-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, AxC3VDNcmliZSOALkRDstAbJi5BpouixsuPZr10FcxzKboZL9yxUxsbKqyFa8lOc f5SYMZP1LXNWi5S9g7Pnjg== 0001193125-05-162138.txt : 20050809 0001193125-05-162138.hdr.sgml : 20050809 20050809122229 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-05-162138 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20050630 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050809 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050809 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000874501 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SURETY INSURANCE [6351] IRS NUMBER: 133621676 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-10777 FILM NUMBER: 051008408 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE STATE ST PLZ CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10004 BUSINESS PHONE: 2126680340 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE STATE ST PLZ CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10004 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: AMBAC INC /DE/ DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19930328 10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2005

 

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

 

Commission File Number: 1-10777

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   13-3621676
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

One State Street Plaza

New York, New York

  10004
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

(212) 668-0340

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x  No ¨

 

As of July 29, 2005, 106,964,251 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, (net of 2,228,845 treasury shares) of the Registrant were outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

INDEX

 

         PAGE

PART I

  FINANCIAL INFORMATION     

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

    
   

Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 30, 2005 (unaudited) and December 31, 2004

   3
   

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) – three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

   4
   

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) – six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

   5
   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) – six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

   6
   

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

Item 2.

 

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

   19

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   46

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

   47

PART II

  OTHER INFORMATION     

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   48

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   49

Item 5.

 

Other Information

   49

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

   50

SIGNATURES

   51

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

   52


Table of Contents

 

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1 - Financial Statements of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     June 30, 2005

    December 31, 2004

     (unaudited)      

Assets

              

Investments:

              

Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $14,698,314 in 2005 and $13,425,475 in 2004)

   $ 15,260,922     $ 13,901,218

Fixed income securities pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost of $413,824 in 2005 and $345,195 in 2004)

     409,004       341,742

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

     232,882       521,226

Other (cost of $3,767 in 2005 and $3,731 in 2004)

     4,198       4,234
    


 

Total investments

     15,907,006       14,768,420

Cash

     36,560       19,957

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     25,000       353,000

Receivable for securities

     49,491       1,319

Investment income due and accrued

     159,483       162,506

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

     1,806       16,765

Prepaid reinsurance

     280,579       297,330

Deferred acquisition costs

     198,805       184,766

Loans

     1,352,328       1,405,700

Derivative assets

     1,379,604       1,455,609

Other assets

     139,262       77,523
    


 

Total assets

   $ 19,529,924     $ 18,742,895
    


 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

              

Liabilities:

              

Unearned premiums

   $ 2,892,168     $ 2,778,893

Loss and loss expense reserve

     213,542       254,055

Ceded reinsurance balances payable

     31,496       18,248

Obligations under investment and payment agreements

     7,093,061       6,813,914

Obligations under investment repurchase agreements

     229,466       266,806

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

     42,000       —  

Deferred income taxes

     295,617       217,373

Current income taxes

     11,939       16,406

Long-term debt

     1,836,277       1,866,207

Accrued interest payable

     68,522       71,058

Derivative liabilities

     1,187,863       1,206,740

Other liabilities

     204,209       208,732

Payable for securities purchased

     130,690       6
    


 

Total liabilities

     14,236,850       13,718,438
    


 

Stockholders’ equity:

              

Preferred stock

     -—         —  

Common stock

     1,091       1,089

Additional paid-in capital

     711,294       694,465

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     338,521       296,814

Retained earnings

     4,368,225       4,032,089

Common stock held in treasury at cost

     (126,057 )     —  
    


 

Total stockholders’ equity

     5,293,074       5,024,457
    


 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 19,529,924     $ 18,742,895
    


 

 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3


Table of Contents

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

(Dollars in Thousands Except Share Data)

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


    Six Months ended
June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Revenues:

                                

Financial Guarantee:

                                

Gross premiums written

   $ 322,628     $ 363,196     $ 551,754     $ 589,630  

Ceded premiums written

     (54,038 )     15,949       (27,411 )     (17,937 )
    


 


 


 


Net premiums written

   $ 268,590     $ 379,145     $ 524,343     $ 571,693  
    


 


 


 


Net premiums earned

   $ 193,242     $ 189,593     $ 392,876     $ 355,028  

Other credit enhancement fees

     12,536       11,809       24,603       23,245  
    


 


 


 


Net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fees

     205,778       201,402       417,479       378,273  

Net investment income

     104,450       88,919       206,458       176,634  

Net realized investment (losses) gains

     (1,030 )     3,294       991       15,165  

Net mark-to-market (losses) gains on credit derivative contracts

     (11,606 )     3,256       (6,340 )     10,218  

Other income (loss)

     906       1,356       3,291       (10,813 )

Financial Services:

                                

Interest from investment and payment agreements

     64,416       45,740       122,097       98,090  

Derivative products

     (3,759 )     7,460       4,306       13,094  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

     443       (108 )     288       5,843  

Net mark-to-market (losses) gains on total return swap contracts

     (5,350 )     238       (4,602 )     2,024  

Net mark-to-market gains on non-trading derivatives

     48,235       41       48,926       104  

Corporate:

                                

Net investment income

     396       386       805       756  

Net realized investment gains

     —         42       —         18  
    


 


 


 


Total revenues

     402,879       352,026       793,699       689,406  
    


 


 


 


Expenses:

                                

Financial Guarantee:

                                

Loss and loss expenses

     21,657       17,500       45,129       35,000  

Underwriting and operating expenses

     28,692       29,277       62,095       55,113  

Interest expense on variable interest entity notes

     11,816       670       23,395       1,392  

Financial Services:

                                

Interest from investment and payment agreements

     57,399       40,678       108,179       83,370  

Other expenses

     3,431       3,381       7,250       7,076  

Interest

     13,513       13,461       27,026       27,086  

Corporate

     5,461       2,601       7,743       4,790  
    


 


 


 


Total expenses

     141,969       107,568       280,817       213,827  
    


 


 


 


Income before income taxes

     260,910       244,458       512,882       475,579  

Provision for income taxes

     74,812       63,562       141,241       122,928  
    


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     186,098       180,896       371,641       352,651  
    


 


 


 


Discontinued operations:

                                

Loss from discontinued operations

     —         (310 )     —         (550 )

Income tax benefit

     —         (124 )     —         (220 )
    


 


 


 


Net loss from discontinued operations

     —         (186 )     —         (330 )
    


 


 


 


Net income

   $ 186,098     $ 180,710     $ 371,641     $ 352,321  
    


 


 


 


Earnings per share:

                                

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1.71     $ 1.65     $ 3.39     $ 3.22  

Discontinued operations

   $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
    


 


 


 


Net income

   $ 1.71     $ 1.65     $ 3.39     $ 3.22  
    


 


 


 


Earnings per diluted share:

                                

Income from continuing operations

   $ 1.69     $ 1.63     $ 3.35     $ 3.18  

Discontinued operations

   $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
    


 


 


 


Net income

   $ 1.69     $ 1.63     $ 3.35     $ 3.18  
    


 


 


 


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

                                

Basic

     109,098,498       109,634,527       109,641,520       109,313,146  
    


 


 


 


Diluted

     110,327,148       110,924,314       110,990,318       110,673,431  
    


 


 


 


 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4


Table of Contents

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     2005

    2004

 

Retained Earnings:

                                

Balance at January 1

   $ 4,032,089             $ 3,380,098          

Net income

     371,641     $ 371,641       352,321       352,321  
            


         


Dividends declared - common stock

     (27,049 )             (23,754 )        

Exercise of stock options

     (8,456 )             (10,009 )        
    


         


       

Balance at June 30

   $ 4,368,225             $ 3,698,656          
    


         


       

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:

                                

Balance at January 1

   $ 296,814             $ 266,919          

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, $89,240 and ($263,429), pre-tax in 2005 and 2004, respectively(1)

             47,650               (169,379 )

(Loss) gain on derivative hedges, ($1,960) and $36,108 pre-tax in 2005 and 2004, respectively

             (642 )             21,680  

Foreign currency translation (loss) gain

             (5,301 )             815  
            


         


Other comprehensive income (loss)

     41,707       41,707       (146,884 )     (146,884 )
    


 


 


 


Comprehensive income

           $ 413,348             $ 205,437  
            


         


Balance at June 30

   $ 338,521             $ 120,035          
    


         


       

Preferred Stock:

                                

Balance at January 1 and June 30

   $ —               $ —            
    


         


       

Common Stock:

                                

Balance at January 1

   $ 1,089             $ 1,073          

Issuance of stock

     2               15          
    


         


       

Balance at June 30

   $ 1,091             $ 1,088          
    


         


       

Additional Paid-in Capital:

                                

Balance at January 1

   $ 694,465             $ 606,468          

Employee benefit plans

     15,068               27,248          

Issuance of stock

     1,761               38,735          

Capital issuance costs

     —                 (2,158 )        
    


         


       

Balance at June 30

   $ 711,294             $ 670,293          
    


         


       

Common Stock Held in Treasury at Cost:

                                

Balance at January 1

   $ 0             $ 0          

Cost of shares acquired

     (140,824 )             (51,566 )        

Shares issued under equity plans

     14,767               25,707          
    


         


       

Balance at June 30

     ($126,057 )             ($25,859 )        
    


         


       

Total Stockholders’ Equity at June 30

   $ 5,293,074             $ 4,464,213          
    


         


       

(1)      Disclosure of reclassification amount:

                                

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period

   $ 48,763               ($155,933 )        

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income

     1,113               13,446          
    


         


       

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

   $ 47,650               ($169,379 )        
    


         


       

 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5


Table of Contents

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income

   $ 371,641     $ 352,321  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     1,980       1,520  

Amortization of bond premium and discount

     425       (2,958 )

Current income taxes

     3,322       27,736  

Deferred income taxes

     33,638       11,111  

Deferred acquisition costs

     (14,039 )     (15,003 )

Unearned premiums, net

     130,026       217,052  

Loss and loss expenses

     (25,554 )     49,524  

Ceded reinsurance balances payable

     13,248       7,751  

Investment income due and accrued

     3,023       17,078  

Accrued interest payable

     (2,536 )     (17,024 )

Net realized investment gains

     (1,279 )     (21,026 )

Other, net

     (31,770 )     (80,451 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     482,125       547,631  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Proceeds from sales of bonds

     1,033,245       1,704,361  

Proceeds from matured bonds

     665,218       750,199  

Proceeds from the sale of Cadre Financial Services, Inc.

     —         3,676  

Purchases of bonds

     (2,972,541 )     (2,776,072 )

Change in short-term investments

     288,344       12,198  

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     328,000       11,015  

Loans

     61,859       2,552  

Purchases of securitization collateral

     (55,792 )     —    

Other, net

     8,143       15,818  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (643,524 )     (276,253 )
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Dividends paid

     (27,049 )     (23,754 )

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     42,000       (2,300 )

Proceeds from issuance of investment and payment agreements

     1,095,629       934,521  

Payments for investment and payment agreement draws

     (759,036 )     (1,218,540 )

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

     50,000       —    

Payments for redemption of long-term debt

     (79,961 )     —    

Capital issuance costs

     (2,860 )     (2,158 )

Issuance of common stock

     1,763       38,751  

Proceeds from sale of treasury stock

     6,272       25,707  

Purchases of treasury stock

     (140,824 )     (51,566 )

Net cash collateral (paid) received

     (7,932 )     36,676  
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     178,002       (262,663 )
    


 


Net cash flow

     16,603       8,715  

Cash at January 1

     19,957       24,449  
    


 


Cash at June 30

   $ 36,560     $ 33,164  
    


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                

Cash paid during the period for:

                

Income taxes

   $ 94,185     $ 71,170  
    


 


Interest expense on long-term debt

   $ 44,486     $ 27,583  
    


 


Interest expense on investment agreements

   $ 113,908     $ 78,713  
    


 


 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6


Table of Contents

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in thousands)

 

(1) Background and Basis of Presentation

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide financial guarantees and financial services to clients in both the public and private sectors around the world. Ambac’s principal operating subsidiary, Ambac Assurance Corporation is a leading provider of financial guarantees for public finance and structured finance obligations. Ambac Assurance has earned triple-A ratings, the highest ratings available from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Fitch Inc., and Ratings and Investment Information, Inc. These triple-A ratings are an essential part of Ambac Assurance’s ability to compete in the market of providing financial guarantee products. Ambac Assurance provides financial guarantees for bond issues and other forms of debt financing. Financial guarantee insurance is a promise to pay scheduled interest and principal if the issuer fails to meet its obligations. A bond guaranteed by Ambac receives triple-A ratings, typically resulting in lower financing costs for the issuer and generally makes the issue more marketable, both in the primary and secondary markets.

 

Ambac’s consolidated unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of Ambac’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in (i) Ambac’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005, and (ii) Ambac’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005, which was filed with the SEC on May 10, 2005.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ambac, its subsidiaries and variable interest entities for which Ambac is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period’s amounts to conform to the current period’s presentation.

 

(2) Loss and Loss Expenses

 

Ambac provides financial guarantee insurance on certain debt obligations. This financial guarantee insurance is a promise to pay scheduled interest and principal if the issuer of the debt security fails to meet its obligation. The loss reserve policy for financial guarantee insurance discussed in this footnote relates only to Ambac’s non-derivative insurance business. The policy for derivative contracts is discussed in the section entitled “Derivative Contracts”. Losses and loss expenses are based upon estimates of the ultimate aggregate losses inherent in the non-derivative financial guarantee portfolio as of the reporting date. The

 

7


Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

evaluation process for determining the level of reserves is subject to certain estimates and judgments. In most instances, claim payments are forecasted in advance of issuer default as a result of active surveillance of the insured book of business. Based upon Ambac experience, claim payments become probable and estimable once the issuer’s credit profile has migrated to certain impaired credit levels. The insured party has the right to a claim under Ambac’s financial guarantee insurance policy at the first scheduled debt service date of the defaulted obligation. As discussed below, the accounting for credit loss reserves is possibly subject to change.

 

The liability for losses and loss expenses consists of active credit and case basis credit reserves. Active credit reserves are for probable and estimable losses due to credit deterioration on insured credits that have not yet defaulted or been reported and are reflected on an undiscounted basis as of the reporting date. The establishment of reserves for exposures that have not yet defaulted is a common practice in the financial guarantee industry. However, Ambac is aware that there are differences in the specific methodologies applied by other financial guarantors in establishing such reserves. Ambac Assurance’s active credit reserve is based on management’s on-going review of the non-derivative financial guarantee credit portfolio. Active surveillance of the insured portfolio enables Ambac’s Surveillance Group to track credit migration of insured obligations from period to period and prepare an adversely classified credit listing. The active credit reserve is established only for adversely classified credits. The criteria for an exposure to be included on the adversely classified credit listing includes the deterioration in an issuer’s financial condition, underperformance of the underlying collateral (for collateral dependent transactions such as mortgage-backed securitizations), problems with the servicer of the underlying collateral and other adverse economic events or trends. The servicer of the underlying collateral of a securitized credit is a consideration in assessing credit quality because the servicer’s performance can directly impact the performance of the related credit. For example, a servicer of a mortgage-backed securitization that does not remain current in their collection efforts could cause an increase in the delinquency and potential default of the underlying collateral. The active credit reserve is established through a process that begins with statistical estimates of probable losses inherent in the adversely classified credit portfolio. Statistical estimates are computed on each adversely classified credit. These statistical estimates are based upon: (i) Ambac’s internal system of credit ratings, which are analogous to the risk ratings of the major rating agencies; (ii) internally developed historical default information (taking into consideration ratings and average life of an obligation); (iii) internally developed loss severities; and (iv) the net par outstanding on the adversely classified credit. The loss severities and default information are based on rating agency information and are specific to each bond type and are established and approved by Ambac’s Portfolio Risk Management Committee. The Portfolio Risk Management Committee is comprised of senior risk management professionals and other senior management of Ambac. For certain credit exposures that have deteriorated significantly, Ambac will undertake additional monitoring and loss remediation efforts. Additional remediation can include various actions by Ambac. The most common actions include obtaining detailed appraisal information on collateral, more frequent meetings with the issuer’s or servicer’s management to review operations, financial condition and financial forecasts and more frequent analysis of the issuer’s financial statements. For these credits Ambac would use relevant information obtained from its remediation efforts to adjust the statistical estimate discussed above. Senior management meets at least quarterly with the Surveillance Group to review the status of their work to determine the adequacy of Ambac’s loss reserves and make any necessary adjustments. Active credit reserves were $125,495 and $120,802 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The active credit reserves

 

8


Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was comprised of 66 and 68 credits with net par outstanding of $6,698,203 and $7,574,223, respectively. Included in the calculation of active credit reserves at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was the consideration of $23,319 and $17,891, respectively, of reinsurance which would be due to Ambac from the reinsurers, upon default of the insured obligation.

 

Case basis credit reserves are for losses on insured obligations that have defaulted. We believe our definition of case basis credit reserves differs from other financial guaranty industry participants. Upon the occurrence of a payment default, the related active credit reserve is transferred to case basis credit reserve. Additional provision for losses upon further credit deterioration of a case basis exposure are initially recorded through the active credit reserve and subsequently transferred to case basis credit reserves. Our case reserves represent the present value of anticipated loss and loss expense payments expected over the estimated period of default. Loss and loss expenses consider anticipated defaulted debt service payments, estimated expenses associated with settling the claims and estimated recoveries under collateral and subrogation rights. The estimate does not consider future installment premium receipts, as the likelihood of such receipts is remote. Ambac discounts these estimated net payments using discount rates that approximate the average taxable equivalent yield on our investment portfolio. Discount rates applied to case basis credit reserves were 6.0% at both June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Case basis credit reserves were $88,047 and $133,254 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The case basis credit reserves at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were comprised of 10 and 11 credits with net par outstanding of $489,604 and $661,396, respectively. Additionally, we have reinsurance recoverables on case basis credit reserves of $1,156 and $16,499 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

 

Ambac provides information on the classification of its loss reserve between active credit reserve and case basis credit reserve for the purpose of disclosing the components of the total reserve that relate to exposures that have not yet defaulted and those that have defaulted. The total reserve (active credit and case basis) was $213,542 and $254,055 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The provision for losses and loss expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations represents the expense recorded to bring the total reserve to a level determined by management to be adequate for losses inherent in the non-derivative financial guaranty insurance portfolio.

 

Our liabilities for credit losses are based in part on the short-duration accounting guidance in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 60, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises.” The insured party has a right to a claim payment under the financial guaranty insurance policy at the date of the first scheduled debt service payment of a defaulted security. We believe a loss event occurs for financial guarantee insurance products at the time the issuers’ financial condition deteriorates to an impaired credit status rather than at the time the insured party has a right to a claim payment. Because of this belief and the ambiguities discussed below in the application of SFAS No. 60 to the financial guaranty industry, Ambac does not believe that SFAS No. 60 alone provides sufficient guidance. As a result, Ambac supplements the guidance in SFAS No. 60 with the guidance in SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” which calls for a loss to be accrued if it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Ambac also relies by analogy on EITF Issue No. 85-20, “Recognition of fees for guaranteeing a loan,” which states that a guarantor should

 

9


Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

perform an ongoing assessment of the probability of loss to determine if a liability (and a loss) should be recognized under SFAS No. 5.

 

In management’s view, the accounting guidance noted above does not comprehensively address the attributes of financial guarantee insurance contracts, primarily due to the fact that SFAS No. 60 was developed prior to the maturity of the financial guarantee industry. Financial guarantee contracts have elements of long-duration insurance contacts in that they are irrevocable and extend over a period of time that may be 30 years or more but are considered and reported for regulatory purposes as property and casualty insurance, normally considered short-duration contracts. The short-duration and long-duration classifications have different methods of accounting for premium revenue, deferred acquisition costs and contract liability recognition.

 

Ambac is aware that there are certain differences regarding the measurement of liabilities for credit losses among participants in the financial guaranty industry. Difficulties applying the existing insurance accounting literature such as the classification of the insurance contracts as either short-duration or long-duration to the attributes of financial guarantee insurance, different measurement models and assumptions utilized, regulatory guidance provided to certain entities, and the existence of accounting literature providing guidance with respect to liability recognition for loan guarantees are the reasons for differences among the industry participants.

 

In January and February of 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff discussed with the financial guaranty industry participants differences in loss reserve recognition practices among those participants. In June 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) added a project to its agenda to consider the accounting by financial guarantee insurers for claims liability recognition, premium recognition and deferred acquisition costs. The proposed and final documents are expected to be issued in 2006. When the FASB or SEC reach a conclusion on this issue, Ambac and the rest of the financial guaranty industry may be required to change some aspects of their loss reserving policies and the potential changes could extend to premium and expense recognition. Ambac cannot predict how the FASB or SEC will resolve this issue and the resulting impact on our financial statements. Until the issue is resolved, Ambac intends to continue to apply its existing policy with respect to the establishment of both case and active credit reserves.

