Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

United States

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014

or

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 1-9583

 

 

MBIA INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Connecticut   06-1185706
(State of incorporation)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

As of May 7, 2014, 195,209,782 shares of Common Stock, par value $1 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 

Table of Contents
         PAGE  

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries (Unaudited)   
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (Unaudited)      1   
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)      2   
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)      3   
  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (Unaudited)      4   
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (Unaudited)      5   
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)      6   

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      61   

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      101   

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures      103   

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings      104   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      104   

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      105   

Item 6.

   Exhibits      106   

SIGNATURES

      107   

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

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

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

 

  •  

increased credit losses or impairments on public finance obligations we insure issued by state, local and territorial governments and finance authorities that are experiencing unprecedented fiscal stress;

 

  •  

the possibility that MBIA Corp. will have inadequate liquidity to pay expected claims as a result of increased losses on certain structured finance transactions, in particular residential mortgage-backed securities transactions that include a substantial number of ineligible mortgage loans, or a delay or failure in collecting expected recoveries;

 

  •  

the possibility that loss reserve estimates are not adequate to cover potential claims;

 

  •  

a disruption in the cash flow from our subsidiaries or an inability to access capital and our exposure to significant fluctuations in liquidity and asset values within the global credit markets as a result of collateral posting requirements;

 

  •  

our ability to fully implement our strategic plan, including our ability to maintain high stable ratings for National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation and generate investor demand for our financial guarantees;

 

  •  

deterioration in the economic environment and financial markets in the United States (“U.S.”) or abroad, and adverse developments in European sovereign credit performance, real estate market performance, credit spreads, interest rates and foreign currency levels;

 

  •  

the effects of governmental regulation, including insurance laws, securities laws, tax laws, legal precedents and accounting rules; and

 

  •  

uncertainties that have not been identified at this time.

The above factors provide a summary of and are qualified in their entirety by the risk factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of MBIA Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. In addition, refer to “Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of certain risks and uncertainties related to our financial statements.

Table of Contents

PART 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In millions except share and per share amounts)

 

                     
     March 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  

Assets

      

Investments:

      

Fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $5,173 and $5,064)

    $ 5,200       $ 4,987   

Investments carried at fair value

      212         204   

Investments pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost $329 and $483)

      278         424   

Short-term investments held as available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,318 and $1,203)

      1,319         1,204   

Other investments (includes investments at fair value of $12 and $11)

      16         16   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total investments

      7,025         6,835   

Cash and cash equivalents

      679         1,161   

Premiums receivable

      1,009         1,051   

Deferred acquisition costs

      250         260   

Insurance loss recoverable

      671         694   

Assets held for sale

      29         29   

Deferred income taxes, net

      917         1,109   

Other assets

      200         222   

Assets of consolidated variable interest entities:

      

Cash

      54         97   

Investments held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $2,695 and $2,651)

      2,793         2,801   

Investments held as available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $35 and $136)

      35         136   

Fixed-maturity securities at fair value

      504         587   

Loans receivable at fair value

      1,557         1,612   

Loan repurchase commitments

      364         359   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total assets

    $ 16,087       $ 16,953   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Liabilities and Equity

      

Liabilities:

      

Unearned premium revenue

    $ 2,337       $ 2,441   

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

      602         641   

Investment agreements

      689         700   

Medium-term notes (includes financial instruments carried at fair value of $215 and $203)

      1,418         1,427   

Long-term debt

      1,731         1,702   

Derivative liabilities

      381         1,152   

Other liabilities

      287         294   

Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities:

      

Variable interest entity notes (includes financial instruments carried at fair value of $2,194 and $2,356)

      5,012         5,286   

Derivative liabilities

      5         11   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total liabilities

      12,462         13,654   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)

      

Equity:

      

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

      -         -   

Common stock, par value $1 per share; authorized shares—400,000,000; issued shares—281,291,579 and 277,812,430

      281         278   

Additional paid-in capital

      3,115         3,115   

Retained earnings

      2,545         2,289   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $16 and $54

      (13)         (86)   

Treasury stock, at cost—86,086,648 and 85,562,546 shares

      (2,324)         (2,318)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total shareholders’ equity of MBIA Inc.

      3,604         3,278   

Preferred stock of subsidiary and noncontrolling interest

      21         21   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total equity

      3,625         3,299   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total liabilities and equity

    $ 16,087       $ 16,953   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

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

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(In millions except share and per share amounts)

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014      2013  

Revenues:

      

Premiums earned:

      

Scheduled premiums earned

    $ 69       $ 79   

Refunding premiums earned

      19         41   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Premiums earned (net of ceded premiums of $2 and $2)

      88         120   

Net investment income

      50         38   

Fees and reimbursements

      4         6   

Change in fair value of insured derivatives:

      

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

      (369)         12   

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

      838         (73)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

      469         (61)   

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

      (55)         63   

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

      1         4   

Other net realized gains (losses)

      1         -   

Revenues of consolidated variable interest entities:

      

Net investment income

      12         16   

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

      3         33   

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

      4         -   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total revenues

      577         219   

Expenses:

      

Losses and loss adjustment

      50         (194)   

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

      10         16   

Operating

      46         106   

Interest

      54         60   

Expenses of consolidated variable interest entities:

      

Operating

      3         4   

Interest

      10         12   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total expenses

      173         4   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Income (loss) before income taxes

      404         215   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

      148         51   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net income (loss)

    $ 256       $ 164   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net income (loss) per common share:

      

Basic

    $ 1.33       $ 0.84   

Diluted

    $ 1.32       $ 0.84   

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

      

Basic

      189,033,982         189,111,170   

Diluted

      190,263,748         190,219,197   

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

 

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MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014      2013  

Net income (loss)

    $ 256       $ 164   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

      

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:

      

Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

      105         13   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

      38         4   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

      67         9   

Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income (loss)

      2         (25)   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

      1         (9)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

      1         (16)   

Available-for-sale securities with other-than-temporary impairments:

      

Other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

      3         5   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

      -         2   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

      3         3   

Foreign currency translation:

      

Foreign currency translation gains (losses)

      (2)         (43)   

Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income (loss)

      4         -   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

      73         (47)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Comprehensive income (loss)

    $ 329       $ 117   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

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

 

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MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

(In millions except share amounts)

 

                                                                                                                        
            Additional
Paid-in
Capital		      Retained
Earnings		      Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)		      Treasury Stock      Total
Shareholders’
Equity
of MBIA Inc.		      Preferred Stock
of Subsidiary and
Noncontrolling Interest		      Total
Equity		  
                       
     Common Stock                       
     Shares      Amount               Shares      Amount         Shares      Amount     

Balance, December 31, 2013

      277,812,430       $ 278       $ 3,115       $ 2,289        $ (86)          (85,562,546)       $ (2,318)       $ 3,278          1,315       $ 21       $ 3,299   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net income (loss)

      -         -         -         256         -         -         -         256         -         -         256   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

      -         -         -         -         73         -         -         73         -         -         73   

Share-based compensation net of tax of $2

      3,479,149         3         -         -         -         (524,102)         (6)         (3)         -         -         (3)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Balance, March 31, 2014

      281,291,579       $ 281       $ 3,115       $ 2,545       $ (13)         (86,086,648)       $ (2,324)       $ 3,604         1,315       $ 21       $ 3,625   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

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

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2014      2013  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Premiums, fees and reimbursements received

    $ 30       $ 54   

Investment income received

      110         115   

Insured derivative commutations and losses paid

      (343)         -   

Financial guarantee losses and loss adjustment expenses paid

      (86)         (115)   

Proceeds from recoveries and reinsurance

      20         13   

Operating and employee related expenses paid

      (111)         (84)   

Interest paid, net of interest converted to principal

      (48)         (61)   

Income taxes (paid) received

      4         -   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

      (424)         (78)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchases of available-for-sale investments

      (325)         (471)   

Sales of available-for-sale investments

      16         620   

Paydowns and maturities of available-for-sale investments

      135         148   

Purchases of investments at fair value

      (386)         (87)   

Sales, paydowns and maturities of investments at fair value

      452         151   

Sales, paydowns and maturities (purchases) of short-term investments, net

      219         (103)   

Sales, paydowns and maturities of held-to-maturity investments

      8         4   

Paydowns and maturities of loans

      55         69   

Consolidation (deconsolidation) of variable interest entities, net

      (1)         -   

(Payments) proceeds for derivative settlements

      (8)         (31)   

Collateral (to) from swap counterparty

      46         23   

Capital expenditures

      (1)         -   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

      210         323   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from investment agreements

      6         8   

Principal paydowns of investment agreements

      (20)         (39)   

Principal paydowns of medium-term notes

      (28)         (23)   

Principal paydowns of variable interest entity notes

      (270)         (246)   

Payments for retirement of debt

      -         (1)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

      (312)         (301)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

      1         -   

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

      (525)         (56)   

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

      1,258         990   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

    $ 733       $ 934   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

      

Net income (loss)

    $ 256       $ 164   

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

      

Change in:

      

Premiums receivable

      41         44   

Deferred acquisition costs

      10         12   

Unearned premium revenue

      (107)         (130)   

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

      (39)         (68)   

Insurance loss recoverable

      23         (229)   

Accrued interest payable

      27         2   

Accrued expenses

      (63)         57   

Realized (gains) losses and other settlements on insured derivatives

      30         -   

Unrealized (gains) losses on insured derivatives

      (838)         73   

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

      52         (96)   

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

      148         53   

Interest on variable interest entities, net

      18         24   

Other operating

      18         16   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total adjustments to net income (loss)

      (680)         (242)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

    $ (424)       $ (78)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

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

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties

Summary

MBIA Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, (collectively, “MBIA” or the “Company”) operates one of the largest financial guarantee insurance businesses in the industry and is a provider of asset management and advisory services. These activities are managed through three business segments: United States (“U.S.”) public finance insurance; structured finance and international insurance; and advisory services. The Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business is primarily operated through National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation and its subsidiaries (“National”), its structured finance and international insurance business is primarily operated through MBIA Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries (“MBIA Corp.”), and its asset management and advisory services business is primarily operated through Cutwater Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Cutwater”). MBIA Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries also manage certain other business activities, the results of which are reported in the corporate, asset/liability products, and conduit segments. The corporate segment includes revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities. While the asset/liability products and conduit businesses represent separate business segments, they may be referred to collectively as “wind-down operations” as the funding programs managed through those businesses are in wind-down. Refer to “Note 10: Business Segments” for further information about the Company’s reporting segments.

Business Developments

National Ratings and New Business Opportunities

National’s ability to write new business and compete with other financial guarantors is largely dependent on the financial strength ratings assigned to National by major rating agencies. During the first quarter of 2014, Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) upgraded National to a rating of AA- with a stable outlook and Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) reaffirmed National’s rating of Baa1 with a positive outlook.

National seeks to generate shareholder value through appropriate risk adjusted pricing; however, current market conditions and the competitive landscape may limit National’s new business opportunities and its abilities to price and underwrite risk with attractive returns. Refer to “Risks and Uncertainties” below for a discussion of business risks related to National’s strategy.

MBIA Inc. Liquidity

MBIA Inc.’s liquidity resources support the Company’s corporate and asset/liability products segments. The activities of MBIA Inc. consist of holding and managing investments, servicing outstanding corporate debt instruments, servicing investment agreements and medium-term notes (“MTNs”) issued by MBIA Inc. and its subsidiary, MBIA Global Funding, LLC (“GFL”), posting collateral under financing and hedging arrangements and investment agreements, making payments and collateral postings related to interest rate swaps, and paying operating expenses. The primary sources of cash within MBIA Inc. used to meet its liquidity needs include available cash and liquid assets not subject to collateral posting requirements, scheduled principal and interest on assets held in its investment portfolio, dividends from subsidiaries and payments under the MBIA group’s tax sharing agreement (the “Tax Escrow Account”) from subsidiaries of the Company once the payments become unrestricted.

As of March 31, 2014, the liquidity position of MBIA Inc., which consists of the liquidity positions of its corporate and asset/liability products segments, was $499 million and comprised cash and liquid assets of $443 million available for general liquidity purposes, excluding the amounts held in the Tax Escrow Account, and $56 million not pledged directly as collateral for its asset/liability products segment. As of December 31, 2013, MBIA Inc. had $359 million of cash and liquid assets comprising $307 million available for general corporate liquidity purposes, excluding the amounts held in the Tax Escrow Account, and $52 million not pledged directly as collateral for its asset/liability products segment. MBIA Inc.’s liquidity position has substantially improved during the first quarter of 2014 due to the release of $173 million from the Tax Escrow Account. The Company expects that MBIA Inc. will generate sufficient cash to satisfy its debt obligations and its general corporate needs over time from expected subsidiary dividends and additional anticipated releases from the Tax Escrow Account.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties (continued)

 

MBIA Corp. Strategic Initiatives

During the first quarter of 2014, the Company continued to focus on the collection of excess spread and put-back recoveries and the mitigation of MBIA Corp.’s high risk insurance exposure, primarily through terminations of insurance policies. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp. commuted $3.8 billion of gross par exposure, primarily comprising structured commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) pools, in which the referenced CMBS were originally rated single-A, commercial real estate (“CRE”) collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), and first-lien residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”). The difference between the fair values of the Company’s derivative liabilities for the commuted policies and the aggregate cost of the commutation was reflected in earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2014. In connection with this commutation, on February 14, 2014, Moody’s placed the current rating of MBIA Corp., B3 with a positive outlook, on review for upgrade.

Risks and Uncertainties

The Company’s financial statements include estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The outcome of certain significant risks and uncertainties could cause the Company to revise its estimates and assumptions or could cause actual results to differ from the Company’s estimates. While the Company believes it continues to have sufficient capital and liquidity to meet all of its expected obligations, if one or more possible adverse outcomes were to be realized, its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, and its insurance companies’ statutory capital, could be materially and adversely affected. The discussion below highlights the significant risks and uncertainties that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements and business objectives in future periods.

U.S. Public Finance Market Conditions

The majority of National’s new business is expected to be in the general obligation, tax-backed and revenue bond sectors. In addition to the new issue market, there are attractive opportunities in the secondary market with respect to bonds issued in recent years which were not insured upon issuance and which currently meet National’s underwriting criteria. Nonetheless, as a result of intense competition and the diminished use of financial guarantee insurance in the municipal finance market, among other factors, there can be no assurance that National will be able to write business that generates attractive returns. Financial guarantee insurance competes in nearly all instances with the issuer’s alternative of foregoing insurance and paying a higher interest rate. If the interest savings from insurance are not greater than the cost, the issuer will generally choose to issue bonds without insurance.

Prevailing interest rate levels can affect demand for financial guarantee insurance. Higher interest rates and higher levels of issuance of new municipal debt in 2014 would present new business opportunities for National in the U.S. public finance market. Lower interest rates are typically accompanied by narrower spreads between insured and uninsured obligations. This is, in part, due to the fact that investors may choose to forego insurance to increase the yield on their investment. Therefore, the purchase of insurance during periods of relatively narrower interest rate spreads will generally provide lower cost savings to the issuer than during periods of relatively wider spreads. These lower cost savings could be accompanied by a corresponding decrease in demand for financial guarantee insurance.

National’s insured portfolio continued to perform satisfactorily on the whole, however portions of the obligations that the Company insures were issued by a few of the state and local governments and territories that remain under extreme financial and budgetary stress. In addition, a few of these local governments have filed for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code or have entered into state statutory proceedings established to assist municipalities in managing through periods of severe fiscal stress. This could lead to an increase in defaults by such entities on the payment of their obligations and losses or impairments on a greater number of the Company’s insured transactions. The Company monitors and analyzes each situation closely, and the overall extent and duration of this stress is uncertain.

MBIA Inc. Liquidity

While MBIA Inc.’s liquidity position improved during the first quarter of 2014 and management believes that MBIA Inc. has sufficient liquidity resources to meet all of its obligations for the foreseeable future, MBIA Inc. continues to have liquidity risk. If invested asset performance deteriorates or the flow of dividends from subsidiaries is interrupted and/or access to the capital markets is impaired, its liquidity position could be eroded over time. While the Company expects that MBIA Inc. will generate sufficient cash to satisfy its debt obligations and its general corporate needs over time from distributions from its operating subsidiaries and payments under the Tax Escrow Account from subsidiaries of the Company once the payments become unrestricted, there can be no assurance that such sources will generate sufficient cash. In addition, a failure by MBIA Inc. to settle liabilities that are also insured by MBIA Corp. could result in claims on MBIA Corp.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 1: Business Developments and Risks and Uncertainties (continued)

 

MBIA Corp. Recoveries and Insured Portfolio

The amount and timing of projected collections of excess spread and put-back recoverable from Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc., and Select Portfolio Servicing Inc. (collectively, “Credit Suisse”) and the potential of claims from MBIA Corp.’s remaining insured CMBS pools and second-lien RMBS are uncertain. Further, the remaining insured portfolio, aside from these exposures, could deteriorate and result in additional significant loss reserves and claim payments. Management’s expected liquidity and capital forecasts for MBIA Corp., which include expected excess spread recoveries and put-back recoveries from Credit Suisse, reflect adequate resources to pay claims when due. However, if MBIA Corp. experiences higher than expected claim payments or is unable to terminate the remaining exposures that represent substantial risk to the Company, MBIA Corp. may ultimately have insufficient resources to continue to pay claims, which could cause the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYSDFS”) to put MBIA Corp. into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding. Such a proceeding could have an adverse impact on MBIA Inc. and would result in material adverse consequences for MBIA Corp., including the termination of insured credit default swaps (“CDS”) contracts for which counterparties may assert market-based claims, the acceleration of debt obligations issued by affiliates and insured by MBIA Corp., the loss of control of MBIA Corp. to a rehabilitator or liquidator, and unplanned costs. Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for information about MBIA Corp.’s loss reserves and recoveries. Management does not believe that a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding of MBIA Corp. by the NYSDFS will result in a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding of MBIA UK Insurance Limited.

Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies

The Company has disclosed its significant accounting policies in “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The following significant accounting policies provide an update to those included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, accordingly, do not include all of the information and disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for annual periods. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (U.S.), but in the opinion of management such financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair statement of the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

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

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. The December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP for annual periods. Certain amounts have been reclassified in the prior year’s financial statements to conform to the current presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on total revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, shareholders’ equity, operating cash flows, investing cash flows, or financing cash flows for all periods presented.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (ASU 2013-11)

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” ASU 2013-11 requires presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit (“UTB”) as a reduction to a deferred tax asset when a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists in the same tax year and jurisdiction as the UTB. ASU 2013-11 does not affect the recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions under “Income Taxes (Topic 740)” and does not affect any related tax disclosures. ASU 2013-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2014 with early adoption permitted. The Company previously presented any UTBs as a reduction to a deferred tax asset in accordance with ASU 2013-11 as all of its UTBs relate to the same tax years and jurisdictions in which NOLs exist, therefore, this standard did not affect the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, or cash flows.

The Company has not adopted any other new accounting pronouncements that had a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Company has reviewed all recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and concluded the future adoption of any such pronouncements will have not have a material impact on the Company’s balance sheets, results of operations, or cash flows.

Note 4: Variable Interest Entities

Structured Finance and International Insurance

Through MBIA’s structured finance and international insurance segment, the Company provides credit protection to issuers of obligations that may involve issuer-sponsored special purpose entities (“SPEs”). An SPE may be considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”) to the extent the SPE’s total equity at risk is not sufficient to permit the SPE to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or its equity investors lack any one of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of the SPE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. A holder of a variable interest or interests in a VIE is required to assess whether it has a controlling financial interest, and thus is required to consolidate the entity as primary beneficiary. An assessment of a controlling financial interest identifies the primary beneficiary as the variable interest holder that has both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE. An ongoing reassessment of controlling financial interest is required to be performed based on any substantive changes in facts and circumstances involving the VIE and its variable interests.

The Company evaluates issuer-sponsored SPEs initially to determine if an entity is a VIE, and is required to reconsider its initial determination if certain events occur. For all entities determined to be VIEs, MBIA performs an ongoing reassessment to determine whether its guarantee to provide credit protection on obligations issued by VIEs provides the Company with a controlling financial interest. Based on its ongoing reassessment of controlling financial interest, the Company determines whether a VIE is required to be consolidated or deconsolidated.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 4: Variable Interest Entities (continued)

 

The Company makes its determination for consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the purpose and design of a VIE, the terms and characteristics of variable interests of an entity, and the risks a VIE is designed to create and pass through to holders of variable interests. The Company generally provides credit protection on obligations issued by VIEs, and holds certain contractual rights according to the purpose and design of a VIE. The Company may have the ability to direct certain activities of a VIE depending on facts and circumstances, including the occurrence of certain contingent events, and these activities may be considered the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. The Company generally considers its guarantee of principal and interest payments of insured obligations, given nonperformance by a VIE, to be an obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. At the time the Company determines it has the ability to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity based on facts and circumstances, MBIA is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in the VIE and is required to consolidate the entity as primary beneficiary. The Company performs an ongoing reassessment of controlling financial interest that may result in consolidation or deconsolidation of any VIE.

Wind-down Operations

In its asset/liability products segment, the Company invests in obligations issued by issuer-sponsored SPEs which are included in fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale (“AFS”). The Company evaluates issuer-sponsored SPEs to determine if the entity is a VIE. For all entities determined to be VIEs, the Company evaluates whether its investment is determined to have both of the characteristics of a controlling financial interest in the VIE. The Company performs an ongoing reassessment of controlling financial interests in issuer-sponsored VIEs based on investments held. MBIA’s wind-down operations do not have a controlling financial interest in any issuer-sponsored VIEs and are not the primary beneficiary of any issuer-sponsored VIEs.

In the conduit segment, the Company manages and administers a conduit that invested primarily in debt securities and was funded through the issuance of VIE notes. MBIA Corp. insures the debt obligations of this conduit, and provides credit protection on certain assets held by the conduit. The conduit is a VIE and is consolidated by the Company as primary beneficiary.

Nonconsolidated VIEs

Insurance

The following tables present the total assets of nonconsolidated VIEs in which the Company holds a variable interest as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, through its insurance operations. The following tables also present the Company’s maximum exposure to loss for nonconsolidated VIEs and carrying values of the assets and liabilities for its interests in these VIEs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company has aggregated nonconsolidated VIEs based on the underlying credit exposure of the insured obligation. The nature of the Company’s variable interests in nonconsolidated VIEs is related to financial guarantees, insured CDS contracts and any investments in obligations issued by nonconsolidated VIEs.

 

                                                                                       
    March 31, 2014  
                Carrying Value of Assets     Carrying Value of Liabilities  

In millions

   VIE
Assets		     Maximum
Exposure
to Loss		     Investments(1)     Premiums
Receivable(2)		     Insurance
Loss
Recoverable(3) 		    Unearned
Premium
Revenue(4) 		    Loss and Loss
Adjustment
Expense
Reserves(5)		     Derivative
Liabilities(6) 		 

Insurance:

                

Global structured finance:

                

Collateralized debt obligations

   $ 9,371      $ 6,516      $ 125       $ 34       $ -       $ 29       $ 15       $ 91    

Mortgage-backed residential

     16,247        8,537        12         50         639         48         327         5    

Mortgage-backed commercial

     634        332        -         1         -         1         -         -    

Consumer asset-backed

     5,486        2,513        -         18         -         17         11         -    

Corporate asset-backed

     11,481        6,069        1         67         18         82         -         -    
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total global structured finance

     43,219        23,967        138         170         657         177         353         96    

Global public finance

     53,364        20,219        -         200         -         242         6         -    
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total insurance

   $ 96,583      $ 44,186      $ 138       $ 370       $ 657       $ 419       $ 359       $ 96    
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

(1) - Reported within “Investments” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(2) - Reported within “Premiums receivable” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(3) - Reported within “Insurance loss recoverable” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(4) - Reported within “Unearned premium revenue” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

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

 

(6) - Reported within “Derivative liabilities” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 4: Variable Interest Entities (continued)

 

                                                                                       
    December 31, 2013  
                Carrying Value of Assets     Carrying Value of Liabilities  

In millions

   VIE
Assets		     Maximum
Exposure
to Loss		     Investments(1)     Premiums
Receivable(2)		     Insurance
Loss
Recoverable(3) 		    Unearned
Premium
Revenue(4) 		    Loss and Loss
Adjustment
Expense
Reserves(5)		     Derivative
Liabilities(6) 		 

Insurance:

                

Global structured finance:

                

Collateralized debt obligations

   $ 12,565      $ 7,693      $ 120       $ 43       $ -       $ 37       $ 21       $ 108    

Mortgage-backed residential

     21,738        9,251        10         53         658         51         327         5    

Mortgage-backed commercial

     1,367        447        -         1         -         1         -         -    

Consumer asset-backed

     7,830        2,740        9         19         -         19         13         -    

Corporate asset-backed

     13,028        7,248        2         80         18         96         -         -    
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total global structured finance

     56,528        27,379        141         196         676         204         361         113    

Global public finance

     52,317        20,162        -         206         -         248         5         -    
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total insurance

   $ 108,845      $ 47,541      $ 141       $ 402       $ 676       $ 452       $ 366       $ 113    
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

(1) - Reported within “Investments” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(2) - Reported within “Premiums receivable” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(3) - Reported within “Insurance loss recoverable” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(4) - Reported within “Unearned premium revenue” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

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

 

(6) - Reported within “Derivative liabilities” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

The maximum exposure to loss as a result of MBIA’s variable interests in VIEs is represented by insurance in force. Insurance in force is the maximum future payments of principal and interest, net of cessions to reinsurers, which may be required under commitments to make payments on insured obligations issued by nonconsolidated VIEs.

Consolidated VIEs

The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs were $5.3 billion and $5.0 billion, respectively, as of March 31, 2014, and $5.6 billion and $5.3 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are presented separately in “Assets of consolidated variable interest entities” and “Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Additional VIEs are consolidated or deconsolidated based on an ongoing reassessment of controlling financial interest, when events occur or circumstances arise, and whether the ability to exercise rights that constitute power to direct activities of any VIEs are present according to the design and characteristics of these entities. No additional VIEs were consolidated for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively. There was an immaterial amount of net realized gains recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and no realized gains or losses recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2013 related to the deconsolidation of VIEs.

Holders of insured obligations of issuer-sponsored VIEs related to the Company’s structured finance and international insurance segment do not have recourse to the general assets of MBIA. In the event of nonpayment of an insured obligation issued by a consolidated VIE, the Company is obligated to pay principal and interest, when due, on the respective insured obligation only. The Company’s exposure to consolidated VIEs is limited to the credit protection provided on insured obligations and any additional variable interests held by MBIA. Creditors of the conduits do not have recourse to the general assets of MBIA apart from the financial guarantee insurance policies provided by MBIA Corp. on insured obligations issued by the conduits.

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Process

U.S. Public Finance

U.S. public finance insured transactions consist of municipal bonds, including tax-exempt and taxable indebtedness of U.S. political subdivisions, as well as utility districts, airports, health care institutions, higher educational facilities, student loan issuers, housing authorities and other similar agencies and obligations issued by private entities that finance projects that serve a substantial public purpose. The Company estimates future losses by utilizing probability-weighted scenarios that are customized to each insured transaction. Future loss estimates consider debt service due for each insured transaction, which includes par outstanding and interest due.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company established loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves totaling $62 million and $87 million, respectively and insurance loss recoverable of $9 million and $13 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, losses and LAE incurred was a benefit of $14 million, primarily related to certain general obligation bonds.

Certain local governments remain under extreme financial and budgetary stress and a few have filed for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code, or have entered into state statutory proceedings established to assist municipalities in managing through periods of severe fiscal stress. This could lead to an increase in defaults by such entities on the payment of their obligations and losses or impairments on a greater number of the Company’s insured transactions. The Company monitors and analyzes these situations closely, however, the overall extent and duration of such events are uncertain and the filing for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code or entering state statutory proceedings does not result in a default or indicate that an ultimate loss will occur. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $120.1 billion and $124.9 billion, respectively, of gross par outstanding on general obligations, of which $161 million was reflected on the Company’s “Classified List.” Capital appreciation bonds are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy.

Structured Finance and International

As of March 31, 2014, the majority of the structured finance and international insurance segment’s case basis reserves and insurance loss recoveries recorded in accordance with GAAP were related to insured second and first-lien RMBS transactions. These reserves and recoveries do not include estimates for policies insuring credit derivatives or losses and recoveries on financial guarantee VIEs that are eliminated in consolidation. Policies insuring credit derivative contracts are accounted for as derivatives and carried at fair value under GAAP. The fair values of insured derivative contracts are influenced by a variety of market and transaction-specific factors that may be unrelated to potential future claim payments under the Company’s insurance policies. In the absence of credit impairments on insured derivative contracts or the early termination of such contracts at a loss, the cumulative unrealized losses recorded from fair valuing these contracts should reverse before or at the maturity of the contracts.

Notwithstanding the difference in accounting under GAAP for financial guarantee policies and the Company’s insured derivatives, insured derivatives have similar terms, conditions, risks, and economic profiles to financial guarantee insurance policies, and therefore, are evaluated by the Company for loss (referred to as credit impairment herein) and LAE periodically in a manner similar to the way that loss and LAE reserves are estimated for financial guarantee insurance policies. Credit impairments represent actual payments and collections plus the present value of estimated expected future claim payments, net of recoveries. MBIA Corp.’s expected future claim payments for insured derivatives were discounted using a rate of 5.09%, the same rate it used to calculate its statutory loss reserves as of March 31, 2014. MBIA UK Insurance Limited used a rate of 2.50% to discount its expected future claim payments and statutory loss reserves. These credit impairments, calculated in accordance with statutory accounting principles (“U.S. STAT”) differ from the fair values recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company considers its credit impairment estimates as critical information for investors as it provides information about loss payments the Company expects to make on insured derivative contracts. As a result, the following loss and LAE process discussion includes information about loss and LAE activity recorded in accordance with GAAP for financial guarantee insurance policies and credit impairments estimated in accordance with U.S. STAT for insured derivative contracts. Refer to “Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” included herein for additional information about the Company’s insured credit derivative contracts.

RMBS Case Basis Reserves and Recoveries (Financial Guarantees)

The Company’s RMBS reserves and recoveries relate to financial guarantee insurance policies. The Company calculated RMBS case basis reserves as of March 31, 2014 for both second and first-lien RMBS transactions using a process called the “Roll Rate Methodology.” The Roll Rate Methodology is a multi-step process using a database of loan level information, a proprietary internal cash flow model, and a commercially available model to estimate losses on insured bonds. “Roll Rate” is defined as the probability that current loans become delinquent and that loans in the delinquent pipeline are charged-off or liquidated. Generally, Roll Rates are calculated for the previous three months and averaged. The loss reserve estimates are based on a probability-weighted average of three scenarios of loan losses (base case, stress case, and an additional stress case).

In calculating ultimate cumulative losses for RMBS, the Company estimates the amount of loans that are expected to be charged-off (deemed uncollectible by servicers of the transactions) or liquidated in the future. The Company assumes that charged-off loans have zero recovery values.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)

 

Second-lien RMBS Reserves

The Company’s second-lien RMBS case basis reserves as of March 31, 2014 relate to RMBS backed by home equity lines of credit (“HELOC”) and closed-end second mortgages (“CES”).

The Roll Rates for 30-59 day delinquent loans and 60-89 day delinquent loans are calculated on a transaction-specific basis. The Company assumes that the Roll Rate for 90+ day delinquent loans, excluding foreclosures and Real Estate Owned (“REO”) is 95%. The Roll Rates are applied to the amounts in the respective delinquency buckets based on delinquencies as of February 28, 2014 to estimate future losses from loans that are delinquent as of the current reporting period.

Roll Rates for loans that are current as of February 28, 2014 (“Current Roll to Loss”) are also calculated on a transaction-specific basis. A proportion of loans reported current as of February 28, 2014 is assumed to become delinquent every month, at a Current Roll to Loss rate that persists at a high level for a time and subsequently starts to decline. A key assumption in the model is the period of time in which the Company projects high levels of Current Roll to Loss to persist. The Company runs multiple scenarios, each with varying periods of time, for which the high levels of Current Roll to Loss rates persist. Loss reserves are calculated by using a weighted average of these scenarios, with the majority of the probability assigned to stressful scenarios where the high levels of Current Roll to Loss rates persist for six or twenty four months before reverting to historic levels. For example, in the base case scenario, the Company assumes that the Current Roll to Loss begins to decline immediately and continues to decline over the next six months to 25% of their levels as of February 28, 2014. If the amount of current loans which become 30-59 days delinquent is 10%, and recent performance suggests that 30% of those loans will be charged-off, the Current Roll to Loss for the transaction is 3%. In the base case, the Current Roll to Loss will then reduce linearly to 25% of its original value over the next six months (i.e., 3% will linearly reduce to 0.75% over the six months from March 2014 to August 2014). After that six-month period, the Company further reduces the Current Roll to Loss to 0% by late-2014 with the expectation that the performing seasoned loans will eventually result in loan performance reverting to lower levels of default consistent with history. In developing multiple loss scenarios, stress is applied by elongating the Current Roll to Loss rate for various periods, simulating a slower improvement in the transaction performance.

In addition, in the Company’s loss reserve models for transactions secured by HELOCs, the Company considers borrower draw and prepayment rates and factors that could affect the excess spread generated by current loans, which offsets losses and reduces payments. For HELOCs, the current three-month average draw rate is generally used to project future draws on the line. For HELOCs and transactions secured by fixed-rate CES, the Company uses historical average voluntary prepayment rates to model its loss reserves. For HELOCs, projected cash flows are also based on an assumed constant basis spread between floating rate assets and floating rate insured debt obligations (the difference between prime and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) interest rates, minus any applicable fees). For all transactions, cash flow models consider allocations and other structural aspects, including managed amortization periods, rapid amortization periods and claims against MBIA Corp.’s insurance policy consistent with such policy’s terms and conditions. The estimated net claims from the procedure above are then discounted using a risk-free rate to a net present value reflecting MBIA’s general obligation to pay claims over time and not on an accelerated basis. The above assumptions represent MBIA’s probability-weighted estimates of how transactions will perform over time.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company established loss and LAE reserves totaling $109 million and $126 million, respectively, related to second-lien RMBS issues after the elimination of $38 million and $43 million, respectively, as a result of consolidating VIEs. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company incurred $25 million of losses and LAE recorded in earnings related to second-lien RMBS issues after the elimination of a $12 million expense as a result of consolidating VIEs.

