted Price

 

After HY
Calibration Factor

 

Adjusted to Non-Collateral
Posting Contract Value

 

3 yrs

 

638.3 bps

 

408.5 bps

 

53.5 bps

 

 

CDS of Funded CDOs and CLOs:  Prior to August 2008, the Company sold protection to financial institutions in a principal-to-principal market in which transactions are highly customized and negotiated independently. The Company therefore cannot observe “exit” prices for the CDS contracts it writes in this market since these contracts are not transferable. In the absence of a principal exit market, the Company determines the fair value of a CDS contract it writes by using an internally-developed estimate of an “exit price” that a hypothetical market participant (i.e., a similarly rated monoline financial guarantee insurer, or “monoline insurer”) would accept to assume the risk from the CDS writer on the measurement date, on terms identical to the contract written by the CDS writer. The Company believes this approach is reasonable because the hypothetical exit market has been defined as other monoline insurers. In essence, the exit market participants are the same as the monoline participants competing in the entry market.

 

As with pooled corporate CDS, there is no observable exchange trading of CDS of funded CDOs and CLOs. The price of protection charged by a CDS writer is based on the “credit spread component” of the “all-in credit spread” of funded CLOs, as quoted by underwriter participants. As the all-in credit spread for a given CLO may not always be observable in the market, the CDS writer often utilizes an index, published by an underwriter participant, such as the “all-in” LIBOR spread for Triple-A rated cash-funded CLOs (the “Triple-A CLO Funded Rate”) as published by J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. The Triple-A CLO Funded Rate is an all-in credit spread that includes both a funding and credit spread component.

 

The CDS protection of a CLO provided by the Company is priced to capture only the credit spread component, as the CDS writer is not providing funding for the CLO, only credit protection. The contracts on which the Company has provided credit protection are regularly evaluated to ascertain whether or not the original Triple-A credit rating is still considered appropriate. The Company determines the exit value premium for all these CDS of CLO contracts in its portfolio that are rated Triple-A with reference to the Triple-A CLO Funded Rate, which is currently the only regularly and frequently quoted rate observable in the market. The Triple-A CLO Funded Rate was 600 bps at March 31, 2009. The Company applies a credit component factor to the Triple-A CLO Funded Rate as a means of estimating the fair value of its Triple-A rated contract, which only refers to the credit component. The credit and funding components were 50% each as of March 31, 2009. The components are determined judgmentally and can vary based on estimates provided to the Company by external market participants, specifically purchasers of CDS protection on Triple-A CLO risk and investors in Triple-A CLO bonds.

 

To arrive at the exit value premium that is applied to each of the Company’ CDO and CLO CDS contracts, the non-collateral posting factor is applied to the weighted-average market price determined for each maturity band.

 

30



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

The determination of the exit value premium is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Triple-A CLO
Funded Rate

 

After Credit
Component Factor

 

After Non-
Collateral
Posting Factor

 

Rate

 

600 bps

 

300 bps

 

39.3 bps

 

 

Other Structured Obligations Valuation:  For CDS for which observable market value information is not available, management applies its best judgment to estimate the appropriate current exit value premium, and takes into consideration the Company’s estimation of the price at which the Company would currently charge to provide similar protection, and other factors such as the nature of the underlying reference credit, the Company’s attachment point, and the tenor of the CDS contract.

 

Fair Value of CDS Contracts in which the Company Purchases Protection

 

When the Company reinsures its policies that insure CDS, GAAP characterizes such transactions as if the Company purchased protection for CDS contracts it wrote. The Company’s use of reinsurance to mitigate risk exposures for CDS contracts and for financial guaranty insurance policies is identical as they involve the same reinsurers, the same underwriting process evaluating the reinsurers and the same credit risk management and surveillance processes supporting the reinsurance function. The Company enters into reinsurance agreements on policies insuring CDS contracts primarily on a quota share basis. Under a quota share reinsurance agreement with a reinsurer, the Company cedes to the reinsurer a proportionate share of the risk and premium.

 

The determination of the hypothetical exit market is a key factor in determining the fair value of protection purchased (the “ceded” or “reinsurance” contract) with respect to a CDS contract insured by a financial guarantor (the “direct contract”). SFAS 157 requires that the valuation premise, used to measure the fair value of an asset, must consider the asset’s “highest and best use” from the perspective of market participants. Generally, the valuation premise used for a financial asset is “in-exchange” since this type of asset provides maximum value to market participants on a stand- alone basis. The maximum value of a ceded contract to the CDS writer’s exit market participants is in combination with the CDS writer’s direct contract. Therefore the appropriate valuation premise to use for a ceded contract is the “in-use” premise.

 

The Company determines the fair value of a CDS contract in which it purchases protection from a reinsurer (the “ceded CDS contract”) as the proportionate percentage of the fair value of the related written CDS contracts, adjusted for any ceding commission and consideration of counterparty risk. In quota share reinsurance agreements, the assuming reinsurer typically pays a ceding commission periodically over the life of the policy insuring the CDS contract to the ceding company that is intended to defray the ceding company’s costs for the services it provides to the reinsurer, such as risk selection, underwriting activities and ongoing servicing and reporting. As an element of the fair value of the ceded CDS insurance policy, the ceding commission paid to the ceding company represents the ceding company’s profit on the ceded CDS insurance policy after considering counterparty credit risk, (i.e., the difference between (a) the price of the protection the ceding company purchased from the reinsurer, which is net of the ceding commission, and (b) the price that the ceding company would receive to exit the ceded CDS insurance policy in its principal market, which is comprised of other ceding insurers of comparable credit standing). The Company applies a credit valuation adjustment to the fair value of a ceded insurance policy due from a reinsurer if the reinsurer’s credit quality (as determined by CDS price if available, or if not, its credit rating) is less than that of the Company’s

 

31



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

based upon the premise that the exit market for these contracts would be another monoline financial guarantee insurer that has similar credit rating or spread as the Company.

 

Insured Interest Rate Swaps and Financial Guarantee Contracts Deemed to be Derivatives

 

The Company insures IR swaps entered into in connection with the issuance of certain public finance obligations. Because the financial guaranty contract insures a derivative, the financial guaranty contract is deemed to be a derivative under GAAP. Therefore, the contract is required to be carried at fair value, with the change in fair value being recorded in the determination of net income (loss). As there is no observable market for these policies, the fair value of these contracts is determined by using an internally-developed model and, therefore, they are classified as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy.

 

Under GAAP, insured NIM securitizations issued in connection with certain mortgage-backed security financings and financial guaranty contracts with embedded derivatives are deemed to be hybrid instruments that contain an embedded derivative if they were issued after January 1, 2007. The Company elected to record these financial instruments at fair value under SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments.” Changes in the fair value of these contracts are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. As there is no observable market for these policies, the fair value of these contracts is based on internally-derived estimates and they are, therefore, classified as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy.

 

FP Segment Derivatives

 

Derivatives in the FP segment are valued using a pricing model that uses observable market inputs, such as interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates and inflation indices. These derivatives are therefore classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy, except for exchange traded futures contracts, which are classified as Level 1 or Level 3 if any of the significant model inputs were not observable in the market.

 

Other Assets and Other Liabilities

 

Other assets primarily include receivables for securities sold, DCP, SERP and committed preferred trust securities (“CPS”). As there is no observable market for the Company’s CPS, fair value of the CPS is based on internally-derived estimates and, therefore, is categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

The Company determined the fair value of the CPS by estimating the fair value of a floating rate security with an estimated market yield reflective of the underlying committed preferred security structure and the relevant coupon based on the capped auction rate.

 

Other liabilities include payables for securities purchased and derivative obligations. The carrying amount for receivables for securities sold and payable for securities purchased is cost, which approximates fair value because of the short maturity.

 

FP Segment Debt

 

The fair value of the FP segment debt is determined based on a discounted cash flow model. Fair value calculated by these models includes assumptions for interest rate curves based on selected benchmark securities and weighted average expected lives. In addition, the valuation of the fair-valued liabilities includes an adjustment to reflect the credit quality of FSA that represents the impact of changes in market credit spreads on these liabilities. The fair-valued liabilities are categorized as

 

32



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy. See Note 5 for a description of the FP segment debt for which the Company elected the fair value option.