 

(3) Derivative Contracts

 

All derivative instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities depending on the rights or obligations under the contracts. All derivative instruments are measured at estimated fair value. When available, quotes are obtained from independent market sources. However, when quotes are not available, Ambac uses internally developed valuation models. These valuation models require market-driven inputs, including contractual terms (such as scheduled maturity dates and call provisions), credit spreads on underlying referenced obligations, yield curves and tax-exempt interest ratios. The valuation results from these models could differ materially from amounts that would actually be realized in the market. At the inception of a derivative contract (day one), we value the contract at the model value if we can verify all of the significant model inputs to observable market data. Where we cannot verify all of the significant model inputs to observable market data, we value the contract at the transaction price at inception and, consequently, record no gain or loss in

 

10


Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

accordance with EITF Issue No. 02-3, “Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities.”

 

All derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets on a gross basis; assets and liabilities are netted by customer only when a legal right of set-off exists. Gross asset and gross liability balances for all derivatives are recorded as Derivative Assets or Derivative Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Derivative Contracts Classified as Held for Trading Purposes:

 

Credit Derivatives:

 

Ambac, through its subsidiary Ambac Credit Products, enters into structured credit derivative transactions with various financial institutions. Management views these structured credit derivative transactions as an extension of its financial guarantee business, which we intend to hold for the entire term of the contract. These structured credit derivative contracts are accounted for at fair value since they do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception under SFAS 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities,” as amended (SFAS 133). Changes in fair value are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The fee component is reflected in “Other Credit Enhancement Fees” and the net mark-to-market gains or losses associated with credit spread changes are reflected in “Net Mark-to-Market Gains (Losses) on Credit Derivative Contracts”.

 

Financial Services:

 

Ambac, through its subsidiary Ambac Financial Services, provides interest rate swaps to states, municipalities and their authorities, and other entities in connection with their financings. Ambac Capital Services enters into total return swaps with professional counterparties. Total return swaps are primarily used for fixed income obligations, which meet Ambac Assurance’s credit underwriting criteria. These contracts are recorded on trade date at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Interest rate swaps and the fee component of total return swaps are reflected in “Derivative Product Revenues” and the mark-to-market gains or losses associated with credit spread changes on total return swaps are reflected in “Net Mark-to-Market Gains (Losses) on Total Return Swap Contracts”.

 

Non-trading Derivative Contracts:

 

Interest rate and currency swaps are utilized to hedge exposure to changes in fair value of assets or liabilities resulting from changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, respectively. These interest rate and currency swap hedges are referred to as “fair value” hedges. Gains and losses on derivative hedges are recognized currently in net income. If the provisions of the derivative contract meet the technical requirements for hedge accounting under SFAS 133, the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk (interest rate or foreign exchange risk) adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged item and is recognized currently in net income. The net amount, representing hedge ineffectiveness, is reflected in current earnings. Hedge ineffectiveness, recorded as a component of “Net mark-to-market gains on non-trading derivative contracts” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, was ($776) and $41 for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.

 

Interest rate swaps are also utilized to hedge the exposure to variable interest rates. These interest rate swap hedges are referred to as “cash flow” hedges. Gains and losses on

 

11


Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

interest rate swaps that meet the technical requirements for hedge accounting under SFAS 133 are reported in “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” in stockholders’ equity, until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. For the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, there was no hedge ineffectiveness reported in net income for cash flow hedges.

 

Ambac enters into non-trading derivative contracts for the purpose of economically hedging exposures to fair value or cash flow changes caused by fluctuation interest rates. If the hedging relationship does not meet the technical requirements for hedge accounting under SFAS 133, changes to the fair value of the derivative contract are recorded as a component of “Net mark-to-market gains on non-trading derivative contracts” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The change in fair value of such derivative contracts for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 was $49,011 and $0.

 

(4) Segment Information

 

Ambac has two reportable segments, as follows: (1) Financial Guarantee, which provides financial guarantees (including structured credit derivatives) for public finance, structured finance and other obligations; and (2) Financial Services, which provides investment agreements, interest rate swaps, total return and currency swaps and funding conduits, principally to clients of the financial guarantee business, which includes municipalities and other public entities, health care organizations and asset-backed issuers. Ambac’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each business requires different marketing strategies, personnel skill sets and technology.

 

Pursuant to insurance and indemnity agreements, Ambac Assurance guarantees the swap and investment agreement obligations of those Financial Services subsidiaries. Intersegment revenues include the premiums earned under those agreements and dividends received. Such premiums are determined as if they were premiums to third parties, that is, at current market prices.

 

Information provided below for “Corporate and Other” relates to Ambac Financial Group, Inc. corporate activities, including interest expense on debentures. Corporate and other revenue from unaffiliated customers consists primarily of interest income. Intersegment revenues consist of dividends received.

 

The following table summarizes the financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment as of and for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Three months ended June 30,


   Financial
Guarantee


   Financial
Services


    Corporate
And Other


    Intersegment
Eliminations


    Consolidated

2005:

                                     

Revenues:

                                     

Unaffiliated customers

   $ 298,498    $ 103,985     $ 396     $ —       $ 402,879

Intersegment

     249      (469 )     204,600       (204,380 )     —  
    

  


 


 


 

Total revenues

   $ 298,747    $ 103,516     $ 204,996     ($ 204,380 )   $ 402,879
    

  


 


 


 

Income before income taxes:

                                     

Unaffiliated customers

   $ 236,333    $ 43,155     ($ 18,578 )   $ —       $ 260,910

Intersegment

     1,972      (359 )     203,820       (205,433 )     —  
    

  


 


 


 

Total income before income taxes

   $ 238,305    $ 42,796     $ 185,242     ($ 205,433 )   $ 260,910
    

  


 


 


 

Total assets

   $ 10,554,060    $ 8,936,927     $ 38,937     $ —       $ 19,529,924
    

  


 


 


 

2004:

                                     

Revenues:

                                     

Unaffiliated customers

   $ 298,227    $ 53,371     $ 428     $ —       $ 352,026

Intersegment

     5,599      (1,128 )     25,750       (30,221 )     —  
    

  


 


 


 

Total revenues

   $ 303,826    $ 52,243     $ 26,178     ($ 30,221 )   $ 352,026
    

  


 


 


 

Income before income taxes:

                                     

Unaffiliated customers

   $ 250,780    $ 9,312     ($ 15,634 )   $ —       $ 244,458

Intersegment

     7,021      (1,180 )     25,164       (31,005 )     —  
    

  


 


 


 

Total income before income taxes

   $ 257,801    $ 8,132     $ 9,530     ($ 31,005 )   $ 244,458
    

  


 


 


 

Total assets

   $ 8,791,608    $ 7,961,957     $ 97,941     $ —       $ 16,851,506
    

  


 


 


 

 

12


Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

(Dollars in thousands)
Six months ended June 30,


   Financial
Guarantee


   Financial
Services


    Corporate
And Other


    Intersegment
Eliminations


    Consolidated

2005:

                                     

Revenues:

                                     

Unaffiliated customers

   $ 621,879    $ 171,015     $ 805     $ —       $ 793,699

Intersegment

     447      (937 )     234,200       (233,710 )     —  
    

  


 


 


 

Total revenues

   $ 622,326    $ 170,078     $ 235,005     ($ 233,710 )   $ 793,699
    

  


 


 


 

Income before income taxes:

                                     

Unaffiliated customers

   $ 491,260    $ 55,586     ($ 33,964 )   $ —       $ 512,882

Intersegment

     3,893      (717 )     232,640       (235,816 )     —  
    

  


 


 


 

Total income before income taxes

   $ 495,153    $ 54,869     $ 198,676     ($ 235,816 )   $ 512,882
    

  


 


 


 

Total assets

   $ 10,554,060    $ 8,936,927     $ 38,937     $ —       $ 19,529,924
    

  


 


 


 

2004:

                                     

Revenues:

                                     

Unaffiliated customers

   $ 569,477    $ 119,155     $ 774     $ —       $ 689,406

Intersegment

     11,316      (2,715 )     55,176       (63,777 )     —  
    

  


 


 


 

Total revenues

   $ 580,793    $ 116,440     $ 55,950     ($ 63,777 )   $ 689,406
    

  


 


 


 

Income before income taxes:

                                     

Unaffiliated customers

   $ 477,972    $ 28,709     ($ 31,102 )   $ —       $ 475,579

Intersegment

     14,100      (2,819 )     54,004       (65,285 )     —  
    

  


 


 


 

Total income before income taxes

   $ 492,072    $ 25,890     $ 22,902     ($ 65,285 )   $ 475,579
    

  


 


 


 

Total assets

   $ 8,791,608    $ 7,961,957     $ 97,941     $ —       $ 16,851,506
    

  


 


 


 

 

The following table summarizes unaffiliated gross premiums written and net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fees included in the financial guarantee segment by location of risk for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

     Three Months

   Six Months

(Dollars in thousands)    Gross
Premiums
Written


   Net Premiums
Earned and
Other Credit
Enhancement
Fees


   Gross
Premiums
Written


   Net Premiums
Earned and Other
Credit
Enhancement
Fees


2005:

                           

United States

   $ 253,189    $ 150,753    $ 434,503    $ 308,538

United Kingdom

     27,489      17,015      45,674      32,956

Japan

     6,818      7,927      13,890      15,136

Mexico

     4,243      1,774      7,740      3,385

Italy

     6,859      2,192      8,362      4,273

Brazil

     2,863      2,317      5,826      4,721

Australia

     8,412      2,123      9,103      4,303

Internationally diversified (1)

     6,965      13,826      15,431      28,447

Other international

     5,790      7,851      11,225      15,720
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 322,628    $ 205,778    $ 551,754    $ 417,479
    

  

  

  

2004:

                           

United States

   $ 306,014    $ 146,019    $ 480,297    $ 272,279

United Kingdom

     25,525      16,552      53,376      30,352

Japan

     6,581      7,731      13,515      15,211

Mexico

     3,774      1,732      7,731      3,548

Italy

     6,207      1,929      7,619      3,876

Brazil

     2,746      2,193      4,971      3,615

Australia

     687      2,115      924      3,534

Internationally diversified (1)

     7,581      15,228      13,835      28,534

Other international

     4,081      7,903      7,362      17,324
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 363,196    $ 201,402    $ 589,630    $ 378,273
    

  

  

  

 

1) Internationally diversified includes guarantees with multiple locations of risk and includes components of United States exposure.

 

13


Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

(5) Employee Benefit Plans

 

Stock Compensation Plans:

 

Effective January 1, 2003, Ambac began to account for stock-based employee compensation in accordance with the fair-value method prescribed by SFAS Statement 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS 123”) as amended by SFAS Statement 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” (“SFAS 148”), prospectively to all employee awards granted after January 1, 2003. Under this method of adoption, compensation expense is recognized over the relevant service period based on the fair value of stock options and restricted stock units granted for 2003 and future years. Compensation expense for restricted stock units issued for the years prior to 2003 was and continues to be recognized over the relevant service periods based on the applicable vesting schedules.

 

Pensions:

 

Ambac has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees of Ambac. The benefits are based on years of service and the average of the employee’s highest salary during five consecutive years of employment within the last ten years of employment. Ambac’s funding policy is to contribute annually the maximum amount that can be deducted for Federal income tax purposes. A contribution of $2,200 was made for 2005. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service-to-date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future.

 

Net periodic pension costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 include the following components:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


    Six Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Service cost

   $ 568     $ 409     $ 1,039     $ 817  

Interest cost

     413       332       776       663  

Expected return on plan assets

     (598 )     (488 )     (1,197 )     (975 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     (36 )     (36 )     (72 )     (72 )

Recognized net loss

     93       51       129       102  
    


 


 


 


Net periodic pension cost

     440       268       675       535  

Other

     —         —         —         136  
    


 


 


 


Total pension expense

   $ 440     $ 268     $ 675     $ 671  
    


 


 


 


 

Postretirement and Other Benefits:

 

Ambac provides certain medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees and eligible dependents. All plans are contributory. None of the plans are currently funded. Post retirement benefit expense was $156 and $277 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, compared to $82 and $130 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

 

14


Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

(6) Stockholders’ Equity

 

Ambac is authorized to issue 350,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 109,193,096 were issued and 107,346,500 were outstanding as of June 30, 2005. Ambac is also authorized to issue 4,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, none of which was issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2005.

 

(7) Special Purpose and Variable Interest Entities

 

Ambac has involvement with special purpose entities, including variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in the following ways. First, Ambac is a provider of financial guarantee insurance for various debt obligations. Second, Ambac has sponsored two special purpose entities that issue medium-term notes (“MTNs”) to fund the purchase of certain financial assets. As discussed in detail below, these Ambac sponsored special purpose entities are considered Qualifying Special Purpose Entities (“QSPEs”). Lastly, Ambac is an investor in high quality asset-backed securities typically issued by VIEs, and, in one transaction, has a beneficial interest in a VIE that purchases fixed rate municipal bonds with proceeds from the issuance of floating rate short term beneficial interests as discussed in detail below.

 

Financial Guarantees:

 

Ambac provides financial guarantee insurance to debt obligations of special purpose entities, including VIEs. Ambac’s primary variable interest exists through this financial guarantee insurance contract. The transaction structure provides certain financial protection to Ambac. This financial protection can take several forms, however, the most common are over-collateralization, first loss and excess spread. In the case of over-collateralization (i.e., the principal amount of the securitized assets exceeds the principal amount of the structured finance obligations guaranteed by Ambac Assurance), the structure allows the transaction to experience defaults among the securitized assets before a default is experienced on the structured finance obligations that have been guaranteed by Ambac. In the case of first loss, the financial guarantee insurance policy only covers a senior layer of losses on debt issued by special purpose entities, including VIEs. The first loss with respect to the assets is either retained by the seller or sold off in the form of equity or mezzanine debt to other investors. In the case of excess spread, the financial assets contributed to special purpose entities, including VIEs, generate interest cash flows that are in excess of the interest payments on the related debt. All or a portion of this excess spread accumulates and is available to absorb losses in the transaction or is applied to create over-collateralization.

 

As of June 30, 2005, Ambac is the primary beneficiary and therefore consolidated VIEs under three transactions, as a result of providing financial guarantees to these entities. Ambac consolidated these entities since the structural financial protections are outside the VIEs. These structural protections, had they existed inside the VIEs, would have absorbed a majority of the VIEs’ expected losses and consequently Ambac would not have consolidated these entities. All consolidated VIEs are bankruptcy remote special purpose financing entities created by the issuer of debt securities to facilitate the sale of notes guaranteed by Ambac Assurance. Ambac is not primarily liable for the debt obligations of these entities. Ambac would only be required to make payments on these debt obligations in the event that the issuer defaults on any principal or interest due. Additionally, Ambac’s creditors do not have rights with regard to the assets of these VIEs.

 

15


Table of Contents

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Proceeds from the note issuance of the first VIE transaction, which closed in 2002, were used to purchase senior mortgage-backed floating rate notes of a South Korean mortgage-backed securities issuer. Protections afforded Ambac Assurance in this transaction were in the form of a reserve fund and the issuance of subordinated debt. Ambac Assurance will pay claims under its financial guarantee only in the event that losses on the mortgage assets of the South Korean issuer reduce the reserve fund to zero and exceed the principal amount of the subordinated notes. Total long-term debt outstanding under this note issuance was $89,443 at June 30, 2005, with a maturity date of December 3, 2022.

 

Proceeds from the note issuances of the other transactions, both of which closed in 2004, were used to purchase notes issued by reinsurance companies in connection with their reinsurance of defined blocks of life insurance contracts. Protections afforded Ambac Assurance were in the form of capital contributed to the reinsurance companies and the issuance of subordinated debt by the VIEs. Ambac Assurance will pay claims under its financial guarantees in these transactions if cash flows generated under the reinsurance agreements and the proceeds from the contributed capital and subordinated debt are insufficient to repay the noteholders. Total debt outstanding under these note issuances were $954,964 at June 30, 2005, with maturity dates ranging from April 15, 2016 to February 4, 2025.

 

The following table provides supplemental information about the combined assets and liabilities associated with the VIEs discussed above. The assets and liabilities of these VIEs are consolidated into the respective Balance Sheet captions.

 

(Dollars in millions)    At June 30, 2005

   At December 31, 2004

Assets:

             

Cash

   $ 671    $ 690

Loans

     689,777      727,294

Investment in fixed income securities

     365,066      346,111

Investment income due and accrued

     8,770      2,315
    

  

Total

   $ 1,064,284    $ 1,076,410
    

  

Liabilities and Equity:

             

Long-term debt

Derivative liabilities

   $
 
1,044,407
10,724
   $
 
1,074,368
—  

Other liabilities

     8,360      2,042

Equity

     793      —  
    

  

Total

   $ 1,064,284    $ 1,076,410
    

  

 

Qualified Special Purpose Entities:

 

Ambac has transferred financial assets to two special purpose entities. The business purpose of these entities is to provide certain financial guarantee clients with funding for their debt obligations. These entities meet the characteristics of QSPEs in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (“SFAS 140”). QSPEs are not subject to the requirements of FIN 46-R and accordingly are not consolidated in Ambac’s financial statements. The QSPEs are legal entities that are demonstrably distinct from Ambac. Ambac, its affiliates or its agents cannot unilaterally dissolve the QSPEs. The QSPEs permitted activities are limited to those outlined below.

 

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Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

As of June 30, 2005, there are 9 individual transactions outstanding in the QSPEs. In each case, Ambac sells fixed income debt obligations to the QSPEs. These transactions are true sales based upon the bankruptcy remote nature of the QSPE and the absence of any agreement or obligation for Ambac to repurchase or redeem assets of the QSPE. Additionally, Ambac’s creditors do not have any rights with regards to the assets of the QSPEs. The purchase by the QSPE is financed through the issuance of MTNs, which are collateralized by the purchased assets. Derivative contracts (interest rate and currency swaps) are used for hedging purposes only. Derivatives are established at the time MTNs are issued to purchase financial assets. The activities of the QSPEs are contractually limited to purchasing assets from Ambac, issuing MTNs to fund such purchase, executing derivative hedges and related administrative services. Ambac Assurance may issue a financial guarantee insurance policy on the assets sold, the MTNs issued or both. As of June 30, 2005, Ambac Assurance had financial guarantee insurance policies issued for all assets and MTNs owned and outstanding by the QSPEs.

 

Pursuant to the terms of Ambac Assurance’s insurance policy, insurance premiums are paid to Ambac Assurance by the QSPEs and are earned in a manner consistent with other insurance policies, over the risk period. Any losses incurred would be included in Ambac’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Under the terms of an Administrative Agency Agreement, Ambac provides certain administrative duties, primarily collecting amounts due on the obligations and making interest payments on the MTNs.

 

Assets sold to the QSPEs during the six months ended June 30, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004 were $0 and $195,000, respectively. No gains or losses were recognized on these sales. As of June 30, 2005, the estimated fair value of financial assets, MTN liabilities and derivative hedge liabilities were $1,758,448, $1,693,330 and $98,674, respectively. When market quotes are not available, estimated fair value is determined utilizing valuation models. These models include estimates, made by Ambac management, which utilize current market information. The valuation results from these models could differ materially from amounts that would actually be realized in the market. Ambac Assurance received gross premiums for issuing financial guarantee policies on the assets, MTNs and derivative contracts of $2,976 and $2,838 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Ambac also received fees for providing other services amounting to $173 and $197 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

VIE Beneficial Interest:

 

Ambac owns a beneficial interest in a special purpose entity that meets the definition of a VIE. This entity has issued floating rate beneficial interests to investors and invested the proceeds in fixed income municipal investment securities. These beneficial interests are directly secured by the related municipal investment securities. Ambac is the primary beneficiary of this entity as a result of its beneficial interest. The fixed income municipal investment securities, which are reported as Investments in fixed income securities, at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $262,576 and $257,300 as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The beneficial interests issued to third parties, are reported as Obligations under investment and payment agreements on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $248,940 and $249,140 as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

 

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Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

(8) Accounting Standards

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 123-R, “Share-Based Payment”. This Statement is a revision of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and its related implementation guidance. SFAS 123-R requires entities to recognize compensation cost for all equity-classified awards after the effective date using the fair-value measurement method. Originally, SFAS 123-R was to be effective for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. However, in April 2005, the effective date was amended to the first interim reporting date of the next fiscal year after June 15, 2005. Ambac will adopt SFAS 123-R on January 1, 2006 by using a modified prospective approach. The adoption of SFAS 123-R is not expected to have a material impact on Ambac’s operating results. Ambac continues to evaluate other aspects of adopting SFAS 123-R.

