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 quarter ended March 31, 2011

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. (Check one):

 

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 4, 2011, 199,779,431 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—March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (Unaudited)      1   
  Consolidated Statements of Operations—Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)      2   
  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—Three months ended March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)      3   
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)      4   
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)      5-77   
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      78-130   
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      130   
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures      130   
PART II OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings      131-137   
Item 1A.   Risk Factors      138   
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments      138   
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      138   
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities      138   
Item 4.   (Removed and Reserved)      138   
Item 5.   Other Information      139   
Item 6.   Exhibits      140   

SIGNATURES

     141   


Table of Contents

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

MBIA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

         March 31, 2011            December 31, 2010    

Assets

     

Investments:

     

Fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $8,775,689 and $9,597,732)

     $ 8,285,128          $ 9,020,928    

Fixed-maturity securities at fair value

     28,984          25,041    

Investments pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost $514,476 and $547,800)

     524,666          551,688    

Short-term investments held as available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $2,272,151 and $2,072,955)

     2,251,532          2,070,320    

Other investments (includes investments at fair value of $248,199 and $256,820)

     250,213          258,981    
                 

Total

     11,340,523          11,926,958    

Cash and cash equivalents

     277,283          365,841    

Accrued investment income

     94,104          95,320    

Premiums receivable

     1,569,851          1,589,005    

Deferred acquisition costs

     396,717          412,001    

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

     94,731          97,270    

Insurance loss recoverable

     2,637,589          2,531,494    

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

     15,259          15,111    

Goodwill

     31,371          31,371    

Property and equipment, at cost (less accumulated depreciation of $134,311 and $135,127)

     70,814          71,385    

Receivable for investments sold

     60,769          7,948    

Derivative assets

     2,257          3,780    

Current income taxes

             41,388    

Deferred income taxes, net

     1,292,699          907,531    

Other assets

     46,743          45,195    

Assets of consolidated variable interest entities:

     

Cash

     710,209          763,891    

Investments held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $3,783,866 and $3,908,991)

     3,995,418          4,187,644    

Fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $324,775 and $188,937)

     326,281          189,554    

Fixed-maturity securities at fair value

     5,453,580          5,240,742    

Loans receivable at fair value

     2,327,126          2,183,364    

Loan repurchase commitments

     866,572          835,047    

Derivative assets

     524,539          699,072    

Other assets

     38,627          38,099    
                 

Total assets

     $ 32,173,062          $ 32,279,011    
                 

Liabilities and Equity

     

Liabilities:

     

Unearned premium revenue

     $ 4,033,328          $ 4,145,234    

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

     1,009,971          1,129,358    

Reinsurance premiums payable

     69,288          71,151    

Investment agreements

     1,911,393          2,005,326    

Medium-term notes (includes financial instruments carried at fair value $162,949 and $116,310)

     1,704,079          1,739,507    

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     470,444          470,570    

Short-term debt

             64,768    

Long-term debt

     1,844,255          1,850,532    

Current income taxes

     6,362            

Deferred fee revenue

     9,824          9,995    

Payable for investments purchased

     36,977          2,173    

Derivative liabilities

     5,926,690          4,616,509    

Other liabilities

     205,812          272,391    

Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities:

     

Variable interest entity notes (includes financial instruments carried at fair value $6,989,037 and $6,679,982)

     10,899,079          10,589,989    

Long-term debt

     360,000          360,000    

Derivative liabilities

     1,910,065          2,104,242    

Other liabilities

     2,687          968    
                 

Total liabilities

     30,400,254          29,432,713    
                 

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 — 274,843,555 and 274,719,578

     274,844          274,720    

Additional paid-in capital

     3,063,717          3,063,914    

Retained earnings

     986,806          2,123,566    

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred tax of $193,844 and $228,845

     (340,781)         (405,484)   

Treasury stock, at cost — 75,072,525 and 74,973,978 shares

     (2,225,496)         (2,224,577)   
                 

Total shareholders’ equity of MBIA Inc.

     1,759,090          2,832,139    

Preferred stock of subsidiary

     13,718          14,159    
                 

Total equity

     1,772,808          2,846,298    
                 

Total liabilities and equity

     $ 32,173,062          $ 32,279,011    
                 

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 thousands except share and per share amounts)

 

         Three Months Ended March 31,      
     2011      2010  

Revenues:

     

Premiums earned:

     

Scheduled premiums earned

     $ 127,755          $ 132,302    

Refunding premiums earned

     9,443          24,515    
                 

Premiums earned (net of ceded premiums of $3,074 and $8,967)

     137,198          156,817    

Net investment income

     114,331          121,924    

Fees and reimbursements

     13,951          121,979    

Change in fair value of insured derivatives:

     

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

     (354,391)         (34,130)   

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

     (1,323,005)         (2,211,425)   
                 

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

     (1,677,396)         (2,245,555)   

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

     (23,528)         (45,806)   

Investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments:

     

Investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments

     (7,555)         (165,410)   

Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (5,793)         135,678    
                 

Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments

     (13,348)         (29,732)   

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

     25,891          (2)   

Other net realized gains (losses)

     4,610          145    

Revenues of consolidated variable interest entities:

     

Net investment income

     16,959          15,170    

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

     1,064          122,935    

Other net realized gains (losses)

             (74,244)   
                 

Total revenues

     (1,400,268)         (1,856,369)   

Expenses:

     

Losses and loss adjustment

     (36,153)         214,399    

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

     16,512          22,748    

Operating

     75,232          62,498    

Interest

     74,896          84,326    

Expenses of consolidated variable interest entities:

     

Operating

     9,709          5,423    

Interest

     15,333          13,663    
                 

Total expenses

     155,529          403,057    
                 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (1,555,797)         (2,259,426)   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (419,037)         (779,190)   
                 

Net income (loss)

     $ (1,136,760)         $ (1,480,236)   
                 

Net income (loss) per common share:

     

Basic

     $ (5.68)         $ (7.22)   

Diluted

     $ (5.68)         $ (7.22)   

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

     

Basic

     199,972,759          204,938,455    

Diluted

     199,972,759          204,938,455    

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 CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

(In thousands except share amounts)

 

   

 

Common Stock

    Additional
Paid-in

Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Income (Loss)
    Treasury Stock     Total
Shareholders’
Equity

of MBIA Inc.
    Preferred Stock
of Subsidiary
 
    Shares     Amount           Shares     Amount       Shares     Amount  

Balance, December 31, 2010

    274,719,578       $ 274,720       $ 3,063,914       $ 2,123,566       $ (405,484)        (74,973,978)      $ (2,224,577)      $ 2,832,139         1,426       $ 14,159    
                                                                               

Comprehensive income (loss):

                   

Net income (loss)

                         (1,136,760)                             (1,136,760)                 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                   

Change in unrealized gains and losses on investments net of tax of $25,339

                                88,894                       88,894                  

Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $4,787

                                8,891                       8,891                  

Change in fair value of derivative instruments net of tax of $4,489

                                3,410                       3,410                  

Change in foreign currency translation net of tax of $2,269

                                (36,492)                      (36,492)                 
                         

Other comprehensive income (loss)

                  64,703        
                         

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                  (1,072,057)       
                         

Share-based compensation net of tax of $3,536

    123,977         124         (197)                      4,708         154         81                  

Treasury shares acquired under share repurchase program

                                       (103,255)        (1,073)        (1,073)                 

Preferred shares of subsidiary acquired

                                                            (41)        (441)   
                                                                               

Balance, March 31, 2011

    274,843,555       $ 274,844       $ 3,063,717      $ 986,806       $ (340,781)        (75,072,525)      $ (2,225,496)      $ 1,759,090         1,385       $ 13,718    
                                                                               
      2011        

Disclosure of reclassification amount:

  

           

Change in unrealized gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairments on investments arising during the period, net of taxes

   

  $ 107,042              

Reclassification adjustment, net of taxes

  

    (9,257)             
                 

Change in net unrealized gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses, net of taxes

   

  $ 97,785              
                 

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 thousands)

 

         Three Months Ended March 31,      
     2011      2010  

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

Net income (loss)

     $ (1,136,760)         $ (1,480,236)   

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

     

Amortization of bond (premiums) discounts, net

     (10,364)         (16,318)   

Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income

     1,603          (7,363)   

Decrease in premiums receivable

     25,486          94,598    

Decrease in deferred acquisition costs

     15,284          29,738    

Decrease in unearned premium revenue

     (126,717)         (201,240)   

Decrease in prepaid reinsurance premiums

     2,777          62,874    

Decrease in reinsurance premiums payable

     (2,080)         (42,274)   

(Decrease) increase in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

     (119,387)         33,510    

(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

     (148)         1,664    

Increase in insurance loss recoverable

     (106,095)         (103,710)   

Decrease in payable to reinsurers on recoveries

     (20)         (30,240)   

Depreciation

     1,882          1,928    

(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable

     (21,598)         14,759    

Decrease in accounts receivable

     1,677            

Decrease in accrued expenses

     (26,416)         (60,399)   

Decrease in deferred fee revenue

     (171)         (418)   

Amortization of medium-term notes (premiums) discounts, net

     (3,425)         8,597    

Investment losses on other than temporarily impaired investments

     13,347          29,732    

Unrealized losses (gains) on insured derivatives

     1,323,005          2,211,425    

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

     22,465          (77,129)   

Other net realized (gains) losses

     (4,609)         74,099    

Increase in current income taxes

     44,214          139,097    

Deferred income tax benefit

     (419,256)         (884,940)   

(Gains) losses on extinguishment of debt

     (25,891)           

Share-based compensation

     803          1,013    

Other operating

     4,753          (95,863)   
                 

Total adjustments to net income (loss)

     591,119          1,183,142    
                 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

     (545,641)         (297,094)   
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

Purchase of fixed-maturity securities

     (1,777,806)         (2,350,894)   

Increase in payable for investments purchased

     34,804          74,295    

Sale and redemption of fixed-maturity securities

     2,742,857          2,982,901    

Increase in receivable for investments sold

     (52,685)         (61,620)   

Decrease in loans receivable

     84,331          77,319    

Purchase of held-to-maturity investments

             (46,106)   

Redemptions of held-to-maturity investments

     51,294          92,114    

Sale of short-term investments, net

     (69,105)         358,110    

Sale of other investments, net

     17,271          12,436    

Consolidation of variable interest entities

             479,490    

Capital expenditures

     (1,307)         (407)   
                 

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

     1,029,654          1,617,638    
                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

Proceeds from issuance of investment agreements

     18,716          22,865    

Payments for drawdowns of investment agreements

     (113,224)         (184,121)   

Issuance of medium-term notes

     4,077          4,681    

Principal paydown of medium-term notes

     (88,272)         (70,018)   

Principal paydown of variable interest entity notes

     (357,334)         (396,295)   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     (252)         260    

Dividends paid

             (1,005)   

Repayments for retirement of debt

     (68,655)         (189,000)   

(Payments) proceeds for derivative settlements

     (19,856)         48,521    

Purchase/redemption of subsidiary preferred stock

     (441)         (2,459)   

Restricted stock awards settlements

     (1,012)         (24)   

Collateral to swap counterparty

             (128,650)   
                 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

     (626,253)         (895,245)   
                 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (142,240)         425,299    

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

     1,129,732          803,243    
                 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

     $ 987,492          $ 1,228,542    
                 

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:

     

Income taxes refunded

     $      (44,026)         $      (31,159)   

Interest paid:

     

Investment agreements

     $ 16,146          $ 21,529    

Medium-term notes

     13,739          15,891    

Variable interest entity notes

     92,033          83,015    

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

     530          382    

Other borrowings and deposits

     982          1,055    

Corporate debt

     11,094          12,396    

Surplus notes

     66,686          66,686    

Non cash items:

     

Share-based compensation

     $ 803          $ 1,013    

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

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1: Businesses, Developments, Risks and Uncertainties

Summary

MBIA Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, (collectively, “MBIA” or the “Company”) operates the largest financial guarantee insurance business in the industry and is a provider of asset management and other 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 operated through National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation and subsidiary (“National”), its structured finance and international insurance business is primarily operated through MBIA Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries (“MBIA Corp.”), and its asset management advisory services business is primarily operated through Cutwater Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Cutwater”). MBIA also manages certain business activities through its corporate, asset/liability products, and conduit segments. The corporate segment includes revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities. Funding programs managed through the asset/liability products and conduit segments are in wind-down. Refer to “Note 11: Business Segments” for further information about the Company’s business segments.

Business Developments

The Company has been unable to write meaningful amounts of new insurance business since 2008 and does not expect to write significant new insurance business prior to an upgrade of the credit ratings of its insurance subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2011, National was rated BBB with a developing outlook by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and Baa1 with a developing outlook by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”). As of March 31, 2011, MBIA Insurance Corporation was rated B with a negative outlook by S&P and B3 with a negative outlook by Moody’s.

During the first quarter of 2011, the Company continued to seek to reduce both the absolute amount and the volatility of its liabilities and potential liabilities through repurchases of securities and commutations of insurance policies. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2011, the Company undertook actions to mitigate declines in the liquidity of MBIA Corp. and the asset/liability products segment through inter-company lending arrangements and the monetization of illiquid assets. The impact of these actions has been to mitigate erosion and reduce volatility in statutory capital and preserve liquidity in those two businesses. MBIA Corp. had statutory capital of $2.7 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. MBIA Corp. ended the first quarter of 2011 with $927 million in liquid assets, after claim payments and commutations of insured derivatives, compared with $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2010. Continued positive trends in the U.S. economy, including a decline in the pace at which delinquencies increase in troubled real estate sectors and improvements in asset values, have also contributed to the preservation and stabilization of capital and liquidity in these businesses during the first quarter of 2011.

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. Significant risks and uncertainties that could affect amounts reported in the Company’s financial statements in future periods include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

If the U.S. economy weakens, commercial real estate values decline and commercial real estate servicer behavior does not continue to mitigate potential or actual credit losses in line with current trends, MBIA could incur substantial additional losses in that sector. As of March 31, 2011, MBIA Corp. had commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) pool and commercial real estate (“CRE”) collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) insured par exposure of approximately $33.5 billion and $7.3 billion, respectively, excluding approximately $4.0 billion of CRE loan pools, primarily comprising European assets. Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for information about the Company’s estimate of CMBS credit impairments.

 

   

While incurred losses from insured residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) have declined from their peaks, they could ultimately be in excess of the Company’s current estimated loss reserves. Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for information about the Company’s RMBS loss reserves.

 

   

While the Company has settled a substantial part of its insured asset-backed collateralized debt obligation (“ABS CDO”) exposure at levels within MBIA Corp.’s statutory loss reserves related to those exposures, further economic stress might cause increases in the Company’s loss estimates.

 

   

MBIA Corp.’s efforts to recover losses from the second-lien securitization originators could be delayed, settled at amounts below its contractual claims or potentially settled at amounts below those recorded on its balance sheets prepared under statutory accounting principles and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for information about the Company’s RMBS loss recoveries.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1: Businesses, Developments, Risks and Uncertainties (continued)

 

   

Currently, the Company’s asset/liability products segment has a deficit of cash, investments and other liquid assets at amortized cost to debt issued to third-parties and affiliates at amortized cost of approximately $387 million, but is expected to have positive cash flows through 2012. The Company expects to actively manage this business to reduce that deficit.

 

   

The Company’s recent financial results have been volatile, which has impacted management’s ability to accurately project future taxable income. Insurance losses incurred beyond those currently projected may cause the Company to record allowances against some or all of its deferred tax assets. Refer to “Note 10: Income Taxes” for information about the Company’s deferred tax assets.

 

   

Litigation over the New York State Insurance Department’s (“NYSID’s”) approval of National’s creation or additional hurdles to achieving high stable ratings may impede National’s ability to resume writing municipal bond insurance for some time, reducing its long-term ability to generate capital and cash from operations. Also, municipal and state fiscal distress could adversely affect the Company’s operations if they result in larger than expected incurred insurance losses.

 

   

In the event the economy and the markets to which MBIA is exposed do not improve, or decline, the unrealized losses on insured credit derivatives could increase, causing additional stress in the Company’s reported financial results. In addition, volatility in the relationship between MBIA’s credit spreads and those on underlying collateral assets of insured credit derivatives can create significant unrealized gains and losses in the Company’s reported results of operations. Refer to “Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for information about the Company’s valuation of insured credit derivatives.

While the Company believes it continues to have sufficient capital and liquidity to meet all of its obligations for the foreseeable future, if one or more possible adverse outcomes were to be realized, its statutory capital, financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. Statutory capital, defined under statutory accounting principles as policyholders’ surplus and contingency reserves, is a key measure of an insurance company’s financial condition under insurance laws and regulations. Failure to maintain adequate levels of statutory surplus and total statutory capital could lead to intervention by the Company’s insurance regulators in its operations and constitute an event of default under certain of the Company’s contracts, thereby materially and adversely affecting the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The reference herein to “ineligible” mortgage loans refers to those mortgage loans that the Company believes failed to comply with the representations and warranties made by the sellers/servicers of the securitizations to which those mortgage loans were sold with respect to such mortgage loans, including failure to comply with the related underwriting criteria, based on the Company’s assessment, which included information provided by third-party review firms, of such mortgage loans’ compliance with such representations and warranties. The Company’s assessment of the ineligibility of individual mortgage loans could be challenged/disputed by the sellers/servicers of the securitizations in litigation and there is no assurance that the Company’s determinations will prevail.

Liquidity

As a financial services company, MBIA has been materially adversely affected by conditions in global financial markets. Current conditions and events in these markets have created substantial liquidity risk for the Company.

In order to manage liquidity risk, the Company maintains a liquidity risk management framework with the primary objective of monitoring potential liquidity constraints in its asset and liability portfolios and guiding the proactive matching of liquidity resources to needs. The Company’s liquidity risk management framework seeks to monitor the Company’s 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.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1: Businesses, Developments, Risks and Uncertainties (continued)

 

As part of MBIA’s liquidity risk management framework, the Company seeks to evaluate and manage liquidity on both a legal entity basis and a segment basis. Legal entity liquidity is an important consideration as there are legal, regulatory and other limitations on the Company’s ability to utilize the liquidity resources within the overall enterprise. MBIA seeks to manage segment liquidity primarily between its corporate and asset/liability products segments as they relate to MBIA Inc. Unexpected loss payments arising from ineligible mortgage loans in securitizations that the Company has insured, dislocation in the global financial markets, the overall economic downturn in the U.S., and the loss of MBIA Corp.’s triple-A insurance financial strength ratings in 2008 significantly increased the liquidity needs and decreased the financial flexibility in the Company’s legal entities and segments. MBIA continued to satisfy all of its payment obligations and the Company believes that it has adequate resources to meet its ongoing liquidity needs in both the short-term and the long-term. However, the Company could face additional liquidity pressure in all of its operations and businesses through increased liquidity demands or a decrease in its liquidity supply if (i) loss payments on the Company’s insured transactions were to rise significantly, including due to ineligible mortgage loans in securitizations that it has insured, (ii) market or adverse economic conditions persist for an extended period of time or worsen, (iii) the Company is unable to sell assets at values necessary to satisfy payment obligations or is unable to access new capital through the issuance of equity or debt, (iv) the Company experiences an unexpected acceleration of payments required to settle liabilities or (v) the Company is unable to collect or is delayed in collecting on its contract claim recoveries related to ineligible mortgage loans in securitizations. These pressures could arise from exposures beyond residential mortgage-related stress, which to date has been the main cause of stress.

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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. 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 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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. 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.

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. As additional information becomes available or actual amounts become determinable, the recorded estimates are revised and reflected in operating results. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011. The December 31, 2010 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 prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current presentation. This includes the reclassification of gains and losses from sales of investment securities to “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” from the previously reported line “Net realized gains (losses)” on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Such reclassification of gains and losses from sales of investment securities had no impact on total revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, or stockholders’ equity for all periods presented.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MBIA Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries and all other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether an entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”).

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Voting interest entities are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable an entity to finance its activities independently and (ii) the equity holders have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. Voting interest entities are consolidated when the Company has a majority voting interest.

VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. The consolidation of a VIE is required if an entity has a variable interest (such as an equity or debt investment, a beneficial interest, a guarantee, a written put option or a similar obligation) and that variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in the VIE. A controlling financial interest is present when an enterprise has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The enterprise with the controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, is required to consolidate the VIE. The Company consolidates all VIEs in which it is the primary beneficiary. Refer to “Note 4: Variable Interest Entities” for additional information.

Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (ASU 2010-06)

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820)—Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” to require additional disclosures about transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. The standard also clarifies existing disclosures about the level of disaggregation, valuation techniques and inputs to fair value measurements. The Company adopted this standard as of the first quarter of 2010 except for the requirement to provide the Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis, which was adopted in the first quarter of 2011. As this standard only affects disclosures related to fair value, the adoption of this standard did not affect the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, results of operations, or cash flows. Refer to “Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for these disclosures.

See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 for further information regarding the effects of recently adopted accounting standards on prior year financials.

Recent Accounting Developments

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (ASU 2010-26)

In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-26, “Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944)—Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts.” This amendment specifies which costs incurred in the acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts should be capitalized. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 with early adoption as of January 1, 2011 permitted. The Company did not early adopt the guidance as of January 1, 2011. The adoption of this standard will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, 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 enhancement services to issuers of obligations that may involve issuer-sponsored special purpose entities (“SPEs”). An SPE may be considered a 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.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 4: Variable Interest Entities (continued)

 

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

The Company makes its determination for consolidation based on a qualitative assessment of the purpose and design of a VIE, the terms and characteristics of variable interests of an entity, and the risks a VIE is designed to create and pass through to holders of variable interests. The Company generally provides credit protection on obligations issued by VIEs, and holds certain contractual rights according to the purpose and design of a VIE. The Company may have the ability to direct certain activities of a VIE depending on facts and circumstances, including the occurrence of certain contingent events, and these activities may be considered the activities 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. 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 does not have a controlling financial interest in any issuer-sponsored VIEs and is not the primary beneficiary of any issuer-sponsored VIEs. The Company’s exposure to the aforementioned VIEs is limited to its investments in these entities. The asset/liability products segment includes the consolidation of one VIE that holds fixed-maturity securities at fair value consisting of alternative A-paper (“Alt-A”) non-agency RMBS securities. The Company formed and sponsored the VIE and is the primary beneficiary.

In the conduit segment, the Company manages and administers two multi-seller conduit SPEs (“Conduits”). The Conduits invest primarily in debt securities and fund the investments through the issuance of VIE notes and long-term debt. The liabilities and certain of the assets of the Conduits are supported by credit enhancement provided through MBIA Corp. The Conduits were designed to provide issuers an efficient source of funding for issued obligations, and to provide an opportunity for MBIA Corp. to issue financial guarantee insurance policies. The Conduits are VIEs and are consolidated by the Company as primary beneficiary.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 4: Variable Interest Entities (continued)

 

Nonconsolidated VIEs

The following tables present the total assets of nonconsolidated VIEs in which the Company holds a variable interest as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The following tables present the Company’s maximum exposure to loss for nonconsolidated VIEs as well as the value of the assets and liabilities the Company has recorded for its interest in these VIEs as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. 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 credit default swaps (“CDS”) and any investments in obligations issued by nonconsolidated VIEs.

 

    March 31, 2011  
                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

  $ 30,589      $ 17,689      $ 110      $ 75      $ -      $ 66      $ -      $ 406   

Mortgage-backed residential

    54,180        17,901        81        95        2,368        93        497        5   

Mortgage-backed commercial

    5,652        3,171        -        2        -        2        -        -   

Consumer asset-backed

    10,799        6,142        18        29        -        29        17        -   

Corporate asset-backed

    35,917        20,765        333        308        4        324        -        -   
                                                               

Total global structured finance

  $ 137,137      $ 65,668      $ 542      $ 509      $ 2,372      $ 514      $ 514      $ 411   

Global public finance

    43,612        23,726        -        227        -        283        -        -   
                                                               

Total insurance

  $ 180,749      $ 89,394      $ 542      $ 736      $ 2,372      $ 797      $ 514      $ 411   
                                                               

 

(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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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 4: Variable Interest Entities (continued)

 

    December 31, 2010  
                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

  $ 30,628      $ 18,068      $ 126      $ 78      $ -      $ 68      $ -      $ 360   

Mortgage-backed residential

    56,828        18,494        71        95        2,270        93        598        3   

Mortgage-backed commercial

    5,547        3,138        -        2        -        2        -        -   

Consumer asset-backed

    11,709        6,780        19        30        -        29        -        -   

Corporate asset-backed

    42,380        22,468        246        325        5        340        -        -   
                                                               

Total global structured finance

  $ 147,092      $ 68,948      $ 462      $ 530      $ 2,275      $ 532      $ 598      $ 363   

Global public finance

    42,370        21,201        -        225        -        280        -        -   
                                                               

Total insurance

  $ 189,462      $ 90,149      $ 462      $ 755      $ 2,275      $ 812      $ 598      $ 363   
                                                               

 

(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 Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its variable interests in nonconsolidated VIEs is represented by insurance in force. Insurance in force is the maximum future payments of principal and interest that may be required under commitments to make payments on insured obligations issued by nonconsolidated VIEs, assuming a full credit event occurs.

Consolidated VIEs

The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs were $14.2 billion and $13.2 billion, respectively, as of March 31, 2011, and $14.1 billion and $13.1 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2010. 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 gains or losses were recognized on initial consolidation of additional VIEs during the three months ended March 31, 2011, and a $74 million pre-tax loss was recognized on initial consolidation of additional VIEs during the three months ended March 31, 2010. The Company recognized no impact to earnings related to deconsolidation of VIEs during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010.

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.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense (“LAE”) Process

The Company’s insured portfolio management groups within its U.S. public finance insurance and structured finance and international insurance businesses (collectively, “IPM”) monitor MBIA’s outstanding insured obligations with the objective of minimizing losses. IPM meets this objective by identifying issuers that, because of deterioration in credit quality or changes in the economic, regulatory or political environment, are at a heightened risk of defaulting on debt service of obligations insured by MBIA. In such cases, IPM works with the issuer, trustee, bond counsel, servicer, underwriter and other interested parties in an attempt to alleviate or remedy the problem and avoid defaults on debt service payments. Once an obligation is insured, MBIA typically requires the issuer, servicer (if applicable) and the trustee to furnish periodic financial and asset-related information, including audited financial statements, to IPM for review. IPM also monitors publicly available information related to insured obligations. Potential problems uncovered through this review, such as poor financial results, low fund balances, covenant or trigger violations and trustee or servicer problems, or other events that could have an adverse impact on the insured obligation, could result in an immediate surveillance review and an evaluation of possible remedial actions. IPM also monitors and evaluates the impact on issuers of general economic conditions, current and proposed legislation and regulations, as well as state and municipal finances and budget developments.

Insured obligations are monitored periodically. The frequency and extent of such monitoring is based on the criteria and categories described below. Insured obligations that are judged to merit more frequent and extensive monitoring or remediation activities due to a deterioration in the underlying credit quality of the insured obligation or the occurrence of adverse events related to the underlying credit of the issuer are assigned to a surveillance category (“Caution List—Low,” “Caution List—Medium,” “Caution List—High,” or “Classified List”) depending on the extent of credit deterioration or the nature of the adverse events. IPM monitors insured obligations assigned to a surveillance category more frequently and, if needed, develops a remediation plan to address any credit deterioration.

The Company does not establish any case basis reserves for insured obligations that are assigned to “Caution List—Low,” “Caution List—Medium” or “Caution List—High.” In the event MBIA expects to pay a claim with respect to an insured transaction, it places the insured transaction on its “Classified List” and establishes a case basis reserve. The following provides a description of each surveillance category:

“Caution List—Low” —Includes issuers where debt service protection is adequate under current and anticipated circumstances. However, debt service protection and other measures of credit support and stability may have declined since the transaction was underwritten and the issuer is less able to withstand further adverse events. Transactions in this category generally require more frequent monitoring than transactions that do not appear within a surveillance category. IPM subjects issuers in this category to heightened scrutiny.

“Caution List—Medium” —Includes issuers where debt service protection is adequate under current and anticipated circumstances, although adverse trends have developed and are more pronounced than for “Caution List – Low.” Issuers in this category may have breached one or more covenants or triggers. These issuers are more closely monitored by IPM but generally take remedial action on their own.

“Caution List—High” —Includes issuers where more proactive remedial action is needed but where no defaults on debt service payments are expected. Issuers in this category exhibit more significant weaknesses, such as low debt service coverage, reduced or insufficient collateral protection or inadequate liquidity, which could lead to debt service defaults in the future. Issuers in this category have breached one or more covenants or triggers and have not taken conclusive remedial action. Therefore, IPM adopts a remediation plan and takes more proactive remedial actions.

“Classified List” —Includes all insured obligations where MBIA has paid a claim or where a claim payment is expected. It also includes insured obligations where a significant LAE payment has been made, or is expected to be made, to mitigate a claim payment. This may include property improvements, bond purchases and commutation payments. Generally, IPM is actively remediating these credits where possible, including restructurings through legal proceedings, usually with the assistance of specialist counsel and advisors.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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

 

In establishing case basis loss reserves, the Company calculates the present value of probability-weighted estimated loss payments, net of estimated recoveries, using a discount rate equal to the risk-free rate applicable to the currency and the weighted average remaining life of the insurance contract as required by accounting principles for financial guarantee contracts. Yields on U.S. Treasury offerings are used to discount loss reserves denominated in U.S. dollars, which represent the majority of the loss reserves. Similarly, yields on foreign government offerings are used to discount loss reserves denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. If the Company were to apply different discount rates, its case basis reserves may have been higher or lower than those established as of March 31, 2011. For example, a higher discount rate applied to expected future payments would have decreased the amount of a case basis reserve established by the Company and a lower rate would have increased the amount of a reserve established by the Company. Similarly, a higher discount rate applied to potential future recoveries would have decreased the amount of a loss recoverable established by the Company and a lower rate would have increased the amount of a loss recoverable established by the Company.

As of March 31, 2011, the majority of the Company’s case basis reserves and insurance loss recoveries were related to insured RMBS transactions, which are discussed below. The Company’s case basis reserves do not include estimated losses on policies insuring credit derivatives. Policies insuring credit derivative contracts are accounted for as derivatives and carried at fair value. Refer to “Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for additional information about the Company’s insured credit derivative contracts.

RMBS Case Basis Reserves and Recoveries

RMBS Reserves

The Company’s RMBS case basis reserves as of March 31, 2011, which relate to RMBS backed by home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) and closed-end second mortgages (“CES”), were determined through 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 expected ultimate cumulative losses on insured bonds. 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, the Company estimates the amount of loans that are expected to be “charged-off” (deemed uncollectible by servicers of the transactions) in the future. The Company assumes that such charged-off loans have zero recovery values.

“Roll Rate” is defined as the probability that current loans become delinquent and that loans in the delinquent pipeline are charged-off. Generally, Roll Rates are calculated for the previous three months and averaged. The Company assumes that the Roll Rate for 90+ day delinquent loans is 100% except for loans within the additional stress case scenario, where the Company assumes a Roll Rate that is calculated using the actual observed average Roll Rate for 90+ day delinquent loans during the past twelve months. As of March 31, 2011, the Roll Rate used in the Company’s additional stress case scenario was 97%. Roll Rates for 30-59 day delinquent loans and 60-89 day delinquent loans are calculated on a transaction specific basis. The Roll Rates are applied to the amounts in the respective delinquency buckets based upon delinquencies as of February 28, 2011 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, 2011 (“Current Roll to Loss”) are calculated on a transaction-specific basis. A proportion of loans reported current as of February 28, 2011 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. In the Company’s base case, 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 2011. In the stress case, the period of elevated delinquency and loss is extended by six months. In the additional stress case, the Company assumes that the current trends in losses will remain through mid-2012, after which time they will revert to the base case. For example, as of February 28, 2011, if 10% of the loans are in the 30-59 day delinquent bucket, 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, it is then assumed that the Current Roll to Loss will 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 2011 to September 2011). After that six-month period, the Company further reduces the Current Roll to Loss to 0% by early 2014 with the expectation that the performing seasoned loans and an economic recovery will eventually result in loan performance reverting to historically low levels of default. In the model, the Company assumes that all current loans that become delinquent are “charged-off” after six months of delinquency.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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

 

In addition, in the Company’s loss reserve models for transactions secured by HELOCs, the Company considers borrower draw and repayment rates. For HELOCs, the current three-month average draw rate is used to project future draws on the line. For HELOCs and transactions secured by fixed-rate CES, the three-month average conditional repayment rate is used to project voluntary principal repayments. The current loans generate excess spread which offsets the losses and reduces the payments. Cash flows also assume a constant basis spread between floating rate assets and floating rate insured debt obligations (the difference between Prime and LIBOR interest rates, minus any applicable fees). For all transactions, cash flow models consider allocations and other structural aspects of the transactions, including managed amortization periods, rapid amortization periods and claims against MBIA Corp.’s insurance policy consistent with such policy’s terms and conditions. For loans that remain current (not delinquent) throughout the projection period, the Company assumes that voluntary prepayments occur at the average rate experienced in the most recent three-month period. 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. The estimated net claims from the procedure above were 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 best estimates of how transactions will perform over time.

The Company monitors portfolio performance on a monthly basis against projected performance, reviewing delinquencies, Roll Rates, and prepayment rates (including voluntary and involuntary). 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 the Company is modeling for six months longer than in the probability-weighted outcome, the addition to the case basis reserves before considering potential recoveries would be approximately $230 million.

Since the third quarter of 2009, paid claims in each month has been somewhat below that projected in the Company’s model. The Company has not modified its expectations to reflect this lower paid claims rate. The difference between actual and projected paid claims has not been significant.

The Company employs a similar approach to Alt-A transactions with limited exceptions. The three major exceptions are: 1) the timelines to charge-off depend on the delinquency bucket of a loan (e.g., a loan in the real estate owned bucket is on average liquidated more quickly than a loan in the foreclosure bucket), 2) the Company does not assume a 100% loss severity for charged-off Alt-A loans. The loss severity used for projections is the three-month average of the current loss severities for loans in an Alt-A transaction and 3) Current Roll to Loss stays at the February 28, 2011 level for five months before declining to 25% of this level over a 24 month period.

RMBS Recoveries

As of March 31, 2011, the Company recorded estimated recoveries of $2.7 billion, gross of income taxes, related to RMBS put-back claims on ineligible loans, consisting of $1.8 billion included in “Insurance loss recoverable” and $867 million included in “Loan repurchase commitments” presented under the heading “Assets of consolidated variable interest entities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s estimated recoveries, after income taxes calculated at 35%, were $1.7 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, which was 99% and 58% of the consolidated total shareholders’ equity of MBIA, excluding preferred stock of subsidiaries, respectively. The percentage increase of recoveries relative to shareholders’ equity was principally driven by unrealized losses on insured derivatives as a result of MBIA’s nonperformance risk on the derivative liability and an increase in recorded estimated recoveries related to put-back claims of ineligible loans. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the related statutory measures were 64% and 59%, respectively, of the statutory capital of MBIA Corp. These estimated recoveries relate to the Company’s put-back claims of ineligible loans, which have been disputed by the loan sellers/servicers and are currently subject to litigation initiated by the Company to pursue recovery. In addition, there is a risk that the sellers/servicers or other responsible parties might not be able to satisfy their put-back obligations. While the Company believes that it will prevail in enforcing its contractual rights, there is uncertainty with respect to the ultimate outcome. Although it has been reported that government-sponsored market participants and bond insurers situated similarly to MBIA have been successful in putting back ineligible mortgages to sellers/servicers and receiving compensation and other guarantee insurers situated similarly to MBIA also have recorded expected recoveries for RMBS transaction losses, there can be no assurance that MBIA will successfully recover its contract claims.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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

 

Beginning in 2008, the Company engaged loan level forensic review consultants to re-underwrite/review a sample of the mortgage loan files underlying RMBS transactions insured by MBIA. The securitizations on which the Company has recorded losses contain well over 500,000 individual mortgages, of which over 50,000 mortgage loans were reviewed within 32 insured issues containing first and second-lien mortgage loan securitizations. The Company recorded recoveries related to 28 of these 32 issues. It is possible that the Company will review loan files within additional insured issues in the future if factors indicate that material recovery rights exist. During their review, the consultants utilized the same underwriting guidelines that the originators were to have used to qualify borrowers when originally underwriting the loans and determined that more than 80% of the loans reviewed were considered to be ineligible mortgage loans. The forensic review consultants graded the individual mortgages that were sampled into an industry standard three level grading scale, defined as (i) Level 1—loans complied with specific underwriting guidelines, (ii) Level 2—loans contained some deviation from underwriting guidelines but also contained sufficient compensating factors and (iii) Level 3—loans contained material deviation from the underwriting guidelines without any compensating factors.

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company believed that the distribution of possible outcomes was evenly distributed around the par amount of loans reviewed that were eligible for put-back. Thus, the probability-weighted expected recovery value was equivalent to the par amount of the losses from files that were reviewed and found to have credit or credit and compliance breaches. In the fourth quarter of 2009, based on new information that became available, the Company estimated that it would more likely recover substantially more than the value of files already reviewed than not. Accordingly, the Company developed probability-based scenarios which were primarily based upon loan file reviews combined with extrapolation-based scenarios which included scenarios for the recoupment of expected future charge-offs from non-performing loans as well as a scenario of recovering total incurred losses. Importantly, the Company’s put-back claims are not only related to non-performing loans but to any loan where representations and warranties were breached.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, two important developments transpired which have led the Company to conclude that the practice of reviewing loans for purposes of assessing put-back recoveries is no longer necessary. First, the Company determined that a sufficient number of loans in each securitization have already been reviewed to demonstrate widespread breaches of the contractual provisions of the agreements with the sponsors. Second, the Company received a favorable decision on its motion in limine addressing the use of sampling in the Countrywide litigation (MBIA Insurance Corp. v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., et al, Index No. 08-602825 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.)). That decision provided that MBIA can present representative samples of loans from each of the securitizations at issue in the case to establish its causes of action, including its breach-of-contract claims.

As a result of these developments, the Company revised its put-back recovery scenarios in the fourth quarter of 2010. The Company replaced prior scenarios that were primarily based on loan file reviews with probability-based scenarios primarily based on the percentage of incurred losses the Company expects to collect. The Company’s recovery estimates are based on five scenarios that include full recovery of its incurred losses and limited/reduced recoveries due to litigation delays and risks and/or potential financial distress of the sellers/servicers. Probabilities are assigned across these scenarios, with most of the probability weight on partial recovery scenarios. However, based on the Company’s assessment of the strength of its contract claims, the Company believes it is entitled to collect the full amount of its incurred losses, which totaled $4.6 billion through March 31, 2011.

The Company has developed estimates of breach rates primarily based upon loans with credit breaches or credit and compliance breaches because the Company believes that loans with these types of breaches are not judgmental and cannot be cured. The results of the loan file reviews across all insured issues have indicated breach rates in these categories in excess of 80%. Breach rates were determined by dividing the number of loans that contained credit and/or credit and compliance breaches by the total number of loans reviewed for a particular transaction.

The Company has not recognized potential recoveries related to sellers/servicers that MBIA has determined did not have sufficient capital and resources to honor their obligations. The Company assesses the potential financial distress of the sellers/servicers using external credit ratings and other factors. The impact of such factors on cash flows related to expected recoveries is incorporated into the Company’s probability-weighted scenarios. The indicative scenarios and related probabilities assigned to each scenario based on the Company’s judgment about their relative likelihoods of being realized are used to develop a distribution of possible outcomes. The sum of the probabilities assigned to all scenarios is 100%. Expected cash inflows from recoveries are discounted using the current risk-free rate associated with the underlying transaction, which ranged from 1.96% to 3.58%, depending upon the transaction’s expected average life.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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

 

The Company’s potential recoveries are typically 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. The RMBS transactions with respect to which MBIA has estimated put-back recoveries provide the Company with such rights. 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, but 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 claim liability for a given policy.

To date, sellers/servicers have not substituted loans which MBIA has put back, and the amount of loans repurchased has been insignificant. The unsatisfactory resolution of these put-backs has led MBIA to initiate litigation against five of the sellers/servicers to enforce their obligations. The Company has alleged several causes of action in its complaints, including breach of contract, fraudulent inducement and indemnification. MBIA’s aggregate $2.7 billion of estimated potential recoveries do not include damages from causes of action other than breach of contract. Irrespective of amounts recorded in its financial statements, MBIA is seeking to recover the full amount of its incurred losses and other damages. Currently, MBIA has received four decisions with regard to the motions to dismiss the Company’s claims, all of which have denied the defendants’ motions to dismiss, allowing each of the cases to proceed on, at minimum, the fraud and breach-of-contract claims. All of these decisions are being appealed. The motion to dismiss in the fifth case has just been filed. Additional information on the status of these litigations can be found in the “Recovery Litigation” discussion within “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies.”

The Company’s assessment of the recovery outlook for insured RMBS issues is principally based on the following factors:

 

  1. the strength of the Company’s existing contract claims related to ineligible loan substitution/repurchase obligations;

 

  2. the recent settlement for $1.1 billion on Assured Guaranty’s put-back related claims with Bank of America in April 2011;

 

  3. the improvement in the financial strength of issuers due to mergers and acquisitions and/or government assistance, which should facilitate their ability to comply with required loan repurchase/substitution obligations. The Company is not aware of any provisions that explicitly preclude or limit the successors’ obligations to honor the obligations of the original sponsor. The Company’s assessment of any credit risk associated with these sponsors (or their successors) is reflected in the Company’s probability-weighted potential recovery scenarios;

 

  4. evidence of loan repurchase/substitution compliance by sellers/servicers for put-back requests made by other harmed parties with respect to ineligible loans; this factor is further enhanced by (i) Bank of America’s disclosure that it has resolved $8.0 billion of repurchase requests in the fourth quarter of 2010; (ii) the Fannie Mae settlements announced on December 23, 2010 with Ally Bank and with Bank of America (which also involved Freddie Mac) announced on December 31, 2010, and (iii) the Company’s settlement agreement entered into on July 16, 2010 between MBIA Corp. and the sponsor of several MBIA-insured mortgage loan securitizations in which MBIA Corp. received a payment in exchange for a release relating to its representation and warranty claims against the sponsor. This settlement also resolves all of MBIA’s representation and warranty claims against the sponsor on mutually beneficial terms and is substantially consistent with the recoveries previously recorded by the Company related to these exposures;

 

  5. the favorable outcome for MBIA on defendants’ motions to dismiss in the actions captioned MBIA Insurance Corp. v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., et al, Index No. 08-602825 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.) MBIA Insurance Corp. v. Residential Funding Co., LLC, Index No. 603552/08 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.), MBIA v GMAC and MBIA Insurance Corp. v. Credit Suisse Securities where the respective courts each allowed MBIA’s fraud claims against the Countrywide, RFC, GMAC and Credit Suisse Securities defendants to proceed;

 

  6. the favorable outcome for MBIA on its motion to present evidence of Countrywide’s liability and damages through the introduction of a statistically valid random sample of loans rather than on a loan-by-loan basis; and

 

  7. loan repurchase reserves and/or settlements which have been publicly disclosed by certain sellers/servicers to cover such obligations.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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

 

The Company will continue to consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the factors described above, in developing its assumptions on expected cash inflows, probability of potential recoveries (including the outcome of litigation) and recovery period. The estimated amount and likelihood of potential recoveries are expected to be revised and supplemented as developments in the pending litigation proceedings occur or new litigation is initiated. While the Company believes it will be successful in realizing recoveries from contractual and other claims, the ultimate amounts recovered may be materially different from those recorded by the Company given the inherent uncertainty of the manner of resolving the claims (e.g., litigation) and the assumptions used in the required estimation process for accounting purposes which are based, in part, on judgments and other information that are not easily corroborated by historical data or other relevant benchmarks.

All of the Company’s policies insuring RMBS for which litigation has been initiated against sellers/servicers are in the form of financial guarantee insurance contracts. The Company has not recorded a gain contingency with respect to pending litigation.

Loss and LAE Activity

The Company’s losses and LAE expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are presented in the following table:

 

In millions

       RMBS              Non-RMBS              Total      
Losses and LAE related to actual and expected payments    $ (60)       $ (111)       $ (171)   
Recoveries of actual and expected payments      (3)         138         135   
                          

Gross losses incurred

     (63)         27         (36)   

Reinsurance

     0         0         0   
                          

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

   $ (63)       $ 27       $ (36)   
                          

The $60 million negative RMBS losses and LAE included in the preceding table comprise net reversals of previously established reserves. The $3 million of RMBS recoveries included in the preceding table comprise $118 million in recoveries resulting from ineligible mortgage loans included in insured second-lien residential mortgage securitization exposures that are subject to contractual obligations by sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace such mortgages offset by the reversal of $115 million related to excess interest cash flows within the securitizations. Non-RMBS losses and LAE were primarily driven by non-RMBS mortgage and ABS CDO transactions and resulted from continued credit deterioration within those sectors. Included in the non-RMBS losses and LAE is a reversal of loss and LAE reserves related to lower expected future claim payments from a tax-backed transaction, which was offset by the reversal of the corresponding recoveries of such payments.