The Company monitors portfolio performance on a monthly basis against projected performance, reviewing delinquencies, Roll Rates, and prepayment rates (including voluntary and involuntary). However, loan performance remains difficult to predict and losses may exceed expectations. In the event of a material deviation in actual performance from projected performance, the Company would increase or decrease the case basis reserves accordingly. If actual performance were to remain at the peak levels for six additional months compared to the probability-weighted outcome currently used by the Company, the addition to the case basis reserves would be approximately $70 million.

Second-lien RMBS Recoveries

The Company primarily records two types of recoveries related to insured second-lien RMBS exposures: “put-back” claims related to those mortgage loans whose inclusion in insured securitizations failed to comply with representations and warranties (“ineligible loans”) and excess spread that is generated from performing loans in the insured transactions.

 

13

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)

 

Excess Spread

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company recorded estimated recoveries of $651 million and $681 million, respectively, for the reimbursement of past and future expected claims through excess spread in insured second-lien RMBS transactions. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $626 million and $647 million, respectively, was included in “Insurance loss recoverable” and $25 million and $34 million, respectively, was included in “Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Excess spread is generated by performing loans within insured second-lien RMBS securitizations and is the difference between interest inflows on mortgage loan collateral and interest outflows on insured beneficial interests. The amount of excess spread depends on the future loss trends (which include future delinquency trends, average time to charge-off delinquent loans, and the availability of pool mortgage insurance), the future spread between prime and LIBOR interest rates; and borrower refinancing behavior which results in voluntary prepayments. Minor deviations in loss trends and voluntary prepayments may substantially impact the amounts collected from excess spread and caused the reduction in estimated recoveries during the first quarter of 2014.

Ineligible Mortgage Loans

To date, MBIA has settled the majority of the Company’s put-back claims, with its claims against only Credit Suisse remaining as outstanding. The settlement amounts have been consistent with the put-back recoveries previously included in the Company’s financial statements. Additional information on the status of the litigation against Credit Suisse can be found within “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies.”

The contract claim remaining with Credit Suisse is related to the inclusion of ineligible mortgage loans in the 2007-2 Home Equity Mortgage Trust (“HEMT”) securitization. Credit Suisse has challenged the Company’s assessment of the ineligibility of individual mortgage loans and the dispute is the subject of litigation for which there is no assurance that the Company will prevail.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company recorded estimated recoveries of $364 million and $359 million, respectively, related to second-lien RMBS put-back claims on ineligible mortgage loans, reflected in “Loan repurchase commitments” presented under the heading “Assets of consolidated variable interest entities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The Company believes that it will prevail in enforcing its contractual put-back rights against Credit Suisse. Based on the Company’s assessment of the strength of these claims, the Company believes it is entitled to collect the full amount of its incurred losses, which totaled $423 million through March 31, 2014. The Company is entitled to collect interest on amounts paid. However, uncertainty remains with respect to the ultimate outcome of the litigation with Credit Suisse, which is contemplated in the scenario based-modeling the Company utilizes. The Credit Suisse recovery scenarios are based on the amount of incurred losses measured against certain probabilities of ultimate resolution of the dispute with Credit Suisse over the inclusion of ineligible mortgage loans in the HEMT securitization. Most of the probability weight is assigned to partial recovery scenarios and are discounted using the current risk-free discount rates associated with the underlying transaction’s cash flows.

The Company frequently reviews the approach and assumptions it applies to calculate put-back recoveries. Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, for the Company’s assessment of the remaining unsettled recoveries related to insured Credit Suisse second-lien RMBS.

First-lien RMBS Reserves

The Company’s first-lien RMBS case basis reserves as of March 31, 2014, which primarily relate to RMBS backed by Alternative A-paper and subprime mortgage loans, were determined using the Roll Rate Methodology. The Company assumes that the Roll Rate for loans in foreclosure, REO and bankruptcy are 90%, 90% and 75%, respectively. Roll Rates for current, 30-59 day delinquent loans, 60-89 day delinquent loans and 90+ day delinquent loans are calculated on a transaction-specific basis. The Current Roll to Loss rates stay at the February 28, 2014 level for one month before declining to 25% of this level over a 24-month period.

The Company estimates future losses by utilizing three different probability-weighted scenarios: base; stress; and additional stress. The three scenarios differ in the Roll Rates to loss of 90+ day delinquent loans. In the base scenario, the Company uses deal-specific Roll Rates obtained from historic loan level Roll Rate data for 90+ day delinquent loans. In the stress scenario, the Company assumes a 90% Roll Rate for all 90+ day delinquent loans. In the additional stress scenario, the Roll Rates for each deal are an average of the deal-specific Roll Rate used in the base scenario and the 90% rate. The Roll Rates are applied to the amounts in each deal’s respective 90+ delinquency bucket based on delinquencies as of February 28, 2014 in order to estimate future losses from loans that are delinquent as of March 31, 2014.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)

 

In calculating ultimate cumulative losses for first-lien RMBS, the Company estimates the amount of loans that are expected to be liquidated through foreclosure or short sale. The time to liquidation for a defaulted loan is specific to the loan’s delinquency bucket, with the latest three-month average loss severities generally used to start the projection for trends in loss severities at loan liquidation. The loss severities are reduced over time to account for reduction in the amount of foreclosure inventory, anticipated future increases in home prices, principal amortization of the loan and government foreclosure moratoriums.

As of March 31, 2014, the Company established loss and LAE reserves totaling $246 million related to first-lien RMBS issues. As of December 31, 2013, the Company established loss and LAE reserves totaling $241 million related to first-lien RMBS issues after the elimination of $2 million as a result of consolidating VIEs. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company incurred $30 million of losses and LAE recorded in earnings related to first-lien RMBS issues after the elimination of a $2 million benefit as a result of consolidating VIEs.

ABS CDOs (Financial Guarantees and Insured Derivatives)

MBIA’s insured asset-backed securities (“ABS”) CDOs are transactions that include a variety of collateral ranging from corporate bonds to structured finance assets (which includes but are not limited to RMBS related collateral, ABS CDOs, corporate CDOs and collateralized loan obligations). These transactions were insured as either financial guarantee insurance policies or credit derivatives with the majority currently insured in the form of financial guarantees. Since the fourth quarter of 2007, MBIA’s insured par exposure within the ABS CDO portfolio has been substantially reduced through a combination of terminations and commutations. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2014, the insured par exposure of the ABS CDO financial guarantee insurance policies and credit derivatives portfolio has declined by approximately 96% of the insured amount as of December 31, 2007.

The Company’s ABS CDOs originally benefited from two sources of credit enhancement. First, the subordination in the underlying securities collateralizing the transaction must be fully eroded and second, the subordination below the insured tranche in the CDO transaction must be fully eroded before the insured tranche is subject to a claim. The Company’s payment obligations after a default are timely interest and ultimate principal.

The primary factor in estimating reserves on insured ABS CDO policies written as financial guarantee insurance policies and in estimating impairments on insured ABS CDO credit derivatives is the losses associated with the underlying collateral in the transactions. MBIA’s approach to establishing reserves or impairments in this portfolio employs a methodology which is similar to other structured finance asset classes insured by MBIA. The Company utilizes up to a total of five probability-weighted scenarios in order to estimate its reserves or impairments for ABS CDOs.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company established loss and LAE reserves totaling $120 million and $115 million, respectively, related to ABS CDO financial guarantee insurance policies after the elimination of $236 million and $226 million, respectively, as a result of consolidating VIEs. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company incurred $6 million of losses and LAE recorded in earnings related to ABS CDO financial guarantee insurance policies after the elimination of a $10 million expense as a result of consolidating VIEs. In the event of further deteriorating performance of the collateral referenced or held in ABS CDO transactions, the amount of losses estimated by the Company could increase substantially.

Credit Impairments Related to Structured CMBS Pools, CRE CDOs and CRE Loan Pools (Financial Guarantees and Insured Derivatives)

MBIA’s insured CRE transactions comprise structured CMBS pools, CRE CDOs and CRE loan pools. The majority of this portfolio is accounted for as insured credit derivatives and carried at fair value in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Refer to “Note 8: Derivative Instruments” for a further discussion of the Company’s use of derivatives and their impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Since the Company’s insured credit derivatives have similar terms, conditions, risks, and economic profiles to its financial guarantee insurance policies, the Company evaluates them for impairment in the same way that it estimates loss and LAE for its financial guarantee policies. The following discussion provides information about the Company’s process for estimating credit impairments on these contracts using its statutory loss reserve methodology, determined as the present value of the probability-weighted potential future losses, net of estimated recoveries, across multiple scenarios, plus actual payments and collections.

 

15

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)

 

The Company has developed the following approaches to consider the range of potential outcomes in the CRE market and their impact on MBIA. These approaches require substantial judgments about the future performance of the underlying loans:

 

  1. A commutation scenario that is customized by counterparty and considers historical commutation prices, the level of dialogue with the counterparty and the credit quality and payment profile of the underlying exposure.

 

  2. Utilize current delinquency rates and current and projected net operating income (“NOI”) and capitalization rates (“Cap Rates”) to project losses under two scenarios. These scenarios assume that property performance remains flat for the near term and then improves gradually. Additionally, certain large loans are reviewed individually so that performance and loss severity can be more accurately determined, while other loans are also reviewed for factors that may impact potential performance.

 

  3. A proprietary model was developed by reviewing performance data on over 80,000 securitized CRE loans originated between 1992 and 2011. The Company found property type and the debt service coverage ratio to be the most significant determinants of a loan’s average annual default probability, and developed a model based on these factors. The Company then ran Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the timing of defaults and losses at the property level by applying property type-based Cap Rates to estimate the property’s NOI.

The loss severities projected by these approaches vary widely. Actual losses will be a function of the proportion of loans in the pools that are foreclosed and liquidated and the loss severities associated with those liquidations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, additional credit impairments and LAE for insured derivatives on structured CMBS pools, CRE CDOs and CRE loan pools were estimated to be $20 million as a result of additional delinquencies and loan level liquidations, as well as continued refinements of MBIA’s assessment of various commutation possibilities. The cumulative credit impairments and LAE on structured CMBS pools, CRE CDOs and CRE loan pools were estimated to be $4.2 billion through March 31, 2014. Since 2013, the Company has been paying claims on a CMBS pool transaction that had experienced deterioration such that all remaining deductible was eliminated.

Loss and LAE Activity

Financial Guarantee Insurance Losses (Non-Derivative and Non-Consolidated VIEs)

The Company’s financial guarantee insurance losses and LAE for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are presented in the following table:

 

                                           
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  

In millions

    Second-lien
RMBS		      First-lien
RMBS		      Other(1)      Total  

Losses and LAE related to expected payments

    $ 7       $ 28       $ (12)       $ 23   

Recoveries of expected payments

      18         2         8          28   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross losses incurred

      25         30         (4)         51   

Reinsurance

      -         -         (1)         (1)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Losses and LAE

    $ 25       $ 30       $ (5)       $ 50   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Includes ABS CDOs, CMBS, U.S. public finance and other issues.

The losses and LAE related to expected payments in the preceding table primarily related to increases in previously established reserves on insured first-lien RMBS transactions. The recoveries of expected payments primarily related to decreases in excess spread within the insured second-lien RMBS securitizations.

 

16

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)

 

The following table provides information about the financial guarantees and related claim liability included in each of MBIA’s surveillance categories as of March 31, 2014:

 

                                                      
     Surveillance Categories  

$ in millions

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

Number of policies

      208         16         5         193         422   

Number of issues(1)

      30         12         4         140         186   

Remaining weighted average contract period (in years)

      11.6         4.6         11.3         8.7         9.8   

Gross insured contractual payments outstanding:(2)

               

Principal

    $ 7,585       $ 1,008       $ 40       $ 7,399       $ 16,032   

Interest

      5,356         229         23         3,942         9,550   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 12,941       $ 1,237       $ 63       $ 11,341       $ 25,582   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross Claim Liability

    $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,166       $ 1,166   

Less:

               

Gross Potential Recoveries

      -         -         -         1,006         1,006   

Discount, net(3)

      -         -         -         217         217   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net claim liability (recoverable)

    $ -       $ -       $ -       $ (57)       $ (57)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Unearned premium revenue

    $ 137       $ 18       $ -       $ 89       $ 244   

 

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

 

(2) - Represents contractual principal and interest payments due by the issuer of the obligations insured by MBIA.

 

(3) - Represents discount related to Gross Claim Liability and Gross Potential Recoveries.

The following table provides information about the financial guarantees and related claim liability included in each of MBIA’s surveillance categories as of December 31, 2013:

 

                                                      
     Surveillance Categories  

$ in millions

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

Number of policies

      83         19         5         192         299   

Number of issues(1)

      26         14         4         136         180   

Remaining weighted average contract period (in years)

      11.0         4.9         11.5         9.5         9.7   

Gross insured contractual payments outstanding:(2)

               

Principal

    $ 5,290       $ 1,073       $ 40       $ 7,861       $ 14,264   

Interest

      3,829         253         24         4,526         8,632   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 9,119       $ 1,326       $ 64       $ 12,387       $ 22,896   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross Claim Liability

    $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,235       $ 1,235   

Less:

               

Gross Potential Recoveries

      -         -         -         1,085         1,085   

Discount, net(3)

      -         -         -         205         205   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net claim liability (recoverable)

    $ -       $ -       $ -       $ (55)       $ (55)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Unearned premium revenue

    $ 112       $ 19       $ -       $ 96       $ 227   

 

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

 

(2) - Represents contractual principal and interest payments due by the issuer of the obligations insured by MBIA.

 

(3) - Represents discount related to Gross Claim Liability and Gross Potential Recoveries.

 

17

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)

 

The gross claim liability in the preceding tables represents the Company’s estimate of undiscounted probability-weighted future claim payments. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the gross claim liability primarily related to insured first and second-lien RMBS issues, ABS CDOs and an international road transaction.

The gross potential recoveries represent the Company’s estimate of undiscounted probability-weighted recoveries of actual claim payments and recoveries of estimated future claim payments. As of March 31, 2014, the gross potential recoveries principally related to insured second-lien RMBS issues. As of December 31, 2013, the gross potential recoveries principally related to insured second-lien RMBS and U.S. public finance issues. The Company’s recoveries have been, and remain based on either salvage rights, the rights conferred to MBIA through the transactional documents (inclusive of the insurance agreement), or subrogation rights embedded within financial guarantee insurance policies. Expected salvage and subrogation recoveries, as well as recoveries from other remediation efforts, reduce the Company’s claim liability. Once a claim payment has been made, the claim liability has been satisfied and MBIA’s right to recovery is no longer considered an offset to future expected claim payments, it is recorded as a salvage asset. The amount of recoveries recorded by the Company is limited to paid claims plus the present value of projected future claim payments. As claim payments are made, the recorded amount of potential recoveries may exceed the remaining amount of the claim liability for a given policy. The gross claim liability and gross potential recoveries reflect the elimination of claim liabilities and potential recoveries related to VIEs consolidated by the Company.

The following table presents the components of the Company’s loss and LAE reserves and insurance loss recoverable as reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for insured obligations within MBIA’s “Classified List.” The loss reserves (claim liability) and insurance claim loss recoverable included in the following table represent the present value of the probability-weighted future claim payments and recoveries reported in the preceding tables.

 

                     

In millions

    As of
March 31, 2014		      As of
December 31, 2013		  

Loss reserves (claim liability)

    $ 555       $ 580   

LAE reserves

      47         61   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Loss and LAE reserves

    $ 602       $ 641   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Insurance claim loss recoverable

    $ (671)       $ (694)   

LAE insurance loss recoverable

      -         -   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Insurance loss recoverable

    $ (671)       $ (694)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

    $ 7       $ 7   

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid LAE reserves

      -         1   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

    $ 7       $ 8   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

As of March 31, 2014, loss and LAE reserves include $784 million of reserves for expected future payments offset by expected recoveries of such future payments of $182 million. As of December 31, 2013, loss and LAE reserves included $847 million of reserves for expected future payments offset by expected recoveries of such future payments of $206 million. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the insurance loss recoverable primarily related to expected future recoveries on second-lien RMBS transactions resulting from excess spread generated by performing loans in such transactions.

The decrease in insurance loss recoverable was primarily due to decreases in excess spread within insured second-lien RMBS securitizations.

The following table presents the amounts of the Company’s second-lien RMBS exposure, gross undiscounted claim liability and potential recoveries related to non-consolidated VIEs and consolidated VIEs, included in the Company’s “Classified List,” as of March 31, 2014:

 

                                                      
Second-lien RMBS Exposure           Outstanding      Gross Undiscounted  

$ in billions

    Issues      Gross
Principal		      Gross
Interest		      Claim
Liability		      Potential
Recoveries		  

Non-consolidated VIEs

      24       $ 3.3       $ 1.2       $ 0.1       $ 0.7   

Consolidated VIEs

      11       $ 1.7       $ 0.6       $ 0.1       $ 0.6   

 

18

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)

 

The following table presents changes in the Company’s loss and LAE reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Changes in the loss and LAE reserves attributable to the accretion of the claim liability discount, changes in discount rates, changes in amount and timing of estimated payments and recoveries, changes in assumptions and changes in LAE reserves are recorded in “Losses and loss adjustment” expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2014, the weighted average risk-free rate used to discount the Company’s loss reserves (claim liability) was 2.12%. LAE reserves are expected to be settled within a one-year period and are not discounted.

 

                                                                                       
In millions      Changes in Loss and LAE Reserves for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  

Gross Loss

and LAE

Reserves as of

December 31,

2013

      Loss Payments
for Cases
with
Reserves		      Accretion of
Claim
Liability
Discount		      Changes in
Discount
Rates		      Changes in
Assumptions		      Changes in
Unearned
Premium
Revenue		      Changes in
LAE
Reserves		      Other(1)      Gross Loss
and LAE
Reserves as
of March 31,
2014		  
$ 641      $ (66)       $ 4       $ 20       $ 20       $ -       $ (14)       $ (3)       $ 602   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Primarily changes in amount and timing of payments.

The decrease in the Company’s gross loss and LAE reserves reflected in the preceding table was primarily related to loss payments and changes in LAE reserves associated with issues outstanding as of December 31, 2013. These were partially offset by increases in reserves due to changes in discount rate and changes in assumptions on insured first and second-lien RMBS issues outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

Current period changes in the Company’s estimate of potential recoveries may be recorded as an insurance loss recoverable asset, netted against the gross loss and LAE reserve liability, or both. The following tables present changes in the Company’s insurance loss recoverable and changes in recoveries on unpaid losses reported within the Company’s claim liability for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Changes in insurance loss recoverable attributable to the accretion of the discount on the recoverable, changes in discount rates, changes in amount and timing of estimated collections, changes in assumptions and changes in LAE recoveries are recorded in “Losses and loss adjustment” expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

                                                                                       
            Changes in Insurance Loss Recoverable and Recoveries on Unpaid Losses
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014		         

In millions

    As of
December 31,
2013		      Collections
for  Cases
with
Recoveries		      Accretion
of
Recoveries		      Changes
in
Discount
Rates		      Changes in
Assumptions		      Changes in
LAE
Recoveries		      Other(1)      As of
March 31,
2014		  

Insurance loss recoverable

    $ 694        $ (17)       $ 4       $ 6        $ (7)       $ -       $ (9)       $ 671   

Recoveries on unpaid losses

      206         -         1         7          (32)         -         -          182   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 900        $ (17)       $ 5       $ 13        $ (39)       $ -       $ (9)       $ 853   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) Primarily changes in amount and timing of collections.

The decrease in the Company’s insurance loss recoverable and recoveries on unpaid losses during 2014 was primarily due to changes in assumptions associated with insured first and second-lien RMBS and U.S. public finance issues and collections associated with issues outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

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

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (continued)

 

Costs associated with remediating insured obligations assigned to the Company’s “Caution List—Low,” “Caution List—Medium,” “Caution List—High” and “Classified List” are recorded as LAE. LAE is primarily recorded as part of the Company’s provision for its loss reserves and included in “Losses and loss adjustment” expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The following table presents the gross expenses related to remedial actions for insured obligations. Gross expenses related to remediating insured obligations decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 due to lower litigation expenses as a result of settlements.

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

    2014      2013  

Loss adjustment expense incurred, gross

    $ 4       $ 18   

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those which it believes market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability at the measurement date. The fair value measurements of financial instruments held or issued by the Company are determined through the use of observable market data when available. Market data is obtained from a variety of third-party sources, including dealer quotes. If dealer quotes are not available for an instrument that is infrequently traded, the Company uses alternate valuation methods, including either dealer quotes for similar instruments or modeling using market data inputs. The use of alternate valuation methods generally requires considerable judgment in the application of estimates and assumptions and changes to such estimates and assumptions may produce materially different fair values.

The accounting guidance for fair value measurement establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available and reliable. Observable inputs are those the Company believes that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on available market data. Unobservable inputs are those that reflect the Company’s beliefs about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best information available. The fair value hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability and reliability of inputs, as follows:

 

  •  

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access. Valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, with significant trading volumes.

 

  •  

Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 assets include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, securities which are priced using observable inputs and derivative contracts whose values are determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

 

  •  

Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the overall fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques where significant inputs are unobservable, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and period to period and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the product. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the Company assigns the level in the fair value hierarchy for which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, based on the least observable input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Financial Assets (excluding derivative assets)

Financial assets, excluding derivative assets, held by the Company primarily consist of investments in debt securities. Substantially all of the Company’s investments are priced by independent third parties, including pricing services and brokers. Typically, the Company receives one pricing service value or broker quote for each instrument, which represents a non-binding indication of value. The Company reviews the assumptions, inputs and methodologies used by pricing services and brokers to obtain reasonable assurance that the prices used in its valuations reflect fair value. When the Company believes a third-party quotation differs significantly from its internally developed expectation of fair value, whether higher or lower, the Company reviews its data or assumptions with the provider. This review includes comparing significant assumptions such as prepayment speeds, default ratios, forward yield curves, credit spreads and other significant quantitative inputs to internal assumptions, and working with the price provider to reconcile the differences. The price provider may subsequently provide an updated price. In the event that the price provider does not update its price, and the Company still does not agree with the price provided, the Company will obtain a price from another third-party provider, such as a broker, or use an internally developed price which it believes represents the fair value of the investment. The fair values of investments for which internal prices were used were not significant to the aggregate fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio as of March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013. All challenges to third-party prices are reviewed by staff of the Company with relevant expertise to ensure reasonableness of assumptions.

Financial Liabilities (excluding derivative liabilities)

Financial liabilities, excluding derivative liabilities, issued by the Company primarily consist of investment agreements and MTNs within its wind-down operations, debt issued for general corporate purposes, debt in VIEs and warrants. Investment agreements, MTNs, and corporate debt are typically recorded at face value adjusted for premiums or discounts. The majority of the financial liabilities that the Company has elected to fair value or that require fair value reporting or disclosures are valued based on the estimated value of the underlying collateral, the Company’s or a third-party’s estimate of discounted cash flow model estimates, or quoted market values for similar products. These valuations include adjustments for expected nonperformance risk of the Company.

Derivative Liabilities

The Company’s derivative liabilities are primarily insured credit derivatives that reference structured pools of cash securities and CDSs. The Company generally insured the most senior liabilities of such transactions, and at the inception of transactions its exposure generally had more subordination than needed to achieve triple-A ratings from credit rating agencies. The types of collateral underlying its insured derivatives consist of cash securities and CDSs referencing primarily corporate obligations, ABS, RMBS, CMBS, CRE loans, and CDOs.

The Company’s insured credit derivative contracts are non-traded structured credit derivative transactions. Since insured derivatives are highly customized and there is generally no observable market for these derivatives, the Company estimates their fair values in a hypothetical market based on internal and third-party models simulating what a similar company would charge to assume the Company’s position in the transaction at the measurement date. This pricing would be based on the expected loss of the exposure. The Company reviews its valuation model results on a quarterly basis to assess the appropriateness of the assumptions and results in light of current market activity and conditions. This review is performed by internal staff with relevant expertise. If live market spreads or securities prices are observable for similar transactions, those spreads are an integral part of the analysis. New insured transactions that resemble existing (previously insured) transactions, if any, would be considered, as well as negotiated settlements of existing transactions.

The Company may from time to time make changes in its valuation techniques if the change results in a measurement that it believes is equally or more representative of fair value under current circumstances.

Internal Review Process

All significant financial assets and liabilities, including derivative assets and liabilities, are reviewed by committees created by the Company to ensure compliance with the Company’s policies and risk procedures in the development of fair values of financial assets and liabilities. These valuation committees review, among other things, key assumptions used for internally developed prices, significant changes in sources and uses of inputs, including changes in model approaches, and any adjustments from third-party inputs or prices to internally developed inputs or prices. The committees also review any significant impairment or improvements in fair values of the financial instruments from prior periods. From time to time, these committees will consult with the Company’s valuation experts to better understand key methods and assumptions used for the determination of fair value, including understanding significant changes in fair values. These committees are comprised of senior finance team members with the relevant experience in the financial instruments their committee is responsible for. For each quarter, these committees document their agreement with the fair values developed by management of the Company as reported in the quarterly and annual financial statements.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Valuation Techniques

Valuation techniques for financial instruments measured at fair value or disclosed at fair value are described below.

Fixed-Maturity Securities (including short-term investments) Held as Available-For-Sale, Investments Carried at Fair Value, Investments Pledged as Collateral, Investments Held-to-Maturity, and Other Investments

These investments include investments in U.S. Treasury and government agencies, foreign governments, corporate obligations, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and ABS (including CMBS and CDOs), state and municipal bonds and perpetual debt and equity securities (including money market mutual funds).

These investments are generally valued based on recently executed transaction prices or quoted market prices. When quoted market prices are not available, fair value is generally determined using quoted prices of similar investments or a valuation model based on observable and unobservable inputs. Inputs vary depending on the type of investment. Observable inputs include contractual cash flows, interest rate yield curves, CDS spreads, prepayment and volatility scores, diversity scores, cross-currency basis index spreads, and credit spreads for structures similar to the financial instrument in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. Unobservable inputs include cash flow projections and the value of any credit enhancement.

The fair value of the held-to-maturity (“HTM”) investments is determined using discounted cash flow models. Key inputs include unobservable cash flows projected over the expected term of the investment discounted using observable interest rate yield curves of similar securities.

Investments based on quoted market prices of identical investments in active markets are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 investments generally consist of U.S. Treasury and government agency, foreign government and money market investments. Quoted market prices of investments in less active markets, as well as investments which are valued based on other than quoted prices for which the inputs are observable, such as interest rate yield curves, are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Investments that contain significant inputs that are not observable are categorized as Level 3.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Receivable for Investments Sold, Net Cash Collateral Pledged to Swap Counterparties, Payable for Investments Purchased and Accrued Investment Income

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivable for investments sold, net cash collateral pledged to swap counterparties, payable for investments purchased, and accrued investment income approximate fair values due to the short-term nature and credit worthiness of these instruments. These items are categorized in Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Loans Receivable at Fair Value

Loans receivable at fair value are comprised of loans held by consolidated VIEs consisting of residential mortgage loans. Fair values of residential mortgage loans are determined using quoted prices for MBS issued by the respective VIE and adjustments for the fair values of the financial guarantees provided by MBIA Corp. on the related MBS. Loans receivable at fair value are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Loan Repurchase Commitments

Loan repurchase commitments are obligations owed by the sellers/servicers of mortgage loans to either MBIA as reimbursement of paid claims or to the RMBS trusts as defined in the transaction documents. Loan repurchase commitments are assets of the consolidated VIEs. This asset represents the rights of MBIA against the sellers/servicers for breaches of representations and warranties that the securitized residential mortgage loans sold to the trust to comply with stated underwriting guidelines and for the sellers/servicers to cure, replace, or repurchase mortgage loans. Fair value measurements of loan repurchase commitments represent the amounts owed by the sellers/servicers to MBIA as reimbursement of paid claims. Loan repurchase commitments are not securities and no quoted prices or comparable market transaction information are observable or available. Loan repurchase commitments at fair value are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Fair values of loan repurchase commitments are determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on inputs including:

 

  •  

breach rates representing the rate at which the sellers/servicers failed to comply with stated representations and warranties;

 

  •  

recovery rates representing the estimates of future cash flows for the asset, including estimates about possible variations in the amount of cash flows expected to be collected;

 

  •  

expectations about possible variations in the timing of collections of the cash flows; and

 

  •  

time value of money, represented by the rate on risk-free monetary assets.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Investment Agreements

The fair values of investment agreements are determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on contractual cash flows and observable interest rates currently being offered for similar agreements with comparable maturity dates. Investment agreements contain collateralization and termination agreements that substantially mitigate the nonperformance risk of the Company. As the terms of the notes are private, and the timing and amount of contract cash flows are not observable, these investment agreements are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Medium-Term Notes

The fair values of certain MTNs are based on quoted market prices provided by third-party sources, where available. When quoted market prices are not available, the Company applies a matrix pricing grid based on the quoted market prices received and the MTNs’ stated maturity and interest rate to determine fair value. Nonperformance risk is included in the quoted market prices and the matrix pricing grid. The Company has elected to record these MTNs at fair value as they contain embedded derivatives which cannot accurately be separated from the host debt instrument and fair valued separately, therefore, these MTNs are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. The remaining MTNs, which are not carried at fair value, do not contain embedded derivatives. As these MTNs are illiquid and the prices reflect significant unobservable inputs, they are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Variable Interest Entity Notes

The fair values of VIE notes are determined based on recently executed transaction prices or quoted prices where observable. When position-specific quoted prices are not observable, fair values are based on quoted prices of similar securities. Fair values based on quoted prices of similar securities may be adjusted for factors unique to the securities, including any credit enhancement. When observable quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined based on discounted cash flow techniques of the underlying collateral using observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs include interest rate yield curves and bond spreads of similar securities. Unobservable inputs include the value of any credit enhancement. VIE notes are categorized in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Variable Interest Entity Derivatives

The VIEs have entered into derivative transactions consisting of cross currency swaps and interest rate caps. Fair values of over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives are determined using valuation models based on observable and/or unobservable inputs. These observable and market-based inputs include interest rates and volatilities. These derivatives are categorized in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy based on the input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of notes, debentures, surplus notes and accrued interest on this debt. The fair value of long-term notes, debentures and surplus notes are estimated based on quoted prices for the identical or similar securities. The fair value of the accrued interest expense on the surplus notes due 2033 is determined based on the scheduled interest payments discounted by the market’s perception of the credit risk related to the repayment of the surplus notes. The credit risk related to the repayment of the surplus notes is based on recent trades of the surplus notes. The deferred interest payment will be due on the first business day on or after which the Company obtains approval to make such payment.

The carrying amounts of accrued interest expense on all other long-term debt approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Long-term debt is categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivatives—Asset/Liability Products

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

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

The Company has policies and procedures in place regarding counterparties, including review and approval of the counterparty and the Company’s exposure limit, collateral posting requirements, collateral monitoring and margin calls on collateral. The Company manages counterparty credit risk on an individual counterparty basis through master netting arrangements covering derivative transactions in the asset/liability products segment as of March 31, 2014. These agreements allow the Company to contractually net amounts due from a counterparty with those amounts due to such counterparty when certain triggering events occur. The Company only executes swaps under master netting agreements, which typically contain mutual credit downgrade provisions that generally provide the ability to require assignment or termination in the event either the Company or the counterparty is downgraded below a specified credit rating. The netting agreements minimize the potential for losses related to credit exposure and thus serve to mitigate the Company’s nonperformance risk under these derivatives.

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

Derivatives—Insurance

The derivative contracts insured by the Company cannot be legally traded and generally do not have observable market prices. The Company determines the fair values of insured credit derivatives using valuation models. The valuation models are consistently applied from period to period, with refinements to the fair value estimation approach being applied as and when the information becomes available. Negotiated settlements are also considered when determining fair value to provide the best estimate of how another market participant would evaluate fair value.

Approximately 92% of the balance sheet fair value of insured credit derivatives as of March 31, 2014 was valued based on the Binomial Expansion Technique (“BET”) Model. Approximately 8% of the balance sheet fair value of insured credit derivatives as of March 31, 2014 was valued based on the internally developed Direct Price Model and the Dual Default model. The valuation of insured derivatives includes the impact of its credit standing. All of these derivatives are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as their fair value is derived using significant unobservable inputs.

The Company has also entered into a derivative contract as a result of a commutation. The fair value of the derivative is determined using a discounted cash flow model. Key inputs include unobservable cash flows projected over the expected term of the derivative, discounted using observable discount rates and CDS spreads.

Description of the BET Model

1. Valuation Model Overview

The BET Model estimates what a bond insurer would charge to guarantee a transaction at the measurement date, based on the market-implied default risk of the underlying collateral and the remaining structural protection in a deductible or subordination.

Inputs to the process of determining fair value for structured transactions using the BET Model include estimates of collateral loss, allocation of loss to separate tranches of the capital structure, and calculation of the change in value.

 

  •  

Estimates of aggregated collateral losses are calculated by reference to the following (described in further detail under “BET Model Inputs” below):

 

  •  

credit spreads of underlying collateral based on actual spreads or spreads on similar collateral with similar ratings, or in some cases, are benchmarked; for collateral pools where the spread distribution is characterized by extremes, each segment of the pool is modeled separately instead of using an overall pool average;

 

  •  

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

 

  •  

recovery rate for all defaulted collateral.

 

  •  

Allocation of losses to separate tranches of the capital structure according to priority of payments in a transaction.

 

  •  

The inception-to-date unrealized gain or loss on a transaction is the difference between the original price of the risk (the original market-implied expected loss) and the current price of the risk based on the assumed market-implied expected losses derived from the model.

 

24

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Additional structural assumptions of the BET Model are:

 

  •  

Default probabilities are determined by three factors: MBIA Corp.’s credit spread, MBIA Corp.’s recovery rate after default, and the time period under risk;

 

  •  

Frequencies of defaults are modeled evenly over time;

 

  •  

Collateral assets are generally considered on an average basis rather than being modeled on an individual basis; and

 

  •  

Collateral asset correlation is modeled using a diversity score which is calculated based on industry or sector concentrations. Recovery rates are based on historical averages and updated based on market evidence.

2. BET Model Inputs

a. Credit spreads

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

The Company uses the spread hierarchy listed below in determining which source of spread information to use, with the rule being to use CDS spreads where available and cash security spreads as the next alternative.

Spread Hierarchy:

 

  •  

Collateral-specific credit spreads when observable;

 

  •  

Sector-specific spread tables by asset class and rating;

 

  •  

Corporate spreads, including Bloomberg spread tables based on rating; and

 

  •  

Benchmark from most relevant market source when corporate spreads are not directly relevant.

