EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 874501
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 874501_10-K_2025_0000874501-25-000032.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
INTRODUCTION
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. ("AFG"), headquartered in New York City, is a financial services holding company incorporated in the State of Delaware on April 29, 1991. References to “Ambac,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” are to AFG and its subsidiaries, as the context requires. Ambac operates two principal businesses:
•Insurance Distribution - Ambac's specialty property and casualty ("P&C") insurance distribution business includes Managing General Agents, Underwriters and other appointed and delegated underwriting businesses (collectively "MGAs" or "MGA/Us"), an insurance broker, and other distribution and underwriting businesses. Insurance Distribution includes Beat Capital Partners Limited, which was acquired on July 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024, Ambac's insurance distribution platform operates in the following lines of business: accident & health, specialty auto, other professional, marine & energy, niche specialty risks, property, reinsurance, professional director's & officers ("D&O") and other specialty lines.
•Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance - Ambac's Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance program business currently includes five carriers (collectively, “Everspan”). Everspan carriers have an A.M. Best rating of 'A-' (Excellent) which was affirmed on June 13, 2024.
The Company reports these two business operations as segments; see Note 3. Segment Information for further information.
Ambac has entered into an agreement to sell Ambac Assurance Corporation ("AAC") and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Ambac Assurance UK Limited (“Ambac UK”) and Ambac Financial Services LLC ("AFS"), pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, dated June 4, 2024 (the "Purchase Agreement"), with American Acorn Corporation ("Buyer"), a Delaware corporation owned by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (the "AAC Sale"). The assets and liabilities of AAC and its subsidiaries (collectively "the Discontinued Operation") that will be transferred in the sale are classified as held-for-sale, and their results presented as discontinued operations. The carrying value of held-for-sale assets and liabilities, and consequently the expected loss on disposal, are subject to variability through the closing date of the AAC Sale. Material changes to the carrying value of held-for-sale assets and liabilities could arise from changes in estimates of financial guarantee losses and loss adjustment expense reserves, including subrogation recoverable, as well as from changes in the valuation of invested assets and other financial instruments carried at fair value and other operating results of AAC and its subsidiaries. Refer to Note 5. Discontinued Operation to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information about the sale of AAC. Unless otherwise noted,
information in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K relates solely to the continuing operations of Ambac and does not include information related to the discontinued operations and held-for-sale assets and liabilities of AAC. For additional information about AAC's business, risk management and insurance regulatory matters, refer to Ambac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
AFG, on a standalone basis, had $119 million in net assets (excluding its investment in subsidiaries) and net operating loss carry-forwards of $3.6 billion ($2.0 billion of which is allocated to AAC and will transfer with AAC in connection with its sale) at December 31, 2024. See Schedule II for more information on the holding company.
Strategies to Enhance Shareholder Value
The Company's primary goal is to maximize long-term shareholder value through the execution of targeted strategies for its Insurance Distribution and Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance businesses. Insurance Distribution and Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance strategic priorities include:
•Expanding our Insurance Distribution business based on deep domain knowledge in specialty and niche classes of risk which generate attractive margins at scale. This will be achieved through acquisitions, strategic investments, establishing new businesses “de-novo,” and organic growth and diversification supported by a centralized technology led shared services offering
•Growing our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance business to generate underwriting profits from a diversified portfolio of commercial and personal liability risks accessed primarily through program administrators.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
P&C Industry Overview
We operate within the $968 billion U.S. P&C insurance market with a particular focus on the commercial MGA/U program market both on an Admitted and Excess & Surplus Lines ("E&S") basis.
Admitted and E&S Insurance
Insurance carriers sell commercial P&C products in the United States through one of two markets: the Admitted market and the E&S market.
The Admitted insurance market, which has highly regulated rates and policy forms, is more consistent in price and coverage. In the E&S market, there is increased flexibility in pricing, terms and conditions in response to evolving market dynamics, and E&S carriers can tailor insurance products to facilitate coverage that would not otherwise be attainable. This flexibility lends itself to providing solutions for unique risks, which has driven meaningful growth within the E&S market over the last decade, exceeding the growth rate of the Admitted market.
According to data from AM Best, the E&S market generated over $115 billion of direct written premium in 2023 an increase
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of 17.4% over the prior year and and represents nearly 12% of the industry direct premium volume. The E&S market is more heavily focused in commercial lines and accounted for over 23% of total commercial direct written premium for the first time in 2023. Over the last five years the E&S market has more than doubled from $56 billion to over $115 billion in 2023, a 15.5% compound annual growth rate compared to 7.4% for the overall P&C industry.
Everspan presently has four admitted carriers, which are wholly-owned at December 31, 2024: Everspan Insurance Company; Greenwood Insurance Company; Consolidated Specialty Insurance Company and Providence Washington Insurance Company. Everspan Indemnity Insurance Company ("Everspan Indemnity"), an E&S carrier, which is eligible to write business in all U.S. states and territories, is also part of Everspan.
MGA/U Program Market
It is estimated by Conning, Inc. ("Conning") that U.S. MGA/Us generated over $100 billion of premium in 2023. We believe there are significant advantages to the MGA/U business model when it comes to capturing the opportunity in the E&S market and propelling profitable growth. MGA/Us are specialized types of insurance agents or brokers that are vested with underwriting authority from an insurer, administering programs and negotiating contracts on their behalf. This is a particularly useful vehicle for P&C insurers as MGA/Us tend to participate in the E&S market where specialized expertise is needed to underwrite policies. Additionally, MGA/Us are cost effective means for an insurer or reinsurer to access or grow a particular class of business they find attractive given the MGA/U already possesses product expertise and distribution capabilities.
According to data from Conning, the MGA/U sector is one of fastest growing segments of the U.S. P&C insurance market with 2023 direct premium written of $82 billion, an increase of 14% over the prior year, and loss ratios consistently lower than the P&C sector overall. In 2023, Conning identified over 800 MGAs in the U.S. market with nearly 350 additional MGAs not counted in that group as their premium production falls below the 5% statutory filing threshold. We believe the growth in the MGA/U and program space is likely to continue as the industry continues its move towards increased specialization.
Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance
Everspan’s strategy is to generate sustainable and profitable long-term specialty property and casualty program business with a focus on diverse classes of commercial and personal liability risks across an expanding roster of MGA/U partners.
As a specialty property and casualty program group, Everspan may retain a percentage of the business it underwrites. Everspan's management team has significant years of experience in the program insurance and reinsurance sectors and has long-standing and broad relationships with MGA/Us, reinsurers, brokers, producers and third-party claims administrators ("TPAs"). Everspan sources business through program administrators and managing general agents, reinsurers, brokers, producers and others. Subject to Everspan's operational oversight, Everspan engages these third parties to market and administer policies and handle claims within defined authorities on Everspan's behalf.
Everspan is focused on generating strong underwriting results and stable fee income as part of its specialty program business model.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Everspan generated $382,771 thousand of gross written premium, of which Everspan retained approximately 23.2%, including assumed written premiums. Everspan retained approximately 12.0% of its direct written premiums, with the balance primarily ceded to quota share reinsurers.
Everspan may retain up to 30% of risk on each direct program and will reinsure the remainder to reinsurers and other providers of risk capital. These reinsurers may be domestic and foreign reinsurers and institutional risk investors (capacity providers).
While underwriting direct business produced by MGA/Us is Everspan's primary means of distribution, Everspan also1 selectively assumes reinsurance to further its goal of writing a diversified book of specialty P&C business while managing its exposure limits. For example, the Company would evaluate, and may write certain lines, including those with catastrophe risk or Workers’ Compensation on an assumed basis. Everspan may participate as a reinsurer on up to 30% of a program, which is in line with its strategy to retain up to 30% of risk per program. Participation as a reinsurer will affect the retention ratio as Everspan's portion of assumed premiums is reflected fully in both Gross and Net Written Premiums.
The following table sets forth gross written premiums (direct and assumed) by line of business for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
($ in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023
Excess liability $ 95,827 $ 40,549
Commercial auto liability 78,238 121,946
General liability 77,767 27,143
Surety 34,794 26,267
Workers Compensation 28,294 19,512
Non-standard personal auto 20,186 20,080
Commercial auto physical damage 1,480 12,057
Other 46,185 5,733
Gross written premiums $ 382,771 $ 273,287
Everspan purchases reinsurance to manage its net retention on individual risks and overall exposure to losses, while providing it with the ability to offer policies with sufficient limits to meet producer and policyholder needs. Generally, reinsurance contracts are specific to a program and are renewed annually, at which time they are subject to renegotiation. The key contractual provisions include, but are not limited to, those relating to the scope of business reinsured, ceding commissions, required reports to reinsurers, dispute resolution, any required collateral, and Everspan's termination rights when, among other triggers, a reinsurer defaults (such as by failing to collateralize its obligations when required) or its financial strength falls below an agreed level. Everspan’s ceded reinsurance contracts do not legally discharge Everspan from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, and Everspan will be required to pay the loss and bear collection risk if a reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance agreement.
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Everspan mitigates this credit risk by selecting well capitalized, highly rated, authorized capacity providers, or requiring that the capacity provider post collateral, typically in the form of letters of credit issued by or trust accounts in the custody of NAIC-qualified financial institutions, to secure the reinsured risks.
The following graph shows our reinsurance carriers' AM Best rating based on share of ceded premium for the year ended December 31, 2024:
(1)NR represents reinsurance carriers not rated by AM Best. Generally, under the terms of reinsurance contracts with such carriers the reinsurer is required to post collateral to Everspan.
See Note 8. Insurance Contracts to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on reinsurance recoverables, including the evaluation for credit impairments.
Competitive Strengths:
Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance is a competitive industry. Everspan believes that it can successfully operate in this industry in part based upon the following competitive strengths.
•Experience - Everspan has an experienced leadership team across underwriting, pricing, claims, and business development with an average tenure of over 30 years in the insurance industry.
•Underwriting Focused Strategy - Everspan is driven by underwriting performance, which is achieved via evaluation and monitoring of MGA/U partners from our in-house pricing actuaries, claims executives, and program managers. This underwriting focus also aides in achieving and maintaining support from reinsurance partners.
•Risk Appetite - Everspan may retain up to 30% of the risk it underwrites. This meaningful participation serves to align interests with our reinsurers.
•Commitment to Program Distribution - Everspan does not have any direct distribution capability as it is committed to the program market distributed through MGA/Us. As a result, Everspan does not have channel conflicts which would compete with programs partners in underwriting business.
•Nimble Platform - A simplified organizational structure which allows Everspan to be efficient and quick in responding to the needs of program partners as well as
finding customized solutions. We believe this provides a competitive advantage to the more traditional competitors in the market.
•Aligned Ownership - Everspan has a stable ownership structure which is equally focused on long-term value creation based on strong underwriting performance. This alignment of interest and strategic vision allows Everspan to leverage resources across Ambac and access capital for future initiatives.
Competition:
Everspan faces competition from program business market participants such as Accelerant, Clear Blue, Core Specialty, Fortegra, Obsidian, Sutton National, State National, Transverse, and Trisura. Most of these entities have both admitted and E&S carriers. Competition may take the form of lower program fees, broader coverages, greater product flexibility, higher coverage limits, greater customer service or higher financial strength ratings by independent rating agencies. Few barriers exist to prevent existing insurers from entering target markets within the property and casualty industry. Market conditions and capital capacity influence the degree of competition at any point in time. A number of competitors to Everspan have announced or are rumored to be exploring plans for strategic alternatives. Exploring strategic alternatives may be triggered by the objectives of owners (like private equity funds), weak financial performance, capital and capacity shortfalls or valuation considerations, amongst a number of other reasons. The impact of consolidation amongst program market carriers on Everspan is hard to predict and may have adverse or favorable consequences.
During periods of excess underwriting capacity, as defined by the availability of capital, competition can result in lower pricing and less favorable policy terms and conditions for insurers. During periods of reduced underwriting capacity, pricing and policy terms and conditions are generally more favorable for insurers. Historically, the performance of the property and casualty insurance industry has tended to fluctuate in cyclical periods of price competition and excess underwriting capacity, followed by periods of high premium rates and shortages of underwriting capacity. At any given time, Everspan's portfolio of insurance products could experience varying combinations of these characteristics. This cyclical market pattern can be more pronounced in the specialty insurance and reinsurance markets in which Everspan competes than in the standard insurance market. For the last several years the property and casualty industry has been in a period of high premium rates with a shortage of underwriting capacity. While not anticipated to end in the short-term, this cyclical period will eventually end, perhaps unexpectedly. The end of this favorable cycle could have negative consequences for Everspan's growth and profitability prospects.
Business Acquisition and Program Partner Selection:
With our focus on generating long-term underwriting profitability, we are selective in adding new program partners. We look for program partners that share our vision of underwriting performance and return expectations and consequently are selective about with whom we partner. As of December 31, 2024, we have 27 programs with 24 MGA/Us. In
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2024 approximately 190 submissions were evaluated and we agreed to contract 8 new programs including seven new MGA/Us and one MGA/U with an existing relationship, while renewing or extending eighteen programs with seventeen incumbent MGA/Us. Included in 2024 renewed programs is one executed via assumed reinsurance. At times is will be necessary to exit or discontinue certain programs when then risk profile or performance no longer meet our underwriting expectations or tolerances.
As noted above, most of Everspan’s programs are sourced either from MGA/Us or through other third parties, such as reinsurance brokers, that are seeking to provide customized insurance solutions that require a carrier with a high rating from AM Best. Everspan works with MGA/Us that leverage both data and technology to streamline or improve the underwriting process.
Everspan may also source programs as a reinsurer. Accessing programs as a reinsurer provides Everspan the ability to diversify its risk profile, efficiently manage its exposure limits and underwrite programs in a cost efficient manner, amongst other benefits.
For each new opportunity that Everspan chooses to evaluate, an initial evaluation of the MGA/U is conducted, including an assessment of its underwriting approach, philosophy, size, quality of management, past performance, future performance targets and, above all, compatibility with Everspan’s operating model, risk appetite, and existing book of business. Everspan conducts substantial due diligence on all program partners led by the Underwriting Risk Committee, which is chaired by Everspan’s Chief Underwriting Officer. As part of the diligence process, Everspan works closely with potential MGA/Us to design program underwriting guidelines, ongoing reporting and auditing requirements. Everspan also typically requires the producing partner to retain underwriting risk or otherwise align incentives with program underwriting performance.
Additionally, as part of the diligence process for each program, Everspan will perform a review of the claims management function, typically performed by a TPA, which in some cases are managed by the MGA/U or producing partner. Diligence focuses on claims handling and litigation management, compliance, finance, governance, staff and vendor management, data and IT.
After due diligence is completed and acceptable reinsurers are identified, each program is presented to the Underwriting Risk Committee for final approval. The Underwriting Risk Committee will consider recommendations made by the credit subcommittee regarding the financial strength of the MGA/Us and/or reinsurers.
Ongoing Monitoring:
For active programs, Everspan authorizes MGA/Us to underwrite and bind coverages in accordance with approved underwriting guidelines and delegates authority to the TPA for claims adjustment and payment. Everspan monitors each MGA/U and TPA’s adherence to the agreed upon underwriting and claims guidelines. Everspan will conduct periodic reviews of loss experience, rate levels, reserves and the overall financial health of the MGA/U and TPA and hold monthly underwriting
meetings with both the MGA/U and TPA. Underwriting and claims data is provided by the MGA/Us and TPAs monthly. Additionally, Everspan conducts underwriting, claims and accounting audits, generally on-site, at least once a year for MGA/U and TPA partners which administer a material amount of Everspan's business. Everspan determines whether it will continue to participate on a program no less than annually, generally at the anniversary date of the program. The renewal process entails an assessment, with Underwriting Risk Committee participation, of the program's operating performance, profitability, and available reinsurance capacity. Everspan maintains the right to terminate relationships with its MGA/Us and TPAs. Reasons to terminate a relationship include an inability to produce targeted underwriting results, writing exposures outside of agreed upon risk tolerances, delinquency in meeting reporting requirements, a change of strategic direction, or failure to meet collateral or other commitments to Everspan.
Ratings:
Everspan carriers have an AM Best financial strength ratings ("FSR") of 'A-' (Excellent) and Financial Strength Category of Class VIII. Risk is shared among the Everspan carriers via a reinsurance agreement and an intercompany pooling agreement (the "Everspan Pool"). We view this rating and financial size category as a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Ratings are an important factor in assessing Everspan’s competitive position, operation capabilities and risk management in the insurance industry.
Insurance Distribution
Ambac’s Insurance Distribution business, Cirrata Group ("Cirrata"), has a strategy to build a diversified portfolio of MGA/Us and other insurance distributors covering various P&C products. Ambac plans to grow its existing Insurance Distribution business using several strategies, including (i) organic growth, (ii) acquisitions and/or partnerships, and (iii) hiring experienced underwriting teams to incubate start-up ("de-novo") MGA/Us. Ambac continuously evaluates, and is currently evaluating, opportunities to acquire businesses and assets for its Insurance Distribution business, some of which may be material to our financial condition and operations and/or may involve raising capital to finance the acquisition. Key criteria for acquisitions and underwriting teams include a track record of profitability and a seasoned management team. Insurance underwritten through Ambac's MGA/Us may utilize Everspan as an insurance carrier, but are not required to do so, depending on strategic and operational considerations.
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The following table sets forth Cirrata's premiums placed by line of business:
($ in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2024 2023
A&H $ 122,596 $ 130,556
Other professional 63,615 12,496
Property 56,402 -
Professional D&O 55,789 -
Specialty Auto 49,838 62,425
Niche Specialty Risks 36,984 -
Reinsurance 30,202 -
Marine & Energy 24,864 19,437
Misc. Specialty 53,082 5,691
Premiums placed $ 493,372 $ 230,605
Cirrata's portfolio at December 31, 2024, includes the following entities:
Xchange Benefits, LLC ("Xchange") - Ambac owns an 80% controlling interest in Xchange. Xchange operates through specialty producers in accident and health ("A&H") sectors across the U.S. which are typically not targeted by large direct writers and to whom Xchange can provide customized offerings. Xchange conducts business through approximately eleven insurance carriers and dozens of agents and other distributors.
Xchange's main products for which it is delegated underwriting authority by insurance carriers include: Employer Stop Loss ("ESL"), Limited Benefit Medical ("LM"), Short-term Medical ("STM"), Travel and Reinsurance ("Xchange Re").
All Trans Risk Solutions, LLC ("All Trans") - Effective November 1, 2022, Ambac acquired an 85% controlling interest in All Trans. All Trans is a full service managing general underwriter with delegated underwriting authority in commercial automobile insurance for specific "for-hire" auto classes; principally private school bus operators. In 2024, All Trans launched a new program primarily focussed on charter buses. All Trans' track record of performance has allowed the company to maintain a consistent panel of insurance carriers and client relationships, several of which go back over 25 years.
Capacity Marine Corporation ("Capacity Marine") - Effective November 1, 2022, Ambac acquired an 80% controlling interest in Capacity Marine. Capacity Marine is a wholesale and retail brokerage and reinsurance intermediary specializing in more sophisticated marine and international risk in expsoures such as ports, terminals, and stevedores.
Riverton Insurance Agency, Corp. ("Riverton") - Effective August 1, 2023, Ambac acquired an 80% controlling interest in Riverton. Riverton offers professional liability insurance programs to licensed architects, engineers, construction managers and real estate professionals. Riverton's retail agency places professional liability for real estate agents with various markets.
Beat Capital Partners Limited ("Beat") - Effective July 31, 2024, Ambac acquired approximately 60% controlling interest in Beat, a London-based insurance underwriting and MGA/U platform. Beat specializes in incubating de-novo MGA/
Us by partnering with leading underwriting teams and providing such teams with funding, infrastructure and risk capital through access to two managed Lloyd's syndicates. Beat's 15 majority-owned MGA/Us (Beat typically owns between 60% and 80% of each MGA/U) offer alternative risk binders, global direct and facultative property, directors and officers, credit, professional errors and omissions, energy, environmental and accident and health.
In addition to existing MGA/Us and acquisitions, de-novo MGA/U formations primarily through Beat, will be a core element of the Insurance Distribution segment's growth strategy.
Cirrata's businesses are compensated for their services primarily by commissions paid by insurance carriers for underwriting, structuring and/or administering polices and, in some cases for managing claims under agency agreements. Commission revenues are usually based on a percentage of the premiums placed. The businesses are also eligible to receive profit sharing contingent commissions on certain programs based on the underwriting results of the policies they write, which may cause some variability in revenue and earnings recognition. Commission revenues experience seasonality during the year which can lead to concentrations of revenues and earning in certain quarters, including the first quarter of each year. Given recent acquisitions and potential de-novo launches, this seasonality may become more muted over time.
Expenses at Cirrata include commissions the businesses pay to their independent agents/producers, compensation for their management and staff, general overhead and intangible asset amortization from acquisitions. Commission expenses are a variable cost as we pay a percentage of premiums written to the agents/producers.
Insurance Distribution generated gross commission revenue and net commission revenue (commissions less commission expenses) during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 as shown below.
($ in thousands)
December 31, 2024 2023
Gross commissions $ 143,305 $ 51,282
Net Commissions 51,147 21,816
Commission revenue and expense growth will be driven by the businesses' continued expansion and diversification of its products across regions, products, distribution partners and carriers.
Competitive Strengths:
•Strategic operator - Ambac is a strategic operator with MGA/Us and Programs at the center of our business. This allows for the MGA/U principals the confidence and freedom to focus building their business without distraction of either subsequent ownership change or de-emphasis of the sector.
•Partnership model - Our partnership based model is built around having MGA/U principals maintain ownership or direct economic alignment to the performance of their respective business. We believe this direct economic
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connection is valuable in attracting both producing top-tier underwriting and attracting top underwriting talent who share an entrepreneurial mindset.
•Aligned & managed capacity - By maintaining direct access to rated and licensed insurance capacity our Insurance Distribution can accelerate the time to launch new MGA/Us.
•Shared services platform - One of the challenges new MGA/Us face while scaling their business is managing the increasing administrative burden. Our Insurance Distribution offers a range of shared services across IT, HR, and Finance which both provide economies of scale for these functions and allow for the principals to focus their efforts on building the franchise.
•Deep specialty domain knowledge - Our Insurance Distribution businesses are anchored by a deep specialty domain knowledge in their respective classes of business. This knowledge is key to generating the underwriting results necessary to maintain long-standing carrier relationships.
•Long standing carrier relationships - Our MGA/Us strive towards long and durable carrier relationships supported by a focus on underwriting profitability. P&C insurance is a cyclical industry with opportunistic players entering and exiting the business. We believe that growing multi-year carrier relationships are evidence of the value created by our MGA/Us, a value which we believe should sustain through routine market cycles.
•Strong distribution relationships - Distribution relationships provide value in several ways. First, carrier and capital partners are looking for both underwriting expertise and distribution access when working with MGA/Us. In addition, the quality of distribution relationships helps in allowing our MGA/Us access to higher quality risks from the wholesale and retail agents which we believe over time will help produce better underwriting results.
Competition:
The MGA/U insurance sector is highly fragmented and competitive, and firms actively compete with Cirrata's businesses for customers and insurance carrier capacity. Our main competitors in this segment include other MGA/U aggregators (such as Amynta), wholesale brokers (such as Ryan Specialty) and insurance carriers that choose to write insurance without the assistance of MGA/Us. Given our competitive strengths we believe that we can compete effectively in this sector of the market.
ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company's policies and procedures relating to risk assessment and risk management are overseen by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors takes an enterprise-wide approach to risk management oversight that is designed to support the Company's business plans at a level of risk considered by the Board to be reasonable. A fundamental part of risk assessment and risk management is not only understanding the risks the Company faces and what steps management is
taking to manage those risks, but also understanding what level of risk is appropriate for the Company. The Board of Directors periodically reviews the Company's business plan, factoring risk management into account. It also approves the Company's risk appetite statements, which articulate the Company's tolerance for certain risks and describes the general types of risk that the Company accepts, within certain parameters, or attempts to avoid.
While the Board of Directors has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, various committees of the Board also have responsibilities related to risk assessment and risk management, and management has responsibility for managing the risks to which the Company is exposed and reporting on such matters to the Board of Directors and applicable Board committees.
•The Audit Committee oversees the management of risks associated with the integrity of Ambac’s financial statements and its compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. In addition, the Audit Committee discusses policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. The Audit Committee reviews with management, internal auditors and independent auditors Ambac's critical accounting policies, Ambac's system of internal controls over financial reporting and the quality and appropriateness of disclosure and content in the financial statements and other external financial communications.
•The Compensation Committee oversees the management of risk primarily associated with our ability to attract, motivate and retain quality talent (particularly executive talent) and with setting financial incentives that do not motivate undue risk-taking.
•The Governance and Nominating Committee oversees the management of risk primarily associated with Ambac’s ability to attract and retain quality directors, Ambac’s corporate governance programs and practices and our compliance therewith, including integration of ESG and sustainability policies, practices and goals into the Company's business strategy and decision making. Additionally, the Governance and Nominating Committee oversees the processes for evaluation of the performance of the Board of Directors and its committees each year and considers risk management effectiveness as part of its evaluation. This committee also reviews succession plans for Ambac's executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer. The Governance and Nominating Committee also performs oversight of the business ethics and compliance program, and reviews compliance with Ambac’s Code of Business Conduct.
•The Strategy Committee oversees the management of strategic plans and initiatives.
The Board of Directors receives quarterly updates from Board committees and the Board provides guidance to individual committee activities, as appropriate.
In order to assist the Board of Directors in overseeing Ambac’s risk management, Ambac uses enterprise risk management, a
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company-wide process that involves the Board of Directors, management and other personnel in an integrated effort to identify, assess and manage a broad range of risks (e.g., credit, financial, legal, liquidity, market, model, operational, regulatory, reputational and strategic) that may affect the Company’s ability to execute on its corporate strategies and fulfill its business objectives. The Enterprise Risk Committee (“ERC”), which is a management committee, is comprised of executive and senior level management responsible for assisting in the management of the Company’s risks on an individual and aggregate basis. The ERC produces the relevant risk management information for executive and senior management and the Board of Directors.
Ambac management has established other management committees to assist in managing the risks throughout the enterprise. These committees will meet monthly or as needed on an ad hoc basis.
•The Disclosure Committee's objective is to assist the CEO and CFO in their responsibilities to design, establish, maintain and evaluate the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures. Members of the Disclosure Committee include the CEO, CFO, Chief Accounting Officer, General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Risk Management and senior managers from finance and legal.
•The Everspan Underwriting Risk Committee's objective is to provide oversight of the active underwriting operations of Everspan, develop underwriting parameters, and assist the Boards of the Everspan companies in overseeing the integrity and effectiveness of Everspan’s underwriting risk management framework. Members of the committee include the CEO, key members of Everspan management and other senior managers or advisors of Ambac. Additionally, a Reinsurance and Program Administrator Credit Risk sub-committee was established at the direction of the Underwriting Risk Committee to assist with the management of credit risk emanating from ceded reinsurance and program administrators.
•Subsidiary Boards of Directors. Each of Ambac's subsidiaries has an Ambac management-led Board charged with overseeing the strategy, performance and operations of such subsidiary. These subsidiaries include Everspan as well as each of our MGA/Us. Many of these Boards are led by Executive Management of AFG and, in other instances, senior management from throughout the organization. Occasionally, our subsidiary boards may also include independent members that are not employees of Ambac or its subsidiaries. Many of our MGA/U subsidiaries also maintain Underwriting Committees to oversee the underwriting quality and risk management of such underwriting unit. These Underwriting Committees provide regular updates to their respective Boards of Directors.
The Company’s Enterprise Risk Management efforts build upon the foundation of an effective internal control environment. The design of any risk management or control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits must be considered relative to their costs. As a result, the possibility of material financial loss remains regardless of the Company’s
Enterprise Risk Management efforts. An investor should carefully consider the risks and all of the other information set forth in this annual report, including the discussions included in Item 1A. Risk Factors, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our Internet address is www.ambac.com. We make available through the investor relations section of our web site, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as proxy statements, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Investor Relations Department can be contacted at Ambac Financial Group, Inc., One World Trade Center, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10007, Attn: Investor Relations; telephone: 212-208-3222; email: ir@ambac.com. The reference to our website address does not constitute inclusion or incorporation by reference of the information contained on our website in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other filings with the SEC and the information contained on our website is not part of this document.
INSURANCE REGULATORY MATTERS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Regulatory Matters
Everspan Indemnity and its wholly owned subsidiary, Everspan Insurance Company ("Everspan Insurance") are domiciled in the state of Arizona and are therefore subject to the insurance laws and regulations of the State of Arizona and regulated by the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions as domestic insurers. The subsidiaries of Everspan Insurance are domiciled in various States and are therefore subject to the insurance laws and regulations of their respective domiciliary States and regulated by the insurance departments of those States as domestic insurers. Everspan Insurance and its subsidiaries are also subject to the insurance laws and regulations of the other jurisdictions in which they are licensed and operate as foreign insurers in such jurisdictions. See Note 9. Insurance Regulatory Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on regulatory restrictions.
The Insurance Distribution businesses, like other MGA/Us, program administrators and brokers, may be subject to licensing requirements and regulation by insurance regulators in various states and other applicable regulatory jurisdictions in which they conduct business.
Beat and its UK domiciled entities are subject to the UK Companies Act 2006 as well as to insurance laws and regulations of the UK and other jurisdictions in which they operate. Additionally, some of the Beat subsidiaries, while not regulated entities, must act in line with the regulations of the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority as appointed representatives of regulated entities.
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Beat's subsidiary, Alcor Underwriting Bermuda, is domiciled in Bermuda and is subject to the insurance laws and regulations of Bermuda and regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the "BMA").
Regulation of Change in Control
Under applicable insurance law, any acquisition of control of AFG, or any other direct or indirect acquisition of control of its insurance carrier subsidiaries, requires the prior approval (or non-disapproval) of the domiciliary regulator of the acquired company (or, in the case of AFG, the domiciliary regulators of its insurance carrier subsidiaries). “Control” is generally defined as the direct or indirect power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person. Any purchaser of 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation is presumed to have acquired control of that corporation and its subsidiaries unless the applicable insurance regulator, upon application, determines otherwise. For purposes of this test, AFG believes that a holder of common stock having the right to cast 10% or more of the votes which may be cast by the holders of all shares of common stock of AFG would be presumably deemed to have control of AFG's insurance carrier subsidiaries within the meaning of applicable insurance laws and regulations, although insurance regulators may in their discretion deem control not to exist where, for example, control is disclaimed by a passive investor.
With respect to the AAC Sale, the Buyer submitted an application for the proposed acquisition of control of AAC to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance ("OCI") and is awaiting approval of the acquisition by the OCI. The Buyer received approval for the change in control of Ambac UK from the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority, which expires on April 30, 2025.
Under the UK Companies Act, people with significant control (PSCs), defined as a person or entity holding more than 25% of the shares in the relevant company, must be reported to Companies House.
Additionally, any change in control of Beat would need to be approved by Lloyds of London, the BMA and any applicable U.S. regulators.
Dividend Restrictions, Including Contractual Restrictions
Everspan Companies:
Everspan Indemnity, Everspan Insurance and its subsidiaries are subject to regulatory restrictions on their ability to pay dividends, and do not have sufficient earned surplus at this time to pay ordinary dividends under the insurance laws and regulations of their respective States of domicile. Furthermore, certain subsidiaries of Everspan Insurance were restricted from paying dividends to Everspan Insurance until January 1, 2025. Currently, Everspan Insurance’s subsidiaries, other than Greenwood Insurance Company, do not have sufficient surplus to pay dividends. Ambac does not have any plans to seek dividends from Everspan so that surplus may accumulate to support Everspan's growth.
Cirrata Companies:
Ambac's MGA/U subsidiaries are not restricted from paying dividends or partner distributions (collectively "Distributions") to their owners or partners, including Cirrata, which is 100% owned by AFG. Ambac's established MGA/Us historically have paid Distributions equating to the majority of their individual EBITDA, subject to working capital, taxes and other capital needs, on a quarterly basis. Newly formed de-novo MGA/Us are not expected to make regular distributions to their partners until they become profitable and generate free cash flow on a steady and/or predictable basis.
INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT POLICY
As of December 31, 2024, the consolidated investments of Ambac's continuing operations had an aggregate fair value of approximately $312,915 thousand. Investments are primarily managed by third party investment management firms overseen internally. All investments are made in accordance with the general objectives, policies, and guidelines for investments approved by the Board of Directors of the applicable subsidiary. These policies and guidelines include liquidity, credit quality, diversification and duration objectives and are periodically reviewed and revised as appropriate.
As of December 31, 2024, the Everspan group investment portfolio had an aggregate fair value of approximately $192,747 thousand. The investment objective is to achieve the highest risk-adjusted after-tax return on a diversified investment portfolio consistent with the respective company's risk tolerance while employing active asset/liability management practices to satisfy all operating and strategic liquidity needs. In addition to internal investment policies and guidelines, the investment portfolio of each company is subject to limits on the types and quality of investments imposed by applicable insurance laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which it is licensed. The Board of Directors of each respective subsidiary approves any changes to the respective investment policies.
As of December 31, 2024, AFG (parent company only, excluding investments in subsidiaries) investment portfolio had an aggregate carrying value of approximately $92,556 thousand, including $64,439 thousand of short-term investments carried at fair value. The primary investment objective is to preserve capital for strategic uses while maximizing income. The investment portfolio is subject to internal investment guidelines. Such guidelines set forth minimum credit rating requirements and credit risk concentration limits.
As of December 31, 2024, the Insurance Distribution investment portfolio had an aggregate fair value of approximately $27,611 thousand, primarily consisting of money market funds.
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The following table provide certain information concerning the consolidated investments of Ambac:
2024 2023
Investment Category
($ in thousands)
December 31,
Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
Carrying
Value
Weighted
Average
Yield (1)
Corporate securities $ 89,192 3.3 % $ 87,991 3.3 %
U.S. government obligations 40,995 3.3 % 38,522 2.8 %
Municipal obligations 14,083 3.1 % 8,711 2.0 %
Asset-backed securities 8,203 4.9 % - - %
Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,446 5.0 % - - %
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,101 5.8 % - - %
Short-term investments 127,601 3.7 % 200,510 5.3 %
Total fixed maturity-available-for-sale 284,621 3.5 % 335,734 4.4 %
Other investments (2)
28,294 - % 18,317 - %
Total $ 312,915 3.5 % $ 354,051 4.4 %
(1) Yields are stated on a pre-tax basis, based on average amortized cost for both long and short term fixed-maturity investments.
(2) Other investments consist of equity interests in development stage insurance MGA's and pooled investment funds. Refer to Note 6. Investments of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information about Other investments.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2024, Ambac had 195 employees in the United States and 185 employees within the United Kingdom and Bermuda. Our 2024 voluntary turnover rate was approximately 6.5%. Ambac considers its employee relations to be satisfactory.
Ambac’s focus has been on identifying and retaining key talent through individual development programs following skills assessments. Ambac’s succession planning has identified internal candidates that could fill executive management and senior management positions as the need arises. The Company continues to rely on compensation components (such as salary, long-term incentive plan awards, deferred cash awards and short-term incentive plan awards) to support employee retention and discourage excessive risk taking. The Company incorporates performance metrics as part of the annual short-term incentive bonus offering with increased bonus potential for exceptional results. We utilize third-party benchmark data to establish market-based compensation levels. We believe that our current compensation and incentive levels reflect high performance expectations as part of our merit pay philosophy. The targeted use of long-term equity incentive plan awards for key talent is an important element of Ambac’s long-term retention strategy.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors ($ in thousands)
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this section shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in Part I, Item 1 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in Note 1. Background and Business Description to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K unless otherwise indicated.
Our risk factors are organized in the following sections
Page
Risks Related to AFG Common Shares 10
Risk Related to Sale of AAC 11
Risk Related to the Company's Business 12
Risks Related to Capital, Liquidity and Credit Markets 19
Risks Related to Legacy Discontiued Operations 20
Risks Related to AFG Common Shares
The price per share of AFG's common stock may be subject to a high degree of volatility, including significant price declines.
Although AFG's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market or the price at which such shares can be sold. The price of the shares may decline substantially in response to a number of events or circumstances, including but not limited to:
•adverse developments in our financial condition or results of operations;
•changes in the actual or perceived risk within our insured portfolio;
•changes to regulatory status;
•changes in investors’ or analysts’ valuation measures for our stock;
•adverse changes in analysts’ recommendations regarding our stock;
•market perceptions of our success, or lack thereof, in pursuing and implementing our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses and our new business strategy more generally;
•the impact or perceived impact of any acquisition, dispositions or other strategic transactions, including entry into a new line of business, on the value or long-term prospects of the Company;
•failure to receive regulatory approval for the sale of our Legacy Financial Guarantee ("LFG") business, or failure to complete the sale of our LFG business for any other reason;
•adverse developments in the industries and markets in which we operate, including the property and casualty insurance, underwriting and brokerage industries, or the fixed income and equity capital markets;
•adverse market and/or economic conditions, such as those caused by a recession or inflation, which increase our risk of loss on insurance policies and depress the value and/or liquidity of our investments and other assets;
•adverse developments in current or future litigations; and
•results and actions of other participants in our industries.
The price of AFG's shares may also be affected by the risks described below. Investments in AFG's common stock may be subject to a high degree of volatility.
Ambac is planning to further develop and expand its Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses; however, such plans may not be realized, or if realized, may not create value and may negatively impact our financial results.
Ambac is planning to further develop and expand its Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution
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businesses. Such plans may involve additional acquisitions of assets or existing businesses and the development of businesses through new or existing subsidiaries. Currently, it is not possible to fully predict the future prospects or other characteristics of such businesses. We may not be able to successfully identify opportunities, attract specialized underwriting and other talent, and operationalize new Insurance Distribution businesses in a timely or cost-efficient manner. While we expect to conduct business, financial and legal due diligence in connection with the evaluation of any future business or acquisition opportunities, there can be no assurance our due diligence will identify every matter that could have a material adverse effect on us. Efforts to pursue certain business opportunities may be unsuccessful or require significant financial or other resources, which could have a negative impact on our growth plans, operating results and financial condition. To implement our growth strategy, we must be able to meet our capital needs, expand our systems and our internal controls effectively, allocate our human resources optimally, identify and hire qualified employees and effectively integrate any acquisitions we make in our effort to achieve growth. No assurance can be given that Ambac will successfully execute its plans for new business, generate any earnings or value from new businesses or be able to successfully integrate any such business into our current operating structure. The failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to successfully manage ongoing organizational changes could impact our business results, where the level of costs and/or disruption may be significant and change over time, and the benefits may be less than we originally expect.