Current period changes in the Company’s estimate of potential recoveries may impact the amount recorded as an asset for insurance loss recoverable, the amount of expected recoveries on unpaid losses netted against the gross loss and LAE reserve liability, or both. Total paid losses, net of reinsurance and collections, for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $189 million, including $159 million related to insured RMBS transactions. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the increase in insurance loss recoverable related to paid losses totaled $105 million, and primarily related to insured RMBS transactions.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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, 2011:

 

    Surveillance Categories  

$ in millions

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

Number of policies

    51        41        11        204        307   

Number of issues(1)

    35        25        8        116        184   

Remaining weighted average contract period (in years)

    8.9        5.5        9.0        12.8        10.9   

Gross insured contractual payments outstanding(2):

         

Principal

  $ 4,340      $ 1,718      $ 1,229      $ 10,892      $ 18,179   

Interest

    2,814        513        543        6,382        10,252   
                                       

Total

  $ 7,154      $ 2,231      $ 1,772      $ 17,274      $ 28,431   
                                       

Gross claim liability

  $ -      $ -      $ -      $ 2,201      $ 2,201   

Less:

         

Gross potential recoveries

    -        -        -        3,685        3,685   

Discount, net

    -        -        -        123        123   
                                       

Net claim liability (recoverable)

  $ -      $ -      $ -      $ (1,607)      $ (1,607)   
                                       

Unearned premium revenue

  $ 155      $ 18      $ 70      $ 142      $ 385   

 

(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.

   

  

The gross claim liability of $2.2 billion represents the Company’s estimate of undiscounted probability-weighted future claim payments, which primarily relate to insured RMBS transactions. The gross potential recoveries of $3.7 billion represent the Company’s estimate of undiscounted probability-weighted recoveries of actual claim payments and recoveries of estimated future claim payments primarily related to insured RMBS transactions. Both amounts reflect the elimination of claim liabilities and potential recoveries related to VIEs consolidated by the Company.

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, 2010:

 

    Surveillance Categories  

$ in millions

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

Number of policies

    199        43        12        179        433   

Number of issues(1)

    40        26        12        110        188   

Remaining weighted average contract period (in years)

    9.4        6.9        9.1        9.4        9.2   

Gross insured contractual payments outstanding(2):

         

Principal

  $ 5,041      $ 1,419      $ 1,446      $ 11,190      $ 19,096   

Interest

    3,439        536        746        6,132        10,853   
                                       

Total

  $ 8,480      $ 1,955      $ 2,192      $ 17,322      $ 29,949   
                                       

Gross claim liability

  $ -      $ -      $ -      $ 2,692      $ 2,692   

Less:

         

Gross potential recoveries

    -        -        -        4,045        4,045   

Discount, net

    -        -        -        27        27   
                                       

Net claim liability (recoverable)

  $ -      $ -      $ -      $ (1,380)      $ (1,380)   
                                       

Unearned premium revenue

  $ 148      $ 16      $ 72      $ 141      $ 377   

 

(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.

   

  

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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

 

The gross claim liability of $2.7 billion represents the Company’s estimate of undiscounted probability-weighted future claim payments, which primarily relate to insured RMBS transactions. The gross potential recoveries of $4.0 billion represent the Company’s estimate of undiscounted probability-weighted recoveries of actual claim payments and recoveries of estimated future claim payments primarily related to insured RMBS transactions. Both amounts 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 insurance loss reserves and recoverables for insured obligations within MBIA’s classified list as reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. 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, 2011
    As of
December 31, 2010
 

Loss reserves (claim liability)

    $ 940        $ 1,059   

LAE reserves

    70        70   
               

Loss and LAE reserves

    $ 1,010        $ 1,129   
               

Insurance claim loss recoverable

    $ (2,638)        $ (2,531)   

LAE insurance loss recoverable

    (0)        -   
               

Insurance loss recoverable

    $ (2,638)        $ (2,531)   
               
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses     $ 14        $ 14   
Reinsurance recoverable on LAE reserves     -        1   
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses     1        -   
               

Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses

    $ 15        $ 15   
               

As of March 31, 2011, loss and LAE reserves of $1.0 billion include $1.7 billion of reserves for expected future payments offset by expected recoveries of such future payments of $652 million. As of December 31, 2010, loss and LAE reserves of $1.1 billion include $2.0 billion of reserves for expected future payments offset by expected recoveries of such future payments of $896 million. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the insurance loss recoverable reported in the preceding table primarily relates to estimated recoveries of payments made by the Company resulting from ineligible mortgage loans in certain insured second-lien residential mortgage loan securitizations that are subject to a contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace the ineligible mortgage loans and expected future recoveries on RMBS transactions resulting from expected excess spread generated by performing loans in such transactions. The Company expects to be reimbursed for the majority of its potential recoveries related to ineligible mortgage loans by year-end 2012.

With respect to the Company’s RMBS exposure, before the elimination of amounts related to consolidated VIEs, the Company had 44 insured issues designated as “Classified List” with gross principal and interest payments outstanding of $9.7 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively. The undiscounted gross claim liability and the undiscounted gross potential recoveries related to these 44 issues were $1.3 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively. The Company has performed loan file reviews on 30 of the 44 issues and recorded recoveries on 28 of those 30 issues. As of March 31, 2011, the 28 insured issues, those for which the Company performed loan file reviews and recorded recoveries, had gross principal and interest payments outstanding of $8.6 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively. The undiscounted gross claim liability and the undiscounted gross potential recoveries related to the 28 issues were $973 million and $4.2 billion, respectively. The gross potential recoveries of $4.2 billion include estimated recoveries based on the Company’s incurred loss to date.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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

 

The following table presents changes in the Company’s loss and LAE reserve for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Changes in the loss and LAE reserve attributable to the accretion of the claim liability discount, changes in discount rates, changes in assumptions, changes in the timing and amounts of estimated payments and recoveries, and changes in LAE are recorded in “Losses and loss adjustment” expenses in the Company’s statement of operations. As of March 31, 2011, the weighted average risk-free rate used to discount the Company’s loss reserve (claim liability) was 2.99%. 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, 2011     Gross Loss
and LAE
Reserve as
of March 31,
2011
 

Gross Loss

and LAE

Reserve as of

December 31,

2010

    Loss Payments
for Cases with
Reserves
    Accretion of
Claim
Liability
Discount
    Changes in
Discount
Rates
    Changes in
Timing of
Payments
    Changes in
Amount of
Net Payments
    Changes in
Assumptions
    Changes  in
Unearned
Premium
Revenue
    Change in
LAE
Reserves
   
  $ 1,129        $ (166)        $ 4        $ (56)        $ 9        $ (1)        $ 89        $ 3        $ (1)        $ 1,010   
                                                                             

The Company’s gross loss and LAE reserves reflected in the preceding table decreased $119 million primarily due to a decrease in reserves related to loss payments and changes in discount rates. Offsetting these decreases were changes in assumptions due to additional defaults and charge-offs of ineligible mortgage loans in insured RMBS issues outstanding as of December 31, 2010.

The following table presents 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, 2011. Changes in insurance loss recoverable attributable to the accretion of the discount on the recoverable, changes in discount rates, changes in assumptions, changes in the timing and amounts of estimated collections and changes in LAE were 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, 2011

 

In millions

  Gross Reserve
as of

December  31,
2010
    Collections for
Cases with
Recoveries
    Accretion of
Recoveries
    Changes in
Discount

Rates
    Changes in
Timing of
Collections
    Changes in
Amount of
Collections
    Changes in
Assumptions
    Change in LAE
Recoveries
    Gross Reserve
as of

March  31,
2011
 
Insurance Loss Recoverable     $ 2,531        $ (2)        $ 16        $ (9)        $ -        $ (54)        $ 156        $ -        $ 2,638   
Recoveries on Unpaid Losses     896        -        5        (20)        -        -        (233)        4        652   
                                                                       

Total

    $ 3,427        $ (2)        $ 21        $ (29)        $ -        $ (54)        $ (77)        $ 4        $ 3,290   
                                                                       

The Company’s insurance loss recoverable increased $107 million primarily due to changes in assumptions driven by estimates of potential recoveries primarily on issues outstanding as of December 31, 2010 resulting from ineligible mortgage loans included in insured second-lien residential mortgage securitization exposures that are subject to contractual obligations by sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace such mortgages. Recoveries on unpaid losses decreased by $244 million primarily due to changes in assumptions. The Company reduced its expectation of future claim payments on U.S. public finance transactions, which resulted in a corresponding reduction in future expected recoveries.

The following table presents the Company’s total estimated recoveries from ineligible mortgage loans included in certain insured first and second-lien mortgage loan securitizations. The total estimated recoveries from ineligible loans of $2.7 billion as of March 31, 2011 includes $1.8 billion recorded as “Insurance loss recoverable” and $867 million recorded as “Loan repurchase commitments” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

In millions                                

 

Total Estimated
Recoveries from Ineligible
Loans as of December 31,

2010

    Accretion of Future
Collections
    Changes in
Discount Rates
    Recoveries
(Collections)
    Changes in
Assumptions
    Total Estimated
Recoveries from Ineligible
Loans as of March 31,

2011
 
  $ 2,517        $ 18        $ (8     $ -        $ 139        $ 2,666   
                                             

The $139 million of changes in assumptions in the preceding table primarily resulted from probability-weighted scenarios as described within the preceding “RMBS Recoveries” section.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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

 

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.

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 recorded as part of the Company’s provision for its loss reserves and included in “Losses and loss adjustment” expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The following table presents the expenses (gross and net of reinsurance) related to remedial actions for insured obligations:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

  2011     2010  

Loss adjustment expense incurred, gross

    $ 15        $ 14   

Loss adjustment expense incurred, net

    $ 15        $ 12   

Credit Impairments Related to Structured CMBS Pools and CRE CDOs Accounted for as Derivatives

Most of the structured CMBS pools and CRE CDOs insured by MBIA are accounted for as insured credit derivatives and are carried at their fair values in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 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.

Since insured credit derivatives have similar terms, conditions, risks, and economic profiles to financial guarantee insurance policies, they are evaluated for economic impairment periodically in the same way that loss and LAE reserves are estimated for financial guarantee insurance policies. Credit impairments on insured derivatives represent the present value of estimated expected future claim payments, net of recoveries, for such transactions using a discount rate of 5.93%, consistent with the calculation of the Company’s statutory loss reserves. These credit impairments calculated using the statutory loss reserves methodology differ from the fair values recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Although the Company’s statement of operations includes the changes in the fair values of these transactions, the Company regards the changes in credit impairment estimates as critical information for investors as it provides information about loss payments the Company expects to make.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the additional estimated credit impairment on structured CMBS pools and CRE CDO portfolios was estimated to be $130 million as a result of additional delinquencies and loan level liquidations. The aggregate credit impairment on structured CMBS pools and CRE CDO portfolios was estimated to be $1.3 billion as of March 31, 2011. The impairment is estimated using the Company’s loss reserve methodology, determined as the present value of the probability–weighted potential future losses, net of estimated recoveries, across multiple scenarios as described below. Although the pace of increases in the delinquency rate has slowed and many loans are being modified, liquidations have taken place. Some loans were liquidated with minimal losses of 1% to 2% while others experienced near complete losses. These have led to losses in the CMBS market and, in many cases, have resulted in reductions of enhancement to the individual CMBS bonds within the structured CMBS pools insured by MBIA. In certain insured transactions, these losses have resulted in minimal deductible erosion. Bond level enhancement and pool level deductibles are structural features intended to mitigate losses to the Company. As that protection is eroded, impairments increase even in the absence of significant further collateral deterioration.

In the CRE CDO portfolio, transaction specific structures require managers to report reduced enhancement according to certain guidelines which often include downgrades even when the bond is still performing. As a result, as well as additional collateral defaults, reported enhancement has been reduced significantly in some CRE CDOs. However, because of this, many of the CRE CDO positions are amortizing more quickly than originally expected as most or all interest that would have been allocated to more junior classes within the CDO has been diverted and redirected to pay down the senior most classes insured by MBIA.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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

 

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

 

   

The first approach considers the range of commutations achieved in the course of 2010 and 2011, which included commutations of 22 structured CMBS pools and CRE CDO policies totaling $10.3 billion of gross insured exposure. This approach results in an estimated price to commute the remaining policies with price estimates based on this experience.

 

   

The second approach considers current delinquency rates and uses current and projected net operating income (“NOI”) and capitalization rates (“Cap Rates”) to project losses under two scenarios. In the first scenario, NOI and Cap Rates remain flat with no improvement over the remaining life of the loans (often six to seven more years). In the second scenario, loans are stratified by size with larger loans being valued utilizing lower Cap Rates than for smaller loans. This scenario also assumes that Cap Rates and NOIs remain flat for the near term and then begin to improve slowly. Additionally, in this scenario, any loan with a balance greater than $75 million with a debt service coverage ratio less than 1.0x or that was reported as being in any stage of delinquency, was reviewed individually so that performance and loss severity could be more accurately determined. Specific loan level assumptions for this large loan subset were then incorporated into this scenario.

 

   

The third approach stratifies loans into debt service coverage buckets and uses default probabilities implied by a third-party default study for each bucket to project defaults. The implied defaults are converted into losses using a loss severity assumption. This approach relies on year-end financial statements at the property level. In modeling these scenarios, the Company has received financial statements for year-end 2010 for 20.7% of the properties in the pools and statements from year-end 2009 or sometime during 2009 on another 63.3% of the properties in the pools. As the Company continues to see more current market performance statistics regarding modifications and liquidations in this cycle, the Company will continue to de-emphasize this more actuarial-based approach and focus more on those scenarios which best reflect current market observations.

 

   

The fourth approach stratifies loans into buckets based on delinquency status (including a “current” bucket) and utilizes recent Roll Rates actually experienced within each of the commercial mortgage-backed index (“CMBX”) series in order to formulate an assumption to predict future delinquencies. Ultimately, this generates losses over a projected time horizon based on the assumption that loss severities will remain at the peak level for a given time period and then decrease over time. This approach was applied in two scenarios. In the first scenario, the Company assumes that 90% of the loans greater than 90 days delinquent (and those projected to roll into late stage delinquency from the current and lesser stage levels of delinquency) are liquidated. In the second scenario, the Company assumes that 75% of these loans are liquidated and that 25% are modified and returned to current. These estimates are based on the levels of modifications that took place within the corresponding CMBX indices in the previous eighteen months ended March 31, 2011. Whether CMBS collateral is included in a structured pool or in a CRE CDO, the Company believes the modeling related to the underlying bond should be the same. Additionally for one of the transactions, small allocations of other collateral were included (specifically Real Estate Investment Trust debt and RMBS/asset-backed securities (“ABS”)). This collateral was modeled in keeping with protocol used for modeling other asset classes, including multi-sector CDOs.

The loss severities projected by these scenarios vary widely, from moderate to substantial losses. The Company assigns a wide range of probabilities to these scenarios, with lower severity scenarios being weighted more heavily than higher severity scenarios. This reflects the view that liquidations will continue to be mitigated by loan extensions and modifications, and that property values and NOIs have bottomed for many sectors and markets in the U.S. Beginning with the first quarter of 2010 through March 31, 2011, the probability-weighted loss estimate was $1.3 billion, and is inclusive of any claim or settlement payments. If macroeconomic stress escalates or there is a “double dip” recession, higher delinquencies, higher levels of liquidations of delinquent loans and higher severities of loss upon liquidation, MBIA may incur substantial additional losses.

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. Since foreclosures and liquidations have only recently begun to take place during this economic cycle, particularly for larger loans and assets, ultimate loss rates remain uncertain.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of financial instruments reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 

    As of March 31, 2011     As of December 31, 2010  

In millions

  Carrying Value     Estimated Fair Value     Carrying Value     Estimated Fair Value  

Assets:

       

Investments held as available-for-sale and held at fair value

    $ 11,090        $ 11,090        $ 11,668        $ 11,668   

Other investments

    250        250        259        259   

Cash and cash equivalents

    277        277        366        366   

Receivable for investments sold

    61        61        8        8   

Derivative assets:

       

Insured derivatives

    -        -        0        0   

Non-insured derivatives

    2        2        4        4   
                               

Total derivative assets

    2        2        4        4   

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

       

Cash

    710        710        764        764   

Investments held-to-maturity

    3,995        3,784        4,188        3,909   

Fixed-maturity securities held as available-for-sale

    326        326        190        190   

Fixed-maturity securities held as trading

    5,454        5,454        5,241        5,241   

Loans receivable

    2,327        2,327        2,183        2,183   

Loan repurchase commitments

    867        867        835        835   

Derivative assets

    525        525        699        699   

Liabilities:

       

Investment agreements

    1,911        2,056        2,005        2,172   

Medium-term notes

    1,704        988        1,740        766   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

    470        468        471        454   

Short-term debt

    -        -        65        65   

Long-term debt

    1,844        1,194        1,851        1,155   

Payable for investments purchased

    37        37        2        2   

Derivative liabilities:

       

Insured derivatives

    5,696        5,696        4,375        4,375   

Non-insured derivatives

    231        231        242        242   
                               

Total derivative liabilities

    5,927        5,927        4,617        4,617   

Warrants

    35        35        58        58   

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

       

Variable interest entity notes

    10,899        10,650        10,590        10,285   

Long-term debt

    360        341        360        340   

Derivative liabilities

    1,910        1,910        2,104        2,104   

Financial Guarantees:

       

Gross

    5,043        4,481        5,275        3,906   

Ceded

    110        120        112        48   

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Valuation Techniques

Valuation techniques for financial instruments measured at fair value and included in the preceding table are described below. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value have been categorized according to the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Fixed-Maturity Securities (including short-term investments) Held as Available-For-Sale and Fixed-Maturity Securities Held at Fair Value

U.S. Treasury and government agency —U.S. Treasury securities are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets. The fair value of U.S. Treasuries is based on live trading feeds. U.S. Treasury securities are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Government agency securities include debentures and other agency mortgage pass-through certificates as well as to-be-announced (“TBA”) securities. TBA securities are liquid and have quoted market prices based on live data feeds. Fair value of mortgage pass-through certificates is obtained via a simulation model, which considers different rate scenarios and historical activity to calculate a spread to the comparable TBA security. Government agency securities generally use market-based and observable inputs. As such, these securities are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Foreign governments —Foreign government obligations are generally valued based on quoted market prices in active markets, and are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. When quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined using a valuation model based on observable inputs including interest rate yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads, and country credit spreads for structures similar to the financial instrument in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. These financial instruments are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Bonds that contain significant inputs that are not observable are categorized as Level 3.

Corporate obligations —Corporate obligations are valued using recently executed transaction prices or quoted market prices where observable. When observable price quotations are not available, fair value is determined using a valuation model based on observable inputs including interest rate yield curves, CDS spreads for similar instruments, and diversity scores. Corporate obligations are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy or categorized in Level 3 when significant inputs are unobservable. Corporate obligations are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy when quoted market prices in an active market for identical financial instruments are available.

Mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities —Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and ABS are valued using recently executed transaction prices. When position-specific quoted prices are not available, MBS and ABS are valued based on quoted prices for similar securities. If quoted prices are not available, MBS and ABS are valued using a valuation model based on observable inputs including interest rate yield curves, spreads, prepayments and volatilities, and categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. MBS and ABS are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy when significant inputs are unobservable.

State and municipal bonds —State and municipal bonds are valued using recently executed transaction prices, quoted prices or valuation models based on observable inputs including interest rate yield curves, bond or CDS spreads, and volatility. State and municipal bonds are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, or categorized in Level 3 when significant inputs are unobservable.

Investments Held-To-Maturity

The fair values of investments held-to-maturity are determined using recently executed transaction prices or quoted prices when available. When position-specific quoted prices are not available, fair values of investments held-to-maturity are based on quoted prices of similar securities. When quoted prices for similar investments are not available, fair values are based on valuation models using observable inputs including interest rate yield curves, and bond spreads of similar securities.

Other Investments

Other investments include the Company’s interest in equity securities. Fair values of other investments are determined by using quoted prices, or valuation models that use market-based and observable inputs. Other investments are categorized in Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Receivable for Investments Sold and Payable for Investments Purchased

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivable for investments sold and payable for investments purchased approximates fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Loans Receivable at Fair Value

Loans receivable at fair value comprise loans held by consolidated VIEs consisting of residential mortgage loans, commercial mortgage loans and other whole business loans. Fair values of residential mortgage loans are determined using quoted prices for MBS with similar characteristics and adjusted for the fair values of the financial guarantee obligations provided by MBIA Corp. on the related MBS. Fair values of commercial mortgage loans and other whole business loans are valued based on quoted prices of similar collateralized 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 RMBS trusts consolidated under the amended accounting principles for the consolidation of VIEs. This asset represents the rights of the trusts against the sellers/servicers for representations and warranties that the securitized residential mortgage loans sold to the trust comply with stated underwriting guidelines and for the sellers/servicers to cure, replace, or repurchase mortgage loans that fail to comply. Fair value measurements of loan repurchase commitments represent the amounts owed by the sellers/servicers to the trusts. 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 observable inputs including:

 

   

estimates of future cash flows for the asset;

 

   

expectations about possible variations in the amount and/or timing of the cash flows representing the uncertainty inherent in the cash flows;

 

   

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

 

   

the price for bearing the uncertainty inherent in the cash flows (risk premium); and

 

   

other case-specific factors that would be considered by market participants.

Refer to the discussion of “RMBS Recoveries” within “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for a further description of how these estimates of future cash flows for the assets are determined, as well as the additional risk margins and discounts applied.

Investment Agreements

The fair values of investment agreements are determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on 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.

Medium-Term Notes

The fair values of medium-term notes (“MTNs”) are determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on inputs including observable interest rates currently being offered for similar notes with comparable maturity dates, and nonperformance risk. Nonperformance risk is determined using the Company’s own credit spreads.

The Company has elected to record four MTNs at fair value. Fair values of such notes are determined using quoted market prices or discounted cash flow techniques. Significant inputs into the valuation include yield curves and spreads to the swap curve. As these notes are not actively traded, certain significant inputs (e.g., spreads to the swap curve) are unobservable. MTNs 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 inputs including interest rate yield curves and bond spreads of similar securities. 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.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

The fair values of securities sold under agreements to repurchase are determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on observable inputs including interest rates on similar repurchase agreements. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase include term reverse repurchase agreements that contain credit enhancement provisions including over-collateralization agreements to sufficiently mitigate the nonperformance risk of the Company.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of notes, debentures, surplus notes and floating rate liquidity loans. 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 for floating rate liquidity loans are determined using discounted cash flow techniques of the underlying collateral pledged to the specific loans, as these loans are non-recourse and fully backed by a pool of underlying assets.

Derivatives—Asset/Liability Products

The asset/liability products business has entered into derivative transactions primarily consisting of interest rate, cross currency, credit default and principal protection guarantees. 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.

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 and corporate segments. 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 receive or 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 MBIA cannot be legally traded and generally do not have observable market prices. MBIA Corp. determines the fair values of insured credit derivatives using valuation models. These models include the Binomial Expansion Technique (“BET”) model and an internally developed model referred to as the “Direct Price Model.” For a limited number of other insured credit derivatives, fair values are determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and a dual-default model, depending on the type and structure of the contract. The valuation of insured derivatives includes the impact of its own 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.

Description of MBIA’s Insured Derivatives

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had $106.3 billion of gross par outstanding on insured derivatives. The majority of MBIA’s insured derivatives are “credit derivatives” that reference structured pools of cash securities and CDS. The Company generally insured the most senior liabilities of such transactions and, at transaction closing, the Company’s exposure generally had more subordination than needed to achieve triple-A ratings from credit rating agencies (referred to as “Super Triple-A” exposure). The collateral backing the Company’s insured derivatives was cash securities and CDS referencing primarily corporate, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, CRE loans, and CDO securities. As of March 31, 2011, the gross par outstanding of the Company’s insured credit derivatives totaled $97.0 billion. The remaining $9.3 billion of gross par outstanding on insured derivatives as of March 31, 2011 primarily related to insured “interest rate” and “inflation-linked” swaps for which the Company has insured counterparty credit risk.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Most of MBIA’s insured CDS contracts require MBIA to make payments for losses of the principal outstanding under the contracts when losses on the underlying referenced collateral exceed a predetermined deductible. MBIA’s gross par outstanding and maximum payment obligation under these contracts as of March 31, 2011 was $77.4 billion. The underlying referenced collateral for contracts executed in this manner largely consist of investment grade corporate debt, structured CMBS pools and, to a lesser extent, corporate and multi-sector CDOs (in CDO-squared transactions). MBIA’s multi-sector and CDO-squared transactions contain substantial RMBS-related collateral. As of March 31, 2011, MBIA also had $19.6 billion of gross par outstanding on insured CDS contracts that require MBIA to make timely interest and ultimate principal payments.

Considerations Regarding an Observable Market for MBIA’s Insured Derivatives

Insured derivatives are not transferable, and quoted prices or market transactions are generally not available for identical or similar contracts. While market prices are generally available for traded securities and market standard CDS contracts, MBIA’s insured derivatives are unique which make comparisons to market standard CDS contracts unreliable. Market standard CDS contracts are instruments that reference securities, such as corporate bonds, in which quoted prices are observable for the underlying reference obligation. Market standard CDS contracts also include provisions requiring collateral posting, and cash settlement upon default of the underlying reference obligation.

MBIA’s insured CDS contracts are designed to replicate the Company’s financial guarantee insurance policies, and do not contain typical CDS market standard features for collateral posting or cash settlement upon default of the underlying reference obligation. The Company’s insured CDS contracts provide credit protection on collateralized securities or reference portfolios of securities, and benefit from credit enhancement, including a stated deductible or subordination. The Company is not required to post collateral in any circumstance. MBIA payments under an insured derivative contract are due after an aggregate amount of losses are incurred on the underlying reference obligations in excess of the deductible or subordination amounts. Once such losses exceed the deductible or subordination amounts, MBIA is generally obligated to pay the losses, net of recoveries, on any subsequent defaults on the reference obligations. Certain insured CDS contracts also provide for further deferrals of payment at the option of MBIA. In the event of a failure to pay an amount due under the insured CDS by MBIA Corp. or the insolvency of MBIA Corp., the counterparty may terminate the insured CDS and make a claim for the amount due, which would be based on the fair value of the insured CDS at such time. An additional difference between the Company’s insured derivatives and typical market standard CDS contracts is that the Company’s contract, like its financial guarantee contracts, generally cannot be accelerated by the counterparty in the ordinary course of business but only upon the occurrence of certain events including the failure to pay an amount due under the CDS or the insolvency of the financial guarantee insurer of the CDS, MBIA Corp. or MBIA UK Insurance Ltd (“MBIA UK”). Similar to the Company’s financial guarantee insurance contracts, all insured CDS policies are unconditional and irrevocable obligations of the Company and are not transferable unless the transferees are also licensed to write financial guarantee insurance policies. Since insured CDS contracts are accounted for as derivatives under relevant accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, MBIA Corp. did not defer the charges associated with underwriting the CDS policies and they were expensed at origination.

Occasionally, insured CDS contracts are terminated by agreement between MBIA and the counterparty. When these contracts are terminated, any settlement amounts paid are evaluated and considered as a data point in pricing other similar insured derivative contracts whenever possible.

Valuation Models Used

Approximately 62% of the balance sheet fair value of insured credit derivatives as of March 31, 2011 was valued using the BET Model. Approximately 37% of the balance sheet fair value of insured credit derivatives as of March 31, 2011 was valued using the internally developed Direct Price Model. An immaterial amount of insured credit derivatives were valued using other methods, including the Black-Scholes option pricing model and a dual default model.

A. Description of the BET Model

1. Valuation Model Overview

The BET Model was originally developed by Moody’s to estimate the loss distribution on a diverse pool of assets. The Company has modified this technique in an effort to incorporate more market information and provide more flexibility in handling pools of inhomogeneous assets. The modifications are (a) the Company uses market credit spreads to determine default probability instead of using historical loss experience, and (b) for collateral pools where the spread distribution is characterized by extremes, the Company models each segment of the pool individually instead of using an overall pool average.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

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. This approach assumes that bond insurers would be willing to accept these contracts from the Company at a price equal to what the Company could issue them for in the current market. While the premium charged by financial guarantors is not a direct input into the Company’s model, the model estimates such premium and this premium increases as the probability of loss increases, driven by various factors including rising credit spreads, negative credit migration, lower recovery rates, lower diversity score and erosion of 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 is benchmarked;

 

   

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 unrealized gain or loss on a transaction inception to date 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.

Additional structural assumptions of the BET Model are:

 

   

Default probabilities are determined by three factors: credit spread, 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.

 

   

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. Model Strengths and Weaknesses

The primary strengths of the BET Model:

 

   

The model takes account of transaction structure and key drivers of fair value. Transaction structure includes par insured, weighted average life, level of deductible or subordination (if any), and composition of collateral.

 

   

The model is a consistent approach to marking positions that minimizes the level of subjectivity. The Company has also developed a hierarchy for usage of various market-based spread inputs that reduces the level of subjectivity, especially during periods of high illiquidity.

 

   

The model uses market-based inputs including credit spreads for underlying reference collateral, recovery rates specific to the type and credit rating of reference collateral, diversity score of the entire collateral pool, and MBIA’s CDS and derivative recovery rate level.

The primary weaknesses of the BET Model:

 

   

As of March 31, 2011, some of the model inputs were either unobservable or derived from illiquid markets which might adversely impact the model’s reliability.

 

   

The BET Model requires an input for collateral spreads. However, some securities are quoted only in price terms. For securities that trade substantially below par, the calculation of spreads from price to spread can be subjective.

 

   

Results may be affected by using average spreads and a single diversity factor, rather than using specific spreads for each piece of underlying collateral and collateral-specific correlations.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

3. 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 actual calculation of pool average spread varies depending on whether the Company is able to use collateral-specific credit spreads or generic spreads as an input.

 

   

If collateral-specific spreads are available, the spread for each individual piece of collateral is identified and a weighted average is calculated by weighting each spread by the corresponding par exposure.

 

   

If collateral-specific credit spreads are not available, the Company uses generic spread tables based on asset class and average rating of the collateral pool. Average credit rating for the collateral is calculated from the weighted average rating factor (“WARF”) for the collateral portfolio and then mapped to an appropriate spread. WARF is based on a 10,000 point scale designed by Moody’s where lower numbers indicate better credit quality. Ratings are not spaced equally on this scale because the marginal difference in default probability at higher rating quality is much less than at lower rating levels. The Company obtains WARF from the most recent trustee’s report or the Company calculates it based on the collateral credit ratings. For a WARF calculation, the Company identifies the credit ratings of all collateral (using, in order of preference as available, Moody’s, S&P or Fitch ratings), then converts those credit ratings into a rating factor on the WARF scale, averages those factors (weighted by par) to create a portfolio WARF, and then maps the portfolio WARF back into an average credit rating for the pool. The Company then applies this pool rating to a market spread table or index appropriate for the collateral type to determine the generic spread for the pool which becomes the market-implied default input into the BET Model.

 

   

If there is a high dispersion of ratings within a collateral pool, the collateral is segmented into different rating groups and each group is used in calculating the overall average.

 

   

When spreads are not available on either a collateral-specific basis or ratings-based generic basis, MBIA uses its hierarchy of spread sources (discussed below) to identify the most appropriate spread for that asset class to be used in the model.

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. Cash security spreads reflect trading activity in funded fixed-income instruments while CDS spreads reflect trading levels for non-funded derivative instruments. While both markets are driven partly by an assessment of the credit quality of the referenced security, there are factors which create significant differences. These factors include CDS spreads driven by speculative activity as the CDS market facilitates both long and short positions without ownership of the underlying security, allowing for significant leverage.

Spread Hierarchy:

 

   

Collateral-specific credit spreads when observable.

 

   

Sector-specific spread tables by asset class and rating.

 

   

Corporate spreads, including Bloomberg and Risk Metrics spread tables based on rating.

 

   

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

If current market-based spreads are not available, the Company applies either sector-specific spreads from spread tables provided by dealers or corporate spread tables. The sector-specific spread applied depends on the nature of the underlying collateral. Transactions with corporate collateral use the corporate spread table. Transactions with asset-backed collateral use one or more of the dealer asset-backed tables. If there are no observable market spreads for the specific collateral, and sector-specific and corporate spread tables are not appropriate to estimate the spread for a specific type of collateral, the Company uses the fourth alternative in its hierarchy. This includes using tranched corporate collateral, where the Company applies corporate spreads as an input with an adjustment for its tranched exposure.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2011, sector-specific spreads were used in 7% of the transactions valued using the BET Model. Corporate spreads were used in 36% of the transactions and spreads benchmarked from the most relevant spread source were used for 57% of the transactions. When determining the percentages above, there were some transactions where MBIA 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. The spread source can also be identified by whether or not it is based on collateral WARF. No collateral-specific spreads are based on WARF, sector-specific and corporate spreads are based on WARF, and some benchmarked spreads are based on WARF. WARF-sourced and/or ratings-sourced credit spreads were used for 85% 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 move to higher levels on the spread hierarchy table defined above. However, the Company may on occasion move to lower priority inputs due to the discontinuation of data sources or due to the Company considering higher priority 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. A lower diversity score represents higher assumed correlation, increasing the chances of a large number of defaults, and thereby increasing the risk of loss in the senior tranche. A lower diversity score will generally have a negative impact on the valuation for the Company’s senior tranche. The calculation methodology for a diversity score includes the extent to which a portfolio is diversified by industry or asset class, which is either calculated internally or reported by the trustee on a regular basis. Diversity scores are calculated at transaction origination, and adjusted as the collateral pool changes over time. MBIA’s internal modeling of the diversity score is based on Moody’s methodology.

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. Input Adjustments for Insured CMBS Derivatives in the Current Market

Current Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index Input Adjustment

Approximately $35.8 billion gross par of MBIA’s insured derivative transactions as of March 31, 2011 includes substantial amounts of CMBS and commercial mortgage collateral. Since the CMBX is now quoted in price terms and the BET Model requires a spread input, it is necessary to convert CMBX prices to spreads. Through the third quarter of 2010, the Company assumed that a portion of the CMBX price reflected market illiquidity. The Company assumed this illiquidity component was the difference between par and the price of the highest priced CMBX triple-A series. The Company assumed that the price of each CMBX index has two components: an illiquidity component and a loss component. The market implied losses were assumed to be the difference of par less the liquidity adjusted price. These loss estimates were converted to spreads using an internal estimate of duration. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company determined that it would not be appropriate to continue to use a CMBS illiquidity component in the models due to increased liquidity in the marketplace.

e. Nonperformance Risk

The Company’s valuation methodology for insured credit derivative liabilities incorporates the Company’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 CDS spreads as of March 31, 2011. 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 the Company’s recovery derivative price multiplied by the unadjusted derivative liability.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

B. Description of Direct Price Model

1. Valuation Model Overview

The Direct Price Model was developed internally to address weaknesses in the Company’s BET Model specific to valuing insured multi-sector CDOs, as previously discussed. There are three significant model inputs used in determining fair value using the Direct Price Model. Significant inputs include market prices obtained or estimated for all collateral within a transaction, the present value of the market-implied potential losses calculated for the transaction, and the impact of nonperformance risk.

2. Model Strengths and Weaknesses

The primary strengths of the Direct Price Model are:

 

   

The model takes account of transaction structure and key drivers of market value. The transaction structure includes par insured, legal final maturity, level of deductible or subordination (if any) and composition of collateral.

 

   

The model is a consistent approach to marking positions that minimizes the level of subjectivity. Model structure, inputs and operation are well documented by MBIA’s internal controls, creating a strong controls process in execution of the model.

 

   

The model uses market inputs for each transaction with the most relevant being market prices for collateral, MBIA’s CDS and derivative recovery rate level and interest rates. Most of the market inputs are observable.

The primary weaknesses of the Direct Price Model are:

 

   

There is no market in which to test and verify the fair values generated by the Company’s model.

 

   

The model does not take into account potential future volatility of collateral prices. When the market value of collateral is substantially lower than insured par and there is no or little subordination left in a transaction, which is the case for most of the transactions marked with this model, the Company believes this assumption still allows a reasonable estimate of fair value.

3. Model Inputs

 

   

Collateral prices

Fair value of collateral is based on quoted prices when available. When quoted prices are not available, a matrix pricing grid is used based on security type and rating to determine fair value of collateral which applies an average based on securities with the same rating and security type categories.

 

   

Interest rates

The present value of the market-implied potential losses was calculated assuming that MBIA deferred all principal losses to the legal final maturity. This was done through a cash flow model that calculated potential interest payments in each period and the potential principal loss at the legal final maturity. These cash flows were discounted using the LIBOR flat swap curve.

 

   

Nonperformance risk

The methodology for calculating MBIA’s nonperformance risk is the same as used for the BET Model. Due to the current level of MBIA CDS spread rates and the long tenure of these transactions, the derivative recovery rate was used to estimate nonperformance risk for all transactions marked by this model.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Overall Model Results

As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s net insured derivative liability was $5.7 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively, and was primarily related to the fair values of insured credit derivatives, based on the results of the aforementioned pricing models. In the current environment the most significant driver of changes in fair value is nonperformance risk. In aggregate, the nonperformance calculation results in a pre-tax net insured derivative liability which is $8.4 billion and $12.1 billion lower than the net liability that would have been estimated if the Company excluded nonperformance risk in its valuation as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Nonperformance risk is a fair value concept and does not contradict the Company’s internal view, based on fundamental credit analysis of the Company’s economic condition, that the Company will be able to pay all claims when due.

The Company reviews the 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 are observable for similar transactions, those spreads are an integral part of the analysis. For example, new insured transactions that resemble existing (previously insured) transactions are considered, as well as negotiated settlements of existing transactions. MBIA Corp. negotiated settlements of insured CDS transactions in 2010 and 2011. In assessing the reasonableness of the fair value estimate for insured CDS, the Company considered the executed prices for those transactions as well as a review of internal consistency with MBIA’s methodology.

Warrants

Stock warrants issued by the Company are recorded at fair value based on a modified Black-Scholes model. Inputs into the warrant valuation include interest rates, stock volatilities 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, (iii) the cost of capital reserves required to support the financial guarantee liability and (iv) discount rates. The MBIA Corp. CDS spread and recovery rate are used as the discount rate for MBIA Corp., while the Assured Guaranty Corp. CDS spread and recovery rate are used as the discount rate for National. Discount rates are adjusted to reflect nonperformance risk of the Company. Fair value of gross financial guarantees does not consider future installment premium receipts or returns on invested upfront premiums as inputs.