There were some transactions where the Company incorporated multiple levels within the hierarchy, including using actual collateral-specific credit spreads in combination with a calculated spread based on an assumed relationship. In those cases, MBIA classified the transaction as being benchmarked from the most relevant spread source even though the majority of the average spread was from actual collateral-specific spreads. As of March 31, 2014, sector-specific spreads were used in 5% of the transactions valued using the BET Model. Corporate spreads were used in 53% of the transactions and spreads benchmarked from the most relevant spread source were used for 42% of the transactions. The spread source can also be identified by whether or not it is based on collateral weighted average rating factor (“WARF”). No collateral-specific spreads are based on WARF. Sector-specific spreads, corporate spreads and some benchmarked spreads are based on WARF. WARF-sourced and/or ratings-sourced credit spreads were used for 73% of the transactions.

Over time, the data inputs change as new sources become available, existing sources are discontinued or are no longer considered to be reliable or the most appropriate. It is always the Company’s objective to use more observable spread hierarchies defined above. However, the Company may on occasion move to less observable spread inputs due to the discontinuation of data sources or due to the Company considering certain spread inputs no longer representative of market spreads.

b. Diversity Scores

Diversity scores are a means of estimating the diversification in a portfolio. The diversity score estimates the number of uncorrelated assets that are assumed to have the same loss distribution as the actual portfolio of correlated assets. While diversity score is a required input into the BET model, due to current high levels of default within the collateral of the structures, diversity score does not have a significant impact on valuation.

 

25

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

c. Recovery Rate

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

d. Nonperformance Risk

The Company’s valuation methodology for insured credit derivative liabilities incorporates MBIA Corp.’s own nonperformance risk. The Company calculates the fair value by discounting the market value loss estimated through the BET Model at discount rates which include MBIA Corp.’s CDS spreads as of March 31, 2014. The CDS spreads assigned to each deal are based on the weighted average life of the deal. The Company limits the nonperformance impact so that the derivative liability could not be lower than MBIA Corp.’s recovery derivative price multiplied by the unadjusted derivative liability.

Overall Model Results

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s net insured CDS derivative liability was $309 million and $1.2 billion, respectively, based on the results of the aforementioned models. A significant driver of changes in fair value is MBIA Corp.’s nonperformance risk. In aggregate, the nonperformance calculation resulted in a pre-tax net insured derivative liability that was $94 million and $394 million lower than the net liability that would have been estimated if MBIA Corp. excluded nonperformance risk in its valuation as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Nonperformance risk is a fair value concept and does not contradict MBIA Corp.’s internal view, based on fundamental credit analysis of MBIA Corp.’s economic condition, that MBIA Corp. will be able to pay all claims when due.

Warrants

Stock warrants issued by the Company are valued using the Black-Scholes model and are recorded at fair value. Inputs into the warrant valuation include the Company’s stock price, a volatility parameter, interest rates, and dividend data. As all significant inputs are market-based and observable, warrants are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Financial Guarantees

Gross Financial Guarantees—The fair value of gross financial guarantees is determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on inputs that include (i) assumptions of expected losses on financial guarantee policies where loss reserves have not been recognized, (ii) amount of losses expected on financial guarantee policies where loss reserves have been established, net of expected recoveries, (iii) the cost of capital reserves required to support the financial guarantee liability, (iv) operating expenses, and (v) discount rates. The MBIA Corp. CDS spread and recovery rate are used as the discount rate for MBIA Corp., while the CDS spread and recovery rate of a similar municipal bond insurance company are used as the discount rate for National, as National does not have a published CDS spread and recovery rate.

The carrying value of the Company’s gross financial guarantees consists of unearned premium revenue and loss and LAE reserves, net of the insurance loss recoverable as reported on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

Ceded Financial Guarantees—The fair value of ceded financial guarantees is determined by applying the percentage ceded to reinsurers to the related fair value of the gross financial guarantees. The carrying value of ceded financial guarantees consists of prepaid reinsurance premiums and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses as reported within “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

26

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs

The following tables provide quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used by the Company for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. These tables exclude inputs used to measure fair value that are not developed by the Company, such as broker prices and other third-party pricing service valuations.

 

                                           

In millions

   Fair Value as of
March 31, 2014		    

Valuation Techniques

  

Unobservable Input

   Range
(Weighted Average)		  

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

        

Loans receivable at fair value

   $     1,557     Market prices adjusted for financial guarantees provided to VIE obligations   Impact of financial guarantee     0% - 14% (3%)   

Loan repurchase commitments

     364     Discounted cash flow   Recovery rates(1)  
      Breach rates(1)  

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

        

Variable interest entity notes

     812     Market prices of VIE assets adjusted for financial guarantees provided   Impact of financial guarantee     0% - 31% (14%)   

Credit derivative liabilities, net:

        

CMBS

     282     BET Model   Recovery rates     25% - 90% (74%)   
      Nonperformance risk     5% - 23% (20%)   
      Weighted average life (in years)     0.9 - 3.3 (2.9)   
      CMBS spreads     0% - 32% (10%)   

Multi-sector CDO

     12     Direct Price Model   Nonperformance risk     55% - 55% (55%)   

Other

     15     BET Model and Dual Default   Recovery rates     42% - 45% (45%)   
      Nonperformance risk     10% - 51% (37%)   
      Weighted average life (in years)     0.2 - 8.5 (2.2)   

Other derivative liabilities

     31     Discounted cash flow   Cash flows   $ 0 - $83 ($42)(2)   

 

(1) - Recovery rates and breach rates include estimates about potential variations in the outcome of litigation with a counterparty.

 

(2) - Midpoint of cash flows are used for the weighted average.

 

27

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

                                           

In millions

   Fair Value as of
December 31, 2013		    

Valuation Techniques

  

Unobservable Input

   Range
(Weighted Average)		  

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

        

Loans receivable at fair value

   $     1,612     Market prices adjusted for financial guarantees provided to VIE obligations   Impact of financial guarantee     0% - 17% (3%)   

Loan repurchase commitments

     359     Discounted cash flow   Recovery rates(1)  
      Breach rates(1)  

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

        

Variable interest entity notes

     940     Market prices of VIE assets adjusted for financial guarantees provided   Impact of financial guarantee     0% - 25% (12%)   

Credit derivative liabilities, net:

        

CMBS

     1,050     BET Model   Recovery rates     25% - 90% (60%)   
      Nonperformance risk     8% - 57% (25%)   
      Weighted average life (in years)     1.1 - 28.0 (3.3)   
      CMBS spreads     1% - 29% (13%)   

Multi-sector CDO

     12     Direct Price Model   Nonperformance risk     57% - 57% (57%)   

Other

     85     BET Model and Dual Default   Recovery rates     42% - 90% (45%)   
      Nonperformance risk     13% - 54% (25%)   
      Weighted average life (in years)     0.2 - 8.7 (2.3)   

 

(1) - Recovery rates and breach rates include estimates about potential variations in the outcome of litigation with a counterparty.

Sensitivity of Significant Unobservable Inputs

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s loans receivable at fair value of consolidated VIEs is the impact of the financial guarantee. The fair value of loans receivable is calculated by subtracting the value of the financial guarantee from the market value of VIE liabilities. The value of a financial guarantee is estimated by the Company as the present value of expected cash payments under the policy. As expected cash payments provided by the Company under the insurance policy increase, there is a lower expected cash flow on the underlying loans receivable of the VIE. This results in a lower fair value of the loans receivable in relation to the obligations of the VIE.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s loan repurchase commitments of consolidated VIEs are the recovery rates and breach rates. Recovery rates reflect the estimates of future cash flows reduced for litigation delays and risks and/or potential financial distress of the sellers/servicers. The estimated recoveries of the loan repurchase commitments may differ from the actual recoveries that may be received in the future. Breach rates represent the rate at which mortgages fail to comply with stated representations and warranties of the sellers/servicers. Significant increases or decreases in the recovery rates and the breach rates would result in significantly higher or lower fair values of the loan repurchase commitments, respectively. Additionally, changes in the legal environment and the ability of the counterparties to pay would impact the recovery rate assumptions, which could significantly impact the fair value measurement. Any significant challenges by the counterparties to the Company’s determination of breaches of representations and warranties could significantly adversely impact the fair value measurement. Recovery rates and breach rates are determined independently. Changes in one input will not necessarily have any impact on the other input.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s VIE notes of consolidated VIEs is the impact of the financial guarantee. The fair value of VIE notes is calculated by adding the value of the financial guarantee to the market value of VIE assets. The value of a financial guarantee is estimated by the Company as the present value of expected cash payments under the policy. As the value of the guarantee provided by the Company to the obligations issued by the VIE increases, the credit support adds value to the liabilities of the VIE. This results in an increase in the fair value of the liabilities of the VIE.

 

28

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of MBIA Corp.’s CMBS credit derivatives, which are valued using the BET Model, are CMBS spreads, recovery rates, nonperformance risk and weighted average life. The CMBS spread is an indicator of credit risk of the collateral securities. The recovery rate represents the percentage of notional expected to be recovered after an asset defaults, indicating the severity of a potential loss. The nonperformance risk is an assumption of MBIA Corp.’s own ability to pay and whether MBIA Corp. will have the necessary resources to pay the obligations as they come due. Weighted average life is based on the Company’s estimate of when the principal of the underlying collateral of the CMBS structure will be repaid. A significant increase or decrease in CMBS spreads would result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability, respectively. A significant increase in weighted average life can result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability, depending on the discount rate and the timing of significant losses. Any significant increase or decrease in recovery rates, or MBIA Corp.’s nonperformance risk would result in a decrease or increase in the fair value of the derivative liabilities, respectively. CMBS spreads, recovery rates, nonperformance risk and weighted average lives are determined independently. Changes in one input will not necessarily have any impact on the other inputs.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of MBIA Corp.’s multi-sector CDO credit derivatives, which are valued using the Direct Price Model, is nonperformance risk. The nonperformance risk is an assumption of MBIA Corp.’s own ability to pay and whether MBIA Corp. will have the necessary resources to pay the obligations as they come due. Any significant increase or decrease in MBIA Corp.’s nonperformance risk would result in a decrease or increase in the fair value of the derivative liabilities, respectively.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of MBIA Corp.’s other credit derivatives, which are valued using the BET Model and Dual Default, are recovery rates, nonperformance risk and weighted average life. The recovery rate represents the percentage of notional expected to be recovered after an asset defaults, indicating the severity of a potential loss. The nonperformance risk is an assumption of MBIA Corp.’s own ability to pay and whether MBIA Corp. will have the necessary resources to pay the obligations as they come due. Weighted average life is based on MBIA Corp.’s estimate of when the principal of the underlying collateral will be repaid. A significant increase in weighted average life can result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability, depending on the discount rate and the timing of significant losses. Any significant increase or decrease in recovery rates or MBIA Corp.’s nonperformance risk would result in a decrease or increase in the fair value of the derivative liabilities, respectively. Recovery rates, nonperformance risk and weighted average lives are determined independently. Changes in one input will not necessarily have any impact on the other inputs.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of MBIA Corp.’s other derivatives, which are valued using a discounted cash flow model, is the estimates of future cash flows discounted using market rates and CDS spreads. Any significant increase or decrease in future cash flows would result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability, respectively.

 

29

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present the fair value of the Company’s assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

                                                      
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using      Balance as of
March 31,
2014		  

In millions

    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		      Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		      Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)		     Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
Netting		     

Assets:

              

Fixed-maturity investments:

              

U.S. Treasury and government agency

    $ 462       $ 109       $ -      $ -        $ 571   

State and municipal bonds

      -          1,821         62 (1)      -          1,883   

Foreign governments

      187         78         7 (1)      -          272   

Corporate obligations

      -          1,972         30 (1)      -          2,002   

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed agency

      -          1,125         29 (1)      -          1,154   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

      -          85         -        -          85   

Commercial mortgage-backed

      -          27         14 (1)      -          41   

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

      -          39         115 (1)      -          154   

Other asset-backed

      -          140         85 (1)      -          225   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total fixed-maturity investments

      649         5,396         342        -          6,387   

Money market securities

      579         -          -        -          579   

Perpetual debt and equity securities

      29         11         15 (1)      -          55   

Cash and cash equivalents

      679         -          -        -          679   

Derivative assets:

              

Non-insured derivative assets:

              

Interest rate derivatives

      -          58         -        (54)         4   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total derivative assets

      -          58         -        (54)         4   

 

30

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

                                                      
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using         

In millions

    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		      Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		      Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)		     Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
Netting		      Balance as of
March 31,
2014		  

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

              

Corporate obligations

      -          24         64 (1)      -          88   

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

      -          208         5 (1)      -          213   

Commercial mortgage-backed

      -          94         3 (1)      -          97   

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

      -          14         14 (1)      -          28   

Other asset-backed

      -          36         42 (1)      -          78   

Money market securities

      35         -          -        -          35   

Cash

      54         -          -        -          54   

Loans receivable

      -          -          1,557        -          1,557   

Loan repurchase commitments

      -          -          364        -          364   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total assets

    $ 2,025       $ 5,841       $ 2,406      $ (54)       $ 10,218   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Liabilities:

              

Medium-term notes

    $ -        $ -        $ 215 (1)    $ -        $ 215   

Derivative liabilities:

              

Insured derivatives:

              

Credit derivatives

      -          4         309        -          313   

Non-insured derivatives:

              

Interest rate derivatives

      -          190         -        (153)         37   

Other

      -          -          31        -          31   

Other liabilities:

              

Warrants

      -          76         -        -          76   

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

              

Variable interest entity notes

      -          1,382         812        -          2,194   

Derivative liabilities:

              

Currency derivatives

      -          -          5 (1)      -          5   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total liabilities

    $ -        $ 1,652       $ 1,372      $ (153)       $ 2,871   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Unobservable inputs are either not developed by the Company or do not significantly impact the overall fair values of the aggregate financial assets and liabilities.

 

31

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

                                                      
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using         

In millions

    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		      Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		      Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)		     Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
Netting		      Balance as of
December 31,
2013		  

Assets:

              

Fixed-maturity investments:

              

U.S. Treasury and government agency

    $ 397       $ 156       $ -      $ -        $ 553   

State and municipal bonds

      -          1,765         19 (1)      -          1,784   

Foreign governments

      112        65         12 (1)      -          189   

Corporate obligations

      -          1,776         48 (1)      -          1,824   

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed agency

      -          1,173         -        -          1,173   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

      -          86         6 (1)      -          92   

Commercial mortgage-backed

      -          25         14 (1)      -          39   

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

      -          72         82 (1)      -          154   

Other asset-backed

      -          130         58 (1)      -          188   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total fixed-maturity investments

      509         5,248         239        -          5,996   

Money market securities

      783         -          -        -          783   

Perpetual debt and equity securities

      27         13         11 (1)      -          51   

Cash and cash equivalents

      1,161         -          -        -          1,161   

Derivative assets:

              

Non-insured derivative assets:

              

Interest rate derivatives

      -          46         -        (42)         4   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total derivative assets

      -          46         -        (42)         4   

 

32

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

                                                      
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using         

In millions

    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		      Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		      Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)		     Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
Netting		      Balance as of
December 31,
2013		  

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

              

Corporate obligations

      -          41         48 (1)      -          89   

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

      -          255         4 (1)      -          259   

Commercial mortgage-backed

      -          102         3 (1)      -          105   

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

      -          14         22 (1)      -          36   

Other asset-backed

      -          44         54 (1)      -          98   

Money market securities

      136         -          -        -          136   

Cash

      97         -          -        -          97   

Loans receivable

      -          -          1,612        -          1,612   

Loan repurchase commitments

      -          -          359        -          359   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total assets

    $ 2,713       $ 5,763       $ 2,352      $ (42)       $ 10,786   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Liabilities:

              

Medium-term notes

    $ -        $ -        $ 203 (1)    $ -        $ 203   

Derivative liabilities:

              

Insured derivatives:

              

Credit derivatives

      -          5         1,147        -          1,152   

Non-insured derivatives:

              

Interest rate derivatives

      -          165         -        (165)         -    

Other liabilities:

              

Warrants

      -          59         -        -          59   

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

              

Variable interest entity notes

      -          1,416         940        -          2,356   

Derivative liabilities:

              

Currency derivatives

      -          -          11 (1)      -          11   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total liabilities

    $ -        $ 1,645       $ 2,301      $ (165)       $ 3,781   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Unobservable inputs are either not developed by the Company or do not significantly impact the overall fair values of the aggregate financial assets and liabilities.

Level 3 assets at fair value as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 represented approximately 24% and 22%, respectively, of total assets measured at fair value. Level 3 liabilities at fair value as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 represented approximately 48% and 61%, respectively, of total liabilities measured at fair value.

 

33

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

The following tables present the fair values and carrying values of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are disclosed at fair value but not reported at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

                                                      
    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using                

In millions

   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		      Significant Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)		      Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)		      Fair Value
Balance as of
March 31, 2014		      Carry Value
Balance as of
March 31, 2014		  

Assets:

              

Other investments

   $ -        $ -        $ 4       $ 4       $ 4   

Accrued investment income(1)

     -          49         -          49         49   

Receivable for investments sold(1)

     -          30         -          30         30   

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

              

Investments held-to-maturity

     -          -          2,695         2,695         2,793   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total assets

   $ -        $ 79       $ 2,699       $ 2,778       $ 2,876   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Liabilities:

              

Investment agreements

   $ -        $ -        $ 821       $ 821       $ 689   

Medium-term notes

     -          -          952         952         1,203   

Long-term debt

     -          1,530         -          1,530         1,731   

Payable for investments purchased(2)

     -          62         -          62         62   

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

              

Variable interest entity notes

     -          -          2,719         2,719         2,818   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total liabilities

   $ -        $ 1,592       $ 4,492       $ 6,084       $ 6,503   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Financial Guarantees:

              

Gross

   $ -        $ -        $ 3,739       $ 3,739       $ 2,268   

Ceded

     -          -          95         95         74   

 

(1) - Reported within “Other assets” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(2) - Reported within “Other liabilities” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

34

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

                                                      
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using                

In millions

    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		      Significant Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)		      Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)		      Fair Value
Balance as of
December 31,
2013		      Carry Value
Balance as of
December 31,
2013		  

Assets:

               

Other investments

    $ -        $ -        $ 4       $ 4       $ 5   

Accrued investment income(1)

      -          52         -          52         52   

Receivable for investments sold(1)

      -          22         -          22         22   

Net cash collateral pledged(1)

      24         -          -          24         24   

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

               

Investments held-to-maturity

      -          -          2,651         2,651         2,801   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total assets

    $ 24       $ 74      $ 2,655       $ 2,753       $ 2,904   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Liabilities:

               

Investment agreements

    $ -        $ -        $ 814       $ 814       $ 700   

Medium-term notes

      -          -          927         927         1,224   

Long-term debt

      -          1,412         -          1,412         1,702   

Payable for investments purchased(2)

      -          31         -          31         31   

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

               

Variable interest entity notes

      -          -          2,751         2,751         2,930   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total liabilities

    $ -        $ 1,443       $ 4,492       $ 5,935       $ 6,587   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Financial Guarantees:

               

Gross

    $ -        $ -        $ 2,843       $ 2,843       $ 2,388   

Ceded

      -          -          71         71         76   

 

(1) - Reported within “Other assets” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(2) - Reported within “Other liabilities” on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

35

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

The following tables present information about changes in Level 3 assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

 

                                                                                                                                              

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning
of Period		     Realized
Gains /
(Losses)		     Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included
in
Earnings		     Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included
in OCI		     Foreign
Exchange
Recognized
in OCI or
Earnings		     Purchases     Issuances     Settlements     Sales     Transfers
into
Level 3(1)		     Transfers
out of
Level 3(1)		     Ending
Balance		     Change in
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) for
the Period
Included in
Earnings
for Assets
still held
as of
March 31,
2014		  

Assets:

                          

Foreign governments

   $ 12      $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ (5)      $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 7      $ -    

Corporate obligations

     48        (1)        1        (1)        -         -         -         (1)        (19)        3        -         30        -    

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         29        -         29        -    

Residential mortgage- backed non-agency

     6        -         -         (1)        -         -         -         -         -         -         (5)        -         -    

Commercial mortgage-backed

     14        -         -         -         -         -         -         (1)        -         1        -         14        -    

Collateralized debt obligations

     82        -         -         3        -         5        -         (2)        -         33        (6)        115        -    

Other asset-backed

     58        -         -         5        -         -         -         (2)        -         24        -         85        -    

State and municipal bonds

     19        -         -         -         -         -         -         (1)        -         44        -         62        -    

Perpetual debt and equity securities

     11        -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         4        -         15        -    

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

                          

Corporate obligations

     48        -         -         -         -         -         -         (1)        -         17        -         64        1   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     4        -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         1        -         5        -    

Commercial mortgage-backed

     3        -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         3        -    

Collateralized debt obligations

     22        -         (3)        -         -         -         -         (2)        -         -         (3)        14        (1)   

Other asset-backed

     54        -         (12)        -         -         -         -         (4)        -         4        -         42        -    

Loans receivable

     1,612        -         (1)        -         -         -         -         (54)        -         -         -         1,557        (1)   

Loan repurchase commitments

     359        -         5        -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         364        5   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total assets

   $ 2,352      $ (1)      $ (10)      $ 6      $ -       $ 5      $ -       $ (73)      $ (19)      $ 160      $ (14)      $ 2,406      $ 4   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

                                                                                                                                              

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning
of Period		     Realized
(Gains) /
Losses		     Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included
in
Earnings		     Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included
in OCI		     Foreign
Exchange
Recognized
in OCI or
Earnings		     Purchases     Issuances     Settlements     Sales     Transfers
into
Level 3(1)		     Transfers
out of
Level 3(1)		     Ending
Balance		     Change in
Unrealized
(Gains)
Losses for the
Period
Included
in Earnings
for Liabilities
still held as of
March 31,
2014		  

Liabilities:

                          

Medium-term notes

   $ 203      $ -       $ 12      $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 215      $ 12   

Credit derivatives, net

     1,147        339        (838)        -         -         -         -         (339)        -         -         -         309        (30)   

Other derivatives

     -         30        1        -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         31        1   

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

                          

VIE notes

     940        -         18        -         -         -         -         (105)        (41)        -         -         812        16   

Currency derivatives, net

     11        -         (6)        -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         5        (6)   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total liabilities

   $ 2,301      $ 369      $ (813)      $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ (444)      $ (41)      $ -       $ -       $ 1,372      $ (7)   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

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

 

36

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

 

                                                                                                                                              

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning
of Period		     Realized
Gains /
(Losses)		     Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included
in
Earnings		     Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included
in OCI		     Foreign
Exchange
Recognized
in OCI or
Earnings		     Purchases     Issuances     Settlements     Sales     Transfers
into
Level 3(1)		     Transfers
out of
Level 3(1)		     Ending
Balance		     Change in
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) for
the Period
Included
in Earnings
for Assets
still held as of
March 31,
2013		  

Assets:

                          

Foreign governments

   $ 3      $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 8      $ (3)      $ 8      $ -    

Corporate obligations

     76        2        4        1        (2)        -         -         (1)        (23)        -         -         57        4   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     4        -         -         -         -         -         -         (3)        -         -         -         1        -    

Commercial mortgage-backed

     28        -         -         4        -         -         -         -         (19)        1        (1)        13        -    

Collateralized debt obligations

     31        (1)        -         3        -         -         -         (4)        -         9        (1)        37        -    

Other asset-backed

     26        -         -         1        -         -         -         (2)        -         42        -         67        -    

State and municipal bonds

     103        2        -         -         -         -         -         (1)        (13)        -         (68)        23        -    

Perpetual debt and equity securities

     14        -         -         -         (1)        -         -         -         -         -         (3)        10        -    

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

                          

Corporate obligations

     78        -         (2)        -         -         -         -         -         -         3        -         79        -    

Residential mortgage- backed non-agency

     6        -         6        -         -         -         -         (6)        -         1        (1)        6        1   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     7        -         1        -         -         -         -         -         -         20        -         28        1   

Collateralized debt obligations

     125        -         (8)        -         -         -         -         -         -         1        (1)        117        (4)   

Other asset-backed

     64        -         (14)        -         -         -         -         (3)        -         -         -         47        (9)   

Loans receivable

     1,881        -         8        -         -         -         -         (70)        -         -         -         1,819        8   

Loan repurchase commitments

     1,086        -         90        -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -         1,176        90   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total assets

   $ 3,532      $ 3      $ 85      $ 9      $ (3)      $ -       $ -       $ (90)      $ (55)      $ 85      $ (78)      $ 3,488      $ 91   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

                                                                                                                                              

In millions

   Balance,
Beginning
of Period		     Realized
(Gains) /
Losses		     Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included
in
Earnings		     Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included
in OCI		     Foreign
Exchange
Recognized
in OCI or
Earnings		     Purchases     Issuances     Settlements     Sales     Transfers
into
Level 3(1)		     Transfers
out of
Level 3(1)		     Ending
Balance		     Change in
Unrealized
(Gains)
Losses for
the Period
Included
in Earnings
for Liabilities
still held as
of March 31,
2013		  

Liabilities:

                          

Medium-term notes

   $ 165      $ -       $ 21      $ -       $ (5)      $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 181      $ 16   

Credit derivatives, net

     2,921        1        73        -         -         -         -         (1)        -         -         -         2,994        131   

Interest rate derivatives, net

     (1)        -         1        -         (1)        -         -         -         -         -         -         (1)        -    

Currency derivatives, net

     1        -         1        -         (1)        -         -         -         -         -         -         1        -    

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

                          

VIE notes

     1,932        -         122        -         -         -         -         (153)        -         -         -         1,901        122   

Currency derivatives, net

     21        -         (1)        -         3        -         -         -         -         -         -         23        2   
                         

Total liabilities

   $ 5,039      $ 1      $ 217      $ -       $ (4)      $ -       $ -       $ (154)      $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 5,099      $ 271   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

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

 

37

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $160 million and $14 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Transfers into and out of Level 2 were $14 million and $160 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Transfers into Level 3 were principally related to state and municipal bonds, CDOs, RMBS agency, other ABS and corporate obligations, where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable during the quarter. CDOs and RMBS non-agency, comprised the majority of the transferred instruments out of Level 3 where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable during the quarter. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $85 million and $78 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Transfers into and out of Level 2 were $78 million and $85 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Transfers into Level 3 were principally related to other ABS, CMBS and CDOs where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable during the quarter. State and municipal bonds comprised the majority of the transferred instruments out of Level 3 where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable during the quarter. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1.

All Level 1, 2 and 3 designations are made at the end of each accounting period.

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings related to Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are reported on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as follows:

 

                                           
     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014		      Three Months Ended
March 31, 2013		  

In millions

    Total Gains
(Losses)
Included in
Earnings		      Change in
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Assets and
Liabilities still
held as of
March 31,
2014		      Total Gains
(Losses)
Included
in Earnings		      Change in
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Assets and
Liabilities still
held as of
March 31,
2013		  

Revenues:

            

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

    $ 838       $ 30       $ (73)       $ (131)   

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

      (369)         -          (1)         -   

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

      (13)         (13)         (16)         (12)   

Revenues of consolidated VIEs:

            

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

      (23)         (6)         (40)         (37)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 433       $ 11       $ (130)       $ (180)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair Value Option

The Company elected to record at fair value certain financial instruments that have been consolidated in connection with the adoption of the accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs, among others.

 

38

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

The following table presents the changes in fair value included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and 2013 for financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected:

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

    2014     2013  

Investments carried at fair value

    $ 1  (1)    $ 4  (1) 

Fixed-maturity securities held at fair value- VIE

      (38) (2)      18  (2) 

Loans receivable at fair value:

     

Residential mortgage loans

      (56) (2)      (74) (2) 

Other loans

      -  (2)      13  (2) 

Loan repurchase commitments

      5  (2)      90  (2) 

Medium-term notes

      (12) (1)      (16) (1) 

Variable interest entity notes

      121 (2)      81  (2) 

 

(1) - Reported within “Net gains (losses) of financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on MBIA’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

(2) - Reported within “Net gains (losses) of financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE” on MBIA’s consolidated statements of operations.

The following table reflects the difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate remaining contractual principal balance outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for loans and notes for which the fair value option was elected:

 

                                                                 
    As of March 31, 2014     As of December 31, 2013  

In millions

   Contractual
Outstanding
Principal		     Fair
Value		     Difference     Contractual
Outstanding
Principal		     Fair
Value		     Difference  

Loans receivable at fair value:

            

Residential mortgage loans

   $ 1,772      $ 1,514      $ 258      $ 1,846      $ 1,562      $ 284   

Residential mortgage loans (90 days or more past due)

     237        43        194        231       50        181   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total loans receivable at fair value

   $ 2,009      $ 1,557      $ 452      $ 2,077      $ 1,612      $ 465   

Variable interest entity notes

   $ 2,859      $ 2,194      $ 665      $ 3,787      $ 2,356      $ 1,431   

Medium-term notes

   $ 275      $ 215      $ 60      $ 276      $ 203      $ 73   

Substantially all gains and losses included in earnings during the periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 on loans receivable and VIE notes reported in the preceding table are attributable to credit risk. This is primarily due to the high rate of defaults on loans and the collateral supporting the VIE notes, resulting in depressed pricing of the financial instruments.

Note 7: Investments

Investments, excluding those elected under the fair value option, include debt and equity securities classified as either AFS or HTM. Other invested assets designated as AFS are primarily comprised of money market funds.

The following tables present the amortized cost, fair value, corresponding gross unrealized gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) for AFS and HTM investments in the Company’s consolidated investment portfolio as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

39

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

                                                      
     March 31, 2014  

In millions

    Amortized
Cost		      Gross
Unrealized
Gains		      Gross
Unrealized
Losses		      Fair
Value		      Other-Than-
Temporary
Impairments(1) 		 

AFS Investments

               

Fixed-maturity investments:

               

U.S. Treasury and government agency

    $ 537       $ 24       $ (7)       $ 554       $ -    

State and municipal bonds

      1,860         49         (32)         1,877         -    

Foreign governments

      266         6         -          272         -    

Corporate obligations

      1,863         33         (34)         1,862         -    

Mortgage-backed securities:

               

Residential mortgage-backed agency

      1,138         10         (22)         1,126         -    

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

      72         12         (4)         80         4   

Commercial mortgage-backed

      38         1         (1)         38         -    

Asset-backed securities:

               

Collateralized debt obligations

      202         4         (55)         151         (11)   

Other asset-backed

      217         5         (12)         210         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total fixed-maturity investments

      6,193         144         (167)         6,170         (7)   

Money market securities

      576         -          -          576         -    

Perpetual debt and equity securities

      11         1         -          12         -    

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

               

Money market securities

      35         -         -          35         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total AFS investments

    $ 6,815       $ 145       $ (167)       $ 6,793       $ (7)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

HTM Investments

               

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

               

Corporate obligations

    $ 2,793       $ 57       $ (155)       $ 2,695       $ -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total HTM investments

    $ 2,793       $ 57       $ (155)       $ 2,695       $ -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Represents unrealized gains or losses on other than temporarily impaired securities recognized in AOCI, which includes the non-credit component of impairments, as well as all subsequent changes in fair value of such impaired securities reported in AOCI.

 

40

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

                                                      
     December 31, 2013  

In millions

    Amortized
Cost		      Gross
Unrealized
Gains		      Gross
Unrealized
Losses		      Fair
Value		      Other-Than-
Temporary
Impairments(1) 		 

AFS Investments

               

Fixed-maturity investments:

               

U.S. Treasury and government agency

    $ 528       $ 16       $ (9)       $ 535       $ -    

State and municipal bonds

      1,831         22         (73)         1,780         -    

Foreign governments

      184         5         -          189         -    

Corporate obligations

      1,682         24         (38)         1,668         -    

Mortgage-backed securities:

               

Residential mortgage-backed agency

      1,167         10         (31)         1,146         -    

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

      79         13         (5)         87         4   

Commercial mortgage-backed

      34         1         (1)         34         -    

Asset-backed securities:

               

Collateralized debt obligations

      205         3         (57)         151         (14)   

Other asset-backed

      187         2         (15)         174         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total fixed-maturity investments

      5,897         96         (229)         5,764         (10)   

Money market securities

      781         -          -          781         -    

Perpetual debt and equity securities

      10         1         -          11         -    

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

               

Money market securities

      136         -          -          136         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total AFS investments

    $ 6,824       $ 97       $ (229)       $ 6,692       $ (10)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

HTM Investments

               

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

               

Corporate obligations

    $ 2,801       $ 31       $ (181)       $ 2,651       $ -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total HTM investments

    $ 2,801       $ 31       $ (181)       $ 2,651       $ -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Represents unrealized gains or losses on other than temporarily impaired securities recognized in AOCI, which includes the non-credit component of impairments, as well as all subsequent changes in fair value of such impaired securities reported in AOCI.

The following table presents the distribution by contractual maturity of AFS and HTM fixed-maturity securities at amortized cost and fair value as of March 31, 2014. Contractual maturity may differ from expected maturity as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

 

                                           
     AFS Securities      HTM Securities  
                   Consolidated VIEs  

In millions

    Amortized Cost      Fair Value      Amortized Cost      Fair Value  

Due in one year or less

    $ 664       $ 665       $ -        $ -    

Due after one year through five years

      1,259         1,280         -          -    

Due after five years through ten years

      919         923         -          -    

Due after ten years

      1,684         1,697         2,793         2,695   

Mortgage-backed and asset-backed

      1,667         1,605         -          -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total fixed-maturity investments

    $ 6,193       $ 6,170       $ 2,793       $ 2,695   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Deposited and Pledged Securities

The fair value of securities on deposit with various regulatory authorities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $11 million and $10 million, respectively. These deposits are required to comply with state insurance laws.

The Company enters into securities borrowing and lending contracts in connection with MBIA’s collateralized investment agreement activities. Such contracts are only transacted with high-quality dealer firms. It is the Company’s policy to take possession of securities borrowed under these contracts. The Company minimizes credit risk from counterparties that might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring customer credit exposure and collateral values and requiring additional collateral to be deposited with the Company when deemed necessary.

