Use these links to rapidly review the document
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)    

ý

 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2010

or

o

 

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

For the transition Period from                        to                       

Commission File No. 001-32141

ASSURED GUARANTY LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  98-0429991
(I.R.S. employer
identification no.)

30 Woodbourne Avenue
Hamilton HM 08
Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)

(441) 279-5700
(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 ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

        The number of registrant's Common Shares ($0.01 par value) outstanding as of October 29, 2010 was 183,743,989 (excludes 191,653 unvested restricted shares).


Table of Contents


ASSURED GUARANTY LTD.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 
   
  Page

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements:

   

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

  1

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

  2

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

  3

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited) for Nine Months ended September 30, 2010

  4

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

  5

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

  6

Item 2.

 

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

  108

 

Forward-Looking Statements

  108

 

Website Information

  109

 

Executive Summary

  109

 

Importance of Financial Strength Ratings

  117

 

AGMH Acquisition

  119

 

Insured Portfolio Profile

  122

 

Results of Operations

  128

 

Exposure to Residential Mortgage Backed Securities

  156

 

Summary of Relationships with Monolines

  161

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

  163

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

  166

Item 3.

 

Market Risk

  187

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

  189

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

  190

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

  194

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  196

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

  196

Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands except per share and share amounts)

 
  September 30,
2010
  December 31,
2009
 

Assets

             

Investment portfolio:

             
 

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $9,318,407 and $8,943,909)

  $ 9,775,835   $ 9,139,900  
 

Short term investments, at fair value

    907,663     1,668,279  
           
   

Total investment portfolio

    10,683,498     10,808,179  

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

    133,228     152,411  

Cash

    87,400     44,133  

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

    1,322,486     1,418,232  

Ceded unearned premium reserve

    897,211     1,080,466  

Deferred acquisition costs

    251,177     241,961  

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

    18,084     14,122  

Credit derivative assets

    475,638     492,531  

Committed capital securities, at fair value

    15,307     9,537  

Deferred tax asset, net

    842,123     1,158,205  

Salvage and subrogation recoverable

    824,772     420,238  

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' assets

    2,296,729     762,303  

Other assets

    523,475     200,375  
           
 

Total assets

  $ 18,371,128   $ 16,802,693  
           

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

             

Unearned premium reserve

  $ 7,374,769   $ 8,400,152  

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve ("LAE")

    467,017     289,470  

Long-term debt

    923,769     917,362  

Notes payable

    132,107     149,051  

Credit derivative liabilities

    2,180,697     2,034,634  

Reinsurance balances payable, net

    259,308     215,239  

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' liabilities with recourse

    2,225,687     762,652  

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' liabilities without recourse

    236,903      

Other liabilities

    381,648     513,974  
           
 

Total liabilities

    14,181,905     13,282,534  
           

Commitments and contingencies

             

Common stock ($0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 183,743,833 and 184,162,896 shares issued and outstanding in 2010 and 2009)

    1,837     1,842  

Additional paid-in capital

    2,583,196     2,584,983  

Retained earnings

    1,264,660     789,869  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax provision (benefit) of $123,650 and $58,551

    337,530     141,814  

Deferred equity compensation (181,818 shares)

    2,000     2,000  
           
 

Total shareholders' equity attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd. 

    4,189,223     3,520,508  

Noncontrolling interest of financial guaranty variable interest entities

        (349 )
           
 

Total shareholders' equity

    4,189,223     3,520,159  
           
 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 18,371,128   $ 16,802,693  
           

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

1


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  

Revenues

                         
 

Net earned premiums

  $ 288,767   $ 329,970   $ 900,437   $ 557,050  
 

Net investment income

    85,615     84,742     260,788     171,643  
 

Net realized investment gains (losses):

                         
   

Other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") losses

    (5,719 )   (13,321 )   (24,248 )   (68,233 )
   

Less: portion of OTTI loss recognized in other comprehensive income

    (1,189 )   (5,287 )   (1,850 )   (26,920 )
   

Other net realized investment gains (losses)

    2,156     1,937     20,999     13,218  
                   
     

Net realized investment gains (losses)

    (2,374 )   (6,097 )   (1,399 )   (28,095 )
 

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

                         
   

Realized gains and other settlements

    52,498     71,691     117,554     120,086  
   

Net unrealized gains (losses)

    (284,935 )   (205,336 )   2,278     (432,638 )
                   
     

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

    (232,437 )   (133,645 )   119,832     (312,552 )
 

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

    (5,548 )   (53,057 )   5,770     (93,961 )
 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' revenues

    76,523     4,881     61,578     4,881  
 

Other income

    33,682     57,005     7,357     58,399  
                   
   

Total Revenues

    244,228     283,799     1,354,363     357,365  
                   

Expenses

                         
 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

    109,166     133,325     310,823     251,109  
 

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    8,023     1,308     23,132     41,277  
 

Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc. ("AGMH") acquisition-related expenses

        51,333     6,772     80,179  
 

Interest expense

    24,886     25,190     74,851     37,495  
 

Goodwill and settlement of pre-existing relationship

        23,341         23,341  
 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' expenses

    (126,650 )   10,152     (131,482 )   10,152  
 

Other operating expenses

    52,139     67,236     162,179     123,121  
                   
   

Total expenses

    67,564     311,885     446,275     566,674  
                   

Income (loss) before income taxes

    176,664     (28,086 )   908,088     (209,309 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

                         
 

Current

    (191,867 )   67,116     (185,998 )   68,817  
 

Deferred

    187,674     (54,901 )   387,716     (153,310 )
                   
   

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

    (4,193 )   12,215     201,718     (84,493 )
                   

Net income (loss)

    180,857     (40,301 )   706,370     (124,816 )

Less: Noncontrolling interest of variable interest entities

        (5,271 )       (5,271 )
                   

Net income (loss) attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd.

  $ 180,857   $ (35,030 ) $ 706,370   $ (119,545 )
                   

Earnings per share:

                         
   

Basic

  $ 0.98   $ (0.22 ) $ 3.83   $ (1.05 )
   

Diluted

  $ 0.96   $ (0.22 ) $ 3.73   $ (1.05 )

Dividends per share

  $ 0.045   $ 0.045   $ 0.135   $ 0.135  

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

2


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  

Net income (loss)

  $ 180,857   $ (40,301 ) $ 706,370   $ (124,816 )

Unrealized holding gains (losses) during the period, net of tax of $64,025, $90,686, $62,428 and $103,951

    139,638     205,383     197,035     235,380  

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss), net of deferred income tax provision (benefit) of $(1,118), $(136), $(2,556) and $2,055

    (1,256 )   (5,961 )   1,157     (30,150 )
                   

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

    140,894     211,344     195,878     265,530  

Change in cumulative translation adjustment

    5,411     613     152     (1,390 )

Change in cash flow hedge

    (105 )   (105 )   (314 )   (314 )
                   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    146,200     211,852     195,716     263,826  
                   

Comprehensive income (loss)

    327,057     171,551     902,086     139,010  

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest of variable interest entities

        (5,223 )       (5,223 )
                   

Comprehensive income (loss) of Assured Guaranty Ltd.

  $ 327,057   $ 176,774   $ 902,086   $ 144,233  
                   

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

3


Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

(dollars in thousands, except share data)

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Noncontrolling
Interest of
Financial
Guaranty
Consolidated
Variable
Interest
Entities
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
Attributable
to Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
   
 
 
  Common Stock    
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Deferred
Equity
Compensation
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
 
  Shares   Amount  

Balance, December 31, 2009

    184,162,896   $ 1,842   $ 2,584,983   $ 789,869   $ 141,814   $ 2,000   $ 3,520,508   $ (349 ) $ 3,520,159  

Cumulative effect of accounting change—consolidation of variable interest entities effective January 1, 2010 (Note 8)

                (206,540 )           (206,540 )   349     (206,191 )
                                       

Balance, January 1, 2010

    184,162,896     1,842     2,584,983     583,329     141,814     2,000     3,313,968         3,313,968  

Net income

                706,370             706,370         706,370  

Dividends on common stock ($0.135 per share)

                (24,889 )           (24,889 )       (24,889 )

Dividends on restricted stock units

            150     (150 )                    

Common stock repurchases

    (707,350 )   (7 )   (10,450 )               (10,457 )       (10,457 )

Share-based compensation and other

    288,287     2     8,513                 8,515         8,515  

Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $284

                    152         152         152  

Change in cash flow hedge, net of tax provision (benefit) of $(169)

                    (314 )       (314 )       (314 )

Investments with no OTTI, net of deferred income tax provision (benefit) of $61,421

                    183,386         183,386         183,386  

Investments with OTTI, net of deferred income tax provision (benefit) of $1,007

                    13,649         13,649         13,649  

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income (loss), net of deferred income tax provision (benefit) of $(2,556)

                    1,157         1,157         1,157  
                                       

Balance, September 30, 2010

    183,743,833   $ 1,837   $ 2,583,196   $ 1,264,660   $ 337,530   $ 2,000   $ 4,189,223   $   $ 4,189,223  
                                       

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

4


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
  2010   2009  

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ (139,994 ) $ 293,579  
           

Investing activities

             
 

Fixed maturity securities:

             
   

Purchases

    (1,928,744 )   (1,301,684 )
   

Sales

    835,716     1,258,372  
   

Maturities

    729,559     80,773  
 

Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments

    759,937     (220,825 )
 

Net proceeds from financial guaranty variable interest entities' assets

    323,626      
 

Cash paid to acquire AGMH, net of cash acquired

        (458,998 )
 

Other

    15,718     8,017  
           

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

    735,812     (634,345 )
           

Financing activities

             
 

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

        448,340  
 

Net proceeds from issuance of equity units

        167,972  
 

Dividends paid

    (24,889 )   (15,267 )
 

Repurchases of common stock

    (10,457 )   (3,676 )
 

Share activity under option and incentive plans

    (2,323 )   (840 )
 

Net paydowns of financial guaranty variable interest entities' liabilities

    (497,296 )    
 

Repayment of notes payable

    (16,090 )   (8,331 )
           

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

    (551,055 )   588,198  

Effect of exchange rate changes

    (1,496 )   747  
           

Increase in cash

    43,267     248,179  

Cash at beginning of period

    44,133     12,305  
           

Cash at end of period

  $ 87,400   $ 260,484  
           

Supplemental cash flow information

             

Cash paid (received) during the period for:

             
 

Income taxes

  $ 138,073   $ 6,603  
 

Interest

  $ 57,121   $ 22,980  

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

5


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2010

1. Business and Organization

        Assured Guaranty Ltd. ("AGL" and, together with its subsidiaries, "Assured Guaranty" or the "Company") is a Bermuda-based holding company that provides, through its operating subsidiaries, credit protection products to the United States ("U.S.") and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. The Company applies its credit underwriting expertise, risk management skills and capital markets experience to develop insurance, reinsurance and credit derivative products. The Company's primary product is a guaranty of principal and interest payments on debt securities. These securities include municipal finance obligations issued by U.S. state or municipal governmental authorities, utility districts or facilities; notes or bonds issued for international infrastructure projects; and asset-backed securities ("ABS") issued by special purpose entities ("SPEs"). The Company markets its credit protection products directly to issuers and underwriters of public finance, infrastructure and structured finance securities as well as to investors in such debt obligations. The Company guarantees debt obligations issued in many countries, although its principal focus is on the U.S. and European markets.

        On July 1, 2009 (the "Acquisition Date"), the Company acquired Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (renamed Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc., "AGMH"), and AGMH's subsidiaries, from Dexia Holdings, Inc. ("Dexia Holdings"). AGMH's principal insurance subsidiary is Financial Security Assurance Inc. (renamed Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp., "AGM"). As discussed further in Note 2, the acquisition of AGMH (the "AGMH Acquisition") did not include the acquisition of AGMH's former financial products business, which was comprised of its guaranteed investment contracts ("GICs") business, its medium term notes ("MTNs") business and the equity payment agreements associated with AGMH's leveraged lease business (the "Financial Products Business").

        AGL's principal operating subsidiaries are Assured Guaranty Corp. ("AGC"), AGM and Assured Guaranty Re Ltd. ("AG Re"). The Company is a leading provider of financial guaranty credit protection products. This achievement resulted from a combination of factors, including AGL's acquisition of AGMH in 2009, the Company's ability to achieve and maintain high investment-grade financial strength ratings, and the significant financial distress faced by many of the Company's competitors since 2007, which has impaired their ability to underwrite new business.

        Since July 1, 2009, when the AGMH Acquisition closed, the Company has conducted its financial guaranty business on a direct basis from two distinct platforms. AGM focuses exclusively on the U.S. public finance and global infrastructure business. AGM ceased underwriting structured finance business in September 2008. The second company, AGC, underwrites global structured finance obligations as well as U.S. public finance and global infrastructure obligations. Neither company currently underwrites U.S. residential mortgage backed securities ("RMBS").

        AGC directly owns Assured Guaranty (UK) Ltd. ("AGUK") and AGM indirectly, through its subsidiary Assured Guaranty Municipal Insurance Company (formerly FSA Insurance Company), owns Assured Guaranty (Europe) Ltd. (formerly Financial Security Assurance (U.K.) Limited, "AGE"). AGUK and AGE are insurance companies organized and authorized in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") to transact the following classes of insurance: class 14 (credit), class 15 (suretyship) and class 16 (miscellaneous financial loss). The Company's management has been in discussions with the Financial Services Authority (the "UK FSA") relating to AGUK's and AGE's large reinsurance exposures to their respective parents, AGC and AGM, and with respect to certain AGUK guaranteed transactions. AGUK's board of directors has determined that it is not necessary to maintain both companies to write

6


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

1. Business and Organization (Continued)


new business. Accordingly, Assured Guaranty has elected to place AGUK into run-off and has filed a run-off plan with the UK FSA. Instead, the Company will utilize AGE as the entity from which to write business in the European Economic Area. Management has agreed with the UK FSA that any new business written by AGE will be guaranteed using a co-insurance structure pursuant to which AGE will co-insure municipal and infrastructure transactions with AGM, and structured finance transactions with AGC. AGE's financial guarantee will guarantee approximately 5 to 7% of the total exposure, and AGM's or AGC's financial guarantee will guarantee the remaining exposure under the transaction. AGM or AGC will also issue a second-to-pay insurance policy to cover AGE's financial guarantee.

        The global financial markets experienced volatility and disruption over the past several years including depressed home prices and increased foreclosures, falling equity market values, rising unemployment, declining business and consumer confidence and the risk of increased inflation, which have precipitated an economic slowdown. While there have been signs of a recovery as seen by stabilizing unemployment and home prices as well as rising equity markets, management cannot assure you that volatility and disruption will not return to these markets in the near term. These conditions may adversely affect the Company's future profitability, financial position, investment portfolio, cash flow, statutory capital, financial strength ratings and stock price. Additionally, future legislative, regulatory or judicial changes in the jurisdictions regulating the Company may adversely affect its ability to pursue its current mix of business, materially impacting its financial results.

Segments

        The Company's business includes two principal segments: financial guaranty direct and financial guaranty reinsurance. Financial guaranties of RMBS and commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") are included in both the financial guaranty direct and reinsurance segments. The Company's mortgage guaranty insurance business, which used to be a segment and has had no new activity in recent years, and other lines of business that were 100% ceded upon Assured Guaranty's initial public offering ("IPO") in 2004, are shown as "other." Each segment is reported net of business ceded to external reinsurers. The financial guaranty segments include contracts accounted for as both insurance and credit derivatives. These segments are further discussed in Note 19.

Importance of Financial Strength Ratings

        Debt obligations guaranteed by AGL's insurance company subsidiaries are generally awarded debt credit ratings that are the same rating as the financial strength rating of the AGL subsidiary that has guaranteed that obligation. Investors in products insured by AGC or AGM frequently rely on rating agency ratings because ratings influence the trading value of securities and form the basis for many institutions' investment guidelines as well as individuals' bond purchase decisions. Therefore, the Company manages its business with the goal of achieving high financial strength ratings, preferably the highest that an agency will assign. However, the models used by rating agencies differ, presenting conflicting goals that may make it inefficient or impractical to reach the highest rating level. The models are not fully transparent, contain subjective data (such as assumptions about future market demand for the Company's products) and change frequently.

        Historically, insurance financial strength ratings reflect an insurer's ability to pay under its insurance policies and contracts in accordance with their terms. The rating is not specific to any

7


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

1. Business and Organization (Continued)


particular policy or contract. Insurance financial strength ratings do not refer to an insurer's ability to meet non-insurance obligations and are not a recommendation to purchase any policy or contract issued by an insurer or to buy, hold, or sell any security insured by an insurer. The ratings also reflect qualitative factors with respect to such things as the insurer's business strategy and franchise value, the anticipated future demand for its product, the composition of its portfolio, as well as its capital adequacy, profitability and financial flexibility.

        The rating agencies have developed and published methodologies for rating financial guaranty and mortgage guaranty insurers and reinsurers. The insurance financial strength ratings assigned by the rating agencies are based upon factors relevant to policyholders and are not directed toward the protection of investors in AGL's common shares. The rating criteria used by the rating agencies in establishing these ratings include consideration of the sufficiency of capital resources to meet projected growth (as well as access to such additional capital as may be necessary to continue to meet applicable capital adequacy standards), a company's overall financial strength, and demonstrated management expertise in financial guaranty and traditional reinsurance, credit analysis, systems development, marketing, capital markets and investment operations. Ratings reflect only the views of the respective rating agencies and are subject to continuous review and revision or withdrawal at any time.

        On October 25, 2010, Standard &Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") lowered the counterparty credit and insurer financial strength ratings on AGC, AGM and their respective insurance subsidiaries to AA+ from AAA and changed its outlook on such entities from negative to stable. In changing the outlook of AGC, AGM and their respective insurance subsidiaries from negative to stable, S&P noted in its Research Update the Company's strong capitalization, largely investment-grade book of insured par and strong business position. According to S&P, an S&P rating outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate term (typically six months to two years) and stable means that a rating is not likely to change during that period. S&P noted in its Research Update that if the Company were to report meaningful statutory losses, it would lower the ratings or revise the outlook to negative.

2. AGMH Acquisition

        On the Acquisition Date, AGL, through its wholly owned subsidiary Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc. ("AGUS"), purchased AGMH and, indirectly, its subsidiaries (excluding those involved in AGMH's former Financial Products Business) from Dexia Holdings. The acquired companies are collectively referred to as the "Acquired Companies." The AGMH subsidiaries that conducted AGMH's former Financial Products Business (the "Financial Products Companies") were sold to Dexia Holdings prior to the AGMH Acquisition. In connection with the AGMH Acquisition, Dexia Holdings agreed to assume the risks in respect of the Financial Products Business and AGM agreed to retain the risks relating to the debt and strip policy portions of such business. Accordingly, the Company has entered into various agreements with Dexia SA and certain of its affiliates (together, "Dexia") in order to transfer to Dexia the credit risks and, as discussed further in Note 16, the liquidity risks associated with AGMH's former Financial Products Business.

        The Company is indemnified against exposure to AGMH's former financial products segment through guaranties issued by Dexia. In addition, the Company is protected from exposure to AGMH's GIC business through guaranties issued by the French and Belgian governments. Furthermore, to

8


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

2. AGMH Acquisition (Continued)


support the payment obligations of the Financial Products Companies, Dexia SA and its affiliate Dexia Crédit Local S.A. ("DCL") have entered into two separate International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. ("ISDA") Master Agreements, each with its associated schedule, confirmation and credit support annex (the "Guaranteed Put Contract" and the "Non-Guaranteed Put Contract" respectively, and collectively, the "Dexia Put Contracts"), pursuant to which Dexia SA and DCL jointly and severally guarantee the scheduled payments of interest and principal in relation to each asset of FSA Asset Management LLC ("FSAM"), which is one of the Financial Products Companies, as well as any failure of Dexia to provide liquidity or liquid collateral under certain liquidity facilities.

        AGMH is now a wholly owned subsidiary of AGUS, and therefore the Company's financial statements subsequent to the Acquisition Date include the activities of the Acquired Companies.

        The purchase price paid by the Company was $546.0 million in cash and 22.3 million common shares of AGL with an Acquisition Date fair value of $275.9 million, for a total purchase price of $821.9 million.

        At the closing of the AGMH Acquisition, Dexia Holdings owned approximately 14.0% of AGL's issued common shares. Effective August 13, 2009, Dexia Holdings transferred such AGL common shares to Dexia SA, acting through its French branch. On March 16, 2010, Dexia SA sold all of such AGL common shares in a secondary public offering.

        The AGMH Acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Accordingly, the Company recorded the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair value at the Acquisition Date. In many cases, determining the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed required the Company to exercise significant judgment. The most significant of these determinations related to the valuation of the acquired financial guaranty direct and ceded contracts.

        The fair value of a financial guaranty direct contract is the estimated premium that a similarly rated hypothetical financial guarantor would demand to assume each policy. The methodology for determining such value takes into account the rating of the insured obligation, expectation of loss, sector and term. On January 1, 2009, new accounting guidance became effective for financial guaranty insurance which requires a Company to recognize loss reserves only to the extent expected losses exceed deferred premium revenue. As the fair value of the deferred premium revenue exceeded the Company's estimate of expected loss for each contract, no loss reserves were recorded at July 1, 2009 for the Acquired Companies' contracts.

        Based on the Company's assumptions, the fair value of the Acquired Companies' deferred premium revenue on its insurance contracts was $7.3 billion at July 1, 2009, an amount approximately $1.7 billion greater than the Acquired Companies' gross unearned premium and loss reserves (i.e. "gross stand ready obligations") at June 30, 2009. This indicates that the amounts of the Acquired Companies' contractual premiums were less than the premiums a market participant of similar credit quality would demand to acquire those contracts at the Acquisition Date. The fair value of the Acquired Companies' ceded contracts at July 1, 2009 was an asset of $1.7 billion and recorded in ceded unearned premium reserve. The fair value of the ceded contracts is in part derived from the fair value of the related insurance contracts with an adjustment for the credit quality of each reinsurer.

9


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

2. AGMH Acquisition (Continued)

        For AGMH's long-term debt, the fair value was based upon quoted market prices available from third-party brokers as of the Acquisition Date. The fair value of this debt was approximately $0.3 billion lower than its carrying value immediately prior to the AGMH Acquisition. This discount is being amortized into interest expense over the estimated remaining life of the debt.

        Additionally, other acquisition accounting adjustments included (1) the write off of the Acquired Companies' deferred acquisition cost ("DAC") and (2) the consolidation of certain financial guaranty variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the combined variable interest of the Acquired Companies and AG Re resulted in the Company being the primary beneficiary. Effective January 1, 2010, the Company deconsolidated these financial guaranty VIEs in accordance with new GAAP guidance as discussed in Note 8.

        The resulting bargain purchase gain was recorded within "Goodwill and settlement of pre-existing relationship" in the Company's consolidated statements of operations at the Acquisition Date. The bargain purchase resulted from the unprecedented credit crisis, which resulted in a significant decline in AGMH's franchise value due to material insured losses, ratings downgrades and significant losses at Dexia. Dexia required government intervention in its affairs, resulting in motivation to sell AGMH, and with the absence of potential purchasers of AGMH due to the financial crisis, the Company was able to negotiate a bargain purchase price. The initial difference between the purchase price of $821.9 million and AGMH's recorded net assets of $2.1 billion was reduced significantly by the recognition of additional liabilities related to AGMH's insured portfolio on a fair value basis as required by acquisition accounting.

        The Company and the Acquired Companies had a pre-existing reinsurance relationship. Under GAAP, this pre-existing relationship must be effectively settled at fair value. The loss relating to this pre-existing relationship resulted from the effective settlement of reinsurance contracts at fair value and the write-off of previously recorded assets and liabilities relating to this relationship recorded in the Company's historical accounts. The Company determined fair value as the difference between contractual premiums and the Company's estimate of current market premiums. The loss related to the contract settlement results from contractual premiums that were less than the Company's estimate of what a market participant would demand currently, estimated in a manner similar to how the value of the Acquired Companies' insurance policies were valued, as well as related acquisition costs.

        The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined results of operations of Assured Guaranty and the Acquired Companies. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not indicate the financial results of the combined company had the companies actually been combined as of January 1, 2009, nor is it indicative of the results of operations in future periods.

10


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

2. AGMH Acquisition (Continued)


Pro Forma Unaudited Results of Operations

 
  Nine Months 2009  
 
  Revenues   Net Income (Loss)
Attributable to
Assured Guaranty Ltd.
  Net Income (Loss) per
Basic Share
 
 
  (in millions, except per share amounts)
 

Assured Guaranty as reported

  $ 357.4   $ (119.5 ) $ (1.05 )

Pro forma combined

    1,775.4     658.5     4.20  

        In accordance with GAAP, the Company does not amortize goodwill, but instead performs an impairment test annually or more frequently should circumstances warrant. The impairment test evaluates goodwill for recoverability by comparing the fair value of the Company's direct and reinsurance lines of business to their carrying value. If fair value is greater than carrying value then goodwill is deemed to be recoverable and there is no impairment. If fair value is less than carrying value then goodwill is deemed to be impaired and written down to an amount such that the fair value of the reporting unit is equal to the carrying value, but not less than $0. As part of the impairment test of goodwill, there are inherent assumptions and estimates used by management in developing discounted future cash flows related to the Company's direct and reinsurance lines of business that are subject to change based on future events.

        The Company reassessed the recoverability of goodwill in the three-months ended September 30, 2009 ("Third Quarter 2009") subsequent to the AGMH Acquisition, which provided the Company's largest assumed book of business prior to the acquisition. As a result of the AGMH Acquisition, which significantly diminished the Company's potential near future market for assuming reinsurance, combined with the continued credit crisis, which has adversely affected the fair value of the Company's in-force policies, management determined that the full carrying value of $85.4 million of goodwill on its books prior to the AGMH Acquisition should be written off in the Third Quarter 2009. This charge does not have any adverse effect on the Company's debt agreements or its overall compliance with the covenants of its debt agreements.

11


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

2. AGMH Acquisition (Continued)

        AGMH Acquisition-related expenses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2010 ("Third Quarter 2010") and Third Quarter 2009, the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 ("Nine Months 2010") and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 ("Nine Months 2009) are as follows:

 
  Third
Quarter
  Nine
Months
 
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Severance costs

  $   $ 37.2   $   $ 37.2  

Professional services

        13.6     6.8     27.7  

Office consolidation

        0.5         15.3  
                   
 

Total

  $   $ 51.3   $ 6.8   $ 80.2  
                   

3. Basis of Presentation

        The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair statement of the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The year-end 2009 balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements cover the Third Quarter 2010, Third Quarter 2009, Nine Months 2010 and Nine Months 2009. Results of operations for the Third Quarter and Nine Months 2010 and 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. The Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010 financial statements include the effects of the Company's common share and equity units offerings that took place in December 2009. The effects of the AGMH Acquisition are included in periods since the Acquisition Date. In addition, financial statements for periods between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009 include the effects of consolidating certain financial guaranty VIEs where the Company was deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Effective January 1, 2010, new GAAP requirements resulted in the deconsolidation of these VIEs and the consolidation of certain other VIEs based on control rights. (See Note 8).

        Intercompany accounts and transactions between and among AGL and its subsidiaries have been eliminated as well as transactions between the insurance company subsidiaries and their consolidated VIEs. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

        These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

12


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

3. Basis of Presentation (Continued)

        In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") adopted Accounting Standards Update ("Update") No. 2010-26. This amendment in the Update specifies that certain costs incurred in the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts should be capitalized. These costs include incremental direct costs of contract acquisition that result directly from and are essential to the contract transaction and would not have been incurred by the insurance entity had the contract transaction not occurred. Costs incurred by the insurer for soliciting potential customers, market research, training, administration, unsuccessful acquisition efforts, and product development as well as all overhead type costs should be charged to expense as incurred. The amendment in the Update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The amendments in this Update will be applied prospectively upon adoption. Retrospective application to all prior periods presented upon the date of adoption also is permitted, but not required. Early adoption is permitted, but only at the beginning of an entity's annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the amendment in the Update will have on its consolidated financial statements.

4. Outstanding Exposure

        The Company's insurance policies and credit derivative contracts are written in different forms, but collectively are considered financial guaranty contracts. They typically guarantee the scheduled payments of principal and interest ("debt service") on public finance and structured finance obligations. Outstanding par and debt service amounts are presented below, including outstanding exposures on VIEs whether or not they are consolidated.


Debt Service Outstanding

 
  Gross Debt Service Outstanding   Net Debt Service Outstanding  
 
  September 30,
2010
  December 31,
2009
  September 30,
2010
  December 31,
2009
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Public finance

  $ 859,643   $ 880,933   $ 761,896   $ 761,301  

Structured finance

    191,691     214,104     179,613     196,964  
                   
 

Total

  $ 1,051,334   $ 1,095,037   $ 941,509   $ 958,265  
                   

        The Company seeks to limit its exposure to losses by underwriting obligations that are investment grade ("IG") at inception, diversifying its portfolio and maintaining rigorous subordination or collateralization requirements on structured finance obligations. The Company also utilizes reinsurance by ceding business to third-party reinsurers.

13


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

4. Outstanding Exposure (Continued)

        The following tables present par outstanding by type of issue for public finance obligations, or by collateral for structured finance obligations, and by the Company's internal rating.


Summary of Public Finance Insured Portfolio
By Type of Issue

 
  Gross Par Outstanding   Ceded Par Outstanding   Net Par Outstanding  
Types of Issues
  September 30,
2010
  December 31,
2009
  September 30,
2010
  December 31,
2009
  September 30,
2010
  December 31,
2009
 
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S.:

                                     
 

General obligation

  $ 199,355   $ 201,264   $ 17,629   $ 22,880   $ 181,726   $ 178,384  
 

Tax backed

    92,976     94,825     9,363     11,796     83,613     83,029  
 

Municipal utilities

    75,847     77,872     5,911     8,294     69,936     69,578  
 

Transportation

    42,094     42,540     5,877     7,243     36,217     35,297  
 

Healthcare

    27,019     28,214     5,124     6,205     21,895     22,009  
 

Higher education

    16,093     16,399     1,001     1,267     15,092     15,132  
 

Housing

    7,521     9,623     794     1,099     6,727     8,524  
 

Infrastructure finance

    4,931     4,530     895     977     4,036     3,553  
 

Investor-owned utilities

    1,599     1,694     2     4     1,597     1,690  
 

Other public finance—U.S. 

    5,853     6,002     108     120     5,745     5,882  
                           
   

Total public finance—U.S. 

    473,288     482,963     46,704     59,885     426,584     423,078  

Non-U.S.:

                                     
 

Infrastructure finance

    19,284     19,404     3,052     3,060     16,232     16,344  
 

Regulated utilities

    18,857     18,979     4,827     5,128     14,030     13,851  
 

Pooled infrastructure

    4,639     4,684     272     280     4,367     4,404  
 

Other public finance—non-U.S. 

    9,797     10,485     2,301     2,309     7,496     8,176  
                           
   

Total public finance—non-U.S. 

    52,577     53,552     10,452     10,777     42,125     42,775  
                           

Total public finance obligations

  $ 525,865   $ 536,515   $ 57,156   $ 70,662   $ 468,709   $ 465,853  
                           

14


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

4. Outstanding Exposure (Continued)

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


Summary of Structured Finance Insured Portfolio
By Type of Collateral

 
  Gross Par Outstanding   Ceded Par Outstanding   Net Par Outstanding  
Types of Collateral
  September 30,
2010
  December 31,
2009
  September 30,
2010
  December 31,
2009
  September 30,
2010
  December 31,
2009
 
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S.:

                                     
 

Pooled corporate obligations

  $ 75,131   $ 82,622   $ 4,455   $ 8,289   $ 70,676   $ 74,333  
 

RMBS

    27,655     31,033     1,640     1,857     26,015     29,176  
 

Financial products(1)

    7,712     10,251             7,712     10,251  
 

CMBS and other commercial real estate related exposures

    7,297     7,463     53     53     7,244     7,410  
 

Consumer receivables

    7,062     9,314     322     441     6,740     8,873  
 

Structured credit

    2,660     2,738     126     131     2,534     2,607  
 

Commercial receivables

    2,289     2,485     3     3     2,286     2,482  
 

Insurance securitizations

    1,731     1,731     80     80     1,651     1,651  
 

Other structured finance—U.S. 

    2,005     2,754     1,184     1,236     821     1,518  
                           
   

Total structured finance—U.S. 

    133,542     150,391     7,863     12,090     125,679     138,301  

Non-U.S.:

                                     
 

Pooled corporate obligations

    25,843     27,743     2,434     3,046     23,409     24,697  
 

RMBS

    5,061     5,623     372     396     4,689     5,227  
 

Commercial receivables

    1,830     1,908     36     36     1,794     1,872  
 

Structured credit

    1,918     2,285     134     216     1,784     2,069  
 

Insurance securitizations

    995     995     15     14     980     981  
 

CMBS and other commercial real estate related exposures

    649     752             649     752  
 

Other structured finance—non-U.S. 

    451     717     72     47     379     670  
                           
   

Total structured finance—non-U.S. 

    36,747     40,023     3,063     3,755     33,684     36,268  
                           

Total structured finance obligations

  $ 170,289   $ 190,414   $ 10,926   $ 15,845   $ 159,363   $ 174,569  
                           

(1)
As discussed in Note 2, this represents the exposure to AGM's financial guaranties of GICs issued by AGMH's former financial products companies. This exposure is guaranteed by Dexia. The Company is also protected by guaranties issued by the French and Belgian governments.

15


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

4. Outstanding Exposure (Continued)


Summary of Insured Portfolio By Rating

 
  September 30, 2010   December 31, 2009  
Ratings(1)
  Net Par
Outstanding
  % of Net Par
Outstanding
  Net Par
Outstanding
  % of Net Par
Outstanding
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Super senior

  $ 34,568     5.5 % $ 43,353     6.8 %

AAA

    69,302     11.0     59,786     9.3  

AA

    186,374     29.7     196,859     30.7  

A

    234,254     37.3     233,200     36.4  

BBB

    76,589     12.2     82,059     12.8  

Below investment grade ("BIG") (See Note 5)

    26,985     4.3     25,165     4.0  
                   
 

Total exposures

  $ 628,072     100.0 % $ 640,422     100.0 %
                   

(1)
Represents the Company's internal rating. The Company's ratings scale is similar to that used by the nationally recognized rating agencies; however, the ratings in the above table may not be the same as ratings assigned by any nationally recognized rating agency. The super senior category, which is not generally used by rating agencies, is used by the Company in instances where the Company's triple-A-rated exposure on its internal rating scale has additional credit enhancement due to either (1) the existence of another security rated triple-A that is subordinated to the Company's exposure or (2) the Company's exposure benefiting from a different form of credit enhancement that would pay any claims first in the event that any of the exposures incur a loss, and such credit enhancement, in management's opinion, causes the Company's attachment point to be materially above the triple-A attachment point.

        The Company may purchase securities that it has insured, and for which it has expected losses, in order to economically mitigate insured losses. These securities are purchased at trading discounts. As of September 30, 2010, securities purchased for loss mitigation purposes had a fair value of $150.1 million representing $484.6 million of gross par outstanding. In addition, under the terms of certain credit derivative contracts, the Company has obtained the underlying collateral of transactions and recorded it in invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Such amounts totaled $190.0 million, representing $274.4 million in gross par outstanding.

        As part of its financial guaranty business, the Company enters into credit derivative transactions. In such transactions, the buyer of protection pays the seller of protection a periodic fee in fixed basis points on a notional amount. In return, the seller makes a contingent payment to the buyer if one or more defined credit events occurs with respect to one or more third party referenced securities or loans. A credit event may be a non-payment event such as a failure to pay, bankruptcy, or restructuring, as negotiated by the parties to the credit derivative transaction. The total notional amount of insured credit derivative exposure outstanding which is accounted for at fair value as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and included in the Company's financial guaranty exposure in the tables above was $116.0 billion and $122.4 billion, respectively. See Note 7.

        In addition to amounts shown in the tables above, the Company had outstanding commitments to provide guaranties of $5.5 billion for structured finance and $3.6 billion for public finance commitments

16


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

4. Outstanding Exposure (Continued)


at September 30, 2010. The structured finance commitments include the unfunded component of and delayed draws on pooled corporate transactions. Public finance commitments are typically short term and relate to primary and secondary public finance debt issuances. The expiration dates for the public finance commitments range between October 1, 2010 through February 1, 2019, with $3.2 billion expiring prior to December 31, 2011. All the commitments are contingent on the satisfaction of all conditions set forth in them and may expire unused or be cancelled at the counterparty's request. Therefore, the total commitment amount does not necessarily reflect actual future guaranteed amounts.

5. Significant Risk Management Activities

        Surveillance personnel are responsible for monitoring and reporting on all transactions in the insured portfolio, including exposures in both financial guaranty insurance and credit derivative form. The primary objective of the surveillance process is to monitor trends and changes in transaction credit quality, detect any deterioration in credit quality, and recommend to management such remedial actions as may be necessary or appropriate. All transactions in the insured portfolio are assigned internal credit ratings, and Surveillance personnel are responsible for recommending adjustments to those ratings to reflect changes in transaction credit quality.

        Work-out personnel are responsible for managing work-out and loss mitigation situations. They develop strategies designed to enhance the ability of the Company to enforce its contractual rights and remedies and to mitigate its losses, engage in negotiation discussions with transaction participants and, when necessary, manage (along with legal personnel) the Company's litigation proceedings.

Significant Loss Mitigation Activities

        Since the onset of the financial crisis, the Company has shifted personnel to loss mitigation and work-out activities and hired new personnel to augment its efforts. Although the Company's loss mitigation efforts may extend to any transaction it has identified as having loss potential, much of the recent activity has been focused on RMBS.

        Generally, when mortgage loans are transferred into a securitization, the loan originator(s) and/or sponsor(s) provide representations and warranties ("R&W"), that the loans meet certain characteristics, and a breach of such R&W often requires that the loan be repurchased from the securitization. In many of the transactions the Company insures, it is in a position to enforce these requirements. The Company uses internal resources as well as third party forensic underwriting firms and legal firms to pursue breaches of R&W. If a provider of R&W refuses to honor its repurchase obligations, the Company may chose to initiate litigation. See "Recovery Litigation" in Note 6 below.

        The quality of servicing of the mortgage loans underlying an RMBS transaction influences collateral performance and ultimately the amount (if any) of the Company's insured losses. The Company has established a group to mitigate RMBS losses by influencing mortgage servicing, including causing the transfer of servicing or establishing special servicing.

        In the fall of 2010, several large RMBS servicers suspended foreclosures because of allegations of a widespread failure to comply with foreclosure procedures and faulty loan documentation. These issues are being investigated by various state attorney general offices throughout the U.S. The suspension of foreclosures and subsequent investigation will lead to additional servicing costs and

17


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

5. Significant Risk Management Activities (Continued)


expenses, including without limitation, increased advances by the servicers for principal and interest, taxes, insurance and legal costs. The Company is increasing its monitoring efforts to ensure that the servicers comply with their obligations under servicing contracts, including bearing the losses and expenses incurred as a result of this issue. These same foreclosure issues are expected to impact the timing of losses to RMBS transactions that the Company has insured, which may impact the speed at which various classes of RMBS securities amortize, and so could impact the size of losses ultimately paid by the Company. The Company expects these issues to take some time to resolve.

        The Company may also employ other strategies as appropriate to avoid or mitigate losses in U.S. RMBS or other areas.

Surveillance Categories

        The Company segregates its insured portfolio into IG and BIG surveillance categories to facilitate the appropriate allocation of resources to monitoring and loss mitigation efforts and to aid in establishing the appropriate cycle for periodic review for each exposure. BIG exposures include all exposures with internal credit ratings below BBB-. The Company's internal credit ratings are based on the Company's internal assessment of the likelihood of default. The Company's internal credit ratings are expressed on a ratings scale similar to that used by the rating agencies and are generally reflective of an approach similar to that employed by the rating agencies.

        The Company monitors its IG credits to determine whether any new credits need to be internally downgraded to BIG. Quarterly procedures include qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Company's insured portfolio to identify potential new BIG credits. The Company refreshes its internal credit ratings on individual credits in cycles based on the Company's view of the credit's quality, loss potential, volatility and sector. Ratings on credits in sectors identified as under the most stress or with the most potential volatility are reviewed every quarter. Credits identified through this process as BIG are subjected to further review by Surveillance personnel to determine the various probabilities of a loss. Surveillance personnel present analysis related to potential loss scenarios to the Company's loss reserve committee.

        Within the BIG category, the Company assigns each credit to one of three surveillance categories. Intense monitoring and intervention is employed for all BIG categories, with internal credit ratings reviewed quarterly:

18


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

5. Significant Risk Management Activities (Continued)


Financial Guaranty Exposures
(Insurance and Credit Derivative Form)

 
  September 30, 2010  
 
  BIG Net Par Outstanding    
 
 
  Total Net Par
Outstanding
 
 
  BIG 1   BIG 2   BIG 3   Total BIG  
 
  (in millions)
 

First Lien U.S. RMBS:

                               
 

Prime first lien

  $ 79   $ 577   $   $ 656   $ 885  
 

Alt-A first lien

    548     3,706     483     4,737     6,274  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    342     1,977     706     3,025     3,402  
 

Subprime (including net interest margin securities ("NIMs"))

    60     2,880     100     3,040     9,289  

Second Lien U.S. RMBS:

                               
 

Closed end second lien ("CES")

    105     515     523     1,143     1,180  
 

Home equity lines of credit ("HELOC")

    395     2     3,835     4,232     4,985  
                       
   

Total U.S. RMBS

    1,529     9,657     5,647     16,833     26,015  

Other structured finance

    2,150     1,029     2,236     5,415     133,348  

Public finance

    3,363     762     612     4,737     468,709  
                       
     

Total

  $ 7,042   $ 11,448   $ 8,495   $ 26,985   $ 628,072  
                       

 

 
  December 31, 2009  
 
  BIG Net Par Outstanding    
 
 
  Total Net Par
Outstanding
 
 
  BIG 1   BIG 2   BIG 3   Total BIG  
 
  (in millions)
 

First Lien U.S. RMBS:

                               
 

Prime first lien

  $ 564   $ 51   $   $ 615   $ 985  
 

Alt-A first lien

    752     3,698     173     4,623     7,108  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    629     2,811         3,440     3,882  
 

Subprime (including NIMs securities)

    985     1,648     55     2,688     9,956  

Second Lien U.S. RMBS:

                               
 

CES

    123     628     509     1,260     1,305  
 

HELOCs

    13     113     4,372     4,498     5,940  
                       
   

Total U.S. RMBS

    3,066     8,949     5,109     17,124     29,176  

Other structured finance

    1,211     967     2,093     4,271     145,393  

Public finance

    2,361     723     687     3,771     465,853  
                       
     

Total

  $ 6,638   $ 10,639   $ 7,889   $ 25,166   $ 640,422  
                       

19


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance

        The following table provides information for contracts accounted for as financial guaranty insurance contracts:


Expected Collections of Gross Premiums Receivable,
Net of Ceding Commissions Payable

 
  September 30,
2010(1)
 
 
  (in millions)
 

2010 (October 1 - December 31)

  $ 111.5  

2011

    140.0  

2012

    122.3  

2013

    110.9  

2014

    99.4  

2015 - 2019

    413.5  

2020 - 2024

    300.2  

2025 - 2029

    218.3  

After 2029

    269.7  
       
 

Total expected collections

  $ 1,785.8  
       

(1)
Represents nominal amounts expected to be collected and excludes the Other segment.

        The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of gross premium receivable net of ceding commission payable.


Gross Premium Receivable, Net of Ceding Commissions Payable Roll Forward

 
  Nine Months 2010  
 
  (in millions)
 

Premium receivable, net at December 31, 2009

  $ 1,418.2  
 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

    (19.0 )
       
 

Premium receivable, net at January 1, 2010

    1,399.2  
 

Premium written, net

    253.9  
 

Premium payments received, net

    (356.3 )
 

Adjustments to the premium receivable:

       
   

Changes in the expected term of financial guaranty insurance contracts

    13.2  
   

Accretion of the discount

    35.1  
   

Foreign exchange rate changes

    (24.2 )
   

Other adjustments

    1.6  
       

Premium receivable, net at September 30, 2010(1)

  $ 1,322.5  
       

(1)
Includes premiums receivable of $0.2 million for Other segment.

20


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

        Gains or losses due to foreign exchange rate changes relate to installment premium receivables denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Approximately 41% of the Company's installment premiums at September 30, 2010 are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily in Euro and British Pound Sterling ("GBP"). Premium receivable is revalued to the spot rate at the end of each reporting period with the change reflected in either (1) other income in the consolidated statements of operations for premium receivable recorded by subsidiaries using the U.S. dollar as its functional currency or (2) other comprehensive income ("OCI") as a cumulative translation adjustment for premium receivables recorded by subsidiaries using a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.


Selected Information for Policies Paid in Installments

 
  As of September 30,
2010
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commission payable

    1,322.5  

Gross deferred premium revenue

    3,512.3  

Weighted-average risk-free rate used to discount premiums

    3.4  

Weighted-average period of premiums receivable (in years)

    10.3  

        The following table presents the components of net earned premiums.


Net Earned Premiums

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Scheduled net earned premiums

  $ 256.4   $ 300.3   $ 814.7   $ 404.6  

Acceleration of premium earnings(1)

    21.2     17.4     52.0     127.7  

Accretion of discount on net premiums receivable

    10.5     11.6     31.8     22.5  
                   

Total financial guaranty

    288.1     329.3     898.5     554.8  

Other

    0.6     0.7     1.9     2.3  
                   
 

Total net earned premiums

  $ 288.7   $ 330.0   $ 900.4   $ 557.1  
                   

(1)
Reflects the unscheduled refundings of underlying insured obligations.

        The unearned premium reserve is comprised of deferred premium revenue net of claim payments that are not expected to be recovered and have not yet been recorded through the consolidated statements of operations. Paid losses are expensed when total expected loss (i.e. claim payments plus future expected loss) exceed deferred premium revenue on a contract.

21


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


Components of Net Unearned Premium Reserve

 
  As of September 30, 2010   As of December 31, 2009  
 
  Gross
Unearned
Premium
Reserve
  Ceded
Unearned
Premium
Reserve
  Net
Unearned
Premium
Reserve
  Gross
Unearned
Premium
Reserve
  Ceded
Unearned
Premium
Reserve
  Net
Unearned
Premium
Reserve
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Deferred premium revenue

  $ 7,575.4   $ 925.3   $ 6,650.1   $ 8,536.7   $ 1,095.6   $ 7,441.1  

Claim payments

    (211.6 )   (28.1 )   (183.5 )   (149.2 )   (15.1 )   (134.1 )
                           

Total financial guaranty

    7,363.8     897.2     6,466.6     8,387.5     1,080.5   $ 7,307.0  

Other

    11.0         11.0     12.7         12.7  
                           
 

Total

  $ 7,374.8   $ 897.2   $ 6,477.6   $ 8,400.2   $ 1,080.5   $ 7,319.7  
                           

        The following table provides a schedule of how the Company's financial guaranty insurance net deferred premium revenue and PV of expected losses are expected to run off in the consolidated statement of operations, pre-tax. This table excludes amounts related to consolidated VIEs.


Expected Financial Guaranty Insurance Scheduled Net Earned Premiums and
Net Loss to be Expensed

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Scheduled
Net Earned
Premium
  Net Expected
Loss and
LAE(1)
  Net  
 
  (in millions)
 

2010 (October 1 - December 31)

  $ 233.9   $ 79.6   $ 154.3  

2011

    748.7     192.9     555.8  

2012

    593.2     116.5     476.7  

2013

    512.9     89.8     423.1  

2014

    458.5     77.7     380.8  

2015 - 2019

    1,687.1     245.9     1,441.2  

2020 - 2024

    1,046.5     123.1     923.4  

2025 - 2029

    650.4     72.0     578.4  

After 2029

    718.9     72.8     646.1  
               
 

Total present value basis(2)(3)

    6,650.1     1,070.3     5,579.8  

Discount

    405.2     579.9     (174.7 )
               
 

Total future value

  $ 7,055.3   $ 1,650.2   $ 5,405.1  
               

(1)
These amounts reflect the Company's estimate as of September 30, 2010 of expected losses to be expensed and are not included in loss and LAE reserve because these losses are less than deferred premium revenue determined on a contract-by-contract basis.

(2)
Balances represent discounted amounts.

(3)
The effect of consolidating VIEs resulted in a reduction of $213.5 million in future scheduled net earned premium and $110.0 million in net expected loss and LAE.

22


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

        The following table presents a rollforward of the present value of net expected loss and LAE to be paid from January 1, 2010 by sector.


Financial Guaranty Insurance
Present Value of Net Expected Loss and LAE to be paid
Roll Forward by Sector(1)

 
  Expected
Loss to be
Paid as of
January 1, 2010
  Loss
Development
and Accretion
of Discount
  Less:
Paid
Losses
  Expected
Loss to be
Paid as of
September 30,
2010
 
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S. RMBS:

                         
 

First lien:

                         
   

Prime first lien

  $   $ 0.9   $   $ 0.9  
   

Alt-A first lien

    204.4     24.1     43.1     185.4  
   

Alt-A option ARM

    545.2     102.8     103.4     544.6  
   

Subprime

    77.5     79.0     3.0     153.5  
                   
     

Total first lien

    827.1     206.8     149.5     884.4  
 

Second lien:

                         
   

CES

    199.3     (35.3 )   60.0     104.0  
   

HELOCs

    (232.9 )   53.2     445.3     (625.0 )
                   
     

Total second lien

    (33.6 )   17.9     505.3     (521.0 )
                   

Total U.S. RMBS

    793.5     224.7     654.8     363.4  

Other structured finance

    102.6     53.5     7.5     148.6  

Public finance

    130.9     (7.7 )   57.1     66.1  
                   
     

Total(1)

  $ 1,027.0   $ 270.5   $ 719.4   $ 578.1  
                   

(1)
Excludes $3.6 million and $5.2 million of expected losses related to the Other segment recorded in loss reserves on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

        Expected loss and LAE to be paid in the table above represents the present value of losses to be paid net of expected salvage and subrogation and reinsurance cessions. The amount of expected loss to be paid in the table above differs from net expected loss and LAE in the previous table due primarily to amounts paid that have not yet been expensed and amounts expensed not yet paid. Loss and LAE is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when the sum of claim payments not yet expensed, plus the present value of future expected losses exceeds deferred premium revenue on a contract by contract basis.

        The Company's estimate of ultimate loss on a policy is subject to significant uncertainty over the life of the insured transaction due to the potential for significant variability in credit performance due to changing economic, fiscal and financial market variability over the long duration of most contracts.

23


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


The determination of expected loss is an inherently subjective process involving numerous estimates, assumptions and judgments by management. The Company's estimates of expected losses on RMBS transactions takes into account expected recoveries from sellers and originators of the underlying residential mortgages due to breaches in the originator's R&W regarding the loans transferred to the RMBS transaction.

        The following table provides information on financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance contracts categorized as BIG as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:


Financial Guaranty Insurance BIG Transaction Loss Summary
September 30, 2010

 
  BIG Categories  
 
  BIG 1   BIG 2   BIG 3   Total
BIG(1)
  Effect
of
Consolidating
VIEs
  Total  
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Number of risks(2)

    86     152     96     334         334  

Remaining weighted-average contract period (in years)

    12.6     9.1     7.9     9.5         9.5  

Gross insured contractual payments outstanding:

                                     
 

Principal

  $ 5,143.1   $ 7,278.3   $ 7,735.7   $ 20,157.1       $ 20,157.1  
 

Interest

    3,197.5     3,408.9     2,071.7     8,678.1         8,678.1  
                           
   

Total

  $ 8,340.6   $ 10,687.2   $ 9,807.4   $ 28,835.2   $   $ 28,835.2  
                           

Gross expected cash outflows for loss and LAE

  $ 576.2   $ 1,919.5   $ 2,242.4   $ 4,738.1   $ (227.5 ) $ 4,510.6  

Less:

                                     
 

Gross potential recoveries(3)

    570.2     546.2     2,394.1     3,510.5     (220.8 )   3,289.7  
 

Discount

    55.8     481.5     107.2     644.5     (37.2 )   607.3  
                           

Present value of expected cash outflows (inflows) for loss and LAE

  $ (49.8 ) $ 891.8   $ (258.9 ) $ 583.1   $ 30.5   $ 613.6  
                           

Deferred premium revenue

  $ 56.6   $ 788.8   $ 1,096.1   $ 1,941.5   $ (185.9 ) $ 1,755.6  

Gross reserves (salvage) for loss and LAE reported in the balance sheet(4)

  $ (65.9 ) $ 316.4   $ (666.2 ) $ (415.7 ) $ 54.3   $ (361.4 )

Reinsurance recoverable (payable)(5)

  $ (7.3 ) $ 2.6   $ (75.9 ) $ (80.6 ) $   $ (80.6 )

(1)
Includes BIG amounts relating to VIEs that the Company consolidates.

24


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

(2)
A risk represents the aggregate of the financial guarantee policies that share the same revenue source for purposes of making debt service payments.

(3)
Includes estimated future recoveries for breaches of R&W as well as excess spread, and draws on HELOCs.

(4)
Consists of gross financial guaranty loss and LAE reserves, excluding $3.6 million in other segment, less gross salvage and subrogation recoverable.

(5)
Consists of financial guaranty reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, excluding $1.5 million in other segment, less ceded salvage and subrogation recoverable.


Financial Guaranty Insurance BIG Transaction Loss Summary
December 31, 2009

 
  BIG Categories  
 
  BIG 1   BIG 2   BIG 3   Total  
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Number of risks(1)

    97     161     37     295  

Remaining weighted-average contract period (in years)

    8.8     7.6     9.2     8.5  

Gross insured contractual payments outstanding:

                         
 

Principal

  $ 4,230.9   $ 6,804.6   $ 6,671.6   $ 17,707.1  
 

Interest

    1,532.3     2,685.1     1,729.2     5,946.6  
                   
   

Total

  $ 5,763.2   $ 9,489.7   $ 8,400.8   $ 23,653.7  
                   

Gross expected cash outflows for loss and LAE

  $ 35.8   $ 1,948.8   $ 2,569.8   $ 4,554.4  

Less:

                         
 

Gross potential recoveries(2)

    3.5     506.6     2,312.0     2,822.1  
 

Discount

    18.3     419.8     161.4     599.5  
                   

Present value of expected cash flows for loss and LAE

  $ 14.0   $ 1,022.4   $ 96.4   $ 1,132.8  
                   

Deferred premium revenue

  $ 49.3   $ 1,187.3   $ 1,274.2   $ 2,510.8  

Gross reserves (salvage) for loss and LAE reported in the balance sheet(3)

  $ (0.1 ) $ 146.4   $ (282.3 ) $ (136.0 )

Reinsurance recoverable (payable)(4)

  $   $ 4.6   $ (27.6 ) $ (23.0 )

(1)
A risk represents the aggregate of the financial guarantee policies that share the same revenue source for purposes of making debt service payments.

(2)
Includes estimated future recoveries for breaches of R&W as well as excess spread and draws on HELOCs.

(3)
Consists of gross financial guaranty loss and LAE reserves, excluding $5.2 million in other segment, less gross salvage and subrogation recoverable.