The carrying value of MBIA’s gross financial guarantees consists of unearned premium revenue and loss and LAE reserves 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 losses as reported on MBIA’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Fair Value Measurements

The following fair value hierarchy tables present information about the Company’s assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 

     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,  2011
 

Assets:

              

Investments:

              

Fixed-maturity investments:

              

Taxable bonds:

              

U.S. Treasury and government agency

   $ 871       $ 149       $ -       $       $ 1,020    

Foreign governments

     367         43         19                 429    

Corporate obligations

     -         2,097         211                 2,308    

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     -         1,472         -                 1,472    

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     -         476         43                 519    

Commercial mortgage-backed

     -         29         51                 80    

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     -         181         123                 304    

Other asset-backed

     -         255         323                 578    

State and municipal bonds

     -         750         12                 762    
                                            

Total taxable bonds

     1,238         5,452         782                 7,472    

Tax-exempt bonds:

              

State and municipal bonds

     -         2,534         34                 2,568    

Other fixed-maturity investments

     257         15         -                 272    
                                            

Total fixed-maturity investments

     1,495         8,001         816                 10,312    

Money market securities

     828         -         -                 828    

Perpetual preferred securities

     -         166         -                 166    

Other

     32         1         -                 33    
                                            

Total

     2,355         8,168         816                 11,339    

Derivative assets:

              

Non-insured derivative assets:

              

Credit derivatives

     -         2         -                   

Interest rate derivatives

     -         28         4                 32    

Other

     -         -         -         (32)         (32)   
                                            

Total derivative assets

     -         30         4         (32)           

 

33


Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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,  2011
 

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

              

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     7         1         -                   

Corporate obligations

     3         363         82                 448    

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     -         44         -                 44    

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     -         2,765         18                 2,783    

Commercial mortgage-backed

     -         989         29                 1,018    

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     -         686         219                 905    

Other asset-backed

     -         316         81                 397    

State and municipal taxable and tax-exempt bonds

     -         5         -                   
                                            

Total fixed-maturity securities at fair value

     10         5,169         429                 5,608    

Money market securities

     172         -         -                 172    

Loans receivable

     -         -         2,327                 2,327    

Loan repurchase commitments

     -         -         867                 867    

Derivative assets:

              

Credit derivatives

     -         -         514                 514    

Interest rate derivatives

     -         11         -                 11    
                                            

Total assets

   $ 2,537       $ 13,378       $ 4,957       $ (32)       $ 20,840    
                                            

Liabilities:

              

Medium-term notes

   $ -       $ -       $ 163       $       $ 163    

Derivative liabilities:

              

Insured derivatives:

              

Credit derivatives

     -         24         5,672                 5,696    

Non-insured derivatives:

              

Interest rate derivatives

     -         254         -                 254    

Currency derivatives

     -         9         -                   

Other

     -         -         -         (32)         (32)   

Other liabilities:

              

Warrants

     -         35         -                 35    

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

              

Variable interest entity notes

     -         2,036         4,953                 6,989    

Derivative liabilities:

              

Credit derivatives

     -         -         1,332                 1,332    

Interest rate derivatives

     -         566         -                 566    

Currency derivatives

     -         -         12                 12    
                                            

Total liabilities

   $ -       $ 2,924       $ 12,132       $ (32)       $ 15,024    
                                            

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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,
2010
 

Assets:

              

Investments:

              

Fixed-maturity investments:

              

Taxable bonds:

              

U.S. Treasury and government agency

   $ 915       $ 149       $ -       $       $ 1,064    

Foreign governments

     409         49         11                 469    

Corporate obligations

     -         2,622         246                 2,868    

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     -         1,548         41                 1,589    

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     -         414         48                 462    

Commercial mortgage-backed

     -         120         41                 161    

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     -         108         191                 299    

Other asset-backed

     -         310         350                 660    

State and municipal bonds

     -         738         14                 752    
                                            

Total taxable bonds

     1,324         6,058         942                 8,324    

Tax-exempt bonds:

              

State and municipal bonds

     -         2,787         36                 2,823    

Other fixed-maturity investments

     13         19         -                 32    
                                            

Total fixed-maturity investments

     1,337         8,864         978                 11,179    

Money market securities

     553         -         -                 553    

Perpetual preferred securities

     -         172         -                 172    

Other

     16         5         -                 21    
                                            

Total

     1,906         9,041         978                 11,925    

Derivative assets:

              

Non-insured derivative assets:

              

Credit derivatives

     -         3         -                   

Interest rate derivatives

     -         57         5                 62    

Other

     -         -         -         (61)         (61)   
                                            

Total derivative assets

     -         60         5         (61)           

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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,
2010
 

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

              

U.S. Treasury and government agency

     4         -         -                   

Corporate obligations

     7         360         80                 447    

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     -         37         -                 37    

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     -         2,706         40                 2,746    

Commercial mortgage-backed

     -         907         23                 930    

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     -         583         245                 828    

Other asset-backed

     -         352         83                 435    

State and municipal taxable and tax-exempt bonds

     -         4         -                   
                                            

Total fixed-maturity securities at fair value

     11         4,949         471                 5,431    

Loans receivable

     -         -         2,183                 2,183    

Loan repurchase commitments

     -         -         835                 835    

Derivative assets:

              

Credit derivatives

     -         -         687                 687    

Interest rate derivatives

     -         12         -                 12    
                                            

Total assets

   $ 1,917       $ 14,062       $ 5,159       $ (61)       $ 21,077    
                                            

Liabilities:

              

Medium-term notes

   $ -       $ -       $ 116       $       $ 116    

Derivative liabilities:

              

Insured derivatives:

              

Credit derivatives

     -         25         4,350                 4,375    

Non-insured derivatives:

              

Interest rate derivatives

     -         297         -                 297    

Currency derivatives

     -         6         -                   

Other

     -         -         -         (61)         (61)   

Other liabilities:

              

Warrants

     -         58         -                 58    

Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:

              

Variable interest entity notes

     -         2,007         4,673                 6,680    

Derivative liabilities:

              

Credit derivatives

     -         -         1,455                 1,455    

Interest rate derivatives

     -         635         -                 635    

Currency derivatives

     -         -         14                 14    
                                            

Total liabilities

   $ -       $ 3,028       $ 10,608       $ (61)       $ 13,575    
                                            

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Level 3 assets were $5.0 billion and $5.2 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and represented approximately 24% of total assets measured at fair value. Level 3 liabilities were $12.1 billion and $10.6 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and represented approximately 81% and 78% of total liabilities measured at fair value, respectively. 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, 2011 and 2010:

 

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011  

In millions

  Balance,
Beginning
of Year
    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,
2011
 
Assets:                          
Foreign governments   $ 11      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ 3      $ -      $ (2)      $ -      $ 7      $ -      $ 19      $ -   
Corporate obligations     246        -        -        7        2        10        -        (32)        (12)        6        (16)        211        -   
Residential mortgage-backed agency     41        -        -        1        -        1        -        (1)        (1)        -        (41)        -        -   
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency     48        -        -        5        -        7        -        (5)        (1)        5        (16)        43        -   
Commercial mortgage-backed     41        -        -        2        1        8        -        -        -        -        (1)        51        -   
Collateralized debt obligations     191        (1)        -        20        -        2        -        (29)        (1)        2        (61)        123        -   
Other asset-backed     350        -        -        8        -        1        -        (9)        (1)        2        (28)        323        -   
State and municipal taxable bonds     14        -        -        (2)        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        12        -   
State and municipal tax-exempt bonds     36        -        -        -        -        -        -        (2)       -        -        -        34        -   
Assets of consolidated VIEs:                          
Corporate obligations     80        -        -        -        -        -        -        (2)        -        4        -        82        -   
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency     40        -        (2)        3        -        -        -        (3)        -        -        (20)        18        1   
Commercial mortgage-backed     23        -        6        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        29        7   
Collateralized debt obligations     245        -        14        -        -        -        -        (2)        -        16        (54)        219        16   
Other asset-backed     83        -        (2)        -        -        -        -        (1)        -        1        -        81        (2)   
Loans receivable     2,183        -        228        -        -        -        -        (84)        -        -        -        2,327        228   
Loan repurchase commitments     835        -        20        -        -        -        12        -        -        -        -        867        -   
                                                                                                       
Total assets   $ 4,467      $ (1)      $ 264      $ 44      $ 3      $ 32      $ 12      $ (172)      $ (16)      $ 43      $ (237)      $ 4,439      $ 250   
                                                                                                       

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

In millions

  Balance,
Beginning
of Year
    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, 2011
 
Liabilities:                          
Medium-term notes   $ 116      $ -      $ 39      $ -      $ 8      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ 163      $ -   
Credit derivatives, net     4,350        386        1,322        -        -        -        -        (386)        -        -        -        5,672        1,480   
Interest derivatives, net     (5)        -        1        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        (4)        1   
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:                          

VIE notes

    4,673        -        421        -        -        -        -        (141     -        -        -        4,953        421   
Credit derivatives, net     768        -        50        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        818        50   
Currency derivatives, net     14        -        (2)        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -        12        (2)   
                                                                                                       
Total liabilities   $ 9,916      $ 386      $ 1,831      $ -      $ 8      $ -      $ -      $ (527)      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ 11,614      $ 1,950   
                                                                                                       

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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, 2010  

In millions

  Balance,
Beginning
of Year
    Realized
Gains /
(Losses)
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
Gains /
(Losses)
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
Recognized
in OCI or
Earnings
    Purchases,
Settlements
and Sales,
net
    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,
2010
 
Assets:                    
U.S. Treasury and government agency   $ 6      $      $ -      $      $ -      $ (6)      $ -      $ -      $ -      $ -   
Foreign governments     12               -               1               -        -        13        -   
Corporate obligations     281               -        23         (2)        (2)        30        (10)        320        -   
Residential mortgage-backed agency     48               -               -        (3)        -        -        46        -   
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency     64        (3)        -        27         -        (17)        -        (5)        66        -   
Commercial mortgage-backed     20               -               (1)        (2)        -        -        17        -   
Collateralized debt obligations     245        (7)        -        40         -        (68)        16        (24)        202        -   
Other asset-backed     401               -        (18)        -        61         8        (10)        442        -   
State and municipal tax-exempt bonds     50               -               -        (5)        -        -        45        -   
Other fixed-maturity investments     19               -               -        (19)        -        -        -        -   
Perpetual preferred securities     77               -               -               -        -        83        -   
Assets of consolidated VIEs:                    
Corporate obligations     -               -               -        81         -        -        81        -   
Residential mortgage-backed non-agency     166        (1)        -               -        (87)        7        (3)        82        -   
Commercial mortgage-backed     3               -               -        52         -        -        56        -   
Collateralized debt obligations     42               -               -        284         -        -        326        -   
Other asset-backed     193               -               -        (47)        -        -        146        -   
Loans receivable     -               -               19        2,415         -        -        2,434        -   
Loan repurchase commitments     -               -               -        715         -        -        715        -   
                                                                               
Total assets   $ 1,627      $ (11)      $ -      $ 80       $ 17      $ 3,352       $ 61      $ (52)      $ 5,074      $ -   
                                                                               

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

In millions

  Balance,
Beginning
of Year
    Realized
(Gains) /
Losses
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
Earnings
    Unrealized
(Gains) /
Losses
Included in
OCI
    Foreign
Exchange
Recognized
in OCI or
Earnings
    Purchases,
Settlements
and Sales,
net
    Transfers
into
Level 3 (1)
    Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Ending
Balance
    Change in
Unrealized
(Gains) Losses
for the Period
Included in
Earnings for
Liabilities still
held as of
March 31,
2010
 
Liabilities:                    
Medium-term notes   $ 110       $      $ 14       $ -      $ (6)      $      $ -      $ -      $ 118       $ 14    
Credit derivatives, net     3,799         63         2,210         -        -        (122)        -        -        5,950         2,223    
Interest derivatives, net     (6)        (8)               -        4               -        -        (5)          
Currency derivatives, net     (3)               (9)        -        -               -        -        (12)        (9)   
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:                    
VIE notes                   16         -        6        5,318         -        -        5,340         16    
Derivative contracts, net                   (18)        -        -        367         -        -        349         (18)   
                                                                               
Total liabilities   $ 3,900       $ 55       $ 2,217       $ -      $ 4      $ 5,564       $ -      $ -      $ 11,740       $ 2,230    
                                                                               

 

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

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $43 million and $237 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Transfers into and out of Level 2 were $237 million and $43 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2011. These transfers were principally for available-for-sale securities where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable or unobservable during the quarter. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. CDOs, RMBS agency and other asset-backed comprised the majority of the transferred instruments. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the net unrealized losses related to the transfers into Level 3 was $518 thousand and the net unrealized losses related to the transfers out of Level 3 was $642 thousand.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $61 million and $52 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Transfers into and out of Level 2 were $52 million and $61 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2010. These transfers were principally for available-for-sale securities where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable or 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. CDOs, other ABSs, and corporate obligations comprised the majority of the transferred instruments. There were no transfers in or out of Level 1. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the net unrealized gains related to the transfers into Level 3 was $1 million and the net unrealized gains related to the transfers out of Level 3 was $11 million.

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

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings pertaining to Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are reported on the consolidated statements of operations as follows:

 

    March 31, 2011  
                      Consolidated VIEs  

In millions

  Unrealized
Gains (Losses)

on Insured
Derivatives
    Net Realized
Gains
(Losses)
    Net Gains (Losses) on
Financial Instruments
at Fair Value and
Foreign Exchange
    Net Realized
Gains
(Losses)
    Net Gains (Losses) on
Financial Instruments
at Fair Value and
Foreign Exchange
 
Total gains (losses) included in earnings   $ (1,322)      $ (386)      $      $ -      $ (32)   
                                       
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets and liabilities still held as of March 31, 2011   $ (1,480)      $      $ (1)      $ -      $ (26)   
                                       
    March 31, 2010  
                      Consolidated VIEs  

In millions

  Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Insured
Derivatives
    Net Realized
Gains

(Losses)
    Net Gains (Losses) on
Financial Instruments
at Fair Value and
Foreign Exchange
    Net Realized
Gains
(Losses)
    Net Gains (Losses) on
Financial Instruments
at Fair Value and
Foreign Exchange
 
Total gains (losses) included in earnings   $ (2,210)      $ (55)      $ (10)      $ -      $   
                                       
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets and liabilities still held as of March 31, 2010   $ (2,230)      $      $ (3)      $ -      $ (2)   
                                       

Fair Value Option

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

The following tables present the changes in fair value included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 for all financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected.

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2011     2010  

In millions

  Net Gains (Losses)
on Financial
Instruments at
Fair Value and
Foreign Exchange
    Net
Realized
Gains
(Losses)
    Total
Changes in
Fair Value
    Net Gains (Losses)
on Financial
Instruments at
Fair Value and
Foreign Exchange
    Net
Realized
Gains
(Losses)
    Total
Changes in

Fair Value
 
Fixed-maturity securities held at fair value   $ 213      $ -      $ 213      $ 16      $ 21      $ 37   
Loans receivable at fair value:            

Residential mortgage loans

    101        -        101        238        220        458   

Other loans

    43        -        43        (26)        -        (26)   
Loan repurchase commitments     32        -        32        216        63        279   
Other assets     (40)        -        (40)        -        159        159   
Long-term debt     (367)        -        (367)        (301)        (333)        (634)   

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

 

The following table reflects the difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate remaining contractual principal balance outstanding as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 for loans and long-term debt for which the fair value option has been elected.

 

    As of March 31, 2011     As of December 31, 2010  

In millions

  Contractual
Outstanding
Principal
    Fair Value     Difference     Contractual
Outstanding
Principal
    Fair Value     Difference  
Loans receivable at fair value:            

Residential mortgage loans

  $ 3,164      $ 2,115      $ 1,049      $ 3,334      $ 2,014      $ 1,320   

Residential mortgage loans (90 days or more past due)

    261        -        261        243        -        243   

Other loans

    410        155        255        412        124        288   

Other loans (90 days or more past due)

    150        57        93        149        45        104   
                                               
Total loans receivable at fair value   $ 3,985      $ 2,327      $ 1,658      $ 4,138      $ 2,183      $ 1,955   
Long-term debt   $ 15,727      $ 6,989      $ 8,738      $ 17,217      $ 6,680      $ 10,537   

Substantially all gains and losses included in earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2011 on loans receivable and long-term debt 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 long-term debt, resulting in depressed pricing of the financial instruments.

 

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Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments

The Company’s fixed-maturity portfolio consists of high-quality (average rating double-A) taxable and tax-exempt investments of diversified maturities. Other investments primarily comprise equity investments, including those accounted for under the equity method and highly rated perpetual securities that bear interest and are callable by the issuer. The following tables present the amortized cost, fair value and other-than-temporary impairments of fixed-maturity investments and other investments designated as available-for-sale in the consolidated investment portfolio of the Company as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 

     March 31, 2011  

In millions

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

Fixed-maturity investments:

              

Taxable bonds:

              

U.S. Treasury and government agency

   $ 1,017       $ 9       $ (5)       $ 1,021       $   

Foreign governments

     415         14                 429           

Corporate obligations

     2,347         43         (91)         2,299           

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     1,451         37         (16)         1,472           

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     622         51         (153)         520         (152)   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     85         1         (7)         79           

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     442         -         (145)         297         (55)   

Other asset-backed

     687         2         (111)         578           

State and municipal bonds

     808         6         (52)         762           
                                            

Total taxable bonds

     7,874         163         (580)         7,457         (207)   

Tax-exempt bonds:

              

State and municipal bonds

     2,659         13         (103)         2,569           
                                            

Total tax-exempt bonds

     2,659         13         (103)         2,569           
                                            

Total fixed-maturity investments

     10,533         176         (683)         10,026         (207)   

Other investments:

              

Perpetual preferred securities

     170         2         (7)         165           

Other investments

     31         2                 33           

Money market securities

     1,085         -                 1,085           
                                            

Total other investments

     1,286         4         (7)         1,283           

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

              

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     86         -                 86           

Other asset-backed

     67         1                 68           

Other investments:

              

Money market securities

     172         -                 172           
                                            

Total available-for-sale investments

   $     12,144       $ 181       $ (690)       $     11,635       $ (207)   
                                            

 

(1) - Represents the amount of other-than-temporary losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) since the adoption of the accounting guidance for other-than-temporary impairments.

   

 

43


Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

     December 31, 2010  

In millions

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

Fixed-maturity investments:

              

Taxable bonds:

              

U.S. Treasury and government agency

   $ 1,055       $ 12       $ (3)       $ 1,064       $ -   

Foreign governments

     451         19         (1)         469         -   

Corporate obligations

     2,942         49         (127)         2,864         -   

Mortgage-backed securities:

              

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     1,537         39         (13)         1,563         -   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     627         36         (180)         483         (155)   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     199         24         (19)         204         -   

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     472         1         (180)         293         (86)   

Other asset-backed

     732         1         (112)         621         -   

State and municipal bonds

     797         7         (52)         752         -   
                                            

Total taxable bonds

     8,812         188         (687)         8,313         (241)   

Tax-exempt bonds:

              

State and municipal bonds

     2,907         19         (104)         2,822         -   
                                            

Total tax-exempt bonds

     2,907         19         (104)         2,822         -   
                                            

Total fixed-maturity investments

     11,719         207         (791)         11,135         (241)   

Other investments:

              

Perpetual preferred securities

     175         8         (12)         171         -   

Other investments

     38         3                 41         -   

Money market securities

     552         -                 552         -   
                                            

Total other investments

     765         11         (12)         764         -   

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

              

Asset-backed securities:

              

Collateralized debt obligations

     91         -         (1)         90         -   

Other asset-backed

     98         2                 100         -   
                                            

Total available-for-sale investments

   $     12,673       $ 220       $ (804)       $     12,089       $ (241)   
                                            

 

(1) - Represents the amount of other-than-temporary losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) since the adoption of the accounting guidance for other-than-temporary impairments.

   

The fair value of securities on deposit with various regulatory authorities was $11 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. These deposits are required to comply with state insurance laws.

A portion of the obligations under investment agreements require the Company to pledge securities as collateral. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the fair value of securities pledged as collateral with respect to these investment agreements approximated $2.4 billion. Additionally, the Company pledged cash as collateral under investment agreements in the amount of $18 million and $113 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

The following table presents the distribution by contractual maturity of available-for-sale fixed-maturity investments at amortized cost and fair value as of March 31, 2011. Contractual maturity may differ from expected maturity as borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

 

44


Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

0000000 0000000 0000000 0000000
                Consolidated VIEs  

In millions

  Amortized Cost     Fair Value     Amortized Cost     Fair Value  

Due in one year or less

  $ 982      $ 984      $ 172      $ 172   

Due after one year through five years

    1,272        1,306        -        -   

Due after five years through ten years

    1,190        1,170        -        -   

Due after ten years through fifteen years

    741        729        -        -   

Due after fifteen years

    3,061        2,891        -        -   

Mortgage-backed

    2,158        2,071        -        -   

Asset-backed

    1,129        875        153        154   
                               

Total fixed-maturity investments

  $ 10,533      $ 10,026      $ 325      $ 326   
                               

Investments that are held-to-maturity are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at amortized cost. These investments, which primarily relate to the Company’s consolidated VIEs, principally consist of ABS and loans issued by major national and international corporations and other structured finance clients. As of March 31, 2011, the amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity investments totaled $4.0 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively. There were $6 million of unrecognized gross gains and $218 million of unrecognized gross losses as of March 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2010, the amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity investments totaled $4.2 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively. There were no unrecognized gross gains as of December 31, 2010. Unrecognized gross losses were $279 million as of December 31, 2010. The following table presents the distribution of held-to-maturity investments by contractual maturity at amortized cost and fair value as of March 31, 2011:

 

                Consolidated VIEs  

In millions

  Amortized Cost     Fair Value     Amortized Cost     Fair Value  

Due in one year or less

  $ -      $ -      $ 8      $ 8   

Due after one year through five years(1)

    1        1        -        -   

Due after five years through ten years

    -        -        -        -   

Due after ten years through fifteen years

    -        -        -        -   

Due after fifteen years

    -        -        -        -   

Mortgage-backed

    -        -        -        -   

Asset-backed

    -        -        3,987        3,776   
                               

Total held-to-maturity investments

  $ 1      $ 1      $ 3,995      $ 3,784   
                               

 

(1) - Relates to tax credit investments reported in “Other investments” on the balance sheet.

  

 

45


Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company recorded net unrealized losses of $509 million and $584 million, respectively, on available-for-sale securities, comprised of fixed-maturity and other investments, which included $690 million and $804 million, respectively, of gross unrealized losses. The following tables present the gross unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 related to available-for-sale fixed-maturity and other investments. These tables segregate investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months from those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.

 

     March 31, 2011  
     Less than 12 Months      12 Months or Longer      Total  

In millions

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

Fixed-maturity investments:

                 

Taxable bonds:

                 

U.S. Treasury and government agency

   $ 481       $ (5)       $ -       $       $ 481       $ (5)   

Foreign governments

     107                 -                 107           

Corporate obligations

     520         (14)         736         (77)         1,256         (91)   

Mortgage-backed securities:

                 

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     760         (16)         58                 818         (16)   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     48         (1)         316         (152)         364         (153)   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     12         (1)         51         (6)         63         (7)   

Asset-backed securities:

                 

Collateralized debt obligations

     20         (4)         272         (141)         292         (145)   

Other asset-backed

     38         (1)         455         (110)         493         (111)   

State and municipal bonds

     392         (26)         134         (26)         526         (52)   
                                                     

Total taxable bonds

     2,378         (68)         2,022         (512)         4,400         (580)   

Tax-exempt bonds:

                 

State and municipal bonds

     1,923         (82)         175         (21)         2,098         (103)   
                                                     

Total tax-exempt bonds

     1,923         (82)         175         (21)         2,098         (103)   
                                                     

Total fixed-maturity investments

     4,301         (150)         2,197         (533)         6,498         (683)   

Other investments:

                 

Perpetual preferred securities

     15                 108         (7)         123         (7)   
                                                     

Total other investments

     15                 108         (7)         123         (7)   

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

                 

Asset-backed securities:

                 

Collateralized debt obligations

     26                 -                 26           
                                                     

Total

   $ 4,342       $ (150)       $ 2,305       $ (540)       $ 6,647       $ (690)   
                                                     

 

46


Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

     December 31, 2010  
     Less than 12 Months      12 Months or Longer      Total  

In millions

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

Fixed-maturity investments:

                 

Taxable bonds:

                 

U.S. Treasury and government agency

   $ 370       $ (3)       $ -       $       $ 370       $ (3)   

Foreign governments

     33         (1)         -                 33         (1)   

Corporate obligations

     705         (13)         725         (114)         1,430         (127)   

Mortgage-backed securities:

                 

Residential mortgage-backed agency

     785         (11)         59         (2)         844         (13)   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency

     51         (2)         336         (178)         387         (180)   

Commercial mortgage-backed

     11                 85         (19)         96         (19)   

Asset-backed securities:

                 

Collateralized debt obligations

     3                 278         (180)         281         (180)   

Other asset-backed

     61         (2)         480         (110)         541         (112)   

State and municipal bonds

     437         (26)         135         (26)         572         (52)   
                                                     

Total taxable bonds

     2,456         (58)         2,098         (629)         4,554         (687)   

Tax-exempt bonds:

                 

State and municipal bonds

     2,002         (83)         181         (21)         2,183         (104)   
                                                     

Total tax-exempt bonds

     2,002         (83)         181         (21)         2,183         (104)   
                                                     

Total fixed-maturity investments

     4,458         (141)         2,279         (650)         6,737         (791)   

Other investments:

                 

Perpetual preferred securities

     -                 140         (12)         140         (12)   

Other investments

     3                 -                 3           
                                                     

Total other investments

     3                 140         (12)         143         (12)   

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

                 

Asset-backed securities:

                 

Collateralized debt obligations

     62         (1)         5                 67         (1)   

Other asset-backed

     7                 -                 7           
                                                     

Total

   $ 4,530       $ (142)       $ 2,424       $ (662)       $ 6,954       $ (804)   
                                                     

Gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities presented in the preceding tables decreased as of March 31, 2011 compared with December 31, 2010 primarily as a result of higher market prices on securities held by the Company resulting from an improvement in market-related conditions. Investments with unrealized losses that met the criteria described in the “Other-Than-Temporary Impairments” section below were tested for other-than-temporary impairments and principally related to ABS, MBS, and corporate obligations.

 

47


Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

The following table presents the fair values and gross unrealized losses by credit rating category of ABS included in the Company’s consolidated investment portfolio as of March 31, 2011 for which fair value was less than amortized cost. Of the total fair value and unrealized losses of ABS, $686 million of fair value and $178 million of unrealized losses are included in the Company’s asset/liability products investment portfolio. Fair values include the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA. The credit ratings are based on ratings from Moody’s as of March 31, 2011 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-Backed Sector

  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 CDO

    $ 10        $        $ 12        $ (4)        $ 5        $ (2)        $ 2        $ (1)        $ 56        $ (103)        $        $        $ 85        $ (110)   

Corporate CDO

    60        (7)        50        (5)        57        (5)        36        (12)        44        (17)        30        (1)        277        (47)   

Auto loans

    3               -                                           13                             16          

Credit cards

    51        (1)        5                                                                       56        (1)   

Equipment leases

    1               -                             33        (2)                                    34        (2)   
Small business/ student loans     20        (2)        -                                           13        (1)                      33        (3)   

Other ABS

    14               13        (3)        75        (12)        136        (12)        23        (5)        49        (61)        310        (93)   
                                                                                                               

Total

    $ 159        $ (10)        $ 80        $ (12)        $ 137        $ (19)        $ 207        $ (27)        $ 149        $ (126)        $ 79        $ (62)        $ 811        $ (256)   
                                                                                                               

Seventy-two percent of the Company’s investments in ABS reported in the preceding table were rated investment grade with 20% rated Aaa. Of the total ABS investments reported in the preceding table, $322 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by MBIA Corp. and $138 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by third-party financial guarantors. The average credit rating of all guaranteed ABS investments using the higher of the guarantors’ ratings or the underlying bond ratings was A1 and the average underlying credit rating of guaranteed ABS investments, without giving effect to the guarantees, was A1. Without giving effect to the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA Corp., $158 million or 20% of the securities included in the preceding table were rated below investment grade.

The following table presents the fair values and gross unrealized losses by credit rating category of MBS included in the Company’s consolidated investment portfolio as of March 31, 2011 for which fair value was less than amortized cost. Fair values include the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA. The credit ratings are based on ratings from Moody’s as of March 31, 2011 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  

Mortgage-backed

Securities

  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
 

RMBS:

                           

Collateralized

    $ 75        $ (1)        $ 56        $ (15)        $ 11        $ (1)        $ -        $        $ 25        $ (47)        $ -        $ -        $ 167        $ (64)   

Home equity

    28               95        (26)        2               1               110        (55)        -        -        236        (81)   

Pass-through securities

    759        (16)        -               -               -               -               -        -        759        (16)   

Other

    1               18        (5)        -               -               10        (3)        -        -        29        (8)   

CMBS

    7               16        (1)        1               26        (5)        -        (1)        4        -        54        (7)   
                                                                                                               

Total

    $ 870        $ (17)        $ 185        $ (47)        $ 14        $ (1)        $ 27        $ (5)        $ 145        $ (106)        $ 4        $ -        $ 1,245        $ (176)   
                                                                                                               

Eighty-eight percent of the Company’s investments in MBS reported in the preceding table were rated investment grade with 70% rated Aaa. Of the total MBS investments reported in the preceding table, $19 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by MBIA Corp. and $287 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by third-party financial guarantors. The average credit rating of all guaranteed MBS investments using the higher of the guarantors’ ratings or the underlying bond ratings was Aa2 and the average underlying credit rating of guaranteed MBS investments, without giving effect to the guarantees, was A3. Without giving effect to the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA Corp., $308 million or 38% of the securities included in the preceding table were rated below investment grade.

 

48


Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

The following table presents the fair values and gross unrealized losses by credit rating category of direct corporate obligations included in the Company’s consolidated investment portfolio as of March 31, 2011 for which fair value was less than amortized cost. Fair values include the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA. The credit ratings are based on ratings from Moody’s as of March 31, 2011 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  

Corporate Obligations

  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
 
Corporate Obligations     $ 131        $ -        $ 190        $ (10)        $ 477        $ (37)        $ 343        $ (34)        $ 107        $ (2)        $ 8        $ (8)        $ 1,256        $ (91)   
                                                                                                               

Total

    $ 131        $ -        $ 190        $ (10)        $ 477        $ (37)        $ 343        $ (34)        $ 107        $ (2)        $ 8        $ (8)        $ 1,256        $ (91)   
                                                                                                               

Ninety-one percent of the Company’s investments in corporate obligations reported in the preceding table were rated investment grade with 10% rated Aaa. Of the total corporate obligations reported in the preceding table, $18 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by National, $158 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by MBIA Corp., and $70 million include the benefit of guarantees provided by third-party financial guarantors. The average credit rating of all guaranteed corporate obligations included in the preceding table using the higher of the guarantors’ ratings or the underlying bond ratings was Aaa and the average underlying credit rating of these guaranteed corporate obligations without giving effect to the guarantees was Aaa. Without giving effect to the benefit of guarantees provided by financial guarantors, including MBIA Corp. and National, $107 million or 9% of the securities included in the preceding table were rated below investment grade.

The following tables present the gross unrealized losses of held-to-maturity investments as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Held-to-maturity investments are reported at amortized cost on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The tables segregate investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months from those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer.

 

0000000000 0000000000 0000000000 0000000000 0000000000 0000000000
     March 31, 2011  
     Less than 12 Months      12 Months or Longer      Total  

In millions

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

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

                 

Other asset-backed securities

   $ -       $ -       $ 3,455       $ (218)       $ 3,455       $ (218)   
                                                     

Total

   $ -       $ -       $ 3,455       $ (218)       $ 3,455       $ (218)   
                                                     
     December 31, 2010  
     Less than 12 Months      12 Months or Longer      Total  

In millions

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

Assets of consolidated VIEs:

                 

Other asset-backed securities

   $ -       $ -       $ 3,760       $ (279)       $ 3,760       $ (279)   
                                                     

Total

   $ -       $ -       $ 3,760       $ (279)       $ 3,760       $ (279)   
                                                     

 

49


Table of Contents

MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s available-for-sale fixed-maturity investment, other investment and held-to-maturity investment portfolios’ gross unrealized losses totaled $908 million and $1.1 billion, respectively. The weighted average contractual maturity of securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was 19 years and 20 years, respectively. As of March 31, 2011, there were 393 securities that were in an unrealized loss position for a continuous twelve-month period or longer with aggregate unrealized losses of $760 million. Within the 393 securities, the book value of 283 securities exceeded market value by more than 5% as presented in the following table:

 

000000000000 000000000000 000000000000

Percentage Book Value Exceeded Market Value

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

5% to 15%

     120       $ 3,658       $ 3,379   

16% to 25%

     67         507         409   

26% to 50%

     55         260         163   

Greater than 50%

     41         350         120   
                          

Total

     283       $ 4,775       $ 4,071   
                          

As of December 31, 2010, there were 412 securities that were in an unrealized loss position for a continuous twelve-month period or longer with aggregate unrealized losses of $941 million. Within the 412 securities, the book value of 321 securities exceeded market value by more than 5%.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

The Company has an ongoing review process for all securities in its investment portfolio, including a quarterly assessment of other-than-temporary impairments. Key factors considered when assessing other-than-temporary impairments include but are not limited to: (a) structural and economic factors among security types that represent the Company’s 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. As of March 31, 2011, the fair value and related unrealized loss of available-for-sale securities totaled $6.6 billion and $690 million, respectively, and consisted primarily of ABS, MBS, state and municipal tax-exempt and corporate obligations. Based on its evaluation, the Company realized other-than-temporary impairments of $13 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily related to RMBS, CDOs and corporate obligations.

As part of the Company’s assessment of other-than-temporary impairments of investments, it considers (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) whether MBIA has the intent to sell the securities or, more likely than not, will be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery. 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 other-than-temporary impairment loss on an impaired security.

ABS investments are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairments 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 purchase yield. If the present value of cash flows is less than the Company’s amortized cost for the security, the difference is recorded as an other-than-temporary impairment loss.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

RMBS investments are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairments using industry-standard quantitative tools. Loan level data is 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, which are consistent with industry views. 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. These cash flows are then discounted at the security’s purchase yield. 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 other-than-temporary impairment loss. For CDO investments, the Company utilizes the same tools as for RMBS securities, aggregating the bond level cash flows to the CDO investment level.

Corporate obligation investments are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairments using industry-standard 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 other-than-temporary impairment loss.

The Company does not record other-than-temporary impairments 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” and “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for information about the Company’s loss reserving policy and 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.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 7: Investments (continued)

 

The following table provides information about securities held by the Company as of March 31, 2011 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:

 

In millions

   Fair Value      Unrealized
Loss
    Insurance Loss
Reserve (2)
 

Asset-backed:

       

MBIA(1)

   $ 322       $ (82   $ 15   

Other

     138         (27     -   
                         

Total asset-backed

     460         (109     15   

Mortgage-backed:

       

MBIA(1)

     19         (5     2   

Other

     287         (138     -   
                         

Total mortgage-backed

     306         (143     2   

Corporate obligations:

       

MBIA(1)

     176         (13     -   

Other

     70         (7     -   
                         

Total corporate obligations

     246         (20     -   

Other:

       

MBIA(1)

     289         (41     -   

Other

     351         (29     -   
                         

Total other

     640         (70     -   
                         

Total

   $ 1,652       $ (342   $ 17   
                         

 

(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.

  

   

The Company also 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 will 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, 2011 that would require the sale of impaired securities.

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

Refer to “Note 8: Investment Income and Gains and Losses” for information on realized losses due to other-than-temporary impairments.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 8: Investment Income and Gains and Losses

The following table includes total investment income from all operations:

 

00000000000 00000000000
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

   2011      2010  

Net investment income:

     

Fixed-maturity

   $ 107        $ 111    

Held-to-maturity

               

Short-term investments

               

Other investments

               

Consolidated VIEs

     17          15    
                 

Net investment income

     131          137    

Realized gains and losses:

     

Fixed-maturity:

     

Gains

     54          30    

Losses

     (40)         (59)   
                 

Net

     14          (29)   

Other investments:

     

Gains

               

Losses

             (1)   
                 

Net

             (1)   
                 

Total net realized gains (losses)(1)

     23          (30)   
                 

Total investment income

   $ 154        $ 107    
                 

 

(1) - These balances are included in the “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” and “Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments” line items on MBIA Inc.’s consolidated statements of operations.

    

Total investment income is generated as a result of the ongoing management of the Company’s investment portfolios. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, total investment income increased from the same period of 2010 primarily due to an increase in net gains on fixed-maturity sales and a reduction in other-than-temporary impairments.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, realized gains from fixed-maturity investments primarily related to sales of investments, which allowed the Company to finance commutation payments to continue to grow its liquidity position. The realized gains from the sale of investments were offset by realized losses from investment sales and other-than-temporary impairments related to RMBS, CDOs and corporate obligations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, net realized losses from fixed-maturity investments were primarily due to other-than-temporary impairments related to RMBS and CDOs.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 8: Investment Income and Gains and Losses (continued)

 

The portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed-maturity securities that does not represent credit losses is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). 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 other-than-temporary impairment losses was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and the corresponding changes in such amounts.

 

000000000000 000000000000
In millions    Three Months Ended March 31,  

Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings Related to Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

   2011      2010  

Beginning Balance

   $ 262       $ 389   

Accounting transition adjustment(1)

     -         (149)   
Additions for credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities not previously impaired      7         19   
Additions for credit loss impairments recognized in the current period on securities previously impaired      -         11   
Reductions for credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities sold during the period      (3)         -   
Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of the security      -         (1)   
                 

Ending Balance

   $ 266       $ 269   
                 

 

(1) - Reflects the adoption of the accounting principles for the consolidation of VIEs.

  

For ABS (e.g., RMBS and CDOs), the Company estimated expected future cash flows of each security by estimating the expected future cash flows of the underlying collateral and applying those collateral cash flows, together with any credit enhancements such as subordination interests owned by third parties, to the security. The expected future cash flows of the underlying collateral are determined using the remaining contractual cash flows adjusted for future expected credit losses (which consider current delinquencies and nonperforming assets, future expected default rates and collateral value by vintage and geographic region) and prepayments. The expected cash flows of the security are then discounted at the interest rate used to recognize interest income on the security to arrive at a present value amount. The following table presents a summary of the significant inputs considered in determining the measurement of the credit loss component recognized in earnings for each significant class of ABS for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

Asset-backed Securities

   2011      2010  

Expected size of losses(1):

     

Range(2)

     6.04% to 100.00%         0.00% to 98.83%   

Weighted average(3)

     85.75%         42.87%   

Current subordination levels(4):

     

Range(2)

     0.00% to 6.24%         0.00% to 22.13%   

Weighted average(3)

     0.09%         3.37%   

Prepayment speed (annual CPR)(5):

     

Range(2)

     0.00 to 68.89         0.00 to 33.34   

Weighted average(3)

     20.70         6.90   

 

(1) - Represents future expected credit losses on impaired assets expressed as a percentage of total outstanding balance.

 

(2) - Represents the range of inputs/assumptions based upon the individual securities within each category.

 

(3) - Calculated by weighting the relevant input/assumption for each individual security by the outstanding notional of the security.

 

(4) - Represents current level of credit protection (subordination) for the securities, expressed as a percentage of the balance of the collateral group backing the bond.

 

(5) - Values represent high and low points of lifetime vectors of constant prepayment rates.

  

  

  

   

  

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 8: Investment Income and Gains and Losses (continued)

 

Net unrealized gains (losses), including the portion of other-than-temporary impairments included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), reported within shareholders’ equity consisted of:

 

000000000 000000000

In millions

   As of March 31,
2011
     As of December 31,
2010
 

Fixed-maturity:

     

Gains

   $ 177        $ 208    

Losses

     (683)         (782)   

Foreign exchange

     37          (14)   
                 

Net

     (469)         (588)   

Other investments:

     

Gains

             10    

Losses

     (7)         (22)   
                 

Net

     (3)         (12)   
                 

Total

     (472)         (600)   

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

     (178)         (208)   
                 

Unrealized gains (losses), net

   $ (294)       $ (392)   
                 

The change in net unrealized gains (losses) presented in the table above consisted of:

 

000000000000 000000000000

In millions

   As of March 31,
2011
     As of December 31,
2010
 

Fixed-maturity

   $ 119       $ 749   

Other investments

     9         47   
                 

Total

     128         796   

Deferred income tax charged (credited)

     30         213   
                 

Change in unrealized gains (losses), net (1)

   $ 98       $ 583   
                 

 

(1) - The annual change as of December 31, 2010 included $266 million of net unrealized gains due to the transition adjustment for the adoption of the accounting principles for consolidation of VIEs.

   

Note 9: Derivative Instruments

Overview

MBIA has entered into derivative transactions as an additional form of financial guarantee and for purposes of hedging risks associated with existing assets and liabilities and forecasted transactions. CDS are also entered into in the asset/liability products business to replicate investments in cash assets consistent with the Company’s risk objectives and credit guidelines for its asset management business. The Company accounts for derivative transactions in accordance with the accounting principles for derivative and hedging activities, which requires that all such transactions be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Fair value of derivative instruments is defined as the price that would be received to sell a derivative asset or paid to transfer a derivative liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

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 written 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.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

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 balance sheet with the changes in fair value recorded in current earnings within “Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives.”

Structured Finance and International Insurance

The Company entered into derivative transactions 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. The Company’s structured finance and international insurance operations, which insured the majority of the Company’s notional derivative exposure, have insured derivatives primarily consisting of structured pools of CDS contracts that the Company intends to hold for the entire term of the contract absent a negotiated settlement with the counterparty. The Company reduces risks embedded in its insured portfolio through the use of reinsurance. This includes cessions of insured derivatives under reinsurance agreements in which the Company economically hedges a portion of the credit and market risk associated with its insured credit derivative portfolio. Such arrangements are also accounted for as derivatives and recorded in the Company’s financial statements at fair value. As of March 31, 2011, the amount of these arrangements was immaterial.

Variable Interest Entities

The consolidated VIEs have entered into derivative transactions primarily consisting of interest rate swaps and CDS contracts. Interest rate swaps are entered into to hedge the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates or fair values of certain contracts. CDS contracts are entered into to hedge credit risk or to replicate investments in cash assets.

Asset/Liability Products

The Company’s asset/liability products business has entered into derivative transactions primarily consisting of interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps, principal protection guarantees and CDS contracts. Interest rate swaps are entered into to hedge 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. The Company has also provided loss protection on certain Cutwater Investor Services Corp. (“Cutwater-ISC”) managed municipal pools that invest in highly rated short-term fixed-income securities. Such protection is accounted for as a derivative and is included as part of the Company’s principal protection guarantees. CDS contracts are entered into to hedge credit risk or to replicate investments in cash assets consistent with the Company’s risk objectives and credit guidelines for its asset management business.

Certain interest rate and cross currency swaps qualify as fair value hedges. The fair value hedges are used to protect against changes in the market value of the hedged assets or liabilities. The gains and losses relating to the fair value hedges are recorded directly in earnings. Fair value hedges are hedging existing assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

Credit Derivatives Sold

The following table presents information about credit derivatives sold (insured) by the Company’s insurance operations that were outstanding as of March 31, 2011. Credit ratings represent the lower of underlying ratings currently assigned by Moody’s, S&P or MBIA.

 

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000

In millions

          Notional Value  

Credit Derivatives Sold

   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
     AAA      AA      A      BBB      Below BBB      Total
Notional
     Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
 
Insured credit default swaps      7.4 Years       $ 19,585       $ 18,513       $ 9,208       $ 14,457       $ 35,050       $ 96,813       $ (5,636)   
Non-insured credit default swaps-VIE      4.6 Years         -         -         -         -         2,581         2,581         (1,332)   
Insured swaps      18.4 Years         -         311         4,788         3,909         165         9,173         (11)   
All others      8.2 Years         -         -         113         -         195         308         (49)   
                                                                 
Total notional       $ 19,585       $ 18,824       $ 14,109       $ 18,366       $ 37,991       $ 108,875      
                                                           
Total fair value       $ (27)       $ (83)       $ (255)       $ (734)       $ (5,929)          $ (7,028)   
                                                           

The following table presents information about credit derivatives sold (insured) by the Company’s insurance operations that were outstanding as of December 31, 2010. Credit ratings represent the lower of underlying ratings currently assigned by Moody’s, S&P or MBIA.

 

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000

In millions

          Notional Value  

Credit Derivatives Sold

   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
     AAA      AA      A      BBB      Below BBB      Total
Notional
     Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
 
Insured credit default swaps      7.6 Years       $ 20,721       $ 18,530       $ 11,323       $ 15,356       $ 33,377       $ 99,307       $ (4,325)   
Non-insured credit default swaps-VIE      4.8 Years         -         -         -         -         2,612         2,612         (1,455)   
Insured swaps      16.6 Years         -         321         4,801         4,740         676         10,538         (11)   
All others      8.5 Years         -         -         113         -         195         308         (39)   
                                                                 
Total notional       $ 20,721       $ 18,851       $ 16,237       $ 20,096       $ 36,860       $ 112,765      
                                                           
Total fair value       $ (41)       $ (86)       $ (315)       $ (477)       $ (4,911)          $ (5,830)   
                                                           

Referenced credit ratings assigned by MBIA to insured credit derivatives 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 is $113.4 billion. This amount is net of $179 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. 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 transactions through both reinsurance and subrogation rights. MBIA’s reinsurance arrangements provide that should MBIA pay a claim under a guarantee of a derivative contract, then MBIA could 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 is entitled to any rights of the insured counterparty, including the right to any assets held as collateral.

The following table presents information about credit derivatives sold by the Company’s asset/liability products business that were outstanding as of March 31, 2011. Credit ratings represent the lower of ratings currently assigned by Moody’s, S&P or external counterparties.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000

In millions

          Notional Value  

Credit Derivatives Sold

   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
     AAA      AA      A      BBB      Below BBB      Total
Notional
     Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
 
Principal protection guarantees      0.8 Years       $ 4,011       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 4,011       $ -   
                                                                 

Total notional

      $ 4,011       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 4,011       $ -   
                                                                 

Total fair value

      $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -          $ -   
                                                           

The following table presents information about credit derivatives sold by the Company’s asset/liability products business that were outstanding as of December 31, 2010. Credit ratings represent the lower of ratings currently assigned by Moody’s, S&P or external counterparties.

 

0000000 0000000 0000000 0000000 0000000 0000000 0000000 0000000

In millions

          Notional Value  

Credit Derivatives Sold

   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Expected
Maturity
     AAA      AA      A      BBB      Below BBB      Total
Notional
     Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
 
Principal protection guarantees      1.0 Years       $ 4,237       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 4,237       $ -   
                                                                 

Total notional

      $ 4,237       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 4,237       $ -   
                                                                 

Total fair value

      $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -          $ -   
                                                           

The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) on derivatives presented in the preceding table are estimated as the notional value of such contracts.

Financial Statement Impact

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.