 

The FASB added a project to its agenda to consider the accounting by financial guarantee insurers for claims liability recognition, premium recognition, and deferred policy acquisition costs. The proposed and final documents are expected to be issued in 2006. Ambac cannot predict how the FASB will resolve this issue and the resulting impact on our financial statements. Until the issue is resolved, Ambac intends to continue to apply its existing policies.

 

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

 

Overview

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide financial guarantees and financial services to clients in both the public and private sectors around the world. Our diluted earnings per share were $1.69 and $3.35 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, a 3% increase compared with the three months ended June 30, 2004 and a 5% increase compared with the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

Ambac’s principal operating subsidiary, Ambac Assurance Corporation, a leading provider of financial guarantees for public finance and structured finance obligations, has earned triple-A ratings, the highest ratings available from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Fitch Inc., and Rating and Investment Information, Inc. These triple-A ratings are an essential part of Ambac Assurance’s ability to compete in the market of providing financial guarantee products. Ambac Assurance provides financial guarantees for bond issues and other forms of debt financing. Financial guarantee insurance is a promise to pay scheduled interest and principal if the issuer fails to meet its obligations. A bond guaranteed by Ambac receives triple-A ratings, typically resulting in lower financing costs for the issuer and generally makes the issue more marketable, both in the primary and secondary markets.

 

Ambac reports its financial guarantee business segment broken out by three principal markets: Public Finance, Structured Finance and International Finance. Public Finance includes all U.S. municipal issuance including general obligations, lease and tax-backed obligations, health care, public utilities, transportation and higher education, as well as certain infrastructure privatization transactions, such as stadium financings, military housing and student housing. Structured Finance covers U.S. structured finance transactions, including mortgage-backed securities and other consumer asset-backed securities, commercial asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations, investor-owned utilities and asset-backed commercial paper conduits. International Finance covers both infrastructure privatization transactions and the structured finance markets outside of the U.S. Increased net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fee revenues drove growth in our financial guarantee segment. This resulted from continued growth in revenues primarily in the United States, Western Europe and Australia.

 

Ambac’s Financial Services segment provides financial and investment products including investment agreements, interest rate swaps, total return swaps and funding conduits, principally to clients of the financial guarantee business, which includes municipalities and other public entities, health care organizations, and asset-backed and structured finance issuers. Ambac focuses on these businesses due to the complementary nature of the products to its financial guarantee product.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Materials in this annual report may contain information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent Ambac’s belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and relate to future plans or objectives and results.

 

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

 

Any or all of Ambac’s forward-looking statements here or in other publications may turn out to be wrong and are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. Ambac’s actual results may vary materially, and there are no guarantees about the performance of Ambac’s securities. Among factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are: (1) changes in the economic, credit, or interest rate environment in the United States and abroad; (2) the level of activity within the national and worldwide debt markets; (3) competitive conditions and pricing levels; (4) legislative and regulatory developments; (5) changes in tax laws; (6) the policies and actions of the United States and other governments; (7) changes in capital requirement or other criteria of rating agencies; (8) changes in accounting principles or practices that may impact Ambac’s reported financial results; (9) inadequacy of reserves established for losses and loss adjustment expenses; (10) default of one or more of Ambac’s reinsurers; (11) market spreads and pricing on insured pooled debt obligations and other derivative products insured or issued by Ambac; (12) prepayment speeds on insured asset-backed securities and other factors that may influence the amount of installment premiums paid to Ambac; and (13) other risks and uncertainties that have not been identified at this time. Ambac is not obligated to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if we later become aware that it is not likely to be achieved, except as required by law. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in Ambac’s reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that require management to make significant judgments and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. Management has identified the accounting for loss and loss expenses and the valuation of financial instruments as critical accounting estimates. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereon included elsewhere in this report, and in the 2004 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2005. Management has discussed each of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

Financial Guarantee Insurance Losses and Loss Expenses. The loss reserve for financial guarantee insurance discussed in this critical accounting estimate disclosure relates only to Ambac’s non-derivative insurance business. Losses and loss expenses are based upon estimates of the ultimate aggregate losses inherent in the non-derivative Financial Guarantee portfolio as of the reporting date. The evaluation process for determining the level of reserves is subject to certain estimates and judgments.

 

The liability for losses and loss expenses consists of active credit and case basis credit reserves. Ambac establishes an active credit reserve to reflect probable and estimable losses

 

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

 

due to credit deterioration on insured credits that have not yet defaulted or been reported as of the reporting date. The active credit reserve is established through a process that begins with statistical estimates of probable losses inherent in the adversely classified credit portfolio. Statistical estimates are computed on each adversely classified credit. These statistical estimates are based upon: (i) Ambac’s internal system of credit ratings, which are analogous to the risk ratings of the major rating agencies; (ii) internally developed historical default information (taking into consideration ratings and average life of an obligation); (iii) internally developed loss severities; and (iv) the net par outstanding on the adversely classified credit. The loss severities and default information are based on rating agency information and are specific to each bond type and are established and approved by Ambac’s Portfolio Risk Management Committee. The Portfolio Risk Management Committee is comprised of senior risk management professionals and other senior management of Ambac. For certain credit exposures that have deteriorated significantly, Ambac will undertake additional monitoring and loss remediation efforts. Additional remediation can include various actions by Ambac. The most common actions include obtaining detailed appraisal information on collateral, more frequent meetings with the issuer’s or servicer’s management to review operations, financial condition and financial forecasts and more frequent analysis of the issuer’s financial statements. For these credits the Company would use relevant information obtained from its remediation efforts to adjust the statistical estimate discussed above.

 

Case basis credit reserves are established for losses on insured obligations that have already defaulted. We believe our definition of case basis credit reserves differs from other financial guaranty industry participants. Our case reserves represent the present value of anticipated loss and loss expense payments expected over the estimated period of default. Loss and loss expenses consider defaulted debt service payments, estimated expenses associated with settling the claims and estimated recoveries under collateral and subrogation rights.

 

The primary estimates impacting the statistical loss calculation are probability of default and severity of loss. The probability of default increases as a credit exposure deteriorates in quality. Political, economic or other unforeseen events could have an adverse impact on default probabilities. However, despite such unforeseen events, our experience has shown, it is not reasonably likely that there would be a change in the probability of default estimates such that a material change in our loss reserve estimate would occur. Our experience has shown that credit deterioration and related changes in default probabilities are a gradual process that typically occurs over a long period of time. Historically, claim payments on financial guarantee contracts have been infrequent but subject to potential high severity. Severity represents the amount of loss that would be incurred on a defaulted obligation due to the difference in the amount of net par guaranteed and the value of the related collateral and other subrogation rights. Loss severity estimates are based upon available information such as rating agency recovery rates or surveillance data such as collateral appraisals. However, severity data used are estimates that are subject to change with political, economic and other market conditions or as new information becomes available. Severity of loss is a primary assumption used to estimate losses and an increase or decrease of the severity would provide a range of reasonably possible future outcomes that would differ from our current loss estimate, which could be material.

 

Ambac has exposure to various bond types. Our experience has shown that for the majority of bond types, the estimate of loss severity has remained consistent in that material changes to severity estimates have not occurred. However, for certain bond types, factors or

 

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

 

events could have a material impact on the estimate of loss severity. Based upon our historical experience, certain types of exposures are more likely to experience changes in loss severity estimates. We believe, based on our experience, there are three bond types in particular where it is reasonably possible that a material change in loss severity estimates could occur. These three bond types are aircraft lease securitizations known as Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (“EETC”), health care institutions and mortgage-backed and home equity securitizations. The collateral for an EETC bond is commercial aircraft. Intense competition in the global airline industry continues and has been further impacted by lower cost start up regional carriers. As a result, major airlines have been forced to reduce costs and scale back aircraft purchases. Additionally, competition between the largest aircraft manufacturers has served to reduce overall aircraft pricing. These events have adversely impacted the value of certain aircraft and accordingly impacted the loss severity estimates associated with certain EETC exposures. We have observed that the health care industry is also particularly subject to changes in severity estimates. Collateral associated with health care credits is generally in the form of a hospital facility. The value of that facility is primarily impacted by the essentiality of that facility to a particular community. For example, hospital facilities that do not have significant competition in a community generally have more stable collateral values than facilities in communities with significant competition. It is also reasonably possible that severity estimates could materially change in the mortgage-backed and home equity securitization sector. Severity estimates in this sector are impacted by residential real estate values. Increases in mortgage interest rates, increased unemployment or personal bankruptcies could have an adverse impact on residential real estate values and mortgage-backed and home equity loss severity estimates. The table below outlines the estimated impact on the June 30, 2005 consolidated loss reserve estimate (both active credit and case basis reserve) of reasonably possible changes in the loss severity assumptions. These changes in the loss severity assumptions represent management’s estimate of reasonably possible changes in severity and are based upon our historical experience.

 

Bond Type

(Dollars in millions)


   Current
Severity
Assumption


    Reasonably
Possible
Severity
Assumption


    Increase
in Reserve
Estimate


EETC

   20 %   46 %   $ 24

Health care

   60 %   83 %   $ 20

Mortgage-backed and home equity

   18 %   21 %   $ 13

 

Ambac’s management believes that the reserves for losses and loss expenses are adequate to cover the ultimate net cost of claims, but the reserves, including the probability of default and loss severity assumptions are based on estimates and there can be no assurance that the ultimate liability for losses will not exceed such estimates.

 

Valuation of Financial Instruments. The fair market values of financial instruments held are determined by using independent market quotes when available and valuation models when market quotes are not available. Ambac’s financial instruments categorized as assets are mainly comprised of investments in fixed income securities and are accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”. SFAS 115 requires that all debt instruments and certain equity instruments be classified in Ambac’s balance sheet according to their purpose and, depending on that classification, be carried at either cost or fair market value. Ambac classifies investments in fixed income securities as available-for-sale.

 

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

 

The fair values of fixed income investments are based primarily on quoted market prices received from a nationally recognized pricing service or dealer quotes. For those fixed income investments where broker quotes were not available, fair values are based on internal valuation models. Key inputs to the internal valuation models include maturity date, coupon and generic yield curves for industry and credit rating characteristics that closely match those characteristics of the specific investment securities being valued. The valuation results from these models could differ materially from amounts that would actually be realized in the market.

 

Ambac has a formal review process for all securities in its investment portfolio, including a review for impairment losses. Documentation of our analyses is required under our policy. Factors considered when assessing impairment include: (i) securities whose fair values have declined by 20% or more below amortized cost; (ii) securities whose market values have declined by 5% or more below amortized cost for a continuous period of at least six months; (iii) recent downgrades by rating agencies; (iv) the financial condition of the issuer; (v) whether scheduled interest payments are past due; and (vi) whether Ambac has the ability and intent to hold the security for a sufficient period of time to allow for anticipated recoveries in fair value. If we believe a decline in the value of a particular investment is temporary, we record the decline as an unrealized loss, net of tax, in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Stockholders’ Equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. If we believe the decline is “other than temporary”, we write-down the carrying value of the investment and record a loss on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Ambac’s assessment of a decline in value includes management’s current judgment of the factors noted above. If that judgment changes in the future, Ambac may ultimately record a loss after having originally concluded that the decline in value was temporary.

 

Ambac’s exposure to derivative instruments is created through interest rate, currency, total return and credit default swaps and their related counterparty credit exposure. These contracts are accounted for under SFAS 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities,” as amended (“SFAS 133”). When available, quotes are obtained from independent market sources. However, when quotes are not available, Ambac uses internally developed valuation models. These valuation models require market-driven inputs, including contractual terms (such as scheduled maturity dates and call provisions), credit spreads on underlying referenced obligations, yield curves and tax-exempt interest ratios. At the inception of a derivative contract (day one), we value the contract at the model value if we can verify all of the significant model inputs to observable market data. Where we cannot verify all of the significant model inputs to observable market data, we value the contract at the transaction price at inception and, consequently, record no gain or loss in accordance with EITF Issue No. 02-3, “Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities.”

 

Results of Operations

 

The following paragraphs describe the consolidated results of operations of Ambac and its subsidiaries for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, and its financial condition as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. These results are presented for Ambac’s two reportable segments: Financial Guarantee and Financial Services.

 

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

 

Income From Continuing Operations

 

Ambac’s income from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2005 was $186.1 million or $1.69 per diluted share, an increase of $5.2 million, compared to $180.9 million or $1.63 per diluted share in the three months ended June 30, 2004. Ambac’s income before income taxes was $260.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005, an increase of 7% from income before income taxes of $244.5 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004. Of the $260.9 million of income before income taxes in the second quarter of 2005, $236.3 million was from Financial Guarantee, $43.2 million from Financial Services and $(18.6) million from Corporate, compared to $250.8 million, $9.3 million and $(15.6) million for Financial Guarantee, Financial Services and Corporate, respectively in the second quarter of 2004. Corporate consists primarily of Ambac’s interest expense on its long-term debentures outstanding.

 

Ambac’s income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $371.6 million or $3.35 per diluted share, an increase of $18.9 million, compared to $352.7 million or $3.18 per diluted share in the six months ended June 30, 2004. Ambac’s income before income taxes was $512.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, an increase of 8% from income before income taxes of $475.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. Of the $512.9 million of income before income taxes in the six months ended 2005, $491.3 million was from Financial Guarantee, $55.6 million from Financial Services and $(34.0) million from Corporate, compared to $478.0 million, $28.7 million and $(31.1) million for Financial Guarantee, Financial Services and Corporate, respectively in the six months ended 2004.

 

Financial Guarantee income before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2005 decreased primarily as a result of (i) a higher provision for loss and loss expenses, (ii) net realized investment losses and (iii) net mark-to-market losses on credit derivative contracts, partially offset by (i) higher total net premiums earned and (ii) higher net investment income. The Financial Services increase in the second quarter of 2005 is primarily attributable to (i) higher net mark-to-market gains on non-trading derivatives and (ii) higher revenues from interest and payment agreements partially offset by (i) lower revenues from the derivative products business and (ii) higher interest expense from investment and payment agreements.

 

Financial Guarantee income before income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased primarily as a result of (i) higher total net premiums earned, (ii) higher net investment income and (iii) higher other income, partially offset by (i) a higher provision for loss and loss expenses, (ii) lower net realized investment gains, (iii) net mark-to-market losses on credit derivative contracts and (iv) higher underwriting and operating expenses. The Financial Services increase in the six months ended June 30, 2005 is primarily attributable to (i) higher net mark-to-market gains on non-trading derivatives and (ii) higher revenues from interest and payment agreements partially offset by (i) lower revenues from the derivative products business and (ii) higher interest expense from investment and payment agreements.

 

Included in the six months ended June 30, 2005 income from continuing operations in the Financial Guarantee segment, is the impact of a cancellation of a reinsurance contract with Radian Asset Assurance Inc. (“Radian”). The insured par that was recaptured as a result of the cancellation totaled approximately $7.5 billion. The recapture was a result of a provision in the reinsurance contract that provided Ambac the right to recapture previously written business ceded to the reinsurer upon the event of a downgrade of the reinsurer by a major rating agency. Ambac does not have the ability to cancel any additional contracts with Radian at their

 

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

 

current rating level. Included in ceded premiums written in Ambac’s Consolidated Statement of Operations is $55.8 million in returned premiums from the cancellation, of which $51.3 million was deferred. The difference, $4.5 million, included in net earned premiums, results from the difference between the negotiated amount of returned premiums and the associated unearned premium remaining on the underlying guarantees. In addition to the $51.3 million of deferred premiums collected, approximately $70.0 million in net present value of future installment premiums is expected to be recognized in future earned premiums over the remaining life of the guarantees. The net impact in the six months ended June 30, 2005 of this cancellation to the Consolidated Statement of Operations amounted to approximately $2.7 million, $1.8 million after-tax.

 

Included in the second quarter and six months 2004 income from continuing operations in the Financial Guarantee segment, is the impact of cancellations of certain reinsurance contracts with two reinsurers, AXA Re Finance S.A. and American Re-Insurance Company. The net par that was recaptured totaled approximately $8.5 billion. The recapture was a result of a provision in the reinsurance contract that provided Ambac the right to recapture previously written business ceded to the reinsurer upon the event of a downgrade of the reinsurer by a major rating agency. Ambac retains the right to cancel the remaining reinsurance contracts with these reinsurers. Included in ceded premiums written in Ambac’s Consolidated Statement of Operations is $64.8 million in returned premiums from the cancellation, of which approximately $54.4 million was deferred. The difference, $10.4 million included in net earned premiums, results from the difference between the negotiated amount of returned premiums and the associated unearned premium remaining on the underlying guarantees. In addition to the $54.4 million of deferred premiums collected, approximately $49.1 million in net present value of future installment premiums is expected to be recognized in future earned premiums over the remaining life of the guarantees. The net impact of this cancellation to the Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2004 amounted to approximately $7.0 million, $4.5 million after-tax.

 

Net Loss From Discontinued Operations

 

In November 2003, Ambac entered into an agreement to sell the operations of Cadre Financial Services, Inc., its investment advisory and cash management business. The transaction closed during the first quarter of 2004. The net loss from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 were $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. There were no losses from discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.

 

Financial Guarantee

 

Ambac provides financial guarantees for debt obligations through its principal operating subsidiary, Ambac Assurance Corporation, as well as credit protection in the form of structured credit derivatives through Ambac Credit Products LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambac Assurance. Ambac provides these services in three principal markets: public finance, structured finance and international finance.

 

Ambac Assurance guaranteed $40.4 billion in par value debt obligations during the three months ended June 30, 2005, an increase of 27% from $31.8 billion in par value debt obligations guaranteed during the comparable prior year period. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, Ambac Assurance guaranteed $59.2 billion in par value debt obligations, a 10% increase from $53.6 billion in par value debt obligations guaranteed in the first six months of 2004.

 

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

 

The following table provides a breakdown of guaranteed net par outstanding by market sector at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004:

 

(Dollars in billions)    June 30,
2005


   December 31,
2004


Public Finance

   $ 256.6    $ 239.7

Structured Finance

     133.9      132.4

International Finance

     76.7      87.3
    

  

Total net par outstanding (1)

   $ 467.2    $ 459.4
    

  

 

(1) $7.5 billion of the net par outstanding increase in 2005 was a result of the reinsurance cancellation noted above.

 

The following tables provides a rating distribution of guaranteed net par outstanding based upon internal Ambac Assurance credit ratings at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and a distribution by bond type of Ambac Assurance’s below investment grade exposures at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Below investment grade are generally defined as those exposures with a credit rating below BBB-:

 

     Percentage of Guaranteed
Portfolio(1)


 
     June 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


 

AAA

   8 %   8 %

AA

   25     23  

A

   46     47  

BBB

   20     21  

Below investment grade

   1     1  
    

 

Total

   100 %   100 %
    

 

 

(1) Internal Ambac Assurance credit ratings are provided solely to indicate the underlying credit quality of guaranteed obligations based on the view of Ambac and may differ from ratings determined by the independent ratings agencies. They are subject to revision at any time and do not constitute investment advice. Ambac Assurance has guaranteed the obligations listed and may also provide other products or services to the issuers of these obligations for which Ambac may have received premiums or fees.

 

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

 

Summary of Below Investment Grade Exposure (1)

 

Bond Type
(Dollars in millions)


   June 30,
2005


   December 31,
2004


U.S. Public Finance:

             

Health care

   $ 624    $ 571

Tax-backed

     135      135

General obligation

     103      104

University

     37      38

Other

     149      151
    

  

Total U.S. Public Finance

     1,048      999
    

  

U.S. Structured Finance:

             

Mortgage-backed and home equity

     763      774

Investor-owned utilities

     694      803

Enhanced equipment trust certificates

     694      205

Pooled debt obligations

     423      481

Asset-backed

     208      221
    

  

Total U.S. Structured Finance

     2,782      2,484
    

  

International Finance:

             

Transportation revenue

     193      215

Investor-owned utilities

     55      59

Sovereign/sub-sovereign

     38      38

Pooled debt obligations

     —        510

Other

     213      223
    

  

Total International Finance

     499      1,045
    

  

Grand Total

   $ 4,329    $ 4,528
    

  

 

(1) Internal Ambac Assurance credit ratings are provided solely to indicate the underlying credit quality of guaranteed obligations based on the view of Ambac and may differ from ratings determined by the independent ratings agencies. They are subject to revision at any time and do not constitute investment advice. Ambac Assurance has guaranteed the obligations listed and may also provide other products or services to the issuers of these obligations for which Ambac may have received premiums or fees.

 

At June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the number of credits with Ambac Assurance ratings below investment grade totaled 71 and 73, respectively. The decline in pooled debt obligations resulted from a maturity in the second quarter of 2005, with net par outstanding of $510 million.