Should changes in Ambac’s circumstances or financial condition or in the political, economic and/or legal environment occur, there can be no assurance that all or any part of our strategy and/or initiatives will not be abandoned or amended to take account of such changes. Any such adjustment or abandonment may have a material adverse effect on our securities.
Risks Related to the Sale of AAC
The sale of the common stock of Ambac Assurance Corporation may not be completed as anticipated, or at all.
The closing of the AAC Sale is conditioned on, among other things, the receipt of specified regulatory approvals.
In addition, the purchase agreement relating to the AAC Sale (the "Purchase Agreement") provides for certain termination rights. Buyer and AFG may terminate the Purchase Agreement by mutual written agreement at any time prior to the closing date. In addition, either Buyer or AFG may terminate the Purchase Agreement at any time prior to the closing by giving written notice to the other party if
•the closing has not been consummated on or before April 4, 2025 (the "End Date"); provided, however, that if the closing has not occurred solely due to the failure to obtain applicable governmental and regulatory approvals from the authorities including, but not limited to, the OCI, the End Date will be automatically extended for an additional
ninety (90) days and the parties agree to continue to use their respective reasonable best efforts to satisfy such conditions to closing; provided, further, that the right to terminate the Purchase Agreement for the foregoing is not available to any party whose breach of any provision of the Purchase Agreement results in the failure of the closing to be consummated; or
•(i) applicable law makes the consummation of the closing illegal or otherwise prohibited or (ii) any judgment, injunction, order or decree of any governmental authority enjoins Buyer and AFG from consummating the closing.
The Purchase Agreement may be terminated by Buyer by written notice to AFG if a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement shall have occurred that would cause certain conditions not to be satisfied, and such breach is not cured within sixty (60) days of written notice to AFG or is incapable of being cured by the End Date. Additionally, the Purchase Agreement may be terminated by Buyer if at any time the AFG Board of Directors effects an Ambac Board Recommendation Change (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).
The Purchase Agreement may be terminated by AFG by written notice if a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement shall have occurred that would cause certain conditions not to be satisfied, and such breach is not cured within sixty (60) days of written notice to Buyer or is incapable of being cured by the End Date.
The total proceeds realized from the AAC Sale are contingent upon satisfaction of various closing conditions. There can be no assurance that the conditions will be satisfied. Any delay in satisfying the closing conditions may increase the risk that the AAC Sale will be terminated, or reduce the benefits we expect to achieve.
The AAC Sale and the other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, whether or not completed, may adversely affect the retained business.
Transactions such as the AAC Sale are often subject to lawsuits by stockholders. It is possible that certain common stockholders or other stakeholders will commence or seek to commence litigation against Ambac or the Ambac Board. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could adversely affect Ambac's specialty property and casualty insurance and its insurance distribution businesses that Ambac will continue to operate following the completion of the AAC Sale (the "Retained Business").
As a result of the AAC Sale, we may experience higher employee turnover and finding qualified replacements may be more difficult. The loss of the services of members of our executive and/or senior management teams or our inability to hire and retain other talented personnel could delay or prevent us from succeeding in executing our strategies, which could negatively impact the Retained Business. Further, while the completion of the AAC Sale is pending, we may be unable to attract and retain key personnel and our management’s focus and attention and employee resources may be diverted from operational matters.
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If we fail to complete the AAC Sale and the other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, our business and financial performance may be adversely affected, including in the event Ambac is required to pay the Termination Fee.
The completion of the AAC Sale and the other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of various conditions, which may not be satisfied in a timely manner or at all.
If the AAC Sale is not completed, we will not recoup the costs incurred in connection with negotiating the AAC Sale and the other transactions. Our directors, executive officers and other employees will have expended extensive time and effort and will have experienced significant distractions from their work during the pendency of the AAC Sale, and we will have incurred significant third-party transaction costs, in each case, without any commensurate benefit, which may have a material and adverse effect on our stock price and results of operations.
Furthermore, if the AAC Sale and the other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement are not completed, the announcement of the termination of the Purchase Agreement may adversely affect our relationships with our customers, business partners and employees, which could have a material adverse impact on our ability to effectively operate our business, and we may be required to pay the Termination Fee of $22,000 under certain circumstances, each of which could have further adverse effects on our business, results of operations and the trading price of AFG's common stock.
Additionally, we intend to use the proceeds of the AAC Sale to repay all or a portion of the debt used to fund the acquisition of 60% of the share capital of Beat Capital Partners Limited. If we do not consummate the AAC Sale then we will need to repay or refinance such debt with other sources of funds, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all. An inability to repay the debt used to fund the acquisition of Beat from proceeds of the AAC Sale or other sources, or an inability to refinance such debt on favorable terms or at all, may materially negatively affect our business and results of operations.
If the AAC Sale is not approved by AAC’s and Ambac UK’s regulators or if we fail to complete the AAC Sale for any other reason, there may not be any other offer from a potential acquiror that the AFG Board determines to be attractive.
If we fail to complete the AAC Sale, the Board of Directors of AFG, in discharging its fiduciary obligations to our stockholders, may evaluate other strategic alternatives including, but not limited to, continuing to operate AAC and the Legacy Financial Guarantee Insurance business for the foreseeable future or an alternative transaction relating to AAC or Ambac. An alternative transaction, if available, may yield lower consideration or value than the proposed AAC Sale, be on less favorable terms and conditions than those contained in the Purchase Agreement and involve significant delay. Any future sale of substantially all of Ambac’s property and assets within the meaning of Section 271 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and related case law or other similar transaction may be subject to stockholder approval, and there is
no guarantee that Ambac would be able to obtain such stockholder approval in favor of any such sale or other transaction. If the Legacy Financial Guarantee Insurance business is not sold, there can be no assurance that we will realize value at least equivalent to the proceeds of the AAC Sale from the operation of the Legacy Financial Guarantee Insurance business over time, or any value; nor can we predict the timeline for realizing value, if any, from the Legacy Financial Guarantee Insurance business in the absence of the AAC Sale.
Risks Related to the Company's Business
We are subject to reputational harm if companies with which we do business engage in negligent or fraudulent behaviors and damage to our reputation could materially adversely impact our business.
Our business depends on contractual and working relationships with insurance distribution partners, insurance carriers, reinsurers, policy holders and beneficiaries, third party administrators, and other agents and counterparties. We could suffer material financial loss, reputational harm and/or a loss of business prospects if a business partner, agent or counterparty engages in negligent or fraudulent conduct, whether directly in our relationship with them or indirectly as a result of their conduct in other business relationships.
Ambac may be adversely impacted by P&C industry market cycles.
Ambac’s P&C businesses are subject to market cycles. Premium pricing in the commercial property and casualty insurance markets has been historically based on underwriting capacity of insurance carriers, general economic conditions, inflation, and other factors. In recent years, we have been in a “hard” market whereby carriers have been raising rates. However, we have observed that in certain lines of business the rate of pricing increase has slowed or begun to decrease. If carriers lower premium rates more broadly this would be referred to as a “softening” or “soft” market. Given that Ambac generates revenue from both insurance premiums and commissions that are based on insurance premiums, our revenues are affected by the cyclicality of the markets in which we operate. If we enter a soft market, absent mitigating factors, we may experience a reduction in revenues and profits.
Loss reserves may not be adequate to cover potential losses, including losses caused by catastrophic events, and changes in loss reserves may result in further volatility of net income and comprehensive income.
The objective of establishing loss reserve estimates is not to, and our loss reserves do not, reflect worst possible outcomes. As a result of inherent uncertainties in the estimates and judgments made to determine loss reserves, there can be no assurance that either actual losses will not exceed such reserves or that our reserves will not materially change over time as circumstances, events, our assumptions, or our models change.
Catastrophic events, whether natural or man-made, including natural disasters and environmental and public health events that result in material disruption of economic activity, loss of human life or significant property damage, can have a materially negative impact on our financial and operational performance.
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Public health crises and/or natural disasters can cause economic and financial disruptions that may adversely affect, our business and results of operations.
Everspan may be exposed to losses arising out of unpredictable catastrophic events. These include natural catastrophes and other disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, windstorms, floods, wildfires, and severe winter weather. Catastrophes can also include man-made disasters, such as terrorist attacks and other destructive acts, war, political unrest, explosions, cyber-attacks, nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events and infrastructure failures. A severe catastrophe or a series of catastrophes could result in losses exceeding Everspan’s reinsurance protection and may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
Catastrophic events may cause significant volatility in the markets in which we operate in addition to the global financial markets. Disruptions to these markets could result in a decline in business activity, increased claims, reduced underwriting capacity from insurance companies, reinsurers and other capital providers upon which our P&C businesses are reliant. Catastrophic events may also interrupt the operations of our agents and business partners that distribute our P&C insurance products. Profit commissions and contingent commissions related to certain of our P&C business lines may also be adversely impacted my catastrophic losses. Individually and/or collectively, these results may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Further, we use internally developed and third-party vendor tools and models to assess exposure to losses, including catastrophic losses. The models may not accurately predict future losses or loss development. Limitations in these tools and models may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We could realize losses from our cash and investment accounts if one of the financial institutions we use fail or is taken over by regulators
We maintain cash and investment accounts, including premium trust accounts, at depository institutions in amounts in excess of the limits insured by the FDIC and in countries other than the U.S. If one or more of these institutions were to fail or be taken over by their respective regulators, our access to these funds could be limited and we could experience liquidity problems and potential financial losses. Ambac's cash balances held at banks was $36,190 thousand as of December 31, 2024, including cash of Ambac's insurance distribution subsidiaries held in regional banks of $35,552 thousand as of December 31, 2024.
Our risk management policies and practices may not adequately identify significant risks.
We have established risk management policies and practices which seek to mitigate losses within our insurance programs. There can be no assurance that these policies and practices will be adequate to avoid future unexpected losses or adverse development within our existing loss reserves. If we are not able to identify significant risks, we may not be able to timely mitigate such risks, thereby increasing the amount of losses to which we are exposed.
We operate within an enterprise risk management (“ERM”) framework designed to assess and monitor risks. However, no assurance can be given that we will effectively identify, review, monitor or manage all relevant risks. Nor can we provide assurance that our ERM framework will result in us accurately identifying all risks and adequately limiting our exposures based on our assessments. Any ineffectiveness in our controls or procedures or failure to manage these risks may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to the risk of litigation and the outcome of proceedings we are or may become involved in could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, financial position, profitability or cash flows.
It is not possible to predict the extent to which suits involving AFG or one or more other subsidiaries will be filed, and it is also not possible to predict the outcome of litigation. It is possible that there could be unfavorable outcomes in existing or future proceedings. Management may be unable to make meaningful or reasonable estimates of the amount or range of losses that could result from unfavorable outcomes or of the expenses that will be incurred in connection with such lawsuits. Under some circumstances, adverse results in any such proceedings and/or the incurring of significant litigation or other expenses could be material to our business, operations, financial position, profitability or cash flows.
Everspan may be subject to disputes with policyholders regarding the scope and extent of coverage offered under Everspan's policies; be required to defend claimants in suits against its policyholders for covered liability claims; face allegations of improper claims handling; or enter into commercial disputes with its reinsurers, MGA/Us or TPAs regarding their respective contractual obligations and rights. Under some circumstances, the results of such disputes or suits may lead to liabilities beyond those which are anticipated or reserved, including extra-contractual liabilities or liabilities in excess of policy limits.
Political developments may materially adversely affect our business.
Our insurance businesses and our results of operations can be materially affected by political developments at the federal, state, local or foreign government levels. Government shutdowns, trade disputes, political turnover, judicial decisions, adverse changes in governmental funding, or poor public policy decision making could disrupt the national, international and local economies where we operate and/or have insured exposures. Risks include adverse changes in rules, regulations, compliance requirements, employment practices, taxes, business services and currencies.
We operate in in a highly regulated industry and our business will be negatively affected if we are not able to anticipate and keep pace with rapid changes in government laws and regulations or if government laws and regulations impair our business or increase our costs.
Our U.S. Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance subsidiaries are highly regulated as insurance carriers in the States of their domicile and the jurisdictions in which they are licensed. Our
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owned MGA/Us and insurance brokerage subsidiaries are also required to maintain certain entity-level licenses in those jurisdictions and/or the international countries in which they operate, as well as licenses of individual officers or representatives that are essential to their ability to conduct business. Each of the foregoing must also comply with laws generally applicable to insurance entities, including those relating to governance, capital, and operational requirements.
Government laws and regulations applicable to our businesses develop and change rapidly in response to consumer demands and public policies. State legislatures and insurance departments place increasing burdens on insurance carriers and producers with respect to matters such as cybersecurity, data privacy, management of technology, corporate governance, environmental and social issues, and enterprise risk management. Such laws and regulations require substantial resources to ensure that the Company has appropriate and effective compliance programs in place. If we are unable to keep pace with changes in applicable law and regulations, or if we otherwise fail in our compliance efforts, the Company may be subject to fines, sanctions, governmental orders or modifications to business practices that individually or collectively impair our business or increase our costs, possibly materially.
Everspan may not be successful in executing its business plans or may experience greater than expected insurance underwriting losses and/or reinsurance counterparty losses, which could result in losses material to Everspan's capital position, a downgrade of its AM Best rating and a loss of its franchise value. Such events could have a material adverse impact on the value of AFG's shares.
Everspan is in the early stage of developing a portfolio of specialty insurance program business. Its business plan entails establishing programs with program administrators, managing general agents and managing general underwriters ("MGA/Us"), with claims handled by TPAs. The success of these programs is dependent upon the quality of insurance risk underwritten by the MGA/Us, the quality of underwriting and operational performance, as well as oversight, of the MGA/Us and TPAs by Everspan, the quality and creditworthiness of reinsurance obtained with respect to the underlying risks, loss experience over time, premium levels, competition and other factors, some of which are outside Everspan's control. Should Everspan fail in executing its business plans or experience greater than expected losses due to operational issues, poor risk selection, default or failure to perform by reinsurers, failure to timely realize ultimate loss exposure, a departure of qualified MGA/Us from the industry, enhanced scrutiny from regulators or ratings agencies specific to the program business model, failure to collect amounts due to it or other factors, Everspan may suffer losses that are material to its capital position, a downgrade in its AM Best rating and/or a loss of its franchise value. Any such outcomes could have a material adverse impact on the value of AFG's shares.
A downgrade in the AM Best financial strength rating of Everspan may negatively affect our business.
The financial strength of Everspan is evaluated by AM Best, which issues a "FSR", an important factor in establishing the competitive position of Everspan. The FSR reflects AM Best’s opinion of Everspan's financial strength, operating performance, strategic position and ability to meet obligations to policyholders, and are not evaluations directed to investors. Everspan's FSR is subject to periodic review, and the criteria used in the rating methodologies are subject to change. All of the insurance companies that comprise Everspan are rated "A-" (Excellent). A downgrade in Everspan's FSR could make it more difficult to sell insurance policies and Everspan's distribution channels may cease to transact with them, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure of Everspan's Program Partners to properly market, underwrite or administer policies could adversely affect us.
The marketing, underwriting, administration and servicing of policies in our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance business have been contracted to the MGA/Us with which Everspan transacts. Any failure by the MGA/Us or TPAs to properly handle these functions could result in liability to us. Even though the MGA/Us and TPAs with which Everspan transacts may be required to indemnify Everspan for any such liability or monetary losses, there are risks for which indemnity may be insufficient or entirely unavailable if, for example, the relevant program partner becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to pay us. Furthermore, any failure to properly handle the marketing, underwriting, administration and servicing of policies in our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance business could also create regulatory issues or harm our reputation, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If in our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance business we are unable to accurately underwrite risks and charge competitive yet profitable rates to our clients and policyholders, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
In general, the premiums for our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance policies are established at the time a policy is issued and, therefore, before all of our underlying costs are known. Like other property and casualty insurance companies, Everspan relies on estimates and assumptions in setting its premium rates. Establishing adequate premium rates is necessary, together with investment income, to generate sufficient revenue to offset losses, loss adjustment expenses, acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses in order to earn a profit. The rate environment is also subject to market cycles, which can be difficult to predict and make it difficult to adequately price risk. If Everspan does not accurately assess the risks that it assumes, it may not charge adequate premiums to cover its losses and expenses, which would adversely affect our results of operations and our profitability. Alternatively, Everspan could set its premiums too high, which could reduce its competitiveness and lead to lower policyholder retention, resulting in lower revenues. Pricing is a highly
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complex exercise involving the acquisition and analysis of historical loss data and the projection of future trends, loss costs, expenses, and inflation trends, among other factors, for each of Everspan's products in multiple risk tiers and many different markets. Everspan seeks to implement its pricing accurately in accordance with its assumptions. Everspan's ability to undertake these efforts successfully and, as a result, to accurately price its policies, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including insufficient or unreliable data; incorrect or incomplete analysis of available data; uncertainties generally inherent in estimates and assumptions; failure to implement appropriate actuarial projections and ratings formulas or other pricing methodologies; regulatory constraints on rate increases; failure to accurately estimate investment yields and the duration of liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses; disagreements with reinsurers or the MGA/Us with whom Everspan transacts as to the adequacy of pricing assumptions; and unanticipated court decisions, legislation or regulatory action.
If Everspan is unable to obtain reinsurance coverage at reasonable prices or on terms that adequately protect it, we may be required to bear increased risks or reduce the level of our underwriting commitments.
Everspan purchases reinsurance as part of its overall risk management strategy. While reinsurance does not discharge our insurance subsidiaries from their obligations to pay claims for losses insured under their insurance policies, it does make the reinsurer liable to them for the reinsured portion of the risk. At the inception of a new program, Everspan generally acts as an issuing carrier and reinsures a majority of such risk to third parties in contracts that are generally subject to term limitations or termination rights. Everspan may be unable to maintain its current reinsurance arrangements or to obtain other reinsurance in adequate amounts and at favorable rates, particularly if reinsurers become unwilling or unable to support our specialty property and casualty business in the future. Additionally, market conditions beyond our control may impact the availability and cost of reinsurance and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. A decline in the availability of reinsurance may increase the cost of reinsurance and materially and adversely affect our business prospects. Everspan may, at certain times, be forced to incur additional costs for reinsurance or may be unable to obtain sufficient reinsurance on acceptable terms or from reinsurers which satisfy Everspan's criteria as acceptable security. In the latter case, Everspan would have to accept an increase in exposure to risk, reduce the amount of business written by it or seek alternatives in line with Everspan's risk limits, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be adversely affected by failures in services or products provided by third parties.
We outsource and may further outsource certain technology and business process functions, and rely upon third-party vendors, agents and contractual counterparties for other essential services and information. Outsourcing functions to third parties exposes us to increased risk related to service disruptions. If we do not effectively develop, implement and monitor our vendor, agency and contractual counterparty relationships and the financial
condition of such third parties, if third party providers do not perform as anticipated, if we experience technological or other problems, or if vendor, agency or other contractual relationships relevant to our business process functions are terminated, we may not realize expected productivity improvements or cost efficiencies and may experience operational difficulties, increased costs and a loss of business. Further, we may suffer financial losses if a counterparty defaults on a financial obligation to us, including with respect to insurance agency commissions which adjust over time. Moreover, policyholders and claimants may suffer delays or lapses in service levels which may create extra-contractual exposures. The increased risks identified above could expose us to disruption of service, monetary and reputational damages, competitive disadvantage and significant increases in compliance costs. A material failure by an external service provider, information provider, agent or counterparty, or a material defect or default in the products, services or information provided thereby, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our outsourcing of certain technology and business process functions to third parties may expose us to increased risk related to data security, service disruptions or the effectiveness of our control system. These risks could increase as vendors increasingly offer cloud-based software services rather than software services which can be run within our data centers or as we choose to move additional functions to the cloud.
Our insurance carriers are subject to reinsurance counterparty credit risk. Their reinsurers may not pay on losses in a timely fashion, or at all.
Our insurance carrier subsidiaries purchase reinsurance to transfer part of the risk they have underwritten to reinsurance companies in exchange for part of the premium they receive in connection with the risk. Although reinsurance makes reinsurers liable to our carriers for the risk transferred or ceded to the reinsurers, it does not relieve our insurance carrier subsidiaries of their liabilities to policyholders. Accordingly, our insurance carrier subsidiaries are exposed to credit risk with respect to their reinsurers, especially to the extent reinsurance receivables are not sufficiently secured by collateral or do not benefit from other credit enhancements. Our insurance carrier subsidiaries also bear the risk that they are unable to receive, or there is a substantial delay in receiving, the reinsurance recoverable for any reason, including that the terms of the reinsurance contract do not reflect the intent of the parties to the contract; there is a disagreement between the parties as to their intent; the terms of the contract cannot be legally enforced; the terms of the contract are interpreted by a court or arbitration panel differently than intended by our insurance carrier subsidiaries; the reinsurance transaction performs differently than our insurance carrier subsidiaries anticipated due to a flawed design of the reinsurance structure, terms or conditions; or changes in law and regulation, or in the interpretation of laws and regulations, affects a reinsurance transaction. These risks may be exacerbated to the extent that our insurance carrier subsidiaries' reinsurance recoverables are overly concentrated with one or a small subset of reinsurers.
The insolvency of one or more of our insurance carrier subsidiaries' reinsurers, or their inability or unwillingness to make timely payments if and when required under the terms of
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reinsurance contracts, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Everspan’s insurance carriers may be subject to counterparty credit risk associated with its MGA/U distribution partners.
Everspan may be subject to the risk that its MGA/U program partners fail to meet their financial obligations to Everspan or policyholders as it relates to premiums payable, return premiums, sliding scale commissions and return commissions. This risk may be exacerbated to the extent that Everspan has financial obligations to its reinsurers under reinsurance agreements that do not absolve Everspan of for credit risk or non-payment by the MGA/U program partner.
The insolvency of one or more of our MGA/U program partners, or their inability or unwillingness to make timely payments if and when required under the terms of program agreements, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If actual claims exceed loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for Everspan, or if changes in the estimated level of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are necessary, including as a result of, among other things, changes in the legal/tort, regulatory and economic environments in which Everspan operates, our financial results could be materially and adversely affected.
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves represent management estimates of what the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost. These estimates are developed using common and industry accepted actuarial techniques. Nevertheless, the process of estimating loss and loss adjustment expense reserves involves a high degree of judgment and is subject to a number of variables, which can be affected by internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling, changes in loss cost trends, catastrophic events and social inflation.
Elevated social inflation trends are likely to continue. Social inflation, which includes increased litigation, partially supported by access to litigation financing; changes in social norms; an erosion of the public sentiment towards insurers’ interpretation of coverage levels and limits; and increased damage awards by juries, may make it difficult for Everspan to estimate loss reserves, establish adequate product pricing, and maintain a strong competitive position with consumers.
Moreover, the impact of catastrophic events may not be adequately reflected in claims reserves and, accordingly, could adversely impact results. Catastrophic losses are caused by wind and hail, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, severe freeze events, volcanic eruptions, terrorism, cyber attacks, civil unrest, and industrial accidents and other such events.
We also face potential exposure to various types of new and emerging tort claims which were not known or anticipated when our insurance products were originally priced.
The impact of many of these items on ultimate costs for claims and claim adjustment expense reserves could be material and is difficult to estimate.
Our ability to grow Everspan will depend in part on the addition of new Program Partners, and our ability to effectively onboard such new Program Partners could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to grow Everspan will depend in part on the addition of new MGA/Us. If Everspan does not effectively and timely source, evaluate and onboard new MGA/Us, including assisting such MGA/Us to quickly resolve any post-onboarding matters and provide effective ongoing support, Everspan's ability to add new MGA/Us and its relationships with its existing Program Partners could be adversely affected. Additionally, Everspan's reputation with potential new MGA/Us could be damaged if it fails to effectively onboard MGA/Us with whom it has signed definitive legal agreements. Such reputational damage could make it more difficult for Everspan to attract new and retain existing program partners, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We compete with a large number of companies in the property and casualty insurance industry for underwriting premium.
We compete with a large number of companies in the property and casualty insurance industry for underwriting premium. During periods of intense competition for premium, in particular, our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses may be challenged to maintain competitiveness with other companies that may seek to write policies without the same regard for risk and profitability targeted by our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses. During these times, it may be difficult for Everspan or our MGA/Us to grow or maintain premium volume without the unattractive options of lowering underwriting standards, sacrificing income, or both.
In addition, our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses face competition from a wide range of specialty insurance companies, underwriting agencies and intermediaries that are significantly larger than our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses are and that have significantly larger financial, marketing, management and other resources. Some of these competitors also have longer standing and better established market recognition than Ambac's group companies. The greater resources or market presence that these competitors possess may enable them to avoid or defray particular costs, employ greater pricing flexibility, have a higher tolerance for risk or loss, or exploit other advantages that may make it more difficult for us to compete. We may incur increased costs in competing for underwriting revenues in this environment. If we are unable to compete effectively in the markets in which our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses operate or expand into, our underwriting revenues may decline, as well as overall business results.
Other competitive concerns include the entrance of technology companies into the insurance distribution business and the
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direct-to-consumer insurance carriers that do not utilize third party agents and brokers as production sources. Additionally, the insurance industry may experience consolidation, and therefore we may experience increased competition from insurance companies and the financial services industry, as a growing number of larger financial institutions increasingly, and aggressively, offer a wider variety of financial services, including insurance distribution services. While we collaborate and compete in these segments on a fee-for-service basis, we cannot be certain that such alternative markets will provide the same level of insurance coverage or profitability as traditional insurance markets.
Technological changes to the way insurance is distributed, underwritten, and administered also present competitive risks. For example, our competitive position could be impacted if we are unable to cost-effectively deploy technology, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, which collects and analyzes large sets of data to make underwriting or other decisions, or if our competitors collect and use data which we do not have the ability to access or use. In addition, usage-based methods of determining premiums (e.g., telematics) can impact product pricing and design and are becoming an increasingly important competitive factor. The landscape of law and regulation governing these areas presents additional risk to the extent we are unable to timely adapt to ensure compliance.
Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, resulting from acquisitions, could adversely affect our results of operations.
In connection with Ambac’s acquisition of insurance distribution businesses, Ambac recorded the fair value of identifiable intangible assets (primarily related to distribution relationships) and goodwill. The intangible assets will be amortized over their remaining useful lives. The Company will test intangible assets for impairment if certain events occur or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. Goodwill will be tested for impairment annually or whenever events occur or circumstances change that may indicate impairment. Intangible asset and goodwill impairments are driven by a variety of factors, which could include, among other things, declining future cash flows of the acquired business as addressed in other risk factors related to the Insurance Distribution Business. Any intangible asset or goodwill impairment could adversely affect the Company's operating results and financial condition.
Our Insurance Distribution businesses derive a significant portion of their commission revenues from a limited number of insurance companies and Lloyd's syndicates, the loss of any of which could result in lower commissions or loss of business production.
The commissions of our MGA/Us and insurance broker are derived from insurance policies underwritten on behalf of a limited number of capacity providers, including insurance and reinsurance companies, Lloyd’s syndicates and other capital providers. Should one or more of these capacity providers terminate its arrangements with our Insurance Distribution businesses or otherwise decrease the amount of capacity provided, we may lose significant commission revenues or lose
significant business production while seeking other sources of capacity.
A number of our MGA/Us have material relationships with Lloyd’s Syndicates 4242, and to a lesser extent Cadenza Re Limited, which are risk carriers that are serviced by Ambac group entities. A reduction in scale and/or appetite of these carriers whether in response to underwriting performance, regulatory considerations, availability of underwriting capital support, or otherwise may result in a loss of significant commission revenues. Furthermore, these carriers form the cornerstone capacity for some of our MGA/Us new launches and hence a deterioration in their activities will further inhibit new MGA/U launches.
Our Insurance Distribution businesses, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity may be materially adversely affected by certain potential claims or proceedings.
Our owned MGA/Us and insurance brokerage operating subsidiaries are subject to various potential claims and other proceedings, including those relating to alleged errors and omissions in connection with the placement or servicing of insurance and/or the provision of services in the ordinary course of business, of which we cannot, and likely will not be able to, predict the outcome with certainty. Because our MGA/Us and insurance brokerage operating subsidiaries often assist customers with matters involving substantial amounts of money, including the placement of insurance and the handling of related claims that customers may assert, errors and omissions, claims against it may arise alleging potential liability for all or part of the amounts in question. Also, the failure of an insurer with whom our MGA/Us and insurance brokerage operating subsidiaries place business could result in errors and omissions claims against it by its customers, which could adversely affect Ambac’s results of operations and financial condition. Claimants may seek large damage awards, and these claims may involve potentially significant legal costs and damages. In addition, regardless of monetary costs, these matters could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and cause harm to carrier, customer or employee relationships, or divert personnel and management resources.
Acquiring new MGA/Us is core to our Insurance Distribution business strategy. Risks associated with such endeavors could adversely affect our growth and results of operations.
Acquisitions have been an important contributor of growth in the Insurance Distribution business and we believe that additional acquisitions will be important to future growth, building further operational scale and diversifying our sources of revenue. Failure to successfully identify and complete acquisitions likely would result in us achieving slower growth and less operating scale. Moreover, the failure of acquisition targets to achieve anticipated revenue and earnings levels could result in slower than anticipated growth and result in intangible asset or goodwill impairment charges.
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Ambac may not be able to realize expected synergies from acquisitions.
Ambac’s assessment of acquisitions often includes an estimate of the value of revenue, expense and operating synergies that may be created from the acquisition. If due to market, economic, technological, cultural, regulatory or other reasons Ambac is not able to fully realize expected synergies or its valuation of such synergies otherwise proves incorrect, we may not realize the full expected value of an acquisition, which in turn may lead to lower than expected profits, material adverse results from operations and/or a weakened financial condition.
Changes in law or in the functioning of the healthcare market could significantly impair our Accident & Health insurance business and therefore negatively impact Ambac’s financial condition and results of operations.
Adoption of a single payer healthcare system or a public health insurance option would likely adversely impact the entire healthcare industry. While our Accident & Health insurance business has historically demonstrated an ability to adjust its products to major changes in the healthcare industry, such business would likely be adversely impacted by such a material change in the U.S. healthcare system particularly if private health insurance is eliminated, materially limited, or is rendered noncompetitive. Material adverse developments to our Accident & Health insurance business would have a negative impact on Ambac's financial condition and results of operations which could be material.
Our Insurance Distribution businesses and their results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by conditions that result in reduced insurance capacity.
Our Insurance Distribution business results of operations depend on the capacity of insurance carriers (including Llyod’s of London), reinsurers and other capital providers to assume risk and provide coverage. Capacity among insurance carriers, reinsurers and other capital providers may diminish because of our performance or due to factors outside our control. For example, capacity could be reduced by insurance companies failing or withdrawing from writing certain coverages that our Insurance Distribution businesses offer to their customers. To the extent that reinsurance becomes less widely available or significantly more expensive, we may not be able to procure the amount or types of coverage that our customers desire and the coverage we are able to procure for our customers may be more expensive or limited.
Variations in commission income that results from the timing of policy renewals and the net effect of new and lost business production may have unexpected effects on our results of operations.
Commission income can vary quarterly or annually due to the timing of policy renewals and the net effect of new and lost business production. We do not solely control the factors that cause these variations. Specifically, customers’ demand for insurance products can influence the timing of renewals, new business and lost business (which includes policies that are not renewed), and cancellations. Quarterly and annual fluctuations in revenues based upon increases and decreases associated with
the timing of new business, policy renewals and payments from insurance companies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Variations in contingent commissions that results from the effects of insurance loss activity on portfolios may result in significant variations in revenues.
Profit-sharing contingent commissions are paid by insurance companies based upon the profitability of the business placed with such companies. In the past these commissions have accounted for a significant amount of total commissions and fees. Due to, among other things, the inherent uncertainty of loss and changes in underwriting criteria by insurance companies, there will be a level of uncertainty related to the payment of profit-sharing contingent commissions.
System security risks, data protection breaches and cyber-attacks could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We and our vendors and contractual counterparties rely on our information technology systems for many enterprise-critical functions and a prolonged failure or interruption of these systems for any reason could cause significant disruption to our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Our information technology and application systems, as well as those of our vendors and contractual counterparties, may be vulnerable to threats from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions. Computer hackers may be able to penetrate our network’s system security, or the network's security system of a vendor or contractual counterparty, and misappropriate or compromise confidential information, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns. The ability of hackers to infiltrate and compromise our and our vendors' and contractual counterparties' information systems or the contents thereof may be enhanced by generative artificial intelligence, which may be more difficult to detect and defend. In addition to our own confidential information, we and our vendors and contractual counterparties sometimes receive and are required to protect confidential information obtained from third parties (including us in the case of a vendor or contractual counterparty) and personally identifiable information of individuals. To the extent any disruption or security breach results in a loss or damage to our data (or the data of a vendor or contractual counterparty on which we rely), or inappropriate disclosure of our confidential information or that of others, or personally identifiable information of individuals, it could cause significant financial losses that are either not, or not fully, insured against, cause damage to our reputation, affect our relationships with third parties, lead to claims against us, result in regulatory action, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to mitigate the damage caused by any security breach, or to protect against future damage. Moreover, although we have incident response, disaster recovery and business continuity plans in place, we may not be able to adequately execute these plans in a timely fashion in the event of a disruption to our information technology and application systems. Additionally, we are an acquisitive organization and the process of integrating the information systems of the businesses we acquire is complex and exposes us
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to additional risk as we might not adequately identify weaknesses in the targets’ information systems, which could expose us to unexpected liabilities or make our own systems more vulnerable to attack.
The application of innovative and solution-based technology is required to facilitate effective operations and to realize internal efficiencies; however, the investment required in technology may not yield sufficient returns and the implementation of new or modified technology may be a material distraction to management.
Our business performance and growth plans could be negatively affected if we are not able to, among other things, gain internal efficiencies through the application of effective technology across our businesses, integrate operations, and/or innovate product and operational solutions. Conversely, investments in internal systems or innovative product offerings may fail to yield sufficient return to cover their investment. To the extent our investments in technology fail to provide sufficient returns or achieve their stated business objectives, we may experience lower productivity and/or operational effectiveness, which could adversely impact our financial results and prevent us from meeting our strategic objectives.
Our ability to attract and retain qualified executives, senior managers and other employees or the loss of any of these personnel could negatively impact our business.
Our ability to execute on our business strategies depends on the retention and recruitment of qualified executives and other professionals. We rely substantially upon the services of our current executive and senior management teams. In addition to these officers, we rely on key staff with insurance, underwriting, business development, credit, risk management, structured finance, investment, accounting, finance, legal, technology and other technical and specialized skills. The market for qualified executives, senior managers and other employees has become very competitive. As a result of competition for talent we may experience higher employee turnover and finding qualified replacements may be more difficult. The loss of the services of members of our executive and/or senior management teams, our inability to hire and retain other talented personnel and/or the absence of effective management succession plans could delay or prevent us from succeeding in executing our strategies, which could negatively impact our business.
Our business could be negatively affected by actions of stakeholders whose interests may not be aligned with the broader interests of our stockholders.
Ambac could be negatively affected as a result of actions by stakeholders whose interests may not be aligned with the broader interests of our stockholders, and responding to any such actions could be costly and time-consuming, disrupt operations and divert the attention of management and employees. Such activities could interfere with our ability to execute on our strategic plans.
We are exposed to foreign exchange risk, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operation.
A significant portion of our Insurance Distribution business is operated out of the U.K where our functional currency is the British pound (“GBP”). However, the majority of our revenues are generated in U.S. dollars (“USD”). As a result, movements in the rate of exchange between GBP and USD may materially distort our financial results and cause losses that are not attributable to the underlying business. We frequently hedge this foreign exchange risk through forward contracts; however, these hedges may not completely negate the adverse impact of foreign exchange movements.
Risks Related to Capital, Liquidity and Credit Markets
AFG and Cirrata have substantial indebtedness, which could adversely affect our financial condition, operational flexibility and our ability to obtain financing in the future
Cirrata financed its acquisition of Beat in part through the issuance of $150,000 of new indebtedness, which is guaranteed by AFG (the “Credit Facility”). The debt incurred under the Credit Facility matures on July 31, 2025. The obligations of AFG and its subsidiaries under the Credit Facility are secured on a first-priority basis by (i) a pledge by AFG of all of the capital stock of Everspan Holdings, LLC and (ii) a pledge of all of the capital stock of Beat held by Cirrata and its subsidiaries.
The Company intends to pay off the Credit Facility with the proceeds of the AAC Sale. In the event that the AAC Sale did not occur, due to factors described elsewhere in these Risk Factors or for any other reason, the Company would need to seek to refinance the Credit Facility through the public or private credit markets. Alternatively the Company would seek to raise additional capital or restructure the debt. There is no guaranty that the Company could refinance or restructure the Credit Facility or raise additional capital at commercially reasonable terms or at all. In addition, if the Company were able to refinance or restructure the Credit Facility or raise additional capital it may incur a higher rate of interest or suffer more restrictive covenants, which could cause a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
Furthermore, raising additional capital through the issuance of equity would depend on market and economic conditions, dilute the ownership of existing stockholders and potentially diminish the ability of the Company to access the capital markets in the future. Moreover, raising additional capital through the sale of assets would depend on market and economic conditions; the availability of buyers; the requirements and conditions of local law, including regulatory restrictions; and other factors that may result in the Company or a party enforcing rights against the Company to be unable to receive proceeds sufficient to discharge the Company’s obligations. Because of these and other factors beyond our control, the Company may be unable to pay or discharge the principal or interest on the indebtedness incurred under the Credit Facility on economic terms or at all, which would materially impair the value of the Company.