As of March 31, 2011, the total fair value of the Company’s derivative assets, after counterparty netting, was $527 million which was reported within “Derivative assets” and “Derivative assets-VIEs” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, and the total fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities, after counterparty netting, was $7.8 billion which was reported within “Derivative liabilities” and “Derivative liabilities-VIEs” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

As of March 31, 2011, the total fair value of the Company’s derivative assets, before counterparty netting, was $563 million and the total fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities, before counterparty netting, was $7.9 billion. 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, as of March 31, 2011:

 

In millions

          Derivative Assets(1)      Derivative Liabilities(1)  

Derivative Instruments

   Notional
Amount
  Outstanding  
       Balance Sheet Location            Fair Value              Balance Sheet Location            Fair Value    
Designated as hedging instruments:               
Interest rate swaps    $ 339         Derivative assets       $ 4         Derivative liabilities       $ (35)   
                                
Total designated    $ 339          $ 4          $ (35)   
Not designated as hedging instruments:               
Insured credit default swaps    $ 96,813         Derivative assets       $ -         Derivative liabilities       $ (5,636)   

Insured swaps

     9,173         Derivative assets         -         Derivative liabilities         (11)   
Non-insured credit default swaps      35         Derivative assets         2         Derivative liabilities         -   
Non-insured credit default swaps-VIE      4,109         Derivative assets-VIE         514         Derivative liabilities-VIE         (1,332)   
Interest rate swaps      3,318         Derivative assets         28         Derivative liabilities         (217)   
Interest rate swaps-VIE      13,538         Derivative assets-VIE         3         Derivative liabilities-VIE         (566)   
Interest rate swaps - embedded      518         Medium-term notes         4         Medium-term notes         (4)   
Interest rate swaps - embedded-VIE      67         Other assets-VIE         -         Other liabilities-VIE         -   
Currency swaps      70         Derivative assets         -         Derivative liabilities         (9)   
Currency swaps-VIE      133         Derivative assets-VIE         -         Derivative liabilities-VIE         (12)   
All other      4,417         Derivative assets         -         Derivative liabilities         (50)   

All other-VIE

     573         Derivative assets-VIE         8         Derivative liabilities-VIE         -   
All other - embedded      239         Other investments         -         Other investments         (9)   
                                

Total non-designated

   $ 133,003          $ 559          $ (7,846)   
                                
Total derivatives    $ 133,342          $ 563          $ (7,881)   
                                

(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, 2010, the total fair value of the Company’s derivative assets, after counterparty netting, was $708 million, of which $703 million was reported within “Derivative assets” and “Derivative assets-VIEs” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, and the total fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities, after counterparty netting, was $6.7 billion which was reported within “Derivative liabilities” and “Derivative liabilities-VIEs” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

As of December 31, 2010, the total fair value of the Company’s derivative assets, before counterparty netting, was $769 million and the total fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities, before counterparty netting was $6.8 billion. 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, as of December 31, 2010:

 

In millions

          Derivative Assets(1)      Derivative Liabilities(1)  

Derivative Instruments

   Notional
Amount
  Outstanding  
       Balance Sheet Location            Fair Value              Balance Sheet Location            Fair Value    
Designated as hedging instruments:               
Interest rate swaps    $ 394         Derivative assets       $ 16         Derivative liabilities       $ (41)   
Currency swaps      20         Derivative assets         -         Derivative liabilities         (2)   
                                
Total designated    $ 414          $ 16          $ (43)   
Not designated as hedging instruments:               
Insured credit default swaps    $ 99,331         Derivative assets       $ -         Derivative liabilities       $ (4,325)   
Insured swaps      10,537         Derivative assets         -         Derivative liabilities         (11)   
Non-insured credit default swaps      35         Derivative assets         3         Derivative liabilities         -   
Non-insured credit default swaps-VIE      3,973         Derivative assets-VIE         687         Derivative liabilities-VIE         (1,455)   
Interest rate swaps      3,480         Derivative assets         46         Derivative liabilities         (255)   
Interest rate swaps-VIE      14,054         Derivative assets-VIE         2         Derivative liabilities-VIE         (634)   
Interest rate swaps - embedded      493         Medium-term notes         5         Medium-term notes         (7)   
Interest rate swaps - embedded-VIE      100         Other assets-VIE         -         Other liabilities-VIE         (1)   
Currency swaps      47         Derivative assets         -         Derivative liabilities         (4)   
Currency swaps-VIE      137         Derivative assets-VIE         -         Derivative liabilities-VIE         (14)   
All other      4,644         Derivative assets         -         Derivative liabilities         (40)   
All other-VIE      592         Derivative assets-VIE         10         Derivative liabilities-VIE         -   
All other - embedded      219         Other investments         -         Other investments         (9)   
                                
Total non-designated    $ 137,642          $ 753          $ (6,755)   
                                
Total derivatives    $ 138,056          $ 769          $ (6,798)   
                                

 

(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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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

The following tables show the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011:

 

In millions

                         

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging

Relationships

  

Location of Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income on

Derivative

   Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
     Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on Hedged
Item
     Net Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income
 
Interest rate swaps    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange    $ (6)       $ 6       $ -   
Interest rate swaps    Interest income (expense)      -         -         (2)   
                             
Total       $ (6)       $ 6       $ (2)   
                             

 

000000000000000000000 000000000000000000000

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    $ (1,312)   
Insured credit default swaps    Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives      (354)   
Non-insured credit default swaps    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      (1)   
Non-insured credit default swaps-VIE    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE      (50)   
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      69   
Currency swaps    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      (5)   
Currency swaps-VIE    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE      2   
All other    Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      (11)   
All other    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      (1)   
All other-VIE    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE      (2)   
           

Total

      $ (1,662)   
           

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

The following tables show the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010:

 

In millions

                         

Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging
Relationships

  

Location of Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income on

Derivative

   Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
     Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on Hedged
Item
     Net Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Income
 
Interest rate swaps    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange    $ (42)       $ 42       $   
Interest rate swaps    Interest income (expense)      -         -           
Currency swaps    Interest income (expense)      -         -         (1)   
                             
Total       $ (42)       $ 42       $   
                             

 

000000000000000000000 000000000000000000000

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    $ (2,193
Insured credit default swaps    Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives      (34
Insured swaps    Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      (1
Non-insured credit default swaps    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      (1
Non-insured credit default swaps-VIE    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE      18   
Interest rate swaps    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      (36
Interest rate swaps-VIE    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE      (32
Credit linked notes    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      7   
Currency swaps    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      10   
All other    Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      (17
All other    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      (12
All other-VIE    Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE      (7
           
Total       $ (2,298
           

Counterparty Credit Risk

The Company manages counterparty credit risk on an individual counterparty basis through master netting agreements covering derivative transactions in the asset/liability product segment. These agreements allow the Company to contractually net amounts due from a counterparty with those amounts due to such counterparty when certain triggering events occur. The Company only executes swaps under master netting agreements, which typically contain mutual credit downgrade provisions that generally provide the ability to require assignment or termination in the event either MBIA or the counterparty is downgraded below a specified credit rating.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 9: Derivative Instruments (continued)

 

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, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company did not hold or post cash collateral from derivative counterparties. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had securities with a fair value of $363 million and $452 million, respectively, posted to derivative counterparties.

As of March 31, 2011, the fair value was positive on one Credit Support Annex (“CSA”) which governs collateral posting requirements between MBIA and its derivative counterparties. The aggregate positive fair value for this CSA was $3 million for which the Company did not receive collateral because the Company’s credit rating was below the CSA minimum credit ratings level for holding counterparty collateral. The lowest rating of the counterparty was Aa3 by Moody’s and AA- by S&P.

As of December 31, 2010, the fair value was positive on two CSAs which govern collateral posting requirements between MBIA and its derivative counterparties. The aggregate positive fair value for these two CSAs was $4 million, for which the Company did not receive collateral because the Company’s credit rating was below the CSA minimum credit ratings level for holding counterparty collateral. The lowest rated of the two counterparties was A1 by Moody’s and A+ by S&P.

Note 10: Income Taxes

The Company’s income taxes and the related effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

   2011      2010  

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $     (1,556)          $     (2,259)      

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ (419)         26.9%       $ (779)         34.5%   

Embedded in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are the tax effects of the Company’s expected operating activities such as scheduled premium earnings, fees, net investment income, and operating expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company’s effective tax rate applied to its pre-tax loss was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate as a result of interim tax accounting principles, which treat the tax effect of certain items as discrete to the quarter. This is being offset by the benefit of the reversal of a portion of the Company’s valuation allowance, tax-exempt interest income from investments, and income earned in non-U.S. jurisdictions, which is being taxed at less than 35%. The Company’s effective tax rate related to the pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was primarily a result of a net unrealized loss on its derivative portfolio, the tax-exempt interest from investments, and a decrease in the valuation allowance.

For the interim reporting purposes, the Company has calculated its effective tax rate for the full year of 2011 by treating the net unrealized loss on its insured derivative portfolio as a discrete item. As such, this amount is not included when projecting the Company’s full year effective tax rate but rather is accounted for at the federal statutory rate of 35% after applying the projected full year effective tax rate to actual three-month results before the discrete item. Given the Company’s inability to estimate this item for the full year of 2011, the Company believes that it is appropriate to treat net unrealized gains and losses on its derivative portfolio as a discrete item for purposes of calculating the effective tax rate for the year.

During the first quarter of 2011, National paid $114 million to MBIA Inc. pursuant to the Company’s tax sharing agreement. Consistent with the tax sharing agreement, these funds will be placed in an escrow account in the second quarter of 2011 and remain in escrow until the expiration of National’s two-year net operating loss carry-back period under U.S. tax rules. At the expiration of National’s carry-back period, any funds remaining after any reimbursement to National in respect of any net operating loss carry-backs will be available for general corporate purposes, including to satisfy any other obligations under the tax sharing agreement.

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 existence 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, 2011, the Company reported a net deferred tax asset of $1.3 billion. The $1.3 billion deferred tax asset is net of a $363 million valuation allowance. As of March 31, 2011, the Company had a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset related to losses from asset impairments and realized losses from sales of investments as these losses are considered capital losses, have a five year carryforward period, and can only be offset by capital gain income. This valuation allowance reflects a decrease of $13 million from the December 31, 2010 valuation allowance of $376 million. The change in the valuation allowance for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was primarily due to realized gains resulting from asset sales.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 10: Income Taxes (continued)

 

The Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that the remaining deferred tax assets will be realized. In its conclusion, the Company considered the following evidence (both positive and negative):

 

   

Due to the long-tail nature of the financial guarantee business, it is important to note that MBIA Inc.’s insurance subsidiaries, without regard to any new business, will have a steady stream of scheduled premium earnings with respect to the existing insured portfolio. MBIA Corp.’s announcement in February 2008 of a temporary suspension in writing new structured finance transactions and a permanent cessation with respect to insuring new CDS contracts, except in transactions related to the reduction of existing derivative exposure, would not have an impact on the expected earnings related to the existing insured portfolio. Although MBIA Corp. expects a significant portion of the unrealized losses to reverse over time, MBIA Corp. performed taxable income projections over a fifteen and twenty year period to determine whether it will have sufficient income to offset its deferred tax asset that will generate future ordinary deductions. In this analysis, MBIA Corp. concluded that premium earnings, even without regard to any new business, combined with investment income, less deductible expenses, will be sufficient to recover its net deferred tax asset.

 

   

The Company’s taxable income projections used to assess the recoverability of its deferred tax asset include an estimate of future loss and LAE equal to the present value discount of loss reserves already recognized on the Company’s balance sheet and an estimate of loss adjustment expense which is generally insignificant. The Company does not assume additional losses, with the exception of the accretion of its existing present value loss reserves, because the Company establishes case basis reserves on a present value basis based on an estimate of probable losses on specifically identified credits that have defaulted or are expected to default.

 

   

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had approximately $178 million of deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses on investments. The Company intends to hold these investments until maturity or until such time as the value recovers. As such, the Company expects that the related deferred tax assets will reverse over the life of the securities.

 

   

Approximately $1.9 billion of the net deferred tax asset relates to losses on insured credit derivatives of approximately $5.3 billion. The Company believes that such deferred tax asset will more likely than not be realized as the Company expects the unrealized losses and its related deferred tax asset to substantially reverse over time.

 

   

While the ratings downgrades by the rating agencies have significantly adversely impacted the Company’s ability to write new insurance business, the downgrades did not have a material impact on earnings from the existing insured portfolio, which the Company believes will be sufficient to absorb losses in the event that the cumulative unrealized losses become fully impaired.

 

   

With respect to installment policies, the Company generally does not have an automatic cancellation provision solely in connection with ratings downgrades. For purposes of projecting future taxable income, the Company has applied a haircut to adjust for the possible cancellation of future installment premiums based on recent data. With regard to upfront policies, to the extent that the issuer chooses to terminate a policy, any unearned premium reserve with respect to that policy will be accelerated into earnings (i.e. refundings).

 

   

With respect to insured CDS contracts, in the event that there are defaults for which MBIA is required to pay claims on such CDS contracts, the Company believes that the losses should be characterized as ordinary losses for tax purposes and, as such, the actual and expected payments will be recorded as losses incurred for statutory accounting purposes. However, because the federal income tax treatment of CDS contracts is an unsettled area of tax law, in the event that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has a different view and considers the losses as capital losses, the Company may be required to establish a valuation allowance against substantially all of the deferred tax asset related to these losses until such time as it has sufficient capital gains to offset the losses. The establishment of this valuation allowance would have a material adverse effect on MBIA’s financial condition at the time of its establishment.

After reviewing all of the evidence available, both positive and negative, MBIA believes that it has appropriately valued the recoverability of its deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, as of March 31, 2011. The Company continues to assess the adequacy of its valuation allowance as additional evidence becomes available. The Company’s recent financial results have been volatile which has impacted management’s ability to project accurately future taxable income. Continued volatility or losses beyond those projected may cause the Company to conclude that certain of the deferred tax assets within the $1.3 billion as of March 31, 2011 may not be realizable.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 10: Income Taxes (continued)

 

Ownership Change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code

Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes annual limitations on the utilization of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, other tax carryforwards, and certain built-in losses upon an ownership change as defined under that section. In general terms, an ownership change may result from transactions that increase the aggregate ownership of certain stockholders in the Company’s stock by more than 50 percentage points over a three year testing period (“Section 382 Ownership Change”).

During the quarter, the cumulative ownership shift decreased to approximately 25%. This was due to the expiration of the three-year window with respect to Section 382 testing with respect to the following:

 

   

The Warburg Pincus acquisition of Company stock in a secondary offering on January 30, 2008.

 

   

The equity issuance which took place on February 13, 2008.

Although the cumulative ownership shift as of March 31, 2011 is significantly less than the 50% threshold, the Company continues to monitor any changes in its ownership for new 5% owners, certain dispositions by 5% owners, future equity issuances and redemptions and repurchases of equity.

Treatment of Undistributed Earnings of Certain Foreign Subsidiaries—“Accounting for Income Taxes—Special Areas”

No U.S. deferred income taxes have been provided on the undistributed earnings of MBIA UK, Euro Asset Acquisitions Limited (“EAAL”), and MBIA Mexico, S.A. de C.V. because of the Company’s practice and intent to permanently reinvest these earnings. The cumulative amounts of such untaxed earnings were $25 million and $103 million as of March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

It is the Company’s policy to record and disclose interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income taxes in the statement of operations. Absent a material change, the Company shall not disclose such items in interim financial statements. As of March 31, 2011, there were no material changes in unrecognized tax benefits (“UTBs”), interest or penalties.

MBIA’s major tax jurisdictions include the U.S. and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). MBIA and its U.S. subsidiaries file a U.S. consolidated federal income tax return. The IRS is currently examining tax years 2004 through 2009. The Company expects this examination to be concluded before December 31, 2011, subject to review by the Joint Committee on Taxation.

The U.K. tax authorities are currently auditing tax years 2005 through 2008. The Company expects the examinations to be concluded before December 31, 2011. French tax matters have been concluded through 2007.

It is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months due to the possibility of finalizing adjustments and concluding all significant tax examinations. The range of this possible change to the amount of the uncertain tax benefit cannot be estimated at this time.

As of December 31, 2010, the Company had a capital loss carryforward of $413 million which will expire in 2013. The Company also has an NOL carryforward of $722 million which will expire from 2029-2030 and a minimum tax credit carryforward of $46 million which has an unlimited carryforward period.

Note 11: Business Segments

MBIA manages its activities primarily through three principal business operations: U.S. public finance insurance, structured finance and international insurance, and advisory services. The Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business is operated through National, its structured finance and international insurance business is primarily operated through MBIA Corp., and its advisory services business is primarily operated through Cutwater. MBIA also manages certain business activities through its corporate, asset/liability products, and conduit segments. The corporate segment includes revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities. Funding programs managed through the asset/liability products and conduit segments 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. As a result of the aforementioned separation of the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business from its structured finance and international insurance business, as well as other factors such as the availability of discrete financial information, the use of identifiable resources, and the use of separate performance assessments with respect to the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance business, the Company determined that its U.S. public finance insurance business represented a discrete operating segment.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 11: Business Segments (continued)

 

Following is 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 conducted through National. The financial guarantees issued by National provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantees of the payment of 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 and bonds backed by publicly or privately funded public-purpose projects.

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. 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. issues financial guarantees for municipal bonds, ABS and MBS, investor-owned utility bonds, bonds backed by publicly or privately funded public-purpose projects, bonds issued by sovereign and sub-sovereign entities, and bonds backed by other revenue sources such as corporate franchise revenues. Insured ABS include collateral consisting of a variety of consumer loans, corporate loans and bonds, trade and export receivables, aircraft, equipment and real property leases. Insured MBS include collateral consisting of residential and commercial mortgages. In previous years, MBIA Corp. entered into insured CDS on structured pools of corporate obligations, RMBS and CRE-backed securities and loans.

The Company is no longer insuring new credit derivative contracts except for transactions related to the reduction of existing derivative exposure.

Advisory Services

The advisory services segment primarily consists of the operations of Cutwater-ISC, Cutwater Asset Management Corp. (“Cutwater-AMC”), and Cutwater Asset Management UK Limited (“Cutwater–UK”). Cutwater-ISC and Cutwater-AMC provide fee-based asset management services to non-affiliated institutional clients and to MBIA Inc. and its other subsidiaries, as well as portfolio accounting and reporting services. Cutwater-ISC and Cutwater-AMC are Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)-registered investment advisers. Cutwater-AMC is also a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority member firm. Cutwater-UK provides fee-based asset management services to the Company’s foreign insurance affiliates and EAAL, and to third-party institutional clients and investment structures. Cutwater-UK is registered with the Financial Services Authority in the U.K.

Wind-down Operations

The Company’s wind-down operations consists of the asset/liability products and conduit segments.

The asset/liability products segment, principally consists of the activities of MBIA Investment Management Corp. (“IMC”), MBIA Global Funding, LLC (“GFL”) and EAAL. IMC, along with MBIA Inc., provided customized investment agreements, guaranteed by MBIA Corp., for bond proceeds and other public funds for such purposes as construction, loan origination, escrow and debt service or other reserve fund requirements. It has also provided customized products for funds that are invested as part of asset-backed or structured product transactions. GFL raises funds through the issuance of MTNs with varying maturities, which are, in turn, guaranteed by MBIA Corp. GFL lends the proceeds of these medium-term note issuances to MBIA Inc. (“GFL Loans”). MBIA Inc. invests the proceeds of investment agreements and GFL Loans in eligible investments, which consisted of investment grade securities at the time of purchase with a minimum average double-A credit quality rating. MBIA Inc. primarily purchases domestic securities, which are pledged to MBIA Corp. as security for its guarantees on investment agreements and MTNs. Additionally, MBIA Inc. loans a portion of the proceeds from investment agreements and MTNs to EAAL. EAAL primarily purchases foreign assets as permitted under the Company’s investment guidelines.

The Company’s conduit segment administers two Conduits through MBIA Asset Finance, LLC. Assets financed by these Conduits are currently funded by MTNs and liquidity loans.

The ratings downgrades of MBIA Corp. have resulted in a substantial reduction of funding activities and the termination and collateralization of certain investment agreements, as well as winding down of existing asset/liability products and conduit obligations.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 11: Business Segments (continued)

 

Corporate

The Company’s corporate segment is a reportable segment and includes revenues and expenses that arise from general corporate activities, such as net investment income, net gains and losses, interest expense on MBIA Inc. debt and general corporate expenses.

Segment Results

The following tables summarize the Company’s operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2011  

In millions

   U.S. Public
Finance
Insurance
     Structured
Finance and
International
Insurance
     Advisory
Services
    Corporate      Wind-down
Operations
     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Revenues(1)        $ 131           $ 102           $ 6          $ 1           $ 25           $ -          $ 265   
Realized gains and other settlements on insured derivatives      0         (354)         -        -         -         -        (354)   
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      0         (1,323)         -        -         -         -        (1,323)   
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      4         33         0        23         (84)         -        (24)   
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments      -         (2)         -        -         (11)         -        (13)   
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt      -         -         -        0         24         2        26   
Other net realized gains (losses)      -         1         -        -         4         -        5   
Revenues of consolidated VIEs      -         3         -        -         15         -        18   
Inter-segment revenues(2)      17         11         9        22         (4)         (55)        -   
                                                            

Total revenues

     152         (1,529)         15        46         (31)         (53)        (1,400)   
Loss and loss adjustment expense      3         (39)         -        -         -         -        (36)   
Operating expenses      12         42         15        22         1         -        92   
Interest expense      -         33         -        15         27         -        75   
Expenses of consolidated VIEs      -         20         -        -         5         -        25   
Inter-segment expenses(2)      26         29         1        4         9         (69)        -   
                                                            

Total expenses

     41         85         16        41         42         (69)        156   
                                                            
Income (loss) before income taxes        $ 111           $ (1,614)           $ (1)          $ 5           $ (73)           $ 16          $ (1,556)   
                                                            
Identifiable assets        $ 8,232           $ 24,109           $ 54          $ 624           $ 6,161           $ (7,007) (3)        $ 32,173   
                                                            

 

(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.

 

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Note 11: Business Segments (continued)

 

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2010  

In millions

   U.S. Public
Finance
Insurance
     Structured
Finance and
International
Insurance
     Advisory
Services
    Corporate      Wind-down
Operations
     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Revenues(1)    $ 164       $ 198       $ 6      $ 1       $ 32       $ -      $ 401   
Realized gains and other settlements on insured derivatives      0         (34)         -        -         -         -        (34)   
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      0         (2,211)         -        -         -         -        (2,211)   
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      2         2         1        (26)         (25)         -        (46)   
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments      -         (3)         -        -         (27)         -        (30)   
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt      -         -         -        -         0         -        0   
Other net realized gains (losses)      0         0         -        -         0         -        0   
Revenues of consolidated VIEs      -         49         -        -         15         -        64   
Inter-segment revenues(2)      27         25         10        27         (5)         (84)        -   
                                                            

Total revenues

     193         (1,974)         17        2         (10)         (84)        (1,856)   
Loss and loss adjustment expense      25         189         -        -         -         -        214   
Operating expenses      8         39         12        25         2         -        86   
Interest expense      -         34         -        17         33         -        84   
Expenses of consolidated VIEs      -         16         -        -         3         .-        19   
Inter-segment expenses(2)      28         36         2        2         18         (86)        -   
                                                            

Total expenses

     61         314         14        44         56         (86)        403   
                                                            
Income (loss) before income taxes    $ 132       $ (2,288)       $ 3      $ (42)       $ (66)       $ 2      $ (2,259)   
                                                            
Identifiable assets    $ 8,195       $ 25,358       $ 85      $ 1,326       $ 7,795       $ (8,226) (3)    $ 34,533   
                                                            

 

(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, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

   2011      2010  
Total premiums earned:      

United States

   $ 122       $ 142   

United Kingdom

     7         12   

Europe (excluding United Kingdom)

     12         5   

Internationally diversified

     9         10   

Central and South America

     9         10   

Asia

     7         4   

Other

     3         3   
                 
Total    $ 169       $ 186   
                 

 

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The following tables summarize the segments within the wind-down operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2011  

In millions

   Asset /
Liability
Products
     Conduits      Eliminations      Total Wind-
down
Operations
 
Revenues(1)    $ 24       $ 1       $ -       $ 25   
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      (84)         -         -         (84)   
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments      (11)         -         -         (11)   
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt      24         -         -         24   
Other net realized gains (losses)      4         -         -         4   
Revenues of consolidated VIEs      10         5         -         15   
Inter-segment revenues(2)      (3)         (1)         -         (4)   
                                   

Total revenues

     (36)         5         -         (31)   
Operating expenses      1         0         -         1   
Interest expense      27         0         -         27   
Expenses of consolidated VIEs      -         5         -         5   
Inter-segment expenses(2)      8         1         -         9   
                                   

Total expenses

     36         6         -         42   
                                   
Income (loss) before income taxes    $ (72)       $ (1)       $ -       $ (73)   
                                   
Identifiable assets    $ 4,897       $ 1,565       $ (301)       $ 6,161   
                                   

 

(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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00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2010  

In millions

   Asset /
Liability
Products
     Conduits      Eliminations      Total Wind-
down
Operations
 
Revenues(1)    $ 31       $ 1       $ -       $ 32   
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      (25)         -         -         (25)   
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments      (27)         -         -         (27)   
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt      0         -         -         0   
Other net realized gains (losses)      0         -         -         0   
Revenues of consolidated VIEs      12         3         -         15   
Inter-segment revenues(2)      (3)         (1)         (1)         (5)   
                                   

Total revenues

     (12)         3         (1)         (10)   
Operating expenses      1         1         -         2   
Interest expense      33         -         -         33   
Expenses of consolidated VIEs      -         3         -         3   
Inter-segment expenses(2)      18         1         (1)         18   
                                   

Total expenses

     52         5         (1)         56   
                                   
Income (loss) before income taxes    $ (64)       $ (2)       $ -       $ (66)   
                                   
Identifiable assets    $ 6,113       $ 1,931       $ (249)       $ 7,795   
                                   

 

(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.

Note 12: Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effect of all stock options and other items outstanding during the period that could potentially result in the issuance of common stock. For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, there were 3,827,614 and 6,738,060, respectively, of stock options outstanding that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were antidilutive.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

000000000000 000000000000
     Three Months Ended March 31,  

$ in millions except share and per share amounts

   2011      2010  
Net income (loss)        $ (1,137)           $ (1,480)   
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders        $ (1,137)           $ (1,480)   
Basic weighted average shares(1)      199,972,759         204,938,455   
Effect of common stock equivalents:      

Stock options

     -         -   
                 
Diluted weighted average shares      199,972,759         204,938,455   
                 
Basic EPS:      
Net income (loss)        $ (5.68)           $ (7.22)   
                 
Diluted EPS:      
Net income (loss)        $ (5.68)           $ (7.22)   
                 

 

  (1)- Includes 5,228,926 and 5,418,849 of unvested restricted stock and units that receive nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies

Corporate Litigation

The Company was named as a defendant, along with certain of its current and former officers, in private securities actions that were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as In re MBIA Inc. Securities Litigation; (Case No. 05 CV 03514(LLS); S.D.N.Y.) (filed October 3, 2005). The plaintiffs asserted claims under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The lead plaintiffs purport to be acting as representatives for a class consisting of purchasers of the Company’s stock during the period from August 5, 2003 to March 30, 2005 (the “Class Period”). The lawsuit asserts, among other things, violations of the federal securities laws arising out of the Company’s allegedly false and misleading statements about its financial condition and the nature of the arrangements entered into by MBIA Corp. in connection with a health care transaction loss. The plaintiffs allege that, as a result of these misleading statements or omissions, the Company’s stock traded at artificially inflated prices throughout the Class Period.

The defendants, including the Company, filed motions to dismiss this lawsuit on various grounds. On February 13, 2007, the Court granted those motions, and dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety, on the grounds that plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations. The Court did not reach the other grounds for dismissal argued by the Company and the other defendants. On November 12, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the district court’s dismissal on statute of limitations grounds, but remanded the case to allow the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint. The Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint was filed on February 18, 2009. On September 24, 2009, the Court dismissed plaintiffs’ complaint with prejudice. On November 2, 2009, the plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On June 22 and 24, 2010, individual defendants Juliette Tehrani and David Elliot, respectively, were voluntarily dismissed from the litigation. On February 28, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated the district court’s grant of the Company’s motion to dismiss and remanded the case back to the district court for reconsideration of the statute of limitations analysis in light of the intervening U.S. Supreme Court decision in Merck & Co. v. Reynolds as well as to consider additional arguments in favor of dismissal propounded by the Company.

On October 17, 2008, a consolidated amended class action complaint in a separate shareholder class action lawsuit against the Company and certain of its officers, In re MBIA Inc. Securities Litigation, No. 08-CV-264, (KMK) (the “Consolidated Class Action”) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging violations of the federal securities laws. Lead plaintiff, the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma, seeks to represent a class of shareholders who purchased MBIA stock between July 2, 2007 and January 9, 2008. The amended complaint alleges that defendants MBIA Inc., Gary C. Dunton and C. Edward Chaplin violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Among other things, the complaint alleges that defendants issued false and misleading statements with respect to the Company’s exposure to CDOs containing RMBS, specifically its exposure to so-called “CDO-squared” securities, which allegedly caused the Company’s stock to trade at inflated prices. On April 30, 2010, plaintiffs filed their Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. The motion to dismiss the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint filed on behalf of Messrs. Chaplin and Dunton was fully briefed as of October 29, 2010.

On February 13, 2008, a shareholder derivative lawsuit against certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors, and against the Company, as nominal defendant, entitled Trustees of the Police and Fire Retirement System of the City of Detroit v. Clapp et al., No. 08-CV-1515, (the “Detroit Complaint”), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The gravamen of the Detroit Complaint is similar to the aforementioned Consolidated Class Action, except that the legal claims are against the directors for breach of fiduciary duty and related claims. The Detroit Complaint purports to relate to a so-called “Relevant Time Period” from February 9, 2006, through the time of filing of the complaint. On December 14, 2010, Judge Karas dismissed the complaint without prejudice. On December 23, 2010, a new demand making similar claims was made on the Company’s Board of Directors. The new demand was rejected by the Company’s Special Litigation Committee on March 4, 2011.

On August 11, 2008, a shareholder derivative lawsuit entitled Crescente v. Brown et al., No. 08-17595 was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Westchester against certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors, and against the Company, as nominal defendant. The gravamen of this complaint is similar to the Detroit Complaint except that the time period assertedly covered is from January, 2007, through the time of filing of this complaint. The derivative plaintiff has agreed to stay the action pending further developments in the federal derivative litigation.

 

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On July 23, 2008, the City of Los Angeles filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, against a number of financial guarantee insurers, including MBIA. At the same time and subsequently, additional complaints against the Company and nearly all of the same co-defendants were filed by the City of Stockton, the City of Oakland, the City and County of San Francisco, the County of San Mateo, the County of Alameda, the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the City of Sacramento, the City of Riverside, the Los Angeles World Airports, the City of Richmond, Redwood City, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, the Sacramento Suburban Water District, the City of San Jose, the County of Tulare, the Regents of the University of California , Contra Costa County, the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside, and the Public Financing Authority of the City of Riverside, The Olympic Club, the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco and the Redevelopment Agency of San Jose. These cases are, or are expected to become, part of a coordination proceeding in Superior Court, San Francisco County, before Judge Richard A. Kramer, referred to as the Ambac Bond Insurance Cases which name as defendants MBIA, AMBAC Assurance Corp., Syncora Guarantee, Inc. f/k/a XL Capital Assurance Inc., Financial Security Assurance, Inc., Assured Guaranty Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, and CIFG Assurance North America, Inc., Fitch Inc., Fitch Ratings, Ltd., Fitch Group, Inc., Moody’s Corporation, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.

The claims as they now stand allege participation by all defendants in a conspiracy in violation of California’s antitrust laws to maintain a dual credit rating scale that misstated the credit default risk of municipal bond issuers and not-for-profit issuers and thus created market demand for bond insurance. Plaintiffs also allege that the individual bond insurers participated in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that damaged each bond insurer’s financial condition (thereby undermining the value of each of their guaranties), and each failed adequately to disclose the impact of those transactions on their financial condition. In addition to the statutory antitrust claim, plaintiffs assert common law theories in breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, negligence, and unjust enrichment. The non-municipal plaintiffs also allege a California unfair competition cause of action. Defendants’ demurrers were filed on September 17, 2010 and plaintiffs’ opposition to demurrers were filed on October 22, 2010. On November 30, 2010, prior to the hearing on the demurrers, the credit rating agency defendants removed the seven actions in which they were named to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. On December 8, 2010, defendant Ambac Assurance Corp. removed the remaining actions. On January 31, 2011, the district court granted plaintiffs’ motion to remand the cases back to San Francisco Superior Court. A hearing on demurrers and a case management conference is scheduled for July 6, 2011.

On July 23, 2008, the City of Los Angeles filed a separate complaint in the Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, naming as defendants the Company and other financial institutions, and alleging fraud and violations of California’s antitrust laws through bid-rigging in the sale of guaranteed investment contracts and what plaintiff calls “municipal derivatives” to municipal bond issuers. The case was removed to federal court and transferred by order dated November 26, 2008, to the Southern District of New York for inclusion in the multidistrict litigation In re Municipal Derivatives Antitrust Litigation, M.D.L. No. 1950. Complaints making the same allegations against the Company and nearly all of the same co-defendants were then or subsequently filed by the County of San Diego, the City of Stockton, the County of San Mateo, the County of Contra Costa, Los Angeles World Airports, the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton, the Public Financing Authority of the City of Stockton, the County of Tulare, the Sacramento Suburban Water District, Sacramento Municipal Utility District , the City of Riverside, the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside, the Public Financing Authority of the City of Riverside, Redwood City, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, the Redevelopment Agency of the City and County of San Francisco, the City of Richmond, the City of San Jose, the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, the State of West Virginia, Los Angeles Unified School District and three not-for-profit retirement community operators, Active Retirement Community, Inc. d/b/a Jefferson’s Ferry, Kendal on Hudson, Inc. and Paconic Landing at Southhold Inc. These cases have all been added to the multidistrict litigation. Plaintiffs in all of the cases assert federal and either California or New York State antitrust claims. In February, 2010, the Company moved to dismiss the then-existing complaints and, on April 28, 2010, Judge Victor Marrero denied the motion. The Company’s motion for reconsideration was denied on May 3, 2010. The Company has answered some of the complaints, denying the material allegations, and is preparing to answer the others. MBIA is also preparing to answer amended versions of some of the complaints.

On March 12, 2010, the City of Phoenix, Arizona filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona against MBIA Corp., Ambac Assurance Corp. and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company relating to insurance premiums charged on municipal bonds issued by the City of Phoenix between 2004 and 2007. Plaintiff’s complaint alleges pricing discrimination under Arizona insurance law and unjust enrichment. MBIA Inc. filed its answer on May 28, 2010.

 

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On April 5, 2010, Tri-City Healthcare District, a California public healthcare legislative district, filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against MBIA Inc., MBIA Corp., National, certain MBIA employees (collectively for this paragraph, “MBIA”), as well as various financial institutions and law firms. Tri-City subsequently filed three amended complaints. The Third Amendment Complaint, filed on January 26, 2011, purports to state 10 causes of against MBIA for, among other things, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and violation of the California False Claims Act arising from Tri-City Healthcare District’s investment in auction rate securities. On October 22, 2010, MBIA filed its demurrer to the Second Amended Complaint. At the January 6, 2011 demurrer hearing, the Court dismissed portions of the complaint with leave to amend. On February 17, 2011, MBIA filed its demurrer to the Third Amended Complaint. On March 24, 2011, the court sustained MBIA demurrers with respect to seven causes of action, most with leave to amend under certain circumstances, and one with prejudice. Certain MBIA employees named as individual defendants will be dismissed from the case.

The Company has received subpoenas or informal inquiries from a variety of regulators, regarding a variety of subjects. The Company has cooperated fully with each of these regulators and has or is in the process of satisfying all such requests. The Company may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

Recovery Litigation

On September 30, 2008, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Countrywide Securities Corp. and Countrywide Financial Corp. (collectively, “Countrywide”). The complaint alleged that Countrywide fraudulently induced MBIA to provide financial guarantee insurance on securitizations of HELOCs and closed-end second-liens by misrepresenting the true risk profile of the underlying collateral and Countrywide’s adherence to its strict underwriting standards and guidelines. The complaint also alleged that Countrywide breached its representations and warranties and its contractual obligations, including its obligation to cure or repurchase ineligible loans as well as its obligation to service the loans in accordance with industry standards. In an order dated July 8, 2009, the New York State Supreme Court denied Countrywide’s motion to dismiss in part, allowing the fraud cause of action to proceed against all three Countrywide defendants and the contract causes of action to proceed against Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. On August 24, 2009, MBIA Corp. filed an amended complaint, adding Bank of America and Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP as defendants and identifying an additional five securitizations. On April 29, 2010, the court denied defendants’ motion to dismiss Bank of America and allowed MBIA Corp.’s claims for successor and vicarious liability to proceed against Bank of America, as well as upholding MBIA Corp.’s fraud claim. On May 28, 2010, defendants filed their notice of appeal with respect to the denial of the dismissal of MBIA Corp.’s claims for fraud and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. On June 11, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed its cross notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of its claims of negligent misrepresentation and the limitation of its claim for breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Argument on the appeals was heard by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department on March 8, 2011 and a decision is pending. On December 22, 2010, the court granted MBIA Corp.’s motion in limine allowing it to offer evidence relating to statistically valid random samples of loans from each of the Countrywide securitizations in support of its contract and fraud cases of action for purposes of determining liability and damages. At a hearing on April 28, 2011, the court indicated that fact and expert discovery will close on November 18, 2011.

On July 10, 2009, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in Los Angeles Superior Court against Bank of America Corporation, Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Countrywide Securities Corporation, Angelo Mozilo, David Sambol, Eric Sieracki, Ranjit Kripalani, Jennifer Sandefur, Stanford Kurland, Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., UBS Securities, LLC, and various Countrywide-affiliated Trusts. The complaint alleges that Countrywide made numerous misrepresentations and omissions of material fact in connection with its sale of certain RMBS, including that the underlying collateral consisting of mortgage loans had been originated in strict compliance with its underwriting standards and guidelines. MBIA commenced this action as subrogee of the purchasers of the RMBS, who incurred severe losses that have been passed on to MBIA as the insurer of the income streams on these securities. On June 21, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed its second amended complaint. The court has allowed limited discovery to proceed while otherwise staying the case pending further developments in the New York Countrywide action described in the prior paragraph.

 

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On October 15, 2008, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Residential Funding Company, LLC (“RFC”). On December 5, 2008, a notice of voluntary dismissal without prejudice was filed in the Southern District of New York and the complaint was re-filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. The complaint alleges that RFC fraudulently induced MBIA Corp. to provide financial guarantee policies with respect to five RFC closed-end home equity second-lien and HELOC securitizations, and that RFC breached its contractual representations and warranties, as well as its obligation to repurchase ineligible loans, among other claims. On December 23, 2009, the court denied in part RFC’s motion to dismiss MBIA’s complaint with respect to MBIA’s fraud claims. On March 19, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed its amended complaint. On May 14, 2010, RFC filed a motion to dismiss only the renewed negligent misrepresentation claim, which was granted on November 8, 2010. On December 7, 2010, RFC filed its answer to the remaining claims in MBIA Corp.’s amended complaint.

On April 1, 2010, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against GMAC Mortgage, LLC (“GMAC”). The complaint alleges fraud and negligent misrepresentation on the part of GMAC in connection with the procurement of financial guarantee insurance on three RMBS transactions, breach of GMAC’s representations and warranties and its contractual obligation to cure or repurchase ineligible loans and breach of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing. On December 7, 2010, Justice Fried denied in part GMAC’s motion to dismiss allowing MBIA Corp. to proceed on its fraud and breach of contract claims. On January 5, 2011, GMAC filed its answer to the remaining causes of action in the complaint.

On December 14, 2009, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc., and Select Portfolio Servicing Inc (“Credit Suisse”). The complaint seeks damages for fraud and breach of contractual obligations in connection with the procurement of financial guarantee insurance on the Home Equity Mortgage Trust Series 2007-2 securitization. The complaint alleges, among other claims, that Credit Suisse falsely represented (i) the attributes of the securitized loans; (ii) that the loans complied with the governing underwriting guidelines; and (iii) that Credit Suisse had conducted extensive due diligence on the securitized loans to ensure compliance with the underwriting guidelines. The complaint further alleges that the defendants breached their contractual obligations to cure or repurchase loans found to be in breach of the representations and warranties applicable thereto and denied MBIA the requisite access to all records and documents regarding the securitized loans. On August 9, 2010, the court denied Credit Suisse’s motion to dismiss in part. On January 27, 2011, the court issued a ruling allowing MBIA Corp. a jury trial on its fraudulent inducement cause of action. On January 27, 2011, the court issued a ruling allowing MBIA Corp. a jury trial on its fraudulent inducement cause of action, which Credit Suisse is appealing. Briefing on the appeal of the foregoing jury trial issue was completed on April 29, 2011. On April 7, 2011, in light of its ruling in Ambac v. DLJ Mortgage; Index No. 600070/2011, Sup. Ct. (N.Y. County) dismissing Ambac’s fraud claim, the court indicated it is reconsidering its August 9, 2010 decision denying dismissal of MBIA Corp.’s fraudulent inducement cause of action.

On December 6, 2010, MBIA. Corp. commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, Westchester County, against Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley Capital Holdings LLC and Saxon Mortgage Services Inc. (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”). The complaint alleges fraud and breach of contract on the part of Morgan Stanley in connection with MBIA Corp.’s issuance of financial guarantee insurance on the MSM 2007-9SL Alt-A second-lien RMBS transaction, as well as breach of Saxon Mortgage Inc.’s servicing obligations. On February 1, 2011, Morgan Stanley filed its motion to dismiss. Argument on the motion to dismiss was heard on April 22, 2011 and a decision is pending.

In its determination of expected ultimate insurance losses on financial guarantee contracts, the Company has considered the probability of potential recoveries arising out of the contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace ineligible mortgage loans in certain second-lien mortgage securitizations, which include potential recoveries that may be affected by the legal actions against Countrywide, RFC, Credit Suisse, GMAC and Morgan Stanley. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in these actions.

On April 30, 2009, MBIA Corp. and LaCrosse commenced an action in the New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith, Inc. and Merrill Lynch International. The complaint (amended on May 15, 2009) seeks damages in an as yet indeterminate amount believed to be in excess of several hundred million dollars arising from alleged misrepresentations and breaches of contract in connection with eleven CDS contracts pursuant to which MBIA wrote protection in favor of Merrill Lynch and other parties on a total of $5.7 billion in CDOs arranged and marketed by Merrill Lynch. The complaint also seeks rescission of the CDS contracts. On April 9, 2010, the court denied in part and granted in part Merrill Lynch’s motion to dismiss. On April 13, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of its claims for fraud, negligent misrepresentation and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Merrill Lynch filed its cross notice of appeal regarding the breach of contract claim that survived the motion to dismiss. On February 1, 2011, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department affirmed the lower court’s dismissal and reversed the lower court’s ruling relating to MBIA Corp.’s breach of contract claim. MBIA Corp. intends to seek leave to appeal the Appellate Division’s ruling to the New York State Court of Appeals. MBIA Corp. will also shortly file a request to file a second amended complaint.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

 

On October 14, 2008, June 17, 2009 and August 25, 2009, MBIA Corp. submitted proofs of claim to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) with respect to the resolution of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. for both pre- and post-receivership amounts owed to MBIA Corp. as a result of IndyMac’s contractual breaches and fraud in connection with financial guarantee insurance issued by MBIA Corp. on securitizations of HELOCs. The proofs of claim were subsequently denied by the FDIC. MBIA Corp. has appealed the FDIC’s denial of its proofs of claim via a complaint, filed on May 29, 2009, against IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. and the FDIC, as receiver, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and alleges that IndyMac fraudulently induced MBIA Corp. to provide financial guarantee insurance on securitizations of HELOCs by breaching contractual representations and warranties as well as negligently and fraudulently misrepresenting the nature of the loans in the securitization pools and IndyMac’s adherence to its strict underwriting standards and guidelines. On February 8, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed its amended complaint against the FDIC both in its corporate capacity and as conservator/receiver of IndyMac Federal Bank, F.S.B. for breach of its contractual obligations as servicer and seller for the IndyMac transactions at issue and for unlawful disposition of IndyMac Federal Bank, F.S.B.’s assets in connection with the FDIC’s resolution of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. On May 21, 2010, the FDIC filed separate motions to dismiss both in its capacity as a corporate entity and as receiver/conservator. MBIA Corp. filed its opposition to the FDIC’s motions to dismiss on July 1, 2010. The FDIC’s replies were filed on July 30, 2010.

On September 22, 2009, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in Los Angeles Superior Court against IndyMac ABS, Inc., Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Trust, Series 2006-H4, Home Equity Mortgage Loans Asset-Backed Trust, Series INDS 2007-I, Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Trust, Series INDS 2007-2, Credit Suisse Securities (USA), L.L.C., UBS Securities, LLC, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Michael Perry, Scott Keys, Jill Jacobson, and Kevin Callan. The Complaint alleges that IndyMac Bank made numerous misrepresentations and omissions of material fact in connection with its sale of certain RMBS, including that the underlying collateral consisting of mortgage loans had been originated in strict compliance with its underwriting standards and guidelines. MBIA Corp. commenced this action as subrogee of the purchasers of the RMBS, who incurred severe losses that have been passed on to MBIA Corp. as the insurer of the income streams on these securities. On October 19, 2009, MBIA Corp. dismissed IndyMac ABS, Inc. from the action without prejudice. On October 23, 2009, defendants removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. On November 30, 2009, the IndyMac trusts were consensually dismissed from the litigation. On December 23, 2009, federal District Court Judge S. James Otero of the Central District of California granted MBIA Corp.’s motion to remand the case to Los Angeles Superior Court. On March 25, 2010, the case was reassigned to Judge Carl West. On June 4, 2010, defendants filed their Answers and Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. MBIA Corp.’s opposition was filed on June 23, 2010. On August 3, 2010, the court denied defendants Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings in its entirety. Phased discovery has begun.

On December 9, 2009, MBIA Corp. and LaCrosse commenced an action in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen Boerenleenbank B.A. (“Rabobank”), The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (“Bank of New York Mellon”), and Paragon CDO Ltd. MBIA, as controlling class under the relevant Indenture, commenced the action seeking declaratory relief and damages for breach of contract and negligence relating to the improper sale of certain reference obligations in the Paragon CDO portfolio pool. On January 15, 2010, Rabobank and Bank of New York Mellon filed their answers. On February 16, 2010, Paragon CDO Ltd. was dismissed from the case with prejudice. On April 16, 2010, Rabobank and Bank of New York Mellon filed respective pleadings opposing MBIA Corp.’s motion for summary judgment and in support of their own cross-motions for summary judgment. On March 25, 2011, the court denied summary judgment to defendants on plaintiffs’ claim for breach of contract that it failed to provide proper notice of the sale of the reference obligations at issue, denied plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment and granted summary judgment to defendants on plaintiffs’ remaining claims. Discovery will now commence on plaintiffs’ surviving claim.