(4)
Consists of financial guaranty reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, excluding other segment, less ceded salvage and subrogation recoverable

25


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

        The Company used weighted-average risk free rates ranging from 0% to 4.51% and 0.07% to 5.21% to discount expected losses as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

        The following table provides information on loss and LAE reserves net of reinsurance on the consolidated balance sheets.


Loss and LAE, Net of Reinsurance

 
  As of
September 30,
2010
  As of
December 31,
2009
 
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S. RMBS:

             
 

First Lien:

             
   

Prime first lien

  $ 0.8   $  
   

Alt-A first lien

    34.1     25.5  
   

Alt-A option ARM

    172.5     51.2  
   

Subprime

    75.3     21.8  
           
     

Total first lien

    282.7     98.5  
 

Second lien:

             
   

CES

    7.4     21.2  
   

HELOC

    5.8     18.2  
           
     

Total second lien

    13.2     39.4  
           

Total US RMBS

    295.9     137.9  

Other structured finance

    113.5     67.7  

Public finance

    58.0     67.7  
           

Total financial guaranty

    467.4     273.3  

Other

    2.1     2.1  
           
   

Subtotal

    469.5     275.4  

Effect of consolidating VIEs

    (20.6 )    
           
   

Total(1)

  $ 448.9   $ 275.4  
           

(1)
The September 30, 2010 total consists of $467.0 million loss and LAE reserves net of $18.1 million of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses. The December 31, 2009 total consists of $289.5 million loss and LAE reserves net of $14.1 million of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses.

26


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

        The following table provides information on salvage and subrogation recoverable on financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance contracts recorded as an asset on the consolidated balance sheets.


Summary of Salvage and Subrogation

 
  As of September 30,
2010
  As of December 31,
2009
 
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S. RMBS:

             
 

First lien:

             
   

Alt-A first lien

  $ 2.4   $  
   

Alt-A option ARM

    39.5      
   

Subprime

        0.1  
           
     

Total first lien

    41.9     0.1  
 

Second Lien:

             
   

CES

    59.6     0.1  
   

HELOC

    749.3     416.6  
           
     

Total second lien

    808.9     416.7  
           

Total U.S. RMBS

    850.8     416.8  

Other structured finance

    0.8     1.0  

Public finance

    48.1     2.5  
           

Total

    899.7     420.3  

Effect of consolidating VIEs

    (74.9 )    
           
   

Total gross recoverable

    824.8     420.3  

Less: Ceded recoverable(1)

    97.2     42.2  
           
   

Net recoverable

  $ 727.6   $ 378.1  
           

(1)
Recorded in "reinsurance balances payable, net" on the consolidated balance sheets.

27


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

Loss and LAE (Recoveries)
By Type

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Financial Guaranty:

                         
 

U.S. RMBS:

                         
   

First lien:

                         
     

Prime first lien

  $ 0.5   $ 2.2   $ 0.5   $ 2.2  
     

Alt-A first lien

    8.8     7.6     22.3     14.0  
     

Alt-A option ARM

    65.3     0.3     166.3     8.5  
     

Subprime

    9.9     9.5     50.9     15.4  
                   
       

Total first lien

    84.5     19.6     240.0     40.1  
   

Second lien:

                         
     

CES

    4.8     11.8     (2.3 )   47.1  
     

HELOC

    17.2     59.4     52.0     100.0  
                   
       

Total second lien

    22.0     71.2     49.7     147.1  
                   
 

Total U.S. RMBS

    106.5     90.8     289.7     187.2  
 

Other structured finance

    14.6     22.0     56.4     9.6  
 

Public finance

    (0.6 )   20.3     10.3     42.2  
                   

Total Financial Guaranty

    120.5     133.1     356.4     239.0  

Other

    0.1     0.2     0.2     12.1  
                   
   

Subtotal

    120.6     133.3     356.6     251.1  

Effect of consolidating VIEs

    (11.5 )       (45.8 )    
                   
   

Total loss and LAE

  $ 109.1   $ 133.3   $ 310.8   $ 251.1  
                   

28


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


Net Losses Paid on Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S. RMBS:

                         
 

First lien:

                         
   

Prime first lien

  $   $   $   $  
   

Alt-A first lien

    14.1     0.7     43.1     0.7  
   

Alt-A option ARM

    54.3     0.4     103.4     0.4  
   

Subprime

    0.7     1.8     3.0     2.6  
                   
     

Total first lien

    69.1     2.9     149.5     3.7  
 

Second lien:

                         
   

CES

    20.1     43.1     60.0     77.3  
   

HELOC

    129.5     248.3     445.3     363.2  
                   
     

Total second lien

    149.6     291.4     505.3     440.5  
                   

Total US RMBS

    218.7     294.3     654.8     444.2  

Other structured finance

    1.9     (3.8 )   7.5     17.6  

Public finance

    22.9     2.4     57.1     20.5  
                   

Total Financial Guaranty

    243.5     292.9     719.4     482.3  

Other

    0.2     0.1     0.2     12.4  
                   
     

Subtotal

    243.7     293.0     719.6     494.7  

Effect of consolidating VIEs

    (37.0 )       (95.9 )    
                   
     

Total

  $ 206.7   $ 293.0   $ 623.7   $ 494.7  
                   

Loss Estimation Process and Assumptions

        In accordance with the Company's standard practices, the Company evaluated the most current available information as part of its loss estimation process, including trends in delinquencies and charge-offs on the underlying loans and its experience in requiring providers of R&W to purchase ineligible loans out of these transactions. Most of the Company's expected loss and LAE and paid losses relate to U.S. RMBS. As has been widely reported in the press, unprecedented levels of delinquencies and defaults have negatively impacted the mortgage market, especially U.S. RMBS issued in the period from 2005 through 2007. The Company observed some improvement in roll rates (the rates at which loans transition from one stage of delinquency to the next and, ultimately, default) over the quarter, particularly in second lien transactions. Consequently, some of the initial plateau conditional default rates ("CDR") used by the Company to project losses were generally lower this quarter than last quarter. Unfortunately, early stage delinquencies did not trend down as much as the Company had hoped, so the Company retained the shape of the curves and probability weightings used last quarter. By doing this, the Company essentially assumed the recovery in the housing and mortgage markets would be delayed by another three months. Changes were made with respect to how scenarios were run in the second quarter 2010 as compared to March 31, 2010, to reflect the Company's view

29


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


that it might have been witnessing the beginning of an improvement in the housing and mortgage markets. The scenarios used in first quarter of 2010, with the exception of an adjustment to the subprime severity, were the same as those employed at year-end 2009.

U.S. Second Lien RMBS: HELOCs and CES

        The Company insures two types of second lien RMBS: those secured by HELOCs and those secured by CES mortgages. HELOCs are revolving lines of credit generally secured by a second lien on a one to four family home. A mortgage for a fixed amount secured by a second lien on a one to four family home is generally referred to as a CES. The Company has material exposure to second lien mortgage loans originated and serviced by a number of parties, but the Company's most significant second lien exposure is to HELOCs originated and serviced by Countrywide, a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

        The delinquency performance of HELOC and CES exposures included in transactions insured by the Company began to deteriorate in 2007, and such transactions, particularly those originated in the period from 2005 through 2007, continue to perform below the Company's original underwriting expectations. While insured securities benefit from structural protections within the transactions designed to absorb collateral losses in excess of previous historical high levels, in many second lien RMBS projected losses now exceed those structural protections.

        The Company believes the primary variables impacting its expected losses in second lien RMBS transactions are the amount and timing of future losses in the collateral pool supporting the transactions and the amount of loans repurchased for breaches of R&W. Expected losses are also a function of the structure of the transaction, the voluntary prepayment rate, typically also referred to as conditional prepayment rate ("CPR") of the collateral: the interest rate environment; and assumptions about the draw rate and loss severity. These variables are: interrelated, difficult to predict and subject to considerable volatility. If actual experience differs from the Company's assumptions, the losses incurred could be materially different from the estimate. The Company continues to update its evaluation of these exposures as new information becomes available.

30


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

        The following table shows the Company's key assumptions used in its calculation of estimated expected losses for these types of policies as of September, 30, 2010, June 30, 2010, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:


Key Assumptions in Base Case Expected Loss Estimates
Second Lien RMBS(1)

HELOC Key Variables
  September 30,
2010
  June 30,
2010
  March 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009

Plateau CDR

  4.6 - 25.2%   8.3 - 27.5%   11.5 - 38.0%   10.7 - 40.0%

Final CDR trended down to

  0.5 - 3.2%   0.5 - 3.2%   0.5 - 3.2%   0.5 - 3.2%

Expected period until final CDR

  24 months   24 months   21 months   21 months

Initial CPR

  0.5 - 18.4%   0.9 - 20.1%   0.4 - 13.4%   1.9 - 14.9%

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

Loss severity

  98%   95%   95%   95%

Initial draw rate

  0.0 - 4.6%   0.2 - 6.9%   0.2 - 4.8%   0.1 - 2.0%

 

CES Key Variables
  September 30,
2010
  June 30,
2010
  March 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009

Plateau CDR

  6.7 - 27.3%   8.0 - 28.0%   7.4 - 32.7%   21.5 - 44.2%

Final CDR rate trended down to

  2.9 - 8.1%   2.9 - 8.1%   2.9 - 8.1%   3.3 - 8.1%

Expected period until final CDR achieved

  24 months   24 months   21 months   21 months

Initial CPR

  1.0 - 11.8%   0.8 - 10.1%   1.6 - 8.4%   0.8 - 3.6%

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

Loss severity

  98%   95%   95%   95%

(1)
Represents assumptions for most heavily weighted scenario (the "base case").

        For second lien transactions, the Company calculates expected losses in the following fashion: A loan is generally "charged off" by the securitization's servicer once the loan is 180 days past due and therefore the Company's projections assume that a loss is charged off once it is 180 days past due. Most second lien transactions report the amount of loans in five monthly delinquency categories (i.e., 30-59 days past due, 60-89 days past due, 90-119 days past due, 120-149 days past due and 150-179 days past due). The Company estimates the amount of loans that will default over the next five months by calculating current representative liquidation rates (the percent of loans in a given delinquency status that are assumed to ultimately default) from selected transactions and then applying those liquidation rates to the amount of loans in the delinquency categories. The amount of loans projected to default in the first through fifth months are then expressed as CDR, and the average of those CDRs is then used as the basis for calculating defaults after the fifth month. As was the case last quarter, in the base scenario, this CDR (the "plateau CDR") is held constant for one month. Once the plateau period has ended, the CDR is assumed to gradually trend down in uniform increments to its final long-term steady state CDR. In the base scenario, the time over which the CDR trends down to its final CDR is eighteen months. Therefore, in the base case scenario, the total time from the current period to the end of the ramp (when the long-term steady CDR is reached) is 24 months. The long-term steady state CDRs are calculated as the constant conditional default rates that would have

31


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


yielded the amount of losses originally expected at underwriting. When a second lien loan defaults, there is generally very low recovery. Based on current expectations of future performance, the Company reduced its loss recovery assumption to 2% from 5% (thus increasing its severity from 95% to 98%) in Third Quarter 2010.

        The rate at which the principal amount of a loan is prepaid may impact both the amount of losses projected (which is a function of the CDR and the loan balance over time) as well as the amount of excess spread (which is the excess of the interest paid by the borrowers on the underlying loan over the amount of interest and expenses owed on the insured obligations). In the base case, the current CPR is assumed to continue until the end of the plateau before gradually increasing to the final CPR over the same period the CDR decreases. For transactions where the initial CPR is higher than the final CPR, the initial CPR is held constant. The final CPR is assumed to be 10% for both HELOC and CES transactions. This level is much higher than current rates, but lower than the historical average, which reflects the Company's continued uncertainty about performance of the borrowers in these transactions. This pattern is consistent with how the Company modeled the CPR in both the first and second quarter of 2010 and fourth quarter of 2009.

        The Company uses a number of other variables in its second lien loss projections, including the spread between relevant interest rate indices, and HELOC draw rates (the amount of new advances provided on existing HELOCs expressed as a percent of current outstanding advances). For HELOC transactions, the draw rate is assumed to decline from the current level to the final draw rate over a period of three months. The final draw rates were assumed to range from 0.0% to 3.9%.

        In estimating expected losses, the Company modeled and probability weighted three possible CDR curves applicable to the period preceding the return to the long-term steady state CDR. Given that draw rates have been reduced to levels below the historical average and that loss severities in these products have been higher than anticipated at inception, the Company believes that the level of the elevated CDR and the length of time it will persist is the primary driver behind the likely amount of losses the collateral will suffer (before considering the effects of repurchases of ineligible loans). The Company continues to evaluate the assumptions affecting its modeling results.

        As in the case of second quarter of 2010, the Company's base case assumed a one month CDR plateau and an 18 month ramp down. Increasing the CDR plateau to 4 months and keeping the ramp down at 18 months would increase the expected loss by approximately $125.5 million for HELOC transactions and $12.7 million for CES transactions. On the other hand, keeping the CDR plateau at one month but decreasing the length of the CDR ramp down back to the 12 month assumption for second quarter of 2010 would decrease the expected loss from those taken by approximately $89.7 million for HELOC transactions and $10.3 million for CES transactions.

U.S. First Lien RMBS: Alt-A, Option ARM, Subprime and Prime

        First lien RMBS are generally categorized in accordance with the characteristics of the first lien mortgage loans on one to four family homes supporting the transactions. The collateral supporting "Subprime RMBS" transactions is comprised of first-lien residential mortgage loans made to subprime borrowers. A "subprime borrower" is one considered to be a higher risk credit based on credit scores or other risk characteristics. Another type of RMBS transaction is generally referred to as "Alt-A

32


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


RMBS." The collateral supporting such transactions is comprised of first-lien residential mortgage loans made to "prime" quality borrowers who lack certain ancillary characteristics that would make them prime. When more than 66% of the loans originally included in the pool are mortgage loans with an option to make a minimum payment that has the potential to negatively amortize the loan (i.e., increase the amount of principal owed), the transaction is referred to as an "Option ARM." Finally, transactions may be primarily composed of loans made to prime borrowers.

        The performance of the Company's first lien RMBS exposures began to deteriorate in 2007 and such transactions, particularly those originated in the period from 2005 through 2007 and continue to perform below the Company's original underwriting expectations. The Company currently projects first lien collateral losses many times those expected at the time of underwriting. While insured securities benefitted from structural protections within the transactions designed to absorb some of the collateral losses, in many first lien RMBS transactions, projected losses exceed those structural protections.

        The majority of projected losses in first lien RMBS transactions are expected to come from mortgage loans that are delinquent or in foreclosure. An increase in delinquent and foreclosed loans beyond those delinquent and foreclosed last quarter is one of the primary drivers of loss development in this portfolio. In order to determine the number of defaults resulting from these delinquent and foreclosed loans, the Company applies a liquidation rate assumption to loans in each of various delinquency categories. The following table shows the Company's liquidation assumptions for various delinquency categories as of September 30, 2010 and June 30, 2010. The liquidation rate is a standard industry measure that is used to estimate the number of loans in a given aging category that will

33


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


default within a specified time period. The Company projects these liquidations to occur over two years.

 
  September 30,
2010
  June 30,
2010
 

30 - 59 Days Delinquent

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    50 %   50 %
 

Alt-A option ARM

    50     50  
 

Subprime

    45     45  

60 - 89 Days Delinquent

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    65     65  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    65     65  
 

Subprime

    65     65  

90 - Bankruptcy

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    75     75  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    75     75  
 

Subprime

    70     70  

Foreclosure

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    85     85  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    85     85  
 

Subprime

    85     85  

Real Estate Owned

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    100     100  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    100     100  
 

Subprime

    100     100  

        Losses are also projected on first lien RMBS that are presently current loans. The Company projects these losses by applying a CDR trend. The start of that CDR trend is based on the defaults the Company projected would emerge from currently delinquent and foreclosed loans. The total amount of expected defaults from these loans is then translated into a constant CDR (i.e., the CDR plateau), which, if applied for each of the next 24 months, would be sufficient to produce approximately the amount of losses that were calculated to emerge from the various delinquency categories. In the base case, each transaction's CDR is projected to improve over 12 months to an intermediate CDR (calculated as 15% of its CDR plateau); that intermediate CDR is held constant for 36 months and then trails off in steps to a final CDR of 5% of the CDR plateau. Under the Company's methodology, defaults projected to occur in the first 24 months represent defaults that can be attributed to loans that are currently delinquent or in foreclosure, while the defaults projected to occur using the projected CDR trend after the first 24 month period represent defaults attributable to borrowers that are currently performing.

        Another important driver of loss projections is loss severity, which is the amount of loss the transaction incurs on a loan after the application of net proceeds from the disposal of the underlying property. Loss severities experienced in first lien transactions have reached historical high levels and

34


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


the Company is assuming that these historical high levels will continue for another year. The Company determines its initial loss severity based on actual recent experience. The Company then assumes that loss severities begin returning to levels consistent with underwriting assumptions beginning in September 2011, and in the base scenario decline over two years to 40%.

        The following table shows the Company's key assumptions used in its calculation of expected losses for these types of policies as of September 30, 2010, June 30, 2010, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:


Key Assumptions in Base Case Expected Loss Estimates of First Lien RMBS Transactions

 
  September 30,
2010
  June 30,
2010
  March 31,
2010
  As of
December 31,
2009

Alt-A First Lien

               
 

Plateau CDR

  2.2% - 42.2%   2.2% - 40.6%   2.0% - 34.4%   1.5% - 35.7%
 

Intermediate CDR

  0.4% - 7.1%   0.3% - 6.1%   0.3% - 5.2%   0.2% - 5.4%
 

Final CDR

  0.1% - 2.1%   0.1% - 2.0%   0.1% - 1.7%   0.1% - 1.8%
 

Initial loss severity

  60%   60%   60%   60%
 

Initial CPR

  0.0% - 28.5%   0.0% - 16.2%   0.0% - 27.9%   0.0% - 20.5%
 

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

Alt-A option ARM

               
 

Plateau CDR

  12.2% - 31.7%   12.5% - 29.9%   15.1% - 27.4%   13.5% - 27.0%
 

Intermediate CDR

  1.8% - 4.8%   1.9% - 4.5%   2.3% - 4.1%   2.0% - 4.1%
 

Final CDR

  0.6% - 1.6%   0.6% - 1.5%   0.8% - 1.4%   0.7% - 1.4%
 

Initial loss severity

  60%   60%   60%   60%
 

Initial CPR

  0.0% - 10.4%   0.0% - 9.3%   0.0% - 12.3%   0.0% - 3.5%
 

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

Subprime

               
 

Plateau CDR

  7.1% - 33.3%   8.4% - 34.4%   7.8% - 30.4%   7.1% - 29.5%
 

Intermediate CDR

  1.1% - 5.0%   1.3% - 5.2%   1.2% - 4.6%   1.1% - 4.4%
 

Final CDR

  0.4% - 1.7%   0.4% - 1.7%   0.4% - 1.5%   0.4% - 1.5%
 

Initial loss severity

  75%   75%   75%   70%
 

Initial CPR

  0.0% - 15.4%   0.0% - 12.0%   0.0% - 12.5%   0.0% - 12.0%
 

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

        The rate at which the principal amount of a loan is prepaid may impact both the amount of losses projected (since that amount is a function of the CDR and the loan balance over time) as well as the amount of excess spread (the amount by which the interest paid by the borrowers on the underlying loan exceeds the amount of interest owed on the insured obligations). The assumption for the CPR follows a similar pattern to that of the CDR. The current level of voluntary prepayments is assumed to continue for the plateau period before gradually increasing over 12 months to the final CPR, which is assumed to be either 10% or 15% depending on the scenario run. For transactions where the initial CPR is higher than the final CPR, the initial CPR is held constant.

35


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

        The ultimate performance of the Company's first lien RMBS transactions remains highly uncertain and may be subject to considerable volatility due to the influence of many factors, including the level and timing of loan defaults, changes in housing prices and other variables. The Company will continue to monitor the performance of its RMBS exposures and will adjust the risk ratings of those transactions based on actual performance and management's estimates of future performance.

        In estimating expected losses, the Company modeled and probability weighted sensitivities for first lien transactions by varying its assumptions of how fast an economic recovery is expected to occur. The primary variable when modeling sensitivities was how quickly the CDR returned to its modeled equilibrium, which was defined as 5% of the current CDR. The Company also stressed CPRs and the speed of recovery of loss severity rates. In a somewhat more stressful environment than that of the base case, where the CDR recovery was more gradual and the final CPR was 15% rather than 10%, the Company's expected losses would increase by approximately $11.3 million for Alt-A first liens, $92.9 million for Option ARMs, $16.7 million for subprime and $0.1 million for prime transactions. In an even more stressful scenario where the CDR plateau was extended 3 months (to be 27 months long) before the same more gradual CDR recovery and loss severities were assumed to recover over 4 rather than 2 years (and subprime loss severities were assumed to recover only to 55%), the Company's expected losses would increase by approximately $40.1 million for Alt-A first liens, $193.9 million for Option ARMs, $117.6 million for subprime and $0.6 million for prime transactions. The Company also considered a scenario where the recovery was faster than in its base case. In this scenario, where the CDR plateau was 3 months shorter (21 months, effectively assuming that liquidation rates would improve) and the CDR recovery was more pronounced, the Company's expected losses would decrease by approximately $26.9 million for Alt-A first liens, $92.0 million for Option ARMs, $33.9 million for subprime and $0.5 million for prime transactions.

Breaches of Representations and Warranties

        Performance of the collateral underlying certain first and second lien securitizations has substantially differed from the Company's original expectations. The Company has employed several loan file diligence firms and law firms as well as devoting internal resources to review the mortgage files surrounding many of the defaulted loans. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had performed a detailed review of approximately 28,400 second lien and 7,600 first lien defaulted loan files, representing nearly $2.2 billion in second lien and $3.1 billion in first lien outstanding par of defaulted loans underlying insured transactions, and identified a material number of defaulted loans that breach R&W regarding the characteristics of the loans such as misrepresentation of income or occupation, undisclosed debt and non-compliance with underwriting guidelines at loan origination. The Company continues to review new files as new loans default and as new loan files are made available to it. Following negotiation with the sellers and originators of the breaching loans, as of September 30, 2010, the Company had reached agreement for such sellers and originators to repurchase $280 million of second lien and $110 million of first lien loans. The $280 million for second lien loans represents 2,788 loans and the $110 million for first lien loans represents 285 loans. These are viewed as a recovery on paid losses for second liens and a reduction of expected loss estimates in first lien transactions and, accordingly, have no effect on the Company's exposure. These amounts reflect the negotiated agreements and not legal settlements. See "Recovery Litigation" below for a description of the legal proceedings the Company has commenced.

36


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

        The Company has included in its net expected loss estimates as of September 30, 2010 an estimated benefit from repurchases of $1.3 billion. The amount of benefit recorded as a reduction of expected losses was calculated by extrapolating each transaction's breach rate on defaulted obligations to projected defaults. For second lien loans, the Company has performed sampling to validate this assumption. The Company did not incorporate any gain contingencies or damages from potential litigation in its estimated repurchases. The amount the Company will ultimately recover related to contractual R&W is uncertain and subject to a number of factors including the counterparty's ability to pay, the number and amount of loans determined to have breached R&W and, potentially, negotiated settlements or litigation recoveries. As such, the Company's estimate of recoveries is uncertain and actual amounts realized may differ significantly from these estimates. In arriving at the expected recovery from breaches of R&W, the Company considered the credit worthiness of the provider of R&W, the number of breaches found on defaulted loans, the success rate in resolving these breaches with the provider of the R&W and the potential amount of time until the recovery is realized.

        The calculation of expected recovery from breaches of R&W involved a variety of scenarios which ranged from the Company recovering substantially all of the losses it incurred due to violations of R&W to the Company realizing very limited recoveries. These scenarios were probability weighted in order to determine the recovery incorporated into the Company's reserve estimate. This approach was used for both loans that had already defaulted and those assumed to default in the future. In all cases, recoveries were limited to amounts paid or expected to be paid by the Company.

        The following table represents the Company's total estimated recoveries netted in expected loss to be paid, from defective mortgage loans included in certain first and second lien U.S. RMBS loan securitizations that it insures. The Company had $1.3 billion of estimated recoveries from ineligible loans as of September 30, 2010, of which $0.7 billion is reported in salvage and subrogation recoverable, $0.4 billion is netted in loss and LAE reserves and $0.2 billion is netted in unearned premium reserve.


Rollforward of Estimated Benefit from Recoveries of Representation and Warranty Breaches, Net of Reinsurance

 
  # of Insurance
Policies as of
September 30,
2010 with R&W
Benefit Recorded
  Outstanding Principal
and Interest of Policies
with R&W Benefit
Recorded as of
September 30, 2010
  Future Net R&W
Benefit at
December 31, 2009
  R&W
Development and
Accretion of
Discount during
Year
  R&W
Recovered
During
2010(1)
  Future Net R&W
Benefit at
September 30,
2010
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Prime First Lien

    1   $ 58.5   $   $ 1.0   $   $ 1.0  

Alt-A First Lien

    17     1,964.2     64.2     19.8         84.0  

Alt-A Options ARM

    10     2,083.3     203.7     86.8     42.5     248.0  

Subprime

                         

CES

    3     312.9     76.5     59.5         136.0  

HELOC

    11     3,618.9     828.7     98.1     88.9     837.9  
                           
 

Total

    42   $ 8,037.8   $ 1,173.1   $ 265.2   $ 131.4   $ 1,306.9  
                           

(1)
Includes gross amounts recovered of $154.4 million.

37


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)

        The $265.2 million R&W development and accretion of discount during the year in the above table primarily resulted from an increase in loan file reviews, increased success rates in putting back loans, and increased projected defaults on loans with breaches of R&W. The Company assumes that recoveries on HELOC and CES loans will occur in two to four years from the balance sheet date depending on the scenarios and that recoveries on Alt-A, Option ARM and Subprime loans will occur as claims are paid over the life of the transactions.

"XXX" Life Insurance Transactions

        The Company has insured $2.1 billion of net par in "XXX" life insurance reserve securitization transactions based on discrete blocks of individual life insurance business. In these transactions the monies raised by the sale of the bonds insured by the Company were used to capitalize a special purpose vehicle that provides reinsurance to a life insurer or reinsurer. The monies are invested at inception in accounts managed by third-party investment managers. In order for the Company to incur an ultimate net loss on these transactions, adverse experience on the underlying block of life insurance policies and/or credit losses in the investment portfolio would need to exceed the level of credit enhancement built into the transaction structures. In particular, such credit losses in the investment portfolio could be realized in the event that circumstances arise resulting in the early liquidation of assets at a time when their market value is less than their intrinsic value.

        The Company's $2.1 billion in net par of XXX life insurance transactions includes, as of September 30, 2010, a total of $882.5 million of Class A-2 Floating Rate Notes issued by Ballantyne Re p.l.c and Series A-1 Floating Rate Notes issued by Orkney Re II p.l.c ("Orkney Re II"). The Company has rated the Ballantyne Re and Orkney Re II notes BIG. The Ballantyne Re and Orkney Re II XXX transactions had material amounts of their assets invested in U.S. RMBS transactions. Based on its analysis of the information currently available, including estimates of future investment performance provided by the current investment manager, and projected credit impairments on the invested assets and performance of the blocks of life insurance business at September 30, 2010, the Company's gross expected loss, prior to reinsurance or netting of unearned premium, for its two BIG XXX insurance transactions was $74.6 million and its net reserve was $57.9 million.

Public Finance Transactions

        The Company has insured $458.2 billion of public finance transactions across a number of different sectors. Within that category, $4.3 billion is rated BIG, and the company is projecting $66.1 million of expected losses across the portfolio.

        A significant portion of these losses $23.9 million are expected in relation to seven student loan transactions with $487.4 million of net par outstanding. The largest of these losses $18.0 million relates to a transaction backed by a pool of government-guaranteed student loans ceded to AG Re by another monoline insurer. The guaranteed bonds were issued as variable rate demand obligations that have since been "put" to the bank liquidity providers and now bear a high rate of interest. The Company has estimated its losses based upon a weighting of potential outcomes.

        The Company has also projected estimated losses of $19.1 million on its total net par outstanding of $512 million on Jefferson County Alabama Sewer Authority exposure. This estimate is based

38


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


primarily on the Company's view of how much debt the Authority should be able to support under certain probability-weighted scenarios.

        The Company has $166.0 million of net par exposure to the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, of which $95.3 million is BIG. The Company has paid $0.8 million in net claims to date, and expects a full recovery.

Other Sectors and Transactions

        The Company continues to closely monitor other sectors and individual financial guaranty insurance transactions it feels warrant the additional attention, including, as of September 30, 2010, its commercial mortgage exposure of $925.2 million of net par, its trust preferred securities ("TruPS") collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs") exposure of $1.1 billion, its insurance on a financing of 78 train sets (one train set being composed of eight cars) for an Australian commuter railway for $583 million net par and its U.S. health care exposure of $21.7 billion of net par.

Recovery Litigation

        As of the date of this filing, the Company has filed lawsuits with regard to four second lien U.S. RMBS transactions insured by the Company, alleging breaches of R&W both in respect of the underlying loans in the transactions and the accuracy of the information provided to the Company, and failure to cure or repurchase defective loans identified by the Company to such persons. These transactions consist of the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-GP1, the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL2 and the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL3 transactions (in each of which the Company has sued DB Structured Products, Inc. and its affiliate ACE Securities Corp.) and the SACO I Trust 2005-GP1 transaction (in which the Company has sued JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s affiliate EMC Mortgage Corporation).

        The Company has also filed a lawsuit against UBS Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., as underwriters, as well as several named and unnamed control persons of IndyMac Bank, FSB and related IndyMac entities, with regard to two U.S. RMBS transactions that the Company had insured, alleging violations of state securities laws and breach of contract, among other claims. One of these transactions (referred to as IndyMac Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-H1) is a second lien transaction and the other (referred to as IndyMac IMSC Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-HOA-1) is a first lien transaction.

        On December 19, 2008, the Company sued J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. ("JPMIM"), the investment manager in the Orkney Re II transaction, in New York Supreme Court ("Court") alleging that JPMIM engaged in breaches of fiduciary duty, gross negligence and breaches of contract based upon its handling of the investments of Orkney Re II. On January 28, 2010 the Court ruled against the Company on a motion to dismiss filed by JPMIM. Oral argument on the Company's appeal was heard before the Appellate Division on May 26, 2010.

        During the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Company sued JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and JPMorgan Securities, Inc. (together, "JPMorgan"), the underwriter of debt issued by Jefferson County, in New York Supreme Court alleging that JPMorgan induced the Company to issue its insurance policies in respect of such debt through material and fraudulent misrepresentations and

39


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

6. Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance (Continued)


omissions, including concealing that it had secured its position as underwriter and swap provider through bribes to Jefferson County commissioners and others. The Company has made debt service payments during the year and expects to make additional payments in the near term. The Company is continuing its risk remediation efforts for this exposure.

        In Third Quarter 2010, the Company, together with TD Bank, National Association, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania against The Harrisburg Authority (the "Authority"), The City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (the "City"), and the Treasurer of the City in connection with certain Resource Recovery Facility bonds and notes issued by the Authority, alleging, among other claims, breach of contract by both the Authority and the City, and seeking remedies including an order compelling the Authority to pay all unpaid and past due principal and interest and to charge and collect sufficient rates, rental and other charges adequate to carry out its pledge of revenues and receipts; an order compelling the City to budget for, impose and collect taxes and revenues sufficient to satisfy its obligations; and the appointment of a receiver for the Authority.

7. Credit Derivatives

        Certain financial guaranty contracts written in credit derivative form, principally in the form of insured CDS contracts, have been deemed to meet the definition of a derivative under GAAP, which requires that an entity recognize the fair value of derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.

        In general, the Company structures credit derivative transactions such that the circumstances giving rise to the Company's obligation to make loss payments are similar to those for financial guaranty contracts written in insurance form and only occurs as losses are realized on the underlying reference obligation. Nonetheless, credit derivative transactions are governed by ISDA documentation and operate differently from financial guaranty contracts written in insurance form. For example, the Company's control rights with respect to a reference obligation under a credit derivative may be more limited than when the Company issues a financial guaranty contract written in insurance form. In addition, while the Company's exposure under credit derivatives, like the Company's exposure under financial guaranty contracts written in insurance form, has been generally for as long as the reference obligation remains outstanding, unlike financial guaranty contracts, a credit derivative may be terminated for a breach of the ISDA documentation or other specific events. If events of default or termination events specified in the credit derivative documentation were to occur, the non-defaulting or the non-affected party, which may be either the Company or the counterparty, depending upon the circumstances, may decide to terminate a credit derivative prior to maturity. The Company may be required to make a termination payment to its swap counterparty upon such termination.

        Realized gains and other settlements on credit derivatives include credit derivative premiums received and receivable for credit protection the Company has sold under its insured CDS contracts, premiums paid and payable for credit protection the Company has purchased, contractual claims paid

40


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)

and payable and received and receivable related to insured credit events under these contracts, ceding commissions (expense) income and realized gains or losses related to their early termination.

        The following table disaggregates realized gains and other settlements on credit derivatives into its component parts:


Realized Gains and Other Settlements on Credit Derivatives

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net credit derivative premiums received and receivable

  $ 49.8   $ 57.4   $ 154.2   $ 114.9  

Net Ceding commissions (paid and payable) received and receivable

    0.9         2.9      
                   
 

Realized gains on credit derivatives

    50.7     57.4     157.1     114.9  

Net credit derivative losses (paid and payable) recovered and recoverable

    1.7     14.3     (39.6 )   5.2  
                   
 

Total realized gains and other settlements on credit derivatives

  $ 52.4   $ 71.7   $ 117.5   $ 120.1  
                   

41


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)

        The components of the Company's change in unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives are as follows:


Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Credit Derivatives

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
Asset Type
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Financial Guaranty Direct:

                         
 

Pooled corporate obligations:

                         
   

CLOs/CBOs

  $ (1.4 ) $ 23.9   $ 1.9   $ (51.9 )
   

Synthetic investment grade pooled corporate

    0.3     (21.6 )   (3.7 )   (18.7 )
   

Synthetic high yield pooled corporate

    (2.9 )   24.0     11.6     24.0  
   

TruPS CDOs

    (11.6 )   (32.3 )   53.6     (32.7 )
   

Market value CDOs of corporate obligations

    (0.4 )   (0.8 )   (0.1 )   (8.1 )
   

CDO of CDOs (corporate)

        6.6         6.4  
                   
 

Total pooled corporate obligations

    (16.0 )   (0.2 )   63.3     (81.0 )
 

U.S. RMBS:

                         
   

Alt-A Option ARMs and Alt-A first lien

    (205.1 )   (50.2 )   (44.6 )   (296.1 )
   

Subprime first lien (including NIMs)

    (8.1 )   (25.9 )   (7.2 )   (22.2 )
   

Prime first lien

    (17.2 )   (4.2 )   2.2     (74.9 )
   

CES and HELOCs

    1.6     8.4     (4.3 )   8.4  
                   
 

Total U.S. RMBS

    (228.8 )   (71.9 )   (53.9 )   (384.8 )
 

CMBS

    0.4     0.1     10.2     (31.9 )
 

Other(1)

    (40.4 )   (104.9 )   (17.0 )   81.6  
                   

Total Financial Guaranty Direct

    (284.8 )   (176.9 )   2.6     (416.1 )

Financial Guaranty Reinsurance

    (0.1 )   (28.4 )   (0.3 )   (16.5 )
                   

Total

  $ (284.9 ) $ (205.3 ) $ 2.3   $ (432.6 )
                   

(1)
"Other" includes all other U.S. and international asset classes, such as commercial receivables, international infrastructure, international RMBS securities, and pooled infrastructure securities.

        Net unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives represent the adjustments for changes in fair value in excess of realized gains and other settlements that are recorded in each reporting period. Changes in unrealized gains and losses on credit derivatives are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Fair value of credit derivatives is reflected as either net assets or net liabilities determined on a contract by contract basis in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of credit derivatives occur primarily because of changes in interest rates, credit spreads, credit ratings of the referenced entities, realized gains and other settlements, and the issuing company's own credit rating, credit spreads and other market factors. Except for estimated credit impairments, the unrealized gains and losses on credit derivatives is expected to reduce to zero as the exposure approaches its maturity date.

42


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)

        The Company determines the fair value of its credit derivative contracts primarily through modeling that uses various inputs to derive an estimate of the value of the Company's contracts in principal markets. Inputs include expected contractual life and credit spreads, based on observable market indices and on recent pricing for similar contracts. Credit spreads capture the impact of recovery rates and performance of underlying assets, among other factors, on these contracts. The Company's pricing model takes into account not only how credit spreads on risks that it assumes affect pricing, but also how the Company's own credit spread affects the pricing of its deals. If credit spreads of the underlying obligations change, the fair value of the related credit derivative changes. Market liquidity could also impact valuations of the underlying obligations.

        In the Third Quarter 2010, U.S RMBS unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily in the Alt-A option ARM and Alt-A first lien sector due to wider implied net spreads. These transactions were pricing above their floor levels (or the minimum rate at which the Company would consider assuming these risks based on historical experience); therefore when the cost of purchasing credit default swap ("CDS") protection on AGC and AGM declined, which management refers to as the CDS spread on AGC or AGM, the implied spreads that the Company would expect to receive on these transactions increased. The unrealized fair value loss within the TruPS CDO and Other asset classes resulted from wider implied spreads. The loss in Other was primarily attributable to a XXX life securitization transaction. In the Nine Months 2010, the Company recorded a small unrealized fair value gain. During this period, AGC's and AGM's spreads widened. Declines in fair value before considering the Company's own credit were offset by gains due to the widening of the Company's own CDS spread.

        Third Quarter 2009 unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily by wider implied spreads on Alt-A Option ARMs and Alt-A first lien transactions included in the U.S. RMBS sector, as well as a U.S. infrastructure transaction, a XXX life insurance securitization and a film securitization, included in the Other sector. Nine Months 2009 unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily by wider implied spreads in the U.S RMBS sector, in particular Alt-A Option ARMs and Alt-A first lien transactions.

        With considerable volatility continuing in the market, unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives may fluctuate significantly in future periods.

        The impact of changes in credit spreads will vary based upon the volume, tenor, interest rates, and other market conditions at the time these fair values are determined. In addition, since each transaction has unique collateral and structural terms, the underlying change in fair value of each transaction may vary considerably. The fair value of credit derivative contracts also reflects the change in the Company's own credit cost based on the price to purchase credit protection on AGC and AGM. The Company determines its own credit risk based on quoted CDS prices traded on the Company at each balance sheet date. Generally, a widening of the CDS prices traded on AGC and AGM has an effect of offsetting unrealized losses that result from widening general market credit spreads, while a narrowing of the CDS prices traded on AGC and AGM has an effect of offsetting unrealized gains that result from narrowing general market credit spreads. An overall narrowing of spreads generally results in an unrealized gain on credit derivatives for the Company and an overall widening of spreads generally results in an unrealized loss for the Company.

43


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)


Effect of the Company's Credit Spread on Credit Derivatives Fair Value

 
  As of
September 30,
2010
  As of
December 31,
2009
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Quoted price of CDS contract (in basis points):

             
 

AGC

    893     634  
 

AGM

    645     541  

Fair value of CDS contracts:

             
 

Before considering implication of the Company's credit spreads

  $ (5,426.0 ) $ (5,830.8 )
 

After considering implication of the Company's credit spreads

  $ (1,705.1 ) $ (1,542.1 )

        As of September 30, 2010, AGC's and AGM's credit spreads remained relatively wide compared to pre-2007 levels, as did general market spreads. The $5.4 billion liability as of September 30, 2010, which represents the fair value of CDS contracts before considering the implications of AGC's and AGM's credit spreads, is a direct result of continued wide credit spreads in the fixed income security markets, and ratings downgrades. The asset classes that remain most affected are recent vintages of Subprime RMBS and Alt-A deals, as well as trust-preferred securities. When looking at September 30, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009, there was tightening of general market spreads as well as a run-off in net par outstanding, resulting in a gain of approximately $404.8 million before taking into account AGC or AGM's credit spreads.

        Management believes that the trading level of AGC's and AGM's credit spreads are due to the correlation between AGC's and AGM's risk profile and that experienced currently by the broader financial markets and increased demand for credit protection against AGC and AGM as the result of its direct segment financial guaranty volume as well as the overall lack of liquidity in the CDS market. Offsetting the benefit attributable to AGC's and AGM's credit spread were declines in fixed income security market prices primarily attributable to widening spreads in certain markets as a result of the continued deterioration in credit markets and some credit rating downgrades. The higher credit spreads in the fixed income security market are due to the lack of liquidity in the high yield CDO and collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") markets as well as continuing market concerns over the most recent vintages of subprime RMBS and CMBS.

        Some of the Company's CDS have rating triggers that allow the CDS counterparty to terminate in the case of a rating downgrade. If the ratings of certain of the Company's insurance subsidiaries were reduced below certain levels and the Company's counterparty elected to terminate the CDS, the Company could be required to make a termination payment on certain of its credit derivative contracts, as determined under the relevant documentation. Under certain documents, the Company may have the right to cure the termination event by posting collateral, assigning its rights and obligations in respect of the transactions to a third party or seeking a third party guaranty of the obligations of the Company. In November 2010, the Company and one of its CDS counterparties amended the ISDA master agreement between them to eliminate the additional termination event that would be triggered in the event of a rating downgrade of AGC and to amend AGC's collateral posting requirement

44


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)

discussed below. The Company now has three remaining ISDA master agreements under which the applicable counterparty could elect to terminate transactions upon a rating downgrade of AGC: if AGC's ratings were downgraded to BBB- or Baa3, $100 million in par insured could be terminated by one counterparty; and if AGC's ratings were downgraded to BB+ or Ba1, approximately $2.9 billion in par insured could be terminated by the other two counterparties. As of the date of this filing, none of AG Re, Assured Guaranty Re Overseas Ltd. ("AGRO") or AGM had any material CDS exposure subject to termination based on its rating. The Company does not believe that it can accurately estimate the termination payments it could be required to make if, as a result of any such downgrade, a CDS counterparty terminated its CDS contracts with the Company. These payments could have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity and financial condition.

        Under a limited number of other CDS contracts, the Company may be required to post eligible securities as collateral—generally cash or U.S. government or agency securities. For certain of such contracts, this requirement is based on a mark-to-market valuation, as determined under the relevant documentation, in excess of contractual thresholds that decline or are eliminated if the ratings of certain of the Company's insurance subsidiaries decline. Under other contracts, the Company has negotiated caps such that the posting requirement cannot exceed a certain amount. After giving effect to the November 2010 amendment of an ISDA master agreement discussed above and without giving effect to thresholds that apply at current ratings, the amount of par that is subject to collateral posting is approximately $19.0 billion, for which the Company has agreed to post approximately $753.2 million of collateral. The Company may be required to post additional collateral from time to time, depending on its ratings and on the market values of the transactions subject to the collateral posting. Counterparties have agreed that for approximately $18.3 billion of that $19.0 billion, the maximum amount that the Company could be required to post is capped at $635 million at current rating levels (which amount is included in the $753.2 million as to which the Company has agreed to post). Such cap increases by $50 million to $685 million in the event AGC's ratings are downgraded to A+ or A3.

45


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)

        The following table summarizes the estimated change in fair values on the net balance of the Company's credit derivative positions assuming immediate parallel shifts in credit spreads on AGC and AGM and on the risks that they both assume:

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
Credit Spreads(1)
  Estimated Net
Fair Value
(Pre-Tax)
  Estimated
Change in
Gain/(Loss)
(Pre-Tax)
 
 
  (in millions)
 

100% widening in spreads

  $ (3,721.2 ) $ (2,016.1 )

50% widening in spreads

    (2,722.4 )   (1,017.3 )

25% widening in spreads

    (2,217.6 )   (512.5 )

10% widening in spreads

    (1,913.2 )   (208.1 )

Base Scenario

    (1,705.1 )    

10% narrowing in spreads

    (1,562.8 )   142.3  

25% narrowing in spreads

    (1,346.0 )   359.1  

50% narrowing in spreads

    (990.0 )   715.1  

(1)
Includes the effects of spreads on both the underlying asset classes and the Company's own credit spread.

46


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)

        The estimated remaining weighted average life of credit derivatives was 5.6 years at September 30, 2010 and 6.0 years at December 31, 2009. The components of the Company's credit derivative net par outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are:


Net Par Outstanding on Credit Derivatives

 
  As of September 30, 2010   As of December 31, 2009  
Asset Type
  Original
Subordination(1)
  Current
Subordination(1)
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Weighted
Average
Credit
Rating(2)
  Original
Subordination(1)
  Current
Subordination(1)
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Weighted
Average
Credit
Rating(2)
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Financial Guaranty Direct:

                                                 
 

Pooled corporate obligations:

                                                 
   

CLOs/CBOs

    32.1 %   29.7 % $ 47,307     AAA     31.1 %   27.4 % $ 49,447     AAA  
   

Synthetic IG pooled corporate(3)

    19.2     17.7     15,038     AAA     19.2     17.7     14,652     AAA  
   

Synthetic high yield pooled corporate

    38.1     33.3     9,537     AAA     36.7     34.4     11,040     AAA  
   

TruPS CDOs

    46.6     33.3     5,816     BB+     46.6     37.3     6,041     BBB-  
   

Market value CDOs of corporate obligations

    35.6     38.7     4,980     AAA     32.1     36.9     5,401     AAA  
                                   
 

Total pooled corporate obligations

    31.7     28.7     82,678     AAA     30.9     27.9     86,581     AAA  
 

U.S. RMBS:

                                                 
   

Alt-A option ARMs and Alt-A first lien

    20.0     18.1     4,859     B+     20.3     22.0     5,662     BB  
   

Subprime first lien (including NIMs)

    27.5     57.2     4,625     A+     27.6     52.4     4,970     A+  
   

Prime first lien

    10.9     10.4     498     B     10.9     11.1     560     BB  
   

CES and HELOCs

        18.7     87     B         19.2     111     B  
                                   
 

Total U.S. RMBS

    22.9     35.4     10,069     BBB-     22.9     34.6     11,303     BBB  
 

CMBS

    29.6     32.0     6,967     AAA     28.5     30.9     7,191     AAA  
 

Other

            14,699     AA-             15,700     AA-  
                                               

Total Financial Guaranty Direct

                114,413     AA+                 120,775     AA+  

Financial Guaranty Reinsurance

                1,621     AA-                 1,642     AA-  
                                               

Total

              $ 116,034     AA+               $ 122,417     AA+  
                                               

(1)
Represents the sum of subordinate tranches and over-collateralization and does not include any benefit from excess interest collections that may be used to absorb losses.

(2)
Based on the Company's internal rating. The Company's rating scale is similar to that used by the nationally recognized rating agencies; however, the ratings in the above table may not be the same as ratings assigned by any nationally recognized rating agency.

(3)
Increase in net par outstanding in the synthetic IG pooled corporate sector is due principally to the reassumption of a previously ceded book of business.

        The Company's exposure to pooled corporate obligations is highly diversified in terms of obligors and, except in the case of TruPS CDOs, industries. Most pooled corporate transactions are structured to limit exposure to any given obligor and industry. The majority of the Company's pooled corporate

47


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)


exposure consists of CLOs or synthetic pooled corporate obligations. Most of these CLOs have an average obligor size of less than 1% and typically restrict the maximum exposure to any one industry to approximately 10%. The Company's exposure also benefits from embedded credit enhancement in the transactions which allows a transaction to sustain a certain level of losses in the underlying collateral, further insulating the Company from industry specific concentrations of credit risk on these deals.

        The Company's TruPS CDO asset pools are generally less diversified by obligors and industries than the typical CLO asset pool. Also, the underlying collateral in TruPS CDOs consists primarily of subordinated debt instruments such as TruPS CDOs issued by banks, real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and insurance companies, while CLOs typically contain primarily senior secured obligations. Finally, TruPS CDOs typically contain interest rate hedges that may complicate the cash flows. However, to mitigate these risks TruPS CDOs were typically structured with higher levels of embedded credit enhancement than typical CLOs.

        The Company's exposure to "Other" CDS contracts is also highly diversified. It includes $4.3 billion of exposure to four pooled infrastructure transactions comprised of diversified pools of international infrastructure project transactions and loans to regulated utilities. These pools were all structured with underlying credit enhancement sufficient for the Company to attach at super senior AAA levels. The remaining $10.4 billion of exposure in "Other" CDS contracts is comprised of numerous deals typically structured with significant underlying credit enhancement and spread across various asset classes, such as commercial receivables, international RMBS securities, infrastructure, regulated utilities and consumer receivables. The following table summarizes net par outstanding by rating of the Company's direct credit derivatives as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.


Distribution of Direct Credit Derivative Net Par Outstanding by Rating(1)

 
  September 30, 2010   December 31, 2009  
Ratings (1)
  Net Par
Outstanding
  % of Total   Net Par
Outstanding
  % of Total  
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Super Senior

  $ 32,861     28.7 % $ 41,307     34.2 %

AAA

    51,547     45.1     40,065     33.2  

AA

    8,392     7.3     14,613     12.1  

A

    6,585     5.8     8,255     6.8  

BBB

    6,673     5.8     9,076     7.5  

BIG

    8,355     7.3     7,459     6.2  
                   
 

Total direct credit derivative net par outstanding

  $ 114,413     100.0 % $ 120,775     100.0 %
                   

(1)
Assured Guaranty's internal rating. The Company's ratings scale is similar to that used by the nationally recognized rating agencies; however, the ratings in the above table may not be the same as ratings assigned by any nationally recognized rating agency. The super senior category, which is not generally used by rating agencies, is used by the Company in instances where Assured Guaranty's AAA-rated exposure on its internal rating scale has additional credit enhancement due to either (1) the existence of another security rated AAA that is subordinated to Assured

48


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)

        The following tables present additional details about the Company's unrealized gain or loss on credit derivatives associated with U.S. RMBS by vintage for the Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010:


U.S. Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

Vintage
  Original
Subordination(1)
  Current
Subordination(1)
  Net Par
Outstanding
(in millions)
  Weighted
Average
Credit
Rating(2)
  Third Quarter
2010
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
(in millions)
  Nine Months
2010 Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
(in millions)
 

2004 and Prior

    6.1 %   19.4 % $ 161     A   $ (0.5 ) $ (0.2 )

2005

    26.9     61.9     3,170     AA-     (1.9 )   (0.2 )

2006

    28.3     43.2     1,662     BBB     (9.1 )   (8.0 )

2007

    18.9     15.9     5,076     B     (217.3 )   (45.5 )

2008

                         

2009

                         

2010

                         
                                 
 

Total

    22.9 %   35.4 % $ 10,069     BBB-   $ (228.8 ) $ (53.9 )
                                 

(1)
Represents the sum of subordinate tranches and over-collateralization and does not include any benefit from excess interest collections that may be used to absorb losses.

(2)
Based on the Company's internal rating. The Company's rating scale is similar to that used by the nationally recognized rating agencies; however, the ratings in the above table may not be the same as ratings assigned by any nationally recognized rating agency.

49


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

7. Credit Derivatives (Continued)

        The following table presents additional details about the Company's unrealized gain or loss on credit derivatives associated with CMBS transactions by vintage for the Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010:


Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

Vintage
  Original
Subordination(1)
  Current
Subordination(1)
  Net Par
Outstanding
(in millions)
  Weighted
Average
Credit
Rating(2)
  Third Quarter
2010
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
(in millions)
  Nine Months
2010
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
(in millions)
 

2004 and Prior

    28.7 %   43.7 % $ 539   AAA   $ (0.1 ) $ 0.2  

2005

    17.6     25.2     682   AAA     (0.1 )   0.2  

2006

    28.4     28.5     4,331   AAA     0.7     5.7  

2007

    39.4     41.7     1,415   AAA     (0.1 )   4.1  

2008

                       

2009

                       

2010

                       
                               
 

Total

    29.6 %   32.0 % $ 6,967   AAA   $ 0.4   $ 10.2  
                               

(1)
Represents the sum of subordinate tranches and over-collateralization and does not include any benefit from excess interest collections that may be used to absorb losses.

(2)
Based on the Company's internal rating. The Company's rating scale is similar to that used by the nationally recognized rating agencies; however, the ratings in the above table may not be the same as ratings assigned by any nationally recognized rating agency.

8. Consolidation of VIEs

        The Company has exposure to VIEs through the issuance of financial guaranty insurance contracts that typically ensure the timely payment of principal and interest to the holders of VIE debt. As part of the terms of its insurance contracts, at the outset of a contract, the Company obtains certain protective rights with respect to the VIE that are triggered by the occurrence of certain events, such as failure to be in compliance with a covenant due to poor deal performance or a deterioration in a servicer or collateral manager's financial condition. At deal inception, the Company typically is not deemed to control a VIE; however, once a trigger event occurs, the Company's control of the VIE typically increases.

        Under accounting rules previously in effect, the Company determined whether it was the primary beneficiary (i.e., the variable interest holder required to consolidate a VIE) of a VIE by first performing a qualitative analysis of the VIE that included, among other factors, its capital structure, contractual terms, which variable interests create or absorb variability, related party relationships and the design of the VIE. The Company performed a quantitative analysis when qualitative analysis was not conclusive.

50


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

8. Consolidation of VIEs (Continued)

        The accounting guidance effective January 1, 2010 requires the Company to perform an analysis to determine whether its variable interests give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both 1) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and 2) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Additionally, this guidance requires an ongoing reassessment of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE.

        Pursuant to the new accounting guidance, the Company evaluated its power to direct the significant activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of VIEs that have debt obligations insured by the Company and, accordingly, where the Company is obligated to absorb VIE losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company determined that it is the primary beneficiary of 23 VIEs at September 30, 2010 based on the assessment of its control rights over servicer or collateral manager replacement, given that servicing/managing collateral were deemed to be the VIEs' most significant activities. As a result of changes in control rights during the Third Quarter 2010, three additional VIEs were consolidated, resulting in an increase in financial guaranty variable interest entities' assets net of $422.1 million, an increase in financial guaranty variable interest entities' liabilities of $438.5 million and a net loss on consolidation of $3.2 million, which was included in "financial guaranty variable interest entities' revenues" in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company is not primarily liable for the debt obligations issued by the VIEs and would only be required to make payments on these debt obligations in the event that the issuer of such debt obligations defaults on any principal or interest due. The Company's creditors do not have any rights with regard to the assets of the VIEs.

51


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

8. Consolidation of VIEs (Continued)

        The table below shows the carrying value of the consolidated VIE assets and liabilities in the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, segregated by the types of assets held by VIEs that collateralize their respective debt obligations:


Consolidated VIEs

 
  As of
September 30, 2010
  As of
December 31, 2009
 
 
  Assets   Liabilities   Assets   Liabilities  
 
  (in millions)
 

HELOCs

  $ 714.6   $ 792.6   $   $  

First liens

    520.4     586.1          

Alt-A second liens

    100.8     123.0          

Automobile loans

    548.9     548.9          

Life insurance

    303.7     303.7          

Credit card loans

    108.3     108.3     233.4     233.1  

Health care receivables

            211.8     212.5  

Consumer loans

            199.2     199.2  

Gas pipeline tariffs

            117.9     117.9  
                   
 

Total

  $ 2,296.7   $ 2,462.6   $ 762.3   $ 762.7  
                   

        The table below shows the revenues and expenses of the consolidated VIEs:

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Revenues:

                         

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' revenues:

                         
 

Interest income

  $ 49.7   $   $ 165.0   $  
 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on assets

    26.8     4.9     (103.4 )   4.9  
                   
   

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' revenues

  $ 76.5   $ 4.9   $ 61.6   $ 4.9  
                   

Expenses:

                         

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' expenses:

                         
 

Interest expense

  $ 19.0   $   $ 63.7   $  
 

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on liabilities with recourse

    (169.5 )   10.2     (245.4 )   10.2  
 

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on liabilities without recourse

   
(0.2

)
 
   
(14.6

)
 
 
 

Other expenses

    24.0         64.8      
                   
   

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' expenses

  $ (126.7 ) $ 10.2   $ (131.5 ) $ 10.2  
                   

52


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

8. Consolidation of VIEs (Continued)

        The financial reports of the consolidated VIEs are prepared by outside parties and are not available within the time constraints that the Company requires to ensure the financial accuracy of the operating results. As such, the financial results of the 23 VIEs are consolidated on a one quarter lag.