 

Public Finance:

 

Public finance obligations are bonds issued by states, municipalities and other governmental or not-for-profit entities located in the United States (“Public Finance”). Bond proceeds are used to finance or refinance a broad spectrum of public purpose initiatives, including education, utility, transportation, health care and other general purpose projects. Included in transportation obligations is exposure to U.S. airports of $8.6 billion at June 30, 2005. Airport obligations are generally supported by (i) terminal lease revenues, parking and other concession revenues; (ii) passenger facility charges; or (iii) payments in respect of specific airport facilities. Although Ambac Assurance guarantees the full range of Public Finance obligations, Ambac Assurance concentrates on those projects that require more structuring skills. Certain projects, which had been financed by the local or U.S. government alone, are now being financed through public-private partnerships. In these transactions, debt service on the bonds, rather than being paid solely by tax revenues or other governmental funds, is being paid from a variety of revenue sources, including revenues derived from the

 

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project itself. Examples of these transactions include stadium financings, student housing and military housing.

 

Public Finance bond obligations par value written was $18.3 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2005, which was 30% higher than $14.1 billion of par value written in the three months ended June 30, 2004. During the six months ended June 30, 2005 par value written was $29.2 million, which was 33% higher than $22.0 billion of par value written in the six months ended June 30, 2004. This increase was primarily driven by higher municipal issuance of $111.5 billion and $209.8 billion in the second quarter of 2005 and the six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, increases of 8% and 12%, respectively, over prior year comparisons. Additionally, insured market penetration was approximately 61% in both the second quarter and six months ended 2005, up from 60% and 54% in the second quarter and six months ended 2004, respectively.

 

Structured Finance:

 

Structured finance obligations include securitizations of a variety of asset types such as mortgages, home equity loans, student loans and credit card receivables; commercial asset-backed securities; leases; pooled debt obligations; investor-owned utilities; and asset-backed commercial paper conduits originated in the United States (“Structured Finance”). Included within commercial asset-backed securities are exposures to Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates of $1.6 billion at June 30, 2005. Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates are secured financings used by the airline industry to finance aircraft. The financings are tranched to create a priority of interests in the aircraft collateral. Pooled debt obligations, including structured credit derivative transactions, involve the securitization of diverse portfolios of corporate bonds and loan obligations and asset-backed securities.

 

Structured Finance obligations par value written was $18.6 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2005, which was 46% higher than $12.7 billion of par value written in the three months ended June 30, 2004. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, par value written was $24.5 billion, 25% higher compared to $19.6 billion in the six months ended June 30, 2004. The increase in Structured Finance in the second quarter and the first six months of 2005 was primarily due to increased activity in auto securitizations and investor-owned utilities, partially offset by lower mortgage backed and other home related securitizations.

 

International Finance:

 

International finance obligations include public purpose infrastructure projects and asset-backed securities originated outside the United States. Ambac Assurance’s emphasis internationally has been on Western Europe and Australia. In the United Kingdom, Ambac Assurance has participated extensively in the Private Finance Initiative whereby the government has been privatizing certain infrastructure finance activities. Ambac Assurance expects demand for our financial guarantees on infrastructure privatization transactions to increase in certain other European countries. Ambac also participates in less developed markets through certain structures such as pooled debt obligations or future flow transactions. Future flow transactions essentially securitize future revenue streams derived from operating receivables or the sale of commodities.

 

International Finance bond obligations par value written was $3.6 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2005, which was 28% lower than $5.0 billion of par value written for

 

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the three months ended June 30, 2004. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, par value written was $5.5 billion, which was 54% lower than $12.0 billion of par value written for the six months ended June 30, 2004. The decrease in International Finance obligations guaranteed during the second quarter and the first six months of 2005 is primarily due to lower transaction volume.

 

Gross Premiums Written. Ambac receives insurance premiums either upfront at policy issuance or on an installment basis over the life of the transaction. The collection method is determined at the time of policy issuance. Gross premiums written for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $322.6 million and $551.8 million, respectively, a decrease of $40.6 million or 11% from 363.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and a decrease of $37.8 million or 6% from $589.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

Up-front premiums written during the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 were $189.7 million and $294.7 million, respectively, a decrease of 20% from $236.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and a decrease of 17% from $355.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. The decrease in up-front gross premiums written in the second quarter of 2005 compared to the second quarter of 2004 was primarily a result of increased competition and the mix of deals insured in Public Finance, partially offset by higher up-front premiums in Structured and International Finance. The decrease in up-front gross premiums written during the first six months of 2005 compared to 2004 is a result of lower premiums in Public and Structured Finance, partially offset by an increase in International Finance. Up-front premiums have been impacted by increased competition from other financial guarantors, as well as a lack of large highly structured public finance transactions coming to market.

 

Installment premiums written for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $132.9 million and $257.1 million, respectively, an increase of 5% from $126.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004, and an increase of 10% from $234.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

The following tables set forth the amounts of gross premiums written and the related gross par written by type:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,

     2005

   2004

(Dollars in Millions)    Gross
Premiums
Written


   Gross
Par
Written


   Gross
Premiums
Written


   Gross
Par
Written


Public Finance:

                           

Up-front

   $ 168.6    $ 17,997    $ 231.5    $ 14,020

Installment

     5.6      256      6.0      112
    

  

  

  

Total Public Finance

     174.2      18,253      237.5      14,132
    

  

  

  

Structured Finance:

                           

Up-front

     6.5      411      3.0      331

Installment

     72.5      18,157      65.5      12,366
    

  

  

  

Total Structured Finance

     79.0      18,568      68.5      12,697
    

  

  

  

International Finance:

                           

Up-front

     14.6      1,586      1.8      228

Installment

     54.8      2,034      55.4      4,758
    

  

  

  

Total International Finance

     69.4      3,620      57.2      4,986
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 322.6    $ 40,441    $ 363.2    $ 31,815
    

  

  

  

Total up-front

   $ 189.7    $ 19,994    $ 236.3    $ 14,579

Total installment

     132.9      20,447      126.9      17,236
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 322.6    $ 40,441    $ 363.2    $ 31,815
    

  

  

  

 

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     Six Months Ended June 30,

     2005

   2004

(Dollars in Millions)    Gross
Premiums
Written


   Gross
Par
Written


   Gross
Premiums
Written


   Gross
Par
Written


Public Finance:

                           

Up-front

   $ 268.0    $ 28,711    $ 326.2    $ 21,819

Installment

     13.4      503      12.5      189
    

  

  

  

Total Public Finance

     281.4      29,214      338.7      22,008
    

  

  

  

Structured Finance:

                           

Up-front

     10.3      789      15.0      1,103

Installment

     142.8      23,688      126.6      18,486
    

  

  

  

Total Structured Finance

     153.1      24,477      141.6      19,589
    

  

  

  

International Finance:

                           

Up-front

     16.4      1,624      14.3      2,073

Installment

     100.9      3,894      95.0      9,902
    

  

  

  

Total International Finance

     117.3      5,518      109.3      11,975
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 551.8    $ 59,209    $ 589.6    $ 53,572
    

  

  

  

Total up-front

   $ 294.7    $ 31,124    $ 355.5    $ 24,995

Total installment

     257.1      28,085      234.1      28,577
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 551.8    $ 59,209    $ 589.6    $ 53,572
    

  

  

  

 

Reinsurance. Ambac’s reinsurance program is principally comprised of a surplus share treaty and facultative reinsurance. The surplus share treaty requires Ambac to cede covered transactions while retaining flexibility with respect to the amount ceded within a predefined range. Certain types of transactions are excluded from the surplus share treaty and management may use facultative reinsurance to cede such risks. Ceded premiums written for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $54.0 million and $27.4 million, respectively, an increase from ($15.9) million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and an increase from $17.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

During the first quarter of 2005 Ambac completed a cancellation of a reinsurance contract with Radian. Included in ceded premiums written in the six months ended June 30, 2005 is $55.8 million in return premiums from the cancellation. In the second quarter of 2004, Ambac completed the cancellation of certain reinsurance contracts with two reinsurers, AXA Re Finance S.A. and American Re-Insurance Company. Included in ceded premiums written is $64.8 million in return premiums from the cancellations. Excluding the return premiums in the comparable prior quarter, ceded premiums in the second quarter of 2005 increased 10% from $48.9 million. Excluding the return premiums from both the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, ceded premiums are relatively flat. Ceded premiums as a percentage of gross premiums written were 16.7% and 13.5% for the second quarter of 2005 and 2004 (exclusive of the return premiums), respectively. Ceded premiums (exclusive of the return premiums) as a percentage of gross premiums written were 15.1% and 14.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The mix of business underwritten and greater treaty participation drove the increase.

 

The reinsurance of risk does not relieve Ambac of its original liability to its policyholders. In the event that any of Ambac’s reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under reinsurance contracts, Ambac would still be liable to its policyholders in the full amount of its policy. To minimize exposure to significant losses from reinsurers, Ambac (i) monitors the

 

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financial condition of its reinsurers; (ii) has collateral provisions in certain reinsurance contracts; and (iii) has certain cancellation rights that can be exercised by Ambac in the event of a rating downgrade of a reinsurer. Ambac held letters of credit and collateral amounting to approximately $154.4 million from its reinsurers as of June 30, 2005. The rating agencies continually review reinsurers providing coverage to the financial guarantee industry. The following table provides ceded par outstanding by financial strength rating of Ambac’s reinsurers, on a Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) basis:

 

(Dollars in billions)    June 30,
2005


   December 31,
2004


AAA

   $ 19.8    $ 19.7

AA

     16.4      19.8

A

     2.4      2.6

Not rated

     1.9      2.1
    

  

Total

   $ 40.5    $ 44.2
    

  

 

Net Premiums Earned and Other Credit Enhancement Fees. Net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fees for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $205.8 million and $417.5 million, an increase of 2% from $201.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and an increase of 10% from $378.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004. The increase for the second quarter of 2005 was primarily the result of the larger Financial Guarantee book of business, partially offset by lower refundings or calls of previously insured obligations and other accelerations, such as reinsurance cancellations, (collectively referred to as “accelerated earnings”). The increase for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was primarily the result of the larger Financial Guarantee book of business, as well as higher accelerated earnings.

 

When an issue insured by Ambac Assurance has been refunded or called, any remaining unearned premium (net of refunding credits, if any) is earned at that time. The level of refundings or calls vary, depending upon a number of conditions, primarily the relationship between current interest rates and interest rates on outstanding debt. The current relatively low long-term interest rate environment continues to prompt the high levels of refundings. As long-term interest rates rise in the future, refundings should decline. Earnings on refundings relate to transactions where the premium was paid up-front at the inception of the policy. Accelerated earnings also include the difference between negotiated return premiums and the associated unearned premium on reinsurance cancellations. Net premiums earned during the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 included $24.5 million and $59.0 million, respectively, from accelerated earnings as compared to $33.1 million and $48.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Included in the six months ended June 30, 2005 accelerated earnings amounts was approximately $4.5 million from the cancellation of a reinsurance contract previously mentioned. Included in the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 accelerated earnings amounts was approximately $10.4 million from the cancellation of certain reinsurance contracts as previously mentioned.

 

Excluding the effect of accelerated earnings, normal net premiums earned (which is defined as net premiums earned less accelerated earnings and reconciled to total net premiums earned in the table below) increased 8% from $156.5 million in the second quarter of 2004 to $168.8 million in the second quarter of 2005. Normal net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2005 were $333.9 million, an increase of 9% from $306.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. Normal net premiums earned for the three months ended

 

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June 30, 2005 increased 8%, 3% and 16% for Public, Structured and International Finance, respectively, from the three months ended June 30, 2004. Normal net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased 10%, 2% and 19% for Public, Structured and International Finance, respectively, from the six months ended June 30, 2004.

 

Overall, the business environment has become more competitive. Increased competition from the uninsured market in the form of senior/subordinated securitizations and other triple-A-rated financial guarantors has increased. This increased competition has had an adverse impact on pricing. The growth in normal earned premiums in Structured Finance and International Finance that has been exhibited over the past several years has moderated as those lines of business have grown significantly, resulting in more difficult comparisons. Similarly, due to a tight credit spread environment in International Finance, the pooled debt obligation market has decreased significantly, adversely impacting earned premium growth and other credit enhancement fee growth. This, combined with the continued high level of run-off in the mortgage-backed securities book, adversely impacted overall earned premium growth. We expect this trend to continue, and therefore, anticipate lower growth rates in normal earned premiums during 2005.

 

Other credit enhancement fees, which is primarily comprised of fees received from the structured credit derivatives product were $12.5 million and $24.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, an increase of 6% from $11.8 million and $23.2 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2004. The trend in narrowing corporate credit spreads has had an adverse impact on the growth of fees in the credit derivative business.

 

The following table provides a breakdown of net premiums earned by market sector and other credit enhancement fees:

 

(Dollars in Millions)    Three Months Ended
June 30,


  

Six Months Ended

June 30,


   2005

   2004

   2005

   2004

Public Finance

   $ 54.6    $ 50.7    $ 109.8    $ 99.8

Structured Finance

     67.7      65.8      132.5      129.7

International Finance

     46.5      40.0      91.6      77.3
    

  

  

  

Total normal premiums earned

     168.8      156.5      333.9      306.8

Accelerated earnings

     24.5      33.1      59.0      48.3
    

  

  

  

Total net premiums earned

     193.3      189.6      392.9      355.1

Other credit enhancement fees

     12.5      11.8      24.6      23.2
    

  

  

  

Total net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fees

   $ 205.8    $ 201.4    $ 417.5    $ 378.3
    

  

  

  

 

Net Investment Income. Net investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 was $104.5 million and $206.5 million, an increase of 18% from $88.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and an increase of 17% from $176.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. The increase was primarily attributable to (i) the growth of the investment portfolio resulting from the growth in the Financial Guarantee book of business and (ii) capital contributions from Ambac Financial Group, Inc. of $20 million in the third quarter of 2004 and $43 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, and (iii) increases of $11.5 million and $21.8 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, from the consolidation of variable interest entities under FIN 46 in the fourth quarter of 2004 (offset by the Statement of Operations line item “Interest expense on variable interest notes” of $11.1

 

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million and $22.0 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively). This increase in investment income was partially offset by (i) a lower reinvestment rate due to the interest rate environment, (ii) the repurchase of Ambac stock totaling approximately $141 million and (iii) loss payments of $70.5 million. Investments in tax-exempt securities amounted to 71% and 73% of the total fair value of the portfolio as of June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively. The average pre-tax yield-to-maturity on the investment portfolio was 4.53% as of June 30, 2005 compared with 4.77% at June 30, 2004.

 

Net Realized Investment (Losses) Gains. Net realized investment (losses) gains in the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were ($1.0) million and $1.0 million, respectively, compared to net realized gains of $3.3 million and $15.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. The following table details amounts included in net realized investment (losses) gains:

 

(Dollars in Millions)    Three Months Ended
June 30,


   Six Months Ended
June 30,


   2005

    2004

   2005

    2004

Net (losses) gains on securities sold or called

   ($0.8 )   $ 1.1    $ 1.4     $ 12.8

Foreign exchange (losses) gains on investments

   (0.2 )     2.2      (0.4 )     2.4
    

 

  


 

Net realized investment (losses) gains

   ($1.0 )   $ 3.3    $ 1.0     $ 15.2
    

 

  


 

 

Net Mark-to-Market (Losses) Gains on Credit Derivative Contracts. Net mark-to-market (losses) gains on credit derivative contracts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were ($11.6) million and ($6.3) million, respectively, compared to net mark-to-market gains of $3.3 million and $10.2 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. The net mark-to-market loss on credit derivatives was primarily due to market conditions resulting in extension of the weighted average life of certain transactions within our pooled debt obligations portfolio. There were no realized net losses paid on structured credit derivatives in the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.

 

Other Income (Loss). Other income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 was $0.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively, compared to other income of $1.4 million and ($10.8) million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. The six months ended June 30, 2004 balance includes the mark-to-market losses on interest rate derivative contracts relating to Ambac’s medium-term funding conduit of $14 million. Included within other income (loss) are structuring fee revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 was approximately $.02 million and $0.4 million, respectively, compared to $0.9 million and $1.1 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Structuring fees are negotiated for certain domestic and international structured finance transactions, typically are collected at close of the transactions, and are earned ratably over the life of the transactions. Ambac has approximately $11.5 million of deferred structuring fees included on “Other liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2005.

 

Loss and Loss Expenses. Losses and loss expenses are based upon estimates of the aggregate losses inherent in the non-derivative financial guarantee portfolio as of the reporting date. Loss and loss expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $21.7 million and $45.1 million, respectively, compared to $17.5 million and $35.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004. Loss and loss expenses for the second quarter of 2005 included $15.6 million from changes in active credit reserves due to deterioration in the credit

 

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quality of certain structured finance transactions as well as further deterioration of a defaulted healthcare exposure.

 

The healthcare credit is a domestic health care institution, which defaulted in 2003. Ambac’s gross exposure to this credit amounts to approximately $77.0 million at June 30, 2005. There is no reinsurance for this exposure. At June 30, 2005, $56.4 million of case basis credit reserves were held for this health care exposure. For the three and six months ending June 30, 2005, $5.1 million and $18.4 million of additional loss provision was recorded for this transaction based on our analysis of deteriorating financial information. Ambac is closely surveilling the credit and is in frequent communication with management. Ambac believes the primary factor causing the loss on this exposure is the competitive local environment for health care delivery and the resulting impact on revenue generation.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2005, Ambac recorded additions to case reserves of $18.5 million relating to an enhanced equipment trust certificate (“EETC”) securitization exposure primarily due to adjustments to the carrying values of the aircraft to reflect current market conditions. During 2004, an airline leasing aircraft collateralizing an Ambac insured EETC filed for bankruptcy and defaulted on its lease obligations. Seven commercial aircraft secured this transaction and Ambac insured the most senior debt layer of the transaction. In 2005, Ambac purchased the seven aircraft at auction in order to secure rights to the underlying aircraft collateral and recorded net loss payments of approximately $47.0 million. During the second quarter of 2005, Ambac successfully closed on the sale of four of the aircraft. As a result of the retention of three aircraft, Ambac has aircraft assets valued at $55 million included in “Other Assets”. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2005, Ambac entered into a 90-month lease on these three planes to a commercial airline.

 

The following tables provide details of losses paid, net of recoveries received for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 and gross case basis credit reserves at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 by market sector:

 

(Dollars in millions)   

June 30,

2005


   

June 30,

2004


 

Net losses paid (recovered):

                

Public Finance

   $ 4.8     $ 0.8  

Structured Finance

     66.9       (16.7 )

International Finance

     (1.2 )     1.8  
    


 


Total

   $ 70.5     $ (14.1 )
    


 


 

(Dollars in millions)   

June 30,

2005


  

December 31,

2004


Gross case basis credit reserves:

             

Public Finance

   $ 61.0    $ 47.0

Structured Finance

     18.0      80.0

International Finance

     9.0      6.3
    

  

Total

   $ 88.0    $ 133.3
    

  

 

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The following table summarizes Ambac’s loss reserves split between case basis credit loss reserves and active credit reserves at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

 

(Dollars in millions)   

June 30,

2005


   December 31,
2004


Gross loss and loss expense reserves:

             

Case basis credit reserves(*)

   $ 88.0    $ 133.3

Active credit reserves

     125.5      120.8
    

  

Total

   $ 213.5    $ 254.1
    

  

 

* Ambac discounts estimated net payments using discount rates that approximate the average taxable equivalent yield on our investment portfolio. Discount rates applied to case basis credit reserves were 6% at both June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

 

Case basis credit reserves were $88.0 million and $133.3 million at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The case basis credit reserves at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were comprised of 10 and 11 credits, respectively, with net par outstanding of $489.6 million and $661.4 million, respectively. Decreases to both the case basis credit reserves and the number of credits is primarily due to the settlement of all claims relating to the EETC transaction noted above.

 

Reinsurance recoverables on case basis credit reserves were $1.4 million and $16.5 million at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and reinsurance recoverable on loss expense reserves of $0.2 million and $0 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

 

The following table summarizes the changes in the total net loss reserves for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and the year-ended December 31, 2004:

 

(Dollars in millions)   

June 30,

2005


    December 31,
2004


 

Beginning balance of net loss reserves

   $ 237.5     $ 186.9  

Additions to loss reserves

     45.1       69.6  

Losses paid

     (97.4 )     (55.3 )

Recoveries of losses paid from reinsurers

     22.5       2.7  

Other recoveries, net of reinsurance

     4.4       33.6  
    


 


Ending balance of net loss reserves

   $ 212.1     $ 237.5  
    


 


 

At June 30, 2005, expected future claim payments on credits that have already defaulted, net of estimated recoveries totaled $115.3 million. Related future payments are $15.1 million, $19.3 million, $12.5 million, $8.8 million and $17.5 million for the remainder of 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

 

Active credit reserves were $125.5 million and $120.8 million at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. The active credit reserve at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was comprised of 66 and 68 credits with net par outstanding of $6,698 million and $7,574 million, respectively. The decline in net par outstanding of credits within the active credit reserve was driven primarily by prepayments in mortgage-backed security transactions. Included in the calculation of active credit reserves at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was the consideration of $23.3 million and $17.9 million, respectively, of reinsurance which would be due to Ambac from the reinsurers, upon default of the insured obligations.