 

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MBIA Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

 

Transformation Litigation

On March 11, 2009, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York against the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled Aurelius Capital Master, Ltd. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al., 09-cv-2242 (S.D.N.Y.). The lead plaintiffs, Aurelius Capital Master, Ltd., Aurelius Capital Partners, LP, Fir Tree Value Master Fund, L.P., Fir Tree Capital Opportunity Master Fund, L.P., and Fir Tree Mortgage Opportunity Master Fund, L.P. (the “Aurelius Plaintiffs”), purport to be acting as representatives for a class consisting of all holders of securities, instruments, or other obligations for which MBIA Corp., before February 18, 2009, issued financial guarantee insurance other than U.S. municipal/governmental bond securities. The complaint alleges that certain of the terms of the transactions entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries, which were approved by the NYSID, constituted fraudulent conveyances under §§ 273, 274 and 276 of New York Debtor and Creditor Law and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under New York common law. The Complaint seeks, inter alia, (a) a declaration that the alleged fraudulent conveyances are null and void and set aside, (b) a declaration that National is responsible for the insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp. up to February 17, 2009, and (c) an award of damages in an unspecified amount together with costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees in connection with the action. On February 11, 2010, Judge Sullivan entered an order denying MBIA’s motion to dismiss. On January 20, 2011, in light of the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court’s order dismissing the ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al. discussed below, Judge Sullivan stayed this action pending plaintiffs’ appeal to the New York State Court of Appeals.

On April 6, 2009, a complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware entitled Third Avenue Trust and Third Avenue Variable Series Trust v. MBIA Insurance Corp. and MBIA Insurance Corp. of Illinois, CA 4486-UCL. Plaintiffs allege that they are holders of approximately $400 million of surplus notes issued by MBIA Corp. (for purposes of this section, the “Notes”) in January 2008. The complaint alleges (Count I) that certain of the Transactions breached the terms of the Notes and the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated January 16, 2008 pursuant to which the Notes were issued. The complaint also alleges that certain transfers under the Transactions were fraudulent in that they allegedly left MBIA Corp. with “unreasonably small capital” (Count II), “insolvent” (Count III), and were made with an “actual intent to defraud” (Count IV). The complaint seeks a judgment (a) ordering the defendants to unwind the Transactions (b) declaring that the Transactions constituted a fraudulent conveyance, and (c) damages in an unspecified amount. On October 28, 2009, Vice Chancellor Strine entered an order dismissing the case without prejudice. On December 21, 2009, plaintiffs re-commenced the action in New York State Supreme Court. On February 10, 2011, the New York County Commercial Division announced that Hon. O. Peter Sherwood has been assigned to the case to replace Justice Yates, who has resigned. On March 15, 2011, Justice Sherwood recused himself and the case is now assigned to Justice Barbara Kapnick.

On May 13, 2009, a complaint was filed in the New York State Supreme Court against the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al. The plaintiffs, a group of domestic and international financial institutions, purport to be acting as holders of insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp. directly or indirectly guaranteeing the repayment of structured finance products. The complaint alleges that certain of the terms of the transactions entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries, which were approved by the NYSID, constituted fraudulent conveyances and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under New York law. The complaint seeks a judgment (a) ordering the defendants to unwind the Transactions, (b) declaring that the Transactions constituted a fraudulent conveyance, (c) declaring that MBIA Inc. and National are jointly and severally liable for the insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp., and (d) ordering damages in an unspecified amount. On February 17, 2010, the court denied defendants’ motion to dismiss. On January 11, 2011, the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s ruling and dismissed the complaint. On January 20, 2011, plaintiffs appealed to the New York State Court of Appeals and argument has been scheduled for May 31, 2011. On February 10, 2011, the New York County Commercial Division announced that Hon. O. Peter Sherwood has been assigned to the case to replace Justice Yates, who has resigned. On March 15, 2011, Justice Sherwood recused himself and the case is now assigned to Justice Barbara Kapnick. Seven of the original nineteen plaintiffs have dismissed their claims, several of which dismissals were related to the commutation of certain of their MBIA-insured exposures.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

 

On June 15, 2009, the same group of domestic and international financial institutions who filed the above described plenary action in New York State Supreme Court filed a proceeding pursuant to Article 78 of New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules in New York State Supreme Court, entitled ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. Eric Dinallo, in his capacity as Superintendent of the NYSID, the NYSID, MBIA Inc. et al. In its motions to dismiss the three above-referenced plenary actions, the Company argued that an Article 78 proceeding is the exclusive forum in which a plaintiff may raise any challenge to the Transformation approved by the Superintendent of the NYSID. The petition seeks a judgment (a) declaring void and to annul the approval letter of the Superintendent of the NYSID, (b) to recover dividends paid in connection with the Transactions, and (c) declaring that the approval letter does not extinguish plaintiffs’ direct claims against MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries in the plenary action described above. MBIA and the NYSID filed their answering papers to the Article 78 Petition on November 24, 2009 and argued that based on the record and facts, approval of Transformation and its constituent transactions was neither arbitrary nor capricious nor in violation of New York Insurance Law. As described above, seven of the original nineteen plaintiffs have dismissed their claims. Submission of all papers relating to the original petition is scheduled to be completed by October 31, 2011. On February 10, 2011, the New York County Commercial Division announced that Hon. O. Peter Sherwood has been assigned to the case to replace Justice Yates, who has resigned. On March 15, 2011, Justice Sherwood recused himself and the case is now assigned to Justice Barbara Kapnick.

On October 22, 2010, a similar group of domestic and international financial institutions who filed the above described Article 78 proceeding and related plenary action in New York State Supreme Court filed an additional proceeding pursuant to Article 78 of New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules in New York State Supreme Court, entitled Barclays Bank PLC et. al. v. James Wrynn in his capacity as Superintendent of the NYSID, the NYSID, MBIA Inc. et al. This petition challenges the NYSID’s June 22, 2010 approval of National’s restatement of earned surplus. On February 10, 2011, the New York County Commercial Division announced that Hon. O. Peter Sherwood has been assigned to the case to replace Justice Yates, who has resigned. On March 15, 2011, Justice Sherwood recused himself and the case is now assigned to Justice Barbara Kapnick. The proceeding is currently stayed.

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.

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.

Note 14: Subsequent Events

Refer to “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies” for information about legal proceedings that commenced after March 31, 2011.

 

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

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:

 

   

uncertainty regarding whether the Company will realize, or will be delayed in realizing, insurance loss recoveries expected in disputes with sellers/servicers of residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) transactions at the levels recorded in its financial statements;

 

   

the possibility that the Company will experience severe losses or liquidity needs due to increased deterioration in its insurance portfolios and in particular, due to the performance of RMBS and collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) including multi-sector and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) pools and commercial real estate (“CRE”) CDOs;

 

   

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

 

   

our ability to fully implement our strategic plan, including our ability to achieve high stable ratings for National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation and subsidiary (“National”) or any of our other insurance companies;

 

   

the resolution of litigation claims against the Company;

 

   

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

 

   

the possibility that unprecedented budget shortfalls will result in credit losses or impairments on obligations of state and local governments that we insure;

 

   

our ability to access capital and our exposure to significant fluctuations in liquidity and asset values within the global credit markets;

 

   

changes in the Company’s credit ratings;

 

   

competitive conditions for bond insurance, including potential entry into the public finance market of insurers of municipal bonds, and changes in the demand for financial guarantee insurance;

 

   

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

 

   

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, 2010. In addition, refer to “Note 1: Businesses, Developments, Risks and Uncertainties” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of certain risks and uncertainties related to our financial statements.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

MBIA operates the largest financial guarantee insurance business in the industry and is a provider of asset management advisory services. These activities are managed through three business segments: U.S. public finance insurance, structured finance and international insurance, and advisory services. Our U.S. public finance insurance business is operated through National, our structured finance and international insurance business is primarily operated through MBIA Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries (“MBIA Corp.”), and our 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.

 

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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 and MBIA’s Business Outlook

We believe the three months ended March 31, 2011 continued to suggest restrained economic recovery and sluggish growth within the U.S. employment, housing and financial sectors. MBIA’s business outlook should be viewed against this backdrop since these are some of the key economic conditions which, together with the ineligibility of mortgage loans supporting our insured RMBS transactions and the volatility of unrealized gains and losses on our insured derivatives, significantly impact our financial results. Since the fourth quarter of 2007, losses in our structured finance insurance business, particularly in the RMBS and CMBS sectors, have placed considerable stress on our financial results and our capacity to generate new business. RMBS losses were primarily driven by high levels of mortgage loans that did not meet eligibility criteria and were improperly serviced and included in MBIA Corp.-insured RMBS transactions.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we continued to identify ineligible loans that we believe the sellers/servicers have contractual obligations to cure, repurchase or replace, and we have recorded recoveries in connection with these contractual “put-back” rights based on our assessment of a distribution of possible outcomes. The estimated amount, likelihood and timing of potential recoveries are expected to be revised and supplemented based on facts and circumstances as they emerge, including developments in pending litigation proceedings in which we are seeking to enforce these put-back rights, analysis of the capacity of sellers/servicers or other responsible parties to pay our claims and other factors that could influence the amount, likelihood and timing of the recoveries. As of March 31, 2011, we recorded a total of $2.7 billion in expected recoveries related to our put-back claims of ineligible mortgage loans, including expected recoveries recorded in consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Our cumulative incurred loss related to these ineligible mortgage loans was $4.6 billion as of March 31, 2011. We believe that, based on the strength of our contract claims and the level of ineligible mortgage loans in our insured transactions, we are entitled to collect the full amount of our incurred loss related to these ineligible mortgage loans. However, the amount we actually collect could be less than our cumulative incurred loss due to a variety of factors including the risks inherent in litigation and the risk that the sellers/servicers will not be able to honor any claims or judgments that we have against them. A more detailed discussion of potential recoveries is presented within “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The reference herein to “ineligible” mortgage loans refers to those mortgage loans that the Company believes failed to comply with the representations and warranties made by the sellers/servicers of the securitizations to which those mortgage loans were sold with respect to such mortgage loans, including failure to comply with the related underwriting criteria, based on the Company’s assessment, which included information provided by third-party review firms, of such mortgage loans’ compliance with such representations and warranties. The Company’s assessment of the ineligibility of individual mortgage loans has been challenged/disputed by the sellers/servicers of the securitizations in litigation and there is no assurance that the Company’s determinations will prevail.

We recorded additional losses related to insured CMBS exposure in the three months ended March 31, 2011. While average debt service coverages on our portfolio have increased over the last year, debt coverage ratios on some loans have deteriorated. In addition, since CMBS foreclosures and liquidations have only recently begun to take place in this economic cycle, ultimate loss rates remain uncertain. However, we have also seen a deceleration in the pace of increases in the delinquency rate over the past several months and we have seen numerous loan modifications and extensions granted by the special servicers for these loans. The special servicers are responsible for managing loans that have defaulted and for conducting the remediation and foreclosure process with the objective of maximizing proceeds for all bondholders by avoiding or minimizing loan level losses.

In the first quarter of 2011, MBIA Corp. reached an agreement for the commutation of $3.3 billion of gross insured exposure comprising structured CMBS pools and an investment grade corporate CDO. The total amount the Company paid to commute these transactions was within its aggregate statutory loss reserve for such transactions. In consideration for the commutation of insured transactions, including the transactions described above, the Company has made and may in the future make payments to the counterparties the amounts of which, if any, may be less than or greater than any statutory loss reserves established for the respective transactions.

Our financial results have been extremely volatile since the fourth quarter of 2007 as a result of unrealized gains and losses on our insured credit derivatives, which we do not believe reflect the underlying economics of our business. We fully expect that both economic performance and reported financial results may remain volatile and uncertain for the remainder of 2011 as a result of actual and perceived future performance of our insured credit derivatives.

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW (continued)

 

Our ability to overcome these economic stresses will depend, in part, on the strength of our balance sheet. Our financial guarantee insurance business model has been significantly impacted by adverse credit rating actions by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”). Additionally, the pending litigation challenging the establishment of National has constrained our ability to generate new U.S. public finance financial guarantee insurance business. We do not expect to write significant new financial guarantee insurance business prior to an upgrade of our insurance financial strength ratings. We expect that once the pending litigation is resolved, we will be able to obtain the highest possible credit ratings for National and the market acceptance necessary to meet our objectives. Our ability to achieve these ratings is subject to rating agency criteria in effect at that time, including qualitative and quantitative factors, and the timing of any such upgrade is uncertain. There is no assurance that we will prevail in the pending litigation or be able to achieve such ratings. Failure by the Company to favorably resolve this litigation could have a material adverse effect on its future business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

In January 2011, S&P proposed, and requested comment on, changes to its rating methodology for financial guarantee insurers. If implemented in their current form, the proposed changes would substantially increase the amount of capital required to achieve S&P’s highest ratings and would incorporate additional qualitative considerations into the ratings process. As a result, our insurance subsidiaries could be downgraded in the near term, could be unable to achieve S&P’s highest ratings in the future, could choose not to take the steps necessary to obtain the highest S&P ratings, or could choose to stop carrying the S&P ratings. The absence of S&P’s highest ratings could adversely impact our ability to write new financial guarantee insurance business and the premiums we can charge, and could diminish the acceptance of our financial guarantee insurance products. We have joined other market participants in providing comments to S&P stating our concerns with certain of their proposed revisions.

Refer to “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion on the lawsuits filed against the Company.

Financial Highlights

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recorded a consolidated net loss of $1.1 billion or $5.68 per share compared with a consolidated net loss of $1.5 billion or $7.22 per share for the same period of 2010.

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 measure of fundamental 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 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 from 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, 2011, consolidated adjusted pre-tax income was $25 million compared with a loss of $90 million for the same period of 2010. The favorable change in adjusted pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 resulted principally from a reduction in insurance losses, partially offset by a reduction in fee revenue.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, our business segments continued to maintain adequate liquidity to meet their payment obligations. Within our insurance segments, National and MBIA Corp. had $540 million and $891 million, respectively, of cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2011. MBIA Corp.’s total liquidity position, including securities with quoted prices in active markets, was $927 million as of March 31, 2011. Our corporate segment and our wind-down operations had $407 million and $664 million, respectively, of cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2011.

Our consolidated book value (total shareholders’ equity) was $1.8 billion as of March 31, 2011, decreasing from $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2010 as a result of our consolidated net loss for the first quarter of 2011. Our consolidated book value per share as of March 31, 2011 was $8.81, decreasing from $14.18 as of December 31, 2010. The decrease in book value per share primarily resulted from unrealized losses related to changes in the fair value of our insured credit derivatives.

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW (continued)

 

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 over time, 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 from 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 consolidated book value per share to ABV per share.

As of March 31, 2011, ABV per share was $35.57, down 3% from $36.81 as of December 31, 2010. The decrease in ABV per share was primarily driven by the effect of applying our estimated full year tax rate to our first quarter results, an increase in impairments on insured credit derivatives, and foreign currency losses.

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 position 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. The following accounting estimates are viewed by management to be critical because they require significant judgment on the part of management. Management has discussed and reviewed the development, selection, and disclosure of critical accounting estimates with the Company’s Audit Committee. Financial results could be materially different if other methodologies were used or if management modified its assumptions.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

Loss and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves are established by loss reserve committees in each of our operating insurance companies (National, MBIA Insurance Corporation, and MBIA UK Insurance Limited (“MBIA UK”)) and reviewed by our executive Loss Reserve Committee, which consists of members of senior management. Loss and LAE reserves include case basis reserves and accruals for LAE incurred with respect to non-derivative financial guarantees. Case basis reserves represent our estimate of expected losses to be paid under insurance contracts, net of potential recoveries, on insured obligations that have defaulted or are expected to default. These reserves require the use of judgment and estimates with respect to the occurrence, timing and amount of paid losses and recoveries on insured obligations. Given that the reserves are based on such estimates and assumptions, there can be no assurance that the actual ultimate losses will not exceed such estimates resulting in the Company recognizing additional loss and LAE in earnings.

We take into account a number of variables in establishing specific case basis reserves for individual policies that depend primarily on the nature of the underlying insured obligation. These variables include the nature and creditworthiness of the issuers of the insured obligations, expected recovery rates on unsecured obligations, the projected cash flow or market value of any assets pledged as collateral on secured obligations, and the expected rates of recovery, cash flow or market values on such obligations or assets. Factors that may affect the actual ultimate realized losses for any policy include economic conditions and trends, levels of interest rates, rates of inflation, borrower behavior, the default rate and salvage values of specific collateral, and our ability to enforce contractual rights through litigation and otherwise. Our remediation strategy for an insured obligation that has defaulted or is expected to default may also have an impact on our loss reserves.

In establishing case basis loss reserves, we calculate the present value of probability-weighted estimated loss payments, net of estimated recoveries, using a discount rate equal to the risk-free rate applicable to the currency and the weighted average remaining life of the insurance contract. Yields on U.S. treasury offerings are used to discount loss reserves denominated in U.S. dollars, which represent the majority of our loss reserves. Similarly, yields on foreign government offerings are used to discount loss reserves denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

As of March 31, 2011 and over the last several years, the majority of our case basis reserves and insurance loss recoveries were related to insured RMBS transactions. Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a comprehensive discussion of our RMBS loss reserves and recoveries, including critical accounting estimates used in the determination of these amounts.

 

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

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES (continued)

 

Valuation of Financial Instruments

We have categorized our financial instruments measured at fair value into the three-level hierarchy according to accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures based on the significance of pricing inputs to the measurement in its entirety. Fair value measurements of financial instruments that use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are generally categorized as Level 1, and fair value measurements of financial instruments where significant inputs are not observable are generally categorized as Level 3. We categorize our financial instruments conservatively using the lowest level category at which we can generate reliable fair values. The determination of reliability requires management to exercise judgment. The degree of judgment used to determine the fair values of financial instruments generally correlates to the degree that pricing is not observable.

The fair market values of financial instruments held or issued by the Company are determined through the use of observable market data when available. Market data is obtained from a variety of third-party sources, including dealer quotes. If dealer quotes are not available for an instrument that is infrequently traded, we use alternate valuation methods, including either dealer quotes for similar contracts or modeling using market data inputs. The use of alternate valuation methods generally requires considerable judgment in the application of estimates and assumptions and changes to these variables may produce materially different values.

The fair value pricing of assets and liabilities is a function of many components which include interest rate risk, market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. For financial instruments that are internally valued by the Company, as well as those for which the Company uses broker quotes or pricing services, credit risk is typically incorporated by using appropriate credit spreads or discount rates as inputs. 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.

1. Financial Assets

The Company’s financial assets are primarily debt and equity investments. The majority of these assets are accounted for in accordance with the accounting principles for certain investments in debt and equity securities. This guidance requires all debt instruments and certain equity instruments to be classified in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets according to their purpose and, depending on that classification, to be carried at either amortized cost or fair value. Most valuations of the Company’s financial assets use observable market-based inputs, including dealer quotes when available. However, since mid-2007, illiquidity in the credit markets has significantly reduced the availability of observable market data. Other financial assets that require fair value reporting or disclosures within the Company’s financial statements are valued based on the estimated value of the underlying collateral or the Company’s estimate of discounted cash flows.

Assets with fair values derived from broker quotes or pricing services can be classified within Level 1, 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy, depending on the observability of inputs. Typically we receive one broker quote or pricing service value for each instrument, which represents a non-binding indication of value. We review the assumptions, inputs and methodologies used by pricing services to obtain: (i) reasonable assurance that the prices used in our valuations reflect fair value, and (ii) a basis for classification within the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. For example, broker quoted prices are classified as Level 3 if we determine that the inputs used are not market-based and observable. Pricing service data is received monthly and we use a variety of methods to analyze the reasonableness of these third-party valuations, including comparisons to similar quality and maturity assets, internal modeling of implied credit spreads by sector and quality, comparison to published spread estimates, and assessment relative to comparable dealer offerings or any actual transactions from a recent time period. When we believe a third-party quotation differs significantly from our internal value, whether higher or lower, we review our data or assumptions with the provider. The price provider may subsequently provide an updated price. We do not make any internal adjustments to prices provided by a broker or pricing service.

While we review third-party prices for reasonableness, we are not the source for any of the inputs or assumptions used in developing those prices. Additionally, we do not have access to the specific models used by the third-party price providers. As a result, we cannot provide the potential impact of reasonably likely changes in inputs and assumptions used in these models. Consequently, we are unable to determine if such reasonably likely changes in inputs and assumptions would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES (continued)

 

2. Financial Liabilities

The Company’s financial instruments categorized as liabilities primarily consist of insured derivatives within our insurance operations, derivatives used in our wind-down operations, investment agreements and medium-term notes (“MTNs”) within our wind-down operations, and debt issued for general corporate purposes. Investment agreements, MTNs, and corporate debt are typically recorded at face value adjusted for premiums or discounts. The fair values of these financial instruments are generally not reported within the Company’s financial statements but are disclosed in the accompanying notes. However, financial liabilities which qualify as part of fair value hedging arrangements under the provisions of derivative and hedging are reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at values that reflect changes in the risks being hedged, which offset changes in the values of the hedging instruments. MBIA uses cash flow modeling techniques to estimate the value of its liabilities that qualify as hedged obligations, incorporating current market data. Financial liabilities that the Company has elected to fair value or that require fair value reporting or disclosures within the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are valued based on either estimated value of the underlying collateral, the Company’s or a third-party’s estimate of discounted cash flows, or quoted market values for similar transactions. Refer to the following “3. Derivatives” section for information about these financial liabilities.

3. Derivatives

MBIA has entered into derivative transactions both within its financial guarantee insurance business and in hedging risks associated with its assets and liabilities. Credit default swap (“CDS”) contracts are also used in our wind-down operations to replicate investments in cash assets consistent with the risk tolerance and criteria for this business. We account for derivative transactions in accordance with the accounting principles for derivatives and hedging activities, which require that all such transactions be recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The fair value of derivative instruments is determined as the amount that would be received to sell the derivative when in an asset position (when the Company would be owed money under the derivative in a termination) or transfer the derivative when in a liability position (when the Company would owe money under the derivative in a termination). Changes in the fair value of derivatives, exclusive of insured derivatives, are recorded each period in current earnings within “Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange” on our consolidated statements of operations or in shareholders’ equity within “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on our consolidated balance sheets depending on whether the derivative is designated as a hedge, and if so designated, the type of hedge.

Our derivative liabilities are primarily insured credit derivatives that reference structured pools of cash securities and CDSs. We generally insured the most senior liabilities of such transactions, and at the inception of transactions our exposure generally had more subordination than needed to achieve triple-A ratings from credit rating agencies. The collateral backing our insured derivatives was cash securities and CDSs referencing primarily corporate, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, CRE loans and CDO securities.

Our 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, we estimate their fair values in a hypothetical market based on internal and third-party models simulating what a company similar to us would charge to assume our position in the transaction at the measurement date. This pricing would be based on expected loss of the exposure. We review our 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. For example, new insured transactions that resemble existing (previously insured) transactions would be considered, as would negotiated settlements of existing transactions.

We may from time to time make changes in our valuation techniques if the change results in a measurement that we believe is equally or more representative of fair value under current circumstances.

Refer to “Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a comprehensive discussion of our valuation process for insured derivatives, including critical accounting estimates.

Fair Value Hierarchy—Level 3

Accounting principles for fair value measurements and disclosures establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Instruments that trade infrequently and, therefore, have little or no price transparency are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Also included in Level 3 are financial instruments that have significant unobservable inputs deemed significant to the instrument’s overall fair value.

 

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

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES (continued)

 

The following table presents the fair values of assets and liabilities recorded on our consolidated balance sheets that are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

00000000 00000000

In millions

   March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
Investments      

Foreign governments(1)

   $ 19       $ 11   

Corporate obligations(2)

     211         246   

Mortgage-backed securities:

     

Residential mortgage-backed agency(1)

     -         41   

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency(1)

     43         48   

Commercial mortgage-backed(1)

     51         41   

Asset-backed securities:

     

Collateralized debt obligations(2)

     123         191   

Other asset-backed(2)

     323         350   

State and municipal bonds:

     

Taxable bonds(1)

     12         14   

Tax-exempt bonds(1)

     34         36   
Derivative assets:      

Interest rate derivatives(2)

     4         5   
Assets of consolidated VIEs:      

Corporate obligations(1)

     82         80   

Mortgage-backed securities:

     

Residential mortgage-backed non-agency(1)

     18         40   

Commercial mortgage-backed(1)

     29         23   

Asset-backed securities:

     

Collateralized debt obligations(2)

     219         245   

Other asset-backed(2)

     81         83   

Loans receivable(2)

     2,327         2,183   

Loan repurchase commitments(2)

     867         835   
Derivative assets:      

Credit derivatives(2)

     514         687   
                 
Total Level 3 assets at fair value    $ 4,957       $ 5,159   
                 
Medium-term notes(2)    $ 163       $ 116   
Derivative liabilities:      

Credit derivatives(2)

     5,672         4,350   
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:      

VIE notes(2)

     4,953         4,673   

Credit derivatives(1)

     1,332         1,455   

Currency derivatives(2)

     12         14   
                 
Total Level 3 liabilities at fair value    $ 12,132       $ 10,608   
                 

 

(1) -  Valued using quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable.

(2) -  Valued using quoted prices for which the inputs are unobservable or valuation models with significant unobservable inputs.

Level 3 assets represented approximately 24% of total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Level 3 liabilities represented approximately 81% and 78% of total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Refer to “Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about assets and liabilities classified as Level 3.

 

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

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES (continued)

 

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recorded with respect to the temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts in the Company’s financial statements that will result in deductible or taxable amounts in future years when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Our temporary differences relate principally to unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments and derivatives, invested asset impairments, premium revenue recognition, deferred acquisition costs, and deferred compensation.

Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that more likely than not will be realized. Changes in the amount of a valuation allowance are reflected within our provision for income taxes in our consolidated statement of operations. Determining whether to establish a valuation allowance and, if so, the amount of the valuation allowance requires management to exercise judgment and make assumptions regarding whether such tax benefits will be realized in future periods. All evidence, both positive and negative, needs to be identified and considered in making this determination. Future realization of the existing deferred tax asset ultimately depends on management’s estimate of the future profitability and existence of sufficient taxable income of appropriate character (for example, ordinary income versus capital gains) within the carry-forward period available under the tax law. In the event that the Company’s estimate of taxable income is less than that required to utilize the full amount of any deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance is established. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s valuation allowance included in its deferred tax asset was $363 million and $376 million, respectively, and primarily related to realized losses on sales of investments being carried forward as capital losses and impairments of certain assets characterized as capital losses.

Refer to “Note 10: Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about the Company’s deferred income taxes.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Refer to “Note 3: Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on accounting guidance recently adopted by the Company, as well as recent accounting developments relating to guidance not yet adopted by the Company.

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, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions except for per share amounts

   2011      2010  
Total revenues (losses)    $ (1,400)       $ (1,856)   
Total expenses      156         403   
                 
Pre-tax income (loss)    $ (1,556)       $ (2,259)   
Provision (benefit) for income taxes      (419)         (779)   
                 
Net income (loss)    $ (1,137)       $ (1,480)   
                 
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders    $ (1,137)       $ (1,480)   
                 
Net income (loss) per share    $ (5.68)       $ (7.22)   

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recorded a consolidated net loss of $1.1 billion or $5.68 per share compared with a consolidated net loss of $1.5 billion or $7.22 per share for the same period of 2010. Weighted average shares outstanding totaled 200 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, down 2% from the same period of 2010 as a result of repurchases of common stock by the Company. Consolidated revenues (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 reported in the above table include $1.7 billion of net losses on insured derivatives compared with $2.2 billion of net losses in the same period of 2010. The net losses on insured derivatives in 2011 and 2010 principally resulted from changes in the market perception of MBIA Corp.’s credit risk, which resulted in a tightening of the Company’s credit spreads and an improvement in the Company’s recovery rate. Consolidated expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 include $36 million of net gains from financial guarantee insurance recoveries compared with $214 million of net insurance losses incurred in the same period of 2010. The insurance recoveries in 2011 were principally related to our RMBS exposure, partially offset by losses incurred on CDO and other mortgage exposure. The net insurance losses in 2010 were principally related to our insured RMBS exposure.

 

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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 consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $7 million of losses before income taxes related to consolidated VIEs, after the elimination of intercompany revenues and expenses, compared with income of $45 million for the same period of 2010. 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.

Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

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, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

   2011      2010  
Total revenues    $ 332       $ 398   
Total expenses      307         488   
                 
Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)      25         (90)   
Additions to adjusted pre-tax income (loss):      

Impact of consolidating certain VIEs

     15         (76)   

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

     (1,384)         (2,236)   
Subtractions from adjusted pre-tax income (loss):      

Impairments on insured credit derivatives

     212         (143)   
                 
Pre-tax income (loss)    $ (1,556)       $ (2,259)   
                 

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, consolidated adjusted pre-tax income was $25 million compared with a loss of $90 million for the same period of 2010. Total revenues included in adjusted pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased compared with the same period of 2010 primarily as a result of lower fee and premium revenue, partially offset by gains on the extinguishment of debt within our wind-down operations and lower net losses on financial instruments and impairments on investments. Higher fee revenue in the first quarter of 2010 related to a reinsurance commutation. Total expenses included in adjusted pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased compared with the same period of 2010 primarily as a result of significantly lower losses and LAE on insurance policies and, to a lesser extent, lower policy acquisition expense and lower interest expense within our wind-down operation. Losses and LAE on insurance policies for the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaled $150 million and were primarily driven by changes in our estimate of expected payments related to insured CDS contracts within our CMBS exposure. Partially offsetting insured CDS losses were $34 million of net recovery gains on aggregate financial guarantee insurance contracts resulting from changes in our estimate of recoveries from ineligible mortgage loans within insured RMBS transactions.

Adjusted Book Value

As of March 31, 2011, ABV per share (a non-GAAP measure) was $35.57, down 3% from $36.81 as of December 31, 2010. The decrease in ABV per share was primarily driven by the effect of applying our estimated full year tax rate to our first quarter results, an increase in impairments on insured credit derivatives, and foreign currency losses. ABV declined despite positive adjusted pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 principally due to the effect of income taxes on ABV, the amortization of unearned premium revenue, which was recorded in adjusted pre-tax income in the current period but in ABV when the related insurance policies were written and foreign currency losses recorded directly to shareholders’ equity.

 

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

 

0000000000 0000000000

In thousands except per share data

   As of
March 31, 2011
     As of
December 31, 2010
 
Total shareholders’ equity of MBIA Inc.    $ 1,759,090       $ 2,832,139   
Basic common shares outstanding      199,771         199,746   
Book value per share    $ 8.81       $ 14.18   
Additions to book value per share (after-tax):      

Net unearned premium revenue(1)(2)

     13.23         13.61   

Deferred acquisition costs

     (1.31)         (1.35)   

Present value of insured derivative installment revenue(3)

     1.59         1.71   

Cumulative impairments on insured credit derivatives(3)

     (8.05)         (8.69)   
Subtractions from book value per share (after-tax):      

Impact of consolidating certain VIEs(4)

     (0.69)         (0.50)   

Cumulative unrealized loss on insured credit derivatives

     (19.08)         (14.58)   

Net unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income

     (1.53)         (2.27)   
                 
Total adjustments per share      26.76         22.63   
                 
Adjusted book value per share    $ 35.57       $ 36.81   
                 

 

(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 5.0%.

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

U.S. Public Finance Insurance

Our U.S. public finance insurance business is 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 insured obligations upon default or otherwise. National’s guarantees insure municipal bonds, including tax-exempt and taxable indebtedness of U.S. political subdivisions, as well as 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.

 

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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 our U.S. public finance insurance segment results for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

0000000000 0000000000 0000000000

In millions

   2011      2010      Percent Change
2011 vs. 2010
 
Net premiums earned    $ 89       $ 114         -22%   
Net investment income      58         62         -6%   
Fees and reimbursements      2         15         -89%   
Change in fair value of insured derivatives:         

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

     0         0         n/m   

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

     0         0         n/m   
                          

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

     0         0         n/m   
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      3         2         40%   
Other net realized gains (losses)      -         0         n/m   
                          

Total revenues

     152         193         -21%   
                          
Losses and loss adjustment      3         26         -87%   
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs      19         22         -13%   
Operating      19         13         43%   
                          

Total expenses

     41         61         -33%   
                          
Pre-tax income (loss)    $ 111       $ 132         -16%   
                          

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

During the first quarter of 2011, we did not write any new U.S. public finance insurance. The lack of insurance writings in the U.S. public finance segment reflects the insurance financial strength credit ratings assigned to National and the impact of litigation over the formation of National in 2009. We do not expect to write a material amount of new business prior to an upgrade of our insurance financial strength ratings and market acceptance that such ratings will be stable in the future. The timing of any such upgrade is uncertain and will depend on a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors used by the rating agencies in their evaluation, including the resolution of pending litigation. We believe that we will resume writing business in the U.S. public finance market before actively re-engaging in the structured finance and international markets.

CREDIT QUALITY 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.

The following table presents the credit quality distribution of MBIA’s U.S. public finance outstanding gross par insured as of March 31, 2011 and 2010. 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 MBIA equivalent rating is used.

 

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
     Gross Par Outstanding as of March 31,  
In millions    2011      2010  

Rating

   Amount      %      Amount      %  

AAA

   $ 27,362         5.7%       $ 27,464         5.3%   

AA

     219,192         46.2%         237,529         45.4%   

A

     180,354         38.0%         204,254         39.1%   

BBB

     44,489         9.4%         50,263         9.6%   

Below investment grade

     3,352         0.7%         3,253         0.6%   
                                   

Total

   $ 474,749         100.0%       $ 522,763         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)

 

The credit quality distribution of our U.S. public finance insurance exposure as of March 31, 2011 remained relatively consistent with March 31, 2010. Total U.S. public finance insurance gross par outstanding rated A or above, before giving effect to National’s guarantee, was 90% and gross par outstanding rated below investment grade, before giving effect to National’s guarantee, was less than 1% as of March 31, 2011 and 2010.

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. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, U.S. public finance net premiums earned were $89 million compared with $114 million for the same period of 2010. The decrease was due to a decline in scheduled premiums earned of $11 million and a decline in premiums earned from refunding activity of $14 million. Scheduled premium earnings declined due to the maturity of insured issues within our U.S. public finance portfolio with no material new insurance writings. Additionally, refunding activity over the past several years has accelerated premium earnings in prior periods and reduced the amount of premiums that would have been earned in the current period. The Company experienced a decrease in the volume of refunding activity of insured issues compared with the same period of 2010, which is consistent with the trend in the U.S. public finance bond market.

NET INVESTMENT INCOME For the three months ended March 31, 2011, our U.S. public finance insurance investment portfolio generated $58 million of net investment income compared with $62 million for the same period of 2010. The decrease in net investment income for 2011 was primarily due to declining average interest rates on the repurchase and reverse repurchase transactions with our asset/liability products segment and lower yields on new investment purchases.

National maintains simultaneous repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements with our asset/liability products segment, which provides yield enhancement to our U.S. public finance insurance investment portfolio as a result of increased net interest earnings from these collective agreements. The net average interest rates on the transactions were 0.23% and 0.70% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of March 31, 2011, the notional amount utilized under these agreements was $1.8 billion and the fair value of collateral pledged by National under these agreements was $1.9 billion.

Investments at amortized cost as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are presented in the following table:

 

     March 31, 2011      December 31, 2010  

In millions

   Investments at
Amortized Cost
     Pre-tax
yield(1)
     Investments at
Amortized Cost
     Pre-tax
yield(1)
 
Fixed-income securities:            

Tax-exempt

   $ 2,537         4.35%       $ 2,748         4.35%   

Taxable

     2,335         3.94%         2,395         3.74%   

Short-term

     444         1.65%         343         2.51%   
                       
Total fixed-income    $ 5,316         3.94%       $ 5,486         3.97%   
Other      2            3      
                       
Total    $ 5,318          $ 5,489      
                       

 

(1) - Estimated yield-to-maturity.

FEES AND REIMBURSEMENTS For the three months ended March 31, 2011, fees and reimbursements decreased to $2 million from $15 million for the same period of 2010. The decrease was primarily due to the receipt, in 2010, of amounts in excess of those which were contractually due to National upon the termination of a reinsurance agreement as compensation for potential future performance volatility related to reassumed exposures. Due to the transaction-specific nature inherent in fees and reimbursements, these revenues can vary significantly period to period.

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

Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” and “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.

 

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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 information about our U.S. public finance insurance loss and LAE reserves and recoverables as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, as well as our related loss and LAE provision for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

In millions

   As of March 31,
2011
     As of December 31,
2010
     Percent Change
2011 vs. 2010
 
Gross loss and LAE reserves    $ 438       $ 623         -30%   
Expected recoveries on unpaid losses      232         400         -42%   
                          
Loss and LAE reserves    $ 206       $ 223         -8%   
                          
Insurance loss recoverable    $ 75       $ 73         3%   
Insurance loss recoverable - ceded(1)    $ 3       $ 2         2%   
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses    $ 9       $ 9         1%   

 

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

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent Change  

In millions

   2011      2010      2011 vs. 2010  
Losses and LAE related to actual and expected payments    $ (162)       $ 216         n/m   
Recoveries of actual and expected payments      165         (189)         n/m   
                          
Gross losses incurred      3         27         -87%   
Reinsurance      -         (1)         -92%   
                          
Losses and loss adjustment expenses    $ 3       $ 26         -87%   
                          

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, losses and LAE incurred of $3 million primarily related to a housing transaction and a not-for-profit transaction. Additionally, a reversal of loss and LAE reserves related to lower expected future claim payments on a tax-backed transaction was offset by the reversal of the corresponding recoveries of such payments.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, losses and LAE incurred of $26 million primarily related to a student loan transaction and a health care transaction. Additionally, losses and LAE incurred related to a gaming revenue transaction was offset by expected recovery of the full amount of such losses.

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 for one issue that has no expected future claim payments or par outstanding but for which the Company is obligated to pay LAE incurred in prior periods. As of March 31, 2011, loss and LAE reserves comprised of the following:

 

$ in millions

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

Issues with defaults

     12       $ 202       $ 868   

Issues without defaults

     4         4         142   
                          
Total gross of reinsurance      16       $ 206       $ 1,010   
                          

 

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

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES U.S. public finance insurance segment expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are presented in the following table:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent Change  

In millions

   2011      2010      2011 vs. 2010  
Gross expenses    $ 19       $ 13         43%   
                          
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs    $ 19       $ 22         -13%   
Operating      19         13         43%   
                          

Total insurance operating expenses

   $ 38       $ 35         7%   
                          

Gross expenses represent total insurance expenses before the deferral of any policy acquisition costs. Gross expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared with the same period of 2010 primarily due to higher legal costs associated with litigation and higher expenses related to support services provided by Optinuity Alliance Resources Corp. (“Optinuity”).

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared with the same period of 2010, consistent with the amortization of the related unearned premium revenue. Operating expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared with the same period of 2010 as a result of the increase in gross expenses. We did not defer a material amount of policy acquisition costs during 2011 or 2010.

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

The following table presents the adjusted pre-tax income of our U.S. public finance insurance segment, and a reconciliation of adjusted pre-tax income to GAAP pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent Change  

In millions

   2011      2010      2011 vs. 2010  
Adjusted total revenues    $ 152       $ 193         -21%   
Adjusted total expenses      41         61         -33%   
                          
Adjusted pre-tax income      111         132         -16%   
Additions to adjusted pre-tax income:         

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

     0         0         n/m   
                          

Pre-tax income

   $ 111       $ 132         -16%   
                          

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no material differences between adjusted pre-tax income and GAAP pre-tax income.

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 investment agreement 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, MBIA Corp. would make such payments under its insurance policies. MBIA Corp. also insured debt obligations of other affiliates, including MBIA Global Funding, LLC (“GFL”) and Meridian Funding Company, LLC (“Meridian”), and provides reinsurance to its insurance subsidiaries. MBIA Corp. has also written insurance policies guaranteeing the obligations of an affiliate, LaCrosse Financial Products, LLC 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.

 

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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 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. 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 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 mortgages, insurance policies, consumer loans, corporate loans and bonds, trade and export receivables, leases for equipment, aircraft and real property.

In certain cases, we may be required to consolidate entities established as part of securitizations when we insure the assets or liabilities of those entities and in connection with remediations or renegotiations of 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, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent Change  

In millions

   2011      2010      2011 vs. 2010  
Net premiums earned    $ 67       $ 71         -6%   
Net investment income      31         34         -8%   
Fees and reimbursements      27         124         -78%   
Change in fair value of insured derivatives:         

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

     (354)         (34)         n/m   

Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives

     (1,323)         (2,211)         -40%   
                          

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

     (1,677)         (2,245)         -25%   
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange      33         2         n/m   
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments      (2)         (2)         -12%   
Other net realized gains (losses)      1         0         n/m   
Revenues of consolidated VIEs:         

Net investment income

     13         10         27%   

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

     (22)         106         -121%   

Other net realized gains (losses)

     -         (74)         -100%   
                          

Total revenues

     (1,529)         (1,974)         -23%   
                          
Losses and loss adjustment      (39)         189         -121%   
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs      33         48         -32%   
Operating      37         26         41%   
Interest      34         35         -3%   
Expenses of consolidated VIEs:         

Operating

     10         6         68%   

Interest

     10         10         1%   
                          

Total expenses

     85         314         -73%   
                          
Pre-tax income (loss)    $ (1,614)       $ (2,288)         -29%   
                          

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we did not write any new structured finance and international insurance and for the three months ended March 31, 2010, we did not write a meaningful amount of structured finance and international insurance. The lack of insurance writings in our structured finance and international insurance segment reflects the impact of the downgrades of MBIA Corp.’s insurance financial strength ratings by the major rating agencies, which occurred in 2008 and again in 2009. The Company does not expect to write a material amount of new business prior to an upgrade of the insurance financial strength ratings of MBIA Corp. and market acceptance that such ratings will be stable in the future. The timing of any such upgrade is uncertain and will depend on a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors used by the rating agencies in their evaluation, including the resolution of pending litigation.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

CREDIT QUALITY 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. The following table presents the credit quality distribution of our structured finance and international gross par outstanding as of March 31, 2011 and 2010. 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 MBIA equivalent rating is used.

 

000000000000 000000000000 000000000000 000000000000
     Gross Par Outstanding as of March 31,  
In millions    2011      2010  

Rating

   Amount      %      Amount      %  

AAA

           $ 54,599         29.5%               $ 84,782         38.0%   

AA

     19,299         10.4%         20,842         9.3%   

A

     32,070         17.3%         34,681         15.6%   

BBB

     39,931         21.5%         42,927         19.3%   

Below investment grade

     39,415         21.3%         39,594         17.8%   
                                   

Total(1)

           $ 185,314         100.0%               $ 222,826         100.0%   
                                   

 

(1) - Includes gross par outstanding of $17.9 billion and $22.0 billion related to our consolidated VIEs as of March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As of March 31, 2011, total structured finance and international gross par outstanding rated A or above, before giving effect to MBIA’s guarantee, was 57% compared with 63% as of March 31, 2010. Additionally, as of March 31, 2011 and 2010, 21% and 18%, respectively, of gross par outstanding was rated below investment grade. Adverse changes in the ratings of our structured finance and international insured gross par outstanding were principally a result of ratings downgrades on CDO and commercial mortgage securitizations.

NET PREMIUMS EARNED Net premiums earned on non-derivative financial guarantees for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 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.

 

00000000 00000000 00000000
     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent Change  

In millions

   2011      2010      2011 vs. 2010  
Net premiums earned:         

U.S.

   $ 29       $ 36         -20%   

Non-U.S.

     38         35         9%   
                          

Total net premiums earned

   $ 67       $ 71         -6%   
                          

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 structured finance and international net premiums earned were $67 million compared with $71 million for the same period of 2010. The decrease was due to the maturity and termination of insured transactions with no new material insurance writings.

NET INVESTMENT INCOME For the three months ended March 31, 2011, our structured finance and international insurance investment portfolio generated $31 million of net investment income compared with $34 million for the same period of 2010. The decrease in net investment income was primarily due to lower average asset balances in 2011 as a result of claim payments and lower yields on new investment purchases.

MBIA Corp., as lender, maintained a secured lending agreement with our asset/liability products segment, which totaled $2.0 billion at inception. Interest income on this arrangement, totaling approximately $5 million and $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is included in our structured finance and international insurance net investment income. As of March 31, 2011, the amount outstanding from our asset/liability products segment under this agreement was $800 million, and reflects the repayment of $175 million during the first quarter of 2011.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Investment asset balances at amortized cost as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are presented in the following table:

 

     March 31, 2011      December 31, 2010  

In millions

   Investments at
Amortized Cost
     Pre-tax
yield(1)
     Investments at
Amortized Cost
     Pre-tax
yield(1)
 
Fixed-income securities:            

Tax-exempt

     $ 1         1.27%         $ 50         3.84%   

Taxable

     1,176         6.77%         1,480         5.81%   

Short-term

     809         0.85%         673         1.45%   
                             
Total fixed-income      $ 1,986         4.36%         $ 2,203         4.43%   
Secured loan from affiliate      800            975      
Other      10            10      
                       
Total      $ 2,796            $ 3,188      
                       

 

(1) - Estimated yield-to-maturity.