 

The following tables present the financial instruments carried at fair value at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, by caption on the consolidated balance sheet and SFAS 157 valuation hierarchy.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

FIN 39
Netting(1)

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General investment portfolio, available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

$

 

$

5,345,474

 

$

37,701

 

$

 

$

5,383,175

 

Equity securities

 

573

 

 

 

 

573

 

Short-term investments

 

33,531

 

455,030

 

 

 

488,561

 

Financial products segment investment portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for sale bonds

 

 

22,583

 

773,546

 

 

796,129

 

Short-term investments

 

8,910

 

 

 

 

8,910

 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

 

21,232

 

135,673

 

 

156,905

 

FP segment derivatives

 

 

684,653

 

59,098

 

(495,522

)

248,229

 

Credit derivatives(2)

 

 

 

126,385

 

 

126,385

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DCP and SERP

 

26,624

 

59

 

 

 

26,683

 

CPS

 

 

 

115,700

 

 

115,700

 

Total assets at fair value

 

$

69,638

 

$

6,529,031

 

$

1,248,103

 

$

(495,522

)

$

7,351,250

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FP segment debt

 

$

 

$

 

$

6,639,362

 

$

 

$

6,639,362

 

Credit derivatives

 

 

 

816,633

 

 

816,633

 

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other financial guarantee segment derivatives

 

 

(108

)

 

 

(108

)

Total liabilities at fair value

 

$

 

$

(108

)

$

7,455,955

 

$

 

$

7,455,887

 

 

33



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

 

 

At December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

FIN 39
Netting(1)

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General investment portfolio, available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

$

 

$

5,238,081

 

$

45,167

 

$

 

$

5,283,248

 

Equity securities

 

374

 

 

 

 

374

 

Short-term investments

 

12,502

 

639,354

 

 

 

651,856

 

Financial products segment investment portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for sale bonds

 

 

2,390,325

 

7,292,973

 

 

9,683,298

 

Short-term investments

 

471,480

 

 

 

 

471,480

 

Trading portfolio

 

 

 

147,241

 

 

147,241

 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

 

20,962

 

117,814

 

 

138,776

 

FP segment derivatives

 

63,972

 

1,622,201

 

(116,781

)

(1,057,868

)

511,524

 

Credit derivatives(2)

 

 

 

287,449

 

 

287,449

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DCP and SERP

 

90,616

 

88

 

 

 

90,704

 

CPS

 

 

 

100,000

 

 

100,000

 

Total assets at fair value

 

$

638,944

 

$

9,911,011

 

$

7,873,863

 

$

(1,057,868

)

$

17,365,950

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FP segment debt

 

$

 

$

 

$

8,030,909

 

$

 

$

8,030,909

 

FP segment derivatives

 

 

102,617

 

23,356

 

 

125,973

 

Credit derivatives

 

 

 

1,543,809

 

 

1,543,809

 

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other financial guarantee segment derivatives

 

 

(112

)

 

 

(112

)

Total liabilities at fair value

 

$

 

$

102,505

 

$

9,598,074

 

$

 

$

9,700,579

 

 


(1)          As permitted by FASB Staff Position No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39” (“FIN 39”), the Company has elected to net derivative receivables and payables and the related cash collateral received under a master netting agreement.

 

(2)          At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, approximately 76% and 97% or $95.5 million and $278.1 million, respectively, of the credit derivative asset in the “assets: credit derivatives” line item above represented the fair value of derivative contracts where the Company purchases protection on its CDS exposure. The remaining 24% and 3% or approximately $30.9 million and $9.3 million, respectively, relates to the fair value of certain of the Company’s primary contracts (i.e., sold protection), where the fair value is in an asset position because the cash flows necessary to exit such a contract, including the effect of the Company’s creditworthiness as determined by CDS referencing the Company’s principal insurance subsidiary, would be less than the contractual cash flows to be received. Reinsurance and direct derivative contracts, which call for contractual fees below (reinsurance) or in excess of (direct contracts) the current market price, represent a benefit to the Company and, accordingly, are accounted for as credit derivative assets.

 

34



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

 

Mortgage loans in the portfolio of assets acquired in refinancing transactions are carried at the lower of cost or market on an aggregated basis. At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, such investments were carried at their market value of $13.2 million and $13.8 million, respectively. The mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as there are significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of such loans. An indicative dealer quote is used to price the non-performing portion of these mortgage loans. The performing loans are valued using management’s determination of future cash flows arising from these loans, discounted at the rate of return that would be required by a market participant. This rate of return is based on indicative dealer quotes.

 

Changes in Level 3 Recurring Fair Value Measurements

 

The table below includes a rollforward of the balance sheet amounts for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 for financial instruments classified by the Company within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. When a determination is made to classify a financial instrument within Level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable data to the overall fair value measurement. However, Level 3 financial instruments may include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 components, observable components. Accordingly, the gains and losses in the table below include changes in fair value due in part to observable factors that are part of the valuation methodology. Level 3 assets were 5.0% and 38.9% of total assets at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Level 3 liabilities were 33.0% and 37.7% of total liabilities at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

 

Level 3 Rollforward

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Total Pre-tax Realized/
Unrealized Gains/(Losses)(1)
Recorded in:

 

Purchases,

 

Transfers

 

Fair

 

Change in
Unrealized
Gains/(Losses)
Related to
Financial
Instruments

 

 

 

at
December 31,
2008

 

Net
Income
(Loss)

 

Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

 

Issuances,
Settlements,
net

 

in and/or
out of
Level 3(2)

 

Value at
March 31,
2009

 

Held at
March 31,
2009

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

General investment portfolio, available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

$

45,167

 

$

1,808

(3)

$

 

$

(9,274

)

$

 

$

37,701

 

$

1,805

 

FP segment available-for sale bonds

 

7,292,973

 

(382,902

)(4)

(6,916

)

(6,129,609

)

 

773,546

 

(129,984

)

FP trading portfolio

 

147,241

 

(16,831

)(5)

 

(130,410

)

 

 

 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

117,814

 

23,019

(6)

 

(5,160

)

 

135,673

 

23,019

 

FP segment debt

 

(8,030,909

)

394,580

(7)

 

996,967

 

 

(6,639,362

)

345,843

 

Net FP segment derivatives(8)

 

(140,138

)

54,070

(9)

 

145,166

 

 

59,098

 

(170

)

CPS

 

100,000

 

15,700

(5)

 

 

 

115,700

 

15,700

 

Net credit derivatives(8)

 

(1,256,360

)

527,440

(10)

 

38,672

 

 

(690,248

)

504,721

 

 

35



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

4.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Total Pre-tax
Realized/Unrealized Gains/
(Losses) (1) recorded in:

 

Purchases,

 

Transfers
in and/or

 

Fair

 

Change in
Unrealized
Gains/(Losses)
Related to
Financial
Instruments

 

 

 

at
January 1,
2008

 

Net Income
(Loss)

 

Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

 

Issuances,
Settlements,
net

 

out of
Level 3
(2)

 

Value at
March 31,
2008

 

Held at
March 31,
2008

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

General investment portfolio, available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

$

60,273

 

$

 

$

(1,923

)

$

(2,348

)

$

 

$

56,002

 

$

 

Equity securities

 

39,000

 

 

(930

)

0

 

 

38,070

 

 

FP segment available for sale bonds

 

14,764,502

 

32,144

(4)

(2,218,600

)

(334,023

)

 

12,244,023

 

32,144

 

FP trading portfolio

 

250,575

 

(58,690

)(5)

 

 

 

191,885

 

(58,690

)

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

170,492

 

(2,034

)(6)

(1,091

)

(12,969

)

 

154,398

 

(2,034

)

FP segment debt

 

(9,559,107

)

(435,219

)(7)

 

580,735

 

 

(9,413,591

)

(359,385

)

Net FP segment derivatives(8)

 

591,325

 

(19,215

)(9)

 

(1,886

)

(578,834

)

(8,610

)

(19,215

)

CPS

 

 

32,000

(5)

 

 

 

32,000

 

32,000

 

Net credit derivatives(8)

 

(537,321

)

(487,263

)(10)

 

 

 

(1,024,584

)

(486,994

)

 


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

 

(2)          Transfers are assumed to be made at the beginning of the period.

 

(3)          Included in net realized gains (losses) from general investment portfolio.

 

(4)          Reported in net interest income from financial products segment if designated in a qualifying fair-value hedging relationship, or net realized gains (losses) from financial products segment if determined to be OTTI.

 

(5)          Reported in net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value.

 

(6)          Reported in net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value.

 

(7)          Unrealized gains are reported in net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and interest expense is recorded in net interest expense from financial products segment.

 

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

 

(9)          Reported in net interest income from financial products segment if designated in a qualifying fair-value hedging relationship, or net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments if not so designated.

 

(10)    Reported in net change in fair value of credit derivatives.

 

5.  FAIR VALUE OPTION

 

SFAS 159 provides an option to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial assets and financial liabilities not previously carried at fair value. The fair value option may be applied to single eligible instruments, is irrevocable and is applied only to entire instruments and not to portions of instruments. For a discussion of the Company’s valuation methodologies, see Note 4.

 

The Company’s fair value elections were intended to mitigate the volatility in earnings that had been created by recording financial instruments and the related risk management instruments on a different basis of accounting, to eliminate the operational complexities of applying hedge accounting or to conform to the fair value elections made by the Company in 2006 under its International Financial Reporting Standards reporting to Dexia. However, where the Company elected the fair value option, the potential for volatility in the Company’s financial statements relating to FP segment debt is created by: (1) incorporating the Company’s own credit risk in the valuation of liabilities, which is required by SFAS 157, and (2) the fair value movements relating to interest rate movements on the GIC subsidiaries subsequent to the FSAM Deconsolidation Date. The following table provides detail regarding the Company’s elections by consolidated balance sheet line as of January 1, 2008.

 

36



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

5.  FAIR VALUE OPTION (Continued)

 

Cumulative Effect of SFAS 159 Adoption at January 1, 2008

 

 

 

Carrying
Value of
Financial
Instruments

 

Transition
Gain/(Loss)
Recorded in
Retained
Earnings

 

Adjusted
Carrying
Value
of Financial
Instruments

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

$

163,285

 

$

2,537

(1)

$

165,822

 

FP segment debt

 

(9,470,797

)

(88,310

)

(9,559,107

)

Pretax cumulative effect of adoption of SFAS 159

 

 

 

(85,773

)

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

30,021

 

 

 

Cumulative effect of adoption of SFAS 159

 

 

 

$

(55,752

)

 

 

 


(1)          Includes the reversal of $0.7 million of valuation allowances.