 

Underwriting and Operating Expenses. Underwriting and operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $28.7 million and $62.1 million, respectively, a decrease of 2% from $29.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and an increase of 13% from $55.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. Underwriting and operating expenses consist of gross underwriting and operating expenses, less the deferral to future periods of expenses and reinsurance commissions related to the acquisition of new insurance

 

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contracts, plus the amortization of previously deferred expenses and net reinsurance commissions.

 

The increases in gross underwriting and operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2005 is primarily attributable to higher compensation costs. Compensation costs increased primarily due to the expensing of stock-based compensation (the annual grant of restricted stock units and stock options) received in January of 2005 by employees aged 55 and older and who are generally not required to perform future services to attain vesting rights, as per Ambac’s policy. Stock-based compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $5.3 million and $18.3 million, respectively, compared to $4.4 million and $8.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

 

Financial Services

 

Through its Financial Services subsidiaries, Ambac provides financial and investment products including investment agreements, interest rate swaps, total return swaps and funding conduits, principally to clients of the financial guarantee business, which includes municipalities and other public entities, health care organizations and asset-backed and structured finance issuers. The investment agreement business is managed with the goal of approximately matching the cash flows of the investment agreement liabilities with the cash flows of the related investment portfolio. To achieve this goal in the investment agreement business, derivative contracts (“non-trading derivative contracts”) are used for hedging purposes. The primary activities in the derivative products business are intermediation of interest rate and currency swap transactions and taking total return swap positions on certain fixed income obligations. Most of the swap intermediation is done on a fully hedged basis with the exception of certain municipal interest rate swaps that are not hedged for the basis difference between taxable and tax-exempt interest rates. As such, changes in the relationship between taxable and tax-exempt interest rates will result in mark to market gains or losses.

 

Revenues. Revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $104.0 million and $171.0 million, an increase of 95% from $53.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and an increase of 43% from $119.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. The increases are primarily due to (i) higher mark-to-market gains on non-trading derivative contracts, (ii) higher investment and payment agreement revenues, partially offset by lower derivative product revenues. The increase to mark-to-market gains on non-trading derivative contracts relate almost entirely to economic hedges of long-term fixed rate investment agreement liabilities. The mark-to-market gains on non-trading derivative contracts recorded in the second quarter of 2005 were highly effective economic hedges, but did not meet the technical requirements for hedge accounting under SFAS Statement No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. Of the $48.2 million net mark-to-market gain in the second quarter of 2005, $27.3 million relates to mark-to-market gains in the second quarter of 2005 primarily resulting from declining long-term interest rates during the period. These derivatives have been redesignated to meet the technical requirements of SFAS No. 133 as of July 1, 2005. It is expected that the mark-to-market of the derivatives and investment agreements will substantially offset each other in the income statement prospectively. Derivative product revenues decreased primarily due to mark-to-market (losses)/gains primarily resulting from the (increase)/decrease in the ratio of tax-exempt interest rates to taxable interest rates amounting to ($6.0) million and $4.6 million in the second quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The net mark-to-market loss on total return

 

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

 

swap contracts was primarily due to spread widening on certain credits within the total return swap portfolio.

 

Expenses. Expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $60.8 million and $115.4 million, respectively, up 38% from $44.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and up 28% from $90.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004. The primary component of these expenses relate to interest from investment and payment agreements. The increases are primarily related to higher rates in floating rate investment agreements. The weighted-average rate on investment agreements was 3.83% and 3.12% for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Corporate Items

 

Corporate Expense. Corporate expenses include the operating expenses of Ambac Financial Group. Corporate expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $5.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively, and increase of 112% from $2.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and an increase of 60% from $4.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. These increases are primarily due to expenses related to Ambac’s contingent capital facility of $2.9 million for the first half of 2005. Prior period amounts were recorded directly in shareholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheet rather than in corporate operating expenses.

 

Income Taxes. Income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were at an effective rate of 28.7% and 27.5%, respectively, compared to 26.0% and 25.8% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. The increases in the effective rate is caused predominantly from state taxes associated with an increase in profits in Financial Services.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Liquidity. Ambac’s liquidity, both on a short-term basis (for the next twelve months) and a long-term basis (beyond the next twelve months), is largely dependent upon (i) Ambac Assurance’s ability to pay dividends or make other payments to Ambac; (ii) external financings; and (iii) investment income from its investment portfolio. Pursuant to Wisconsin insurance laws, Ambac Assurance may declare dividends, provided that, after giving effect to the distribution, it would not violate certain statutory equity, solvency and asset tests. Based upon these tests, without regulatory approval, the maximum amount that will be available during 2005 for payment of dividends by Ambac Assurance is approximately $320 million; additionally, no quarterly dividend may exceed the dividend paid in the corresponding quarter of the preceding year by more than 15%. Ambac Assurance received regulatory approval for the payment of dividends of $329.6 million on its common stock to Ambac during the second quarter of 2005; regulatory approval was necessary because the dividends exceeded the statutorily prescribed thresholds. Ambac Assurance paid dividends of $159.2 million on it common stock to Ambac during the first six months of 2005. Ambac’s principal uses of liquidity are for the payment of its operating expenses, income taxes, interest on its debt, dividends on its shares of common stock, purchases of its common stock in the open market and capital investments in its subsidiaries.

 

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

 

Based on the amount of dividends that it expects to receive from Ambac Assurance and other subsidiaries and the income it expects to receive from its investment portfolio, management believes that Ambac will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs over the next twelve months, including the ability to pay dividends on its common stock in accordance with its dividend policy. Beyond the next twelve months, Ambac Assurance’s ability to declare and pay dividends to Ambac may be influenced by a variety of factors, including adverse market changes, insurance regulatory changes and changes in general economic conditions. Consequently, although management believes that Ambac will continue to have sufficient liquidity to meet its debt service and other obligations over the long term, no guarantee can be given that Ambac Assurance will be permitted to dividend amounts sufficient to pay all of Ambac’s operating expenses, debt service obligations and dividends on its common stock.

 

A subsidiary of Ambac Financial Group provides a $360 million liquidity facility to a reinsurance company which acts as reinsurer with respect to a portfolio of life insurance policies. The liquidity facility provides temporary funding in the event that the reinsurance company’s capital is insufficient to make payments under the reinsurance agreement. The reinsurance company is required to repay all amounts drawn under the liquidity facility. No amounts have been drawn under this facility at June 30, 2005.

 

Ambac Assurance Liquidity. The principal uses of Ambac Assurance’s liquidity are the payment of operating expenses, claim payments, reinsurance premiums, taxes, dividends to Ambac and capital investments in its subsidiaries. Management believes that Ambac Assurance’s operating liquidity needs can be funded exclusively from its operating cash flow. The principal sources of Ambac Assurance’s liquidity are gross premiums written, scheduled investment maturities, net investment income and receipts from structured credit derivatives.

 

Financial Services Liquidity. The principal uses of liquidity by Financial Services subsidiaries are payment of investment and payment agreement obligations pursuant to defined terms, net obligations under interest rate, total return and currency swaps, operating expenses, and income taxes. Management believes that its Financial Services liquidity needs can be funded primarily from its operating cash flow, the maturity of its invested assets and from time to time, by short-term intercompany loans from Ambac Assurance. The principal sources of this segment’s liquidity are proceeds from issuance of investment agreements, net investment income, maturities of securities from its investment portfolio and net receipts from interest rate, currency and total return swaps. The investment objectives with respect to investment agreements are to achieve the highest after-tax total return, subject to a minimum average credit quality rating of Aa/AA on invested assets, and to maintain cash flow matching of invested assets to funded liabilities to minimize interest rate and liquidity exposure. Financial Services subsidiaries maintain a portion of their assets in short-term investments and repurchase agreements in order to meet unexpected liquidity needs.

 

Credit Ratings and Collateral

 

Downgrades in Ambac Assurance’s triple-A financial strength rating will adversely affect Ambac’s ability to compete for business. Credit ratings are very important to the ability of financial institutions to compete in the financial guarantee, derivative and structured transaction market. In the event that Ambac Assurance is downgraded, Ambac may be required to post collateral to its investment agreement and derivative counterparties, introducing potential liquidity risk.

 

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

 

Ambac’s investment agreements subject Ambac to liquidity risk associated with unscheduled withdrawals of principal allowed by the terms of the investment agreements. As of June 30, 2005, approximately $4.7 billion, or 73%, of Ambac’s investment agreements relate to either fixed draw or contingent draw, floating rate investment agreements, which expose Ambac to little or no liquidity risk. Contingent draw floating rate investment agreements are sourced in the structured finance markets and will only permit a draw in the event that well-defined, observable events have occurred. Ambac considers these contingent draw events to be remote. The remaining portfolio of Ambac’s investment agreements approximating $1.7 billion at June 30, 2005 consists of fixed rate investment agreements, primarily relating to debt service reserve and construction funds in support of municipal bond transactions. Debt service reserve fund investment agreements may be drawn unexpectedly upon a payment default by the municipal issuer. Ambac also considers these draw events to be remote. Construction fund investment agreements may be drawn faster or slower than anticipated when construction of the underlying municipal project does not proceed as expected. In addition, most investment agreements provide certain remedies for the investment agreement purchaser in the event of a downgrade of Ambac Assurance’s credit rating, typically to A1 by Moody’s or A+ by S&P. In most cases Ambac is permitted to post collateral or otherwise enhance its credit, prior to an actual draw on the investment agreement.

 

The financial services business executes a range of interest rate and cross-currency hedges to reduce the market risk on investment agreements with Ambac’s derivatives subsidiary, Ambac Financial Services, LLC. In addition, Ambac’s derivative subsidiary provides interest rate, cross currency and total return swaps to states, municipalities and their authorities and other entities in connection with their financings. Ambac’s derivatives subsidiary matches these hedges and other derivatives with large, investment grade commercial and investment banks as swap dealers and incorporates these transactions under standardized derivative documents including collateral support agreements. Under these agreements, Ambac could be required to post collateral to a swap dealer in the event unrealized losses exceeds a predetermined threshold amount. Ambac has posted collateral of $129.6 million under these contracts at June 30, 2005. Conversely, Ambac could receive collateral from the counterparty in the event unrealized gains exceed a predetermined threshold. Ambac has received collateral of $146.2 million under these contracts at June 30, 2005. The thresholds afforded Ambac by the swap dealer would be reduced in the event of a downgrade of either party’s credit rating. The reduction in the threshold could result in Ambac posting additional amounts of collateral to the counterparty.

 

Ambac manages this liquidity risk through the maintenance of liquid collateral and bank liquidity facilities. Additionally, Ambac generally has the right to re-hypothecate collateral that it receives under derivative contracts to counterparties.

 

Credit Facilities. Ambac and Ambac Assurance had a revolving credit facility with six major international banks for $300 million, which expired in July 2005 and provided a two-year term loan provision. The facility was available for general corporate purposes, including the payment of claims. As of June 30, 2005, no amounts were outstanding under this credit facility. This facility’s financial covenants required that Ambac: (i) maintain as of the end of each fiscal quarter a debt-to-capital ratio, excluding debt consolidated under FIN 46, of not more than 30% and (ii) maintain at all times total stockholders’ equity equal to or greater than $2.0 billion. At June 30, 2005, Ambac met all of these requirements.

 

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

 

On July 28, 2005, Ambac and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ambac Assurance, as borrowers, entered into a $400 million five year unsecured, committed revolving credit facility (the “New Credit Facility”) with Citibank, N. A., as administrative agent, The Bank of New York and KeyBank, National Association, as co-syndication agents, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as the sole lead arranger and sole book runner, and certain other financial institutions, as lenders (the “Banks”). The New Credit Facility replaced a previously existing one-year unsecured, committed revolving facility with Citibank, N. A., as administrative agent and certain lenders, which expired on July 28, 2005. The New Credit Facility expires on July 28, 2010.

 

The New Credit Facility provides for borrowings by Ambac and Ambac Assurance on a revolving basis up to an aggregate of $400 million at any one time outstanding, which maximum amount may, at Ambac’s and Ambac Assurance’s request and subject to the terms and conditions of the facility, be increased up to $500 million.

 

Ambac and/or Ambac Assurance may borrow under the New Credit Facility for general corporate purposes, including the payment of claims. Subject to the terms and conditions thereof, Ambac and/or Ambac Assurance may borrow under the New Credit Facility until the final maturity date, which will occur on July 28, 2010. Loans may be denominated in U. S. Dollars or certain other currencies at the option of Ambac and/or Ambac Assurance. Ambac and/or Ambac Assurance has the option of selecting either (i) a Base Rate, a fluctuating rate equal to Citibank’s Base Rate and Applicable Margin (as defined in the New Credit Facility), (ii) a Eurocurrency Rate, a periodic fixed rate equal to LIBOR plus the Applicable Margin (as defined in the New Credit Facility) or (iii) a EURIBOR Rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility). There are no outstanding loans under the New Credit Facility. Neither Ambac nor Ambac Assurance have previously incurred any borrowing under this or prior similar facilities and have no current intention to do so now or in the foreseeable future.

 

The New Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants for this type of financing, including two financial covenants: (i) maintain as of the end of each fiscal quarter a debt-to-capital ratio, excluding debt consolidated under FIN 46, of not more than 30%, and (ii) maintain at all times total stockholder’s equity equal to or greater than $2.76 billion. The stockholders’ equity financial covenant will increase by 15% of future net income and 15% of the net proceeds of any future equity issuances. The New Credit Facility also provides for certain events of default with corresponding grace periods, including failure to pay any principal or interest when due, failure to comply with covenants, any material representation or warranty made by Ambac or Ambac Assurance proving to be false in any material respect, certain bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership events affecting Ambac or Ambac Assurance, defaults relating to other indebtedness, imposition of certain judgments and a change in ownership of Ambac and/or Ambac Assurance.

 

Capital Support. Ambac Assurance has a series of perpetual put options on its own preferred stock. The counterparty to these put options are trusts established by a major investment bank. The trusts were created as a vehicle for providing capital support to Ambac Assurance by allowing it to obtain immediate access to new capital at its sole discretion at any time through the exercise of the put option. If the put option were exercised, Ambac

 

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

 

Assurance would receive up to $800 million in return for the issuance of its own perpetual preferred stock, the proceeds of which may be used for any purpose, including the payment of claims. The preferred stock would give investors the rights of an equity investor in Ambac Assurance. Such rights are subordinate to insurance claims, as well as to the general unsecured creditors of Ambac Assurance. Dividend payments on the preferred stock are cumulative only if Ambac Assurance pays dividends on its common stock. Each trust is restricted to holding high-quality short-term commercial paper investments to ensure that it can meet its obligations under the put option. To fund these investments, each trust has issued its own auction market perpetual securities. Each trust is rated AA/Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, respectively. During the first six months of 2005 and 2004, Ambac Assurance paid put option fees of $2.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Put option fees are included as Corporate expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and recorded in adjusted paid-in capital on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for 2004 and prior.

 

From time to time, Ambac accesses the capital markets to support the growth of its businesses. Ambac has an effective registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this process, Ambac may issue up to $500 million of the securities described in the prospectus filed as part of the registration, namely, common stock, preferred stock and debt securities of Ambac.

 

Balance Sheet. Total assets as of June 30, 2005 were $19.53 billion, up 4% compared to total assets of $18.74 billion at December 31, 2004. The increase was primarily due to cash generated from business written during the period and an increase in unrealized gains in the investment portfolio driven by lower long-term interest rates during the period. As of June 30,2005, stockholders’ equity was $5.29 billion, a 5% increase from year-end 2004 stockholders’ equity of $5.02 billion. The increase stemmed primarily from net income during the period and increased “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” driven by lower long-term interest rates during the period, partially offset by common stock repurchases during the period.

 

Ambac Assurance’s investment objectives for the Financial Guarantee portfolio are to maintain an investment duration that approximates the expected duration of related financial guarantee liabilities and achieve the highest after-tax net investment income, while maintaining a credit risk profile within the established investment guidelines. The Financial Guarantee investment portfolio is subject to internal investment guidelines. Such guidelines set forth minimum credit rating requirements and credit risk concentration limits.

 

The Financial Services investment portfolio consists primarily of assets funded with proceeds from the issuance of investment agreement liabilities. The investment objectives with respect to investment agreements are to achieve the highest after-tax total return, subject to a minimum average credit quality rating of Aa/AA on invested assets, and to maintain cash flow matching of invested assets to funded liabilities to minimize interest rate and liquidity exposure. The investment portfolio is subject to internal investment guidelines. Such guidelines set forth minimum credit rating requirements and credit risk concentration limits.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in fixed income securities and short-term investments at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were as follows:

 

     June 30, 2005

   December 31, 2004

(Dollars in millions)    Amortized
Cost


   Estimated
Fair
Value


   Amortized
Cost


   Estimated
Fair
Value


Fixed income securities:

                           

Municipal obligations

   $ 6,512.1    $ 6,887.0    $ 6,017.7    $ 6,352.2

Corporate obligations

     549.4      584.5      632.3      673.8

Foreign obligations

     208.7      222.6      217.0      237.9

U.S. government obligations

     247.0      255.5      123.5      125.4

U.S. agency obligations

     841.4      926.3      829.9      876.2

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

     6,339.7      6,385.0      5,605.1      5,635.8

Short-term

     232.9      232.9      521.2      521.2

Other

     3.8      4.2      3.7      4.2
    

  

  

  

       14,935.0      15,498.0      13,950.4      14,426.7
    

  

  

  

Fixed income securities pledged as collateral:

                           

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

     413.8      409.0      345.2      341.7
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 15,348.8    $ 15,907.0    $ 14,295.6    $ 14,768.4
    

  

  

  

 

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

 

The following table represents the fair value of mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by either a U.S. government agency or U.S. government sponsored enterprise at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 by segment:

 

(Dollars in millions)    Financial
Guarantee


   Financial
Services


   Corporate

   Total

June 30, 2005:

                           

Government National Mortgage Association

   $ 103.3    $ 8.3    $ —      $ 111.6

Federal National Mortgage Association

     678.5      382.1      —        1,060.6

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

     260.4      348.4      —        608.8

Vendee Mortgage Trust

     —        5.5      —        5.5
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 1,042.2    $ 744.3    $ —      $ 1,786.5
    

  

  

  

December 31, 2004:

                           

Government National Mortgage Association

   $ 36.9    $ 13.2    $ —      $ 50.1

Federal National Mortgage Association

     724.2      508.8      —        1,233.0

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

     271.3      415.7      —        687.0

Vendee Mortgage Trust

     —        10.7      —        10.7
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 1,032.4    $ 948.4    $ —      $ 1,980.8
    

  

  

  

 

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

 

The following table summarizes, for all securities in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:

 

     June 30, 2005

   December 31, 2004

(Dollars in millions)    Estimated
Fair
Value


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


   Estimated
Fair
Value


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


Municipal obligations in continuous unrealized loss for:

                           

0 – 6 months

   $ 229.4    $ 0.7    $ 114.2    $ 0.7

7 – 12 months

     38.8      0.4      295.4      3.9

Greater than 12 months

     271.3      3.7      124.6      2.8
    

  

  

  

       539.5      4.8      534.2      7.4
    

  

  

  

Corporate obligations in continuous unrealized loss for:

                           

0 – 6 months

     21.7      0.2      54.3      0.3

7 – 12 months

     —        —        3.8      0.3

Greater than 12 months

     18.6      6.5      33.8      3.2
    

  

  

  

       40.3      6.7      91.9      3.8
    

  

  

  

Foreign obligations in continuous unrealized loss for:

                           

0 – 6 months

     23.2      0.9      —        —  

7 – 12 months

     —        —        8.5      —  

Greater than 12 months

     7.8      —        57.0      0.4
    

  

  

  

       31.0      0.9      65.5      0.4
    

  

  

  

U.S. government obligations in continuous unrealized loss for:

                           

0 – 6 months

     7.4      —        14.1      —  

7 – 12 months

     14.1      0.1      10.6      0.1

Greater than 12 months

     3.3      —        —        —  
    

  

  

  

       24.8      0.1      24.7      0.1
    

  

  

  

U.S. agency obligations in continuous unrealized loss for:

                           

0 – 6 months

     16.7      0.1      140.3      0.9

7 – 12 months

     63.2      0.9      121.1      1.8

Greater than 12 months

     50.4      1.7      29.9      1.6
    

  

  

  

       130.3      2.7      291.3      4.3
    

  

  

  

Mortgage and asset-backed securities in continuous unrealized loss for:

                           

0 – 6 months

     1,090.2      2.9      585.3      2.5

7 – 12 months

     412.5      2.3      455.2      4.5

Greater than 12 months

     817.2      10.8      613.7      8.4
    

  

  

  

       2,319.9      16.0      1,654.2      15.4
    

  

  

  

Other in continuous unrealized loss for:

                           

0 – 6 months

     —        —        0.1      —  

7 – 12 months

     —        —        —        —  

Greater than 12 months

     0.8      0.3      0.9      0.3
    

  

  

  

       0.8      0.3      1.0      0.3
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 3,086.6    $ 31.5    $ 2,662.8    $ 31.7
    

  

  

  

 

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

 

There were no impairment write-downs during the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004. The net realized investment gains in the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 were the result of security sales made in the usual course of business in order to achieve Ambac’s investment objectives for the Financial Guarantee and Financial Services investment portfolios.