FEES AND REIMBURSEMENTS For the three months ended March 31, 2011, fees and reimbursements were $27 million compared with $124 million for the same period of 2010. The decrease was primarily due to the receipt, in 2010, of amounts in excess of those which were contractually due to MBIA Corp. upon the termination of a reinsurance agreement as compensation for potential future performance volatility related to reassumed exposures. Due to the transaction-specific nature inherent in fees and reimbursements, these revenues can vary significantly period to period.

NET CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF INSURED DERIVATIVES The following table presents the net premiums earned related to derivatives and the components of the net change in fair value of insured derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

0000000000 0000000000 0000000000
     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent Change  

In millions

   2011      2010      2011 vs. 2010  
Net premiums and fees earned on insured derivatives    $ 32       $ 29         10%   
Realized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      (386)         (63)         n/m   
                          

Realized gains (losses) and other settlements on insured derivatives

     (354)         (34)         n/m   
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives      (1,323)         (2,211)         -40%   
                          

Net change in fair value of insured derivatives

   $ (1,677)       $ (2,245)         -25%   
                          

 

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. As a result, premiums earned related to insured credit derivatives will decrease over time as exposure to such transactions declines. Realized losses on insured derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily resulted from settlement payments related to commutations of structured CMBS pool transactions. Realized losses on insured derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2010 resulted from payments related to multi-sector CDO transactions.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, unrealized losses on insured derivatives were principally the result of the effects of MBIA’s nonperformance risk on its derivative liability, which resulted from a tightening of its own credit spreads and an improvement in the Company’s recovery rate. This was partially offset by improved collateral pricing and the reversal of unrealized losses from the commutations of structured CMBS pool transactions. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, unrealized losses on insured derivatives were principally the result of the effects of MBIA’s nonperformance risk on its derivative liability.

As of March 31, 2011, MBIA’s Corp.’s five-year CDS cost was 40% upfront plus 5% per annum and as of March 31, 2010 its five-year CDS cost was 55.25 % upfront plus 5% per annum. 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 8.63% upfront plus 5% per annum to 42.5% upfront plus 5% per annum for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

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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, 2011, we had $97.0 billion of gross par outstanding on insured credit derivatives compared with $99.5 billion as of December 31, 2010. The decrease in gross par outstanding was primarily due to contractual terminations and maturities. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, five insured credit derivative transactions, representing $3.4 billion in gross par outstanding, had either matured or were contractually settled prior to maturity. Offsetting the decrease in gross par were increases from the retranslation of foreign currency exposure at current foreign currency rates.

Since our insured credit derivatives have similar terms, conditions, risks, and economic profiles to 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 the present values of our estimates of expected future claim payments for such transactions using a discount rate of 5.93%, the same rate used to calculate our statutory loss reserves as of March 31, 2011. We estimate that additional credit impairments on insured derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $178 million across 25 insured issues. Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2007 through March 31, 2011, total credit impairments on insured derivatives were estimated at $3.9 billion across 39 insured issues, inclusive of 33 insured issues for which we made settlement and claim payments of $1.7 billion, net of reinsurance and collections. Accordingly, we expect to realize additional net losses of $2.2 billion.

Our estimate of credit impairments, a non-GAAP measure, may differ from the fair values recorded in our financial statements. Although the Company’s income statement includes the fair values, the Company regards the changes in credit impairment estimates as critical information for investors since the credit impairment estimates reflect the present values of amounts it expects to pay in claims net of recoveries with respect to insured credit derivatives. 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 “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about legal actions commenced by MBIA with respect to certain CDS contracts. The outcome of such legal actions may affect the amount of realized losses ultimately incurred by the Company, although the damages potentially awarded to the Company upon prevailing in the litigation are not directly considered in determining the impairment of the insured credit derivative contracts. Costs associated with mitigating credit impairments on insured derivatives are expensed as incurred and included within “Operating expenses” in our consolidated statements of operations. Such costs totaled approximately $7 million and $207 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

REVENUES OF CONSOLIDATED VIEs For the three months ended March 31, 2011, total revenues of consolidated VIEs were a loss of $9 million compared with total revenues of $42 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease in the revenues of consolidated VIEs was principally driven by net losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange as a result of changes in the fair value of VIE assets and liabilities recorded through earnings. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net losses on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange were $22 million and primarily resulted from an improvement in the market’s perception of MBIA’s credit risk. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, net gains on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange were $106 million and primarily resulted from an increase in the value of loan repurchase commitment assets in RMBS securitizations. Offsetting net gains in the first quarter of 2010 were $74 million of net losses resulting from the basis difference between MBIA’s carry value of certain assets and liabilities and that of VIEs consolidated in the first quarter of 2010.

LOSSES 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 issues. 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.

 

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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 provides a summary of our loss activity for the three months ended March 31, 2011 on all insurance policies (including financial guarantee insurance policies and insured credit derivatives) measured using discounted probability-weighted net cash flows. For financial guarantee policies, loss activity represents aggregate losses and LAE measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP and excludes the elimination of any loss reserves related to the consolidation of VIEs. For insured credit derivatives, loss activity represents credit impairments measured in accordance with statutory accounting principles and excludes realized and unrealized gains and losses on insured credit derivatives. Refer to the “Net Change in Fair Value of Insured Derivatives” section included herein for additional information about payments we have made or expect to make under insured credit derivative transactions. The Company believes this aggregated information is important for an understanding of changes in the discounted values of loss payments we expect to make on all insurance contracts, net of recoveries.

 

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2011  

In millions

   RMBS      ABS      CMBS      Other      Total  
Change in actual and expected payments    $ 80       $ 71       $ 135       $ 16       $ 302   
Change in actual and expected salvage      (153)         (2)         -         (0)         (155)   
                                            
Total economic losses    $ (73)       $ 69       $ 135       $ 16       $ 147   
                                            

The following table presents our total economic losses by type of insurance contract:

 

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2011  

In millions

   RMBS     ABS      CMBS      Other      Total  
Financial guarantee insurance losses and LAE    $ (63   $ 8       $ -       $ 16       $ (39
Financial guarantee insurance losses and LAE related to consolidated VIEs (eliminated in consolidation)      (10     12         -         -         2   
Insured credit derivative impairments and LAE      -        49         135         -         184   
                                           
Total economic losses    $ (73   $ 69       $ 135       $ 16       $ 147   
                                           

Summary of Financial Guarantee Insurance Losses and LAE

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. Our insurance loss recoverable includes recoveries related to put-backs of ineligible mortgage loans within RMBS transactions and other amounts due to MBIA under subrogation rights.

Refer to “Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies” and “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 reserves policy and additional information related to its loss reserves.

The following tables present information about our insurance reserves and recoverables as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, as well as our loss and LAE provision for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

00000000 00000000 00000000

In millions

   March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
     Percent Change
2011 vs. 2010
 
Gross losses and LAE reserves    $ 1,224       $ 1,402         -13%   
Expected recoveries on unpaid losses      420         496         -15%   
                          
Loss and LAE reserves    $ 804       $ 906         -11%   
                          
Insurance loss recoverable    $ 2,563       $ 2,459         4%   
Insurance loss recoverable - ceded(1)    $ 1       $ 1         -1%   
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses    $ 6       $ 6         1%   

 

(1) - Reported within “Other liabilities” 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)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,      Percent Change  

In millions

   2011      2010      2011 vs. 2010  
Losses and LAE related to actual and expected payments    $ (9)       $ 165         -105%   
Recoveries of actual and expected payments      (30)         46         n/m   
                          
Gross losses incurred      (39)         211         -118%   
Reinsurance      -         (22)         -99%   
                          
Losses and loss adjustment expenses    $ (39)       $ 189         -121%   
                          

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

The $9 million of negative losses and LAE incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2011 reported in the preceding table includes $60 million of net loss reversals related to insured RMBS transactions offset by $51 million of non-RMBS loss activity. The $30 million of recoveries for the three months ended March 31, 2011 reported in the preceding table include $3 million of recoveries related to RMBS transactions and $27 million related to non-RMBS recovery activity. The $3 million of recoveries related to RMBS transactions include $118 million of recoveries resulting from ineligible mortgage loans included in insured second-lien residential mortgage securitization exposures that are subject to contractual obligations by sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace such mortgage loans offset by the reversal of $115 million related to excess interest cash flows within the securitizations. The decrease in recoveries from excess spread resulted from an increase in voluntary prepayments within the securitizations.

The $165 million of losses and LAE incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2010 reported in the preceding table includes $140 million of losses related to insured RMBS transactions and $25 million related to non-RMBS loss activity. The $46 million reduction of recoveries for the three months ended March 31, 2010 reported in the preceding table include $42 million related to RMBS transactions and $4 million related to non-RMBS recovery activity. The $42 million reduction of recoveries related to RMBS transactions include approximately $151 million related to the reversal of amounts expected to be paid to MBIA from excess interest cash flows within the securitizations offset by a $109 million increase in estimates of potential recoveries resulting from ineligible mortgage loans included in insured second-lien residential mortgage and alternative A-paper (“Alt-A”) securitization exposures that are subject to contractual obligations by sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace such mortgage loans.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, losses and LAE incurred included the elimination of $2 million as a result of the consolidation of VIEs. The $2 million elimination included gross losses related to actual and expected future payments of $55 million offset by recoveries of actual and expected payments of $53 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, losses and LAE incurred included the elimination of a $106 million net benefit as a result of the consolidation of VIEs. The $106 million elimination includes recoveries of actual and expected payments of $264 million offset by losses and LAE related to actual and expected payments of $158 million.

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 for two issues that have no expected future claim payments or par outstanding but for which the Company is obligated to pay LAE incurred in prior periods. As of March 31, 2011, loss and LAE reserves comprised the following:

 

$ in millions

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

Issues with defaults

     71       $ 606       $ 7,551   

Issues without defaults

     32         198         2,331   
                          
Total      103       $ 804       $ 9,882   
                          

 

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

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

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” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, our insurance loss recoverables were $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. The increase in our insurance loss recoverable principally resulted from an increase in expected potential recoveries resulting from the aforementioned obligations of the sellers/servicers of RMBS transactions to repurchase ineligible mortgage loans. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, our insurance loss recoverable also included recoveries of approximately $660 million and $674 million, respectively, from expected excess interest in RMBS securitizations. Insurance loss recoverables due to reinsurers totaled $1 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Insurance loss recoverables 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 residential mortgage securitizations (revolving home equity line of credit (“HELOC”) loans and closed-end second mortgages (“CES”)) and Alt-A transactions. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recorded a net benefit of $63 million related to RMBS transactions, after the elimination of a $10 million benefit as a result of consolidating VIEs. The $63 million benefit was due to a decrease in losses and LAE incurred of $60 million and an increase in recoveries of $3 million. The $3 million in recoveries of RMBS losses comprised $118 million in recoveries resulting from ineligible mortgage loans included in insured second-lien residential mortgage securitization exposures that are subject to contractual obligations by sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace such mortgage loans, offset by $115 million related to excess interest cash flows within the securitizations.

MBIA Corp. also insures MBS backed by subprime mortgage loans directly through RMBS securitizations. There has been considerable stress and continued deterioration in the subprime mortgage market since 2008 reflected by increased delinquencies and losses, particularly related to subprime mortgage loans originated during 2005, 2006 and 2007. As of March 31, 2011, the Company had $3.4 billion of gross par outstanding from direct exposure to subprime mortgage loans compared with $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2010. While subprime transactions directly guaranteed by MBIA Corp. include collateral comprising mortgage loans originated during 2005, 2006, and 2007, given the amount of subordination below MBIA Corp.’s insured portion of such transactions available to absorb losses from collateral defaults, we currently do not expect material ultimate losses on these transactions. As of March 31, 2011, the Company had $306 million of gross par outstanding in four insured direct subprime mortgage transactions with 2005, 2006, or 2007 subprime mortgage collateral appearing on the Company’s Classified List or Caution Lists.

The following table presents the par outstanding of MBIA Corp.’s total direct RMBS insured exposure, including those issues that have been placed in a surveillance category, as of March 31, 2011 by S&P credit rating category. Amounts include the par outstanding related to transactions that the Company consolidates under accounting guidance for VIEs.

 

    Gross Par Outstanding  

 In millions

 

 

Prime
First Lien

    Alt-A
First Lien
    Subprime
First Lien
    HELOC     CES     Total  

 

 AAA

    $ 211          $ 1,514          $       2,132          $ -          $ 14          $ 3,871     

 

 AA

    18          17          58          -          -          93     

 

 A

    6          513          180          60          32          791     

 

 BBB

    -          559          124          304          28          1,015     

 

 Below investment grade

    2          1,358          927          4,175          4,686          11,148     
                                               

 Total gross par

 

 

  $

 

      237  

 

  

    $       3,961          $ 3,421          $       4,539          $       4,760          $       16,918     
                                               

 

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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 par outstanding by vintage year of MBIA Corp.’s total second-lien residential mortgage loan securitizations insured exposure as of March 31, 2011. Amounts include the par outstanding related to transactions that the Company consolidates under accounting guidance for VIEs.

 

    Gross Par Outstanding  

 In millions

  HELOC    

 

    % of Total    
HELOC

    CES         % of Total    
CES
 

 

 2008

    $ -          0%        $ -          0%   

 

 2007

    619          14%        3,105          65%   

 

 2006

    1,623          36%        1,524          32%   

 

 2005

    1,327          29%        -          0%   

 

 2004

    792          17%        85          2%   

 

 2003 and prior

    178          4%        46          1%   
                               

 Total gross par

 

 

  $

 

        4,539  

 

  

    100%        $         4,760          100%   
                               

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we paid approximately $230 million, net of reinsurance and collections, on insured RMBS transactions, or $159 million after eliminating $71 million of net payments made on behalf of consolidated VIEs. Through March 31, 2011, we paid a cumulative total of $5.4 billion, net of reinsurance and collections, or $3.6 billion after eliminating $1.8 billion of net payments made on behalf of consolidated VIEs, on insured RMBS transactions. As of March 31, 2011, we had loss and LAE reserves of $590 million, after consolidating VIEs, related to our remaining insured RMBS exposure. 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 cash receipts 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” in our consolidated balance sheets. The payments that we make largely go to reduce the principal balances of the securitizations.

The following table provides information about RMBS transactions included in MBIA Corp.’s insured portfolio for which it has made claim payments, net of collections, as of March 31, 2011 and for which it does not consolidate under accounting guidance for VIEs.

 

 $ in millions

      Number of    
Issues
    Original Par
Insured
    Gross Par
Outstanding
      Gross Claims and  
LAE Paid Since
Inception
 

 

 HELOC

    12        $ 14,031        $ 2,704        $         1,888    

 

 CES

    10        8,421        3,009        1,829    

 

 Alt-A

    5        1,092        645        (22)   
                               

 Total

 

 

 

 

27

 

  

    $         23,544        $         6,358        $ 3,695    
                               

 

 Total net of reinsurance

          $ 3,583    
             

As of March 31, 2011, the gross par outstanding on insured RMBS transactions included in the preceding table was $6.4 billion compared with $6.7 billion as of December 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, we expect to pay an additional $981 million (on a present value basis) on these transactions and expect to receive a total of $994 million (on a present value basis) in reimbursement of past and future expected claims through excess spread in these transactions. Of this amount, $660 million is included in “Insurance loss recoverable” and $334 million is included in “Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.” In addition, we expect to receive $1.8 billion (on a present value basis) in respect of the sellers’/servicers’ obligation to repurchase ineligible mortgage loans and that amount is included in “Insurance loss recoverable.”

The following table provides information about RMBS transactions included in MBIA Corp.’s insured portfolio for which it has made claim payments, net of collections, as of March 31, 2011, and for which it consolidates under accounting guidance for VIEs. As such, these payments are not reflected as insurance losses in our financial statements subsequent to consolidation.

 

 $ in millions

      Number of    
Issues
    Original Par
Insured
    Gross Par
Outstanding
      Gross Claims and  
LAE Paid Since
Inception
 

 

 HELOC

    6        $       3,657        $ 1,296        $ 540   

 

 CES

    6        4,844        1,677        1,368   
                               

 Total

 

 

 

 

12

 

  

    $ 8,501        $       2,973        $ 1,908   
                               

 Total net of reinsurance

       

 

  $

 

      1,836

 

  

             

 

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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, 2011, the gross par outstanding on the insured RMBS transactions included in the preceding table was $3.0 billion. As of March 31, 2011, we expect to pay an additional $196 million (on a present value basis) on these transactions and expect to receive a total of $300 million (on a present value basis) in reimbursement of past and future expected claims through excess spread in these transactions. In addition, we expect to receive $867 million (on a present value basis) in respect to the sellers’/servicers’ obligation to repurchase ineligible mortgage loans, which is included in “Loan repurchase commitments.”

Refer to “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about assumptions used to estimate recoveries on our RMBS exposure.

Since September 2008, MBIA Corp. initiated litigation against multiple mortgage loan sellers/servicers alleging, among other things, that such sellers/servicers made material misrepresentations concerning the quality of loans made by these sellers/servicers, which were included in a number of MBIA Corp.-insured second-lien residential mortgage securitizations. In particular, complaints in these actions allege that a very high proportion of the defaulted loans in these securitizations were ineligible for inclusion and thus reflect breaches of the originators’ representations with respect to such loans. In addition, the complaints allege that the sellers/servicers have failed to honor their contractual obligations regarding loan repurchases and ongoing servicing practices. For more information on these and other lawsuits commenced by MBIA Corp., refer to “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table provides the total of all RMBS transactions included in MBIA Corp.’s insured portfolio for which it has made claim payments and performed a forensic review of defaulted mortgage loans as of March 31, 2011. There were eight issues with gross par outstanding of $572 million that were not included within our forensic review and, therefore, excluded from the following table. The securitizations included in the following table are not consolidated by the Company under accounting guidance for VIEs.

 

 $ in millions

      Number of    
Issues
    Original Par
Insured
    Gross Par
Outstanding
      Gross Claims and  
LAE Paid Since
Inception
 

 

 HELOC

    9        $         12,533        $         2,443        $ 1,675    

 

 CES

    9        7,817        2,952        1,829    

 

 Alt-A

    1        795        391        (22)   
                               

 Total

 

 

 

 

19

 

  

    $ 21,145        $ 5,786        $         3,482    
                               

 Total net of reinsurance

       

 

  $

 

3,383 

 

  

             

We have recorded put-back recoveries for amounts paid on all RMBS transactions included in the above table with the exception of two issues with original par insured of $695 million, gross par outstanding of $136 million and gross claims paid since inception of $430 million. There are two additional issues for which a forensic review was performed that have been excluded from the above table. We have excluded these issues since they have not been placed on our “Classified List” and we have not made a claim payment.

The following table provides the total of RMBS transactions included in MBIA Corp.’s insured portfolio for which it has made claim payments and performed a forensic review of defaulted mortgage loans as of March 31, 2011. The securitizations included in the following table are consolidated by the Company under accounting guidance for VIEs and, as such, these payments are not reflected in our insurance losses within our financial statements subsequent to consolidation.

 

 $ in millions

      Number of    
Issues
    Original Par
Insured
    Gross Par
Outstanding
      Gross Claims and  
LAE Paid Since
Inception
 

 

 HELOC

    6        $         3,657        $         1,296        $ 540   

 

 CES

    6        4,844        1,677        1,368   
                               

 Total

 

 

 

 

12

 

  

    $ 8,501        $ 2,973        $         1,908   
                               

 Total net of reinsurance

       

 

  $

 

1,836

 

  

             

We have recorded put-back recoveries for amounts paid on all RMBS transactions included in the above table.

We also have indirect exposure to subprime mortgage loans that are included in CDOs in which MBIA Corp. guaranteed the senior most tranche of such transactions. As of March 31, 2011, we had $2.0 billion of indirect exposure to subprime mortgage loans in the form of collateral within CDOs, of which $1.9 billion was related to CDOs executed in derivative form. As of March 31, 2011, we expect losses of $28 million (on a present value basis) on five secondary market multi-sector CDOs with gross par outstanding of $149 million that include subprime mortgage loan exposure and that were reported on our Classified List.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Other

We may seek to purchase, from time to time, directly or indirectly, obligations guaranteed by MBIA or seek to commute policies where such actions are intended to reduce future expected economic losses. 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.

POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES Structured finance and international insurance segment expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are presented in the following table:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,        Percent Change    

 In millions

 

 

2011

    2010     2011 vs. 2010  

 

 Gross expenses

    $         38        $         27        39%   
                       

 

 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

    33        48        -32%   

 

 Operating

    37        26        41%   
                       

 

Total insurance operating expenses

    $ 70        $ 74        -6%   
                       

Gross expenses represent total insurance expenses before the deferral of any policy acquisition costs. Gross expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared with the same period of 2010 due to an increase in compensation as a result of the reversal of accrued bonus expense in the first quarter of 2010 and an increase in costs associated with insured CDS contracts.

The decrease in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared with the same period of 2010 was driven by a decrease in the amortization of the related unearned premium revenue. Operating expenses increased for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared with the same period of 2010 as a result of the increase in gross expenses. We did not defer a material amount of policy acquisition costs during the first quarter of 2011 or 2010. Policy acquisition costs in these periods were related to premium taxes and assessments on installment policies written in prior periods.

ADJUSTED PRE-TAX INCOME In addition to the above, we also analyze the operating performance of our structured finance and international insurance segment using adjusted pre-tax income (loss). 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 determined in accordance with GAAP, and our definition of adjusted pre-tax income (loss) may differ from that used by other companies.

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, 2011 and 2010:

 

        Three Months Ended March 31,             Percent Change      

 In millions

 

 

2011

    2010     2011 vs. 2010  

 

 Adjusted total revenues

  $ 215        $ 285          -25%   

 

 Adjusted total expenses

    235          398          -41%   
                       

 

 Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)

 

 

 

 

(20) 

 

  

    (113)         -82%   

 

 Additions to adjusted pre-tax income (loss):

     

 

Impact of consolidating certain VIEs

    1          (82)         n/m   

 

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

    (1,383)         (2,236)         -38%   

 

 Subtractions from adjusted pre-tax income (loss):

     

 

Impairments on insured credit derivatives

    212          (143)         n/m   
                       

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

   $ (1,614)        $ (2,288)         -29%   
                       

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

  

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 adjusted pre-tax loss was $20 million compared with a loss of $113 million for the same period of 2010. Adjusted total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased compared to the same period of 2010 principally due to lower fee revenue, partially offset by net realized gains from the sale of investments. Fee revenue in the first quarter of 2010 included the receipt of amounts in excess of those which were contractually due to MBIA Corp. upon the termination of a reinsurance agreement, with no comparable amount record in the first quarter of 2011. Adjusted total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased compared with the same period of 2010 principally due to a reduction in insurance losses and LAE and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in the amortization of deferred acquisition costs. Losses and LAE on insurance policies in the first quarter of 2011 were primarily driven by changes in our estimate of expected payments related to insured CDS contracts within our CMBS exposure. Offsetting insured CDS losses were net recovery gains on aggregate financial guarantee insurance contracts resulting from changes in our estimate of recoveries from ineligible mortgage loans within insured RMBS transactions.

Collateralized Debt Obligations and Related Instruments

As part of our structured finance and international insurance activities, MBIA Corp. typically provided guarantees on senior and 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.

MBIA Corp.’s $102.8 billion CDO portfolio represented 55% of its total insured gross par outstanding of $185.3 billion as of March 31, 2011. The distribution of the Company’s insured CDO and related instruments portfolio by collateral type is presented in the following table:

 

 In billions      

 Collateral Type

      Gross Par as of    
March 31, 2011
 

 

 Multi-sector CDOs(1)

    $ 11.4     

 

 Investment grade CDOs and structured corporate credit pools

    41.1     

 

 High yield corporate CDOs

    9.5     

 

 Structured CMBS pools and CRE CDOs

    40.8     
       

 Total

    $   102.8     
       

 

(1) - Includes one multi-sector CDO-squared transactions with gross par of $0.2 billion as of March 31, 2011.

Multi-Sector CDOs

Multi-sector CDOs are transactions that include a variety of structured finance asset classes in their collateral pools. The underlying collateral in MBIA Corp.’s insured multi-sector CDO transactions, including one CDO-squared transaction, comprises prime and subprime RMBS, CDOs of ABS (multi-sector CDOs), corporate CDOs, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), ABS (e.g., securitizations of auto receivables, credit cards, etc.), CRE CDOs, CMBS and corporate credits. Our insured multi-sector CDO transactions rely on underlying collateral originally rated single-A or above (CDOs of “high-grade U.S. ABS”) and collateral primarily originally rated triple-B (CDOs of “mezzanine U.S. ABS”).

Our multi-sector CDOs, as well as certain other insured CDO transactions, benefit from two sources of credit enhancement in that we are subject to a claim to the extent (i) the subordination in the underlying securities collateralizing MBIA Corp.’s insured tranche (“Underlying Collateral Subordination”) is fully eroded and (ii) the subordination below MBIA Corp.’s insured tranche in the CDO transaction (“Insured Tranche Subordination”) is fully eroded. MBIA Corp.’s payment obligations after a default vary by transaction and by insurance type. There are currently two policy payment types: (i) where MBIA Corp. insures current interest and ultimate principal; and (ii) where MBIA Corp. insures payments upon settlement of individual collateral losses as they occur after the complete erosion of transaction deductibles (referred to as “Asset Coverage with a Deductible”).

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Total gross par exposure in our multi-sector CDO portfolio at the onset of the credit crisis was $35.9 billion as of December 31, 2007. Since 2007 through March 31, 2011, our multi-sector CDO gross par exposure has decreased by approximately $24.5 billion primarily from negotiated commutations of $16.9 billion in gross par and contractual terminations without any payment from MBIA Corp. of $5.4 billion in gross par. The remaining reduction was due to the amortization and maturity of transactions. As of March 31, 2011, our gross par exposure to multi-sector CDOs was $11.4 billion and represented 11% of MBIA Corp.’s CDO exposure and approximately 6% of MBIA Corp.’s total gross par insured. The following table presents the collateral as a percent of the performing pool balances for all MBIA Corp.-insured multi-sector CDO transactions:

 

$ in millions         Collateral as a % of Performing Pool Balance as of March  31, 2011  

Year Insured

  # of

 

  CDOs  

    Gross Par

 

  Outstanding  

    Other

 

  Collateral  

      Subprime  

 

RMBS

      Total         Current Insured  

 

Tranche

 

Subordination

 

Range

 

Below MBIA

      Original Insured  

 

Tranche

 

Subordination

 

Range

 

Below MBIA

    Net

 

  Derivative /  

 

Asset

 

(Liability)

 

 

CDOs of High-Grade U.S. ABS

  

           

 

2003

    1              $ 218 (1)      100%        0%        100%        23.5%        10.0%        $ (6)     

 

2004

    2            1,300        70%        30%        100%        0.0%        12.5-13.0%        (357)     

 

2005

    1            740        69%        31%        100%        0.0%        20.0%        (126)     

 

2006

    4            2,685        78%        22%        100%        0.0%        12.0-14.0%        (767)     

 

2007

    5            3,677        97%        3%        100%        0.0%        13.0-14.0%        (1,126)     
                                 

 

Subtotal

    13            8,620                  (2,382)     
                           

 

CDOs of Mezzanine U.S. ABS

  

     

 

2000

    1            5        99%        1%        100%        80.0%        21.4%        -     

 

2002

    6            565        94%        6%        100%        0.0-61.8%        13.8-28.1%        -     

 

2003

    4            606        84%        16%        100%        0.0-52.3%        21.5-29.8%        -     

 

2004

    3            323        84%        16%        100%        0.0%        25.0-30.5%        (23)     
                                 

 

Subtotal

    14            1,499                  (23)     
                                 

 

Total

        27            10,119                  (2,405)     
      363        Multi-Sector CDO European Mezzanine and Other Collateral (1 CDO)        (19)       
      884        Multi-Sector CDO insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2005 (36 CDOs)        -        
                           

 

Grand Total

        $     11,366                  $ (2,424)     
                           

 

(1) This transaction is multi-sector CDO squared.

Our multi-sector CDOs are classified into CDOs of high-grade U.S. ABS, including one CDO-squared transaction, and CDOs of mezzanine U.S. ABS. As of March 31, 2011, gross par outstanding on MBIA Corp.-insured CDOs of high-grade U.S. ABS totaled $8.6 billion and the majority of the collateral consisted of non-subprime and subprime RMBS. Original Insured Tranche Subordination levels in these transactions ranged from 10% to 20% compared with current Insured Tranche Subordination levels of 0% to 23.5%. As of March 31, 2011, gross par outstanding on MBIA Corp.-insured CDOs of mezzanine U.S. ABS totaled $1.5 billion and the majority of the collateral consisted of non-subprime RMBS, CMBS and subprime RMBS. Original Insured Tranche Subordination levels in these transactions ranged from 13.8% to 30.5% compared with current Insured Tranche Subordination levels that range from 0% to 80%.

The significant erosion of Insured Tranche Subordination in our multi-sector CDO transactions principally resulted from the underperformance of RMBS and CDO collateral. As discussed above, the erosion of Insured Tranche Subordination in these transactions increases the likelihood that MBIA Corp. will pay claims. As of March 31, 2011, our credit impairment estimates for 33 classified multi-sector CDO transactions for which MBIA Corp. expects to incur actual net claims in the future (18 of which are insured in the secondary market), representing 52% of all MBIA Corp.-insured multi-sector CDO transactions (including both CDS and non-CDS contracts), aggregated to $1.64 billion. Of the remaining transactions, 15% is on our Caution List and 33% 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, 2011, the ratings distribution of our insured multi-sector CDO transactions is presented in the following table. These ratings are intended to reflect the past and expected future performance of the underlying collateral within each transaction.

 

 Insured Exposure Rating(1)

          Original                     Current          

 

 AAA

    99%        0%   

 

 AA

    1%        1%   

 

 A

    0%        0%   

 

 BBB

    0%        3%   

 

 Below investment grade

    0%        96%   
               

 

 Total

    100%        100%   

 

(1) - All ratings are current. Ratings are derived using the most conservative rating from Moody’s, S&P or internal.

  

Investment Grade Corporate CDOs and Structured Corporate Credit Pools

Our investment grade corporate CDO exposure references pools of predominantly investment grade corporate credits. Additionally, some of these pools may include limited exposure to other asset classes, including structured finance securities (such as RMBS and CDOs). Most of our investment grade corporate CDO policies guarantee coverage of losses on collateral assets once Insured Tranche Subordination in the form of a deductible has been eroded, and are generally highly customized structures. As of March 31, 2011, the majority of insurance protection provided by MBIA Corp. on investment grade corporate CDO exposure attached at a super senior level. Our gross par exposure to investment grade corporate CDOs of $41.1 billion represents 40% of MBIA Corp.’s CDO exposure and 22% of MBIA Corp.’s total gross par insured. Several of the Company’s insured investment grade corporate CDOs have experienced significant Insured Tranche Subordination erosion due to default of underlying referenced corporate obligors, as well as certain structured finance securities, but we currently do not expect losses on MBIA Corp.’s insured tranches. We believe the tenor of any remaining Insured Tranche Subordination is sufficient and provides adequate protection. As of March 31, 2011, the collateral amount in the portfolio exceeds the gross par outstanding as a result of credit enhancement (such as over-collateralization and Insured Tranche Subordination).

Our gross par of insured investment grade corporate CDOs includes $17.4 billion that was typically structured to include buckets (typically 30%-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, among direct corporate or structured credit reference risks, a monotranche or single layer of 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 are typically rated double-A and each referenced monotranche was typically sized to approximately 3% of the overall reference risk pool. The inner referenced monotranches are not typically subject to acceleration and do not give control rights to a senior investor. The inner referenced monotranches have experienced Insured Tranche Subordination erosion due to the default of their referenced corporate assets.

The following table presents the collateral as a percent of the performing pool balances for all MBIA Corp.-insured investment grade corporate CDOs and structured corporate credit pool transactions:

 

$ in millions         As of March 31, 2011  

  Year Insured  

  # of
  CDOs  
    Gross Par
  Outstanding  
    Corporate
  Collateral  
    Other
  Collateral  
    Total     Current Insured
  Tranche Subordination  
Range Below MBIA
    Original Insured
  Tranche Subordination  

Range Below MBIA
    Net Derivative /
Asset
(Liability)
 

  2003 and prior

    3              $ 1,072        100%        0%        100%        12.8-32.6%        13.5-22%          $ -   

 

2004

    4            6,111        89%        11%        100%        5.1-16.4%        10.0-15.0%        (251)   

 

2005

    7            10,730        93%        7%        100%        11.7-26.0%        14.0-27.5%        (309)   

 

2006

    4            7,243        93%        7%        100%        12.2-23.2%        16.0-25.0%        (300)   

 

2007

    13            15,884        98%        2%        100%        12.6-34.4%        15.0-35.0%        (240)   
                                 

 

Subtotal

        31              $ 41,040                    $ (1,100)   
                           
   

 

 

 

72

 

  

    Investment Grade Corporate CDOs insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2003 (8 CDOs)        -   
                           

 

Grand Total

        $   41,112                    $   (1,100)   
                           

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

High Yield Corporate CDOs

Our high yield corporate CDO portfolio, totaling $9.5 billion of gross par exposure, largely comprises middle-market/special-opportunity corporate loan transactions, broadly syndicated bank CLOs and older vintage corporate high yield bond CDOs. The CDOs in this category are diversified by both vintage and geography (with European and U.S. collateral). Our gross par exposure to high yield corporate CDOs represents 9% of the MBIA Corp.’s CDO exposure and approximately 5.1% of MBIA Corp.’s total gross par insured as of March 31, 2011. Our high yield corporate CDO portfolio does not contain any material subprime RMBS, non-subprime RMBS, or CDOs of ABS exposures.

There has been a marked decline in Insured Tranche Subordination levels as a result of defaults in underlying collateral, as well as sales of underlying collateral at discounted prices. Insured Tranche Subordination for CDOs insured in earlier years have experienced, on average, more deterioration than those insured in later years. Insured Tranche Subordination within CDOs may decline over time as a result of collateral deterioration. The risk of lower Insured Tranche Subordination levels is typically offset by the amortization of outstanding insured debt and a decrease in the time to maturity. There are currently no significant losses on MBIA Corp.’s insured High Yield Corporate CDO tranches at this time. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur significant losses as a result of deterioration in Insured Tranche Subordination.

The following table presents the collateral as a percent of the performing pool balances for all MBIA Corp.-insured high yield corporate CDO transactions:

 

$ in millions               As of March 31, 2011  

Year

Insured

  # of
  CDOs  
    Gross Par
  Outstanding  
      Corporate  
Collateral
    Current Insured
  Tranche Subordination  

Range Below MBIA
    Original Insured
  Tranche Subordination  

Range Below MBIA
    Net Derivative /
  Asset  (Liability) (1)  
 

 

2002

    1               $ 93        100%        30.2%        19.4%              $ -   

 

2003

    1            175        100%        71.3%        24.2%        -   

 

2004

    3            3,111        100%        42.5-59.7%        22.0-33.3%        -   

 

2005

    1            978        100%        16.7%        21.8%        -   

 

2006

    3            3,125        100%        10.4-61.5%        10.0-49.0%        -   

 

2007

    4            1,793        100%        28.4-39.0%        32.0-42.0%        -   
                             

 

Subtotal

        13               $ 9,275                    $ -   
                       
      209       

 

 High Yield Corporate CDO insured in the Secondary Market prior to

2004 (13 CDOs)

  

  

    -   
                       

 

Grand Total

         $     9,484                    $     -   
                       

 

(1) - Net derivative amounts are immaterial due to the positive performance of the credit derivative transactions.

  

Commercial Real Estate Pools and CDOs

As of March 31, 2011, we had $40.8 billion of gross par exposure to the commercial real estate sector through insured structured transactions primarily comprising CRE collateral. Our CRE portfolio can be largely sub-divided into two distinct categories: structured CMBS pools and CRE CDOs. In addition, MBIA Corp. insures approximately $4.0 billion in CRE loan pools, primarily comprising European assets, which are not included in the following discussion.

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, 2011, our gross par exposure to structured CMBS pools totaled $33.5 billion and represented approximately 18% of MBIA Corp.’s total gross par insured. These 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. The deductible sizing was a function of the underlying collateral ratings and certain structural attributes. MBIA Corp.’s guarantee for most structured CMBS pool transactions covers losses on collateral assets once the deductible has 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)

 

The collateral in the pools are generally CMBS bonds or CDSs referencing CMBS bonds (collectively, “CMBS bonds”). 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 CMBS bond defaults exceeds the deductible level in the transaction. Each pool comprising CMBS bonds is backed by commercial mortgage loans. 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 comprise similarly rated underlying tranches. The deductible for each transaction varies according to the ratings of the underlying collateral. For example, a transaction comprising originally BBB rated underlying CMBS bonds would typically include a 30-35% deductible to MBIA Corp.’s position whereas a transaction comprising all originally AAA rated underlying CMBS bonds would typically require a 5-10% deductible.

The following table presents the collateral as a percentage of the pool balances, as well as the current deductible, as of March 31, 2011 for all MBIA Corp.-insured structured CMBS pool transactions:

 

$ in millions           Collateral as a % of Performing Pool Balance as of
March 31, 2011
                   

Year Insured

  # of
  Pools  
    Gross Par
  Outstanding  
    CMBS       REIT Debt       Other       Total       Current
  Deductible  
    Original
Deductible
    Net Derivative /  Asset
(Liability)
 

 

2003

    1              $ 117        65%        31%        4%        100%        35.7%        26.0%          $ -   

 

2005

    1            2,300        100%        0%        0%        100%        8.0%        8.0%        (0)   

 

2006

    9            6,455        87%        0%        13%        100%          10.0%-68.1%            10.0%-70.0%          (503)   

 

2007

    28            24,522        97%        0%        3%        100%        6.0%-85.7%        6.0%-82.3%        (1,373)   
                                   

 

Subtotal

        39              $     33,394                      $ (1,876)   
      114        Structured CMBS Pools insured in the Secondary Market prior to 2005 (6 pools)        -   
                             

 

Grand Total

        $ 33,508                      $     (1,876)   
                             

As is evident in the above table, there has been virtually no erosion of the original deductibles to date given that CMBS loan liquidations are just beginning to take place for the more recent vintage collateral to which MBIA has exposure.

When considering all of the CMBS collateral underlying all of the static pools insured by MBIA, approximately 44% of the collateral was originally rated BBB and below, while 38% of the underlying collateral was originally rated AAA as of March 31, 2011. The higher risk of BBB collateral was intended to be offset by the diversification in the collateral pool and the level of the deductible whereas pools backed by all AAA collateral benefited from diversification and required smaller deductibles. In all cases, regardless of the underlying collateral rating, MBIA Corp.’s insured position was rated AAA at origination of the transaction by at least Moody’s, S&P or Fitch. As of March 31, 2011, 68% of CMBS collateral underlying the pools insured by MBIA were rated below investment grade.

In 2006 and 2007, we insured 19 static CMBS pools with $15.2 billion of gross par outstanding as of March 31, 2011 in which substantially all of the underlying collateral comprised CMBS tranches originally rated BBB and lower. The remainder of the collateral in these 19 pools consisted of higher rated CMBS bonds, REIT debt and other securities. The BBB and below rated CMBS bonds underlying these 19 pools had original credit enhancement levels that ranged from 0.0% to 11.8% with an original weighted average credit enhancement level of 3.4%, compared to credit enhancement levels that range from 0.0% to 84.3% with a weighted average credit enhancement level of 3.0% as of March 31, 2011. MBIA Corp.’s original policy level deductibles for these 19 insured pools ranged from 20.0% to 82.3% with an original weighted average deductible by gross par outstanding of 34.4%, compared to deductibles that range from 18.7% to 85.7% with a weighted average deductible by gross par outstanding of 33.2% as of March 31, 2011. All of MBIA Corp.’s estimated credit impairments of $827 million for our static CMBS pools relate to a subset of these 19 pools.

The following table presents the vintage and original rating composition of the CMBS collateral in our static CMBS pools.

 

    CMBS Collateral Vintage

Original Rating

  2004 and
Prior
  2005   2006   2007   Total

AAA

  8.8%   2.3%   15.7%   11.3%   38.1%

 

AA

  0.0%   0.1%   0.6%   1.6%   2.3%

 

A

  0.0%   2.2%   10.7%   2.4%   15.3%

 

BBB

  1.7%   8.7%   21.8%   3.4%   35.6%

 

Below Investment Grade or Not Rated

  3.0%   2.5%   2.0%   1.2%   8.7%
                   

 

 Total

      13.5%           15.8%           50.8%           19.9%           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)

 

Our structured CMBS pool portfolio comprises nearly 55,000 loans. The current weighted average debt service coverage ratio (“DSCR”) of underlying mortgage loans in the CMBS pools is 1.69 based on net operating income derived from the most recent property level financial statements (based on 20.7% of the properties having provided 2010 financial statements and 63.3% having provided partial 2010 or 2009 financial statements) compared with an average DSCR of 1.69 as of December 31, 2010 and 1.59 as of March 31, 2010. Although the average DSCR increased over the past 12 months, many properties experienced declining financial performance over the past year resulting in the percentage of properties with a DSCR less than 1.0 increasing from under 12.5% as of March 31, 2010 to almost 15.5% as of March 31, 2011. The weighted average loan-to-value ratio was 77% as of March 31, 2011 compared with 76% as of December 31, 2010 and 72% as of March 31, 2010. The majority of the loans are long-term and fixed-rate in nature. Approximately 19.3% of the loans will mature within the next three years; however, the weighted average DSCR of these loans is significantly higher at 2.40 based on the latest available financial statements. Nine percent of the loans mature in the next 12 months and these loans have a weighted average DSCR of 2.92. Transaction attachment points range from 5% to 86% and underlying bond collateral loss coverage generally ranges from 0% to 30% or higher, both of which are structural factors that were intended to minimize potential losses.

Delinquencies have increased markedly in the commercial real estate market over the last two years given the economic downturn and the shortage of financing. As of March 31, 2011, 30-day and over delinquencies continued to increase in the fixed-rate conduit CMBS market to 9.0% and in MBIA Corp.’s insured static pooled CMBS portfolio to 9.3%. The higher delinquency rate in MBIA Corp.’s portfolio was primarily due to a concentration in the 2006 and early 2007 vintages. However, we have seen a deceleration in the pace of increases in the delinquency rate over the past several months. In addition, we have seen numerous loan modifications and extensions where special servicers fulfill their roles to maximize proceeds for all bondholders by avoiding or minimizing loan level losses.

CRE CDOs

As of March 31, 2011, our gross par exposure to CRE CDOs totaled $7.3 billion and represented approximately 4% 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. Most of these transactions benefit from typical CDO structural features such as cash diversion triggers, collateral quality tests, and manager replacement provisions. Typically, MBIA Corp. guarantees timely interest and ultimate principal of these CDOs. As with our other insured CDOs, these transactions were generally structured with credit protection originally rated triple-A, or a multiple of triple-A, below our guarantee. As of March 31, 2011, our CRE CDO insured portfolio did not contain any CDOs of ABS exposures. Several of the CRE CDO transactions do contain some RMBS collateral, but overall this comprises less than 3% of the CRE CDO portfolio.

Within our CRE CDO portfolio, we had five transactions with 2006 or 2007 vintage collateral totaling $2.4 billion of gross par outstanding as of March 31, 2011 in which substantially all of the collateral originally comprised BBB or BBB- rated tranches of CMBS. While these transactions were designed to include managed portfolios, trading has been minimal since inception. We have recorded impairments of $34 million on three CRE CDO transactions.

The following table presents the collateral as a percentage of the performing pool balances as of March 31, 2011 for all MBIA Corp.-insured CRE CDO transactions:

 

$ in millions               Collateral as a % of Outstanding Pool Balance as
of March 31, 2011
                   

Year

Insured

    # of CRE  
CDOs
    Gross Par
  Outstanding  
      CMBS         Whole  
Loans
   

 

  REIT  
Debt

      Other         Total       Current
  Enhancement  
    Original
  Enhancement  
      Net Derivative /  
   Asset (Liability)  
 

 

2004

    2                    $ 63        62%        0%        19%        19%        100%        15.5%-20.0%        22.0%-22.4%                    $                 -   

 

2005

    2                348        74%        0%        15%        11%        100%        0.0%-31.9%        22.7%-36.0%        (75)   

 

2006

    11                3,328        40%        47%        4%        9%        100%        0.0-63.0%        24.0%-60.0%        (153)   

 

2007

    10                3,571        64%        20%        5%        12%        100%        0.0%-51.9%        20.0%-60.0%        (214)   
                                     

 

Total

        25                    $     7,310                                  $        (442)   
                                     

 

 

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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 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, 2011 for our U.S. public finance and structured finance and international insurance operations.