 

41

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

Substantially all of the obligations under investment agreements require the Company to pledge securities as collateral. Securities pledged in connection with investment agreement and derivative activities may not be repledged by the investment agreement or derivative counterparty. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of securities pledged as collateral for these investment agreements and derivative transactions approximated $757 million and $735 million, respectively. The Company’s collateral as of March 31, 2014 consisted principally of RMBS and U.S. Treasury and government agency bonds, and was primarily held with major U.S. banks. Additionally, the Company pledged cash and money market securities as collateral under investment agreements in the amount of $12 million and $22 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Impaired Investments

The following tables present the gross unrealized losses related to AFS and HTM investments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

                                                                 
     March 31, 2014  
     Less than 12
Months		      12 Months or
Longer		      Total  

In millions

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

AFS Investments

                  

Fixed-maturity investments:

                  

U.S. Treasury and government agency

    $ 261       $ (7)       $ 1       $ -        $ 262       $ (7)   

State and municipal bonds

      639         (26)         54         (6)         693         (32)   

Foreign governments

      110         -          -          -          110         -    

Corporate obligations

      812         (29)         85         (5)         897         (34)   

Mortgage-backed securities:

                  

Residential mortgage-backed agency

      592         (13)         193         (9)         785         (22)   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

      5         -          22         (4)         27         (4)   

Commercial mortgage-backed

      14         (1)         2         -          16         (1)   

Asset-backed securities:

                  

Collateralized debt obligations

      2         -          127         (55)         129         (55)   

Other asset-backed

      20         -          50         (12)         70         (12)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total fixed-maturity investments

      2,455         (76)         534         (91)         2,989         (167)   

Perpetual debt and equity securities

      2         -          -          -          2         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total AFS investments

    $ 2,457       $ (76)       $ 534       $ (91)       $ 2,991       $ (167)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

HTM Investments

                  

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

                  

Corporate obligations

    $ -        $ -        $ 420       $ (155)       $ 420       $ (155)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total HTM investments

    $ -        $ -        $ 420       $ (155)       $ 420       $ (155)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

42

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

                                                                 
     December 31, 2013  
     Less than 12 Months      12 Months or Longer      Total  

In millions

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

AFS Investments

                  

Fixed-maturity investments:

                  

U.S. Treasury and government agency

    $ 269       $ (9)       $ 1       $ -        $ 270       $ (9)   

State and municipal bonds

      1,112         (65)         49         (8)         1,161         (73)   

Foreign governments

      36         -          -          -          36         -    

Corporate obligations

      788         (30)         82         (8)         870         (38)   

Mortgage-backed securities:

                  

Residential mortgage-backed agency

      713         (23)         144         (8)         857         (31)   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

      17         -          22         (5)         39         (5)   

Commercial mortgage-backed

      11         (1)         -          -          11         (1)   

Asset-backed securities:

                  

Collateralized debt obligations

      6         -          124         (57)         130         (57)   

Other asset-backed

      21         -          57         (15)         78         (15)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total fixed-maturity investments

      2,973         (128)         479         (101)         3,452         (229)   

Perpetual debt and equity securities

      5         -          -          -          5         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total AFS investments

    $ 2,978       $ (128)       $ 479       $ (101)       $ 3,457       $ (229)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

HTM Investments

                  

Assets of consolidated VIEs:
Corporate obligations

    $ -        $ -        $ 1,244      $ (181)       $ 1,244      $ (181)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total HTM investments

    $ -        $ -        $ 1,244      $ (181)       $ 1,244      $ (181)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross unrealized losses on AFS securities decreased as of March 31, 2014 compared with December 31, 2013 primarily due to market price appreciation caused by declining interest rates. Gross unrealized losses on HTM securities decreased as of March 31, 2014 compared with December 31, 2013 primarily due to market price appreciation caused by shrinking credit spreads.

With the weighting applied on the fair value of each security relative to the total fair value, the weighted average contractual maturity of securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was 16 and 18 years, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were 83 and 77 securities, respectively, that were in an unrealized loss position for a continuous twelve-month period or longer, of which the fair values of 48 and 50 securities, respectively, were below book value by more than 5%.

The following table presents the distribution of securities in an unrealized loss position for a continuous twelve-month period or longer by percentage of fair value below book value by more than 5% as of March 31, 2014:

 

                                                                 
     AFS Securities      HTM Securities  

Percentage of Fair Value Below Book Value

    Number of
Securities		      Book Value
(in millions)		      Fair Value
(in millions)		      Number of
Securities		      Book Value
(in millions)		      Fair Value
(in millions)		  

> 5% to 15%

      25       $ 263       $ 245         -        $ -        $ -    

> 15% to 25%

      11         105         83         -          -          -    

> 25% to 50%

      4         21         15         1        575         420   

> 50%

      7         49         8         -          -          -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

      47       $ 438       $ 351         1       $ 575        $ 420   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

43

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

The following table presents the fair values and gross unrealized losses by credit rating category of ABS, MBS and corporate obligations included in the Company’s consolidated AFS investment portfolio as of March 31, 2014 for which fair value was less than amortized cost. The credit ratings are based on ratings from Moody’s as of March 31, 2014 or an alternate ratings source, such as S&P, when a security is not rated by Moody’s. For investments that are insured by various third-party guarantee insurers, the credit rating reflects the higher of the insurer’s rating or the underlying bond’s rating.

 

                                                                                                                                                         

In millions

    Aaa      Aa      A      Baa      Below
Investment Grade		      Not Rated      Total  

Asset
Type

    Fair
Value		      Unrealized
Loss		      Fair
Value		      Unrealized
Loss		      Fair
Value		      Unrealized
Loss		      Fair
Value		      Unrealized
Loss		      Fair
Value		      Unrealized
Loss		      Fair
Value		      Unrealized
Loss		      Fair
Value		      Unrealized
Loss		  

ABS

    $ 16       $ -        $ 61       $ (3)       $ 2       $ -        $ -        $ -        $ 118       $ (63)       $ 2       $ (1)       $ 199       $ (67)   

MBS

      787         (22)         9         -          2         -          6         -          9         (1)         15         (4)         828         (27)   

Corporate obligations

      281         -          187         (6)         259         (7)         45         (3)         15         -          110         (18)         897         (34)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 1,084       $ (22)       $ 257       $ (9)       $ 263       $ (7)       $ 51       $ (3)       $ 142       $ (64)       $ 127       $ (23)       $ 1,924       $ (128)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

The total ABS, MBS and corporate obligations reported in the preceding table include those which are guaranteed by financial guarantors. In addition, the following table presents information on ABS, MBS and corporate obligations guaranteed by the Company and third-party financial guarantors.

 

               Insured Securities Rated Below
Investment Grade without the
Effect of Guarantee		  
    

Average Credit Rating with the

Effect of Guarantee

   

Average Credit Rating without the

Effect of Guarantee

    (in millions)     

 

  

Asset Type

          Fair Value      Percentage  

ABS

    Below Investment Grade    Below Investment Grade      $90         61%   

MBS

    Below Investment Grade    Below Investment Grade      7         100%   

Corporate obligations

    Baa    Baa      -         - %   

Refer to the table in the “Determination of Credit Loss Guaranteed by the Company and Other Third-Party Guarantors” section within the OTTI section of this note for information on the insured securities included in the table above.

The Company concluded that it does not have the intent to sell securities in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not, that it would not have to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis. In making this conclusion, the Company examined the cash flow projections for its investment portfolios, the potential sources and uses of cash in its businesses, and the cash resources available to its business other than sales of securities. It also considered the existence of any risk management or other plans as of March 31, 2014 that would require the sale of impaired securities. Impaired securities that the Company intends to sell before the expected recovery of such securities’ fair values have been written down to fair value.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

Evaluating AFS Securities for OTTI

The Company has an ongoing review process for all securities in its investment portfolio, including a quarterly assessment of OTTI. This evaluation includes both qualitative and quantitative considerations. In assessing whether a decline in value is related to a credit loss, the Company considers several factors, including but not limited to (i) the magnitude and duration of declines in fair value; (ii) the reasons for the declines in fair value, such as general credit spread movements in each asset-backed sector, transaction-specific changes in credit spreads, credit rating downgrades, modeled defaults, and principal and interest payment priorities within each investment structure; and (iii) any guarantees associated with a security such as those provided by financial guarantee insurance companies, including MBIA Corp. and National.

In calculating credit-related losses, the Company utilizes cash flow modeling based on the type of security. The Company’s cash flow analysis considers all sources of cash, including credit enhancement, that support the payment of amounts owed by an issuer of a security. This includes the consideration of cash expected to be provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA Corp., resulting from an actual or potential insurance policy claim. In general, any change in the amount and/or timing of cash flows received or expected to be received, whether or not such cash flows are contractually defined, is reflected in the Company’s cash flow analysis for purposes of assessing an OTTI loss on an impaired security.

 

44

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

Each quarter, an internal committee, comprising staff that is independent of the Company’s evaluation process for determining OTTI of securities, reviews and approves the valuation of investments. Among other responsibilities, this committee ensures that the Company’s process for identifying and calculating OTTI, including the use of models and assumptions, is reasonable and complies with the Company’s internal policy.

Determination of Credit Loss on ABS, MBS and Corporate Obligations

Investments with unrealized losses that met the above criteria were tested for OTTI and principally related to ABS, MBS and corporate obligations.

ABS investments are evaluated for OTTI using historical collateral performance, deal waterfall and structural protections, credit ratings, and forward looking projections of collateral performance based on business and economic conditions specific to each collateral type and risk. The underlying collateral is evaluated to identify any specific performance concerns, and stress scenarios are considered in forecasting ultimate returns of principal. Based on this evaluation, if a principal default is projected for a security, estimated future cash flows are discounted at the security’s interest rate used to recognize interest income on the security. For CDO investments, the Company utilizes the same tools as its RMBS investments discussed below, aggregating the bond level cash flows to the CDO investment level. If the present value of cash flows is less than the Company’s amortized cost for the security, the difference is recorded as an OTTI loss.

RMBS investments are evaluated for OTTI using several quantitative tools. Loan level data are obtained and analyzed in a model that produces prepayment, default, and severity vectors. The model utilizes macro inputs, including housing price assumptions and interest rates. The vector outputs are used as inputs to a third-party cash flow model, which considers deal waterfall dynamics and structural features, to generate cash flows for an RMBS investment. The expected cash flows of the security are then discounted at the interest rate used to recognize interest income of the security to arrive at a present value amount. If the present value of the cash flows is less than the Company’s amortized cost for the investment, the difference is recorded as an OTTI loss.

Corporate obligation investments are evaluated for OTTI using credit analysis techniques. The Company’s analysis includes a detailed review of a number of quantitative and qualitative factors impacting the value of an individual security. These factors include the interest rate of the security (fixed or floating), the security’s current market spread, any collateral supporting the security, the security’s position in the issuer’s capital structure, and credit rating upgrades or downgrades. Additionally, these factors include an assessment of various issuer-related credit metrics including market capitalization, earnings, cash flow, capitalization, interest coverage, leverage, liquidity, management and a third-party quantitative default probability model. The Company’s analysis is augmented by comparing market prices for similar securities of other issuers in the same sector, as well as any recent corporate or government actions that may impact the ultimate return of principal. If the Company determines that, after considering these factors, a principal default is projected, a recovery analysis is performed using the above data. If the Company’s estimated recovery value for the security is less than its amortized cost, the difference is recorded as an OTTI loss.

Determination of Credit Loss Guaranteed by the Company and Other Third-Party Guarantors

The Company does not record OTTI related to credit concerns about issuers of securities insured by MBIA Corp. and National since investors in these securities, including MBIA, are guaranteed payment of principal and interest when due by MBIA. Securities insured by the Company, whether or not owned by the Company, are evaluated for impairment as part of its insurance surveillance process and, therefore, losses on securities insured by the Company are recorded in accordance with its loss reserving policy. Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for information about the Company’s loss reserving policy and “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for information about loss reserves.

In considering cash expected to be provided from other third-party financial guarantors, the Company assesses the financial guarantor’s ability to make claim payments under a variety of scenarios that test the guarantor’s ultimate claims paying ability. The weighted average outcome of these scenarios, combined with the cash flows provided by the insured security, are used to determine the recoverability of the Company’s amortized cost.

The following table provides information about securities held by the Company as of March 31, 2014 that were in an unrealized loss position and insured by a financial guarantor, along with the amount of insurance loss reserves corresponding to the par amount owned by the Company:

 

45

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

                                

In millions

    Fair Value      Unrealized
Loss		      Insurance  Loss
Reserve(2)		  

Asset-backed:

         

MBIA(1)

    $ 139       $ (54)       $ 18    

Other

      8         (2)         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total asset-backed

      147         (56)         18    

Mortgage-backed:

         

MBIA(1)

      5         -          -    

Other

      2         -          -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total mortgage-backed

      7         -          -    

Corporate obligations:

         

Other

      6         (1)         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total corporate obligations

      6         (1)         -    

Other:

         

MBIA(1)

      64         (6)         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total other

      64         (6)         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 224       $ (63)       $ 18    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Includes investments insured by MBIA Corp. and National.

 

(2) - Insurance loss reserve estimates are based on the proportion of par value owned to the total amount of par value insured.

Credit Loss Rollforward

The portion of certain OTTI losses on fixed-maturity securities that does not represent credit losses is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). For these impairments, the net amount recognized in earnings represents the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future discounted cash flows prior to impairment. Any remaining difference between the fair value and amortized cost is recognized in AOCI. The following table presents the amount of credit loss impairments recognized in earnings on fixed-maturity securities held by MBIA as of the dates indicated, for which a portion of the OTTI losses was recognized in AOCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts.

 

                     

In millions

    Three Months Ended
March 31,		  
Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings Related to Other-Than-Temporary Impairments    2014      2013  

Beginning balance

    $ 175       $ 197   

Reductions for credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities sold during the period

      (1)          (2)    

Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of the security

      (1)          -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Ending balance

    $ 173       $ 195   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Sales of Available-for-Sale Investments

Gross realized gains and losses are recorded within “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The proceeds and the gross realized gains and losses from sales of fixed-maturity securities held as AFS for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

                     
     Three Months Ended
March 31,		  

In millions

    2014      2013  

Proceeds from sales

    $ 16       $ 620   

Gross realized gains

    $ 2       $ 36   

Gross realized losses

    $ -        $ (3)    

 

46

Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Notes 8: Derivative Instruments

Overview

MBIA has entered into derivative instruments through its financial guarantee of CDS and for purposes of hedging risks associated with existing assets and liabilities and forecasted transactions. The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with the accounting principles for derivative and hedging activities, which requires that all such instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Refer to “Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for the method of determining the fair value of derivative instruments.

U.S. Public Finance Insurance

The Company’s derivative exposure within its U.S. public finance insurance operations primarily consists of insured interest rate and inflation-linked swaps related to insured U.S. public finance debt issues. These derivatives do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception. The Company has also purchased certain investments containing embedded derivatives. All derivatives are recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recorded on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations within “Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives,” for the insured derivatives, or “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” for the embedded derivatives.

Structured Finance and International Insurance

The Company entered into derivative instruments that it viewed as an extension of its core financial guarantee business but which do not qualify for the financial guarantee scope exception and, therefore, must be recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. These insured CDS contracts, primarily referencing corporate, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, CRE loans and CDO securities, are intended to be held for the entire term of the contract absent a negotiated settlement with the counterparty.

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

In certain instances, the Company’s structured finance and international insurance business purchased or issued securities that contain embedded derivatives. In accordance with the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivative instruments is determined by the location of the related security.

The Company has also entered into a derivative contract as a result of a commutation occurring during the three months ended March 31, 2014. Changes in the fair value of the Company’s non-insured derivative are included in “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Variable Interest Entities

VIEs consolidated by the Company have entered into derivative instruments consisting of interest rate caps and cross currency swaps. Interest rate caps are entered into to mitigate the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates or fair values of certain contracts. Cross currency swaps are entered into to hedge the variability in cash flows resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency rates.

Asset/Liability Products

The Company’s asset/liability products business has entered into derivative instruments primarily consisting of interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are entered into to hedge the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates or fair values of certain contracts.

In certain instances, the Company’s asset/liability products business purchased or issued securities that contain embedded derivatives. In accordance with the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivative instruments is determined by the location of the related security.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 8: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

Changes in the fair value of the Company’s asset/liability products business derivatives are recorded on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations within “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange.”

Credit Derivatives Sold

The following tables present information about credit derivatives sold by the Company’s insurance operations that were outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Credit ratings represent the lower of underlying ratings assigned to the collateral by Moody’s, S&P or MBIA.

 

                                                                                       

$ in millions

    As of March 31, 2014  
     Notional Value         

Credit Derivatives Sold

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

Insured credit default swaps

      2.5 Years       $ 7,397       $ 718       $ 968       $ 4,736       $ 2,863       $ 16,682       $ (309)   

Insured swaps

      17.0 Years         -          77         3,151         1,042         -          4,270         (4)   
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total notional

       $ 7,397       $ 795       $ 4,119       $ 5,778       $ 2,863       $ 20,952      
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

Total fair value

       $ (2)        $ -        $ (3)        $ (4)        $ (304)           $ (313)   
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

        

 

 

  

 

                                                                                       

$ in millions

    As of December 31, 2013  
     Notional Value         

Credit Derivatives Sold

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

Insured credit default swaps

      2.6 Years       $ 7,406       $ 1,972       $ 1,068       $ 7,552       $ 5,956       $ 23,954       $ (1,132)   

Insured swaps

      18.5 Years         -          77         3,282         1,586         -          4,945         (5)   

All others

      28.0 Years         -          -          -          -          36         36         (15)   
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total notional

       $ 7,406       $ 2,049       $ 4,350       $ 9,138       $ 5,992       $ 28,935      
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

Total fair value

       $ (2)        $ -        $ (3)        $ (78)        $ (1,069)           $ (1,152)   
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

        

 

 

  

Internal credit ratings assigned by MBIA on the underlying collateral are derived by the Company’s surveillance group. In assigning an internal rating, current status reports from issuers and trustees, as well as publicly available transaction-specific information, are reviewed. Also, where appropriate, cash flow analyses and collateral valuations are considered. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) on CDS contracts are estimated as the notional value plus any additional debt service costs, such as interest or other amounts owing on CDS contracts. The maximum amount of future payments that MBIA may be required to make under these guarantees as of March 31, 2014 is $17.1 billion. This amount is net of $48 million of insured derivatives ceded under reinsurance agreements in which MBIA economically hedges a portion of the credit and market risk associated with its insured derivatives and offsetting agreements with a counterparty. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) on insured swaps are estimated as the notional value of such contracts.

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

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 8: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

Counterparty Credit Risk

The Company manages counterparty credit risk on an individual counterparty basis through master netting agreements covering derivative instruments in the asset/liability products segment. There are no master netting agreements in the structured finance and international insurance or the U.S. public finance insurance segments. The master netting agreements in the asset/liability products segment allow the Company to contractually net amounts due from a counterparty with those amounts due to such counterparty when certain triggering events occur. The Company only executes swaps under master netting agreements, which typically contain mutual credit downgrade provisions that generally provide the ability to require assignment or termination in the event either MBIA or the counterparty is downgraded below a specified credit rating.

Under these arrangements, the Company may receive or provide U.S. Treasury and other highly rated securities or cash to secure counterparties’ exposure to the Company or its exposure to counterparties, respectively. Such collateral is available to the holder to pay for replacing the counterparty in the event that the counterparty defaults. As of March 31, 2014, the Company did not hold cash collateral to derivative counterparties but posted cash collateral to derivative counterparties of $115 million. Of this amount, $99 million is netted within “Derivative liabilities” and $16 million is included within “Other liabilities” as cash collateral netted against accrued interest on derivative liabilities. As of December 31, 2013, the Company did not hold cash collateral to derivative counterparties but posted cash collateral to derivative counterparties of $160 million. Of this amount, $123 million is netted within “Derivative liabilities”, $16 million is included within “Other liabilities” as cash collateral netted against accrued interest on derivative liabilities and an additional $21 million is included in “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had securities with a fair value of $65 million posted to derivative counterparties and this amount is included within “Fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale, at fair value” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had securities with a fair value of $42 million posted to derivative counterparties and this amount is included within “Fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale, at fair value” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value on one Credit Support Annex (“CSA”) was $4 million. This CSA governs collateral posting requirements between MBIA and its derivative counterparties. The Company did not receive collateral due to the Company’s credit rating, which was below the CSA minimum credit ratings level for holding counterparty collateral. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the counterparty was rated A2 by Moody’s and A by S&P.

Financial Statement Presentation

The fair value of amounts recognized for eligible derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement, including any cash collateral that may have been received or posted by the Company, is presented on a net basis in accordance with accounting guidance for the offsetting of fair value amounts related to derivative instruments. Insured CDSs and insured swaps are not subject to master netting agreements. VIE derivative assets and liabilities are not presented net of any master netting agreements. Counterparty netting of derivative assets and liabilities offsets balances in “Interest rate swaps” as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

As of March 31, 2014, the total fair value of the Company’s derivative assets, after counterparty netting of $54 million, was $14 million, of which $4 million was reported within “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives of $10 million were reported within “Medium-term notes” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

As of March 31, 2014, the total fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities, after counterparty netting of $54 million and cash collateral posted by the Company of $99 million was $386 million, which was reported within “Derivative liabilities” and “Derivative liabilities” presented under “Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives of $21 million were reported within “Medium-term notes” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents the total fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities by instrument and balance sheet location, before counterparty netting and posting of cash collateral, as of March 31, 2014:

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 8: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

                                                      

In millions

           Derivative Assets(1)      Derivative Liabilities(1)  

Derivative Instruments

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

Not designated as hedging instruments:

               

Insured credit default swaps

    $ 16,682       Other assets    $ -        Derivative liabilities    $ (309)   

Insured swaps

      4,270       Other assets      -        Derivative liabilities      (4)   

Interest rate swaps

      1,487       Other assets      58        Derivative liabilities      (190)   

Interest rate swaps-embedded

      497       Medium-term notes      10        Medium-term notes      (21)   

Currency swaps-VIE

      96       Other assets-VIE      -        Derivative liabilities-VIE      (5)   

All other

      83       Other assets      -        Derivative liabilities      (31)   

All other-VIE

      263       Other assets-VIE      -        Derivative liabilities-VIE      -    

All other-embedded

      11       Other investments      -        Other investments      -    
  

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

  

Total non-designated derivatives

    $ 23,389          $ 68           $ (560)   
  

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

  

 

(1) - In accordance with the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivative instruments is determined by the location of the related host contract.

As of December 31, 2013, the total fair value of the Company’s derivative assets, after counterparty netting of $42 million, was $13 million, of which $4 million was reported within “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives of $9 million were reported within “Medium-term notes” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

As of December 31, 2013, the total fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities, after counterparty netting of $42 million and cash collateral posted by the Company of $123 million, was $1.2 billion which was reported within “Derivative liabilities” and “Derivative liabilities” presented under “Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives of $19 million were reported within “Medium-term notes” and “Other investments” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents the total fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities by instrument and balance sheet location, before counterparty netting and posting of cash collateral, as of December 31, 2013:

 

                                                      

In millions

           Derivative Assets(1)      Derivative Liabilities(1)  

Derivative Instruments

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

Not designated as hedging instruments:

               

Insured credit default swaps

    $ 23,954       Other assets    $ -        Derivative liabilities    $ (1,132)   

Insured swaps

      4,945       Other assets      -        Derivative liabilities      (5)   

Interest rate swaps

      1,495       Other assets      46       Derivative liabilities      (165)   

Interest rate swaps-embedded

      496       Medium-term notes      9       Medium-term notes      (19)   

Currency swaps-VIE

      99       Other assets-VIE      -        Derivative liabilities-VIE      (11)   

All other

      36       Other assets      -        Derivative liabilities      (15)   

All other-VIE

      280       Other assets-VIE      -        Derivative liabilities-VIE      -    

All other-embedded

      11       Other investments      -        Other investments      -    
  

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

  

Total non-designated derivatives

    $ 31,316          $ 55          $ (1,347)   
  

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

  

 

(1) - In accordance with the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, the balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivative instruments is determined by the location of the related host contract.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 8: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014:

 

                     

In millions

            

Derivatives Not Designated as

Hedging Instruments

   

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative

    Net Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income		  

Insured credit default swaps

    Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives    $ 823   

Insured credit default swaps

    Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives      (339)   

Interest rate swaps

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

Currency swaps-VIE

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

All other

    Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      15   

All other

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

All other

    Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives      (30)   
     

 

 

  

Total

       $ 451   
     

 

 

  

The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013:

 

                     

In millions

            

Derivatives Not Designated as

Hedging Instruments

   

Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative

    Net Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income		  

Insured credit default swaps

    Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives    $ (103)   

Insured credit default swaps

    Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives      12   

Interest rate swaps

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

Interest rate swaps-VIE

    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE      13   

Currency swaps

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

Currency swaps-VIE

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

All other

    Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      30   
     

 

 

  

Total

       $ (44)   
     

 

 

  

Note 9: Income Taxes

The Company’s income taxes and the related effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

    2014      2013  

Income (loss) before income taxes

    $ 404       $ 215   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    $ 148       $ 51   

Effective tax rate

      36.6%          23.7%    

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company’s effective tax rate applied to its pre-tax income was higher than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily as a result of certain non-tax deductible expenses and the increase in the valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company’s effective tax rate applied to its pre-tax income was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily as a result of the decrease in the valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset.

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 fair value of its credit derivatives, which prevents the Company from projecting a reliable estimated annual effective tax rate and pretax income for the full year of 2014. A discrete calculation of the provision is calculated for each interim period.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 9: Income Taxes (continued)

 

Deferred Tax Asset, Net of Valuation Allowance

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

As of March 31, 2014, the Company reported a net deferred tax asset of $917 million which is net of a $95 million valuation allowance. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had a valuation allowance against a portion of the deferred tax asset related to losses from asset impairments. The valuation allowance as of March 31, 2014 reflects an increase of $2 million from the December 31, 2013 valuation allowance of $93 million. The increase in the valuation allowance for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to asset impairments which are characterized as capital.

Tax Sharing Agreement

The Company has a tax sharing agreement among its members effective January 1, 1987. The agreement was amended and restated effective September 8, 2011 to change the method of calculating each domestic insurer’s tax liability to the method permitted by paragraph 3(a) of Department Circular Letter #33 (1979). The agreement was submitted to the NYSDFS for review and non-disapproval pursuant to Section 1505 of the New York Insurance Law. Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, for further discussion on the Company’s tax sharing agreement.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

The Company’s policy is to record and disclose any change in UTB and related interest and/or penalties to income tax in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company includes interest as a component of income tax expense. The amounts in the table below do not include accrued interest of $2 million. All amounts below are reflected before any applicable tax benefit.

 

          

In millions

       

Unrecognized tax benefit as of December 31, 2013

    $ 65   

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

   

During a prior year

      -    

During the current year

      -    

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

      -    

The reduction in the UTB as a result of the applicable statute of limitations

      -    
  

 

 

  

Unrecognized tax benefit as of March 31, 2014

    $ 65   
  

 

 

  

The Company does not anticipate any amount to reverse in the next twelve months based on settling certain issues.

In 2013, the Internal Revenue Service contacted the Company to review the 2011 consolidated return of MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries, for the purpose of determining whether to formally examine the tax return. To date no formal examination has been initiated.

The U.K. tax authorities are currently auditing tax years 2005 through 2011. On June 5, 2013, the Company met with the HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”). During the third and fourth quarters of 2013 the Company sent HMRC additional information supporting its position. On January 24, 2014, the Company provided an independent report to HMRC. On April 8, 2014, HMRC responded with comments. The Company will be responding to HMRC in anticipation of another meeting. As of the first quarter of 2014, there has been no resolution.

During 2013, the Company met with New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to discuss the Company’s respective positions regarding certain issues related to the 2008 tax year. Discussions are ongoing and the Company has presented its technical position in writing to the State.

As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s NOL is approximately $2.8 billion which will expire between tax years 2029 through 2033. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward of $22 million, which does not expire. As a result of the commutation of CMBS exposure that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company’s NOL is approximately $3.1 billion as of March 31, 2014.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 10: Business Segments

MBIA manages its activities through three principal business operations: U.S. public finance insurance, structured finance and international insurance, and advisory services. MBIA Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries also manage certain other business activities, the results of which are reported in its corporate, asset/liability products, and conduit segments. The corporate segment includes revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities. While the asset/liability products and conduit businesses represent separate business segments, they may be referred to collectively as “wind-down operations” as the funding programs managed through those businesses are in wind-down.

As defined by segment reporting, an operating segment is a component of a company (i) that engages in business activities from which it earns revenue and incurs expenses, (ii) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker to assess the performance of the segment and to make decisions about the allocation of resources to the segment and, (iii) for which discrete financial information is available. The following sections provide a description of each of the Company’s reportable operating segments.

U.S. Public Finance Insurance

The Company’s U.S. public finance insurance segment is principally conducted through National. The financial guarantees issued by National provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, U.S. public finance insured obligations when due. The obligations are generally not subject to acceleration, except that National may have the right, at its discretion, to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise. National issues financial guarantees for municipal bonds, including tax-exempt and taxable indebtedness of U.S. political subdivisions, as well as utility districts, airports, health care institutions, higher educational facilities, student loan issuers, housing authorities and other similar agencies and obligations issued by private entities that finance projects that serve a substantial public purpose. Municipal bonds and privately issued bonds used for the financing of public purpose projects are generally supported by taxes, assessments, fees or tariffs related to the use of these projects, lease payments or other similar types of revenue streams. National has not written any meaningful amount of business since its formation in 2009.

Structured Finance and International Insurance

The Company’s structured finance and international insurance segment is principally conducted through MBIA Corp. The financial guarantees issued by MBIA Corp. generally provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, global structured finance and non-U.S. public finance insured obligations when due, or in the event MBIA Corp. has the right, at its discretion, to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise, upon MBIA Corp.’s acceleration. Certain guaranteed investment contracts written by MBIA Inc. are insured by MBIA Corp., and if MBIA Inc. were to have insufficient assets to pay amounts due upon maturity or termination, MBIA Corp. would make such payments. MBIA Corp. also insures debt obligations of the following affiliates:

 

  •  

MBIA Inc.;

 

  •  

GFL;

 

  •  

Meridian Funding Company, LLC;

 

  •  

MBIA Investment Management Corp. (“IMC”); and

 

  •  

LaCrosse Financial Products, LLC, a wholly-owned affiliate, in which MBIA Corp. has written insurance policies guaranteeing the obligations under CDS, including termination payments that may become due upon certain events including the insolvency or payment default of the financial guarantor or the CDS issuer.

MBIA Corp.’s guarantees insure structured finance and asset-backed obligations, privately issued bonds used for the financing of public purpose projects, which are primarily located outside of the U.S. and that include toll roads, bridges, airports, public transportation facilities, utilities and other types of infrastructure projects serving a substantial public purpose, and obligations of sovereign-related and sub-sovereign issuers. Structured finance and ABS typically are securities repayable from expected cash flows generated by a specified pool of assets, such as residential and commercial mortgages, insurance policies, consumer loans, corporate loans and bonds, trade and export receivables, and leases for equipment, aircraft and real estate property. The Company is no longer insuring new credit derivative contracts except for transactions related to the reduction of existing derivative exposure. MBIA Corp. has not written any meaningful amount of business since 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 10: Business Segments (continued)

 

Advisory Services

The advisory services segment primarily consists of the operations of Cutwater Investor Services Corp. (“Cutwater-ISC”) and Cutwater Asset Management Corp. (“Cutwater-AMC”). Cutwater-ISC and Cutwater-AMC provide advisory services, including cash management, discretionary asset management and structured products on a fee-for-service basis. Cutwater offers these services to public, not-for-profit, corporate and financial services clients, including MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as portfolio accounting and reporting services. Cutwater-ISC and Cutwater-AMC are Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment advisers. Cutwater-AMC is also a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority member firm. As of March 31, 2014, the Company exited the advisory and asset management services business in the European Union.

Corporate

The Company’s corporate segment is principally conducted through Optinuity Alliance Resources Corporation (“Optinuity”), which provides general support services to the corporate segment and other operating businesses. Optinuity is a reportable segment that includes revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities, such as fees, net investment income, net gains and losses, interest expense on MBIA Inc. debt and general corporate expenses. Employees of the service company provide various support services including management, legal, accounting, treasury, information technology, and insurance portfolio surveillance, among others, on a fee-for-service basis. The service company’s revenues and expenses are included in the results of the corporate segment.

Wind-down Operations

The Company’s wind-down operations consist of the asset/liability products and conduit segments. The asset/liability products segment principally consists of the activities of MBIA Inc., IMC and GFL. IMC, along with MBIA Inc., provided customized investment agreements. It also provided customized products for funds that are invested as part of asset-backed or structured product transactions. GFL raised funds through the issuance of MTNs with varying maturities, which were, in turn, guaranteed by MBIA Corp. GFL lent the proceeds of these MTN issuances to MBIA Inc.

