ABK Ambac Financial Grp. Common Stock

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Announces First Quarter Net Income of $171.6 Million, Up 24% First Quarter Net Income Per Diluted Share of $1.55, Up 22% NEW YORK, April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (Ambac) today announced first quarter 2004 net income of $171.6 million, or $1.55 per diluted share. This represents a 24% increase from first quarter 2003 net income of $137.9 million, and a 22% increase in net income per diluted share from $1.27 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2003. Net Income Per Diluted Share Ambac presents net income and net income per diluted share. These measures are computed in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). However, the research analysts have not adjusted their reporting of earnings to a strictly GAAP basis. In order to assist investors in their understanding of quarterly results, Ambac will provide other useful information. Earnings measures reported by research analysts typically exclude net gains and losses from sales of investment securities and mark-to-market gains and losses on credit derivative contracts and derivative hedge contracts ("net security gains and losses") and non-recurring items. Certain research analysts further exclude the impact of accelerated premiums earned on guaranteed obligations that have been refunded ("refundings"). During the first quarter 2004, net security gains and losses had a net income effect of $6.3 million, $0.05 on a per diluted share basis. Refundings had a net income effect of $8.7 million, or $0.08 per diluted share for the first quarter 2004. Table I, below, provides first quarter comparisons for the years 2004 and 2003. Table I First Quarter 2004 2003 % Change Net income per diluted share $ 1.55 $ 1.27 + 22% Effect of net security gains ($ 0.05) ($ 0.02) n.a. Non-recurring items(1) $ 0.00 $ 0.04 n.a. Sub-total excluding effect of net security gains/losses and non-recurring items(2) $ 1.50 $ 1.29 +16% Effect of refundings ($ 0.08) ($ 0.06) n.a. Sub-total excluding items $ 1.42 $ 1.23 +15% (1) 2003 amount represents the write off of previously deferred issuance expenses related to redeemed debentures. (2) Consensus earnings that are reported by earnings estimate services, such as First Call, are on this basis, which excludes net security gains and losses and non-recurring items. Commenting on the overall results, Ambac President and CEO, Robert J. Genader, noted, "Ambac achieved solid bottom line growth with both earnings and returns meeting or exceeding our long-term targets. Top line activity was acceptable considering the scarcity of large, high-premium deals in the market. In recent weeks, transaction flow and average size has picked up. Given the continued expansion of the worldwide capital debt markets, we remain encouraged about future opportunities." Revenues Highlights Adjusted gross premiums written(1) in the first quarter of 2004 were $258.8 million, down 20% from the first quarter of 2003 of $322.4 million. Premium growth in public finance was more than offset by declines in structured and international finance. Business opportunities and flow during the quarter were encouraging, however, there were relatively few large transactions closed during the quarter. This compares to the first quarter 2003, which had several large transactions close including one international transportation deal that represented almost 20% of the total adjusted gross premiums written in that quarter. In public finance, Ambac continues to see strong business flow in many areas. Transactions guaranteed during the quarter included strong writings in the health care, general obligation, municipal lease and education sectors of the market. In structured finance, acceptable business activity in certain consumer and commercial asset-backed securitizations was more than offset by the decline in collateralized debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities. Activity in international finance remains strong across several sectors, however, as noted above, the comparable quarter of 2003 had a very large transportation transaction close, resulting in a difficult comparison. A breakdown of adjusted gross premiums written by market sector is included below as Table II. Table II Adjusted Gross Premiums Written $-millions First Quarter 2004 2003 % Change Public Finance $ 96.9 $ 78.1 + 24% Structured Finance 77.2 117.7 - 34% International 84.7 126.6 - 33% Total $ 258.8 $ 322.4 - 20% * Net premiums written in the first quarter of 2004 of $192.5 million were 16% higher than net premiums written of $166.1 million in the same period of 2003. In the first quarter of 2004, $33.9 million in ceded premiums offset gross premiums written. In the first quarter of 2003, ceded premiums were $31.2 million. Ceded premiums as a percentage of gross premiums written were 15.0% and 15.8% for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. * Net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fees for the first quarter of 2004 were $176.9 million, which represented a 22% increase from the $145.1 million earned in the first quarter of 2003. Net premiums earned increased for all market segments. Public finance, our most mature market segment, continues to exhibit a strong growth trend as its earned premium grew 19%, enhanced by the company's continued focus on structured municipal transactions. Both structured finance and international grew 23%. The exceptional growth in earned premium in the