        At December 31, 2009, the Company consolidated four VIEs that had issued debt obligations insured by the Company. Under the new accounting guidance, consolidation was no longer required and, accordingly, the four VIEs were deconsolidated at fair value, which was approximately $791.9 million in VIE assets and $788.7 million in VIE liabilities at the date of adoption. The impact of this deconsolidation is included in the "Transition Adjustment" amounts below.

        The new accounting guidance mandates the accounting changes prescribed by the statement to be recognized by the Company as a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2010. The cumulative effect of adopting the new accounting guidance was a $206.5 million after-tax decrease to the opening retained earnings balance due to the consolidation of 21 VIEs at fair value on January 1, 2010. The impact of adopting the new accounting guidance on the Company's balance sheet was as follows:

 
  As of
December 31,
2009
  Transition
Adjustment
  As of
January 1,
2010
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Assets:

                   
 

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

  $ 1,418.2   $ (19.1 ) $ 1,399.1  
 

Deferred tax asset, net

    1,158.2     111.2     1,269.4  
 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' assets

    762.3     1,163.0     1,925.3  
 

Total assets

    16,802.7     1,255.1     18,057.8  

Liabilities and shareholders' equity:

                   
 

Unearned premium reserves

    8,400.2     (129.9 )   8,270.3  
 

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve

    289.5     16.9     306.4  
 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' liabilities with recourse

    762.7     1,348.2     2,110.9  
 

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' liabilities without recourse

        226.0     226.0  
 

Total liabilities

    13,282.6     1,461.2     14,743.8  
 

Retained earnings

    789.9     (206.5 )   583.4  
 

Total shareholders' equity attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd. 

    3,520.5     (206.5 )   3,314.0  
 

Noncontrolling interest of financial guaranty variable interest entities

    (0.4 )   0.4      
 

Total shareholders' equity

    3,520.1     (206.1 )   3,314.0  
 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

    16,802.7     1,255.1     18,057.8  

Non-Consolidated VIEs

        To date, the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses have indicated that the Company does not have a majority of the variability in any other VIEs and, as a result, are not consolidated in the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. The Company's exposure provided through its financial guaranties with respect to debt obligations of SPEs is included within net par outstanding in Note 4.

53


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments are presented in the following table:


Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 
  As of September 30, 2010   As of December 31, 2009  
 
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Assets:

                         
 

Fixed maturity securities

  $ 9,775.8   $ 9,775.8   $ 9,139.9   $ 9,139.9  
 

Short-term investments

    907.7     907.7     1,668.3     1,668.3  
 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

    133.2     144.1     152.4     160.1  
 

Credit derivative assets

    475.6     475.6     492.5     492.5  
 

Committed capital securities, at fair value

    15.3     15.3     9.5     9.5  
 

Financial guaranty VIE assets

    2,296.7     2,296.7          
 

Other assets

    143.4     143.4     18.5     18.5  

Liabilities:

                         
 

Financial guaranty insurance contracts(1)

    5,038.5     5,748.8     5,971.8     7,020.5  
 

Long-term debt

    923.8     1,024.1     917.4     927.8  
 

Note payable

    132.1     137.6     149.1     148.5  
 

Credit derivative liabilities

    2,180.7     2,180.7     2,034.6     2,034.6  
 

Financial guaranty VIE liabilities with recourse

    2,225.7     2,225.7     762.7     762.7  
 

Financial guaranty VIE liabilities without recourse

    236.9     236.9          
 

Other liabilities

    0.1     0.1     0.1     0.1  

(1)
Includes the balance sheet amounts related to financial guaranty insurance contract premiums and losses, net of reinsurance.

Background

        Fair value framework defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The price represents the price available in the principal market for the asset or liability. If there is no principal market, then the price is based on the market that maximizes the value received for an asset or minimizes the amount paid for a liability (i.e. the most advantageous market).

        The fair value hierarchy is determined based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Company estimates of market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes model inputs into three broad levels as follows, with level 1 being the highest and level 3 the lowest:

54


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

        An asset or liability's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation.

Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value

        Amounts recorded at fair value in the Company's financial statements are included in the tables below.


Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Instruments
As of September 30, 2010

 
   
  Fair Value Hierarchy  
 
  Fair Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
 
  (in millions)
 

Assets:

                         

Investment portfolio, available-for-sale:

                         
 

Fixed maturity securities

                         
   

U.S. government and agencies

  $ 1,110.2   $   $ 1,110.2   $  
   

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    5,091.6         5,091.6      
   

Corporate securities

    989.9         989.9      
   

Mortgage-backed securities:

                         
     

RMBS

    1,279.1         1,163.4     115.7  
     

CMBS

    367.5         367.5      
   

Asset-backed securities

    574.0         345.1     228.9  
   

Foreign government securities

    363.5         363.5      
                   
     

Total fixed maturity securities

    9,775.8         9,431.2     344.6  
 

Short-term investments

    907.7     582.2     325.5      
 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions(1)

    31.0         21.3     9.7  
 

Credit derivative assets

    475.6             475.6  
 

Committed capital securities, at fair value

    15.3         15.3      
 

Financial guaranty VIE assets

    2,296.7             2,296.7  
 

Other assets

    143.4     15.7         127.7  
                   
   

Total assets

  $ 13,645.5   $ 597.9   $ 9,793.3   $ 3,254.3  
                   

Liabilities:

                         
 

Credit derivative liabilities

  $ 2,180.7   $   $   $ 2,180.7  
 

Financial guaranty VIE liabilities with recourse

    2,225.7             2,225.7  
 

Financial guaranty VIE liabilities without recourse

    236.9             236.9  
 

Other liabilities

    0.1         0.1      
                   
   

Total liabilities

  $ 4,643.4   $   $ 0.1   $ 4,643.3  
                   

55


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)


Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Instruments
As of December 31, 2009

 
   
  Fair Value Hierarchy  
 
  Fair Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  
 
  (in millions)
 

Assets:

                         

Investment portfolio, available-for-sale:

                         
 

Fixed maturity securities

                         
   

U.S. government and agencies

  $ 1,037.6   $   $ 1,037.6   $  
   

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    5,039.5         5,039.5      
   

Corporate securities

    625.5         625.5        
   

Mortgage-backed securities:

                       
     

RMBS

    1,464.6         1,464.6      
     

CMBS

    227.2         227.2      
   

Asset-backed securities

    388.9         185.0     203.9  
   

Foreign government securities

    356.6         356.6      
                   
     

Total fixed maturity securities

    9,139.9         8,936.0     203.9  
 

Short-term investments

    1,668.3     437.2     1,231.1      
 

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions(1)

    32.4         21.3     11.1  
 

Credit derivative assets

    492.5             492.5  
 

Committed capital securities, at fair value

    9.5         9.5      
 

Other assets

    18.5     18.3         0.2  
                   
   

Total assets

  $ 11,361.1   $ 455.5   $ 10,197.9   $ 707.7  
                   

Liabilities:

                         
 

Credit derivative liabilities

  $ 2,034.6   $   $   $ 2,034.6  
 

Other liabilities

    0.1         0.1      
                   
   

Total liabilities

  $ 2,034.7   $   $ 0.1   $ 2,034.6  
                   

(1)
Includes mortgage loans that are fair valued on a non-recurring basis. At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, such investments were carried at their market value of $9.7 million and $11.1 million, respectively. The mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as there are significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of such loans. An indicative dealer quote is used to price the non-performing portion of these mortgage loans. The performing loans are valued using management's determination of future cash flows arising from these loans, discounted at the rate of return that would be required by a market participant. This rate of return is based on indicative dealer quotes.

Fixed Maturity Securities and Short-term Investments

        The fair value of bonds in the Investment Portfolio is generally based on quoted market prices received from third party pricing services or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Such quotes generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same

56


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)


and similar securities. If quoted market prices are not available, the valuation is based on pricing models that use dealer price quotations, price activity for traded securities with similar attributes and other relevant market factors as inputs, including security type, rating, vintage, tenor and its position in the capital structure of the issuer. The Company considers securities prices from pricing services, index providers or broker-dealers to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Prices determined based upon model processes are considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company used model processes to price 28 fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2010 and these securities were classified as Level 3.

        Broker-dealer quotations obtained to price securities are generally considered to be indicative and are nonactionable (i.e. non-binding).

        The Company did not make any internal adjustments to prices provided by its third party pricing service.

Committed Capital Securities

        The fair value of committed capital securities ("CCS") represents the difference between the present value of remaining expected put option premium payments under AGC's CCS (the "AGC CCS Securities") and AGM Committed Preferred Trust Securities (the "AGM CPS Securities") agreements and the value of such estimated payments based upon the quoted price for such premium payments as of the reporting dates (see Note 16). Changes in fair value of the AGM CPS and AGC CCS securities are included in the consolidated statement of operations. The significant market inputs used are observable, therefore, the Company classified this fair value measurement as Level 2.

Financial Guaranty Contracts

        The fair value of the Company's financial guaranty contracts was based on management's estimate of what a similarly rated financial guaranty insurance company would demand to acquire the Company's in-force book of financial guaranty insurance business. This amount was based on the pricing assumptions management has observed in recent portfolio transfers that have occurred in the financial guaranty market and included adjustments to the carrying value of unearned premium reserve for stressed losses and ceding commissions. The significant inputs for stressed losses and ceding commissions were not readily observable inputs. The Company accordingly classified this fair value measurement as Level 3.

Long-Term Debt and Notes Payable

        The Company's long-term debt is valued by broker-dealers using third party independent pricing sources and standard market conventions. The market conventions utilize market quotations, market transactions in comparable instruments, and various relationships between instruments, such as yield to maturity.

        The fair value of the notes payable was determined by calculating the present value of the expected cash flows.

57


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

Financial Guaranty Credit Derivatives

        The Company's credit derivatives consist primarily of insured CDS contracts, and also include NIM securitizations and interest rate swaps. The Company does not typically terminate its credit derivative contracts, and there are no quoted prices for its instruments or for similar instruments. Observable inputs other than quoted market prices exist; however, these inputs reflect contracts that do not contain terms and conditions similar to the credit derivative contracts issued by the Company. Therefore, the valuation of credit derivative contracts requires the use of models that contain significant, unobservable inputs. The Company accordingly believes the credit derivative valuations are in Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

        The fair value of the Company's credit derivative contracts represents the difference between the present value of remaining expected net premiums the Company receives or pays for the credit protection and the estimated present value of premiums that a comparable credit-worthy financial guarantor would hypothetically charge or pay the Company for the same protection at the balance sheet date. The fair value of the Company's credit derivatives depends on a number of factors, including notional amount of the contract, expected term, credit spreads, changes in interest rates, the credit ratings of referenced entities, the Company's own credit risk and remaining contractual cash flows. The expected remaining contractual cash flows are the most readily observable inputs since they are based on the CDS contractual terms. These cash flows include net premiums and claims to be received or paid under the terms of the contract.

        Market conditions at September 30, 2010 were such that market prices of the Company's CDS contracts were not generally available. Since market prices were not available, the Company used proprietary valuation models that used both unobservable and observable market data inputs such as various market indices, credit spreads, the Company's own credit spread, and estimated contractual payments to estimate the fair value of its credit derivatives. These models are primarily developed internally based on market conventions for similar transactions.

        Management considers the non-standard terms of its credit derivative contracts in determining the fair value of these contracts. These terms differ from more standardized credit derivative contracts sold by companies outside the financial guaranty industry. The non-standard terms include the absence of collateral support agreements or immediate settlement provisions. In addition, the Company employs relatively high attachment points and does not exit derivatives it sells or purchases for credit protection purposes, except under specific circumstances such as novations upon exiting a line of business. Because of these terms and conditions, the fair value of the Company's credit derivatives may not reflect the same prices observed in an actively traded market of credit derivatives that do not contain terms and conditions similar to those observed in the financial guaranty market. The Company's models and the related assumptions are continuously reevaluated by management and enhanced, as appropriate, based upon improvements in modeling techniques and availability of more timely and relevant market information.

        Valuation models include management estimates and current market information. Management is also required to make assumptions on how the fair value of credit derivative instruments is affected by current market conditions. Management considers factors such as current prices, charged for similar agreements, when available, performance of underlying assets, life of the instrument, and the nature

58


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)


and extent of activity in the financial guaranty credit derivative marketplace. The assumptions that management uses to determine the fair value may change in the future due to market conditions. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the assumptions used in the valuation models to determine the fair value of these credit derivative products, actual experience may differ from the estimates reflected in the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the differences may be material.

Assumptions and Inputs

        Listed below are various inputs and assumptions that are key to the establishment of the Company's fair value for CDS contracts.

        The key assumptions used in the Company's internally developed model include the following:

        The premium the Company receives is referred to as the "net spread." The Company's own credit risk is factored into the determination of net spread based on the impact of changes in the quoted market price for credit protection bought on the Company, as reflected by quoted market prices on CDS referencing AGC or AGM. The cost to acquire CDS protection referencing AGC or AGM affects the amount of spread on CDS deals that the Company retains and, hence, their fair value. As the cost to acquire CDS protection referencing AGC or AGM increases, the amount of premium the Company retains on a deal generally decreases. As the cost to acquire CDS protection referencing AGC or AGM decreases, the amount of premium the Company retains on a deal generally increases. In the Company's valuation model, the premium the Company captures is not permitted to go below the minimum rate that the Company would currently charge to assume similar risks. This assumption can

59


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)


have the effect of mitigating the amount of unrealized gains that are recognized on certain CDS contracts.

        The Company determines the fair value of its CDS contracts by applying the difference between the current net spread and the contractual net spread for the remaining duration of each contract to the notional value of its CDS contracts. To the extent available, actual transactions executed in the market during the accounting period are used to validate the model results and to explain the correlation between various market indices and indicative CDS market prices.

        The Company's fair value model inputs are gross spread, credit spreads on risks assumed and credit spreads on the Company's name.

        Gross spread is an input into the Company's fair value model that is used to ultimately determine the net spread a comparable financial guarantor would charge the Company to transfer risk at the reporting date. The Company's estimate of the fair value represents the difference between the estimated present value of premiums that a comparable financial guarantor would accept to assume the risk from the Company on the current reporting date, on terms identical to the original contracts written by the Company and the contractual premium for each individual credit derivative contract. Gross spread was an observable input that the Company historically obtained for deals it had closed or bid on in the market place prior to the credit crisis. The Company uses these historical gross spreads as a reference point to estimate fair value in current reporting periods.

        The Company obtains credit spreads on risks assumed from market data sources published by third parties (e.g. dealer spread tables for the collateral similar to assets within the Company's transactions) as well as collateral- specific spreads provided by trustees or obtained from market sources. If observable market credit spreads are not available or reliable for the underlying reference obligations, then market indices are used that most closely resemble the underlying reference obligations, considering asset class, credit quality rating and maturity of the underlying reference obligations. As discussed previously, these indices are adjusted to reflect the non-standard terms of the Company's CDS contracts. Market sources determine credit spreads by reviewing new issuance pricing for specific asset classes and receiving price quotes from their trading desks for the specific asset in question. Management validates these quotes by cross-referencing quotes received from one market source against quotes received from another market source to ensure reasonableness. In addition, the Company compares the relative change in price quotes received from one quarter to another, with the relative change experienced by published market indices for a specific asset class. Collateral specific spreads obtained from third-party, independent market sources are un-published spread quotes from market participants or market traders whom are not trustees. Management obtains this information as the result of direct communication with these sources as part of the valuation process.

        For credit spreads on the Company's name the Company obtains the quoted price of CDS contracts traded on AGC and AGM from market data sources published by third parties.

Example

        The following is an example of how changes in gross spreads, the Company's own credit spread and the cost to buy protection on the Company affect the amount of premium the Company can

60


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)


demand for its credit protection. Scenario 1 represents the market conditions in effect on the transaction date and Scenario 2 represents market conditions at a subsequent reporting date.

 
  Scenario 1   Scenario 2  
 
  bps   % of Total   bps   % of Total  

Original gross spread/cash bond price (in bps)

    185           500        

Bank profit (in bps)

    115     62 %   50     10 %

Hedge cost (in bps)

    30     16     440     88  

The Company premium received per annum (in bps)

    40     22     10     2  

        In Scenario 1, the gross spread is 185 basis points. The bank or deal originator captures 115 basis points of the original gross spread and hedges 10% of its exposure to AGC, when the CDS spread on AGC was 300 basis points (300 basis points × 10% = 30 basis points). Under this scenario the Company received premium of 40 basis points, or 22% of the gross spread.

        In Scenario 2, the gross spread is 500 basis points. The bank or deal originator captures 50 basis points of the original gross spread and hedges 25% of its exposure to AGC, when the CDS spread on AGC was 1,760 basis points (1,760 basis points × 25% = 440 basis points). Under this scenario the Company would receive premium of 10 basis points, or 2% of the gross spread.

        In this example, the contractual cash flows (the Company premium received per annum above) exceed the amount a market participant would require the Company to pay in today's market to accept its obligations under the CDS contract, thus resulting in an asset. This credit derivative asset is equal to the difference in premium rates discounted at the corresponding LIBOR over the weighted average remaining life of the contract. The expected future cash flows for the Company's credit derivatives were discounted at rates ranging from 0.25% to 3.4% at September 30, 2010. The expected future cash flows for the Company's credit derivatives were discounted at rates ranging from 0.25% to 4.5% at December 31, 2009.

        The Company corroborates the assumptions in its fair value model, including the amount of exposure to AGC and AGM hedged by its counterparties, with independent third parties each reporting period. The current level of AGC's and AGM's own credit spread has resulted in the bank or deal originator hedging a significant portion of its exposure to AGC and AGM. This reduces the amount of contractual cash flows AGC and AGM can capture for selling its protection.

        The amount of premium a financial guaranty insurance market participant can demand is inversely related to the cost of credit protection on the insurance company as measured by market credit spreads assuming all other assumptions remain constant. This is because the buyers of credit protection typically hedge a portion of their risk to the financial guarantor, due to the fact that contractual terms of financial guaranty insurance contracts typically do not require the posting of collateral by the guarantor. The widening of a financial guarantor's own credit spread increases the cost to buy credit protection on the guarantor, thereby reducing the amount of premium the guarantor can capture out of the gross spread on the deal. The extent of the hedge depends on the types of instruments insured and the current market conditions.

61


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

        A credit derivative asset on protection sold is the result of contractual cash flows on in-force deals in excess of what a hypothetical financial guarantor could receive if it sold protection on the same risk as of the current reporting date. If the Company were able to freely exchange these contracts (i.e., assuming its contracts did not contain proscriptions on transfer and there was a viable exchange market), it would be able to realize an asset representing the difference between the higher contractual premiums to which it is entitled and the current market premiums for a similar contract.

        Management does not believe there is an established market where financial guaranty insured credit derivatives are actively traded. The terms of the protection under an insured financial guaranty credit derivative do not, except for certain rare circumstances, allow the Company to exit its contracts. Management has determined that the exit market for the Company's credit derivatives is a hypothetical one based on its entry market. Management has tracked the historical pricing of the Company's deals to establish historical price points in the hypothetical market that are used in the fair value calculation.

        The following spread hierarchy is utilized in determining which source of gross spread to use, with the rule being to use CDS spreads where available. If not available, the Company either interpolates or extrapolates CDS spreads based on similar transactions or market indices.

        Over time the data inputs can change as new sources become available or existing sources are discontinued or are no longer considered to be the most appropriate. It is the Company's objective to move to higher levels on the hierarchy whenever possible, but it is sometimes necessary to move to lower priority inputs because of discontinued data sources or management's assessment that the higher priority inputs are no longer considered to be representative of market spreads for a given type of collateral. This can happen, for example, if transaction volume changes such that a previously used spread index is no longer viewed as being reflective of current market levels.


Information by Credit Spread Type

 
  As of
September 30,
2010
  As of
December 31,
2009
 

Based on actual collateral specific spreads

    5 %   5 %

Based on market indices

    90 %   90 %

Provided by the CDS counterparty

    5 %   5 %
           
 

Total

    100 %   100 %
           

62


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

        The Company interpolates a curve based on the historical relationship between the premium the Company receives when a financial guaranty contract written in CDS form is closed to the daily closing price of the market index related to the specific asset class and rating of the deal. This curve indicates expected credit spreads at each indicative level on the related market index. For specific transactions where no price quotes are available and credit spreads need to be extrapolated, an alternative transaction for which the Company has received a spread quote from one of the first three sources within the Company's spread hierarchy is chosen. This alternative transaction will be within the same asset class, have similar underlying assets, similar credit ratings, and similar time to maturity. The Company then calculates the percentage of relative spread change quarter over quarter for the alternative transaction. This percentage change is then applied to the historical credit spread of the transaction for which no price quote was received in order to calculate the transactions' current spread. Counterparties determine credit spreads by reviewing new issuance pricing for specific asset classes and receiving price quotes from their trading desks for the specific asset in question. These quotes are validated by cross- referencing quotes received from one market source with those quotes received from another market source to ensure reasonableness. In addition, management compares the relative change experienced on published market indices for a specific asset class for reasonableness and accuracy.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Model

        The Company's credit derivative valuation model, like any financial model, has certain strengths and weaknesses.

        The primary strengths of the Company's CDS modeling techniques are:

63


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

        The primary weaknesses of the Company's CDS modeling techniques are:

        Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 these contracts are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy since there is reliance on at least one unobservable input deemed significant to the valuation model, most significantly the Company's estimate of the value of the non-standard terms and conditions of its credit derivative contracts and of the Company's current credit standing.

Fair Value Option on Financial Guaranty VIE Assets and Liabilities

        The Company elected the Fair Value Option for financial guaranty VIE assets and liabilities upon adopting the new accounting guidance on accounting for VIEs (see Note 8).

        The VIEs that are consolidated by the Company issued securities collateralized by HELOCs, first lien RMBS, Alt-A first and second lien RMBS, subprime automobile loans, and other loans and receivables. As the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of these securities in its entirety was a Level 3 input, management classified all such securities as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The securities were priced with the assistance of an independent third-party using a discounted cash flow approach and the third-party's proprietary pricing models. The models to price the VIEs liabilities used, where appropriate, inputs such as estimated prepayment speeds; losses; recoveries; market values of the assets that collateralize the securities; estimated default rates (determined on the basis of an analysis of collateral attributes, historical collateral performance, borrower profiles and other features relevant to the evaluation of collateral credit quality); discount rates implied by market prices for similar securities; house price depreciation/appreciation rates based

64


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)


on macroeconomic forecasts and, for those liabilities insured by the Company, the benefit from the Company's insurance policy guaranteeing the timely payment of principal and interest for the VIE tranches insured by the Company, taking into account the Company's own credit rating. Those VIE liabilities insured by the Company are considered to be with recourse, since the Company guarantees the payment of principal and interest regardless of the performance of the related VIE assets. Those VIE liabilities not insured by the Company are considered to be non-recourse, since the payment of principal and interest of these liabilities is wholly dependent on the performance of the VIE assets.

        The Company is not primarily liable for the debt obligations issued by the VIEs and AGL's insurance company subsidiaries that insure the debt would only be required to make payments on these debt obligations in the event that the issuer of such debt obligations defaults on any principal or interest due. The Company's creditors do not have any rights with regard to the assets of the VIEs.

        The Company determined the fair value of the VIE assets using a similar methodology as described above with the exception that there was no benefit assigned to the value of the Company's financial guarantee since the Company does not guarantee the performance of the underlying assets of the VIE.

        Changes in fair value of the financial guaranty VIE assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated statement of operations. Interest income on VIE assets is recognized when received and recorded in "variable interest entities' revenues" in the consolidated statements of operations. Except for credit impairment, the unrealized fair value adjustments related to the consolidated VIEs will reverse to zero over the terms of these financial instruments.

        The total unpaid principal balance for the VIE assets that were over 90 days or more past due was approximately $318.3 million. The change in the instrument-specific credit risk of the VIE assets for the Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010 was a gain of approximately $152.3 million and $47.2 million, respectively. The difference between the aggregate unpaid principal and aggregate fair value of the VIE liabilities was approximately $934.6 million at September 30, 2010.

Level 3 Instruments

        The table below presents a rollforward of the Company's financial instruments whose fair value included significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the Third Quarter and Nine Months 2010 and 2009. There were no significant transfers between levels during the period.

65


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)


Fair Value Level 3 Rollforward

 
   
  Third Quarter 2010  
 
   
  Total Pre-tax
Realized/
Unrealized
Gains/
(Losses)(1)
Recorded in:
   
   
   
   
  Change in
Unrealized
Gains/
(Losses)
Related to
Financial
Instruments
Held at
September 30,
2010
 
 
  Fair Value
at
June 30,
2010
  Purchases,
Issuances,
Settlements,
net
   
  Transfers
in and/or
out of
Level 3
  Fair
Value at
September 30,
2010
 
 
  Net
Income
(Loss)
  Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Consolidations,
Deconsolidations,
net
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Investment portfolio

  $ 333.2   $ (5.1) (2) $ 13.8   $ 2.7   $   $   $ 344.6   $ 13.8  

Financial guaranty VIE assets

    1,844.7     79.6 (3)       (49.7 )   422.1         2,296.7     123.9  

Other assets

    2.6     (4)   (0.2 )   125.3             127.7      

Credit derivative asset (liability), net(5)

    (1,274.8 )   (232.5) (6)       (197.8 )           (1,705.1 )   (170.4 )

Financial guaranty VIE liabilities with recourse

    (2,049.3 )   146.2 (3)       60.4     (383.0 )       (2,225.7 )   65.9  

Financial guaranty VIE liabilities without recourse

    (184.9 )   (19.5) (3)       23.0     (55.5 )       (236.9 )   (0.4 )

 

 
   
   
   
  Third Quarter 2009  
 
   
   
   
  Total Pre-tax
Realized/
Unrealized
Gains/
(Losses)(1)
Recorded in:
   
   
   
  Change in
Unrealized
Gains/
(Losses)
Related to
Financial
Instruments
Held at
September 30,
2009
 
 
  Fair Value
at
June 30,
2009
   
  Fair Value
at
July 1,
2009
  Purchases,
Issuances,
Settlements,
net
  Transfers
in and/or
out of
Level 3
  Fair
Value at
September 30,
2009
 
 
  AGMH
Acquisition
  Net
Income
(Loss)
  Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Other assets

        219.4     219.4                     219.4      

Credit derivative asset (liability), net(5)

    (811.4 )   (622.8 )   (1,434.2 )   (133.6 )(6)       (70.4 )       (1,638.2 )   (184.2 )

66


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)



Fair Value Level 3 Rollforward

 
   
   
   
  Nine Months 2010  
 
   
   
   
  Total Pre-tax
Realized/
Unrealized
Gains/
(Losses)(1)
Recorded in:
   
   
   
   
  Change in
Unrealized
Gains/
(Losses)
Related to
Financial
Instruments
Held at
September 30,
2010
 
 
  Fair Value
at
December 31,
2009
  Adoption of
New
Accounting
Guidance
  Fair Value
at
January 1,
2010
  Purchases,
Issuances,
Settlements,
net
   
  Transfers
in and/or
out of
Level 3
  Fair
Value at
September 30,
2010
 
 
  Net
Income
(Loss)
  Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Consolidations,
Deconsolidations,
net
 
 
   
  (in millions)
 

Investment portfolio

  $ 203.9   $   $ 203.9   $ (14.7) (2) $ (36.7 ) $ 109.5   $   $ 82.6   $ 344.6   $ (36.7 )

Financial guaranty VIE assets

        1,925.3     1,925.3     62.6 (3)       (164.2 )   473.0         2,296.7     220.4  

Other assets

    0.2         0.2     (4)   (0.4 )   127.9             127.7      

Credit derivative asset (liability), net(5)

    (1,542.1 )       (1,542.1 )   119.8 (6)       (282.8 )           (1,705.1 )   124.2  

Financial guaranty VIE liabilities with recourse

        (2,110.9 )   (2,110.9 )   158.5 (3)       181.2     (454.5 )       (2,225.7 )   (119.9 )

Financial guaranty VIE liabilities without recourse

        (226.0 )   (226.0 )   (27.0) (3)       71.6     (55.5 )       (236.9 )   1.5  

 

 
   
   
  Nine Months 2009  
 
   
   
  Total Pre-tax
Realized/
Unrealized
Gains/
(Losses)(1)
Recorded in:
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
  Change in
Unrealized
Gains/
(Losses)
Related to
Financial
Instruments
Held at
September 30,
2009
 
 
  Fair Value
at
December 31,
2008
  AGMH
Acquisition
  Net
Income
(Loss)
  Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
  Purchases,
Issuances,
Settlements,
net
  Transfers
in and/or
out of
Level 3
  Fair
Value at
September 30,
2009
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Other assets

        219.4                     219.4      

Credit derivative asset (liability), net(5)

    (586.8 )   (622.8 )   (312.6 )(6)       (116.0 )       (1,638.2 )   (439.7 )

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

(2)
Included in net realized investment gains (losses) and net investment income.

(3)
Included in financial guaranty variable interest entities revenues or expenses.

(4)
Recorded in other income.

(5)
Represents net position of credit derivatives. The consolidated balance sheet presents gross assets and liabilities based on net counterparty exposure.

(6)
Reported in net change in fair value of credit derivatives.

67


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

10. Investment Portfolio

Investment Portfolio

        The following tables summarize the Company's aggregate investment portfolio:


Investment Portfolio by Security Type

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
Investments Category
  Percent
of
Total(1)
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair Value
  AOCI
Gain
(Loss) on
Securities
with
OTTI(2)
  Weighted
Average
Credit
Quality
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Fixed maturity securities:

                                           

U.S. government and agencies

    10 % $ 1,039.0   $ 71.2   $   $ 1,110.2   $     AAA  

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    47     4,794.0     298.5     (0.9 )   5,091.6     1.1     AA  

Corporate securities

    9     945.3     44.7     (0.1 )   989.9     0.6     AA-  

Mortgage-backed securities(3):

                                           
 

RMBS

    12     1,271.3     51.7     (43.9 )   1,279.1     (1.7 )   AA  
 

CMBS

    3     348.4     19.2     (0.1 )   367.5     2.7     AAA  

Asset-backed securities

    6     564.0     11.4     (1.4 )   574.0     (0.3 )   BBB  

Foreign government securities

    4     356.4     9.0     (1.9 )   363.5         AA+  
                               
 

Total fixed maturity securities

    91     9,318.4     505.7     (48.3 )   9,775.8     2.4     AA  

Short-term investments

    9     907.5     0.2         907.7         AAA  
                               
 

Total investment portfolio

    100 % $ 10,225.9   $ 505.9   $ (48.3 ) $ 10,683.5   $ 2.4     AA  
                               

68


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

10. Investment Portfolio (Continued)

 

 
  As of December 31, 2009  
Investments Category
  Percent
of
Total(1)
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Fair Value
  AOCI
Gain
(Loss) on
Securities
with
OTTI(2)
  Weighted
Average
Credit
Quality
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Fixed maturity securities:

                                           

U.S. government and agencies

    9 % $ 1,014.2   $ 26.1   $ (2.7 ) $ 1,037.6   $     AAA  

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    46     4,881.6     164.7     (6.8 )   5,039.5         AA  

Corporate securities

    6     617.1     12.8     (4.4 )   625.5         AA-  

Mortgage-backed securities(3):

                                           
 

RMBS

    14     1,449.4     39.5     (24.3 )   1,464.6     (9.8 )   AA+  
 

CMBS

    2     229.9     3.4     (6.1 )   227.2     (2.4 )   AA+  

Asset-backed securities

    4     395.3     1.5     (7.9 )   388.9         BIG  

Foreign government securities

    3     356.4     3.6     (3.4 )   356.6         AA+  
                               
 

Total fixed maturity securities

    84     8,943.9     251.6     (55.6 )   9,139.9     (12.2 )   AA  

Short-term investments

    16     1,668.3     0.7     (0.7 )   1,668.3         AAA  
                               
 

Total investment portfolio

    100 % $ 10,612.2   $ 252.3   $ (56.3 ) $ 10,808.2   $ (12.2 )   AA  
                               

(1)
Based on amortized cost.

(2)
Accumulated OCI ("AOCI").

(3)
As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, approximately 66% and 80% of the Company's total mortgage backed securities were government agency obligations.

        Ratings in the table above represent the lower of the Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and S&P classifications. The Company's portfolio is comprised primarily of high-quality, liquid instruments. The Company continues to receive sufficient information to value its investments and has not had to modify its valuation approach due to the current market conditions.

        The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2010 are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

69


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

10. Investment Portfolio (Continued)


Distribution of Fixed-Maturity Securities in the Investment Portfolio
by Contractual Maturity

 
  As of September 30,
2010
 
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Due within one year

  $ 94.5   $ 95.6  

Due after one year through five years

    1,887.6     1,947.7  

Due after five years through ten years

    2,101.9     2,224.6  

Due after ten years

    3,614.7     3,861.3  

Mortgage-backed securities:

             
 

RMBS

    1,271.3     1,279.1  
 

CMBS

    348.4     367.5  
           

Total

  $ 9,318.4   $ 9,775.8  
           

        Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities were $835.7 million and $1,258.4 million for the Nine Months 2010 and 2009, respectively.


Net Investment Income

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Income from fixed maturity securities

  $ 87.5   $ 88.1   $ 267.3   $ 175.4  

Income from short-term investments

    0.5     (1.5 )   0.1      
                   
 

Gross investment income

    88.0     86.6     267.4     175.4  

Investment expenses

    (2.4 )   (1.9 )   (6.6 )   (3.8 )
                   
 

Net investment income(1)

  $ 85.6   $ 84.7   $ 260.8   $ 171.6  
                   

(1)
Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010 amounts include $12.4 million and $37.7 million, respectively, of net amortization of premium, which is mainly comprised of amortization of premium on the acquired AGMH investment portfolio. Third Quarter 2009 and Nine Months 2009 amounts include $13.9 million and $8.7 million, respectively, of net amortization of premium, which is mainly comprised of amortization of premium on the acquired AGMH investment portfolio.

        Under agreements with its cedants and in accordance with statutory requirements, the Company maintains fixed maturity securities in trust accounts of $359.4 million and $345.7 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, for the benefit of reinsured companies and for the protection of policyholders, generally in states in which the Company or its subsidiaries, as applicable, are not licensed or accredited.

70


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

10. Investment Portfolio (Continued)

        Under certain derivative contracts, the Company is required to post eligible securities as collateral, generally cash or U.S. government or agency securities. The need to post collateral under these transactions is generally based on mark-to-market valuations in excess of contractual thresholds. The fair market value of the Company's pledged securities totaled $645.5 million and $649.6 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

        The Company is not exposed to significant concentrations of credit risk within its investment portfolio.

        No material investments of the Company were non-income producing for the Third Quarter and Nine Months 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Other-Than Temporary Impairment

        The following table presents the roll-forward of the credit losses of fixed maturity securities for which the Company has recognized OTTI and where the portion of the fair value adjustment related to other factors was recognized in OCI.


Rollforward of Credit Losses in the Investment Portfolio

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 20.0   $ 15.4   $ 19.9   $ 0.6  

Additions for credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was not previously recognized

    4.3         4.3     13.6  

Additions for credit losses on securities for which an OTTI was previously recognized

        4.6     0.1     5.8  
                   
 

Balance, end of period

  $ 24.3   $ 20.0   $ 24.3   $ 20.0  
                   

        Effective April 1, 2009, GAAP required bifurcation of credit and non-credit related OTTI in realized loss and OCI, respectively. Prior to April 1, 2009, the entire unrealized loss on OTTI securities was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Subsequent to that date, only the credit component of the unrealized loss on OTTI securities was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

        As of September 30, 2010, amounts, net of tax, in AOCI included a net unrealized gain of $2.3 million for securities for which the Company had recognized OTTI and a net unrealized gain of $333.1 million for securities for which the Company had not recognized OTTI. As of December 31, 2009, amounts, net of tax, in AOCI included an unrealized loss of $11.4 million for securities for which the Company had recognized OTTI and an unrealized gain of $150.4 million for securities for which the Company had not recognized OTTI.

        The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the amounts have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

71


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

10. Investment Portfolio (Continued)


Gross Unrealized Loss by Length of Time

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total  
 
  Fair
value
  Unrealized
loss
  Fair
value
  Unrealized
loss
  Fair
value
  Unrealized
loss
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

U.S. government and agencies

  $ 25.0   $   $   $   $ 25.0   $  

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    69.0     (0.3 )   34.4     (0.6 )   103.4     (0.9 )

Corporate securities

    9.6         3.3     (0.1 )   12.9     (0.1 )

Mortgage-backed securities:

                                     
 

RMBS

    155.0     (40.6 )   41.5     (3.3 )   196.5     (43.9 )
 

CMBS

    21.2     (0.1 )           21.2     (0.1 )

Asset-backed securities

    207.3     (1.3 )   2.3     (0.1 )   209.6     (1.4 )

Foreign government securities

            82.7     (1.9 )   82.7     (1.9 )
                           
 

Total

  $ 487.1   $ (42.3 ) $ 164.2   $ (6.0 ) $ 651.3   $ (48.3 )
                           
 

Number of securities

          64           31           95  
                                 
 

Number of securities with OTTI

          2           5           7  
                                 

 

 
  As of December 31, 2009  
 
  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total  
 
  Fair
value
  Unrealized
loss
  Fair
value
  Unrealized
loss
  Fair
value
  Unrealized
loss
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

U.S. government and agencies

  $ 292.5   $ (2.7 ) $   $   $ 292.5   $ (2.7 )

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    407.4     (4.1 )   56.9     (2.7 )   464.3     (6.8 )

Corporate securities

    287.0     (3.9 )   8.2     (0.5 )   295.2     (4.4 )

Mortgage-backed securities:

                                     
 

RMBS

    361.4     (21.6 )   20.5     (2.7 )   381.9     (24.3 )
 

CMBS

    49.5     (2.4 )   56.4     (3.7 )   105.9     (6.1 )

Asset-backed securities

    126.1     (7.8 )   2.0     (0.1 )   128.1     (7.9 )

Foreign government securities

    270.4     (3.4 )           270.4     (3.4 )
                           
 

Total

  $ 1,794.3   $ (45.9 ) $ 144.0   $ (9.7 ) $ 1,938.3   $ (55.6 )
                           
 

Number of securities

          259           33           292  
                                 
 

Number of securities with OTTI

          13           2           15  
                                 

        Of the securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more as of September 30, 2010, two securities had an unrealized loss greater than 10% of book value. The total unrealized loss for these securities as of September 30, 2010 was $1.7 million. The unrealized loss was yield related.

72


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

10. Investment Portfolio (Continued)


Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Realized gains on investment portfolio

  $ 2.5   $ 5.7   $ 26.7   $ 25.3  

Realized losses on investment portfolio

    (0.8 )   (4.0 )   (3.5 )   (12.3 )

OTTI

    (4.6 )   (8.0 )   (22.4 )   (41.3 )
                   
 

Net realized investment (losses) gains on investment portfolio

    (2.9 )   (6.3 )   0.8     (28.3 )

Assets acquired in refinancing transactions

    0.5     0.2     (2.2 )   0.2  
                   
 

Net realized investment (losses) gains on investment portfolio and assets acquired in refinancing transactions

  $ (2.4 ) $ (6.1 ) $ (1.4 ) $ (28.1 )
                   

11. Income Taxes

        AGL and its Bermuda Subsidiaries, which include AG Re, AGRO, Assured Guaranty (Bermuda) Ltd. (formerly Financial Security Assurance International Ltd. ("AGBM")) and Cedar Personnel Ltd., are not subject to any income, withholding or capital gains taxes under current Bermuda law. AGL has received an assurance from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda that, in the event of any taxes being imposed, AGL and its Bermuda Subsidiaries will be exempt from taxation in Bermuda until March 28, 2016. The Company's U.S. and U.K. subsidiaries are subject to income taxes imposed by U.S. and U.K. authorities and file applicable tax returns. In addition, AGRO, a Bermuda domiciled company and AGE, a U.K. domiciled company, have elected under Section 953(d) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code to be taxed as a U.S. domestic corporation.

        In conjunction with the AGMH Acquisition, AGMH has joined the consolidated federal tax group of AGUS, AGC, and AG Financial Products Inc. ("AGFP"). For the periods beginning on July 1, 2009 and forward, AGMH will file a consolidated federal income tax return with AGUS, AGC, AGFP and AG Analytics Inc. ("AGUS consolidated tax group"). In addition a new tax sharing agreement was entered into effective July 1, 2009 whereby each company in the AGUS consolidated tax group will pay or receive its proportionate share of taxable expense or benefit as if it filed on a separate return basis. Assured Guaranty Overseas US Holdings Inc. ("AGOUS") and its subsidiaries AGRO, Assured Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company and AG Intermediary Inc., have historically filed a consolidated federal income tax return. Each company, as a member of its respective consolidated tax return group, pays its proportionate share of the consolidated federal tax burden for its group as if each company filed on a separate return basis with current period credit for net losses.

        The Company's provision for income taxes for interim financial periods is not based on an estimated annual effective rate due to the variability in changes in fair value of its credit derivatives, which prevents the Company from projecting a reliable estimated annual effective tax rate and pre-tax income for the full year of 2010. A discrete calculation of the provision is calculated for each interim period.

        The effective rates for Third Quarter 2010 and Third Quarter 2009 were (2.4)% and (43.5)%, respectively. The effective rates for Nine Months 2010 and Nine Months 2009 were 22.2% and 40.4%, respectively. The effective tax rates reflect the proportion of income recognized by each of the

73


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

11. Income Taxes (Continued)


Company's operating subsidiaries, with U.S. subsidiaries taxed at the U.S. marginal corporate income tax rate of 35%, U.K. subsidiaries taxed at the U.K. marginal corporate tax rate of 28%, and no taxes for the Company's Bermuda holding company and subsidiaries. Accordingly, the Company's overall corporate effective tax rate fluctuates based on the distribution of taxable income across these jurisdictions. In addition, during the third quarter of 2010, a net tax benefit of $55.8 million was recorded by the Company due to the filing of an amended tax return which included the AGMH and Subsidiaries tax group. The amended return filed in September 2010 was for a period prior to the AGMH Acquisition and consequently, the Company no longer has a deferred tax asset related to net operating losses ("NOL") or alternative minimum tax credits associated with the AGMH Acquisition. Instead, the Company has recorded additional deferred tax assets for loss reserves and foreign tax credits and has decreased its liability for uncertain tax positions. The event giving rise to this recognition occurred after the Measurement Period as defined by acquisition accounting and thus the amount is included in the Third Quarter 2010 net income. Included in the $55.8 million net tax benefit is a decrease for uncertain tax positions of $9.2 million.

        A reconciliation of the difference between the provision for income taxes and the expected tax provision at statutory rates in taxable jurisdictions is presented below:


Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Expected tax provision (benefit) at statutory rates in taxable jurisdictions

  $ 74.0   $ 67.9   $ 305.7   $ (18.4 )

Tax-exempt interest

    (19.4 )   (14.1 )   (47.8 )   (22.4 )

True-up from tax return filings

    (51.6 )       (51.6 )    

Goodwill

        (51.5 )       (51.5 )

Change in liability for uncertain tax positions

    (8.0 )   5.5     (6.4 )   5.5  

Other

    0.8     4.4     1.8     2.3  
                   
 

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

  $ (4.2 ) $ 12.2   $ 201.7   $ (84.5 )
                   

Examinations

        The U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has completed audits of all of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries' federal income tax returns for taxable years through 2004 except for AGMH, which has been audited through 2006, and AGOUS (which includes Assured Guaranty Overseas US Holdings Inc., AGRO, Assured Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company and AG Intermediary Inc.), which has been audited through 2004. No significant findings and no cash settlements with the IRS resulted from the audit. In addition, AGUS was under IRS audit for tax years 2002 through the date of the IPO as part of an audit of ACE Limited ("ACE"), which had been the parent company of certain subsidiaries of the Company prior to the IPO. This audit has been completed with no impact to AGUS. AGUS is currently under audit by the IRS for the 2006 through 2008 tax years. AGMH and its subsidiaries are under audit for 2008, when they were members of the Dexia Holdings Inc. consolidated

74


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

11. Income Taxes (Continued)


tax group. The Company is indemnified by Dexia for any potential liability associated with this audit of any periods prior to the Acquisition. The Company's U.K. subsidiaries are not currently under examination.

Tax Treatment of CDS

        The Company treats the guaranty it provides on CDS as insurance contracts for tax purposes and as such a taxable loss does not occur until the Company expects to make a loss payment to the buyer of credit protection based upon the occurrence of one or more specified credit events with respect to the contractually referenced obligation or entity. The Company holds its CDS to maturity, at which time any unrealized mark to market loss in excess of credit- related losses would revert to zero.

        The tax treatment of CDS is an unsettled area of the law. The uncertainty relates to the IRS determination of the income or potential loss associated with CDS as either subject to capital gain (loss) or ordinary income (loss) treatment. In treating CDS as insurance contracts the Company treats both the receipt of premium and payment of losses as ordinary income and believes it is more likely than not that any CDS credit related losses will be treated as ordinary by the IRS. To the extent the IRS takes the view that the losses are capital losses in the future and the Company incurred actual losses associated with the CDS, the Company would need sufficient taxable income of the same character within the carryback and carryforward period available under the tax law.

Valuation Allowance

        As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, net deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance of $7.0 million for each period presented, were $842.1 million and $1,158.2 million, respectively. The September 30, 2010 deferred tax asset of $842.1 million consists primarily of $733.3 million in unearned premium reserve and $290.5 million in mark to market adjustments for CDS, offset by net deferred tax liabilities. The December 31, 2009 deferred tax asset of $1,158.2 million consisted primarily of $883.5 million in unearned premium reserve and $336.9 million in mark to market adjustment for CDS, offset by net deferred tax liabilities.

        The Company came to the conclusion that it is more likely than not that its net deferred tax asset after netting of its valuation allowance will be fully realized after weighing all positive and negative evidence available as required under GAAP. The evidence that was considered included the following:

Negative Evidence

75


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

11. Income Taxes (Continued)

Positive Evidence

        After examining all of the available positive and negative evidence, the Company believes that no additional valuation allowance is necessary in connection with this deferred tax asset. The Company will continue to analyze the need for a valuation allowance on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

        As of September 30, 2010, the Company expects to utilize foreign tax credits of $22 million, which expire in 2018, from its AGMH Acquisition. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code limits the amount of credits the Company may utilize each year. Management believes sufficient future taxable income exists to realize the full benefit of this amount.

        As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, AGRO had a standalone NOL carryforward of $42.4 million and $49.9 million, respectively, which is available to offset its future U.S. taxable income. The Company has $21.7 million of this NOL available through 2017 and $20.7 million available through 2023. AGRO's standalone NOL is not permitted to offset the income of any other members of AGRO's consolidated group. Under applicable accounting standards, the Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for NOLs that the Company believes are more likely than not to expire before being utilized. Management has assessed the likelihood of realization of all of its deferred tax assets. Based on this analysis, management believes it is more likely than not that $20.0 million of AGRO's $42.4 million NOL will not be utilized before it expires and has established a $7.0 million valuation allowance related to the NOL deferred tax asset. Management believes that all other deferred income taxes are more-likely-than-not to be realized. The valuation allowance is subject to considerable judgment, is reviewed quarterly and will be adjusted to the extent actual taxable income differs from estimates of future taxable income that may be used to realize NOLs or capital losses.

76


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

12. Reinsurance

        The Company assumes exposure on insured obligations ("Reinsurance Business") and cedes portions of its exposure on obligations it has insured ("Ceded Business") in exchange for premiums, net of ceding commissions.

        The Company enters into ceded reinsurance agreements with non-affiliated companies to limit its exposure to risk on an on-going basis. In the event that any of the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations, the Company would be liable for such defaulted amounts.

        With respect to a significant portion of the Company's in-force financial guaranty Reinsurance Business, due to the downgrade of AG Re to A1, subject to the terms of each reinsurance agreement, the ceding company may have the right to recapture business ceded to AG Re and assets representing substantially all of the statutory unearned premium reserve net of loss reserves (if any) associated with that business. As of September 30, 2010, the statutory unearned premium reserve, which represents deferred revenue to the Company, subject to recapture was approximately $144.9 million. If this entire amount were recaptured, it would result in a corresponding one-time reduction to net income of approximately $20.0 million.

        Direct, assumed, and ceded premium and loss and LAE amounts for the Third Quarter and Nine Months 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009(1)  
 
  (in millions)
 

Premiums Written:

                         
 

Direct

  $ 91.7   $ 131.5   $ 287.4   $ 409.1  
 

Assumed(2)

    (14.1 )   (7.3 )   (26.0 )   90.9  
 

Ceded(3)

    (1.4 )   (7.7 )   56.8     (6.7 )
                   
 

Net

  $ 76.2   $ 116.5   $ 318.2   $ 493.3  
                   

Premiums Earned:

                         
 

Direct

  $ 300.7   $ 362.8   $ 936.8   $ 500.2  
 

Assumed

    20.6     15.4     57.6     109.7  
 

Ceded

    (32.6 )   (48.2 )   (94.0 )   (52.8 )
                   
 

Net

  $ 288.7   $ 330.0   $ 900.4   $ 557.1  
                   

Loss and LAE:

                         
 

Direct

  $ 105.3   $ 100.0     331.4   $ 144.0  
 

Assumed

    7.2     36.2     47.7     110.0  
 

Ceded

    (3.4 )   (2.9 )   (68.3 )   (2.9 )
                   
 

Net

  $ 109.1   $ 133.3   $ 310.8   $ 251.1  
                   

(1)
Amounts assumed by AG Re and AGC from AGMH in periods prior to the AGMH Acquisition are included in the assumed premiums written, premiums earned and loss and LAE amounts above reflecting the separate organizational structures in effect at the time.

77


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

12. Reinsurance (Continued)

(2)
The 2009 amounts included the effects of conforming estimates as a result of the AGMH Acquisition.

(3)
Positive ceded premiums written were due to commutations and changes in expected debt service schedules.

        The insured financial guaranty portfolio of the Acquired Companies uses ceded reinsurance to a greater extent than Assured Guaranty has historically used. While certain Ceded Business has been re-assumed, the Company still has significant Ceded Business with third parties.

        The Company's ceded contracts generally allow the Company to recapture Ceded Business after certain triggering events, such as reinsurer downgrades.


Ceded Par Outstanding by Reinsurer and Ratings

 
  Ratings at
October 31, 2010
   
   
 
 
   
  Ceded Par
Outstanding
as a % of
Total
 
Reinsurer
  Moody's
Reinsurer
Rating
  S&P
Reinsurer
Rating
  Ceded Par
Outstanding(3)
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc. ("Radian")

  Ba1   BB-   $ 22,318     32.8 %

Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. ("Tokio")

  Aa2(1)   AA(1)     19,740     29.0  

RAM Reinsurance Co. Ltd. ("RAM Re")

  WR(2)   WR(2)     13,790     20.3  

Syncora Guarantee Inc. ("Syncora")

  Ca   WR     4,198     6.2  

Swiss Reinsurance Company ("Swiss Re")

  A1   A+     2,929     4.3  

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd. 

  Aa3   AA-     2,464     3.6  

Other

  Various   Various     2,644     3.8  
                   
 

Total

          $ 68,083     100.0 %
                   

(1)
The Company has structural collateral agreements satisfying the triple-A credit requirement of S&P and/or Moody's.

(2)
Represents "Withdrawn Rating."

(3)
Includes $7,459 million in ceded par outstanding related to insured credit derivatives.

78


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

12. Reinsurance (Continued)


Ceded Par Outstanding by Reinsurer and Credit Rating
As of September 30, 2010

 
  Credit Rating  
Reinsurer
  Super
Senior
  AAA   AA   A   BBB   BIG   Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Radian

  $ 217   $ 1,068   $ 10,009   $ 8,008   $ 2,697   $ 319   $ 22,318  

Tokio

    580     1,952     6,235     6,813     3,323     837     19,740  

RAM Re

    515     2,351     4,845     3,678     1,899     502     13,790  

Syncora

            465     754     2,956     23     4,198  

Swiss Re

        12     1,131     751     948     87     2,929  

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd. 

    13     154     906     916     403     72     2,464  

Other

            1,071     1,354     146     73     2,644  
                               
 

Total

  $ 1,325   $ 5,537   $ 24,662   $ 22,274   $ 12,372   $ 1,913   $ 68,083  
                               

        In accordance with statutory accounting requirements and U.S. insurance laws and regulations, in order for the Company to receive credit for liabilities ceded to reinsurers domiciled outside of the U.S., such reinsurers must secure their liabilities to the Company. All of the unauthorized reinsurers in the table above post collateral for the benefit of the Company in an amount at least equal to the sum of their ceded unearned premium reserve, loss reserves and contingency reserves calculated on a statutory basis of accounting. CIFG Assurance North America Inc. ("CIFG"), included in "Other," and Radian, are authorized reinsurers. Their collateral equals or exceeds their ceded statutory loss reserves. Collateral may be in the form of letters of credit or trust accounts. The total collateral posted by all non-affiliated reinsurers as of September 30, 2010 exceeds $1.1 billion.

        Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were $18.1 million and $14.1 million, respectively. In the event that any or all of the reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations, the Company would be liable for such defaulted amounts.

Agreements with CIFG Assurance North America, Inc.

        AGC entered into an agreement with CIFG to assume a diversified portfolio of financial guaranty contracts totaling approximately $13.3 billion of net par outstanding. The Company closed the transaction in January 2009 and received $75.6 million net of ceding commissions, and is entitled to approximately $12.2 million of future installments related to this transaction.

        In August 2009, AGM and AGE re-assumed approximately $1.8 billion of par outstanding from CIFG, which represented all AGM and AGE business ceded to CIFG, except for one risk which remained with CIFG and which exposure CIFG collateralized. CIFG paid AGM and AGE a total of $31 million in net unearned premiums and paid losses and LAE.

79


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

12. Reinsurance (Continued)

Agreements with Ambac Assurance Corporation

        In October 2009, AGM and AGE and Ambac Assurance Corporation ("Ambac") re-assumed the mutual business ceded between Ambac, on the one hand, and AGM and AGE, on the other. AGM and AGE re-assumed approximately $1 billion of par outstanding from Ambac, and Ambac re-assumed approximately $900 million of outstanding par from AGM and AGE. As compensation for the re-assumptions, Ambac transferred to AGM and AGE AGM-insured bonds with a then outstanding par value of $17.4 million and a then estimated market value of $6.6 million, not taking into account the AGM insurance, and AGM transferred to Ambac, Ambac-insured bonds with a then outstanding par value of $8.5 million and a then estimated market value of $1 million, not taking into account the Ambac insurance.