The Company’s conduit segment administers one conduit through MBIA Asset Finance, LLC. Assets financed by this conduit are currently funded by MTNs.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 10: Business Segments (continued)

 

Segments Results

The following tables provide the Company’s segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                                                            
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  

In millions

    U.S. Public
Finance
Insurance		      Structured
Finance and
International
Insurance		      Advisory
Services		      Corporate      Wind-down
Operations		      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues(1)

    $ 88       $ 34       $ 3       $ 8       $ 9       $ -       $ 142   

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

      1         468         -          -          -          -         469   

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

      4         (3)         (4)         (14)         (38)         -         (55)   

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

      -          -          -          -          1         -         1   

Other net realized gains (losses)

      -          -          -          1         -          -         1   

Revenues of consolidated VIEs

      -          20         -          (5)         4         -         19   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

      12         12         6         16         (3)         (43)        -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total revenues

      105         531         5        6         (27)         (43)        577   

Losses and loss adjustment

      (14)         64         -          -          -          -         50   

Operating

      9         16         11         20         -          -         56   

Interest

      -          27         -          9         18         -         54   

Expenses of consolidated VIEs

      -          13         -          -          -          -         13   

Inter-segment expenses(2)

      18         19         1         5         2         (45)        -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total expenses

      13         139         12         34         20         (45)        173   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Income (loss) before income taxes

    $ 92       $ 392       $ (7)       $ (28)       $ (47)       $ 2       $ 404   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Identifiable assets

    $ 6,124       $ 10,875       $ 34       $ 1,233       $ 1,548       $ (3,727) (3)    $ 16,087   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

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

 

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

 

(3) - Consists of intercompany reinsurance balances, repurchase agreements and deferred income taxes.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 10: Business Segments (continued)

 

                                                                            
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2013  

In millions

    U.S. Public
Finance
Insurance		      Structured
Finance and
International
Insurance		      Advisory
Services		      Corporate      Wind-down
Operations		      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues(1)

    $ 108       $ 42       $ 4       $ 1       $ 9       $ -       $ 164   

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

      -          (61)         -          -          -          -         (61)   

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

      32         22         -          6         3         -         63   

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

      -          -          -          -          4         -         4   

Revenues of consolidated VIEs

      -          47         -          -          2         -         49   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

      46         20         7         26         (2)         (97)        -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total revenues

      186         70         11         33         16         (97)        219   

Losses and loss adjustment

      4         (198)         -          -          -          -         (194)   

Operating

      14         34         10         64         -          -         122   

Interest

      -          28         -          12         20         -         60   

Expenses of consolidated VIEs

      -          14         -          -          2         -         16   

Inter-segment expenses(2)

      26         56         2         3         13         (100)        -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total expenses

      44         (66)         12         79         35         (100)        4   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Income (loss) before income

    $ 142       $ 136       $ (1)       $ (46)       $ (19)       $ 3       $ 215   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

Identifiable assets

    $ 6,874       $ 17,149       $ 34       $ 861       $ 2,484       $ (5,810) (3)    $ 21,592   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

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

 

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

 

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

Premiums on financial guarantees and insured derivatives reported within the Company’s insurance segments are generated within and outside the U.S. The following table summarizes premiums earned on financial guarantees and insured derivatives by geographic location of risk for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

    2014      2013  

Total premiums earned:

      

United States

    $ 67       $ 106   

United Kingdom

      9         8   

Europe (excluding United Kingdom)

      3         3   

Internationally diversified

      2         3   

Central and South America

      9         8   

Asia

      1         1   

Other

      2         2   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 93       $ 131   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 10: Business Segments (continued)

 

The following tables provide the results of the segments within the wind-down operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                           
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  

In millions

    Asset /
Liability
Products		      Conduits      Eliminations      Total Wind-
down
Operations		  

Revenues(1)

    $ 9       $ -        $ -        $ 9   

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

      (38)         -          -          (38)   

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

      1         -          -          1   

Revenues of consolidated VIEs

      -          4         -          4   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

      (2)         (1)         -          (3)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total revenues

      (30)         3         -          (27)   

Interest

      18         -          -          18   

Inter-segment expenses(2)

      2         -          -          2   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total expenses

      20         -          -          20   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Income (loss) before income taxes

    $ (50)       $ 3       $ -        $ (47)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Identifiable assets

    $ 1,471       $ 75       $ 2       $ 1,548   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

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

 

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

 

                                           
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2013  

In millions

    Asset /
Liability
Products		      Conduits      Eliminations      Total Wind-
down
Operations		  

Revenues(1)

    $ 9       $ -        $ -        $ 9   

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

      3         -          -          3   

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

      4         -          -          4   

Revenues of consolidated VIEs

      -          2         -          2   

Inter-segment revenues(2)

      (2)         -          -          (2)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total revenues

      14         2        -          16   

Interest

      20         -          -          20   

Expenses of consolidated VIEs

      -          2         -          2   

Inter-segment expenses(2)

      2         11         -          13   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total expenses

      22         13         -          35   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Income (loss) before income taxes

    $ (8)       $ (11)       $ -        $ (19)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Identifiable assets

    $ 1,822       $ 692       $ (30)       $ 2,484   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

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

 

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

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 11: Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method in which earnings are allocated to common stock and participating securities based on their rights to receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents. The Company grants restricted stock and restricted stock units to certain employees and non-employee directors in accordance with the Company’s long-term incentive programs, which entitle the participants to receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting period on the same basis as those dividends are paid to common shareholders. These unvested stock awards represent participating securities. During periods of net income, the calculation of earnings per share exclude the income attributable to participating securities in the numerator and the dilutive impact of these securities from the denominator. During periods of net loss, no effect is given to participating securities in the numerator and the denominator excludes the dilutive impact of these securities since they do not share in the losses of the Company.

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the dilutive effect of all stock options, warrants and unvested restricted stock outstanding during the period that could potentially result in the issuance of common stock. The dilution from stock options, warrants and unvested restricted stock are calculated by applying the two-class method and using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method assumes the proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants or the unrecognized compensation expense from unvested restricted stock will be used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at the average market price during the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 42,358,006 and 33,786,383, respectively, of stock options, warrants and unvested restricted stock outstanding that were antidilutive.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

$ in millions except share and per share amounts

    2014      2013  

Basic earnings per share:

      

Net income (loss)

    $ 256       $ 164   

Less: undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

      5         5   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

      251         159   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Basic weighted average shares (1)

      189,033,982         189,111,170   

Net income (loss) per basic common share

    $ 1.33       $ 0.84   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Diluted earnings per share:

      

Net income (loss)

      256         164   

Less: undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

      5         5   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

      251         159   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Basic weighted average shares (1)

      189,033,982         189,111,170   

Effect of common stock equivalents: Stock options

      1,229,766         1,108,027   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Diluted weighted average shares

      190,263,748         190,219,197   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net income (loss) per diluted common share

    $ 1.32       $ 0.84   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Includes 405,961 and 712,836 of participating securities that met the service condition and were eligible to receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 12: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the changes in the components of AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2014:

 

                                

In millions

    Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on AFS
Securities, Net		      Foreign
Currency
Translation,
Net		      Total  

Balance, December 31, 2013

    $ (96)       $ 10       $ (86)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

      70         (2)         68   

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

      1         4         5   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

      71         2         73   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Balance, March 31, 2014

    $ (25)       $ 12       $ (13)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

The following table presents the details of the reclassifications from AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                

In millions

                   
     Amounts Reclassified from
AOCI		       
     Three Months Ended
March 31,		       

Details about AOCI Components

    2014      2013     

Affected Line Item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations

Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities:

         

Realized gain (loss) on sale of securities

    $ (1)       $ 26       Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange

Amortization on securities

      (1)         (1)       Net investment income
  

 

 

     

 

 

     
     (2)         25       Income (loss) before income taxes
     (1)         9       Provision (benefit) for income taxes
  

 

 

     

 

 

     
     (1)         16       Net income (loss)

Foreign currency translation:

         

Realized gain (loss) on liquidation of foreign entity

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

 

 

     

 

 

     

Total reclassifications for the period

    $ (5)       $ 16       Net income (loss)
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies

The following commitments and contingencies provide an update of those discussed in “Note 21: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and should be read in conjunction with the complete descriptions provided in the aforementioned Form 10-K.

Litigation

MBIA Insurance Corp. v. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, et al.; Index No. 603751/2009 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., N.Y. County)

On March 21, 2014, the court issued an order scheduling fact discovery to close by August 1, 2014.

MBIA Insurance Corp. v. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (f/k/a Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.); Index No. 64676/2012 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., County of Westchester)

On May 6, 2014, the court granted J.P. Morgan’s motion for summary judgment and also granted MBIA Corp. leave to file a motion to submit an amended complaint within twenty days of the court’s decision.

CQS ABS Master Fund Ltd., CQS Select ABS Master Fund Ltd., and CQS ABS Alpha Master Fund Ltd. v. MBIA Inc. et al.; Civil Action No. 12-cv-6840 (R.S.) (S.D.N.Y.)

In May of 2014, the CQS plaintiffs and MBIA filed a Stipulation of Dismissal with prejudice resolving the litigation and the case has been closed on the court’s docket. MBIA paid to CQS an immaterial amount to resolve the litigation.

Ambac Bond Insurance Coverage Cases, Coordinated Proceeding Case No. JCCP 4555 (Super. Ct. of Cal., County of San Francisco)

On March 26, 2014, the court granted in part the Bond Insurer defendants’ motions for reimbursement of legal fees incurred in connection with the defendants’ motion to strike pursuant to California’s Anti-SLAPP statute, which dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims under California’s Cartwright Act.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

 

National Public Finance Guarantee Corp. et al. v City of Detroit, Michigan et al.; Adv. Pro. No 13-05309-swr (Bkcy. E.D. MI)

In April of 2014, National reached a settlement with the City of Detroit regarding its enhanced Unlimited Tax General Obligation (“Detroit UTGOs”). Pursuant to the settlement, which remains subject to bankruptcy court approval, the City of Detroit has agreed to “reinstate” $288 million of Detroit UTGOs, of which approximately $70 million will be insured by National. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, there were $369 million of Detroit UTGOs outstanding, of which $88 million were insured by National. If approved, the reinstated Detroit UTGOs will benefit from a court order confirming their secured status. In addition, the Detroit UTGOs will receive additional security in the form of a fourth lien on Distributable State Aid from the State of Michigan.

National Public Finance Guarantee Corp. et al. v. Harris County—Houston Sports Authority et al.; Case No. 2013-05824 (Dist. Ct. of Harris County, 215 Judicial Dist.)

On April 15, 2014, the Texas First District Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the trial court dismissing the case on grounds of governmental immunity. National’s claims against the Sports Authority have been remanded back to the trial court.

The Company is defending against the aforementioned actions in which it is a defendant and expects ultimately to prevail on the merits. There is no assurance, however, that the Company will prevail in these actions. Adverse rulings in these actions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to implement its strategy and on its business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. At this stage of the litigation, there has not been a determination as to the amount, if any, of damages. Accordingly, the Company is not able to estimate any amount of loss or range of loss.

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

Headquarter Lease Agreement

In March of 2014, the Company entered into a lease agreement for its new headquarters at a property located in Purchase, New York as part of the Company’s cost reduction measures that included the plan to sell the Armonk, New York facility classified as held for sale. The initial lease term expires in 2030 with the option to terminate the lease in 2025 upon the payment of a termination amount. At the end of the initial lease term, the Company has the option to extend the term of the lease for two additional terms of five years at a fixed annual rent based on the fair market rent at the time of any extension. The total future minimum lease payments over the initial lease term are $42 million. The Company will receive a lease incentive amount of $6 million from the property owner to fund certain leasehold improvements. The total future minimum lease payments include annual rent escalation amounts and a free rent period and exclude the lease incentive amount. The lease agreement has been classified as an operating lease, and operating rent expense will be recognized on a straight-line basis beginning in the second quarter of 2014.

Note 14: Subsequent Events

Refer to “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies” for information about legal proceedings that occurred after March 31, 2014.

 

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

INTRODUCTION

MBIA Inc. (“MBIA”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) operates one of the largest financial guarantee insurance businesses in the industry and is a provider of asset management and advisory services. These activities are managed through three business segments: United States (“U.S.”) public finance insurance; structured finance and international insurance; and advisory services. Our U.S. public finance insurance business is primarily operated through National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, “National”), our structured finance and international insurance business is primarily operated through MBIA Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries (“MBIA Corp.”), and our asset management and advisory services business is primarily operated through Cutwater Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Cutwater”). We also manage certain business activities through our corporate, asset/liability products, and conduit segments. Our corporate segment includes revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities. Funding programs managed through our asset/liability products and conduit segments are in wind-down.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

National

Our primary strategy is to insure new issue and secondary market municipal bonds through National while providing ongoing surveillance of National’s existing insured portfolio. National’s ability to write new business and to compete with other financial guarantors is largely dependent on the financial strength ratings assigned to National by major rating agencies. On March 18, 2014, Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) upgraded National to AA- with a stable outlook. With a rating in the AA range, National will turn its attention toward executing its business plan and supporting the credit enhancement needs of municipal debt issuers across the U.S. Also, during the first quarter of 2014, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) reaffirmed National’s Baa1 rating with a positive outlook. We continue to consider obtaining ratings from additional rating agencies.

National is the largest U.S. municipal-only bond insurer in the financial guarantee industry. National maintains underwriting criteria for most municipal risk types and expects opportunities for new business across the spectrum of municipal sectors. We expect that the majority of its new business will be in the general obligation, tax-backed and revenue bond sectors. In addition to the new issue market, there are attractive opportunities in the secondary market with respect to bonds issued in recent years which were not insured upon issuance and which meet our underwriting criteria.

National seeks to generate shareholder value through appropriate risk adjusted pricing; however, current market conditions and the competitive landscape may limit National’s new business opportunities and its ability to price and underwrite risk with attractive returns. Financial guarantee insurance competes in nearly all instances with the issuer’s alternative of foregoing insurance and paying a higher interest rate. If the interest savings from insurance are not greater than the cost, the issuer will generally choose to issue bonds without insurance.

Prevailing interest rate levels can affect demand for financial guarantee insurance. Higher interest rates and higher levels of issuance of new municipal debt in 2014 would present new business opportunities for National in the U.S. public finance market. Lower interest rates are typically accompanied by narrower spreads between insured and uninsured obligations. This is, in part, due to the fact that investors may choose to forego insurance to increase the yield on their investment. Therefore, the purchase of insurance during periods of relatively narrower interest rate spreads will generally provide lower cost savings to the issuer than during periods of relatively wider spreads. These lower cost savings could be accompanied by a corresponding decrease in demand for financial guarantee insurance.

National’s insurance policies protect policyholders from potential defaults and guarantee payments of scheduled principal and interest. We believe the increase in municipal stress will increase the demand for National’s insurance product.

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW (continued)

 

While our U.S. public finance insured portfolio in National continued to perform satisfactorily on the whole, some of the obligations that we insure were issued by state and local governments and territories that remain under extreme financial and budgetary stress. In addition, a few of these local governments have filed for protection under Chapter 9 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or have entered into state statutory proceedings established to assist municipalities in managing through periods of severe fiscal stress. This could lead to an increase in defaults by such entities on the payment of their obligations and losses or impairments on a greater number of our insured transactions. We continue to monitor and analyze these situations and other stressed credits closely, and the overall extent and duration of this stress is uncertain.

One extreme example of an issuer in financial distress is the City of Detroit, which filed for Chapter 9 protection in July of 2013. Following the bankruptcy filing, and after months of court-ordered mediation, in April of 2014, National and other financial guarantee insurers reached a settlement with the City of Detroit regarding its insured enhanced Unlimited Tax General Obligation bonds (“Detroit UTGOs”). At the time of the bankruptcy filing, there were $369 million of Detroit UTGOs outstanding, of which $88 million were insured by National. Pursuant to the settlement, which remains subject to bankruptcy court approval, the City of Detroit has agreed to “reinstate” $288 million of Detroit UTGOs, of which approximately $70 million will be insured by National. If approved, the reinstated Detroit UTGOs will benefit from a court order confirming their secured status. In addition, the Detroit UTGOs will receive additional security in the form of a fourth lien on Distributable State Aid from the State of Michigan. National has also insured $1.0 billion of Detroit Water Supply System Revenue Bonds and $1.2 billion of Detroit Sewage Disposal Detroit Sewage Disposal Bonds (together, the “DWSD Bonds”) that are also subject to Detroit’s Chapter 9 proceeding. Detroit’s current plan seeks to impair the DWSD Bonds by eliminating call protection, which would allow an early redemption of the bonds, and, in some cases, resetting interest rates below current levels. If approved by the bankruptcy court, and depending on certain key facts and circumstances, this could result in National incurring a loss on the DWSD Bonds. We do not believe that the City’s current plan is confirmable, and as a result, do not believe a claim is likely to arise in connection with the DWSD Bonds as a result of changed interest rates or early redemption. We do not believe that applicable law permits the City to take actions that would impair “special revenue” bonds, like the DWSD Bonds, which are entitled to additional protections under the bankruptcy code.

National also has exposure to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities in the territory. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities in the territory are experiencing fiscal stress. However it has taken pro-active actions to address its significant economic challenges including the issuance of $3.5 billion of General Obligation bonds in March of 2014, the proceeds of which were used to refinance certain obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities and to provide a liquidity infusion to the Government Development Bank of approximately $1.9 billion. At this time, we do not expect a default by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any of its instrumentalities in the territory that we insure, although we monitor our exposures there closely. Refer to the “U.S. Public Finance Insurance Puerto Rico Exposures” section for additional information on our Puerto Rico exposures by bond type.

MBIA Inc. Liquidity

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the liquidity position of MBIA Inc., which consists of the liquidity positions of its corporate and asset/liability products activities, was $499 million and $359 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, $173 million was released to MBIA Inc. under the MBIA group’s tax sharing agreement (the “Tax Escrow Account”). Also, during the three months ended March 31, 2014, we repurchased $28 million of debt issued by MBIA Inc. or its subsidiary MBIA Global Funding, LLC (“GFL”) in connection with our strategy to bring our leverage down using cash generated from operations. In addition, we repurchased $104 million of medium-term notes (“MTNs”) issued by our conduit segment. The Company expects that MBIA Inc. will generate sufficient cash to satisfy its debt obligations and its general corporate needs over time from expected subsidiary dividends and additional anticipated releases from the Tax Escrow Account. Refer to the “Liquidity—MBIA Inc. Liquidity” section for additional information on MBIA Inc.’s liquidity position.

MBIA Corp.

MBIA Corp.’s primary strategies are focused on maximizing the value of its insured portfolio through the collection of excess spread and put-back recoveries and mitigating MBIA Corp.’s high risk insurance exposures, primarily through the termination of insurance policies. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp. commuted $3.8 billion of gross par exposure, primarily comprising structured commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) pools, in which the reference CMBS were originally rated single-A, commercial real estate (“CRE”) collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), and first-lien residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”). In connection with these commutations, on February 14, 2014, Moody’s placed the current rating of MBIA Corp., B3 with a positive outlook, on review for upgrade. We continue to evaluate opportunities to terminate or commute additional high risk insurance exposures, although our ability to commute is limited by available liquidity.

MBIA Corp.’s liquidity position was adequate during the first quarter of 2014. MBIA Corp. continues to manage liquidity risk and satisfy all payment obligations when due. Our expected liquidity and capital forecasts for MBIA Corp. and projected collections of excess spread and the remaining put-back recoverable reflect more than adequate resources to pay expected claims. However, there are risks to these forecasts. If MBIA Corp. experiences higher than expected claim payments or lower collections of excess spread or put-back recoverables, it may ultimately have insufficient resources to continue to pay claims, which could cause the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYSDFS”) to put MBIA Corp. into a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding. Management does not believe that a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding of MBIA Corp. by the NYSDFS will result in a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding of MBIA UK Insurance Limited. Refer to the “Liquidity—MBIA Corp. Liquidity” section for additional information on MBIA Corp.’s liquidity position.

Other

As part of the Company’s cost reduction measures, the Company will be relocating its headquarters. In March of 2014, the Company entered into a lease agreement for the Company’s headquarters. Refer to “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of this lease agreement.

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW (continued)

 

Economic and Financial Market Trends

The recovery in the U.S. economy was modest during the three months ended March 31, 2014 with consumer spending and the housing sector impacted by severe weather. The unemployment rate remained relatively unchanged since the end of 2013 when it was at its lowest levels in five years. In March of 2014, the Federal Reserve reaffirmed its plan to continue reducing its monthly asset purchase program and to keep short-term interest rates low through 2014. Information concerning our interest rate sensitivity appears in Part I, Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” We believe consumer confidence and employment prospects should improve throughout 2014. However, to ensure sustained job growth and prosperity, we believe that Washington must exhibit greater fiscal discipline and pursue countercyclical economic policies. While economic growth has returned to much of Europe and unemployment rates have improved, resolution of debt and budget issues remain critical to ensure sustained growth and return to a robust economy in this region. In addition, the economic impact of the tension caused by the Ukraine crisis and the resulting sanctions imposed on Russia by the Western economies is uncertain and growth in the European Union may be impeded.

Economic and financial market trends impact MBIA’s business outlook and its financial results. An ongoing low interest rate environment will adversely impact the demand for municipal bond insurance as well as National’s ability to price risk at levels that meet its underwriting objectives. However, the consistent gradual improvement of economic indicators at the state and local levels will benefit the performance of our insured public finance portfolio and could reduce the amount of National’s incurred losses.

Financial Highlights

Our financial results, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), have been extremely volatile since the fourth quarter of 2007 primarily as a result of unrealized gains and losses from fair valuing our insured credit derivatives, as well as a result of insured losses and recoveries on second-lien RMBS. While we do not believe that the volatility caused by the unrealized gains and losses on our insured derivatives reflects the underlying economics of our business, we expect that our reported financial results will remain volatile during 2014 as a result of actual and perceived future performance of our insured credit derivatives and the perception of MBIA’s credit risk. Our economic performance may also be volatile depending on changes in our loss estimates based on changes in macroeconomic conditions in the U.S. and abroad and deviations in collateral performance from our expectations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded consolidated net income of $256 million or $1.32 per diluted share compared with consolidated net income of $164 million, or $0.84 per diluted share for the same period of 2013.

We also use adjusted pre-tax income (loss), a non-GAAP measure, to supplement our analysis of our periodic results. We consider adjusted pre-tax income (loss) a fundamental measure of periodic financial performance, which we believe is useful for an understanding of our results. Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) adjusts GAAP pre-tax income (loss) to remove the effects of consolidating insured variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and gains and losses related to insured credit derivatives, which we believe will reverse over time, as well as to add in changes in the present value of insurance claims we expect to pay on insured credit derivatives based on our ongoing insurance loss monitoring. Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) is not a substitute for and should not be viewed in isolation of GAAP pre-tax income (loss), and our definition of adjusted pre-tax income (loss) may differ from that used by other companies. Refer to the following “Results of Operations” section for a reconciliation of adjusted pre-tax income (loss) to GAAP pre-tax income (loss).

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, consolidated adjusted pre-tax loss was $99 million compared with an adjusted pre-tax loss of $20 million for the same period of 2013.

Our consolidated shareholders’ equity increased to $3.6 billion as of March 31, 2014 compared with $3.3 billion as of December 31, 2013. Our consolidated book value per share as of March 31, 2014 was $18.46 compared with $17.05 as of December 31, 2013.

In addition to book value per share, we also analyze adjusted book value (“ABV”) per share, a non-GAAP measure. We consider ABV a measure of fundamental value of the Company and the change in ABV an important measure of financial performance. ABV adjusts GAAP book value to remove the impact of certain items which the Company believes will reverse from GAAP book value over time through the GAAP statements of operations and GAAP statements of comprehensive income, as well as to add in the impact of certain items which the Company believes will be realized in GAAP book value in future periods. The Company has limited such adjustments to those items that it deems to be important to fundamental value and performance and which the likelihood and amount can be reasonably estimated. ABV assumes no new business activity. We have presented ABV to allow investors and analysts to evaluate the Company using the same measure that MBIA’s management regularly uses to measure financial performance and value. ABV is not a substitute for and should not be viewed in isolation of GAAP book value, and our definition of ABV may differ from that used by other companies. Refer to the following “Results of Operations” section for a further discussion of ABV and a reconciliation of GAAP book value per share to ABV per share.

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2014, ABV per share was $26.64, down from $27.78 as of December 31, 2013.

A detailed discussion of our financial results is presented within the “Results of Operations” section included herein. Refer to the “Capital Resources—Insurance Statutory Capital” section for a discussion of National’s and MBIA Corp.’s capital positions under statutory accounting principles (“U.S. STAT”).

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. Management has discussed and reviewed the development, selection, and disclosure of critical accounting estimates with the Company’s Audit Committee. Management believes that the most critical accounting estimates, since these estimates require significant judgment, are loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves, valuation of financial instruments, and deferred income taxes. Financial results could be materially different if other methodologies were used or if management modified its assumptions.

For a discussion of the Company’s critical accounting estimates, see “Critical Accounting Estimates” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. In addition, refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a current description of estimates used in our insurance loss reserving process.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Refer to “Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of accounting guidance recently adopted by the Company.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary of Consolidated Results

The following table presents a summary of our consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions except share and per share amounts

    2014      2013  

Total revenues (losses)

    $ 577       $ 219   

Total expenses

      173         4   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Pre-tax income (loss)

      404         215   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

      148         51   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net income (loss)

    $ 256       $ 164   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net income (loss) per common share:

      

Basic

    $ 1.33       $ 0.84   

Diluted

    $ 1.32       $ 0.84   

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

      

Basic

      189,033,982         189,111,170   

Diluted

      190,263,748         190,219,197   

Consolidated total revenues (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included $469 million of net gains on insured derivatives compared with $61 million of net losses for the same period of 2013. The net gains on insured derivatives in 2014 were principally associated with the reversal of unrealized losses from commutations partially offset by settlements and claim payments. The net losses on insured derivatives in 2013 were principally the result of the effects of MBIA’s nonperformance risk on its derivative liabilities which resulted from a tightening of its own credit spreads and an improvement in the Company’s recovery rate, partially offset by the effects of changes in the weighted average life of the portfolio and favorable movements in spreads and pricing on collateral transactions. Consolidated total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included $50 million of net insurance loss and LAE compared with a $194 million benefit for the same period of 2013. The net insurance loss in 2014 and LAE benefit in 2013 were principally related to our insured CMBS and RMBS exposure.

Included in our consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $6 million and $33 million, respectively, of income before income taxes related to consolidated VIEs, after the elimination of intercompany revenues and expenses. The net effect of consolidated VIEs on our financial results will vary over time as VIEs are consolidated or deconsolidated by the Company, and as the values of consolidated VIE assets and liabilities change.

European Sovereign Debt Exposure

MBIA does not insure any direct European sovereign debt, but we do have indirect European sovereign insured debt exposure that totaled $8.0 billion as of March 31, 2014 and included obligations of sovereign-related and sub-sovereign issuers, such as regions, departments, and sovereign-owned entities that are supported by a sovereign state, region or department. Of the $8.0 billion of insured gross par outstanding, $688 million, $500 million, and $261 million were related to Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, respectively. The remaining $6.6 billion was related to the United Kingdom. We closely monitor our existing insured European portfolios on an ongoing basis. We consider country risk, including economic and political factors, the type and quality of local regulatory oversight, the strength of the legal framework in each country and the stability of the local institutional framework. We also monitor local accounting, regulatory and legal requirements, local financial market developments, the impact of exchange rates and local demand dynamics. A default by one or more sovereign issuers could have an adverse effect on our insured debt exposures. The Company has an immaterial amount of direct and indirect European sovereign debt holdings included in its investment portfolios.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Adjusted Pre-Tax Income

In addition to the above results, we also analyze the operating performance of the Company using adjusted pre-tax income (loss), a non-GAAP measure. We believe adjusted pre-tax income (loss), as used by management, is useful for an understanding of the results of operations of the Company. Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) is not a substitute for pre-tax income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP, and our definition of adjusted pre-tax income (loss) may differ from that used by other companies.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, our consolidated adjusted pre-tax loss increased compared with the same period of 2013 primarily as a result of decreases in net gains (losses) of financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange and premiums earned, partially offset by decreases in legal and litigation related operating expenses.

The following table presents our consolidated adjusted pre-tax income (loss) (a non-GAAP measure) and provides a reconciliation of adjusted pre-tax income (loss) to GAAP pre-tax income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

    2014        2013  

Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)

    $ (99)         $ (20)   

Additions to adjusted pre-tax income (loss):

        

Impact of consolidating certain VIEs

      19           18   

Mark-to-market gains (losses) on insured credit derivatives

      838           (73)   

Subtractions from adjusted pre-tax income (loss):

        

Impairments on insured credit derivatives

      354           (290)   
  

 

 

       

 

 

  

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ 404         $ 215   
  

 

 

       

 

 

  

Adjusted Book Value

As of March 31, 2014, ABV per share (a non-GAAP measure) was $26.64, down from $27.78 as of December 31, 2013. The decrease in ABV per share was primarily driven by insurance losses and credit impairments and a decline in future installment premiums related to insured credit derivatives that were commuted during the period.

The following table provides a reconciliation of consolidated book value per share to consolidated ABV per share:

 

                     

In millions except share and per share amounts

    As of
March 31, 2014		      As of
December 31, 2013		  

Total shareholders’ equity of MBIA Inc.

    $ 3,604       $ 3,278   

Common shares outstanding

      195,204,931         192,249,884   

Book value per share

    $ 18.46       $ 17.05   

Reverse net unrealized (gains) losses included in other comprehensive income (after-tax)

      (0.01)         0.37   

Add net unearned premium revenue (after-tax)(1)(2)

      7.92         8.39   

Add present value of insured derivative installment revenue (after-tax)(3)

      0.16         0.21   

Subtract deferred acquisition costs (after-tax)

      (0.85)         (0.90)   

Reverse cumulative net loss from consolidating certain VIEs (after-tax)(4)

      0.32         0.38   

Reverse cumulative unrealized loss on insured credit derivatives (after-tax)

      1.02         3.87   

Subtract cumulative impairments on insured credit derivatives (after-tax)(3)

      (0.38)         (1.59)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total adjustments per share

      8.18         10.73   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Adjusted book value per share

    $ 26.64       $ 27.78   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Consists of financial guarantee premiums and fees.

 

(2) - The discount rate on financial guarantee installment premiums was the risk-free rate as defined by the accounting principles for financial guarantee insurance contracts.

 

(3) - The discount rate on insured derivative installment revenue and impairments was 5% as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

(4) - Represents the impact on book value per share of consolidated VIEs that are not considered business enterprises of the Company.

Our “Net unearned premium revenue” adjustment to book value per share consists of unearned premium revenue net of prepaid reinsurance premiums related to financial guarantee insurance contracts, the unamortized portion of installment premiums collected on insured derivative contracts, and the unamortized portion of insurance-related deferred fee revenue. Our “Present value of insured derivative installment revenue” adjustment to book value per share consists of the present value of premiums not yet collected from insured derivative contracts, which are not recorded on our balance sheet in accordance with accounting principles for financial guarantee insurance contracts but which are contractually due to the Company.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

U.S. Public Finance Insurance

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

The following table presents our U.S. public finance insurance segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                
     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  

In millions

    2014      2013     

Net premiums earned

    $ 65       $ 103         -37%    

Net investment income

      33         49         -33%    

Fees and reimbursements

      2         2         -%    

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

      1         -          n/m    

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

      4         32         -88%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total revenues

      105         186         -44%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Losses and loss adjustment

      (14)         4         n/m    

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

      14         22         -36%    

Operating

      13         18         -28%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total expenses

      13         44         -70%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ 92       $ 142         -35%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we did not write any U.S. public finance insurance. On March 18, 2014, S&P upgraded National’s rating to AA- with a stable outlook. With a rating in the AA range, National will turn its attention toward executing its business plan and supporting the credit enhancement needs of municipal debt issuers across the U.S. Also during the first quarter of 2014, Moody’s reaffirmed National’s Baa1 rating with a positive outlook. We continue to consider obtaining ratings from additional rating agencies. National maintains underwriting criteria for most municipal risk types and expects opportunities for new business across the spectrum of municipal sectors. National’s underwriting criteria does not limit it to particular sectors. We expect that the majority of its new business will be in the general obligation, tax-backed and revenue bond sectors.

NET PREMIUMS EARNED Net premiums earned on non-derivative financial guarantees represent gross premiums earned net of premiums ceded to reinsurers, and include scheduled premium earnings and premium earnings from refunded issues. The decrease in net premiums earned for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 resulted from a decrease in refunded premiums earned of $24 million and a decrease in scheduled premiums earned of $14 million. Scheduled premium earnings declined due to the refunding and maturity of insured issues within our U.S. public finance portfolio with no new insurance writings. Refunding activity over the past several years has accelerated premium earnings in prior periods and reduced the amount of scheduled premiums that would have been earned in the current period. Refundings have experienced a decline when compared to the prior period due to an overall decrease in municipal market issuance.

NET INVESTMENT INCOME The decrease in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 was primarily due to a lower yield on investment assets as a result of investing the proceeds from the repayment of the National Secured Loan by MBIA Corp. in May of 2013.

NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE The decrease in net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 was principally due to a decrease in net realized gains from the sales of securities from the ongoing management of our U.S. public finance insurance investment portfolio.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES National’s portfolio surveillance group is responsible for monitoring our U.S. public finance segment’s insured obligations. The level and frequency of monitoring of any insured obligation depends on the type, size, rating and performance of the insured issue.

Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Company’s loss reserving policy and additional information related to its loss reserves.

The following table presents information about our U.S. public finance insurance loss and LAE expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                
     Three Months Ended
March 31,		      Percent
Change		  

In millions

    2014      2013     

Loss and LAE related to expected payments

    $ (25)       $ 5         n/m   

Recoveries of expected payments

      11        (1)         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross losses incurred

      (14)         4         n/m   

Reinsurance

      -         -         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Losses and loss adjustment expenses (benefit)

    $ (14)       $ 4         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

The losses and LAE benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2014, related to decreases in reserves from certain general obligation bonds. The losses and LAE for the same period of 2013 related to increases in reserves for certain general obligation bonds.

Certain local governments remain under extreme financial and budgetary stress and a few have filed for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code, or have entered into state statutory proceedings established to assist municipalities in managing through periods of severe fiscal stress. This could lead to an increase in defaults by such entities on the payment of their obligations and losses or impairments on a greater number of our insured transactions. We continue to monitor and analyze these situations closely, however, the overall extent and duration of these events is uncertain and the filing for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code or entering state statutory proceedings does not necessarily result in a default or indicate that an ultimate loss will occur.

The following table presents information about our U.S. public finance insurance loss and LAE reserves and recoverables as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

                                

In millions

    March 31,
2014		      December 31,
2013		      Percent
Change		  

Gross loss and LAE reserves

    $ 110       $ 147         -25%    

Expected recoveries on unpaid losses

      (48)         (60)         -20%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Loss and LAE reserves

    $ 62       $ 87         -29%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Insurance loss recoverable

    $ 9       $ 13         -31%    

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses(1)

    $ 1       $ 1         -%    

 

(1) - Reported within “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets.

Loss and LAE reserves as of March 31, 2014 decreased compared with December 31, 2013 primarily as a result of decreases in expected payments on certain general obligation bonds and payments made on a healthcare transaction.

Insurance loss recoverable as of March 31, 2014 decreased compared with December 31, 2013 primarily as a result of collections.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Included in our U.S. public finance loss and LAE reserves are both reserves for insured obligations for which a payment default has occurred and National has already paid a claim and also for which a payment default has not yet occurred but a claim is expected in the future. The following table includes LAE reserves, but excludes par outstanding, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for one issue that had no expected future claim payments, but for which National was obligated to pay LAE incurred in prior periods. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, loss and LAE reserves comprised the following:

 

                                                                 

$ in millions

    Number of Issues(1)      Loss and LAE Reserve      Par Outstanding  
   March 31,
2014		      December 31,
2013		      March 31,
2014		      December 31,
2013		      March 31,
2014		      December 31,
2013		  

Gross of reinsurance:

                  

Issues with defaults

      8         7        $ 50       $ 74       $ 626       $ 621   

Issues without defaults

      7         7          12         13         81         87   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total gross of reinsurance

      15         14        $ 62       $ 87       $ 707       $ 708   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

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

POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES U.S. public finance insurance segment expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table:

 

                                

In millions

    Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  
   2014      2013     

Gross expenses

    $ 13       $ 18         -28%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    $ 14       $ 22         -36%    

Operating

      13         18         -28%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total insurance operating expenses

    $ 27       $ 40         -33%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross expenses represent total insurance expenses before the deferral of any policy acquisition costs. Gross expenses decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 primarily due to a decrease in legal and litigation related costs partially offset by an increase in costs associated with support provided by our corporate segment. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 due to lower refunding activity in 2014. We did not defer a material amount of policy acquisition costs during the first quarters of 2014 or 2013.