 

  In millions                          
  Reinsurers  

Standard &
Poor’s Rating

(Status)

  Moody’s Rating
(Status)
  Ceded Par
Outstanding
   

LOC /Trust

Accounts

    Reinsurance
Recoverable (1)
 
                                 
 Assured Guaranty Corp.  

AA+

(Stable)

 

Aa3

(Negative)

        $ 4,131                $ -                $ 15     

 

 Assured Guaranty Re Ltd.

 

 

AA

(Stable)

 

 

A1

(Negative)

 

 

 

 

674  

 

  

 

 

 

 

4  

 

  

 

 

 

 

-  

 

  

 

 Overseas Private

 Investment Corporation

 

AAA

(Stable)

 

Aaa

(Stable)

 

 

 

 

336  

 

  

 

 

 

 

-  

 

  

 

 

 

 

-  

 

  

 Export Development

 Canada

 

AAA

(Stable)

 

Aaa

(Stable)

    87          1          -     

 

 Others

  A+ or above   A1 or above  

 

 

 

121  

 

  

 

 

 

 

2  

 

  

 

 

 

 

0  

 

  

                           

 Total

            $         5,349                $         7                $             15     
                           

 

(1) - Total reinsurance recoverable of $15 million comprised recoverables on paid and unpaid losses of $1 million and $14 million, respectively.

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. As of March 31, 2011, the total amount available under these letters of credit and trust arrangements was $7 million. 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, 2011, the aggregate amount of insured par outstanding ceded by MBIA to reinsurers under reinsurance agreements was $5.3 billion compared with $5.7 billion as of December 31, 2010. Of the $5.3 billion of ceded par outstanding as of March 31, 2011, $3.4 billion was ceded from our U.S. public finance insurance segment and $1.9 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. As of March 31, 2011, the total amount for which National would be liable in the event that the reinsurers of MBIA Corp. were unable to meet their obligations is $3.4 billion. For FGIC policies assigned to National from MBIA Insurance Corporation, National maintains the right to receive third-party reinsurance totaling $10.3 billion.

Advisory Services

Our asset management advisory business is primarily conducted through Cutwater. Cutwater offers 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.

 

 

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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 summarizes the results and assets under management of our advisory services segment for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. 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

 

 

2011

    2010     2011 vs. 2010  

 

Net investment income

    $ 0          $ 0        n/m   

 

Fees

    15        16        -8%   

 

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

    0        1        -98%   
                       

 

Total revenues

    15        17        -12%   

 

Operating expenses

    16        14        19%   
                       

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ (1)          $ 3        -147%   
                       

 

Ending assets under management:

     

 

Third-party

    $ 26,347          $ 26,160        1%   

 

Insurance and corporate

    9,013        9,549        -6%   

 

Asset/liability products and conduits

    5,612        7,253        -23%   
                       

 

Total ending assets under management

    $       40,972          $       42,962        -5%   
                       

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the decline in pre-tax income (loss) of $4 million by our advisory services segment compared with the same period of 2010 was primarily driven by increased expenses associated with Cutwater’s re-branding and reorganization and a decrease in advisory fee revenue due to lower balances in our short-term pool products. The decline in our short-term pool products resulted from lower operating balances at the state and local government level and the continued low interest rate environment.

Average third-party assets under management for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $26.2 billion compared with $26.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, third-party ending assets under management of $26.3 billion increased $1.0 billion from December 31, 2010 and $187 million from March 31, 2010 primarily due to new clients and additional contributions from existing clients in our customized asset management business. As of March 31, 2011, ending assets under management related to the Company’s other segments of $14.6 billion decreased $785 million from December 31, 2010 and $2.2 billion from March 31, 2010 primarily due to a reduction in the assets managed for our asset/liability products segment.

The Company has issued commitments to two pooled investment programs managed or administered by Cutwater Investor Services Corp. (“Cutwater-ISC”), formerly known as MBIA Municipal Investor Service Corporation, and its subsidiary. These commitments, which are accounted for as derivatives and recorded on the Company’s balance sheets at fair value, cover losses in such programs should the net asset values per share decline below specified per share values. As of March 31, 2011, the maximum amount of payments that the Company would be required to make under these commitments was $4.0 billion. These commitments would be terminated if Cutwater-ISC or its subsidiary was no longer manager or administrator or a program was no longer in compliance with its respective investment objectives and policies. Although the pools hold high-quality short-term investments, there is risk that the Company will be required to make payments or incur a loss under these guarantees in the event of material redemptions by shareholders of the pools and the need to liquidate investments held in the pools. The net unrealized gains on these commitments were $10 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The Company has purchased, and may in the future purchase, investments at its discretion from the pooled investment programs it manages, whether or not such programs have been guaranteed by the Company.

Corporate

General corporate activities are conducted through our corporate segment. Our corporate operations primarily consist of holding company activities. Revenues and expenses of our service company, Optinuity, created in the first quarter of 2010, are included in the results of our corporate segment. Optinuity provides support services such as management, legal, accounting, treasury and information technology, among others, to our corporate segment and other operating businesses on a fee-for-service basis.

 

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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 summarizes the consolidated results of our corporate segment for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. These 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

 

 

2011

    2010     2011 vs. 2010  

 

 Net investment income

    $ 0        $ 5        -95%   

 

 Fees

    23        23        -2%   

 

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

    23        (26)        n/m   
                       

 

Total revenues

    46        2        n/m   
                       

 

 Operating

    26        27        -5%   

 

 Interest

    15        17        -11%   
                       

 

Total expenses

            41        44        -7%   
                       

 

 Pre-tax income (loss)

    $ 5        $         (42)        n/m   
                       

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

Net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased compared with the same period of 2010 primarily as a result of the settlement of a loan with our asset/liability products segment in the fourth quarter of 2010 whereby the corporate segment made a capital contribution to the asset/liability products segment in settlement of the full outstanding principal balance of the loan. Interest income on the loan, included in net investment income, was $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Fees are generated from support services provided to business units within the Company on a fee-for-service basis.

Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange for the periods presented are primarily related to changes in the fair value of outstanding warrants issued on MBIA Inc. common stock. These changes were attributable to fluctuations in MBIA Inc.’s stock price and volatility, which are used in the valuation of the warrants.

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased compared with the same period of 2010 as a result of corporate debt repurchases and maturities.

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 have funded transactions by issuing debt insured by MBIA Corp. The rating downgrades of MBIA Corp. resulted in the termination and collateralization of certain investment agreements and, together with the rising cost and declining availability of funding and illiquidity of many asset classes, 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 we believe the outstanding liability balances and corresponding asset balances will continue to decline over time as liabilities mature, terminate or are repurchased by us.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Asset/Liability Products

The following table presents the results of our asset/liability products segment for three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. These results include revenues and expenses from transactions with the Company’s insurance and corporate operations.

 

      Three Months Ended March 31,        Percent Change   

In millions

 

 

2011

    2010     2011 vs. 2010  

 

Net investment income

    $ 24        $ 28        -10%   

 

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

    (84)        (25)        n/m   
Investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments:      

Investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments

    (7)              (165)        -96%   

Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (4)        138        -103%   
                       

 

Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments

    (11)        (27)        -59%   

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

    24        0        n/m   

Other net realized gains (losses)

    4        0        n/m   

Revenues of consolidated VIEs:

     

Net investment income

    (3)        0        n/m   

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

    10        12        -17%   
                       

Total revenues

    (36)        (12)        n/m   
                       

 

Operating

    3        4        -6%   

 

Interest expense

    33        48        -31%   

 

Expenses of consolidated VIEs:

     

 

Operating

    -        -        n/m   

 

Interest

    -        -        n/m   
                       

 

Total expenses

    36        52        -29%   
                       

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $         (72)        $ (64)        13%   
                       

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

  

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the results of our asset/liability products segment were adversely affected by foreign exchange losses due to the increased value of predominantly Euro-denominated liabilities. Additionally, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, net investment income and interest expense reflected the continued maturing of assets and liabilities and the repurchase of liabilities by the Company compared with the same period of 2010. We have observed stabilization in the performance of the assets held by the segment which has resulted in a decline in the level of net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments compared with 2010.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the results of our asset/liability products segment were adversely affected by foreign exchange losses due to the increased value of predominantly Euro-denominated liabilities. Additionally, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, net investment income and interest expense reflected the continued maturing of assets and liabilities and the repurchase of liabilities by the Company compared with the same period of 2010. We have observed stabilization in the performance of the assets held by the segment which has resulted in a decline in the level of net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments compared with 2010.

As of March 31, 2011, principal and accrued interest outstanding on investment agreement and MTN obligations and securities sold under agreements to repurchase totaled $4.1 billion compared with $4.2 billion as of December 31, 2010. The decrease in these liabilities resulted from scheduled amortizations and repurchases of MTNs. In addition to investment agreements, MTNs and third-party repurchase agreements, our asset/liability products segment had a secured loan payable outstanding to MBIA Corp. of $800 million as of March 31, 2011.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Cash and investments supporting the segment’s liabilities, including intercompany liabilities, had market values plus accrued interest of $3.9 billion and $4.2 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. These assets comprised securities with an average credit quality rating of A. Additionally, receivables for securities sold net of payables for securities purchased were $24 million and $8 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Refer to the “Liquidity” section included herein for a discussion about the liquidity position of the asset/liability products program.

Through MBIA Inc., the asset/liability products segment also entered into matched repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements with National. These agreements, collectively, provide high-quality collateral to the asset/liability products segment for up to $2.0 billion, which is then pledged to investment agreement counterparties, and low-risk investment portfolio yield enhancement to the U.S. public finance insurance segment. As of March 31, 2011, the fair value of collateral received from National under these agreements totaled $1.9 billion.

As of March 31, 2011, our asset/liability products segment had a deficit of cash, investments and other liquid assets at amortized cost to debt issued to third-parties and affiliates at amortized cost of approximately $387 million. In order to address this deficit, the Company is pursuing strategies such as investing in assets that produce higher yields and seeking to purchase liabilities at a discount, and may be required to pursue additional strategies such as raising capital to resolve the deficit. While the asset/liability products segment may receive further liquidity support from our corporate segment, there can be no assurance that such support would be adequate to meet all payment obligations.

Conduit

The following table presents the results of our conduit segment for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. These results include revenues and expenses from transactions with the Company’s insurance and corporate operations.

 

      Three Months Ended March 31,         Percent Change    

In millions

  2011     2010     2011 vs. 2010  

 

Net investment income

    $ -        $ 0        n/m   

 

Revenues of consolidated VIEs:

     

 

Net investment income

    4        4        -8%   

 

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

    1        (1)        n/m   

 

Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

    -        -        n/m   
                       

 

Total revenues

    5        3        82%   
                       

 

Operating

    -        0        n/m   

 

Expenses of consolidated VIEs:

     

 

Operating

    1        1        37%   

 

Interest

    5        4        13%   
                       

 

Total expenses

    6        5        9%   
                       

 

Pre-tax income (loss)

    $         (1)        $         (2)        -90%   
                       

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

  

Our conduit segment is principally operated through Meridian and Triple-A One Funding, LLC (“Triple-A One”). Certain of MBIA’s consolidated subsidiaries have invested in our conduit debt obligations or have received compensation for services provided to our conduits. As such, we have eliminated intercompany transactions with our conduits from our consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations. After the elimination of such intercompany assets and liabilities, conduit investments (including cash) and conduit debt obligations were $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The effect of these eliminations on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets was a reduction of fixed-maturity investments, representing investments in conduit MTNs by other MBIA subsidiaries, with a corresponding reduction of conduit MTN liabilities.

 

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company’s income taxes and the related effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

In millions

  

 

2011

    

 

2010

 

 Pre-tax income (loss)

     $     (1,556)           $     (2,259)      

 

 Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     $ (419)         26.9%         $ (779)         34.5%   

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company’s effective tax rate applied to our pre-tax loss was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate as a result of interim tax accounting principles, which treat the tax effect of certain items as discrete to the quarter. This was offset by the benefit of the reversal of a portion of our valuation allowance, tax-exempt interest income from investments, and income earned in non-U.S. jurisdictions, which was taxed at less than 35%.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company’s effective tax rate applied to our pre-tax loss was slightly lower than the statutory tax rate of 35%. The difference in rates is principally a result of mark-to-market losses for the outstanding warrants issued on MBIA Inc.’s common stock, which no tax benefit was available.

Refer to “Note 10: Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of income taxes, including the Company’s Section 382 position, the 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 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 Insurance Corporation. Total capital resources were $3.6 billion and $4.7 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. MBIA Inc. utilizes its capital resources to support the business activities of its subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2011, MBIA Inc.’s investments in subsidiaries totaled $3.7 billion.

Securities Repurchases

Repurchases of debt and/or 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 believe that debt and/or share repurchases can be an appropriate deployment of capital in excess of amounts needed to support our liquidity while maintaining the claims-paying resources of MBIA Corp. and National as well as other business needs.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we repurchased $122 million par value of GFL MTNs at a cost of approximately 80% of par value. Also during the three months ended March 31, 2011, MBIA Inc., through its asset/liability products segment, purchased $5 million par value of surplus notes issued by MBIA Insurance Corporation at a cost of approximately 55% of par value. The gain on the purchase of the surplus notes by MBIA Inc. is only reflected in the consolidated accounts of the Company.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, MBIA Inc. purchased 41 shares of the outstanding preferred stock of MBIA Insurance Corporation at a price of $10,750 per share or 10.75% of the face 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. National and MBIA Corp. each are required to file detailed annual financial statements, as well as interim financial statements, with the New York State Insurance Department (“NYSID”) 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 the financial statements of National and MBIA Corp. within exhibits 99.2 and 99.3, respectively, to MBIA Inc.’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for an explanation of the differences between U.S. STAT and GAAP.

 

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

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)

 

National

Capital and Surplus

National reported total statutory capital of $2.5 billion as of March 31, 2011 compared with $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, statutory capital comprised $1.5 billion of contingency reserves and $964 million of policyholders’ surplus. The increase in National’s statutory capital is primarily due to statutory net income of $79 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011. Consistent with our plan to transform our insurance business, the Company received approval from the NYSID to reset National’s unassigned surplus to zero, which was effective January 1, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, National’s unassigned surplus was $374 million. In October 2010, the plaintiffs in the litigation challenging the establishment of National initiated a court proceeding challenging the approval of the surplus reset. Refer to “Legal Proceedings – Transformation Litigation” in Part II, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for a discussion of this action.

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’s policyholders’ surplus was $964 million as of March 31, 2011. National’s policyholders’ surplus will grow over time from the recognition of unearned premiums and investment income and the expected release of the contingency reserves. Conversely, incurred losses would reduce policyholders’ surplus.

National’s statutory policyholders’ surplus was lower than its GAAP shareholder’s equity by $2.2 billion as of March 31, 2011. Statutory accounting principles differ from GAAP in certain respects. For National, the significant differences include the following: contingency reserves are recorded on a statutory basis and not on a GAAP basis; upfront and installment premium revenue are earned under different schedules between U.S. STAT and GAAP; acquisition costs are charged as incurred under U.S. STAT rather than deferred and amortized under GAAP; changes in deferred income tax balances are recognized in surplus under U.S. STAT rather than recognized either in net income or other comprehensive income under GAAP and “non-admitted assets” are charged directly against surplus under U.S. STAT but are reflected as assets under GAAP.

Claims-Paying Resources (Statutory Basis)

Claims-paying resources (“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.

National’s CPR, and components thereto, as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are presented in the following table:

 

In millions

     As of March 31,  
2011
      As of December 31,  
2010
 

 

Policyholders’ surplus

    $ 964       $ 908   

Contingency reserves

     1,495        1,473   
                

 

Statutory capital

     2,459        2,381   

Unearned premium reserve

     2,814        2,873   

Present value of installment premiums(1)

     275        282   
                

 

Premium resources(2)

     3,089        3,155   

Loss and LAE reserves(1)

     79        96   
                

 

Total claims-paying resources

    $ 5,627       $ 5,632   
                

 

(1) - Calculated using a discount rate of 4.19% as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

(2) - Includes financial guarantee and insured credit derivative related premiums.

National’s total CPR as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 remained flat at $5.6 billion, as net income was offset by the decrease in unearned premiums, estimated future cash collections, and loss and LAE reserves.

 

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

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES (continued)

 

MBIA Corp.

Capital and Surplus

MBIA Corp. reported total statutory capital of $2.7 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, statutory capital comprised $1.7 billion of contingency reserves and $969 million of policyholders’ surplus. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, MBIA Corp. had a statutory net loss of $60 million which was primarily due to losses incurred, offset by premium revenue, and net investment income. MBIA Corp.’s policyholders’ surplus as of March 31, 2011 includes a negative unassigned surplus of $1.1 billion.

As of March 31, 2011, MBIA Corp. recognized estimated recoveries of $1.7 billion, net of reinsurance and income taxes at a rate of 35%, on a statutory basis related to put-backs of ineligible loans in our insured transactions. These expected insurance recoveries represented 64% of MBIA Corp.’s statutory capital (defined as policyholders’ surplus plus contingency reserve) as of March 31, 2011. A substantial majority of our put-back claims have been disputed by the loan sellers/servicers and are currently subject to litigation. In addition, there is some risk that the sellers/servicers or other responsible parties might not be able to satisfy their put-back obligations. While we believe that we will prevail in enforcing our contractual rights, there is uncertainty with respect to the ultimate outcome. Such factors, among others, are considered by MBIA Corp. in estimating recoveries. There can be no assurance that we will be successful or that we will not be delayed in realizing these recoveries. If we are unsuccessful in litigation or if there is a substantial delay in realizing recoveries, there could be an adverse effect on the statutory capital position of MBIA Corp., as well as regulatory implications.

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 was $969 million as of March 31, 2011. MBIA Corp.’s policyholders’ surplus will 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 position could be enhanced by the settlement, commutation or repurchase of insured transactions at prices less than statutory loss reserves. Conversely, incurred losses or an inability to collect on our ineligible loan put-back claims would reduce policyholders’ surplus.

MBIA Corp.’s statutory policyholders’ surplus is higher than its GAAP shareholder’s equity by $807 million as of March 31, 2011. Statutory accounting principles differ from GAAP in certain respects. For MBIA Corp., the significant differences include the following: insured credit derivatives are assessed for insurance losses under U.S. STAT rather than recorded at fair value under GAAP; the shareholder’s equity impact of our consolidated VIEs is more negative than the loss reserves we carry on our statutory books for those policies; surplus notes are recorded as a component of policyholders’ surplus under U.S. STAT rather than treated as long-term debt under GAAP; contingency reserves are recorded on a statutory basis and not on a GAAP basis; upfront and installment premium revenue are earned under different schedules for U.S. STAT and GAAP; acquisition costs are charged as incurred under U.S. STAT rather than deferred and amortized under GAAP; fixed-maturity investments are generally reported at amortized cost under U.S. STAT rather than at fair value under GAAP; the discount rate used in calculating loss reserves is equal to MBIA Corp.’s book yield under U.S. STAT rather than applicable risk-free rates under GAAP; changes in deferred income tax balances are recognized in surplus under U.S. STAT rather than recognized either in net income or other comprehensive income under GAAP; and “non-admitted assets” are charged directly against surplus under U.S. STAT but are reflected as assets under 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.

 

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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, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are presented in the following table:

 

 In millions

     As of March 31,  
2011
       As of December 31,  
2010
 

 

 Policyholders’ surplus

  

 

 $

 

969

 

  

  

 

 $

 

1,075

 

  

 

 Contingency reserves

     1,718         1,656   
                 

Statutory capital

     2,687         2,731   

 Unearned premium reserve

     697         703   

 Present value of installment premiums(1)

     1,611         1,655   
                 

 

Premium resources(2)

  

 

 

 

2,308

 

  

     2,358   

 Loss and LAE reserves(1)

     (262)         155   
                 

 

 Total claims-paying resources

    $ 4,733        $ 5,244   
                 

 

(1) - Calculated using a discount rate of 5.93% as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

(2) - Includes financial guarantee and insured credit derivative related premiums.

  

  

MBIA Corp.’s total CPR as of March 31, 2011 was $4.7 billion compared with $5.2 billion as of December 31, 2010. The decrease in CPR is primarily due to loss payments associated with insured RMBS securitizations and payments associated with the commutation of insured structured CMBS pools and an investment grade corporate CDO. As of March 31, 2011, loss and LAE reserves are in a receivable position as expected recoveries on our insured RMBS transactions more than offset case basis reserves on the remainder of MBIA Corp.’s insured portfolio as a result of claim payments made.

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity risk is the risk that an enterprise will not have sufficient resources to meet contractual payment obligations when due. Management of liquidity risk is of critical importance to financial services companies, and failures of financial institutions often occur in large part due to their inability to maintain sufficient liquidity resources under adverse circumstances. Generally, failure to maintain an appropriate liquidity position results from an enterprise’s inability to access the capital markets, a lack of adequate cash flow from operations or investing activities, inability to liquidate assets and/or an unexpected acceleration of payments to settle liabilities. We encounter significant liquidity risk in our insurance businesses, asset/liability products business and corporate operations.

The Company has instituted a liquidity risk management framework, the primary objective of which is to monitor potential liquidity constraints in our asset and liability portfolios and guide the proactive matching of liquidity resources to needs. Our liquidity risk management framework seeks to monitor the Company’s 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.

As part of our liquidity risk management framework, we also seek to evaluate and manage liquidity on both a legal entity basis and a segment basis. Legal entity liquidity is an important consideration as there are legal, regulatory and other limitations on our ability to utilize the liquidity resources within the overall enterprise. We also seek to manage segment liquidity, particularly between our corporate and asset/liability products segments as they relate to MBIA. Unexpected loss payments arising from ineligible mortgage loans in securitizations that we have insured, dislocation in the global financial markets, the overall economic downturn in the U.S., and the loss of our triple-A insurance financial strength ratings in 2008 significantly increased the liquidity needs and decreased the financial flexibility in our segments and legal entities. We continue to satisfy all of our payment obligations and we believe that we have adequate resources to meet our ongoing liquidity needs in both the short-term and the long-term. However, the Company could face additional liquidity pressure in all of its operations and businesses through increased liquidity demands or a decrease in its liquidity supply if (i) loss payments on the Company’s insured transactions were to rise significantly, including due to ineligible mortgage loans in securitizations that we have insured, (ii) market or adverse economic conditions persist for an extended period of time or worsen, (iii) the Company is unable to sell assets at values necessary to satisfy payment obligations or is unable to access new capital through the issuance of equity or debt, (iv) the Company experiences an unexpected acceleration of payments required to settle liabilities or (v) if the Company is unable to collect or is delayed in collecting on contract claim recoveries related to ineligible mortgage loans in securitizations. These pressures could arise from exposures beyond residential mortgage-related stress, which to date has been the main cause of stress.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

A substantial majority of our put-back claims have been disputed by the loan sellers/servicers and are currently subject to litigation. In addition, there is some risk that the sellers/servicers or other responsible parties might not be able to satisfy any judgment we secure in a litigation. There can be no assurance that we will be successful or that we will not be delayed in realizing these recoveries.

U.S. Public Finance Insurance Liquidity

Liquidity risk arises in our U.S. public finance insurance segment when claims on insured exposures result in payment obligations, when operating cash inflows fall due to depressed new business writings, lower investment income, or unanticipated expenses, or when invested assets experience credit defaults or significant declines in fair value.

The insurance policies issued or reinsured by the Company’s licensed insurers generally provide an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee of the payment required to be made by, on or behalf of the obligor to a designated paying agent for the holders of the insured obligations of an amount equal to the payment of the principal of, and interest or other amounts owing on, insured obligations when due or, in the event that the insurance company has the right, at its discretion, to accelerate insured obligations upon default or otherwise, upon the insurance company’s election to accelerate. Because our U.S. public finance insurance segment’s financial guarantee contracts generally cannot be accelerated by a party other than the insurer, liquidity risk is mitigated in this segment.

In the event of a default in payment of principal, interest or other insured amounts by an issuer, however, National generally promises to make funds available in the insured amount generally on the next business day following notification. National provides for this payment, in some cases through a third-party bank, upon receipt of proof of ownership of the obligations due, as well as upon receipt of instruments appointing the insurer as agent for the holders and evidencing the assignment of the rights of the holders with respect to the payments made by the insurer.

Defaults, credit impairments and adverse capital market conditions such as we are currently experiencing, can create payment requirements as a result of our unconditional and irrevocable pledges to pay principal and interest, or other amounts owing on insured obligations, when due. Additionally, our U.S. public finance insurance segment requires cash for the payment of operating expenses. Finally, National also provides liquid assets to our asset/liability products segment through matched repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements to support its business operations and liquidity position, as described below.

Since inception, National, the entity from which we conduct our U.S. public finance insurance business, has generated positive cash flow from operations, and its cash outflows have been relatively stable and predictable. National held cash and short-term investments of $540 million as of March 31, 2011, of which $376 million was highly liquid and consisted predominately of highly rated municipal, U.S. agency and corporate bonds. In addition, the remainder of National’s investments, excluding those pledged to our asset/liability products business under the matched repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, are also liquid and highly rated. The Company believes that the liquidity position of its U.S. public finance insurance segment is sufficient to meet cash requirements in the ordinary course of business.

Structured Finance and International Insurance Liquidity

Liquidity risk arises in our structured finance and international insurance segment when claims on insured exposures result in payment obligations, when operating cash inflows fall due to depressed new business writings, when investment income decreases, when unanticipated expenses arise, or when invested assets experience credit defaults or significant declines in fair value.

Since the fourth quarter of 2007 through March 31, 2011, MBIA Corp. has made $8.2 billion of cash payments, before reinsurance and collections and including payments made to debt holders of consolidated VIEs, associated with RMBS securitizations and commutations and claim payments relating to CDS contracts referencing CDO-squared, multi-sector CDOs, CMBS pools and CRE CDOs. These cash payments include loss payments of $543 million made on behalf of MBIA Corp.’s consolidated VIEs. As a result of the placement of ineligible mortgage loans in RMBS securitizations and current economic stress, MBIA Corp. could incur additional payment obligations beyond these mortgage-related exposures, which may be substantial, increasing the stress on its liquidity position.

Of the $8.2 billion, MBIA Corp. has paid $5.7 billion of claims on policies insuring RMBS securitizations. We believe these payments were driven primarily by an overwhelming number of ineligible mortgage loans being placed in the securitizations in breach of the representations and warranties of the sellers/servicers. As a result, payments have been far in excess of the level that might be expected in an economic downturn. As a result of the unprecedented and unexpected mortgage loan defaults driven by placement of ineligible loans in RMBS securitizations, MBIA could incur payment obligations beyond its current estimate. MBIA is seeking to enforce its rights to have mortgage sellers/servicers cure, replace or repurchase ineligible mortgage loans from securitizations and has recorded a total of $2.6 billion of related recoveries on its statutory balance sheets. These recoveries are being pursued through litigation discussed more fully in “Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

The Company believes the current liquidity position of MBIA Corp. is adequate to make expected future payments on its RMBS exposures, but the degree of loss within these transactions has been unprecedented, and continued elevated levels of payments would cause additional stress on MBIA’s liquidity position.

There are three primary types of policy payment requirements in our structured finance and international financial guarantee contracts: (i) timely interest and ultimate principal; (ii) ultimate principal only at final maturity; and (iii) payments upon settlement of individual collateral losses as they occur after any deductible or subordination has been exhausted. As in our U.S. public finance business, our structured finance and international insurance segment’s financial guarantee contracts and CDS contracts generally cannot be accelerated, thereby mitigating liquidity risk. However, with respect to the insurance of CDS contracts, in certain events, including the insolvency or payment default of the insurer or the issuer of the CDS, the CDS contract may be subject to termination by the counterparty, triggering a claim for the fair value of the contract. Further, in the event of a default in payment of principal, interest or other insured amounts by an insured issuer, our structured finance and international insurance companies generally promise to make funds available in the insured amount generally on the next business day following notification for U.S. transactions and within longer timeframes for international transactions, depending on the terms of the insurance policy. Our structured finance and international insurance companies provide for this payment, in some cases through a third-party bank, upon receipt of proof of ownership of the obligations due, as well as upon receipt of instruments appointing the insurer as agent for the holders and evidencing the assignment of the rights of the holders with respect to the payments made by the insurer or other appropriate documentation.

Additionally, our structured finance and international insurance segment requires cash for the payment of operating expenses, as well as principal and interest related to its surplus notes. MBIA Corp. also provides guarantees to the holders of our asset/liability products debt obligations. If our asset/liability products segment or MBIA Inc. were unable to service the principal and interest payments on its debt and investment agreements, the holders of the insured liabilities would make a claim under the MBIA Corp. insurance policies. MBIA Corp. has lent $2.0 billion to the asset/liability products segment on a secured basis (“Secured Loan”) for the purpose of minimizing the risk that such a claim would be made. The Secured Loan matures in the fourth quarter of 2011. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, a total of $175 million was repaid and the amount outstanding was $800 million as of March 31, 2011.

In order to monitor liquidity risk and maintain appropriate liquidity resources for payments associated with our residential mortgage-related exposures, MBIA employs a stress scenario-based liquidity model using the same “Roll Rate Methodology” as described in “Note 5: Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Using this methodology, the Company estimates the level of payments that would be required to be made under stress-level default assumptions of the underlying collateral taking into account MBIA’s obligation to cover such defaults under our insurance policies. These estimated payments, together with all other significant operating, financing and investing cash flows are forecasted on a monthly basis for a period covering (i) the next 24-months and (ii) then annually thereafter to the final maturity of the longest dated outstanding insured obligation. The stress-loss scenarios and cash flow forecasts are periodically updated to account for changes in risk factors and to reconcile differences between forecasted and actual payments.

In addition to our residential mortgage stress scenario, we also monitor liquidity risk using a Monte Carlo estimation of potential stress-level claims for insured principal and interest payments due in the next 12-month period. These probabilistically determined payments are then compared to the Company’s invested assets. This theoretic liquidity model supplements the scenario-based liquidity model previously described.

The Company manages the liquidity of its structured finance and international insurance segment with the goal of maintaining cash and liquid securities in an amount in excess of all projected stress scenario payment requirements. To the extent our projected liquidity resources fall short of our target liquidity cushions under the stress-loss scenario testing in the future, the Company will seek to increase its cash holdings position by selling or financing assets in its investment portfolio or drawing upon one or more of its contingent sources of liquidity. The Company’s contingent liquidity sources may include cash, investments, other assets owned by its various regulated and unregulated subsidiaries, and capital markets access. Access to this contingent liquidity by a particular legal entity generally involves the transfer and/or sale of such assets and the need for regulatory or third-party approvals prior to their transfer and/or sale and are, therefore, contingent on the receipt of such approvals, among other things. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be received.

As of March 31, 2011, MBIA Corp. had unencumbered cash and available-for-sale investments of $2.0 billion, of which $927 million comprised cash and highly liquid assets of MBIA Insurance Corporation (without regard to its investments in its subsidiaries). The $927 million of cash and highly liquid assets include the benefit of cash and highly liquid assets received from the acquisition of Channel Re in the third quarter of 2010. Additionally, in aggregate, we believe the Company’s remaining contingent sources of liquidity accessible within one to three months totaled approximately $214 million as of March 31, 2011. We believe that MBIA Corp.’s liquidity resources, including the expected repayment of the Secured Loan during 2011, will adequately provide for anticipated cash outflows.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

Corporate Liquidity

Liquidity needs in our corporate segment are generally predictable and primarily relate to certain activities of MBIA Inc., such as principal and interest payments on corporate debt and operating expenses. In addition to MBIA Inc.’s corporate liquidity needs, it issued investment agreements and MTNs reported within the Company’s asset/liability products segment, all of which are currently collateralized by high-quality liquid investments. Refer to the “Asset/Liability Products Liquidity” section below for a detailed discussion of the liquidity risks associated with that business.

Liquidity risk in our corporate segment is associated primarily with the dividend capacity of our insurance subsidiaries, National and MBIA Insurance Corporation, dividends from asset management subsidiaries, investment income and our ability to issue equity and debt. To mitigate this risk, the corporate segment maintains excess cash and investments to support its ongoing cash requirements over a multi-year period.

As of March 31, 2011, the corporate activities of MBIA Inc. had $300 million of cash and highly liquid assets available for general corporate liquidity purposes. This liquidity position provides our corporate segment with sufficient funds to cover 3.6 years of debt service and non-discretionary operating expenses. During the first quarter of 2011, National paid $114 million to MBIA Inc. pursuant to our tax sharing agreement. Consistent with the tax sharing agreement, these funds will be placed in an escrow account in the second quarter of 2011 and remain in escrow until the expiration of National’s two-year net operating loss carry-back period under U.S. tax rules. At the expiration of National’s carry-back period, any funds remaining after any reimbursement to National in respect of any net operating loss carry-backs will be available for general corporate purposes, including to satisfy any other obligations under the tax sharing agreement.

The Company’s corporate debt, investment agreements, MTNs, and derivatives may be accelerated by the holders of such instruments upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a breach of covenant or representation, a bankruptcy of MBIA Inc. or the filing of an insolvency proceeding in respect to MBIA Corp. MBIA Inc.’s obligations under its loans from GFL may only be accelerated upon the occurrence of a bankruptcy or liquidation of MBIA Inc. Refer to “Note 11: Business Segments” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the GFL loans. In the event of any acceleration of the Company’s obligations, including under its corporate debt, investment agreements, MTNs, or derivatives, the Company likely would not have sufficient liquid resources to pay amounts due with respect to its corporate debt and other obligations.

The Company has also issued commitments to two pooled investment programs managed or administered by Cutwater-ISC and its subsidiary. As of March 31, 2011, these commitments had a notional amount of $4.0 billion. Although the pooled investment programs hold high-quality short-term investments, there is risk that the Company will be required to make payments or incur a loss under these guarantees in the event of material redemptions by shareholders of the pools and the need to liquidate investments held in the pools. Refer to the “Results of Operations—Advisory Services” section included herein for a description of the pooled investment programs.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

Asset/Liability Products Liquidity

Our asset/liability products segment is subject to material liquidity risk. Cash needs in the asset/liability products segment are primarily for the payment of principal and interest on investment agreements and MTNs, and for posting collateral under repurchase agreements, derivatives and investment agreements, as well as for the payment of operating expenses. The primary sources of cash within the asset/liability products segment used to meet its liquidity needs include scheduled principal and interest on assets held in the segment’s investment portfolio and unencumbered assets, including cash held within the wind-down operations that is not required for posting against any of its liabilities. If needed, assets held within the segment can be sold or used in secured repurchase agreement borrowings to raise cash. However, our ability to sell assets or borrow against non-U.S. government securities in the fixed-income markets decreased significantly and the cost of such transactions increased significantly over the last two years due to the impact of the credit crisis on the willingness of investors to purchase or lend against even very high-quality assets. In addition, negative net interest spread between asset and liability positions resulted from the need to hold cash as collateral against terminable investment agreement contracts and reduced the cash flow historically provided by net investment income.

In order to monitor liquidity risk and maintain appropriate liquidity resources for near-term cash and collateral requirements within our asset/liability products segment, the Company seeks to calculate monthly forecasts of asset and liability maturities, as well as collateral posting requirements. Cash availability at the low point of our 12-month forecasted cash flows is measured against liquidity needs using stress-scenario testing of each of the potential liquidity needs described above. To the extent there is a shortfall in our liquidity coverage, the Company seeks to manage its cash position and liquidity resources with a goal of maintaining an adequate cushion to the stress scenario. These resources include the sale or pledging of unencumbered assets, the use of free cash within the asset/liability products segment and at the corporate segment level, and potentially increased securities borrowings from National. There can be no assurance that these resources will be adequate to meet a short-fall in liquidity coverage under a stress-scenario.

The asset/liability products segment, through MBIA Inc., maintains simultaneous repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements (“Asset Swap”) with National for up to $2.0 billion based on the fair value of securities borrowed. As of March 31, 2011, the fair value of security borrowings under these agreements totaled $1.9 billion. The asset/liability products segment has collateralized these security borrowings with assets rated BBB or better and having an aggregate fair value in excess of the securities borrowed. The NYSID approved the Asset Swap in connection with the re-domestication of National to New York. National has agreed to use good faith efforts to reduce the amount of the Asset Swap to no more than 10% of its admitted assets by no later than December 2011.

Other liquidity support within our asset/liability products segment that was outstanding as of March 31, 2011 included a secured loan between MBIA Inc. and MBIA Corp. for up to $2.0 billion, under which $800 million was outstanding as of March 31, 2011, and a repurchase agreement between MBIA Inc. and the conduit segment (through Meridian) for up to $1 billion, under which $100 million was outstanding as of March 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2011, including the $2.0 billion of intercompany resources, the asset/liability products segment had cash and investments of $3.9 billion and receivables for securities sold net of payables for securities purchased of $24 million.

Following the Moody’s downgrade of MBIA Corp. to Baa1 in November 2008, most outstanding investment agreements were terminated in accordance with their terms. As of March 31, 2011, we had $4.1 billion in remaining third-party liabilities related to our asset/liability products business, of which $1.9 billion were investment agreements. All of the investment agreements were collateralized by cash or high-grade securities. We believe the asset/liability products program has adequate cash and highly liquid securities to retire all remaining investment agreements where holders have a right to terminate. The remaining $2.2 billion in liabilities consist of MTNs issued by GFL and term repurchase agreements. We believe no additional collateral or termination provisions would be triggered in the event of a further downgrade of MBIA Corp.’s credit rating. Payments and additional collateral requirements on the liabilities in the asset/liability products segment are expected to be met without the need for additional asset sales in the current stressed credit environment but rather from cash flows from investments and the intercompany facilities described above.

As of March 31, 2011, the asset/liability products segment held $664 million in cash and short-term investments of which $240 million was free cash not pledged as collateral against its liabilities.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

The Company has managed the asset/liability products segment within a number of risk and liquidity parameters and maintains cash and liquidity resources that it believes will be sufficient in the near term to make all payments due on the investment agreement and GFL MTN obligations and to meet other financial requirements such as posting collateral and paying operating expenses. However, to the extent we experience further asset impairments, asset or liability cash flow variability or reductions in the market value or rating eligibility of assets pledged as collateral, we may have insufficient resources to meet any increase in collateral margin requirements on guaranteed investment contracts or intercompany and third-party liquidity or swap arrangements. In such events, we may be forced to sell additional assets at potentially substantial losses to meet such obligations. In addition, as a result of a deficit in this business of cash, investments and other liquid assets at amortized cost to debt issued to third-parties and affiliates at amortized cost, which deficit is expected to increase as a result of on-going expected operating losses, we may have insufficient assets to make all payments due on the investment agreement and GFL MTN obligations as they come due. In order to address this deficit, the Company is pursuing strategies such as investing in assets that produce higher yields and seeking to purchase liabilities at a discount, and may be required to pursue additional strategies such as raising capital to resolve the deficit. While the asset/liability products segment may receive further liquidity support from our corporate segment, there can be no assurance that such support would be adequate to meet all payment obligations.

Consolidated Cash Flows

Operating Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net cash used by operating activities totaled $546 million compared with $297 million for the same period of 2010. The Company’s net use of cash in the first three months of 2011 was largely related to payments for commutations of CDS contracts and loss payments on financial guarantee insurance policies insuring RMBS exposure. The Company’s net use of cash in the first three months of 2010 was largely related to loss payments on financial guarantee insurance policies insuring RMBS exposure and claim payments on CDS contracts. Cash from operating activities in both periods was also adversely impacted by a decrease in net investment income and premium collections. We believe that we have sufficient cash on hand, liquid assets and future cash receipts to satisfy expected claims payments and other expenses in the future.

Investing Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net cash provided by investing activities was $1.0 billion compared with $1.6 billion for the same period of 2010. Net cash provided by investing activities in the first three months of 2011 resulted from sales and redemptions of securities for purposes of funding commutations of CDS contracts, insurance-related loss payments, investment agreement withdrawals, and repayments of other debt. Net cash provided by investing activities in the first three months of 2010 resulted from sales and redemptions of securities for purposes of funding insurance-related loss payments, investment agreement withdrawals, and payments for the retirement of other debt, as well as cash recognized in the consolidation of VIEs.

Financing Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, net cash used by financing activities was $626 million compared with $895 million for the same period of 2010. Net cash used by financing activities in first three months of 2011 and 2010 principally related to withdrawals of investment agreements, principal payments on VIE notes, and payments for the retirement of other debt.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

Investments

The following discussion of investments, including references to consolidated investments, excludes cash and investments reported under “Assets of consolidated variable interest entities” on our consolidated balance sheets. Cash and investments of VIEs support the repayment of VIE obligations and are not available to settle obligations of MBIA.

Our available-for-sale investments comprise high-quality fixed-income securities and short-term investments. As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 the fair value of our consolidated available-for-sale investments was $11.3 billion and $11.9 billion, respectively, as presented in the following table. Additionally, consolidated cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were $277 million and $366 million, respectively.

 

 In millions

  As of
    March 31,  2011    
    As of
    December 31, 2010    
      Percent Change  
2011 vs. 2010
 

 Available-for-sale investments:

     

 

U.S. public finance insurance operations segment

     

 

Amortized cost

    $ 5,318        $ 5,489        -3%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

    (81)        (66)        23%   
                       

Fair value

 

 

  $

 

5,237

 

  

    $ 5,423        -3%   
                       

Structured finance and international insurance operations

     

 

Amortized cost

    $ 1,995        $ 2,211        -10%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

    (30)        (14)        114%   
                       

Fair value

 

 

  $

 

1,965

 

  

    $ 2,197        -11%   
                       

Corporate segment

     

 

Amortized cost

    $ 339        $ 275        23%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

    -        -        n/m   
                       

Fair value

 

 

  $

 

339

 

  

    $ 275        23%   
                       

Advisory services

     

 

Amortized cost

    $ 17        $ 21        -19%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

    -        -        n/m   
                       

Fair value

 

 

  $

 

17

 

  

    $ 21        -19%   
                       

Wind-down operations

     

 

Amortized cost

    $ 4,150        $ 4,489        -8%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

    (399)        (505)        -21%   
                       

Fair value

 

 

  $

 

3,751

 

  

    $ 3,984        -6%   
                       

 Total available-for-sale investments:

     

 

Amortized cost

    $ 11,819        $ 12,485        -5%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

    (510)        (585)        -13%   
                       

 Total available-for-sale investments at fair value

 

 

  $

 

11,309

 

  

    $ 11,900        -5%   
                       

 Investments carried at fair value:

     

 

Structured finance and international insurance operations

     

 

Amortized cost

    $ 1        $ 1        0%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

    -        -        n/m   
                       

Fair value

 

 

  $

 

1

 

  

    $ 1        0%   
                       

Corporate segment

     

 

Amortized cost

    $ 12        $ 10        20%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

    -        -        n/m   
                       

Fair value

 

 

  $

 

12

 

  

    $ 10        20%   
                       

Advisory services

     

 

Amortized cost

    $ 2        $ 2        0%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

    -        -        n/m   
                       

Fair value

 

 

  $

 

2

 

  

    $ 2        0%   

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

 In millions

   As of
    March 31,  2011    
     As of
    December 31, 2010    
       Percent Change  
2011 vs. 2010
 

Wind-down operations

        

 

Amortized cost

     $ 27         $ 27         0%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

     (13)         (15)         -13%   
                          

Fair value

  

 

  $

 

14

 

  

     $ 12         17%   
                          

 Total investments carried at fair value:

        

 

Amortized cost

     $ 42         $ 40         5%   

 

Unrealized net gain (loss)

     (13)         (15)         -13%   
                          

 Total Investments carried at fair value

  

 

  $

 

29

 

  

     $ 25         16%   
                          

 Held-to-maturity investments:

        

 

Structured finance and international insurance operations - amortized cost

     $ 1         $ 1         0%   
                          

 Total held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost

  

 

  $

 

1

 

  

     $ 1         0%   
                          

 Other investments

        

 

Corporate segment

        

 

Amortized cost

     $ 1         $ 1         0%   
                          

Advisory services

        

 

Amortized cost

     $ 1         $ -         n/m   
                          

 Total other investments at amortized cost

  

 

  $

 

2

 

  

     $ 1         100%   
                          

 Consolidated investments at carrying value

  

 

  $

 

11,341

 

  

     $ 11,927         -5%   
                          

 

n/m - Percentage change not meaningful.