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The Credit Facility includes covenants that restrict our ability to manage capital resources by limiting, among other actions, the issuance of additional debt or capital stock; the creation of liens; the disposition of assets; engaging in transactions with affiliates; making restricted payments, including dividends and the purchase or redemption of capital stock; and making acquisitions and other investments. The Credit Facility also requires the prepayment of the borrowings thereunder with proceeds of certain debt or equity issuances and certain asset sales, including the AAC Sale. These requirements will impact our financial and operational flexibility while the Credit Facility remains in place.
The Company’s substantial indebtedness could have other significant consequences for our financial condition and operational flexibility. For example, it could:
•increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic, competitive and industry conditions;
•limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes on satisfactory terms or at all;
•require the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to the payment of interest on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and to fund the execution of key strategies;
•limit or restrict the Company from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;
•limit the Company's ability, or increase the costs, to refinance its indebtedness or repay indebtedness due to ongoing interest payment obligations; and
•limit our ability to attract and retain key employees.
While restrictive covenants in the Credit Facility may limit the amount of additional indebtedness the Company may incur, we may obtain waivers of those restrictions and incur additional indebtedness in the future. In addition, if the Company incurred indebtedness, its ability to make scheduled payments on, or refinance, any such indebtedness may depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions or pay dividends, which in turn will depend on their future operating performance and contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of distributions or dividends to which they may be subject. There can be no assurance that any such dividends or distributions would be made. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with the Company’s substantial leverage.
Our P&C businesses rely on a limited number of retail and wholesale brokers to generate revenue and the loss of one or more of these key partners could adversely impact our results of operations and growth objectives.
Our relationship with retail and wholesale brokers and other trading partners (collectively, “Brokers”) are nonexclusive and may be discontinued at any time by either party. In addition, any of these parties may change the terms of our relationship which would cause our commission expense to increase.
The loss of a Broker could reduce the number of submissions we receive which could result in reduced commission revenue. Our
business could also be harmed if we fail to develop relationships with new Brokers or other sources of business.
A reduction in the number of Brokers, whether as a result of the termination of relationships, consolidation or otherwise, may leave us more vulnerable to adverse changes in our relationships with other Brokers, particularly in geographies or lines of business where we offer insurance products through a relatively small number of Brokers.
We may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain third-party financing or raise additional third-party capital on acceptable terms, or at all.
An inability to obtain third-party debt financing or raise additional third-party capital, when required by us or when business conditions warrant, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and could adversely impact our ability to achieve our strategic objectives. Our financial condition, the Risk Factors described elsewhere herein, as well as other factors, may constrain our financing abilities. Our ability to secure third-party financing will depend upon our future operating performance, regulatory conditions, the availability of credit generally, economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The market conditions and the macroeconomic conditions that affect our business could have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure third-party financing on favorable terms, if at all.
If third-party financing is not available when needed, or is available on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to take advantage of business opportunities, respond to competitive pressures or effectively and efficiently manage our balance sheet, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in prevailing interest rate levels and market conditions could adversely impact our business results and prospects.
Increases in prevailing interest rate levels can adversely affect the value of our investment portfolio and, therefore, our financial strength. In the event that investments must be sold in order to pay claims, to pay debt obligations, or to meet other liquidity needs, such investments would likely be sold at discounted prices.
Our investment portfolios may also be adversely affected by credit rating downgrades, spread volatility and credit losses. These losses may have a material adverse affect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to the Discontinued Operations
AFG may not be able to realize value from AAC in the absence of a sale of AAC.
In the absence of a sale of AAC, the Company would continue to actively run-off the Discontinued Operations. In that event, there could be no assurance that AFG would be able to realize residual value through receiving dividends from the continued run-off of AAC. In the absence of a sale, AFG's ability to realize
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residual value from AAC would depend upon, amongst other considerations, AAC's ability to satisfy all of its obligations that are senior to AFG's equity interests, including obligations to policyholders, surplus note holders and preferred stock holders. AAC's ability to satisfy all of its obligations that are senior to AFG's equity depends on a number of considerations, including its ability to recover losses previously paid; avoid material losses from litigation; mitigate losses from its insured portfolio, which is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including as a result of varying potential perceptions of the value of AAC’s guarantees and securities; realize material value from its investment in Ambac UK; and repay and/or restructure its indebtedness in a timely manner such that accruing interest costs are manageable. Increased loss development in the Discontinued Operations insured portfolios, or significant losses from litigation or other events or circumstances could prompt OCI to determine that it is in the best interests of policyholders to initiate rehabilitation proceedings with respect to AAC or to issue supervisory orders that impose restrictions on AAC. If OCI were to decide to initiate rehabilitation proceedings with respect to AAC, adverse consequences could result, including, without limitation, the assertion of damages by counterparties, the acceleration of losses based on early termination triggers, the loss of control rights in insured transactions, and the loss of operational control to OCI. The rehabilitator would act solely for the benefit of policyholders, which could result in material adverse consequences for our security holders and significantly reduce or eliminate any residual value of AAC for AFG. Due to the foregoing considerations, the risk factors described herein, and applicable legal and contractual restrictions described elsewhere herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, substantial uncertainty remains as to AAC's ability to pay dividends to AFG and the timing of any such dividends.
AAC and Ambac UK are subject to credit and other risks in their insured portfolios; we are also subject to risks associated with adverse selection as our insured LFG portfolios run off.
Performance of our insured LFG transactions, including (but not limited to) those backed by municipal, utility, sovereign/sub-sovereign, military housing and consumer risk such as mortgages and student loans, can be adversely affected by general economic conditions, such as recession, federal budget cuts, decisions of governmental authorities about utilizing assets or facilities, inflation, unemployment levels, underemployment, home price depreciation, increasing foreclosure rates, unavailability of consumer credit, mortgage product attributes, borrower and/or originator fraud or misrepresentations, and asset servicer performance and financial health.
While deterioration in the performance of transactions insured by AAC and Ambac UK may occur, the timing, extent and duration of any future deterioration of the credit markets is not predictable, as is the impact on potential claim payments and ultimate losses on the securities within our insured LFG portfolio.
Issuers of public finance obligations insured by AAC have reported, or may report, budget shortfalls, significantly underfunded pensions or other fiscal stresses that imperil their ability to pay debt service or will require them to significantly raise taxes and/or cut spending in order to satisfy their
obligations. Furthermore, over time, the consequences of poor public policy decisions by state and local governments or increases in tax burdens can impact demographic trends, such as out-migration from one state or municipality to another, that may negatively impact the creditworthiness of related issuers. Some issuers of obligations insured by AAC have declared payment moratoriums, defaulted or filed for bankruptcy or similar debt adjustment proceedings, raising concerns about their ultimate ability or willingness to service the debt insured by AAC and AAC's ability to recover claims paid in the future. If the issuers of the obligations in the public finance portfolio are unable to raise taxes, cut spending, or receive federal or state assistance, or if such issuers default or file for bankruptcy under Chapter 9 or for similar relief under other laws that allow for the adjustment of debts, AAC may experience liquidity claims and/or ultimate losses on those obligations, which could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Issuers in Chapter 9 or similar proceedings may obtain judicial rulings and orders that impair creditors' rights or their ability to collect on amounts owed. In certain cases, judicial decisions may be contrary to AAC's expectations or understanding of the law or its rights thereunder, which may lead to worse outcomes in Chapter 9 or similar proceedings than anticipated at the outset.
As the runoff of the insured portfolio continues, the proportion of exposures we rate as below investment grade relative to the aggregate insured portfolio may increase, leaving the portfolio increasingly concentrated in higher risk exposures and heightening risks associated with large single risk exposures to particular issuers, losses caused by catastrophic events (including public health crises, terrorist acts and natural disasters), and losses in respect of different, but correlated, credit exposures. These risks may result in greater volatility or have adverse effects on the Company's results from discontinued operations and on our financial condition.
Loss reserves may not be adequate to cover potential losses, including losses caused by catastrophic events, and changes in loss reserves may result in further volatility of net income and comprehensive income.
LFG loss reserves are established when management has observed credit deterioration in its insured credits. Loss reserves established with respect to our LFG insurance policies issued to beneficiaries are based upon estimates and judgments by management, including estimates and judgments with respect to the probability of default; the severity of loss upon default; management’s ability to execute policy commutations, restructurings and other loss mitigation strategies; and estimated subrogation and other loss recoveries. The objective of establishing loss reserve estimates is not to, and our loss reserves do not, reflect the worst possible outcomes. While our reserving scenarios reflect a wide range of possible outcomes (on a probability weighted basis), reflecting the uncertainty regarding future developments and outcomes, our loss reserves may change materially based on future developments. As a result of inherent uncertainties in the estimates and judgments made to determine loss reserves, there can be no assurance that either the actual losses in our financial guarantee insurance portfolio will not exceed such reserves or that our reserves will
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not materially change over time as circumstances, our assumptions, or our models change.
Catastrophic events, whether natural or man-made, including natural disasters and environmental and public health events that result in material disruption of economic activity, loss of human life or significant property damage, can have a materially negative impact on our financial and operational performance. Such stresses could result in liquidity strains or permanent losses.
Public health crises and/or natural disasters can cause economic and financial disruptions that may adversely affect, our business and results of operations.
AAC insures the obligations of a number of issuers, such as municipalities and securitization vehicles, including those backed by consumer loans such as mortgages and student loans, that may be substantially affected by the prolonged economic effects of pandemics, other public health crises, environmental events or natural disasters. Municipalities and their authorities, agencies and instrumentalities, especially those dependent on narrow revenue streams flowing from particular economic activities, such as sales taxes, may suffer disproportionately, from depressed revenues due to the lingering negative economic impact brought about by such events. In response to such events, the U.S. Federal government and State governments and their agencies may adopt policies or guidelines to provide emergency relief to consumers, such as limiting debt collection efforts, encouraging or requiring extensions, modifications or forbearance with respect to certain loans and fees, and establishing foreclosure and eviction moratoriums. These or similar types of emergency responses to future events may cause Ambac to experience higher losses in its insured portfolio.
Future environmental or other public health events and natural disasters can result in significant potential liabilities for issuers, that increase the potential for default on obligations insured by AAC and Ambac UK.
Further, we use internally developed and third-party vendor tools and models to assess exposure to losses, including catastrophic losses. The models assume various conditions and probability scenarios and may not accurately predict future losses or measure losses currently incurred. Limitations in these tools and models may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
The ultimate impact of a catastrophic event on insurers and their obligations, and the economy in general, is by its very nature uncertain, and will be determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the depth and duration of a particular crisis; the extent to which affected consumers, businesses, municipal entities and other debtors or sources of revenues recover from depressed economic circumstances, and the timelines for such recoveries; the level and efficacy of government intervention or support for municipal entities, consumers, businesses and the financial markets via emergency relief measures; the availability of insurance; the availability of cost-effective financing; management of public health crisis remediation efforts; the effectiveness of other public or private crisis management efforts, mitigation measures or support; and certain socio-economic variables, such as unemployment levels.
Consequently, if following such catastrophic events we do not have sufficient resources or financial flexibility, receive adequate measures of support or realize the appropriate level of economic recovery, our ultimate ability to operate could be materially impaired and we could suffer material permanent losses and therefore may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Counterparties that service aspects of our business may be similarly impacted and, if their operations are impaired due to a catastrophe, it may be difficult or costly to us to find alternatives to such servicing capabilities.
We may not be able to effectively reduce LFG insured exposures; measures taken to reduce risks may have an adverse effect on the Company's operating results or financial position.
In pursuing the objective of improving our financial position, we are seeking to terminate, commute, reinsure or otherwise reduce LFG insured exposures. De-risking transactions may not be feasible or economically viable. We cannot provide any assurance that any such transaction will be consummated in the future, or if it is, as to the timing, terms or conditions of any such transaction. Even if we consummate one or more of such transactions, doing so may ultimately prove to be unsuccessful in creating value for any or all of our stakeholders and may negatively impact our operating results or financial position.
Our risk management policies and practices may not adequately identify significant risks.
We have established risk management policies and practices which seek to mitigate our exposure to credit risk in our legacy financial guarantee insured portfolio. Ongoing surveillance of credit risks in our legacy financial guarantee insured portfolio is an important component of our risk management process. These policies and practices in the past have not insulated us from risks that were unforeseen and which had unanticipated loss severity, and such policies and practices may not do so in the future. There can be no assurance that these policies and practices will be adequate to avoid future losses. If we are not able to identify significant risks, we may not be able to timely mitigate such risks, thereby increasing the amount of losses to which we are exposed. An inability to identify significant risks could also result in the failure to timely establish loss reserves that are sufficient in relation to such risks.
We are subject to the risk of litigation and the outcome of proceedings we are or may become involved in could have a material adverse effect on our results from discontinued operations and our financial position.
AAC is defending or otherwise involved in various lawsuits relating to its LFG business. It is not possible to predict the extent to which additional suits involving AAC or one or more other subsidiaries will be filed, and it is also not possible to predict the outcome of litigation. It is possible that there could be unfavorable outcomes in existing or future proceedings. Management may be unable to make meaningful or reasonable estimates of the amount or range of losses that could result from unfavorable outcomes or of the expenses that will be incurred in connection with such lawsuits. Under some circumstances, adverse results in any such proceedings and/or the incurring of
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significant litigation or other expenses could be material to AAC's operating results and financial position.
The Settlement Agreement, Stipulation and Order and OCI's Runoff Capital Framework may impair AAC's ability to pursue its business strategies.
Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2010, as amended (the "Settlement Agreement"), by and among AAC, Ambac Credit Products LLC ("ACP"), AFG and certain counterparties to credit default swaps with ACP that were guaranteed by AAC, and the Stipulation and Order among the OCI, AFG and AAC that became effective on February 22, 2024 (the “Stipulation and Order”), AAC must seek prior approval by OCI of certain corporate actions. The Settlement Agreement and Stipulation and Order also includes covenants that restrict the operations of AAC which (i) in the case of the Settlement Agreement, remain in force until the surplus notes that were issued pursuant to the Settlement Agreement have been redeemed, repurchased or repaid in full, and (ii) in the case of the Stipulation and Order, remain in place until the OCI decides to relax such restrictions. Certain of these restrictions may be waived with the approval of holders of surplus notes and/or OCI. If AAC is unable to obtain the required consents under the Settlement Agreement and/or the Stipulation and Order, it may not be able to execute its planned business strategies.
In addition, the capital framework developed and implemented by OCI to assist OCI with making decisions related to capital management at AAC ("OCI's Runoff Capital Framework") and decisions based thereon are expected to affect AAC's ability to reduce financial leverage, pay dividends to AFG, and/or make payments on surplus notes or Auction Market Preferred Shares ("AMPS").
OCI has certain enforcement rights with respect to the Settlement Agreement and Stipulation and Order, and retains full discretion over the design of, and assumptions utilized in, OCI's Runoff Capital Framework and the implications thereof. Disputes may arise over the interpretation of such agreements or instruments, the exercise or purported exercise of rights thereunder, the determinations made thereunder, or the performance of or failure or purported failure to adhere to the terms thereof. Any such dispute could have material adverse effects on AAC, and the Company more broadly, whether through litigation, administrative proceedings, supervisory orders, failure to execute transactions sought by management, interference with corporate strategies, objectives or prerogatives, inefficient decision-making or execution, forced realignment of resources, increased costs, distractions to management, strained working relationships or otherwise. Such effects would also increase the risk that OCI would seek to initiate rehabilitation proceedings or issue supervisory orders against AAC.
Political developments may materially adversely affect our business.
Our LFG insurance business and its results of operations can be materially affected by political developments at the federal, state, local or foreign government levels. Government shutdowns, trade disputes, political turnover, judicial decisions, adverse changes in governmental funding, or poor public policy
decision making could disrupt the national, international and local economies where AAC and Ambac UK operate and/or have insured exposures. Risks include adverse changes in rules, regulations, compliance requirements, employment practices, taxes, business services and currencies. In addition, the LFG business is exposed to correlation risk as a result of the possibility that multiple credits, counterparties, portfolios or other insured risks may concurrently and/or consecutively experience losses or increased stress as a result of any such event or series of events.
The LFG business operates in in a highly regulated industry and our business will be negatively affected if we are not able to anticipate and keep pace with rapid changes in government laws and regulations or if government laws and regulations impair our business or increase our costs.
Government laws and regulations applicable to our businesses develop and change rapidly in response to consumer demands and public policies. State legislatures and insurance departments place increasing burdens on insurance carriers and producers with respect to matters such as cybersecurity, data privacy, management of technology, corporate governance, environmental and social issues, and enterprise risk management. Such laws and regulations require substantial resources to ensure that the Company has appropriate and effective compliance programs in place. If we are unable to keep pace with changes in applicable law and regulations, or if we otherwise fail in our compliance efforts, the Company may be subject to fines, sanctions, governmental orders or modifications to business practices that individually or collectively impair our business or increase our costs, possibly materially.
Actions of the PRA and FCA could reduce the value of Ambac UK realizable by AAC, which would adversely affect our securityholders.
The LFG's international business is operated by Ambac UK, which is regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (“PRA”) for prudential purposes and the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for conduct purposes. The terms of Ambac UK’s regulatory authority are now restricted and Ambac UK is in run-off. Among other things, Ambac UK may not write any new business, and, with respect to any entity within the Ambac group of affiliates, commute, vary or terminate any existing financial guaranty policy, transfer certain assets, or pay dividends, without the prior approval of the PRA. The PRA and FCA act generally in the interests of Ambac UK policyholders and will not take into account the interests of AAC or the securityholders of Ambac when considering whether to provide any such approval. Accordingly, determinations made by the PRA and FCA, including with regards to their capital adequacy, in their capacity as Ambac UK’s regulators, could potentially result in adverse consequences for our securityholders and also reduce the value realizable by AAC for Ambac UK. Ambac UK exceeded its required capital thresholds as of December 31, 2024.
AAC has substantial indebtedness, which could adversely affect its financial condition, operational
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flexibility and our ability to obtain financing in the future.
AAC is highly leveraged. AAC’s ability to make payments on and/or refinance its surplus notes and to fund its operations will depend on its ability to generate substantial operating cash flow and on the performance of the LFG insured portfolio. AAC’s cash flow generation will depend on receipt of premiums, investment returns, and dividends and capital distributions from Ambac UK, offset by policyholder claims, commutation payments, reinsurance premiums, and potential losses from litigation, operating and loss adjustment expenses, and interest expense, all of which may be subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and many of which may be event-driven. There is substantial risk that AAC may not have the financial resources necessary to pay its surplus notes in full due to risks associated with its cash flow, insured portfolio, and other liabilities, as discussed elsewhere in these Risk Factors.
If AAC cannot pay its obligations from operating cash flow, it will have to take actions such as selling assets, restructuring or refinancing its surplus notes or seeking additional capital. Any of these remedies may not, if necessary, be effected on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. The value of assets to be sold will depend on market and economic conditions; the availability of buyers; the requirements and conditions of local law, including regulatory restrictions; and other factors that may result in AAC or a party enforcing rights against AAC to be unable to receive proceeds sufficient to discharge AAC's obligations. Furthermore, the ability of creditors or claimants to realize upon any assets, may also be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency law limitations or similar limitations applicable in insurance company rehabilitation or liquidation proceedings. Because of these and other factors beyond our control, AAC may be unable to pay or discharge the principal or interest on its surplus notes, which would impair AAC's value and the value of AFG.
Surplus note principal and interest payments cannot be made without the approval of the OCI, which OCI will grant or withhold in its sole discretion. OCI's determinations about whether and when to authorize surplus note payments could materially impact the Company's financial position. Ambac can provide no assurance as to when surplus note principal and interest payments will be made. If OCI does not approve payments on or the acquisition of surplus notes over time, the ongoing accretion of interest on the notes may impair AAC's ability to extinguish the notes in full. Surplus notes are subordinated in right of payment to policyholder and other claims.
AAC's substantial indebtedness could have other significant consequences for our financial condition and operational flexibility. For example, it could:
•increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic, competitive and industry conditions;
•limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes on satisfactory terms or at all;
•require AAC to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to the payment of surplus notes, thereby reducing the
funds available for operations and to fund the execution of key strategies, including the return of capital to AFG;
•limit AAC's ability, or increase the costs, to refinance surplus notes or repay surplus notes due to ongoing interest accretion; and
•limit our ability to attract and retain key employees.
Despite current indebtedness levels, AAC may incur additional debt. While restrictive covenants in certain of our contracts may limit the amount of additional indebtedness AAC may incur, we may obtain waivers of those restrictions and incur additional indebtedness in the future. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with AAC's substantial leverage.
Revenues and cash flow will be adversely impacted by a decline in realization of installment premiums.
A significant percentage of LFG premium revenue is attributable to installment premiums. The amount of installment premiums collected is declining along with the insured portfolio. The amount of installment premiums actually realized could be further reduced due to factors such as early termination of insurance contracts, new reinsurance transactions, accelerated prepayments of underlying obligations or insufficiency of cash flows (by the premium paying entity). The reduction in installment premiums will result in lower LFG revenues and cash flow in the future.
Changes in prevailing interest rate levels and market conditions could adversely impact LFG's business results and prospects.
Increases in prevailing interest rate levels can adversely affect the value of our investment portfolio and, therefore, our financial strength. In the event that investments must be sold in order to pay claims, to pay debt obligations, to meet collateral posting requirements or to meet other liquidity needs, such investments would likely be sold at discounted prices. Additionally, increasing interest rates would have an adverse impact on the legacy financial guarantee insured portfolio. For example, increasing interest rates could result in higher claim payments in respect of defaulted obligations that bear floating rates of interest. Higher interest rates can also lead to increased credit stress on consumer asset-backed transactions (as the securitized assets supporting a portion of these exposures are floating rate consumer obligations), slower prepayment speeds and resulting “extension risk” relative to such consumer asset-backed transactions in the LFG insured and investment portfolios, and decreased refinancing activity.
Decreasing interest rates could result in early terminations of financial guarantee insurance policies in respect of which AAC and Ambac UK are paid on an installment basis and do not receive a termination premium, thus reducing premium earned for these transactions. Decreases in prevailing interest rates may also limit growth of, or reduce, investment income and may increase collateral requirements related to AAC's residual legacy customer interest rate swap portfolio.
Our investment portfolios may also be adversely affected by credit rating downgrades, ABS and RMBS prepayment speeds, foreign exchange movements, spread volatility, and credit losses.
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Our inability to realize the expected recoveries included in our financial statements could adversely impact our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our securities.
We expect to recover material amounts of claims payments through cash flows in the securitization structures of transactions that AAC insures. Realization of such expected recoveries is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the rights and defenses of other parties with interests that conflict with AAC’s interests, the performance of the collateral and assets backing the obligations that AAC insures, the performance of servicers involved in securitizations in which AAC participates as insurer, as well as numerous regulatory, legal and compliance considerations and risks.
Adverse developments with respect to any of the factors described above may cause our recoveries to fall below expectations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, including our capital and liquidity, and may result in adverse consequences such as impairing the ability of AAC to honor its financial obligations, particularly its surplus notes and preferred stock obligations; the initiation of rehabilitation proceedings against AAC; eliminating or reducing the possibility of AAC delivering value to AFG, through dividends or otherwise; and a significant drop in the value of securities issued or insured by AFG or AAC.
The composition of the securities in our investment portfolio may expose us to greater risk than before we invested in alternative assets.
AAC and Ambac UK allocate a portion of their investment portfolios in below investment grade securities; equities and alternative assets, such as hedge funds. Investments in below investment grade securities, equities and alternative assets could expose AAC and/or Ambac UK to greater earnings volatility, increased losses and decreased liquidity in the investment portfolio.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments - No matters require disclosure.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
The executive office of Ambac is located at One World Trade Center, New York, New York 10007, and consists of 46,927 square feet of office space, under a sublease agreement that expires in January 2030. Ambac continues to hold a lease at One State Street Plaza, New York that expires in December 2029 (25,871 square feet) that has been sublet through its expiration date.
Operations of each of our segments are carried out either in our executive office at One World Trade Center or in other leased offices under operating leases in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia, Bermuda and London England. The lease terms typically do not exceed ten years in length.
In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company’s properties are adequate and suitable for its business as presently conducted and are adequately maintained.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Refer to Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion on legal proceedings against Ambac.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures - Not applicable.
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PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
Market Information
The Company 's common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “AMBC".
Holders
On March 4, 2025, there were 27 stockholders of record of AFG’s common stock.
Dividends
The Company did not pay cash dividends on its common stock during 2024 and 2023. Information concerning restrictions on the payment of dividends from Ambac's insurance subsidiaries is set forth in Item 1 above under the caption “Dividend Restrictions, Including Contractual Restrictions" and in Note 9. Insurance Regulatory Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Purchases of Equity Securities By the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
When restricted stock unit awards issued by Ambac vest or settle, they become taxable compensation to employees. For certain awards, shares may be withheld to cover the employee's portion of withholding taxes. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Ambac purchased shares from employees that settled restricted stock units to meet employee tax withholdings.
On March 29, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $20,000 in share repurchases, with an expiration date of March 31, 2024. On May 5, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $15,000 share repurchase. This program expired on March 31, 2024.
On November 12, 2024, Ambac’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which Ambac may opportunistically repurchase up to $50,000 of the Company’s common shares at management’s discretion over the period ending on December 31, 2026. From November 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, AFG repurchased 937,141 shares for $11,698.5 at an average purchase price of $12.48 per share. Shares purchased from employees to satisfy withholding taxes, as described above, do not count towards utilization under the Company's share repurchase program.
The following table summarizes Ambac's share purchases during the fourth quarter of 2024.
($ in thousands)
Oct-2024 Nov-2024 Dec-2024 Fourth Quarter 2024
Total Shares Purchased
887 - - 887
Average Price Paid Per Share $ 11.26 $ - $ - $ 11.26
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan - 585,000 352,141 937,141
Maximum Dollar Value That may Yet be Purchased Under the Plan
$ - $ 42,713 $ 37,674 $ 37,674
When restricted stock unit awards issued by Ambac vest or settle, they become taxable compensation to employees. For certain awards, shares may be withheld to cover the employee's portion of withholding taxes. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Ambac purchased shares from employees that settled restricted stock units to meet employee tax withholdings.
The following table shows shares repurchased by year.
($ in thousands,
except per share)
Year ended December 31, 2022 2023 2024
Shares repurchased 1,605,316
325,068 937,141
Total cost $ 14,217 $ 4,510 $ 11,698
Average purchase price per share $ 8.86 $ 13.88 $ 12.48
Unused authorization amount $ 38,302
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Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the performance of an investment in our common stock from the close of business on December 31, 2019, through December 31, 2024, with the Russell 2000 Index and S&P Completion Index. The graph assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2019, in our common stock at the closing price of $21.57 per share and at the closing price for the Russell 2000 Index and S&P Completion Index. It also assumes that dividends (if any) were reinvested on the date of payment without payment of any commissions. The performance shown in the graph represents past performance and should not be considered an indication of future performance.
December 31,
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. $100 $71 $75 $81 $76 $59
Russell 2000 Index $100 $119 $135 $106 $122 $134
S&P Completion Index $100 $131 $146 $105 $130 $150

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ($ and £ in thousands)
The objectives of our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) are to provide users of our consolidated financial statements with the following:
•A narrative explanation from the perspective of management of our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect future results;
•Context to the consolidated financial statements; and
•Information that allows assessment of the likelihood that past performance is indicative of future performance.
Unless otherwise noted, this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates solely to our continuing operations and does not include the operations of our Legacy Financial Guarantee business. See "Sale of AAC" below and Note 5. Discontinued Operations of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about the divestiture of the Legacy Financial Guarantee business.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Report and the matters described under Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Refer to Part I, Item 1. Introduction - Description of the Business, for a description of our business and our key strategies to achieve our primary goal to maximize shareholder value.
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Organization of Information
MD&A includes the following sections:
Page
Strategies to Enhance Shareholder Value 29
Overview 29
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Results of Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Balance Sheet
Accounting Standards
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Strategies to Enhance Shareholder Value
The Company's primary goal is to maximize long-term shareholder value through the execution of targeted strategies for its Insurance Distribution and Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance businesses.
Insurance Distribution and Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance strategic priorities include:
•Expanding our Insurance Distribution business based on deep domain knowledge in specialty and niche classes of risk which generate attractive margins at scale. This will be achieved through acquisitions, strategic investments, establishing new businesses “de-novo,” and organic growth and diversification supported by a centralized technology led shared services offering
•Growing our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance business to generate underwriting profits from a diversified portfolio of commercial and personal liability risks accessed primarily through program administrators.
OVERVIEW
The Company's continuing operations include two segments, financial highlights of which are summarized below along with other recent developments.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Year Ended December 31, 2023
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance
Distribution Corporate & Other Total Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance
Distribution Corporate & Other Total
Premiums placed $ 493,372 $ 493,372 $ 230,606 $ 230,606
Gross premiums written $ 382,771 382,771 $ 273,287 273,287
Net premiums written 88,682 88,682 79,824 79,824
Total revenues 126,320 99,236 10,259 235,815 64,101 51,546 9,080 124,728
Total expenses 114,098 107,045 74,516 295,660 63,718 44,257 40,974 148,949
Pretax income (loss) 12,222 (7,809) (64,257) (59,845) 383 7,289 (31,894) (24,221)
Net income (loss) 10,469 (6,881) (62,509) (58,921) 335 7,133 (30,701) (23,232)
EBITDA 12,222 19,656 (62,396) (30,518) 383 11,483 (30,858) (18,991)
Adjusted EBITDA 5,136 19,904 (16,397) 8,643 1,017 11,483 (18,380) (5,879)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders 10,471 (7,244) (62,509) (59,282) 334 5,815 (30,701) (24,551)
EBITDA attributable to Ambac shareholders 12,222 13,208 (62,396) (36,966) 383 9,381 (30,858) (21,093)
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Ambac common stockholders 5,136 13,456 (16,397) 2,195 1,017 9,381 (18,380) (7,981)
Sale of AAC
On June 4, 2024, AFG entered into a stock purchase agreement with American Acorn Corporation (the “Buyer”), a Delaware corporation owned by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., pursuant to which and subject to the conditions set forth therein, AFG will sell all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of AAC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AFG, to Buyer for aggregate consideration of $420 in cash (the "AAC Sale"). The terms of the AAC Sale as contemplated by the stock purchase agreement provide that, at the closing of the AAC Sale (the “Closing”), Buyer will acquire complete common equity ownership of AAC and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Ambac UK. In connection with and pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, AFG has agreed to issue to Buyer a warrant exercisable for a number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01, of AFG representing
9.9% of the fully diluted shares of AFG’s common stock as of March 31, 2024, pro forma for the issuance of the warrant. The warrant will have an exercise price per share of $18.50 with a six and a half-year term from the date of issuance and will be immediately exercisable. Concurrent with the sale, AFG will purchase AAC's co-investment in the holding company established to purchase Beat, for an amount equal to AAC's $62,000 investment plus 7.5% per annum thereon.
Management has determined that the pending sale of AAC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries meets the criteria to be disclosed as discontinued operations beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024. The loss on disposal recognized in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $570,145. Refer to Note 5. Discontinued Operations for additional information about the sale of AAC.
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Purchase of Beat Capital Partners
On June 4, 2024, AFG entered into a share purchase agreement (the “Beat Purchase Agreement”), by and among AFG, Cirrata V LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AFG (the “Purchaser”), certain sellers set forth therein (the “Sellers”) and Beat, pursuant to which the Purchaser purchased from the Sellers approximately 60% of the entire issued share capital of Beat, for total consideration, as of the closing date, of approximately $281,493, of which approximately $252,264 was paid in cash and the remainder of which was satisfied through the issuance of 2,216,023 shares of AFG common stock. The acquisition closed with an effective date of July 31, 2024. Beat’s management team and Bain Capital Credit LP (together, the “Rollover Shareholders”) each retained approximately 20% of Beat’s issued share capital immediately after closing. Refer to Note 4. Business Combination for further details on the acquisition of Beat.
Sale of Consolidated National Insurance Company
On January 12, 2024, Everspan Insurance Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Hagerty Insurance Holdings, Inc., to sell its ownership interests in Consolidated National Insurance Company ("CNIC"), which was one of Everspan's admitted carriers. The closing of this transaction occurred on September 1, 2024, resulting in a gain of approximately $7,504. The sale of CNIC will not have any adverse impact on the group's operations or growth prospects.
SEC Final Rules on Climate Related Information
On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors ("Final Rule"), which will require registrants to disclose extensive climate-related information in their Form 10-K annual reports and registration statements. The Final Rule was scheduled to become effective May 28, 2024; however, the SEC has voluntarily stayed the rule’s effective date pending judicial review of legal challenges.
The compliance dates for accelerated filers for annual reports or registration statements that include financial statements for the year ending December 31 are phased in from 2026 through 2031. Depending on when the legal challenges are resolved, the compliance dates may be retained or delayed.
Ambac is reviewing the Final Rule and is currently assessing our related compliance obligations and other effects on our operations.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Ambac's Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. This section highlights accounting estimates management views as critical because they are most important to the portrayal of the Company's financial condition; and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments regarding matters that are inherently uncertain and subject to change. These estimates are evaluated on an on-going basis considering historical developments, political events,
market conditions, industry trends and other information. There can be no assurance that actual results will conform to estimates and that reported results of operations will not be materially adversely affected by the need to make future accounting adjustments to reflect changes in these estimates from time to time.
Management has identified the following critical accounting policies and estimates: (i) valuation of specialty property and casualty losses and loss adjustment expense reserves, (ii) valuation of financial guarantee loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, and (iii) business combinations including identification and valuation of intangible assets. Management has discussed each of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee, including the reasons why they are considered critical and how current and anticipated future events impact those determinations. Additional information about these policies can be found in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Form 10-K.
Valuation of Specialty Property and Casualty Losses and Loss Expense Reserves
The specialty property and casualty insurance segment consist of Everspan-affiliated carriers. Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves represent management's estimate of the ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses for claims that have been reported and claims that have been incurred, but not yet reported ("IBNR") as of the balance sheet date.
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by line of business were as follows as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
2024 Gross Net
Line Case IBNR Total Case IBNR Total
Commercial Auto $ 66,092 $ 92,379 $ 158,471 $ 12,532 $ 16,188 $ 28,720
Excess and General Liability 7,111 78,348 85,459 1,317 13,540 14,857
Workers Compensation 6,640 7,825 14,465 6,640 7,825 14,465
Non-standard Personal Auto 10,393 2,296 12,689 10 2 12,000
Surety 1,176 10,041 11,217 - - -
ULAE (1)
- 12,238 12,238 - 6,578 6,578
Other (2)
8,639 45,884 54,523 111 2,066 2,177
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves $ 100,051 $ 249,011 $ 349,062 $ 30,600 $ 48,197 $ 78,797
(1) Unallocated loss adjustment expenses.
(2) Includes $35,146 and $0 total loss and loss expense reserves on a gross and net of reinsurance basis related to legacy liabilities obtained from the acquisitions of Providence Washington Insurance Company, Greenwood Insurance Company and Consolidated Specialty Insurance Company. All legacy liabilities remain obligations of affiliates of the sellers through reinsurance and contractual indemnities.
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2023 Gross Net
Line Case IBNR Total Case IBNR Total
Commercial Auto $ 44,370 $ 62,635 $ 107,005 $ 8,969 $ 12,945 $ 21,913
Excess and General Liability 1,604 21,261 22,865 204 3,722 3,925
Workers Compensation 2,571 2,675 5,246 2,571 2,675 5,246
Non-standard Personal Auto 3,323 2,520 5,843 3,074 2,062 5,136
Surety 650 4,113 4,763 - - -
ULAE (1)
- 6,085 6,085 - 4,527 4,527
Other (2)
10,034 35,248 45,282 - 41 41
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves $ 62,552 $ 134,537 $ 197,089 $ 14,817 $ 25,971 $ 40,788
(1) Unallocated loss adjustment expenses.
(2) Includes $43,751 and $0 total loss and loss expense reserves on a gross and net of reinsurance basis related to legacy liabilities obtained from the acquisitions of Providence Washington Insurance Company, Greenwood Insurance Company, Consolidated National Insurance Company and Consolidated Specialty Insurance Company. All legacy liabilities remain obligations of affiliates of the sellers through reinsurance and contractual indemnities.
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, evaluated at a program and line of business level, are estimated based upon experience and using a variety of actuarial methods and are subject to the impact of future changes in factors such as claim severity and frequency, underwriting and claims practices, changes in social and economic conditions including the impact of inflation, legal and judicial developments, medical cost trends and upward trends in damage awards. The key assumptions used to arrive at the best estimate of loss reserves are the expected loss ratios and loss development factors representing reported and paid loss emergence patterns. Our actuarial methods may also rely on external data, such as industry loss ratios, loss development factors, or trend factors. The initial estimate for an accident year is generally based on an exposure-based method using the loss ratio projection method. The loss ratio projection method develops an initial estimate of ultimate claims and claim adjustment expenses for an accident year by multiplying earned premium for the accident year by a projected loss ratio. The projected loss ratio is determined by analyzing prior period experience, and adjusting for loss cost trends, rate level differences, mix of business changes and industry loss ratios and other known or observed factors influencing the accident year relative to prior accident years.
The loss and loss adjustment expense reserves estimate may be based on a judgmental weighting of estimates produced from multiple estimation and analysis methods considered. The method(s) selected and weighted are those that are believed to produce the most accurate estimate at that particular evaluation date. The following estimation and analysis methods are principally used by the Company’s engaged independent actuarial specialists to estimate the ultimate cost of loss and loss adjustment expenses. These estimation and analysis methods are typically referred to as conventional actuarial methods.
•The paid loss development method assumes that the future change (positive or negative) in cumulative paid losses for a given cohort of claims will occur in a stable, predictable pattern from year-to-year, consistent with the pattern observed in past cohorts.
•The case incurred development method is the same as the paid loss development method, but is based on cumulative case-incurred losses rather than paid losses.