INSURED PORTFOLIO EXPOSURE Financial guarantee insurance companies use a variety of approaches to assess the underlying credit risk profile of their insured portfolios. MBIA uses both an internally developed credit rating system as well as third-party rating sources in the analysis of credit quality measures of its insured portfolio. In evaluating credit risk, we obtain, when available, the underlying rating of the insured obligation before the benefit of its insurance policy from nationally recognized rating agencies, Moody’s and S&P. Other companies within the financial guarantee industry may report credit quality information based upon internal ratings that would not be comparable to our presentation. We maintain internal ratings on our entire portfolio, and our ratings may be higher or lower than the ratings assigned by Moody’s or S&P.

The following table presents the credit quality distribution of MBIA’s U.S. public finance outstanding gross par insured as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Capital appreciation bonds (“CABs”) are reported at the par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy. All ratings are as of the period presented and represent S&P ratings. If transactions are not rated by S&P, a Moody’s equivalent rating is used. If transactions are not rated by either S&P or Moody’s, an internal equivalent rating is used. The credit quality distribution of our U.S. public finance insurance exposure as of March 31, 2014 remained relatively consistent with December 31, 2013.

 

                                           
     Gross Par Outstanding  

In millions

Rating

    March 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  
   Amount      %      Amount      %  

AAA

    $ 15,637         5.9%        $ 16,293         5.9%    

AA

      129,454         48.4%          133,188         48.1%    

A

      95,837         35.8%          99,631         36.0%    

BBB

      19,258         7.2%          23,127         8.3%    

Below investment grade

      7,328         2.7%          4,607         1.7%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 267,514         100.0%        $ 276,846         100.0%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

U.S. Public Finance Insurance Puerto Rico Exposures

The following is a summary of exposures within the insured portfolio of our U.S. public finance insurance segment related to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or certain of its instrumentalities in that territory as of March 31, 2014.

 

                     

In millions

    Gross Par
Outstanding		      National
Internal
Rating		  

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority(1)

    $ 1,532         bb1   

Puerto Rico Commonwealth GO(1)

      1,238         bbb3   

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority Transportation Revenue(1)

      838         bb2   

Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation (COFINA)(1)

      684         a1   

Puerto Rico Government Development Bank GO

      267         bbb3   

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority Highway Revenue

      136         bb1   

University of Puerto Rico System Revenue

      94         bbb3   

Inter American University of Puerto Rico Inc.

      29         a3   

Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company

      15         bbb1   
  

 

 

     

Total

    $ 4,833      
  

 

 

     

 

(1) - Includes CABs that reflect the gross par amount at the time of issuance of the insurance policy.

During the first quarter of 2014, the ratings of certain Puerto Rico issuers were lowered by the rating agencies to below investment grade. The loss of investment grade ratings across certain Puerto Rico issuers triggered acceleration of principal and interest payments on a portion of its debt including certain derivatives. These rating actions have constrained and could continue to constrain traditional market access for Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities, further straining liquidity. While Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities are experiencing fiscal stress that could lead to defaults on its debt obligations, it has taken pro-active actions to address its significant financial challenges, including having a stated goal of reaching a balanced budget in fiscal year 2015, as well as the issuance of $3.5 billion of General Obligation bonds in March of 2014, the proceeds of which were used to refinance certain obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and certain of its instrumentalities and to provide a liquidity infusion to the Government Development Bank of approximately $1.9 billion. We are reviewing the resulting application of proceeds from these bond issuances carefully to determine Puerto Rico’s ability to meet its near term obligations while its recently enacted financial reforms take effect. In addition, although we have downgraded our internal rating of certain Puerto Rico issuers to below investment grade, we do not expect a default by Puerto Rico or certain of its instrumentalities in that territory at this time. All of the insured obligations included in the preceding table are presently current on debt service payments.

Structured Finance and International Insurance

Our structured finance and international insurance business is principally conducted through MBIA Corp. The financial guarantees issued by MBIA Corp. generally provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations when due or, in the event MBIA Corp. has the right, at its discretion, to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise, upon MBIA Corp.’s acceleration. Certain guaranteed investment contracts written by MBIA Inc. or its subsidiaries are insured by MBIA Corp. If MBIA Inc. or such subsidiaries were to have insufficient assets to pay amounts due upon maturity or termination, MBIA Corp. would make such payments under its insurance policies. MBIA Corp. also insured debt obligations of other affiliates, including GFL, and provides reinsurance to its insurance subsidiaries. MBIA Corp. has also written insurance policies guaranteeing the obligations under credit default swap (“CDS”) contracts of an affiliate, LaCrosse Financial Products, LLC, including termination payments that may become due in certain circumstances, including the occurrence of certain insolvency or payment defaults under the CDS contracts.

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

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

In certain cases, we may be required to consolidate entities established by issuers of insured obligations as part of securitizations when we insure the assets or liabilities of those entities and in connection with remediations under our insurance policies. These entities typically meet the definition of a VIE under accounting principles for the consolidation of VIEs. We do not believe there is any difference in the risks and profitability of financial guarantees provided to VIEs compared with other financial guarantees written by us.

The following table presents our structured finance and international insurance segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                

In millions

    Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  
   2014      2013     

Net premiums earned

    $ 33       $ 36         -8%    

Net investment income

      5         5         -  %    

Fees and reimbursements

      14         24         -42%    

Change in fair value of insured derivatives:

         

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

      (370)         12         n/m    

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

      838         (73)         n/m    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

      468         (61)         n/m    

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

      (3)         22         -114%    

Revenues of consolidated VIEs:

         

Net investment income

      12         13         -8%    

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

      2         31         -94%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total revenues

      531         70         n/m    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Losses and loss adjustment

      64         (198)         -132%    

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

      19         33         -42%    

Operating

      15         26         -42%    

Interest

      28         58         -52%    

Expenses of consolidated VIEs:

         

Operating

      3         5         -40%    

Interest

      10         10         -%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total expenses

      139         (66)         n/m    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ 392       $ 136         n/m    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we did not have any new structured finance and international insurance writings. As of March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp.’s total insured gross par outstanding was $70.3 billion. The lack of insurance writings in our structured finance and international insurance segment reflects the insurance financial strength credit ratings assigned to MBIA Corp. by the major rating agencies. As a result, the Company does not expect to write a material amount of new business in the near term. During February of 2014, Moody’s placed the current rating of MBIA Corp., B3 with positive outlook, on review for upgrade. Pre-tax income (loss) in each of the periods included in the preceding table was primarily driven by changes in the fair value of our insured credit derivatives, which reflects changes in the market’s perception of MBIA Corp.’s credit risk.

ADJUSTED PRE-TAX INCOME (LOSS) In addition to the above results, we also analyze the operating performance of our structured finance and international insurance segment using adjusted pre-tax income (loss), a non-GAAP measure. We believe adjusted pre-tax income (loss), as used by management, is useful for an understanding of the results of operations of our structured finance and international insurance segment. Adjusted pre-tax income (loss) is not a substitute for pre-tax income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP, and our definition of adjusted pre-tax income (loss) may differ from that used by other companies.

Adjusted pre-tax loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased compared with the same period of 2013 principally due to decreases in net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange and net investment income partially offset by decreases in interest expense from the National Secured Loan, which was repaid in full in May of 2013 and legal and litigation related costs.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

The following table presents the adjusted pre-tax income (loss) of our structured finance and international insurance segment and a reconciliation of adjusted pre-tax income (loss) to GAAP pre-tax income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                

In millions

    Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  
   2014      2013     

Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)

    $ (110)       $ (97)         13%    

Additions to adjusted pre-tax income (loss):

         

Impact of consolidating certain VIEs

      18         16         13%    

Mark-to-market gain (loss) on insured credit derivatives

      838         (73)         n/m   

Subtractions from adjusted pre-tax income (loss):

         

Impairments on insured credit derivatives

      354         (290)         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ 392       $ 136         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

NET PREMIUMS EARNED Our structured finance and international insurance segment generates net premiums from insurance policies accounted for as financial guarantee contracts and insured derivative contracts, and certain of those premiums may be eliminated in our consolidated financial statements as a result of the Company consolidating VIEs. The following table provides net premiums earned by type of insurance contract for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                     

In millions

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
   2014      2013  

Net premiums earned:

      

Financial guarantee contracts

    $ 33       $ 36   

Insured derivative contracts(1)

      4         12   

VIEs (eliminated in consolidation)

      3         3   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total net premiums earned

    $ 40       $ 51   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Premiums related to insured derivatives are included in “Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives” on our consolidated statements of operations.

Net premiums earned on non-derivative financial guarantee contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table. Net premiums earned represent gross premiums earned net of premiums ceded to reinsurers, and include scheduled premium earnings and premium earnings from refunded issues.

 

                                

In millions

    Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  
   2014      2013     

Net premiums earned:

         

U.S.

    $ 10       $ 13         -23%    

Non-U.S.

      23         23         -%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total net premiums earned

    $ 33       $ 36         -8%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Structured finance and international net premiums earned decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 primarily due to the maturity and early settlement of insured transactions with no material writings of new insurance policies.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

NET CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF INSURED DERIVATIVES The following table presents the net premiums and fees earned related to derivatives and the components of the net change in fair value of insured derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                

In millions

    Three Months Ended
March 31,		      Percent
Change		  
   2014      2013     

Net premiums and fees earned on insured derivatives

    $ 4       $ 13         -69%   

Realized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

      (374)         (1)         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

      (370)         12         n/m   

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

      838         (73)         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

    $ 468       $ (61)         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

The Company no longer insures new credit derivative contracts except in transactions related to the restructuring or reduction of existing derivative exposure. Premiums earned related to insured credit derivatives will decrease over time as a result of settlements prior to maturity and scheduled amortizations. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, realized losses on insured derivatives resulted primarily from settlements and claim payments on CMBS transactions.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, unrealized gains on insured derivatives were principally associated with the reversal of unrealized losses from commutations. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, unrealized losses on insured derivatives were principally associated with the effects of MBIA’s nonperformance risk on its derivative liabilities and collateral erosion partially offset by shorter weighted average lives on transactions and favorable movements in spreads and pricing on collateral.

As of March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp.’s five year CDS cost was 12.00% upfront plus 5% per annum compared with 38.63% upfront plus 5% per annum as of March 31, 2013. Our mark-to-market on insured credit derivatives uses the most appropriate of the one to ten year CDS cost for each transaction, and those costs ranged from 0.75% upfront plus 5% per annum to 17.06% upfront plus 5% per annum as of March 31, 2014. Those costs ranged from 32.13% upfront plus 5% per annum to 40.00% upfront plus 5% per annum as of March 31, 2013.

As of March 31, 2014, we had $16.7 billion of gross par outstanding on insured credit derivatives compared with $24.0 billion as of December 31, 2013. The decrease in gross par outstanding was primarily due to contractual terminations, amortizations and maturities. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, six insured issues, representing $7.0 billion in gross par outstanding, either matured or were contractually settled.

Since our insured credit derivatives have similar terms, conditions, risks, and economic profiles as our financial guarantee insurance policies, we evaluate them for impairment periodically in the same way that we estimate loss and LAE for our financial guarantee policies. Credit impairments on insured derivatives represent actual payments plus the present values of our estimates of expected future claim payments, net of expected future recoveries. MBIA Corp.’s expected future claim payments were discounted using a rate of 5.09%, the same rate used to calculate its statutory loss reserves as of March 31, 2014. MBIA UK Insurance Limited used a rate of 2.50% to discount its expected future claim payments and statutory loss reserves. We estimated that additional credit impairments on insured derivatives (excluding LAE) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were $20 million across six insured issues. As of March 31, 2014, statutory loss and LAE reserves and credit impairments were $133 million. Refer to the following “Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses” section for additional information about credit impairments on insured derivatives.

Our estimate of credit impairments, a non-GAAP measure, may differ from the fair values recorded in our consolidated financial statements. The Company believes its disclosure of credit impairments on insured derivatives provides additional meaningful information about potential realized losses on these contracts. The fair value of an insured derivative contract will be influenced by a variety of market and transaction-specific factors that may be unrelated to potential future claim payments. In the absence of credit impairments or the termination of derivatives at losses, the cumulative unrealized losses recorded from fair valuing insured derivatives should reverse before or at the maturity of the contracts. Contracts also may be settled prior to maturity at amounts that may be more or less than their recorded fair values. Those settlements can result in realized gains or losses, and will result in the reversal of unrealized gains or losses. The Company is not required to post collateral to counterparties of these contracts. Refer to “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of MBIA Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for information on legislative changes that could require collateral posting by MBIA Corp. notwithstanding the contract terms.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE The decrease in net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 was primarily due to the revaluation of non-functional currency cash.

REVENUES OF CONSOLIDATED VIEs For the three months ended March 31, 2014, total revenues of consolidated VIEs were $14 million compared with $44 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. This decrease was primarily related to a decrease in net gains from second-lien RMBS put-back claims on ineligible mortgage loans partially offset by a decrease in net losses due to the movements of MBIA Corp.’s nonperformance risk.

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES MBIA’s insured portfolio management group within its structured finance and international insurance business is responsible for monitoring structured finance and international insured obligations. The level and frequency of monitoring of any insured issue depends on the type, size, rating and performance of the insured issue. If we identify concerns with respect to the performance of an insured issue we may designate such insured issue as “Caution List-Low,” “Caution List-Medium,” “Caution List-High,” or “Classified” depending on the likelihood of a loss. We establish case basis reserves in connection with insured issues designated as Classified credits.

The Company faces significant risks and uncertainties related to potential or actual losses from its second-lien RMBS insured exposure (due to the unpredictable performance of excess spread included in the transactions we insured) backed by home equity lines of credit (“HELOC”) or closed-end second mortgages (“CES”), its first-lien RMBS insured exposure, its ABS CDO insured exposure and its CMBS and CRE CDO insured exposure. Continued significant adverse developments and higher than expected payments on these exposures and/or lower than expected recoveries on the RMBS exposures, could result in a decline in the Company’s liquidity and statutory capital position.

The impact of insured exposures on the Company’s liquidity position is best understood by assessing the ultimate amount of payments and recoveries with respect to these exposures. In this regard, the Company discloses the discounted expected future net cash flows under all insurance contracts, irrespective of the legal form of the guarantee (i.e., financial guarantee insurance policy or insured derivative contract) or the GAAP accounting basis.

All amounts presented in the following aggregate losses and LAE tables are calculated in accordance with GAAP, with the exception of those related to insured credit derivative impairments. The amounts reported in aggregate losses and LAE and adjusted pre-tax income for insured credit derivative impairments are calculated in accordance with U.S. STAT because GAAP does not contain a comparable measurement basis for these contracts. All losses and recoverables reported in the following tables are measured using discounted probability-weighted cash flows. Losses and recoverables on VIEs that are eliminated in consolidation are included because the consolidation of these VIEs does not impact whether or not we will be required to make payments under our insurance contracts. As a result of the different accounting bases of amounts included in the following tables, the total provided in each table represents a non-GAAP measure.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

The following tables present the aggregate loss and LAE reserves and insurance loss recoverables as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the aggregate change in the discounted values of net payments expected to be made on all insurance contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

Aggregate Losses and LAE Roll Forward

 

                                                      

In millions

    Financial
Guarantee
Insurance(1) 		     Financial
Guarantee
Insurance
Related to
Consolidated
VIEs(2)		      Insured
Credit
Derivative
Impairments
and LAE(3)		      Reinsurance(4)      Total(5)  

Gross loss and LAE reserves as of December 31, 2013

    $ 554        $ 271        $ 476        $ (7)       $ 1,294    

Gross insurance loss recoverable as of December 31, 2013

      (681)         (540)         (21)         5          (1,237)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total reserves (recoverable) as of December 31, 2013

      (127)         (269)         455          (2)         57    

Ceded reserves

      (2)         -          -          2          -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net reserves as of December 31, 2013

      (129)         (269)         455          -          57    

Total aggregate losses and LAE incurred

      64          20          20          -          104    

(Payments) collections and other

      (58)         (9)         (342)         -          (409)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Net reserves as of March 31, 2014

      (123)         (258)         133          -          (248)   

Ceded reserves

      1          -          -          (1)         -    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total reserves (recoverable) as of March 31, 2014

    $ (122)       $ (258)       $ 133        $ (1)       $ (248)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross loss and LAE reserves as of March 31, 2014

    $ 540        $ 273        $ 154        $ (6)       $ 961    

Gross insurance loss recoverable as of March 31, 2014

      (662)         (531)         (21)         5          (1,209)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total reserves (recoverable) as of March 31, 2014

    $ (122)       $ (258)       $ 133        $ (1)       $ (248)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Included in “Losses and loss adjustment,” “Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves,” and “Insurance loss recoverable” on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

(2) - Represents loss expense, reserves and insurance loss recoverable eliminated upon the consolidation of insured VIEs.

 

(3) - Represents statutory losses and LAE and recoveries for insurance contracts accounted for as derivatives. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts under GAAP are recorded in “Net change in fair value of insured derivatives” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and the fair value of these contracts are recorded in “Derivative liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

(4) - Represents “Losses and loss adjustment,” “Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves” and “Insurance loss recoverable” on the Company’s consolidated financial statements that are ceded to third-party reinsurers under insurance contracts. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was a $1 million and $2 million receivable, respectively.

 

(5) - Represents totals after ceding to third-party reinsurers under insurance contracts.

As of March 31, 2014, our aggregate insurance loss recoverable of $1.2 billion includes estimated recoveries of approximately $798 million from excess spread within insured second-lien RMBS securitizations. Excess spread is generated by performing loans within insured second-lien RMBS securitizations and is the difference between interest inflows on mortgage loan collateral and interest outflows on insured beneficial interests. The amount of excess spread depends on the future loss trends (which include future delinquency trends, average time to charge-off delinquent loans and the availability of pool mortgage insurance), the future spread between prime and LIBOR interest rates; and borrower refinancing behavior which results in voluntary prepayments. Minor deviations in loss trends and voluntary prepayments may substantially impact the amounts we collect from excess spread.

Aggregate Losses and LAE (change in discounted values of net payments)

 

                                                                 
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  

In millions

    Second-lien
RMBS(1)		      First-lien
RMBS		      ABS CDO      CMBS      Other      Total  

Increase (decrease) in expected payments

    $ 16        $ 26       $ 18       $ 18       $ 6        $ 84   

(Increase) decrease in expected salvage

      21          2         (2)         2         (3)         20   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total aggregate losses and LAE

    $ 37        $ 28       $ 16       $ 20       $ 3        $ 104   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Includes HELOC loans and CES.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

                                                                 
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2013  

In millions

    Second-lien
RMBS(1)		      First-lien
RMBS		      ABS CDO      CMBS      Other      Total  

Increase (decrease) in expected payments

    $ 109        $ (12)       $ (43)       $ 285       $ (10)       $ 329   

(Increase) decrease in expected salvage

      (255)         (4)         5         (3)         26         (231)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total aggregate losses and LAE

    $ (146)       $ (16)       $ (38)       $ 282       $ 16       $ 98   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Includes HELOC loans and CES.

The increase in total aggregate losses and LAE for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 primarily resulted from an increase in recoveries of ineligible mortgage loans included in insured second-lien RMBS exposures in 2013 with no comparable increase in 2014. This decrease in expected salvage is partially offset by decreases in expected future payments, primarily on CMBS and second-lien RMBS exposures.

In addition to the information presented above, the following tables present aggregate losses and LAE for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 by insurance type:

Aggregate Losses and LAE by Insurance Type (change in discounted values of net payments)

 

                                                                 
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2014  

In millions

    Second-lien
RMBS (1)		      First-lien
RMBS		      ABS CDO      CMBS      Other      Total  

Financial guarantee insurance(2)

    $ 25        $ 30       $ 6       $ -       $ 3        $ 64   

Financial guarantee insurance related to consolidated VIEs (eliminated in consolidation)(3)

      12          (2)         10         -         -          20   

Insured credit derivatives (statutory basis)(4)

      -          -          -          20         -          20   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total aggregate losses and LAE

    $ 37        $ 28       $ 16       $ 20       $ 3        $ 104   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Includes HELOC loans and CES.

 

(2) - Included in “Losses and loss adjustment” as reported on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

(3) - Represents losses eliminated upon the consolidation of insured VIEs.

 

(4) - Represents statutory losses and LAE for insurance contracts accounted for as derivatives. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts under GAAP are recorded in “Net change in fair value of insured derivatives” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

                                                                 
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2013  

In millions

    Second-lien
RMBS (1)		      First-lien
RMBS		      ABS CDO      CMBS      Other      Total  

Financial guarantee insurance(2)

    $ (153)       $ (16)       $ (37)       $ (8)       $ 16       $ (198)   

Financial guarantee insurance related to consolidated VIEs (eliminated in consolidation)(3)

      7          -          (2)         -          -          5   

Insured credit derivatives (statutory basis)(4)

      -          -          1         290         -          291   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total aggregate losses and LAE

    $ (146)       $ (16)       $ (38)       $ 282       $ 16       $ 98   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Includes HELOC loans and CES.

 

(2) - Included in “Losses and loss adjustment” as reported on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

(3) - Represents losses eliminated upon the consolidation of insured VIEs.

 

(4) - Represents statutory losses and LAE for insurance contracts accounted for as derivatives. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts under GAAP are recorded in “Net change in fair value of insured derivatives” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Summary of Financial Guarantee Insurance Losses and LAE

The following information relates to financial guarantee insurance losses and LAE recorded in accordance with GAAP. Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Company’s loss and LAE reserving policy and additional information related to its loss reserves.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

The following table presents information about our losses and LAE incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                
     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  

In millions

    2014      2013     

Losses and LAE related to expected payments

    $ 48       $ (1)         n/m    

Recoveries of expected payments

      17         (197)         -109%   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross losses incurred

      65         (198)         -133%   

Reinsurance

      (1)         -          n/m    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

    $ 64       $ (198)         -132%   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, losses and LAE related to expected payments primarily included $28 million related to insured first-lien RMBS transactions and $7 million related to insured second-lien transactions. The recoveries of expected payments of $17 million primarily related to decreases in excess spread within the insured second-lien RMBS securitizations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, recoveries of expected payments of $197 million included $306 million resulting from ineligible mortgage loans included in insured second-lien RMBS exposures that were subject to contractual obligations by sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace such mortgage loans, partially offset by a reduction in excess spread within these securitizations of $94 million. The losses and LAE related to expected payments of $1 million included decreases of $39 million related to ABS CDO transactions, $12 million related to first-lien RMBS transactions and $17 million of other activity. Partially offsetting these decreases were increases of $67 million related to insured second-lien RMBS transactions.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, losses and LAE incurred included the elimination of a $20 million expense as a result of the consolidation of VIEs. The $20 million expense included gross losses related to expected future payments of $19 million and gross recoveries of expected payments of $1 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, losses and LAE incurred included the elimination of a $5 million expense as a result of the consolidation of VIEs. The $5 million expense included gross losses related to expected payments of $38 million, partially offset by gross recoveries of expected payments of $33 million.

The following table presents information about our insurance reserves and recoverable as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company’s insurance loss recoverable represents expected potential recoveries of paid claims based on probability-weighted net cash inflows discounted at applicable risk-free rates as of the measurement date.

 

                                

In millions

    March 31,
2014		      December 31,
2013		      Percent
Change		  

Gross loss and LAE reserves

    $ 674       $ 700         -4%   

Expected recoveries on unpaid losses

      (134)         (146)         -8%   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Loss and LAE reserves

    $ 540       $ 554         -3%   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Insurance loss recoverable

    $ 662       $ 681         -3%   

Insurance loss recoverable—ceded(1)

    $ 5       $ 5         - %   

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses(2)

    $ 6       $ 7         -14%   

 

(1) - Reported within “Other liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets.

(2) - Reported within “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Included in the Company’s loss and LAE reserves are both reserves for insured obligations for which a payment default has occurred and MBIA Corp. has already paid a claim and also for which a payment default has not yet occurred but a claim is expected in the future. The following table includes LAE reserves, but excludes par outstanding, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for two and one issues, respectively, that had no expected future claim payments or par outstanding, but for which the Company was obligated to pay LAE incurred in prior periods. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, loss and LAE reserves comprised the following:

 

                                                                 
     Number of Issues(1)      Loss and LAE Reserve      Par Outstanding  

$ in millions

    March 31,
2014		      December 31,
2013		      March 31,
2014		      December 31,
2013		      March 31,
2014		      December 31,
2013		  

Gross of reinsurance:

                  

Issues with defaults

      112         103        $ 380       $ 388       $ 5,798       $ 6,124   

Issues without defaults

      16         20          160         166         894         1,029   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total gross of reinsurance

      128         123        $ 540       $ 554       $ 6,692       $ 7,153   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

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

MBIA reports expected potential recoveries of certain paid claims within “Insurance loss recoverable” and the corresponding estimated recovery amounts due to reinsurers within “Other liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our insurance loss recoverable in our structured finance and international insurance segment was $662 million and $681 million, respectively. The decrease in our insurance loss recoverable primarily resulted from decreases in excess spread within insured second-lien RMBS securitizations. Insurance loss recoverables due to reinsurers totaled $5 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and are only paid to reinsurers upon receipt of such amounts by MBIA.

Residential Mortgage Exposure

MBIA Corp. insures mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) backed by residential mortgage loans, including second-lien RMBS transactions (revolving HELOC loans and CES). MBIA Corp. also insures MBS backed by first-lien alternative A-paper (“Alt-A”) and subprime mortgage loans directly through RMBS securitizations. There has been considerable stress and continued deterioration in the mortgage market since 2008 reflected by increased delinquencies and losses, particularly related to Alt-A and subprime mortgage loans originated during 2005, 2006 and 2007. We currently do not expect ultimate material losses on Alt-A and subprime mortgage transactions given the amount of subordination below MBIA Corp.’s insured portion of such transactions available to absorb losses from collateral defaults. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded losses and LAE of $30 million related to insured first-lien RMBS transactions. The $30 million consolidated losses and LAE comprised losses and LAE related to expected payments of $28 million and a decrease in recoveries of expected payments of $2 million.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

The following tables present the gross par outstanding by vintage year of MBIA Corp.’s total direct RMBS insured exposure as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Amounts include the gross par outstanding related to transactions that the Company consolidates under accounting guidance for VIEs.

 

                                                                 
     Gross Par Outstanding as of March 31, 2014  

In millions

    Prime
First-lien		      Alt-A
First-lien		     Subprime
First-lien		     HELOC
Second-lien		      CES
Second-lien		      Total  

2005 - 2007

    $ 13       $ 1,399       $ 254       $ 2,119       $ 2,458       $ 6,243   

2004 and prior

      145         627         693         477         45         1,987   
  

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total gross par

    $ 158       $ 2,026 (1)    $ 947 (2)    $ 2,596       $ 2,503       $ 8,230   
  

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Includes international exposure of $579 million.

(2) - Includes international exposure of $7 million.

 

                                                                 
     Gross Par Outstanding as of December 31, 2013  

In millions

    Prime
First-lien		      Alt-A
First-lien		     Subprime
First-lien		     HELOC
Second-lien		      CES
Second-lien		      Total  

2005 - 2007

    $ 14       $ 1,564       $ 358       $ 2,186       $ 2,560       $ 6,682   

2004 and prior

      167         648         742         500         49         2,106   
  

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total gross par

    $ 181       $ 2,212 (1)    $ 1,100 (2)    $ 2,686       $ 2,609       $ 8,788   
  

 

 

     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Includes international exposure of $589 million.

(2) - Includes international exposure of $8 million.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we paid approximately $29 million of claim payments and LAE, net of reinsurance and collections, on insured second-lien RMBS transactions, or $21 million after eliminating $8 million of net payments made on behalf of consolidated VIEs. Through March 31, 2014, we have made claim payments and LAE for 37 out of 43 insured second-lien RMBS transactions.

As of March 31, 2014, we had loss and LAE reserves related to our remaining insured second-lien RMBS exposure of $147 million before eliminating $38 million of loss and LAE reserves related to our consolidated VIEs. The loss and LAE reserves represent the present value of the difference between cash payments we expect to make on the insured transactions and the excess spread we expect from the performing mortgage loans in the securitizations. As payments are made, a portion of those expected future receipts is recorded within “Insurance loss recoverable” on our consolidated balance sheets. The payments that we make virtually all go to reduce the principal balances of the securitizations.

POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES Structured finance and international insurance segment expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table:

 

                                
     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  

In millions

            2014                      2013             

Gross expenses

    $ 15       $ 29         -48%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    $ 19       $ 33         -42%    

Operating

      15         26         -42%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total insurance operating expenses

    $ 34       $ 59         -42%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross expenses represent total insurance expenses before the deferral of any policy acquisition costs. Gross expenses decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 primarily due to decreases in costs associated with support provided by our corporate segment, legal and litigation related costs and compensation expense. The decrease in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 principally reflects the acceleration of deferred costs into earnings in prior periods as policies were terminated. Operating expenses decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 due to decreases in gross expenses. We did not defer a material amount of policy acquisition costs during the first quarter of 2014 or 2013. Policy acquisition costs in these periods were primarily related to ceding commission income and premium taxes on installment policies written in prior periods.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

INTEREST EXPENSE Interest expense incurred by our structured finance and international insurance segment decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 primarily due to the repayment of the National Secured Loan in May of 2013.

INSURED PORTFOLIO EXPOSURE The credit quality of our structured finance and international insured portfolio is assessed in the same manner as our U.S. public finance insured portfolio. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 23% of our structured finance and international insured portfolio, was rated below investment grade, before giving effect to MBIA’s guarantees, based on MBIA’s internal ratings, which are more current than the underlying ratings provided by S&P and Moody’s for this subset of our insured portfolio.

Structured Finance and International Insurance Selected Portfolio Exposures

The following is a summary of selected significant exposures within the insured portfolio of our structured finance and international insurance segment. Many of these sectors are and have been considered volatile over the past several years. As described below, we may experience considerable incurred losses and future expected payments in certain of these sectors. There can be no assurance that the loss reserves described below will be sufficient or that we will not experience losses on transactions on which we currently have no loss reserves, in particular if the economy deteriorates.

Collateralized Debt Obligations and Related Instruments

As part of our structured finance and international insurance activities, MBIA Corp. typically provided guarantees on senior and, in a limited number of cases, mezzanine tranches of CDOs, as well as protection on structured CMBS pools and corporate securities, and CDS referencing such securities. The following discussion, including reported amounts and percentages, includes insured CDO transactions consolidated by the Company as VIEs.

As of March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp.’s $21.8 billion CDO portfolio represented 31% of its total insured gross par outstanding of $70.3 billion. As of December 31, 2013, MBIA Corp.’s $29.7 billion CDO portfolio represented 37% of its total insured gross par outstanding of $80.4 billion. The distribution of the Company’s insured CDO and related instruments portfolio by collateral type is presented in the following table:

 

                                

In billions

    Gross Par Outstanding as of         

Collateral Type

    March 31,
2014		      December 31,
2013		      Percent
Change		  

Multi-sector CDOs

    $ 1.4       $ 1.5         -7%    

Investment grade corporate CDOs

      11.7         15.6         -25%    

High yield corporate CDOs

      4.1         4.3         -5%    

Commercial real estate pools and CRE CDOs

      4.6         8.3         -45%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 21.8       $ 29.7         -27%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Multi-Sector CDOs

The multi-sector CDO portfolio is comprised of 11 transactions insured in the primary market between 2002 and 2006 and 19 transactions insured in the secondary market between 2000 and 2004. The underlying collateral in MBIA Corp.’s insured multi-sector CDO transactions is comprised of RMBS, other multi-sector CDOs, corporate CDOs, collateralized loan obligations, ABS (e.g., securitizations of auto receivables, credit cards, etc.), CRE CDOs, CMBS and corporate credits.

Generally, we are subject to a claim on a multi-sector CDO when the insured tranche incurs an interest or principal shortfall. Such shortfalls result once the underlying collateral supporting the transaction no longer generates enough cash flow to support the insured notes. MBIA Corp.’s payment obligation after a default insures current interest and ultimate principal. Original subordination levels for transactions insured in the primary market ranged from 10% to 31%. Current subordinations range from 0% to 27%.

The significant erosion of subordination in our multi-sector CDO transactions principally resulted from the underperformance of RMBS and CDO collateral. The erosion of subordination in these transactions increases the likelihood that MBIA Corp. will pay claims. As of March 31, 2014, there were credit impairment estimates for 21 classified multi-sector CDO transactions for which MBIA Corp. expects to incur actual net claims in the future, representing 70% of all MBIA Corp.-insured multi-sector CDO transactions (including both CDS and non-CDS contracts). Of the remaining transactions, 13% are on our “Caution List” and 17% continue to perform at or close to our original expectations. In the event of further performance deterioration of the collateral referenced or held in our multi-sector CDO transactions, the amount of credit impairments could increase materially.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2014, our gross par exposure to multi-sector CDOs of $1.4 billion represented 2% of MBIA Corp.’s total gross par insured.

Investment Grade Corporate CDOs

Our gross par exposure to investment grade CDOs of $11.7 billion represents 54% of MBIA Corp.’s CDO exposure and 17% of MBIA Corp.’s total gross par insured. The portfolio is comprised of nine investment grade corporate CDO exposures insured in 2006 and 2007 referencing pools of predominantly investment grade corporate credits. Two of these pools include limited exposure to other asset classes, including structured finance securities (such as RMBS and CDOs). Our investment grade corporate CDO policies guarantee coverage of losses on collateral assets once a deductible has been eroded, and are highly customized structures. The Company’s insured investment grade corporate CDOs have experienced erosion of subordination due to the default of underlying referenced corporate and structured finance securities, but we currently do not expect losses on MBIA Corp.’s insured tranches. Original subordination levels for seven of the investment grade corporate CDO policies referencing only direct corporate credit ranged from 15% to 30%. Current subordination levels for these seven policies are between 12% and 28%.

Our gross par exposure to insured investment grade corporate CDOs includes $4.5 billion across two transactions that were structured to include buckets (typically 30% to 35% of the overall CDO) of references to specific tranches of other investment grade corporate CDOs (monotranches). In such transactions, MBIA Corp.’s insured investment grade corporate CDOs include direct corporate or structured credit reference risks, and monotranche or single layer credit risk referencing a diverse pool of corporate assets or obligors with a specific attachment and a specific detachment point. The referenced monotranches in such CDOs were typically rated double-A and sized to approximately 3% of the overall reference risk pool. The inner referenced monotranches are not subject to acceleration and do not give control rights to a senior investor. The inner referenced monotranches have also experienced erosion of subordination due to defaults in their referenced corporate assets. These transactions had original subordination of 25% and current subordination ranges from 16% to 18%.