The carrying value of our consolidated investment portfolio was $11.3 billion and $11.9 billion as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

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 available-for-sale 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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Table of Contents
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 fixed-income investment portfolios, excluding short-term investments, based on ratings from Moody’s as of March 31, 2011 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
    Structured
Finance
and
International
    Advisory
Services
    Corporate     Wind-down
Operations
    Total  

In millions

  Fair
Value
    % of
Fixed-
Income
Invest-
ments
    Fair
Value
    % of
Fixed-
Income
Invest-
ments
    Fair
Value
    % of
Fixed-
Income
Invest-
ments
    Fair
Value
    % of
Fixed-
Income
Invest-
ments
    Fair
Value
    % of
Fixed-
Income
Invest-
ments
    Fair
Value
    % of
Fixed-
Income
Invest-
ments
 

Available-for-sale:

                       

Aaa

  $ 2,294        48%      $ 767        67%      $ 1        50%      $ -        0%      $ 414        14%      $ 3,476        39%   

Aa

    1,914        40%        47        4%        -        0%        -        0%        551        19%        2,512        29%   

A

    439        9%        11        1%        1        50%        -        0%        882        31%        1,333        15%   

Baa

    129        3%        38        3%        -        0%        -        0%        672        23%        838        10%   

Below investment grade

    9        0%        215        19%        -        0%        -        0%        291        10%        515        6%   

Not rated

    4        0%        66        6%        -        0%        -        0%        65        3%        136        2%   
                                                                                               

Total

  $ 4,789        100%      $ 1,144        100%      $ 2        100%      $ -        0%      $ 2,875        100%      $ 8,810        100%   

Short-term investments

    445          810          15          331          651          2,252     

Investments held-to-maturity

    -          1          -          -          -          1     

Investments held at fair value

    -          2          2          12          13          29     

Other investments

    3          10          1          9          226          249     
                                                           

Consolidated investments at carrying value

  $ 5,237        $ 1,967        $ 20        $ 352        $ 3,765        $ 11,341     
                                                           

As of March 31, 2011, the weighted average credit quality of the Company’s available-for-sale investment portfolios, excluding short-term and other investments, as presented in the preceding table are as follows:

 

      U.S. Public  
Finance
  Structured
Finance and
  International  
Insurance
      Advisory    
Services
      Corporate         Wind-down  
Operations
Weighted average credit quality ratings   Aa   Aa   Aa   -   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, 2011, Insured Investments at fair value represented $1.9 billion or 17% of consolidated investments, of which $1.0 billion or 9% of consolidated investments were Company-Insured Investments.

As of March 31, 2011, 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 Baa range, and 6% of the total investment portfolio would be rated below investment grade.

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

The distribution of the Company’s Insured Investments by financial guarantee insurer as of March 31, 2011 is presented in the following table:

 

    U.S. Public     Structured Finance and     Wind-down              
   

 

Finance

   

 

International

   

 

Operations

    Total  

In millions      

 

 

Fair
Value

    % of Total
 Investments 
    Fair
Value
    % of Total
 Investments 
    Fair
Value
    % of Total
 Investments 
    Fair
Value
    % of Total
 Investments 
 

 

MBIA Corp.

   $ 1        0%        $ 175        2%       $ 442        4%       $ 618        6%   

 

AGM

    248        2%        2        0%        272        2%        522        4%   

 

Ambac

    75        1%        2        0%        182        2%        259        3%   

 

National

    263        2%        12        0%        94        1%        369        3%   

 

FGIC

    12        0%        3        0%        118        1%        133        1%   

 

Other

    9        0%        -        0%        8        0%        17        0%   
                                                               

Total

 

 

 $

 

608

 

  

    5%        $ 194        2%       $ 1,116        10%       $ 1,918        17%   
                                                               

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 affect 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, 2011 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           Structured                
         U.S. Public         

 

Finance and

               
Underlying Ratings   

 

Finance

    

 

  International  

         Wind-down             

 

Scale

  

 

Insurance

     Insurance      Operations              Total          

 

National:

           

 

Aaa

     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -   

 

Aa

     81         -         42         123   

 

A

     118         -         28         146   

 

Baa

     64         12         24         100   

 

Below investment grade

     -         -         -         -   
                                   

Total National

  

 

  $

 

263

 

  

     $ 12         $ 94         $ 369   
                                   

MBIA Corp.:

           

 

Aaa

     $ -         $ -         $ 12         $ 12   

 

Aa

     -         6         14         20   

 

A

     -         -         85         85   

 

Baa

     -         2         253         255   

 

Below investment grade

     1         167         78         246   
                                   

Total MBIA Corp.

  

 

  $

 

1

 

  

     $ 175         $ 442         $ 618   
                                   

Total MBIA Insured Investments

  

 

  $

 

264

 

  

     $ 187         $ 536         $ 987   
                                   

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY (continued)

 

Without giving effect to the MBIA guarantee of the Company-Insured Investments in the consolidated investment portfolio, as of March 31, 2011, 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 5% of the Company-Insured Investment portfolio was rated below investment grade.

Impaired Investments

As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had impaired investments (investments for which fair value was less than amortized cost) with a fair value of $6.6 billion and $7.0 billion, respectively. We analyze impaired investments within our investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairments on a quarterly basis. Our analysis focuses on securities that meet one of the following two thresholds: (i) 20% impaired at the time of review or (ii) 5% impaired at the time of review with a fair value below amortized cost for a consecutive 12-month period, principally relating to ABS, MBS, and corporate securities.

As part of our assessment of other-than-temporary impairments of investments, we consider (i) the magnitude and duration of decline in fair value, (ii) the reason for the decline in fair value, and (iii) whether we have the intent to sell the securities or more likely than not will be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery. In calculating credit-related losses, we utilize cash flow modeling based on the type of security. 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 in the nine months ending December 31, 2011 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 2013, the first 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, 2011, and liabilities issued at a discount reflect principal amounts due at maturity.

 

    As of March 31, 2011  

In millions

  Nine Months
Ended
 December 31, 

2011
    2012     2013     2014     2015     Thereafter     Total  

 

Structured finance and international insurance segment:

             

 

Variable interest entity notes

    $ 524       $ 704        $ 793        $ 768        $ 2,055        $ 13,043        $ 17,887   

 

Surplus notes

    -        -        940        -        -        -        940   

 

Corporate-segment:

             

 

Long-term debt

    -        -        -        -        -        905        905   

 

Asset/liability products segment:

             

 

Investment agreements

    93        547        186        269        175        758        2,028   

 

Medium-term notes

    16        119        42        59        259        2,083        2,578   

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

    -        470        -        -        -        -        470   

 

Conduit segment:

             

 

Medium-term notes

    -        -        -        173        -        931        1,104   

 

Long-term liquidity loans

    -        -        -        -        -        360        360   
                                                       

Total

 

 

  $

 

633

 

  

   $  1,840        $  1,961        $  1,269        $  2,489        $  18,080        $  26,272   
                                                       

 

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

 

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, 2011 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

  $  473   $    376   $    224   $    (242)   $        (480)   $    (705)

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, 2011 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

  $  (67)   $    (34)   $    34   $    67

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 (including investment securities and investment agreement and MTN obligations) as of March 31, 2011 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. MBIA Corp.’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 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 change in 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

  $    374   $    104   $    (112)   $    (486)

 

127


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

 

MARKET RISK (continued)

 

Insured Credit Derivatives Sensitivity

MBIA issued insurance policies insuring payments due on structured credit derivative contracts and directly entered into credit derivative contracts, which are marked-to-market through earnings under the accounting principles for derivatives and hedging activities. All these transactions were insured by the Company’s structured finance and international insurance operations. 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, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities. These transactions were usually underwritten at or above a triple-A credit rating level. As of March 31, 2011, approximately 20% of the tranches insured by the Company were rated triple-A. Additionally, MBIA’s wind-down operations enter into single-name CDSs as part of its asset management activities. In 2011, the value of the Company’s credit derivative contracts was affected predominantly by the effect of the Company’s own credit risk on the portfolio. As risk factors change, the values of credit derivative contracts will change and the resulting gains or losses will be recorded within net income.

In 2011, the Company 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’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, collateral prices, rating migrations, recovery rates and to changes in our own credit spreads and recovery rates. Each table stands on its own and should be read independently of each other.

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 the Company’s credit derivatives portfolio of instantaneous shifts in credit spreads as of March 31, 2011. In scenarios where credit spreads decreased, a floor of zero was used. 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.

 

    Change in Credit Spreads  

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)

    $ 2,243        $ 811        $ 213        $        $ (226)        $ (964)        $ (2,897)   

 Estimated net fair value

    $   (3,441)        $   (4,873)        $ (5,471)        $   (5,684)        $ (5,910)        $   (6,648)        $   (8,581)   

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.

Since the Company is now using collateral prices as an input into the new Direct Price Model for certain multi-sector insured CDOs, a sensitivity analysis below shows the estimated pre-tax change in fair value and the cumulative estimated net fair value of the Company’s insurance credit derivatives portfolio of a 10% and 20% change in collateral prices as of March 31, 2011.

 

     Change in Collateral Prices  
    

 

(Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations)

 

In millions

    20% Increase       10% Increase          No Change          10% Decrease       20% Decrease   

 

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

     $ 219        $ 113        $ -        $ (113)        $ (227)   

 Estimated net fair value

     $ (5,467)        $ (5,573)        $ (5,686)        $ (5,799)        $ (5,913)   

 

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

 

MARKET RISK (continued)

 

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 the Company’s insurance credit derivatives portfolio of a one and three notch rating change in the credit quality as of March 31, 2011. A notch represents a one step movement up or down in the credit rating. 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.

 

    Change in Credit Ratings  
   

 

(Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations)

 

In millions

      Three Notch    
Increase
        One Notch    
Increase
        No Change             One Notch    
Decrease
        Three Notch    
Decrease
 

 

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

      $ 1,999          $ 977          $ -          $  (1,158)          $ (2,551)   

 

 Estimated net fair value

      $  (3,687)          $  (4,709)          $  (5,686)          $ (6,844)          $  (8,237)   

Recovery rates on defaulted collateral are an input into the Company’s valuation model. Sensitivity to changes in the recovery rate assumptions used by the Company 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 the Company’s insurance credit derivatives portfolio of a 10% and 20% change in the recovery rate assumptions as of March 31, 2011. 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.

 

    Change in Recovery Rates  
   

 

(Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations)

 

In millions

    20% Increase         10% Increase         No Change         10% Decrease         20% Decrease    

 

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

      $ 336          $ 169          $ -          $ (168)          $ (326)   

 

 Estimated net fair value

      $  (5,350)          $  (5,517)          $  (5,686)          $  (5,854)          $  (6,012)   

Accounting principles for fair value measurements and disclosures require the Company to incorporate its own nonperformance risk in its valuation methodology. Sensitivity to changes in the Company’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 the Company’s insurance credit derivative portfolio using upfront credit spreads of 0%, an increase of 15%, and a decrease of 30%. The actual upfront spread used in the valuation as of March 31, 2011 ranged from 8.63% to 42.5% based on the tenor of each transaction. The below amounts include an additional annual running credit spread of 5%.

 

     MBIA Upfront Credit Spread  
    

 

(Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations)

 

In millions

       Increase by 15    
Percent
             No Change                      Decrease by 30         
Percent
     Decrease to 0
     Percentage Points    
 

 

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

       $ 93           $ -           $ (675)           $ (3,348)   

 

 Estimated net fair value

       $  (5,593)           $  (5,686)           $  (6,361)           $  (9,034)   

With the inclusion of the MBIA recovery rate in the calculation of nonperformance risk for insured CDS liabilities, the following sensitivity analysis shows the change in fair value of insured CDS liabilities due to changes in that recovery rate. The values we are showing below reflect the approximate trading range of the MBIA recovery rate in the last few months.

 

    MBIA’s Recovery Rate  
   

 

(Structured Finance and International Insurance Operations)

 

In millions

  Decrease to 25
     Percentage Points    
            No Change             Increase to 50
     Percentage Points    
 

 

 Estimated pre-tax net gains (losses)

      $ 999          $ -          $ (1,572)   

 

 Estimated net fair value

      $  (4,687)          $  (5,686)          $  (7,258)   

 

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

 

MARKET RISK (continued)

 

MBIA’s insurance of structured credit derivatives typically remain in place until the maturity of the derivative. We have, however, periodically established positions which offset its insurance positions in the reinsurance market, in which contracts also typically remain in place until the maturity of the insurance contract. Any difference between the price of the initial transaction and the offsetting transaction will result in gains or losses. With respect to MBIA’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 financial statements. In February 2008, we announced our intention not to insure credit derivatives in the future, except in transactions that are intended to reduce our overall exposure to insured derivatives. This may result in termination of certain existing contracts prior to maturity.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk appears in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Market Risk.”

 

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

In the normal course of operating its businesses, MBIA Inc. (“MBIA” or the “Company”) 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.

Corporate Litigation

The Company was named as a defendant, along with certain of its current and former officers, in private securities actions that were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as In re MBIA Inc. Securities Litigation; (Case No. 05 CV 03514(LLS); S.D.N.Y.) (filed October 3, 2005). The plaintiffs asserted claims under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The lead plaintiffs purport to be acting as representatives for a class consisting of purchasers of the Company’s stock during the period from August 5, 2003 to March 30, 2005 (the “Class Period”). The lawsuit asserts, among other things, violations of the federal securities laws arising out of the Company’s allegedly false and misleading statements about its financial condition and the nature of the arrangements entered into by MBIA Insurance Corporation and its subsidiaries (“MBIA Corp.”). in connection with a health care transaction loss. The plaintiffs allege that, as a result of these misleading statements or omissions, the Company’s stock traded at artificially inflated prices throughout the Class Period.

The defendants, including the Company, filed motions to dismiss this lawsuit on various grounds. On February 13, 2007, the Court granted those motions, and dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety, on the grounds that plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations. The Court did not reach the other grounds for dismissal argued by the Company and the other defendants. On November 12, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the district court’s dismissal on statute of limitations grounds, but remanded the case to allow the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint. The Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint was filed on February 18, 2009. On September 24, 2009, the Court dismissed plaintiffs’ complaint with prejudice. On November 2, 2009, the plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On June 22 and 24, 2010, individual defendants Juliette Tehrani and David Elliot, respectively, were voluntarily dismissed from the litigation. On February 28, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated the district court’s grant of the Company’s motion to dismiss and remanded the case back to the district court for reconsideration of the statute of limitations analysis in light of the intervening U.S. Supreme Court decision in Merck & Co. v. Reynolds as well as to consider additional arguments in favor of dismissal propounded by the Company.

On October 17, 2008, a consolidated amended class action complaint in a separate shareholder class action lawsuit against the Company and certain of its officers, In re MBIA Inc. Securities Litigation, No. 08-CV-264, (KMK) (the “Consolidated Class Action”) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging violations of the federal securities laws. Lead plaintiff, the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma, seeks to represent a class of shareholders who purchased MBIA stock between July 2, 2007 and January 9, 2008. The amended complaint alleges that defendants MBIA Inc., Gary C. Dunton and C. Edward Chaplin violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Among other things, the complaint alleges that defendants issued false and misleading statements with respect to the Company’s exposure to collateralized deb obligations (“CDOs”) containing residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), specifically its exposure to so-called “CDO-squared” securities, which allegedly caused the Company’s stock to trade at inflated prices. On April 30, 2010, plaintiffs filed their Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint. The motion to dismiss the Second Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint filed on behalf of Messrs. Chaplin and Dunton was fully briefed as of October 29, 2010.

 

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On February 13, 2008, a shareholder derivative lawsuit against certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors, and against the Company, as nominal defendant, entitled Trustees of the Police and Fire Retirement System of the City of Detroit v. Clapp et al., No. 08-CV-1515, (the “Detroit Complaint”), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The gravamen of the Detroit Complaint is similar to the aforementioned Consolidated Class Action, except that the legal claims are against the directors for breach of fiduciary duty and related claims. The Detroit Complaint purports to relate to a so-called “Relevant Time Period” from February 9, 2006, through the time of filing of the complaint. On December 14, 2010, Judge Karas dismissed the complaint without prejudice. On December 23, 2010, a new demand making similar claims was made on the Company’s Board of Directors. The new demand was rejected by the Company’s Special Litigation Committee on March 4, 2011.On August 11, 2008, a shareholder derivative lawsuit entitled Crescente v. Brown et al., No. 08-17595 was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Westchester against certain of the Company’s present and former officers and directors, and against the Company, as nominal defendant. The gravamen of this complaint is similar to the Detroit Complaint except that the time period assertedly covered is from January, 2007, through the time of filing of this complaint. The derivative plaintiff has agreed to stay the action pending further developments in the federal derivative litigation.

On July 23, 2008, the City of Los Angeles filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, against a number of financial guarantee insurers, including MBIA. At the same time and subsequently, additional complaints against the Company and nearly all of the same co-defendants were filed by the City of Stockton, the City of Oakland, the City and County of San Francisco, the County of San Mateo, the County of Alameda, the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the City of Sacramento, the City of Riverside, the Los Angeles World Airports, the City of Richmond, Redwood City, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, the Sacramento Suburban Water District, the City of San Jose, the County of Tulare, the Regents of the University of California , Contra Costa County, the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside, and the Public Financing Authority of the City of Riverside, The Olympic Club, the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco and the Redevelopment Agency of San Jose. These cases are, or are expected to become, part of a coordination proceeding in Superior Court, San Francisco County, before Judge Richard A. Kramer, referred to as the Ambac Bond Insurance Cases, which name as defendants MBIA, AMBAC Assurance Corp., Syncora Guarantee, Inc. f/k/a XL Capital Assurance Inc., Financial Security Assurance, Inc., Assured Guaranty Corp., Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, and CIFG Assurance North America, Inc., Fitch Inc., Fitch Ratings, Ltd., Fitch Group, Inc., Moody’s Corporation, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and S&P.

The claims as they now stand allege participation by all defendants in a conspiracy in violation of California’s antitrust laws to maintain a dual credit rating scale that misstated the credit default risk of municipal bond issuers and not-for-profit issuers and thus created market demand for bond insurance. Plaintiffs also allege that the individual bond insurers participated in risky financial transactions in other lines of business that damaged each bond insurer’s financial condition (thereby undermining the value of each of their guarantees), and each failed adequately to disclose the impact of those transactions on their financial condition. In addition to the statutory antitrust claim, plaintiffs assert common law theories in breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, negligence, and unjust enrichment. The non-municipal plaintiffs also allege a California unfair competition cause of action. Defendants’ demurrers were filed on September 17, 2010 and plaintiffs’ opposition to demurrers were filed on October 22, 2010. On November 30, 2010, prior to the hearing on the demurrers, the credit rating agency defendants removed the seven actions in which they were named to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. On December 8, 2010, defendant Ambac Assurance Corp. removed the remaining actions. On January 31, 2011, the district court granted plaintiffs’ motion to remand the cases back to San Francisco Superior Court. A hearing on demurrers and a case management conference is scheduled for July 6, 2011.

 

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On July 23, 2008, the City of Los Angeles filed a separate complaint in the Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, naming as defendants the Company and other financial institutions, and alleging fraud and violations of California’s antitrust laws through bid-rigging in the sale of guaranteed investment contracts and what plaintiff calls “municipal derivatives” to municipal bond issuers. The case was removed to federal court and transferred by order dated November 26, 2008, to the Southern District of New York for inclusion in the multidistrict litigation In re Municipal Derivatives Antitrust Litigation, M.D.L. No. 1950. Complaints making the same allegations against the Company and nearly all of the same co-defendants were then or subsequently filed by the County of San Diego, the City of Stockton, the County of San Mateo, the County of Contra Costa, Los Angeles World Airports, the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Stockton, the Public Financing Authority of the City of Stockton, the County of Tulare, the Sacramento Suburban Water District, Sacramento Municipal Utility District , the City of Riverside, the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Riverside, the Public Financing Authority of the City of Riverside, Redwood City, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, the Redevelopment Agency of the City and County of San Francisco, the City of Richmond, the City of San Jose, the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, the State of West Virginia, Los Angeles Unified School District and three not-for-profit retirement community operators, Active Retirement Community, Inc. d/b/a Jefferson’s Ferry, Kendal on Hudson, Inc. and Paconic Landing at Southhold Inc. These cases have all been added to the multidistrict litigation. Plaintiffs in all of the cases assert federal and either California or New York state antitrust claims. In February, 2010, the Company moved to dismiss the then-existing complaints and, on April 28, 2010, Judge Victor Marrero denied the motion. The Company’s motion for reconsideration was denied on May 3, 2010. The Company has answered some of the complaints, denying the material allegations, and is preparing to answer the others. MBIA is also preparing to answer amended versions of some of the complaints.

On March 12, 2010, the City of Phoenix, Arizona filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona against MBIA Corp., Ambac Assurance Corp. and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company relating to insurance premiums charged on municipal bonds issued by the City of Phoenix between 2004 and 2007. Plaintiff’s complaint alleges pricing discrimination under Arizona insurance law and unjust enrichment. MBIA filed its answer on May 28, 2010.

On April 5, 2010, Tri-City Healthcare District, a California public healthcare legislative district, filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against MBIA Inc., MBIA Corp., National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation and subsidiary (“National”), certain MBIA employees (collectively for this paragraph, “MBIA”), as well as various financial institutions and law firms. Tri-City subsequently filed three amended complaints. The Third Amendment Complaint, filed on January 26, 2011, purports to state 10 causes of against MBIA for, among other things, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and violation of the California False Claims Act arising from Tri-City Healthcare District’s investment in auction rate securities. On February 17, 2011, MBIA filed its demurrer to the Third Amended Complaint. On March 24, 2011, the court sustained MBIA demurrers with respect to seven causes of action, most with leave to amend under certain circumstances, and one with prejudice. Certain MBIA employees named as individual defendants will be dismissed from the case.

The Company has received subpoenas or informal inquiries from a variety of regulators, regarding a variety of subjects. The Company has cooperated fully with each of these regulators and has or is in the process of satisfying all such requests. The Company may receive additional inquiries from these or other regulators and expects to provide additional information to such regulators regarding their inquiries in the future.

 

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Recovery Litigation

On September 30, 2008, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Countrywide Securities Corp. and Countrywide Financial Corp. (collectively, “Countrywide”). The complaint alleged that Countrywide fraudulently induced MBIA to provide financial guarantee insurance on securitizations of HELOCs and closed end second-liens by misrepresenting the true risk profile of the underlying collateral and Countrywide’s adherence to its strict underwriting standards and guidelines. The complaint also alleged that Countrywide breached its representations and warranties and its contractual obligations, including its obligation to cure or repurchase ineligible loans as well as its obligation to service the loans in accordance with industry standards. In an order dated July 8, 2009, the New York State Supreme Court denied Countrywide’s motion to dismiss in part, allowing the fraud cause of action to proceed against all three Countrywide defendants and the contract causes of action to proceed against Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. On August 24, 2009, MBIA Corp. filed an amended complaint, adding Bank of America and Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP as defendants and identifying an additional five securitizations. On April 29, 2010, the court denied defendants’ motion to dismiss Bank of America and allowed MBIA Corp.’s claims for successor and vicarious liability to proceed against Bank of America, as well as upholding MBIA Corp.’s fraud claim. On May 28, 2010, defendants filed their notice of appeal with respect to the denial of the dismissal of MBIA Corp.’s claims for fraud and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. On June 11, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed its cross notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of its claims of negligent misrepresentation and the limitation of its claim for breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Argument on the appeals was heard by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department on March 8, 2011 and a decision is pending. On December 22, 2010, the court granted MBIA Corp.’s motion in limine allowing it to offer evidence relating to statistically valid random samples of loans from each of the Countrywide securitizations in support of its contract and fraud cases of action for purposes of determining liability and damages. At a hearing on April 28, 2011, the court indicated that fact and expert discovery will close on November 18, 2011.

On July 10, 2009, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in Los Angeles Superior Court against Bank of America Corporation, Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., Countrywide Securities Corporation, Angelo Mozilo, David Sambol, Eric Sieracki, Ranjit Kripalani, Jennifer Sandefur, Stanford Kurland, Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., UBS Securities, LLC, and various Countrywide-affiliated Trusts. The complaint alleges that Countrywide made numerous misrepresentations and omissions of material fact in connection with its sale of certain RMBS, including that the underlying collateral consisting of mortgage loans had been originated in strict compliance with its underwriting standards and guidelines. MBIA commenced this action as subrogee of the purchasers of the RMBS, who incurred severe losses that have been passed on to MBIA as the insurer of the income streams on these securities. On June 21, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed its second amended complaint. The court has allowed limited discovery to proceed while otherwise staying the case pending further developments in the New York Countrywide action described in the prior paragraph.

On October 15, 2008, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Residential Funding Company, LLC (“RFC”). On December 5, 2008, a notice of voluntary dismissal without prejudice was filed in the Southern District of New York and the complaint was re-filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. The complaint alleges that RFC fraudulently induced MBIA Corp. to provide financial guarantee policies with respect to five RFC closed-end home equity second-lien and HELOC securitizations, and that RFC breached its contractual representations and warranties, as well as its obligation to repurchase ineligible loans, among other claims. On December 23, 2009, the court denied in part RFC’s motion to dismiss MBIA’s complaint with respect to MBIA’s fraud claims. On March 19, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed its amended complaint. On May 14, 2010, RFC filed a motion to dismiss only the renewed negligent misrepresentation claim, which was granted on November 8, 2010. On December 7, 2010, RFC filed its answer to the remaining claims in MBIA Corp.’s amended complaint.

On April 1, 2010, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against GMAC Mortgage, LLC (“GMAC”). The complaint alleges fraud and negligent misrepresentation on the part of GMAC in connection with the procurement of financial guarantee insurance on three RMBS transactions, breach of GMAC’s representations and warranties and its contractual obligation to cure or repurchase ineligible loans and breach of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing. On December 7, 2010, Justice Fried denied in part GMAC’s motion to dismiss allowing MBIA Corp. to proceed on its fraud and breach of contract claims. On January 5, 2011, GMAC filed its answer to the remaining causes of action in the complaint.

 

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On December 14, 2009, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc., and Select Portfolio Servicing Inc (“Credit Suisse”). The complaint seeks damages for fraud and breach of contractual obligations in connection with the procurement of financial guarantee insurance on the Home Equity Mortgage Trust Series 2007-2 securitization. The complaint alleges, among other claims, that Credit Suisse falsely represented (i) the attributes of the securitized loans; (ii) that the loans complied with the governing underwriting guidelines; and (iii) that Credit Suisse had conducted extensive due diligence on the securitized loans to ensure compliance with the underwriting guidelines. The complaint further alleges that the defendants breached their contractual obligations to cure or repurchase loans found to be in breach of the representations and warranties applicable thereto and denied MBIA the requisite access to all records and documents regarding the securitized loans. On August 9, 2010, the court denied Credit Suisse’s motion to dismiss in part. On January 27, 2011, the court issued a ruling allowing MBIA Corp. a jury trial on its fraudulent inducement cause of action, which Credit Suisse is appealing. Briefing on the appeal of the foregoing jury trial issue was completed on April 29, 2011. On April 7, 2011, in light of its ruling in Ambac v. DLJ Mortgage; Index No. 600070/2011, Sup. Ct. (N.Y. County) dismissing Ambac’s fraud claim, the court indicated it is reconsidering its August 9, 2010 decision denying dismissal of MBIA Corp.’s fraudulent inducement cause of action.

On December 6, 2010, MBIA. Corp. commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, Westchester County, against Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley Capital Holdings LLC and Saxon Mortgage Services Inc. (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”). The complaint alleges fraud and breach of contract on the part of Morgan Stanley in connection with MBIA Corp.’s issuance of financial guarantee insurance on the MSM 2007-9SL Alt-A second-lien RMBS transaction, as well as breach of Saxon Mortgage Inc.’s servicing obligations. On February 1, 2011, Morgan Stanley filed its motion to dismiss. Argument on the motion to dismiss was heard on April 22, 2011 and a decision is pending.

In its determination of expected ultimate insurance losses on financial guarantee contracts, the Company has considered the probability of potential recoveries arising out of the contractual obligation by the sellers/servicers to repurchase or replace ineligible mortgage loans in certain second-lien mortgage securitizations, which include potential recoveries that may be affected by the legal actions against Countrywide, RFC, Credit Suisse, GMAC and Morgan Stanley. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in these actions.

On April 30, 2009, MBIA Corp. and LaCrosse commenced an action in the New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith, Inc. and Merrill Lynch International. The complaint (amended on May 15, 2009) seeks damages in an as yet indeterminate amount believed to be in excess of several hundred million dollars arising from alleged misrepresentations and breaches of contract in connection with eleven CDS contracts pursuant to which MBIA wrote protection in favor of Merrill Lynch and other parties on a total of $5.7 billion in CDOs arranged and marketed by Merrill Lynch. The complaint also seeks rescission of the CDS contracts. On April 9, 2010, the court denied in part and granted in part Merrill Lynch’s motion to dismiss. On April 13, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of its claims for fraud, negligent misrepresentation and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Merrill Lynch filed its cross notice of appeal regarding the breach of contract claim that survived the motion to dismiss. On February 1, 2011, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department affirmed the lower court’s dismissal and reversed the lower court’s ruling relating to MBIA Corp.’s breach of contract claim. MBIA Corp. intends to seek leave to appeal the Appellate Division’s ruling to the New York State Court of Appeals. MBIA Corp. will also shortly file a request to file a second amended complaint.

On October 14, 2008, June 17, 2009 and August 25, 2009, MBIA Corp. submitted proofs of claim to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) with respect to the resolution of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. for both pre- and post-receivership amounts owed to MBIA Corp. as a result of IndyMac’s contractual breaches and fraud in connection with financial guarantee insurance issued by MBIA Corp. on securitizations of HELOCs. The proofs of claim were subsequently denied by the FDIC. MBIA Corp. has appealed the FDIC’s denial of its proofs of claim via a complaint, filed on May 29, 2009, against IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. and the FDIC, as receiver, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and alleges that IndyMac fraudulently induced MBIA Corp. to provide financial guarantee insurance on securitizations of HELOCs by breaching contractual representations and warranties as well as negligently and fraudulently misrepresenting the nature of the loans in the securitization pools and IndyMac’s adherence to its strict underwriting standards and guidelines. On February 8, 2010, MBIA Corp. filed its amended complaint against the FDIC both in its corporate capacity and as conservator/receiver of IndyMac Federal Bank, F.S.B. for breach of its contractual obligations as servicer and seller for the IndyMac transactions at issue and for unlawful disposition of IndyMac Federal Bank, F.S.B.’s assets in connection with the FDIC’s resolution of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. On May 21, 2010, the FDIC filed separate motions to dismiss both in its capacity as a corporate entity and as receiver/conservator. MBIA Corp. filed its opposition to the FDIC’s motions to dismiss on July 1, 2010. The FDIC’s replies were filed on July 30, 2010.

 

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On September 22, 2009, MBIA Corp. commenced an action in Los Angeles Superior Court against IndyMac ABS, Inc., Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Trust, Series 2006-H4, Home Equity Mortgage Loans Asset-Backed Trust, Series INDS 2007-I, Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Trust, Series INDS 2007-2, Credit Suisse Securities (USA), L.L.C., UBS Securities, LLC, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Michael Perry, Scott Keys, Jill Jacobson, and Kevin Callan. The Complaint alleges that IndyMac Bank made numerous misrepresentations and omissions of material fact in connection with its sale of certain RMBS, including that the underlying collateral consisting of mortgage loans had been originated in strict compliance with its underwriting standards and guidelines. MBIA Corp. commenced this action as subrogee of the purchasers of the RMBS, who incurred severe losses that have been passed on to MBIA Corp. as the insurer of the income streams on these securities. On October 19, 2009, MBIA Corp. dismissed IndyMac ABS, Inc. from the action without prejudice. On October 23, 2009, defendants removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. On November 30, 2009, the IndyMac trusts were consensually dismissed from the litigation. On December 23, 2009, federal District Court Judge S. James Otero of the Central District of California granted MBIA Corp.’s motion to remand the case to Los Angeles Superior Court. On March 25, 2010, the case was reassigned to Judge Carl West. On June 4, 2010, defendants filed their Answers and Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. MBIA Corp.’s opposition was filed on June 23, 2010. On August 3, 2010, the court denied defendants Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings in its entirety. Phased discovery has begun.

On December 9, 2009, MBIA Corp. and LaCrosse commenced an action in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen Boerenleenbank B.A. (“Rabobank”), The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (“Bank of New York Mellon”), and Paragon CDO Ltd. MBIA, as controlling class under the relevant Indenture, commenced the action seeking declaratory relief and damages for breach of contract and negligence relating to the improper sale of certain reference obligations in the Paragon CDO portfolio pool. On January 15, 2010, Rabobank and Bank of New York Mellon filed their answers. On February 16, 2010, Paragon CDO Ltd. was dismissed from the case with prejudice. On April 16, 2010, Rabobank and Bank of New York Mellon filed respective pleadings opposing MBIA Corp.’s motion for summary judgment and in support of their own cross-motions for summary judgment. On March 25, 2011, the court denied summary judgment to defendants on plaintiffs’ claim for breach of contract that it failed to provide proper notice of the sale of the reference obligations at issue, denied plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment and granted summary judgment to defendants on plaintiffs’ remaining claims. Discovery will now commence on plaintiffs’ surviving claim.

Transformation Litigation

On March 11, 2009, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York against the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled Aurelius Capital Master, Ltd. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al., 09-cv-2242 (S.D.N.Y.). The lead plaintiffs, Aurelius Capital Master, Ltd., Aurelius Capital Partners, LP, Fir Tree Value Master Fund, L.P., Fir Tree Capital Opportunity Master Fund, L.P., and Fir Tree Mortgage Opportunity Master Fund, L.P. (the “Aurelius Plaintiffs”), purport to be acting as representatives for a class consisting of all holders of securities, instruments, or other obligations for which MBIA Corp., before February 18, 2009, issued financial guarantee insurance other than U.S. municipal/governmental bond securities. The complaint alleges that certain of the terms of the transactions entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries, which were approved by the New York State Insurance Department (“NYSID”), constituted fraudulent conveyances under §§ 273, 274 and 276 of New York Debtor and Creditor Law and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under New York common law. The Complaint seeks, inter alia, (a) a declaration that the alleged fraudulent conveyances are null and void and set aside, (b) a declaration that National is responsible for the insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp. up to February 17, 2009, and (c) an award of damages in an unspecified amount together with costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees in connection with the action. On February 11, 2010, Judge Sullivan entered an order denying MBIA’s motion to dismiss. On January 20, 2011 in light of the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court’s order dismissing the ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al. discussed below, Judge Sullivan stayed this action pending plaintiffs’ appeal to the New York State Court of Appeals.

On April 6, 2009, a complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware entitled Third Avenue Trust and Third Avenue Variable Series Trust v. MBIA Insurance Corp. and MBIA Insurance Corp. of Illinois, CA 4486-UCL. Plaintiffs allege that they are holders of approximately $400 million of surplus notes issued by MBIA Corp. (for purposes of this section, the “Notes”) in January 2008. The complaint alleges (Count I) that certain of the Transactions breached the terms of the Notes and the Fiscal Agency Agreement dated January 16, 2008 pursuant to which the Notes were issued. The complaint also alleges that certain transfers under the Transactions were fraudulent in that they allegedly left MBIA Corp. with “unreasonably small capital” (Count II), “insolvent” (Count III), and were made with an “actual intent to defraud” (Count IV). The complaint seeks a judgment (a) ordering the defendants to unwind the Transactions (b) declaring that the Transactions constituted a fraudulent conveyance, and (c) damages in an unspecified amount. On October 28, 2009, Vice Chancellor Strine entered an order dismissing the case without prejudice. On December 21, 2009, plaintiffs re-commenced the action in New York State Supreme Court. On February 10, 2011, the New York County Commercial Division announced that Hon. O. Peter Sherwood has been assigned to the case to replace Justice Yates, who has resigned. On March 15, 2011, Justice Sherwood recused himself and the case is now assigned to Justice Barbara Kapnick.

 

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On May 13, 2009, a complaint was filed in the New York State Supreme Court against the Company and its subsidiaries, MBIA Corp. and National, entitled ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. MBIA Inc. et al. The plaintiffs, a group of domestic and international financial institutions, purport to be acting as holders of insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp. directly or indirectly guaranteeing the repayment of structured finance products. The complaint alleges that certain of the terms of the transactions entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries, which were approved by the NYSID, constituted fraudulent conveyances and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing under New York law. The complaint seeks a judgment (a) ordering the defendants to unwind the Transactions, (b) declaring that the Transactions constituted a fraudulent conveyance, (c) declaring that MBIA Inc. and National are jointly and severally liable for the insurance policies issued by MBIA Corp., and (d) ordering damages in an unspecified amount. On February 17, 2010, the court denied defendants’ motion to dismiss. On January 11, 2011, the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s ruling and dismissed the complaint. On January 20, 2011, plaintiffs appealed to the New York State Court of Appeals and argument has been scheduled for May 31, 2011. On February 10, 2011, the New York County Commercial Division announced that Hon. O. Peter Sherwood has been assigned to the case to replace Justice Yates, who has resigned. On March 15, 2011, Justice Sherwood recused himself and the case is now assigned to Justice Barbara Kapnick. Seven of the original nineteen plaintiffs have dismissed their claims, several of which dismissals were related to the commutation of certain of their MBIA-insured exposures.

On June 15, 2009, the same group of domestic and international financial institutions who filed the above described plenary action in New York State Supreme Court filed a proceeding pursuant to Article 78 of New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules in New York State Supreme Court, entitled ABN AMRO Bank N.V. et al. v. Eric Dinallo, in his capacity as Superintendent of the NYSID, the NYSID, MBIA Inc. et al. In its motions to dismiss the three above-referenced plenary actions, the Company argued that an Article 78 proceeding is the exclusive forum in which a plaintiff may raise any challenge to the Transformation approved by the Superintendent of the NYSID. The petition seeks a judgment (a) declaring void and to annul the approval letter of the Superintendent of the NYSID, (b) to recover dividends paid in connection with the Transactions, and (c) declaring that the approval letter does not extinguish plaintiffs’ direct claims against MBIA Inc. and its subsidiaries in the plenary action described above. MBIA and the NYSID filed their answering papers to the Article 78 Petition on November 24, 2009 and argued that based on the record and facts, approval of Transformation and its constituent transactions was neither arbitrary nor capricious nor in violation of New York Insurance Law. As described above, seven of the original nineteen plaintiffs have dismissed their claims. Submission of all papers relating to the original petition are scheduled to be completed by October 31, 2011. On February 10, 2011, the New York County Commercial Division announced that Hon. O. Peter Sherwood has been assigned to the case to replace Justice Yates, who has resigned. On March 15, 2011, Justice Sherwood recused himself and the case is now assigned to Justice Barbara Kapnick.

On October 22, 2010, a similar group of domestic and international financial institutions who filed the above described Article 78 proceeding and related plenary action in New York State Supreme Court filed an additional proceeding pursuant to Article 78 of New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules in New York State Supreme Court, entitled Barclays Bank PLC et. al. v. James Wrynn, in his capacity as Superintendent of the NYSID, the NYSID, MBIA Inc. et al. This petition challenges the NYSID’s June 22, 2010 approval of National’s restatement of earned surplus. On February 10, 2011, the New York County Commercial Division announced that Hon. O. Peter Sherwood has been assigned to the case to replace Justice Yates, who has resigned. On March 15, 2011, Justice Sherwood recused himself and the case is now assigned to Justice Barbara Kapnick. The proceeding is currently stayed.

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.

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.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

There has been no material change in the Company’s risk factors during the three months ended March 31, 2011. For additional information on risk factors, refer to Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

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 2011:

 

Month

  Total Number of Shares
Purchased (1)
    Average Price Paid Per
Share
    Total Amount
Purchased as Part  of
Publicly Announced
Plan
    Maximum Amount That May Be
Purchased Under the Plan
(in thousands)
 

 

January

 

 

 

 

323

 

  

 

 

  $

 

13.10

 

  

 

 

 

 

-

 

  

 

 

  $

 

73,057

 

  

 

February

 

 

 

 

-

 

  

    -        -        73,057   

 

March

 

 

 

 

102,932

 

  

    10.38        -        73,057   

 

(1) – 101,255 shares were repurchased by the Company for settling awards under the Company’s long-term incentive plans and 2,000 shares were purchased as an investment in the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

 

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved).

 

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Item 5. Other Information

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was held on May 4, 2011 (the “Annual Meeting”). The matters that were voted upon at the Annual Meeting, and the number of votes cast for or against each matter (and percent of shares voted), as well as the number of abstentions (and percent of shares voted) and broker non-votes as to each such matter, where applicable, are set forth below.

Proposal 1: Election of Directors. The shareholders elected the Company’s nominees to the Board of Directors. The voting results were as follows:

Nominees

   For
(% of shares voted)
     Against
(% of shares voted)
     Abstain
(% of shares voted)
     Broker
Non-Votes
 

Joseph W. Brown

     154,280,973         (99.67 %)         406,448         (0.26 %)         92,697         (0.05 %)         28,829,236   

David A. Coulter

     146,077,808         (94.37 %)         8,610,141         (5.56 %)         92,169         (0.05 %)         28,829,236   

Claire L. Gaudiani

     154,055,767         (99.53 %)         630,187         (0.40 %)         94,164         (0.06 %)         28,829,236   

Steven J. Gilbert

     154,305,351         (99.69 %)         380,183         (0.24 %)         94,584         (0.06 %)         28,829,236   

Daniel P. Kearney

     154,055,539         (99.53 %)         629,022         (0.40 %)         95,557         (0.06 %)         28,829,236   

Kewsong Lee

     154,336,148         (99.71 %)         348,207         (0.22 %)         95,763         (0.06 %)         28,829,236   

Charles R. Rinehart

     154,298,096         (99.68 %)         386,357         (0.24 %)         95,665         (0.06 %)         28,829,236   

Theodore Shasta

     154,356,582         (99.72 %)         330,281         (0.21 %)         93,255         (0.06 %)         28,829,236   

Richard C. Vaughan

     154,301,123         (99.69 %)         371,740         (0.24 %)         107,255         (0.06 %)         28,829,236   

Proposal 2: Approval of Compensation Paid to Named Executive Officers. The shareholders voted to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers listed in the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting. The shareholder vote is advisory and non-binding. The voting results were as follows:

 

For
(% of shares voted)
  Against
(% of shares voted)
  Abstain
(% of shares voted)
  Broker
Non-Votes
153,468,951   (99.15%)     989,833   (0.63%)     321,334   (0.20%)     28,829,236

Proposal 3: Vote on Frequency of the Shareholder Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation. The shareholders voted for the Company to present shareholders with the opportunity to vote on the compensation awarded to its named executive officers every year. The shareholder vote is advisory and non-binding. The voting results were as follows:

 

Every Year
(% of shares voted)
  Every Two Years
(% of shares voted)
  Every Three Years
(% of shares voted)
  Abstain
(% of shares voted)
146,597,713   (94.71%)     155,816   (0.10%)     7,643,651   (4.93%)     382,938   (0.24%)

Proposal 4: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The shareholders ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2011. The voting results were as follows:

 

For
(% of shares voted)
  Against
(% of shares voted)
  Abstain
(% of shares voted)
  Broker
Non-Votes
182,712,356   (99.51%)     745,469   (0.40%)     151,529   (0.08%)     0

With respect to Proposal 3, in light of the voting results, the Company’s Board of Directors has determined that the Company currently intends to hold an advisory vote on the compensation of named executive officers every year until the next required vote on the frequency of advisory votes on named executive officer compensation. The Company is required to hold a vote on frequency every six years.

Departure of Named Executive Officer and Compensatory Arrangement

On May 9, 2011 the Company entered into a one year consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with its chief portfolio officer, Mitchell I. Sonkin, which will become effective on July 1, 2011 and will terminate on June 30, 2012, unless terminated earlier. The Consulting Agreement was reached in connection with Mr. Sonkin’s announcement to the Company of his retirement from his employment with the Company on June 30, 2011 when his current employment agreement with the Company expires.

Under the Consulting Agreement Mr. Sonkin will act as a consultant and senior advisor to the Company and its affiliates in connection with certain remediation related activities. The Company has agreed to pay Mr. Sonkin $100,000 per month under the Consulting Agreement and, in its discretion, may award Mr. Sonkin a discretionary bonus payable at the end of the consulting term.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

+10.1    Consulting Agreement between MBIA Inc. and Mitchell Sonkin dated May 9, 2011
+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 Financial Statements
+99.2    Additional Exhibits - MBIA Insurance Corporation and Subsidiaries 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 quarter ended March 31, 2011, 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 10, 2011  

 /s/ C. Edward Chaplin

   C. Edward Chaplin
   Chief Financial Officer
Date: May 10, 2011  

 /s/ Douglas C. Hamilton

   Douglas C. Hamilton
   Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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