Tokio Marine Agreement

        Effective as of February 1, 2010, AGM and Tokio entered into a Commutation, Reassumption and Release Agreement for a portfolio, which consisted of approximately $7.8 billion principal amount outstanding as of January 31, 2010. Tokio paid AGM the statutory unearned premium outstanding as of January 31, 2010 plus a commutation premium.

Swiss Re Agreement

        Effective April 1, 2010, AGM and Swiss Re entered into a Commutation, Reassumption and Release Agreement with respect to $992 million principal amount outstanding as of March 31, 2010 of public finance exposures that AGM had reinsured to Swiss Re. Swiss Re paid AGM the statutory unearned premium outstanding as of March 31, 2010 plus a commutation premium in connection with termination of Swiss Re's reinsurance of these policies.

13. Dividends and Capital Requirements

        Each operating company's ability to pay dividends depends, among other things, upon their financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements and compliance with rating agency requirements, and is also subject to restrictions contained in the insurance laws and related regulations of their state of domicile and other states.

        AGC is a Maryland domiciled insurance company. Under Maryland's 1993 revised insurance law, AGC may not pay dividends out of earned surplus in any twelve-month period in an aggregate amount exceeding the lesser of (a) 10% of surplus to policyholders or (b) net investment income at the preceding December 31 (including net investment income which has not already been paid out as dividends for the three calendar years prior to the preceding calendar year) without prior approval of the Maryland Commissioner of Insurance. As of September 30, 2010, the amount available for distribution from the Company during 2010 with notice to, but without prior approval of, the Maryland Commissioner of Insurance under the Maryland insurance law is approximately $97.3 million. During the Nine Months 2010 and 2009, AGC declared and paid $40.0 million and $16.8 million, respectively, in dividends to AGUS. Under Maryland insurance regulations, AGC is required at all times to maintain a minimum capital stock of $1.5 million and minimum surplus as regards policyholders of $1.5 million.

80


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

13. Dividends and Capital Requirements (Continued)

        AGM is a New York domiciled insurance company. Under the insurance laws of the State of New York (the "New York Insurance Law") and related requirements, AGM may pay dividends out of earned surplus, provided that, together with all dividends declared or distributed by AGM during the preceding 12 months, the dividends do not exceed the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders' surplus as of its last statement filed with the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York (the "New York Superintendent") or (b) adjusted net investment income (net investment income at the preceding December 31, plus net investment income which has not already been paid out as dividends for the three calendar years prior to the preceding calendar year) during this period. Based on AGM's statutory statements for the Nine Months 2010, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends by AGM without regulatory approval over the 12 months following September 30, 2010, was approximately $96.9 million. However, in connection with the AGMH Acquisition, the Company has committed to the New York Insurance Department that AGM will not pay any dividends for a period of two years from the Acquisition Date without the written approval of the New York Insurance Department. Under New York insurance regulations, AGM is required at all times to maintain a minimum surplus of $66.5 million.

        AG Re's and AGRO's dividend distribution are governed by Bermuda law. Under Bermuda law, dividends may only be paid if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the Company is, or would after the payment be, able to pay its liabilities as they become due and if the realizable value of its assets would thereby not be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and issued share capital and share premium accounts. Distributions to shareholders may also be paid out of statutory capital, but are subject to a 15% limitation without prior approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Dividends are limited by requirements that the subject company must at all times (i) maintain the minimum solvency margin required under the Insurance Act of 1978 and (ii) have relevant assets in an amount at least equal to 75% of relevant liabilities, both as defined under the Insurance Act of 1978. AG Re, as a Class 3B insurer, is prohibited from declaring or paying in any financial year dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its previous financial year's statutory balance sheet) unless it files (at least seven days before payment of such dividends) with the Authority an affidavit stating that it will continue to meet the required margins. The amount available at AG Re to pay dividends in 2010 in compliance with Bermuda law is $1,165.9 million. However, any distribution which results in a reduction of 15% of more of AG Re's total statutory capital, as set out in its previous year's financial statements, would require the prior approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority. AG Re declared and paid $12.0 million to its parent, AGL, during Nine Months 2010. During Nine Months 2009, AG Re declared $26.6 million and paid $30.3 million to AGL.

14. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

Litigation

        Lawsuits arise in the ordinary course of the Company's business. It is the opinion of the Company's management, based upon the information available, that the expected outcome of litigation against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or liquidity, although an adverse resolution of litigation against the Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations in a particular

81


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

14. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)


quarter or fiscal year. In addition, in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, certain of the Company's subsidiaries assert claims in legal proceedings against third parties to recover losses paid in prior periods. For example, as described in Note 6 (Financial Guaranty Contracts Accounted for as Insurance—Loss Estimation Process and Assumptions—Recovery Litigation), as of the date of this filing, AGC and AGM have filed complaints against certain sponsors and underwriters of RMBS securities that AGC or AGM had insured, alleging, among other claims, that such persons had breached R&W in the transaction documents, failed to cure or repurchase defective loans and/or violated state securities laws. The amounts, if any, the Company will recover in proceedings to recover losses are uncertain, and recoveries, or failure to obtain recoveries, in any one or more of these proceedings during any quarter or fiscal year could be material to the Company's results of operations in that particular quarter or fiscal year.

Proceedings Relating to the Company's Financial Guaranty Business

        The Company has received subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories from the State of Connecticut Attorney General and the Attorney General of the State of California related to antitrust concerns associated with the methodologies used by rating agencies for determining the credit rating of municipal debt, including a proposal by Moody's to assign corporate equivalent ratings to municipal obligations, and the Company's communications with rating agencies. The Company has satisfied or is in the process of satisfying such requests. It may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

        AGM and various other financial guarantors were named in three complaints filed in the Superior Court, San Francisco County, California in December 2008 and January 2009 by the following plaintiffs: (a) City of Los Angeles, acting by and through the Department of Water and Power; (b) Sacramento Municipal Utility District; and (c) City of Sacramento. In or about August 2009, plaintiffs in these cases filed amended complaints against AGC and AGM. At the same time, AGC and AGM were named in six other amended complaints and three new complaints by the following plaintiffs: (d) City of Los Angeles; (e) City of Oakland; (f) City of Riverside; (g) City of Stockton ; (h) County of Alameda; (i) County of Contra Costa; (j) County of San Mateo; (k) Los Angeles World Airports and (l) City and County of San Francisco. Plaintiffs thereafter dismissed AGC and AGM from the City and County of San Francisco complaint in September 2009.

        These complaints allege (i) participation in a conspiracy in violation of California's antitrust laws to maintain a dual credit rating scale that misstated the credit default risk of municipal bond issuers and created market demand for municipal bond insurance, (ii) participation in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that damaged each bond insurer's financial condition (thereby undermining the value of each of their guaranties), and (iii) a failure to adequately disclose the impact of those transactions on their financial condition. In addition to their antitrust claims, various plaintiffs in these actions assert claims for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, unjust enrichment, negligence, and negligent misrepresentation.

        At a hearing on March 1, 2010, the court on its own motion struck all of the plaintiffs' complaints with leave to amend. The court instructed plaintiffs to file one consolidated complaint. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs and other

82


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

14. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)


expenses. On May 28, 2010, the plaintiffs, together with certain new plaintiffs, filed two consolidated complaints, making allegations similar to those contained in their previous complaints. The newly added plaintiffs are as follows: (m) City of Richmond; (n) Redwood City; (o) East Bay Municipal Utility District; (p) Sacramento Suburban Water District; (q) City of San Jose; (r) County of Tulare; (s) The Regents of the University of California; (t) The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside and (u) The Public Financing Authority of the City of Riverside. On July 7, 2010, plaintiffs' counsel filed another complaint, adding as a new plaintiff (v) The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, which in addition to asserting the claims discussed above, asserts claims for unfair business practices under California state law, and (w) the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, which asserts claims for antitrust violations under California law. By letter dated July 13, 2010, plaintiffs' counsel proposed amending a similar complaint filed by (x) The Olympic Club to allege claims against AGC and AGM. The three amended complaints were filed on October 13, 2010. On September 17, 2010, AGC, AGM, and other named defendants filed demurrers to plaintiffs' complaints. On October 29, 2010, plaintiff Sacramento Municipal Utility District dismissed with prejudice all pending cases and actions against AGC and AGM. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

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

        In September 2010, AGM, among others, was named as a defendant in an interpleader complaint filed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trust administrator, in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York. The interpleader complaint relates to an RMBS transaction in which AGM had insured certain classes of certificates. Certain holders of uninsured certificates have disputed payments made by the trust administrator to reimburse AGM for claims it had paid under its financial guaranty policy. The trust administrator seeks adjudication of the priority of AGM's reimbursements. If the decision is adverse to AGM, total unreimbursed claims is uncertain but could be as much as approximately $110 million over the life of the transaction. The Company intends to defend this action and to pursue its rights under the transaction documents vigorously.

Proceedings Related to AGMH's Former Financial Products Business

        The following is a description of legal proceedings involving AGMH's former Financial Products Business. Although the Company did not acquire AGMH's former Financial Products Business, which included AGMH's former GICs business, MTN business and portions of the leveraged lease businesses, certain legal proceedings relating to those businesses are against entities which the Company did acquire. While Dexia SA and DCL, jointly and severally, have agreed to indemnify the Company against liability arising out of the proceedings described below in this "—Proceedings Related to AGMH's Former Financial Products Business" section, such indemnification might not be sufficient to

83


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

14. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)


fully hold the Company harmless against any injunctive relief or criminal sanction that is imposed against AGMH or its subsidiaries.

        AGMH and/or AGM have received subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories or civil investigative demands from the Attorney General of the States of Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Texas and West Virginia relating to their investigations of alleged bid rigging of municipal GICs. AGMH is responding to such requests. AGMH may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future. In addition,

        Pursuant to the subpoenas, AGMH has furnished to the Department of Justice and SEC records and other information with respect to AGMH's municipal GICs business. The ultimate loss that may arise from these investigations remains uncertain.

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

        Five of these cases named both AGMH and AGM: (a) Hinds County, Mississippi v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (b) Fairfax County, Virginia v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (c) Central Bucks School District, Pennsylvania v. Wachovia Bank N.A.; (d) Mayor & City Council of Baltimore, Maryland v. Wachovia Bank N.A.; and (e) Washington County, Tennessee v. Wachovia Bank N.A. In April 2009, the MDL 1950 court granted the defendants' motion to dismiss on the federal claims, but granted leave for the plaintiffs to file a second amended complaint. In June 2009, interim lead plaintiffs' counsel filed a Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees and other costs. The Company cannot

84


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

14. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)


reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits; although the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint currently describes some of AGMH's and AGM's activities, it does not name those entities as defendants. In March 2010, the MDL 1950 court denied the named defendants' motions to dismiss the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint.

        Four of the cases named AGMH (but not AGM) and also alleged that the defendants violated California state antitrust law and common law by engaging in illegal bid-rigging and market allocation, thereby depriving the cities or municipalities of competition in the awarding of GICs and ultimately resulting in the cities paying higher fees for these products: (f) City of Oakland, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; (g) County of Alameda, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; (h) City of Fresno, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; and (i) Fresno County Financing Authority v. AIG Financial Products Corp. When the four plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint in September 2009, the plaintiffs did not name AGMH as a defendant. However, the complaint does describe some of AGMH's and AGM's activities. The consolidated complaint generally seeks unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees and other costs. In April 2010, the MDL 1950 court granted in part and denied in part the named defendants' motions to dismiss this consolidated complaint.

        In 2008, AGMH and AGM also were named in five non-class action lawsuits originally filed in the California Superior Courts alleging violations of California law related to the municipal derivatives industry: (a) City of Los Angeles, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (b) City of Stockton, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (c) County of San Diego, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (d) County of San Mateo, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; and (e) County of Contra Costa, California v. Bank of America, N.A. Amended complaints in these actions were filed in September 2009, adding a federal antitrust claim and naming AGM (but not AGMH) and AGUS, among other defendants. These cases have been transferred to the S.D.N.Y. and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings.

        In late 2009, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in six additional non-class action cases filed in federal court, which also have been coordinated and consolidated for pretrial proceedings with MDL 1950: (f) City of Riverside, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (g) Sacramento Municipal Utility District, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (h) Los Angeles World Airports, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (i) Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (j) Sacramento Suburban Water District, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; and (k) County of Tulare, California v. Bank of America, N.A.

        The MDL 1950 court denied AGM and AGUS's motions to dismiss these eleven complaints in April 2010. Amended complaints were filed in May 2010. On October 29, 2010, AGM and AGUS were voluntarily dismissed with prejudice from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District only. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek or sought unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from the remaining lawsuits.

        In May 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in five additional non-class action cases filed in federal court in California: (a) City of Richmond, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California); (b) City of Redwood City, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California); (c) Redevelopment Agency of the City and County of San

85


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

14. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)


Francisco, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May 21, 2010, N.D. California); (d) East Bay Municipal Utility District, California v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on May18, 2010, N.D. California) ; and (e) City of San Jose and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, California v. Bank of America, N.A (filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California). These cases have also been transferred to the S.D.N.Y. and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. In September 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in a sixth additional non-class action filed in the federal court in New York, but which alleges violation of New York's Donnelly Act in addition to federal antitrust law: Active Retirement Community, Inc. d/b/a Jefferson's Ferry v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on September 21, 2010, E.D. New York). This case has been conditionally transferred to the S.D.N.Y. for consolidation with MDL, 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

        In September 2009, the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia filed a lawsuit (Circuit Ct. Mason County, W. Va.) against Bank of America, N.A. alleging West Virginia state antitrust violations in the municipal derivatives industry, seeking damages and alleging, among other things, a conspiracy to fix the pricing of, and manipulate bids for, municipal derivatives, including GICs. An amended complaint in this action was filed in June 2010, adding a federal antitrust claim and naming AGM (but not AGMH) and AGUS, among other defendants. This case has been removed to federal court as well as transferred to the S.D.N.Y. and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaint in this lawsuit generally seeks civil penalties, unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

Assumed Reinsurance

        The Company is party to reinsurance agreements as a reinsurer to other monoline financial guaranty insurance companies. The Company's facultative and treaty agreements are generally subject to termination:

        Upon termination under the conditions set forth in (b) and (c) above, the Company may be required (under some of its reinsurance agreements) to return to the primary insurer all statutory unearned premiums, less ceding commissions, attributable to reinsurance ceded pursuant to such agreements after which the Company would be released from liability with respect to the assumed business. Upon the occurrence of the conditions set forth in (b) above, whether or not an agreement is terminated, the Company may be required to obtain a letter of credit or alternative form of security to collateralize its obligation to perform under such agreement or it may be obligated to increase the level of ceding commission paid. See Note 12.

86


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

15. Summary of Relationships with Monolines

        The tables below summarize the exposure to each financial guaranty monoline insurer by exposure category and the underlying ratings of the Company's insured risks based on the Company's internal rating scale.


Summary of Relationships With Monolines

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Insured Portfolios  
 
  Assumed
Par
Outstanding
  Second-to-Pay
Insured Par
Outstanding
  Ceded Par
Outstanding
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Radian

  $   $ 80   $ 22,318  

RAM Re

            13,789  

Syncora

    880     2,746     4,198  

ACA Financial Guaranty Corporation

    2     19     965  

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company ("FGIC")

    3,645     3,931     257  

MBIA Insurance Corporation ("MBIA")

    13,081     12,044     138  

Ambac

    28,860     8,027     109  

CIFG

    11,643     258      

Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corporation ("Berkshire")

             

Multiple owner

        2,936      
               
 

Total

  $ 58,111   $ 30,041   $ 41,774  
               

 

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Investment
Portfolio
  Assumed
Premium
Receivable, net of
Commissions
  Assumed
Expected
Loss and LAE
  Ceded
Expected
Loss and LAE
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Radian

  $   $   $   $ 25.7  

RAM Re

            (8.1 )   (6.4 )

Syncora

    16.4         (1.6 )   2.0  

ACA Financial Guaranty Corporation

                 

FGIC

    28.3     29.7     (19.7 )    

MBIA

    963.5     0.8     (3.2 )    

Ambac

    751.1     240.4     (100.7 )    

CIFG

    24.0     7.0          

Berkshire

    4.9              

Multiple owner

                 
                   
 

Total

  $ 1,788.2   $ 277.9   $ (133.3 ) $ 21.3  
                   

        Assumed par outstanding represents the amount of par assumed by the Company from other monolines. Under these relationships, the Company assumes a portion of the ceding company's insured risk in exchange for a premium. The Company may be exposed to risk in this portfolio in that the

87


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

15. Summary of Relationships with Monolines (Continued)


Company may be required to pay losses without a corresponding premium in circumstances where the ceding company is experiencing financial distress and is unable to pay premiums.

        Second-to-pay insured par outstanding represents transactions the Company has insured that were previously insured by other monolines. The Company underwrites such transactions based on the underlying insured obligation without regard to the primary insurer.

        The table below presents the insured par outstanding categorized by rating as of September 30, 2010:


Second-to-Pay
Insured Par Outstanding
As of September 30, 2010(1)

 
  Public Finance   Structured Finance    
 
 
  AAA   AA   A   BBB   BIG   AAA   AA   A   BBB   BIG   Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Radian

  $   $   $ 13   $ 45   $ 20   $ 2   $   $   $   $   $ 80  

Syncora

            449     698     310     399     178     114     260     338     2,746  

ACA Financial Guaranty Corporation

        13         6                             19  

FGIC

        171     1,197     593     336     1,210     197     134     19     74     3,931  

MBIA

    78     3,163     5,036     1,569     30     80     1,405     39     618     26     12,044  

Ambac

    15     2,450     2,719     1,268     255     313         298     218     491     8,027  

CIFG

        11     69     133     45                         258  

Multiple owner

    894         2,042                                 2,936  
                                               
 

Total

  $ 987   $ 5,808   $ 11,525   $ 4,312   $ 996   $ 2,004   $ 1,780   $ 585   $ 1,115   $ 929   $ 30,041  
                                               

(1)
Assured Guaranty's internal rating.

        Ceded par outstanding represents the portion of insured risk ceded to other reinsurers. Under these relationships, the Company cedes a portion of its insured risk in exchange for a premium paid to the reinsurer. The Company remains primarily liable for all risks it directly underwrites and is required to pay all gross claims. It then seeks reimbursement from the reinsurer for its proportionate share of claims. The Company may be exposed to risk for this exposure if it were required to pay the gross claims and not be able to collect ceded claims from an assuming company experiencing financial distress. A number of the financial guaranty insurers to which the Company has ceded par have experienced financial distress and been downgraded by the rating agencies as a result. In addition, state insurance regulators have intervened with respect to some of these insurers. For example, Ambac recently announced that the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin had filed its Plan of Rehabilitation for the segregated account that Ambac had established for certain of its liabilities related to credit derivatives, RMBS and other mainly structured finance transactions. The Plan of Rehabilitation is intended to facilitate an orderly run-off and/or settlement of those liabilities. See Note 12.

88


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

15. Summary of Relationships with Monolines (Continued)

        Amounts for the investment portfolio presented above are based on fair value. Securities within the investment portfolio that are wrapped by monolines may decline in value based on the rating of the monoline.

16. Long-Term Debt, Notes Payable and Credit Facilities

        The principal and carrying values of the Company's long-term debt issued by AGUS and AGMH and notes payable issued by AGM were as follows:

 
  As of September 30,
2010
  As of December 31,
2009
 
 
  Principal   Carrying
Value
  Principal   Carrying
Value
 
 
  (in millions)
 

AGUS:

                         
 

7.0% Senior Notes

  $ 200.0   $ 197.6   $ 200.0   $ 197.5  
 

8.50% Senior Notes

    172.5     170.8     172.5     170.1  
 

Series A Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures

    150.0     149.8     150.0     149.8  
                   
   

Total AGUS

    522.5     518.2     522.5     517.4  

AGMH:

                         
 

67/8% QUIBS

    100.0     66.9     100.0     66.7  
 

6.25% Notes

    230.0     134.7     230.0     133.9  
 

5.60% Notes

    100.0     52.9     100.0     52.6  
 

Junior Subordinated Debentures

    300.0     151.1     300.0     146.8  
                   
   

Total AGMH

    730.0     405.6     730.0     400.0  
                   
     

Total long-term debt

    1,252.5     923.8     1,252.5     917.4  

Notes Payable

    124.1     132.1     140.1     149.1  
                   
   

Total

  $ 1,376.6   $ 1,055.9   $ 1,392.6   $ 1,066.5  
                   

Credit Facilities

Recourse Credit Facilities

        On November 6, 2006, AGL and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a $300.0 million five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the "2006 Credit Facility") with a syndicate of banks. Under the 2006 Credit Facility, each of AGC, AGUK, AG Re, AGRO and AGL are entitled to request the banks to make loans to such borrower or to request that letters of credit be issued for the account of such borrower. Of the $300.0 million available to be borrowed, no more than $100.0 million may be borrowed by AGL, AG Re or AGRO, individually or in the aggregate, and no more than $20.0 million may be borrowed by AGUK. The stated amount of all outstanding letters of credit and the amount of all unpaid drawings in respect of all letters of credit cannot, in the aggregate, exceed $100.0 million. The 2006 Credit Facility also provides that Assured Guaranty may request that the commitment of the banks be increased an additional $100.0 million up to a maximum aggregate amount of $400.0 million.

89


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

16. Long-Term Debt, Notes Payable and Credit Facilities (Continued)

Any such incremental commitment increase is subject to certain conditions provided in the agreement and must be for at least $25.0 million.

        The proceeds of the loans and letters of credit are to be used for the working capital and other general corporate purposes of the borrowers and to support reinsurance transactions.

        At the effective date of the 2006 Credit Facility, AGC guaranteed the obligations of AGUK under the facility and AGL guaranteed the obligations of AG Re and AGRO under the facility and agreed that, if the Company consolidated assets (as defined in the related credit agreement) of AGC and its subsidiaries were to fall below $1.2 billion, it would, within 15 days, guarantee the obligations of AGC and AGUK under the facility. At the same time, AGOUS guaranteed the obligations of AGL, AG Re and AGRO under the facility, and each of AG Re and AGRO guaranteed the other as well as AGL.

        The 2006 Credit Facility's financial covenants require that AGL:

        In addition, the 2006 Credit Facility requires that AGC maintain qualified statutory capital of at least 75% of its statutory capital as of the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006. Furthermore, the 2006 Credit Facility contains restrictions on AGL and its subsidiaries, including, among other things, in respect of their ability to incur debt, permit liens, become liable in respect of guaranties, make loans or investments, pay dividends or make distributions, dissolve or become party to a merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of assets or enter into affiliate transactions. Most of these restrictions are subject to certain minimum thresholds and exceptions. The 2006 Credit Facility has customary events of default, including (subject to certain materiality thresholds and grace periods) payment default, failure to comply with covenants, material inaccuracy of representation or warranty, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, change of control and cross-default to other debt agreements. A default by one borrower will give rise to a right of the lenders to terminate the facility and accelerate all amounts then outstanding. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Assured Guaranty was in compliance with all of the financial covenants.

        As of September 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility, nor have there been any borrowings during the life of the 2006 Credit Facility.

        Letters of credit totaling approximately $2.9 million remained outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The Company obtained the letters of credit in connection with entering into a lease for new office space in 2008, which space was subsequently sublet.

        In connection with the AGMH Acquisition, AGM agreed to retain the risks relating to the debt and strip policy portions of the leveraged lease business. The liquidity risk to AGM related to the strip policy portion of the leveraged lease business is mitigated by the strip coverage facility described below.

90


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

16. Long-Term Debt, Notes Payable and Credit Facilities (Continued)

        In a leveraged lease transaction, a tax-exempt entity (such as a transit agency) transfers tax benefits to a tax-paying entity by transferring ownership of a depreciable asset, such as subway cars. The tax-exempt entity then leases the asset back from its new owner.

        If the lease is terminated early, the tax-exempt entity must make an early termination payment to the lessor. A portion of this early termination payment is funded from monies that were pre-funded and invested at the closing of the leveraged lease transaction (along with earnings on those invested funds). The tax-exempt entity is obligated to pay the remaining, unfunded portion of this early termination payment (known as the "strip coverage") from its own sources. AGM issued financial guaranty insurance policies (known as "strip policies") that guaranteed the payment of these unfunded strip coverage amounts to the lessor, in the event that a tax-exempt entity defaulted on its obligation to pay this portion of its early termination payment. AGM can then seek reimbursement of its strip policy payments from the tax-exempt entity, and can also sell the transferred depreciable asset and reimburse itself from the sale proceeds.

        On July 1, 2009, AGM and DCL, acting through its New York Branch ("Dexia Crédit Local (NY)"), entered into a credit facility (the "Strip Coverage Facility"). Under the Strip Coverage Facility, Dexia Crédit Local (NY) agreed to make loans to AGM to finance all draws made by lessors on AGM strip policies that were outstanding as of November 13, 2008, up to the commitment amount. The commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility was $1 billion at closing of the AGMH Acquisition but is scheduled to amortize over time; it may also be reduced in 2014 to $750 million, if AGM does not have a specified consolidated net worth at that time.

        Fundings under this facility are subject to certain conditions precedent, and their repayment is collateralized by a security interest that AGM granted to Dexia Crédit Local (NY) in amounts that AGM recovers—from the tax-exempt entity, or from asset sale proceeds—following its payment of strip policy claims. The Strip Coverage Facility will terminate upon the earliest to occur of an AGM change of control, the reduction of the commitment amount to $0, and January 31, 2042.

        The Strip Coverage Facility's financial covenants require that AGM and its subsidiaries maintain a maximum debt-to-capital ratio of 30% and maintain a minimum net worth of 75% of consolidated net worth as of July 1, 2009, plus, starting July 1, 2014, 25% of the aggregate consolidated net income (or loss) for the period beginning July 1, 2009 and ending on June 30, 2014 or, if the commitment amount has been reduced to $750 million as described above, zero. The Company is in compliance with all covenants as of the date of this filing.

        The Strip Coverage Facility contains restrictions on AGM, including, among other things, in respect of its ability to incur debt, permit liens, pay dividends or make distributions, dissolve or become party to a merger or consolidation. Most of these restrictions are subject to exceptions. The Strip Coverage Facility has customary events of default, including (subject to certain materiality thresholds and grace periods) payment default, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings and cross-default to other debt agreements.

        As of September 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility, nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

91


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

16. Long-Term Debt, Notes Payable and Credit Facilities (Continued)

Limited Recourse Credit Facilities

        On July 31, 2007, AG Re entered into a limited recourse credit facility ("AG Re Credit Facility") with a syndicate of banks which provides up to $200.0 million for the payment of losses in respect of the covered portfolio. The AG Re Credit Facility expires in July 2014. The facility can be utilized after AG Re has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $260 million or the average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by 4.5%. The obligation to repay loans under this agreement is a limited recourse obligation payable solely from, and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and other collateral.

        As of September 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

        On April 30, 2005, AGM entered into a limited recourse credit facility ("AGM Credit Facility") with a syndicate of international banks which provides up to $297.5 million for the payment of losses in respect of the covered portfolio. The AGM Credit Facility expires April 30, 2015. The facility can be utilized after AGM has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $297.5 million or the average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by 5.0%. The obligation to repay loans under this agreement is a limited recourse obligation payable solely from, and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and other collateral. The ratings downgrade of AGM by Moody's to Aa3 in November 2008 resulted in an increase to the commitment fee.

        As of September 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

Committed Capital Securities

Committed Capital Securities

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

AGC CCS:

                         
 

Put option premium (expense)

  $ (1.4 ) $ (1.3 ) $ (4.7 ) $ (4.6 )
 

Fair value gain (loss)

    (2.2 )   (1.2 )   5.1     (42.2 )

AGM CPS:

                         
 

Put option premium (expense)

    (0.9 )   (1.2 )   (2.5 )   (1.2 )
 

Fair value gain (loss)

    (3.3 )   (51.9 )   0.7     (51.9 )

92


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

16. Long-Term Debt, Notes Payable and Credit Facilities (Continued)

        On April 8, 2005, AGC entered into separate agreements (the "Put Agreements") with four custodial trusts (each, a "Custodial Trust") pursuant to which AGC may, at its option, cause each of the Custodial Trusts to purchase up to $50.0 million of perpetual preferred stock of AGC (the "AGC Preferred Stock"). The custodial trusts were created as a vehicle for providing capital support to AGC by allowing AGC to obtain immediate access to new capital at its sole discretion at any time through the exercise of the put option. If the put options were exercised, AGC would receive $200.0 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 put options have not been exercised through the date of this filing. Initially, all of AGC CCS Securities were issued to a special purpose pass-through trust (the "Pass-Through Trust"). The Pass-Through Trust was dissolved in April 2008 and the AGC CCS Securities were distributed to the holders of the Pass-Through Trust's securities. Neither the Pass-Through Trust nor the custodial trusts are consolidated in the Company's financial statements.

        Income distributions on the Pass-Through Trust Securities and AGC CCS Securities were equal to an annualized rate of one-month LIBOR plus 110 basis points for all periods ending on or prior to April 8, 2008. Following dissolution of the Pass-Through Trust, distributions on the AGC CCS Securities are determined pursuant to an auction process. On April 7, 2008 this auction process failed, thereby increasing the annualized rate on the AGC CCS Securities to One-Month LIBOR plus 250 basis points. Distributions on the AGC preferred stock will be determined pursuant to the same process.

        In June 2003, $200.0 million of "AGM CPS Securities," money market preferred trust securities, were issued by trusts created for the primary purpose of issuing the AGM CPS Securities, investing the proceeds in high-quality commercial paper and selling put options to AGM, allowing AGM to issue the trusts non-cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock (the "AGM Preferred Stock") of AGM in exchange for cash. There are four trusts, each with an initial aggregate face amount of $50 million. These trusts hold auctions every 28 days, at which time investors submit bid orders to purchase AGM CPS Securities. If AGM were to exercise a put option, the applicable trust would transfer the portion of the proceeds attributable to principal received upon maturity of its assets, net of expenses, to AGM in exchange for AGM Preferred Stock. AGM pays a floating put premium to the trusts, which represents the difference between the commercial paper yield and the winning auction rate (plus all fees and expenses of the trust). If an auction does not attract sufficient clearing bids, however, the auction rate is subject to a maximum rate of one-month LIBOR plus 200 basis points for the next succeeding distribution period. Beginning in August 2007, the AGM CPS Securities required the maximum rate for each of the relevant trusts. AGM continues to have the ability to exercise its put option and cause the related trusts to purchase AGM Preferred Stock. The trusts provide AGM access to new capital at its sole discretion through the exercise of the put options. The Company does not consider itself to be the primary beneficiary of the trusts because it does not retain the majority of the residual benefits or expected losses.

93


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

17. Employee Benefit Plans

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation Summary

 
  Third
Quarter
  Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Share-based compensation cost, before the effects of DAC, pre tax

  $ 1.8   $ 1.1   $ 10.8   $ 7.5  

Share based compensation expense for retirement eligible employees, pre-tax

        (0.3 )   4.6     1.7  

Cash-Based Compensation

Performance Retention Plan

 
  Third
Quarter
  Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Performance Retention Plan expense, pre-tax

  $ 2.0   $ 0.9   $ 12.1   $ 7.1  

Performance Retention Plan expense for retirement eligible employees, pre-tax

            6.0     4.3  

94


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

18. Earnings Per Share

        The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions, except per share amounts)
 

Basic earnings per share:

                         

Net income (loss) attributable to AGL

  $ 180.9   $ (35.0 ) $ 706.4   $ (119.5 )

Less: Distributed and undistributed income (loss) available to nonvested shareholders

    0.2     (0.1 )   0.9     (0.5 )
                   

Distributed and undistributed income (loss) available to common shareholders of AGL and subsidiaries

  $ 180.7   $ (34.9 ) $ 705.5   $ (119.0 )
                   

Basic shares

    183.7     156.3     184.0     113.6  

Basic EPS

  $ 0.98   $ (0.22 ) $ 3.83   $ (1.05 )

Diluted earnings per share:

                         

Distributed and undistributed income (loss) available to common shareholders of AGL and subsidiaries

  $ 180.7   $ (34.9 ) $ 705.5   $ (119.0 )

Plus: Re-allocation of undistributed income (loss) available to nonvested shareholders of AGL and subsidiaries

                 
                   

Distributed and undistributed income (loss) available to common shareholders of AGL and subsidiaries

  $ 180.7   $ (34.9 ) $ 705.5   $ (119.0 )
                   

Basic shares

    183.7     156.3     184.0     113.6  

Effect of dilutive securities:

                         
 

Options and restricted stock awards

    0.8         0.9      
 

Equity units

    2.8         4.0      
                   

Diluted shares

    187.3     156.3     188.9     113.6  
                   

Diluted EPS

  $ 0.96   $ (0.22 ) $ 3.73   $ (1.05 )

        Potentially dilutive securities representing approximately 4.7 million and 9.3 million shares of common stock for the Third Quarter 2010 and 2009, respectively, and 3.2 million and 9.2 million shares of common stock for the Nine Months 2010 and 2009, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for these periods because their effect would have been antidilutive.

19. Segment Reporting

        The Company has two principal business segments, each reported net of cessions to third party reinsurers:

95


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

19. Segment Reporting (Continued)

        The Other segment includes mortgage guaranty insurance whereby the Company provides protection against the default of borrowers on mortgage loans, and lines of business (including equity layer credit protection, trade credit reinsurance, title reinsurance and auto residual value reinsurance) in which the Company is no longer active.

        The Company does not segregate assets and liabilities at a segment level since management reviews and controls these assets and liabilities on a consolidated basis. The Company allocates operating expenses to each segment based on a comprehensive cost study and is based on departmental time estimates and headcount.

        The Company manages its business without regard to accounting requirements to consolidate certain VIEs. As a result, underwriting gain or loss includes results of operations as if consolidated VIEs were accounted for as insurance.

        The following table summarizes the components of underwriting gain (loss) for each reporting segment:


Underwriting Gain (Loss) by Segment

 
  Third Quarter 2010  
 
  Financial
Guaranty
Direct
  Financial
Guaranty
Reinsurance
  Other   Underwriting
Gain (Loss)
  Consolidation
of VIEs
  Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net earned premiums

  $ 284.2   $ 16.7   $ 0.6   $ 301.5   $ (12.8 ) $ 288.7  

Credit derivative revenues(1)

    50.4     0.3         50.7         50.7  

Other income

    0.2             0.2         0.2  

Loss and loss adjustment (expenses) recoveries

    (113.4 )   (7.1 )   (0.1 )   (120.6 )   11.5     (109.1 )

Incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (14.6 )   (0.8 )       (15.4 )       (15.4 )

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    (3.9 )   (4.1 )       (8.0 )       (8.0 )

Other operating expenses

    (42.3 )   (7.5 )   (0.1 )   (49.9 )       (49.9 )
                               

Underwriting gain (loss)

  $ 160.6   $ (2.5 ) $ 0.4   $ 158.5              
                               

96


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

19. Segment Reporting (Continued)

 

 
  Third Quarter 2009  
 
  Financial
Guaranty
Direct
  Financial
Guaranty
Reinsurance
  Other   Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net earned premiums

  $ 314.7   $ 14.6   $ 0.7   $ 330.0  

Credit derivative revenues(1)

    57.0     0.3         57.3  

Other income

    30.1             30.1  

Loss and loss adjustment (expenses) recoveries

    (97.2 )   (35.9 )   (0.2 )   (133.3 )

Incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (142.4 )   0.2         (142.2 )

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    (3.0 )   1.8     (0.1 )   (1.3 )

Other operating expenses

    (57.4 )   (6.3 )   (1.0 )   (64.7 )
                   

Underwriting gain (loss)

  $ 101.8   $ (25.3 ) $ (0.6 ) $ 75.9  
                   

 

 
  Nine Months 2010  
 
  Financial
Guaranty
Direct
  Financial
Guaranty
Reinsurance
  Other   Underwriting
Gain (Loss)
  Consolidation
of VIEs
  Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net earned premiums

  $ 880.7   $ 52.2   $ 1.9   $ 934.8   $ (34.4 ) $ 900.4  

Credit derivative revenues(1)

    157.1             157.1         157.1  

Other income

    20.6             20.6         20.6  

Loss and loss adjustment (expenses) recoveries

    (307.3 )   (49.1 )   (0.2 )   (356.6 )   45.8     (310.8 )

Incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (111.0 )   (8.9 )       (119.9 )       (119.9 )

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    (10.4 )   (12.6 )   (0.1 )   (23.1 )       (23.1 )

Other operating expenses

    (131.1 )   (22.7 )   (1.2 )   (155.0 )       (155.0 )
                               

Underwriting gain (loss)

  $ 498.6   $ (41.1 ) $ 0.4   $ 457.9              
                               

97


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

19. Segment Reporting (Continued)

 

 
  Nine Months 2009  
 
  Financial
Guaranty
Direct
  Financial
Guaranty
Reinsurance
  Other   Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net earned premiums

  $ 446.6   $ 108.2   $ 2.3   $ 557.1  

Credit derivative revenues(1)

    113.3     1.4         114.7  

Other income

    31.4     0.1         31.5  

Loss and loss adjustment (expenses) recoveries

    (140.7 )   (98.3 )   (12.1 )   (251.1 )

Incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (178.8 )   0.4         (178.4 )

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    (12.8 )   (28.1 )   (0.4 )   (41.3 )

Other operating expenses

    (93.6 )   (21.2 )   (2.5 )   (117.3 )
                   

Underwriting gain (loss)

  $ 165.4   $ (37.5 ) $ (12.7 ) $ 115.2  
                   

(1)
Comprised of premiums and ceding commissions.


Reconciliation of Underwriting Gain (Loss)
to Income (Loss) before Income Taxes

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Total underwriting gain

  $ 158.5   $ 75.9   $ 457.9   $ 115.2  

Net investment income

    85.6     84.7     260.8     171.6  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

    (2.4 )   (6.1 )   (1.4 )   (28.1 )

Unrealized gains on credit derivatives, excluding incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (267.8 )   (48.7 )   82.6     (248.8 )

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

    (5.5 )   (53.1 )   5.8     (94.0 )

Financial guaranty VIE net revenues and expenses

    203.2     (5.3 )   193.1     (5.3 )

Other income(1)

    33.6     26.9     (13.2 )   26.9  

AGMH acquisition-related expenses

        (51.3 )   (6.8 )   (80.2 )

Interest expense

    (24.9 )   (25.2 )   (74.9 )   (37.5 )

Goodwill and settlement of intercompany relationship

        (23.3 )       (23.3 )

CCS premium expense(2)

    (2.3 )   (2.6 )   (7.2 )   (5.8 )

Elimination of insurance accounts for VIE

    (1.3 )       11.4      
                   

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $ 176.7   $ (28.1 ) $ 908.1   $ (209.3 )
                   

(1)
Includes foreign exchange gain (loss) on revaluation of premium receivable and reinsurance cession of OTTI of investment assets associated with a below investment grade financial guaranty contract.

(2)
Recorded in other operating expenses.

98


Table of Contents


Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

19. Segment Reporting (Continued)

        The following table provides the source from which each of the Company's segments derives their net earned premiums:


Net Earned Premiums By Segment

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Financial guaranty direct:

                         
 

Public finance

  $ 112.1   $ 99.7   $ 309.9   $ 200.9  
 

Structured finance

    172.1     215.0     570.8     245.7  
                   
   

Total

    284.2     314.7     880.7     446.6  

Financial guaranty reinsurance:

                         
 

Public finance

    7.6     3.7     26.9     75.4  
 

Structured finance

    9.1     10.9     25.3     32.8  
                   
   

Total

    16.7     14.6     52.2     108.2  

Other

    0.6     0.7     1.9     2.3  
                   

Subtotal

    301.5     330.0     934.8     557.1  

Consolidation of VIEs

    (12.8 )       (34.4 )    
                   

Total net earned premiums

    288.7     330.0     900.4     557.1  

Net credit derivative premiums received and receivable

    49.5     57.4     153.9     114.9  
                   
 

Total net earned premiums and credit derivative premiums received and receivable

  $ 338.2   $ 387.4   $ 1,054.3   $ 672.0  
                   

99


Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

20. Subsidiary Information

    The following tables present the condensed consolidated financial information for AGL, AGUS, of which AGC, AGMH and AGM are subsidiaries, and other subsidiaries of Assured Guaranty as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
(in millions)

 
   
  Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc.    
   
   
 
 
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)
  AGUS
(Parent)
  AGMH
(Consolidated)
  AGC and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  AGUS
(Consolidated)
  AG Re and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)
 

ASSETS

                                                       

Total investment portfolio and cash

  $ 22.0   $ 18.1   $ 5,431.7   $ 2,902.4   $   $ 8,352.2   $ 2,396.7   $   $ 10,770.9  

Investment in subsidiaries

    4,159.8     3,374.7             (3,374.7 )           (4,159.8 )    

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

            734.9     329.8         1,064.7     401.1     (143.3 )   1,322.5  

Ceded unearned premium reserve

            1,514.2     417.1         1,931.3     0.5     (1,034.6 )   897.2  

Deferred acquisition costs

            (73.5 )   52.9         (20.6 )   381.6     (109.8 )   251.2  

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

            19.4     62.1         81.5     0.4     (63.8 )   18.1  

Credit derivative assets

            199.6     263.7     11.3     474.6     68.1     (67.1 )   475.6  

Deferred tax asset, net

        (0.8 )   584.6     242.1     1.1     827.0     4.4     10.7     842.1  

Intercompany receivable

            300.0         (300.0 )                

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' assets

            1,892.3     404.4         2,296.7             2,296.7  

Other assets

    18.3     4.3     984.7     464.8     13.1     1,466.9     139.1     (127.5 )   1,496.8  
                                       
 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 4,200.1   $ 3,396.3   $ 11,587.9   $ 5,139.3   $ (3,649.2 ) $ 16,474.3   $ 3,391.9   $ (5,695.2 ) $ 18,371.1  
                                       

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                                       

Unearned premium reserves

  $   $   $ 5,546.7   $ 1,398.8   $   $ 6,945.5   $ 1,403.0   $ (973.7 ) $ 7,374.8  

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve

            176.3     210.7         387.0     165.0     (85.0 )   467.0  

Long-term debt

        518.2     405.6             923.8             923.8  

Notes payable

            132.1             132.1             132.1  

Intercompany payable

                300.0     (300.0 )                

Credit derivative liabilities

        0.2     655.8     1,207.8     11.3     1,875.1     372.7     (67.1 )   2,180.7  

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' liabilities

            2,035.9     426.7         2,462.6             2,462.6  

Other liabilities

    10.9     (17.9 )   542.5     313.7     14.1     852.4     39.4     (261.8 )   640.9  
                                       
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

    10.9     500.5     9,494.9     3,857.7     (274.6 )   13,578.5     1,980.1     (1,387.6 )   14,181.9  
                                       
 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ATTRIBUTBLE TO ASSURED GUARANTY LTD. 

    4,189.2     2,895.8     2,093.0     1,281.6     (3,374.6 )   2,895.8     1,411.8     (4,307.6 )   4,189.2  

Noncontrolling interest of financial guaranty variable interest entities

                                     
                                       
 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    4,189.2     2,895.8     2,093.0     1,281.6     (3,374.6 )   2,895.8     1,411.8     (4,307.6 )   4,189.2  
                                       
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

  $ 4,200.1   $ 3,396.3   $ 11,587.9   $ 5,139.3   $ (3,649.2 ) $ 16,474.3   $ 3,391.9   $ (5,695.2 ) $ 18,371.1  
                                       

100


Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

20. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009
(in millions)

 
   
  Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc.    
   
   
 
 
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)
  AGUS
(Parent)
  AGMH
(Consolidated)
  AGC and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  AGUS
(Consolidated)
  AG Re and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)
 

ASSETS

                                                       

Total investment portfolio and cash

  $ 52.5   $ 3.7   $ 5,797.4   $ 2,867.1   $   $ 8,668.2   $ 2,131.6   $   $ 10,852.3  

Investment in subsidiaries

    3,457.1     2,852.0             (2,852.0 )           (3,457.1 )    

Premiums receivable, net of ceding commissions payable

            787.4     349.7     (1.2 )   1,135.9     446.2     (163.9 )   1,418.2  

Ceded unearned premium reserve

            1,545.0     435.3         1,980.3     0.5     (900.3 )   1,080.5  

Deferred acquisition costs

            (27.0 )   45.2         18.2     342.0     (118.2 )   242.0  

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

            13.7     50.7         64.4     0.9     (51.2 )   14.1  

Credit derivative assets

            227.0     244.6         471.6     68.5     (47.6 )   492.5  

Deferred tax asset, net

        (0.4 )   879.2     242.0         1,120.8     9.7     27.7     1,158.2  

Intercompany receivable

            300.0         (300.0 )                

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' assets

            762.3             762.3             762.3  

Other assets

    22.6     1.3     558.1     203.0     (0.5 )   761.9     83.4     (85.3 )   782.6  
                                       
 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 3,532.2   $ 2,856.6   $ 10,843.1   $ 4,437.6   $ (3,153.7 ) $ 14,983.6   $ 3,082.8   $ (4,795.9 ) $ 16,802.7  
                                       

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                                       

Unearned premium reserves

  $   $   $ 6,468.3   $ 1,451.6   $   $ 7,919.9   $ 1,301.5   $ (821.2 ) $ 8,400.2  

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserve

            55.3     191.2         246.5     122.3     (79.3 )   289.5  

Long-term debt

        517.4     400.0             917.4             917.4  

Notes payable

            149.1             149.1             149.1  

Intercompany payable

                300.0     (300.0 )                

Credit derivative liabilities

        0.2     625.7     1,076.7         1,702.6     379.4     (47.4 )   2,034.6  

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' liabilities

            762.7             762.7             762.7  

Other liabilities

    11.7     (15.6 )   761.4     187.1     (1.7 )   931.2     25.4     (239.2 )   729.1  
                                       
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

    11.7     502.0     9,222.5     3,206.6     (301.7 )   12,629.4     1,828.6     (1,187.1 )   13,282.6  
                                       
 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ATTRIBUTBLE TO ASSURED GUARANTY LTD

    3,520.5     2,354.6     1,621.0     1,231.0     (2,852.0 )   2,354.6     1,254.2     (3,608.8 )   3,520.5  

Noncontrolling interest of financial guaranty variable interest entities

            (0.4 )           (0.4 )           (0.4 )
                                       
 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

    3,520.5     2,354.6     1,620.6     1,231.0     (2,852.0 )   2,354.2     1,254.2     (3,608.8 )   3,520.1  
                                       
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

  $ 3,532.2   $ 2,856.6   $ 10,843.1   $ 4,437.6   $ (3,153.7 ) $ 14,983.6   $ 3,082.8   $ (4,795.9 ) $ 16,802.7  
                                       

101


Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

20. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
(in millions)

 
   
  Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc.    
   
   
 
 
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd
(Parent)
  AGUS
(Parent)
  AGMH
(Consolidated)
  AGC and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  AGUS
(Consolidated)
  AG Re and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)
 

REVENUES

                                                       

Net earned premiums

  $   $   $ 217.4   $ 27.7   $   $ 245.1   $ 39.0   $ 4.6   $ 288.7  

Net investment income

            49.2     19.8     (3.8 )   65.2     20.4         85.6  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

            (3.1 )   (0.1 )       (3.2 )   0.8         (2.4 )

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

                                                       
 

Realized gains and other settlements

            17.6     29.3         46.9     5.5         52.4  
 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

            (34.4 )   (193.4 )       (227.8 )   (57.1 )       (284.9 )
                                       
   

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

            (16.8 )   (164.1 )       (180.9 )   (51.6 )       (232.5 )

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    186.0     205.1             (205.1 )           (186.0 )    

Other income(1)

            82.7     15.5         98.2     7.1     (0.5 )   104.8  
                                       
 

TOTAL REVENUES

  $ 186.0   $ 205.1   $ 329.4   $ (101.2 ) $ (208.9 ) $ 224.4   $ 15.7   $ (181.9 ) $ 244.2  
                                       

EXPENSES

                                                       

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

            77.9     18.0         95.9     12.9     0.3     109.1  

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other operating expenses

    5.1     0.2     21.0     23.9         45.1     14.2     (4.2 )   60.2  

Other(2)

        9.8     (104.2 )   (3.6 )   (3.8 )   (101.8 )           (101.8 )
                                       
 

TOTAL EXPENSES

    5.1     10.0     (5.3 )   38.3     (3.8 )   39.2     27.1     (3.9 )   67.5  
                                       

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    180.9     195.1     334.7     (139.5 )   (205.1 )   185.2     (11.4 )   (178.0 )   176.7  

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

        (3.5 )   42.4     (52.3 )       (13.4 )   1.4     7.8     (4.2 )
                                       

NET INCOME (LOSS)

    180.9     198.6     292.3     (87.2 )   (205.1 )   198.6     (12.8 )   (185.8 )   180.9  

Less: Noncontrolling interest of variable interest entities

                                     
                                       

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ASSURED GUARANTY LTD

  $ 180.9   $ 198.6   $ 292.3   $ (87.2 ) $ (205.1 ) $ 198.6   $ (12.8 ) $ (185.8 ) $ 180.9  
                                       

(1)
Includes fair value gain (loss) on CCS, financial guaranty VIEs' revenues and other income.

(2)
Includes AGMH acquisition related expenses, interest expense and financial guaranty VIEs' expenses.

102


Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

20. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
(in millions)

 
   
  Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc.    
   
   
 
 
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd
(Parent)
  AGUS
(Parent)
  AGMH
(Consolidated)
  AGC and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  AGUS
(Consolidated)
  AG Re and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)
 

REVENUES

                                                       

Net earned premiums

  $   $   $ 280.5   $ 13.4   $   $ 293.9   $ 11.4   $ 24.7   $ 330.0  

Net investment income

    0.1     0.5     45.1     19.2         64.8     20.3     (0.5 )   84.7  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

            0.5     0.6         1.1     (7.5 )   0.3     (6.1 )

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

                                                       
 

Realized gains and other settlements

            43.7     23.3         67.0     4.7         71.7  
 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

            (64.5 )   (84.3 )       (148.8 )   (56.5 )       (205.3 )
                                       
   

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

            (20.8 )   (61.0 )       (81.8 )   (51.8 )       (133.6 )

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (29.5 )   200.0             (200.0 )           29.5      

Other income(1)

        (0.5 )   (12.4 )   2.5         (10.4 )   30.8     (11.6 )   8.8  
                                       
 

TOTAL REVENUES

  $ (29.4 ) $ 200.0   $ 292.9   $ (25.3 ) $ (200.0 ) $ 267.6   $ 3.2   $ 42.4   $ 283.8  
                                       

EXPENSES

                                                       

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

  $   $   $ 0.9   $ 77.8   $   $ 78.7   $ 43.9   $ 10.7   $ 133.3  

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other operating expenses

    4.2         42.2     16.2         58.4     8.3     (2.3 )   68.6  

Other(2)

    1.4     19.7     (172.2 )   89.9         (62.6 )   0.8     170.4     110.0  
                                       
 

TOTAL EXPENSES

    5.6     19.7     (129.1 )   183.9         74.5     53.0     178.8     311.9  
                                       

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    (35.0 )   180.3     422.0     (209.2 )   (200.0 )   193.1     (49.8 )   (136.4 )   (28.1 )

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

        (6.9 )   56.5     (38.4 )       11.2     1.0         12.2  
                                       

NET INCOME (LOSS)

    (35.0 )   187.2     365.5     (170.8 )   (200.0 )   181.9     (50.8 )   (136.4 )   (40.3 )

Less: Noncontrolling interest of variable interest entities

            (5.3 )           (5.3 )           (5.3 )
                                       

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ASSURED GUARANTY LTD

  $ (35.0 ) $ 187.2   $ 370.8   $ (170.8 ) $ (200.0 ) $ 187.2   $ (50.8 ) $ (136.4 ) $ (35.0 )
                                       

(1)
Includes fair value gain (loss) on CCS, financial guaranty VIEs' revenues and other income.

(2)
Includes AGMH acquisition-related expenses, interest expense, and goodwill and settlement of pre-existing relationship.

103


Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

20. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
(in millions)

 
   
  Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc.    
   
   
 
 
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd
(Parent)
  AGUS
(Parent)
  AGMH
(Consolidated)
  AGC and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  AGUS
(Consolidated)
  AG Re and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)
 

REVENUES

                                                       

Net earned premiums

  $   $   $ 690.4   $ 82.3   $   $ 772.7   $ 113.4   $ 14.3   $ 900.4  

Net investment income

            146.1     63.2     (11.3 )   198.0     62.8         260.8  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

            (10.3 )   2.3         (8.0 )   6.6         (1.4 )

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

                                                       
 

Realized gains and other settlements

            58.9     49.0         107.9     9.6         117.5  
 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

            (54.8 )   23.3         (31.5 )   33.8         2.3  
                                       
   

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

            4.1     72.3         76.4     43.4         119.8  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    725.6     654.1             (654.1 )           (725.6 )    

Other income(1)

            13.8     71.3         85.1     (9.7 )   (0.6 )   74.8  
                                       
 

TOTAL REVENUES

  $ 725.6   $ 654.1   $ 844.1   $ 291.4   $ (665.4 ) $ 1,124.2   $ 216.5   $ (711.9 ) $ 1,354.4  
                                       

EXPENSES

                                                       

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

            172.6     56.3         228.9     80.4     1.5     310.8  

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other operating expenses

    19.2     0.6     57.9     73.7         132.2     43.0     (9.1 )   185.3  

Other(2)

        31.8     (130.1 )   58.4     (11.3 )   (51.2 )   1.4         (49.8 )
                                       
 

TOTAL EXPENSES

    19.2     32.4     100.4     188.4     (11.3 )   309.9     124.8     (7.6 )   446.3  
                                       

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    706.4     621.7     743.7     103.0     (654.1 )   814.3     91.7     (704.3 )   908.1  

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

        (11.3 )   165.8     26.8         181.3     3.4     17.0     201.7  
                                       

NET INCOME (LOSS)

    706.4     633.0     577.9     76.2     (654.1 )   633.0     88.3     (721.3 )   706.4  

Less: Noncontrolling interest of variable interest entities

                                     
                                       

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ASSURED GUARANTY LTD

  $ 706.4   $ 633.0   $ 577.9   $ 76.2   $ (654.1 ) $ 633.0   $ 88.3   $ (721.3 ) $ 706.4  
                                       

(1)
Includes fair value gain (loss) on CCS, financial guaranty VIEs' revenues and other income.

(2)
Includes AGMH acquisition related expenses, interest expense and financial guaranty VIEs' expenses.

104


Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

20. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
(in millions)

 
   
  Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc.    
   