 

The following table provides the ratings distribution of the Financial Guarantee investment portfolio, at fair values of $9.04 billion and $8.66 billion at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively, and the Financial Services investment portfolio, at fair values of $6.85 billion and $6.07 billion at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively:

 

Rating (1) :

 

June 30, 2005:


  

Financial

Guarantee


   

Financial

Services


    Combined

 

AAA

   82 %   92 %   86 %

AA

   12     2     8  

A

   1     4     2  

BBB

   <1     2     1  

Below investment grade

   <1     <1     <1  

Not Rated

   4     —       3  
    

 

 

     100 %   100 %   100 %
    

 

 

December 31, 2004:


                  

AAA

   79 %   90 %   84 %

AA

   15     2     10  

A

   2     5     3  

BBB

   <1     3     1  

Below investment grade

   <1     <1     <1  

Not Rated

   4     —       2  
    

 

 

     100 %   100 %   100 %
    

 

 

 

(1) Ratings represent Standard & Poor’s classifications. If unavailable, Moody’s rating is used.

 

Ambac’s fixed income portfolio included securities covered by guarantees issued by Ambac Assurance (“insured securities”). The published ratings on these securities are triple-A by the major rating agencies as a result of the Ambac Assurance insurance policy and are reflected in the above table as AAA. Rating agencies do not publish separate underlying ratings (those ratings excluding the Ambac Assurance insurance) because the insurance cannot be legally separated from the underlying security by the insurer. Ambac obtains underlying ratings through ongoing dialog with rating agencies. In the event these underlying ratings are not updated or simply not available from the rating agencies, Ambac will assign an internal rating. At June 30, 2005, securities with a total carrying value of $914.4 million representing 6% of the investment portfolio with a weighted-average underlying rating of BBB+ was insured by Ambac. In determining this BBB+ rating, approximately $98.9 million of the securities were assigned internal ratings by Ambac.

 

Special Purpose and Variable Interest Entities.

 

Information regarding special purpose and variable interest entities can be found in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

 

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

 

Cash Flows. Net cash provided by operating activities was $482.1 million and $547.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. These cash flows were primarily provided by Financial Guarantee operations.

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $178.0 million and ($262.7) million during the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2005 included $336.6 million in net investment and payment agreements issued (net of investment and payment agreement draws). Financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 included ($284.0) million in net investment and payment agreement draws (net of investment and payment agreements issued). Financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2005 also included the redemption of long-term debt associated with VIEs of $80.0 million, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt associated with VIEs of $50.0 million.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $643.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2005, of which $2,972.5 million was used to purchase bonds, partially offset by the proceeds from sales and maturities of bonds of $1,698.5 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, $276.2 million was used in investing activities, of which $2,776.1 million was used to purchase bonds, partially offset by the proceeds and maturities of bonds of $2,454.6 million.

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities was $16.6 million and $8.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Material Commitments. Ambac has no material changes in the contractual obligations table as presented in Ambac’s 2004 Annual Report.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

In the ordinary course of business, Ambac, manages a variety of risks, principally credit, market, liquidity, operational, and legal. These risks are identified, measured and monitored through a variety of control mechanisms that are in place at different levels throughout the organization.

 

Market risk represents the potential for losses that may result from changes in the value of a financial instrument as a result of changes in market conditions. The primary market risks that would impact the value of Ambac’s financial instruments are interest rate risk, basis risk (e.g. taxable interest rates relative to tax-exempt interest rates, discussed below) and credit spread risk. Senior managers in Ambac’s Risk Analysis and Reporting group are responsible for monitoring risk limits and applying risk measurement methodologies. The estimation of potential losses arising from adverse changes in market conditions is a key element in managing market risk. Ambac utilizes various systems, models and stress test scenarios to monitor and manage market risk. This process includes analyses of both parallel and non-parallel shifts in the yield curve, “Value-at-Risk” (“VaR”) and changes in credit spreads. These models include estimates, made by management, which utilize current and historical market information. The valuation results from these models could differ materially from amounts that would actually be realized in the market.

 

Financial instruments that may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates consist primarily of investment securities, loans, investment agreement liabilities, obligations under certain payment agreements, long-term debt, and derivative contracts (primarily interest rate swaps) used for hedging purposes.

 

Ambac, through its affiliate Ambac Financial Services, is a provider of interest rate swaps to states, municipalities and their authorities and other entities in connection with their financings. Ambac Financial Services manages its municipal interest rate swap business with the goal of being market neutral to changes in overall interest rates, while seeking to profit from retaining some basis risk. Ambac’s municipal interest rate swap portfolio may be adversely affected by changes in basis. If actual or projected tax-exempt interest rates change in relation to taxable interest rates, Ambac will experience a mark-to-market gain or loss. Some municipal interest rate swaps transacted by Ambac Financial Services contain provisions that are designed to protect Ambac against certain forms of tax reform, thus mitigating its basis risk. The estimation of potential losses arising from adverse changes in market relationships, known as VaR, is a key element in management’s monitoring of basis risk for the municipal interest rate swap portfolio. Ambac has developed a VaR methodology to estimate potential losses over a specified holding period and based on certain probabilistic assessments. Ambac’s methodology estimates VaR using a 300-day historical “look back” period. This means that changes in market values are simulated using market inputs from the past 300 days. Ambac supplements its VaR methodology, which is a good risk management tool in normal markets, by performing rigorous stress testing to measure the potential for losses in abnormally volatile markets. These stress tests include (i) parallel and non-parallel shifts in the yield curve and (ii) immediate changes in normal basis relationships, such as those between taxable and tax-exempt markets.

 

Financial instruments that may be adversely affected by changes in credit spreads include Ambac’s outstanding structured credit derivative contracts. Ambac, through its affiliate, Ambac Credit Products, enters into structured credit derivative and total return contracts. These contracts require Ambac Credit Products to make payments upon the occurrence of certain defined credit events relating to underlying obligations (generally a fixed income obligation). If credit spreads of the underlying obligations change, the market value of the

 

46


Table of Contents
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (Continued)

 

related structured credit derivative changes. As such, Ambac Credit Products could experience mark-to-market gains or losses. Market liquidity could also impact valuations. Changes in credit spreads are generally caused by changes in the market’s perception of the credit quality of the underlying obligations. Management models the potential impact of credit spread changes on the value of its contracts.

 

Other financial instruments that may be adversely affected by changes in credit spreads include total return swap contracts, which are entered into by Ambac through its affiliate, Ambac Capital Services. These contracts require Ambac Capital Services to pay a specified spread in excess of LIBOR in exchange for receiving the total return of an underlying fixed income obligation over a specified period of time. If credit spreads of the underlying obligations change, the market value of the related total return swaps changes and Ambac Capital Services could experience gains or losses.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Ambac Financial Group’s management, with the participation of Ambac Financial Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Ambac Financial Group’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, Ambac Financial Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, Ambac Financial Group’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by Ambac Financial Group (including its consolidated subsidiaries) in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in Ambac Financial Group’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during Ambac Financial Group’s fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Ambac Financial Group’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Items 1 and 3 are omitted either because they are inapplicable or because the answer to such question is negative.

 

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The Board of Directors of Ambac has authorized the establishment of a stock repurchase program that permits the repurchase of up to 18,000,000 shares of Ambac’s Common Stock. The shares authorized for repurchase was increased by 6 million shares on May 3, 2005. Ambac will only repurchase shares of its common stock under the repurchase program where it feels that it is economically attractive to do so and is in conformity with regulatory and rating agency guidelines. The following table summarizes Ambac’s repurchase program during the first half of 2005 and shares available at June 30, 2005:

 

     Total Shares
Purchased (1)


   Average Price
Paid Per Share


   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plan (1)


   Maximum
Number of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plan


January 2005

   —      $ —      —      3,029,292

February 2005

   5,063    $ 75.80    5,063    3,024,229

March 2005

   4,353    $ 77.51    4,353    3,019,876
    
  

  
  

First quarter 2005

   9,416    $ 76.59    9,416    3,019,876
    
  

  
  

April 2005

   700,641    $ 66.99    700,641    2,319,235

May 2005

   1,284,223    $ 68.49    1,284,223    7,035,012

June 2005

   73,335    $ 71.01    73,335    6,961,677
    
  

  
  

Second quarter 2005

   2,058,199    $ 68.07    2,058,199    6,961,677
    
  

  
  

 

(1) All shares repurchased were pursuant to a stock repurchase plan authorized by Ambac’s Board of Directors which included the repurchase of 9,416 shares and 94,199 shares during the first and second quarters of 2005, respectively, for settling awards under Ambac’s long-term incentive plans.

 

From July 1, 2005 through August 4, 2005, Ambac has repurchased approximately 940,000 shares of its Common Stock and had 6,021,677 shares remaining for repurchase under its stock repurchase program.

 

48


Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

 

Item 4 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

The following matters were voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Ambac held on May 3, 2005, and received the votes set forth below:

 

Proposal 1. The following directors were elected to serve on Ambac’s Board of Directors:

 

     Number of Votes Cast

     For

   Withheld

Phillip B. Lassiter

   97,754,554    1,561,071

Michael A. Callen

   97,515,063    1,800,562

Jill M. Considine

   98,066,704    1,248,921

Robert J. Genader

   97,816,050    1,499,575

W. Grant Gregory

   97,805,034    1,510,591

Thomas C. Theobald

   97,282,084    2,033,541

Laura S. Unger

   97,496,083    1,819,542

Henry D. G. Wallace

   97,164,639    2,150,986

 

There were no broker non-votes for this proposal.

 

Proposal 2. The proposal to ratify the amendments to the Ambac 1997 Executive Incentive Plan was adopted, with 96,195,148 votes in favor, 2,441,400 votes against and 679,077 votes abstaining. There were no broker non-votes for this proposal.

 

Proposal 3. The proposal to ratify the selection of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as auditors of Ambac and its subsidiaries for 2005 was adopted, with 95,575,163 votes in favor, 1,201,636 votes against and 538,826 votes abstaining. There were no broker non-votes for this proposal.

 

Item 5 – Other Information

 

(a)

 

At its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 3, 2005, Ambac’s stockholders approved amendments to the Ambac 1997 Executive Incentive Plan that (i) increased the maximum incentive amount that may be awarded to any participant under the Plan; and (ii) extended the term of the Executive Incentive Plan to January 1, 2010. A copy of the Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.41 to this Report.

 

In connection with Mr. Leonard’s appointment in June as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, he was provided an annual base salary in the amount of $350,000 and received a sign-on bonus of $150,000. Mr. Leonard also will be eligible for a bonus for his 2005 performance under Ambac’s Annual Incentive Bonus Program. Mr. Leonard also has entered into a management retention agreement with Ambac. This agreement is identical to those entered into with Ambac’s other executive officers, the terms of which are fully described in Ambac’s 2005 Proxy Statement, dated March 29, 2005.

 

49


Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

 

Item 6 - Exhibits

 

The following are annexed as exhibits:

 

Exhibit
Number


  

Description


10.41    Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 1997 Executive Incentive Plan, amended as of May 3, 2005.
31.1    Certification of CEO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14.
31.2    Certification of CFO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14.
32.1    Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2    Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
99.06    Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and for the periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.

 

50


Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

        Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
        (Registrant)
Dated: August 9, 2005       By:   /s/ Sean T. Leonard
                Sean T. Leonard
                Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

 

51


Table of Contents

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number


  

Description


10.41    Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 1997 Executive Incentive Plan, amended as of May 3, 2005.
31.1    Certification of CEO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13A-14 and 15D-14, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of CFO Pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13A-14 and 15D-14, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.06    Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and for the periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.

 

52

EX-10.41 2 dex1041.htm 1997 EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN, AMENDED AS OF MAY 3, 2005. 1997 Executive Incentive Plan, amended as of May 3, 2005.

EXHIBIT 10.41

 

AMBAC EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. Purposes

 

The purposes of the Ambac Executive Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) are to enable Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) to attract, retain, motivate and reward executives and key employees of the highest caliber and quality by providing them with the opportunity to earn incentive compensation directly linked to the Company’s performance.

 

2. Definitions

 

For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

 

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the applicable rulings and regulations (including any proposed regulations) thereunder.

 

“Committee” means the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board, any successor committee thereto or any other committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan. The Committee shall consist of at least two individuals, each of whom shall be qualified as an “outside director” (or shall satisfy any successor standard thereto) for purposes of Section 162(m), and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board; provided, however, that an inadvertent failure of any member of the Committee to be so qualified shall not invalidate any action or determination made by the Committee.

 

“Common Stock” means the Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company.

 

“Covered Employee” means a Participant who has been designated by the Committee as a Participant whose compensation for the relevant fiscal year may be subject to the limit on deductible compensation imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

“Disability” means eligibility for disability benefits under the terms of the Company’s long-term disability plan in effect at the time the Participant becomes disabled.

 

“Equity Plan” means the AMBAC 1997 Equity Incentive Plan and any successor or similar plan of the Company.

 

“Fair Market Value” means, with respect to a share of Common Stock, the fair market value thereof as of the relevant date of determination, as determined in accordance with a valuation methodology approved by the Committee. In the absence of any alternative valuation methodology approved by the Committee, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock shall equal the average of the highest and the lowest quoted selling price of a share of Common Stock as reported on the composite tape for securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or such other national securities exchange as may be designated by the Committee, or, in the event that the Common Stock is not listed for trading on a national securities exchange but is quoted on an automated system, on such automated system, in any such case on the valuation date (or, if there were no sales on the valuation date, the average of the highest and the lowest quoted selling prices as reported on said composite tape or automated system for the most recent day during which a sale occurred).

 

“Participant” means each executive officer, senior officer or key employee of the Company or a Subsidiary whom the Committee designates as a participant under the Plan.

 

“Performance Period” means each fiscal year of the Company or such other period as may be designated by the Committee.


“Performance Targets” means the targets related to the performance goals designated in Section 4(d), which Performance Targets will be established by the Committee for a Performance Period.

 

“Section 162(m)” means Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

“Subsidiary” means (i) a corporation or other entity with respect to which the Company, directly or indirectly, has the power, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, to elect at least a majority of the members of such corporation’s board of directors or analogous governing body, or (ii) any other corporation or other entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, has an equity or similar interest and which the Committee designates as a Subsidiary for purposes of the Plan.

 

3. Administration

 

(a) Power and Authority of the Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee which shall have full power and authority, subject to the express provisions hereof:

 

(i) to select Participants from executive officers, senior officers and key employees of the Company;

 

(ii) to establish the Performance Targets for achievement during a Performance Period and to determine whether such Performance Targets have been achieved;

 

(iii) to determine the cash amount and/or number of shares of Common Stock payable in connection with an award;

 

(iv) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and procedures relating to the Plan;

 

(v) to vary the terms of awards to take account of tax, securities law and other regulatory requirements of foreign jurisdictions;

 

(vi) subject to the provisions of the Plan and subject to such additional limitations and restrictions as the Committee may impose, to delegate to one or more officers of the Company some or all of its authority under the Plan;

 

(vii) to employ such legal counsel, independent auditors and consultants as it deems desirable for the administration of the Plan and to rely upon any opinion or computation received therefrom; and

 

(viii) to make all other determinations and to formulate such procedures as may be necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

 

(b) Plan Construction and Interpretation. The Committee shall have full power and authority, subject to the express provisions hereof, to construe and interpret the Plan.

 

(c) Determinations of Committee Final and Binding. All determinations by the Committee in carrying out and administering the Plan and in construing and interpreting the Plan shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes and upon all persons interested herein.

 

(d) Liability of Committee. No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action nor determination made in good faith, and the members of the Committee shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement in the manner provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation as it may be amended from time to time. In the performance of its responsibilities with respect to the Plan, the Committee shall be entitled to rely upon information and advice furnished by the Company’s officers, the

 

2


Company’s accountants, the Company’s counsel and any other party the Committee deems necessary, and no member of the Committee shall be liable for any action taken or not taken in reliance upon any such advice.

 

4. Awards

 

(a) Performance Targets. The Committee shall determine in its sole discretion whether any executive officer, senior officer or other employee of the Company shall have the opportunity to earn incentive compensation under this Plan during any Performance Period. If the Committee decides to offer such opportunity to one or more executive officers, senior officers or other employees of the Company, then no later than 90 days after the beginning of a Performance Period (or such other time as may be required or permitted by Section 162(m)), the Committee shall (i) designate each Participant for the Performance Period, (ii) select from the performance goals set forth in Section 4(d) below the performance goal or goals to be applicable to the Performance Period, (iii) establish specific Performance Targets related to such performance goals and the incentive amounts which may be earned for the Performance Period by each Participant and (iv) specify the relationship between Performance Targets and the incentive amount to be earned by each Participant for the Performance Period. The Committee may specify that the incentive amount for a Performance Period will be earned if the applicable Performance Target is achieved for one performance goal or for any one of a number of performance goals. The Committee may also provide that the incentive amount for a Performance Period will be earned only if a Performance Target is achieved for more than one performance goal, or that the incentive amount to be earned for a given Performance Period will vary based upon different levels of achievement of the applicable Performance Targets.

 

(b) Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Committee shall certify in writing whether the applicable Performance Targets have been achieved for such Performance Period and the incentive amounts, if any, payable to Participants for such Performance Period. In determining the incentive amount earned by a Participant for a given Performance Period, the Committee shall have the right to reduce (but not to increase) the incentive amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Committee may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the Performance Period.

 

(c) Payment of Awards; Maximum Limitation. Anything in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate incentive amount that may be earned under the Plan by a Participant for all Performance Periods beginning in any given fiscal year of the Company shall be $5,000,000.

 

(d) Performance Goals. For purposes of this Plan, the performance goals from which the Committee shall establish Performance Targets applicable to specific Performance Periods shall be limited to the following:

 

  (i) return on equity;

 

  (ii) core earnings/operating earnings growth;

 

  (iii) total return to stockholders;

 

  (iv) expense management;

 

  (v) risk management

 

  (vi) market share;

 

  (vii) industry leadership/image building;

 

  (viii) new products/initiatives;

 

  (ix) organizational development/corporate culture;

 

3


each of which may be established (x) on a corporate-wide basis or with respect to one or more operating units, divisions, acquired businesses, minority investments, partnerships or joint ventures, or, where applicable, (y) on a relative or an absolute basis or (z) on a per share or an aggregate basis.

 

(e) Adjustments. The Committee may determine that certain adjustments shall apply to the Performance Targets to take into account, in whole or in part, in any manner specified by the Committee, any one or more of the following with respect to the relevant Performance Period;

 

  (i) the gain, loss, income or expense resulting from changes in accounting principles that become effective during the Performance Period;

 

  (ii) the gain, loss, income or expense reported publicly by the Company with respect to the Performance Period that are extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence, excluding gains or losses on the early extinguishment of debt;

 

  (iii) the gains or losses resulting from, and the direct expenses incurred in connection with, the disposition of a business, in whole or in part, or the sale of investments or non-core assets;

 

  (iv) the gain or loss from all or certain claims, litigation and/or regulatory proceedings and all or certain insurance recoveries relating to claims or litigation;

 

  (v) the impact of impairment of tangible or intangible assets;

 

  (vi) the impact of restructuring or business recharacterization activities, including but not limited to reductions in force, that are reported publicly by the Company; and

 

  (vii) the impact of investments or acquisitions made during the year or, to the extent provided by the Committee, any prior year.

 

5. Termination of Employment

 

If a Participant’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary terminates during a Performance Period by reason of death, Disability or retirement or with the approval of the Committee, the Participant shall receive a pro rata payment based upon the number of full months during which the Participant was employed during the Performance Period and the degree to which the Performance Targets are determined by the Committee to have been achieved prior to the Participant’s termination. If a Participant’s employment with the Company or a Subsidiary terminates during a Performance Period for any reason other than death, Disability or retirement or other than with the approval of the Committee, the Participant’s participation in the Plan shall terminate forthwith and he or she shall not be entitled to an award for such Performance Period.