•The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method uses an initial estimate of ultimate losses for a given product line reserve component, typically expressed as a ratio to earned premium. The method assumes that the ratio of additional claim activity to earned premium for that component is relatively stable and predictable over time and that actual claim activity to date is not a credible predictor of further activity for that component. The method is used most often for more recent accident years where claim data is sparse and/or volatile, with a transition to other methods as the underlying claim data becomes more voluminous and therefore more credible.
The actuarial results provide a range of estimated losses by program and line of business including a low, central and high estimate of losses and loss expenses. Management typically selects the respective midpoint loss ratio between the actuarial determined central and high estimate for its active programs and lines of business for each respective accident year when recording loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. Beginning December 31, 2024, management decided to set loss reserves for programs that are in runoff at the high end of the respective actuarial loss ranges, given these program can experience greater loss volatility than active programs.
Since the reserves are based on estimates, the ultimate liability may be more or less than such reserves. Ambac's actuarial evaluation at December 31, 2024 provided a range of losses incurred. Losses at the low end of the range would be below our recorded gross and net loss expense reserves by approximately $33,400 and $6,900, respectively at December 31, 2024, and losses at the high end of the range would exceed our recorded gross and net loss and loss adjustment expense reserve by approximately $4,500 and $1,000, respectively at December 31, 2024. This range reflects low and high reasonable reserve estimates determined after using judgment to adjust the methods, factors, and assumptions selected within the internal reserve review. This approach produces a range of reasonable reserve estimates but does not represent a distribution of all possible outcomes.
Additionally, changes in assumptions such as loss development patterns and expected loss ratios can result in variability in actuarial estimates.
•For the loss development pattern we considered the impact of the reported incurred losses developing faster or slower than expected in our projections. For every 1.0% slower or faster the losses develop, we would expected our net indicated reserves to increase or decrease, respectively, by approximately 0.8%. If our reported loss development pattern was 5% slower, the net indicated reserves would be approximately 4% higher. If our reported loss development pattern was 5% faster, the net indicated reserves would be approximately 4% lower.
•For the expected losses we utilize industry benchmark loss ratios and internal pricing loss ratios applied to earned premium. For every 1.0% higher or lower the expected losses are, we would expected our net indicated reserves to
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increase or decrease by approximately 0.55%. If our expected losses were 5% higher, the net indicated reserves would be approximately 3% higher. If our expected losses were 5% lower, the net indicated reserves would be approximately 3% lower.
Consequently, final outcomes may be greater or less than the estimates. The extent of the range and variability of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves could be further impacted by future changes in factors discussed above. See “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Valuation of Legacy Financial Guarantee Losses and Loss Expense Reserves (including Subrogation Recoverables)
The legacy financial guarantee ("LFG") business includes the activities of AAC and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Ambac UK, and are reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 5. Discontinued Operations to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the pending sale of these entities to the Buyer. As a result of the pending sale, the LFG loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and subrogation recoverable assets (collectively defined as "loss reserves") discussed in this section are reported within liabilities held-for-sale and assets-held-for sale, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet.
A loss reserve is recorded on the balance sheet on a policy-by-policy basis at the present value ("PV") of expected net claim cash outflows or expected net recovery cash inflows, discounted at risk-free rates. The estimate for future net cash flows considers the likelihood of all possible outcomes that may occur from missed principal and/or interest payments on the insured obligation. This estimate also considers future recoveries related to contractual or subrogation-related cash flows.
The evaluation process for expected future net cash flows is subject to estimates and judgments regarding the probability of default by the issuer of the insured security, the probability of negotiation or settlement outcomes (which may include commutation, litigation and other settlements, and/or a refinancing), the probability of restructuring outcomes (which may include payment moratoriums, debt haircuts and/or subsequent recoveries) and the expected loss severity of credits for each insurance contract.
As the probability of default for an individual credit increases and/or the severity of loss given a default increases, our loss reserve for that insured obligation will also increase. Political, economic, environmental, credit or other unforeseen events could have an adverse impact on default probabilities and loss severities. The loss reserves for many transactions are derived from the issuer’s creditworthiness. For public finance issuers, loss reserves will consider not only creditworthiness, but also political dynamics and economic status and prospects. The loss reserves for transactions which have no direct issuer support, such as most structured finance exposures, including RMBS and student loan exposures, are derived from the default activity and the estimated loss given default of the underlying collateral supporting the transactions. In addition, many transactions have a combination of issuer/entity and collateral support. Loss
reserves reflect our assessment of the transaction’s overall structure, support and expected performance. Loss reserve volatility will be a direct result of the credit performance of our insured portfolio, including the number, size, bond types and quality of credits included in our loss reserves; our ability to execute workout strategies and commutations; economic and market conditions; and management's judgments with regards to the current performance and future developments within the insured portfolio. The number and severity of credits included in our loss reserves depend to a large extent on transaction specific attributes, but will generally increase during periods of economic stress and decline during periods of economic prosperity. Reinsurance contracts may mitigate future loss reserve volatility. While Ambac currently has minimal exposure ceded to reinsurers on financial guarantee credits with loss reserves, the existing reinsurance contracts would reduce future volatility to the extent loss reserves are established on those risks ceded to reinsurers. Loss reserve volatility will also be materially impacted by changes in interest rates from period to period.
The table below indicates the gross par outstanding and gross loss reserves (including loss expenses) related to policies in Ambac’s Financial Guarantee loss and loss adjustment expense reserves at December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Gross Par
Outstanding
Gross Loss
and Loss
Adjustment
Expense
Reserves
December 31, 2024
Structured Finance $ 1,612,056 $ 424,073
Domestic Public Finance 834,370 58,688
Other
138,199 (10,625)
Loss expenses - (8,932)
Totals $ 2,584,625 463,204
December 31, 2023
Structured Finance $ 1,859,786 496,541
Domestic Public Finance 834,123 66,381
Other
1,144,195 (7,831)
Loss expenses - 3,549
Totals $ 3,838,104 558,640
See Note 5. Discontinued Operation to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of the cash flow and statistical methodologies used to develop loss reserves. The majority of our large loss reserves utilize the cash flow method of reserving. Various cash flow scenarios are developed to represent the range of possible outcomes and resultant future claim payments and timing. Scenarios and probabilities of each are adjusted regularly to reflect changes in status, outlook and our analysis and views. Significant judgment is used to develop the cash flow assumptions and related probabilities, and there can be no certainty that the scenarios or probabilities will not deviate materially from ultimate outcomes.
•In some cases, such as RMBS and student loans, cash flow projections include the modeling of a securitization's cash flows to determine the resources available to pay debt service on our insured obligations. During 2023, Ambac revised the model it uses to project RMBS collateral losses
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considering the seasoning of our RMBS exposure and management’s view that the most relevant determinant of prospective collateral performance is borrower payment status (e.g., loan status being current, delinquent, foreclosure, REO, etc.). Key assumptions impacting student loan cash flow models include projected loan defaults, recoveries and interest rates. During 2023, we revised our approach to projecting future defaults to both reflect the student loan collateral's seasoning and generally stable performance.
•In other cases, such as many public finance exposures, we consider the issuer's overall ability and willingness to pay as it relates to the existing fiscal, economic, legal, restructuring and/or political framework relevant to a particular exposure or group of exposures. We then develop multiple scenarios where issuer debt service is paid, missed and/or haircut with claims paid then factor in any projected recovery amount (and potential variability of the recovery amount) and the timing thereof. There is no certainty our assumptions as to scenarios or probabilities will not be subject to material changes as developments occur.
•In estimating loss reserves, we may also incorporate scenarios which represent the potential outcome of remediation strategies. Remediation scenarios could include (i) a potential refinancing of the transaction by the issuer; (ii) the issuer’s ability to redeem outstanding securities at a discount, thereby increasing the structure’s ability to absorb future losses; and (iii) our ability to terminate, restructure or commute the policy in whole or in part. The remediation scenarios and the related probabilities of occurrence vary by policy depending on ongoing and expected discussions and negotiations with issuers and/or investors.
Variability of Expected Losses and Recoveries
Management believes loss reserves (present value of expected cash flows, net of recoveries) are adequate to cover future claim payments, but there can be no assurance that the ultimate liability will not be higher than such estimates.
While our LFG loss reserves reflect our judgment regarding issuers’ financial flexibility to adapt to adverse markets, they may not adequately capture sudden, unexpected or protracted uncertainty that adversely affects market conditions. Accordingly, it is possible that our estimated loss reserves, gross of reinsurance, for financial guarantee insurance policies could be understated. We have attempted to identify possible cash flows related to losses and recoveries using more stressful assumptions than the probability-weighted outcome recorded. The possible net cash flows consider the highest stress scenario that was utilized in the development of our probability-weighted expected loss at December 31, 2024, and assumes an inability to execute any commutation transactions with issuers and/or investors. Such stress scenarios are developed based on management’s view about all possible outcomes relating to losses and recoveries. In arriving at such view, management makes considerable judgments about the possibility of various future events. Although we do not believe it is possible to have stressed outcomes in all cases, it is possible that we could have stress case outcomes in some or even many cases. See “Risk
Factors” in Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the risks relating to future losses and recoveries that could result in more highly stressed outcomes.
The occurrence of these stressed outcomes individually or collectively would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and may result in materially adverse consequence for Ambac, including (without limitation) impairing the ability of AAC to honor its financial obligations, particularly its outstanding surplus note and preferred stock obligations; the initiation of rehabilitation proceedings against AAC; and a significant drop in the value of securities issued or insured by AAC. The possible increase in loss reserves for which we have an estimate of expected loss at December 31, 2024, could be approximately $265,000.
Business Combinations
The acquired entities comprising the Insurance Distribution segment primarily represent business combinations that were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method requires us to allocate the total consideration transferred for each acquisition to the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling ("NCI") interests based on their fair values as of the date of acquisition, including identifiable intangible assets. The allocation of the consideration utilizes significant estimates in determining the fair values of net assets acquired, which primarily consist of customer relationship intangible assets, redeemable NCI interests and nonredeemable NCI interests.
The valuation method used to determine customer relationship intangible assets was the multi period excess earnings method "(MPEEM"), which quantifies the residual (or excess) cash flows generated by the intangible asset and discounts those cash flows to their present value. The significant assumptions used in determining the fair value of customer relationships include estimated revenue growth, customer attrition rates, operating margins, and discount rate. These estimates directly impact the amount of identified intangible assets recognized and the related amortization expense in future periods. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, an aggregate of $333,562 and $47,289, respectively, of acquired intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, was recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, of which $323,720 and $44,585, respectively, represented customer relationships.
The valuation method to determine the fair value of redeemable NCI interests and related put and call options was the Monte Carlo Simulation. The significant fair value assumptions used in the simulation include the exercise thresholds, EBITDA forecasts, discount rate and long-term growth rate. The valuation method to determine the fair value of nonredeemable NCI interests, which do not contain put or call options, was the discounted cash flow approach. The significant fair value assumptions used in the model include estimated long term revenue and expense forecasts and the discount rate.
The excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and NCI interests (both redeemable and nonredeemable) is recorded as goodwill. We may refine our estimates and make adjustments to the assets
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acquired and liabilities assumed over a measurement period, not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition.
Intangible asset impairment and useful life evaluation
We review acquired finite-lived intangible assets that are being amortized for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Qualitative factors considered include any adverse developments in regulation, unfavorable market conditions, or the extent to which an asset will be utilized. We do not believe there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used to calculate impairments or useful lives of amortizable intangible assets. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions, we may be exposed to an acceleration of amortization or impairment losses that could be material.
Goodwill impairment evaluation
We perform the impairment assessment of goodwill at the reporting unit level within our Insurance Distribution segment on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. The impairment test may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Examples of qualitative factors include, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, entity-specific events, events affecting reporting units and sustained changes in our stock price. If results of the qualitative assessment indicate a more likely than not determination or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment, a quantitative test is performed by comparing the estimated fair value using an income approach or market approach for each reporting unit with its estimated carrying value. For the 2024 annual impairment evaluation, we performed a qualitative assessment for certain reporting units and for other reporting units we elected to bypass the qualitative evaluation and perform quantitative tests. There was no goodwill impairment for any of the reporting units.
Under the quantitative assessment, the determination of fair value includes assumptions, which are considered Level 3 inputs, that are subject to risk and uncertainty. We consider different valuation approaches in the quantitative assessment. The income approach uses discounted cash flows which are dependent on subjective factors including the timing of future cash flows, the underlying margin projection assumptions, future growth rates and the discount rate. The market approach uses valuation multiples and is dependent on subjective factors including the determination of industry market multiples and EBITDA forecasts. Additionally, to corroborate our estimated fair value, we perform a market capitalization reconciliation to determine if the implied control premium is reasonable. If our assumptions or estimates in our fair value calculations change or if any of the above subjective factors vary from what was expected, this may impact our impairment analysis and result in a decline in fair value that may trigger future impairment charges.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 should be read along with the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Net loss from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, was $58,921, $23,232 and $35,244, respectively. The net loss variance in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily driven by: (i) higher costs related to acquisitions and integrations of $26,821, (ii) higher restructuring costs of $7,600, (iii) higher intangible amortization of $13,450 and (iv) interest expense on short-term debt of $9,379, partially offset by higher Everspan income, including the $7,500 gain on the sale of CNIC, and continuing growth of Insurance Distribution business.
The net loss variance in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily driven by higher net investment income of $8,655 and growth of both the Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses flowing from higher net premiums earned of $38,042 from Everspan and higher commission income of $20,586 from Insurance Distribution.
A summary of our financial results is shown below:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Revenues:
Net premiums earned $ 99,005 $ 51,911 $ 13,869
Commission income 92,023 51,281 30,695
Program fees 13,506 8,437 3,095
Net investment income 14,448 13,159 4,503
Net investment gains (losses), including impairments (497) 19 (62)
Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts 4,016 (279) 935
Other income
13,314 200 577
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 72,626 36,712 9,071
Policy acquisition costs 23,666 10,557 2,535
Commission expense 40,876 29,465 17,641
General and administrative expenses 129,166 66,985 56,278
Intangible amortization 17,602 4,152 2,921
Interest expense 9,379 - -
Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations (924) (989) (462)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (58,921) (23,232) (35,244)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(497,167) 28,183 557,364
Net income (loss) (556,088) 4,951 522,120
Less: net (gain) loss attributable to NCI
(361) (1,319) (871)
Plus: gain on purchase of auction market preferred shares - - 1,131
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders $ (556,449) $ 3,632 $ 522,380
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Ambac's results for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, and for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 were impacted by the following:
•Ambac's acquisitions within the Insurance Distribution segment have a significant impact on the comparability of results between 2024, 2023 and 2022. Effective July 31, 2024, Ambac acquired 60% of Beat. Effective August 1, 2023, Ambac acquired 80% of Riverton. Effective November 1, 2022, Ambac acquired 85% of All Trans and 80% of Capacity Marine.
•In the fourth quarter of 2024, the pending sale of AAC was determined to qualify for discontinued operations presentation, resulting in a loss from disposal of $570,145 reported within loss from discontinued operations in 2024. The income (loss) from discontinued operations were (497,167), 28,183 and 557,364 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. Refer to Note 5. Discontinued Operation for further details of these amounts.
The following describes the consolidated results of continuing operations of Ambac and its subsidiaries for 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Gross Premiums Written. Gross premiums written increased $109,484 for the year ended December 31, 2024, and $126,908 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the comparable prior year periods, as shown below.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Gross Premiums Written
$ 382,771 $ 273,287 $ 146,379
Growth is primarily driven by the number and size of active programs. As of December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 we had 27, 23 and 14 programs across approximately ten lines of business, with a focus on the casualty sector and minimal property exposure.
Net Premiums Written. Net premiums written increased $8,858 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and $51,270 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the comparable prior year periods, as shown below:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Net Premiums Written
$ 88,682 $ 79,824 $ 28,554
Growth in net premiums written will typically track gross premiums written, but will also be impacted by the percentage of each program Everspan retains. Everspan typically retains up to 30% of each program. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, Everspan retained 23%, 29% and 17% of gross written premiums, respectively. The increased retention rate in 2023 compared to 2022 was driven by Everspan's participation on two assumed reinsurance transactions which have an effective retention rate of 100%. Everspan exited one of those programs in the fourth quarter of 2024, which contributed to the decline in retention rate in 2024 as compared to 2023.
Net Premiums Earned. Net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by $47,094 or 90.7% and for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased $38,042 or 274% compared to the respective priority years, as shown below.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Net Premiums Earned $ 99,005 $ 51,911 $ 13,869
The increase in net premiums earned was driven by the growth in net premiums written.
Commission Income and Commission Expense. The Insurance Distribution business earns commission income as a percentage of the premium it place with insurance, reinsurance and other capacity providers. In some cases, the Insurance Distribution business will also earn profit commissions based on the underwriting performance of the business that it underwrites Profit commissions by their nature may be volatile whereas base commissions tend to be more steady.
Commission income was $92,023 and $51,281 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was driven by organic growth in premiums placed as well as the acquisition of Beat in July 2024 and Riverton in August of 2023. Commission expense will largely track changes in gross commission.
For the year ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 commission expense was $40,876 and $29,465 representing approximately 43% and 56% of commission income in each respective period. The decrease in commission expense relative to commission income in 2024 relative to 2023 is primarily a result of the acquisition of Beat. When third parties are paid commissions to obtain business, the majority of Beat's commission income is reported net of any distribution and commission expenses, due to the nature of its program agreements. The majority of the Insurance Distribution Segment's other MGA/Us report their commission income gross of distribution and commission expenses.
Commission income was $51,281 compared to $30,695 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Growth was primarily driven by acquisitions during each of the periods including Riverton in August 2023 and All Trans and Capacity Marine in November 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023 commission expense was $29,465 compared to $17,641 for the year Ended December 31, 2022, representing approximately 57% of commission income in both periods.
Program Fees. Program fee revenues were $13,506, $8,437 and $3,095 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Program fee revenues represent the recognition of ceding commissions in excess of direct acquisition costs received from reinsurers and minimum fees received from MGA/Us until related programs reach certain levels of premium ceded. Program fees are charged as a percentage of premiums ceded to reinsurers as a component of total ceding commissions. The growth is a function of higher premiums ceded to reinsurers; driven by the growth in premiums written.
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Net Investment Income. Net investment income consists of interest income, including the net effect of discount accretion and premium amortization, from fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale and net gains (losses) on pooled investment funds which are reported under the equity method. These funds and certain other investments are reported in Other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For further information about investment funds held, refer to Note 6. Investments to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Net investment income was $14,448, $13,159, and $4,503 for the years ended years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Net investment income increased in 2024 compared to 2023 due to higher average yields and growth of the Everspan investment portfolio, partially offset by lower average net short term investment balances resulting from the acquisition of Beat, and lower returns on fund investments.
The increase in 2023 compared to 2022 resulted primarily from higher yields and a larger consolidated investment portfolio, following AFG's sale of intercompany debt obligations (which were eliminated in consolidation) in late 2022.
Net Investment Gains (Losses), including Impairments. Net investment gains (losses) were $(497), $19, and $(62) during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. During 2024, the net loss included credit impairments of $(6,516) on certain minority investments in development stage companies held by AFG, offset by realized gains of $6,016 arising from the redemption and conversion of convertible notes. Other gains (losses) related to sales in connection with routine portfolio management.
Net Gains (Losses) on Derivative Contracts. Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts include results from FX forward contracts used to manage currency risk within the Insurance Distribution segment, as well as by AFG to protect against currency fluctuations leading up to the purchase of Beat. Results also include changes in the fair value of warrants to purchase equity of certain development stage companies held by AFG.
Net derivatives gains in 2024 were driven by gains on AFG's FX forwards partially offset by fair value losses on owned warrants. Results for 2023 and 2022 reflect fair value changes on the warrants. There were no FX forward contracts in 2023 or 2022.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Benefit). Losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $35,914 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the growth of the business. Everspan's loss and LAE ratio was 73.4% and 70.7% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, inclusive of prior years adverse development of 4.7% and 0.3%, respectively. The shift in the loss and LAE ratio was driven by commercial auto loss experience in the prior accident years and a higher selected loss ratio for programs in runoff. In the fourth quarter of 2024 management decided to set loss reserves for programs that are runoff at the high end of the actuarial loss range, given these program can experience greater loss volatility than active programs. This change to set runoff reserves at the high end of the range resulted in a 1 percentage point increase in
the loss and LAE ratio for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to our prior reserving method. Everspan's loss and LAE ratio will vary based on changes in the lines of business underwritten and retained, loss reserving policy, loss development trends, inflation rates and other economic and industry specific factors. The increase in the loss and LAE ratio for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, was partially offset by a benefit to acquisition costs as a result of sliding scale commission arrangements with program partners. Certain Everspan programs were structured to include sliding scale commission arrangements within a loss ratio range. These sliding scale arrangements help to partially mitigate net income volatility. Such benefit reduced the Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance segments expense ratio by 0.8% and 3.2% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Loss and loss expenses incurred increased for the year ended December 31, 2023, relative to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to the growth of the business. Everspan's loss and LAE ratio was 70.7% and 65.4% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, inclusive of prior years adverse development of 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively. The shift in the loss and LAE ratio was primarily driven by commercial auto loss experience in the current accident year and the addition of non-standard personal auto and workers compensation programs through assumed reinsurance. The increase in the loss and LAE ratio for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, was partially offset by a benefit to acquisition costs as a result of sliding scale commission arrangements with program partners. Such benefit reduced the Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance segments expense ratio by 3.2% and 1.3% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred may be adversely impacted by increasing economic and social inflation, particularly within the commercial auto business. The impact of inflation on ultimate loss reserves is difficult to estimate, particularly in light of recent disruptions to the judicial system, supply chain, labor markets and the potential impact of the imposition of trade tariffs. In addition, going forward, we may not be able to offset the impact of inflation on our loss costs with sufficient price increases. The estimation of loss reserves may also be more difficult during extreme events, such as a pandemic, or during the persistence of volatile or uncertain economic conditions, due to, amongst other reasons, unexpected changes in behavior of judicial decisions, claimants and policyholders, including fraudulent reporting of exposures and/or losses. Due to the inherent uncertainty underlying loss reserve estimates, the final resolution of the estimated liability for loss and loss adjustment expenses will likely be higher or lower than the related loss reserves at the reporting date. In addition, our estimate of losses and loss expenses may change. These additional liabilities or increases in estimates, or a range of either, could vary significantly from period to period.
General and Administrative Expenses ("G&A"). The following table provides a summary of G&A expenses for the periods presented:
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Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Compensation $ 64,346 $ 48,468 $ 39,159
Non-compensation 64,820 18,517 17,119
Total
$ 129,166 $ 66,985 $ 56,278
The increase in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to the following:
•Higher compensation costs of $15,878 primarily due to acquired MGAs in the Insurance Distribution segment partially offset by the favorable variance from the impact of performance factor adjustments on incentive compensation expense.
•Higher non-compensation costs of $46,303, driven primarily by higher acquisition related costs of $26,821, restructuring costs of $6,990 in anticipation of the sale of AAC, higher Insurance Distribution expenses of $7,707 driven mostly by the increased scale of the business, and and the write-down of certain capitalized software costs. Growth in Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance also contributed to higher overall costs.
The increase in G&A expenses in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to the following:
•Higher compensation costs associated with acquisitions and the growth of the Insurance Distribution and Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance businesses, and the adverse variance from the impact of performance factor adjustments on incentive compensation expense.
•Higher non-compensation expenses related to acquisitions in the Insurance Distribution segment.
Intangible Amortization. Intangible amortization was $17,603, $4,152 and $2,921 for the years ended years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022; all increases relate to acquisitions within the Insurance Distribution segment.
Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $9,379, related to the short-term debt used in funding the Beat acquisition. No interest expense was incurred in the company's continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes (benefit) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, was $(924), $(989) and $(462) , respectively.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $3,615,708 of U.S. Federal net ordinary operating loss carryforwards, including approximately $1,663,087 at AFG.
Results of Operations by Segment
Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Gross premiums written $ 382,771 $ 273,287 $ 146,379
Net premiums written 88,682 79,824 28,554
Revenues:
Net premiums earned $ 99,005 $ 51,911 $ 13,869
Net investment income 6,399 3,795 1,605
Net investment gains (losses), including impairments 1 (36) (46)
Program fees 13,506 8,437 3,095
Other income 7,409 (6) (58)
Total 126,320 64,101 18,465
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 72,626 36,712 9,071
Policy acquisition costs 23,666 10,557 2,535
General and administrative expenses 17,806 16,449 13,205
Net (gain) loss attributable to NCI interest 2 (1) 15
EBITDA 12,222 $ 383 $ (6,346)
Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations $ 12,222 $ 383 $ (6,346)
Retention Ratio (1)
23.2 % 29.2 % 19.5 %
Loss and LAE Ratio (2)
73.4 % 70.7 % 65.4 %
Expense Ratio (3)
28.2 % 35.8 % 91.2 %
Combined Ratio (4)
101.6 % 106.5 % 156.6 %
Ambac's stockholders equity (5)
$ 133,266 $ 121,678 $ 112,363
(1)Retention ratio is defined as net premiums written divided by gross premiums written.
(2)Loss and LAE ratio is defined as losses and loss expenses incurred divided by net premiums earned.
(3)Expense Ratio is defined as acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses, reduced by program fees, divided by net premiums earned.
(4)Combined ratio is defined as Loss and LAE ratio plus Expense Ratio.
(5)Represents Ambac stockholders equity in the Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance segment, including intercompany eliminations.
The Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance segment has grown significantly since underwriting its first program in May 2021. Twenty-seven programs were authorized to issue policies as of December 31, 2024. The growth in both the number and size of these programs has contributed to the increase in gross and net premiums written, net premiums earned, program fees, losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred and amortization of deferred acquisition costs. Additionally, EBITDA and pre-tax income has increased since 2022 due to the growth of the business and, in 2024, due to the gain on sale of CNIC, resulting in a gain of approximately $7,500 The combined ratios have decreased since 2022 as Everspan has begun to gain scale, diversify its book of net insured business and benefit from sliding scale commissions that helped to partially moderate changes in the loss and LAE ratio.
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G&A Expenses General and administrative costs increased for the year ended December 31, 2024, relative to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily resulting from the growth in Everspan's staffing and operations. The impact of growing operations was muted in 2023 compared to 2022 by costs incurred in 2022 in connection with the acquisition of additional shell insurance companies.
Insurance Distribution
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Premiums placed $ 493,372 $ 230,606 $ 135,467
Commission income $ 92,023 $ 51,281 $ 30,695
Commission expense 40,876 29,465 17,641
Net commissions 51,147 21,816 13,054
Net investment income 787 64 -
Net gains (losses) on derivatives 106 - -
Other income (expense) 6,320 200 715
Expenses:
General and administrative expenses 38,707 10,598 6,293
EBITDA 19,653 11,483 7,476
Depreciation 8 42 31
Intangible amortization 17,602 4,152 2,921
Pretax income (loss) $ (7,809) $ 7,289 $ 4,524
Ambac's stockholders equity (1)
$ 276,886 $ 105,377 $ 92,802
(1) Represents the share of Ambac stockholders equity for each subsidiary within the Insurance Distribution segment, including intercompany eliminations.
Ambac's Insurance Distribution companies are compensated for their services primarily by commissions paid by insurance carriers for underwriting, structuring and/or administering polices and, in some cases, the managing of claims under an agency agreement. Commission revenues are usually based on a percentage of the premiums placed. In addition, we are eligible to receive profit sharing contingent commissions on certain of its programs based on the underwriting results of the policies it places with the carrier, which may cause some variability in revenue and earnings.
The Insurance Distribution segment placed premiums for its carriers of approximately $493,372 for the year ended December 31, 2024, up $262,766 or 114% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by acquisitions and organic growth. Premiums placed were approximately $230,606 for the year ended December 31, 2023, up $95,139 or 70% compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by acquisitions and organic growth.
The Insurance Distribution pretax loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, was ($7,810), down $15,098 or 207%, compared to year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by an increase in intangible amortization and interest expense related to acquisitions. Pretax income for the year end December 31, 2023, was $7,288, up $2,765 or 61% compared to December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in commission income due to acquisitions and organic growth.
The Insurance Distribution EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $19,653, up $8,170 or 71% compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by increase in commission income due to acquisitions and organic growth. The EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $11,483, up $4,007 or 54% compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by increase in commission income due to acquisitions and organic growth.
Insurance Distribution businesses may experience seasonal impacts on their revenues and operations. For example, Employer Stop Loss business, our largest A&H line of business, has seasonality in January and July, which results in revenue and earnings concentrations in the first and third quarters each calendar year. Seasonal impacts on the Insurance Distribution segment, and therefore Ambac's results, may increase or decrease over time depending on the relative growth of certain classes of business as well as acquisitions.
G&A Expenses General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of the addition of the operating expenses of Riverton and Beat, which were acquired in August 2023 and August 2024, respectively. General and Administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, as a result of the addition of the operating expenses of All Trans and Capacity Marine which were both acquired in November 2022, and Riverton acquisition in August 2023.
Corporate
Corporate consists of our holding company and shared services operations ("Corporate"). Corporate provides financial, technological and human resources to Ambac's two segments and is responsible for the function of AFG as a publicly traded company.
Corporate revenues totaled $10,259 and $9,080 and $3,737 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Corporate revenue is mostly generated from investment of AFG's liquid resources and investment results from its previously made strategic investments, including certain investments in MGA/Us and an insurtech fund. Investment revenues comprised of net investment income and net investment gains (losses), including impairments were $6,764, $9,353 and $2,883 in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decline from 2023 to 2024 is attributable to the use of liquid resources for the acquisition of Beat. The increase from 2022 to 2023 reflected higher short-term yields and investment of funds that were in intercompany investments for part of 2022. Corporate also had net derivative gains in 2024 of $3,910 related to FX hedging of the purchase price of Beat. The remainder of Corporate revenues in the periods were driven by derivative gains and losses on a warrant to purchase equity of a minority owned MGA/U.
As a result of the Company reporting the results of operations of AAC as discontinued operations, certain corporate costs charged to AAC have been reported in Net income from continuing operations and included in Corporate expenses for all years presented. Corporate expenses were $74,516 for the year ended
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December 31, 2024, up $33,542 from the year ended December 31, 2023. Corporate expenses for the year ended 2024 and 2023 included compensation expenses of $25,791 and $29,664 and non-compensation and depreciation expense of $48,725 and $11,310, respectively. The increase in non-compensation corporate expenses from 2023 to 2024 mainly related to higher acquisition related costs of $26,821 including legal and advisory fees associated with the Beat acquisition, restructuring costs of $6,990 in anticipation of the sale of AAC, and the write-down of certain capitalized software costs.
Corporate expenses were $40,974 for the year ended 2023, up $3,353 for the year ended 2022. The increase in Corporate expenses from 2022 to 2023 mainly related to compensation from growing the Cirrata businesses. Corporate expenses for the year ended 2023 and 2022 included compensation expenses of $29,664 and $26,842 and non-compensation and depreciation expense of $11,310 and $10,779, respectively.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Holding Company Liquidity
AFG is a holding company organized as a legal entity separate and distinct from its operating subsidiaries. AFG’s liquidity is primarily dependent on its net assets, excluding the operating subsidiaries that it owns, totaling $119,214 as of December 31, 2024, and $146,583, as of December 31, 2023, and secondarily on investment income, distributions, tax and expense sharing payments from its operating subsidiaries and third party capital (e.g. from credit facilities and equity issuance).
December 31,
2024 2023
Cash and short-term investments $ 74,423 $ 96,563
Other investments (1)
28,117 32,392
Other net assets 16,674 17,628
Total $ 119,214 $ 146,583
(1)Includes strategic debt and minority equity investments in insurance services businesses of $20,617 and $26,420 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The decrease in AFG net assets, excluding its equity investments in subsidiaries, during 2024 was driven by net cash outflows for the acquisition of Beat Capital Partners Limited ("Beat"), transaction costs associated with the sale of AAC, and other operating expenses, partially offset by interest income and distributions received from Insurance Distribution subsidiaries.
•Effective July 31, 2024, AFG closed the acquisition of a 60% controlling interest in Beat. In connection with the acquisition, Cirrata incurred $150,000 of debt maturing in 364-days funded by a global bank (the "Credit Facility"). Repayment of debt under the Credit Facility is guaranteed by AFG. AFG is required to repay this debt upon the closing of the sale of AAC or otherwise refinance such short-term debt with longer-term debt. The Credit Facility includes covenants that restrict our ability to manage capital resources by limiting, among other actions, the issuance of debt or capital stock; the creation of liens; the disposition of assets; engaging in transactions with affiliates; making restricted payments, including dividends
and the purchase or redemption of capital stock; and making acquisitions and other investments. The Credit Facility also requires the prepayment of the borrowings thereunder with proceeds of certain debt or equity issuances and certain asset sales. These requirements will impact our financial and operational flexibility while the Credit Facility remains in place.
•Everspan's ability to make future dividend payments will mostly depend on its future profitability relative to its capital needs to support growth. Everspan is not expected to pay dividends in the near term.
•Under an inter-company cost allocation agreement, AFG is reimbursed by its subsidiaries, including AAC through the date of its sale, for a portion of certain operating costs and expenses
•If AFG were to not sell AAC, its ability to receive dividends from AAC and the timing of any such potential dividends would depend on receipt of regulatory approval and the satisfaction of certain obligations senior to AFG's equity interest.
•Cirrata does not have any regulatory restrictions on its ability to make distributions. AFG received distributions from Cirrata of $10,739 and $8,032 during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Subject to the required approvals for the sale of AAC as described in Note 5. Discontinued Operation, AFG will receive proceeds of $420,000. From the proceeds, AFG, is required to purchase AAC's co-investment ($62,000 plus a 7.5% return from the date of funding) in Cirrata V LLC, the holding company established to acquire Beat, repay the Credit Facility ($150,000 plus any accrued and unpaid interest) and pay other transaction expenses.
AFG's principal uses of liquidity are: (i) the payment of operating expenses, including interest on indebtedness and costs to explore opportunities to grow and diversify Ambac and (ii) making capital investments to acquire, grow and/or capitalize new and/or existing businesses; such capital investments include investments in technology to support the efficient operation of our Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses.
•Funding puts, calls and other capital commitments could require payments from AFG, the magnitude of which may depend on the performance of the underlying businesses and other considerations, of approximately $358,000 through 2030.
•AFG may also provide short-term financial support, primarily in the form of loans, to its operating subsidiaries to support their operating requirements. AFG supported the development of the Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance business, and its acquisitions, with cash contributions of $6,000 to the Everspan group of companies during the year ended December 31, 2023.
In the opinion of the Company’s management, the net assets of AFG are currently sufficient to meet AFG’s current liquidity
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requirements. However, events, opportunities or circumstances could arise that may cause AFG to seek additional capital (e.g. through the issuance of debt, equity or hybrid securities).
Operating Companies' Liquidity
Insurance:
Sources of liquidity for Everspan are primarily through funds generated from premiums, reinsurance recoveries, fees, investment income and maturities and sales of investments.
Cash provided from these sources is used primarily for claim payments, loss expenses, acquisition costs, operating expenses, reinsurance payments and purchases of securities and other investments.
Everspan manages its liquidity risk by projecting cash flows and maintaining specified levels of cash and short-term investments at all times. It is the opinion of the Company’s management that the insurance subsidiaries’ near term liquidity needs will be adequately met from the sources described above.
Insurance Distribution:
The liquidity requirements of our Insurance Distribution subsidiaries are met primarily by funds generated from commission (both base and profit commissions) and fees. Base commissions and fees are generally received monthly, whereas profit commissions are received only if the business underwritten is profitable. Cash provided from these sources is used primarily for commissions paid to sub-producers, operating expenses and distributions to AFG and other members.
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Discussion
The following table summarizes the net cash flows for continuing operations for the periods presented.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 762 $ 36,948 $ 70,368
Investing activities (166,371) (26,679) (41,162)
Financing activities 194,219 (10,986) (19,235)
Net cash flow $ 28,610 $ (717) $ 9,971
Operating Activities for Continuing Operations
Operating cash flows during the year ended December 31, 2024 were adversely impacted by transaction related costs for the acquisition of Beat and the sale of AAC, together with interest payments on Cirrata's short term borrowing. Operating cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023, were lower than 2022 primarily due to the receipt of accrued interest in connection with the sale of AAC surplus note investments during 2022, partially offset by growth in the Everspan and Cirrata businesses.
Future operating cash flows will primarily be impacted by net premium collections, investment coupon receipts, fee and net commission revenues, operating expenses, net claim and loss expense payments and debt interest payments.
Investing Activities for Continuing Operations
Investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, included net cash used in the Beat acquisition of $243,776 and net cash proceeds from the sale of CNIC of $14,119.
Investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 included net cash used in MGA/U acquisitions of $6,953 and $18,442, respectively.
Financing Activities for Continuing Operations
Financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, included borrowing of $147,000 under a short-term credit facility and receipt of a $62,000 co-investment from AAC (discontinued operation) to fund the acquisition of Beat and share repurchases of $11,698. Concurrent with the AAC Sale, AFG will purchase AAC's co-investment for an amount equal to AAC's $62,000 investment plus 7.5% per annum thereon.
Financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, included share repurchases of $4,510 and $14,217, respectively.
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations
Cash flows pertaining to discontinued operations are reported separately on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The primary driver of the cash flows from discontinued operations was the continued run-off of the financial guarantee business. Since the agreement to sell AAC, the operations have been substantially separated and the potential impacts on future liquidity to the continuing operations are expected to be insignificant.
BALANCE SHEET
Total assets decreased by approximately $369,942 from December 31, 2023, to $8,058,378 at December 31, 2024, (decrease of $1,249,256 related to discontinued operation, partially offset by an increase of $879,314 from continuing operations).
Total liabilities decreased by approximately $133,770 from December 31, 2023, to $6,862,857 as of December 31, 2024, (decrease of $654,181 relating to discontinued operation, partially offset by an increase of $520,411 from continuing operations).
As of December 31, 2024, total stockholders’ equity was $1,054,661, compared with total stockholders’ equity of $1,414,614 at December 31, 2023. This decrease was primarily the result of the net loss attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $556,449 and translation losses on the consolidation of AFG's foreign subsidiaries of $22,156, partially offset by increases to nonredeemable NCI of $149,095 due to the Beat acquisition, adjustments to the redemption value of redeemable NCI of $53,210 and the issuance of common stock for the Beat acquisition of $29,229.