   
 
 
   
  AG Re
and
Other
Subsidiaries
   
   
 
 
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd
(Parent)
  AGUS
(Parent)
  AGMH
(Consolidated)
  AGC and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  AGUS
(Consolidated)
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)
 

REVENUES

                                                       

Net earned premiums

  $   $   $ 280.5   $ 107.8   $   $ 388.3   $ 144.1   $ 24.7   $ 557.1  

Net investment income

    0.1     0.5     45.1     58.3         103.9     68.2     (0.6 )   171.6  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

            0.5     6.2         6.7     (35.1 )   0.3     (28.1 )

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives:

                                                       
 

Realized gains and other settlements

            43.7     71.0         114.7     5.4         120.1  
 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

            (64.5 )   (332.8 )       (397.3 )   (35.3 )       (432.6 )
                                       
   

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

            (20.8 )   (261.8 )       (282.6 )   (29.9 )       (312.5 )

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

    (99.4 )   65.1             (65.1 )           99.4      

Other income(1)

            (12.4 )   (37.0 )       (49.4 )   30.8     (12.1 )   (30.7 )
                                       
 

TOTAL REVENUES

  $ (99.3 ) $ 65.6   $ 292.9     (126.5 )   (65.1 ) $ 166.9   $ 178.1   $ 111.7   $ 357.4  
                                       

EXPENSES

                                                       

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

  $   $   $ 0.9   $ 145.6   $   $ 146.5   $ 93.9   $ 10.7   $ 251.1  

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other operating expenses

    14.9         42.2     53.5         95.7     56.2     (2.4 )   164.4  

Other(2)

    5.3     40.4     (172.2 )   105.9         (25.9 )   1.3     170.5     151.2  
                                       
 

TOTAL EXPENSES

    20.2     40.4     (129.1 )   305.0         216.3     151.4     178.8     566.7  
                                       

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    (119.5 )   25.2     422.0     (431.5 )   (65.1 )   (49.4 )   26.7     (67.1 )   (209.3 )

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes

        (14.0 )   56.5     (125.8 )       (83.3 )   (1.2 )       (84.5 )
                                       

NET INCOME (LOSS)

    (119.5 )   39.2     365.5     (305.7 )   (65.1 )   33.9     27.9     (67.1 )   (124.8 )

Less: Noncontrolling interest of variable interest entities

            (5.3 )           (5.3 )           (5.3 )
                                       

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ASSURED GUARANTY LTD

  $ (119.5 ) $ 39.2   $ 370.8   $ (305.7 ) $ (65.1 ) $ 39.2   $ 27.9   $ (67.1 ) $ (119.5 )
                                       

(1)
Includes fair value gain (loss) on CCS, financial guaranty VIEs' revenues and other income.

(2)
Includes AGMH acquisition-related expenses, interest expense, and goodwill and settlement of pre-existing relationship.

105


Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

20. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
(in millions)

 
   
  Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc.    
   
   
 
 
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)
  AGUS
(Parent)
  AGMH
(Consolidated)
  AGC and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  (Consolidated)   AG Re and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)
 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ 7.1   $ 14.4   $ (260.1 ) $ (21.0 ) $ (40.0 ) $ (306.7 ) $ 171.6   $ (12.0 ) $ (140.0 )
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities

                                                       

Fixed maturity securities:

                                                       
 

Purchases

            (510.5 )   (710.3 )   4.3     (1,216.5 )   (722.4 )   10.2     (1,928.7 )
 

Sales

            474.3     172.1     (4.3 )   642.1     203.8     (10.2 )   835.7  
 

Maturities

            385.9     113.3         499.2     230.4         729.6  

Purchases of short-term investments, net

    30.5     (14.5 )   84.9     526.4         596.8     132.6         759.9  

Net proceeds from financial guaranty variable entities' assets

            313.2     10.4         323.6             323.6  

Other

            15.7             15.7             15.7  
                                       

Net cash flows used in investing activities

    30.5     (14.5 )   763.5     111.9         860.9     (155.6 )       735.8  
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities

                                                       

Share repurchase

    (10.5 )                               (10.5 )

Dividends paid

    (24.9 )           (40.0 )   40.0         (12.0 )   12.0     (24.9 )

Share activity under option and incentive plans

    (2.2 )                               (2.2 )

Net paydowns of financial guaranty variable entities' liabilities

            (464.2 )   (33.1 )       (497.3 )           (497.3 )

Payment of notes payable

            (16.1 )           (16.1 )           (16.1 )
                                       

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

    (37.6 )       (480.3 )   (73.1 )   40.0     (513.4 )   (12.0 )   12.0     (551.0 )

Effect of exchange rate changes

            (1.2 )   (0.3 )       (1.5 )           (1.5 )
                                       

Increase (decrease) increase in cash

        (0.1 )   21.9     17.5         39.3     4.0         43.3  

Cash at beginning of period

        0.1     26.1     6.2         32.4     11.7         44.1  
                                       

Cash at end of period

  $   $   $ 48.0   $ 23.7   $   $ 71.7   $ 15.7   $   $ 87.4  
                                       

106


Table of Contents

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

September 30, 2010

20. Subsidiary Information (Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
(in millions)

 
   
  Assured Guaranty US Holdings Inc.    
   
   
 
 
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Parent)
  AGUS
(Parent)
  AGMH
(Consolidated)
  AGC and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  (Consolidated)   AG Re and
Other
Subsidiaries
  Consolidating
Adjustments
  Assured
Guaranty Ltd.
(Consolidated)
 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ 23.2   $ 3.5   $ (8.0 ) $ 249.8   $ (16.8 ) $ 228.5   $ 72.7   $ (30.8 ) $ 293.6  
                                       

Cash flows from investing activities

                                                       

Fixed maturity securities:

                                                       
 

Purchases

            (52.1 )   (632.8 )       (684.9 )   (616.8 )       (1,301.7 )
 

Sales

            319.2     504.0         823.2     435.2         1,258.4  
 

Maturities

            64.3     2.8         67.1     13.7         80.8  

Sales (purchases) of short-term investments, net

    (73.2 )   (3.4 )   (169.6 )   (110.9 )       (283.9 )   136.3         (220.8 )

Capital contribution to subsidiary

    (378.7 )                           378.7      

Acquisition of AGMH

        (546.0 )           87.0     (459.0 )           (459.0 )

Other

            8.0             8.0             8.0  
                                       

Net cash flows used in investing activities

    (451.9 )   (549.4 )   169.8     (236.9 )   87.0     (529.5 )   (31.6 )   378.7     (634.3 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities

                                                       

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock and equity units

    449.0     167.3                 167.3             616.3  

Capital contribution from parent

        378.7                 378.7         (378.7 )    

Dividends paid

    (15.8 )           (16.8 )   16.8         (30.3 )   30.8     (15.3 )

Repurchases of common stock

    (3.7 )                               (3.7 )

Share activity under option and incentive plans

    (0.8 )                               (0.8 )

Payment of note payable

            (8.3 )           (8.3 )           (8.3 )
                                       

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

    428.7     546.0     (8.3 )   (16.8 )   16.8     537.7     (30.3 )   (347.9 )   588.2  

Effect of exchange rate changes

            0.1     0.5         0.6     0.1         0.7  
                                       

Increase (decrease) in cash

        0.1     153.6     (3.4 )   87.0     237.3     10.9         248.2  

Cash at beginning of period

            87.0     10.2     (87.0 )   10.2     2.1         12.3  
                                       

Cash at end of period

  $   $ 0.1   $ 240.6   $ 6.8   $   $ 247.5   $ 13.0   $   $ 260.5  
                                       

107


Table of Contents

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

Forward-Looking Statements

        This Form 10-Q contains information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give the expectations or forecasts of future events of Assured Guaranty Ltd. ("AGL" and, together with its subsidiaries, "Assured Guaranty" or the "Company"). These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and relate to future operating or financial performance.

        Any or all of Assured Guaranty's forward-looking statements herein are based on current expectations and the current economic environment and may turn out to be wrong. Assured Guaranty's actual results may vary materially. Among factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are:

108


Table of Contents

        The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive, and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this Form 10-Q. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or review any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in the Company's periodic reports filed with the SEC.

        If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the Company's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what the Company projected. Any forward looking statements in this Form 10-Q reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to its operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity.

        For these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").

Website Information

        The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its website (www.assuredguaranty.com), under the "Investor Information" tab. The Company uses this website as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under SEC Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure). Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Information portion of the Company's website, in addition to following the Company's press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company's website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this report.

Executive Summary

Background

        AGL is a Bermuda-based holding company that provides, through its subsidiaries, credit protection products to the U.S. and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. The Company applies its credit underwriting expertise, risk management skills and capital markets experience to develop insurance, reinsurance and credit derivative products that protect fixed income investors and other financial guaranty companies from scheduled interest and principal payment defaults on debt securities. The securities insured by the Company include taxable and tax-exempt municipal finance obligations issued by U.S. state or municipal governmental authorities, utility districts or facilities; notes or bonds issued to finance international infrastructure projects; and asset-backed securities ("ABS") issued by special purpose entities ("SPEs"). The Company markets its credit protection products directly to issuers and underwriters of public finance, infrastructure and structured finance securities as well as to investors in such debt obligations. The Company guarantees debt obligations issued in many countries, although its principal focus is on the U.S., Europe and Australia.

        On July 1, 2009 (the "Acquisition Date"), the Company acquired Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (renamed Assured Guaranty Municipal Holdings Inc., "AGMH"), and AGMH's

109


Table of Contents


subsidiaries, from Dexia Holdings, Inc. ("Dexia Holdings"). AGMH's principal insurance subsidiary is Financial Security Assurance Inc. (renamed Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp., "AGM"). The acquired companies are collectively referred to as the "Acquired Companies." Since the AGMH Acquisition, the Company has conducted its financial guaranty business on a direct basis from two distinct platforms: AGM and Assured Guaranty Corp. ("AGC"). AGM focuses exclusively on the U.S. public finance and global infrastructure business and does not underwrite any new structured finance business. AGC underwrites global structured finance obligations as well as U.S. public finance and global infrastructure obligations. Neither company currently underwrites any new U.S. residential mortgage backed securities ("RMBS") transactions.

        Since 2008, the Company has been the most active provider of financial guaranty credit protection products. The Company's acquisition of AGMH in 2009, its ability to achieve and maintain high investment-grade financial strength ratings, and the significant financial distress faced by many of the Company's competitors since 2007, which has impaired their ability to underwrite new business, have contributed to the Company's leading position in the market. At the present time, the primary challenges that the Company faces to increasing its market penetration are (1) the preference of investors to purchase bonds that are not insured rather than those that benefit from insurance and (2) its efforts to maintain high, stable financial strength ratings from the rating agencies.

        On October 25, 2010, Standard and Poor's Rating Services ("S&P") lowered the counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on AGC, AGM and their respective insurance subsidiaries from AAA (negative outlook) to AA+ (outlook stable). The effect of this downgrade on the Company's future new business development is uncertain at this time. See "Importance of Financial Strength Ratings" below.

Business Environment and Market Trends

        The past three years were characterized by the erosion of liquidity in global capital markets that has resulted in a significantly different business environment, market opportunity and competitive environment for the Company and the financial guaranty industry than ever before. The U.S. economic recession that began in 2007 following the start of a global financial crisis, became the longest recession the U.S. has experienced since World War II, and created significant credit and financial losses at many financial institutions. Such losses were concentrated in the U.S. RMBS sector and in particular on collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs") backed by ABS containing significant residential mortgage collateral ("CDOs of ABS"). As a result of credit losses on these types of securities, all of the Company's pre-2007 financial guaranty competitors have had their insurer financial strength ratings downgraded by the rating agencies to non-investment grade levels, resulting in the former companies becoming unable to underwrite new business. Although the National Bureau of Economic Research recently declared that the recession is over and that housing prices appear to be stabilizing, many financial institutions, including the financial guaranty market, continue to face significant uncertainty about their ultimate credit experience on credit exposures underwritten from the end of 2004 through 2008. Unemployment remains high and may take years to return to pre-recession levels, which may adversely affect loss experience on RMBS as well as Assured Guaranty's willingness to consider underwriting new RMBS transactions. In addition, the economic recession has also affected the credit performance of other markets, including corporate credits such as in many of the pooled corporate obligations insured by the Company and, more specifically, of trust preferred securities ("TruPS") that include subordinated capital and notes issued by banks, mortgage real estate investment trusts and insurance companies.

        The U.S. municipal bond market, which has been the Company's principal market since 2007, has also experienced significant changes during the past three years. Municipal credits have experienced increased budgetary stress, as the amount of sales, income and real estate taxes and other municipal

110


Table of Contents


excise or usage revenues collected by most states and municipalities have declined over the last two years and may decline in the future as well.

        In order to help improve investor demand for municipal bonds and in order to strengthen capital project activity by state and local governments, the federal government authorized the Build America Bond ("BABs") program in April 2009 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This program, which helped state and local governments issue new bonds in the taxable market by providing a federal interest rate subsidy to the issuer, reduced new issuance in the tax-exempt municipal market in 2009 by 11.3% compared to 2008 and by 10.9% for the first nine months ended September 30, 2010 ("Nine Months 2010") compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009 ("Nine Months 2009"). The BABs program, as currently structured, does not encourage issuers to employ bond insurance since the cost of bond insurance is not included as a component of interest cost in determining the interest cost subsidy paid by the federal government to the issuing municipality. In addition, the Company believes that the buyers of the BABs bonds are generally less likely than traditional municipal bond investors to require insurance due to the higher average rating and size of such bonds. From the introduction of the BABs program in April 2009 through September 30, 2010, approximately $137.3 billion of new issue municipal bonds were under the BABs program, but only 2.4% of these were insured by AGM or AGC. However, as smaller and lower rated issuers begin to issue BABs bonds and as individual investors begin to buy BABs more, issuers may purchase financial guaranty insurance more frequently in order to improve the efficiency and cost of their BABs issuance. For example, while AGC and AGM's utilization by BABs issuers on a par basis has been low to date, their utilization in three months ended September 30, 2010 ("Third Quarter 2010") based on the number of transactions was 8.4%, or 40 out of 475 transactions. The BABs program is currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2010.

        Another change which has affected the municipal market and demand for financial guaranty insurance has been the recalibration of municipal issuer ratings by two of the leading rating agencies, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and Fitch Ratings ("Fitch"), in early 2010. This recalibration combined with the downgrade in AGC and AGM's financial strength ratings from Aaa by Moody's to Aa3 in December 2009 decreased the percentage of the market that had underlying Moody's investment grade ("IG") ratings lower than the Company's ratings—a key metric for evaluating the potential market for financial guaranty insurance—from 67% to 26%.


Municipal Tax-Exempt Market Data and Penetration

 
  Nine Months   Years Ended December 31,  
 
  2010   2009   2008  
 
  Par ($ in
billions)
  Number
of issues
  Par ($ in
billions)
  Number
of issues
  Par ($ in
billions)
  Number
of issues
 

New Municipal bonds issued

  $ 297.0     9,673   $ 406.8     11,412   $ 386.5     10,452  

New Municipal bonds issued under BABs program

    73.1     1,047     64.2     783          

New Municipal bonds insured (all financial guaranty)

    20.8     1,293     35.4     2,012     72.2     2,564  

New Municipal bonds insured (AGC and AGM)

    20.8     1,293     34.8     2,005     65.7     2,415  

New Municipal bonds insured under BABs program

    1.6     82     1.7     87          

        The economic environment has also had an adverse effect on the demand for financial guaranties in both the global structured finance and international infrastructure finance markets. Until recently, the Company has witnessed limited new issuance activity in many sectors in which the Company was previously active. In addition, the Company will not underwrite structured finance transactions at AGM

111


Table of Contents


or underwrite any U.S. RMBS transactions for the foreseeable future. These decisions reduce the amount of new business available to the Company in the current environment. The Company expects that global structured finance and international infrastructure opportunities will increase in the future as the global economy recovers, issuers return to the capital markets for financings and institutional investors again utilize financial guaranties.

Recent Legislation

        The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") was signed into law on July 21, 2010. Many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act require rulemaking actions by governmental agencies to implement, many of which have not yet occurred. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act could result in requirements to maintain capital or post margin with respect to the Company's future insured derivative transactions and possibly its existing insured derivatives portfolio. It is also possible that the Dodd-Frank Act could extend even more broadly to encompass the Company's financial guaranty insurance business. The magnitude of any capital or margin requirements, as well as the extent to which such requirements would apply in respect of the Company's existing derivatives or insured portfolio, will depend primarily on rulemaking by the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. In addition, as a result of the legislation, the Company and its affiliates may be required to clear or exchange trade some or all of the swap transactions they enter into, which could result in higher cost, requirements to post margin, less transaction flexibility and price disclosure. For a further discussion of the potential impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on the Company, see "Risk Factors" set forth in Part II, Item 1A of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2010.

Financial Performance

Financial Performance

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (dollars in millions, except per
share amounts)

 

Net earned premiums(1)

  $ 288.7   $ 330.0   $ 900.4   $ 557.1  

Net investment income

    85.6     84.7     260.8     171.6  

Realized gains and other settlements on credit derivatives

    52.4     71.7     117.5     120.1  

Net unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives

    (284.9 )   (205.3 )   2.3     (432.6 )

Loss and loss adjustment expenses(2)

    109.1     133.3     310.8     251.1  

AGMH acquisition-related expenses

        51.3     6.8     80.2  

Goodwill and settlement of pre-existing relationship

        23.3         23.3  

Other operating expenses

    52.2     67.3     162.2     123.1  

Net income (loss) attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd. 

    180.9     (35.0 )   706.4     (119.5 )

Diluted EPS

    0.96     (0.22 )   3.73     (1.05 )

(1)
Excludes net premiums earned of $12.8 million and $34.4 million on consolidated VIEs in Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010, respectively.

(2)
Represents loss and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") on financial guaranty contracts issued in insurance form and excludes loss and LAE of $11.5 million and $45.8 million on consolidated VIEs in Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010, respectively.

        Net income for the Nine Months 2010 and Nine Months 2009 are difficult to compare due to the inclusion of AGMH results beginning on July 1, 2009, and consolidation of financial guaranty VIEs beginning January 1, 2010. In addition, the Company's net income is generally volatile primarily due to

112


Table of Contents


the recording of unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives, committed capital securities ("CCS") and financial guaranty VIEs, which fluctuate due to credit experience, changes in interest rates, credit spreads and other market factors. Refundings and accelerations and loss development also may cause volatility in net operating income. The acquired AGMH book of financial guaranty insurance business was recorded at fair value on the Acquisition Date resulting in significantly higher unearned premium reserve relative to an identical or similar book of business in the legacy AGC and Assured Guaranty Re Ltd. ("AG Re") portfolio. This results in very different premium earnings and loss recognition patterns for financial guaranty insurance contracts between AGM on one hand and AGC and AG Re on the other. See "—Results of Operations."

        To more accurately reflect the key financial measures management analyzes in evaluating the Company's operations and progress towards long-term goals, the Company discusses both measures promulgated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and measures not promulgated in accordance with GAAP ("non-GAAP financial measures"). Although the financial measures identified as non-GAAP should not be considered substitutes for GAAP measures, management considers them key performance indicators and employs them as well as other factors in determining compensation. Non-GAAP financial measures, therefore, provide investors with important information about the key financial measures management utilizes in measuring its business. Three of the primary non-GAAP financial measures analyzed by the Company's senior management are: operating income, adjusted book value ("ABV") and present value of new business production ("PVP").

        Management believes that operating income is a useful measure because it clarifies the understanding of the underwriting results of the Company's financial guaranty insurance business, and also includes financing costs and net investment income, and enables investors and analysts to evaluate the Company's financial results as compared to the consensus analyst estimates distributed publicly by financial databases. The table below presents net income attributable to AGL and a reconciliation to operating income. The operating income measure adjusts net income to remove the effects of certain consolidated VIEs and fair-value adjustments relating to dislocation in the market and any fair value adjustments where the Company does not have the intent or the ability to realize such gains or losses. Operating income is also adjusted for realized gains and losses on its investment portfolio and goodwill and settlement of pre-existing relationship charges incurred in connection with the AGMH Acquisition. The Company revised its definition of operating income in the second quarter of 2010 to exclude foreign exchange revaluation gains and losses on premiums receivable. Prior and subsequent periods are presented on a consistent basis with this revised definition. See "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

        The comparability of operating income for Nine Months 2010 versus Nine Months 2009 is affected by the AGMH Acquisition on July 1, 2009. Although the AGMH book of business has embedded losses, such losses emerge in income only to the extent they exceed the deferred premium revenue on a contract basis, which was recorded at fair value on the Acquisition Date. Third Quarter 2010 and Third Quarter 2009 comparisons provide a more relevant analysis due to the inclusion of AGMH results in both periods.

113


Table of Contents

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd

  $ 180.9   $ (35.0 ) $ 706.4   $ (119.5 )

Less after-tax adjustments:

                         
 

Realized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.3 )   (6.0 )   1.1     (30.2 )
 

Non-credit impairment unrealized fair value gains (losses) on credit derivatives

    (192.6 )   (41.3 )   78.8     (165.8 )
 

Fair value gains (losses) on committed capital securities

    (3.6 )   (34.5 )   3.8     (61.1 )
 

Foreign exchange gains (losses) on revaluation of premiums receivable

    24.4     23.9     (17.6 )   23.9  
 

Effect of consolidating VIEs

    131.2         132.9      
 

Goodwill and settlement of pre-existing relationship

        (23.3 )       (23.3 )
                   

Operating income

  $ 222.8   $ 46.2   $ 507.4   $ 137.0  
                   

        The increase in operating income in the Third Quarter 2010 compared to the comparable prior year period was primarily attributable to lower loss and LAE and credit impairments (i.e losses incurred on credit derivatives) and the recording of a tax benefit of $55.8 million in Third Quarter 2010 due to the filing of an amended tax return for a period prior to the AGMH Acquisition, offset in part by lower net premiums earned and credit derivative revenues. The decline in premiums earned in Third Quarter 2010 compared to Third Quarter 2009 relates to the reduction of in-force business. Net premiums earned and credit derivative revenue from the AGM structured finance book of business will decline as the net par runs off. Loss and LAE in Third Quarter 2010 includes amounts recognized due to the amortization of deferred premium revenue with the remainder attributable to loss development principally in the U.S. RMBS and other structured sectors and lower discount rates. Third quarter 2009 loss and LAE was also driven primarily from U.S. RMBS sectors. Losses incurred on credit derivatives in Third Quarter 2010 were due primarily to changes in delinquency rates and discount rates on U.S. RMBS sectors. Third Quarter 2009 losses incurred on credit derivatives was also due primarily to development in U.S. RMBS sectors. Third Quarter 2009 operating income included additional expense items attributable to the AGMH Acquisition which did not recur in Third Quarter 2010, such as AGMH Acquisition—related expenses and goodwill and settlement of pre-existing relationships.

        Management also uses ABV to measure the intrinsic value of the Company, excluding franchise value. Growth in ABV is one of the key financial measures used in determining the amount of certain long term compensation to management and employees and used by rating agencies and investors. Similar to operating income, ABV adjusts shareholders' equity to exclude the effects of consolidating VIEs and certain fair value adjustments deemed to represent dislocations in market values for credit derivatives and CCS which management does not have the intent and/or ability to trade. Additional adjustments are made for unrealized gains and losses on the investment portfolio recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI"), deferred acquisition cost ("DAC"), the addition of estimated future installment revenues on credit derivatives not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets and for the addition of unearned premium reserve in excess of expected loss. See "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

114


Table of Contents


Reconciliation of Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd. to Adjusted Book Value

 
  As of September 30,
2010
  As of December 31,
2009
 
 
  (dollars in millions, except share and
per share amounts)

 
 
  Total   Per Share   Total   Per Share  

Adjusted book value reconciliation:

                         
 

Book value attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd. 

  $ 4,189.2   $ 22.80   $ 3,520.5   $ 19.12  
 

Less after-tax adjustments:

                         
   

Effect of consolidating VIEs

    (73.6 )   (0.40 )        
   

Non-credit impairment unrealized fair value gains (losses) on credit derivatives

    (698.9 )   (3.80 )   (767.6 )   (4.17 )
   

Fair value gains (losses) on committed capital securities

    9.9     0.05     6.2     0.03  
   

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment portfolio excluding foreign exchange effect

    327.3     1.78     139.7     0.76  
                   
 

Operating shareholders' equity

    4,624.5     25.17     4,142.2     22.49  
 

After-tax adjustments:

                         
   

Less: DAC

    258.2     1.41     235.3     1.28  
   

Plus: Net present value of estimated net future credit derivative revenue

    459.5     2.50     520.0     2.82  
   

Plus: Net unearned premium reserve on financial guaranty contracts in excess of expected loss to be expensed

    4,180.1     22.75     4,486.8     24.36  
                   

Adjusted book value

  $ 9,005.9   $ 49.01   $ 8,913.7   $ 48.40  
                   

        As of September 30, 2010, shareholders' equity increased to $4.2 billion compared with $3.5 billion at December 31, 2009 due to net income of $706.4 million offset in part by the cumulative effect of a change in accounting for VIEs of $206.5 million. ABV and ABV per share remained relatively flat. While the addition of new PVP, a tax benefit due to the filing of an amended tax return relating to AGMH and its subsidiaries and the re-assumption of a portfolio of ceded business increased ABV, such positive adjustments were mostly offset by loss development, dividends and stock buybacks. Shares outstanding also remained relatively flat as the Company did not issue new shares and repurchased only 0.7 million shares for $10.5 million in the Nine Months 2010.

        The tables below present the PVP and par amount written in the period. The gross PVP represents the present value of estimated future earnings primarily on new financial guaranty insurance and credit derivative contracts written in the period, before consideration of cessions to reinsurers. See "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

115


Table of Contents


Present Value of New Business Production

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Public finance—U.S.

                         
 

Primary markets

  $ 74.7   $ 150.6   $ 207.8   $ 457.6  
 

Secondary markets

    9.8     4.3     32.4     42.6  

Public finance—non-U.S.

                         
 

Primary markets

                1.6  
 

Secondary markets

            0.7     0.2  

Structured finance—U.S. 

    3.7     2.3     13.9     16.9  

Structured finance—non-U.S. 

    0.7     0.9     2.8     0.9  
                   
 

Total

  $ 88.9   $ 158.1   $ 257.6   $ 519.8  
                   


Financial Guaranty Gross Par Written

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Public finance—U.S.

                         
 

Primary markets

  $ 6,785   $ 8,338   $ 19,138   $ 39,497  
 

Secondary markets

    441     159     1,103     887  

Public finance—non-U.S.

                         
 

Primary markets

                466  
 

Secondary markets

            34     90  

Structured finance—U.S. 

    200     600     2,600     994  

Structured finance—non-U.S. 

                 
                   
 

Total

  $ 7,426   $ 9,097   $ 22,875   $ 41,934  
                   

        PVP in Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010 decreased due primarily to reduced new business volume compared to 2009 in the new issue tax-exempt U.S. municipal market. AGM and AGC insured 7.0% of all new U.S. municipal issuance based on par issued, or 9.2% of all tax-exempt municipal issuance during the Nine Months 2010. In the Nine Months 2009 AGC and AGM insured 12.0% of all tax exempt municipal issuance. The decline in tax-exempt issuance relative to total issuance in 2010 resulted from the increase in BABs issuance over the same period. However, management believes that the U.S. public finance market will continue to need high-quality bond insurance due to the reliance of the municipal market on individual rather than institutional investors. The Company's new issue municipal market share increased in Third Quarter 2010 over the previous three quarters, reaching 9.8% excluding BABs and other taxable transactions. The increase in the market utilization for the Company's financial guaranty during Third Quarter 2010 is primarily due to the growth in retail demand. The downgrade of the financial strength rating of certain of the Company's insurance subsidiaries by Moody's in November 2009 also negatively affected new business development.

        All par written since second quarter of 2009 has been in the direct segment and was primarily U.S. public finance business. In January 2009, AGC finalized a reinsurance agreement with CIFG Assurance North America Inc. ("CIFG") to assume a diversified portfolio of financial guaranty contracts totaling approximately $13.3 billion of net par outstanding which was included in the reinsurance segment. AGC received $75.6 million, net of ceding commissions and as of the closing of this transactions, it was

116


Table of Contents


entitled to approximately $12.2 million of future installments related to this transaction. The Company wrote no new non-affiliated quota share reinsurance during the Nine Months 2010.


Reconciliation of PVP to Gross Written Premium

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Total PVP

  $ 88.9   $ 158.1   $ 257.6   $ 519.8  
 

Less: PVP of credit derivatives

                2.4  
                   

PVP of financial guaranty insurance

    88.9     158.1     257.6     517.4  
 

Less: Financial guaranty installment premium PVP

    4.9     4.2     17.4     28.3  
                   

Total: Financial guaranty upfront gross written premiums ("GWP")

    84.0     153.9     240.2     489.1  
 

Plus: Financial guaranty installment adjustment

    (6.4 )   (29.8 )   21.2     11.8  
                   

Total financial guaranty GWP

    77.6     124.1     261.4     500.9  
 

Plus: Other segment GWP

        0.1         (0.9 )
                   

Total GWP

  $ 77.6   $ 124.2   $ 261.4   $ 500.0  
                   

Importance of Financial Strength Ratings

        Debt obligations guaranteed by AGL's insurance company subsidiaries are generally awarded debt credit ratings that are the same rating as the financial strength rating of the AGL subsidiary that has guaranteed that obligation. Investors in products insured by AGC or AGM frequently rely on rating agency ratings because ratings influence the trading value of securities and form the basis for many institutions' investment guidelines as well as individuals' bond purchase decisions. Therefore, the Company manages its business with the goal of achieving high financial strength ratings, preferably the highest that an agency will assign. However, the models used by rating agencies differ, presenting conflicting goals that sometimes make it inefficient or impractical to reach the highest rating level. The models are not fully transparent, contain subjective data (such as assumptions about future market demand for the Company's products) and change frequently.

        Historically, insurance financial strength ratings are with respect to an insurer's ability to pay under its insurance policies and contracts in accordance with their terms. The rating is not specific to any particular policy or contract. Insurance financial strength ratings do not refer to an insurer's ability to meet non-insurance obligations and are not a recommendation to purchase any policy or contract issued by an insurer or to buy, hold, or sell any security insured by an insurer. The ratings also reflect qualitative factors with respect to such things as the insurer's business strategy and franchise value, the anticipated future demand for its product, as well as the composition of its portfolio, and its capital adequacy, profitability and financial flexibility.

        The rating agencies have developed and published rating guidelines for rating financial guaranty and mortgage guaranty insurers and reinsurers. The insurance financial strength ratings assigned by the rating agencies are based upon factors relevant to policyholders and are not directed toward the protection of investors in AGL's common shares. The rating criteria used by the rating agencies in establishing these ratings include consideration of the sufficiency of capital resources to meet projected growth (as well as access to such additional capital as may be necessary to continue to meet applicable capital adequacy standards), a company's overall financial strength, and demonstrated management expertise in financial guaranty and traditional reinsurance, credit analysis, systems development, marketing, capital markets and investment operations. Ratings reflect only the views of the respective rating agencies and are subject to continuous review and revision or withdrawal at any time.

117


Table of Contents

        The financial strength ratings of Assured Guaranty Re Overseas Ltd. ("AGRO"), Assured Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company ("AGMIC"), Assured Guaranty (UK) Ltd. ("AGUK") and Assured Guaranty (Europe) Ltd. (formerly Financial Security Assurance (U.K.) Limited, ("AGE") are dependent upon support arrangements such as reinsurance and keepwell agreements. AG Re provides support to its subsidiary AGRO. AGRO provides support to its subsidiary AGMIC. AGC provides support to its subsidiary AGUK. AGM provides support to its subsidiary AGE. Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, each of AG Re, AGRO, AGC and AGM agrees to assume exposure from its respective subsidiaries and to provide funds to such subsidiaries sufficient for them to meet their obligations.

        As of the date of the filing, the financial strength of the following insurance company subsidiaries of AGL were rated AA+ (stable outlook) by S&P and Aa3 (negative outlook) by Moody's:

        As of the date of this filing, the financial strength of AG Re and its subsidiaries AGRO and AGMIC are each rated AA (stable outlook) by S&P and A1 (negative outlook) by Moody's. AA+ (Very Strong) is the second highest ranking and AA (Very Strong) is the third highest ranking of the 22 ratings categories used by S&P. Aa3 (Excellent) is the fourth highest ranking and A1 (Good) is the fifth highest ranking of 21 ratings categories used by Moody's.

        Financial strength ratings are subject to continuous review and management cannot assure you that rating agencies will not take further action on the Company's ratings, including downgrading or changing the outlook on such ratings again. The Company's business and its financial condition has been and will continue to be subject to risk of the global financial and economic conditions that could materially and negatively affect the demand for its products, the amount of losses incurred on transactions it guarantees, and its financial strength ratings.

        On October 25, 2010, S&P lowered the counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on AGC, AGM and their respective insurance subsidiaries from AAA (outlook negative) to AA+ (outlook stable). S&P stated in its Research Update that its action is based on a number of factors, including its belief that there is diminished demand for bond insurance from issuers and investors which, over time, could be detrimental to the Company's business prospects and its belief that the Company could continue in the near term to report weak statutory operating results, which could limit statutory surplus growth. S&P also perceives the Company's current capitalization as being consistent with a AA+ rating. As part of its capital adequacy analysis, S&P considered the Company's unrealized receivable attributable to R&W recoverables on insured RMBS transactions. In changing the outlook of AGC, AGM and their respective insurance subsidiaries from negative to stable, S&P noted in its Research Update the Company's strong capitalization, largely investment-grade book of insured par and strong business position. According to S&P, an S&P rating outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate term (typically six months to two years) and stable means that a rating is not likely to change during that period. S&P noted in its Research Update that if the Company were to report meaningful statutory losses, it would lower the ratings or revise the outlook to negative. In its rating action, S&P affirmed the counterparty credit rating of A+ (outlook stable) on

118


Table of Contents


AGL and did not take any rating action on any of the other subsidiaries of AGL. Management cannot assure you that S&P will not take negative action on the Company's ratings.

        On December 18, 2009, Moody's concluded the financial strength ratings review of AGC and AG Re that it had initiated on November 12, 2009 (when it downgraded the insurance financial strength ratings of AGC and AGUK from Aa2 to Aa3 and of AG Re, AGRO and AGMIC from Aa3 to A1, and placed all such ratings on review for possible downgrade) by confirming the Aa3 insurance financial strength rating of AGC and AG UK, and the A1 insurance financial strength rating of AG Re, AGRO and AGMIC. At the same time, Moody's affirmed the Aa3 insurance financial strength rating of AGM. Moody's stated that it believed the Company's capital support transactions, including AGL's issuance of common shares in December 2009 that resulted in net proceeds of approximately $573.8 million, $500.0 million of which was downstreamed to AGC, increased AGC's capital to a level consistent with Moody's expectations for a Aa3 rating, while leaving its affiliates with capital structures that Moody's believes are appropriate for their own ratings. However, Moody's ratings outlook for each such rating is negative because Moody's believes there is meaningful remaining uncertainty about the Company's ultimate credit losses and the demand for the Company's financial guaranty insurance and its competitive position once the municipal finance market normalizes. Management cannot assure you that Moody's will not take negative action on the Company's ratings.

        If the financial strength ratings of any of the Company's insurance company subsidiaries were reduced below current levels, the Company expects it would have an adverse effect on the relevant subsidiary's competitive position and its prospects for new business opportunities. A further downgrade may also provide certain of the Company's credit derivative counterparties the right to terminate the Company's credit derivative contracts and the Company may be required to make a mark to market termination payment. In addition, the Company may be required to post collateral to its credit derivative counterparties. A further downgrade may also reduce the value of the reinsurance the Company offers, which may no longer be of sufficient economic value for the Company's customers to continue to cede to the Company's subsidiaries at economically viable rates. See "—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sensitivity to Rating Agency Actions in Reinsurance Business and Insured CDS Portfolio."

AGMH Acquisition

        On July 1, 2009, the Company completed the AGMH Acquisition. The total purchase price paid by the Company was $546 million in cash and 22.3 million AGL common shares. AGL issued approximately 21.8 million common shares to Dexia, all of which Dexia subsequently sold in a secondary offering that closed in March 2010.

        The AGMH Acquisition excluded AGMH's former financial products segment, which was comprised of its guaranteed investment contracts ("GIC") business, its medium term notes ("MTN") business and the equity payment undertaking agreement in the leveraged lease business. The AGMH subsidiaries that conducted AGMH's financial products business were transferred to Dexia Holdings prior to completion of the AGMH Acquisition. In addition, as further described under "—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity Arrangements with respect to AGMH's former Financial Products Business," the Company has entered into various agreements with Dexia pursuant to which Dexia has assumed the credit and liquidity risks associated with AGMH's former financial products business.

        The Company has agreed with Dexia Holdings to operate the business of AGM in accordance with the key parameters described. These restrictions will limit the Company's operating and financial flexibility.

119


Table of Contents

        Generally, for three years after the closing of the AGMH Acquisition:

        Furthermore, until the date on which (a) a credit rating has been assigned by S&P and Moody's to the GIC issuers (and/or the liabilities of the GIC issuers under the relevant GICs have been separately rated by S&P and Moody's) which is independent of the financial strength rating of AGM and (b) the principal amount of GICs in relation to which a downgrade of AGM may result in a requirement to

120


Table of Contents

post collateral or terminate such GIC, notwithstanding the existence of a separate rating referred to in (a) of at least AA or higher is below $1.0 billion (the "AGM De-Linkage Date"):

        Notwithstanding the above, all such restrictions will terminate on any date after the AGM De-Linkage Date that the aggregate principal amount or notional amount of exposure of Dexia Holdings and any of its affiliates (excluding the exposures relating to the financial products business) to any transactions insured by AGM or any of its affiliates prior to November 14, 2008 is less than $1 billion. Breach of any of these restrictions not remedied within 30 days of notice by Dexia Holdings entitles Dexia Holdings to payment of damages, injunctive relief or other remedies available under applicable law.

        On July 1, 2009, consolidated premiums receivable and reinsurance balances payable were recorded at historical value (i.e., the carrying amount on the AGMH balance sheet at June 30, 2009, the date prior to the AGMH Acquisition) in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Gross and ceded deferred premium revenue represents the stand ready obligation. The carrying value recorded on July 1, 2009 takes into account the total fair value of each financial guaranty contract, including expected losses, on a contract by contract basis, less premiums receivable or premiums payable.

        Losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations line item "loss and loss adjustment expenses" at the time that they exceed deferred premium revenue on a contract by contract basis. When a claim payment is made and it is not expected to be recovered and there is no loss reserve recorded, such claim payment is recorded as a contra deferred premium revenue liability and is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations only when the sum of such claim payments and the present value of future expected losses exceeds deferred premium revenue. To the extent such claim payments are recoverable they are classified as salvage and subrogation recoverable. See "—Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve."

        This treatment results in a "gross-up" of the Company's consolidated statements of operations in the "net earned premiums" and "loss and loss adjustment expenses" line items because the expected losses in the AGMH insured portfolio were anticipated in determining the fair value of AGMH's financial guaranty contracts. Such fair value will be earned through premiums earnings, while those same losses will be recognized in loss and LAE over time as the paid losses in the contra liability account plus future expected losses exceed the deferred premium revenue.

Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

        The Company has prepared unaudited proforma information which presents the combined results of operations of Assured Guaranty and the Acquired Companies for Nine Months 2009. See Note 2 in "Item 1. Financial Statements".

Runoff of AGUK

        AGC directly owns AGUK and AGM indirectly, through its subsidiary Assured Guaranty Municipal Insurance Company (formerly FSA Insurance Company), owns AGE. AGUK and AGE are insurance companies organized and authorized in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") to transact the following classes of insurance: class 14 (credit), class 15 (suretyship) and class 16 (miscellaneous financial loss). Management has been in discussions with the Financial Services Authority (the

121


Table of Contents


"UK FSA") relating to AGUK's and AGE's large reinsurance exposures to their respective parents, AGC and AGM. The UK FSA has focused on the claims of AGUK and AGE under such reinsurance agreements being subordinated to claims of AGC and AGM policyholders in an AGC or AGM insolvency proceeding. The UK FSA has noted certain AGUK guaranteed transactions. In the case of AGUK, AGUK's board of directors has determined that, in light of the discussions with the UK FSA and since AGE may provide financial guarantees in the same jurisdictions as AGUK, it is not necessary to maintain both companies to write new business. Accordingly, Assured Guaranty has elected to place AGUK into run-off and has filed a run-off plan with the UK FSA. In addition, as part of AGUK's run-off plan, AGC will issue second-to-pay insurance policies on AGUK's existing portfolio, pursuant to which AGC will pay if AGUK fails to pay, for any reason, claims under its financial guarantees. In the case of AGE, management has agreed with the UK FSA that any new business written by AGE will be guaranteed using a co-insurance structure pursuant to which AGE will co-insure municipal and infrastructure transactions with the AGM, and structured finance transaction with AGC. AGE's financial guarantee will guarantee approximately 5 to 7% of the total exposure, and AGM's or AGC's financial guarantee will guarantee the remaining exposure under the transaction. AGM or AGC will also issue a second-to-pay insurance policy to cover AGE's financial guarantee.

Insured Portfolio Profile

        The following table presents the insured portfolio by asset class net of cessions to reinsurers. See Note 12 in "Item 1. Financial Statements" for information related to reinsurers. It includes all financial guaranty contracts outstanding as of the dates presented, regardless of the form written (i.e. credit derivative form or traditional financial guaranty insurance form).

122


Table of Contents


Net Par Outstanding and Average Rating by Asset Class

 
  As of September 30, 2010   As of December 31, 2009  
Sector
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Avg.
Rating(1)
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Avg.
Rating(1)
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Public Finance:

                         
 

U.S.:

                         
   

General obligation

  $ 181,726     A+   $ 178,384     A+  
   

Tax backed

    83,613     A+     83,029     A+  
   

Municipal utilities

    69,936     A     69,578     A  
   

Transportation

    36,217     A     35,297     A  
   

Healthcare

    21,895     A     22,009     A  
   

Higher education

    15,092     A+     15,132     A+  
   

Housing

    6,727     AA-     8,524     AA-  
   

Infrastructure finance

    4,036     BBB+     3,553     BBB  
   

Investor-owned utilities

    1,597     A-     1,690     BBB+  
   

Other public finance—U.S. 

    5,745     A-     5,882     A  
                   
     

Total public finance—U.S. 

    426,584     A+     423,078     A+  
 

Non-U.S.:

                         
   

Infrastructure finance

    16,232     BBB     16,344     BBB  
   

Regulated utilities

    14,030     BBB+     13,851     BBB+  
   

Pooled infrastructure

    4,367     AA     4,404     AA  
   

Other public finance—non-U.S. 

    7,496     AA-     8,176     AA-  
                   
     

Total public finance—non-U.S. 

    42,125     A-     42,775     A-  
                   

Total public finance

    468,709     A     465,853     A  

Structured Finance:

                         
 

U.S.:

                         
   

Pooled corporate obligations

    70,676     AAA     74,333     AAA  
   

RMBS

    26,015     BB     29,176     BB+  
   

Financial products

    7,712     AA-     10,251     AA-  
   

Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") and other commercial real estate related exposures

    7,244     AAA     7,410     AAA  
   

Consumer receivables

    6,740     AA-     8,873     A+  
   

Structured credit

    2,534     BBB+     2,607     A-  
   

Commercial receivables

    2,286     BBB+     2,482     BBB+  
   

Insurance securitizations

    1,651     A+     1,651     A+  
   

Other structured finance—U.S. 

    821     A-     1,518     A+  
                   
     

Total structured finance—U.S. 

    125,679     AA-     138,301     AA-  
 

Non-U.S.:

                         
   

Pooled corporate obligations

    23,409     AAA     24,697     AAA  
   

RMBS

    4,689     AAA     5,227     AAA  
   

Commercial receivables

    1,794     A-     1,872     A-  
   

Structured credit

    1,784     BBB     2,069     BBB  
   

Insurance securitizations

    980     CCC-     981     CCC-  
   

CMBS and other commercial real estate related exposures

    649     AA+     752     AA  
   

Other structured finance—non-U.S. 

    379     AAA     670     AAA  
                   
     

Total structured finance—non-U.S. 

    33,684     AA+     36,268     AA+  
                   

Total structured finance

    159,363     AA-     174,569     AA-  
                   

Total net par outstanding

  $ 628,072     A+   $ 640,422     A+  
                   

(1)
Represents the Company's internal rating. The Company's ratings scale is similar to that used by the nationally recognized rating agencies; however, the ratings in the above table may not be the same as ratings assigned by any nationally recognized rating agency.

        The September 30, 2010 amounts above include $83.4 billion of AGM structured finance net par outstanding. December 31, 2009 amounts above include $90.7 billion of AGM structured finance net par outstanding. AGM has not insured a mortgage-backed transaction since January 2008 and announced its complete withdrawal from the structured finance market in August 2008. The structured

123


Table of Contents


finance transactions that remain in AGM's insured portfolio are of double-A average underlying credit quality, according to the Company's internal rating system. Management expects AGM's structured finance portfolio to run-off rapidly: 7% by year-end 2010, 43% by year end 2012, and 79% by year-end 2015.

        The following table presents the insured portfolio by rating:


Summary of Insured Portfolio By Rating

 
  As of September 30, 2010   As of December 31, 2009  
Ratings(1)
  Net Par
Outstanding
  % of Net Par
Outstanding
  Net Par
Outstanding
  % of Net Par
Outstanding
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Super senior

  $ 34,568     5.5 % $ 43,353     6.8 %

AAA

    69,302     11.0     59,786     9.3  

AA

    186,374     29.7     196,859     30.7  

A

    234,254     37.3     233,200     36.4  

BBB

    76,589     12.2     82,059     12.8  

Below investment grade ("BIG")

    26,985     4.3     25,165     4.0  
                   
 

Total exposures

  $ 628,072     100.0 % $ 640,422     100.0 %
                   

(1)
Represents the Company's internal rating. The Company's ratings scale is similar to that used by the nationally recognized rating agencies; however, the ratings in the above table may not be the same as ratings assigned by any nationally recognized rating agency. The super senior category, which is not generally used by rating agencies, is used by the Company in instances where the Company's triple-A rated exposure on its internal rating scale has additional credit enhancement due to either (1) the existence of another security rated triple-A that is subordinated to the Company's exposure or (2) the Company's exposure benefiting from a different form of credit enhancement that would pay any claims first in the event that any of the exposures incurs a loss, and such credit enhancement, in management's opinion, causes the Company's attachment point to be materially above the triple-A attachment point.

        The Company may purchase securities that it has insured, and for which it has expected losses, in order to economically mitigate insured losses. These securities are purchased at trading discounts. As of September 30, 2010, securities purchased for loss mitigation purposes had a fair value of $150.1 million representing $484.6 million of gross par outstanding. In addition, under the terms of certain credit derivative contracts, the Company has obtained the underlying collateral of transactions and recorded it in invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Such amounts totaled $190.0 million, representing $274.4 million in gross par outstanding.

Significant Risk Management Activities

        The Company's policies and procedures relating to risk assessment and risk management are overseen by its Board of Directors. The Board takes an enterprise-wide approach to risk management that is designed to support the Company's business plans at a reasonable level of risk. A fundamental part of risk assessment and risk management is not only understanding the risks a company faces and what steps management is taking to manage those risks, but also understanding what level of risk is appropriate for the Company. The Board of Directors annually approves the Company's business plan, factoring risk management into account. The involvement of the Board in setting the Company's business strategy is a key part of its assessment of management's risk tolerance and also a determination of what constitutes an appropriate level of risk for the Company.

124


Table of Contents

        While the Board of Directors has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, various committees of the Board also have responsibility for risk assessment and risk management. The Risk Oversight Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the standards, controls, limits, guidelines and policies that the Company establishes and implements in respect of credit underwriting and risk management. It focuses on management's assessment and management of both (i) credit risks and (ii) other risks, including, but not limited to, financial, legal and operational risks, and risks relating to the Company's reputation and ethical standards. In addition, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for, among other matters, reviewing policies and processes related to the evaluation of risk assessment and risk management, including the Company's major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. It also reviews compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors reviews compensation-related risks to the Company.

        The Company has established a number of management committees to develop underwriting and risk management guidelines, policies and procedures for the Company's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries that are tailored to their respective businesses, providing multiple levels of credit review and analysis.

125


Table of Contents

        Surveillance personnel are responsible for monitoring and reporting on all transactions in the insured portfolio, including exposures in both financial guaranty insurance and credit derivative form. The primary objective of the surveillance process is to monitor trends and changes in transaction credit quality, detect any deterioration in credit quality, and recommend to management such remedial actions as may be necessary or appropriate. All transactions in the insured portfolio are assigned internal credit ratings, and Surveillance personnel are responsible for recommending adjustments to those ratings to reflect changes in transaction credit quality.

        Work-out personnel are responsible for managing work-out and loss situations. They develop strategies designed to enhance the ability of the Company to enforce its contractual rights and remedies and to mitigate its losses, engage in negotiation discussions with transaction participants and, when necessary, manage (along with legal personnel) the Company's litigation proceedings.

        Since the onset of the financial crisis, the Company has shifted personnel to loss mitigation and work-out activities and hired new personnel to augment its efforts. Although the Company's loss mitigation efforts may extend to any transaction it has identified as having loss potential, much of the recent activity has been focused on RMBS.

        Generally, when mortgage loans are transferred into a securitization, the loan originator(s) and/or sponsor(s) provide representations and warranties ("R&W") that the loans meet certain characteristics, and a breach of such R&W often requires that the loan be repurchased from the securitization. In many of the transactions, the Company insures, it is in a position to enforce these requirements. The Company uses internal resources as well as third party forensic underwriting firms and legal firms to pursue breaches of R&W. If a provider of R&W refuses to honor its repurchase obligations, the Company may chose to initiate litigation. See "—Results of Operations—Loss and LAE (Financial Guaranty Contracts in Insurance Form)—Loss Estimation Process and Assumptions—Recovery Litigation."

        The quality of servicing of the mortgage loans underlying an RMBS transaction influences collateral performance and ultimately the amount (if any) of the Company's insured losses. The Company has established a group to mitigate RMBS losses by influencing mortgage servicing, including causing the transfer of servicing or establishing special servicing.

        In the fall of 2010, several large RMBS servicers suspended foreclosures because of allegations of a widespread failure to comply with foreclosure procedures and faulty loan documentation. These issues are being investigated by various state attorney general offices throughout the U.S. The suspension of foreclosures and subsequent investigation will lead to additional servicing costs and expenses, including without limitation, increased advances by the servicers for principal and interest, taxes, insurance and legal costs. The Company is increasing its monitoring efforts to ensure that the servicers comply with their obligations under servicing contracts, including bearing the losses and expenses incurred as a result of this issue. These same foreclosure issues are expected to impact the timing of losses to RMBS transactions that the Company has insured, which may impact the speed at which various classes of RMBS securities amortize, and so could impact the size of losses ultimately paid by the Company. The Company expects these issues to take some time to resolve.

        The Company may also employ other strategies as appropriate to avoid or mitigate losses in U.S. RMBS or other areas.

        The Company segregates its insured portfolio of IG and BIG risks into surveillance categories to facilitate the appropriate allocation of resources to monitoring and loss mitigation efforts and to aid in

126


Table of Contents

establishing the appropriate cycle for periodic review for each exposure. BIG exposures include all exposures with internal credit rating below BBB-. The Company's internal credit ratings are based on the Company's internal assessment of the likelihood of default. The Company's internal credit ratings are expressed on a ratings scale similar to that used by the rating agencies and are generally reflective of an approach similar to that employed by the rating agencies, but may not necessarily be the same as ratings assigned by any rating agency.

        The Company monitors its IG credits to determine whether any new credits need to be internally downgraded to BIG. Quarterly procedures include qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Company's insured portfolio to identify potential new BIG credits. The Company refreshes its internal credit ratings on individual credits in cycles based on the Company's view of the credit's quality, loss potential, volatility and sector. Ratings on credits and in sectors identified as under the most stress or with the most potential volatility are reviewed every quarter. Credits identified through this process as BIG are subjected to further review by Surveillance personnel to determine the various probabilities of a loss. Surveillance personnel present analyses related to potential loss scenarios to the reserve committee.

        Within the BIG category, the Company assigns each credit to one of three surveillance categories:


Net Par Outstanding for Below Investment Grade Credits

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Net Par Outstanding    
   
 
Description
  Financial
Guaranty
  Credit
Derivatives
  Total   % of Total
Net Par
Outstanding
  Number of
Credits
in Category
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

BIG:

                               
 

Category 1

  $ 4,518   $ 2,524   $ 7,042     1 %   111  
 

Category 2

    7,075     4,373     11,448     2 %   206  
 

Category 3

    7,038     1,457     8,495     1 %   107  
                       

Total BIG

  $ 18,631   $ 8,354   $ 26,985     4 %   424  
                       

 

 
  As of December 31, 2009  
 
  Net Par Outstanding    
   
 
Description
  Financial
Guaranty
  Credit
Derivatives
  Total   % of Total
Net Par
Outstanding
  Number of
Credits
in Category
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

BIG:

                               
 

Category 1

  $ 4,230   $ 2,408   $ 6,638     1 %   112  
 

Category 2

    6,805     3,834     10,639     2 %   208  
 

Category 3

    6,672     1,217     7,889     1 %   44  
                       

Total BIG

  $ 17,707   $ 7,459   $ 25,166     4 %   364  
                       

127


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Estimates and Assumptions

        The Company's consolidated financial statements include amounts that are determined using estimates and assumptions. The actual amounts realized could ultimately be materially different from the amounts currently provided for in the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. Management believes the items requiring the most inherently subjective and complex estimates to be

        An understanding of the Company's accounting policies for these items is of critical importance to understanding its consolidated financial statements. See "Item 1. Financial Statements" of this Form 10-Q and Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of significant accounting policies and fair value methodologies. The following discussion of the consolidated and segment results of operations includes information regarding the estimates and assumptions used for these items and should be read in conjunction with the notes to the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

128


Table of Contents

Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Operations

        The following table presents summary consolidated results of operations data for the Third Quarter and Nine Months ended 2010 and 2009. Comparability of periods presented is affected by the inclusion of AGMH results beginning July 1, 2009 and the adoption of new GAAP accounting requiring the consolidation of certain VIEs previously accounted for as financial guaranty insurance effective January 1, 2010.


Summary Consolidated Results

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Revenues:

                         

Net earned premiums

  $ 288.7   $ 330.0   $ 900.4   $ 557.1  

Net investment income

    85.6     84.7     260.8     171.6  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

    (2.4 )   (6.1 )   (1.4 )   (28.1 )

Change in fair value of credit derivatives:

                         
 

Realized gains and other settlements

    52.4     71.7     117.5     120.1  
 

Net unrealized gains

    (284.9 )   (205.3 )   2.3     (432.6 )
                   

Net change in fair value of credit derivatives

    (232.5 )   (133.6 )   119.8     (312.5 )

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

    (5.5 )   (53.1 )   5.8     (94.0 )

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' revenues

    76.5     4.9     61.6     4.9  

Other income

    33.8     57.0     7.4     58.4  
                   
 

Total revenues

    244.2     283.8     1,354.4     357.4  
                   

Expenses:

                         

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

    109.1     133.3     310.8     251.1  

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    8.0     1.3     23.1     41.3  

AGMH acquisition- related expenses

        51.3     6.8     80.2  

Interest expense

    24.9     25.2     74.9     37.5  

Goodwill and settlement of pre-existing relationship

        23.3         23.3  

Financial guaranty variable interest entities' expenses

    (126.7 )   10.2     (131.5 )   10.2  

Other operating expenses

    52.2     67.3     162.2     123.1  
                   
 

Total expenses

    67.5     311.9     446.3     566.7  
                   

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

    176.7     (28.1 )   908.1     (209.3 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    (4.2 )   12.2     201.7     (84.5 )
                   
 

Net income (loss)

    180.9     (40.3 )   706.4     (124.8 )

Less: Noncontrolling interest of variable interest entities

        (5.3 )       (5.3 )
                   
 

Net income (loss) attributable to Assured Guaranty Ltd. 