 

4


6. Payment of Awards

 

Payment of awards determined under Section 4 shall be made to each Participant as soon as practicable after the Committee determines that the applicable Performance Targets have been achieved. The Committee in its sole discretion shall determine whether awards shall be payable in cash, in the form of stock awards or restricted stock units issued pursuant to an Equity Plan or from treasury, or in any combination thereof. If the Committee determines that an award shall be paid in the form of stock awards or restricted stock units issued under an Equity Plan or from treasury, then for purposes of determining the number of shares of Common Stock subject to an award the Committee may value such shares at a discount to Fair Market Value to reflect any restrictions, conditions and limitations set forth in the relevant Equity Plan or the applicable award agreement or certificate or otherwise applicable to the shares, provided, that such discount shall not exceed 50% of the Fair Market Value as of the relevant date of determination.

 

7. Effective Date; Term

 

The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board subject to its approval by the stockholders of the Company. Prior to such stockholder approval, the Committee may grant awards conditioned on stockholder approval. If such stockholder approval is not obtained at or before the first annual meeting of stockholders to occur after the adoption of the Plan by the Board (including any adjournment or adjournments thereof), the Plan and any awards made hereunder shall terminate ab initio and be of no further force and effect. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 8 below, no award shall be made under the Plan with respect to Performance Periods beginning after January 1, 2010.

 

8. Amendment and Termination

 

Notwithstanding Section 7, the Board or the Committee may at any time amend, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan; provided, however, that no such action shall be effective without approval by the stockholders of the Company to the extent necessary to continue to qualify the amounts payable hereunder to Covered Employees as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m).

 

9. Miscellaneous

 

(a) Tax Withholding. No later than the date as of which an amount first becomes includable in the gross income of the Participant for applicable income tax purposes with respect to any award under the Plan, the Participant shall pay to the Company or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee regarding the payment of any federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to such amount. In the case of an award that is payable in shares of Common Stock, the Company may permit the Participant to satisfy, in whole or in part, such obligation to remit taxes by directing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be received by such individual, pursuant to such rules as the Committee may establish from time to time.

 

(b) No Rights to Awards or Employment. No Participant shall have any claim or right to receive awards under the Plan. Nothing in the Plan shall confer upon any employee of the Company any right to continued employment with the Company or interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate the employment of any of its employees at any time, with or without cause.

 

(c) Other Compensation. Nothing in this Plan shall preclude or limit the ability of the Company to pay any compensation to a Participant under the Company’s other compensation and benefit plans and programs, including without limitation any Equity Plan or bonus plan or program.

 

(d) No Limitation on Corporate Actions. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from taking any corporate action, which is deemed by it to be appropriate or in its best interest, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on any awards made under

 

5


the Plan. No Participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any claim against the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of any such action.

 

(e) Unfunded Plan. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded plan for incentive compensation. Prior to the payment of any award, nothing contained herein shall give any Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company. In its sole discretion, the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the obligations created under the Plan to deliver payment in cash or Common Stock with respect to awards hereunder.

 

(f) Non-Transferability. Except as expressly provided herein, no Participant or beneficiary shall have the power or right to sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of the Participant’s interest under the Plan.

 

(g) Designation of Beneficiary. A Participant may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive any payments which may be made following the Participant’s death. Such designation may be changed or canceled at any time without the consent of such beneficiary. Any such designation, change or cancellation must be made in a form approved by the Committee and shall not be effective until received by the Committee. If a Participant does not designate a beneficiary, or the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries predeceases the Participant, any payments which may be made following the Participant’s death shall be made to the Participant’s estate.

 

(h) Severability. If any provision of this Plan is held unenforceable, the remainder of the Plan shall continue in full force and effect without regard to such unenforceable provision and shall be applied as though the unenforceable provision were not contained in the Plan.

 

(i) Expenses. The costs and expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company.

 

(j) Governing Law. The Plan and all actions taken thereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without reference to the principles of conflict of laws.

 

6

EX-31.1 3 dex311.htm CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO RULES 13A-14 AND 15D-14 Certification of CEO Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.

Certifications

 

I, Robert J. Genader, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ambac Financial Group, Inc;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - -15(e) and 15d – 15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

By:

 

/s/ Robert J. Genader

   

Robert J. Genader

Chief Executive Officer and President

 

Date: August 9, 2005

EX-31.2 4 dex312.htm CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO RULES 13A-14 AND 15D-14 Certification of CFO Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.

Certifications

 

I, Sean T. Leonard, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ambac Financial Group, Inc;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - -15(e) and 15d – 15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

By:

 

/s/ Sean T. Leonard

   

Sean T. Leonard

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: August 9, 2005

EX-32.1 5 dex321.htm CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

Certification of CEO Pursuant to

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended June 30, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Robert J. Genader, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Robert J. Genader

Name:

 

Robert J. Genader

Title:

 

Chief Executive Officer and President

Date:

 

August 9, 2005

EX-32.2 6 dex322.htm CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

Certification of CFO Pursuant to

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended June 30, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Sean T. Leonard, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Sean T. Leonard

Name:

 

Sean T. Leonard

Title:

  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date:

 

August 9, 2005

 

EX-99.06 7 dex9906.htm CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements

EXHIBIT 99.06

 

AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

(a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.)

 

Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements

 

As of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

and for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

(Dollars in Thousands Except Share Data)

 

     June 30, 2005

   December 31, 2004

     (unaudited)     
ASSETS              

Investments:

             

Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $8,706,717 in 2005 and $8,082,790 in 2004)

   $ 9,085,490    $ 8,437,694

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

     220,655      484,232

Other (cost of $3,296 in 2005 and $3,271 in 2004)

     3,380      3,426
    

  

Total investments

     9,309,525      8,925,352

Cash

     26,361      17,360

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     41,000      52,000

Receivable for securities sold

     49,048      308

Investment income due and accrued

     116,897      105,407

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

     1,806      16,765

Prepaid reinsurance

     280,579      297,330

Deferred acquisition costs

     198,805      184,766

Derivative assets

     1,255,278      1,297,972

Loans

     708,242      730,865

Other assets

     130,122      68,111
    

  

Total assets

   $ 12,117,663    $ 11,696,236
    

  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY              

Liabilities:

             

Unearned premiums

   $ 2,897,315    $ 2,782,768

Loss and loss expense reserves

     213,542      254,055

Ceded reinsurance balances payable

     31,496      18,248

Obligations under payment agreements

     248,940      249,140

Long-term debt

     1,044,407      1,074,368

Deferred income taxes

     268,258      256,384

Current income taxes

     30,070      26,559

Payable for securities purchased

     130,690      —  

Derivative liabilities

     1,187,863      1,206,740

Other liabilities

     263,518      181,260
    

  

Total liabilities

     6,316,099      6,049,522
    

  

Stockholder’s equity:

             

Preferred stock, par value $1,000 per share; authorized shares - 285,000; issued and outstanding shares - none

     —        —  

Common stock, par value $2.50 per share; authorized shares - 40,000,000; issued and outstanding shares - 32,800,000 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

     82,000      82,000

Additional paid-in capital

     1,247,745      1,232,701

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     249,520      237,632

Retained earnings

     4,222,299      4,094,381
    

  

Total stockholder’s equity

     5,801,564      5,646,714
    

  

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

   $ 12,117,663    $ 11,696,236
    

  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.

 

1


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

For The Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


   Six Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

   2005

    2004

 

Revenues:

                               

Financial Guarantee:

                               

Gross premiums written

   $ 323,796     $ 363,254    $ 554,371     $ 591,003  

Ceded premiums written

     (54,038 )     15,949      (27,411 )     (17,937 )
    


 

  


 


Net premiums written

   $ 269,758     $ 379,203    $ 526,960     $ 573,066  
    


 

  


 


Net premiums earned

   $ 193,996     $ 190,906    $ 394,233     $ 358,136  

Other credit enhancement fees

     12,385       11,809      24,452       23,245  
    


 

  


 


Net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fees

     206,381       202,715      418,685       381,381  

Net investment income

     104,450       88,919      206,458       176,634  

Net realized investment (losses) gains

     (1,030 )     3,294      991       15,165  

Net mark-to-market (losses) gains on credit derivative contracts

     (11,606 )     3,256      (6,340 )     10,218  

Other income

     169       501      1,574       1,880  

Financial Services:

                               

Interest from payment agreements

     3,012       3,016      6,023       6,032  

Derivative products

     (3,550 )     7,477      4,546       13,074  

Net mark-to-market (losses) gains on total return swap contracts

     (5,350 )     238      (4,602 )     2,024  
    


 

  


 


Total revenues

     292,476       309,416      627,335       606,408  
    


 

  


 


Expenses:

                               

Financial Guarantee:

                               

Loss and loss expenses

     21,657       17,500      45,129       35,000  

Underwriting and operating expenses

     28,692       29,277      62,095       55,113  

Interest expense on variable interest entity notes

     11,816       670      23,395       1,392  

Interest expense

     —         28      —         59  

Financial Services:

                               

Interest from payment agreements

     1,808       834      3,121       1,604  

Derivative product expenses

     1,552       1,783      3,430       3,455  
    


 

  


 


Total expenses

     65,525       50,092      137,170       96,623  
    


 

  


 


Income before income taxes

     226,951       259,324      490,165       509,785  

Provision for income taxes

     57,968       69,021      128,047       134,785  
    


 

  


 


Net income

   $ 168,983     $ 190,303    $ 362,118     $ 375,000  
    


 

  


 


 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.

 

2


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity

(Unaudited)

For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     2005

    2004

 

Retained Earnings:

                                

Balance at January 1

   $ 4,094,381             $ 3,430,036          

Net income

     362,118     $ 362,118       375,000     $ 375,000  
            


         


Dividends declared - common stock

     (234,200 )             (51,500 )        
    


         


       

Balance at June 30

   $ 4,222,299             $ 3,753,536          
    


         


       

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:

                                

Balance at January 1

   $ 237,632             $ 243,053          

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, $26,445 and $(225,760), pre-tax, in 2005 and 2004, respectively (1)

             17,189               (146,740 )

Foreign currency translation (loss) gain

             (5,301 )             815  
            


         


Other comprehensive income (loss)

     11,888       11,888       (145,925 )     (145,925 )
    


 


 


 


Comprehensive income

           $ 374,006             $ 229,075  
            


         


Balance at June 30

   $ 249,520             $ 97,128          
    


         


       

Preferred Stock:

                                

Balance at January 1 and June 30

   $ —               $ —            
    


         


       

Common Stock:

                                

Balance at January 1 and June 30

   $ 82,000             $ 82,000          
    


         


       

Additional Paid-in Capital:

                                

Balance at January 1

   $ 1,232,701             $ 1,144,096          

Capital issuance costs

     (2,860 )             (2,158 )        

Employee benefit plans

     17,904               15,314          
    


         


       

Balance at June 30

   $ 1,247,745             $ 1,157,252          
    


         


       

Total Stockholder’s Equity at June 30

   $ 5,801,564             $ 5,089,916          
    


         


       

(1)      Disclosure of reclassification amount:

                                

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period

   $ 18,115             ($ 137,095 )        

Less: reclassification adjustment for net securities gains included in net income

     926               9,645          
    


         


       

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities

   $ 17,189             ($ 146,740 )        
    


         


       

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.

 

3


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

    2004

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income

   $ 362,118     $ 375,000  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     1,921       1,443  

Amortization of bond premium and discount

     8,812       3,916  

Current income taxes

     10,980       34,591  

Deferred income taxes

     2,619       5,591  

Deferred acquisition costs

     (14,039 )     (15,003 )

Unearned premiums, net

     131,298       215,318  

Loss and loss expenses

     (25,554 )     49,524  

Ceded reinsurance balances payable

     13,248       7,751  

Net realized investment gains

     (991 )     (15,165 )

Other, net

     27,391       (51,458 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     517,803       611,508  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Proceeds from sales of bonds

     752,411       724,886  

Proceeds from maturities of bonds

     182,227       212,230  

Purchases of bonds

     (1,492,870 )     (1,554,409 )

Change in short-term investments

     263,577       33,113  

Loans

     22,623       —    

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     11,000       (5,955 )

Purchases of securitization collateral

     (55,792 )     —    

Other, net

     8,175       (1,625 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (308,649 )     (591,760 )
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Dividends paid

     (159,200 )     (51,500 )

Capital issuance costs

     (2,860 )     (2,158 )

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     50,000       —    

Payment for redemption of long-term debt

     (79,961 )     —    

Payment agreements

     (200 )     —    

Net cash collateral (paid) received

     (7,932 )     36,676  

Short-term financing from affiliates, net

     —         5,970  
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (200,153 )     (11,012 )
    


 


Net cash flow

     9,001       8,736  

Cash at January 1

     17,360       18,260  
    


 


Cash at June 30

   $ 26,361     $ 26,996  
    


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                

Cash paid during the period for:

                

Income taxes

   $ 104,175     $ 82,170  
    


 


Interest on affiliate financings

   $ —       $ 60  
    


 


Interest on payment agreements

   $ 2,528     $ 1,595  
    


 


Interest on long-term debt

   $ 16,903     $ 1,507  
    


 


 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  (1) Background and Basis of Presentation

 

Ambac Assurance Corporation is a leading provider of financial guarantees to clients in both the public and private sectors around the world. Ambac Assurance provides financial guarantees on public finance and structured finance obligations. Ambac Assurance has earned triple-A ratings, the highest ratings available from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Fitch, Inc., and Rating and Investment Information, Inc. These triple-A ratings are an essential part of Ambac Assurance’s ability to compete in the market of providing financial guarantee products. Insurance policies issued by Ambac Assurance guarantee payment when due of the principal of and interest on the obligation guaranteed. Ambac Assurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambac Financial Group, Inc, a holding company whose subsidiaries provide financial guarantees and financial services to clients in both the public and private sectors around the world. As of June 30, 2005, Ambac Assurance’s net guarantees in force (principal and interest) were $706,440,381.

 

Ambac Credit Products LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambac Assurance, primarily provides credit protection in the global markets in the form of structured credit derivatives. These structured credit derivatives, which are privately negotiated contracts, provide the counterparty with credit protection against the occurrence of a specific event such as a payment default or bankruptcy relating to an underlying obligation. Upon a credit event, Ambac Credit Products is required to either (i) purchase the underlying obligation at its par value and a loss is realized for the difference between the par and market value of the underlying obligation or (ii), make a payment equivalent to the difference between the par value and market value of the underlying obligation. Substantially all of Ambac Assurance’s structured credit derivative contracts relate to senior tranches of structured finance transactions are partially hedged with various financial institutions or structured with first loss protection. Structured credit derivatives issued by Ambac Credit Products are insured by Ambac Assurance.

 

Ambac UK, an Ambac Assurance wholly owned subsidiary, is licensed to transact credit, suretyship and financial guarantee insurance in the United Kingdom and to offer insurance services into thirteen other European Union countries. In February 2005, Ambac UK established a branch office in Milan, Italy. Ambac UK has entered into net worth maintenance and reinsurance agreements with Ambac Assurance, which support its triple-A ratings. Ambac Credit Products Limited, also an Ambac Assurance wholly-owned subsidiary, is licensed in the United Kingdom to transact credit default derivatives, as well as act as agent for Ambac Credit Products LLC. Ambac Credit Products Limited is currently able to offer services in two other European Union countries.

 

Ambac UK and Ambac Credit Products Limited are each subject to regulation by the Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) of the United Kingdom in the conduct of their business. Under FSA regulations, each company is subject to certain requirements and limits, including risk assessments and the maintenance of a minimum margin of solvency. The FSA monitors

 

5


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

each regulated company through site visits and required financial filings. The FSA requires approval of related party transactions and requires that all such transactions have terms no less favorable than terms that would result from transactions between parties negotiating at arm’s length.

 

Ambac Assurance, through its affiliate Ambac Financial Services, is a provider of interest rate and currency swaps to states, municipalities and their authorities, issuers of asset-backed securities and other entities in connection with their financings. The interest rate and currency swaps provided by Ambac Financial Services are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance through policies that guarantee the obligations of Ambac Financial Services and its counterparties. Ambac Assurance, through its subsidiary Ambac Capital Services, enters into total return swaps with professional counterparties. Total return swaps are generally used for fixed income obligations, which meet Ambac Assurance’s credit underwriting criteria.

 

The accompanying consolidated unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of Ambac Assurance’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2005 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in (i) the audited consolidated financial statements of Ambac Assurance and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005 as Exhibit 99.01 to Ambac Financial Group Inc.’s Form 10-K and (ii) the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Ambac Assurance and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2005, which was filed with the SEC on May 10, 2005 as Exhibit 99.04 to Ambac Financial Group’s 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ambac Assurance, its subsidiaries and variable interest entities for which Ambac Assurance is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period’s amounts to conform to the current period’s presentation.

 

6


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

  (2) Loss and Loss Expenses

 

Ambac Assurance provides financial guarantee insurance on certain debt obligations. This financial guarantee insurance is a promise to pay scheduled interest and principal if the issuer of the debt security fails to meet its obligation. The loss reserve policy for financial guarantee insurance discussed in this footnote relates only to Ambac Assurance’s non-derivative insurance business. Losses and loss expenses are based upon estimates of the ultimate aggregate losses inherent in the non-derivative financial guarantee portfolio as of the reporting date. The evaluation process for determining the level of reserves is subject to certain estimates and judgments. In most instances, claim payments are forecasted in advance of issuer default as a result of active surveillance of the insured book of business. Based upon Ambac Assurance experience, claim payments become probable and estimable once the issuer’s credit profile has migrated to certain impaired credit levels. The insured party has the right to a claim under Ambac Assurance’s financial guarantee insurance policy at the first scheduled debt service date of the defaulted obligation. As discussed below, the accounting for credit loss reserves is possibly subject to change.

 

The liability for losses and loss expenses consists of active credit and case basis credit reserves. Active credit reserves are for probable and estimable losses due to credit deterioration on insured credits that have not yet defaulted or been reported and are reflected on an undiscounted basis as of the reporting date. The establishment of reserves for exposures that have not yet defaulted is a common practice in the financial guarantee industry. However, Ambac Assurance is aware that there are differences in the specific methodologies applied by other financial guarantors in establishing such reserves. Ambac’ Assurance’s active credit reserve is based on management’s on-going review of the non-derivative financial guarantee credit portfolio. Active surveillance of the insured portfolio enables Ambac Assurance’s Surveillance Group to track credit migration of insured obligations from period to period and prepare an adversely classified credit listing. The active credit reserve is established only for adversely classified credits. The criteria for an exposure to be included on the adversely classified credit listing includes the deterioration in an issuer’s financial condition, underperformance of the underlying collateral (for collateral dependent transactions such as mortgage-backed securitizations), problems with the servicer of the underlying collateral and other adverse economic events or trends. The servicer of the underlying collateral of a securitized credit is a consideration in assessing credit quality because the servicer’s performance can directly impact the performance of the related credit. For example, a servicer of a mortgage-backed securitization that does not remain current in their collection efforts could cause an increase in the delinquency and potential default of the underlying collateral. The active credit reserve is established through a process that begins with statistical estimates of probable losses inherent in the adversely classified credit portfolio. Statistical estimates are computed on each adversely classified credit. These statistical estimates are based upon: (i) Ambac Assurance’s internal system of credit ratings, which are analogous to the risk ratings of the major rating agencies; (ii) internally developed historical default information (taking into consideration ratings and average life of an obligation); (iii) internally developed loss severities; and (iv) the net par outstanding on the adversely classified credit. The loss severities and default information are based on rating agency information and are specific to each bond type and are established and approved by Ambac’s Portfolio Risk Management Committee. The

 

7


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Portfolio Risk Management Committee is comprised of senior risk management professionals and other senior management of Ambac Assurance. For certain credit exposures that have deteriorated significantly, Ambac Assurance will undertake additional monitoring and loss remediation efforts. Additional remediation can include various actions by Ambac Assurance. The most common actions include obtaining detailed appraisal information on collateral, more frequent meetings with the issuer’s or servicer’s management to review operations, financial condition and financial forecasts and more frequent analysis of the issuer’s financial statements. For these credits Ambac Assurance would use relevant information obtained from its remediation efforts to adjust the statistical estimate discussed above. Senior management meets at least quarterly with the Surveillance Group to review the status of their work to determine the adequacy of Ambac Assurance’s loss reserves and make any necessary adjustments. Active credit reserves were $125,495 and $120,802 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The active credit reserves at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was comprised of 66 and 68 credits with net par outstanding of $6,698,203 and $7,574,223, respectively. Included in the calculation of active credit reserves at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was the consideration of $23,319 and $17,891, respectively, of reinsurance which would be due to Ambac Assurance from the reinsurers, upon default of the insured obligation.