structured finance and international segments that has been exhibited over the past several years has moderated as those lines of business have grown significantly in the past few years, resulting in more difficult comparisons quarter on quarter. Additionally, lower writings of collateralized debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities over recent quarters and the continued high level of pay-downs in the mortgage-backed securities book impacted earned premiums in those two segments. Net premiums earned includes accelerated premiums, which result from refundings and calls recognized during the quarter. Accelerated premiums were $15.2 million in the first quarter of 2004 (which had a net income per diluted share effect of $0.08), up 25% from $12.2 million ($0.06 per diluted share) in accelerated premiums in the first quarter of 2003. The current low interest rate environment has prompted the relatively high level of accelerated premiums. When interest rates rise in the future, accelerated premiums should decline. A breakdown of net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fees by market sector are included below as Table III. Normal net premiums earned exclude accelerated premiums that result from refundings and calls. Table III Net Premiums Earned and Other Credit Enhancement Fees $-millions First Quarter 2004 2003 % Change Public Finance $ 48.9 $ 41.0 + 19% Structured Finance 65.8 53.6 + 23% International 47.0 38.3 + 23% Total Normal Premiums/Fees $ 161.7 $ 132.9 + 22% Accelerated Premiums 15.2 12.2 + 25% Total $ 176.9 $ 145.1 + 22% * Net investment income for the first quarter of 2004 was $86.7 million, representing an increase of 13% from $76.6 million in the comparable period of 2003. This increase was due primarily to the growth in the investment portfolio from ongoing collection of financial guarantee premiums. Investment income was also positively impacted by the proceeds from Ambac's debt offering in February 2003. The growth was partially offset by lower reinvestment rates. * Financial services revenues, which is composed of gross interest income less gross interest expense from investment and payment agreements plus revenue from derivative products and excludes net realized investment gains and losses, were $17.1 million in the first quarter of 2004, 54% higher than $11.1 million in revenues for the first quarter of 2003. Net investment and payment agreement revenue increased 73% from the comparable prior period primarily due to improved interest spreads. Revenue from derivative products was up 34% from prior year due primarily to two profitable transactions during the quarter. Expenses Highlights * Financial guarantee expenses of $44.1 million for the first quarter of 2004 increased by 38% over the $32.0 million of expenses for the same quarter of 2003. This increase was primarily due to additions to the loss provision and higher compensation expense. The loss provision increased from $9.8 million in the first quarter of 2003, to $17.5 million in the first quarter of 2004, reflecting the impact of the recent credit cycle on our financial guarantee portfolio. The loss provision for the fourth quarter of 2003 was $16.8 million. The higher compensation expense is reflective of the global opportunities as we continue to expand our resources to meet demand for our product. * Financial services other expenses, which represent the actual operating expenses for the segment, amounted to $3.7 million for the first quarter of 2004, up 23% from $3.0 million for the first quarter of 2003. Other Items * Total net securities gains/(losses) for the first quarter of 2004 were $9.7 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, consisting of net realized gains on investment securities of $17.8 million, net mark-to-market gains on credit derivatives of $6.9 million and net mark-to-market losses on derivative economic hedge contracts of ($15.0) million. The losses on derivative hedge contracts relate almost entirely to mark-to-market on interest rate hedge contracts in Ambac's medium-term note funding conduit. The results from the medium-term note funding conduit are included in "Other (loss)/income" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the first quarter of 2003, net securities gains/(losses) were $2.8 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, consisting of net realized gains on investment securities of $14.3 million, net mark-to-market losses on credit derivatives of ($12.2) million and net mark-to-market gains on derivative hedge contracts of $0.7 million. * Interest expense for the first quarter of 2004 was $13.6 million, up 9% from $12.5 million for the first quarter of 2003. The increase is primarily attributable to the $200 million, 5.95% debt, due February 28, 2103, issued in February 2003. * Corporate expense for the first quarter of 2004 was $2.2 million, compared to $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2003. The first quarter 2003 expense includes a $6.5 million write-off ($4.2 million after-tax) of previously deferred issuance expenses related to the 1998 issuance of $200 million, 7.08% debentures, that were redeemed last year. Balance Sheet Highlights * Total assets as of March 31, 2004 were $17.46 billion, up 4% from total assets of $16.75 billion at December 31, 2003. This increase was due primarily to cash generated from business written during the period. As of March 31, 2004, stockholders' equity was $4.53 billion, a 7% increase from year-end 2003 stockholders' equity of $4.25 