ASSURED GUARANTY LTD

Previous wording

•The impact of narrow credit spreads on the demand for financial guaranty insurance.

Current wording

•The impact of narrow credit spreads on the demand for financial guaranty insurance and annuity reinsurance.

Previous wording

•Strategic transactions not resulting in the benefits anticipated.

Current wording

•Strategic transactions not resulting in the benefits anticipated or subjecting the Company to negative consequences.

Previous wording

In recent years, global financial markets, political systems and the economy generally have been impacted by changes in inflation and interest rates, governmental policies and geopolitical events such as strategic competition and trade confrontations between the U.S. and China, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, and events in Southeast Asia, including tensions between China and Taiwan and provocative actions taken by North Korea, and could be impacted by other natural and man-made events in the future, such as trade protectionism through tariffs.

Current wording

In recent years, global financial markets, political systems and the economy generally have been impacted by changes in inflation and interest rates, governmental policies such as tariffs, and geopolitical events, including regional and global military conflicts and strategic competition and trade confrontations, and could be impacted by other natural and man-made events in the future.

Previous wording

Some of the public finance obligors that have issued obligations insured or reinsured by the Company are experiencing significant budget, pension and revenue shortfalls, and difficulties in obtaining additional financing, that could result in increased credit losses or liquidity claims and increased rating agency capital charges on those insured obligations.

Current wording

Public finance obligors that have issued obligations insured or reinsured by the Company are experiencing, or may in the future experience, significant budget deficits, and pension and revenue shortfalls, and difficulties in obtaining additional financing, that could result in increased credit losses or liquidity claims and increased rating agency capital charges on those insured obligations.

Previous wording

Certain territorial or local governments, including ones that have issued obligations insured or reinsured by the Company, have sought protection from creditors under Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, or, in the case of Puerto Rico, the similar provisions of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), as a means of restructuring their outstanding debt. In some instances where local governments were seeking to restructure their outstanding debt, pension and other obligations owed to workers were treated more favorably than senior bond debt owed to the capital markets. If the issuers of the obligations in the Company’s public finance portfolio do not have sufficient funds to cover their expenses and are unable or unwilling to raise taxes, decrease spending, or receive federal assistance, the Company may experience increased levels of losses or liquidity claims on its insured public finance obligations.

Current wording

Certain territorial or local governments, including ones that have issued obligations insured or reinsured by the Company, have sought protection from creditors under Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, or, in the case of Puerto Rico, the similar provisions of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), as a means of restructuring their outstanding debt. In some instances where local governments were are seeking to restructure their outstanding debt, pension and other obligations owed to workers were treated more favorably than senior bond debt owed to the capital markets. If the issuers of the obligations in the Company’s public finance portfolio do not have sufficient funds to cover their expenses and are unable or unwilling to raise taxes, decrease spending, or receive federal assistance, the Company may experience increased levels of losses or liquidity claims on its insured public finance obligations.

Previous wording

Obligations supported by revenue streams, which may include both revenue and non-revenue bonds, such as those issued by healthcare facilities, toll road authorities, municipal utilities, airport authorities or mass transit, may be adversely affected by revenue declines resulting from reduced demand, changing demographics, evolving business practices including hybrid work models, telecommuting, and other alternative work arrangements, or other causes. These obligations may also be adversely affected by increased costs resulting from operational strain, high financing costs and other capital constraints. These obligations, which may not necessarily benefit from financial support from other tax revenues or governmental authorities, may experience increased losses if the revenue streams are insufficient to pay scheduled interest and principal payments and the obligors are unable or unwilling to increase utility rates or revenues, decrease costs, or obtain other additional financing.

Current wording

Obligations supported by revenue streams, which may include both revenue and non-revenue bonds, such as those issued by healthcare facilities, toll road authorities, municipal utilities, airport authorities or mass transit, may be adversely affected by revenue declines resulting from reduced demand, changing demographics, evolving business practices including hybrid work models, telecommuting and other alternative work arrangements, reduced governmental aid, or other causes. These obligations may also be adversely affected by increased costs resulting from operational strain, high financing costs and other capital constraints. These obligations, which may not necessarily benefit from financial support from other tax revenues or governmental authorities, may experience increased losses if the revenue streams are insufficient to pay scheduled debt service and the obligors are unable or unwilling to increase utility rates or revenues, decrease costs, or obtain other additional financing.

Previous wording

The Company may be subjected to significant risks from large individual or correlated insurance exposures.

Current wording

The Company may be subjected to significant risks from large individual or correlated financial guaranty insurance exposures.

Previous wording

The Company is exposed to the risk that issuers of obligations that it insures or other counterparties may default on their financial obligations, whether as a result of insolvency, lack of liquidity, operational failure (whether related to cybersecurity incidents, mismanagement, fraud or otherwise) or other reasons, and the amount of insurance exposure the Company has to some risks is quite large. The Company seeks to reduce this risk by managing exposure to large single risks, as well as concentrations of correlated risks, through tracking its aggregate exposure to single risks in its various lines of insurance business and establishing underwriting criteria to manage risk aggregations. However, in certain cases, the Company’s ultimate exposure to a single risk may exceed its underwriting guidelines (caused by, for example, bond accretion exceeding the risk limitation, acquisitions, reassumptions or other strategic exceptions). Should the Company's risk assessments prove inaccurate and/or should the applicable limits prove inadequate, the Company could be exposed to larger than anticipated losses, and could be required by the rating agencies to hold additional capital against insured exposures whether or not downgraded by the rating agencies.