High Yield Corporate CDOs

Our high yield corporate CDO portfolio, totaling $4.1 billion of gross par exposure, largely comprises middle-market/special- opportunity corporate loan transactions. Our gross par exposure to high yield corporate CDOs represents 19% of MBIA Corp.’s CDO exposure and 6% of MBIA Corp.’s total gross par insured as of March 31, 2014. Original subordination for our high yield corporate portfolio ranged from 22% to 33%. Current subordination is between 9% and 42%. Declines in subordination levels result from defaults in underlying collateral, as well as sales of underlying collateral at discounted prices. Subordination within CDOs may decline further over time as a result of additional collateral deterioration. We do not expect insured losses on our high yield corporate CDO portfolio. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2014, there is no loss reserve established for this portfolio. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur losses as a result of further deterioration in subordination.

Commercial Real Estate Pools and CRE CDOs

As of March 31, 2014, we had $4.6 billion of gross par exposure to the CRE sector through insured structured transactions primarily comprising CRE collateral. In addition, MBIA Corp. insures approximately $696 million in CRE loan pools, primarily comprising European assets. We do not expect insured losses on our CRE loan pools. These CRE loans are not included in the following “Structured CMBS Pools” and “CRE CDOs” sections. During the first quarter of 2014, MBIA Corp. commuted $3.4 billion of gross par CRE exposure primarily comprising structured CMBS pools in which the reference CMBS were originally rated single-A.

Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of credit impairments on our CRE pools and CDO exposure, including the methodology used to calculate these impairments.

Structured CMBS Pools

As of March 31, 2014, our gross par exposure to structured CMBS pools totaled $3.7 billion and represented approximately 5% of MBIA Corp.’s total gross par insured. Our structured CMBS pool insured transactions are pools of CMBS bonds, Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) debt and other CRE CDOs structured with first loss deductibles such that MBIA Corp.’s obligation attached at a minimum of a triple-A level when the policies were issued. The deductible sizing was a function of the underlying collateral ratings and certain structural attributes. MBIA Corp.’s guarantees for most structured CMBS pool transactions cover losses on collateral assets once the deductibles have been eroded. These deductibles provide credit enhancement and subordination to MBIA’s insured position.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

MBIA Corp.’s guarantee generally is in the form of a CDS referencing the static pooled transactions. MBIA Corp. would have a payment obligation if the volume of collateral losses exceeds the deductible level in the transaction. Loss payments on these transactions are generally due upon settlement of individual collateral losses as they occur after any deductible or subordination has been exhausted. Each pool comprising CMBS bonds is ultimately backed by the commercial mortgage loans securitized within each CMBS trust. The same CMBS bonds may be referenced in multiple pools. The Company’s structured CMBS pools are static, meaning that the collateral pool of securitizations cannot be and has not been changed since the origination of the policy. Most transactions comprised similarly rated underlying tranches at inception. The deductible for each transaction varies according to the ratings of the underlying collateral. For example, a transaction which comprised originally triple-B rated underlying CMBS bonds would typically include a 30-35% deductible to MBIA Corp.’s position whereas a transaction comprising all originally triple-A rated underlying CMBS bonds would typically have required a 5-10% deductible.

Original deductibles for our structured CMBS pools ranged from 5.0% to 82.3%. As of March 31, 2014, the deductibles for these transactions ranged from 0% to 83.7%. Deductibles are eroded as bonds experience realized losses which are ultimately due to liquidations of underlying loan collateral.

As of March 31, 2014, we had exposure to two static CMBS pools, having $626 million of gross par outstanding, that were originally insured in 2007, and in which substantially all of the underlying collateral comprised CMBS tranches originally rated triple-B and lower. We believe this exposure represents our greatest loss potential within our CMBS portfolio. We are currently paying claims on one of these pools with an insured gross par exposure of $378 million as of March 31, 2014, that is comprised of 2004, 2005 and 2006 vintage collateral. Aside from these original triple-B collateral-backed deals, our $3.1 billion of remaining insured structured CMBS pools primarily consists of transactions backed by collateral originally rated triple-A and originated in 2004, 2005, 2006 or 2007.

Actual losses will be a function of the proportion of loans in the pools that are foreclosed and liquidated and the loss severities associated with those liquidations. If the deductibles in the Company’s insured transactions and underlying referenced CMBS transactions are fully eroded, additional property level losses upon foreclosures and liquidations could result in substantial losses for MBIA. Ultimate loss rates remain uncertain and it is possible that we will experience severe losses or liquidity needs due to increased deterioration in our insured CMBS portfolio or our failure to commute the policies, in particular if macroeconomic stress escalates, there is a new recession, increased delinquencies, higher levels of liquidations of delinquent loans, and/or higher severities of loss upon liquidation. Although we still believe the likelihood of a recession in the near future is low, we do consider the possibility in our estimates for future claims.

CRE CDOs

As of March 31, 2014, our gross par exposure to CRE CDOs was approximately $876 million and represented approximately 1% of MBIA Corp.’s total gross par insured. CRE CDOs are managed pools of CMBS, CRE whole loans, B-Notes, mezzanine loans, REIT debt, and other securities (including, in some instances, buckets for RMBS and CRE CDOs) that allow for reinvestment during a defined time period. These transactions benefit from typical CDO structural features such as cash diversion triggers, collateral quality tests, and manager replacement provisions. MBIA Corp. guarantees timely interest and ultimate principal of these CDOs. As with our other insured CDOs, these transactions were structured with credit protection originally rated triple-A, or a multiple of triple-A, below our guarantee. To the extent losses do occur on these transactions, the payments are due at the maturity date, which range from the years 2045 through 2056.

Loss Remediation Transactions

We may seek to purchase, from time to time, directly or indirectly, obligations guaranteed by MBIA or seek to commute policies. The amount of insurance exposure reduced, if any, and the nature of any such actions will depend on market conditions, pricing levels from time to time, and other considerations. In some cases, these activities may result in a reduction of expected loss reserves, but in all cases they are intended to limit our ultimate losses and reduce the future volatility in loss development on the related policies. Our ability to purchase guaranteed obligations and to commute policies will depend on management’s assessment of available liquidity.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

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

Reinsurance enables the Company to cede exposure for purposes of syndicating risk and increasing its capacity to write new business while complying with its single risk and credit guidelines. When a reinsurer is downgraded by one or more of the rating agencies, less capital credit is given to MBIA under rating agency models and the overall value of the reinsurance to MBIA is reduced. The Company generally retains the right to reassume the business ceded to reinsurers under certain circumstances, including a reinsurer’s rating downgrade below specified thresholds. The following table presents information about our reinsurance agreements as of March 31, 2014 for our U.S. public finance and structured finance and international insurance operations:

 

                                                      

In millions

    Standard &
Poor’s Rating
(Status)		    Moody’s Rating
(Status)		    Ceded Par
Outstanding		      Letters of
Credit/Trust
Accounts		      Reinsurance
Recoverable(1) 		 

Reinsurers

               

Assured Guaranty Re Ltd.

    AA
(Stable Outlook)		    Baa1
(Stable Outlook)		    $ 3,926       $ 30       $ -    

Assured Guaranty Corp.

    AA
(Stable Outlook)		    A3
(Stable Outlook)		      2,540         -         7    

Overseas Private
Investment Corporation

    AA+
(Stable Outlook)		    Aaa
(Stable Outlook)		      312         -          -    

Others

    A- or above    A2 or above      116         3         -    
        

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

          $ 6,894       $ 33       $ 7    
        

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1) - Total reinsurance recoverable is primarily recoverables on unpaid losses.

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

As of March 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of insured par outstanding ceded by MBIA to reinsurers under reinsurance agreements was $6.9 billion compared with $7.1 billion as of December 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2014, $5.6 billion of the ceded par outstanding was ceded from our U.S. public finance insurance segment and $1.3 billion was ceded from our structured finance and international insurance segment. Under National’s reinsurance agreement with MBIA Corp., if a reinsurer of MBIA Corp. is unable to pay claims ceded by MBIA Corp. on U.S. public finance exposure, National will assume liability for such ceded claim payments.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Advisory Services

Our asset management and advisory business is primarily conducted through Cutwater. Cutwater provides advisory services, including cash management, discretionary asset management and structured products on a fee-for-service basis. Cutwater offers these services to public, not-for-profit, corporate and financial services clients, including MBIA Inc. and its other subsidiaries.

The following table summarizes the results and assets under management of our advisory services segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. These results include revenues and expenses from transactions with the Company’s insurance, corporate, and wind-down operations.

 

                                
     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  

In millions

            2014                      2013             

Fees

    $ 9       $ 11         -18%    

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

      (4)         -         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total revenues

      5        11         -55%    

Operating expenses

      12         12         -%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ (7)       $ (1)         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Ending assets under management:

         

Third-party

    $ 12,589       $ 17,494         -28%    

Insurance and corporate

      7,047         7,224         -2%    

Asset/liability products and conduits

      3,605         4,717         -24%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total ending assets under management

    $ 23,241       $ 29,435         -21%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the unfavorable change in pre-tax income (loss) compared with the same period of 2013 was primarily driven by a $4 million loss in foreign exchange from the liquidation of a foreign subsidiary. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2014, there was a decrease in fees due to declines in asset balances managed for third parties and our other segments.

Average third-party assets under management for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $12.7 billion and $17.7 billion, respectively. This decrease was principally due to declines in our pool products and CDO management business.

Corporate

General corporate activities are conducted through our corporate segment. Our corporate operations primarily consist of holding company activities, including our service company, Optinuity Alliance Resources Corporation (“Optinuity”). Revenues and expenses for Optinuity are included in the results of our corporate segment. Optinuity provides support services such as management, legal, accounting, treasury, information technology, and insurance portfolio surveillance, among others, to our corporate segment and other operating businesses on a fee-for-service basis.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

The following table summarizes the consolidated results of our corporate segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The results include revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities and from providing support to our other segments.

 

                                
     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  

In millions

            2014                      2013             

Net investment income

    $ 6       $ 1         n/m   

Fees

      18         27         -33%    

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

      (14)         5         n/m   

Other net realized gains (losses)

      1         -         n/m   

Revenues of consolidated VIEs:

         

Other net realized gains (losses)

      (5)         -         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total revenues

      6         33         -82%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Operating

      22         67         -67%    

Interest

      12         12         -%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total expenses

      34         79         -57%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ (28)       $ (46)         -39%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

FEES Fees are generated from support services provided to business units within the Company on a fee-for-service basis. Fees for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased compared with the same period of 2013 primarily due to a decrease in fees paid by our conduit segment for administrative and other services.

NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE The change in net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 was primarily due to the changes in the fair value of outstanding warrants issued on MBIA Inc. common stock. These changes were attributable to an improvement in MBIA Inc.’s stock price and fluctuations in volatility, which are used in the valuation of the warrants.

REVENUES OF CONSOLIDATED VIEs For the three months ended March 31, 2014, total revenues of consolidated VIEs related to net losses as a result of the deconsolidation of a VIE.

OPERATING EXPENSES Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased compared with the same period of 2013 due to decreases in compensation and legal and litigation related expenses.

Wind-down Operations

We operate an asset/liability products business in which we historically issued debt and investment agreements insured by MBIA Corp. to capital markets and municipal investors. The proceeds of the debt and investment agreements were used initially to purchase assets that largely matched the duration of those liabilities. We also operate a conduit business in which we historically funded transactions by issuing debt insured by MBIA Corp. The rating downgrades of MBIA Corp. resulted in the termination and collateralization of certain derivatives and investment agreements and, together with the rising cost and declining availability of funding and liquidity within many of the asset classes in which proceeds were invested, caused the Company to begin winding down its asset/liability products and conduit businesses in 2008. Since the downgrades of MBIA Corp., we have not issued debt in connection with either business and, as a result, the outstanding liability balances and corresponding asset balances will continue to decline over time as liabilities mature, terminate or are redeemed or repurchased by us.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Asset/Liability Products

The following table presents the results of our asset/liability products segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. These results include revenues and expenses from transactions with the Company’s other segments.

 

                                
     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  

In millions

            2014                      2013             

Net investment income

    $ 7       $ 7         -%    

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

      (38)         3         n/m   

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

      1         4         -75%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total revenues

      (30)         14         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Operating

      2         2         -%    

Interest

      18         20         -10%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total expenses

      20         22         -9%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ (50)       $ (8)         n/m   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE The unfavorable change in net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 was primarily the result of foreign exchange losses in 2014 compared to foreign exchange gains in 2013 and derivative losses in 2014 compared with gains in 2013, partially offset by a decline in losses on MTNs carried at fair value.

Conduits

Our conduit segment is operated through Meridian Funding Company, LLC (“Meridian”). Certain of MBIA’s consolidated subsidiaries have received fees for services provided to Meridian.

Total revenues increased to $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with $2 million for same period of 2013. This increase was primarily due to net gains on the extinguishment of debt issued by Meridian, partially offset by a decrease in net investment income as a result of a lower average asset balance. Total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased $13 million compared with the same period of 2013. This decrease was primarily due to a decline in fees paid to our corporate segment for administrative and other services.

Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company’s income taxes and the related effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following table:

 

                     
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

            2014                      2013          

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ 404       $ 215   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    $ 148       $ 51   

Effective tax rate

      36.6%         23.7%   

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, our effective tax rate applied to our pre-tax income was higher than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily due to the non-deductibility of certain expenses and an increase in our valuation allowance against our deferred tax asset. For the current quarter, the consolidated tax provision is based on actual results and not on an estimated annual effective tax rate.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, our effective tax rate applied to our pre-tax income was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily due to a reversal of a portion of the Company’s valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset.

The Company is party to a tax allocation agreement with members of its holding company system effective January 1, 1987. The agreement was amended and restated effective September 8, 2011 to change the method of calculating each domestic insurer’s tax liability to the method permitted by paragraph 3(a) of Department Circular Letter #33 (1979). The agreement was submitted to the NYSDFS for review and non-disapproval pursuant to Section 1505 of the New York Insurance Law (“NYIL”).

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Refer to “Note 9: Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of income taxes, including the Company’s valuation allowance against deferred tax assets and its accounting for tax uncertainties.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company manages its capital resources to minimize its cost of capital while maintaining appropriate claims-paying resources (“CPR”) for National and MBIA Corp. The Company’s capital resources consist of total shareholders’ equity, total debt issued by MBIA Inc. for general corporate purposes, and surplus notes issued by MBIA Corp. Total capital resources was $5.1 billion and $4.8 billion as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. MBIA Inc. utilizes its capital resources to support the business activities of its subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2014, MBIA Inc.’s investments in subsidiaries totaled $4.2 billion.

In addition, MBIA Inc. also supports the MTN and investment agreement obligations originally issued by our asset/liability products segment. MBIA Inc. seeks to maintain sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet its general corporate needs, including those of its asset/liability products segment, which are in wind-down. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the combined net debt of MBIA Inc.’s corporate segment and asset/liability products segment, which primarily comprised long-term debt, MTNs, investment agreements and derivative liabilities net of cash and investments at amortized cost and a tax receivable from subsidiaries, totaled $1.1 billion. The Company expects that MBIA Inc. will generate sufficient cash to satisfy its net debt and its general corporate needs over time from distributions from its operating subsidiaries. In addition, the Company may also consider raising third-party capital. There can be no assurance that the aforementioned factors will generate sufficient cash to satisfy its net debt. Refer to the following “Liquidity—MBIA Inc. Liquidity” section for additional information about MBIA Inc.’s liquidity.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was $1.4 billion of GFL MTNs outstanding.

Securities Repurchases

Repurchases of debt and common stock may be made from time to time in the open market or in private transactions as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements. We may also choose to redeem debt obligations where permitted by the relevant agreements. We believe that debt and share repurchases and redemptions can be an appropriate deployment of capital in excess of amounts needed to support our liquidity while maintaining the CPR of MBIA Corp. and National as well as other business needs.

MBIA Inc. or its subsidiaries may repurchase or redeem their outstanding debt at prices that we deem to be economically advantageous. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we redeemed $104 million par value outstanding of MTNs issued by our conduit segment at a cost of approximately 96% of par value. In addition, we also repurchased approximately $28 million par value outstanding of GFL MTNs issued by our asset/liability segment at a weighted average cost of approximately 97% of par value.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we repurchased approximately $24 million par value outstanding of GFL MTNs issued by our asset/liability segment at a weighted average cost of approximately 94% of par value.

Insurance Statutory Capital

National and MBIA Corp. are incorporated and licensed in, and are subject to primary insurance regulation and supervision by, the State of New York. MBIA UK Insurance Limited is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom. National and MBIA Corp. each are required to file detailed annual financial statements, as well as interim financial statements, with the NYSDFS and similar supervisory agencies in each of the other jurisdictions in which it is licensed. These financial statements are prepared in accordance with New York State and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ statements of U.S. STAT and assist our regulators in evaluating minimum standards of solvency, including minimum capital requirements, and business conduct. U.S. STAT differs from GAAP in a number of ways. Refer to the statutory accounting practices note to consolidated financial statements of National and MBIA Corp. within exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, of MBIA Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for an explanation of the differences between U.S. STAT and GAAP.

 

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CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)

 

National

Capital and Surplus

National reported total statutory capital of $3.3 billion as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2014, statutory capital comprised $1.2 billion of contingency reserves and $2.1 billion of policyholders’ surplus. National had statutory net income of $72 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Consistent with our plan to transform our insurance business, the Company received approval from the NYSDFS to reset National’s unassigned surplus to zero, which was effective January 1, 2010. As of March 31, 2014, National’s unassigned surplus was $1.6 billion.

In order to maintain its New York State financial guarantee insurance license, National is required to maintain a minimum of $65 million of policyholders’ surplus. National is also required to maintain contingency reserves to provide protection to policyholders in the event of extreme losses in adverse economic events. Refer to the following “MBIA Corp.—Capital and Surplus” section for additional information about contingency reserves under the NYIL. National’s policyholders’ surplus would grow over time from the recognition of unearned premiums and investment income and the expected release of the contingency reserves. Conversely, dividends and incurred losses would reduce policyholders’ surplus. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, National had one single risk limit overage and was in compliance with its aggregate risk limits.

NYIL regulates the payment of dividends by financial guarantee insurance companies and provides that such companies may not declare or distribute dividends except out of statutory earned surplus. Under NYIL, the sum of (i) the amount of dividends declared or distributed during the preceding 12-month period and (ii) the dividend to be declared may not exceed the lesser of (a) 10% of policyholders’ surplus, as reported in the latest statutory financial statements or (b) 100% of adjusted net investment income for such 12-month period (the net investment income for such 12-month period plus the excess, if any, of net investment income over dividends declared or distributed during the two-year period preceding such 12-month period), unless the Superintendent of the NYSDFS approves a greater dividend distribution based upon a finding that the insurer will retain sufficient surplus to support its obligations.

National had a positive earned surplus as of March 31, 2014, which provides National with dividend capacity. As a condition to the NYSDFS’ approval of the simultaneous repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements (“Asset Swap”) between MBIA Inc. and National, the NYSDFS requested that, until the notional amount of the Asset Swap has been reduced to 5% or less of National’s admitted assets, each of MBIA Inc., MBIA Corp. and National provide the NYSDFS with three months prior notice, or such shorter period as the NYSDFS may permit, of its intent to initiate cash dividends on shares of its common stock. National provided the NYSDFS with such notice. In October of 2013, National declared and paid a dividend of $214 million to its ultimate parent, MBIA Inc.

National’s statutory policyholders’ surplus was lower than its GAAP shareholder’s equity by $1.6 billion as of March 31, 2014. U.S. STAT differs from GAAP in certain respects. Refer to “Note 11: Statutory Accounting Practices” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of National within exhibit 99.1 of this annual report on Form 10-K for an explanation of the differences between U.S. STAT and GAAP.

Claims-Paying Resources (Statutory Basis)

CPR is a key measure of the resources available to National to pay claims under its insurance policies. CPR consists of total financial resources and reserves calculated on a statutory basis. CPR has been a common measure used by financial guarantee insurance companies to report and compare resources and continues to be used by MBIA’s management to evaluate changes in such resources. We have provided CPR to allow investors and analysts to evaluate National using the same measure that MBIA’s management uses to evaluate National’s resources to pay claims under its insurance policies. There is no directly comparable GAAP measure. Our calculation of CPR may differ from the calculation of CPR reported by other companies.

 

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CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)

 

National’s CPR and components thereto, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are presented in the following table:

 

                     

In millions

    As of March 31,
2014		      As of December 31,
2013		  

Policyholders’ surplus

    $ 2,165       $ 2,086   

Contingency reserves

      1,168         1,172   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Statutory capital

      3,333         3,258   

Unearned premium reserve

      1,613         1,678   

Present value of installment premiums(1)

      223         226   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Premium resources(2)

      1,836         1,904   

Net loss and LAE reserves(1)

      (101)         (87)   

Salvage reserves

      167         177   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross loss and LAE reserve

      66         90   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total claims-paying resources

    $ 5,235       $ 5,252   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

  (1) - Calculated using a discount rate of 3.14% as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

  (2) - Includes financial guarantee and insured credit derivative related premiums.

MBIA Corp.

Capital and Surplus

MBIA Corp. reported total statutory capital of $787 million as of March 31, 2014 compared with $825 million as of December 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2014, statutory capital comprised $386 million of contingency reserves and $401 million of policyholders’ surplus. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp. had a statutory net loss of $46 million, primarily due to losses and LAE incurred partially offset by net premiums earned. MBIA Corp.’s policyholders’ surplus as of March 31, 2014 included a negative unassigned surplus of $1.6 billion. As of March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp.’s policyholders’ surplus was negatively impacted by $139 million because under NYIL it was not permitted to treat as an admitted asset the portion of its investment in subsidiaries in excess of 60% of surplus. This overage was caused by a decrease in MBIA Corp.’s policyholders’ surplus due to additional insured losses during the first quarter of 2014. MBIA Corp.’s policyholders’ surplus may be further negatively impacted if future additional insured losses are incurred and the percentage of its assets invested in subsidiaries continues to increase.

As of March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp. recognized estimated recoveries of $231 million, net of reinsurance and income taxes at a rate of 35%, on a statutory basis related to put-backs of ineligible mortgage loans in its insured transactions and $473 million related to excess spread recoveries, net of reinsurance and income taxes at a rate of 35%. These expected insurance recoveries represented 60% of MBIA Corp.’s statutory capital as of March 31, 2014. There can be no assurance that we will be successful or that we will not be delayed in realizing these recoveries. Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about these recoveries.

In order to maintain its New York State financial guarantee insurance license, MBIA Corp. is required to maintain a minimum of $65 million of policyholders’ surplus. MBIA Corp.’s policyholders’ surplus would grow over time from the recognition of unearned premiums and investment income and the expected release of the contingency reserves. In addition, MBIA Corp.’s policyholders’ surplus could be enhanced by the settlement, commutation or repurchase of insured obligations at prices less than its statutory loss reserves for such transactions. Conversely, dividends or incurred losses or an inability to collect on our excess spread recoveries or ineligible mortgage loan put-back claims would reduce policyholders’ surplus.

Under NYIL, MBIA Corp. is also required to establish a contingency reserve to provide protection to policyholders in the event of extreme losses in adverse economic events. The amount of the reserve is based on the percentage of principal insured or premiums earned, depending on the type of obligation (net of collateral, reinsurance, refunding, refinancings and certain insured securities). Under NYIL, MBIA Corp. is required to invest its minimum surplus and contingency reserves, and 50% of its loss reserves and unearned premium reserves, in certain qualifying assets. Reductions in the contingency reserve may be recognized based on excessive reserves and under certain stipulated conditions, subject to the approval of the Superintendent of the NYSDFS. As of March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp. satisfied its contingency reserve requirements.

 

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

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp. exceeded its aggregate risk limits under the NYIL by $122 million. The overage was caused by the decrease in statutory capital described above. MBIA Corp. previously notified the NYSDFS of the overage and submitted a plan to achieve compliance with the limits in accordance with the NYIL. If MBIA Corp. is not in compliance with its aggregate risk limits, the NYSDFS may prevent MBIA Corp. from transacting any new financial guarantee insurance business until it no longer exceeds the limitations. In 2014 and 2013, MBIA Corp. reported additional overages to the NYSDFS with respect to its single risk limits due to changes in its statutory capital.

In connection with MBIA Corp. obtaining approval from the NYSDFS to release excessive contingency reserves in previous periods, MBIA Corp. agreed that it would not pay any dividends without prior approval from the NYSDFS. Due to its significant negative earned surplus, MBIA Corp. has not had the statutory capacity to pay dividends since December 31, 2009 and is not expected to have any statutory capacity to pay any dividends in the near term.

As of March 31, 2014, the par amount outstanding of MBIA Corp.’s 14% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Surplus Notes due January 15, 2033 (the “Surplus Notes”) was $953 million. Section 1307 of the Insurance Law and the Fiscal Agency Agreement governing the surplus notes (the “Fiscal Agency Agreement”), which was approved as it relates to Section 1307 by the NYSDFS in connection with the issuance of the Surplus Notes, each impose restrictions on the payments of principal and interest (or the redemption price or any make-whole premium) on the Surplus Notes (“Surplus Note Payments”). Section 1307 of the Insurance Law provides that any payments on surplus notes issued by an insurer “shall be repaid only out of free and divisible surplus of such insurer with the approval of the superintendent whenever, in his judgment, the financial condition of such insurer warrants.” The Superintendent has broad discretion in determining whether to allow us to make Surplus Note Payments. We are not aware of any guidelines or interpretations that govern the exercise of the Superintendent’s discretion under Section 1307 in determining whether the financial condition of an insurer warrants the making of such payments. The Fiscal Agency Agreement provides that (a) Surplus Note Payments may be made only with the prior approval of the Superintendent, whenever, in his judgment, the financial condition of MBIA Corp. warrants, and (b) any such Surplus Note Payments may only be made to the extent MBIA Corp. has sufficient “Eligible Surplus” to make such payment. The Fiscal Agency Agreement defines “Eligible Surplus” as MBIA Corp. “surplus as regards policyholders,” less the sum of its “common capital stock” and “preferred capital stock”, as shown on its annual and quarterly statements filed with state insurance regulatory authorities. While the insurance law does not explicitly set forth the calculation of “free and divisible surplus”, MBIA believes that the calculation of Eligible Surplus, as set forth in the Fiscal Agency Agreement is the appropriate calculation of “free and divisible surplus” and is the commonly accepted calculation of “free and divisible surplus” used in connection with other surplus notes issued by New York domiciled insurance companies. MBIA Corp.’s “free and divisible surplus”, determined as set forth above, was $110 million as of March 31, 2014. MBIA Corp. is required to seek the Superintendent’s approval to make payments of accrued interest and principal when scheduled on the Surplus Notes. There is no assurance, however, when and if the Superintendent will approve Surplus Note Payments. Notwithstanding the sufficiency of MBIA Corp.’s Eligible Surplus available for the payment of Surplus Note Payments, the NYSDFS may deny approval of any Surplus Note Payments if the Superintendent concludes that MBIA Corp.’s financial condition does not warrant such approval.

The NYSDFS has not approved MBIA Corp.’s requests to make interest payments on the Surplus Notes since, and including, the January 15, 2013 interest payment. The NYSDFS has cited both MBIA Corp.’s liquidity and financial condition as well as the availability of “free and divisible surplus” as the basis for such non-approvals. As of April 15, 2014, the scheduled interest payment date, there was $204 million of accrued and unpaid interest on the Surplus Notes. The accrued and unpaid interest on the Surplus Notes will become due on the first business day on or after which MBIA Corp. obtains approval to pay some or all of such accrued and unpaid interest. No interest has been accrued or will accrue on the deferred interest.

MBIA Corp.’s statutory policyholders’ surplus is lower than its GAAP shareholders’ equity by $574 million as of March 31, 2014. U.S. STAT differs from GAAP in certain respects. Refer to “Note 14: Statutory Accounting Practices” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of MBIA Corp. within exhibit 99.2 of MBIA Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for an explanation of the differences between U.S. STAT and GAAP.

Claims-Paying Resources (Statutory Basis)

CPR is a key measure of the resources available to MBIA Corp. to pay claims under its insurance policies. CPR consists of total financial resources and reserves calculated on a statutory basis. CPR has been a common measure used by financial guarantee insurance companies to report and compare resources, and continues to be used by MBIA’s management to evaluate changes in such resources. We have provided CPR to allow investors and analysts to evaluate MBIA Corp., using the same measure that MBIA’s management uses to evaluate MBIA Corp.’s resources to pay claims under its insurance policies. There is no directly comparable GAAP measure. Our calculation of CPR may differ from the calculation of CPR reported by other companies.

 

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

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)

 

MBIA Corp.’s CPR and components thereto, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are presented in the following table:

 

                     

In millions

    As of March 31,
2014		      As of December  31,
2013		  

Policyholders’ surplus

    $ 401       $ 403   

Contingency reserves

      386         422   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Statutory capital

      787         825   

Unearned premium reserve

      523         535   

Present value of installment premiums(1)

      798         850   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Premium resources(2)

      1,321         1,385   

Net loss and LAE reserves(1)

      (239)         103   

Salvage reserves(3)

      1,121         1,148   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Gross loss and LAE reserve

      882         1,251   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total claims-paying resources

    $ 2,990       $ 3,461   
  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

  (1) - Calculated using a discount rate of 5.09% as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

  (2) - Includes financial guarantee and insured credit derivative related premiums.

 

  (3) - This amount primarily consists of expected recoveries related to the Company’s put-back claims.

LIQUIDITY

We evaluate and manage liquidity on a legal-entity basis to take into account the legal, regulatory and other limitations on available liquidity resources within the enterprise. We monitor our cash and liquid asset resources using stress-scenario testing. Members of MBIA’s senior management meet regularly to review liquidity metrics, discuss contingency plans and establish target liquidity cushions on an enterprise-wide basis. Below is a discussion of our liquidity resources and requirements for our holding company and our insurance subsidiaries.

MBIA Inc. Liquidity

MBIA Inc.’s liquidity resources support our corporate and asset/liability products segments. The activities of MBIA Inc. consist of:

 

  •  

holding and managing investments;

 

  •  

servicing outstanding corporate debt instruments, investment agreements and the intercompany loans that support MTNs issued by GFL;

 

  •  

posting collateral under hedging arrangements, investment agreements and the Asset Swap;

 

  •  

making payments related to interest rate swaps; and

 

  •  

payments of operating expenses.

The primary sources of cash within MBIA Inc. used to meet its liquidity needs include:

 

  •  

available cash and liquid assets not subject to collateral posting requirements;

 

  •  

scheduled principal and interest on assets held in its investment portfolio;

 

  •  

dividends from subsidiaries;

 

  •  

payments under tax sharing agreements with these subsidiaries (once the payments become unrestricted); and

 

  •  

access to capital markets.

We expect that for the foreseeable future National will be the predominant source of dividends and tax sharing agreement payments. There can be no assurance as to the amount and timing of any such dividends or payments under the tax sharing agreements. Refer to the “Capital Resources—Insurance Statutory Capital” section for additional information on payments of dividends. We do not expect that liquidity stress at MBIA Corp. would have any direct impact on MBIA Inc. given that we do not expect MBIA Inc. to receive distributions from MBIA Corp. for the foreseeable future.

 

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LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

During the first quarter of 2014, MBIA Inc. received $173 million under the MBIA group tax sharing agreement and related escrow agreement. Included in this amount was $160 million that represents National’s liability under the tax sharing agreement for the 2011 tax year, and was released from escrow pursuant to the terms of the tax sharing agreement following the expiration of National’s two-year net operating loss carry-back period under U.S. tax rules. As of March 31, 2014, $338 million remained in escrow for the 2012 through the 2013 tax years. We expect to release up to $228 million of this escrow related to the 2012 tax year in 2015 which will further increase MBIA Inc.’s liquidity position.

MBIA Inc.’s corporate debt, investment agreements, derivatives and loans from GFL, and the GFL MTNs may be accelerated by the holders of such instruments upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a breach of covenant or representation or certain instances of bankruptcy or insolvency. In the event of any acceleration of our obligations, including under our corporate debt, investment agreements, GFL MTNs, or derivatives, we likely would have insufficient resources to pay amounts due. Refer to “Liquidity—MBIA Inc. Liquidity” in Part II Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for information on these acceleration events.

MBIA Inc. has a net debt, which comprised long-term debt, GFL loans that support the GFL MTNs, investment agreements and derivative liabilities net of cash and investments at amortized cost (excluding investments in subsidiaries) and a tax receivable from subsidiaries, of $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2014. The Company expects that MBIA Inc. will generate sufficient cash to satisfy its net debt and its general corporate needs over time from distributions from its operating subsidiaries, although there can be no assurance that these distributions will generate sufficient cash to satisfy its net debt.

Currently, the majority of the cash and securities of MBIA Inc. is pledged against investment agreement liabilities, derivatives and the Asset Swap, which limit its ability to raise liquidity through asset sales. A significant portion of MBIA Inc.’s assets that are pledged against Asset Swap liabilities are structured finance securities which have been particularly susceptible to price fluctuations during periods of market volatility. In addition, if the market value or rating eligibility of the assets which are pledged against MBIA Inc.’s obligations were to decline, we would be required to pledge additional eligible assets in order to meet minimum required collateral amounts against these liabilities. To mitigate these risks, we seek to maintain cash and liquidity resources that we believe will be sufficient to make all payments due on our obligations and to meet other financial requirements, such as posting collateral. Contingent liquidity resources include: (1) accessing the capital markets; (2) sales of invested assets exposed to credit spread stress risk, which may occur at losses and increase MBIA Inc.’s net debt; (3) termination and settlement of interest rate swap agreements; and (4) advances from subsidiaries. These actions, if taken, are expected to result in either additional liquidity or reduced exposure to adverse credit spread movements. There can be no assurance that these actions will be sufficient to fully mitigate this risk.

Because most of MBIA Inc.’s assets are pledged against the obligations described above, the widening of credit spreads would have an adverse impact on the market value of these assets and increase collateralization requirements for the portfolio. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in the aggregate fair value of the asset/liability products business’ assets as of March 31, 2014 from instantaneous shifts in credit spread curves. This table assumes that all credit spreads move by the same amount; however, it is more likely that the actual changes in credit spreads will vary by investment sector and individual security. The table presents hypothetical increases and decreases in credit spreads of 50 and 200 basis points. Because downward movements of these amounts in some cases would result in negative spreads, a floor was assumed for minimum spreads.