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Discontinued Operation:
Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale. Assets held-for-sale decreased to $6,267,200 at December 31, 2024, from $7,516,456 as December 31, 2023. The decrease is primarily due to the recording of a valuation allowance for the loss on disposal of AAC of $570,145 and a decrease in VIE assets of $523,974. Liabilities held-for-sale decreased to $5,887,685 at December 31, 2024, from $6,541,866 as December 31, 2023, primarily due to a decrease in VIE liabilities of $511,689. VIE assets and liabilities decreased primarily due to paydowns and the impact of exchange rates on balances denominated in British Pound Sterling.
Continuing Operations:
The following discusses changes in assets, liabilities and stockholders' equity, excluding assets and liabilities held-for-sale related to the pending sale of AAC, as of December 31, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023.
Ambac's acquisition of a controlling interest in Beat had a significant impact on the comparability of the balance sheet between December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Refer to Note 4. Business Combination to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details of the assets and liabilities acquired at the acquisition date.
Assets:
Investment Portfolio
Ambac's investment portfolio is managed under established guidelines designed to meet the investment objectives of Everspan and AFG. Invested assets of the Cirrata companies consist solely of cash, short-term investments and other money market funds. Refer to "Description of the Business - Investments and Investment Policy" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K located in Part I. Item 1, for further description of Ambac's investment policies and applicable regulations.
The following table summarizes the composition of Ambac’s investment portfolio, at carrying value at December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance
Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consolidated Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance
Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consolidated
Fixed maturity securities $ 157,020 $ - $ - $ 157,020 $ 121,304 $ - $ 13,920 $ 135,224
Short-term 35,727 27,435 64,439 127,601 41,172 3,651 155,688 200,511
Other investments - 176 28,117 28,293 - - 18,316 18,316
Total investments $ 192,747 $ 27,611 $ 92,556 $ 312,914 $ 161,976 $ 3,651 $ 187,924 $ 354,051
Refer to Note 6. Investments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K located in Part II. Item 8 for information about the composition of fixed maturity securities and other investments by asset class.
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The following charts provide the ratings distribution of the fixed maturity investment portfolio based on fair value at December 31, 2024 and 2023. Ratings represent the lower of ratings provided by S&P or Moody's when ratings are available from both agencies.
Premium Receivables. Ambac's premium receivables increased to $57,222 at December 31, 2024, from $45,893 at December 31, 2023. As further discussed in Note 8. Insurance Contracts to the Consolidated Financial Statements, in this Annual Report Form 10-K located in Part II. Item 8, the increase is primarily due to growth in the Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance Segment. All premium receivables are in a payment currency of U.S. Dollars.
Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses. Ambac has reinsurance in place pursuant to quota share, surplus share treaty and facultative agreements. To minimize its exposure to losses from reinsurers, Ambac (i) monitors the financial condition of its reinsurers; (ii) is entitled to receive collateral from its reinsurance counterparties under certain reinsurance contracts; and (iii) has certain cancellation rights that can be exercised in the event of rating agency downgrades of a reinsurer (among other events and circumstances). For those reinsurance counterparties that do not currently post collateral, Ambac’s reinsurers are well capitalized, highly rated, authorized capacity providers. Ambac benefited from letters of credit and collateral amounting to approximately $62,792 from its reinsurers at December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses were $306,191 and $164,997,
respectively, an increase driven from the growth of the Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance Segment.
Intangible Assets, net of accumulated depreciation. Intangible assets includes (i) intangible assets established as part of the acquisition of Xchange in 2020, All Trans and Capacity Marine in 2022, Riverton in 2023 and Beat in 2024; and (ii) indefinite-lived intangible assets established as part of the acquisition of admitted carriers in both 2021 and 2022.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, net intangible assets totaled $344,775 and 61,403, respectively. The increase is driven by intangibles established from the acquisition of Beat, partially offset by amortization and foreign currently translation.
Goodwill. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, goodwill totaled $418,235 and $69,694 respectively. The increase is primarily driven by the acquisition of Beat and goodwill of $357,316. All of the goodwill was assigned to the Insurance Distribution segment.
Liabilities:
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves. Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are estimates of the ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses for claims that have been reported and claims that have been incurred, but not yet reported as of the balance sheet date.
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by line of business were as follows as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
December 31,
2024 December 31,
Line Gross Net Gross Net
Commercial Auto $ 158,471 $ 28,720 $ 107,005 $ 21,913
Excess and General Liability 85,459 14,857 22,865 3,925
Workers Compensation 14,465 14,465 5,246 5,246
Non-standard personal auto 12,689 12,000 5,843 5,136
Surety 11,217 - 4,763 -
ULAE 12,238 6,578 6,085 4,527
Other (1)
54,523 2,177 45,282 41
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves $ 349,062 $ 78,797 $ 197,089 $ 40,788
(1) Includes $35,146 and $0 loss and loss expense reserves on a gross and net of reinsurance basis at December 31, 2024 and $43,751 and $0 loss and loss expense reserves on a gross and net of reinsurance basis at December 31, 2023 related to legacy liabilities obtained from the acquisitions of Providence Washington Insurance Company, Greenwood Insurance Company and Consolidated Specialty Insurance Company. All legacy liabilities remain obligations of affiliates of the sellers through reinsurance.
The process for determining the level of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves is subject to certain estimates and judgments. Refer to the "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" and “Results of Operations” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in addition to Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies and Loss Reserves sections included in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies and Note 8. Insurance Contracts, respectively, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further information on loss and loss adjustment expenses.
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Short-term Debt. Ambac borrowed under a short-term credit facility to provide partial funding of the acquisition of Beat in 2024. The carrying value of this short term debt is $150,000 as of December 31, 2024. Ambac had no debt related to its continuing operations as of December 31, 2023.
Commission Payable. Commission payables are commissions due to sub producers for placing insurance contracts on behalf of the MGAs and amounts due to UK Syndicates that provide advanced commissions to fund short term liquidity needs for MGAs. The commission payable at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $71,431 and $6,932. The increase is primarily due to higher advance commissions due from Syndicates.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest. The increase during 2024 was the net result of the remeasurement of the redemption value of put options provided to minority owners (NCI interest holders) of Cirrata entities acquired as if the put was exercised on December 31, 2024 and new put options issued during the acquisition of Beat during 2024. No put options are exercisable at December 31, 2024.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Please refer to Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report Form 10-K for a discussion of the impact of recent accounting pronouncements on Ambac’s financial condition and results of operations.
U.S. STATUTORY BASIS FINANCIAL RESULTS
AFG's U.S. insurance subsidiaries prepare financial statements under accounting practices prescribed or permitted by its domiciliary state regulator (“SAP”) for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Accounting Practices and Procedures manual (“NAIC SAP”) is adopted as a component of prescribed practices by each domiciliary state. For further information, see Note 9. Insurance Regulatory Restrictions to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report Form 10-K.
Everspan Indemnity Insurance Company
Everspan Indemnity Insurance Company’s statutory policyholder surplus was $125,235 at December 31, 2024, as compared to $108,051 at December 31, 2023.
The significant changes to policyholder surplus for the year ended December 31, 2024, were net income at Everspan Indemnity Insurance Company, including its subsidiaries, of $13,516 during the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily driven by the gain on sale of Consolidated National Insurance Company and continued growth of Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance Segment.
The significant differences between GAAP and SAP are that under SAP:
•Investment grade fixed maturity investments are stated at amortized cost and certain below investment grade fixed maturity investments are reported at the lower of amortized
cost or fair value. Under GAAP, all fixed maturity investments are reported at fair value.
•Majority owned subsidiaries are not consolidated; rather, the equity basis of accounting is utilized and the carrying values of these investments are subject to admissibility tests. The carrying values of Providence Washington Insurance Company, Greenwood Insurance Company, Consolidated National Insurance Company, and Consolidated Specialty Insurance Company include a goodwill component representing the acquisition cost in excess of the related entity's statutory surplus. Goodwill is amortized over ten years under SAP. Under GAAP, the initial acquisition of the companies were recorded as asset acquisitions, which required i) all net assets to initially be recorded at fair value and ii) the acquisition costs in excess of the fair value of net assets to be allocated to the bases of certain types of assets based on their relative fair values, if applicable. Acquired assets include intangible assets with indefinite lives. Such assets are not amortized, but their estimated useful lives are reevaluated each reporting period. No goodwill is recorded for asset acquisitions.
•Acquisition costs and ceding commissions, other than excess ceding commissions, are expensed or recognized at the time of a transaction. Under GAAP, acquisition costs and ceding commissions are deferred and recognized over the life of the related transaction.
•Unearned premiums and loss reserves are presented net of ceded amounts, while under GAAP, they are reflected gross of ceded amounts.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
In addition to reporting the Company’s quarterly financial results in accordance with GAAP, the Company is reporting non-GAAP financial measures: EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Organic Revenue Growth Rate (Insurance Distribution segment only), Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Margin. These amounts are derived from our consolidated financial information, but are not presented in our consolidated financial results.
We present non-GAAP supplemental financial information because we believe such information is of interest to the investment community, and that it provides greater transparency and enhanced visibility into the underlying drivers and performance of our businesses on a basis that may not be otherwise apparent on a GAAP basis. We view these non-GAAP financial measures as important indicators when assessing and evaluating our performance on a segmented and consolidated basis and they are presented to improve the comparability of our results between periods by eliminating the impact of the items that may not be representative of our core operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are not substitutes for the Company’s GAAP reporting, should not be viewed in isolation and may differ from similar reporting provided by other companies, which may define non-GAAP measures differently.
Beginning December 31, 2024, Ambac replaced the non-GAAP measure Adjusted Net Income with new non-GAAP measures Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Margin and added Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to
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better align with other participants in the Property & Casualty insurance industry, including insurance carriers and other peers in the insurance distribution business.
The following paragraphs define each non-GAAP financial measure. A tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure and the most comparable GAAP financial measure is also presented below.
EBITDA - EBITDA is net income (loss) from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, change in fair value of contingent consideration and certain items of income and expense, including share-based compensation expense, acquisition and integration related expenses, severance, and other exceptional or non-recurring items, including those related to raising capital. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of income and expenses that may obfuscate business performance, and that the presentation of this measure enhances an investor's understanding of our financial performance.
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consoli-dated Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consoli-dated Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consoli-dated
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 10,469 $ (6,881) $ (62,509) $ (58,921) $ 335 $ 7,133 $ (30,701) $ (23,232) $ (6,345) $ 4,524 $ (33,422) $ (35,244)
Adjustments:
Interest expense - 9,379 - 9,379 - - - - - - - -
Income taxes 1,753 (928) (1,748) (924) 48 156 (1,193) (989) (1) - (462) (462)
Depreciation - 481 1,864 2,345 - 42 1,036 1,078 - 31 841 872
Intangible amortization - 17,602 - 17,602 - 4,152 - 4,152 - 2,921 - 2,921
EBITDA (1)
$ 12,222 $ 19,653 $ (62,393) $ (30,518) $ 383 $ 11,483 $ (30,858) $ (18,991) $ (6,346) $ 7,476 $ (33,043) $ (31,913)
Add: Impact of noncontrolling interests - (6,448) - (6,448) - (2,102) - (2,102) - (1,463) - (1,463)
Ambac EBITDA 12,222 13,208 (62,396) (36,966) 383 9,381 (30,858) (21,093) (6,347) 6,013 (33,043) (33,377)
Net income margin 8.3 % (6.9) % (609.2) % (25.0) % 0.5 % 13.8 % (338.1) % (18.6) % (34.4) % 14.4 % (894.1) % (65.7) %
Net income margin to Ambac common stockholders 8.3 % (7.3) % (609.2) % (25.1) % 0.5 % 11.3 % (338.1) % (19.7) % (34.3) % 11.6 % (894.1) % (67.4) %
EBITDA margin 9.7 % 19.8 % (608.1) % (12.9) % 0.6 % 22.3 % (339.8) % (15.2) % (34.4) % 23.8 % (884.0) % (59.5) %
EBITDA margin to Ambac common stockholders 9.7 % 13.3 % (608.1) % (15.7) % 0.6 % 18.2 % (339.8) % (16.9) % (34.4) % 19.1 % (884.0) % (62.3) %
Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses - - 27,388 27,388 - - 567 567 - - 593 593
Add: Equity-based compensation expense 414 - 8,941 9,355 634 - 11,632 12,266 208 - 11,024 11,232
Add: Severance and restructuring expense - 248 7,352 7,600 - - - - 481 - - 481
Add: Other non-operating (income) losses (7,500) - 2,318 (5,182) - - 279 279 - - (935) (935)
Adjusted EBITDA 5,136 19,904 (16,397) 8,643 1,017 11,483 (18,380) (5,879) (5,658) 7,476 (22,361) (20,543)
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Ambac common stockholders 5,136 13,456 (16,397) 2,195 1,017 9,381 (18,380) (7,981) (5,658) 6,013 (22,361) (22,006)
Adjusted EBITDA Margin 4.1 % 20.1 % (159.8) % 3.7 % 1.6 % 22.3 % (202.4) % (4.7) % (30.6) % 23.8 % (598.2) % (38.3) %
Adjusted EBITDA Margin to Ambac common stockholders 4.1 % 13.6 % (159.8) % 0.9 % 1.6 % 18.2 % (202.4) % (6.4) % (30.6) % 19.1 % (598.2) % (41.0) %
Organic Revenue Growth (Insurance Distribution only)
Organic revenue is based on commissions and fees for the relevant period by excluding (i) the first twelve months of commissions and fees generated from acquisitions and (ii) commissions and fees from divestitures (iii) and other items such as contingent commissions, profit commissions and the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates.
Organic revenue growth is the change in organic revenue period-to-period, with prior period results adjusted to (i) include commissions and fees that were excluded from organic revenue in the prior period and reached the twelve-month owned mark in the current period, and (ii) exclude commissions and fees related to divestitures from organic revenue.
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Organic revenue growth rate to Total revenue growth rate, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for each of the periods indicated is as follows (in percentages):
Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 % Growth
2023 2022 % Growth
Total Insurance Distribution revenue (1)
$ 99,236 $ 51,546 48.1 % $ 51,546 $ 31,410 64.1 %
Less: Acquired revenues (45,202) - (16,446) -
Less: Profit commission and contingent commission income (4,273) (4,489) (4,489) (3,745)
Total Organic Revenue & Growth Percentage $ 49,761 $ 47,057 5.4 % $ 30,611 $ 27,665 10.6 %
(1)Total Insurance Distribution revenue includes investment income.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Margin
We define Adjusted net income as net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ambac adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, change in fair value of contingent consideration and certain items of income and expense, including share-based compensation expense, acquisition and integration related expenses, severance and non-recurring income and loss items that, in the opinion of management, significantly affect the period-over-period assessment of operating results, and the related tax effect of those adjustments. Per share amounts exclude any impact of revaluing non-controlling interests as otherwise reported under GAAP earnings per share. We believe that adjusted net income is an appropriate measure of operating performance because it eliminates the impact of income and expenses that may obfuscate business performance.
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consoli-dated Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consoli-dated Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consoli-dated
Net income (loss) (Continuing Operations) $ 10,469 $ (6,881) $ (62,509) $ (58,921) $ 335 $ 7,133 $ (30,701) $ (23,232) $ (6,346) $ 4,524 $ (33,422) $ (35,244)
Adjustments:
Add: Acquisition and integration related expenses - - 27,388 27,388 - - 567 567 - - 593 593
Add: Intangible amortization - 17,602 - 17,602 - 4,152 - 4,152 - 2,921 - 2,921
Add: Equity-based compensation expense 414 - 8,941 9,355 634 - 11,632 12,266 208 - 11,024 11,232
Add: Severance and restructuring expense - 248 7,352 7,600 - - - - 481 - - 481
Add: Other non-operating income (losses) (1)
(7,500) - 2,318 (5,182) - - 279 279 - - (935) (935)
Adjusted net income (loss) before tax and NCI 3,383 10,969 (16,510) (2,158) 969 11,285 (18,223) (5,968) (5,657) 7,445 (22,740) (20,952)
Income tax effects - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adjusted net income (loss) before NCI 3,383 10,969 (16,510) (2,158) 969 11,285 (18,223) (5,968) (5,657) 7,445 (22,740) (20,952)
Net (income) loss attributable to NCI - (6,448) - (6,448) - (2,102) - (2,102) - (1,463) - (1,463)
Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders $ 3,383 $ 4,521 $ (16,510) $ (8,606) $ 969 $ 9,183 $ (18,223) $ (8,070) $ (5,657) $ 5,982 $ (22,740) $ (22,415)
(1) Other non-operating expense includes one time add-backs related to gain on sale of CNIC, partially offset by losses related to minority interest strategy and write down of certain capitalized software. costs.
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Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consoli-dated Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consoli-dated Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Consoli-dated
Net income (loss) margin 8.3 % (6.9) % (609.2) % (25.0) % 0.5 % 13.8 % (338.1) % (18.6) % (34.4) % 14.4 % (894.1) % (65.7) %
Adjusted Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders margin 2.7 % 4.6 % (160.9) % (3.6) % 1.5 % 17.8 % (200.7) % (6.5) % (30.6) % 19.0 % (608.3) % (41.8) %

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ($ in thousands)
Market risk represents the potential for loss due to adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments, as a result of changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates (inclusive of credit spreads), foreign currency exchange rates and other relevant market rate or price changes. Market risk is, in part, a function of the markets in which the underlying assets are traded. The Company’s market risk sensitive financial instruments are primarily entered into for purposes other than trading. As discussed further below, the Company’s primary market risk exposures include those from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity values of limited partnership and other alternative investments. The nature and extent of the Company's exposures to these market risks vary significantly between AAC and its subsidiaries, which are presented as discontinued operations, and the continuing operations of the Company.
•The primary market risks for fixed maturity and short-term investment securities are interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate risk. Ambac’s investment portfolio includes securities denominated both in U.S. dollars and foreign currencies, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Our fixed maturity investments are generally classified as available for sale, with the effect of market movements recognized immediately through Other comprehensive income, or through Net income when securities are sold or when an impairment charge is recorded.
•Ambac also invests in limited partnerships and other alternative investments, primarily consisting of diversified pooled investment funds, which are reported as Other investments. These funds are subject to equity value changes driven primarily by changes to their respective net asset value (“NAV”). Ambac’s share of the changes of the equity value of the funds is reported through Net income.
•Although the long-term debt obligations of AAC and Ambac UK are reported at amortized cost and not adjusted for fair value changes, changes in interest rates could have a material impact on their fair value, though with no direct impact on our consolidated financial statements. For additional information about Ambac’s long-term debt obligations, Note 5. Discontinued Operation to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Ambac utilizes various systems, models and sensitivity scenarios to monitor and manage market risk. These models include estimates, made by management, which utilize current
and historical market information. This market information is considered in management’s judgments about adverse sensitivity scenarios that are reasonably possible to occur in the near-term. The impact of these scenarios do not consider the possible simultaneous movement in other market rates or prices, actions of management or other factors that could lessen or worsen actual results. For these reasons, the valuation results from these models could differ materially from amounts actually realized in the market.
Market Risk Sensitivities - Continuing Operations
Interest Rate Risk. Financial instruments within Ambac's continuing operations for which fair value may be affected by changes in interest rates consist primarily of fixed maturity investment securities. Increases to interest rates would result in declines in the fair value of our fixed maturity investment portfolio. Ambac performs scenario testing to measure the potential for losses in volatile markets. These scenario tests include parallel and non-parallel shifts in the benchmark interest rate curve. The fair value sensitivity of Ambac's short-term debt is not material due to its floating rate coupon and maturity of July 31, 2025. For additional information about Ambac’s short-term debt see Note 12. Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table summarizes the estimated change in fair value of our fixed maturity investment portfolio from a hypothetical immediate increase in interest rates of 100 basis points across the yield curve as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024 2023
Fair value of fixed maturity and short-term investments $ 284,621 $ 335,735
Pre-tax impact of 100 basis point increase in interest rates
Decrease in dollars $ (4,952) $ (3,558)
As a percent of fair value 2 % 1 %
Foreign Currency Risk. Ambac's Insurance Distribution subsidiary, Beat Capital Partners Limited, has short-term investments denominated in British pounds sterling and is a party to foreign exchange forward contracts at December 31, 2024. These financial instruments would experience fair value losses if the U.S. dollar strengthened relative to the British pounds sterling. The following table summarizes the estimated decrease in fair value of these financial instruments assuming immediate 20% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the British pounds sterling as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
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December 31, 2024 2023
Fair value of investments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar $ 16,604 $ -
Pre-tax loss from 20% strengthening of the U.S. dollar $ (3,321) $ -
Fair value of FX forward contracts $ (317) $ -
Pre-tax loss from 20% strengthening of the U.S. dollar $ (3,936) $ -
Equity Sensitivity. Ambac’s investment portfolio includes a partnership interest in a private equity fund. The table below summarizes the decrease in fair value of Ambac’s pooled fund investment that would occur assuming an immediate and uniform 10% decline in NAV of the fund. The selection of a 10% fair value stress is made only as an illustration of the hypothetical impact of adverse market movements on Ambac’s investments with equity value sensitivity. Actual market shocks could have materially different results.
December 31, 2024 2023
Fair value of investments in pooled funds $ 7,499 $ 5,817
Pre-tax impact of 10% decline in NAV of the funds $ (750) $ (582)
Market Risk Sensitivities - Discontinued Operations
Interest Rate Risk. Financial instruments for which fair value may be affected by changes in interest rates consist primarily of fixed maturity investment securities, long-term debt and interest rate derivatives. Increases to interest rates would result in declines in the fair value of our fixed maturity investment portfolio. Interest rate increases would also have a negative economic impact on expected future claim payments within the financial guarantee portfolio, primarily related to RMBS and student loan policies. Conversely, interest rate increases would generally lower the fair value of our long-term debt obligations. Ambac performs scenario testing to measure the potential for losses in volatile markets. These scenario tests include parallel and non-parallel shifts in the benchmark interest rate curve. We also monitor our interest rates exposure through periodic reviews of projected cash flows and durations of our asset and liability positions.
The following table summarizes the estimated change in fair value of our fixed maturity investment portfolio from a hypothetical immediate increase in interest rates of 100 basis points across the yield curve as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024 2023
Fair value of fixed maturity investment (1)
$ 1,436,817 $ 1,484,473
Pre-tax impact of 100 basis point increase in interest rates
Decrease in dollars $ (50,461) $ (46,759)
As a percent of fair value 3 % 3 %
(1)Excludes investments in distressed Ambac-insured securities and securities held by VIEs consolidated as a result of Ambac’s financial guarantees.
The following table presents the impact on the fair value of our long-term debt obligations and interest rate derivatives of a hypothetical immediate decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points across the yield curve as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024 2023
Fair value of long-term debt including accrued interest (1)
$ (739,963) $ (697,183)
Pre-tax impact of 100 basis point decrease in interest rates
Increase in dollars $ (14,651) $ (24,037)
As a percent of fair value 2 % 3 %
Fair value of interest rate derivative net assets (liabilities) (1)
$ (6,260) $ (9,593)
Pre-tax impact of 100 basis point decrease in interest rates
Pre-tax loss from change in fair value in dollars $ (3,053) $ (3,995)
(1)Excludes long-term debt and derivative instruments of VIEs consolidated as a result of Ambac’s financial guarantees.
Foreign Currency Risk. Ambac has fixed maturity investments and investments in pooled funds denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily British pounds sterling and Euro. These financial instruments are primarily invested assets of Ambac UK and are held in consideration of non-U.S. dollar exposure in the financial guarantee insurance portfolio and operations of Ambac UK. The adverse fair value impact of a stronger U.S. dollar relative to other currencies on investment holdings would be directionally offset by the economic benefits to non-U.S. dollar financial guarantees and other risk exposures. The following table summarizes the estimated decrease in fair value of these financial instruments assuming immediate 20% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the foreign currencies as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
December 31, 2024 2023
Fair value of investments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar (1)
$ 344,513 $ 463,336
Pre-tax impact of 20% strengthening of the U.S. dollar $ (68,903) $ (92,667)
(1)Excludes investments in distressed Ambac-insured securities and securities held by VIEs consolidated as a result of Ambac’s financial guarantees.
Equity Sensitivity. Ambac’s investment portfolio includes equity and partnership interests in pooled funds with diverse asset holdings and strategies. The table below summarizes the decrease in fair value of Ambac’s pooled fund investments that would occur assuming an immediate and uniform 10% decline in NAV of the funds. The selection of a 10% fair value stress is made only as an illustration of the hypothetical impact of adverse market movements on Ambac’s investments with equity value sensitivity. Actual market shocks could have materially different aggregate results and would likely not have a uniform impact on all funds given the diversity of the funds’ holdings and strategies.
December 31, 2024 2023
Fair value of investments in pooled funds $ 495,045 $ 456,981
Pre-tax impact of 10% decline in NAV of the funds $ (49,504) $ (45,698)
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reports of Independent Registered Public Account Firm KPMG LLP, New York, NY, PCAOB ID 185 49
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Background and Business Description 56
Note 11. Goodwill and Intangible Assets 86
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies 56
Note 12. Debt 87
Note 3. Segment Information 65
Note 13. Revenues From Contracts with Customers 87
Note 4. Business Combination 67
Note 14. Comprehensive Income 88
Note 5. Discontinued Operation 68
Note 15. Net Income Per Share 89
Note 6. Investments 74
Note 16. Income Taxes 89
Note 7. Fair Value Measurements 76
Note 17. Employment Benefit Plans 91
Note 8. Insurance Contracts 80
Note 18. Leases 93
Note 9. Insurance Regulatory Restrictions 84
Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies 94
Note 10. Derivative Instruments 86
Note 20. Quarterly Information (Unaudited) 97
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries' (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of total comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and financial statement schedules I, II and III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated March 6, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
The Company acquired Beat Capital Partners Limited during 2024, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, Beat Capital Partners Limited’s internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of 1% and total revenues of 17% included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Beat Capital Partners Limited.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
March 6, 2025
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Table of Contents,
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of total comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and financial statement schedules I, II and III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 6, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be
communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Estimate of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves
As discussed in Notes 2 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (reserves) for Specialty Property and Casualty policies represent the Company’s estimate of the ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses for claims that have been reported and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported as of the balance sheet date. The reserves are estimated based upon experience and using a variety of actuarial methods. The Company’s reserves balance at December 31, 2024 was $349,062 thousand.
We identified the assessment of the estimate of reserves for Specialty Property and Casualty policies as a critical audit matter. The assessment of the Company’s selected methods and key assumptions used to develop the estimate of reserves required complex auditor judgment due to the significant measurement uncertainty. Key assumptions included loss development factors, expected loss ratios, and the weighting of actuarial methods when more than one was used. Specialized actuarial skills and knowledge were required to evaluate the actuarial method or methods and key assumptions used.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address the critical audit matter. With the assistance of actuarial professionals, when appropriate, we evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s reserving process. This included controls over the Company’s process to develop the Company’s estimate of reserves based on actuarial methodologies and key assumptions employed by the Company’s actuaries. We involved actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:
•for certain programs, evaluating the Company’s key assumptions and methods for consistency with actuarial standards of practice
•for certain programs, developing an independent range of reserves using methods and assumptions consistent with actuarial standards of practice and comparing it to the Company’s recorded reserves
•for certain programs, assessing the position in the range and the year-over-year movements of the Company’s recorded reserves within the independent range of reserves
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 50
2024 Form 10-K
Table of Contents,
Valuation of customer relationship intangibles for the Beat reporting unit
As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, on July 31, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of 60% of Beat Capital Partners (Beat) for a purchase price of $281,278 thousand. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting, which required the Company to allocate the total consideration transferred to the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. As part of the transaction, the Company acquired a customer relationships intangible asset with an acquisition date fair value of $303,331 thousand, which was valued using the multi-period excess earnings method.
We identified the assessment of the acquisition date fair value of the customer relationships intangible asset as a critical audit matter. Subjective auditor judgment and the involvement of valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge were required to assess the discount rate assumption used to estimate the acquisition date fair value for the customer relationships intangible asset due to the degree of measurement uncertainty associated with this assumption.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s acquisition date valuation process. This included a control over the development of the discount rate used to value the customer relationships intangible asset. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluating the Company’s discount rate assumption used for the customer relationships intangible asset by independently developing a range of discount rates based on publicly available market data for comparable entities and comparing that range to the Company’s discount rate.
Estimate of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and subrogation recoverable
As described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates financial guarantee loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and subrogation recoverable (loss reserves) on a policy-by-policy basis based upon the present value of expected net claim cash outflows or expected net recovery cash inflows, discounted at risk-free rates. Expected net claim cash outflows represent the present value of expected claim cash outflows, less the present value of expected recovery cash inflows. For such policies, a loss and loss adjustment expense reserves liability is recorded for the present value of expected net claim cash outflows in excess of the related unearned premium revenue. Expected net recovery cash inflows represent the present value of expected recovery cash inflows, less the present value of expected claim cash outflows. For such policies, a subrogation recoverable asset is recorded. As of December 31, 2024, the Company recorded loss and loss adjustment expense reserves of $577,167 thousand and subrogation recoverable of $113,962 thousand within Liabilities held-for-sale and Assets held-for-sale, respectively.
We identified the evaluation of loss adjustment reserves as a critical audit matter. The evaluation encompassed the
assessment of the loss reserves methodologies, including those methods used to estimate the following assumptions: (1) credit worthiness of the issuer of the insured security, (2) the likelihood of possible outcomes regarding the probability of default by the issuer of the insured security, (3) the expected loss severity for each insurance policy, and (4) the probability of remediation, settlement and restructuring outcomes. The evaluation of the methods and the impact of these assumptions required specialized skills and subjective and complex auditor judgment due to a high level of estimation uncertainty.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. With the assistance of credit risk and valuation professionals with specialized industry knowledge and experience, we evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company's estimation of loss reserves. This included controls related to the determination of the assumptions and the sources of data and the analysis of the loss reserves. We involved credit risk professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in assessing the individual issuer ratings and credit classifications for certain policies by evaluating the financial performance of the issuer of the insured security and underlying collateral. We also involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:
•evaluating the methods used to estimate loss reserves for compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles,
•evaluating, for certain policies, the assumptions, including: the likelihood of possible outcomes regarding the probability of default by the issuer of the insured security; the expected loss severity for each insurance policy; and, the probability of remediation, settlement and restructuring outcomes, and the sources of data and assumptions used in the calculation of loss reserves by comparing to the Company’s internal experience and related historical and industry trends.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1985.
New York, New York
March 6, 2025
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 51
2024 Form 10-K
Table of Contents,
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except share data) December 31, 2024 2023
Assets:
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $162,124 and $141,179)
$ 157,020 $ 135,224
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost of $127,588 and $200,506)
127,601 200,510
Other investments (at cost, except for $7,499 and $5,817 at fair value)
28,294 18,317
Total investments 312,915 354,051
Cash and cash equivalents (including $17,669 and $11,881 of restricted cash)
47,275 19,223
Premium receivables 57,222 45,893
Commission and fees receivable 55,377 9,419
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses 306,191 164,997
Deferred ceded premium 148,300 110,407
Deferred acquisition costs 8,572 10,960
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization 344,775 61,403
Goodwill 418,234 69,694
Other assets 92,317 65,817
Assets held-for-sale 6,267,200 7,516,456
Total assets $ 8,058,378 $ 8,428,320
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
Liabilities:
Unearned premiums $ 182,446 $ 154,878
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 349,062 197,089
Ceded premiums payable 53,002 29,666
Deferred program fees and reinsurance commissions 7,500 5,777
Commissions payable 71,431 6,932
Deferred taxes 70,135 -
Short-term debt 150,000 -
Accrued interest payable 2,560 -
Other liabilities 89,036 60,419
Liabilities held-for-sale 5,887,685 6,541,866
Total liabilities 6,862,857 6,996,627
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 19)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest 140,860 17,079
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized shares; issued and outstanding shares-none
- -
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 130,000,000 shares authorized; issued shares: 48,875,167 and 46,659,144
489 467
Additional paid-in capital 331,007 291,761
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (188,436) (160,047)
Retained earnings 742,185 1,246,048
Treasury stock, shares at cost: 2,368,194 and 1,463,774
(28,339) (16,573)
Total Ambac Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity 856,906 1,361,656
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest 197,755 52,958
Total stockholders’ equity 1,054,661 1,414,614
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity $ 8,058,378 $ 8,428,320
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 52
2024 Form 10-K
Table of Contents,
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Dollars in thousands, except share data) Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Revenues:
Net premiums earned $ 99,005 $ 51,911 $ 13,869
Commission income 92,023 51,281 30,695
Program fees 13,506 8,437 3,095
Net investment income 14,448 13,159 4,503
Net investment gains (losses), including impairments (497) 19 (62)
Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts 4,016 (279) 935
Other revenue 13,314 200 577
Total revenues and other income 235,815 124,728 53,612
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses 72,626 36,712 9,071
Policy acquisition costs 23,666 10,557 2,535
Commission expense 40,876 29,465 17,641
General and administrative expenses 129,166 66,985 56,278
Depreciation expense 2,345 1,078 872
Intangible amortization 17,602 4,152 2,921
Interest expense 9,379 - -
Total expenses 295,660 148,949 89,318
Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations (59,845) (24,221) (35,706)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations (924) (989) (462)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (58,921) (23,232) (35,244)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (including loss on disposal of $570,145 in 2024)
(497,167) 28,183 557,364
Net income (loss) (556,088) 4,951 522,120
Less: net (gain) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (361) (1,319) (871)
Plus: gain on purchase of auction market preferred shares - - 1,131
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders $ (556,449) $ 3,632 $ 522,380
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders
Continuing operations $ (59,282) $ (24,551) $ (36,115)
Discontinued operations (497,167) 28,183 558,495
Total $ (556,449) $ 3,632 $ 522,380
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax
Net income (loss) $ (556,088) $ 4,951 $ 522,120
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $1,295, $2,095 and $(6,264)
(939) 51,184 (225,341)
Gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $0, $0 and $0
(22,156) 40,132 (84,520)
Credit risk changes of fair value option liabilities, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(118), $177
and $79
(356) (88) 340
Changes to postretirement benefit, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $0, $0 and $0
(4,939) 1,569 (933)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax (28,390) 92,797 (310,454)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax (584,478) 97,748 211,666
Less: net (gain) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (361) (1,319) (871)
Less: (gain) loss on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interest 3,074 - -
Plus: gain on purchase of auction market preferred shares - - 1,131
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders $ (581,765) $ 96,429 $ 211,926
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share attributable to Ambac shareholders
Basic $ (0.13) $ (0.43) $ (0.74)
Diluted $ (0.13) $ (0.43) $ (0.74)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share attributable to Ambac shareholders
Basic $ (10.58) $ 0.62 $ 12.22
Diluted $ (10.58) $ 0.62 $ 12.22
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Ambac shareholders
Basic $ (10.71) $ 0.18 $ 11.48
Diluted $ (10.71) $ 0.18 $ 11.48
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic 46,969,708 45,636,649 45,719,906
Diluted 46,969,708 45,636,649 45,719,906
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 53
2024 Form 10-K
Table of Contents,
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
($ in thousands) Total Preferred Stock Common Stock Additional Paid-in
Capital Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Common Stock Held in Treasury, at Cost Nonredeemable Noncontrolling
Interest
Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 1,098,073 $ - $ 465 $ 256,906 $ 57,611 $ 726,054 $ (2,931) $ 59,968
Total comprehensive income (loss) 210,794 (310,454) 521,248
Stock-based compensation 17,408 17,408
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan (3,568) (5,446) 1,878
Cost of shares repurchased (14,217) (14,217)
Changes to NCI 2,504 2,504
Sale or NCI in subsidiary 2,173 172 2,001
Issuance of common stock 2 2
Purchase of Ambac Assurance auction market preferred shares (7,919) 1,131 (9,050)
Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 1,305,250 $ - $ 467 $ 274,486 $ (252,843) $ 1,245,491 $ (15,270) $ 52,919
Total comprehensive income (loss) 96,428 92,796 3,632
Stock-based compensation 17,275 17,275
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan (4,665) (7,872) 3,207
Cost of shares repurchased (4,510) (4,510)
Changes to NCI 4,836 4,797 39
Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 1,414,614 $ - $ 467 $ 291,761 $ (160,047) $ 1,246,048 $ (16,573) $ 52,958
Total comprehensive income (loss) (584,839) (28,390) (556,449)
Stock-based compensation 8,995 8,995
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan (701) (634) (67)
Cost of shares repurchased (11,699) (11,699)
Changes to NCI 49,966 1,044 53,220 (4,298)
Issuance of common stock 29,229 22 29,207
Fair value of nonredeemable NCI in Beat Capital Partners at acquisition 149,095 149,095
Balance at December 31, 2024 $ 1,054,661 $ - $ 489 $ 331,007 $ (188,436) $ 742,185 $ (28,339) $ 197,755
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 54
2024 Form 10-K
Table of Contents,
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) (556,088) 4,951 522,120
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations (497,167) 28,183 557,364
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (58,921) (23,232) (35,244)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation 2,345 1,078 872
Amortization of bond premium and discount (296) 9 (6,742)
Share-based compensation 9,356 12,266 11,231
Unearned premiums, net (10,324) 27,913 14,684
Losses and loss expenses, net 10,779 23,737 7,900
Ceded premiums payable 23,337 9,721 17,065
Premium receivables (11,329) (30,225) (13,478)
Accrued interest payable 2,560 - -
Amortization of intangible assets 17,602 4,152 2,921
Net investment gains (losses), including impairments 497 (19) 13,710
Corporate costs reallocated to continuing operations 14,919 19,367 20,189
Other, net 237 (7,819) 37,260
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations 762 36,948 70,368
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of bonds 5,994 1,378 53,517
Proceeds from matured bonds 21,580 15,078 18,097
Purchases of bonds (60,470) (33,243) (43,489)
Proceeds from sales of other invested assets 625 - -
Purchases of other investments (2,522) (2,242) (4,788)
Change in short-term investments 101,829 4,157 (48,386)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (243,776) (6,953) (18,442)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash transferred 14,119 - -
Other, net (3,750) (4,854) 2,329
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations (166,371) (26,679) (41,162)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term debt 147,000 - -
Issuance of equity interest in subsidiary 62,000 - -
Payments for purchases of common stock held in treasury (11,698) (4,510) (14,217)
Tax payments related to shares withheld for share-based compensation plans (692) (4,585) (3,576)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders (2,391) (1,891) (1,442)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations 194,219 (10,986) (19,235)
Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents - continuing operations (558) - -
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations 28,052 (717) 9,971
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period - continuing operations 19,223 19,940 9,969
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period - continuing operations $ 47,275 $ 19,223 $ 19,940
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations 33,536 163,376 1,264,975
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations (7,911) 461,870 959,610
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from discontinued operations (214,606) (411,947) (2,195,992)
Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents - discontinued operations (126) 529 (670)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations (189,107) 213,828 27,923
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period - discontinued operations 255,183 41,355 13,432
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period - discontinued operations $ 66,076 $ 255,183 $ 41,355
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 55
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
1. BACKGROUND AND BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (“AFG”), headquartered in New York City, is a financial services holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware on April 29, 1991. References to “Ambac,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” are to AFG and its subsidiaries, as the context requires. Ambac's business operations include:
•Insurance Distribution - Ambac's specialty property and casualty ("P&C") insurance distribution business includes Managing General Agents and Underwriters (collectively "MGAs" or "MGA/Us"), an insurance broker, and other distribution and underwriting businesses. Insurance Distribution includes Beat Capital Partners Limited ("Beat", which was acquired on July 31, 2024). At December 31, 2024, Ambac's insurance distribution platform operates in the following lines of business: accident & health, specialty auto, other professional, marine & energy, niche specialty risks, property, reinsurance, professional D&O and other specialty lines.
•Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance - Ambac's Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance program business includes four admitted carriers and an excess and surplus lines (“E&S” or “nonadmitted”) insurer (collectively, “Everspan”). Everspan carriers have an A.M. Best rating of 'A-' (Excellent) which was affirmed on June 13, 2024.
The Company reports these two business operations as segments; see Note 3. Segment Information for further information.
Ambac's financial guarantee business, which is being reported as a discontinued operation due to its pending sale, includes the activities of Ambac Assurance Corporation ("AAC") and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Ambac Assurance UK Limited (“Ambac UK”) and Ambac Financial Services LLC ("AFS"). Both AAC and Ambac UK have financial guarantee insurance portfolios that have been in runoff since 2008. AFS provided interest rate derivatives to financial guarantee customers and used derivatives to hedge interest rate risk in AAC's insurance and investment portfolios. See Note 5. Discontinued Operation for information related to the pending sale of AAC.
Limitations on Voting and Transfer of Common Stock
AFG’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation limits voting and transfer rights of stockholders in significant ways. Article IV contains voting restrictions applicable to any person owning at least 10% of AFG's common stock so that such person (including any group consisting of such person and any other person with whom such person or any affiliate or associate of such person has any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with respect to acquiring, voting, holding or disposing of AFG’s common stock) shall not be entitled to cast votes in excess of one vote less than 10% of the votes entitled to be cast by all common stock holders, except as
otherwise approved by the insurance commissioners of the states of domicile of the insurance companies controlled by AFG. Article XII contains substantial restrictions on the ability to transfer AFG’s common stock. In order to preserve certain tax benefits, subject to limited exceptions, any attempted transfer of common stock shall be prohibited and void to the extent that, as a result of such transfer (or any series of transfers of which such transfer is a part), either (i) any person or group of persons shall become a holder of 5% or more of AFG’s common stock or (ii) the percentage stock ownership interest in AFG of any holder of 5% or more of AFG’s common stock shall be increased (a “Prohibited Transfer”). These restrictions shall not apply to an attempted transfer if the transferor or the transferee obtains the written approval of AFG’s Board of Directors to such transfer. A purported transferee of a Prohibited Transfer shall not be recognized as a stockholder of AFG for any purpose whatsoever in respect of the securities which are the subject of the Prohibited Transfer (the “Excess Securities”). Until the Excess Securities are acquired by another person in a transfer that is not a Prohibited Transfer, the purported transferee of a Prohibited Transfer shall not be entitled with respect to such Excess Securities to any rights of stockholders of AFG, including, without limitation, the right to vote such Excess Securities and to receive dividends or distributions, whether liquidating or otherwise, in respect thereof, if any. Once the Excess Securities have been acquired in a transfer that is not a Prohibited Transfer, the securities shall cease to be Excess Securities. If the Board determines that a transfer of securities constitutes a Prohibited Transfer then, upon written demand by AFG, the purported transferee shall transfer or cause to be transferred any certificate or other evidence of ownership of the Excess Securities within the purported transferee’s possession or control, together with any distributions paid by AFG with respect to such Excess Securities, to an agent designated by AFG. Such agent shall thereafter sell such Excess Securities and the proceeds of such sale shall be distributed as set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. If the purported transferee of a Prohibited Transfer has resold the Excess Securities before receiving such demand, such person shall be deemed to have sold the Excess Securities for AFG’s agent and shall be required to transfer to such agent the proceeds of such sale, which shall be distributed as set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Ambac’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosures. There can be no assurance that actual results will conform to such estimates and any future changes in estimates could be material to the financial statements.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AFG and all other entities in which AFG (directly or through its
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 56
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
subsidiaries) has a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated. The usual condition for a controlling financial interest is ownership of a majority of the voting interests of an entity.
AFG Unconsolidated Financial Information
Financial information of AFG is presented in Schedule II in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method of accounting in Schedule II.
Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
The Company has separately classified the assets and liabilities of AAC as held for sale as a result of AAC's pending sale and meeting specified accounting criteria. Assets and liabilities held for sale are presented separately within the Consolidated Balance Sheets with any adjustments necessary to measure the disposal group at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. The stockholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheet continues to be reported on an aggregate basis; equity components (including nonredeemable NCI) solely attributable to AAC are not presented separately.
The Company reports the results of operations of AAC as discontinued operations since the pending sale also represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results. The results of discontinued operations are reported separately as Net income (loss) from discontinued operations within the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income for the current and prior periods. AAC cash flows are reflected as Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each period presented.
Refer to Note 5. Discontinued Operation for further information.
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (CECL)
Ambac measures credit losses on financial assets that are not accounted for at fair value through net income in accordance with the Current Expected Credit Loss standard or "CECL".
The credit loss impairment evaluation process for available-for-sale debt securities is discussed in the Investments sub-section below. CECL does not apply to equity method investments accounted for under ASC 323.
Credit loss impairment for amortized cost assets reflect management's current estimate of all expected lifetime credit losses. The estimate of expected lifetime credit losses considers historical information, current information, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts. Expected lifetime credit losses for amortized cost assets are recorded as an allowance for credit losses, with subsequent increases or decreases in the allowance reflected in net income each period. The credit loss impairment evaluation process for amortized cost assets are addressed in the applicable subsections below. The total allowance for credit losses for amortized cost assets recorded under CECL related to continuing operations was $641at December 31, 2024.
Investments
The Investments - Debt Securities Topic of the ASC requires that all debt instruments be classified in Ambac’s Consolidated Balance Sheets according to their purpose and, depending on that classification, be carried at either cost or fair market value.
Ambac’s debt investment portfolio is accounted for on a trade-date basis and consists primarily of investments in fixed maturity securities are either classified as available-for-sale or trading as defined by the Investments - Debt Securities Topic of the ASC. Available-for-sale debt securities are reported in the financial statements at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Stockholders’ Equity and computed using amortized cost as the basis. For purposes of computing amortized cost, premiums and discounts are accounted for using the effective interest method over the term of the security. For structured debt securities with a large underlying pool of homogenous loans, such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, premiums and discounts are adjusted for the effects of actual and anticipated prepayments. For other fixed maturity securities, such as corporate and municipal bonds, discounts are amortized or accreted over the remaining term of the securities and premiums are amortized to the earliest call date.
Short-term investments consist of investments in money market funds and fixed maturity investments having maturities of less than one year and greater than three months when purchased.
Other investments primarily consist of:
•Equity interests in pooled investment funds which are accounted for in accordance with the Investments - Equity Securities Topic of the ASC and reported as Other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with income reported through Net investment income on the Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss). Equity interests in such funds consist of limited partner interests and are reported using the equity method.
•Preferred equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and are carried at cost, less any impairments as permitted under the Investments - Equity Securities Topic of the ASC.
Fair value is based primarily on quotes obtained from independent market sources. When quotes for fixed maturity securities are not available or cannot be reasonably corroborated, valuation models are used to estimate fair value. These models include estimates, made by management, which utilize current market information. When fair value is not readily determinable for pooled investment funds, the investments are valued using net asset value ("NAV") as a practical expedient as permitted under the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC. Investment valuations could differ materially from amounts that would actually be realized in the market. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of specific identification. Refer to Note 7. Fair Value Measurements for further description of the
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 57
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
methodologies used to determine the fair value of investments, including model inputs and assumptions where applicable.
Ambac has a formal impairment review process for fixed maturity available-for-sale securities in its investment portfolio. Ambac conducts a review each quarter to identify and evaluate investments that have indications of impairment in accordance with the Investments - Debt Securities Topic of the ASC.
If management either: (i) has the intent to sell its investment in an impaired debt security or (ii) determines that the Company more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis less any current period credit impairment, then an impairment charge is recognized in earnings, with the amortized cost of the security written-down to fair value.
If management does not intend to sell, or will not be required to sell the debt security, the security is reviewed for credit impairment. Factors considered to identify and assess securities for credit impairment include: (i) fair values that have declined by 20% or more below amortized cost; (ii) recent downgrades by rating agencies; (iii) the financial condition of the issuer and financial guarantor, as applicable, and an analysis of projected defaults on the underlying collateral; and (iv) whether scheduled interest payments are past due. The recognition of credit impairment losses for available-for-sale debt securities are recorded as an allowance for credit losses with an offsetting charge to net income. Improvements to estimated credit losses for available-for-sale debt securities are recognized immediately in net income. If we believe a decline in the fair value of a particular fixed maturity available-for-sale investment is not credit impaired, we record the decline as an unrealized loss net of tax in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Stockholders’ Equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The evaluation of securities for credit impairment is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether, and to what extent, declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer’s or guarantor’s financial condition and/or future prospects, the impact of regulatory actions on the investment portfolio, the performance of the underlying collateral, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the expected recovery period.
Ambac has made certain accounting policy elections related to accrued interest receivable ("AIR") for available-for-sale investments under CECL. Elections include: i) not measuring AIR for credit impairment, instead AIR is written off when it becomes 90 days past due; ii) writing off AIR by reversing interest income; iii) presenting AIR separately in Other Assets on the balance sheet and iv) excluding AIR from amortized cost balances in required CECL disclosures found in Note 6. Investments. AIR at December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $1,703 and $1,569, respectively.
Refer to Note 6. Investments for further credit impairment disclosures.
Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance Premiums
Gross written premiums on insurance policies are recorded at the inception of the policy and can be received on an upfront or installment basis. Certain gross written premiums are written as assumed reinsurance. Assumed reinsurance can attach on a risk attaching or loss occurring basis. On risk attaching, assumed written premiums are recorded at the inception of the policy and can be received on an upfront or installment basis. On loss occurring, assumed written premium includes the transfer of unearned premiums for inforce policies at the effective date of the respective reinsurance agreements and ongoing premium written activity of policies inforce during the respective contract period. At end of the contract period, the remaining unearned premiums of inforce policies are returned to the carrier. Collections of loss occurring assumed written premiums are generally on an installment basis. Ceded premiums written are based on contractual terms applied against related gross written premiums. Premiums, net of reinsurance, are recognized as revenue on a daily pro-rata basis over the term of the insured risk. Unearned premiums and Deferred ceded premiums represents the portion of gross and ceded premiums written that relate to unexpired risk, respectively.
Premium receivables represent balances currently due and amounts not yet due from policyholders, insurance carriers, managing general agents or producers issuing insurance policies on Everspan's behalf. Premium receivables are reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses. The allowance is based upon Everspan's ongoing review of amounts outstanding, including delinquencies and write-offs, and other relevant factors. Credit risk is partially mitigated by the managing general agent's ability to cancel the policy on behalf of Everspan if the policyholder does not pay the premium, thereby reducing the related policy's premium written and Everspan's premium receivable.
Derivative Contracts
The Company has used derivative contracts to hedge foreign exchange or other economic risks in connection with certain strategic investments. None of Ambac’s derivative contracts were designated as hedges under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the ASC.
All derivatives are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value and are included in Other assets and Other liabilities, as appropriate. Refer to Note 10. Derivative Instruments for further discussion of the Company’s use of derivative instruments and their impact of the consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 7. Fair Value Measurements for further description of the methodologies used to determine the fair value of derivative contracts.
Deferred Acquisition Costs, Ceding Commissions and Deferred Program Fees
The Specialty Property and Casualty Program business defers acquisition costs incurred that are related directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts, including commissions paid to managing general agents for direct business, and paid to insurance carriers when acquired via assumed reinsurance. Ceding commissions received from
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
reinsurers represent a recovery of related acquisition costs. Deferred acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions, are amortized over the related policy period, generally one year, and recognized in amortization of deferred acquisition costs on the Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss). Ceding commissions received in excess of the related direct acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the related policy period, and recognized as program fees on the Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss).
A legal right of offset exists for (i) premiums received and commissions paid to managing general agents on direct business, (ii) premiums received and ceding commission paid on assumed business and (iii) premiums paid and ceding commissions received on ceded business.
Goodwill
Goodwill is attributable to acquisitions in the Insurance Distribution segment and represents the acquisition cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assigned at acquisition to the applicable reporting unit of the acquired entity giving rise to the goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to impairment testing. Goodwill impairment tests are performed annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. The annual test of goodwill impairment is as of October 1st of each year. The impairment test for each reporting unit may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Examples of qualitative factors include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, entity-specific events, events affecting reporting units and sustained changes in our stock price. If results of the qualitative assessment indicate a more likely than not determination, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment, then a quantitative impairment evaluation is performed as described below.
The quantitative evaluation compares the estimated fair value using an income approach or market approach for each reporting unit with its respective carrying value (including goodwill and identifiable intangible assets). The income approach uses discounted cash flows which are dependent on subjective factors including the timing of future cash flows, the underlying margin projection assumptions, future growth rates and the discount rate. The market approach uses valuation multiples and is dependent on subjective factors including the determination of industry market multiples and EBITDA forecasts. Additionally, to corroborate our estimated fair value, we perform a market capitalization reconciliation to determine if the implied control premium is reasonable. If our assumptions or estimates in our fair value calculations change or if any of the above subjective factors vary from what was expected, this may impact our impairment analysis and result in a decline in fair value that may trigger future impairment charges.
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangibles
Ambac acquired identifiable intangible assets attributable to the Insurance Distribution segment. The intangible assets primarily relate to distribution relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names, all of which have finite lives and are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The acquisition date valuation method used to determine the fair value of customer relationships, which were the most significant intangible assets acquired, was the multi period excess earnings method "(MPEEM"), which quantifies the residual (or excess) cash flows generated by the intangible asset and discounts those cash flows to their present value. The significant assumptions used in determining the fair value of customer relationships include estimated revenue growth, customer attrition rates, operating margins, and discount rate.
The Company tests finite-lived acquired intangible assets for impairment if certain events occur or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of the intangible asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the projected undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposal of the asset or asset group. If deemed unrecoverable, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess carrying amount over the fair value. There have been no accumulated impairment losses since these finite-lived intangible assets were established.
Indefinite-lived intangibles
Ambac acquired identifiable intangible assets attributable to its acquisitions of licensed insurance carriers in both 2021 and 2022, which were accounted for as asset acquisitions (Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance segment). The intangible assets relate to insurance licenses which have indefinite lives and therefore are not amortized. The useful lives are re-evaluated each period to determine whether facts and circumstances continue to support an indefinite life. The Company tests indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Ambac tests indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment as of October 1st of each year. If, after assessing qualitative factors, management believes it is more likely than not that the intangible assets are impaired, a quantitative impairment evaluation is performed. Management also has the option to bypass the qualitative evaluation and proceed directly to the quantitative evaluation. The quantitative test compares the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. An impairment is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount of the intangible asset over it estimated fair value. If the asset’s estimated fair value exceeds its carrying value, the intangible asset is not impaired. There have been no accumulated impairment losses since these indefinite-lived intangible assets were established.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents principally consist of demand deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid fixed maturity investments having maturities of three months or less when purchased.
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Restricted Cash including Fiduciary Funds
Cash that we do not have the right to use for general purposes is recorded as restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheets. Restricted cash includes fiduciary cash held by Ambac's insurance distribution subsidiaries as described below.
As an intermediary, we hold funds, generally in a fiduciary capacity, for the account of third parties, typically as the result of premiums received from retail brokers or insureds that are in transit to insurers and claims due that are in transit from insurers. Since fiduciary assets are not available for corporate use, they are shown in the consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash and we present an equal and corresponding fiduciary liability relating to these funds representing amounts or claims or premiums due on our consolidated balance sheets (included in Other liabilities).
Fiduciary funds are generally required to be kept in bank accounts subject to guidelines which emphasize capital preservation and liquidity. The Company is entitled to retain investment income earned on certain of these fiduciary funds in accordance with industry custom and practice and, in some cases, as supported by agreements with insureds.
Restricted cash for net uncollected premiums and claims and the related fiduciary liabilities were $17,669 and $11,881 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Specialty Property and Casualty Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for Specialty Property and Casualty policies represent management's estimate of the ultimate liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses for claims that have been reported and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported ("IBNR") as of the balance sheet date.
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves represent management estimates, primarily utilizing actuarial expertise and projection methods that develop estimates for the ultimate cost of claims and claim adjustment expenses. The reserves are estimated based upon experience and using a variety of actuarial methods. These estimates are reviewed and are subject to the impact of future changes in factors such as claim severity and frequency, underwriting and claims practices, changes in social and economic conditions including the impact of inflation, legal and judicial developments, medical cost trends and upward trends in damage awards. Our actuarial methods may also rely on external data, such as industry loss ratios, loss development factors, or trend factors. Such data while more mature than Everspan's own data may not be perfectly representative of the particular business written by Everspan. The ultimate amount for loss and loss adjustment expenses may be in excess, or less than, the amounts recorded on our financial statements. Because the establishment of claims and claim adjustment expense reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates and judgment, currently estimated claims and claim adjustment expense reserves may change. Adjustments will be reflected as part of the net increase or reduction in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in the periods in which they become known.
Cumulative amounts paid and case reserves held as of the balance sheet date are subtracted from the estimate of the ultimate cost of claims and claim adjustment expenses to derive incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves. There were no changes in methodology in the past year.
Detailed claim data is typically insufficient to produce a reliable indication of the initial estimate for ultimate claims and claim adjustment expenses for an accident year. As a result, the initial estimate for an accident year is generally based on an exposure-based method using the loss ratio projection method. The loss ratio projection method develops an initial estimate of ultimate claims and claim adjustment expenses for an accident year by multiplying earned premium for the accident year by a projected loss ratio. The projected loss ratio is determined by analyzing prior period experience, and adjusting for loss cost trends, rate level differences, mix of business changes and other known or observed factors influencing the accident year relative to prior accident years.
The following estimation and analysis methods are principally used by the Company’s actuaries to estimate the ultimate cost of claims and claim adjustment expenses. These estimation and analysis methods are typically referred to as conventional actuarial methods.
•The paid loss development method assumes that the future change (positive or negative) in cumulative paid losses for a given cohort of claims will occur in a stable, predictable pattern from year-to-year, consistent with the pattern observed in past cohorts.
•The case incurred development method is the same as the paid loss development method, but is based on cumulative case-incurred losses rather than paid losses.
•The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method uses an initial estimate of ultimate losses for a given product line reserve component, typically expressed as a ratio to earned premium. The method assumes that the ratio of additional claim activity to earned premium for that component is relatively stable and predictable over time and that actual claim activity to date is not a credible predictor of further activity for that component. The method is used most often for more recent accident years where claim data is sparse and/or volatile, with a transition to other methods as the underlying claim data becomes more voluminous and therefore more credible.
While these are the principal methods utilized, the Company’s actuaries have available to them the full range of actuarial methods developed by the casualty actuarial profession. Most actuarial methods assume that past patterns demonstrated in the data will repeat themselves in the future.
The Company performs a continuing review of its loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, including its reserving techniques and the impact of reinsurance. Since the reserves are based on estimates, the ultimate liability may be more or less than such reserves. In this context, in the fourth quarter of 2024, management determined for runoff programs that it would
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
select the high end of its actuarial estimate as it's loss selection pick given the greater volatility that runoff programs may experience.
Reinsurance Recoverable
The Company uses ceded reinsurance to transfer certain insurance risk, along with premiums written and earned, to other insurance carriers that agree to share in such risks. The primary purpose of the reinsurance is to (i) protect the Company, at a cost, from losses in excess of amounts it is willing to accept, (ii) protect the Company's capital, and (iii) to manage the Company's net retention on individual risks and overall exposure to losses while providing the Company the ability to offer policies with sufficient limits to meet policyholder needs. The Company generally enters into quota share reinsurance agreements whereby it cedes to the capacity providers (reinsurers) a substantial amount (generally 70% or more) of its gross liability under all policies issued by and on behalf of the Company by the MGA/U.
Everspan is exposed to the credit risk of the reinsurer, or the risk that one of its reinsurers becomes insolvent or otherwise unable or unwilling to pay policyholder claims. This credit risk is generally mitigated by either selecting well capitalized, highly rated authorized capacity providers or requiring that the capacity provider post collateral to secure the reinsured risks, which in some instances, exceeds the related reinsurance recoverable.
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the associated loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. The Company reports reinsurance recoverables net of an allowance for amounts that are estimated to be uncollectible.
The reinsurance of risk does not legally relieve Everspan of its original liability to its policyholders. In the event that any of Everspan’s reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under reinsurance contracts, Everspan would, nonetheless, be liable to its policyholders for the full amount of its policy.
To minimize credit exposure to losses from reinsurer insolvencies, Everspan (i) is entitled to receive collateral from certain reinsurance counterparties pursuant to the terms of the relevant reinsurance contracts and (ii) has certain cancellation rights that can be exercised by Everspan in the event of rating agency downgrades of a reinsurer (among other events and circumstances). For those reinsurance counterparties that do not currently post collateral, Everspan’s reinsurers are well capitalized, highly rated, authorized capacity providers.
Everspan has a formal quarterly credit impairment review process whereby it has elected to use the practical expedient of considering the fair value of collateral posted by reinsurers when evaluating credit impairment. To determine the total unsecured recoverable to be evaluated for credit impairment, we net the reinsurance recoverable amount by ceded premiums payable and the fair value of collateral posted, if any.
The key factors in assessing credit impairment for reinsurance recoverables are independent rating agency credit ratings and loss severities. Management utilizes a probability of default/loss given default ("PD/LGD") approach, which is applied to the net
unsecured reinsurance recoverable amount. Refer to Note 8. Insurance Contracts for credit impairment disclosures.
Short-term Debt
Short-term debt is carried at par value less unamortized discount. Accrued interest and discount accretion on short-term debt is reported as Interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Noncontrolling Interests ("NCI")
Nonredeemable NCI interests
Nonredeemable NCI of $146,837 includes the aggregate NCI share in certain operating units which are minority owned by the units' respective management teams. As of December 31, 2024, there are no put or call options associated with these minority interests and as such, the aggregate amount is classified as nonredeemable NCI on the balance sheet. The acquisition date valuation method to determine the fair value of nonredeemable NCI was the discounted cash flow approach. The significant fair value assumptions used in the model include estimated long term revenue and expense forecasts and the discount rate.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, AAC had 4,596 shares of issued and outstanding Auction Market Preferred Shares ("AMPS") with a liquidation preference of $114,900 relative to Ambac common shareholders (reported as nonredeemable noncontrolling interest of $50,918 on Ambac's balance sheet). See Note 5. Discontinued Operation for further discussion of the AMPS.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
The Xchange, All Trans, Capacity Marine, Riverton and Beat acquisitions resulted in the ownership percentages of the acquired entities by Ambac as shown in the following table
Company Ownership Percentage
Xchange 80%
All Trans 85%
Capacity Marine 80%
Riverton 80%
Beat (1)
60%
(1) Beat's majority interests in its underlying MGAs ranges from 60% to 100% at December 31, 2024, resulting in Ambac's interest ranging from 36% to 60%% in each underlying MGA/U.
Under the terms of all the acquisition agreements, Ambac has call options to purchase the remaining interest from the minority owners (i.e., noncontrolling interests) and the minority owners have put options to sell their remaining interests to Ambac. Because the exercise of the put options are outside the control of Ambac, in accordance with the Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity Topic of the ASC, Ambac reports redeemable NCI in the mezzanine section of its consolidated balance sheets.
The acquisition date valuation method to determine the fair value of redeemable NCI and related put and call options was Monte Carlo Simulation. The significant fair value assumptions used in the simulation include the exercise thresholds, EBITDA forecasts, discount rate and long-term growth rates. The redeemable NCI is remeasured each period as the greater of:
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
i.the carrying value under ASC 810, which attributes a portion of consolidated net income (loss) to the redeemable NCI, and
ii.the redemption value of the put option under ASC 480 as if it were exercisable at the end of the reporting period.
Any increase (decrease) in the carrying amount of the redeemable NCI as a result of adjusting to the redemption value of the put option is recorded as an offset to retained earnings. The impact of such differences on earnings per share are presented in Note 15. Net Income Per Share.
Following is a rollforward of redeemable NCI.
Years ended December 31, 2024 2023
Beginning balance $ 17,079 $ 19,983
Fair value of redeemable NCI at acquisition date 185,469 2,450
Net income attributable to redeemable NCI (ASC 810) (1,282) 1,318
Distributions (2,391) (1,880)
Adjustment to redemption value (ASC 480 ) (53,210) (4,792)
Foreign exchange (4,805) -
Ending Balance $ 140,860 $ 17,079
Revenue Recognition
Revenues for the Insurance Distribution business operations are recognized in accordance with the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic of the ASC. The following steps are applied to recognize revenue: (i) identify the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract(s), (iii) determine the transaction price, and (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. A performance obligation is satisfied either at a point in time or over time depending on the nature of the product or service provided, and the specific terms of the contract with customers.
Performance obligations consist of underwriting and placing policies with insurers and, for certain products, providing claims servicing. Revenue from employer stop loss policies ("ESL") is apportioned to policy placement and claims servicing based on the relative stand-alone selling price of the respective performance obligations with policy placement revenue recognized upfront while claims servicing revenue is recognized over the claim adjustment period. Revenue from other insurance policies are recognized up front as no further performance obligations exist after policy placement.
Revenue consists of base and profit-sharing commissions.
•Base commissions, associated with policy placement and claims servicing, are estimated by applying the contractual commission percentages to estimated gross premiums placed.
•Profit-sharing commissions represent variable consideration associated with policy placement only and are estimated based on expected loss ratios and the estimated gross premium for base commissions.
Base and profit-sharing commissions are estimated with a constraint applied such that a significant reversal of revenue in the future is not probable. Revenue is reported in Commissions income on the Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income.
Contract assets represent the Company's right to future consideration for services it has already transferred to the customer, which is subject to certain contingencies. Once the right to consideration becomes unconditional, it is reported as a receivable. Contract assets are evaluated for credit loss under CECL using a probability of default / loss given default (“PD/LGD”) method which measures credit impairment as the product of the carrying value, default probability and loss given default, considering the asset’s credit rating and average life. Contract liabilities represent the Company's obligation to transfer services for which it has already received consideration from the customer. Contract assets and receivables are reported as other assets, and contract liabilities are reported as other liabilities, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The Company’s costs to obtain customer contracts relate to certain commissions paid to independent agents for procuring policies. As these costs relate to the Company’s policy placement performance obligation to its customers, they are expensed as incurred. These costs are reported in Commission expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Incentive Compensation
Incentive compensation is a key component of our compensation strategy. Incentive compensation has two components: short term incentive compensation (consisting of an annual cash bonus) and long term incentive plan awards (consisting of deferred cash and awards of restricted and performance stock units). Annual decisions with regard to incentive compensation are generally made in the first quarter of each year and are based on the prior year's performance for the Company, the employee and the employee's business unit.
In 2024, the Ambac 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2020 Incentive Plan”) was superseded by the 2024 Incentive Compensation Plan ("2024 Incentive Plan"). Both plans allow for the granting of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted and performance units and other awards to employees, directors and consultants that are valued or determined by reference to Ambac's common stock. Under these plans, Ambac has issued both cash and equity awards to US employees and consultants.
In connection with the adoption of the 2024 Incentive Plan, all shares reserved but unissued under the 2020 Incentive Plan were transferred to the the 2024 Incentive Plan in addition to any shares underlying outstanding awards under the 2020 Incentive Plan as of June 5, 2024, that subsequently terminate by expiration or forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise are not issued.
Under the 2020 and 2024 Incentive Compensation Plans. Ambac recognizes compensation costs for all equity classified awards granted at fair value, which is measured on the grant date, and records forfeitures for unvested shares only when they occur.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
For awards that only include service and performance conditions, the fair value is the market price of Ambac stock on the grant date. For awards that also contain a market condition, specifically a total shareholder return ("TSR") modifier, the fair value is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation.
The types of equity awards granted to employees are as follows:
•Restricted stock units - only require future service and accordingly the respective fair value is recognized as compensation expense over the relevant service period.
•Performance stock units - require both future service and achieving specified performance targets to vest. Performance stock unit grants also include a market condition TSR modifier that will cause the total payout at the end the performance period to increase or decrease depending on Ambac's stock performance relative to a peer group. Compensation costs for all performance stock units are only recognized when the achievement of the performance conditions are considered probable. Once deemed probable, such compensation costs are recognized as compensation expense over the relevant service period. Compensation costs are initially based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions and adjusted for subsequent changes in the estimated or actual outcome each reporting period as necessary. Changes in the estimated or actual outcome of a performance condition are recognized by reflecting a retrospective adjustment to compensation cost in the current period.
Operating Leases
A contract contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Ambac's evaluation of whether certain contracts contain leases requires judgment regarding what party controls the asset and whether the asset is physically distinct.
Ambac is the lessee in leases which are classified as operating leases. Ambac recognizes a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost is allocated generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term within operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss). The lease term commences on the earlier of the date when we become legally obligated for the rent payments or the date on which we take possession of the property. For such operating leases, Ambac recognizes a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The discount rate used to initially measure the ROU assets and lease liabilities reflects the estimated secured borrowing rate of the applicable Ambac subsidiary, which considers the rate of existing or recent debt obligations of the entity. All cash payments are classified within operating activities in the statement of cash flows.
For contracts where Ambac is the lessee, we have elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. For those leases that qualify for that exemption, we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities. For all contracts where Ambac is the lessee and lessor we have also elected the
practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components.
Depreciation and Amortization of Fixed Assets
Depreciation of furniture and fixtures, certain information technology development costs and electronic data processing equipment is charged over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, ranging from three to five years, using the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is charged over the remaining term of the respective operating lease using the straight-line method. Changes to estimated useful lives are accounted for prospectively from the period of change. Fixed assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable.
Foreign Currency
Financial statement accounts expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with the Foreign Currency Matters Topic of the ASC. The functional currencies of Ambac's subsidiaries are the local currencies of the country where the respective subsidiaries are based, which are also the primary operating environments in which the subsidiaries operate.
Foreign currency translation: Functional currency assets and liabilities of Ambac’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and the related translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes, are included as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Stockholders' Equity. Functional currency operating results of foreign subsidiaries are translated using average exchange rates.
Foreign currency transactions: The impact of non-functional currency transactions and the remeasurement of non-functional currency assets and liabilities into the respective subsidiaries' functional currency (collectively "foreign currency transactions gains/(losses)") are $101, $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Foreign currency transactions gains/(losses) are primarily the result of Beat's transactions in currencies (primarily the U.S. dollar) other than its functional currency (the British Pound Sterling).
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in or parties to actual, pending and threatened lawsuits and proceedings. A liability is accrued for such contingencies when a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. If a loss is not "probable and reasonably estimable," but is reasonably possible, disclosure of the contingency and an estimate of the loss or range of loss is required if such an estimate can be determined. Significant management judgment is required to apply this guidance. As a legal contingency develops, the Company, in conjunction with outside counsel, evaluates what level of accrual and/or disclosure is required under the guidance. See Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies for additional information about our legal contingencies and related accounting evaluation.
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Income Taxes
Ambac files a consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return with its subsidiaries, except for Beat which files a separate tax return. Ambac and its subsidiaries also file separate or combined income tax returns in various states, local and foreign jurisdictions. Current tax assets and liabilities are recognized for taxes refundable or payable for the current year.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on current and deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Income Taxes Topic of the ASC requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on management's assessment and consideration of all available evidence using a ‘more likely than not' standard. In making such judgments,
significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. The level of deferred tax asset recognition is influenced by management’s assessment of future profitability, which depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carry forward periods available under the tax law.
Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders, including the adjustment to redemption value of the redeemable NCI, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and vested restricted stock units (together, "Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding"). Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders, including the adjustment to redemption value of the redeemable controlling interest, by the Basic Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding plus all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. All potentially dilutive common shares outstanding consider common stock deliverable pursuant to warrants, unvested restricted stock units and performance stock units granted under existing compensation plans.
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes $ 526 $ 381 $ 347
Interest on debt 3,821 - -
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Ambac common stock issued as partial consideration to acquire Beat 29,229 - -
December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 29,606 $ 7,342 $ 6,329
Restricted cash 17,669 11,881 13,612
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 47,275 19,223 19,941
Reclassifications and Rounding
Reclassifications have been made to prior years' amounts to conform to the current year's presentation. This includes reclassifying held-for-sale assets and liabilities of Ambac's financial guarantee business which is being reported as a discontinued operation. Certain amounts and tables in the consolidated financial statements and associated notes may not add due to rounding.
Adopted Accounting Standards
The Company adopted the following accounting standard in 2024:
Segment Reporting:
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvement to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU requires disclosure of the following:
•Significant segment expenses regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and included within the reported measure(s) of a segment’s profit or loss.
•The amount and composition of "other segment items". This amount reconciles segment revenue, less significant expenses, to the reported measure(s) of a segment’s profit or loss.
•The CODM's title and position.
•How the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of a segment’s profit or loss to assess segment performance and decide how to allocate resources.
•All segment profit or loss and assets disclosures currently required annually by Topic 280, as well as those introduced by the ASU, to also be disclosed in interim periods.
The ASU also permits a public entity to report multiple measures of a segment’s profit or loss as long as: i) all the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss are used by the
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 64
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
CODM for purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources; and ii) the measure closest to GAAP is also provided. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. Ambac adopted this ASU for the annual reporting period ending December 31, 2024. See Note 3. Segment Information for the required disclosures.
Future Application of Accounting Standards
Income Taxes:
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The enhancements in the ASU include the following:
•Within the rate reconciliation table, disclosure of additional categories of information about federal, state and foreign income taxes and providing more details about the reconciling items in some categories if the items meet a quantitative threshold.
•Annual disclosure of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal (national), state and foreign taxes and disaggregation of the information by jurisdiction based on a quantitative threshold.
•Other disclosures include: i) income (or loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign and ii) income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal (national), state, and foreign.
The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. Ambac will
adopt this ASU on January 1, 2025 and do not expect it to have a consequential impact on Ambac's financial statements.
Expense Disaggregation Disclosures:
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40). The enhanced disclosures requirements include the following:
•Disclose the amounts of certain expense categories included in each relevant expense caption. Those categories applicable to Ambac include employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization. A relevant expense caption is an expense caption presented on the face of the income statement within continuing operations that contains any of the expense categories listed above.
•Include certain amounts that are already required to be disclosed under current GAAP in the same disclosure as the other disaggregation requirements.
•Disclose a qualitative description of the amounts remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated quantitatively.
•Disclose the total amount of selling expenses and, in annual reporting periods, an entity’s definition of selling expenses.
The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and for interim reporting periods after December 15, 2027 with early adoption permitted. Ambac has not determined if it will early adopt this ASU and is evaluating the impact on Ambac's financial statements.
3. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company reports its results of continuing operations in two segments: Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution. These reportable segments offer distinct products and services as further described in Note 1. Background and Business Description. The operating entities within each segment are wholly or majority owned by separate intermediate holding companies: Everspan Holdings, LLC for Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Cirrata Group, LLC for Insurance Distribution. The Company's segments have separate management teams with incentive compensation structures based on segment level performance. Financial reporting for each segment is regularly provided to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), for purposes of monitoring the businesses, assessing performance and allocating resources.