  $ 180.9   $ (35.0 ) $ 706.4   $ (119.5 )
                   

129


Table of Contents

Net Earned Premiums

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Financial guaranty direct:

                         
 

Public finance

                         
   

Scheduled net earned premiums

  $ 91.9   $ 87.6   $ 261.3   $ 115.2  
   

Acceleration of premium earnings(1)

    20.2     12.2     48.6     85.8  
                   
     

Total public finance

    112.1     99.8     309.9     201.0  
 

Structured finance

                         
   

Scheduled net earned premiums(2)

    159.3     216.0     537.4     246.7  
   

Acceleration of premium earnings(1)

        (1.1 )   (1.0 )   (1.1 )
                   
     

Total structured finance

    159.3     214.9     536.4     245.6  
                   
   

Total financial guaranty direct

    271.4     314.7     846.3     446.6  

Financial guaranty reinsurance:

                         
 

Public finance

                         
   

Scheduled net earned premiums

    6.6     (2.6 )   22.5     32.3  
   

Acceleration of premium earnings(1)

    1.0     6.3     4.4     43.1  
                   
     

Total public finance

    7.6     3.7     26.9     75.4  
 

Structured finance

                         
     

Total structured finance

    9.1     10.9     25.3     32.8  
                   
   

Total financial guaranty reinsurance

    16.7     14.6     52.2     108.2  

Other

    0.6     0.7     1.9     2.3  
                   

Total net earned premiums

  $ 288.7   $ 330.0   $ 900.4   $ 557.1  
                   

(1)
Reflects the unscheduled refundings of underlying insured obligations.

(2)
Excludes $12.8 million in Third Quarter 2010 and $34.4 million in the Nine Months 2010 in earned premiums related to consolidated VIEs.

        The decrease in financial guaranty direct net earned premiums in Third Quarter 2010 compared to the comparable prior year period is primarily due to the reduction of in-force business offset in part by new business. In Third Quarter 2009, the Company conformed accounting estimates of its subsidiaries subsequent to the AGMH Acquisition, resulting in lower net premiums in Third Quarter 2009. The increase in financial guaranty direct net earned premiums in Nine Months 2010 compared to Nine Months 2009 is primarily attributable to the AGMH Acquisition. All net AGMH results of operations are included in the financial guaranty direct segment since the Acquisition Date. The increase in the financial guaranty reinsurance net earned premiums is due to conforming accounting estimates in Third Quarter 2009 after the AGMH Acquisition.

        At September 30, 2010, the Company had $6.7 billion of remaining deferred premium revenue to be earned over the life of its contracts. See Note 6 in "Item 1. Financial Statements".

130


Table of Contents

Net Investment Income

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Income from fixed maturity securities

  $ 87.5   $ 88.1   $ 267.3   $ 175.4  

Income from short-term investments

    0.5     (1.5 )   0.1      
                   
 

Gross investment income

    88.0     86.6     267.4     175.4  

Investment expenses

    (2.4 )   (1.9 )   (6.6 )   (3.8 )
                   
 

Net investment income

  $ 85.6   $ 84.7   $ 260.8   $ 171.6  
                   

        Investment income is a function of the yield that the Company earns on invested assets. The investment yield is a function of market interest rates at the time of investment as well as the type, credit quality and maturity of the invested assets. Excluding bonds purchased for risk mitigation purposes, pre-tax yields to maturity were 3.7% and 3.6% as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in net investment income for Nine Months 2010 compared with Nine Months 2009 is attributable to increased average invested assets due primarily to the AGMH Acquisition.

        In accordance with acquisition accounting requirements, the amortized cost basis of investments acquired in the AGMH Acquisition at the closing date was equal to the fair value at such date. At the Acquisition Date, the historical amortized cost was adjusted for an additional net premium to par of $58.7 million, which is being amortized to net investment income over the remaining term to maturity of each of the investments.


Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses)

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

OTTI losses

  $ (5.7 ) $ (13.3 ) $ (24.2 ) $ (68.2 )

Less: portion of OTTI loss recognized in other comprehensive income

    (1.1 )   (5.3 )   (1.8 )   (26.9 )
                   
 

Subtotal

    (4.6 )   (8.0 )   (22.4 )   (41.3 )

Other net realized investment gains (losses)

    2.2     1.9     21.0     13.2  
                   

Total realized investment gains (losses)

    (2.4 )   (6.1 )   (1.4 )   (28.1 )
                   

Net realized investment gains (losses), net of related income taxes

  $ (1.3 ) $ (6.0 ) $ 1.1   $ (30.2 )
                   

131


Table of Contents

        The table below provides the components of OTTI.


OTTI Components

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Intent to sell

  $ (0.3 ) $ (3.4 ) $ (2.0 ) $ (9.9 )

Credit component of OTTI securities

    (4.3 )   (4.6 )   (20.4 )   (31.4 )
                   
 

Total

  $ (4.6 ) $ (8.0 ) $ (22.4 ) $ (41.3 )
                   

        The Company adopted new GAAP guidance on April 1, 2009, which prescribed bifurcation of credit and non-credit related OTTI in realized loss and OCI, respectively. Prior to April 1, 2009, the entire unrealized loss on OTTI securities was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Subsequent to that date, only the credit component of the unrealized loss on OTTI securities was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

        Cumulative fair value gains (losses) on credit derivatives determined on a contract by contract basis, are reflected as either assets or liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of credit derivatives, excluding changes in credit impairment, occur because of changes in interest rates, credit spreads, the credit ratings of the referenced entities, the Company's credit rating and other market factors. The unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives excluding credit impairment, is expected to reduce to zero as the exposure approaches its maturity date, unless there is a payment default on the exposure or early termination. In the event that the Company terminates a credit derivative contract prior to maturity, the resulting gain or loss will be realized through net change in fair value of credit derivatives. Changes in the fair value of the Company's credit derivatives that do not reflect actual or expected claims or credit losses have no impact on the Company's statutory claims paying resources, rating agency capital or regulatory capital positions.

        The Company views its credit derivatives as an extension of the Company's financial guaranty business; however they do not qualify for the financial guaranty insurance scope exception and therefore are reported at fair value, with changes in fair value included in earnings.


Net Change in Fair Value of Credit Derivatives

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Credit derivative revenues(1)

  $ 50.7   $ 57.3   $ 157.1   $ 114.7  

Losses incurred on credit derivatives

    (15.4 )   (142.2 )   (119.9 )   (178.4 )

Net unrealized gains (losses), excluding incurred losses

    (267.8 )   (48.7 )   82.6     (248.8 )
                   
 

Net change in fair value

  $ (232.5 ) $ (133.6 ) $ 119.8   $ (312.5 )
                   

(1)
Comprised of fees on credit derivatives and ceding commissions.

        The decrease in credit derivative revenues in Third Quarter 2010 compared to Third Quarter 2009 was due to the continued run-off of the existing book of business and the lack of new business in this market to offset the run-off. AGM no longer writes such business and AGC has not written a new contract since before the AGMH Acquisition. The increase in Nine Months 2010 compared to Nine Months 2009 was due primarily to the addition of earnings on the acquired AGMH portfolio of credit derivatives.

132


Table of Contents

        Losses incurred on credit derivatives in Third Quarter 2010 were due primarily to changes in delinquency rates and discount rates on U.S. RMBS sectors. Losses incurred on credit derivatives in Nine Months 2010 were primarily attributable to exposure to a transaction backed by a portfolio of peaker power plants, TRuPS and a film securitization transaction. Third Quarter 2009 and Nine Months 2009 losses incurred on credit derivatives was also due primarily to development in U.S. RMBS sectors.

        In the Third Quarter 2010, U.S RMBS unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily in the Alt-A option ARM and Alt-A first lien sector due to wider implied net spreads. These transactions were pricing above their floor levels (or the minimum rate at which the Company would consider assuming these risks based on historical experience); therefore when the cost of purchasing credit default swap ("CDS") protection on AGC and AGM declined, which management refers to as the CDS spread on AGC or AGM, the implied spreads that the Company would expect to receive on these transactions increased. The unrealized fair value loss within the TruPS CDO and Other asset classes resulted from wider implied spreads. The loss in Other was primarily attributable to a XXX life securitization transaction. In the Nine Months 2010, the Company recorded a small unrealized fair value gain. During this period, AGC's and AGM's spreads widened. Declines in fair value before considering the Company's own credit were offset by gains due to the widening of the Company's own CDS spread.

        Third Quarter 2009 unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily by wider implied spreads on Alt-A Option ARMs and Alt-A first lien transactions included in the U.S. RMBS sector, as well as a U.S. infrastructure transaction, a XXX life insurance securitization and a film securitization, included in the Other sector. Nine Months 2009 unrealized fair value losses were generated primarily by wider implied spreads in the U.S RMBS sector, in particular Alt-A Option ARMs and Alt-A first lien transactions.


Effect of Company's Credit Spread on Credit Derivatives Fair Value

 
  As of
September 30,
2010
  As of
June 30,
2010
  As of
December 31,
2009
  As of
September 30,
2009
  As of
June 30,
2009
  As of
December 31,
2008
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Quoted price of CDS contract (in basis points):

                                     
 

AGC

    893     1,010     634     825     1,544     1,775  
 

AGM

    645     802     541     660     N/A     N/A  

Fair value of CDS contracts:

                                     
 

Before considering implication of the Company's credit spreads

  $ (5,426.0 ) $ (5,636.3 ) $ (5,830.8 ) $ (6,716.1 ) $ (4,240.5 ) $ (4,734.4 )
 

After considering implication of the Company's credit spreads

  $ (1,705.1 ) $ (1,274.9 ) $ (1,542.1 ) $ (1,638.2 ) $ (811.4 ) $ (586.8 )

        The gain or loss created by the estimated fair value adjustment will rise or fall based on estimated market pricing and may not be an indication of ultimate claims. Fair value is defined as the amount at which an asset or liability could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company enters into credit derivative contracts which require the Company to make payments upon the occurrence of certain defined credit events relating to an underlying obligation (generally a fixed income obligation). The Company's credit derivative exposures are substantially similar to its financial guaranty insurance contracts and provide for credit protection against payment default. They are contracts that are generally held to maturity. The unrealized gains and losses on credit derivatives will

133


Table of Contents


reduce to zero as the exposure approaches its maturity date, unless there is a payment default on the exposure or early termination. See "—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity Requirements and Resources".

        The Company does not typically exit its credit derivative contracts and there are typically no quoted prices for its instruments or similar instruments. Observable inputs other than quoted market prices exist; however, these inputs reflect contracts that do not contain terms and conditions similar to those in the credit derivatives issued by the Company. Therefore, the valuation of the Company's credit derivative contracts requires the use of models that contain significant, unobservable inputs. Thus, management believes that the Company's credit derivative contract valuations are in Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 9 in "Item 1. Financial Statements".

        The fair value of these instruments represents the difference between the present value of remaining contractual premiums charged for the credit protection and the estimated present value of premiums that a comparable financial guarantor would hypothetically charge for the same protection at the balance sheet date. The fair value of these contracts depends on a number of factors including notional amount of the contract, expected term, credit spreads, changes in interest rates, the credit ratings of the referenced entities, the Company's own credit risk and remaining contractual flows.

        Contractual cash flows are the most readily observable inputs since they are based on the CDS contractual terms. These variables include:

        Market conditions at September 30, 2010 were such that market prices for the Company's CDS contracts were not generally available. Where market prices were not available, the Company used proprietary valuation models that used both unobservable and observable market data inputs such as various market indices, credit spreads, the Company's own credit spread, and estimated contractual payments to estimate the fair value of its credit derivatives. These models are primarily developed internally based on market conventions for similar transactions.

        Management considers the non-standard terms of its credit derivative contracts in determining the fair value of these contracts. These terms differ from more standardized credit derivatives sold by companies outside of the financial guaranty industry. The non-standard terms include the absence of collateral support agreements or immediate settlement provisions. In addition, the Company employs relatively high attachment points and does not exit derivatives it sells for credit protection purposes. Because of these terms and conditions, the fair value of the Company's credit derivatives may not reflect the same prices observed in an actively traded market of CDS that do not contain terms and conditions similar to those observed in the financial guaranty market. These Company's models and the related assumptions are continuously reevaluated by management and enhanced, as appropriate, based upon improvements in modeling techniques and availability of more timely and relevant market information.

        Valuation models include the use of management estimates and current market information. Management is also required to make assumptions on how the fair value of credit derivative instruments is affected by current market conditions. Management considers factors such as current prices charged for similar agreements, performance of underlying assets, life of the instrument and the nature and extent of activity in the financial guaranty credit derivative marketplace. The assumptions that management uses to determine its fair value may change in the future due to market conditions. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the assumptions used in the valuation models to determine the fair

134


Table of Contents


value of these credit derivative products, actual experience may differ from the estimates reflected in the Company's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the differences may be material.

        The table below presents management's estimates of expected claim payments related to BIG credit derivatives. Expected loss to be paid represents the present value of future net cash outflows and includes a net benefit for breaches of R&W of approximately $84.4 million. The assumptions used to calculate the present value of expected losses for credit derivatives are consistent with the assumptions used for BIG transactions written in financial guaranty insurance form as discussed below in "—Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves".


Rollforward of Credit Impairment on Credit Derivatives

 
  Credit
Impairment as of
December 31, 2009
  Loss
Development
and Accretion
of Discount
  Less:
Paid Losses
  Credit
Impairment as of
September 30, 2010
 
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S. RMBS:

                         
 

First Lien:

                         
   

Alt-A First lien

  $ 141.0   $ 17.3   $ 0.2   $ 158.1  
   

Alt-A Options ARM

    131.4     (11.2 )   23.2     97.0  
   

Subprime

    73.3     28.9     6.3     95.9  
                   
     

Total First Lien

    345.7     35.0     29.7     351.0  
 

Second Lien:

                         
   

CES

    44.8     (1.1 )   14.9     28.8  
                   
     

Total Second Lien

    44.8     (1.1 )   14.9     28.8  
                   

Total US RMBS

    390.5     33.9     44.6     379.8  

TruPS

    60.3     38.6     2.2     96.7  

Other structured finance

    29.3     52.4     (11.3 )   93.0  

Public finance

    0.3     0.9     1.2      
                   

Total

  $ 480.4   $ 125.8   $ 36.7   $ 569.5  
                   

        CCS consist of committed preferred trust securities which allow AGC and AGM to issue preferred stock to trusts created for the purpose of issuing such securities investing in high quality investments and selling put options to AGC and AGM in exchange for cash. The fair value of CCS represents the difference between the present value of remaining expected put option premium payments under AGC's CCS (the "AGC CCS Securities") and AGM Committed Preferred Trust Securities (the "AGM CPS Securities") agreements and the value of such estimated payments based upon the quoted price for such premium payments as of the reporting dates (see Note 16 in "Item 1. Financial Statements"). Changes in fair value of this financial instrument are included in the consolidated statement of operations. The significant market inputs used are observable; therefore, the Company classified this fair value measurement as Level 2.

        The driver of fair value gain (loss) on CCS is the CDS spread of AGC and AGM. Widening of these CDS spreads results in gains while tightening results in losses. See "Effect of Company's Credit Spread on Credit Derivatives Fair Value" table in "—Net Change in Fair Value of Credit Derivatives" for information on AGC and AGM CDS spreads.

135


Table of Contents


Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Committed Capital Securities

 
  As of
September 30,
2010
  As of
December 31,
2009
 
 
  (in millions)
 

AGC CCS Securities

  $ 9.1   $ 4.0  

AGM CPS Securities

    6.2     5.5  
           
 

Total

  $ 15.3   $ 9.5  
           


Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Committed Capital Securities

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

AGC CCS Securities

  $ (2.2 ) $ (1.2 ) $ 5.1   $ (42.1 )

AGM CPS Securities

    (3.3 )   (51.9 )   0.7     (51.9 )
                   
 

Total

  $ (5.5 ) $ (53.1 ) $ 5.8   $ (94.0 )
                   

        Other income is comprised of recurring income items such as foreign exchange revaluation of premiums receivable, income on assets acquired in refinancing transactions, ancillary fees on financial guaranty policies such as consent and processing fees as well as infrequent revenue items on financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance contracts such as negotiated settlements and commutation gains on re-assumptions of previously ceded business. In Third Quarter 2009, the Company recognized a gain for settlement of a previously consolidated financial guaranty VIE. In the Nine Months 2010, the Company recognized gains from reinsurance cessions of OTTI and commutation gains on the re-assumptions of several books of business previously ceded to various reinsurers.


Other Income

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Foreign exchange gain (loss) on revaluation of premium receivable

  $ 33.6   $ 26.9   $ (21.7 ) $ 26.9  

Settlement from previously consolidated financial guaranty VIE's

        29.2         29.2  

Reinsurance cessions of OTTI(1)

            8.5      

Other

    0.2     0.9     20.6     2.3  
                   
 

Other income

  $ 33.8   $ 57.0   $ 7.4   $ 58.4  
                   

(1)
Reinsurance cessions of OTTI of investment assets associated with a below investment grade financial guaranty contract.

        The 22% decrease in other operating expenses for Third Quarter 2010 compared to Third Quarter 2009 was primarily attributable to the decrease in compensation expenses and reduction in headcount resulting from the AGMH Acquisition. The increase in expenses in Nine Months 2010 compared to Nine Months 2009 is due to the inclusion of AGMH in the first half of 2010, but only for Third Quarter 2009.

136


Table of Contents

        The following table presents the loss and LAE related to financial guaranty contracts, other than those written in credit derivative form.


Loss and LAE (Recoveries)
By Type

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Financial Guaranty:

                         
 

U.S. RMBS:

                         
   

First Lien:

                         
     

Prime First lien

  $ 0.5   $ 2.2   $ 0.5   $ 2.2  
     

Alt-A First lien

    8.8     7.6     22.3     14.0  
     

Alt-A Options ARM

    65.3     0.3     166.3     8.5  
     

Subprime

    9.9     9.5     50.9     15.4  
                   
       

Total First Lien

    84.5     19.6     240.0     40.1  
   

Second Lien:

                         
     

Closed end second lien ("CES")

    4.8     11.8     (2.3 )   47.1  
     

Home equity lines of credit ("HELOC")

    17.2     59.4     52.0     100.0  
                   
       

Total Second Lien

    22.0     71.2     49.7     147.1  
                   
 

Total U.S. RMBS

    106.5     90.8     289.7     187.2  
 

Other structured finance

    14.6     22.0     56.4     9.6  
 

Public Finance

    (0.6 )   20.3     10.3     42.2  
                   

Total financial guaranty

    120.5     133.1     356.4     239.0  

Other

    0.1     0.2     0.2     12.1  
                   
     

Subtotal

    120.6     133.3     356.6     251.1  

Effect of consolidating VIEs

    (11.5 )       (45.8 )    
                   
   

Total loss and LAE

  $ 109.1   $ 133.3   $ 310.8   $ 251.1  
                   

        The comparison of losses incurred between periods presented in the Form 10-Q is difficult due to the effect of the AGMH Acquisition and its related accounting. While the AGMH results are included for the full Third Quarter 2009, there was only a de minimus amount of loss and LAE recorded on AGM business in the Third Quarter 2009 because of the high deferred premium revenue balances on AGM transactions with expected losses. As a result of the application of acquisition accounting related to the AGMH Acquisition, financial guaranty policies acquired in that transaction were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet on the Acquisition Date at fair value, resulting in the recording of higher unearned premium reserves than similar contracts in the pre-existing AGC and AG Re book of business due to the deterioration in the performance of certain insured transactions as well as changed market conditions. Accordingly, the Company will recognize loss and LAE earlier on a legacy AGC or AG Re policy compared to an identical policy in the AGM portfolio because its recorded unearned premium reserve is lower. See Note 6 in "Item 1. Financial Statements" and Note 3 in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the Company's accounting policy for losses. With each passing quarter after the AGMH Acquisition, expected losses and deferred claim payments will be recognized in the statement of operations as deferred revenue amortizes and as losses accrete and develop due to changes in assumptions.

137


Table of Contents

        Third Quarter 2010 includes a higher percentage of losses from the AGM book of business compared to the comparable period in 2009 with Alt-A Option ARMS contributing the largest portion of Third Quarter 2010 loss and LAE primarily as a result of the amortization of deferred premium revenue on these transactions and loss development caused by changes in delinquency rates and discount rates on U.S. RMBS sectors. In addition, other structured finance transactions experienced some loss development primarily related to student loans and changes in discount rate on XXX transactions.

        In 2010, a larger component of the loss and LAE is attributable to AGM's book of business as losses have begun to exceed deferred premium revenue. US RMBS sectors are the primary drivers of the increase in losses in Nine Months 2010 with additional losses coming from other structured finance sectors such as student loans.


Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts
Net Losses Paid

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S. RMBS:

                         
 

First Lien:

                         
   

Prime First lien

  $   $   $   $  
   

Alt-A First lien

    14.1     0.7     43.1     0.7  
   

Alt-A Options ARM

    54.3     0.4     103.4     0.4  
   

Subprime

    0.7     1.8     3.0     2.6  
                   
     

Total First Lien

    69.1     2.9     149.5     3.7  
 

Second Lien:

                         
   

CES

    20.1     43.1     60.0     77.3  
   

HELOC

    129.5     248.3     445.3     363.2  
                   
     

Total Second Lien

    149.6     291.4     505.3     440.5  
                   

Total US RMBS

    218.7     294.3     654.8     444.2  

Other structured finance

    1.9     (3.8 )   7.5     17.6  

Public finance

    22.9     2.4     57.1     20.5  
                   

Total Financial Guaranty

    243.5     292.9     719.4     482.3  

Other

    0.2     0.1     0.2     12.4  
                   
     

Subtotal

    243.7     293.0     719.6     494.7  

Effect of consolidating VIEs

    (37.0 )       (95.9 )    
                   
     

Total

  $ 206.7   $ 293.0   $ 623.7   $ 494.7  
                   

        See Note 6 in "Item 1. Financial Statements" for information on BIG financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance contracts. See "—Significant Risk Management Activities."

138


Table of Contents

        The following table presents a roll forward of the present value of net expected loss and LAE since December 31, 2009 by sector.


Financial Guaranty Insurance
Present Value of Net Expected Loss and LAE
Roll Forward by Sector(1)

 
  Expected
Loss to be
Paid as of
January 1, 2010
  Loss
Development
and Accretion of
Discount
  Less:
Paid
Losses
  Expected
Loss to be
Paid as of
September 30,
2010
 
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S. RMBS:

                         
 

First Lien:

                         
   

Prime First lien

  $   $ 0.9   $   $ 0.9  
   

Alt-A First lien

    204.4     24.1     43.1     185.4  
   

Alt-A Options ARM

    545.2     102.8     103.4     544.6  
   

Subprime

    77.5     79.0     3.0     153.5  
                   
     

Total First Lien

    827.1     206.8     149.5     884.4  
 

Second Lien:

                         
   

CES

    199.3     (35.3 )   60.0     104.0  
   

HELOCs

    (232.9 )   53.2     445.3     (625.0 )
                   
     

Total Second Lien

    (33.6 )   17.9     505.3     (521.0 )
                   

Total U.S. RMBS

    793.5     224.7     654.8     363.4  

Other structured finance

    102.6     53.5     7.5     148.6  

Public Finance

    130.9     (7.7 )   57.1     66.1  
                   
     

Total(1)

  $ 1,027.0   $ 270.5   $ 719.4   $ 578.1  
                   

(1)
Excludes $3.6 million and $5.2 million of expected losses related to the Other segment recorded in loss reserves on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

        The Company used weighted-average risk free rates ranging from 0% to 4.51% and 0.07% to 5.21% to discount expected losses as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

        Since the onset of the credit crisis in the fall of 2007 and the ensuing recession, the Company has been intensely involved in risk management activities. Its most significant activities have centered on the residential mortgage sector, where the crisis began, but it is also active in other areas experiencing stress. Residential mortgage loans are loans secured by mortgages on one to four family homes. RMBS may be broadly divided into two categories: (1) first lien transactions, which are generally comprised of loans with mortgages that are senior to any other mortgages on the same property, and (2) second lien transactions, which are comprised of loans with mortgages that are often not senior to other mortgages, but rather are second in priority. Both first lien RMBS and second lien RMBS sometimes include a portion of loan collateral with a different priority than the majority of the collateral. The discussion below addressed modeling assumptions and methods used to estimate expected losses. Detailed performance data by RMBS category is included in "—Exposure to Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities."

139


Table of Contents

Financial Guaranty Insurance
Exposure on U.S. RMBS Policies

 
  September 30, 2010  
 
  BIG Net Par Outstanding    
 
 
  Total Net
Par
Outstanding
 
 
  BIG 1   BIG 2   BIG 3   Total BIG  
 
  (in millions)
 

First Lien U.S. RMBS:

                               
 

Prime First Lien

  $ 79   $ 79   $   $ 158   $ 387  
 

Alt-A First Lien

    108     1,214     483     1,805     2,296  
 

Alt-A Options ARM

    342     1,354     706     2,402     2,520  
 

Subprime (including net interest margin ("NIMs"))

    8     2,493     67     2,568     4,664  

Second Lien U.S. RMBS:

                               
 

CES

    105     515     450     1,070     1,108  
 

HELOC

    390     2     3,835     4,227     4,971  
                       
   

Total

  $ 1,032   $ 5,657   $ 5,541   $ 12,230   $ 15,946  
                       

Financial Guaranty Insurance
Exposure on U.S. RMBS Policies

 
  December 31, 2009  
 
  BIG Net Par Outstanding    
 
 
  Total Net
Par
Outstanding
 
 
  BIG 1   BIG 2   BIG 3   Total BIG  
 
  (in millions)
 

First Lien U.S. RMBS:

                               
 

Prime First Lien

  $ 4   $ 50   $   $ 54   $ 426  
 

Alt-A First Lien

    208     1,441     173     1,822     2,470  
 

Alt-A Options ARM

    596     2,096         2,692     2,858  
 

Subprime (including NIMs)

    924     1,272     47     2,243     4,985  

Second Lien U.S. RMBS:

                               
 

CES

    123     535     509     1,167     1,212  
 

HELOC

    13     113     4,372     4,498     5,923  
                       
   

Total

  $ 1,868   $ 5,507   $ 5,101   $ 12,476   $ 17,874  
                       

        In accordance with the Company's standard practices, the Company evaluated the most current available information as part of its loss estimation process, including trends in delinquencies and charge-offs on the underlying loans and its experience in requiring providers of R&W to purchase ineligible loans out of these transactions. Most of the Company's expected loss and LAE and paid losses relate to U.S. RMBS. As has been widely reported in the press, unprecedented levels of delinquencies and defaults have negatively impacted the mortgage market, especially U.S. RMBS issued in the period from 2005 through 2007. The Company observed some improvement in roll rates (the rates at which loans transition from one stage of delinquency to the next and, ultimately, default) over the quarter, particularly in second lien transactions. Consequently, some of the initial plateau conditional default rates ("CDR's") used by the Company to project losses were generally lower this quarter than last quarter. Unfortunately, early stage delinquencies, did not trend down as much as the Company had hoped, so the Company retained the shape of the curves and probability weightings used last quarter. By doing this, the Company essentially assumed the recovery in the housing and mortgage markets would be delayed by another three months. Changes were made with respect to how scenarios

140


Table of Contents

were run in the second quarter of 2010 as compared to March 31, 2010 to reflect the Company's view that it might have been witnessing the beginning of an improvement in the housing and mortgage markets. The scenarios used in first quarter of 2010, with the exception of an adjustment to the subprime severity, were the same as those employed at year-end 2009.

        The Company insures two types of second lien RMBS: those secured by HELOCs and those secured by CES mortgages. HELOCs are revolving lines of credit generally secured by a second lien on a one to four family home. A mortgage for a fixed amount secured by a second lien on a one to four family home is generally referred to as a CES. The Company has material exposure to second lien mortgage loans originated and serviced by a number of parties, but the Company's most significant second lien exposure is to HELOCs originated and serviced by Countrywide, a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

        The delinquency performance of HELOC and CES exposures included in transactions insured by the Company began to deteriorate in 2007, and such transactions, particularly those originated in the period from 2005 through 2007, continue to perform below the Company's original underwriting expectations. While insured securities benefit from structural protections within the transactions designed to absorb collateral losses in excess of previous historical high levels, in many second lien RMBS projected losses now exceed those structural protections.

        The Company believes the primary variables impacting its expected losses in second lien RMBS transactions are the amount and timing of future losses in the collateral pool supporting the transactions and the amount of loans repurchased for breaches of R&W. Expected losses are also a function of the structure of the transaction, the voluntary prepayment rate, typically also referred to as conditional prepayment rate ("CPR"), of the collateral; the interest rate environment; and assumptions about the draw rate and loss severity. These variables are interrelated, difficult to predict and subject to considerable volatility. If actual experience differs from the Company's assumptions, the losses incurred could be materially different from the estimate. The Company continues to update its evaluation of these exposures as new information becomes available.

        The following table shows the Company's key assumptions used in its calculation of estimated expected losses for these types of policies as of September 30, 2010, June 30, 2010, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

Key Assumptions in Base Case Expected Loss Estimates
Second Lien RMBS(1)

HELOC Key Variables
  September 30,
2010
  June 30,
2010
  March 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009

Plateau CDR

  4.6 - 25.2%   8.3 - 27.5%   11.5 - 38.0%   10.7 - 40.0%

Final CDR trended down to

  0.5 - 3.2%   0.5 - 3.2%   0.5 - 3.2%   0.5 - 3.2%

Expected period until final CDR

  24 months   24 months   21 months   21 months

Initial CPR

  0.5 - 18.4%   0.9 - 20.1%   0.4 - 13.4%   1.9 - 14.9%

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

Loss severity

  98%   95%   95%   95%

Initial draw rate

  0.0 - 4.6%   0.2 - 6.9%   0.2 - 4.8%   0.1 - 2.0%

(1)
Represents assumptions for most heavily weighted scenario (the "base case").

141


Table of Contents

 

CES Key Variables
  September 30,
2010
  June 30,
2010
  March 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009

Plateau CDR

  6.7 - 27.3%   8.0 - 28.0%   7.4 - 32.7%   21.5 - 44.2%

Final CDR rate trended down to

  2.9 - 8.1%   2.9 - 8.1%   2.9 - 8.1%   3.3 - 8.1%

Expected period until final CDR achieved

  24 months   24 months   21 months   21 months

Initial CPR

  1.0 - 11.8%   0.8 - 10.1%   1.6 - 8.4%   0.8 - 3.6%

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

Loss severity

  98%   95%   95%   95%

        For second lien transactions, the Company calculates expected losses in the following fashion: A loan is generally "charged off" by the securitization's servicer once the loan is 180 days past due and therefore the Company's projections assume that a loss is charged off once it is 180 days past due. Most second lien transactions report the amount of loans in five monthly delinquency categories (i.e., 30-59 days past due, 60-89 days past due, 90-119 days past due, 120-149 days past due and 150-179 days past due). The Company estimates the amount of loans that will default over the next five months by calculating current representative liquidation rates (the percent of loans in a given delinquency status that are assumed to ultimately default) from selected transactions and then applying those liquidation rates to the amount of loans in the delinquency categories. The amount of loans projected to default in the first through fifth months are then expressed as CDR, and the average of those CDRs is then used as the basis for calculating defaults after the fifth month. As was the case last quarter in the base scenario this CDR (the "plateau CDR") is held constant for one month. Once the plateau period has ended, the CDR is assumed to gradually trend down in uniform increments to its final long-term steady state CDR. In the base scenario, the time over which the CDR trends down to its final CDR is eighteen months. Therefore, in the base case scenario, the total time from the current period to the end of the ramp (when the long-term steady CDR is reached) is 24 months. The long-term steady state CDRs are calculated as the constant conditional default rates that would have yielded the amount of losses originally expected at underwriting. When a second lien loan defaults, there is generally very low recovery. Based on current expectations of future performance, the Company reduced its loss recovery assumption to 2% from 5% (thus increasing its severity from 95% to 98%) in Third Quarter 2010.

        The rate at which the principal amount of a loan is prepaid may impact both the amount of losses projected (which is a function of the CDR and the loan balance over time) as well as the amount of excess spread (which is the excess of the interest paid by the borrowers on the underlying loan over the amount of interest and expenses owed on the insured obligations). In the base case, the current CPR is assumed to continue until the end of the plateau before gradually increasing to the final CPR over the same period the CDR decreases. For transactions where the initial CPR is higher than the final CPR, the initial CPR is held constant. The final CPR is assumed to be 10% for both HELOC and CES transactions. This level is much higher than current rates, but lower than the historical average, which reflects the Company's continued uncertainty about performance of the borrowers in these transactions. This pattern is consistent with how the Company modeled the CPR in both the first and second quarter of 2010 and fourth quarter of 2009.

        The Company uses a number of other variables in its second lien loss projections, including the spread between relevant interest rate indices, and HELOC draw rates (the amount of new advances provided on existing HELOCs expressed as a percent of current outstanding advances). For HELOC transactions, the draw rate is assumed to decline from the current level to the final draw rate over a period of three months. The final draw rates were assumed to range from 0.0% to 3.9%.

        In estimating expected losses, the Company modeled and probability weighted three possible CDR curves applicable to the period preceding the return to the long-term steady state CDR. Given that draw rates have been reduced to levels below the historical average and that loss severities in these products have been higher than anticipated at inception, the Company believes that the level of the

142


Table of Contents

elevated CDR and the length of time it will persist is the primary driver behind the likely amount of losses the collateral will suffer (before considering the effects of repurchases of ineligible loans). The Company continues to evaluate the assumptions affecting its modeling results.

        As in the case of second quarter of 2010, the Company's base case assumed a one month CDR plateau and an 18 month ramp down. Increasing the CDR plateau to four months and keeping the ramp down at 18 months would increase the expected loss by approximately $125.5 million for HELOC transactions and $12.7 million for CES transactions. On the other hand, keeping the CDR plateau at one month but decreasing the length of the CDR ramp down back to the 12 month assumption for second quarter 2010 would decrease the expected loss from those taken by approximately $89.7 million for HELOC transactions and $10.3 million for CES transactions.

        First lien RMBS are generally categorized in accordance with the characteristics of the first lien mortgage loans on one to four family homes supporting the transactions. The collateral supporting "Subprime RMBS" transactions is comprised of first-lien residential mortgage loans made to subprime borrowers. A "subprime borrower" is one considered to be a higher risk credit based on credit scores or other risk characteristics. Another type of RMBS transaction is generally referred to as "Alt-A RMBS." The collateral supporting such transactions is comprised of first-lien residential mortgage loans made to "prime" quality borrowers who lack certain ancillary characteristics that would make them prime. When more than 66% of the loans originally included in the pool are mortgage loans with an option to make a minimum payment that has the potential to negatively amortize the loan (i.e., increase the amount of principal owed), the transaction is referred to as an "Option ARM." Finally, transactions may be primarily composed of loans made to prime borrowers.

        The performance of the Company's first lien RMBS exposures began to deteriorate in 2007 and such transactions, particularly those originated in the period from 2005 through 2007 and continue to perform below the Company's original underwriting expectations. The Company currently projects first lien collateral losses many times those expected at the time of underwriting. While insured securities benefitted from structural protections within the transactions designed to absorb some of the collateral losses, in many first lien RMBS transactions, projected losses exceed those structural protections.

        The majority of projected losses in first lien RMBS transactions are expected to come from mortgage loans that are delinquent or in foreclosure. An increase in delinquent and foreclosed loans beyond those delinquent and foreclosed last quarter is one of the primary drivers of loss development in this portfolio. In order to determine the number of defaults resulting from these delinquent and foreclosed loans, the Company applies a liquidation rate assumption to loans in each of various delinquency categories. The following table shows the Company's liquidation assumptions for various delinquency categories as of September 30, 2010 and June 30, 2010. The liquidation rate is a standard industry measure that is used to estimate the number of loans in a given aging category that will

143


Table of Contents

default within a specified time period. The Company projects these liquidations to occur over two years.

 
  September 30,
2010
  June 30,
2010
 

30 - 59 Days Delinquent

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    50 %   50 %
 

Alt-A option ARM

    50     50  
 

Subprime

    45     45  

60 - 89 Days Delinquent

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    65     65  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    65     65  
 

Subprime

    65     65  

90 - Bankruptcy

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    75     75  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    75     75  
 

Subprime

    70     70  

Foreclosure

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    85     85  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    85     85  
 

Subprime

    85     85  

Real Estate Owned

             
 

Alt-A first lien

    100     100  
 

Alt-A option ARM

    100     100  
 

Subprime

    100     100  

        Losses are also projected on first lien RMBS that are presently current loans. The Company projects these losses by applying a CDR trend. The start of that CDR trend is based on the defaults the Company projected would emerge from currently delinquent and foreclosed loans. The total amount of expected defaults from these loans is then translated into a constant CDR (i.e., the CDR plateau), which, if applied for each of the next 24 months, would be sufficient to produce approximately the amount of losses that were calculated to emerge from the various delinquency categories. In the base case, each transaction's CDR is projected to improve over 12 months to an intermediate CDR (calculated as 15% of its CDR plateau); that intermediate CDR is held constant for 36 months and then trails off in steps to a final CDR of 5% of the CDR plateau. Under the Company's methodology, defaults projected to occur in the first 24 months represent defaults that can be attributed to loans that are currently delinquent or in foreclosure, while the defaults projected to occur using the projected CDR trend after the first 24 month period represent defaults attributable to borrowers that are currently performing.

        Another important driver of loss projections is loss severity, which is the amount of loss the transaction incurs on a loan after the application of net proceeds from the disposal of the underlying property. Loss severities experienced in first lien transactions have reached historical high levels and the Company is assuming that these historical high levels will continue for another year. The Company determines its initial loss severity based on actual recent experience. The Company then assumes that loss severities begin returning to levels consistent with underwriting assumptions beginning in September 2011, and in the base scenario decline over two years to 40%.

144


Table of Contents

        The following table shows the Company's key assumptions used in its calculation of expected losses for these types of policies as of September 30, 2010, June 30, 2010, March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

Key Assumptions in Base Case Expected Loss Estimates of First Lien RMBS Transactions

 
  September 30,
2010
  June 30,
2010
  March 31,
2010
  As of
December 31,
2009

Alt-A First Lien

               
 

Plateau CDR

  2.2% - 42.2%   2.2% - 40.6%   2.0% - 34.4%   1.5% - 35.7%
 

Intermediate CDR

  0.4% - 7.1%   0.3% - 6.1%   0.3% - 5.2%   0.2% - 5.4%
 

Final CDR

  0.1% - 2.1%   0.1% - 2.0%   0.1% - 1.7%   0.1% - 1.8%
 

Initial loss severity

  60%   60%   60%   60%
 

Initial CPR

  0.0% - 28.5%   0.0% - 16.2%   0.0% - 27.9%   0.0% - 20.5%
 

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

Alt-A option ARM

               
 

Plateau CDR

  12.2% - 31.7%   12.5% - 29.9%   15.1% - 27.4%   13.5% - 27.0%
 

Intermediate CDR

  1.8% - 4.8%   1.9% - 4.5%   2.3% - 4.1%   2.0% - 4.1%
 

Final CDR

  0.6% - 1.6%   0.6% - 1.5%   0.8% - 1.4%   0.7% - 1.4%
 

Initial loss severity

  60%   60%   60%   60%
 

Initial CPR

  0.0% - 10.4%   0.0% - 9.3%   0.0% - 12.3%   0.0% - 3.5%
 

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

Subprime

               
 

Plateau CDR

  7.1% - 33.3%   8.4% - 34.4%   7.8% - 30.4%   7.1% - 29.5%
 

Intermediate CDR

  1.1% - 5.0%   1.3% - 5.2%   1.2% - 4.6%   1.1% - 4.4%
 

Final CDR

  0.4% - 1.7%   0.4% - 1.7%   0.4% - 1.5%   0.4% - 1.5%
 

Initial loss severity

  75%   75%   75%   70%
 

Initial CPR

  0.0% - 15.4%   0.0% - 12.0%   0.0% - 12.5%   0.0% - 12.0%
 

Final CPR

  10%   10%   10%   10%

        The rate at which the principal amount of loan is prepaid may impact both the amount of losses projected (since that amount is a function of the CDR and the loan balance over time) as well as the amount of excess spread (the amount by which the interest paid by the borrowers on the underlying loan exceeds the amount of interest owed on the insured obligations). The assumption for the CPR follows a similar pattern to that of the CDR. The current level of voluntary prepayments is assumed to continue for the plateau period before gradually increasing over 12 months to the final CPR, which is assumed to be either 10% or 15% depending on the scenario run. For transactions where the initial CPR is higher than the final CPR, the initial CPR is held constant.

        The ultimate performance of the Company's first lien RMBS transactions remains highly uncertain and may be subject to considerable volatility due to the influence of many factors, including the level and timing of loan defaults, changes in housing prices and other variables. The Company will continue to monitor the performance of its RMBS exposures and will adjust the risk ratings of those transactions based on actual performance and management's estimates of future performance.

145


Table of Contents

        In estimating expected losses, the Company modeled and probability weighted sensitivities for first lien transactions by varying its assumptions of how fast an economic recovery is expected to occur. The primary variable when modeling sensitivities was how quickly the CDR returned to its modeled equilibrium, which was defined as 5% of the current CDR. The Company also stressed CPRs and the speed of recovery of loss severity rates. In a somewhat more stressful environment than that of the base case, where the CDR recovery was more gradual and the final CPR was 15% rather than 10%, the Company's expected losses would increase by approximately $11.3 million for Alt-A first liens, $92.9 million for Option ARMs, $16.7 million for subprime and $0.1 million for prime transactions. In an even more stressful scenario where the CDR plateau was extended 3 months (to be 27 months long) before the same more gradual CDR recovery and loss severities were assumed to recover over 4 rather than 2 years (and subprime loss severities were assumed to recover only to 55%), the Company's expected losses would increase by approximately $40.1 million for Alt-A first liens, $193.9 million for Option ARMs, $117.6 million for subprime and $0.6 million for prime transactions. The Company also considered a scenario where the recovery was faster than in its base case. In this scenario, where the CDR plateau was 3 months shorter (21 months, effectively assuming that liquidation rates would improve) and the CDR recovery was more pronounced, the Company's expected losses would decrease by approximately $26.9 million for Alt A first liens, $92.0 million for Option ARMs, $33.9 million for subprime and $0.5 million for prime transactions.

        Performance of the collateral underlying certain first and second lien securitizations has substantially differed from the Company's original expectations. The Company has employed several loan file diligence firms and law firms as well as devoting internal resources to review the mortgage files surrounding many of the defaulted loans. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had performed a detailed review of approximately 28,400 second lien and 7,600 first lien defaulted loan files, representing nearly $2.2 billion in second lien and $3.1 billion in first lien outstanding par of defaulted loans underlying insured transactions, and identified a material number of defaulted loans that breach representations and warranties regarding the characteristics of the loans such as misrepresentation of income or occupation, undisclosed debt and non-compliance with underwriting guidelines at loan origination. The Company continues to review new files as new loans default and as new loan files are made available to it. Following negotiation with the sellers and originators of the breaching loans, as of September 30, 2010, the Company had reached agreement for such sellers and originators to repurchase $280 million of second lien and $110 million of first lien loans. The $280 million for second lien loans represents 2,788 loans and the $110 million for first lien loans represents 285 loans. These are viewed as a recovery on paid losses for second liens and a reduction of expected loss estimates in first lien transactions and, accordingly, have no effect on the Company's exposure. These amounts reflect the negotiated agreements and not legal settlements. See "Recovery Litigation" below for a description of the legal proceedings the Company has commenced.

        The Company has included in its net expected loss estimates as of September, 30, 2010 an estimated benefit from repurchases of $1.3 billion. The amount of benefit recorded as a reduction of expected losses was calculated by extrapolating each transaction's breach rate on defaulted obligations to projected defaults. For second lien loans, the Company has performed sampling to validate this assumption. The Company did not incorporate any gain contingencies or damages from potential litigation in its estimated repurchases. The amount the Company will ultimately recover related to contractual R&W is uncertain and subject to a number of factors including the counterparty's ability to pay, the number and amount of loans determined to have breached R&W and, potentially, negotiated settlements or litigation recoveries. As such, the Company's estimate of recoveries is uncertain and actual amounts realized may differ significantly from these estimates. In arriving at the expected recovery from breaches of R&W, the Company considered the credit worthiness of the provider of

146


Table of Contents


R&W, the number of breaches found on defaulted loans, the success rate in resolving these breaches with the provider of the R&W and the potential amount of time until the recovery is realized.

        The calculation of expected recovery from breaches of R&W involved a variety of scenarios which ranged from the Company recovering substantially all of the losses it incurred due to violations of R&W to the Company realizing very limited recoveries. These scenarios were probability weighted in order to determine the recovery incorporated into the Company's reserve estimate. This approach was used for both loans that had already defaulted and those assumed to default in the future. In all cases, recoveries were limited to amounts paid or expected to be paid by the Company.

        The following table represents the Company's total estimated recoveries from defective mortgage loans included in certain first and second lien U.S. RMBS loan securitizations that it insures. The Company had $1.3 billion of estimated recoveries from ineligible loans as of September 30, 2010 of which $0.7 billion is reported in salvage and subrogation recoverable, $0.4 billion is netted in loss and LAE reserves and $0.2 billion is netted in unearned premium reserve.


Rollforward of Estimated Benefit from Recoveries of Representation and
Warranty Breaches, Net of Reinsurance

 
  # of Insurance
Policies as of
September 30,
2010 with R&W
Benefit Recorded
  Outstanding Principal
and Interest of Policies
with R&W Benefit
Recorded as of
September 30, 2010
  Future Net R&W
Benefit at
December 31, 2009
  R&W
Development and
Accretion of
Discount during
Year
  R&W
Recovered
During
2010(1)
  Future Net R&W
Benefit at
September 30,
2010
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Prime First Lien

    1   $ 58.5   $   $ 1.0   $   $ 1.0  

Alt-A First Lien

    17     1,964.2     64.2     19.8         84.0  

Alt-A Options ARM

    10     2,083.3     203.7     86.8     42.5     248.0  

Subprime

                         

CES

    3     312.9     76.5     59.5         136.0  

HELOC

    11     3,618.9     828.7     98.1     88.9     837.9  
                           
 

Total

    42   $ 8,037.8   $ 1,173.1   $ 265.2   $ 131.4   $ 1,306.9  
                           

(1)
Includes gross amounts recovered of $154.4 million.

        The $265.2 million R&W development and accretion of discount during the year in the above table primarily resulted from an increase in loan file reviews, increased success rates in putting back loans, and increased projected defaults on loans with breaches of R&W. The Company assumes that recoveries on HELOC and CES loans will occur in two to four years from the balance sheet date depending on the scenarios and that recoveries on Alt-A, Option ARM and Subprime loans will occur as claims are paid over the life of the transactions.

        "XXX" Life Insurance Transactions

        The Company has insured $2.1 billion of net par in "XXX" life insurance reserve securitization transactions based on discrete blocks of individual life insurance business. In these transactions the monies raised by the sale of the bonds insured by the Company were used to capitalize a special purpose vehicle that provides reinsurance to a life insurer or reinsurer. The monies are invested at inception in accounts managed by third-party investment managers. In order for the Company to incur an ultimate net loss on these transactions, adverse experience on the underlying block of life insurance policies and/or credit losses in the investment portfolio would need to exceed the level of credit enhancement built into the transaction structures. In particular, such credit losses in the investment portfolio could be realized in the event that circumstances arise resulting in the early liquidation of assets at a time when their market value is less than their intrinsic value.

        The Company's $2.1 billion in net par of XXX life insurance transactions includes as of September 30, 2010, a total of $882.5 million of Class A-2 Floating Rate Notes issued by Ballantyne Re

147


Table of Contents


p.l.c and. Series A-1 Floating Rate Notes issued by Orkney Re II p.l.c ("Orkney Re II"). The Company has rated the Ballantyne Re and Orkney Re II notes BIG. The Ballantyne Re and Orkney Re II XXX transactions had material amounts of their assets invested in U.S. RMBS transactions. Based on its analysis of the information currently available, including estimates of future investment performance provided by the current investment manager, and projected credit impairments on the invested assets and performance of the blocks of life insurance business at September 30, 2010, the Company's gross expected loss, prior to reinsurance or netting of unearned premium, for its two BIG XXX insurance transactions was $74.6 million and its net reserve was $57.9 million.

        Public Finance Transactions

        The Company has insured $458.2 billion of public finance transactions across a number of different sectors. Within that category, $4.3 billion is rated BIG, and the company is projecting $66.1 million of expected losses across the portfolio.

        A significant portion of these losses $ 23.9 million are expected in relation to seven student loan transactions with $487.4 million of net par outstanding. The largest of these losses $ 18.0 million relates to a transaction backed by a pool of government-guaranteed student loans ceded to AG Re by another monoline insurer. The guaranteed bonds were issued as variable rate demand obligations that have since been "put" to the bank liquidity providers and now bear a high rate of interest. The Company has estimated its losses based upon a weighting of potential outcomes.

        The Company has also projected estimated losses of $ 19.1 million on its total net par outstanding of $512 million on Jefferson County Alabama Sewer Authority exposure. This estimate is based primarily on the Company's view of how much debt the Authority should be able to support under certain probability-weighted scenarios.

        The Company has $166.0 million of net par exposure to the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, of which $95.3 million is BIG. The Company has paid $0.8 million in net claims to date, and expects a full recovery.

        Other Sectors and Transactions

        The Company continues to closely monitor other sectors and individual financial guaranty insurance transactions it feels warrant the additional attention, including, as of September 30, 2010, its commercial mortgage exposure of $925.2 million of net par, its TruPS CDOs exposure of $1.1 billion, its insurance on a financing of 78 train sets (one train set being composed of eight cars) for an Australian commuter railway for $583 million net par and its U.S. health care exposure of $21.7 billion of net par.

        Recovery Litigation

        As of the date of this filing, the Company has filed lawsuits with regard to four second lien U.S. RMBS transactions insured by the Company, alleging breaches of R&W both in respect of the underlying loans in the transactions and the accuracy of the information provided to the Company, and failure to cure or repurchase defective loans identified by the Company to such persons. These transactions consist of the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-GP1, the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL2 and the ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2007-SL3 transactions (in each of which the Company has sued DB Structured Products, Inc. and its affiliate ACE Securities Corp.) and the SACO I Trust 2005-GP1 transaction (in which the Company has sued JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s affiliate EMC Mortgage Corporation).

        The Company has also filed a lawsuit against UBS Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., as underwriters, as well as several named and unnamed control persons of IndyMac Bank, FSB and related IndyMac entities, with regard to two U.S. RMBS transactions that the Company had insured, alleging violations of state securities laws and breach of contract, among other claims. One

148


Table of Contents


of these transactions (referred to as IndyMac Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-H1) is a second lien transaction and the other (referred to as IndyMac IMSC Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-HOA-1) is a first lien transaction.

        On December 19, 2008, the Company sued J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. ("JPMIM"), the investment manager in the Orkney Re II p.l.c. transaction in New York Supreme Court ("Court") alleging that JPMIM engaged in breaches of fiduciary duty, gross negligence and breaches of contract based upon its handling of the investments of Orkney Re II. On January 28, 2010 the Court ruled against the Company on a motion to dismiss filed by JPMIM. Oral argument on the Company's appeal was heard before the Appellate Division on May 26, 2010.

        During the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Company sued JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and JPMorgan Securities, Inc. (together, "JPMorgan"), the underwriter of debt issued by Jefferson County, in New York Supreme Court alleging that JPMorgan induced the Company to issue its insurance policies in respect of such debt through material and fraudulent misrepresentations and omissions, including concealing that it had secured its position as underwriter and swap provider through bribes to Jefferson County commissioners and others. The Company has made debt service payments during the year and expects to make additional payments in the near term. The Company is continuing its risk remediation efforts for this exposure.

        In Third Quarter 2010, the Company, together with TD Bank, National Association, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania against The Harrisburg Authority (the "Authority"), The City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (the "City"), and the Treasurer of the City in connection with certain Resource Recovery Facility bonds and notes issued by the Authority, alleging, among other claims, breach of contract by both the Authority and the City, and seeking remedies including an order compelling the Authority to pay all unpaid and past due principal and interest and to charge and collect sufficient rates, rental and other charges adequate to carry out its pledge of revenues and receipts; an order compelling the City to budget for, impose and collect taxes and revenues sufficient to satisfy its obligations; and the appointment of a receiver for the Authority.

        As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had DAC of $251.2 million and $242.0 million, respectively. Net ceding commissions paid or received comprise a significant portion of DAC, constituting 35% and 42% of total DAC as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

        Amortization of DAC in Third Quarter 2010 compared to Third Quarter 2009 was higher due primarily to the effect of conforming accounting estimates in premium earnings in 3Q 2009. Amortization of DAC in Nine Months 2010 was lower than Nine Months 2009 due primarily to lower refunding and accelerations in 2010 as well as the amortization of deferred ceding commission income related to AGM in 2010, which was not included in the results of operations in the first half of 2009. AGMH DAC was written off on July 1, 2009 and therefore AGMH does not contribute a significant amount to the amortization of DAC in Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010.

        In accordance with GAAP, the Company does not amortize goodwill, but instead is required to perform an impairment test annually or more frequently should circumstances warrant. The Company reassessed the recoverability of goodwill in the Third Quarter 2009 subsequent to the AGMH Acquisition, which provided the Company's largest assumed book of business prior to the acquisition. As a result of the AGMH Acquisition, which significantly diminished the Company's potential near future market for assuming reinsurance, combined with the continued credit crisis, which has adversely

149


Table of Contents

affected the fair value of the Company's in-force policies, management determined that the full carrying value of $85.4 million of goodwill on its books prior to the AGMH Acquisition should be written off in the Third Quarter 2009.

        In addition, the Company recognized a $232.6 million gain on its purchase of AGMH and also recorded a charge of $170.5 million to settle pre-existing relationships. As disclosed in Note 2 to Item 1 of the filing, the Company and AGMH had a pre-existing reinsurance relationship in which the Company assumed financial guaranty risks ceded to it by AGMH. This pre-existing relationship was effectively settled at fair value. The Company determined fair value as the difference between contractual premiums and the Company's estimate of current market premiums.


Goodwill and Settlement of Pre-Existing Relationships

 
  Third Quarter and
Nine Months 2009
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Goodwill impairment

  $ 85.4  

Gain on bargain purchase of AGMH

    (232.6 )

Settlement of pre-existing relationships

    170.5  
       
 

Total

  $ 23.3  
       

        In 2010, AGMH Acquisition-related expenses were primarily comprised of consulting fees related to integration efforts. In 2009, AGMH Acquisition-related expenses were primarily comprised of severance costs, real estate, legal, consulting and relocation fees.

        Expenses related to the AGMH Acquisition are summarized below.

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Severance costs

  $   $ 37.2   $   $ 37.2  

Professional services

        13.6     6.8     27.7  

Office consolidation

        0.5         15.3  
                   
 

Total

  $   $ 51.3   $ 6.8   $ 80.2  
                   

        AGL and its Bermuda subsidiaries, which include AG Re, AGRO, AGBM, and Cedar Personnel Ltd., are not subject to any income, withholding or capital gains taxes under current Bermuda law. AGL has received an assurance from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda that, in the event of any taxes being imposed, AGL and its Bermuda Subsidiaries will be exempt from taxation in Bermuda until March 28, 2016. The Company's U.S. and U.K. subsidiaries are subject to income taxes imposed by U.S. and U.K. authorities and file applicable tax returns. In addition, AGRO, a Bermuda domiciled company and AGE, a U.K. domiciled company, have elected under Section 953(d) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code to be taxed as a U.S. domestic corporation.