billion. The increase stemmed primarily from net income during the period. Annual Meeting of Stockholders As previously announced, the Board of Directors set the 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at 11:30 a.m. in New York City. The record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting was the close of business, March 9, 2004. Forward-Looking Statements This release, in particular the President and Chief Executive Officer's remarks, contains statements about our future results that may be considered "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Our actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are (1) changes in the economic, credit, or interest rate environment in the United States and abroad; (2) the level of activity within the national and worldwide debt markets; (3) competitive conditions and pricing levels; (4) legislative and regulatory developments; (5) changes in tax laws; (6) the policies and actions of the United States and other governments; and (7) other risks and uncertainties that have not been identified at this time. We undertake no obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if we later become aware that it is not likely to be achieved, except as required by law. Ambac Financial Group, Inc., headquartered in New York City, is a holding company whose affiliates provide financial guarantees and financial services to clients in both the public and private sectors around the world. Ambac's principal operating subsidiary, Ambac Assurance Corporation, a leading guarantor of public finance and structured finance obligations, has earned triple-A ratings, the highest ratings available from Moody's Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, Fitch, Inc. and Rating and Investment Information, Inc. Ambac Financial Group, Inc. common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol ABK). Footnotes (1) Adjusted gross premiums written, which is not promulgated under GAAP, is used by management, equity analysts and investors to measure Ambac's financial results. Adjusted gross premiums written, which Ambac reports as analytical data, are defined as gross (direct and assumed) up-front premiums written plus the present value of estimated installment premiums written on insurance policies and structured credit derivatives issued in the period. The definition of adjusted gross premiums written used by Ambac may differ from definitions of adjusted gross premiums written used by other public holding companies of financial guarantors. The following table reconciles adjusted gross premiums written to gross premiums written calculated in accordance with GAAP: $-millions First Quarter 2004 2003 Adjusted gross premiums written $ 258.8 $ 322.4 Present value of estimated installment premiums written on insurance policies and structured credit derivatives issued in the period (139.6) (220.8) Gross up-front premiums written $ 119.2 $ 101.6 Gross installment premiums written on insurance policies 107.2 95.6 Gross premiums written $ 226.4 $ 197.2 Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (Dollars in Thousands Except Share Data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 2003 Revenues: Financial Guarantee: Gross premiums written $226,434 $197,219 Ceded premiums written (33,886) (31,168) Net premiums written $192,548 $166,051 Net premiums earned $165,435 $134,752 Other credit enhancement fees 11,436 10,364 Net premiums earned and other credit enhancement fees 176,871 145,116 Net investment income 86,704 76,595 Net realized investment gains 11,871 13,943 Net mark-to-market gains (losses) on credit derivative contracts 6,962 (12,176) Variable interest entity 1,061 -- Other (loss) income (12,219) 825 Financial Services: Interest from investment and payment agreements 52,350 58,996 Other revenue 7,420 5,547 Net realized investment gains 5,951 308 Net mark-to-market gains on derivative hedge contracts 63 677 Corporate: Net investment income 370 931 Net realized investment losses (24) - Total revenues 337,380 290,762 Expenses: Financial Guarantee: Losses and loss expenses 17,500 9,800 Underwriting and operating expenses 25,654 22,166 Variable interest entity 904 - Financial Services: Interest from investment and payment agreements 42,692 53,432 Other expenses 3,695 2,957 Interest 13,625 12,454 Corporate 2,189 8,273 Total expenses 106,259 109,082 Income before income taxes 231,121 181,680 Provision for income taxes 59,366 43,618 Income from continuing operations 171,755 138,062 Discontinued operations: Loss from discontinued operations (240) (231) Income tax benefit (96) (92) Net loss from discontinued operations (144) (139) Net income $171,611 $137,923 Earnings per share: Income from continuing operations $1.59 $1.30 Discontinued operations $0.00 $0.00 Net income $1.59 $1.30 Earnings per diluted share: Income from continuing operations $1.55 $1.27 Discontinued operations $0.00 $0.00 Net income $1.55 $1.27 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 107,769,564 106,050,379 Diluted 110,397,003 108,737,211 Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 (Dollars in Thousands Except Share Data) March 31, 2004 December 31, 2003 (unaudited) Assets Investments: Fixed income securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $12,671,020 in 2004 and $12,403,247 in 2003) $13,240,910 $12,860,068 Fixed income securities pledged as collateral, at fair value (amortized cost of $693,448 in 2004 and $662,046 in 2003) 696,089 661,422 Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value) 