The following tables summarize the components of the Company’s total revenues and expenses, and pretax income (loss) by reportable business segment. Information provided below for “Corporate and Other” primarily relates to the operations of AFG, which will include investment income on its investment portfolio and costs to maintain the operations of AFG, including public company reporting, capital management and business development costs for the acquisition and development of new business initiatives. As a result of the Company reporting the results of operations of AAC as discontinued operations, certain corporate costs charged to AAC totaling $14,919, $19,367 and $20,189 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, have been reported in Net income from continuing operations on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income and included in Corporate and Other in the tables below.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 65
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Year Ended December 31, 2023
Reportable Segments Reportable Segments
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Total Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Total
Revenues:
Net premiums earned $ 99,005 $ 99,005 $ 51,911 $ 51,911
Commission income $ 92,023 92,023 $ 51,281 51,281
Program fees 13,506 13,506 8,437 8,437
Net investment income, net investment gains (losses), including impairments 6,400 787 $ 6,764 13,951 3,759 64 $ 9,353 13,176
Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts - 106 3,910 4,016 - - (279) (279)
Other income (expense) 7,409 6,320 (415) 13,314 (6) 200 6 200
Total revenues from Continuing Operations (1)
126,320 99,236 10,259 235,815 64,101 51,546 9,080 124,728
Less:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses (benefit) 72,626 72,626 36,712 36,712
Policy acquisition costs 23,666 23,666 10,557 10,557
Commission expenses 40,876 40,876 29,465 29,465
Depreciation expense - 481 1,864 2,345 - 42 1,036 1,078
Intangible amortization 17,602 17,602 4,152 4,152
Interest expense 9,379 9,379 -
Compensation expense 10,201 28,353 25,791 64,346 10,853 7,951 29,664 48,468
Non Compensation expense 7,605 10,354 46,861 64,820 5,596 2,647 10,274 18,517
Total expenses from Continuing Operations 114,098 107,045 74,516 295,660 63,718 44,257 40,974 148,949
Segment pretax income (loss) 12,222 (7,809) (64,257) (59,845) 383 7,289 (31,894) (24,221)
Segment income tax expense (benefit) 1,753 (928) (1,748) (924) 48 156 (1,193) (989)
Segment net income (loss) 10,469 (6,881) (62,509) (58,921) 335 7,133 (30,701) (23,232)
Segment net (income) loss attributable to NCI 2 (363) (361) (1) (1,318) (1,319)
Segment net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders $ 10,471 $ (7,244) $ (62,509) $ (59,282) $ 334 5,815 (30,701) $ (24,551)
Reconciliation to consolidated net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders
Discontinued operations (497,167) 28,183
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders $ (556,449) $ 3,632
Reconciliation of segment assets to consolidated total assets
Total assets $ 751,272 $ 900,222 $ 139,684 $ 1,791,178 $ 523,179 $ 154,846 $ 233,839 $ 911,864
Discontinued operations $ 6,267,200 $ 7,516,456
Total consolidated assets $ 8,058,378 $ 8,428,320
EBITDA Reconciliation
Segment net income (loss) $ 10,469 $ (6,881) $ (62,509) $ (58,921) $ 335 $ 7,133 $ (30,701) $ (23,232)
Adjustments:
Interest expense 9,379 9,379 - -
Income taxes 1,753 (928) (1,748) (924) 48 156 (1,193) (989)
Depreciation - 481 1,864 2,345 - 42 1,036 1,078
Intangible amortization 17,602 17,602 4,152 4,152
EBITDA 12,222 19,653 (62,393) (30,518) $ 383 $ 11,483 $ (30,858) $ (18,991)
Add: Impact of noncontrolling interests (6,448) (6,448) (2,102) (2,102)
Ambac EBITDA $ 12,222 $ 13,208 $ (62,396) $ (36,966) 383 9,381 (30,858) (21,093)
(1)Inter-segment revenues and inter-segment pre-tax income (loss) amounts are insignificant and are not presented separately.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 66
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Reportable Segments
Specialty Property & Casualty Insurance Insurance Distribution Corporate & Other Total
Revenues:
Net premiums earned $ 13,869 $ 13,869
Commission income $ 30,695 30,695
Program fees 3,095 3,095
Net investment income, net investment gains (losses), including impairments 1,559 - $ 2,883 4,442
Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts 935 935
Other income (expense) (58) 715 (81) 576
Total revenues from Continuing Operations 18,465 31,410 3,737 53,612
Less:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses (benefit) 9,071 9,071
Policy acquisition costs 2,535 2,535
Commission expenses 17,641 17,641
Depreciation expense - 31 841 872
Intangible amortization 2,921 2,921
Interest expense - - -
Compensation expense 7,799 4,518 26,842 39,159
Non Compensation expense 5,406 1,775 9,938 17,119
Total expenses from Continuing Operations (1)
24,811 26,886 37,621 89,318
Segment pretax income (loss) (6,346) 4,524 (33,884) (35,706)
Segment income tax expense (benefit) (1) - (462) (462)
Segment net income (loss) (6,345) 4,524 (33,422) (35,244)
Segment net (income) loss attributable to NCI 15 (886) (871)
Segment net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders $ (6,330) $ 3,638 $ (33,422) $ (36,115)
Reconciliation to consolidated net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders
Discontinued operations 557,364
Plus: gain on purchase of auction market preferred shares 1,131
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac stockholders $ 522,380
Reconciliation of segment assets to consolidated total assets
Total assets 316,327 138,068 226,386 $ 680,781
Discontinued operations 7,291,949
Total consolidated assets $ 7,972,730
Segment net income (loss) $ (6,345) $ 4,524 $ (33,422) $ (35,244)
Adjustments:
Interest expense - - -
Income taxes (1) - (462) (462)
Depreciation - 31 841 872
Intangible amortization 2,921 2,921
EBITDA (6,346) 7,476 (33,043) (31,913)
Add: Impact of noncontrolling interests (1,463) (1,463)
Ambac EBITDA $ (6,347) $ 6,013 $ (33,043) $ (33,377)
(1)Inter-segment revenues and inter-segment pre-tax income (loss) amounts are insignificant and are not presented separately.
Geographic Information
Revenue is primarily recognized based on the country in which the services are performed. The following table shows the geographic breakdown of revenue:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
United States $ 212,605 $ 124,728 $ 53,612
United Kingdom 23,210 - -
Total revenues and other income $ 235,815 $ 124,728 $ 53,612
4. BUSINESS COMBINATION
On July 31, 2024, Ambac completed the acquisition of 60% of Beat for a purchase price of $281,278 of which approximately $252,048 was paid in cash and the remainder was satisfied through the issuance of 2,216,023 shares of Company Common Stock to certain Sellers (the "Beat Transaction"). Beat’s management team and Bain Capital Credit LP (together, the “Rollover Shareholders”) each retained approximately 20% of Beat’s issued share capital immediately after closing. Many of Beat's operating units are minority owned by their respective management teams and accordingly, Ambac's economic interests in those units is less than 60% despite our ownership of 60% of Beat.
AFG funded the cash portion of the consideration with a combination of available cash, approximately $62,000 of funding from AAC in the form of an investment in Cirrata V LLC, and $147,000 from new indebtedness (the "Credit Facility") that was issued in the third quarter of 2024. See Note 12. Debt for the terms of the Credit Facility.
AFG issued the common stock free and clear of any liens or restrictions (other than those arising under state and federal securities laws of the United States) and bearing a restrictive legend. The common stock has not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon an exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.
At the closing of the Beat Transaction, AFG entered into a Shareholders’ Agreement by and among AFG, the Purchaser, the Rollover Shareholders and Beat (the “Shareholders’ Agreement”). The Shareholders’ Agreement provides for, among other things, the granting of (i) put options to each Rollover Shareholder to require the Purchaser to purchase from such Rollover Shareholder, the Relevant Shares (as defined in the Shareholders’ Agreement), and (ii) call options to the Purchaser to purchase from each Rollover Shareholder, the Relevant Shares.
The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The Company has finalized its fair value estimates of the acquired assets, assumed liabilities and NCI as of December 31, 2024, and no subsequent adjustments will be made within the permitted measurement period as defined by ASC 805.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 67
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to acquire Beat and the estimated fair values of the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, as well as the fair value of the NCI, at the acquisition date:
Fair value of consideration transferred:
Cash $ 252,048
Common shares 29,229
Total consideration $ 281,278
Recognized amounts of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and NCI:
Cash and equivalents $ 8,272
Short-term investments 28,919
Commission receivables and contract assets 47,696
Other assets 10,972
Intangible assets 311,557
Goodwill 357,317
Advanced commissions (49,299)
Premium payable (5,722)
Deferred tax liability (74,300)
Other liabilities (19,570)
Redeemable NCI (185,469)
Nonredeemable NCI (149,095)
Total $ 281,278
Goodwill was recorded to reflect the excess purchase consideration over net assets acquired and primarily consists of the future economic benefits that we expect to receive as a result of the acquisition, driven by the value of Beat's potential future distribution and carrier relationships, and synergies with other Ambac business operations. All of the $357,317 of goodwill was assigned to the Insurance Distribution segment. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
The fair value of the redeemable non-controlling interest of $185,469 on the acquisition date was estimated based on the non-controlling interest’s respective share of Beat's enterprise value, adjusted for the value of Ambac's call option to purchase, and the minority owners' put option to sell to Ambac, respectively, the remaining 40% membership interest in Beat. Please refer to the Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest section of Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, for further information regarding the terms of the call and put option, as well as the redeemable NCI balance sheet classification.
The fair value of the nonredeemable NCI of $149,095 represents the aggregate NCI share in certain Beat operating units which are minority owned by the units' respective management teams. At December 31, 2024, there are no put or call options associated with these minority interests and as such, the aggregate amount is classified as nonredeemable NCI on the balance sheet.
The following table sets forth the estimated fair values of identifiable intangible assets acquired and their estimated useful lives as of the date of acquisition:
Fair
Value Useful
Life - Years
Customer relationships $ 303,331 10.0
Trademarks 8,226 10.0
Total $ 311,557
The customer relationships intangible represents existing relationships Beat maintains with a variety of brokers and distributors across its product lines. It excludes the value of potential future distribution relationships that may be developed, which is included in goodwill. The trade name intangible represents the rights to the Beat Capital Partners brand name which is well known in the marketplace in which Beat competes.
The overall weighted average useful life of the identified amortizable intangible assets acquired is 5.1 years.
The acquired business contributed revenues of $40,343 and net income of $4,551 to Ambac for the period from August 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The following unaudited pro forma summary presents consolidated information of Ambac as if the business combination had occurred on January 1, 2023.
Year Ended December 31,
Pro forma (unaudited) 2024 2023
Revenues $ 276,800 $ 182,482
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (51,782) $ (93,021)
Ambac did not have any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and net income.
These pro forma amounts have been calculated after applying Ambac's accounting policies and adjusting the results of Beat to reflect amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to intangible assets had been applied from January 1, 2023, with the consequential tax effects.
In 2024, Ambac incurred $27,388 of acquisition-related costs. These expenses are included in general and administrative expense on Ambac's consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2024. In the table above, these expenses are reflected in the pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2023.
5. DISCONTINUED OPERATION
Sale of Ambac Assurance Corporation ("AAC")
On June 4, 2024, AFG entered into a stock purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with American Acorn Corporation (the “Buyer”), a Delaware corporation owned by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., pursuant to which and subject to the conditions set forth therein, AFG will sell all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of AAC owned by AFG to the Buyer for aggregate consideration of $420,000 in cash, and will issue to the Buyer a warrant to
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 68
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
purchase AFG common stock as further described below (the "AAC Sale"). The terms of the AAC Sale as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement provide that, at the closing of the AAC Sale (the “Closing”), Buyer will acquire complete ownership of the common stock of AAC and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Ambac UK.
The Purchase Agreement required AFG to seek the affirmative vote in favor of the AAC Sale by the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of AFG common stock entitled to vote thereon (the “Stockholder Approval”). On October 16, 2024, Stockholder Approval was obtained at a special meeting of stockholders duly convened for that purpose.
The Purchase Agreement contains certain customary termination rights for each of AFG and Buyer, including (i) by mutual written agreement; (ii) if the AAC Sale has not been consummated on or before April 4, 2025 (the “End Date”), subject to extension by 90 days in certain circumstances; (iii) if the other party is in breach of the Purchase Agreement in a manner that would result in a failure of an applicable closing condition and such breach cannot be cured or, if curable, has not been cured within 60 days after written notice to the other party of such breach; or (iv) if any applicable law makes the consummation of the Closing illegal or otherwise prohibited, or any judgment, order or decree of any governmental authority enjoins Buyer and AFG from consummating the Closing. AFG would pay the Buyer an amount equal to $22,000 (the “Termination Fee”) if all of the following occur: (i) the Purchase Agreement is terminated as a result of (a) not closing the AAC Sale and other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement by the End Date, as it may be extended, or (b) an AFG breach of representations or covenants that would cause certain closing conditions not to be satisfied; (ii) AFG has received an alternative acquisition proposal prior to a valid termination of the Purchase Agreement; and (iii) within 12 months after termination of the Purchase Agreement, AFG enters into a definitive agreement for an alternative acquisition. AFG would also pay Buyer the Termination Fee if the Purchase Agreement is terminated for (x) AFG's breach of certain covenants that would cause closing conditions not to be satisfied, or (y) AFG changing its recommendation to the Company’s stockholders regarding the sale. In addition to the Termination Fee, AFG would pay Buyer up to $6,000 as a reimbursement of Buyer’s reasonably documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection with the AAC Sale and other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement if (i) the Purchase Agreement is terminated as a result of not closing the AAC Sale and other transactions by the End Date and the Termination Fee is also payable; (ii) the Purchase Agreement is terminated as a result of AFG changing its recommendation to the AFG stockholders regarding the AAC Sale; or (iii) there is an AFG breach of representations or covenants that would cause certain closing conditions not to be satisfied. The Closing is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of specified regulatory approvals.
In connection with and pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, AFG has agreed to issue to the Buyer a warrant exercisable for a number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01, of AFG representing 9.9% of the fully diluted shares of AFG’s common
stock as of March 31, 2024, pro forma for the issuance of the Warrant. The Warrant will have an exercise price per share of $18.50 with a 6.5 year term from the date of issuance and will be immediately exercisable. Payment of the exercise price may be settled, at AFG’s option, by way of a cash exercise or by net share settlement. Also pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, concurrent with the AAC Sale, AFG will purchase AAC's co-investment in the holding company established to purchase Beat, for an amount equal to AAC's $62,000 investment plus 7.5% per annum thereon.
While management, the Board and AFG's stockholders have approved the AAC Sale, the AAC Sale is also subject to approval by our regulators in both the US and UK. Buyer received approval from the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority ("PRA") for the change in control of Ambac UK on October 24, 2024 (which remains effective only if the AAC Sale is completed by April 30, 2025, which deadline may be extended by the PRA on upon Buyer's request). Approval from the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance ("OCI") remains outstanding. Management believes the OCI approval of the sale of AAC is ordinary and customary and it is probable that the deal will close in the first half of 2025. The AAC Sale will have a major effect on AFG's operations and financial results and, as of December 31, 2024, meets the held-for-sale reporting requirements. Accordingly, AAC's assets and liabilities that will be transferred in the AAC Sale are classified as held-for-sale, and its results and cash flows presented as discontinued operations.
At December 31, 2024, the carrying value of AAC's net assets held-for-sale is $962,637, before the valuation allowance for the expected loss on disposal, inclusive of the accrued value of AAC's co-investment with AFG described above, and net of the carrying value of AAC's Auction Market Preferred Shares ("AMPS").
•At December 31, 2024 and 2023, AAC had 4,596 shares of issued and outstanding AMPS with a liquidation preference of $114,900 relative to Ambac common shareholders (reported as nonredeemable noncontrolling interest of $50,918 on Ambac's balance sheet). In 2022, AAC purchased 905 shares of AMPS for $7,919. The difference between this amount paid to AMPS holders and the carrying amount was reflected as an increase to Net income attributable to common shareholders for approximately $1,131. The auction occurs every 28 days and the dividend rate has continuously been reset at the maximum, equal to the Reference Rate plus 200 basis points. Beginning July 1, 2023, the Reference Rate for the AMPS is one-month CME Term SOFR plus 0.11448 percent. Prior to July 1, 2023, the Reference Rate was one-month LIBOR.
•Under the terms of the AMPS, dividends may not be paid on the common stock of AAC unless all accrued and unpaid dividends on the AMPS for the then current dividend period have been paid, provided, that dividends on the common stock may be made at all times for the purpose of, and only in such amounts as are necessary for, enabling AFG (i) to service its indebtedness for borrowed money as such payments become due or (ii) to pay its operating
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 69
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
expenses. If dividends are paid on the common stock as provided in the prior sentence, dividends on the AMPS become cumulative until the date that all accumulated and unpaid dividends have been paid on the AMPS. AAC has not paid dividends on its AMPS since 2010.
The expected loss on sale reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $(570,145) is equal to the difference between the sale proceeds (net of the value of the Warrants to be issued) and the carrying value of AAC's net assets held-for-sale, less expected closing costs. The carrying value of held-for-sale assets and liabilities, and consequently the expected loss on disposal, are subject to variability through the closing date of the AAC Sale. Changes to the carrying value of held-for-sale assets and liabilities could arise from changes in estimates of financial guarantee losses and loss adjustment expense reserves, including subrogation recoverable; changes in the valuation of invested assets and other financial instruments carried at fair value; adverse or favorable litigation outcomes; and other operating results of AAC and its subsidiaries, including consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Additionally, at closing, net income will be impacted by reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investment securities, cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments and cumulative credit risk changes of fair value option liabilities attributable to AAC and subsidiaries, which at December 31, 2024, amounted to $(175,278).
The components of anticipated loss on sale included within Net income (loss) from discontinued operations before tax on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2024, are summarized below:
Fair value of net consideration to be received $ 399,727
Less: estimated closing costs (7,235)
392,492
Carrying amount of net assets held-for-sale 962,637
Loss on disposal $ (570,145)
The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities held-for-sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets after elimination of intercompany balances:
December 31,
2024 2023
ASSETS:
Total investments $ 2,226,505 $ 2,309,967
Cash and equivalents 8,322 9,152
Premiums receivable 217,096 243,710
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses 25,274 29,518
Deferred ceded premiums 79,074 93,264
Subrogation recoverable 113,962 137,219
Intangible assets 213,457 245,133
Other assets, net 49,396 54,091
VIE assets (including restricted cash of $57,754 and $246,031)
3,904,259 4,394,402
Valuation allowance on assets held-for-sale (570,145) -
Total assets held-for-sale $ 6,267,200 $ 7,516,456
LIABILITIES:
Unearned premiums $ 228,177 $ 266,727
Loss and loss adjustment reserves 577,167 695,859
Ceded premiums payable 56,404 60,627
Long-term debt and accrued interest 1,046,658 983,069
Other liabilities, net 105,772 131,294
VIE liabilities 3,873,507 4,404,290
Total liabilities held-for-sale $ 5,887,685 $ 6,541,866
The following table summarizes the major line items constituting net income (loss) from discontinued operations reconciled to net income (loss) from discontinued operations presented in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 70
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Year ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
REVENUES:
Net premiums earned $ 23,879 $ 26,040 $ 42,383
Net investment income 133,933 126,957 12,324
Net investment gains (losses), including impairments 4,416 (22,507) 31,538
Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts 3,958 (699) 127,630
Net realized gain on extinguishment of debt - - 81,272
Litigation recoveries - - 125,869
Other revenues 31,096 14,533 30,266
Total revenues 197,282 144,324 451,282
EXPENSES:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses (benefit) (45,767) (69,320) (405,534)
Intangible amortization 30,508 24,736 43,925
General & administrative and other expenses 57,491 88,306 84,455
Interest expense 63,587 64,025 168,158
Total expenses 105,819 107,747 (108,996)
Pretax income 91,463 36,577 560,278
Provision for income taxes 18,485 8,394 2,914
Loss on disposal (570,145) - -
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations (497,167) $ 28,183 557,364
Gain on purchase of AMPS - $ - 1,131
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac common shareholders $ (497,167) $ 28,183 $ 558,495
Significant Accounting Policies
The held-for-sale assets and liabilities and results of operations are subject to certain additional significant accounting policies to those described in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies.
Fair value of assets held-for-sale:
Total assets held-for-sale are carried at fair value as of December 31, 2024. The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC specifies a fair value hierarchy based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Measurement of fair value of assets held-for-sale is based on information from the purchase agreement and other unobservable information and is considered by management to be a Level 3 valuation under the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC.
Investments:
Equity interests in pooled investment funds which are accounted for in accordance with the Investments - Equity Securities Topic of the ASC include equity interests in the form of common stock or in-substance common stock are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value with changes in fair value reported through income.
Investments in fixed maturity securities classified at trading are reported within Assets held-for-sale at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported through income.
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VIEs for which AAC or Ambac UK is deemed the primary beneficiary in accordance with the Consolidation Topic of the ASC. A VIE is an entity: a) that lacks enough equity investment at risk to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties; or b) where the group of equity holders does not have: (1) the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of an entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; (2) the obligation to absorb the entity’s expected losses; or (3) the right to receive the entity’s expected residual returns. The determination of whether a variable interest holder is the primary beneficiary involves performing a qualitative analysis of the VIE that includes, among other factors, its capital structure, contractual terms including the rights of each variable interest holder, the activities of the VIE, whether the variable interest holder has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, whether the variable interest holder has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, related party relationships and the design of the VIE. An entity that is deemed the primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE.
We determined that AAC or Ambac UK generally have the obligation to absorb a LFG VIE's expected losses given that they have issued financial guarantees supporting certain liabilities (and in some cases certain assets). Ambac consolidates certain LFG VIEs in cases where we also have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. A VIE is generally deconsolidated in the period that AAC or Ambac UK no longer has such control rights.
The impact of consolidating such LFG VIEs on Ambac’s balance sheet is the elimination of transactions between the consolidated LFG VIEs and AAC or Ambac UK and the inclusion of the LFG VIE’s third party assets and liabilities. For a financial guarantee insurance policy issued to a consolidated VIE, Ambac does not reflect the financial guarantee insurance policy in accordance with the related insurance accounting rules under the Financial Services - Insurance Topic of the ASC. Consequently, upon consolidation, Ambac eliminates the insurance assets and liabilities associated with the policy from the Consolidated Balance Sheets, including premium receivables, unearned premiums, loss and loss expense reserves, and insurance intangible assets. For investment securities owned by AAC or Ambac UK that are debt instruments issued by the VIE, the associated debt and investment balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
Generally, Ambac has elected the fair value option for consolidated LFG VIE financial assets and financial liabilities, except in cases where AAC or Ambac UK was involved in the
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
design of the VIE and was granted control rights at its inception or when the financial liabilities are primarily supported by non-financial assets. The election to use the fair value option is made on an instrument by instrument basis.
In cases where the fair value option has not been elected, the LFG VIE's invested assets are fixed maturity securities and are classified as either available-for-sale or trading as defined by the Investments - Debt Securities Topic of the ASC.
When the fair value option is elected for LFG VIE long-term debt, changes in the fair value of the long-term debt is reported in income on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), except for the portion of the total change in fair value of financial liabilities caused by changes in the instrument-specific credit risk which is presented separately in Other comprehensive income (loss). In cases where the fair value option has not been elected, the LFG VIEs' long-term debt is carried at par less unamortized discount, with interest expense reported in income on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Consolidated VIE assets and liabilities are presented in VIE assets and VIE liabilities in the above table. Results of consolidated VIEs are included in other revenues above.
Financial Guarantee Insurance Intangible:
Upon Ambac's emergence from bankruptcy in 2013, an insurance intangible asset was recorded which represented the difference between the fair value and aggregate carrying value of the financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance assets and liabilities. The carrying values of financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance contracts continue to be reported and measured in accordance with their existing accounting policies. Pursuant to the Financial Services-Insurance Topic of the ASC, the insurance intangible is to be measured on a basis consistent with the related financial guarantee insurance and reinsurance contracts. The initial insurance intangible asset was assigned to groups of insurance and reinsurance contracts with similar characteristics and has been amortized using a level-yield method based on par exposure of the related groups.
Legacy Financial Guarantee Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses:
The loss and loss adjustment expense reserve (“loss reserve”) policy relates only to Ambac’s non-derivative financial guarantee insurance business for insurance policies issued to beneficiaries, including VIEs, for which we do not consolidate the VIE. Losses and loss expenses are based upon estimates of the ultimate aggregate losses inherent in the insured portfolio as of the reporting date.
A loss reserve is recorded on the balance sheet on a policy-by-policy basis based upon the present value ("PV") of expected net claim cash outflows or expected net recovery cash inflows, discounted at risk-free rates. The estimate for future net cash flows consider the likelihood of all possible outcomes that may occur from missed principal and/or interest payments on the insured obligation. This estimate also considers future recoveries
related to remediation strategies and other contractual or subrogation-related cash flows.
▪Net claim cash outflow policies represent contracts where the PV of expected cash outflows are greater than the PV of expected recovery cash inflows. For such policies, a “loss and loss adjustment expense reserves” liability is recorded for the excess of the PV of expected net claim cash outflows over the unearned premium revenue.
▪Net recovery cash inflow policies represent contracts where the PV of expected recovery cash inflows are greater than the PV of expected claim cash outflows. For such policies, a “Subrogation recoverable” asset is recorded.
The evaluation process for determining expected losses is subject to certain judgments based on our assumptions regarding the probability of default by the issuer of the insured security, probability of settlement outcomes (which may include commutation settlements, refinancing and/or other settlement outcomes) and expected severity of credits for each insurance contract. Ambac’s loss reserves are based on management’s ongoing review of the financial guarantee credit portfolio. Active surveillance of the insured portfolio enables Ambac’s Risk Management Group ("RMG") to track credit migration of insured obligations from period to period and update internal classifications and credit ratings for each transaction. Non-adversely classified credits are assigned a Class I rating while adversely classified credits are assigned a rating ranging from Class IA ("Potential Problem with Risks to be Dimensioned") through Class V (“Fully Reserved”). The criteria for an exposure to be assigned an adversely classified credit rating includes the deterioration of an issuer’s financial condition, underperformance of the underlying collateral (for collateral dependent transactions such as mortgage-backed or student loan securitizations), poor performance by the servicer of the underlying collateral and other adverse economic events or trends. The servicer of the underlying collateral of an insured securitization transaction is a consideration in assessing credit quality because the servicer’s performance can directly impact the performance of the related issue. All credits are assigned risk classifications by RMG using established guidelines
The population of credits evaluated in Ambac’s loss reserve process are: (i) all adversely classified credits and ii) non-adversely classified credits which had an internal Ambac rating downgrade since the transaction’s inception. One of two approaches is then utilized to estimate losses to ultimately determine if a loss reserve should be established.
▪The first approach is a statistical expected loss approach, which considers the likelihood of all possible outcomes. The “base case” statistical expected loss is the product of: (i) the par outstanding on the credit; (ii) internally developed default information (taking into consideration internal ratings and average life of an obligation); (iii) internally developed loss severities; and (iv) a discount factor. The loss severities and default information are based on rating agency information, are specific to each bond type and are established and approved by senior RMG officers. For certain credit exposures, Ambac’s additional monitoring, loss remediation efforts and probabilities of
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
potential settlement outcomes may provide information relevant to adjust this estimate of “base case” statistical expected losses. RMG may accept the “base case” statistical expected loss as the best estimate of expected loss or assign multiple probability weighted scenarios to determine an adjusted statistical expected loss that better reflects management’s view of a given transaction’s expected losses, as well as the potential for additional remediation activities (e.g., commutations).
▪The second approach entails the use of cash-flow based models to estimate expected losses (future claims, net of potential recoveries, expected to be paid to the holder of the insured financial obligation). Ambac’s RMG group will consider the likelihood of all possible outcomes and develop appropriate cash flow scenarios. This approach can include the utilization of internal or third party models and tools to project future losses and resultant claim payment estimates. We utilize cash flow models for RMBS, student loans and other exposures. RMBS and student loan models use historical performance of the collateral pools in order to then derive future performance characteristics, such as default and voluntary prepayment rates, which in turn determine projected future claim payments. In other cases, such as many public finance exposures we do not specifically forecast resources available to pay debt service in the cash flow model itself. Rather, we consider the issuers’ overall ability and willingness to pay, including the fiscal, economic, legal and political framework to develop projected future claim payment estimates. In this approach, a probability-weighted expected loss estimate is developed based on assigning probabilities to multiple claim payment scenarios and applying an appropriate discount factor. Additionally, we consider the issuer’s ability to refinance an insured issue, Ambac’s ability to execute a potential settlement (i.e., commutation) of the insurance policy, including the impact on future installment premiums, and/or other restructuring possibilities in our scenarios. The commutation scenarios and the related probabilities of occurrence vary by transaction, depending on our view of the likelihood of negotiating such a transaction with issuers and/or investors.
The discount factor applied to the statistical expected loss approach is based on a risk-free discount rate corresponding to the remaining expected weighted-average life of the exposure and the exposure currency. For the cash flow scenario approach, discount factors are applied based on a risk-free discount rate term structure and correspond to the date of each respective cash flow payment or recovery and the exposure currency. Discount factors are updated for the current risk-free rate each reporting period.
Ambac establishes loss expense reserves based on our estimate of expected net cash outflows for loss expenses, such as legal and consulting costs.
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt issued is carried at par value less unamortized discount. Accrued interest and discount accretion on long-term
debt is reported through income on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss). To the extent Ambac repurchases or redeems its long-term debt, such repurchases or redemptions may be settled for an amount different than the carrying value of the obligation. Any difference between the payment and carrying value of the obligation is reported in income on the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss). For surplus note repurchases, the pro-rata purchase price related to principal and accrued interest is reported as a financing and operating activity, respectively, on the Statement of Cash Flows.
AAC's 5.1% surplus notes have an outstanding par value of $519,235 and carrying value of $503,139 at December 31, 2024 and had an original maturity of June 7, 2020. Surplus note principal and interest payments require the approval of OCI. Since the issuance of the surplus notes in 2010, OCI has declined to approve regular payments of interest on surplus notes, although the OCI has permitted two exceptional payments. As a result, the scheduled payment date for interest, and the scheduled maturity date for payment of principal of the surplus notes are extended until OCI grants approval to make the payment. Interest will accrue, compounded on each anniversary of the original scheduled payment date or scheduled maturity date, on any unpaid principal or interest through the actual date of payment, at 5.1% per annum. Holders of surplus notes have no rights to enforce the payment of the principal of, or interest on, surplus notes in the absence of OCI approval to pay such amount. The interest on the outstanding surplus notes were accrued for and AAC is accruing interest on the interest amounts following each scheduled payment date. As required by the terms of surplus notes, AAC will continue to seek OCI’s approval to make payments of principal and interest on its surplus notes. OCI’s approval may be granted or denied in OCI’s sole discretion. Ambac can provide no assurance as to when or if surplus note principal and interest payments will be made. If OCI does not approve payments on or the acquisition of surplus notes over time, the ongoing accretion of interest on the notes may impair AAC's ability to extinguish the notes in full. Surplus notes are subordinated in right of payment to policyholder and other claims.
Ambac UK debt, issued in connection with the commutation of an exposure on June 18, 2019, has a par value of $40,600 and a carrying value of $18,079 at December 31, 2024. The Ambac UK debt has a legal maturity of May 2, 2036. Interest on the Ambac UK debt is at an annual rate of 0.00%. The Ambac UK debt was recorded at its fair value at the date of issuance with the discount amortizing at an effective interest rate of 7.4%.
NOL & Investment Interest Carryforward
As of December 31, 2024, AAC has (i) $1,952,621 of NOLs, which if not utilized will begin expiring in 2030, and will fully expire in 2045, and (ii) $110,494 of interest expense tax deduction carryover, which has an indefinite carryforward period but is limited in any particular year based on certain provisions. AAC has maintained a full valuation allowance since 2010.
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
6. INVESTMENTS
Ambac’s invested assets are primarily comprised of (i) fixed maturity securities classified as either available-for-sale, (ii) interests in pooled investment funds which are reported within Other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and (iii) preferred equity investments which are reported within Other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interests in pooled investment funds are limited partner interests and are reported using the equity method.
Fixed Maturity Securities
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investments, at December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost Allowance for Credit Losses Gross
Unrealized
Gains Gross
Unrealized
Losses Estimated
Fair Value Amortized
Cost Allowance for Credit Losses Gross
Unrealized
Gains Gross
Unrealized
Losses Estimated
Fair Value
Fixed maturity securities:
Municipal obligations $ 14,646 $ - $ 7 $ 570 $ 14,083 $ 9,394 - 13 696 8,711
Corporate obligations
92,990 - 107 3,905 89,192 92,694 - 262 4,965 87,991
U.S. government obligations 41,706 - 98 809 40,995 39,091 - 364 933 38,522
Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,475 - - 29 2,446 - - - - -
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,127 - 8 34 2,101 - - - - -
Collateralized debt obligations 3,131 - 13 2 3,142 - - - - -
Other asset-backed securities 5,049 - 14 2 5,061 - - - - -
162,124 - 247 5,351 157,020 141,179 - 639 6,594 135,224
Short-term 127,588 - 13 - 127,601 200,506 - 4 - 200,510
Total available-for-sale investments $ 289,712 $ - $ 260 $ 5,351 $ 284,621 341,685 $ - $ 643 $ 6,594 $ 335,734
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investments, at December 31, 2024, by contractual maturity, were as follows:
Amortized
Cost Estimated
Fair Value
Due in one year or less $ 158,357 $ 158,056
Due after one year through five years 62,715 61,169
Due after five years through ten years 54,882 51,688
Due after ten years 976 958
276,930 271,871
Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,475 2,446
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,127 2,101
Collateralized debt obligations 3,131 3,142
Other asset-backed securities 5,049 5,061
Total $ 289,712 $ 284,621
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Unrealized Losses on Fixed Maturity Securities
The following table shows gross unrealized losses and fair values of Ambac’s available-for-sale investments, which at December 31, 2024, did not have an allowance for credit losses under the CECL standard. This information is aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2024 and 2023:
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
Fair
Value Gross
Unrealized
Loss Fair Value Gross
Unrealized
Loss Fair Value Gross
Unrealized
Loss Fair
Value Gross
Unrealized
Loss Fair Value Gross
Unrealized
Loss Fair Value Gross
Unrealized
Loss
Fixed maturity securities:
Municipal obligations $ 6,042 $ 112 $ 6,582 $ 458 $ 12,624 $ 570 $ 732 $ 17 $ 7,015 $ 679 $ 7,747 $ 696
Corporate obligations 23,784 269 46,612 3,636 70,396 3,905 12,134 49 59,010 4,916 71,144 4,965
U.S. government obligations 15,919 344 14,818 465 30,737 809 6,847 37 20,981 896 27,828 933
Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,446 29 - - 2,446 29 - - - - - -
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 738 34 - - 738 34 - - - - - -
Collateralized debt obligations 655 2 - - 655 2 - - - - - -
Other asset-backed securities 1,428 2 - - 1,428 2 - - - - - -
51,012 792 68,012 4,559 119,024 5,351 19,713 103 87,006 6,491 106,719 6,594
Short-term - - - - - - 619 - - - 619 -
Total temporarily impaired securities $ 51,012 $ 792 $ 68,012 $ 4,559 $ 119,024 $ 5,351 $ 20,332 $ 103 $ 87,006 $ 6,491 $ 107,338 $ 6,594
Management has determined that the securities in the above table do not have credit impairment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 based upon (i) no actual or expected principal and interest payment defaults on these securities and (ii) analysis of the creditworthiness of the issuer.
Ambac’s assessment about whether a security is credit impaired reflects management’s current judgment regarding facts and circumstances specific to the security and other factors. If that judgment changes, Ambac may record a charge for credit impairment in future periods.
The declines in fair value and resultant unrealized losses across asset classes as of December 31, 2024, included in the above table resulted primarily from the impact of increasing interest rates since the securities were purchased. Management has determined that the securities with unrealized losses are not credit impaired. Further discussion of management's assessment with respect to security categories with larger unrealized loss balances is below.
Corporate obligations
The gross unrealized losses on corporate obligations as of December 31, 2024, resulted primarily from an increase in interest rates since the securities were purchased. Unrealized losses of $3,905 related to 145 investment grade securities with an average unrealized loss equal to 5% of amortized cost at December 31, 2024. Securities that have below investment grade credit ratings or are unrated comprise $0 of the gross unrealized loss at December 31, 2024. Management believes that the full and timely receipt of all principal and interest payment on corporate obligations with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2024, is probable.
Investment Income (Loss)
Net investment income (loss) was comprised of the following for the affected periods:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Fixed maturity securities $ 4,895 $ 3,696 $ 2,163
Short-term investments 10,033 9,287 2,345
Investment expense (365) (296) (139)
Securities available-for-sale and short-term 14,563 12,687 4,369
Fixed maturity securities - trading - - -
Other investments (115) 472 134
Total net investment income (loss) $ 14,448 $ 13,159 $ 4,503
Net investment income (loss) from Other investments primarily represents changes in fair value on equity securities including certain pooled investment funds, and income from investment limited partnerships and other equity interests accounted for under the equity method.
Net Investments Gains (Losses), including Impairments
The following table details amounts included in net investment gains (losses) and impairments included in earnings for the affected periods:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Gross realized gains on securities $ 6,020 $ 57 $ 43
Gross realized losses on securities (1) (38) (105)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains - - -
Credit impairments (6,516) - -
Intent to sell impairments - - -
Net investment gains (losses), including impairments $ (497) $ 19 $ (62)
Ambac had an allowance for credit losses $0 and $0 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Ambac did not purchase any financial assets with credit deterioration for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Deposits with Regulators and Other Restrictions
Securities carried at $22,861 and $20,748 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, were deposited by Ambac's insurance subsidiaries with governmental authorities or designated custodian banks as required by laws affecting insurance companies. Invested assets of AAC carried at $800 and reported within assets held-for-sale on Ambac's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024, were deposited as security in connection with a letter of credit issued for a corporate office lease. The lease will be transferred to Ambac in connection with the AAC sale. Fiduciary funds held by Ambac's insurance distribution subsidiaries, carried at $2,845 and $1,769 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are included in invested assets.
Other Investments
Ambac's investment portfolio includes a limited partnership interest in a private equity fund which seeks to generate long-term capital appreciation through investments in private equity, equity-related and other instruments. The fair value of Ambac's investment in the fund was $7,499 and $5,817 as of December
31, 2024 and 2023, determined using net asset value ("NAV") as a practical expedient. Redemptions may be made quarterly with 90 days notice subject to withdrawal limitations and/or redemption fees which vary with the timing and notification of withdrawal provided by the investor. Ambac's unfunded commitments total $1,724 on this private equity fund at December 31, 2024.
Other investments also include preferred equity investments with a carrying value of $20,618 and $12,500 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, that do not have readily determinable fair values and are carried at cost, less any impairments as permitted under the Investments - Equity Securities Topic of the ASC. Impairments of $6,516, $0, and $0 were recorded on these investments in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no adjustments to fair value to reflect observable price changes in identical or similar investments from the same issuer during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC establishes a framework for measuring fair value and disclosures about fair value measurements.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC specifies a fair value hierarchy based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Company-based assumptions. The fair value hierarchy has three broad levels as follows:
l Level 1 Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 include US Treasury and other foreign government obligations traded in highly liquid and transparent markets, and money market funds.
l Level 2 Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 generally include investments in fixed maturity securities and certain derivatives valued using only market observable data.
l Level 3 Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. Financial instruments classified as Level 3 include certain investments in fixed maturity securities, loans and derivatives.