Current wording

The Company is exposed to the risk that issuers of obligations that it insures or other counterparties may default on their financial obligations, whether as a result of insolvency, lack of liquidity, operational failure (whether related to cybersecurity incidents, mismanagement, fraud or otherwise) or other reasons, and the amount of financial guaranty insurance exposure the Company has to some risks is quite large. The Company seeks to reduce this risk by managing exposure to large single risks, as well as concentrations of correlated risks, through tracking its aggregate exposure to single risks in its various lines of financial guaranty insurance business and establishing underwriting criteria to manage risk aggregations. However, in certain cases, the Company’s ultimate exposure to a single risk may exceed its underwriting guidelines (caused by, for example, bond accretion exceeding the risk limitation, acquisitions, reassumptions or other strategic exceptions). Additionally, certain lines of business written by the Company have short durations of less than one year and a systemic event could cause the Company to have losses in excess of available liquidity. Should the Company's risk assessments prove inaccurate and/or should the applicable limits prove inadequate, the Company could be exposed to larger than anticipated losses, could be required by the rating agencies to hold additional capital against insured exposures whether or not the insured obligations are downgraded by the rating agencies, and external financing may or may not be available to the Company in the future on satisfactory terms.

Previous wording

The Company is exposed to correlation risk across its insured exposures and in its investment portfolio. During periods of strong macroeconomic performance, stress in an individual transaction generally occurs for idiosyncratic reasons or as a result of issues in a single sector. During a broad economic downturn or in the face of a significant natural or man-made event or disaster (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), a wider range of the Company’s insurance and investments could be exposed to stress at the same time. This stress may manifest itself in any or all of the following: ratings downgrades of insured risks, which may require more capital in the Company’s insurance subsidiaries; a reduction in the value of the Company’s investments; and actual defaults and losses in its insurance portfolio and/or investments.

Current wording

The Company is exposed to correlation risk across its insured exposures and in its investment portfolio. During periods of strong macroeconomic performance, stress in an individual transaction generally occurs for idiosyncratic reasons or as a result of issues in a single sector. During a broad economic downturn or in the face of a significant natural or man-made event or disaster, a wider range of the Company’s insurance and investments could be exposed to stress at the same time. This stress may manifest itself in any or all of the following: ratings downgrades of insured risks, which may require more capital in the Company’s insurance subsidiaries; ratings downgrades of the Company’s insurance or reinsurance subsidiaries; a reduction in the value of the Company’s investments; and actual defaults and losses in its insurance portfolio and/or investments.

Previous wording

Losses on insured exposures significantly in excess of those expected by the Company could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital, business prospects and share price. Certain issuers have defaulted on their debt service payments, and the Company has paid claims on them. The total net expected loss the Company calculates related to such exposures is net of a credit for estimated recoveries on claims already paid, and recoveries significantly below those expected by the Company could also have a negative effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital, liquidity, business prospects and share prices. Additional information about the Company’s exposure and legal actions related to that exposure may be found in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4, Expected Loss to be Paid (Recovered).

Current wording

Losses on insured exposures significantly in excess of those expected by the Company could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital, business prospects and share price. Certain issuers have defaulted on their debt service payments, and the Company has paid claims on them. The total net expected loss the Company calculates related to such exposures is net of credit for estimated recoveries on claims already paid, and recoveries significantly below those expected by the Company could also have a negative effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital, liquidity, business prospects and share prices. Additional information about the Company’s exposure and legal actions related to that exposure may be found in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4. Expected Loss to be Paid (Recovered).

Previous wording

In the U.S., debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns, which have increased the possibility of a U.S. government shutdown, payment defaults on the debt of the U.S. government or instruments issued, insured or guaranteed by related institutions, agencies or instrumentalities, and downgrades to their credit ratings, could weaken the U.S. dollar, global economy and banking system, cause market volatility, raise the cost of credit, reduce public investment, increase interest rates and inflation, negatively impact the Company’s insured and investment portfolios, and disrupt general economic conditions in ways that the Company is not able to predict, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. While rating agencies currently permit sub-sovereign and corporate credits in the U.S. to be rated higher than sovereign credits, in the event that the U.S. government is downgraded and if the rating agencies no longer permit sub-sovereign and/or corporate credit ratings to be higher than the U.S. government, the resulting downgrades could result in a material adverse impact to the Company’s credit ratings and its insurance and investment portfolios.

Current wording

In the U.S., debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns, which have increased the possibility of a U.S. government shutdown, payment defaults on the debt of the U.S. government or instruments issued, insured or guaranteed by related institutions, agencies or instrumentalities, and downgrades to their credit ratings, could weaken the global economy and banking system, cause market volatility, raise the cost of credit, reduce public investment, increase interest rates and inflation, negatively impact the Company’s insured and investment portfolios, and disrupt general economic conditions in ways that the Company is not able to predict, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. While rating agencies currently permit sub-sovereign and corporate credits in the U.S. to be rated higher than sovereign credits, in the event that the U.S. government is downgraded and if the rating agencies no longer permit sub-sovereign and/or corporate credit ratings to be higher than the U.S. government, the resulting downgrades could result in a material adverse impact to the Company’s credit ratings and its insurance and investment portfolios.

Previous wording

The Company may be exposed to a higher risk of default of U.S. public finance obligations in connection with a U.S. government default. While the Company historically has experienced low levels of defaults in its U.S. public finance insured portfolio, from time-to-time state and local governments that issue some of the obligations the Company insures have reported budget shortfalls that have required them to raise taxes and/or cut spending in order to satisfy their obligations. While there has been support provided by the U.S. federal government designed to provide aid to state and local governments, certain state and local governments remain under financial stress. If the issuers of the obligations in the Company’s U.S. public finance insurance portfolio are reliant on financial assistance from the U.S. government in order to meet their obligations, and the U.S. government does not provide such assistance, the Company may experience credit losses or impairments on those obligations.