 

                                           
     Change in Credit Spreads
(Asset/Liability Products Business)		  

In millions

    200 Basis Point
Decrease		      50 Basis Point
Decrease		      50 Basis Point
Increase		      200 Basis Point
Increase		  

Estimated change in fair value

    $ 87       $ 31        $ (29)       $ (104)   

As of March 31, 2014, the liquidity position of MBIA Inc., which consists of the liquidity positions of its corporate and asset/liability products activities, was $499 million and comprised cash and liquid assets of $443 million available for general corporate liquidity purposes, excluding the amounts held in escrow under its tax sharing agreement, and $56 million not pledged directly as collateral for its asset/liability products activities. As of December 31, 2013, MBIA Inc. had $359 million of cash and liquid assets comprising $307 million available for general corporate liquidity purposes, excluding the amounts held in escrow under its tax sharing agreement, and $52 million not pledged directly as collateral for its asset/liability products activities.

 

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LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

MBIA Corp. Liquidity

Liquidity available in the structured finance and international insurance segment is affected by:

 

  •  

our ability to collect on recoveries associated with loss payments;

 

  •  

the persistence of installment premiums;

 

  •  

investment results;

 

  •  

the payment of claims on insured exposures;

 

  •  

payments made to commute insured exposures;

 

  •  

the repayment of outstanding borrowings;

 

  •  

any unanticipated expenses; or

 

  •  

the impairment or a significant decline in the fair value of invested assets.

We may also experience liquidity constraints as a result of NYIL requirements that we maintain specified, high quality assets to back our reserves and surplus.

MBIA Corp. has recorded expected excess spread recoveries of $826 million as of March 31, 2014, associated with insured second-lien RMBS issues, including recoveries related to consolidated VIEs. MBIA Corp. has also recorded expected recoveries related to its claims against Credit Suisse related to ineligible loans included in an MBIA Corp. insured RMBS transaction. There can be no assurance that we will be successful or that we will not be delayed in realizing these recoveries. During the first quarter of 2014, MBIA Corp. collected $17 million of excess spread before reinsurance related to insured second-lien RMBS issues.

Liquidity needs within MBIA Corp. are primarily a result of the following:

 

  •  

loss payments on insured transactions;

 

  •  

operating expenses; and

 

  •  

principal and interest related to its surplus notes, to the extent approved by the NYSDFS. Refer to “Capital Resources—Insurance Statutory Capital” for a discussion on the denied requests from the NYSDFS to pay interest on its surplus notes.

Loss payment requirements for the structured finance and international financial guarantee contracts fall into three categories:

 

  •  

timely interest and ultimate principal;

 

  •  

ultimate principal only at final maturity; and

 

  •  

payments upon settlement of individual collateral losses as they occur after any deductible or subordination has been exhausted, which payments are unscheduled and therefore more difficult to predict, and which category applies to most of the transactions on which we have recorded loss reserves.

Insured transactions that require payment in full of the principal insured at maturity could present liquidity risks for MBIA Corp. since payment of the principal is due at maturity but any salvage could be recovered over time after payment of the principal amount. MBIA Corp. has insured transactions with substantial principal amounts due at maturity that are scheduled to mature in the near term. MBIA Corp. expects the transactions to be repaid on or prior to the maturity date. MBIA Corp. is generally required to satisfy claims within one to three business days, and as a result seeks to identify potential claims in advance through our monitoring process. While our financial guarantee policies generally cannot be accelerated, thereby helping to mitigate liquidity risk, the insurance of CDS contracts may, in certain circumstances, including the occurrence of certain insolvency or payment defaults under the CDS contracts, be subject to termination by the counterparty, triggering a claim for the fair value of the contract. In order to monitor liquidity risk and maintain appropriate liquidity resources, we use the same methodology as we use to monitor credit quality and losses within our insured portfolio, including stress scenarios. Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our loss process.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

We believe that MBIA Corp.’s liquidity resources, including expected cash inflows, will adequately provide for anticipated cash outflows, including expected future claim payments. The liquidity position of MBIA Corp. has been stressed due to ongoing payments on second-lien RMBS exposures, payments on its remaining CMBS exposures and payments to counterparties in consideration for the commutation of insured transactions, which have resulted in a substantial reduction of exposure and potential loss volatility. Depending on the amount of actual future claims, including claims on insured exposures that in some cases may require large bullet payments, and the amount of future cash inflows, in particular in excess spread and put-back recoverables, MBIA Corp. may not have sufficient liquid assets to pay its claims. Also, future commutation payments on insured transactions to counterparties will depend on management’s assessment of available liquidity or ability to secure other sources of financing. In the event that we experience other unexpected liquidity requirements, we may have insufficient resources to meet our obligations or insufficient qualifying assets to support our surplus and reserves, and may seek to increase liquidity through financing transactions. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in generating sufficient cash to meet our obligations.

As of March 31, 2014, MBIA Corp. held cash and available-for-sale (“AFS”) investments of $1.3 billion, of which $423 million comprised cash and highly liquid assets that were immediately available to MBIA Corp. Included in the $1.3 billion was $799 million of cash and AFS investments held by MBIA Corp.’s subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2013, MBIA Corp. held cash and AFS investments of $1.6 billion, of which $827 million comprised cash and highly liquid assets that were immediately available to MBIA Corp. Included in the $1.6 billion was $693 million of cash and AFS investments held by MBIA Corp.’s subsidiaries.

National Liquidity

We believe that the liquidity position of our U.S. public finance insurance segment is sufficient to meet cash requirements in the ordinary course of business.

Liquidity needs within our U.S. public finance insurance segment are primarily a result of the following:

 

  •  

loss payments on insured transactions;

 

  •  

operating expenses; and

 

  •  

posting collateral under the Asset Swap.

The insurance policies issued or reinsured by National, the entity from which we conduct our U.S. public finance insurance business, provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of payments of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations when due. In the event of a default in payment of principal, interest or other insured amounts by an issuer, National generally promises to make funds available in the insured amount within one to three business days following notification. In some cases, the amount due can be substantial, particularly if the default occurs on a transaction to which National has a large notional exposure or on a transaction structured with large, bullet-type principal maturities. The fact that the U.S. public finance insurance segment’s financial guarantee contracts generally cannot be accelerated by a party other than the insurer helps to mitigate liquidity risk in this segment.

National maintains the Asset Swap with MBIA Inc. which was amended in 2009 to replace MBIA Corp. with National. The Asset Swap provides MBIA Inc. with eligible assets to pledge under investment agreements and derivative contracts in the asset/liability products business. As of March 31, 2014, the notional amount utilized under each of these agreements was $470 million and the fair value of collateral pledged by National and MBIA Inc. under these agreements was $480 million and $494 million, respectively. The net average interest rate on these transactions was 0.28% and 0.10% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As of March 31, 2014, National held cash and short-term investments of $689 million, of which $615 million was highly liquid and comprised highly rated commercial paper, money market funds and municipal, U.S. agency and corporate bonds. As of December 31, 2013, National held cash and short-term investments of $665 million, of which $627 million was highly liquid and comprised commercial paper, money market funds, and highly rated municipal, U.S. agency and corporate bonds.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

Consolidated Cash Flows

Information about our consolidated cash flows by category is presented on our consolidated statements of cash flows. The following table presents a summary of our consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

                                
     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent
Change		  

In millions

            2014                      2013             

Statement of cash flow data:

         

Net cash provided (used) by:

         

Operating activities

    $ (424)       $ (78)         n/m   

Investing activities

      210         323         -35%   

Financing activities

      (312)         (301)         4%   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

      1         -         n/m   

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

      1,258         990         27%   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

    $ 733       $ 934         -22%   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

Operating activities

Net cash used by operating activities increased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 primarily due to cash paid for insured derivative commutations and losses of $343 million and an increase in compensation expenses paid of $32 million. These changes were partially offset by a decrease in payments for financial guarantee losses and LAE of $29 million primarily due to reductions in payments for second-lien RMBS.

Investing activities

Net cash provided by investing activities decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 primarily due to a net decrease in proceeds from net sales and redemptions of investments of $143 million partially offset by an increase in cash from derivative settlements and cash pledged as collateral of $46 million.

Financing activities

Net cash used by financing activities increased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with the same period of 2013 primarily due to an increase in the principal paydowns of debt related to financial guarantee VIEs of $24 million, partially offset by a decrease in principal paydowns of investment agreements of $19 million.

Investments

The following discussion of investments, including references to consolidated investments, excludes investments reported under “Assets of consolidated variable interest entities” on our consolidated balance sheets. Investments of VIEs support the repayment of VIE obligations and are not available to settle obligations of MBIA. Our AFS investments comprise high-quality fixed-income securities and short-term investments. The following table presents our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

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LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

                                

In millions

    As of March 31,
2014		      As of December 31,
2013		      Percent Change  

Available-for-sale investments:

         

U.S. public finance insurance

         

Amortized cost

    $ 4,629       $ 4,640         -%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      (35)         (105)         -67%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair value

      4,594         4,535         1%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Structured finance and international insurance

         

Amortized cost

      838         686         22%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      18         10         80%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair value

      856         696         23%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Corporate

         

Amortized cost

      536         577         -7%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      (51)         (56)         -9%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair value

      485         521         -7%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Advisory services

         

Amortized cost

      2         2         -%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      -         -         -%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair value

      2         2         -%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Wind-down operations

         

Amortized cost

      775         783         -1%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      46         19         142%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair value

      821         802         2%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total available-for-sale investments:

         

Amortized cost

      6,780         6,688         1%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      (22)         (132)         -83%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total available-for-sale investments at fair value

      6,758         6,556         3%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

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LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

                                

In millions

    As of March 31,
2014		      As of December 31,
2013		      Percent Change  

Investments carried at fair value:

         

U.S. public finance insurance

         

Amortized cost

      134         136         -1%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      (2)         (7)         -71%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair value

      132         129         2%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Structured finance and international insurance

         

Amortized cost

      26         27         -4%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      2         2         -%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair value

      28         29         -3%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Corporate

         

Amortized cost

      94         112         -16%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      2         (1)         n/m    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair value

      96         111         -14%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Advisory services

         

Amortized cost

      5         5         -%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      1         -         n/m    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Fair value

      6         5         20%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total investments carried at fair value:

         

Amortized cost

      259         280         -8%    

Unrealized net gain (loss)

      3         (6)         -150%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total investments carried at fair value

      262         274         -4%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Other investments at amortized cost:

         

U.S. public finance insurance operations segment

      4         4         -%    

Structured finance and international insurance

      1         1         -%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total other investments at amortized cost

      5         5         -%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Consolidated investments at carrying value

    $ 7,025       $ 6,835         3%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

n/m - Percent change not meaningful.

The fair value of the Company’s investments is based on prices which include quoted prices in active markets and prices based on market-based inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable, as well as prices from dealers in relevant markets. Differences between fair value and amortized cost arise primarily as a result of changes in interest rates and general market credit spreads occurring after a fixed-income security is purchased, although other factors may also influence fair value, including specific credit-related changes, supply and demand forces and other market factors. When the Company holds an AFS investment to maturity, any unrealized gain or loss currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the shareholders’ equity section of the balance sheet is reversed. As a result, the Company would realize a value substantially equal to amortized cost. However, when investments are sold prior to maturity, the Company will realize any difference between amortized cost and the sale price of an investment as a realized gain or loss within its consolidated statements of operations.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

Credit Quality

The credit quality distribution of the Company’s AFS fixed-maturity investment portfolios, excluding short-term investments, based on ratings from Moody’s as of March 31, 2014 is presented in the following table. Alternate ratings sources, such as S&P or the best estimate of the ratings assigned by the Company, have been used for a small percentage of securities that are not rated by Moody’s.

 

                                                                                                                                   
    U.S. Public Finance
Insurance		     Structured
Finance and
International
Insurance		     Advisory
Services		     Corporate     Wind-down
Operations		     Total  

In millions

   Fair
Value		     % of
Fixed-
Income
Investments		     Fair
Value		     % of
Fixed-
Income
Investments		     Fair
Value		     % of
Fixed-
Income
Investments		     Fair
Value		     % of
Fixed-
Income
Investments		     Fair
Value		     % of
Fixed-
Income
Investments		     Fair
Value		     % of
Fixed-
Income
Investments		  

Available-for-sale:

                        

Aaa

   $ 1,733        44%       $ 165        32%       $ 1        50%       $ -        0%       $ 184        24%       $ 2,083        39%    

Aa

     1,324        34%         235        46%         -        0%         1        1%         119        16%         1,679        31%    

A

     589        15%         66        13%         -        0%         -        0%         222        30%         877        16%    

Baa

     138        3%         22        4%         1        50%         -        0%         199        26%         360        7%    

Below investment grade

     32        1%         18        4%         -        0%         148        82%         17        2%         215        4%    

Not rated

     116        3%         4        1%         -        0%         31        17%         15        2%         166        3%    
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Total

   $ 3,932        100%       $ 510        100%       $ 2        100%       $ 180        100%       $ 756        100%       $ 5,380        100%    

Short-term investments

     655          345          -          305          62          1,367     

Investments carried at fair value

     132          28          6          96          -          262     

Other investments

     11          2          -          -          3          16     
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Consolidated investments at carrying value

   $ 4,730        $ 885        $ 8        $ 581        $ 821        $ 7,025     
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

As of March 31, 2014, the weighted average credit quality of the Company’s AFS investment portfolios, excluding short-term and other investments, as presented in the preceding table are as follows:

 

                                                      
     U.S. Public
Finance
Insurance		    Structured
Finance and
International
Insurance		    Advisory
Services		    Corporate    Wind-down
Operations

Weighted average credit quality ratings

    Aa    Aa    Aa    Below investment grade    A

Insured Investments

MBIA’s consolidated investment portfolio includes investments that are insured by various financial guarantee insurers (“Insured Investments”), including investments insured by MBIA Corp. and National (“Company-Insured Investments”). As of March 31, 2014, Insured Investments at fair value represented $637 million or 9% of consolidated investments, of which $386 million or 6% of consolidated investments were Company-Insured Investments.

As of March 31, 2014, based on the actual or estimated underlying ratings of our consolidated investment portfolio, without giving effect to financial guarantees, the weighted average rating of the consolidated investment portfolio would be in the Aa range, the weighted average rating of only the Insured Investments in the investment portfolio would be in the A range, and 3% of the total investment portfolio would be rated below investment grade in the Insured Investments.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

The distribution of our Insured Investments by financial guarantee insurer as of March 31, 2014 is presented in the following table:

 

                                                                                                             
     U.S. Public Finance
Insurance		      Structured Finance
and International
Insurance		      Corporate      Wind-down
Operations		      Total  

In millions

    Fair
Value		      % of Total
Investments		      Fair
Value		      % of Total
Investments		      Fair
Value		      % of Total
Investments		      Fair
Value		      % of Total
Investments		      Fair
Value		      % of Total
Investments		  

MBIA Corp.

    $ -         0%        $ -         0%        $ 98         1%        $ 121         2%        $ 219         3%    

National

      59         1%          -         0%          -         0%          108         2%          167         3%    

Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

      56         1%          -         0%          -         0%          127         2%          183         3%    

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.

      8         0%          -         0%          8         0%          24         0%          40         0%    

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company

      4         0%          1         0%          13         0%          7         0%          25         0%    

Other

      3         0%          -         0%          -         0%          -         0%          3         0%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 130         2%        $ 1         0%        $ 119         1%        $ 387         6%        $ 637         9%    
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

In purchasing Insured Investments, the Company independently assesses the underlying credit quality, structure and liquidity of each investment, in addition to the creditworthiness of the insurer. Insured Investments are diverse by sector, issuer and size of holding. The Company assigns underlying ratings to its Insured Investments without giving effect to financial guarantees based on underlying ratings assigned by Moody’s, or another external agency when a rating is not published by Moody’s. When an external underlying rating is not available, the underlying rating is based on the Company’s best estimate of the rating of such investment. A downgrade of a financial guarantee insurer will likely have an adverse effect on the fair value of investments insured by the downgraded financial guarantee insurer. If MBIA determines that declines in the fair values of Insured Investments are other-than-temporary, the Company will record a realized loss through earnings.

The underlying ratings of the Company-Insured Investments as of March 31, 2014 are reflected in the following table. Amounts represent the fair value of such investments including the benefit of the MBIA guarantee. The ratings in the following table are based on ratings from Moody’s. Alternate ratings sources, such as S&P, have been used for a small percentage of securities that are not rated by Moody’s.

 

                                           

In millions

    U.S. Public
Finance
Insurance		             Wind-down
Operations		         
                     

Underlying Ratings Scale

       Corporate         Total  

National:

            

Aa

    $ 29       $ -       $ 16       $ 45   

A

      29         -         17         46   

Baa

      -         -         76         76   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total National

    $ 58       $ -       $ 109       $ 167   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

MBIA Corp.:

            

Aa

    $ -       $ -       $ 64       $ 64   

A

      -         -         20         20   

Baa

      -         -         37         37   

Below investment grade

      -         98         -         98   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total MBIA Corp.

    $ -       $ 98       $ 121       $ 219   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total MBIA-Insured Investments

    $ 58       $ 98       $ 230       $ 386   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Without giving effect to the MBIA guarantee of the Company-Insured Investments in the consolidated investment portfolio, as of March 31, 2014, based on actual or estimated underlying ratings, the weighted average rating of the consolidated investment portfolio was in the Aa range, the weighted average rating of only the Company-Insured Investments was in the Baa range, and investments rated as below investment grade in the Company-Insured Investments were 2% of the total consolidated investment portfolio.

Impaired Investments

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we held impaired AFS investments (investments for which fair value was less than amortized cost) with a fair value of $3.0 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

We analyze impaired investments within our investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) on a quarterly basis. Key factors considered when assessing OTTI include but are not limited to: (a) structural and economic factors among security types that represent our largest exposure to credit impairment losses; (b) the duration and severity of the unrealized losses (i.e., a decline in the market value of a security by 20% or more at the time of the review, or 5% impaired at the time of review with a fair value below amortized cost for a consecutive 12-month period); and (c) the results of various cash flow modeling techniques. Our cash flow analysis considers all sources of cash, including credit enhancement, that support the payment of amounts owed by an issuer of a security. This includes the consideration of cash expected to be provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA Corp., resulting from an actual or potential insurance policy claim.

Refer to “Note 7: Investments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion about impaired investments.

Debt Obligations

Principal payments due under our debt obligations for the nine months ending December 31, 2014 and each of the subsequent four years ending December 31 and thereafter are presented in the following table. The repayment of principal on our surplus notes is reflected in 2018, which is the next call date. Principal payments under investment agreements are based on expected withdrawal dates. All other principal payments are based on contractual maturity dates. Foreign currency denominated liabilities are presented in U.S. dollars using applicable exchange rates as of March 31, 2014, and liabilities issued at a discount reflect principal amounts due at maturity.

 

                                                                            
     As of March 31, 2014  

In millions

    Nine Months
Ending
December 31,
2014		      2015      2016      2017      2018      Thereafter      Total  

Structured finance and international insurance segment:

                     

Variable interest entity notes

    $ 310       $ 442       $ 324       $ 358       $ 356       $ 3,618       $ 5,408   

Surplus notes

      -         -         -         -         940         -         940   

Corporate segment:

                     

Long-term debt

      -         -         -         -         -         719         719   

Asset/liability products segment:

                     

Investment agreements

      120         42         41         57         17         486         763   

Medium-term notes

      30         199         133         54         59         1,408         1,883   

Conduit segment:

                     

Medium-term notes

      -         -         -         -         -         25         25   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total

    $ 460       $ 683       $ 498       $ 469       $ 1,372       $ 6,256       $ 9,738   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Other Commitments

Headquarter Lease Agreement

In March 2014, the Company entered into a lease agreement for its new headquarters as part of the Company’s cost reduction measures. The initial lease term expires in 2030 with the option to terminate the lease in 2025 upon the payment of a termination amount. The total future minimum lease payments over the initial lease term are $42 million inclusive of the annual rent escalation amounts and free rent period. Refer to “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about this lease commitment.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In general, MBIA’s market risk relates to changes in the value of financial instruments that arise from adverse movements in factors such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and credit spreads. MBIA is exposed to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and credit spreads that affect the fair value of its financial instruments, namely investment securities, investment agreement liabilities, MTNs, debentures and certain derivative transactions. The Company’s investment portfolio holdings are primarily U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities including municipal bonds, U.S. government bonds, MBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, corporate bonds and ABS. In periods of rising and/or volatile interest rates, foreign exchange rates and credit spreads, profitability could be adversely affected should the Company have to liquidate these securities.

MBIA minimizes its exposure to interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and credit spread movement through active portfolio management to ensure a proper mix of the types of securities held and to stagger the maturities of its fixed-income securities. In addition, the Company enters into various swap agreements that hedge the risk of loss due to interest rate and foreign currency volatility.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

Interest rate sensitivity can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical instantaneous increase or decrease in interest rates. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2014 from instantaneous shifts in interest rates:

 

                                                                 
     Change in Interest Rates  

In millions

    300 Basis
Point
Decrease		      200 Basis
Point
Decrease		      100 Basis
Point
Decrease		      100 Basis
Point
Increase		      200 Basis
Point
Increase		      300 Basis
Point
Increase		  

Estimated change in fair value

    $ 264      $ 195      $ 108      $ (127)       $ (252)       $ (371)   

Foreign Exchange Sensitivity

Foreign exchange rate sensitivity can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical instantaneous increase or decrease in foreign exchange rates. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2014 from instantaneous shifts in foreign exchange rates:

 

                                           
     Change in Foreign Exchange Rates  
     Dollar Weakens      Dollar Strengthens  

In millions

       20%            10%            10%            20%     

Estimated change in fair value

    $ (28)       $ (14)       $ 14       $ 28   

Credit Spread Sensitivity

Credit spread sensitivity can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical instantaneous increase or decrease in credit spreads. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2014 from instantaneous shifts in credit spread curves. For this table it was assumed that all credit spreads move by the same amount. It is more likely that the actual changes in credit spreads will vary by security. National’s investment portfolio would generally be expected to experience lower credit spread volatility than the investment portfolio of the asset/liability products segment because of higher credit quality and portfolio composition in sectors that have been less volatile historically. The following table shows hypothetical increases and decreases in credit spreads of 50 and 200 basis points. Because downward movements of these amounts in some cases would result in negative spreads, a floor was assumed for minimum spreads. The changes in fair value reflect partially offsetting effects as the value of the investment portfolios generally changes in an opposite direction from the liability portfolio.

 

                                           
     Change in Credit Spreads  

In millions

    200 Basis
Point
Decrease		      50 Basis
Point
Decrease		      50 Basis
Point
Increase		      200 Basis
Point
Increase		  

Estimated change in fair value

    $ 3       $ 70       $ (73)       $ (303)   

Credit Derivatives Sensitivity

MBIA Corp. issued insurance policies insuring payments due on structured credit derivative contracts which are marked-to-market through earnings under the accounting principles for derivatives and hedging activities. The majority of these structured CDSs related to structured finance transactions with underlying reference obligations of cash securities and CDSs referencing liabilities of corporations or of other structured finance securitizations. The asset classes of the underlying reference obligations included corporate, ABS, RMBS and CMBS. These transactions were usually underwritten at or above a triple-A credit rating level. As of March 31, 2014, approximately 44% of the tranches insured by the Company were rated triple-A.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (continued)

 

In the first three months of 2014, MBIA Corp. has observed a tightening of its own credit spreads. As changes in fair value can be caused by factors unrelated to the performance of MBIA Corp.’s business and credit portfolio, including general market conditions and perceptions of credit risk, as well as market use of credit derivatives for hedging purposes unrelated to the specific referenced credits in addition to events that affect particular credit derivative exposures, the application of fair value accounting will cause the Company’s earnings to be more volatile than would be suggested by the underlying performance of MBIA’s business operations and credit portfolio.

The following tables reflect sensitivities to changes in credit spreads, rating migrations, recovery rates and MBIA Corp.’s own credit spreads. Each table stands on its own and should be read independently of each other. Refer to “Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value, including valuation techniques and disclosures required by GAAP.

Sensitivity to changes in credit spreads can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical instantaneous shift in credit spread curves. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the cumulative estimated net fair value of MBIA Corp.’s credit derivatives portfolio of instantaneous shifts in credit spreads as of March 31, 2014. In scenarios where credit spreads decreased, a floor of zero was used.

 

                                                                            
     Change in Credit Spreads
(Structured Finance and International Insurance)		  

In millions

    600 Basis
Point
Decrease		      200 Basis
Point
Decrease		      50 Basis
Point
Decrease		      0 Basis
Point
Change		      50 Basis
Point
Increase		      200 Basis
Point
Increase		      600 Basis
Point
Increase		  

Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

    $ 79       $ 33       $ 9       $ -        $ (10)       $ (68)       $ (409)   

Estimated net fair value

    $ (230)       $ (276)       $ (300)       $ (309)       $ (319)       $ (377)       $ (718)   

Actual shifts in credit spread curves will vary based on the credit quality of the underlying reference obligations. In general, within any asset class, higher credit rated reference obligations will exhibit less credit spread movement than lower credit rated reference obligations. Additionally, the degree of credit spread movement can vary significantly for different asset classes. The basis point change presented in the preceding table, however, represents a fixed basis point change in referenced obligation credit spreads across all credit quality rating categories and asset classes and, therefore, the actual impact of spread changes would vary from this presentation depending on the credit rating and distribution across asset classes, both of which will adjust over time depending on new business written and runoff of the existing portfolio.

Sensitivity to changes in the collateral portfolio credit quality can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical change in rating migrations. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the cumulative estimated net fair value of MBIA Corp.’s insured credit derivatives portfolio of a one and three notch rating change in the credit quality as of March 31, 2014. A notch represents a one step movement up or down in the credit rating.

 

                                                      
     Change in Credit Ratings
(Structured Finance and International Insurance)		  

In millions

    Three Notch
Increase		      One Notch
Increase		      No Change      One Notch
Decrease		      Three Notch
Decrease		  

Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

    $ 89       $ 39       $ -        $ (76)       $ (599)   

Estimated net fair value

    $ (220)       $ (270)       $ (309)       $ (385)       $ (908)   

Recovery rates on defaulted collateral are an input into MBIA Corp.’s valuation model. Sensitivity to changes in the recovery rate assumptions used by MBIA Corp. can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical change in these assumptions. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the cumulative estimated net fair value of MBIA Corp.’s insured credit derivatives portfolio of a 10% and 20% change in the recovery rate assumptions as of March 31, 2014.

 

                                                      
     Change in Recovery Rates
(Structured Finance and International Insurance)		  

In millions

    20% Increase      10% Increase      No Change      10% Decrease      20% Decrease  

Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

    $ 39       $ 28       $ -       $ (36)       $ (68)   

Estimated net fair value

    $ (270)       $ (281)       $ (309)       $ (345)       $ (377)   

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (continued)

 

Accounting principles for fair value measurements require MBIA Corp. to incorporate its own nonperformance risk in its valuation methodology. Sensitivity to changes in MBIA Corp.’s credit spreads can be estimated by projecting a hypothetical change in this assumption. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the cumulative estimated net fair value of MBIA Corp.’s insured credit derivative portfolio using upfront credit spreads of 0%, an increase of 7 percentage points, and an increase of 15 percentage points. The actual upfront spread used in the valuation as of March 31, 2014 ranged from 0.75% to 17.06% based on the tenor of each transaction. The below amounts include an additional annual running credit spread of 5%.

 

                                           
     MBIA Corp.’s Upfront Credit Spread
(Structured Finance and International Insurance)		  

In millions

    Increase by 15
Percentage  Points		      Increase by 7
Percentage  Points		      No Change      Decrease to 0
Percentage  Points		  

Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

    $ 55       $ 26       $ -       $ (25)   

Estimated net fair value

    $ (254)       $ (283)       $ (309)       $ (334)   

MBIA Corp.’s insurance of structured credit derivatives typically remain in place until the maturity of the derivative. With respect to MBIA Corp.’s insured structured credit derivatives, in the absence of credit impairments or the termination of derivatives at losses, the cumulative unrealized losses should reverse before or at maturity of the contracts. Additionally, in the event of the termination and settlement of a contract prior to maturity, any resulting gain or loss upon settlement will be recorded in our consolidated financial statements. In February of 2008, the Company announced its intention not to insure credit derivatives in the future, except in transactions that are intended to reduce its overall exposure to insured derivatives.

Warrants Sensitivity

Warrants issued by the Company to purchase shares of MBIA Inc. common stock are recorded at fair value in the Company’s balance sheet and changes in fair value are recorded through earnings. The Company values these warrants using the Black-Scholes model. Refer to “Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the valuation of warrants issued by the Company.

While several factors influence the value of the Company’s warrants, including stock price, stock volatility, interest rates and dividends, changes in the value of the Company’s warrants during the first three months of 2014 were primarily driven by changes in the Company’s stock price. The following table presents the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the estimated aggregate fair value of the Company’s warrants assuming a hypothetical stock price change of 10% and 25% as of March 31, 2014.

 

                                                      
     Change in Stock Price  

In millions

    25% Increase      10% Increase      No Change      10% Decrease      25% Decrease  

Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

    $ (46)       $ (17)       $ -       $ 16       $ 36   

Estimated net fair value

    $ (122)       $ (93)       $ (76)       $ (60)       $ (40)   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. In addition, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For a discussion of the Company’s litigation and related matters, see “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries in Part I, Item 1. In the normal course of operating its businesses, MBIA Inc. may be involved in various legal proceedings. As a courtesy, the Company posts on its website under the section “Legal Proceedings,” selected information and documents in reference to selected legal proceedings in which the Company is the plaintiff or the defendant. The Company will not necessarily post all documents for each proceeding and undertakes no obligation to revise or update them to reflect changes in events or expectations. The complete official court docket can be publicly accessed by contacting the clerk’s office of the respective court where each litigation is pending.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following should be read in conjunction with and supplements the risk factors described under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Insured Portfolio Loss Related Risk Factors

MBIA Corp. insures certain transactions that continue to perform poorly, in particular RMBS transactions that include a substantial number of ineligible mortgage loans, and increased losses or a delay or failure in collecting expected recoveries may materially and adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.

MBIA Corp. insures certain structured finance transactions that remain volatile and could result in additional losses, which could be substantial, including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), asset-backed security (“ABS”) collateralized debt obligation (“CDOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) pools and commercial real estate (“CRE”) transactions. Furthermore, MBIA Corp. has recorded expected recoveries on second-lien RMBS, and the timing and amount of those recoveries could change. Increased losses or a delay or failure in collecting expected recoveries may materially and adversely affect MBIA Corp.’s financial condition and results of operations.

With respect to RMBS transactions, MBIA Corp. continues to be exposed to risk of losses as a result of poor performance of ineligible loans included in its insured second-lien RMBS transactions, including transactions where it has reached settlements with the sellers/servicers but continues to insure the transactions. Losses in these transactions and in other transactions due to the inclusion of ineligible loans could continue. MBIA Corp. has also recorded significant loss reserves on its first-lien RMBS and ABS CDO exposures, and there can be no assurance that these reserves will be sufficient, in particular if the economy deteriorates.

With respect to insured credit default swap (“CDS”) contracts that are backed by structured CMBS pools and CRE CDOs, MBIA Corp. has experienced ratings erosion in the total CMBS collateral underlying its insured static pools. Since 2013, MBIA Corp. paid claims on a CMBS pool transaction which experienced deterioration such that all of the deductible was eliminated, and we expect to experience additional claims on this transaction in the future. Ultimate loss rates on these transactions remain uncertain. It is possible that MBIA Corp. will experience severe losses and/or near-term liquidity needs on its insured commercial real estate transactions. Such losses and/or liquidity needs are highly sensitive to the trajectory of the U.S. economy, the trends in delinquencies and liquidations, and the severity of loss upon liquidation.

MBIA Corp. has also recorded significant recoveries related to its second-lien RMBS losses, and there can be no assurance as to the timing or amount of collections. As of March 31, 2014, we recorded estimated recoveries of $651 million for the reimbursement of past and future expected claims through excess spread in our insured second-lien RMBS transactions. Of this amount, $626 million is included in “Insurance loss recoverable” and $25 million is included in “Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Excess spread is generated by performing loans within insured second lien RMBS securitizations. It is the difference between interest inflows on mortgage loan collateral and interest outflows on insured beneficial interests. The amount of excess spread depends on the future loss trends (which include future delinquency trends, average time it takes to charge-off delinquent loans, and the availability of pool mortgage insurance), the future trends in PRIME and LIBOR interest rates and borrower refinancing behavior, which results in voluntary prepayments. Minor deviations in loss trends and voluntary prepayments can have significant effect on excess spread.

In addition, the Company is also pursuing claims related to ineligible loans securitized by Credit Suisse and included in a home equity mortgage trust securitization. The Company’s assessment of the ineligibility of individual mortgage loans has been challenged by Credit Suisse in litigation and there is no assurance that the Company’s determinations will prevail, or that the Company will be successful in collecting its estimated recoveries. The litigation may take several years to resolve, during which time we will be required to pay losses on the subject transaction.

 

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

The table below presents repurchases made by the Company in each month during the first quarter of 2014:

 

                                           

Month

    Total Number of
Shares Purchased(1)		      Average Price
Paid Per Share		      Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced  Plan		      Maximum Amount
That May Be  Purchased
Under the Plan
(in millions)(2)		  

January

      668        $ 10.94                     -       $ 23    

February

      352,709          12.46         -         23    

March

      180,415          14.80         -         23    
  

 

 

        

 

 

     
     533,792        $ 13.25         -       $ 23    

 

  (1) - 529,246 shares were repurchased by the Company in open market transactions for settling awards under the Company’s long-term incentive plans and 4,546 shares were purchased in open market transactions as an investment in the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan.

 

  (2) - On February 1, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of common stock up to $1 billion under a new share repurchase program, which superseded the previously authorized program.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

10.1.    MBIA Inc. 2005 Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended through February 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the MBIA Inc. Form S-8 filed on March 5, 2014 (Reg. No. 333-194335).
+10.2.    Restricted Stock Award Agreement between MBIA Inc. and Joseph W. Brown, dated as of March 17, 2014.
+31.1.    Chief Executive Officer—Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
+31.2.    Chief Financial Officer—Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.1.    Chief Executive Officer—Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.2.    Chief Financial Officer—Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
+99.1.   

Additional Exhibits—National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation and Subsidiaries GAAP Consolidated

Financial Statements.

+99.2.    Additional Exhibits—MBIA Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries GAAP Consolidated Financial Statements.
+101.   

Additional Exhibits—MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated

Financial Statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended

March 31, 2014, formatted in XBRL.

 

+ Filed Herewith
* Furnished Herewith

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

   

MBIA Inc.

Registrant

Date: May 12, 2014

       /s/ C. Edward Chaplin
      C. Edward Chaplin
      Chief Financial Officer
   

Date: May 12, 2014

       /s/ Douglas C. Hamilton
      Douglas C. Hamilton
      Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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