 

Case basis credit reserves are for losses on insured obligations that have defaulted. We believe our definition of case basis credit reserves differs from other financial guaranty industry participants. Upon the occurrence of a payment default, the related active credit reserve is transferred to case basis credit reserve. Additional provision for losses upon further credit deterioration of a case basis exposure are initially recorded through the active credit reserve and subsequently transferred to case basis credit reserves. Our case reserves represent the present value of anticipated loss and loss expense payments expected over the estimated period of default. Loss and loss expenses consider anticipated defaulted debt service payments, estimated expenses associated with settling the claims and estimated recoveries under collateral and subrogation rights. The estimate does not consider future installment premium receipts, as the likelihood of such receipts is remote. Ambac Assurance discounts these estimated net payments using discount rates that approximate the average taxable equivalent yield on our investment portfolio. Discount rates applied to case basis credit reserves were 6.0% at both June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Case basis credit reserves were $88,047 and $133,254 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The case basis credit reserves at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were comprised of 10 and 11 credits with net par outstanding of $489,604 and $661,396, respectively. Additionally, we have reinsurance recoverables on case basis credit reserves of $1,156 and $16,499 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

 

Ambac Assurance provides information on the classification of its loss reserve between active credit reserve and case basis credit reserve for the purpose of disclosing the components of the total reserve that relate to exposures that have not yet defaulted and those that have defaulted. The total reserve (active credit and case basis) was $213,542 and $254,055 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The provision for losses and loss expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations represents the

 

8


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

expense recorded to bring the total reserve to a level determined by management to be adequate for losses inherent in the non-derivative financial guaranty insurance portfolio.

 

Our liabilities for credit losses are based in part on the short-duration accounting guidance in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 60, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises.” The insured party has a right to a claim payment under the financial guaranty insurance policy at the date of the first scheduled debt service payment of a defaulted security. We believe a loss event occurs for financial guarantee insurance products at the time the issuers’ financial condition deteriorates to an impaired credit status rather than at the time the insured party has a right to a claim payment. Because of this belief and the ambiguities discussed below in the application of SFAS No. 60 to the financial guaranty industry, Ambac Assurance does not believe that SFAS No. 60 alone provides sufficient guidance. As a result, Ambac Assurance supplements the guidance in SFAS No. 60 with the guidance in SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” which calls for a loss to be accrued if it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Ambac Assurance also relies by analogy on EITF Issue No. 85-20, “Recognition of fees for guaranteeing a loan,” which states that a guarantor should perform an ongoing assessment of the probability of loss to determine if a liability (and a loss) should be recognized under SFAS No. 5.

 

In management’s view, the accounting guidance noted above does not comprehensively address the attributes of financial guarantee insurance contracts, primarily due to the fact that SFAS No. 60 was developed prior to the maturity of the financial guarantee industry. Financial guarantee contracts have elements of long-duration insurance contacts in that they are irrevocable and extend over a period of time that may be 30 years or more but are considered and reported for regulatory purposes as property and casualty insurance, normally considered short-duration contracts. The short-duration and long-duration classifications have different methods of accounting for premium revenue, deferred acquisition costs and contract liability recognition.

 

Ambac Assurance is aware that there are certain differences regarding the measurement of liabilities for credit losses among participants in the financial guaranty industry. Difficulties applying the existing insurance accounting literature such as the classification of the insurance contracts as either short-duration or long-duration to the attributes of financial guarantee insurance, different measurement models and assumptions utilized, regulatory guidance provided to certain entities, and the existence of accounting literature providing guidance with respect to liability recognition for loan guarantees are the reasons for differences among the industry participants.

 

In January and February of 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff discussed with the financial guaranty industry participants differences in loss reserve recognition practices among those participants. In June 2005 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) added a project to its agenda to consider the accounting by financial guarantee insurers for claims liability recognition, premium recognition and deferred

 

9


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

acquisition costs. The proposed and final documents are expected to be issued in 2006. When the FASB or SEC reach a conclusion on this issue, Ambac Assurance and the rest of the financial guaranty industry may be required to change some aspects of their loss reserving policies and the potential changes could extend to premium and expense recognition. Ambac Assurance cannot predict how the FASB or SEC will resolve this issue and the resulting impact on our financial statements. Until the issue is resolved, Ambac Assurance intends to continue to apply its existing policy with respect to the establishment of both case and active credit reserves.

 

  (3) Segment Information

 

Ambac Assurance has two reportable segments, as follows: (1) financial guarantee, which provides financial guarantee products (including structured credit derivatives) for public finance and structured finance obligations; and (2) financial services, which provides payment agreements, interest rate, currency and total return swaps.

 

Ambac Assurance’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each business requires different marketing strategies, personnel skill sets and technology.

 

Pursuant to insurance and indemnity agreements between Ambac Financial Services and Ambac Assurance, Ambac Financial Services’ payment obligations under its swap agreements are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance. Additionally, the payment obligations of Ambac Financial Services’ counterparties, under their swap agreements with Ambac Financial Services, are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance pursuant to insurance and indemnity agreements. Intersegment revenues include the premiums earned under those agreements. Such premiums are accounted for as if they were premiums to third parties, that is, at current market prices. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, Financial Guarantee intersegment revenues include dividends of $2,500 from the Financial Services segment, compared to $4,500 and $8,558 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

 

10


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

The following tables summarizes the financial information by reportable segment as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended June 30,


   Financial
Guarantee


   Financial
Services


    Intersegment
Eliminations


    Consolidated

2005:

                             

Revenues:

                             

External customers

   $ 298,364      ($5,888 )   $ —       $ 292,476

Intersegment

     3,199      —         (3,199 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total revenues

   $ 301,563      ($5,888 )     ($3,199 )   $ 292,476
    

  


 


 

Income before income taxes:

                             

External customers

   $ 236,199      ($9,248 )   $ —       $ 226,951

Intersegment

     3,778      (1,278 )     (2,500 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total income before income taxes

   $ 239,977      ($10,526 )     ($2,500 )   $ 226,951
    

  


 


 

Total assets

   $ 10,553,837    $ 1,563,826     $ —       $ 12,117,663
    

  


 


 

2004:

                             

Revenues:

                             

External customers

   $ 298,685    $ 10,731     $ —       $ 309,416

Intersegment

     5,040      —         (5,040 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total revenues

   $ 303,725    $ 10,731       ($5,040 )   $ 309,416
    

  


 


 

Income before income taxes:

                             

External customers

   $ 251,210    $ 8,114     $ —       $ 259,324

Intersegment

     5,486      (986 )     (4,500 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total income before income taxes

   $ 256,696    $ 7,128       ($4,500 )   $ 259,324
    

  


 


 

Total assets

   $ 8,791,545    $ 1,374,242     $ —       $ 10,165,787
    

  


 


 

 

(Dollars in thousands)
Six months ended June 30,


   Financial
Guarantee


   Financial
Services


    Intersegment
Eliminations


    Consolidated

2005:

                             

Revenues:

                             

External customers

   $ 621,368    $ 5,967     $ —       $ 627,335

Intersegment

     3,847      —         (3,847 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total revenues

   $ 625,215    $ 5,967       ($3,847 )   $ 627,335
    

  


 


 

Income before income taxes:

                             

External customers

   $ 490,749      ($584 )   $ —       $ 490,165

Intersegment

     5,005      (2,505 )     (2,500 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total income before income taxes

   $ 495,754      ($3,089 )     ($2,500 )   $ 490,165
    

  


 


 

Identifiable assets

   $ 10,553,837    $ 1,563,826     $ —       $ 12,117,663
    

  


 


 

2004:

                             

Revenues:

                             

External customers

   $ 585,278    $ 21,130     $ —       $ 606,408

Intersegment

     9,715      —         (9,715 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total revenues

   $ 594,993    $ 21,130       ($9,715 )   $ 606,408
    

  


 


 

Income before income taxes:

                             

External customers

   $ 493,714    $ 16,071     $ —       $ 509,785

Intersegment

     10,608      (2,050 )     (8,558 )     —  
    

  


 


 

Total income before income taxes

   $ 504,322    $ 14,021       ($8,558 )   $ 509,785
    

  


 


 

Identifiable assets

   $ 8,791,545    $ 1,374,242     $ —       $ 10,165,787
    

  


 


 

 

11


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

The following table summarizes unaffiliated gross premiums written and net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fees included in the financial guarantee segment by location of risk for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

     Three Months

   Six Months

(Dollars in thousands)    Gross
Premiums
Written


   Net
Premiums
Earned and
Other Credit
Enhancement
Fees


   Gross
Premiums
Written


   Net
Premiums
Earned and
Other Credit
Enhancement
Fees


2005:

                           

United States

   $ 254,357    $ 151,356    $ 437,120    $ 309,744

United Kingdom

     27,489      17,015      45,674      32,956

Japan

     6,818      7,927      13,890      15,136

Mexico

     4,243      1,774      7,740      3,385

Italy

     6,859      2,192      8,362      4,273

Brazil

     2,863      2,317      5,826      4,721

Australia

     8,412      2,123      9,103      4,303

Internationally diversified (1)

     6,965      13,826      15,431      28,447

Other international

     5,790      7,851      11,225      15,720
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 323,796    $ 206,381    $ 554,371    $ 418,685
    

  

  

  

2004:

                           

United States

   $ 306,072    $ 147,332    $ 481,216    $ 274,934

United Kingdom

     25,525      16,552      53,830      30,805

Japan

     6,581      7,731      13,515      15,211

Mexico

     3,774      1,732      7,731      3,548

Italy

     6,207      1,929      7,619      3,876

Brazil

     2,746      2,193      4,971      3,615

Australia

     687      2,115      924      3,534

Internationally diversified (1)

     7,581      15,228      13,835      28,534

Other international

     4,081      7,903      7,362      17,324
    

  

  

  

Total

   $ 363,254    $ 202,715    $ 591,003    $ 381,381
    

  

  

  

 

1) Internationally diversified includes guarantees with multiple locations of risk and includes components of United States exposure.

 

  (4) Employee Benefit Plans

 

Stock Compensation Plans:

 

Ambac Financial Group sponsors the “1997 Equity Plan”, where awards are granted to eligible employees in the form of non-qualified stock options or other stock-based awards. Effective January 1, 2003, Ambac Assurance began to account for stock-based employee compensation in accordance with the fair-value method prescribed by SFAS Statement 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS 123”) as amended by SFAS Statement 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” (“SFAS 148”), prospectively to all employee awards granted after January 1, 2003. Under this method of adoption, compensation expense is recognized over the relevant service period based on the fair value of stock options and restricted stock units granted for 2003 and future years. Compensation expense for restricted stock units issued for the years prior to 2003 was, and continues to be, recognized over the relevant service periods using amortization schedules

 

12


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

based on the applicable vesting schedules.

 

Pensions:

 

Ambac Financial Group has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees of Ambac Assurance. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s highest salary during five consecutive years of employment within the last ten years of employment. Ambac Financial Group’s funding policy is to contribute annually the maximum amount that can be deducted for Federal income tax purposes. A contribution of $2,200 was made for 2005. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service-to-date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future.

 

Ambac Financial Group’s net periodic pension costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 include the following components:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


    Six Months Ended
June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Service cost

   $ 568     $ 409     $ 1,039     $ 817  

Interest cost

     413       332       776       663  

Expected return on plan assets

     (598 )     (488 )     (1,197 )     (975 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     (36 )     (36 )     (72 )     (72 )

Recognized net loss

     93       51       129       102  
    


 


 


 


Net periodic pension cost

     440       268       675       535  

Other

     —         —         —         136  
    


 


 


 


Total pension expense

   $ 440     $ 268     $ 675     $ 671  
    


 


 


 


 

Pension expense is allocated to each of Ambac Financial Group’s subsidiaries based on percentage of payroll. Pension expense recorded by Ambac Assurance amounted to $431 and $644 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, compared to $257 and $565 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

 

Postretirement and Other Benefits:

 

Ambac Financial Group provides certain medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees and eligible dependents. All plans are contributory. None of the plans are currently funded. Ambac Assurance’s post retirement benefit expense were $154 and $264 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, compared to $75 and $122 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

 

  (5) Special Purpose and Variable Interest Entities

 

Ambac Financial Group has involvement with special purpose entities, including variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in the following ways. First, Ambac Assurance is a provider of financial guarantee insurance for various debt obligations. Second, Ambac Financial Group

 

13


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

has sponsored two special purpose entities that issue medium-term notes (“MTNs”) to fund the purchase of certain financial assets. As discussed in detail below, these Ambac Financial Group sponsored special purpose entities are considered Qualifying Special Purpose Entities (“QSPEs”). Lastly, Ambac Assurance is an investor in high quality asset-backed securities typically issued by VIEs, and, in one transaction, has a beneficial interest in a VIE that purchases fixed rate municipal bonds with proceeds from the issuance of floating rate short term beneficial interests as discussed in detail below.

 

Financial Guarantees:

 

Ambac Assurance provides financial guarantee insurance to debt obligations of special purpose entities, including VIEs. Ambac Assurance’s primary variable interest exists through this financial guarantee insurance contract. The transaction structure provides certain financial protection to Ambac Assurance. This financial protection can take several forms, however, the most common are over-collateralization, first loss and excess spread. In the case of over-collateralization (i.e., the principal amount of the securitized assets exceeds the principal amount of the structured finance obligations guaranteed by Ambac Assurance), the structure allows the transaction to experience defaults among the securitized assets before a default is experienced on the structured finance obligations that have been guaranteed by Ambac Assurance. In the case of first loss, the financial guarantee insurance policy only covers a senior layer of losses on debt issued by special purpose entities, including VIEs. The first loss with respect to the assets is either retained by the seller or sold off in the form of equity or mezzanine debt to other investors. In the case of excess spread, the financial assets contributed to special purpose entities, including VIEs, generate interest cash flows that are in excess of the interest payments on the related debt. All or a portion of this excess spread accumulates and is available to absorb losses in the transaction or is applied to create over-collateralization.

 

As of June 30, 2005, Ambac Assurance is the primary beneficiary and therefore consolidated VIEs under three transactions, as a result of providing financial guarantees to these entities. Ambac Assurance consolidated these entities since the structural financial protections are outside the VIEs. These structural protections, had they existed inside the VIEs, would have absorbed a majority of the VIEs’ expected losses and consequently Ambac Assurance would not have consolidated these entities. All consolidated VIEs are bankruptcy remote special purpose financing entities created by the issuer of debt securities to facilitate the sale of notes guaranteed by Ambac Assurance. Ambac Assurance is not primarily liable for the debt obligations of these entities. Ambac Assurance would only be required to make payments on these debt obligations in the event that the issuer defaults on any principal or interest due. Additionally, Ambac Assurance’s creditors do not have rights with regard to the assets of these VIEs.

 

Proceeds from the note issuance of the first VIE transaction, which closed in 2002, were used to purchase senior mortgage-backed floating rate notes of a South Korean mortgage-backed securities issuer. Protections afforded Ambac Assurance in this transaction were in the form of a reserve fund and the issuance of subordinated debt. Ambac Assurance

 

14


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

will pay claims under its financial guarantee only in the event that losses on the mortgage assets of the South Korean issuer reduce the reserve fund to zero and exceed the principal amount of the subordinated notes. Total long-term debt outstanding under this note issuance was $89,443 at June 30, 2005, with a maturity date of December 3, 2022.

 

Proceeds from the note issuances of the other transactions, both of which closed in 2004, were used to purchase notes issued by reinsurance companies in connection with their reinsurance of defined blocks of life insurance contracts. Protections afforded Ambac Assurance were in the form of capital contributed to the reinsurance companies and the issuance of subordinated debt by the VIEs. Ambac Assurance will pay claims under its financial guarantees in these transactions if cash flows generated under the reinsurance agreements and the proceeds from the contributed capital and subordinated debt are insufficient to repay the noteholders. Total debt outstanding under these note issuances were $954,964 at June 30, 2005, with maturity dates ranging from April 15, 2016 to February 4, 2025.

 

The following table provides supplemental information about the combined assets and liabilities associated with the VIEs discussed above. The assets and liabilities of these VIEs are consolidated into the respective Balance Sheet captions.

 

(Dollars in millions)    At June 30,
2005


   At December 31,
2004


Assets:

             

Cash

   $ 671    $ 690

Loans

     689,777      727,294

Investment in fixed income securities

     365,066      346,111

Investment income due and accrued

     8,770      2,315
    

  

Total

   $ 1,064,284    $ 1,076,410
    

  

Liabilities and Equity:

             

Long-term debt

   $ 1,044,407    $ 1,074,368

Derivative liabilities

     10,724      —  

Other liabilities

     8,360      2,042

Equity

     793      —  
    

  

Total

   $ 1,064,284    $ 1,076,410
    

  

 

Qualified Special Purpose Entities:

 

Ambac Financial Group has transferred financial assets to two special purpose entities. The business purpose of these entities is to provide certain financial guarantee clients with funding for their debt obligations. These entities meet the characteristics of QSPEs in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (“SFAS 140”). QSPEs are not subject to the requirements of FIN 46-R and accordingly are not consolidated in Ambac Assurance’s financial statements. The QSPEs are legal entities that are demonstrably distinct from Ambac Financial Group. Ambac Financial Group, its affiliates or its agents cannot unilaterally dissolve the QSPEs. The QSPEs permitted activities are limited to those outlined below.

 

15


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

As of June 30, 2005, there are 9 individual transactions outstanding in the QSPEs. In each case, Ambac Financial Group sells fixed income debt obligations to the QSPEs. These transactions are true sales based upon the bankruptcy remote nature of the QSPE and the absence of any agreement or obligation for Ambac Financial Group to repurchase or redeem assets of the QSPE. Additionally, Ambac’s creditors do not have any rights with regards to the assets of the QSPEs. The purchase by the QSPE is financed through the issuance of MTNs, which are collateralized by the purchased assets. The cash flows of the MTNs approximately match the cash flows of the assets purchased. Derivative contracts (interest rate and currency swaps) may be used for hedging purposes only. Derivatives are established at the time MTNs are issued to purchase financial assets. The activities of the QSPEs are contractually limited to purchasing assets from Ambac Financial Group, issuing MTNs to fund such purchase, executing derivative hedges and related administrative services. Ambac Assurance may issue a financial guarantee insurance policy on the assets sold, the MTNs issued or both. As of June 30, 2005, Ambac Assurance had financial guarantee insurance policies issued for all assets and MTNs owned and outstanding by the QSPEs.

 

Pursuant to the terms of Ambac Assurance’s insurance policy, insurance premiums are paid to Ambac Assurance by the QSPEs and are earned in a manner consistent with other insurance policies, over the risk period. Any losses incurred would be included in Ambac Assurance’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Under the terms of an Administrative Agency Agreement, Ambac Financial Group provides certain administrative duties, primarily collecting amounts due on the obligations and making interest payments on the MTNs.

 

Assets sold to the QSPEs during the six months ended June 30, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2004 were $0 and $195,000, respectively. No gains or losses were recognized on these sales. As of June 30, 2005, the estimated fair value of financial assets, MTN liabilities and derivative hedge liabilities were $1,758,448, $1,693,330 and $98,674, respectively. When market quotes are not available, estimated fair value is determined utilizing valuation models. These models include estimates, made by Ambac Financial Group management, which utilize current market information. The valuation results from these models could differ materially from amounts that would actually be realized in the market. Ambac Assurance received gross premiums for issuing financial guarantee policies on the assets, MTNs and derivative contracts of $2,976 and $2,838 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Ambac Financial Group also received fees for providing other services amounting to $173 and $197 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

VIE Beneficial Interest:

 

Ambac Assurance owns a beneficial interest in a special purpose entity that meets the definition of a VIE. This entity has issued floating rate beneficial interests to investors and invested the proceeds in fixed income municipal investment securities. These beneficial interests are directly secured by the related municipal investment securities. Ambac Assurance

 

16


Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

is the primary beneficiary of this entity as a result of its beneficial interest. The fixed income municipal investment securities, which are reported as Investments in fixed income securities, at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $262,576 and $257,300 as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The beneficial interests issued to third parties, are reported as Obligations under payment agreements on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $248,940 and $249,140 as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

 

  (6) Accounting Standards

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 123-R, “Share-Based Payment”. This Statement is a revision of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and its related implementation guidance. SFAS 123-R requires entities to recognize compensation cost for all equity-classified awards after the effective date using the fair-value measurement method. Originally, SFAS 123-R was to be effective for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. However, in April 2005, the effective date was amended to the first interim reporting date of the next fiscal year after June 15, 2005. Ambac Assurance will adopt SFAS 123-R on January 1, 2006 by using a modified prospective approach. The adoption of SFAS 123-R is not expected to have a material impact on Ambac Assurance’s operating results. Ambac Assurance continues to evaluate other aspects of adopting SFAS 123-R.

 

The FASB added a project to its agenda to consider the accounting by financial guarantee insurers for claims liability recognition, premium recognition, and deferred policy acquisition costs. The proposed and final documents are expected to be issued in 2006. Ambac cannot predict how the FASB will resolve this issue and the resulting impact on our financial statements. Until the issue is resolved, Ambac intends to continue to apply its existing policies.

 

17

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