Current wording

The Company may be exposed to a higher risk of default of U.S. public finance obligations in connection with a U.S. government default. While the Company historically has experienced low levels of defaults in its U.S. public finance insured portfolio, from time-to-time state and local governments that issue some of the obligations the Company insures have reported budget shortfalls that have required them to raise taxes and/or cut spending in order to satisfy their obligations. Historically the U.S. federal government has provided aid to state and local governments; however, certain state and local governments remain under financial stress. If the issuers of the obligations in the Company’s U.S. public finance financial guaranty insurance portfolio are reliant on financial assistance from the U.S. government in order to meet their obligations, and the U.S. government does not provide such assistance, the Company may experience credit losses or impairments on those obligations.

Previous wording

The likelihood of debt repayment is impacted by both the ability and the willingness of the obligor to repay their debt. Debtors generally understand that debt repayment is not only a legal obligation but is also appropriate, and that a failure to repay their debt will impede their access to debt in the future. To the extent societal attitudes toward the repayment of debt by struggling obligors softens and such obligors believe there to be less of a penalty for nonpayment due to legal rulings or debt relief programs that may absolve them of the repayment obligation or otherwise, some struggling debtors may be more likely to default and, if they default, less likely to agree to repayment plans they view as burdensome. If the issuers of the obligations in the Company’s public finance insurance portfolio become unwilling to raise taxes, decrease spending or receive federal assistance in order to repay their debt, the Company may experience increased levels of losses on its public finance obligations, which could adversely affect its financial condition, results of operations, capital, liquidity, business prospects and share price.

Current wording

The likelihood of debt repayment is impacted by both the ability and the willingness of the obligor to repay its debt. Debtors generally understand that debt repayment is not only a legal obligation but is also appropriate, and that a failure to repay their debt will impede their access to debt in the future. To the extent societal attitudes toward the repayment of debt by struggling obligors softens and such obligors believe there to be less of a penalty for nonpayment due to legal rulings or debt relief programs that may absolve them of the repayment obligation or otherwise, some struggling debtors may be more likely to default and, if they default, less likely to agree to repayment plans they view as burdensome. If the issuers of the obligations in the Company’s public finance insurance portfolio become unwilling to raise taxes, decrease spending or receive federal assistance in order to repay their debt, the Company may experience increased levels of losses on its public finance obligations, which could adversely affect its financial condition, results of operations, capital, liquidity, business prospects and share price.

Previous wording

Narrow credit spreads could adversely affect demand for financial guaranty insurance.

Current wording

Narrow credit spreads could adversely affect demand for financial guaranty insurance and annuity reinsurance.

Previous wording

Demand for financial guaranty insurance generally fluctuates with changes in market credit spreads. Credit spreads, which are based on the difference between interest rates on high-quality or “risk free” securities versus those on lower-rated securities, fluctuate due to a number of factors, and are sensitive to the absolute level of interest rates, current credit experience and investors’ risk appetite. When the bond market is less volatile or is relatively less risk averse, the credit spread between high-quality or insured obligations versus lower-rated obligations typically narrows. As a result, financial guaranty insurance typically provides lower interest cost savings to issuers than it would during periods of relatively wider credit spreads. Issuers are less likely to use financial guaranties on their new issues when credit spreads are narrow, so (absent other factors) this results in decreased demand or premiums obtainable for financial guaranty insurance.

Current wording

Demand for financial guaranty insurance generally fluctuates with changes in market credit spreads. Credit spreads, which are based on the difference between interest rates on high-quality or “risk free” securities versus those on lower-rated securities, fluctuate due to a number of factors, and are sensitive to the absolute level of interest rates, current credit experience and investors’ risk appetite. When the bond market is less volatile or is relatively less risk averse, the credit spread between high-quality or insured obligations versus lower-rated obligations typically narrows. As a result, financial guaranty insurance typically provides lower interest cost savings to issuers than it would during periods of relatively wider credit spreads. Issuers are less likely to use financial guaranties on their new issues when credit spreads are narrow, so (absent other factors) this results in decreased demand or premiums obtainable for financial guaranty insurance. Similarly, demand for annuity insurance and reinsurance products can be a function of the size of credit spreads, with wider credit spreads generally providing purchasers of annuity financial products more opportunities for higher returns.

Previous wording

The Company’s results of operations are affected by the performance of its investments, which primarily consist of fixed-maturity securities and short-term investments. As of December 31, 2024, fixed-maturity securities and short-term investments held by the Company had a fair value of approximately $7.7 billion. Credit losses on the Company’s investments adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations by reducing net income and shareholders’ equity. Alternative investments, including the Company’s equity method ownership interest in Sound Point, Loss Mitigation Securities and CVIs may be more susceptible to credit losses than most of the rest of the Company’s fixed-maturity portfolio.

Current wording

The Company’s results of operations are affected by the performance of its investments, which primarily consist of fixed-maturity securities and short-term investments. Credit losses on the Company’s investments adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations by reducing net income and shareholders’ equity. Alternative investments, including the Company’s equity method investment in Sound Point funds and its ownership interest in Sound Point, Loss Mitigation Securities and CVIs may be more susceptible to credit losses than most of the rest of the Company’s fixed-maturity portfolio.

Previous wording

The impact of changes in interest rates may also adversely affect both the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. For example, if interest rates decline, the value of the Company’s existing fixed-rate investments would generally be expected to increase, resulting in an unrealized gain on investments and improving the Company’s financial condition. At the same time, funds reinvested in new fixed rate investments will have a lower expected yield, reducing the Company’s future investment income compared to the amount it would have earned if interest rates had not declined. Conversely, if interest rates increase, the Company’s future results of operations could improve because of higher future reinvestment income from its new fixed rate investments, but its financial condition could be adversely affected since value of the fixed-rate investments generally would be reduced. Regarding the Company’s existing floating rate investments, as interest rates decline or increase, income from such investments will generally decrease or increase, respectively, while the value of such investments may or may not experience a material gain or loss commensurate with changes in prevailing interest rates.