        The U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has completed audits of all of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries' federal income tax returns for taxable years through 2004 except for AGMH, which has been audited through 2006 and AGOUS which has been audited through 2004, which includes Assured Guaranty Overseas US Holdings Inc., AGRO, AGMIC and AG Intermediary Inc. As a result of the audit there were no significant findings and no cash settlements with the IRS. In addition, Assured

150


Table of Contents


Guaranty US Holding Inc. ("AGUS") was under IRS audit for tax years 2002 through the date of the initial public offering ("IPO") as part of an audit of ACE Limited ("ACE"), which had been the parent company of certain subsidiaries of the Company prior to the IPO. Although the Company is indemnified by ACE for any potential tax liability associated with the tax examination of AGUS as it relates to years prior to the IPO this audit has been completed with no impact to AGUS. AGUS is currently under audit by the IRS for the 2006 through 2008 tax years. AGMH and subsidiaries are under audit for 2008 while members of the Dexia Holdings Inc ("DHI") consolidated tax group. The Company is indemnified by Dexia for any potential liability associated with this audit of any periods prior to the Acquisition. The Company's U.K. subsidiaries are not currently under exam.

        Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Such temporary differences relate principally to unrealized gains and losses on investments and credit derivatives, DAC, reserves for losses and LAE, unearned premium reserves and statutory contingency reserves. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce a deferred tax asset to the amount that in management's opinion is more likely than not to be realized. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had a net deferred income tax asset of $842.1 million and $1,158.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2010, the Company expects foreign tax credits, which expire in 2018, of $22 million from its AGMH Acquisition. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code limits the amounts of credits the Company may utilize each year. Management believes sufficient future taxable income exists to realize the full benefit of these net operating loss ("NOL") and alternative minimum tax ("AMT") amounts.

        As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, AGRO had a standalone NOL of $42.4 million and $49.9 million, respectively, which is available to offset its future U.S. taxable income. The Company has $21.7 million of this NOL available through 2017 and $20.7 million available through 2023. AGRO's stand alone NOL is not permitted to offset the income of any other members of AGRO's consolidated group. Under applicable accounting rules, the Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for NOLs that the Company believes are more likely than not to expire before being utilized. Management has assessed the likelihood of realization of all of its deferred tax assets. Based on this analysis, management believes it is more likely than not that $20 million of AGRO's $42.4 million NOL will not be utilized before it expires and has established a $7.0 million valuation allowance related to the NOL deferred tax asset. Management believes that all other deferred income taxes are more-likely-than-not to be realized. The valuation allowance is subject to considerable judgment, is reviewed quarterly and will be adjusted to the extent actual taxable income differs from estimates of future taxable income that may be used to realize NOLs or capital losses.

        For the Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010, income tax expense (benefit) was $(4.2) million and $201.7 million and the Company's effective tax rate was (2.4)% and 22.2%, respectively. For the Third Quarter 2009 and Nine Months 2009, income tax expense (benefit) was $12.2 million and $(84.5) million and the Company's effective tax rate was an expense of 43.5% and benefit of 40.4% respectively. The Company's effective tax rates reflect the proportion of income recognized by each of the Company's operating subsidiaries, with U.S. subsidiaries taxed at the U.S. marginal corporate income tax rate of 35%, U.K. subsidiaries taxed at the U.K. marginal corporate tax rate of 28%, and no taxes for the Company's Bermuda holding company and subsidiaries. Accordingly, the Company's overall corporate effective tax rate fluctuates based on the distribution of taxable income across these jurisdictions. In addition, during the Third Quarter 2010, a net tax benefit of $55.8 million was recorded by the Company due to the filing of an amended tax return which included the AGMH and Subsidiaries tax group. The amended return filed in September 2010 was for a period prior to the AGMH Acquisition and consequently, the Company no longer has a deferred tax asset related to NOL or AMT credits associated with the AGMH Acquisition. Instead, the Company has recorded additional deferred tax assets for loss reserves and foreign tax credits and has decreased its liability for uncertain tax positions. The event giving rise to this recognition occurred after the Measurement Period as

151


Table of Contents


defined by acquisition accounting and thus the amount is included in the Third Quarter 2010 net income. Included in the $55.8 million net tax benefit is a decrease for uncertain tax positions of $9.2 million.

        On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted new accounting guidance as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board that changed how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The new accounting guidance requires the Company to perform an analysis to determine whether its variable interests give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both (1) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Additionally, this new accounting guidance requires an ongoing reassessment of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE.

        Pursuant to the new accounting guidance, the Company evaluated its power to direct the significant activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of VIEs that have debt obligations insured by the Company and, accordingly, where the Company is obligated to absorb VIE losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of 23 VIEs at September 30, 2010. As a result of changes in control rights during the Third Quarter 2010, three VIEs were consolidated, resulting in an increase in financial guaranty variable interest entities' assets of $422.1 million, an increase in financial guaranty variable interest entities' liabilities of $438.5 million and a net loss on consolidation of $3.2 million, net of eliminated insurance balances. The following table presents the effects on the Company's statement of operations for consolidating these VIEs and eliminating their related insurance accounting for the Third Quarter and Nine Months 2010:


Effect of Consolidating VIEs

 
  Third Quarter 2010   Nine Months 2010  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net earned premiums

  $ (12.8 ) $ (34.4 )

Financial guaranty VIEs' revenues

    76.5     61.6  

Loss and loss adjustment expenses

    11.5     45.8  

Financial guaranty VIEs' expenses

    126.7     131.5  
           
 

Total pre-tax impact on GAAP net income

    201.9     204.5  

Less: Tax provision (benefit)

    70.7     71.6  
           
 

Total impact on GAAP net income

  $ 131.2   $ 132.9  
           

        The impact for the Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010 was mainly due to the changes in the market-to-market adjustments related to the financial guaranty VIE assets and liabilities. VIE expenses are primarily related to the change in fair value of VIE liabilities. During Third Quarter 2010, the fair value of VIE liabilities decreased principally as a result of lengthening duration of the expected payback period of these liabilities due to improved performance of the underlying VIE assets supporting the cash flows for the VIE liabilities.

        The new accounting guidance mandated the accounting changes prescribed by the statement to be recognized by the Company as a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2010. The cumulative effect of adopting the new accounting guidance was a $206.5 million after-tax

152


Table of Contents

decrease to the opening retained earnings balance due to the consolidation of 21 VIEs at fair value on January 1, 2010.

        In 2009, the Company consolidated VIEs for which it determined that it was the primary beneficiary, based on accounting rules in effect at the time. In determining whether the Company was the primary beneficiary, a number of factors were considered, including the design of the entity and the risks the VIE was created to pass along to variable interest holders, the extent of credit risk absorbed by the Company through its insurance contract and the extent to which credit protection provided by other variable interest holders reduces this exposure and the exposure that the Company cedes to third party reinsurers. The criteria for determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE has changed as of January 1, 2010, as described above.

Underwriting Gains (Losses) by Segment

        Management uses underwriting gains and losses as the primary measure of each segment's financial performance. The Company manages its business without regard to accounting requirements to consolidate certain VIEs. As a result, underwriting gain or loss includes results of operations as if consolidated VIEs were accounted for as insurance. All segments are reported net of cessions to third party reinsurers.

        The Company's financial results include two principal business segments: financial guaranty direct and financial guaranty reinsurance. Each of these segments includes underwriting results of all financial guaranty contracts whether written in insurance or credit derivative form.

        Financial guaranty direct insurance provides an unconditional and irrevocable guaranty that protects the holder of a financial debt obligation against non-payment of scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Upon an obligor's default on scheduled principal or interest payments due on the debt obligation, the Company is required under the financial guaranty or credit derivative contract to pay the investor or swap counterparty the principal or interest shortfall due. Financial guaranty insurance may be issued to all of the investors of the guaranteed series or tranche of a municipal bond or structured finance security at the time of issuance of those obligations or it may be issued in the secondary market to only specific individual holders of such obligations who purchase the Company's credit protection.

        As an alternative to traditional financial guaranty insurance, credit protection relating to a particular security or obligor may also be provided through a credit derivative contract, such as a CDS. Under the terms of a credit default contract or swap, the seller of credit protection agrees to make a specified payment to the buyer of credit protection if one or more specified credit events occurs with respect to a reference obligation or entity. In general, the credit events specified in the Company's credit derivative contracts are for interest and principal defaults on the reference obligation. One difference between credit derivatives and traditional primary financial guaranty insurance is that credit default protection is typically provided to a particular buyer rather than to all holders of the reference obligation. As a result, the Company's rights and remedies under a credit derivative contract may be different and more limited than on a financial guaranty of an entire issuance. Credit derivatives may be preferred by some investors, however, because they generally offer the investor ease of execution and standardized terms as well as more favorable accounting or capital treatment.

        In its financial guaranty reinsurance business, the Company assumes all or a portion of risk undertaken by other insurance companies that provide financial guaranty protection. The financial guaranty reinsurance business includes public finance and structured finance insured obligations. Premiums on public finance insured obligations are typically written upfront and premiums on structured finance obligations are typically written on an installment basis. Under a reinsurance agreement, the reinsurer receives a premium and, in exchange, agrees to indemnify the primary insurer, called the ceding company, for part or all of the liability of the ceding company under one or more financial guaranty insurance policies that the ceding company has issued.

153


Table of Contents

        Other includes mortgage guaranty insurance which the Company has not actively written since 2007 and other lines in which the Company had participated prior to its 2004 IPO.


Underwriting Gain (Loss) by Segment

 
  Third Quarter 2010  
 
  Financial
Guaranty
Direct
  Financial
Guaranty
Reinsurance
  Other   Underwriting
Gain (Loss)
  Consolidation
of VIEs
  Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net earned premiums

  $ 284.2   $ 16.7   $ 0.6   $ 301.5   $ (12.8 ) $ 288.7  

Credit derivative revenues(1)

    50.4     0.3         50.7         50.7  

Other income

    0.2             0.2         0.2  

Loss and loss adjustment (expenses) recoveries

    (113.4 )   (7.1 )   (0.1 )   (120.6 )   11.5     (109.1 )

Incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (14.6 )   (0.8 )       (15.4 )       (15.4 )

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    (3.9 )   (4.1 )       (8.0 )       (8.0 )

Other operating expenses

    (42.3 )   (7.5 )   (0.1 )   (49.9 )       (49.9 )
                               

Underwriting gain (loss)

  $ 160.6   $ (2.5 ) $ 0.4   $ 158.5              
                               

 

 
  Third Quarter 2009  
 
  Financial
Guaranty
Direct
  Financial
Guaranty
Reinsurance
  Other   Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net earned premiums

  $ 314.7   $ 14.6   $ 0.7   $ 330.0  

Credit derivative revenues(1)

    57.0     0.3         57.3  

Other income

    30.1             30.1  

Loss and loss adjustment (expenses) recoveries

    (97.2 )   (35.9 )   (0.2 )   (133.3 )

Incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (142.4 )   0.2         (142.2 )

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    (3.0 )   1.8     (0.1 )   (1.3 )

Other operating expenses

    (57.4 )   (6.3 )   (1.0 )   (64.7 )
                   

Underwriting gain (loss)

  $ 101.8   $ (25.3 ) $ (0.6 ) $ 75.9  
                   

 

 
  Nine Months 2010  
 
  Financial
Guaranty
Direct
  Financial
Guaranty
Reinsurance
  Other   Underwriting
Gain (Loss)
  Consolidation
of VIEs
  Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net earned premiums

  $ 880.7   $ 52.2   $ 1.9   $ 934.8   $ (34.4 ) $ 900.4  

Credit derivative revenues(1)

    157.1             157.1         157.1  

Other income

    20.6             20.6         20.6  

Loss and loss adjustment (expenses) recoveries

    (307.3 )   (49.1 )   (0.2 )   (356.6 )   45.8     (310.8 )

Incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (111.0 )   (8.9 )       (119.9 )       (119.9 )

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    (10.4 )   (12.6 )   (0.1 )   (23.1 )       (23.1 )

Other operating expenses

    (131.1 )   (22.7 )   (1.2 )   (155.0 )       (155.0 )
                               

Underwriting gain (loss)

  $ 498.6   $ (41.1 ) $ 0.4   $ 457.9              
                               

154


Table of Contents


 
  Nine Months 2009  
 
  Financial
Guaranty
Direct
  Financial
Guaranty
Reinsurance
  Other   Total  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net earned premiums

  $ 446.6   $ 108.2   $ 2.3   $ 557.1  

Credit derivative revenues(1)

    113.3     1.4         114.7  

Other income

    31.4     0.1         31.5  

Loss and loss adjustment (expenses) recoveries

    (140.7 )   (98.3 )   (12.1 )   (251.1 )

Incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (178.8 )   0.4         (178.4 )

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    (12.8 )   (28.1 )   (0.4 )   (41.3 )

Other operating expenses

    (93.6 )   (21.2 )   (2.5 )   (117.3 )
                   

Underwriting gain (loss)

  $ 165.4   $ (37.5 ) $ (12.7 ) $ 115.2  
                   

(1)
Comprised of premiums and ceding commissions.


Reconciliation of Underwriting Gain (Loss)
to Income (Loss) before Income Taxes

 
  Third Quarter   Nine Months  
 
  2010   2009   2010   2009  
 
  (in millions)
 

Total underwriting gain

  $ 158.5   $ 75.9   $ 457.9   $ 115.2  

Net investment income

    85.6     84.7     260.8     171.6  

Net realized investment gains (losses)

    (2.4 )   (6.1 )   (1.4 )   (28.1 )

Unrealized gains (losses) on credit derivatives, excluding incurred losses on credit derivatives

    (267.8 )   (48.7 )   82.6     (248.8 )

Fair value gain (loss) on committed capital securities

    (5.5 )   (53.1 )   5.8     (94.0 )

Financial guaranty VIE net revenues and expenses

    203.2     (5.3 )   193.1     (5.3 )

Other income(1)

    33.6     26.9     (13.2 )   26.9  

AGMH acquisition-related expenses

        (51.3 )   (6.8 )   (80.2 )

Interest expense

    (24.9 )   (25.2 )   (74.9 )   (37.5 )

Goodwill and settlement of intercompany relationship

        (23.3 )       (23.3 )

CCS premium expense(2)

    (2.3 )   (2.6 )   (7.2 )   (5.8 )

Elimination of insurance accounts for VIE

    (1.3 )       11.4      
                   

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

  $ 176.7   $ (28.1 ) $ 908.1   $ (209.3 )
                   

(1)
Includes foreign exchange gain (loss) on revaluation of premium receivable and reinsurance cessions of OTTI of investment assets associated with a below investment grade financial guaranty contract.

(2)
Recorded in other operating expenses.

        For all periods presented, the financial guaranty direct segment recorded gains, while the reinsurance segment recorded losses for all periods presented primarily as a result of US RMBS assumed losses and the reclassification of AG Re's assumed business from AGM from the reinsurance to the direct segment after the Acquisition Date. AGM is one of AG Re's largest ceding companies and AGM results of operations, net of third party cessions, are included in the financial guaranty direct segment in all periods since the Acquisition Date. Prior to the AGMH Acquisition, AGM's cessions to AG Re are included in the reinsurance segment. Segments are presented net of third party cessions.

155


Table of Contents

        Financial guaranty direct segment underwriting gains increased in Third Quarter 2010 due primarily to lower loss and LAE and losses incurred on credit derivatives and lower expenses, offset in part by lower net earned premiums and credit derivative revenue. The increase in Nine Months 2010 are due primarily to increased net earned premiums and credit derivative revenues due to the AGMH Acquisition, offset in part by increased loss and LAE on RMBS exposures and losses incurred on credit derivatives. The financial guaranty direct segment underwriting gains (losses) in Nine Months 2010 include gains related to the reassumption of a public finance book of business. In the future, the AGMH portfolio of insured structured finance obligations, including credit derivatives, will generate a declining stream of premium earnings and credit derivative revenues due to AGMH's focus on underwriting public financial obligations.

        PVP in the direct segment declined in Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010. The current economic environment has had a significant impact on the demand in both the global structured finance and international infrastructure finance markets for financial guaranties, and it is uncertain when or if demand for financial guaranties will return. The Company has witnessed limited new issuance activity in many markets in which the Company was previously active. See "—Executive Summary."

        Financial guaranty reinsurance segment underwriting loss in Third Quarter 2010 declined compared to Third Quarter 2009 due to reduced loss and LAE. Financial guaranty reinsurance segment underwriting loss in Nine Months 2010 was higher than Nine Months 2009 due primarily to (1) the reallocation of AG Re's assumed book of AGMH business to the financial guaranty direct segment, (2) the normal runoff of business, and (3) the decrease in new business opportunities.

        There was no PVP in 2010 in the financial guaranty reinsurance segment, however, the Company continues to earn premiums on its existing book of business.

Exposure to Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

        The Company's Surveillance personnel are responsible for monitoring and reporting on all transactions in the insured portfolio. The primary objective of the surveillance process is to monitor trends and changes in transaction credit quality, to detect any deterioration in credit quality and to take such remedial actions as may be necessary or appropriate to mitigate loss. All transactions in the insured portfolio are risk rated, and Surveillance personnel are responsible for recommending adjustments to these ratings to reflect changes in transaction credit quality. In assessing the credit quality of its insured portfolio, the Company takes into consideration a variety of factors. For RMBS exposures, such factors include the amount of credit support or subordination benefiting the Company's exposure, delinquency and loss trends on the underlying collateral, the extent to which the exposure has amortized and the year in which it was insured.

        The Company is also staffed with Work-out personnel who are responsible for managing work-out and loss situations. They develop strategies designed to enhance the ability of the Company to enforce its contractual rights and remedies and to mitigate its losses, engage in negotiation discussions with transaction participants and, when necessary, manage the Company's litigation proceedings. See "—Results of Operations—Loss and LAE (Financial Guaranty Contracts in Insurance Form)—Loss Estimation Process and Assumptions—Recovery Litigation."

        The tables below provide information on the risk ratings and certain other risk characteristics of the Company's RMBS exposures as of September 30, 2010.

156


Table of Contents

        Although the Company's ratings scale is similar to that used by the nationally recognized rating agencies, the ratings in the tables below may not be the same as ratings assigned by any nationally recognized rating agency. The super senior category, which is not generally used by rating agencies, is used by the Company in instances where its AAA-rated exposure has additional credit enhancement due to either (1) the existence of another security rated AAA that is subordinated to the Company's exposure or (2) the Company's exposure benefits from a different form of credit enhancement that would pay any claims first in the event that any of the exposures incurs a loss and such credit enhancement, in management's opinion, causes the Company's attachment point to be materially above the AAA attachment point.

        Net par outstanding in the following tables are based on values as of September 30, 2010. All performance information such as pool factor, subordination, cumulative losses and delinquency is based on September 30, 2010 information obtained from Intex, Bloomberg, and/or provided by the trustee and may be subject to restatement or correction.

        Pool factor in the following tables is the percentage of the current collateral balance divided by the original collateral balance of the transactions at inception.

        Subordination in the following tables represents the sum of subordinate tranches and over-collateralization, expressed as a percentage of total transaction size and does not include any benefit from excess interest collections that may be used to absorb losses. Many of the CES transactions insured by the Company have unique structures whereby the collateral may be written down for losses without a corresponding write-down of the obligations insured by the Company. Many of these transactions are currently under-collateralized, with the principal amount of collateral being less than the principal amount of the obligation insured by the Company. The Company is not required to pay principal shortfalls until legal maturity (rather than making timely principal payments), and takes the under-collateralization into account when estimating expected losses for these transactions.

        Cumulative losses in the following tables are defined as net charge-offs on the underlying loan collateral divided by the original pool balance.

        60+ day delinquencies in the following tables are defined as loans that are greater than 60 days delinquent and all loans that are in foreclosure, bankruptcy or real estate owned ("REO") divided by net par outstanding.

        U.S. Prime First Lien in the tables below includes primarily prime first lien plus an insignificant amount of other miscellaneous MBS transactions.

        The Company has not insured any U.S. RMBS transactions since June 2008.


Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Internal Rating and by Segment as of September 30, 2010

Ratings:
  Direct
Net Par
Outstanding
  %   Reinsurance
Net Par
Outstanding
  %   Total
Net Par
Outstanding
  %  
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Super senior

  $     % $     % $     %

AAA

    2,949     11.5     42     11.5     2,991     11.5  

AA

    2,474     9.6     50     13.7     2,524     9.7  

A

    1,457     5.7     40     10.9     1,497     5.8  

BBB

    2,136     8.3     34     9.3     2,170     8.3  

BIG

    16,633     64.9     200     54.6     16,833     64.7  
                           
 

Total exposures

  $ 25,649     100.0 % $ 366     100.0 % $ 26,015     100.0 %
                           

157


Table of Contents


Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Internal Rating and Type of Exposure as of September 30, 2010

Ratings:
  Prime First
Lien
  CES   HELOC   Alt-A
First Lien
  Alt-A
Option
ARMs
  Subprime
First
Lien
  NIMs   Total Net Par
Outstanding
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Super senior

  $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $  

AAA

    11     0     459     112     113     2,296         2,991  

AA

    172     35     275     228     37     1,777     0     2,524  

A

    20     2     5     100     126     1,244         1,497  

BBB

    26         14     1,098     101     901     31     2,170  

BIG

    656     1,143     4,232     4,737     3,025     2,887     153     16,833  
                                   
 

Total exposures

  $ 885   $ 1,180   $ 4,985   $ 6,274   $ 3,402   $ 9,105   $ 184   $ 26,015  
                                   


Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Year Insured and Type of Exposure as of September 30, 2010

Year insured:
  Prime First
Lien
  CES   HELOC   Alt-A First
Lien
  Alt-A
Option
ARMs
  Subprime
First
Lien
  NIMs   Total Net Par
Outstanding
 
 
  (in millions)
 

2004 and prior

  $ 61   $ 2   $ 371   $ 139   $ 55   $ 1,645   $   $ 2,273  

2005

    183         1,104     714     159     406         2,567  

2006

    143     459     1,539     506     892     3,951     87     7,577  

2007

    498     719     1,971     3,090     2,181     3,014     96     11,571  

2008

                1,825     114     88         2,027  
                                   
 

Total exposures

  $ 885   $ 1,180   $ 4,985   $ 6,274   $ 3,402   $ 9,105   $ 184   $ 26,015  
                                   


Distribution of U.S. RMBS by Internal Rating and Year Insured as of September 30, 2010

Year insured:
  Super
Senior
  AAA
Rated
  AA
Rated
  A
Rated
  BBB
Rated
  BIG
Rated
  Total  
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

2004 and prior

  $   $ 1,501   $ 91   $ 193   $ 98   $ 390   $ 2,273  

2005

        209     105     101     124     2,028     2,567  

2006

        981     1,668     1,052     421     3,456     7,577  

2007

        300     481     38     719     10,033     11,571  

2008

            178     114     809     926     2,027  
                               
 

Total exposures

  $   $ 2,991   $ 2,524   $ 1,497   $ 2,170   $ 16,833   $ 26,015  
                               

% of total

    0.0 %   11.5 %   9.7 %   5.8 %   8.3 %   64.7 %   100.0 %

158


Table of Contents


Distribution of Financial Guaranty Direct U.S. RMBS
Insured January 1, 2005 or Later by Exposure Type, Average Pool Factor, Subordination,
Cumulative Losses and 60+ Day Delinquencies as of September 30, 2010


U.S. Prime First Lien

Year insured:
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Pool Factor   Subordination   Cumulative
Losses
  60+ Day
Delinquencies
  Number of
Transactions
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

2005

  $ 180     55.1 %   5.1 %   0.9 %   7.9 %   6  

2006

    143     66.2     7.9     0.0     13.5     1  

2007

    498     67.0     10.4     2.1     14.8     1  

2008

                         
                           

  $ 820     64.3 %   8.8 %   1.5 %   13.1 %   8  
                           


U.S. CES

Year insured:
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Pool Factor   Subordination   Cumulative
Losses
  60+ Day
Delinquencies
  Number of
Transactions
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

2005

  $     %   %   %   %    

2006

    448     22.5         54.5     17.1     2  

2007

    719     27.1         60.0     12.0     10  

2008

                         
                           

  $ 1,167     25.3 %   %   57.9 %   14.0 %   12  
                           


U.S. HELOC

Year insured:
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Pool Factor   Subordination   Cumulative
Losses
  60+ Day
Delinquencies
  Number of
Transactions
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

2005

  $ 1,048     21.8 %   2.5 %   12.4 %   11.7 %   6  

2006

    1,509     36.0     2.0     27.8     11.3     7  

2007

    1,971     51.0     3.2     25.1     6.9     9  

2008

                         
                           

  $ 4,528     39.2 %   2.6 %   23.0 %   9.5 %   22  
                           


U.S. Alt-A First Lien

Year insured:
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Pool Factor   Subordination   Cumulative
Losses
  60+ Day
Delinquencies
  Number of
Transactions
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

2005

  $ 711     42.7 %   11.8 %   4.4 %   19.6 %   21  

2006

    506     50.2     1.2     12.3     39.7     7  

2007

    3,090     62.1     8.0     8.4     35.1     12  

2008

    1,825     57.5     27.0     8.6     30.3     5  
                           

  $ 6,132     57.5 %   13.5 %   8.3 %   32.3 %   45  
                           

159


Table of Contents


U.S. Alt-A Option ARMs

Year insured:
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Pool Factor   Subordination   Cumulative
Losses
  60+ Day
Delinquencies
  Number of
Transactions
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

2005

  $ 149     30.6 %   9.2 %   7.5 %   37.7 %   4  

2006

    885     57.2     5.4     10.3     50.8     7  

2007

    2,181     63.5     6.0     10.8     40.4     11  

2008

    114     64.3     49.3     7.3     34.5     1  
                           

  $ 3,330     60.4 %   7.5 %   10.4 %   42.8 %   23  
                           


U.S. Subprime First Lien

Year insured:
  Net Par
Outstanding
  Pool Factor   Subordination   Cumulative
Losses
  60+ Day
Delinquencies
  Number of
Transactions
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

2005

  $ 401     36.3 %   49.2 %   4.9 %   40.9 %   7  

2006

    3,944     26.1     61.3     13.2     40.7     4  

2007

    3,014     60.1     27.0     12.6     48.6     13  

2008

    82     72.4     33.6     6.3     32.8     1  
                           

  $ 7,442     41.0 %   46.5 %   12.4 %   43.8 %   25  
                           

160


Table of Contents

Summary of Relationships with Monolines

        The tables below summarize the exposure to each financial guaranty monoline insurer by exposure category and the underlying ratings of the Company's second-to-pay insured par outstanding.


Summary of Relationships With Monolines

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Insured Portfolios  
 
  Assumed
Par
Outstanding
  Second-to-Pay
Insured Par
Outstanding
  Ceded Par
Outstanding
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Radian Asset Assurance Inc. ("Radian")

  $   $ 80   $ 22,318  

RAM Re

            13,789  

Syncora

    880     2,746     4,198  

ACA

    2     19     965  

FGIC

    3,645     3,931     257  

MBIA

    13,081     12,044     138  

Ambac

    28,860     8,027     109  

CIFG

    11,643     258      

Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corporation ("Berkshire")

             

Multiple owner

        2,936      
               
 

Total

  $ 58,111   $ 30,041   $ 41,774  
               

 

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Investment
Portfolio
  Assumed
Premium
Receivable, net of
Commissions
  Assumed
Expected
Loss and LAE
  Ceded
Expected
Loss and LAE
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Radian

  $   $   $   $ 25.7  

RAM Re

            (8.1 )   (6.4 )

Syncora

    16.4         (1.6 )   2.0  

ACA

                 

FGIC

    28.3     29.7     (19.7 )    

MBIA

    963.5     0.8     (3.2 )    

Ambac

    751.1     240.4     (100.7 )    

CIFG

    24.0     7.0          

Berkshire

    4.9              

Multiple owner

                 
                   
 

Total

  $ 1,788.2   $ 277.9   $ (133.3 ) $ 21.3  
                   

        Assumed par outstanding represents the amount of par assumed by the Company from other monolines. Under these relationships, the Company assumes a portion of the ceding company's insured risk in exchange for a premium. The Company may be exposed to risk in this portfolio in that the Company may be required to pay losses without a corresponding premium in circumstances where the ceding company is experiencing financial distress and is unable to pay premiums.

        Second-to-pay insured par outstanding represents transactions the Company has insured on a second-to-pay basis that were previously insured by other monolines. The Company underwrites such transactions based on the underlying insured obligation without regard to the primary insurer.

161


Table of Contents

        The table below presents the insured par outstanding categorized by the Company's internal rating as of September 30, 2010:


Second-to-Pay
Insured Par Outstanding
As of September 30, 2010(1)

 
  Public Finance   Structured Finance    
 
 
  AAA   AA   A   BBB   BIG   AAA   AA   A   BBB   BIG   Total  
 
  (in millions)
   
 

Radian

  $   $   $ 13   $ 45   $ 20   $ 2   $   $   $   $   $ 80  

Syncora

            449     698     310     399     178     114     260     338     2,746  

ACA

        13         6                             19  

FGIC

        171     1,197     593     336     1,210     197     134     19     74     3,931  

MBIA

    78     3,163     5,036     1,569     30     80     1,405     39     618     26     12,044  

Ambac

    15     2,450     2,719     1,268     255     313         298     218     491     8,027  

CIFG

        11     69     133     45                         258  

Multiple owner

    894         2,042                                 2,936  
                                               
 

Total

  $ 987   $ 5,808   $ 11,525   $ 4,312   $ 996   $ 2,004   $ 1,780   $ 585   $ 1,115   $ 929   $ 30,041  
                                               

(1)
Assured Guaranty's internal rating.

        Ceded par outstanding represents the portion of insured risk ceded to other reinsurers. Under these relationships, the Company cedes a portion of its insured risk in exchange for a premium paid to the reinsurer. The Company remains primarily liable for all risks it directly underwrites and is required to pay all gross claims. It then seeks reimbursement from the reinsurer for its proportionate share of claims. The Company may be exposed to risk for this exposure if it was unable to collect ceded claims from an assuming company experiencing financial distress. A number of the financial guaranty insurers to which the Company has ceded par has experienced financial distress and been downgraded by the rating agencies as a result. In addition, state insurance regulators have intervened with respect to some of these insurers. For example, Ambac recently announced that the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin had filed its Plan of Rehabilitation for the segregated account that Ambac had established for certain of its liabilities related to credit derivatives, RMBS and other mainly structured finance transactions. The Plan of Rehabilitation is intended to facilitate an orderly run-off and/or settlement of those liabilities.

        In accordance with statutory accounting requirements and U.S. insurance laws and regulations, in order for the Company to receive credit for liabilities ceded to reinsurers domiciled outside of the U.S., such reinsurers must secure their liabilities to the Company. Most of the unauthorized reinsurers in the table above post collateral for the benefit of the Company in an amount at least equal to the sum of their ceded unearned premiums reserve, loss reserves and contingency reserves calculated on a statutory basis of accounting. In the case of CIFG and Radian, which are authorized reinsurers and, therefore, are not required to post security, their collateral equals or exceeds their ceded statutory loss reserves. Collateral may be in the form of letters of credit or trust accounts. The total collateral posted by all non-affiliated reinsurers as of September 30, 2010 exceeds $1.1 billion.

        Amounts for the investment portfolio presented above are based on fair value. Securities within the investment portfolio that are wrapped by monolines may decline in value based on the rating of the monoline.

162


Table of Contents

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        The Company references financial measures that are not in accordance with GAAP, which we refer to as non-GAAP financial measures. Assured Guaranty's management and board of directors utilize non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating the Company's financial performance and as a basis for determining senior management incentive compensation. By providing these non-GAAP financial measures, investors, analysts and financial news reporters have access to the same information that management reviews internally. In addition, Assured Guaranty's presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is consistent with how analysts calculate their estimates of Assured Guaranty's financial results in their research reports on Assured Guaranty and with how investors, analysts and the financial news media evaluate Assured Guaranty's financial results.

        The following paragraphs define each non-GAAP financial measure and describe why they are useful. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure and the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, if available, is presented in "—Financial Performance—Key Financial Measures" above. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be viewed as substitutes for their most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Operating Income

        Management believes that operating income is a useful measure because it clarifies the understanding of the underwriting results of the Company's financial guaranty insurance business, and also includes financing costs and net investment income, and enables investors and analysts to evaluate the Company's financial results as compared to the consensus analyst estimates distributed publicly by financial databases. Operating income is defined as net income (loss) attributable to AGL, as reported under GAAP, adjusted for the following:

163


Table of Contents

Operating Shareholders' Equity

        Management believes that operating shareholders' equity is a useful measure because it presents the equity of AGL with all financial guaranty contracts accounted for on a more consistent basis and excluding fair value adjustments that are not expected to result in economic loss. Many investors, analysts and financial news reporters use operating shareholders' equity as the principal financial measure for valuing AGL's current share price or projected share price and also as the basis of their decision to recommend, buy or sell AGL's common shares. Many of the Company's fixed income investors also use operating shareholders' equity to evaluate the Company's capital adequacy. Operating shareholders' equity is the basis of the calculation of ABV (see below). Operating shareholders' equity is defined as shareholders' equity attributable to AGL, as reported under GAAP, adjusted for the following:

Adjusted Book Value

        Management believes that ABV is a useful measure because it enables an evaluation of the net present value of the Company's in force premiums and revenues in addition to operating shareholders' equity. The premiums and revenues included in ABV will be earned in future periods, but actual earnings may differ materially from the estimated amounts used in determining current ABV due to

164


Table of Contents


changes in, foreign exchange rates, refinancing or refunding activity, prepayment speeds, terminations, credit defaults and other factors. Many investors, analysts and financial news reporters use ABV to evaluate AGL's share price and as the basis of their decision to recommend, buy or sell the AGL common shares. ABV is operating shareholders' equity, as defined above, further adjusted for the following:

Net present value of estimated net future credit derivative revenue

        Management believes that this amount is a useful measure because it enables an evaluation of the value of future estimated credit derivative revenue. There is no corresponding GAAP financial measure. This amount represents the present value of estimated future revenue from the Company's credit derivative in-force book of business, net of reinsurance, ceding commissions and premium taxes in excess of expected losses, and is discounted at 6% (which represents the Company's tax-equivalent pre-tax investment yield on its investment portfolio). Estimated net future credit derivative revenue may change from period to period due to changes in foreign exchange rates, prepayment speeds, terminations, credit defaults or other factors that affect par outstanding or the ultimate maturity of an obligation.

PVP or present value of new business production

        Management believes that PVP is a useful measure because it enables the evaluation of the value of new business production for AGL by taking into account the value of estimated future installment premiums on all new contracts underwritten in a reporting period as well as premium supplements and additional installment premium on existing contracts as to which the issuer has the right to call the insured obligation but has not exercised such right, whether in insurance or credit derivative contract form, which GAAP gross premiums written and the net credit derivative premiums received and receivable portion of net realized gains and other settlement on credit derivatives ("Credit Derivative Revenues") do not adequately measure. PVP in respect of insurance and credit derivative contracts written in a specified period is defined as gross upfront and installment premiums received and the present value of gross estimated future installment premiums, in each case, discounted at 6% (the Company's tax-equivalent pre-tax investment yield on its investment portfolio). For purposes of the PVP calculation, management discounts estimated future installment premiums on insurance contracts at 6%, while under GAAP, these amounts are discounted at a risk free rate. Additionally, under GAAP, management records future installment premiums on financial guaranty insurance contracts covering non-homogeneous pools of assets based on the contractual term of the transaction, whereas for PVP purposes, management records an estimate of the future installment premiums the Company expects to receive, which may be based upon a shorter period of time than the contractual term of the transaction. Actual future net earned or written premiums and Credit Derivative Revenues may differ from PVP due to factors including, but not limited to, changes in foreign exchange rates, refinancing or refunding activity, prepayment speeds, terminations, credit defaults, or other factors that affect par outstanding or the ultimate maturity of an obligation.

165


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity Requirements and Sources

        AGL and its holding company subsidiaries' liquidity is largely dependent upon the ability of its operating subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to AGL and its holding company subsidiaries and its access to external financings. Liquidity requirements include the payment of operating expenses, interest on debt of AGUS and AGMH and dividends on common shares. AGL and its holding company subsidiaries may also require liquidity to make periodic capital investments in its operating subsidiaries. In the ordinary course of business, the Company evaluates its liquidity needs and capital resources in light of holding company expenses and dividend policy, as well as rating agency considerations. Management believes that AGL will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its needs over the next twelve months, including the ability to pay dividends on AGL common shares. The Company anticipates that for the next twelve months, amounts paid by AGL's operating subsidiaries as dividends will be a major source of its liquidity. It is possible that AGL or its subsidiaries in the future may need to seek additional external debt or equity financing in order to meet its obligations. External sources of financing may or may not be available to the Company, and if available, the cost of such financing may be higher than the Company's current level.


AGL and Holding Company Subsidiaries
Significant Cash Flow Items

 
  Nine Months   Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2010(1)   2009(1)   2009(1)   2008   2007  
 
  (in millions)
 

Net proceeds from issuance of common shares

  $   $ 449.0   $ 1,022.8   $ 249.0   $ 304.0  

Net proceeds from issuance of equity units

        167.3     167.3          

Capital contributions to subsidiaries

        (378.7 )   (556.7 )   (250.0 )   (304.0 )

Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries

    77.0     47.1     72.1     47.8     47.4  

Dividends paid

    (24.9 )   (15.8 )   (22.8 )   (17.0 )   (11.9 )

Repurchases of common shares

    (10.5 )   (3.7 )   (3.7 )       (9.3 )

Interest paid

    (52.5 )   (21.2 )   (53.0 )   (23.6 )   (23.7 )

(1)
Since July 1, 2009, amounts include AGMH.

        Liquidity at the Company's insurance company subsidiaries is primarily used to pay (1) operating expenses, (2) claims, including payment obligations in respect of credit derivatives, (4) collateral postings in connection with credit derivatives and reinsurance transactions, (4) reinsurance premiums, (5) dividends to AGUS and AGMH for debt service and dividends to AGL, and (6) where appropriate, to make capital investments in their own subsidiaries. Management believes that its subsidiaries' liquidity needs generally can be met from current cash, short-term investments and operating cash flow, including premium collections as well as coupon payments and scheduled maturities and paydowns from their respective investment portfolios.

166


Table of Contents

        Beyond the next 12 months, the ability of the operating subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends may be influenced by a variety of factors, including market conditions, insurance regulations and rating agency capital requirements and general economic conditions.

        Insurance policies the Company issues provide, in general, that payments of principal, interest and other amounts insured may not be accelerated by the holder of the obligation. Amounts paid by the Company therefore are typically in accordance with the obligation's original payment schedule or, at the Company's option, may be on an accelerated basis. Insurance policies guaranteeing payments under CDS may provide for acceleration of amounts due upon the occurrence of certain credit events, subject to single risk limits specified in the insurance laws of the State of New York (the "New York Insurance Law"). These constraints prohibit or limit acceleration of certain claims according to Article 69 of the New York Insurance Law and serve to reduce the Company's liquidity requirements.

        Payments made in settlement of the Company's obligations arising from its insured portfolio may, and often do, vary significantly from year-to-year, depending primarily on the frequency and severity of payment defaults and whether the Company chooses to accelerate its payment obligations in order to mitigate future losses.


Insurance and Credit Derivatives
Claims Paid

 
  Nine Months   Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2010(1)(2)   2009(1)   2009(1)   2008   2007  
 
  (in millions)
 

Claims paid (recovered), net

  $ 756.3   $ 504.1   $ 687.7   $ 257.7   $ (4.1 )

(1)
Since July 1, 2009, amounts include AGMH.

(2)
Include $95.9 million for consolidated VIEs.

        The terms of the Company's CDS contracts generally are modified from standard CDS contract forms approved by International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. ("ISDA") in order to provide for payments on a scheduled basis and to replicate the terms of a traditional financial guaranty insurance policy. Some contracts the Company enters into as the credit protection seller, however, utilize standard ISDA settlement mechanics of cash settlement (i.e., a process to value the loss of market value of a reference obligation) or physical settlement (i.e., delivery of the reference obligation against payment of principal by the protection seller) in the event of a "credit event," as defined in the relevant contract. Cash settlement or physical settlement generally requires the payment of a larger amount, prior to the maturity of the reference obligation, than would settlement on a "pay-as-you-go" basis, under which the Company would be required to pay scheduled interest shortfalls during the term of the reference obligation and scheduled principal shortfall only at the final maturity of the reference obligation. The Company's CDS contracts also generally provide that if events of default or termination events specified in the CDS documentation were to occur, the non-defaulting or the non-affected party, which may be either the Company or the counterparty, depending upon the circumstances, may decide to terminate the CDS contract prior to maturity. The Company may be required to make a termination payment to its swap counterparty upon such termination. See also "—Sensitivity to Rating Agency Actions in Reinsurance Business and Insured CDS Portfolio."

        Potential acceleration of claims with respect to CDS obligations occur with funded CDOs and synthetic CDOs, as described below:

167


Table of Contents


Pooled Corporate CDS

 
  As of
September 30, 2010
  As of
December 31, 2009
 
 
  Net Par
Outstanding
  %   Net Par
Outstanding
  %  
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

Funded CDOs

  $ 58,103     70 % $ 60,889     70 %

Synthetic CDOs

    24,575     30     25,692     30  
                   
 

Total pooled corporate CDS

  $ 82,678     100 % $ 86,581     100 %
                   

        The insurance company subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends depends, among other things, upon their financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, and compliance with rating agency requirements, and is also subject to restrictions contained in the insurance laws and related regulations of their states of domicile.

        Under Maryland's insurance law, AGC may pay dividends out of earned surplus in any twelve-month period in an aggregate amount not exceeding the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders' surplus or (b) net investment income at the preceding December 31 (including net investment income which has not already been paid out as dividends for the three calendar years prior to the preceding calendar year) without prior approval of the Maryland Commissioner of Insurance. As of September 30, 2010, the amount available for distribution from AGC during 2010 with notice to, but without prior approval of, the Maryland Commissioner was approximately $97.3 million.

        Under the New York Insurance Law, AGM may pay dividends out of earned surplus, provided that, together with all dividends declared or distributed by AGM during the preceding 12 months, the dividends do not exceed the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders' surplus as of its last statement filed with the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York (the "New York Superintendent") or (b) adjusted net investment income (net investment income at the preceding December 31 plus net investment income which has not already been paid out as dividends for the three calendar years prior to the preceding calendar year) during this period. Based on AGM's statutory statements for 2009, the

168


Table of Contents


maximum amount available for payment of dividends by AGM without regulatory approval over the 12 months following September 30, 2010 was approximately $96.9 million. However, in connection with the AGMH Acquisition, the Company has committed to the New York Insurance Department that AGM will not pay any dividends for a period of two years from the date of the AGMH Acquisition without the written approval of the New York Insurance Department.

        Dividends paid by a U.S. company to a Bermuda holding company presently are subject to a 30% withholding tax. The amount available at AG Re to pay dividends or make a distribution of contributed surplus in 2010 in compliance with Bermuda law is $1,165.9 million. However, any distribution which results in a reduction of 15% or more of AG Re's total statutory capital, as set out in its previous years' financial statements, would require the prior approval of the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

Cash Flow Summary

 
  Nine Months
2010
  Nine Months
2009
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ (140.0 ) $ 293.6  

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

    735.8     (634.3 )

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

    (551.0 )   588.2  

Effect of exchange rate changes

    (1.5 )   0.7  

Cash at beginning of period

    44.1     12.3  
           
 

Total cash at the end of the period

  $ 87.4   $ 260.5  
           

        The negative operating cash flow in 2010 was due primarily to net paid losses, interest and other expenses and taxes paid, offset in part by premium on financial guaranty and credit derivatives. In 2009, the Company had higher U.S. public finance originations and lower claim payments.

        Investing activities were primarily net sales (purchases) of fixed maturity and short-term investment securities. In addition, the 2010 amount included $323.6 million of net proceeds from financial guaranty VIE's. The 2009 investing cash outflows was due primarily to the cost of the AGMH Acquisition of $546.0 million, net of cash acquired of $87.0 million, purchases of fixed maturity securities with the cash generated from common share and equity units offerings and positive cash flows from operating activities.

        In 2010 financing outflows were mainly due to the inclusion of consolidated VIEs in 2010. Financing inflows in 2009 was due to net cash proceeds of $616.3 million from common share and equity units offerings.

        In May 2010, the Company completed a share repurchase program that was authorized in 2007. On August 4, 2010, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program for up to 2.0 million common shares. Share repurchases will take place at management's discretion depending on market conditions. No shares were repurchased in Third Quarter 2010.

Commitments and Contingencies

        AGL and its subsidiaries are party to various lease agreements. Future cash payments associated with contractual obligations pursuant to operating leases for office space have not materially changed since December 31, 2009.

169


Table of Contents

        The principal and carrying values of the Company's long-term debt and notes payable were as follows:


Long Term Debt Obligations by Issuer

 
  As of September 30, 2010   As of December 31, 2009  
 
  Principal   Carrying Value   Principal   Carrying Value  
 
  (in millions)
 

AGUS:

                         
 

7.0% Senior Notes

  $ 200.0   $ 197.6   $ 200.0   $ 197.5  
 

8.50% Senior Notes

    172.5     170.8     172.5     170.1  
 

Series A Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures

    150.0     149.8     150.0     149.8  
                   
 

Total AGUS

    522.5     518.2     522.5     517.4  

AGMH:

                         
 

67/8% Quarterly Income Bond Securities ("QUIBS")

    100.0     66.9     100.0     66.7  
 

6.25% Notes

    230.0     134.7     230.0     133.9  
 

5.60% Notes

    100.0     52.9     100.0     52.6  
 

Junior Subordinated Debentures

    300.0     151.1     300.0     146.8  
                   
 

Total AGMH

    730.0     405.6     730.0     400.0  
                   
   

Total long-term debt

    1,252.5     923.8     1,252.5     917.4  

Notes Payable

    124.1     132.1     140.1     149.1  
                   
   

Total

  $ 1,376.6   $ 1,055.9   $ 1,392.6   $ 1,066.5  
                   

        AGL fully and unconditionally guarantees the following debt obligations issued by AGUS: (1) 7.0% Senior Notes and (2) 8.50% Senior Notes. AGL also fully and unconditionally guarantees the following AGMH debt obligations: (1) 67/8% QUIBS, (2) 6.25% Notes and (3) 5.60% Notes. In addition, AGL guarantees, on a junior subordinated basis, AGUS's Series A, Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures and the $300 million of AGMH's outstanding Junior Subordinated Debentures.

        Debt Issued by AGUS

170


Table of Contents

        Debt Issued by AGMH

171


Table of Contents

        Notes Payable

        Notes Payable represents debt issued by VIEs consolidated by AGM to the Financial Products Companies which were transferred to Dexia Holdings prior to the AGMH Acquisition. The funds borrowed were used to finance the purchase of the underlying obligations of AGM-insured obligations which had breached triggers allowing AGM to exercise its right to accelerate payment of a claim in order to mitigate loss. The assets purchased are classified as assets acquired in refinancing transactions. The term of the notes payable matches the terms of the assets.

        On November 6, 2006, AGL and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a $300.0 million five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the "2006 Credit Facility") with a syndicate of banks. Under the 2006 Credit Facility, each of AGC, AGUK, AG Re, AGRO and AGL are entitled to request the banks to make loans to such borrower or to request that letters of credit be issued for the account of such borrower. Of the $300.0 million available to be borrowed, no more than $100.0 million may be borrowed by AGL, AG Re or AGRO, individually or in the aggregate, and no more than $20.0 million may be borrowed by AGUK. The stated amount of all outstanding letters of credit and the amount of all unpaid drawings in respect of all letters of credit cannot, in the aggregate, exceed $100.0 million. The 2006 Credit Facility also provides that Assured Guaranty may request that the commitment of the banks be increased an additional $100.0 million up to a maximum aggregate amount of $400.0 million. Any such incremental commitment increase is subject to certain conditions provided in the agreement and must be for at least $25.0 million.

        The proceeds of the loans and letters of credit are to be used for the working capital and other general corporate purposes of the borrowers and to support reinsurance transactions.

        At the closing of the 2006 Credit Facility, AGC guaranteed the obligations of AGUK under the facility and AGL guaranteed the obligations of AG Re and AGRO under the facility and agreed that, if the Company consolidated assets (as defined in the related credit agreement) of AGC and its subsidiaries were to fall below $1.2 billion, it would, within 15 days, guarantee the obligations of AGC and AGUK under the facility. At the same time, AGOUS guaranteed the obligations of AGL, AG Re and AGRO under the facility, and each of AG Re and AGRO guaranteed the other as well as AGL.

        The 2006 Credit Facility's financial covenants require that AGL:

172


Table of Contents

        In addition, the 2006 Credit Facility requires that AGC maintain qualified statutory capital of at least 75% of its statutory capital as of the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006. Furthermore, the 2006 Credit Facility contains restrictions on AGL and its subsidiaries, including, among other things, in respect of their ability to incur debt, permit liens, become liable in respect of guaranties, make loans or investments, pay dividends or make distributions, dissolve or become party to a merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of assets or enter into affiliate transactions. Most of these restrictions are subject to certain minimum thresholds and exceptions. The 2006 Credit Facility has customary events of default, including (subject to certain materiality thresholds and grace periods) payment default, failure to comply with covenants, material inaccuracy of representation or warranty, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, change of control and cross-default to other debt agreements. A default by one borrower will give rise to a right of the lenders to terminate the facility and accelerate all amounts then outstanding. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Assured Guaranty was in compliance with all of the financial covenants.

        As of September 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of the 2006 Credit Facility.

        Letters of credit totaling approximately $2.9 million remained outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The Company obtained the letters of credit in connection with entering into a lease for new office space in 2008, which space was subsequently sublet.

        In connection with the AGMH Acquisition, AGM agreed to retain the risks relating to the debt and strip policy portions of the leveraged lease business. The liquidity risk to AGM related to the strip policy portion of the leveraged lease business is mitigated by the strip coverage facility described below.

        In a leveraged lease transaction, a tax-exempt entity (such as a transit agency) transfers tax benefits to a tax-paying entity by transferring ownership of a depreciable asset, such as subway cars. The tax-exempt entity then leases the asset back from its new owner.

        If the lease is terminated early, the tax-exempt entity must make an early termination payment to the lessor. A portion of this early termination payment is funded from monies that were pre-funded and invested at the closing of the leveraged lease transaction (along with earnings on those invested funds). The tax-exempt entity is obligated to pay the remaining, unfunded portion of this early termination payment (known as the "strip coverage") from its own sources. AGM issued financial guaranty insurance policies (known as "strip policies") that guaranteed the payment of these unfunded strip coverage amounts to the lessor, in the event that a tax-exempt entity defaulted on its obligation to pay this portion of its early termination payment. AGM can then seek reimbursement of its strip policy payments from the tax-exempt entity, and can also sell the transferred depreciable asset and reimburse itself from the sale proceeds.

173


Table of Contents

        On July 1, 2009, AGM and DCL, acting through its New York Branch ("Dexia Crédit Local (NY)"), entered into a credit facility (the "Strip Coverage Facility"). Under the Strip Coverage Facility, Dexia Crédit Local (NY) agreed to make loans to AGM to finance all draws made by lessors on AGM strip policies that were outstanding as of November 13, 2008, up to the commitment amount. The commitment amount of the Strip Coverage Facility was $1 billion at closing of the AGMH Acquisition but is scheduled to amortize over time; it may also be reduced in 2014 to $750 million, if AGM does not have a specified consolidated net worth at that time.

        Fundings under this facility are subject to certain conditions precedent, and their repayment is collateralized by a security interest that AGM granted to Dexia Crédit Local (NY) in amounts that AGM recovers—from the tax-exempt entity, or from asset sale proceeds—following its payment of strip policy claims. The Strip Coverage Facility will terminate upon the earliest to occur of an AGM change of control, the reduction of the commitment amount to $0, and January 31, 2042.

        The Strip Coverage Facility's financial covenants require that AGM and its subsidiaries maintain a maximum debt-to-capital ratio of 30% and maintain a minimum net worth of 75% of consolidated net worth as of July 1, 2009, plus, starting July 1, 2014, 25% of the aggregate consolidated net income (or loss) for the period beginning July 1, 2009 and ending on June 30, 2014 or, if the commitment amount has been reduced to $750 million as described above, zero. The Company is in compliance with all covenants as of the date of this filing.

        The Strip Coverage Facility contains restrictions on AGM, including, among other things, in respect of its ability to incur debt, permit liens, pay dividends or make distributions, dissolve or become party to a merger or consolidation. Most of these restrictions are subject to exceptions. The Strip Coverage Facility has customary events of default, including (subject to certain materiality thresholds and grace periods) payment default, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings and cross-default to other debt agreements.

        As of September 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility, nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

        On July 31, 2007, AG Re entered into a limited recourse credit facility ("AG Re Credit Facility") with a syndicate of banks which provides up to $200.0 million for the payment of losses in respect of the covered portfolio. The AG Re Credit Facility expires in July 2014. The facility can be utilized after AG Re has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $260 million or the average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by 4.5%. The obligation to repay loans under this agreement is a limited recourse obligation payable solely from, and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and other collateral.

        As of September 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

        On April 30, 2005, AGM entered into a limited recourse credit facility ("AGM Credit Facility") with a syndicate of international banks which provides up to $297.5 million for the payment of losses in respect of the covered portfolio. The AGM Credit Facility expires April 30, 2015. The facility can be utilized after AGM has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $297.5 million or the average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by 5.0%. The obligation to repay loans under this agreement is a limited recourse

174


Table of Contents

obligation payable solely from, and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and other collateral. The ratings downgrade of AGM by Moody's to Aa3 in November 2008 resulted in an increase to the commitment fee.

        As of September 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under this facility nor have there been any borrowings during the life of this facility.

        On April 8, 2005, AGC entered into separate agreements (the "Put Agreements") with four custodial trusts (each, a "Custodial Trust") pursuant to which AGC may, at its option, cause each of the Custodial Trusts to purchase up to $50 million of perpetual preferred stock of AGC (the "AGC Preferred Stock").

        Each of the Custodial Trusts is a special purpose Delaware statutory trust formed for the purpose of (a) issuing a series of flex AGC CCS Securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Custodial Trust; (b) investing the proceeds from the issuance of the AGC CCS Securities or any redemption in full of AGC Preferred Stock in a portfolio of high-grade commercial paper and (in limited cases) U.S. Treasury Securities (the "Eligible Assets"), and (c) entering into the Put Agreement and related agreements. The Custodial Trusts are not consolidated in Assured Guaranty's financial statements.

        Income distributions on the AGC CCS Securities were equal to an annualized rate of one-month LIBOR plus 110 basis points for all periods ending on or before April 8, 2008. For periods after that date, distributions on the AGC CCS Securities were determined pursuant to an auction process. However, on April 7, 2008 the auction process failed. As a result, the annualized rate on the AGC CCS Securities increased to one-month LIBOR plus 250 basis points. When a Custodial Trust holds Eligible Assets, the relevant distribution periods is 28 days; when a Custodial Trust holds AGC Preferred Stock, however, the distribution periods is 49 days.