226,451 250,382 Other, at fair value (cost of $4,543 in 2004 and $4,528 in 2003) 4,591 4,417 Total investments 14,168,041 13,776,289 Cash 20,046 24,449 Securities purchased under agreements to resell 147,000 54,015 Receivable for securities sold 17,823 4,425 Investment income due and accrued 125,957 159,439 Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses 3,266 3,030 Prepaid reinsurance 328,254 325,461 Deferred acquisition costs 176,523 175,296 Loans 832,959 837,981 Derivative product assets 1,394,449 1,146,408 Variable interest entity 170,663 189,482 Other assets 72,467 51,039 Total assets $17,457,448 $16,747,314 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities: Unearned premiums $2,576,080 $2,545,490 Losses and loss expense reserve 230,810 189,414 Ceded reinsurance balances payable 17,043 15,383 Obligations under investment and payment agreements 6,612,176 6,545,759 Obligations under investment repurchase agreements 474,951 530,644 Securities sold under agreement to repurchase 163,200 225,500 Deferred income taxes 229,281 171,058 Current income taxes 52,769 43,176 Debentures 791,791 791,775 Accrued interest payable 47,012 73,941 Derivative product liabilities 1,175,826 946,178 Other liabilities 227,659 222,126 Variable interest entity 170,663 189,482 Payable for securities purchased 158,659 2,830 Total liabilities 12,927,920 12,492,756 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock - - Common stock 1,084 1,073 Additional paid-in capital 646,989 606,468 Accumulated other comprehensive income 353,500 266,919 Retained earnings 3,534,042 3,380,098 Common stock held in treasury at cost (6,087) - Total stockholders' equity 4,529,528 4,254,558 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $17,457,448 $16,747,314 Number of shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) 108,314,639 107,144,148 Book value per share $41.82 $39.71 Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Supplemental Analytical Data: Components of Adjusted Book Value Per Share(1) March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 March 31, December 31, 2004 2003 Book value $41.82 $39.71 After-tax value of: Net unearned premium reserve less deferred acquisition costs 12.43 12.41 Present value of future installment premiums 9.64 9.44 Unrealized loss on investment agreement liabilities (0.66) (0.29) Adjusted book value $63.23 $61.27 (1) Adjusted book value (ABV), which is not promulgated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), is used by management, equity analysts and investors as a measurement of the Company's intrinsic value with no benefit given for ongoing business activity. Management derives ABV by beginning with stockholders' equity (book value) and adding or subtracting the after-tax value of: the net unearned premium reserve; deferred acquisition costs; the present value of estimated net future installment premiums; and the unrealized gain or loss on investment agreement liabilities. These adjustments will not be realized until future periods and may differ materially from the amounts used in determining ABV. The definition of ABV used by the Company may differ from definitions of ABV used by other public holding companies of financial guarantee insurers. Ambac Assurance Corporation Statutory Accounting, Financial and Capital Information (1) March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 (Dollars in Thousands, Except Ratios) March 31, December 31, 2004 2003 Capital and Claim-Paying Resources: Contingency reserve $1,843,834 $1,786,316 Capital and surplus 2,876,953 2,739,675 Qualified statutory capital 4,720,787 4,525,991 Unearned premiums 2,688,920 2,649,273 Losses and loss adjustment expenses 89,972 54,698 Policyholders' reserves 7,499,679 7,229,962 Third party capital support (2) 800,000 800,000 Present value of future installment premiums 1,605,473 1,555,611 Total claims paying resources $9,905,152 $9,585,573 Net financial guarantees in force $629,468,095 $625,563,637 Capital ratio (3) 133:1 138:1 Financial resources ratio (4) 64:1 65:1 (1) Information for Ambac Assurance Corporation, Connie Lee Insurance Company and Ambac Assurance UK Limited are combined for purposes of this schedule. (2) Third party capital support represents pre-funded capital which provides for the unconditional ability to issue up to $800 million of preferred stock to high quality asset-backed investment vehicles. (3) Capital ratio is net financial guarantees in force divided by qualified statutory capital. (4) Financial resources ratio is net financial guarantees in force divided by total claims paying resources. Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries Capitalization Table - GAAP March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 (Dollars in Millions) The following table sets forth Ambac Assurance's consolidated capitalization as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. March 31, December 31, 2004 2003 (unaudited) Unearned premiums $2,583 $2,553 Notes payable to affiliate 165 84 Other liabilities 2,659 2,197 Total liabilities 5,407 4,834 Stockholder's equity: Common stock 82 82 Additional paid-in capital 1,156 1,144 Accumulated other comprehensive income 285 243 Retained earnings 3,589 3,430 Total stockholder's equity 5,112 4,899 Total liabilities and stockholder's equity $10,519 $9,733 DATASOURCE: Ambac Financial Group, Inc. CONTACT: Peter R. Poillon of Ambac Financial Group, Inc., +1-212-208-3333, or Web site: http://www.ambac.com/

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