Current wording

The impact of changes in interest rates may also adversely affect both the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. For example, if interest rates decline, the value of the Company’s existing fixed-rate investments would generally be expected to increase, resulting in an unrealized gain on investments and improving the Company’s financial condition. At the same time, funds reinvested in new fixed rate investments will have a lower expected yield, reducing the Company’s future investment income compared to the amount it would have earned if interest rates had not declined. Conversely, if interest rates increase, the Company’s future results of operations could improve because of higher future reinvestment income from its new fixed rate investments, but its financial condition could be adversely affected because the value of the fixed-rate investments generally would be reduced. Regarding the Company’s existing floating rate investments, as interest rates decline or increase, income from such investments will generally decrease or increase, respectively, while the value of such investments may or may not experience a material gain or loss commensurate with changes in prevailing interest rates.

Previous wording

Estimates of expected insurance losses to be paid (recovered), including losses with respect to related legal proceedings, are subject to uncertainties and actual amounts may be different, causing the Company to reserve either too little or too much for future losses.

Current wording

Estimates of expected financial guaranty insurance losses to be paid (recovered), including losses with respect to related legal proceedings, are subject to uncertainties and actual amounts may be different, causing the Company to reserve either too little or too much for future losses.

Previous wording

The Company does not use traditional actuarial approaches to determine its estimates of expected losses to be paid (recovered). The determination of expected loss to be paid (recovered) is an inherently subjective process involving numerous estimates, probability weightings, assumptions and judgments by management, using both internal and external data sources with regard to frequency, severity of loss, economic projections, future interest rates, the perceived strength of legal protections, the perceived strength of the Company’s position in any ongoing legal proceedings, governmental actions, negotiations, delinquency and prepayment rates (with respect to RMBS), timing of cash flows and other factors that affect credit performance. Actual losses will ultimately depend on future events, legal rulings, and/or transaction performance and may be influenced by many interrelated factors that are difficult to predict. As a result, the Company’s current estimates of losses to be paid (recovered), including losses with respect to related legal proceedings, may be subject to considerable volatility and may not reflect the Company’s future ultimate losses paid (recovered).

Current wording

The Company does not use traditional actuarial approaches for its financial guaranties to determine its estimates of expected losses to be paid (recovered). The determination of financial guaranty expected loss to be paid (recovered) is an inherently subjective process involving numerous estimates, probability weightings, assumptions and judgments by management, using both internal and external data sources with regard to frequency, severity of loss, economic projections, future interest rates, the perceived strength of legal protections, the perceived strength of the Company’s position in any ongoing legal proceedings, governmental actions, negotiations, delinquency and prepayment rates (with respect to RMBS), timing of cash flows and other factors that affect credit performance. Actual losses will ultimately depend on future events, legal rulings, and/or transaction performance and may be influenced by many interrelated factors that are difficult to predict. As a result, the Company’s current estimates of financial guaranty losses to be paid (recovered), including losses with respect to related legal proceedings, may be subject to considerable volatility and may not reflect the Company’s future ultimate losses paid (recovered).

Previous wording

The Company’s expected loss models and reserve assumptions take into account current and expected future trends, which contemplate the impact of current and possible developments in the performance of the exposure and any related legal proceedings. These factors, which are integral elements of the Company's reserve estimation methodology, are updated on a quarterly basis based on current information. Also, in some instances, the Company may not be able to reasonably estimate the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of a legal proceeding based on the information available at the stage of the legal proceeding or its estimate may prove to be materially different than the actual results. Loss models and reserve assumptions may be impacted by changes to interest rates due both to discounting and transaction structures that include floating rates, which could impact the calculation of expected losses. Because such information changes over time, sometimes materially, the Company’s projection of losses and its related reserves may also change materially.

Current wording

The Company’s financial guaranty expected loss models and reserve assumptions take into account current and expected future trends, which contemplate the impact of current and possible developments in the performance of the exposure and any related legal proceedings. These factors, which are integral elements of the Company's reserve estimation methodology, are updated on a quarterly basis based on current information. Also, in some instances, the Company may not be able to reasonably estimate the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of a legal proceeding based on the information available at the stage of the legal proceeding or its estimate may prove to be materially different than the actual results. Financial guaranty loss models and reserve assumptions may be impacted by changes to interest rates due both to discounting and transaction structures that include floating rates, which could impact the calculation of expected losses. Because such information changes over time, sometimes materially, the Company’s projection of financial guaranty losses and its related reserves may also change materially.

Previous wording

The Company carries a significant portion of its assets and liabilities at fair value. The approaches used by the Company to calculate the fair value of those assets and liabilities it carries at fair value are described under, Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 9, Fair Value Measurement. The determination of fair values is made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the assets and liabilities being valued, including estimates of timing and amounts of cash flows and the creditworthiness of the issuer or counterparty. The use of different methodologies and assumptions may have a material effect on estimated fair value amounts.

Current wording

The Company carries a significant portion of its assets and certain of its liabilities at fair value. The approaches used by the Company to calculate the fair value of those assets and liabilities it carries at fair value are described under Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 9. Fair Value Measurement. The determination of fair values is made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the assets and liabilities being valued, including estimates of timing and amounts of cash flows and the creditworthiness of the issuer or counterparty. The use of different methodologies and assumptions may have a material effect on estimated fair value amounts.

Previous wording

During periods of market disruption, including periods of rapidly changing credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities, particularly if trading becomes less frequent or market data becomes less observable. An increase in the amount of the Company’s alternative investments in its investment portfolio may increase the amount of the Company’s assets subject to this risk. During such periods, more assets and liabilities may fall to the Level 3 valuation level, which describes model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable, thereby resulting in values that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Rapidly changing credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of assets and liabilities as reported within the financial statements, and period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly.