 

Elections

 

On January 1, 2008, the Company elected to record the following at fair value:

 

·                  Certain FP segment debt instruments including fixed-rate GICs and VIE liabilities for which interest rate risk is hedged using interest rate derivatives in accordance with the Company’s risk management strategies. The fair value election enabled the Company to record GICs hedged with IR swaps and/or foreign exchange rate swaps at fair value without having to designate them in a fair value hedge relationship under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” (“SFAS 133”), as it had previously. However, due to the deconsolidation of FSAM, subsequent to February 24, 2009 all derivatives hedging the GICs are no longer included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

·                  Certain fixed-rate assets in the portfolio of assets acquired in refinancing transactions. The fair value election enabled the Company to record those assets that are economically hedged with derivatives at fair value without having to designate them in a fair value hedge relationship under SFAS 133.

 

Changes in Fair Value under the Fair Value Option Election

 

The following table presents the pre-tax changes in fair value included in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, for items for which the SFAS 159 fair value election was made.

 

Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Instruments at Fair Value

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

$

23,019

 

$

(1,861

)

FP segment debt

 

403,468

 

(379,331

)

 

Included in the amounts in the table above are gains of approximately $112.5 million and $30.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, that are attributable to widening in the Company’s own credit spread.

 

37



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

5.  FAIR VALUE OPTION (Continued)

 

Aggregate Fair Value and Aggregate Remaining Contractual Principal Balance Outstanding

 

The following table reflects the aggregate fair value and the aggregate remaining contractual principal balance outstanding at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, for certain assets acquired in refinancing transactions and FP segment debt for which the SFAS 159 fair value option has been elected.

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

At December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Remaining
Aggregate
Contractual
Principal
Amount
Outstanding

 

Fair Value

 

Remaining
Aggregate
Contractual
Principal
Amount
Outstanding

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

 

$

127,965

(1)

$

135,656

 

$

133,124

(1)

$

117,796

 

FP segment debt(2)

 

7,042,917

 

6,639,362

 

7,998,048

 

8,030,909

 

 


(1)          Includes $33.4 million and $33.8 million of loans that were 90 days or more past due at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

 

(2)          The fair-value adjustment for FP segment debt considers interest rate, foreign exchange rates and the Company’s own credit risk.

 

6.  GENERAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

 

The credit quality of fixed-income securities in the General Investment Portfolio based on amortized cost was as follows:

 

General Investment Portfolio Fixed-Income Securities by Rating

 

 

 

At
March 31, 2009
Percent of Bonds

 

Rating(1)

 

 

 

AAA(2)

 

39.6

%

AA

 

40.5

 

A

 

16.6

 

BBB

 

3.2

 

Below investment grade

 

0.1

 

Total

 

100.0

%

 


(1)          Ratings are based on the lower of Moody’s or S&P ratings available at March 31, 2009.

 

(2)          Includes U.S. Treasury obligations, which comprised 7.6% of the portfolio as of March 31, 2009.

 

The General Investment Portfolio includes bonds insured by FSA (“FSA-Insured Investments”) that were acquired in the ordinary course of business. Of the bonds included in the General Investment Portfolio at March 31, 2009, 6.9% were insured by FSA and 28.1% were insured by other monolines. All of the FSA-Insured Investments were investment grade without giving effect to the FSA insurance. The average shadow rating of the FSA-Insured Investments, which is the rating without giving effect to

 

38



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

6.  GENERAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (Continued)

 

the FSA guaranty, was in the Single-A range. These assets are included in the Company’s surveillance process and, at March 31, 2009, no loss reserves were anticipated on any of these assets.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of the securities in the General Investment Portfolio were as follows:

 

General Investment Portfolio by Security Type

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

Investment Category

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

$

101,361

 

$

6,496

 

$

(15

)

$

107,842

 

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

4,366,728

 

123,512

 

(84,861

)

4,405,379

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

390,145

 

17,984

 

(9,441

)

398,688

 

Corporate securities

 

191,206

 

5,786

 

(1,351

)

195,641

 

Foreign securities(1)

 

307,728

 

137

 

(50,428

)

257,437

 

Asset-backed securities

 

18,074

 

114

 

 

18,188

 

Total bonds

 

5,375,242

 

154,029

 

(146,096

)

5,383,175

 

Short-term investments(2)

 

489,076

 

5

 

(520

)

488,561

 

Total fixed-income securities

 

5,864,318

 

154,034

 

(146,616

)

5,871,736

 

Equity securities

 

1,802

 

 

(1,229

)

573

 

Total General Investment Portfolio

 

$

5,866,120

 

$

154,034

 

$

(147,845

)

$

5,872,309

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2008

 

Investment Category

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

$

103,725

 

$

9,127

 

$

(23

)

$

112,829

 

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

4,321,118

 

87,081

 

(168,414

)

4,239,785

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

408,083

 

13,758

 

(9,492

)

412,349

 

Corporate securities

 

206,188

 

7,745

 

(3,562

)

210,371

 

Foreign securities(1)

 

333,646

 

334

 

(50,271

)

283,709

 

Asset-backed securities

 

26,081

 

 

(1,876

)

24,205

 

Total bonds

 

5,398,841

 

118,045

 

(233,638

)

5,283,248

 

Short-term investments(2)

 

651,090

 

825

 

(59

)

651,856

 

Total fixed-income securities

 

6,049,931

 

118,870

 

(233,697

)

5,935,104

 

Equity securities

 

1,434

 

 

(1,060

)

374

 

Total General Investment Portfolio

 

$

6,051,365

 

$

118,870

 

$

(234,757

)

$

5,935,478

 

 


(1)          The majority of foreign securities are government issues and are denominated primarily in U.K. pounds sterling.

 

(2)          Includes $27.9 million and $24.2 million at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, of short-term investments that are restricted.

 

39



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

6.  GENERAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (Continued)

 

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of bonds in the General Investment Portfolio, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 

Aging of Unrealized Losses of Bonds in General Investment Portfolio

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

Aging Categories

 

Number
of
Securities

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Loss as a
Percentage of
Amortized Cost

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Less than Six Months(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

%

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

301,158

 

(10,632

)

290,526

 

(3.5

)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

2,614

 

(12

)

2,602

 

(0.5

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign securities

 

 

 

 

57,756

 

(884

)

56,872

 

(1.5

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

79

 

 

361,528

 

(11,528

)

350,000

 

(3.2

)

More than Six Months but Less than 12 Months(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

509,336

 

(25,291

)

484,045

 

(5.0

)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

11,507

 

(3,123

)

8,384

 

(27.1

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

8,919

 

(1,351

)

7,568

 

(15.1

)

Foreign securities

 

 

 

 

234,363

 

(45,968

)

188,395

 

(19.6

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

192

 

 

764,125

 

(75,733

)

688,392

 

(9.9

)

12 Months or More(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

 

 

 

297

 

(15

)

282

 

(5.1

)

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

645,754

 

(48,938

)

596,816

 

(7.6

)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

21,392

 

(6,306

)

15,086

 

(29.5

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign securities

 

 

 

 

14,746

 

(3,576

)

11,170

 

(24.3

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

212

 

 

682,189

 

(58,835

)

623,354

 

(8.6

)

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

 

 

 

297

 

(15

)

282

 

(5.1

)

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

1,456,248

 

(84,861

)

1,371,387

 

(5.8

)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

35,513

 

(9,441

)

26,072

 

(26.6

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

8,919

 

(1,351

)

7,568

 

(15.1

)

Foreign securities

 

 

 

 

306,865

 

(50,428

)

256,437

 

(16.4

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

483

 

 

$

1,807,842

 

$

(146,096

)

$

1,661,746

 

(8.1

)%

 


(1)          The largest unrealized loss on an individual investment, in terms of absolute dollars, was $1.6 million, or 16.0% of its amortized cost.

 

(2)          The largest unrealized loss on an individual investment, in terms of absolute dollars, was $4.4 million, or 19.9% of its amortized cost.

 

(3)          The largest unrealized loss on an individual investment, in terms of absolute dollars, was $3.5 million, or 34.1% of its amortized cost.