        Put Agreements.    Pursuant to the Put Agreements, AGC pays a monthly put premium to each Custodial Trust except during any periods when the relevant Custodial Trust holds the AGC Preferred Stock that has been put to it or upon termination of the Put Agreement. This put premium equals the product of:

        Upon AGC's exercise of its put option, the relevant Custodial Trust will liquidate its portfolio of Eligible Assets and purchase the AGC Preferred Stock. The Custodial Trust will then hold the AGC Preferred Stock until the earlier of the redemption of the AGC Preferred Stock and the liquidation or dissolution of the Custodial Trust.

        The Put Agreements have no scheduled termination date or maturity. However, each Put Agreement will terminate if (subject to certain grace periods) (1) AGC fails to pay the put premium as required, (2) AGC elects to have the AGC Preferred Stock bear a fixed rate dividend (a "Fixed Rate

175


Table of Contents


Distribution Event"), (3) AGC fails to pay dividends on the AGC Preferred Stock, or the Custodial Trust's fees and expenses for the related period, (4) AGC fails to pay the redemption price of the AGC Preferred Stock, (5) the face amount of a Custodial Trust's CCS Securities is less than $20 million, (6) AGC terminates the Put Agreement, or (7) a decree of judicial dissolution of the Custodial Trust is entered. If, as a result of AGC's failure to pay the put premium, the Custodial Trust is liquidated, AGC will be required to pay a termination payment, which will in turn be distributed to the holders of the AGC CCS Securities. The termination payment will be at a rate equal to 1.10% per annum of the amount invested in Eligible Assets calculated from the date of the failure to pay the put premium through the end of the applicable period.

        As of September 30, 2010 the put option had not been exercised.

        AGC Preferred Stock.    The dividend rate on the AGC Preferred Stock is determined pursuant to the same auction process applicable to distributions on the AGC CCS Securities. However, if a Fixed Rate Distribution Event occurs, the distribution rate on the AGC Preferred Stock will be the fixed rate equivalent of one-month LIBOR plus 2.50%. For these purposes, a "Fixed Rate Distribution Event" will occur when AGC Preferred Stock is outstanding, if (subject to certain grace periods): (1) AGC elects to have the AGC Preferred Stock bear dividends at a fixed rate, (2) AGC does not pay dividends on the AGC Preferred Stock for the related distribution period or (3) AGC does pay the fees and expenses of the Custodial Trust for the related distribution period. During the period in which AGC Preferred Stock is held by a Custodial Trust and unless a Fixed Rate Distribution Event has occurred, dividends will be paid every 49 days. Following a Fixed Rate Distribution Event, dividends will be paid every 90 days.

        Unless redeemed by AGC, the AGC Preferred Stock will be perpetual. Following exercise of the put option during any Flexed Rate Period, AGC may redeem the AGC Preferred Stock held by a Custodial Trust in whole and not in part on any distribution payment date by paying the Custodial Trust the liquidation preference amount of the AGC Preferred Stock plus any accrued but unpaid dividends for the then current distribution period. If AGC redeems the AGC Preferred Stock held by a Custodial Trust, the Custodial Trust will reinvest the redemption proceeds in Eligible Assets and AGC will pay the put premium to the Custodial Trust. If the AGC Preferred Stock was distributed to holders of AGC CCS Securities during any Flexed Rate Period then AGC may not redeem the AGC Preferred Stock until the end of the period.

        Following exercise of the put option, AGC Preferred Stock held by a Custodial Trust in whole or in part on any distribution payment date by paying the Custodial Trust the liquidation preference amount of the AGC Preferred Stock to be redeemed plus any accrued but unpaid dividends for the then current distribution period. If AGC partially redeems the AGC Preferred Stock held by a Custodial Trust, the redemption proceeds will be distributed pro rata to the holders of the CCS Securities (with a corresponding reduction in the aggregate face amount of AGC CCS Securities). However, AGC must redeem all of the AGC Preferred Stock if, after giving effect to a partial redemption, the aggregate liquidation preference amount of the AGC Preferred Stock held by the Custodial Trust immediately following such redemption would be less than $20 million. If a Fixed Rate Distribution Event occurs, AGC may not redeem the AGC Preferred Stock for two years from the date of the Fixed Rate Distribution Event.

        In June 2003, $200.0 million of AGM CPS Securities, money market preferred trust securities, were issued by trusts created for the primary purpose of issuing the AGM CPS Securities, investing the proceeds in high-quality commercial paper and selling put options to AGM, allowing AGM to issue the trusts non-cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock (the "AGM Preferred Stock") of AGM in exchange for cash. There are four trusts each with an initial aggregate face amount of $50 million. These trusts hold auctions every 28 days at which time investors submit bid orders to purchase AGM

176


Table of Contents

CPS Securities. If AGM were to exercise a put option, the applicable trust would transfer the portion of the proceeds attributable to principal received upon maturity of its assets, net of expenses, to AGM in exchange for Preferred Stock of AGM. AGM pays a floating put premium to the trusts, which represents the difference between the commercial paper yield and the winning auction rate (plus all fees and expenses of the trust). If any auction does not attract sufficient clearing bids, however, the auction rate is subject to a maximum rate of 200 basis points above LIBOR for the next succeeding distribution period. Beginning in August 2007, the AGM CPS Securities required the maximum rate for each of the relevant trusts. AGM continues to have the ability to exercise its put option and cause the related trusts to purchase AGM Preferred Stock. The trusts provide AGM access to new capital at its sole discretion through the exercise of the put options. The Company does not consider itself to be the primary beneficiary of the trusts because it does not retain the majority of the residual benefits or expected losses.

        As of September 30, 2010 the put option had not been exercised.

Investment Portfolio

        The Company's investment portfolio consisted of $9.8 billion of fixed maturity securities and $0.9 billion of short-term investments with a duration of 4.6 years as of September 30, 2010, compared with $9.1 billion of fixed maturity securities, $1.7 billion of short-term investments with duration of 4.4 years as of December 31, 2009. The Company's fixed maturity securities are designated as available-for-sale. Fixed maturity securities are reported at their fair value, and the change in fair value is reported as part of AOCI except for the credit component of securities deemed to be OTTI. If management believes the decline in fair value is "other than temporary," the Company writes down the carrying value of the investment and records a realized loss in the consolidated statements of operations for an amount equal to the credit component of the fair value adjustment. The Company reviews the investment portfolio for possible impairment losses. For additional information, see Note 10 in "Item 1. Financial Statements".

        Fair value of fixed maturity securities is based upon market prices provided by either independent pricing services or, when such prices are not available, by reference to broker or underwriter bid indications. The Company's investment portfolio does not include any non-publicly traded securities. For more information about the Investment Portfolio and a detailed description of the Company's valuation of investments see Note 10 in "Item 1. Financial Statements".

177


Table of Contents


Investment Portfolio by Security Type

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gain
  Gross
Unrealized
Loss
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S. government and agencies

  $ 1,039.0   $ 71.2   $   $ 1,110.2  

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    4,794.0     298.5     (0.9 )   5,091.6  

Corporate securities

    945.3     44.7     (0.1 )   989.9  

Mortgage-backed securities(1):

                         
 

RMBS

    1,271.3     51.7     (43.9 )   1,279.1  
 

CMBS

    348.4     19.2     (0.1 )   367.5  

Asset-backed securities

    564.0     11.4     (1.4 )   574.0  

Foreign government securities

    356.4     9.0     (1.9 )   363.5  
                   
 

Total fixed maturity securities

    9,318.4     505.7     (48.3 )   9,775.8  

Short-term investments

    907.5     0.2         907.7  
                   
 

Total investments

  $ 10,225.9   $ 505.9   $ (48.3 ) $ 10,683.5  
                   

 

 
  As of December 31, 2009  
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Gross
Unrealized
Gain
  Gross
Unrealized
Loss
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
  (in millions)
 

U.S. government and agencies

  $ 1,014.2   $ 26.1   $ (2.7 ) $ 1,037.6  

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    4,881.6     164.7     (6.8 )   5,039.5  

Corporate securities

    617.1     12.8     (4.4 )   625.5  

Mortgage-backed securities(1):

                         
 

RMBS

    1,449.4     39.5     (24.3 )   1,464.6  
 

CMBS

    229.9     3.4     (6.1 )   227.2  

Asset-backed securities

    395.3     1.5     (7.9 )   388.9  

Foreign government securities

    356.4     3.6     (3.4 )   356.6  
                   
 

Total fixed maturity securities

    8,943.9     251.6     (55.6 )   9,139.9  

Short-term investments

    1,668.3     0.7     (0.7 )   1,668.3  
                   
 

Total investments

  $ 10,612.2   $ 252.3   $ (56.3 ) $ 10,808.2  
                   

(1)
As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, approximately 66% and 80% of the Company's total mortgage-backed securities were government agency obligations.

        The following tables summarize, for all securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the amounts have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

178


Table of Contents


Gross Unrealized Loss by Length of Time

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total  
 
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Loss
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

U.S. government and agencies

  $ 25.0   $   $   $   $ 25.0   $  

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    69.0     (0.3 )   34.4     (0.6 )   103.4     (0.9 )

Corporate securities

    9.6         3.3     (0.1 )   12.9     (0.1 )

Mortgage-backed securities:

                                     
 

RMBS

    155.0     (40.6 )   41.5     (3.3 )   196.5     (43.9 )
 

CMBS

    21.2     (0.1 )           21.2     (0.1 )

Asset-backed securities

    207.3     (1.3 )   2.3     (0.1 )   209.6     (1.4 )

Foreign government securities

            82.7     (1.9 )   82.7     (1.9 )
                           

Total

  $ 487.1   $ (42.3 ) $ 164.2   $ (6.0 ) $ 651.3   $ (48.3 )
                           

Number of securities

          64           31           95  
                                 

Number of securities with OTTI

          2           5           7  
                                 

 

 
  As of December 31, 2009  
 
  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total  
 
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair
Value
  Unrealized
Loss
 
 
  (dollars in millions)
 

U.S. government and agencies

  $ 292.5   $ (2.7 ) $   $   $ 292.5   $ (2.7 )

Obligations of state and political subdivisions

    407.4     (4.1 )   56.9     (2.7 )   464.3     (6.8 )

Corporate securities

    287.0     (3.9 )   8.2     (0.5 )   295.2     (4.4 )

Mortgage-backed securities:

                                     
 

RMBS

    361.4     (21.6 )   20.5     (2.7 )   381.9     (24.3 )
 

CMBS

    49.5     (2.4 )   56.4     (3.7 )   105.9     (6.1 )

Asset-backed securities

    126.1     (7.8 )   2.0     (0.1 )   128.1     (7.9 )

Foreign government securities

    270.4     (3.4 )           270.4     (3.4 )
                           

Total

  $ 1,794.3   $ (45.9 ) $ 144.0   $ (9.7 ) $ 1,938.3   $ (55.6 )
                           

Number of securities

          259           33           292  
                                 

Number of securities with OTTI

          13           2           15  
                                 

        There was no significant change in gross unrealized losses in any sector for the period ended September 30, 2010. Of the securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more as of September 30, 2010, two securities had an unrealized loss greater than 10% of book value. The total unrealized loss for these securities as of September 30, 2010 was $1.7 million. This unrealized loss was yield related.

        Changes in interest rates affect the value of the Company's fixed maturity portfolio. As interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed maturity securities increases and as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed maturity securities decreases. The Company's portfolio is comprised primarily of high-quality, liquid instruments. The Company continues to receive sufficient information to value its investments and has not had to modify its approach due to the current market conditions.

179


Table of Contents

        The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company's available-for-sale fixed maturity securities as of September 30, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.


Distribution of Fixed-Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
 
  Amortized
Cost
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
  (in millions)
 

Due within one year

  $ 94.5   $ 95.6  

Due after one year through five years

    1,887.6     1,947.7  

Due after five years through ten years

    2,101.9     2,224.6  

Due after ten years

    3,614.7     3,861.3  

Mortgage-backed securities:

             
 

RMBS

    1,271.3     1,279.1  
 

CMBS

    348.4     367.5  
           

Total

  $ 9,318.4   $ 9,775.8  
           

        The following table summarizes the ratings distributions of the Company's investment portfolio as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Ratings are represented by the lower of the Moody's and S&P classifications.


Distribution of Fixed-Maturity Securities by Rating

Rating
  As of
September 30,
2010
  As of
December 31,
2009
 

AAA

    44.5 %   47.9 %

AA

    35.9     30.0  

A

    14.2     16.4  

BBB

    1.1     1.8  

BIG

    3.9     3.9  

Not rated

    0.4      
           
 

Total

    100.0 %   100.0 %
           

        As of September 30, 2010, the Company's investment portfolio contained 43 securities that were not rated or rated BIG, compared to 35 securities as of December 31, 2009. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the weighted average credit quality of the Company's entire investment portfolio was AA.

180


Table of Contents

        As of September 30, 2010, $1.8 billion of the Company's fixed maturity securities were guaranteed by third parties. The following table presents the fair value of securities with third-party guaranty by underlying credit rating:

Rating(1)
  As of
September 30,
2010
 
 
  (in millions)
 

AAA

  $ 2.3  

AA

    983.5  

A

    690.5  

BBB

    64.6  

BIG

    10.5  

Not Available

    36.8  
       
 

Total

  $ 1,788.2  
       

(1)
Ratings are lower of Moody's and S&P.


Distribution by Third-Party Guarantor

Guarantor
  As of
September 30,
2010
 
 
  (in millions)
 

MBIA

  $ 963.5  

Ambac

    751.1  

CIFG

    24.0  

FGIC

    28.3  

Syncora

    16.4  

Berkshire

    4.9  
       
 

Total

  $ 1,788.2  
       

        Short-term investments include securities with maturity dates equal to or less than one year from the original issue date. The Company's short-term investments are comprised of money market funds, discounted notes and certain time deposits for foreign cash portfolios. Short-term investments are reported at fair value.

        Under agreements with its cedants and in accordance with statutory requirements, the Company maintained fixed maturity securities in trust accounts of $359.4 million and $345.7 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, for the benefit of reinsured companies and for the protection of policyholders, generally in states in which AGL or its subsidiaries, as applicable, are not licensed or accredited.

        Under certain derivative contracts, the Company is required to post eligible securities as collateral, generally cash or U.S. government or agency securities. The need to post collateral under these transactions is generally based on mark-to-market valuation in excess of contractual thresholds. The fair market value of the Company's pledged securities totaled $645.5 million and $649.6 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Liquidity Arrangements with respect to AGMH's former Financial Products Business

        AGMH's former financial products segment had been in the business of borrowing funds through the issuance of GICs and MTNs and reinvesting the proceeds in investments that met AGMH's investment criteria. The financial products business also included the equity payment undertaking

181


Table of Contents


agreement portion of the leveraged lease business, as described further below in "—The Leveraged Lease Business."

        In connection with the AGMH Acquisition by AGUS, Dexia SA and certain of its affiliates have entered into a number of agreements to protect the Company and AGM against ongoing risk related to GICs issued by, and the GIC business conducted by the Financial Products Companies, former subsidiaries of AGMH. These agreements include a guarantee jointly and severally issued by Dexia SA and DCL to AGM that guarantees the payment obligations of AGM under its policies related to the GIC business and an indemnification agreement between AGM, Dexia SA and DCL that protects AGM against other losses arising out of or as a result of the GIC business, as well as the liquidity facilities and the swap agreements described below.

        On September 30, 2009, affiliates of Dexia executed amended and restated liquidity commitments to FSA Asset Management LLC ("FSAM"), a former AGMH subsidiary, of $8.5 billion in the aggregate. Pursuant to the liquidity commitments, the Dexia affiliates assume the risk of loss, and support the payment obligations of FSAM and the three former AGMH subsidiaries that issued GICs (collectively, the "GIC Issuers") in respect of the GICs and the GIC business. The term of the commitments will generally extend until the GICs have been paid in full. The liquidity commitments comprised of an amended and restated revolving credit agreement (the "Liquidity Facility") pursuant to which DCL and Dexia Bank Belgium SA commit to provide funds to FSAM in an amount up to $8.0 billion (approximately $6.6 billion of which was outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2010), and a master repurchase agreement (the "Repurchase Facility Agreement" and, together with the Liquidity Facility, the "Guaranteed Liquidity Facilities") pursuant to which DCL will provide up to $3.5 billion of funds in exchange for the transfer by FSAM to DCL of FSAM securities that are not eligible to satisfy collateralization obligations of the GIC Issuers under the GICs. As of September 30, 2010, no amounts were outstanding under the Repurchase Facility Agreement.

        On June 30, 2009, to support the payment obligations of FSAM and the GIC Issuers, each of Dexia SA and DCL entered into two separate ISDA Master Agreements, each with its associated schedule, confirmation and credit support annex (the "Guaranteed Put Contract" and the "Non-Guaranteed Put Contract" respectively, and collectively, the "Dexia Put Contracts"), pursuant to which Dexia SA and DCL jointly and severally guarantee the scheduled payments of interest and principal in relation to each FSAM asset, as well as any failure of Dexia to provide liquidity or liquid collateral under the Guaranteed Liquidity Facilities. The Dexia Put Contracts reference separate portfolios of FSAM assets to which assets owned by FSAM as of September 30, 2008 were allocated, with the less liquid assets and the assets with the lowest market-to-market values generally being allocated to the Guaranteed Put Contract. As of September 30, 2010, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of FSAM assets related to the Guaranteed Put Contract was equal to approximately $10.1 billion and the aggregate principal balance of FSAM assets related to the Non-Guaranteed Put Contract was equal to approximately $4.3 billion.

        Pursuant to the Dexia Put Contracts, FSAM may put an amount of FSAM assets to Dexia SA and DCL:

182


Table of Contents

        To secure each Dexia Put Contract, Dexia SA and DCL will, pursuant to the related credit support annex, post eligible highly liquid collateral having an aggregate value (subject to agreed reductions) equal to at least the excess of (a) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding GICs over (b) the aggregate mark-to-market value of FSAM's assets. Prior to September 29, 2011 (the "Expected First Collateral Posting Date"), the aggregate mark-to-market value of the FSAM assets related to the Guaranteed Put Contract will be deemed to be equal to the aggregate unpaid principal balance of such assets for purposes of calculating their mark-to-market value. As a result, it is expected that Dexia SA and DCL will not be required to post collateral until the Expected First Collateral Posting Date. Additional collateralization is required in respect of certain other liabilities of FSAM.

        On June 30, 2009, the States of Belgium and France (the "States") issued a guarantee to FSAM pursuant to which the States guarantee, severally but not jointly, Dexia's payment obligations under the Guaranteed Put Contract, subject to certain limitations set forth therein. The States' guarantee with respect to payment demands arising from Liquidity Default Triggers and Collateral Default Triggers is scheduled to expire on October 31, 2011, and the States' guarantee with respect to payment demands arising from an Asset Default Trigger or a Bankruptcy Trigger is scheduled to expire on the earlier of (a) the final maturity of the latest maturing of the remaining FSAM assets related to the Guaranteed Put Contract, and (b) March 30, 2035.

        Despite the execution of such documentation, the Company remains subject to the risk that Dexia or the Belgian state and/or the French state may not make payments or securities available (a) on a timely basis, which is referred to as "liquidity risk," or (b) at all, which is referred to as "credit risk," because of the risk of default. Even if Dexia and/or the Belgian state or the French state have sufficient assets to pay all amounts when due, concerns regarding Dexia's or such states' financial condition or willingness to comply with their obligations could cause one or more rating agencies to view negatively the ability or willingness of Dexia or such states to perform under their various agreements and could negatively affect the Company's ratings.

        One situation in which AGM may be required to pay claims in respect of AGMH's former financial products business if Dexia or if the Belgian or French states do not comply with their obligations is if AGM is downgraded. Most of the GICs insured by AGM allow for the withdrawal of GIC funds in the event of a downgrade of AGM, unless the relevant GIC issuer posts collateral or otherwise enhances its credit. Most GICs insured by AGM allow for the termination of the GIC contract and a withdrawal of GIC funds in the event of a downgrade of AGM below a specified

183


Table of Contents


threshold, generally below A- by S&P or A3 by Moody's, with no right of the GIC issuer to avoid such withdrawal by posting collateral or otherwise enhancing its credit. Each GIC contract stipulates the thresholds below which the GIC provider must post eligible collateral along with the types of securities eligible for posting and the collateralization percentage applicable to each security type. These collateralization percentages range from 100% of the GIC balance for cash posted as collateral to, typically, 108% for ABS. At September 30, 2010, a downgrade of AGM to below AA- by S&P and Aa3 by Moody's (i.e., A+ by S&P and A1 by Moody's) would result in withdrawal of $509 million of GIC funds and the need to post collateral on GICs with a balance of $6.3 billion. In the event of such a downgrade, assuming an average margin of 105%, the market value as of September 30, 2010 that the GIC issuers would be required to post in order to avoid withdrawal of any GIC funds would be $6.6 billion.

        As of September 30, 2010, the market value of the assets of the Financial Products Companies exceeded the accreted value of their insured liabilities by approximately $1.9 billion (before any tax effects and including the aggregate net market value of the derivative portfolio of $291.9 million). This compares to December 31, 2009 when the accreted value of the insured liabilities exceeded the market value of the assets by approximately $1.3 billion (before any tax effects and including the aggregate net market value of the derivative portfolio of $128 million). If Dexia or if the Belgian or French states do not fulfill their contractual obligations, the Financial Products Companies may not have the financial ability to pay upon the withdrawal of GIC funds or post collateral or make other payments in respect of the GICs, thereby resulting in claims upon the AGM financial guaranty insurance policies. If AGM is required to pay a claim due to a failure of the Financial Products Companies to pay amounts in respect of the GICs, AGM is subject to the risk that the GICs will not be paid from funds received from Dexia or the Belgian state and/or the French state before it is required to make payment under its financial guaranty policies or that it will not receive the guaranty payment at all.

        In connection with the Company's AGMH Acquisition, DCL issued a funding guaranty (the "Funding Guaranty") pursuant to which DCL has guaranteed, for the benefit of AGM and Financial Security Assurance International, Ltd. (the "Beneficiaries" or the "FSA Parties"), the payment to or on behalf of the relevant Beneficiary of an amount equal to the payment required to be made under an FSA Policy (as defined below) issued by that Beneficiary and a reimbursement guaranty (the "Reimbursement Guaranty" and, together with the Funding Guaranty, the "Dexia Crédit Local Guarantees") pursuant to which DCL has guaranteed, for the benefit of each Beneficiary, the payment to the applicable Beneficiary of reimbursement amounts related to payments made by that Beneficiary following a claim for payment under an obligation insured by an FSA Policy. Under a Separation Agreement dated as of July 1, 2009 among DCL, the FSA Parties, FSA Global Funding Limited ("FSA Global") and Premier International Funding Co. ("Premier"), and the Dexia Crédit Local Guarantees, DCL agreed to fund, on behalf of the FSA Parties, 100% of all policy claims made under the financial guaranty insurance policies issued by the FSA Parties (the "FSA Policies") in relation to the MTN issuance program of FSA Global (the "MTN Business"). Without limiting DCL's obligation to fund 100% of all policy claims under those FSA Policies, the FSA Parties will have a separate obligation to remit to DCL a certain percentage (ranging from 0% to 25%) of those policy claims. AGM, the Company and related parties are also protected against losses arising out of or as a result of the MTN Business through an indemnification agreement with DCL.

        Under the Strip Coverage Facility entered into in connection with the AGMH Acquisition, Dexia Credit Local (NY) agreed to make loans to AGM to finance all draws made by lessors on certain AGM strip policies, as described further under "Commitments and Contingencies—Recourse Credit Facilities—2009 Strip Coverage Facility" under this Liquidity and Capital Resources section of

184


Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. AGM may request advances under the Strip Coverage Facility without any explicit limit on the number of loan requests, provided that the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding as of any date may not exceed $1 billion (the "Commitment Amount"). The Commitment Amount:

        As of September 30, 2010, no advances were outstanding under the Strip Coverage Facility.

        Dexia Crédit Local (NY)'s commitment to make advances under the Strip Coverage Facility is subject to the satisfaction by AGM of customary conditions precedent, including compliance with certain financial covenants, and will terminate at the earliest of (A) the occurrence of a change of control with respect to AGM, (B) the reduction of the Commitment Amount to $0 and (C) January 31, 2042.

Sensitivity to Ratings Agency Actions in Reinsurance Business

        The Company's reinsurance business and its insured CDS portfolio are both sensitive to rating agency actions. The rating actions taken by Moody's on November 12, 2009 to downgrade the insurance financial strength rating of AG Re and its subsidiaries to A1 from Aa3 and to downgrade the insurance financial strength rating of AGC and AGUK to Aa3 from Aa2 have the following effects upon the business and financial condition of those companies.

        With respect to a significant portion of the Company's in-force financial guaranty reinsurance business, due to the downgrade of AG Re to A1, subject to the terms of each reinsurance agreement, the ceding company may have the right to recapture business ceded to AG Re and assets representing substantially all of the statutory unearned premium reserve net of loss reserves (if any) associated with that business. As of September 30, 2010, the statutory unearned premium reserve, which represents deferred revenue to the Company, subject to recapture was approximately $144.9 million. If this entire amount were recaptured, it would result in a corresponding one-time reduction to net income of approximately $20.0 million.

Ratings Sensitivities of Credit Derivative Contracts

        Some of the Company's CDS have rating triggers that allow the CDS counterparty to terminate in the case of a rating downgrade. If the ratings of certain of the Company's insurance subsidiaries were reduced below certain levels and the Company's counterparty elected to terminate the CDS, the Company could be required to make a termination payment on certain of its credit derivative contracts, as determined under the relevant documentation. Under certain documents, the Company may have the right to cure the termination event by posting collateral, assigning its rights and obligations in respect of the transactions to a third party or seeking a third party guaranty of the obligations of the Company. In November 2010, the Company and one of its CDS counterparties amended the ISDA master agreement between them to eliminate the additional termination event that would be triggered in the event of a rating downgrade of AGC and to amend AGC's collateral posting requirement discussed below. The Company now has three remaining ISDA master agreements under which the applicable counterparty could elect to terminate transactions upon a rating downgrade of AGC: if AGC's ratings were downgraded to BBB- or Baa3, $100 million in par insured could be terminated by one counterparty; and if AGC's ratings were downgraded to BB+ or Ba1, approximately $2.9 billion in par insured could be terminated by the other two counterparties. As of the date of this filing, none of AG Re, AGRO or AGM had any material CDS exposure subject to termination based on its rating. The Company does not believe that it can accurately estimate the termination payments it could be

185


Table of Contents


required to make if, as a result of any such downgrade, a CDS counterparty terminated its CDS contracts with the Company. These payments could have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity and financial condition.

        Under a limited number of other CDS contracts, the Company may be required to post eligible securities as collateral—generally cash or U.S. government or agency securities. For certain of such contracts, this requirement is based on a mark-to-market valuation, as determined under the relevant documentation, in excess of contractual thresholds that decline or are eliminated if the ratings of certain of the Company's insurance subsidiaries decline. Under other contracts, the Company has negotiated caps such that the posting requirement cannot exceed a certain amount. After giving effect to the November 2010 amendment of an ISDA master agreement discussed above, and without giving effect to thresholds that apply at current ratings, the amount of par that is subject to collateral posting is approximately $19.0 billion, for which the Company has agreed to post approximately $753.2 million of collateral. The Company may be required to post additional collateral from time to time, depending on its ratings and on the market values of the transactions subject to the collateral posting. Counterparties have agreed that for approximately $18.3 billion of that $19.0 billion, the maximum amount that the Company could be required to post is capped at $635 million at current rating levels (which amount is included in the $753.2 million as to which the Company has agreed to post). Such cap increases by $50 million to $685 million in the event AGC's ratings are downgraded to A+ or A3.

CDS Counterparty Exposure

        The recent credit crisis and related turmoil in the global financial system has had and may continue to have an impact on the Company's business. As of September 30, 2010, the present value of future installment premiums ("PVI") of the Company's CDS contracts with counterparties in the financial services industry was approximately $683.8 million. The largest counterparties were:

Counterparty
  PVI Amount  
 
  (in millions)
 

Deutsche Bank AG

  $ 183.9  

Dexia Bank

    65.7  

Barclays Capital

    44.7  

BNP Paribas Finance Inc. 

    43.1  

RBS/ABN AMRO

    36.5  

Other(1)

    309.9  
       
 

Total

  $ 683.8  
       

(1)
Each counterparty within the "Other" category represents less than 5% of the total.

        The Company also has credit risk to the sellers and originators against which it is enforcing its remedy of putting back mortgage loans that support RMBS transactions or against which it may bring litigation proceedings. If the financial position of such sellers or originators deteriorates, including as a result of putback efforts or litigation pursued by other parties, such sellers or originators may not have the wherewithal to make payments to the Company. See "—Results of Operations—Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Operations—Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves". Furthermore, the Company has credit risk exposure to the financial guaranty insurers to which it has ceded portions of its insured portfolio, many of which have experienced financial distress in the past few years. See "—Summary of Relationships with Monolines."

186


Table of Contents

Item 3.    Market Risk

        Market risk represents the potential for losses that may result from changes in the value of a financial instrument as a result of changes in market conditions. The primary market risks that impact the value of the Company's financial instruments are interest rate risk, credit spread risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Each of these risks and the specific types of financial instruments impacted are described below. Senior managers in the Company's surveillance department are responsible for monitoring risk limits and applying risk measurement methodologies. The estimation of potential insured losses arising from adverse changes in market conditions is a key element in managing market risk in the insured portfolio. The Company uses various systems, models and stress test scenarios to monitor and manage market risk. These models include estimates made by management that use current and historic market information. The valuation results from these models could differ materially from amounts that actually are realized in the market.

        Financial instruments that may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates consist primarily of investment securities. The primary objective in managing the Company's investment portfolio is generation of an optimal level of after-tax investment income while preserving capital and maintaining adequate liquidity. Investment strategies are based on many factors, including the Company's tax position, fluctuation in interest rates, regulatory and rating agency criteria and other market factors. Prior to mid-October 2009, the Company's investment portfolio was managed by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and Western Asset Management. In mid-October 2009, in addition to BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., the Company retained Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., General Re-New England Asset Management, Inc. and Wellington Management Company, LLP to manage the Company's investment portfolio. The Company's investment managers have discretionary authority over the Company's investment portfolio within the limits of the Company's investment guidelines approved by the Company's Board of Directors.

        Financial instruments that may be adversely affected by changes in credit spreads consist primarily of Assured Guaranty's outstanding credit derivative contracts. The Company enters into credit derivative contracts which require it to make payments upon the occurrence of certain defined credit events relating to an underlying obligation (generally a fixed income obligation). The Company's credit derivative exposures are substantially similar to its financial guaranty insurance contracts and provide for credit protection against payment default, and are generally not subject to collateral calls due to changes in market value. In general, the Company structures credit derivative transactions such that the circumstances giving rise to the obligation to make loss payments is similar to that for financial guaranty insurance policies and only occurs as losses are realized on the underlying reference obligation. Nonetheless, credit derivative transactions are governed by ISDA documentation and operate differently from financial guaranty insurance policies. For example, the Company's control rights with respect to a reference obligation under a credit derivative may be more limited than when the Company issues a financial guaranty policy on a direct primary basis. In addition, while the Company's exposure under credit derivatives, like its exposure under financial guaranty policies, is generally for as long as the reference obligation remains outstanding, unlike financial guaranty insurance policies, a credit derivative may be terminated for a breach of the ISDA documentation or other specific events. Under certain documents, the Company may have the right to cure the termination event by posting collateral, assigning its rights and obligations in respect of the transactions to a third party or seeking a third party guarantee of the obligations of the Company. If certain of its credit derivative contracts are terminated, the Company could be required to make a termination payment as determined under the relevant documentation, although under certain documents, the Company may have the right to cure the termination event by posting collateral, assigning its rights and obligations in respect of the transactions to a third party or seeking a third party guaranty of the obligations of the Company.

187


Table of Contents

        Financial instruments that may be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates consist primarily of installment premiums receivable on financial guaranty insurance contracts where the terms of the contract call for its cash flows to be settled in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company's subsidiary originating the transaction. Under U.S. GAAP, the present value of future installment premiums for financial guaranty insurance contracts are recorded as a premiums receivable and unearned premium reserve. Premiums receivable are considered a monetary asset and revalued each reporting period at the current exchange rate with changes in value included in net income or OCI. Unearned premium reserve is considered a non-monetary liability and its value is fixed when initially recorded. The difference in accounting treatment for these related amounts could create net income volatility in periods with significant changes in foreign currency exchange rates; specifically for changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British pound sterling and the European Union Euro ("Euro"). The Company has approximately 41% of installment premiums denominated in foreign currencies as of September 30, 2010.

Valuation of Credit Derivatives

        Unrealized gains and losses on credit derivatives are a function of changes in the estimated fair value of the Company's credit derivative contracts. If credit spreads of the underlying obligations change, the fair value of the related credit derivative changes. Market liquidity could also impact valuations of the underlying obligations. As such, Assured Guaranty experiences mark-to-market gains or losses. The Company considers the impact of its own credit risk, together with credit spreads on the risk that it assumes through CDS contracts, in determining the fair value of its credit derivatives. The Company determines its own credit risk based on quoted CDS prices traded on the Company at each balance sheet date. The quoted price of CDS contracts traded on AGC at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was 893 bps and 634 bps, respectively. The quoted price of CDS contracts traded on AGM at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was 645 bps and 541 bps, respectively. Historically, the price of CDS traded on AGC and AGM moves directionally the same as general market spreads. Generally, a widening of the CDS prices traded on AGC and AGM has an effect of offsetting unrealized losses that result from widening general market credit spreads, while a narrowing of the CDS prices traded on AGC and AGM has an effect of offsetting unrealized gains that result from narrowing general market credit spreads. An overall narrowing of spreads generally results in an unrealized gain on credit derivatives for the Company and an overall widening of spreads generally results in an unrealized loss for the Company.

        The impact of changes in credit spreads will vary based upon the volume, tenor, interest rates, and other market conditions at the time these fair values are determined. In addition, since each transaction has unique collateral and structure terms, the underlying change in fair value of each transaction may vary considerably. The fair value of credit derivative contracts also reflects the change in the Company's own credit cost, based on the price to purchase credit protection on AGC and AGM. During Third Quarter 2010 and Nine Months 2010, the Company incurred net pre-tax unrealized losses on credit derivatives of $284.9 million and unrealized gains of $2.3 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2010 the net credit liability included a reduction in the liability of $3.7 billion representing AGC's and AGM's credit value adjustment, which was based on the market cost of AGC's and AGM's credit protection. Management believes that the trading level of AGC's and AGM's credit spread was due to the correlation between AGC's and AGM's risk profile and that experienced currently by the broader financial markets and increased demand for credit protection against AGC and AGM as the result of its financial guaranty direct segment financial guarantee volume, as well as the overall lack of liquidity in the CDS market. Offsetting the benefit attributable to AGC's and AGM's credit spread were declines in fixed income security market prices primarily attributable to widening spreads in certain markets as a result of the continued deterioration in credit markets and some credit rating downgrades. The higher credit spreads in the fixed income security market were

188


Table of Contents


primarily due to continuing market concerns over the most recent vintages of Subprime and Alt-A RMBS, and TruPS.

        The total notional amount of credit derivative exposure outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and included in the Company's financial guaranty exposure was $116.0 billion and $122.4 billion, respectively. The increase was due to the AGMH Acquisition.

        The Company generally holds these credit derivative contracts to maturity. The unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments will reduce to zero as the exposure approaches its maturity date, unless there is a payment default on the exposure or early termination.

        The following table summarizes the estimated change in fair values on the net balance of the Company's credit derivative positions assuming immediate parallel shifts in credit spreads on AGC and AGM and on the risks that they both assume:

 
  As of September 30, 2010  
Credit Spreads(1)
  Estimated Net
Fair Value (Pre-Tax)
  Estimated Pre-Tax
Change in Gain/(Loss)
 
 
  (in millions)
 

100% widening in spreads

  $ (3,721.2 ) $ (2,016.1 )

50% widening in spreads

    (2,722.4 )   (1,017.3 )

25% widening in spreads

    (2,217.6 )   (512.5 )

10% widening in spreads

    (1,913.2 )   (208.1 )

Base Scenario

    (1,705.1 )    

10% narrowing in spreads

    (1,562.8 )   142.3  

25% narrowing in spreads

    (1,346.0 )   359.1  

50% narrowing in spreads

    (990.0 )   715.1  

(1)
Includes the effects of spreads on both the underlying asset classes and the Company's own credit spread.

Valuation of Investments

        As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had total investments of $10.7 billion and $10.8 billion, respectively. See Note 9 in "Item 1. Financial Statements".

        Changes in interest rates affect the value of its fixed maturity portfolio. As interest rates fall, the fair value of fixed maturity securities increases and as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed maturity securities decreases. The Company's portfolio is comprised primarily of high-quality, liquid instruments. The Company continues to receive sufficient information to value its investments and has not had to modify its approach due to current market conditions.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

        AGL's management, with the participation of AGL's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of AGL's disclosure controls and procedures (as 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 the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-5 under the Exchange Act, AGL's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, AGL's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by AGL (including its consolidated subsidiaries) in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

189


Table of Contents

        There have been no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the Company's quarter ended September 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

        Lawsuits arise in the ordinary course of the Company's business. It is the opinion of the Company's management, based upon the information available, that the expected outcome of litigation against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or liquidity, although an adverse resolution of litigation against the Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year. In addition, in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, certain of the Company's subsidiaries assert claims in legal proceedings against third parties to recover losses paid in prior periods. For example, as described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis—Results of Operations—Loss and LAE (Financial Guaranty Contracts in Insurance Form)—Loss Estimation Process and Assumptions—Recovery Litigation," as of the date of this filing, AGC and AGM have filed complaints against certain sponsors and underwriters of RMBS securities that AGC or AGM had insured, alleging, among other claims, that such persons had breached R&W in the transaction documents, failed to cure or repurchase defective loans and/or violated state securities laws. The amounts, if any, the Company will recover in proceedings to recover losses are uncertain, and recoveries, or failure to obtain recoveries, in any one or more of these proceedings during any quarter or fiscal year could be material to the Company's results of operations in that particular quarter or fiscal year.

Proceedings Relating to the Company's Financial Guaranty Business

        The Company has received subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories from the State of Connecticut Attorney General and the Attorney General of the State of California related to antitrust concerns associated with the methodologies used by rating agencies for determining the credit rating of municipal debt, including a proposal by Moody's to assign corporate equivalent ratings to municipal obligations, and the Company's communications with rating agencies. The Company has satisfied or is in the process of satisfying such requests. It may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

        AGM and various other financial guarantors were named in three complaints filed in the Superior Court, San Francisco County, California in December 2008 and January 2009 by the following plaintiffs: (a) City of Los Angeles, acting by and through the Department of Water and Power; (b) Sacramento Municipal Utility District; and (c) City of Sacramento. In or about August 2009, plaintiffs in these cases filed amended complaints against AGC and AGM. At the same time, AGC and AGM were named in six other amended complaints and three new complaints by the following plaintiffs: (d) City of Los Angeles; (e) City of Oakland; (f) City of Riverside; (g) City of Stockton; (h) County of Alameda; (i) County of Contra Costa; (j) County of San Mateo; (k) Los Angeles World Airports and (l) City and County of San Francisco. Plaintiffs thereafter dismissed AGC and AGM from the City and County of San Francisco complaint in September 2009.

        These complaints allege (i) participation in a conspiracy in violation of California's antitrust laws to maintain a dual credit rating scale that misstated the credit default risk of municipal bond issuers and created market demand for municipal bond insurance, (ii) participation in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that damaged each bond insurer's financial condition (thereby undermining the value of each of their guaranties), and (iii) a failure to adequately disclose the impact

190


Table of Contents


of those transactions on their financial condition. In addition to their antitrust claims, various plaintiffs in these actions assert claims for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, unjust enrichment, negligence, and negligent misrepresentation.

        At a hearing on March 1, 2010, the court on its own motion struck all of the plaintiffs' complaints with leave to amend. The court instructed plaintiffs to file one consolidated complaint. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs and other expenses. On May 28, 2010, the plaintiffs, together with certain new plaintiffs, filed two consolidated complaints, making allegations similar to those contained in their previous complaints. The newly added plaintiffs are as follows: (m) City of Richmond; (n) Redwood City; (o) East Bay Municipal Utility District; (p) Sacramento Suburban Water District; (q) City of San Jose; (r) County of Tulare; (s) The Regents of the University of California; (t) The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside and (u) The Public Financing Authority of the City of Riverside. On July 7, 2010, plaintiffs' counsel filed another complaint, adding as a new plaintiff (v) The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, which in addition to asserting the claims discussed above, asserts claims for unfair business practices under California state law, and (w) the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, which asserts claims for antitrust violations under California law. By letter dated July 13, 2010, plaintiffs' counsel proposed amending a similar complaint filed by (x) The Olympic Club to allege claims against AGC and AGM. The three amended complaints were filed on October 13, 2010. On September 17, 2010, AGC, AGM, and other named defendants filed demurrers to plaintiffs' complaints. On October 29, 2010, plaintiff Sacramento Municipal Utility District dismissed with prejudice all pending cases and actions against AGC and AGM. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

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

        In September 2010, AGM, among others, was named as a defendant in an interpleader complaint filed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trust administrator, in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York. The interpleader complaint relates to an RMBS transaction in which AGM had insured certain classes of certificates. Certain holders of uninsured certificates have disputed payments made by the trust administrator to reimburse AGM for claims it had paid under its financial guaranty policy. The trust administrator seeks adjudication of the priority of AGM's reimbursements. If the decision is adverse to AGM, total unreimbursed claims is uncertain but could be as much as approximately $110 million over the life of the transaction. The Company intends to defend this action and to pursue its rights under the transaction documents vigorously.

Proceedings Related to AGMH's Former Financial Products Business

        The following is a description of legal proceedings involving AGMH's former Financial Products Business. Although the Company did not acquire AGMH's former Financial Products Business, which included AGMH's former GICs business, MTN business and portions of the leveraged lease businesses, certain legal proceedings relating to those businesses are against entities which the Company did acquire. While Dexia SA and DCL, jointly and severally, have agreed to indemnify the Company against liability arising out of the proceedings described below in this "—Proceedings Related to AGMH's Former Financial Products Business" section, such indemnification might not be sufficient to

191


Table of Contents


fully hold the Company harmless against any injunctive relief or criminal sanction that is imposed against AGMH or its subsidiaries.

        AGMH and/or AGM have received subpoenas duces tecum and interrogatories or civil investigative demands from the Attorney General of the States of Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Texas and West Virginia relating to their investigations of alleged bid rigging of municipal GICs. AGMH is responding to such requests. AGMH may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future. In addition,

Pursuant to the subpoenas, AGMH has furnished to the Department of Justice and SEC records and other information with respect to AGMH's municipal GICs business. The ultimate loss that may arise from these investigations remains uncertain.

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

        Five of these cases named both AGMH and AGM: (a) Hinds County, Mississippi v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (b) Fairfax County, Virginia v. Wachovia Bank, N.A.; (c) Central Bucks School District, Pennsylvania v. Wachovia Bank N.A.; (d) Mayor & City Council of Baltimore, Maryland v. Wachovia Bank N.A.; and (e) Washington County, Tennessee v. Wachovia Bank N.A. In April 2009, the MDL 1950 court granted the defendants' motion to dismiss on the federal claims, but granted leave for the plaintiffs to file a second amended complaint. In June 2009, interim lead plaintiffs' counsel filed a Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees and other costs. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits; although the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint currently describes some of AGMH's and AGM's activities, it does not name those entities as defendants. In March 2010, the MDL 1950 court denied the named defendants' motions to dismiss the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint.

        Four of the cases named AGMH (but not AGM) and also alleged that the defendants violated California state antitrust law and common law by engaging in illegal bid-rigging and market allocation,

192


Table of Contents


thereby depriving the cities or municipalities of competition in the awarding of GICs and ultimately resulting in the cities paying higher fees for these products: (f) City of Oakland, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; (g) County of Alameda, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; (h) City of Fresno, California v. AIG Financial Products Corp.; and (i) Fresno County Financing Authority v. AIG Financial Products Corp. When the four plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint in September 2009, the plaintiffs did not name AGMH as a defendant. However, the complaint does describe some of AGMH's and AGM's activities. The consolidated complaint generally seeks unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees and other costs. In April 2010, the MDL 1950 court granted in part and denied in part the named defendants' motions to dismiss this consolidated complaint.

        In 2008, AGMH and AGM also were named in five non-class action lawsuits originally filed in the California Superior Courts alleging violations of California law related to the municipal derivatives industry: (a) City of Los Angeles, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (b) City of Stockton, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (c) County of San Diego, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (d) County of San Mateo, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; and (e) County of Contra Costa, California v. Bank of America, N.A. Amended complaints in these actions were filed in September 2009, adding a federal antitrust claim and naming AGM (but not AGMH) and AGUS, among other defendants. These cases have been transferred to the S.D.N.Y. and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings.

        In late 2009, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in six additional non-class action cases filed in federal court, which also have been coordinated and consolidated for pretrial proceedings with MDL 1950: (f) City of Riverside, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (g) Sacramento Municipal Utility District, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (h) Los Angeles World Airports, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (i) Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; (j) Sacramento Suburban Water District, California v. Bank of America, N.A.; and (k) County of Tulare, California v. Bank of America, N.A.

        The MDL 1950 court denied AGM and AGUS's motions to dismiss these eleven complaints in April 2010. Amended complaints were filed in May 2010. On October 29, 2010, AGM and AGUS were voluntarily dismissed with prejudice from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District only. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek or sought unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from the remaining lawsuits.

        In May 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in five additional non-class action cases filed in federal court in California: (a) City of Richmond, California v. Bank of America, N.A(filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California); (b) City of Redwood City, California v. Bank of America, N.A.(filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California); (c) Redevelopment Agency of the City and County of San Francisco, California v. Bank of America, N.A.(filed on May 21, 2010, N.D. California); (d) East Bay Municipal Utility District, California v. Bank of America, N.A.(filed on May18, 2010, N.D. California); and (e) City of San Jose and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, California v. Bank of America, N.A.(filed on May 18, 2010, N.D. California). These cases have also been transferred to the S.D.N.Y. and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. In September 2010, AGM and AGUS, among other defendants, were named in a sixth additional non-class action filed in the federal court in New York, but which alleges violation of New York's Donnelly Act in addition to federal antitrust law: Active Retirement Community, Inc. d/b/a Jefferson's Ferry v. Bank of America, N.A. (filed on September 21, 2010, E.D. New York). This case has been conditionally transferred to the S.D.N.Y. for consolidation with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaints in these lawsuits generally seek unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from these lawsuits.

193


Table of Contents

        In September 2009, the Attorney General of the State of West Virginia filed a lawsuit (Circuit Ct. Mason County, W. Va.) against Bank of America, N.A. alleging West Virginia state antitrust violations in the municipal derivatives industry, seeking damages and alleging, among other things, a conspiracy to fix the pricing of, and manipulate bids for, municipal derivatives, including GICs. An amended complaint in this action was filed in June 2010, adding a federal antitrust claim and naming AGM (but not AGMH) and AGUS, among other defendants. This case has been removed to federal court as well as transferred to the S.D.N.Y. and consolidated with MDL 1950 for pretrial proceedings. The complaint in this lawsuit generally seeks civil penalties, unspecified monetary damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs and other expenses. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from this lawsuit.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

        The following information, which could materially affect the Company's business, financial condition or future results, contains material updates and/or additions to the risk factors set forth in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and in Part II, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010 should be considered carefully and read in conjunction with the information set forth in such Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in the Company's other filings with the SEC. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks not presently known to the Company or that it currently deems immaterial may also impair its business or results of operations. Any of the risks described below could result in a significant or material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.

A downgrade of the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of any of the Company's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries would adversely affect its business and prospects and, consequently, its results of operations and financial condition.

        The financial strength and financial enhancement ratings assigned by S&P and Moody's to the Company's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries provide the rating agencies' opinions of the insurer's financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders and cedants in accordance with the terms of the financial guaranties it has issued or the reinsurance agreements it has executed. The ratings also reflect qualitative factors, such as the rating agencies' opinion of an insurer's business strategy and franchise value, the anticipated future demand for its product, the composition of its portfolio, and its capital adequacy, profitability and financial flexibility. Issuers, investors, underwriters, credit derivative counterparties, ceding companies and others consider the Company's financial strength or financial enhancement ratings an important factor when deciding whether or not to utilize a financial guaranty or purchase reinsurance from the Company's insurance or reinsurance subsidiaries. A downgrade by a rating agency of the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of the Company's subsidiaries could impair the Company's financial condition, results of operation, liquidity, business prospects or other aspects of the Company's business.

        The ratings assigned by the rating agencies that publish financial strength or financial enhancement ratings on the Company's insurance subsidiaries are subject to frequent review and may be downgraded by a rating agency as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the rating agency's revised stress loss estimates for the Company's portfolio, adverse developments in the Company's or the subsidiaries' financial conditions or results of operations due to underwriting or investment losses or other factors, changes in the rating agency's outlook for the financial guaranty industry or in the markets in which the Company operates, or a revision in the rating agency's capital model or ratings methodology. Their reviews occur at any time and without notice to the Company and could result in a

194


Table of Contents


decision to downgrade, revise or withdraw the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of AGL's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries.

        During 2008 and 2009, each of S&P, Moody's and Fitch reviewed and, in some cases, downgraded the financial strength ratings of AGL's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, including AGC, AGM and AG Re. In addition, the rating agencies changed the ratings outlook for certain of the Company's subsidiaries to "negative" from "stable." The rating agencies' actions on the Company's ratings in 2009 and 2010 are summarized below.

        On October 25, 2010, S&P lowered the counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on AGC, AGM and their respective insurance subsidiaries from AAA (outlook negative) to AA+ (outlook stable). S&P stated in its Research Update that its action is based on a number of factors, including its belief that there is diminished demand for bond insurance from issuers and investors which, over time, could be detrimental to the Company's business prospects and its belief that the Company could continue in the near term to report weak statutory operating results, which could limit statutory surplus growth. S&P also perceives the Company's current capitalization as being consistent with a AA+ rating. As part of its capital adequacy analysis, S&P considered the Company's unrealized receivable attributable to R&W recoverables on insured RMBS transactions. In changing the outlook of AGC, AGM and their respective insurance subsidiaries from negative to stable, S&P noted in its Research Update the Company's strong capitalization, largely investment-grade book of insured par and strong business position. According to S&P, an S&P rating outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating over the intermediate term (typically six months to two years) and stable means that a rating is not likely to change during that period. S&P noted in its Research Update that if the Company were to report meaningful statutory losses, it would lower the ratings or revise the outlook to negative. In its rating action, S&P affirmed the counterparty credit rating of A+ (outlook stable) on AGL and did not take any rating action on any of the other subsidiaries of AGL. Management cannot assure you that S&P will not take negative action on the Company's ratings.

        On December 18, 2009, Moody's concluded the financial strength ratings review of AGC and AG Re that it had initiated on November 12, 2009 (when it downgraded the insurance financial strength ratings of AGC and AGUK from Aa2 to Aa3 and of AG Re, AGRO and AGMIC from Aa3 to A1, and placed all such ratings on review for possible downgrade) by confirming the Aa3 insurance financial strength rating of AGC and AGUK, and the A1 insurance financial strength rating of AG Re, AGRO and AGMIC. At the same time, Moody's affirmed the Aa3 insurance financial strength rating of AGM. Moody's stated that it believed the Company's capital support transactions, including AGL's issuance of common shares in December 2009 that resulted in net proceeds of $573.8 million, $500.0 million of which was downstreamed to AGC, increased AGC's capital to a level consistent with Moody's expectations for a Aa3 rating, while leaving its affiliates with capital structures that Moody's believes are appropriate for their own ratings. However, Moody's ratings outlook for each such rating is negative because Moody's believes there is meaningful remaining uncertainty about the Company's ultimate credit losses and the demand for the Company's financial guaranty insurance and its competitive position once the municipal finance market normalizes. Management cannot assure you that Moody's will not take negative action on the Company's ratings.

        On October 12, 2009, Fitch downgraded the debt and insurer financial strength ratings of several of the Company's subsidiaries. Until February 24, 2010, when Fitch, at the request of the Company, withdrew the insurer financial strength and debt ratings of all of the Company's rated subsidiaries at their then current levels, Fitch's insurer financial strength ratings for AGC, AGUK, AG Re, AGRO and AGMIC were AA-, and for AGM, AGMIC, FSA International and AGE AA. All of such ratings had been assigned a negative outlook.

195


Table of Contents

        For further discussion of these recent rating agency actions taken by Moody's, Fitch and S&P, see "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Executive Summary—Importance of Financial Strength Ratings" and See "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sensitivity to Rating Agency Actions in Reinsurance Business and Insured CDS Portfolio."

        The Company believes that these rating agency actions have reduced the Company's new business opportunities and have also affected the value of the Company's product to issuers and investors. The insurance subsidiaries' financial strength ratings are an important competitive factor in the financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance markets. If the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of any of the Company's insurance subsidiaries were reduced below current levels, the Company expects it would have further adverse effect on its future business opportunities as well as the premiums it could charge for its insurance policies and consequently, a downgrade could harm the Company's new business production, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, a downgrade may also reduce the value of the reinsurance the Company offers, which may no longer be of sufficient economic value for the Company's customers to continue to cede to its subsidiaries at economically viable rates.

        If AGM's financial strength or financial enhancement ratings were downgraded, AGM-insured GICs issued by the Financial Products Companies may come due or may come due absent the provision of collateral by the Company. The Company relies on agreements pursuant to which Dexia has agreed to guarantee or lend certain amounts, or to post liquid collateral, in regards to AGMH's former financial products business. See the Risk Factor in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled "Risks Related to the AGMH Acquisition and the Integration of AGMH—The Company has substantial exposure to credit and liquidity risks from Dexia and the Belgian and French states."

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

Issuer's Purchases of Equity Securities

        The following table reflects purchases of AGL common shares made by the Company during the Third Quarter 2010:

Period
  Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased(1)
  Average
Price Paid
Per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
  Maximum Number
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Program
 

July 1 - July 31

      $          

August 1 - August 31

    136   $ 17.64         2,000,000  

September 1 - September 30

      $         2,000,000  
                       
 

Total

    136   $            
                       

(1)
Includes shares repurchased from employees in connection with the payment of withholding taxes due in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards.

        For the restricted stock units granted, the number of shares issued on the date the restricted stock units vest is net of the statutory withholding requirements that the Company pays on behalf of its employees. These withheld shares are not included in the common shares repurchase table above. During the Third Quarter 2010 the Company withheld an immaterial amount to satisfy employee tax obligations.

Item 6.    Exhibits.

        See Exhibit Index for a list of exhibits filed with this report.

196


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.

    ASSURED GUARANTY LTD.
(Registrant)

Dated: November 9, 2010

 

By:

 

/s/ ROBERT B. MILLS

Robert B. Mills
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial
Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

Dated: November 9, 2010

 

By:

 

/s/ ROBERT A. BAILENSON

Robert A. Bailenson
Chief Accounting Officer

197


Table of Contents


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number   Description of Document
  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*

 

101.1

 

The following financial information from Assured Guaranty Ltd.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (iv) Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2010; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

*
Furnished herewith.

198