Current wording

During periods of market disruption, including periods of rapidly changing credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities, particularly if trading becomes less frequent or market data becomes less observable. An increase in the amount of the Company’s alternative investments in its investment portfolio may increase the amount of the Company’s assets subject to this risk. During such periods, more assets and liabilities may fall to the Level 3 valuation level, which describes model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable, thereby resulting in values that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Rapidly changing credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of assets and liabilities reported within the financial statements, and period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly.

Previous wording

Competition in the Company’s industries may adversely affect its results of operations, business prospects and share price.

Current wording

Competition in the Company’s industries may adversely affect its financial condition, results of operations, capital, business prospects and share price.

Previous wording

As described in greater detail under Item 1. Business — Insurance — Competition, the Company can face competition in its insurance business, either from other financial guaranty insurance companies or from current or new providers of other credit enhancement, such as nonpayment insurance, letters of credit or credit derivatives, or in terms of alternative structures, including uninsured offerings, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s insurance business.

Current wording

As described in greater detail under Item 1. Business — Insurance — Market Demand and Competition and Item 1. Business — Asset Management — Market Demand and Competition, the Company can face competition in its financial guaranty insurance, life and annuity reinsurance and asset management businesses from other insurance companies, providers of other credit enhancement, or other asset managers which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital, business prospects and share price.

Previous wording

The Company’s Asset Management segment currently consists of its ownership interest in Sound Point, which operates in highly competitive markets. Sound Point competes with many other firms in every aspect of the asset management industry, including raising funds, seeking investments, and hiring and retaining professionals. Sound Point’s ability to increase and retain assets under management (AUM) is directly related to the performance of the assets it manages as measured against market averages and the performance of its competitors. Some of Sound Point’s competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding and other resources that are not available to Sound Point. In addition, some of Sound Point’s competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than Sound Point does. Furthermore, Sound Point may lose investment opportunities if it does not match its competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. The loss of such investment opportunities may limit Sound Point’s ability to grow or cause it to have to shrink the size of its AUM, which could decrease its earnings. If Sound Point matches its competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, it may experience decreased earnings and increased risk of investment losses. If Sound Point is unable to successfully compete, it may result in decreased earnings for Sound Point and increased risk of investment losses in Sound Point funds, which could materially adversely impact the Company’s ownership interest in Sound Point and/or its investment in Sound Point funds and, ultimately, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital, business prospects and share price.

Current wording

The Company’s Asset Management segment primarily consists of its ownership interest in Sound Point, which operates in highly competitive markets. Sound Point competes with many other firms in every aspect of the asset management industry, including raising funds, seeking investments, and hiring and retaining professionals. Sound Point’s ability to increase and retain AUM is directly related to the performance of the assets it manages as measured against market averages and the performance of its competitors. Some of Sound Point’s competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding and other resources that are not available to Sound Point. In addition, some of Sound Point’s competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than Sound Point does. Furthermore, Sound Point may lose investment opportunities if it does not match its competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. The loss of such investment opportunities may limit Sound Point’s ability to grow or cause it to have to shrink the size of its AUM, which could decrease its earnings. If Sound Point matches its competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, it may experience decreased earnings and increased risk of investment losses. If Sound Point is unable to successfully compete, it may result in decreased earnings for Sound Point and increased risk of investment losses in Sound Point funds, which could materially adversely impact the Company’s ownership interest in Sound Point and/or its investment in Sound Point funds and, ultimately, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital, business prospects and share price.

Previous wording

From time to time the Company evaluates potential mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic opportunities, including transactions involving legacy financial guaranty companies and financial guaranty portfolios, asset managers and other companies, and has executed a number of such transactions in the past. Such strategic transactions related to entities or portfolios may involve some or all of the various risks commonly associated with such strategic transactions, including, among other things: (a) failure to adequately identify and value potential exposures and liabilities associated with a new entity or portfolio; (b) difficulty in estimating the value of a new entity or portfolio; (c) potential diversion of management’s time and attention; (d) exposure to asset quality issues of a new entity or portfolio; (e) difficulty and expense of integrating the operations, systems and personnel of a new entity; (f) difficulty integrating the culture of a new entity; (g) failure to identify legal risks associated with the strategic transaction with an entity or portfolio, and (h) in the case of acquisitions of a financial guaranty company or portfolio, concentration of insurance exposures, including insurance exposures which may exceed single risk limits, aggregate risk limits, BIG limits and/or non-U.S. dollar exposure limits, due to the addition of the target insurance portfolio. Such strategic transactions related to entities or portfolios may also have unintended consequences on ratings assigned by the rating agencies to the Company or its insurance subsidiaries or on the applicability of laws and regulations to the Company’s existing businesses. These or other factors may cause any past or future strategic transactions relating to financial services entities or portfolios not to result in the benefits to the Company that the Company anticipated when the transaction was agreed. Past or future transactions may also subject the Company to non-monetary consequences that may or may not have been anticipated or fully mitigated at the time of the transaction.

Current wording

From time to time the Company evaluates potential mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic opportunities, including transactions involving legacy financial guaranty companies and financial guaranty portfolios, asset managers, life and annuity reinsurers, and other companies, and has executed a number of such transactions in the past. Such transactions may involve some or all of the various risks commonly associated with such strategic transactions, including, among other things: (a) failure to adequately identify and value potential exposures and liabilities associated with a new entity or portfolio; (b) difficulty in estimating the value of a new entity or portfolio; (c) potential diversion of management’s time and attention; (d) exposure to asset quality issues of a new entity or portfolio; (e) difficulty and expense of integrating the operations, systems and personnel of a new entity; (f) difficulty integrating the culture of a new entity; (g) failure to identify legal risks associated with the strategic transaction with an entity or portfolio, (h) failure of a strategic transaction to perform as expected, (i) deployment of financial resources towards certain strategic initiatives may limit the Company’s ability to deploy capital for other strategic initiatives or other purposes, and (j) in the case of acquisitions of a financial guaranty company or portfolio, concentration of insurance exposures, including insurance exposures which may exceed single risk limits, aggregate risk limits, BIG limits and/or non-U.S. dollar exposure limits, due to the addition of the target insurance portfolio. Such strategic transactions related to entities or portfolios may also have unintended consequences on ratings assigned by the rating agencies to the Company or its insurance subsidiaries or on the applicability of laws and regulations to the Company’s existing businesses. These or other factors may cause any past or future strategic transactions relating to financial services entities or portfolios not to result in the benefits to the Company that the Company anticipated when the transaction was agreed. Past or future transactions may also subject the Company to non-monetary consequences that may or may not have been anticipated or fully mitigated at the time of the transaction.