 

40



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

6.              GENERAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (Continued)

 

 

 

At December 31, 2008

 

Aging Categories

 

Number
of
Securities

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Unrealized
Loss as a
Percentage of
Amortized Cost

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Less than Six Months(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

 

 

 

$

137

 

$

(1

)

$

136

 

(0.7

)%

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

993,745

 

(58,846

)

934,899

 

(5.9

)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

8,684

 

(118

)

8,566

 

(1.4

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

20,654

 

(1,459

)

19,195

 

(7.1

)

Foreign securities

 

 

 

 

220,257

 

(30,425

)

189,832

 

(13.8

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

23,713

 

(1,476

)

22,237

 

(6.2

)

Total

 

311

 

 

1,267,190

 

(92,325

)

1,174,865

 

(7.3

)

More than Six Months but Less than 12 Months(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

 

 

 

37

 

(1

)

36

 

(2.7

)

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

587,069

 

(53,447

)

533,622

 

(9.1

)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

31,793

 

(8,310

)

23,483

 

(26.1

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

24,813

 

(1,428

)

23,385

 

(5.8

)

Foreign securities

 

 

 

 

95,887

 

(18,890

)

76,997

 

(19.7

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

1,456

 

(117

)

1,339

 

(8.0

)

Total

 

233

 

 

741,055

 

(82,193

)

658,862

 

(11.1

)

12 Months or More(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

 

 

 

331

 

(21

)

310

 

(6.3

)

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

407,344

 

(56,121

)

351,223

 

(13.8

)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

10,157

 

(1,064

)

9,093

 

(10.5

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

8,403

 

(675

)

7,728

 

(8.0

)

Foreign securities

 

 

 

 

4,072

 

(956

)

3,116

 

(23.5

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

912

 

(283

)

629

 

(31.0

)

Total

 

186

 

 

431,219

 

(59,120

)

372,099

 

(13.7

)

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies

 

 

 

 

505

 

(23

)

482

 

(4.6

)

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

1,988,158

 

(168,414

)

1,819,744

 

(8.5

)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

50,634

 

(9,492

)

41,142

 

(18.7

)

Corporate securities

 

 

 

 

53,870

 

(3,562

)

50,308

 

(6.6

)

Foreign securities

 

 

 

 

320,216

 

(50,271

)

269,945

 

(15.7

)

Asset-backed securities

 

 

 

 

26,081

 

(1,876

)

24,205

 

(7.2

)

Total

 

730

 

 

$

2,439,464

 

$

(233,638

)

$

2,205,826

 

(9.6

)%

 


(1)          The largest unrealized loss on an individual investment, in terms of absolute dollars, was $4.1 million, or 18.5% of its amortized cost.

 

(2)          The largest unrealized loss on an individual investment, in terms of absolute dollars, was $4.0 million, or 17.9% of its amortized cost.

 

(3)          The largest unrealized loss on an individual investment, in terms of absolute dollars, was $3.8 million, or 37.6% of its amortized cost.

 

In the first quarter of 2009, the Company had an OTTI charge of $8.7 million attributable to several municipal bonds, corporate bonds and asset backed securities, offset in part by realized gains on sales. There was no OTTI charge in the first quarter of 2008. Realized gains from the General Investment Portfolio were $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2008.

 

41



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

6.  GENERAL INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (Continued)

 

Management has determined that the remaining unrealized losses in fixed- income securities at March 31, 2009 are primarily attributable to the current interest rate environment and has concluded that these unrealized losses are temporary in nature based upon (a) the lack of principal or interest payment defaults on these securities, (b) the creditworthiness of the issuers, and (c) the Company’s ability and current intent to hold these securities until a recovery in fair value or maturity. As of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, 99.8% and 100%, respectively, of the securities that were in a gross unrealized loss position were rated investment grade. Management has based its conclusions on current facts and circumstances. Events could occur in the future that could change management conclusions about its ability and intent to hold such securities.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of fixed-income investments in the General Investment Portfolio as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

Distribution of Fixed-Income Securities in General Investment Portfolio
by Contractual Maturity

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

At December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

817,103

 

$

824,162

 

$

833,163

 

$

837,658

 

Due after one year through five years

 

792,447

 

795,418

 

1,036,673

 

1,046,008

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

862,311

 

879,872

 

823,928

 

828,063

 

Due after ten years

 

2,984,238

 

2,955,408

 

2,922,003

 

2,786,821

 

Mortgage-backed securities(1)

 

390,145

 

398,688

 

408,083

 

412,349

 

Asset-backed securities(2)

 

18,074

 

18,188

 

26,081

 

24,205

 

Total fixed-income securities in General Investment Portfolio

 

$

5,864,318

 

$

5,871,736

 

$

6,049,931

 

$

5,935,104

 

 


(1)          Stated maturities for mortgage-backed securities of three to 30 years at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 

(2)          Stated maturities for asset-backed securities of one to 15 years at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 

42



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

7.  VIE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

 

FSA insures all the VIE investments that support the VIE liabilities. The credit quality of the available-for-sale securities in the VIE Investment Portfolio, without the benefit of FSA’s insurance, was as follows:

 

Available-for-Sale Securities in the VIE Investment Portfolio by Rating

 

Rating(1)

 

At
March 31, 2009
Percent of Bonds

 

AAA

 

1.1

%

A

 

76.5

 

BBB

 

22.4

 

Total

 

100.0

%

 


(1)          Ratings are based on the lower of Moody’s or S&P ratings available at March 31, 2009.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale bonds and short-term investments in the VIE Investment Portfolio were as follows:

 

Available-for-Sale Securities in the VIE Investment Portfolio by Security Type

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

Investment Category

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

$

12,047

 

$

1,202

 

$

13,249

 

Foreign securities

 

9,095

 

239

 

9,334

 

Asset-backed securities

 

770,878

 

2,668

 

773,546

 

Total available-for-sale bonds

 

792,020

 

4,109

 

796,129

 

Short-term investments

 

8,910

 

 

8,910

 

Total available-for-sale bonds and short-term investments

 

$

800,930

 

$

4,109

 

$

805,039

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2008

 

Investment Category

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 

$

12,931

 

$

 

$

12,931

 

Foreign securities

 

9,300

 

239

 

9,539

 

Asset-backed securities

 

900,862

 

 

900,862

 

Total available-for-sale bonds

 

923,093

 

239

 

923,332

 

Short-term investments

 

8,221

 

 

8,221

 

Total available-for-sale bonds and short-term investments

 

$

931,314

 

$

239

 

$

931,553

 

 

43



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

7.  VIE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO (Continued)

 

Historically, the Company had the ability and intent to hold the VIE Investment Portfolio to maturity. However, the Company no longer has such intent, due to Dexia’s agreement under the Purchase Agreement to retain the FP segment operations and segregate or separate the Company’s FP operations from the Company’s financial guaranty operations. As a result, the Company was required to record an OTTI charge for all assets in the VIE Investment Portfolio in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. OTTI of $124.6 million was recorded in “net realized gains (losses) from financial products segment” on the VIE Investment Portfolio in the first quarter of 2009. There was no OTTI charge in the VIE Investment Portfolio in the first quarter of 2008.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale bonds and short-term investments in the VIE Investment Portfolio by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

Distribution of Available-for-Sale Securities
in the VIE Investment Portfolio by Contractual Maturity

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

At December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Due in one year or less

 

$

18,005

 

$

18,244

 

$

17,521

 

$

17,760

 

Due after ten years

 

12,047

 

13,249

 

12,931

 

12,931

 

Asset-backed securities(1)

 

770,878

 

773,546

 

900,862

 

900,862

 

Total available-for-sale bonds and short-term investments

 

$

800,930

 

$

805,039

 

$

931,314

 

$

931,553

 

 


(1)          Stated maturities for asset-backed securities of one to 23 years at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 

Securities Pledged to Derivative Counterparties

 

FSA Global, under the terms of its derivative agreements, is not required to pledge collateral. Its counterparties, however, may be required to pledge collateral or transfer assets to FSA Global.

 

At March 31, 2009, the Company had $495.5 million of collateral from counterparties to reduce its net derivative exposure to such parties.

 

8.  FINANCIAL PRODUCTS SEGMENT DEBT

 

FP segment debt consists of GIC and VIE debt. The obligations under GICs issued by the GIC Subsidiaries may be called at various times prior to maturity based on certain agreed-upon events. At March 31, 2009, interest rates were between 0.01% and 6.07% per annum on outstanding GICs and between 1.98% and 6.22% per annum on VIE debt. Payments due under GICs are based on expected withdrawal dates, which are subject to change, and include interest accretion of $785.2 million. Payments due under VIE debt include $689.9 million of future interest accretion on zero-coupon obligations. The following table presents the combined principal amounts due under GIC and VIE debt for the remainder of 2009, each of the next four calendar years ending December 31, and thereafter:

 

44



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

8.  FINANCIAL PRODUCTS SEGMENT DEBT (Continued)

 

Expected Maturity Schedule of FP Segment Debt

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2009

 

$

4,919,216

 

2010

 

2,167,786

 

2011

 

734,133

 

2012

 

1,268,832

 

2013

 

944,370

 

Thereafter

 

6,024,628

 

Total

 

$

16,058,965

 

 

9.  NOTES PAYABLE TO AFFILIATE

 

The Company recorded $0.9 million of interest expense on the notes payable for the period from February 25, 2009 to March 31, 2009. Prior to February 24, 2009, the FSAM Deconsolidation Date, the note payable to FSAM was eliminated in consolidation.

 

Principal payments due under these notes for each of the remainder of 2009, each of the next four calendar years ending December 31, and thereafter are as follows:

 

Expected Maturity Schedule of Note Payable to Affiliate

 

Expected Withdrawal Date

 

Principal
Amount

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2009

 

$

19,315

 

2010

 

7,277

 

2011

 

5,572

 

2012

 

24,031

 

2013

 

31,206

 

Thereafter

 

78,823

 

Total

 

$

166,224

 

 

10.  OUTSTANDING EXPOSURE

 

The Company’s insurance policies typically guarantee the scheduled payments of principal and interest on public finance and asset-backed (including credit derivatives in the insured portfolio) obligations. The gross amount of financial guaranties in force (principal and interest) was $821.7 billion at March 31, 2009 and $813.9 billion at December 31, 2008. The net amount of financial guaranties in force was $616.4 billion at March 31, 2009 and $611.4 billion at December 31, 2008.

 

The Company seeks to limit its exposure to losses from writing financial guarantees by underwriting investment-grade obligations, diversifying its portfolio and maintaining rigorous collateral requirements on asset-backed obligations, as well as through reinsurance.