Previous wording

Since July 1, 2023, the Company participates in the asset management business through its ownership interest in Sound Point, which is subject to the risks of Sound Point’s business. See Item 1. Business — Asset Management. The Company had a carrying value for its ownership interest in Sound Point as of December 31, 2024 of $418 million. External factors, such as changes in inflation, interest rates, credit markets or segments thereof, geopolitical risk, developments in the global financial markets, general macroeconomic factors, and industry conditions, as well as the financial performance of Sound Point relative to the Company’s expectations at the time of the Sound Point Transaction, could result in an impairment, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and share price.

Current wording

Since July 1, 2023, the Company participates in the asset management business through its ownership interest in Sound Point, which is subject to the risks of Sound Point’s business. See Item 1. Business — Asset Management. External factors, such as changes in inflation, interest rates, credit markets or segments thereof, geopolitical risk, developments in the global financial markets, general macroeconomic factors, and industry conditions, as well as the financial performance of Sound Point relative to the Company’s expectations at the time of the Sound Point Transaction, could result in an impairment, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and share price.

Previous wording

Asset management services are primarily a fee-based business, and Sound Point’s asset management and performance fees are based on the amount of its AUM as well as the performance of those assets. Sound Point’s business operates in highly competitive markets with many other firms in every aspect of the asset management industry. See “– Competition in the Company’s industries may adversely affect its results of operations, business prospects and share price.” Industry competition, volatility or declines in the markets in which Sound Point invests as an asset manager, or poor performance of its investments, may negatively affect its AUM and its asset management and performance fees, may deter future investment by third parties in Sound Point’s asset management products, and may result in an impairment to the Company’s ownership interest in Sound Point.

Current wording

Asset management services are primarily a fee-based business, and Sound Point’s asset management and performance fees are based on the amount of its AUM as well as the performance of those assets. Sound Point’s business operates in highly competitive markets with many other firms in every aspect of the asset management industry. See “– Competition in the Company’s industries may adversely affect its financial condition, results of operations, capital, business prospects and share price.” Industry competition, volatility or declines in the markets in which Sound Point invests as an asset manager, or poor performance of its investments, may negatively affect its AUM and its asset management and performance fees, may deter future investment by third parties in Sound Point’s asset management products, and may result in an impairment to the Company’s ownership interest in Sound Point.

Previous wording

The Company’s interest in Sound Point is subject to the risks normally associated with a minority interest.

Current wording

The Company’s interest in Sound Point is subject to the risks normally associated with a noncontrolling interest.

Previous wording

Since the Company holds a minority interest in Sound Point, it is unable to control the business, management or policies of Sound Point. For example, the Company is not be able to control the timing or amount of distributions from Sound Point and is not involved on a day-to-day basis with Sound Point’s operations or its decision-making or its adoption and implementation of policies and procedures with respect to its investment, reporting, internal control, legal, compliance or risk functions. In most cases, the Company will be bound by the decisions made by the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, other members of management and the Board of Managers of Sound Point. In the event that the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, other members of management and the Board of Managers of Sound Point have interests, objectives and incentives that differ from those of the Company, there can be no assurance that the decisions they make will be aligned with the interests of the Company. Decisions made by the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, other members of management and the Board of Managers of Sound Point not in the Company’s interest could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s interest in Sound Point and/or its investments in Sound Point funds, other vehicles and separately managed accounts.

Current wording

Since the Company holds a noncontrolling interest in Sound Point, it is unable to control the business, management or policies of Sound Point. For example, the Company is not be able to control the timing or amount of distributions from Sound Point and is not involved on a day-to-day basis with Sound Point’s operations or its decision-making or its adoption and implementation of policies and procedures with respect to its investment, reporting, internal control, legal, compliance or risk functions. In most cases, the Company will be bound by the decisions made by the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, other members of management and the Board of Managers of Sound Point. In the event that the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, other members of management and the Board of Managers of Sound Point have interests, objectives and incentives that differ from those of the Company, there can be no assurance that the decisions they make will be aligned with the interests of the Company. Decisions made by the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, other members of management and the Board of Managers of Sound Point not in the Company’s interest could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s interest in Sound Point and/or its investments in Sound Point funds, other vehicles and separately managed accounts.

Previous wording

The Company is using Sound Point’s investment knowledge and experience to expand the categories and types of its alternative investments by: (a) allocating $1 billion of capital in Sound Point managed funds, other vehicles and separately managed accounts; (b) redeploying return of capital, gains and dividends from Sound Point managed funds, other vehicles and separately managed accounts in future Sound Point managed funds, other vehicles and separately managed accounts; and (c) having Sound Point serve as AG’s sole alternative credit manager. This expansion of categories and types of investments, allocations to Sound Point and exclusivity arrangement with Sound Point may increase the credit, interest rate and liquidity risk in the Company’s investments and expose the Company to reputational or other risks.