 

45



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

10.  OUTSTANDING EXPOSURE (Continued)

 

The par outstanding of insured obligations in the public finance insured portfolio includes the following amounts by type of issue:

 

Summary of Public Finance Insured Portfolio

 

 

 

Gross Par Outstanding

 

Ceded Par Outstanding

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Types of Issues

 

March 31,
2009

 

December 31,
2008

 

March 31,
2009

 

December 31,
2008

 

March 31,
2009

 

December 31,
2008

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Domestic obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General obligation

 

$

167,211

 

$

155,249

 

$

34,071

 

$

30,186

 

$

133,140

 

$

125,063

 

Tax-supported

 

77,483

 

73,593

 

19,607

 

18,272

 

57,876

 

55,321

 

Municipal utility revenue

 

65,104

 

63,454

 

13,569

 

13,175

 

51,535

 

50,279

 

Health care revenue

 

21,908

 

21,841

 

9,634

 

9,656

 

12,274

 

12,185

 

Housing revenue

 

9,011

 

9,310

 

1,794

 

1,876

 

7,217

 

7,434

 

Transportation revenue

 

32,791

 

32,493

 

11,360

 

11,189

 

21,431

 

21,304

 

Education/University

 

10,132

 

9,560

 

1,837

 

1,658

 

8,295

 

7,902

 

Other domestic public finance

 

2,869

 

2,858

 

669

 

677

 

2,200

 

2,181

 

Subtotal

 

386,509

 

368,358

 

92,541

 

86,689

 

293,968

 

281,669

 

International obligations

 

39,781

 

40,637

 

15,720

 

16,074

 

24,061

 

24,563

 

Total public finance obligations

 

$

426,290

 

$

408,995

 

$

108,261

 

$

102,763

 

$

318,029

 

$

306,232

 

 

The par outstanding of insured obligations in the asset-backed insured portfolio includes the following amounts by type of collateral:

 

Summary of Asset-Backed Insured Portfolio

 

 

 

Gross Par Outstanding

 

Ceded Par Outstanding

 

Net Par Outstanding

 

Types of Collateral

 

March 31,
2009

 

December 31,
2008

 

March 31,
2009

 

December 31,
2008

 

March 31,
2009

 

December 31,
2008

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Domestic obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgages

 

$

18,767

 

$

19,453

 

$

2,299

 

$

2,401

 

$

16,468

 

$

17,052

 

Consumer receivables

 

6,236

 

6,814

 

826

 

899

 

5,410

 

5,915

 

Pooled corporate

 

62,496

 

63,764

 

8,759

 

8,861

 

53,737

 

54,903

 

Other domestic asset-backed

 

3,309

 

3,194

 

1,745

 

1,626

 

1,564

 

1,568

 

Subtotal

 

90,808

 

93,225

 

13,629

 

13,787

 

77,179

 

79,438

 

International obligations

 

26,426

 

27,391

 

4,328

 

4,531

 

22,098

 

22,860

 

Total asset-backed obligations

 

$

117,234

 

$

120,616

 

$

17,957

 

$

18,318

 

$

99,277

 

$

102,298

 

 

46



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

11.  FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

 

Dexia Holdings, FSA Holdings and its subsidiaries, except Financial Security Assurance International Ltd., a Bermuda insurance company, file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Under the terms of a tax-sharing agreement, each company pays taxes as if a separate return were prepared.

 

In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries or branches file separate tax returns in various states and local and foreign jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico and Australia. With limited exceptions, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax examinations for its 2005 and prior tax years for U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. jurisdictions.

 

A reconciliation of the effective tax rate with the federal statutory rate follows:

 

Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Tax provision (benefit) at statutory rate

 

35.0

%

(35.0

)%

Tax-exempt investments

 

(8.8

)

(2.1

)

Fair-value adjustment for committed preferred trust put options

 

(3.2

)

(1.6

)

Valuation allowance

 

69.7

 

 

Other

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

Total tax provision (benefit)

 

93.0

%

(38.5

)%

 

The Company’s effective tax rate expense was 93% for the first three months of 2009. Its tax rate benefit was 39% for the first three months of 2008. The 2009 effective tax rate reflects a higher than expected tax rate of 35% due to an increase in valuation allowance of $115.1 million. The valuation allowance was recorded as a result of capital losses of FSAM for which the Company does not expect a tax benefit. Since FSAM is no longer consolidated, no valuation allowance existed at March 31, 2009. This adverse tax effect was partially offset by benefits accrued in respect of tax-exempt interest income and the non-taxable fair value adjustments related to the Company’s committed preferred securities. The 2008 rate differs from the statutory rate of 35% due primarily to tax-exempt interest and the tax-exempt fair value adjustments related to the Company’s committed preferred securities.

 

Before the deconsolidation of FSAM, the Company had deferred tax asset of $3.3 billion primarily due to unrealized losses in FSAM’s investment portfolio. As the Company was unable to definitively assert that it had the ability to hold these investments to maturity, a valuation allowance of $2.5 billion was established. The $2.5 billion valuation allowance included the positive effect of gains on fair valued liabilities at FSA Global. Subsequent to the FSAM Deconsolidation Date, the valuation allowance was removed as part of the deconsolidation of FSAM.

 

Within the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken on previously filed tax returns will become recognized as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for the 2005 tax year, which, absent any extension, will close in September 2009.

 

47



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

11.  FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (Continued)

 

The net deferred tax asset of $581 million at March 31, 2009 consisted primarily of deferred taxes on mark to market of CDS and loss reserves, offset by other net liabilities. The Company’s management has concluded that no valuation allowance was required at March 31, 2009.

 

The tax benefit from CDS mark to market and loss reserves would be realizable against future ordinary income. Negative evidence includes the uncertainty of selling financial guaranty policies in the future as well as the stability of the Company’s credit rating by the three principal rating agencies. However, the Company has substantial streams of future premium earnings from its in force insured portfolio, with the total aggregating to approximately $3.7 billion at March 31, 2009. Even with the uncertainty of future business and the Company’s credit ratings, future premium revenues, coupled with investment income less expenses, are expected to be more than sufficient to offset current incurred losses, including credit derivatives losses. The Company’s loss reserves represent the discounted value of future claims. Therefore, the accretion of losses to the undiscounted future value has also been taken into consideration, and the Company does not anticipate any significant additional loss trends. The Company expects total future accretion on loss reserves of about $525.8 million. In addition, except for true credit losses, mark-to-market losses from CDS contracts will reverse over time. As the mark-to-market losses reverse, the deferred tax asset will also reverse. To the extent that true credit losses increase, the related mark-to-market losses will not fully reverse and the Company may not be able to offset such future losses against future ordinary income.

 

The Company treats its CDS contracts as insurance contracts for U.S. tax purposes. The current federal tax treatment of CDS contracts is an unsettled area of tax law. Market participants are generally treating CDS contracts for tax purposes as one of the following: (1) notional principal contract (“NPC”) derivative instruments, (2) guarantees, (3) insurance contracts, or (4) capital assets. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that its CDS contracts are either NPC or insurance contracts. Both receipts and payments arising from NPC and insurance contracts are characterized as ordinary income (although a termination of a CDS contract as an NPC may be treated as a capital transaction). Although the Company believes it is properly treating potential losses on its CDS contracts as ordinary, there are no assurances that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will agree with the Company. Should the IRS disagree with the Company and characterize such losses, if any, as capital losses, the Company’s ability to realize a related tax asset would be more limited, possibly leading to a reduction or elimination of the related deferred tax asset.

 

48



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

12.  CREDIT DERIVATIVES IN THE INSURED PORTFOLIO

 

The components of net change in fair value of credit derivatives are shown in the table below:

 

Summary of the Net Change in Fair Value of Credit Derivatives

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements

 

$

(45,754

)

$

36,179

 

Net unrealized gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

CDS:

 

 

 

 

 

Pooled corporate CDS:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment grade

 

185,995

 

(173,883

)

High yield

 

41,031

 

(141,842

)

Total pooled corporate CDS

 

227,026

 

(315,725

)

Funded CLOs and CDOs

 

290,562

 

(119,380

)

Other structured obligations

 

40,872

 

(55,895

)

Total CDS

 

558,460

 

(491,000

)

IR swaps and FG contracts with embedded derivatives

 

14,734

 

1,866

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

 

573,194

 

(489,134

)

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

 

$

527,440

 

$

(452,955

)

 

The fair value of credit derivatives are reported in the balance sheet as an asset or liability based on the net gain or loss position with each counterparty. The unrealized component includes the market appreciation or depreciation of the derivative contracts, as discussed in Note 4.

 

Unrealized Gains (Losses) of the Credit Derivative Portfolio

 

 

 

At
March 31,
2009

 

At
December 31,
2008

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Pooled corporate CDS:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment grade

 

$

(69,994

)

$

(255,980

)

High yield(1)

 

(333,534

)

(374,249

)

Total pooled corporate CDS

 

(403,528

)

(630,229

)

Funded CLOs and CDOs

 

(188,430

)

(478,904

)

Other structured obligations(1)

 

(67,897

)

(108,841

)

Total CDS

 

(659,855

)

(1,217,974

)

IR swaps and FG contracts with embedded derivatives(1)

 

(30,393

)

(38,386

)

Total net credit derivatives

 

$

(690,248

)

$

(1,256,360

)

 


(1)          Several insured CDS and NIM securitizations had credit impairment totaling $112.2 million at March 31, 2009 and $152.4 million at December 31, 2008.

 

49



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

12.  CREDIT DERIVATIVES IN THE INSURED PORTFOLIO (Continued)

 

The positive fair-value adjustments for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 were a result of the positive income effects of the Company’s own credit spread widening as reflected in the non-collateral posting factor. This positive income effect was offset in part by widening credit spreads on pooled corporate CDS and funded CDOs and CLOs, as well as structured credit products as compared to credit spreads on March 31, 2008.

 

As the fair value of a CDS contract incorporates all the remaining future payments to be received over the life of the CDS contract, the fair value of that contract will change, in part, solely from the passage of time as fees are received.

 

The Company’s typical CDS contract is different from CDS contracts entered into by parties that are not financial guarantors because:

 

·                  CDS contracts insured by FSA are neither held for trading purposes (i.e., a short-term duration contract written for the purpose of generating trading gains) nor used as hedging instruments. Instead, they are written with the intent to provide protection for the stated duration of the contract, similar to the Company’s intent with regard to a financial guaranty contract.

 

·                  The Company is not entitled to terminate its CDS contracts and realize a profit on a position that is “in the money.” A counterparty to a CDS contract insured by FSA generally is not able to force the Company to terminate a CDS contract that is “out of the money.”

 

·                  The liquidity risk present in most CDS contracts sold outside the financial guaranty industry (i.e., the risk that the CDS writer would be required to make cash payments) is not present in a CDS contract sold by a financial guarantor. Terms of the CDS contracts are designed to replicate the payment provisions of financial guaranty contracts in that (a) losses, if any, are generally paid over time subject to market value termination payments generally due in the event of insurer insolvency, and (b) the financial guarantor is not required to post collateral to secure its obligation under the CDS contract.

 

CDS contracts in the asset-backed insured portfolio represent 71.6% of total asset-backed par outstanding. The Company has grouped CDS contracts by major category of underlying instrument for purposes of internal risk management and external reporting. The tables below summarize the credit rating, net par outstanding and remaining weighted average lives for the primary components of the

 

50



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

12.  CREDIT DERIVATIVES IN THE INSURED PORTFOLIO (Continued)

 

Company’s CDS portfolio. Net par outstanding in the table below is also included in the tables in Note 10.

 

Selected Information for CDS Portfolio

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Credit Ratings

 

 

 

Remaining

 

 

 

Triple-A*(1)

 

Triple-A

 

Double-A

 

Other
Investment
Grades(2)

 

Below
Investment
Grade(3)

 

Net Par
Outstanding(4)

 

Weighted
Average
Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

(in years)

 

Pooled Corporate CDS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment grade

 

100

%

%

%

%

%

$

17,192

 

3.8

 

High yield

 

41

 

57

 

 

 

2

 

14,649

 

2.2

 

Funded CDOs and CLOs

 

27

 

66

(5)

7

 

 

 

31,186

 

2.5

 

Other structured obligations(6)

 

54

 

11

(5)

8

 

23

 

4

 

8,046

 

2.4

 

Total

 

50

 

42

 

4

 

3

 

1

 

$

71,073

 

2.7

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Credit Ratings

 

 

 

Remaining

 

 

 

Triple-A*(1)

 

Triple-A

 

Double-A

 

Other
Investment
Grades(2)

 

Below
Investment
Grade(3)

 

Net Par
Outstanding(4)

 

Weighted
Average
Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

(in years)

 

Pooled Corporate CDS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment grade

 

100

%

%

%

%

%

$

17,464

 

4.1

 

High yield

 

41

 

54

 

 

 

5

 

15,467

 

2.4

 

Funded CDOs and CLOs

 

27

 

65

(5)

7

 

1

 

 

31,681

 

2.6

 

Other structured obligations(6)

 

53

 

11

(5)

8

 

27

 

1

 

8,272

 

2.6

 

Total

 

50

 

41

 

4

 

4

 

1

 

$

72,884

 

2.9

 

 


(1)          Triple-A*, also referred to as “Super Triple-A,” indicates a level of first-loss protection generally exceeding 1.3 times the level required by a rating agency for a Triple-A rating.

 

(2)          Various investment grades below Double-A minus.

 

(3)          Amount includes six CDS contracts with Double-B, Double-B minus, Triple-C and Double-C underlying ratings at March 31, 2009 and two CDS contracts with Triple-C underlying ratings at December 31, 2008. With the exception of one Double-B CDS contract, these risks incurred economic losses at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 

(4)          Net par outstanding represents the potential amount of future payments which the Company could be required to make, net of reinsurer reimbursements.

 

(5)          Amounts include transactions previously wrapped by other monolines.

 

(6)          Primarily infrastructure obligations and European mortgage-backed securities. Also includes $352.0 million and $375.2 million at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, in U.S. RMBS net par outstanding. All U.S. RMBS exposures were rated Double-B minus or higher. Includes certain pooled corporate obligations.

 

51



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

13.  FINANCIAL PRODUCTS SEGMENT DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGE ACCOUNTING

 

The Company entered into derivative contracts to manage interest rate and foreign currency exposure in its FP Segment Investment Portfolio and FP segment debt. Subsequent to the FSAM Deconsolidation Date, the Company’s only remaining derivatives in the FP segment relate to FSA Global.

 

As a result of market interest rate fluctuations, fixed-rate assets and liabilities appreciate or depreciate in market value. Gains or losses on the derivative instruments that are linked to the fixed-rate assets and liabilities being hedged are expected to substantially offset this unrealized appreciation or depreciation relating to the risk being hedged.

 

The Company uses foreign currency contracts to manage the foreign exchange risk associated with certain foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities. Gains or losses on the derivative instruments that are linked to the foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities being hedged are expected to substantially offset this variability.

 

In order for a derivative to qualify for hedge accounting, it must be highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged. In order for a derivative to be designated as a hedge, there must be documentation of the risk management objective and strategy, including identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item and the risk exposure, and how effectiveness is to be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. To assess effectiveness, the Company uses analysis of the sensitivity of fair values to changes in the risk being hedged, as well as dollar value comparisons of the change in the fair value of the derivative to the change in the fair value of the hedged item that is attributable to the risk being hedged. The extent to which a hedging instrument has been and is expected to continue to be effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair value must be assessed and documented at least quarterly. Any ineffectiveness must be reported in current-period earnings. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued.

 

An effective fair-value hedge is defined as one whose periodic change in fair value is 80% to 125% correlated with the change in fair value of the hedged item. The difference between a perfect hedge (i.e., the change in fair value of the hedge and hedged item offset one another so that there is zero effect on the consolidated statements of operations, referred to as being “100% correlated”) and the actual correlation within the 80% to 125% effectiveness range is the ineffective portion of the hedge. A failed hedge is one whose correlation falls outside of the 80% to 125% effectiveness range.

 

The net loss related to the ineffective portion of the Company’s fair-value hedges including changes in fair value of hedging instruments related to the passage of time, which was excluded from the assessment of hedge ineffectiveness, was $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2008. For 2009, this measure is not meaningful as substantially all assets in fair value hedging relationships have been recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as OTTI. FSA Global maintains fair-value hedges on only two investment securities.

 

The inception-to-date net unrealized gain on derivatives (excluding accrued interest and collateral) in the FP segment of $554.0 million and $1,278.4 million at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, is recorded in “financial products segment derivatives”.

 

Changes in Hedge Accounting Designations

 

With the adoption of SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008, the Company elected to discontinue hedge accounting for GICs and elected the fair value option for certain liabilities in the FP segment debt

 

52



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

13.  FINANCIAL PRODUCTS SEGMENT DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGE ACCOUNTING (continued)

 

portfolio, as described in Note 5. The fair value option allows the fair value adjustment on these liabilities to be recorded in earnings without hedge documentation and effectiveness testing requirements prescribed under SFAS 133. However, when the fair value option is elected, the fair value adjustment of liabilities must incorporate all components of fair value, including valuation adjustments related to the reporting entity’s own credit risk. Under hedge accounting, only the component of fair value attributable to the hedged risk (i.e., market interest rate risk) was recorded in earnings. Subsequent to the FSAM Deconsolidation Date, derivatives used to economically hedge fixed interest rate risk of the GICs are no longer consolidated, which increases income statement volatility because the fair value option that was elected for certain GICs is irrevocable and, therefore, these GICs will continue to be marked to market with no offsetting derivative mark to market.