Current wording

The Company is using Sound Point’s investment knowledge and experience to expand the categories and types of its alternative investments by: (a) allocating capital in Sound Point managed funds, other vehicles and separately managed accounts; (b) redeploying return of capital, gains and dividends from Sound Point managed funds, other vehicles and separately managed accounts in future Sound Point managed funds, other vehicles and separately managed accounts; and (c) having Sound Point serve as AG’s sole alternative credit manager. This expansion of categories and types of investments, allocations to Sound Point and exclusivity arrangement with Sound Point may increase the credit, interest rate and liquidity risk in the Company’s investments and expose the Company to reputational or other risks.

Previous wording

The financial strength and financial enhancement ratings assigned by S&P, Moody’s, KBRA and A.M. Best Company, Inc. to each of the Company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries represent such rating agencies’ opinions of the insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders and cedants in accordance with the terms of the financial guaranties it has issued or the reinsurance agreements it has executed. Issuers, investors, underwriters, ceding companies and others consider the Company’s financial strength or financial enhancement ratings an important factor when deciding whether or not to utilize a financial guaranty or purchase reinsurance from one of the Company’s insurance or reinsurance subsidiaries. A downgrade by a rating agency of the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of one or more of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries could impair the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, capital, liquidity, business prospects and/or share price. The ratings assigned by the rating agencies to the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to review and may be lowered by a rating agency at any time and without notice to the Company.

Current wording

The financial strength and financial enhancement ratings assigned by S&P, Moody’s, KBRA, A.M. Best Company, Inc. and Fitch Ratings, Inc. to the Company’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries represent such rating agencies’ opinions of the insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders and cedants in accordance with the terms of the financial guaranties it has issued or the reinsurance agreements it has executed. Issuers, investors, underwriters, ceding companies and others consider the Company’s financial strength or financial enhancement ratings an important factor when deciding whether or not to utilize a financial guaranty or purchase reinsurance from one of the Company’s insurance or reinsurance subsidiaries. The ratings assigned by the rating agencies to the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to review and may be lowered by a rating agency at any time and without notice to the Company. In the event of a downgrade by a rating agency of the financial strength or financial enhancement ratings of one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries, certain beneficiaries may have the right to cancel their credit protection and certain ceding companies may have a right to cancel policies ceded to the Company’s insurance subsidiaries and recapture premium, in each case resulting in the loss of future premium earnings and the reversal of any fair value gains recorded by the Company. See Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity — Insurance Subsidiaries —Assumed Reinsurance. In addition, any such downgrade may result in the loss of future premium if potential policyholders would receive less benefit from a financial guaranty issued by a lower rated insurance company. Any such downgrade, resulting loss of premium earnings and reversal of fair value gains may impair the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, capital, liquidity, business prospects and/or share price.

Previous wording

The Company does not engage in active management, or hedging, of its foreign exchange rate risk. Therefore, fluctuation in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the pound sterling or the euro could adversely impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. See Part II, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Sensitivity to Foreign Exchange Rate Risk.

Current wording

The Company does not engage in active management, or hedging, of foreign exchange rate risk in its financial guaranty business. Therefore, fluctuation in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the pound sterling or the euro could adversely impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. See Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Sensitivity to Foreign Exchange Rate Risk.

Previous wording

The underwriting of insurance in new sectors or classes of business may subject the Company to additional credit risk because the underwriting history and loss experience for such exposures is minimal or nonexistent which could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. In addition, the underwriting of insurance in new sectors or classes of business may present novel legal issues or political challenges beyond the Company’s control.

Current wording

The underwriting of insurance in new sectors or classes of business may subject the Company to additional credit risk because its underwriting history and loss experience for such exposures is minimal or nonexistent which could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. In addition, the underwriting of insurance in new sectors or classes of business may present novel legal issues or political challenges beyond the Company’s control.

Previous wording

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous cybersecurity, data privacy and protection laws and regulations in a number of jurisdictions, particularly with regard to personally identifiable information, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation, the UK Data Protection Act 2018, and the Bermuda Personal Information Protection Act 2016. In the United States, there are numerous federal, state and local cybersecurity, privacy and data security laws and regulations governing the collection, sharing, use, retention, disclosure, security, transfer, storage and other processing of personal information. These laws and regulations are increasing in complexity and number, change frequently and sometimes conflict. The Company’s compliance efforts are further complicated by the fact that these cybersecurity, privacy and data security laws and regulations around the world may be subject to uncertain or inconsistent interpretations and enforcement. The Company’s failure to comply with these requirements could result in penalties and fines, regulatory enforcement actions, reputational harm and/or criminal prosecution in one or more jurisdictions, which could require significant effort from its management and technical personnel to remedy, increase the Company’s costs of doing business, and ultimately have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to numerous cybersecurity, data privacy and protection laws and regulations in a number of jurisdictions, particularly with regard to personally identifiable information, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation, the UK Data Protection Act 2018, and the Bermuda Personal Information Protection Act 2016. In the U.S., there are numerous federal, state and local cybersecurity, privacy and data security laws and regulations governing the collection, sharing, use, retention, disclosure, security, transfer, storage and other processing of personal information. These laws and regulations are increasing in complexity and number, change frequently, and sometimes conflict. The Company’s compliance efforts are further complicated by the fact that these cybersecurity, privacy and data security laws and regulations around the world may be subject to uncertain or inconsistent interpretations and enforcement. The Company’s failure to comply with these requirements could result in penalties and fines, regulatory enforcement actions, reputational harm and/or criminal prosecution in one or more jurisdictions, which could require significant effort from its management and technical personnel to remedy, increase the Company’s costs of doing business, and ultimately have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The Company is beginning to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in some of its business operations, and challenges with properly managing the use of Artificial Intelligence, compliance with new laws and regulations applicable to Artificial Intelligence, difficulties implementing Artificial Intelligence technologies efficiently and effectively, and challenges to the Company’s competitive position from faster or more effective use of Artificial Intelligence by competitors or other third-parties, could adversely affect the Company’s business.