 

14.  OTHER ASSETS AND OTHER LIABILITIES

 

The detailed balances that comprise “other assets” and “other liabilities” at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

Other Assets

 

 

 

At
March 31,
2009

 

At
December 31,
2008

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

VIE other invested assets

 

$

21,886

 

$

25,395

 

DCP and SERP at fair value

 

26,683

 

90,704

 

Accrued interest in FP segment investment portfolio

 

7,097

 

27,869

 

Accrued interest income on general investment portfolio

 

69,033

 

70,586

 

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

 

16,086

 

10,431

 

CPS at fair value

 

115,700

 

100,000

 

Other assets

 

362,486

 

127,404

 

Total other assets

 

$

618,971

 

$

452,389

 

 

Other Liabilities

 

 

 

At
March 31,
2009

 

At
December 31,
2008

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

DCP and SERP payable

 

$

26,683

 

$

90,704

 

Accrued interest on FP segment debt

 

128,067

 

151,173

 

Premiums payable, net

 

239,279

 

14,309

 

Other liabilities

 

313,112

 

220,355

 

Total other liabilities

 

$

707,141

 

$

476,541

 

 

53



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

15.  SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The Company operates in two business segments: financial guaranty and financial products. The financial guaranty segment is primarily in the business of providing financial guaranty insurance, which it historically provided for both public finance and asset-backed obligations. The FP segment includes the GIC operations of the Company, which issued GICs to municipalities and other market participants, and the VIEs’ operations. See Note 1 for a description of the Company’s business. As a result of the FSAM Risk Transfer Transaction and Dexia’s assumption of the management of the FP operations, the Company does not include the results of operations of the FP GIC operations in its decision- making process. In 2009, therefore, the FP segment operating results include the results of the VIE operations only. The following tables summarize the financial information by segment on a pre-tax basis at and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

Financial Information Summary by Segment

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Financial
Guaranty

 

Financial
Products

 

Intersegment
Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External

 

$

692,602

 

$

(6,699

)

$

 

$

685,903

 

Intersegment

 

1,474

 

1,813

 

(3,287

)

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External

 

(401,401

)

(119,235

)

 

(520,636

)

Intersegment

 

(1,613

)

(1,674

)

3,287

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

291,062

 

(125,795

)

 

165,267

 

GAAP income to segment operating earnings adjustments

 

(548,734

)

125,974

 

 

(422,760

)

Pre-tax segment operating earnings (losses)

 

$

(257,672

)

$

179

 

$

 

$

(257,493

)

Segment assets

 

$

10,232,660

 

$

14,658,669

 

$

 

$

24,891,329

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

 

 

Financial
Guaranty

 

Financial
Products

 

Intersegment
Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External

 

$

(282,510

)

$

197,333

 

$

 

$

(85,177

)

Intersegment

 

(5,863

)

10,285

 

(4,422

)

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External

 

(342,644

)

(257,571

)

 

(600,215

)

Intersegment

 

(3,746

)

(676

)

4,422

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(634,763

)

(50,629

)

 

(685,392

)

GAAP income to segment operating earnings adjustments

 

457,689

 

55,834

 

 

513,523

 

Pre-tax segment operating earnings (losses)

 

$

(177,074

)

$

5,205

 

$

 

$

(171,869

)

Segment assets

 

$

8,851,565

 

$

18,567,920

 

$

(216,347

)

$

27,203,138

 

 

54



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

15.  SEGMENT REPORTING (Continued)

 

Reconciliations of Segments’ Pre-Tax Operating Earnings (Losses) to Net Income (Loss)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Financial
Guaranty

 

Financial
Products

 

Intersegment
Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Pre-tax segment operating earnings (losses)

 

$

(257,672

)

$

179

 

$

 

$

(257,493

)

Segment operating earnings to GAAP income adjustments

 

548,734

 

(125,974

)

 

422,760

 

Tax (provision) benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(153,722

)

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

11,545

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

 

 

Financial
Guaranty

 

Financial
Products

 

Intersegment
Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Pre-tax segment operating earnings (losses)

 

$

(177,074

)

$

5,205

 

$

 

$

(171,869

)

Segment operating earnings to GAAP income adjustments

 

(457,689

)

(55,834

)

 

(513,523

)

Tax (provision) benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

263,816

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(421,576

)

 

The intersegment revenues and expenses relate to interest income and interest expense on intercompany notes and premiums paid by FSA Global on FSA-insured notes.

 

GAAP income to operating earnings adjustments are primarily comprised of fair-value adjustments deemed to be non-economic. Such adjustments relate to (1) non-economic fair-value adjustments for credit derivatives in the insured portfolio, (2) non-economic impairment charges on investments, (3) fair-value adjustments for instruments with economically hedged risks and (4) fair-value adjustments attributable to the Company’s own credit risk. Management believes that by making such adjustments the measure more closely reflects the underlying economic performance of segment operations.

 

16.  RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of SFAS 133” (“SFAS 161”). This statement amends and expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring companies to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 only requires additional disclosures concerning derivatives and hedging activities, which have been included in Note 4.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards that are Not Yet Effective

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS No. 115-2 and FAS No. 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” (“FSP FAS 115-2 and

 

55



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

16.  RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (Continued)

 

FAS 124-2”), which amends existing guidance for determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary for debt securities. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 requires an entity to assess whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized in earnings. For securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment recognized in earnings is limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Additionally, FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 expands and increases the frequency of existing disclosures about other-than-temporary impairments for debt and equity securities. FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company is currently assessing the impact of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset and Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP FAS 157-4”). FSP FAS 157-4 emphasizes that even if there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity, the objective of a fair value measurement remains the same. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants. FSP FAS 157-4 provides a number of factors to consider when evaluating whether there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability in relation to normal market activity. In addition, when transactions or quoted prices are not considered orderly, adjustments to those prices based on the weight of available information may be needed to determine the appropriate fair value. FSP FAS 157-4 also requires increased disclosures. FSP FAS 157-4 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company is currently assessing the impact of FSP FAS 157-4 on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”). FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies that were previously only required in annual financial statements. This FSP is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The adoption of FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 will not affect the Company’s consolidated financial position and operations or cash flows.

 

17.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and certain subsidiaries are parties to litigation. Material legal proceedings are discussed below. It is not possible to predict whether additional inquiries or requests for information will be received from regulatory or other governmental authorities, and it is also not possible to predict the outcome of any proceedings, inquiries or requests for information. There could be unfavorable outcomes from these and other proceedings that could be material to the Company’s business, operations, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

56



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

17.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

 

In addition to the below, the Company has received various regulatory inquiries and requests for information regarding a variety of subjects. These include (i) subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories from the Attorney Generals of the State of Connecticut and the State of California related to antitrust concerns associated with the methodologies used by rating agencies for determining the credit rating of municipal debt, including a proposal by Moody’s to assign corporate equivalent ratings to municipal obligations, and the Company’s communications with rating agencies and (ii) subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories from the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut and antitrust civil investigative demands from the Attorney General of the State of Florida relating to their investigations of alleged bid rigging of municipal GICs. The Company is in the process of satisfying such requests. The Company may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

 

Proceedings Related to the Financial Products Business

 

In November 2006, (i) the Company received a subpoena from the Antitrust Division of the DOJ issued in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation of bid rigging of awards of municipal GICs and other municipal derivatives and (ii) FSA received a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) related to an ongoing industry-wide investigation concerning the bidding of municipal GICs and other municipal derivatives. Pursuant to the subpoenas the Company has furnished to the DOJ and SEC records and other information with respect to the Company’s municipal GIC business. On February 4, 2008, the Company received a “Wells Notice” from the staff of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the SEC relating to the foregoing matter. The Wells Notice indicates that the SEC staff is considering recommending that the SEC authorize the staff to bring a civil injunctive action and/or institute administrative proceedings against the Company, alleging violations of Section 10(b) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and Section 17(a) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company has had ongoing discussions with the DOJ and the SEC. The ultimate loss that may arise from these investigations remains uncertain.

 

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

 

Five of these cases name both the Company and FSA: (a) Hinds County, Mississippi v. Wachovia Bank, N.A. (filed on or about March 13, 2008); (b) Fairfax County, Virginia v. Wachovia Bank, N.A. (filed on or about March 12, 2008); (c) Central Bucks School District, Pennsylvania v. Wachovia Bank N.A. (filed on or about June 4, 2008); (d) Mayor & City Counsel of Baltimore, Maryland v. Wachovia Bank N.A. (filed on or about July 3, 2008); and (e) Washington County, Tennessee v. Wachovia Bank N.A. (filed on or about July 14, 2008). Four of the cases name only the Company and also allege that the defendants violated state antitrust law and common law by engaging in illegal bid-rigging and market allocation, thereby depriving the cities of competition in the awarding of GICs and ultimately resulting in the cities paying higher fees for these products: (a) City of Oakland, California, v. AIG Financial Products Corp. (filed on or about April 23, 2008); (b) County of Alameda, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp. (filed on or about July 8, 2008); (c) City of Fresno, California v. AIG Financial Products

 

57



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

17.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

 

Corp. (filed on or about July 17, 2008); and (d) Fresno County Financing Authority v. AIG Financial Products Corp. (filed on or about December 24, 2008).

 

The MDL 1950 court has determined that it will handle federal claims alleged in the consolidated class action complaint before addressing state claims. In April 2009, the MDL 1950 court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss on the federal claims, but granted leave for the plaintiffs to file a second amended complaint. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

 

The Company and FSA also are named in five non-class action lawsuits originally filed in the California Superior Courts alleging violations of California law related to the municipal derivatives industry:

 

(a)   City of Los Angeles v. Bank of America, N.A.  (filed on or about July 23, 2008 in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Los Angeles, Case No. BC 394944, removed to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (“C.D. Cal.”) as Case No. 2:08-cv-5574, transferred to S.D.N.Y. as Case No. 1:08-cv-10351);

 

(b)   City of Stockton v. Bank of America, N.A.  (filed on or about July 23, 2008 in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Francisco, Case No. CGC-08-477851, removed to the N.D. Cal. as Case No. 3:08-cv-4060, transferred to S.D.N.Y. as Case No. 1:08-cv-10350);

 

(c)   County of San Diego v. Bank of America, N.A.  (filed on or about August 28, 2008 in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Los Angeles, Case No. SC 99566, removed to C.D. Cal. as Case No. 2:08-cv-6283, transferred to S.D.N.Y. as Case No. 1:09-cv-1195);

 

(d)   County of San Mateo v. Bank of America, N.A.  (filed on or about October 7, 2008 in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Francisco, Case No. CGC-08-480664, removed to N.D. Cal. as Case No. 3:08-cv-4751, transferred to S.D.N.Y. as Case No. 1:09-cv-1196); and

 

(e)   County of Contra Costa v. Bank of America, N.A.  (filed on or about October 8, 2008 in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Francisco, Case No. CGC-08-480733, removed to N.D. Cal. as Case No. 4:08-cv-4752, transferred to S.D.N.Y. as Case No. 1:09-cv-1197).

 

These cases have been transferred to the S.D.N.Y. and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

 

Proceedings Relating to the Financial Guaranty Business

 

In December 2008 and January 2009, FSA and various other financial guarantors were named in three complaints filed in the Superior Court, San Francisco County: (a) City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power v. Ambac Financial Group et. al (filed on or about December 31, 2008), Case No. CG-08-483689; Sacramento Municipal Utility District v. Ambac Financial Group et. al (filed on or

 

58



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

17.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

 

about December 31, 2008), Case No. CGC-08-483691; and (c) City of Sacramento v. Ambac Financial Group Inc. et. al (filed on or about January 6, 2009), Case No. CGC-09-483862. These complaints alleged participation in a conspiracy in violation of California’s antitrust laws to maintain a dual credit rating scale that misstated the credit default risk of municipal bond issuers and created market demand for municipal bond insurance and participation in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that damaged each bond insurer’s financial condition (thereby undermining the value of each of their guaranties), and a failure to adequately disclose the impact of those transactions on their financial condition. These latter allegations form the predicate for five separate causes of action against each of the Insurers: breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, negligence, and negligent misrepresentation. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

 

In August 2008, a number of financial institutions and other parties, including FSA, were named as defendants in a civil action brought in the circuit court of Jefferson County, Alabama relating to the County’s problems meeting its debt obligations on its $3.2 billion sewer debt: Charles E. Wilson vs. JPMorgan Chase & Co et al (filed on or about August 8, 2008 in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama), Case No. 01-CV-2008-901907.00, a putative class action. The action was brought on behalf of rate payers, tax payers and citizens residing in Jefferson County, and alleges conspiracy and fraud in connection with the issuance of the County’s debt. The complaint in this lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and other costs. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

 

There are no other material legal proceedings pending to which the Company is subject.

 

59



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

18.  EXPOSURE TO MONOLINES

 

The tables below summarize the exposure to each financial guaranty monoline insurer by exposure category and the underlying ratings of the Company’s insured risks.

 

Summary of Exposure to Monolines

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Insured Portfolios

 

 

 

 

 

FSA
Insured Par
Outstanding(1)

 

Ceded Par
Outstanding

 

General
Investment
Portfolio(2)

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

(in thousands)

 

Assured Guaranty Re Ltd.

 

$

 

$

34,332

 

$

 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc.

 

94

 

25,518

 

1,036

 

RAM Reinsurance Co. Ltd.

 

 

12,321

 

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

1,330

 

4,295

 

26,305

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

119

 

2,001

 

23,953

 

Ambac Assurance Corporation

 

4,918

 

1,054

 

624,414

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corporation

 

19

 

943

 

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company

 

961

 

265

 

29,132

 

MBIA Insurance Corporation(3)

 

2,713

 

 

 

FGIC-MBIA-NPFG Cut-Through(4)

 

4,406

 

 

303,661

 

MBIA-NPFG Cut-Through(5)

 

1,259

 

 

558,831

 

Assured Guaranty Corp.

 

945

 

 

79,482

 

Total

 

$

16,764

 

$

80,729

 

$

1,646,814

 

 


(1)   Represents transactions with second-to-pay FSA-insurance that were previously insured by other monolines. Based on net par outstanding. Includes credit derivatives in the insured portfolio.

 

(2)   Represents amortized cost of investments insured by other monolines. Amortized cost includes write-downs of securities that were deemed to be OTTI.

 

(3)   In addition to amounts shown on the table, the VIE Investment Portfolio includes a bond insured by MBIA Insurance Corporation (“MBIA”) with an amortized cost of $12.6 million.

 

(4)   Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (“FGIC”) exposure assumed by MBIA under cut-through reinsurance arrangement and subsequently assumed by National Public Finance Guaranty Corp. (“NPFG”), an affiliate of MBIA.

 

(5)   MBIA exposure assumed by NPFG under cut-through reinsurance agreement, excluding FGIC-insured transactions shown under “FGIC-MBIA-NPFG Cut-Through.”

 

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FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

18.  EXPOSURE TO MONOLINES (Continued)

 

Exposures to Monolines

and Ratings of Underlying Risks

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Insured Portfolios(1)

 

 

 

 

 

FSA
Insured Par
Outstanding(2)

 

Ceded Par
Outstanding

 

General
Investment
Portfolio(3)

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Assured Guaranty Re Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

 

$

34,332

 

$

 

Triple-A

 

%

5

%

%

Double-A

 

 

41

 

 

Single-A

 

 

37

 

 

Triple-B

 

 

15

 

 

Below Investment Grade

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

94

 

$

25,518

 

$

1,036

 

Triple-A

 

3

%

7

%

%

Double-A

 

 

43

 

100

 

Single-A

 

15

 

38

 

 

Triple-B

 

58

 

11

 

 

Below Investment Grade

 

24

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAM Reinsurance Co. Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

 

$

12,321

 

$

 

Triple-A

 

%

13

%

%

Double-A

 

 

42

 

 

Single-A

 

 

31

 

 

Triple-B

 

 

12

 

 

Below Investment Grade

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Syncora Guarantee Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

1,330

 

$

4,295

 

$

26,305

 

Triple-A

 

29

%

%

%

Double-A

 

 

10

 

21

 

Single-A

 

21

 

31

 

76

 

Triple-B

 

26

 

59

 

 

Below Investment Grade

 

24

 

 

 

Not Rated

 

 

 

3

 

 

61



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

18.  EXPOSURE TO MONOLINES (Continued)

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Insured Portfolios(1)

 

 

 

 

 

FSA
Insured Par
Outstanding(2)

 

Ceded Par
Outstanding

 

General
Investment
Portfolio(3)

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

CIFG Assurance North America Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

119

 

$

2,001

 

$

23,953

 

Triple-A

 

%

2

%

%

Double-A

 

4

 

32

 

 

Single-A

 

15

 

34

 

100

 

Triple-B

 

81

 

28

 

 

Below Investment Grade

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ambac Assurance Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

4,918

 

$

1,054

 

$

624,414

 

Triple-A

 

6

%

%

%

Double-A

 

43

 

9

 

43

 

Single-A

 

33

 

38

 

53

 

Triple-B

 

10

 

53

 

3

 

Below Investment Grade

 

8

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACA Financial Guaranty Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

19

 

$

943

 

$

 

Triple-A

 

%

%

%

Double-A

 

69

 

72

 

 

Single-A

 

 

26

 

 

Triple-B

 

11

 

2

 

 

Below Investment Grade

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

961

 

$

265

 

$

29,132

 

Triple-A

 

%

%

%

Double-A

 

5

 

 

64

 

Single-A

 

57

 

100

 

35

 

Triple-B

 

30

 

 

1

 

Below Investment Grade

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MBIA Insurance Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

2,713

 

$

 

$

 

Triple-A

 

%

%

%

Double-A

 

53

 

 

 

Single-A

 

3

 

 

 

Triple-B

 

44

 

 

 

Below Investment Grade

 

 

 

 

 

62



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) (Continued)

 

18.  EXPOSURE TO MONOLINES (Continued)

 

 

 

At March 31, 2009

 

 

 

Insured Portfolios(1)

 

 

 

 

 

FSA
Insured Par
Outstanding(2)

 

Ceded Par
Outstanding

 

General
Investment
Portfolio(3)

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

FGIC-MBIA-NPFG Cut-Through(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

4,406

 

$

 

$

303,661

 

Triple-A

 

%

%

%

Double-A

 

39

 

 

30

 

Single-A

 

58

 

 

68

 

Triple-B

 

3

 

 

2

 

Below Investment Grade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MBIA-NPFG Cut-Through(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

1,259

 

$

 

$

558,831

 

Triple-A

 

%

%

%

Double-A

 

60

 

 

43

 

Single-A

 

40

 

 

49

 

Triple-B

 

 

 

7

 

Below Investment Grade

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assured Guaranty Corp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure(4)

 

$

945

 

$

 

$

79,482

 

Triple-A

 

%

%

2

%

Double-A

 

9

 

 

 

Single-A

 

24

 

 

81

 

Triple-B

 

8

 

 

17

 

Below Investment Grade

 

59

 

 

 

 


(1)   Ratings are based on internal ratings.

 

(2)   Represents transactions with second-to-pay FSA insurance that were previously insured by other monolines.

 

(3)   Ratings are based on the lower of S&P or Moody’s.

 

(4)   Represents par balances for the insured portfolios and amortized cost for the investment portfolios.

 

(5)   FGIC exposure assumed by MBIA under cut-through reinsurance arrangement and subsequently assumed by NPFG.

 

(6)   MBIA exposure assumed by NPFG under cut-through reinsurance agreement, excluding FGIC-insured transactions shown under “FGIC-MBIA-NPFG Cut-Through.”

 

63