Current wording

The Company continues to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in some of its business operations, and challenges with properly managing the use of Artificial Intelligence, compliance with new laws and regulations applicable to Artificial Intelligence, difficulties implementing Artificial Intelligence technologies efficiently and effectively, and challenges to the Company’s competitive position from faster or more effective use of Artificial Intelligence by competitors or other third-parties, could adversely affect the Company’s business.

Previous wording

The Company is beginning to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies in its business, and its research into and continued deployment of such capabilities remain ongoing. Artificial Intelligence is still in its early stages, and the introduction and use of Artificial Intelligence technologies may result in unintended consequences or other new or expanded risks and liabilities. If the content, analyses or recommendations that Artificial Intelligence applications assist in producing are, or are alleged to be, deficient, inaccurate or biased, such as due to limitations in Artificial Intelligence algorithms, insufficient or biased base data or flawed training methodologies, the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation may be adversely affected. In addition, the use of Artificial Intelligence carries inherent risks related to data privacy and security, such as unintended or inadvertent transmission of proprietary or sensitive information, including personal data. There is uncertainty in the legal and regulatory landscape for Artificial Intelligence, which is not fully developed and rapidly evolving, and any laws, regulations or industry standards adopted in response to the emergence of Artificial Intelligence may be burdensome, could entail significant costs, and may restrict or impede the Company’s ability to successfully develop, adopt and deploy Artificial Intelligence technologies efficiently and effectively. Additionally, the Company’s competitors or other third parties may incorporate Artificial Intelligence into their products and services more quickly or more successfully, which could cause the Company to experience competitive disadvantages that adversely affect its results of operations.

Current wording

The Company continues to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies in its business, and its research into and continued deployment of such capabilities remain ongoing. The introduction and use of Artificial Intelligence technologies may result in unintended consequences or other new or expanded risks and liabilities. If the content, analyses or recommendations that Artificial Intelligence applications assist in producing are, or are alleged to be, deficient, inaccurate or biased, such as due to limitations in Artificial Intelligence algorithms, insufficient or biased base data or flawed training methodologies, the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation may be adversely affected. In addition, the use of Artificial Intelligence carries inherent risks related to data privacy and security, such as unintended or inadvertent transmission of proprietary or sensitive information, including personal data. There is uncertainty in the legal and regulatory landscape for Artificial Intelligence, which is not fully developed and rapidly evolving, and any laws, regulations or industry standards adopted in response to the emergence of Artificial Intelligence may be burdensome, could entail significant costs, and may restrict or impede the Company’s ability to successfully develop, adopt and deploy Artificial Intelligence technologies efficiently and effectively. Additionally, the Company’s competitors or other third parties may incorporate Artificial Intelligence into their products and services more quickly or more successfully, which could cause the Company to experience competitive disadvantages that adversely affect its results of operations.

Previous wording

Claim payments and payments made in connection with related legal proceedings reduce the Company’s invested assets and result in reduced liquidity and net investment income, even if the Company is reimbursed in full over time and does not experience ultimate loss on the claim. In the years after the financial crisis that began in 2008, many of the larger claims paid by the Company were with respect to insured U.S. RMBS securities and, beginning in 2016, certain insured Puerto Rico exposures. If the amount of future claim payments is significantly more than that projected by the Company, the Company’s ability to make other claim payments and its financial condition, financial strength ratings and business prospects and share price could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Claim payments and payments made in connection with related legal proceedings reduce the Company’s invested assets and result in reduced liquidity and net investment income, even if the Company is reimbursed in full over time and does not experience ultimate loss on the claim. In the years after the global financial crisis that began in 2008, many of the larger claims paid by the Company were with respect to insured U.S. RMBS securities and, beginning in 2016, certain insured Puerto

Previous wording

The Company’s capital requirements depend on many factors, primarily related to its in-force book of insurance business and rating agency capital requirements for its insurance subsidiaries. Failure to raise additional capital if and as needed may result in the Company being unable to write new insurance business and may result in the ratings of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries being downgraded by one or more rating agency. The Company’s access to external sources of financing, as well as the cost of such financing, is dependent on various factors, including the market supply of such financing, the Company’s long-term debt ratings and insurance financial strength and enhancement ratings and the perceptions of its financial strength and the financial strength of its insurance subsidiaries. The Company’s debt ratings are in turn influenced by numerous factors, such as financial leverage, balance sheet strength, capital structure and earnings trends. If the Company’s need for capital arises because of significant insurance losses substantially in excess of the stress scenarios for which it plans, the occurrence of such losses may make it more difficult for the Company to raise the necessary capital.

Current wording

The Company’s capital requirements depend on many factors, primarily related to its in-force book of insurance business and rating agency capital requirements for its insurance subsidiaries. Failure to raise additional capital if and as needed may result in the Company being unable to write new insurance business and may result in the ratings of the Company and its insurance subsidiaries being downgraded by one or more rating agencies. The Company’s access to external sources of financing, as well as the cost of such financing, is dependent on various factors, including the market supply of such financing, the Company’s long-term debt ratings and insurance financial strength and enhancement ratings and the perceptions of its financial strength and the financial strength of its insurance subsidiaries. The Company’s debt ratings are in turn influenced by numerous factors, such as financial leverage, balance sheet strength, capital structure and earnings trends. If the Company’s need for capital arises because of significant insurance losses substantially in excess of the stress scenarios for which it plans, the occurrence of such losses may make it more difficult for the Company to raise the necessary capital.

Previous wording

Future capital raises for equity or equity-linked securities could also result in dilution to the Company’s shareholders. In addition, some securities that the Company could issue, such as preferred stock or securities issued by the Company's operating subsidiaries, may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of its common shares.

Current wording

Future capital raises from the issuance of equity or equity-linked securities could also result in dilution to the Company’s shareholders. In addition, some securities that the Company could issue, such as preferred stock or securities issued by the Company's operating subsidiaries, may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of its common shares.