The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC permits, as a practical expedient, the estimation of fair value of certain investments in funds using the net asset value per share of the investment or its equivalent (“NAV”). Investments in funds valued using NAV are not categorized as Level 1, 2 or 3 under the fair value hierarchy. The Investments - Equity Securities Topic of the ASC permits the measurement of certain equity securities without a readily determinable fair value at cost, less impairment, and adjusted to fair value when observable price changes in identical or similar investments from the same issuer occur (the "measurement alternative"). The fair values of investments measured under this measurement alternative are not included in the below disclosures of fair value of financial instruments.
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The following table sets forth the carrying amount and fair value of Ambac’s financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, including the level within the fair value hierarchy at which fair value measurements are categorized. As required by the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
December 31, 2024: December 31, 2023:
Carrying
Amount Total Fair
Value Fair Value Measurements Categorized as: Carrying
Amount Total Fair
Value Fair Value Measurements Categorized as:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:
Fixed maturity securities:
Municipal obligations $ 14,083 $ 14,083 $ - $ 14,083 $ - $ 8,711 $ 8,711 $ - $ 8,711
Corporate obligations 89,192 89,192 - 89,192 - 87,991 87,991 - 74,071 13,920
U.S. government obligations 40,995 40,995 40,995 - - 38,522 38,522 38,522 - -
Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,446 2,446 - 2,446 - - - - - -
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,101 2,101 - 2,101 - - - - - -
Collateralized debt obligations 3,142 3,142 - 3,142 - - - - - -
Other asset-backed securities 5,061 5,061 - 5,061 - - - - - -
Short term investments 127,601 127,601 127,601 - - 200,510 200,510 200,510 - -
Other investments (1)
28,294 7,499 - - - 18,317 5,817 - - -
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 47,276 47,276 47,276 - - 19,223 19,223 19,223 - -
Other assets-Loans 3,434 3,434 - - 3,434 - - - - -
Other assets - Derivatives:
Warrants - - - - - 656 656 - - 656
Total financial assets $ 363,625 $ 342,830 $ 215,872 $ 116,025 $ 3,434 $ 373,930 $ 361,430 $ 258,255 $ 82,782 $ 14,576
Financial liabilities:
Short-term debt, including accrued interest $ 152,560 $ 152,560 $ - $ - $ 152,560 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Other liabilities - Derivatives:
FX forward contracts 317 317 - 317 - - - - - -
Total financial liabilities $ 152,877 $ 152,877 $ - $ 317 $ 152,560 $ - $ - - - -
(1)Excluded from the fair value measurement categories in the table above are investment funds of $7,499 and $5,817 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are measured using NAV as a practical expedient. Also excluded from the fair value measurements in the table above are equity securities with a carrying value of $20,618 and $12,500 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, that do not have readily determinable fair values and have carrying amounts determined using the measurement alternative, and an equity method investment of $177 as of December 31, 2024.
Determination of Fair Value
When available, Ambac uses quoted active market prices specific to the financial instrument to determine fair value and classifies such items within Level 1. The determination of fair value for financial instruments categorized in Level 2 or 3 involves judgment due to the complexity of factors contributing to the valuation. Third-party sources from which we obtain independent market quotes also use assumptions, judgments and estimates in determining financial instrument values and different third parties may use different methodologies or provide different values for financial instruments. In addition, the use of internal valuation models may require assumptions about hypothetical or inactive markets. As a result of these factors, the actual trade value of a financial instrument in the market, or exit value of a financial instrument position by Ambac, may be significantly different from its recorded fair value.
Ambac’s financial instruments carried at fair value are mainly comprised of investments in fixed maturity securities, equity interests in pooled investment funds, and derivative instruments. Valuation of financial instruments is performed by Ambac’s finance group using methods approved by senior financial management with consultation from risk management and third-party portfolio managers as appropriate. Preliminary valuation results are discussed internally and with third-party portfolio managers as necessary quarterly to assess consistency with market transactions and trends as applicable. Market
transactions such as trades or negotiated settlements of similar positions, if any, are reviewed to validate fair value model results. However, financial instruments valued using significant unobservable inputs have very little or no observable market activity. Methods and significant inputs and assumptions used to determine fair values across portfolios are reviewed quarterly by senior financial management. Other valuation control procedures specific to particular portfolios are described further below.
Fixed Maturity Securities
The fair values of fixed maturity investment securities are based primarily on market prices received independent pricing sources. Because many fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis, pricing sources apply available market information through processes such as matrix pricing to calculate fair value. Such prices generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same and similar securities. In those cases, the items are classified within Level 2. For those fixed maturity investments where quotes were not available or cannot be reasonably corroborated, fair values are based on internal valuation models. Key inputs to the internal valuation models generally include maturity date, coupon and yield curves for asset-type and credit rating characteristics that closely match those characteristics of the specific investment securities being valued. Items valued using valuation models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in
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AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable. Longer (shorter) expected maturities or higher (lower) yields used in the valuation model will, in isolation, result in decreases (increases) in fair value. Generally, lower credit ratings or longer expected maturities will be accompanied by higher yields used to value a security.
Ambac performs various review and validation procedures to quoted and modeled prices for fixed maturity securities, including price variance analyses, missing and static price reviews, overall valuation analysis by portfolio managers and finance managers and reviews associated with our ongoing impairment analysis. Unusual prices identified through these procedures will be evaluated further against alternative third-party quotes (if available), internally modeled prices and/or other relevant data, and the pricing source values will be challenged as necessary. Price challenges generally result in the use of the pricing source’s quote as originally provided or as revised by the source following their internal diligence process. A price challenge may result in a determination by either the pricing source or Ambac management that the pricing source cannot provide a reasonable value for a security or cannot adequately support a quote, in which case Ambac would resort to using either other quotes or internal models. Results of price challenges are reviewed by portfolio managers and finance managers.
Information about the valuation inputs for fixed maturity securities classified as Level 3 is included below:
Corporate obligations: This includes certain investments in convertible debt securities. The fair value classified as Level 3 was $0 and $13,920 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Fair value was calculated by discounting cash flows to average maturity of 0.75 years and a yield of 9.4% at December 31, 2023. Yields used are consistent with the security type and rating.
Other Investments
Other investments primarily relate to investments in pooled investment funds. The fair value of pooled investment funds is
determined using dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources when such investments have readily determinable fair values. When fair value is not readily determinable, pooled investment funds are valued using NAV as a practical expedient as permitted under the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC. Refer to Note 6. Investments for additional information about such investments in pooled funds that are reported at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient.
Derivative Instruments
As of December 31, 2024, Ambac has foreign currency forward contracts and holds warrants to purchase preferred stock of a development stage company. The fair value of foreign currency forwards are determined using valuation models with observable market inputs. Fair value of the warrants are determined using a standard warrant valuation model with internally developed input assumptions.
Short-term Debt
Short-term debt consists of SOFR indexed borrowing used for the partial funding of the Beat acquisition and is classified as Level 3.
Other Financial Assets
Included in Other assets are loans carried at amortized cost, the fair values of which are estimated based upon internal valuation models and are classified as Level 3.
Additional Fair Value Information for Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value
The following tables present the changes in the Level 3 fair value category for the periods presented in 2024, 2023 and 2022. Ambac classifies financial instruments in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy when there is reliance on at least one significant unobservable input to the valuation model. In addition to these unobservable inputs, the valuation models for Level 3 financial instruments typically also rely on a number of inputs that are readily observable either directly or indirectly. Thus, the gains and losses presented below include changes in the fair value related to both observable and unobservable inputs.
Level-3 Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value
Year ended December 31, 2024 Investments Derivatives Total
Balance, beginning of period $ 13,920 $ 656 $ 14,576
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized:
Included in earnings 6,016 (656) 5,360
Included in other comprehensive income 125 - 125
Purchases - - -
Issuances - - -
Sales - - -
Settlements (20,061) - (20,061)
Balance, end of period $ - $ - $ -
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date $ - $ (656) $ (656)
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date $ - $ - $ -
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 78
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Level-3 Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Investments Derivatives Total
Balance, beginning of period $ 12,341 $ 935 $ 13,276
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized:
Included in earnings - (279) (279)
Included in other comprehensive income 784 784
Purchases 795 795
Issuances - -
Sales - -
Settlements - -
Balance, end of period $ 13,920 $ 656 $ 14,576
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date $ - $ (279) $ (279)
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date $ 784 $ - $ 784
Level-3 Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Investments Derivatives Total
Balance, beginning of period $ 12,305 $ - $ 12,305
Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized:
Included in earnings - 935 935
Included in other comprehensive income (714) - (714)
Purchases 750 - 750
Issuances - - -
Sales - - -
Settlements - - -
Balance, end of period $ 12,341 $ 935 $ 13,276
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date $ - $ 935 $ 935
The amount of total gains/(losses) included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date $ (713) $ - $ (713)
Invested assets are transferred into Level 3 when internal valuation models that include significant unobservable inputs are used to estimate fair value. All such securities that have internally modeled fair values have been classified as Level 3. Derivative instruments are transferred into Level 3 when the use of unobservable inputs becomes significant to the overall valuation. There were no transfers of financial instruments into or out of Level 3 in the periods disclosed.
Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) relating to Level 3 assets and liabilities included in earnings for the affected periods are reported as follows:
Net
Investment
Income Net Gains
(Losses) on
Derivative Contracts
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Total gains (losses) included in earnings for the period $ 6,016 $ (656)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to financial instruments still held at the reporting date - (656)
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Total gains (losses) included in earnings for the period $ - $ (278)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to financial instruments still held at the reporting date - (278)
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Total gains (losses) included in earnings for the period $ - $ 935
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to financial instruments still held at the reporting date - 935
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 79
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
8. INSURANCE CONTRACTS
Premiums
The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned was as follows:
Year Ended
December 31, Direct Assumed Ceded
Net
Premiums
2024:
Written $ 334,311 $ 48,459 $ 294,088 $ 88,682
Earned 298,121 57,081 256,197 99,005
2023:
Written $ 233,702 $ 39,585 $ 193,462 $ 79,825
Earned 185,470 18,354 151,913 51,911
2022:
Written $ 146,379 $ - $ 117,826 $ 28,553
Earned 70,577 - 56,708 13,869
Premium Receivables, including Credit Impairments
Premium receivables at December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $57,222 and $45,893, respectively. Management evaluates premium receivables for expected credit losses ("credit impairment") in accordance with the CECL standard, which is further described in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies.
Below is a rollforward of the premium receivable allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Beginning balance $ 69 $ - $ -
Current period provision (benefit) 73 69 -
Write-offs of the allowance - - -
Recoveries of previously written-off amounts - - -
Ending balance $ 142 $ 69 $ -
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, $5,690 and $510 of premiums were past due.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
Below is the loss and loss reserve expense roll-forward, recoverable and reinsurance, for the affected periods.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Beginning gross loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 197,089 $ 89,907 $ 32,169
Reinsurance recoverable 156,301 80,155 31,695
Beginning balance of net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 40,788 9,752 474
Losses and loss expenses incurred:
Current year 67,937 36,569 9,049
Prior years 4,689 143 23
Total (1)
72,626 36,712 9,072
Loss and loss adjustment expenses (recovered) paid:
Current year 16,202 3,798 (206)
Prior years 18,231 1,878 -
Total 34,433 5,676 (206)
Ending net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 78,981 40,788 9,752
Reinsurance recoverable (2)
270,081 156,301 80,155
Ending gross loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 349,062 $ 197,089 $ 89,907
(1)Total losses and loss expenses (benefit) is net of $(191,151), $(113,622) and $(52,960) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to ceded reinsurance.
(2)Represents reinsurance recoverable on future loss and loss adjustment expenses. Additionally, the Balance Sheet line "Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses" includes reinsurance recoverables of $36,210, $8,765 and $1,397 as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to previously paid loss and loss adjustment expenses.
Prior accident years losses incurred development for the year end December 31, 2024 was primarily driven by commercial auto loss experience and a higher selected loss ratio for programs in runoff. In the fourth quarter of 2024 management decided to set loss reserves for programs that are runoff at the high end of the actuarial loss range, given these program can experience greater loss volatility than active programs.
Specialty Property & Casualty Loss Reserves
Claims Development
The following is a summary of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, including certain components, for the Company’s major product lines by reporting segment at December 31, 2024.
Net Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves Reinsurance Recoverables on Unpaid Losses (1)
Loss and Loss Adjustment Reserves (1)
Commercial auto $ 28,720 $ 129,752 $ 158,472
Excess and general liability 14,857 70,602 85,459
Workers compensation 14,465 - 14,465
Non-standard personal auto 12,185 504 12,689
Unallocated loss adjustment expense reserves 6,578 5,660 12,238
Other 2,176 63,563 65,739
Total 78,981 270,081 349,062
(1)Other includes $35,146 related to legacy liabilities obtained from the acquisitions of Providence Washington Insurance Company, Greenwood Insurance Company, and Consolidated Specialty Insurance Company. All legacy liabilities remain obligations of affiliates of the sellers through reinsurance and contractual indemnities.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 80
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
The claim development tables that follow present, by accident year, incurred and cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense on a historical basis. This claim development information is presented on an undiscounted, net of reinsurance basis since 2021, Everspan's entry into the Specialty P&C business. The claim development tables also provide the historical average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of reinsurance, as supplementary information (identified as unaudited in the tables below). The historical average annual percentage payout for incurred claims is subject to variability due to the impact of both large claim activity and subrogation recoveries, among other items.
Commercial Auto
Incurred Claims and Allocated LAE, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year Year ended December 31, IBNR Reserves at December 31, 2024 Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2021 2022 2023 2024
Unaudited
2021 $ 432 $ 468 $ 978 $ 962 $ 150 80
2022 8,225 7,866 9,099 1,959 1,155
2023 19,459 23,313 6,496 3,197
2024 $ 15,193 7,583 2,768
Total $ 48,567
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year Year ended December 31, Liability for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
2021 2022 2023 2024 2021 - Before
Unaudited 2024 2021
2021 $ 7 $ 44 $ 151 $ 681
2022 555 2,325 4,700
2023 3,914 10,989
2024 3,477
Total 19,847 28,720 -
Total net liability 28,720
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age,
Net of Reinsurance
Unaudited
Years 1 2 3 4
11.6 % 17.9 % 18.6 % 55.1 %
Excess and General Liability
Incurred Claims and Allocated LAE, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year Year ended December 31, IBNR Reserves at December 31, 2024 Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2021 2022 2023 2024
Unaudited
2021 $ 3 $ 3 $ 10 $ 12 $ 2 1
2022 372 350 589 227 6
2023 3,597 2,901 2,434 69
2024 $ 12,200 10,877 177
Total $ 15,702
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 81
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year Year ended December 31, Liability for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
2021 2022 2023 2024 2021 - Before
Unaudited 2024 2021
2021 $ - $ - $ - $ -
2022 - 1 368
2023 30 316
2024 161
Total 845 14,857 -
Total net liability 14,857
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age,
Net of Reinsurance
Unaudited
Years 1 2 3 4
0.6 % 3.7 % 31.3 % - %
Workers Compensation
Incurred Claims and Allocated LAE, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year Year ended December 31, IBNR Reserves at December 31, 2024 Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2021 2022 2023 2024
Unaudited
2021 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - 0
2022 - - - - 0
2023 6,053 6,056 (331) 2,308
2024 $ 16,486 8,156 3,177
Total $ 22,542
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year Year ended December 31, Liability for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
2021 2022 2023 2024 2021 - Before
Unaudited 2024 2021
2021 $ - $ - $ - $ -
2022 - - -
2023 807 3,938
2024 4,139
Total 8,077 14,465 -
Total net liability 14,465
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age,
Net of Reinsurance
Unaudited
Years 1 2 3 4
19.2 % 65.0 % - % - %
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 82
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Other (1)
Incurred Claims and Allocated LAE, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year Year Ended December 31, IBNR Reserves at December 31, 2024 Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
2021 2022 2023 2024
Unaudited
2021 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - -
2022 1 1 1 1 740
2023 6,142 6,062 539 17,633
2024 23,341 3,469 52,385
Total $ 29,404
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated LAE, Net of Reinsurance
Accident Year Year Ended December 31, Liability for Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance
2021 2022 2023 2024 2021 - Before
Unaudited 2024 2021
2021 $ - $ - $ - $ -
2022 - - -
2023 966 4,337
2024 10,706
Total 15,043 14,361 -
Total net liability 14,361
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age,
Net of Reinsurance
Unaudited
Years 1 2 3 4
20.6 % 35.8 % - % - %
(1) Other includes non-standard personal auto, professional liability, business owners products, travel and surety
Methodology for Determining Cumulative Number of Reported Claims
A claim file is created when the Company or the third party claims administrator is notified of an actual demand for payment, notified of an event that may lead to a demand for payment or when it is determined that a demand for payment could possibly lead to a future demand for payment on another coverage on the same policy or on another policy. Claim files are generally created at the claimant by coverage type, depending on the particular facts and circumstances of the underlying event.
For purposes of the claims development tables above, claims reported for direct business are counted even if they eventually close with no loss payment. Note that claims with zero claim dollars may still generate some level of claim adjustment expenses. Claim counts for assumed business are included only to the extent such counts are available. The methods used to summarize claim counts have not changed significantly over the time periods reported in the tables above.
The Company cautions against using the summarized claim count information provided in this disclosure in attempting to project ultimate loss payouts by product line. The Company
generally finds claim count data to be useful only on a more granular basis than the aggregated basis disclosed in the claim development tables above, as the risks, average values and other dynamics of the claim process can vary materially by the cause of loss and coverage within product line.
Reinsurance Recoverables, Including Credit Impairments:
Everspan’s reinsurance assets, including deferred ceded premiums and reinsurance recoverables on losses amounted to $454,491 at December 31, 2024. Credit exposure existed at December 31, 2024, with respect to reinsurance recoverables to the extent that any reinsurer may not be able to reimburse Everspan under the terms of these reinsurance arrangements. At December 31, 2024, there were ceded reinsurance balances payable of $53,002 offsetting this credit exposure. Contractually ceded reinsurance payables can only be offset against amounts owed from the same reinsurer in the event that such reinsurer is unable to meet its obligations to reimburse Everspan.
To minimize its credit exposure to losses from reinsurer insolvencies, Everspan (i) is entitled to receive collateral from its reinsurance counterparties in certain reinsurance contracts
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 83
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
and (ii) has certain cancellation rights that can be exercised by Everspan in the event of rating agency downgrades of a reinsurer (among other events and circumstances). Everspan held letters of credit and collateral amounting to $62,792 from its reinsurers at December 31, 2024. For those reinsurance counterparties that do not currently post collateral, Everspan's reinsurers are well capitalized, highly rated, authorized capacity providers. Additionally, while legacy liabilities from the Providence Washington Insurance Company acquisition and the admitted carriers acquired by Everspan on January 3, 2022 (Greenwood Insurance Company, and Consolidated Specialty Insurance Company), were fully ceded to certain reinsurers, Everspan also benefits from an unlimited, uncapped indemnity from Enstar Holdings (US) and 21st Century Premier Insurance Company, respectively, to mitigate any residual risk to these reinsurers.
For 2024, our top five reinsurers represented 69% our total reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses. These reinsurance recoverables were primarily from reinsurers with applicable ratings of A or better. The following table sets forth our five most significant reinsurers by amount of reinsurance recoverable as of December 31, 2024.
Reinsurers Type of Insurance
Rating
(1)
Reinsurance
Recoverable
(2)
Unsecured
Recoverable
(3)
General Reinsurance Company Specialty P&C A++ $ 135,706 $ 117,537
QBE Insurance Corporation Specialty P&C A 31,502 31,502
Munich Reinsurance Company Specialty P&C A+ 20,052 16,653
The Cincinnati Insurance Company Specialty P&C A+ 15,663 14,933
Everest Reinsurance Company Specialty P&C A+ 8,641 7,356
All other
reinsurers
94,726 44,329
Total recoverables
$ 306,290 $ 232,310
(1)Represents financial strength ratings from AM Best.
(2)Represents reinsurance recoverables on paid and unpaid losses. Unsecured amounts from QBE Insurance Corporation is also supported by an unlimited, uncapped indemnity from Enstar Holdings (US).
(3)Reinsurance recoverables reduced by ceded premiums payables due to reinsurers, letters of credit, and collateral posted for the benefit of Everspan.
Everspan has uncollateralized credit exposure to reinsurers of $232,310 and $127,568 and has recorded an allowance for credit losses of $100 and $100 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The uncollateralized credit exposure to reinsurers includes legacy liabilities obtained from the acquisitions of Providence Washington Insurance Company and the admitted carriers acquired by Everspan on January 3, 2022, of $35,146 and $43,688 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. All legacy liabilities remain with affiliates of the sellers through reinsurance and contractual indemnities.
9. INSURANCE REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS
Everspan Indemnity and its wholly owned subsidiary, Everspan Insurance Company ("Everspan Insurance"), as well as Consolidated Specialty Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Everspan Insurance, are domiciled in Arizona and are subject to the insurance laws and regulations of Arizona (the “Arizona Insurance Laws”) and are regulated by the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions as domestic insurers. The other subsidiaries of Everspan Insurance, Providence Washington Insurance Company and Greenwood Insurance Company (together with Everspan Insurance, the "Everspan Admitted Carriers") are domiciled in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, respectively, and are therefore subject to the insurance laws and regulations of their respective States of domicile (together with Arizona Insurance Laws, the “State Insurance Laws”) and regulated by the insurance departments of those States as domestic insurers. In addition, the Everspan Admitted Carriers are subject to the insurance laws and regulations of the other jurisdictions in which they are licensed and operate as foreign insurers.
Insurance laws and regulations applicable to insurers vary by jurisdiction, but the insurance laws and regulations applicable to our insurance carriers generally require them to maintain minimum standards of business conduct and solvency; to meet certain financial tests; and to file policy forms, premium rate schedules and certain reports with regulatory authorities, including information concerning capital structure, ownership, financial condition (such as risk-based capital), corporate governance and enterprise risk.
Regulated insurance companies are also required to file quarterly and annual statutory financial statements in each jurisdiction in which they are licensed. The State Insurance Laws also require prior approval (or non-disapproval) of certain transactions between an insurance carrier and its affiliates. The level of supervisory authority that may be exercised by non-domiciliary insurance regulators varies by jurisdiction. Generally, however, non-domiciliary regulators are authorized to suspend or revoke the insurance license they issued and to impose restrictions on that license in the event that laws or regulations are breached by a regulated insurance company or in the event that continued or unrestricted licensing of the regulated insurance company constitutes a “hazardous condition” (or meets a similar standard) in the opinion of the non-domiciliary regulator.
The domiciliary regulators have primary regulatory authority, including with respect to the initiation and administration of rehabilitation or liquidation proceedings. Additionally, the accounts and operations of Everspan Indemnity and the Everspan Admitted Carriers are subject to individual periodic comprehensive financial examinations by their domestic regulators, and may be examined collectively by the lead regulator of the affiliated insurance company group.
Everspan Indemnity is a domestic surplus lines insurer and is eligible to write property and casualty insurance as an excess
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 84
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
and surplus lines insurance in all states by virtue of the U.S. Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2010.
Everspan Insurance, Greenwood Insurance Company, Consolidated Specialty Insurance Company, and Providence Washington Insurance Company are admitted property and casualty insurers. Collectively, they have broad authority to write property and casualty insurance throughout the United States.
Everspan Indemnity and the Everspan Admitted Carriers (collectively, "Everspan") are subject to risk-based capital requirements.
All of Ambac's insurance subsidiaries are in compliance with the minimum capital and surplus levels required under the State Insurance Laws required to transact all business written to date.
Our Insurance Distribution businesses, like some other managing general agents, brokerages and program administrators, may be subject to licensing requirements and regulation by insurance regulators in various regulatory jurisdictions in which they conduct business.
The financial statements Everspan are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State Insurance Laws and the actions of regulatory authorities thereunder. Everspan uses such statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the applicable regulatory authorities for determining and reporting their financial condition and results of operations, including for determining solvency under the State Insurance Laws. The States in which Everspan are domiciled have adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) accounting practices and procedures manual (“NAIC SAP”) as a component of prescribed practices as codified in each State’s applicable law or regulation.
Statutory policyholder surplus differs from stockholder's equity determined under GAAP principally due to statutory accounting rules that treat investments, acquisition costs and consolidation of subsidiaries differently.
Everspan Indemnity has statutory policyholder surplus of $125,235 as of December 31, 2024, as compared to $108,051 as of December 31, 2023.
Everspan does not have any permitted or additional prescribed practices at December 31, 2024, or December 31, 2023.
Dividend Restrictions, Including Contractual Restrictions
United States
State Insurance Regulators prescribe rules that determine if Everspan may declare dividends. In addition, Everspan is
subject to certain restrictions in their respective articles of incorporation with regards to the payment of dividends. Board action authorizing a distribution by an insurance company must generally be reported to the applicable domiciliary regulator prior to payment. In addition, State Insurance Laws generally require regulatory approval for the payment of extraordinary dividends, which are distributions in amounts that would exceed certain thresholds, such as a percentage of surplus or net income for the prior year or number of years.
Everspan does not have sufficient earned surplus at this time to pay ordinary dividends under the State Insurance Laws. Furthermore, certain subsidiaries of Everspan Insurance were restricted from paying dividends to Everspan Insurance until January 1, 2025. Currently, Everspan Insurance’s subsidiaries, other than Greenwood Insurance Company, do not have sufficient surplus to pay dividends.
Ambac's MGA/U subsidiaries are not restricted from paying dividends or partner distributions (collectively "Distributions") to their owners or partners, including Cirrata, which is 100% owned by AFG. Ambac's established MGA/Us historically have paid Distributions equating to the majority of their individual EBITDA, subject to working capital, taxes and other capital needs, on a quarterly basis. Newly formed de-novo MGA/Us are not expected to make regular distributions to their partners until they become profitable and generate free cash flow on a steady and/or predictable basis.
United Kingdom
Beat's UK subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions in their articles of association and shareholder agreements with regards to the payment of dividends. The Board of Beat and each subsidiary can approve the payment of a dividend (subject to repayment of any funding agreements). Beat and its UK subsidiaries historically have paid Distributions equating to the majority of their distributable reserves, being principally profit after taxation.
Bermuda
Beat’s Bermuda subsidiary is subject to certain restrictions in their articles of association and shareholder agreements with regards to the payment of dividends. The Board of the Bermuda subsidiary can approve the payment of a dividend (subject to repayment of any funding agreement). The Board of the Bermuda subsidiary historically has paid Distributions equating to the majority of their distributable reserves, being principally profit after taxation.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 85
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
10. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The following tables summarize the location and gross fair values of individual derivative instruments and the impact of legal rights of offset as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
December 31, 2024: December 31, 2023:
Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets /
Liabilities Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet Net Amounts
of Assets/
Liabilities
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet Gross Amount
of Collateral
Received /
Pledged not
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet Net Amount Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets /
Liabilities Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet Net Amounts
of Assets/
Liabilities
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet Gross Amount
of Collateral
Received /
Pledged not
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet Net Amount
Other assets:
Warrants $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 656 $ - $ 656 $ - $ 656
Total derivative assets $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 656 $ - $ 656 $ - $ 656
Other liabilities:
FX forward $ 317 $ - $ 317 $ - $ 317 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Total derivative liabilities $ 317 $ - $ 317 $ - $ 317 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
The following tables summarize the location and amount of gains and losses of derivative contracts in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Consolidated Statements of
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) -
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Warrants Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts $ (656) $ (279) $ 935
FX forwards Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts 4,672 - -
Total derivatives $ 4,016 $ (279) $ 935
Other Derivatives:
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, Ambac holds warrants to purchase equity shares of a development stage company. During 2024, Ambac entered into US dollar/British pound sterling foreign exchange (FX) forward contracts to protect against currency fluctuations related to the purchase of Beat. Ambac's FX forward position was closed concurrent with the Beat purchase closed and the contracts matured October 4, 2024.
In addition, Beat utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts to partially hedge its foreign currency exposure. Beat’s functional currency is the British Pound, but a significant portion of its revenues are generated in currencies other then the British Pound, particularly the US Dollar. Beat, therefore, typically enters into forward contracts to partially hedge its exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates relative to the British Pound. In connection with our acquisition of Beat and the growth profile of its business, we will be re-evaluating our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates and related hedging strategy.
Ambac had no FX forward contacts as of December 31, 2023. Information about FX forward contracts as of December 31, 2024, is summarized below.
Derivative Type Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
(years) Face
Amount
(Buy) Face
Amount
(Sell) Fair Value
Asset
(Liability)
FX Forwards-Buy GBP/Sell USD 0.61 15,720 20,000 (317)
11. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table presents a rollforward of goodwill at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
December 31, 2024 2023
Beginning balance $ 69,694 $ 46,050
Business acquisitions 357,316 8,791
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation (8,776) -
Impairments - -
Ending balance $ 418,234 $ 69,694
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 86
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Intangible asset and accumulated amortization are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as shown below.
Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
December 31, 2024
Finite-lived Intangible Assets:
Customer relationships $ 348,350 $ 24,630 $ 323,720
Non-compete agreements 1,350 1,080 270
Trade names 10,767 1,195 9,572
Total finite-lived intangible assets 360,467 26,905 333,562
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:
Insurance licenses 11,213 - 11,213
Total intangible assets $ 371,680 $ 26,905 $ 344,775
December 31, 2023
Finite-lived Intangible Assets:
Customer relationships $ 52,878 $ 8,293 $ 44,585
Non-compete agreements 1,350 810 540
Trade names 2,755 602 2,153
Total finite-lived intangible assets 56,983 9,705 47,278
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:
Insurance licenses $ 14,125 $ - $ 14,125
Total intangible assets $ 71,108 $ 9,705 $ 61,403
Amortization Expense:
Amortization expense is included in the Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), as shown below.
Year ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Customer relationships 16,739 3,622 2,472
Non-compete 270 270 270
Trade names 593 260 179
Total (1)
$ 17,602 $ 4,152 $ 2,921
(1)The weighted-average amortization period 5.0 years.
The estimated future amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:
Amortization Expense Total
2025 $ 34,847
2026 34,508
2027 34,508
2028 34,504
2029 34,345
Thereafter 160,850
12. DEBT
In the third quarter of 2024, Ambac funded a portion of the acquisition of Beat with a $150,000 Credit Facility. The debt incurred under the Credit Facility matures on July 31, 2025. Obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by AFG and are secured on a first-priority basis by (i) a pledge by AFG of all of the capital stock of Everspan Holdings, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and (ii) a pledge by the Purchaser of all of the capital stock of Beat held by Purchaser. Borrowing under the Credit Facility bears interest at three-month SOFR plus a margin initially equal to 4.50%, increasing to 5.50% on November 1, 2024, 6.50% on February 1, 2025, and 7.50% on May 1, 2025. A duration fee equal to 1% of the then outstanding Credit Facility shall be due on each of February 1, 2025 and May 1, 2025, to the extent the borrowing under the Credit Facility is not repaid earlier.
The Credit Facility includes covenants that restrict our ability to manage capital resources by limiting, among other actions, the issuance of debt or capital stock; the creation of liens; the disposition of assets; engaging in transactions with affiliates; making restricted payments, including dividends and the purchase or redemption of capital stock; and making acquisitions and other investments. The Credit Facility also requires the prepayment of the borrowings thereunder with proceeds of certain debt or equity issuances and certain asset sales, including the sale of AAC. These requirements will impact our financial and operational flexibility while the Credit Facility remains in place.
13. REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
As further described in the Revenue Recognition section of Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, the Insurance Distribution businesses have contracts that are subject to the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic of the ASC ("ASC 606").
The following table presents Insurance Distribution commission income recognized disaggregated by policy type for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
Year ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Accident & Health $ 30,123 $ 32,836 $ 28,399
Specialty Auto 17,851 11,929 1,871
Other Professional 10,076 3,097 -
Marine & Energy 2,829 2,909 158
Niche Specialty Risks 5,268 - -
Property 5,116 - -
Reinsurance 1,641 147 -
Professional D&O 1,422 - -
Misc. Specialty 17,697 363 267
Total $ 92,023 $ 51,281 $ 30,695
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, income of $6,320, $200 and $715, respectively, was recognized in accordance with ASC 606 and reported in other revenue on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the amount of revenue recognized related to performance obligations satisfied in a previous period, inclusive of changes due to estimates was approximately $5,325, $5,241 and $5,816, respectively.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 87
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Receivables, Contract Assets and Liabilities
The balances of receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities with customers were as follows:
December 31, 2024 2023
Receivables $ 55,377 $ 9,419
Contract assets 15,967 7,261
Contract liabilities 473 527
Contract assets represent estimated future consideration related to base commissions and profit-sharing commissions that were recognized as revenue upon the placement of the policy, but are not yet billable or collectable. The Company does not have the right to bill or collect payment on i) base commissions until the
related premiums from policyholders have been collected nor ii) profit-sharing commissions until after the contract year is completed.
Contract liabilities represent advance consideration received from customers related to Employer stop loss base commissions that will be recognized over time as claims servicing is performed, which typically occurs between 17 and 20 months from contract inception. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized revenue that was included in the contract liability balance as of the beginning of the period of $479, $583 and $523, respectively.
14. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The following tables detail the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the affected periods:
Year Ended December 31, 2024: Year ended December 31, 2023:
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available- for Sale Securities (1)
Amortization
of Postretirement Benefit
(1)
Gain (Loss)
on Foreign
Currency
Translation
(1)
Credit Risk
Changes of Fair Value Option
Liabilities
(1) (2)
Total Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available- for Sale Securities (1)
Amortization
of Postretirement Benefit
(1)
Gain (Loss)
on Foreign
Currency
Translation
(1)
Credit Risk
Changes of Fair Value Option
Liabilities
(1) (2)
Total
Beginning Balance $ (20,197) $ 4,939 $ (144,035) $ (753) $ (160,047) $ (71,381) $ 3,370 $ (184,167) $ (665) $ (252,843)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 3,583 (67) (22,156) - (18,640) 30,623 3,051 40,132 - 73,806
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (4,522) (4,872) - (356) (9,750) 20,561 (1,482) - (88) 18,991
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (939) (4,939) (22,156) (356) (28,390) 51,184 1,569 40,132 (88) 92,797
Ending balance $ (21,136) $ - $ (166,191) $ (1,109) $ (188,436) $ (20,197) $ 4,939 $ (144,035) $ (753) $ (160,047)
(1)All amounts are net of tax and NCI. Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
(2)Represents the changes in fair value attributable to instrument-specific credit risk of liabilities for which the fair value option is elected.
The following table details the significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, shown in the above rollforward tables, for the affected periods:
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statement of
Total Comprehensive Income
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities (1)
$ (3,919) $ 22,489 Net realized investment gains (losses)
(603) (1,928) Provision for income taxes
$ (4,522) $ 20,561 Net of tax and NCI
Amortization of Postretirement Benefit
Prior service cost $ (210) $ (963) Other income
Actuarial gains (losses) (67) (519) Other income
Curtailment gain (4,662) - Other income
(4,939) (1,482) Total before tax
- - Provision for income taxes
$ (4,939) $ (1,482) Net of tax and NCI
Credit Risk Changes of Fair Value Option Liabilities
$ (474) $ 89 Credit risk changes of fair value option liabilities
118 (177) Provision for income taxes
(356) (88) Net of tax and NCI
Total reclassifications for the period $ (9,817) $ 18,991 Net of tax and NCI
(1)Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on available for sale securities are included in Ambac's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Changes in these amounts include reclassification adjustments to exclude from "Other
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 88
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
comprehensive income (loss)" those items that are included as part of "Net income" for a period that has been part of "Other comprehensive income (loss)" in earlier periods.
15. NET INCOME PER SHARE
As of December 31, 2024, 46,506,973 shares of AFG's common stock (par value $0.01) were issued and outstanding. Common shares outstanding increased by 1,311,603, during the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to the issuance of shares in the Beat acquisition, offset by share repurchases.
Share Repurchases
On March 29, 2022, AFG's Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $20,000 in share repurchases. On May 5, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $15,000 in share repurchase. This program expired on March 31, 2024.
On November 12, 2024, Ambac’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, under which Ambac may opportunistically repurchase up to $50,000 of the Company’s common shares at management’s discretion over the period ending on December 31, 2026.
The following table shows shares repurchased by year.
($ in thousands, except per share)
Year ended December 31, 2022 2023 2024
Shares repurchased 1,605,316 325,068 937,141
Total cost $ 14,217 $ 4,510 $ 11,699
Average purchase price per share $ 8.86 $ 13.88 $ 12.48
Unused authorization amount $ 38,302
Earnings Per Share Calculation
The numerator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computation represents net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders adjusted by the retained earnings impact of the adjustment to redemption value of redeemable NCI under ASC 480. The redemption value adjustment is further described in the Redeemable NCI section of Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders to the numerator in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculation, together with the resulting earnings per share amounts:
Year ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac common stockholders
$ (59,282) $ (24,551) $ (36,115)
Adjustment to redemption value (ASC 480) 53,210 4,792 2,469
Numerator of basic and diluted EPS $ (6,072) $ (19,759) $ (33,646)
Per Share:
Basic $ (0.13) $ (0.43) $ (0.74)
Diluted $ (0.13) $ (0.43) $ (0.74)
The denominator of the basic earnings per share computation represents the weighted average common shares outstanding plus vested restricted stock units (together, "Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding"). The denominator of diluted earnings per share adjusts the basic weighted average shares outstanding for all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. All potential dilutive common shares outstanding consider common stock deliverable pursuant to warrants, unvested restricted stock units and performance stock units granted under existing compensation plans.
In determining diluted net income (loss) per share, whether net income from continuing operations is positive or negative controls whether dilutive shares are included in the determination. For all periods presented, net income from continuing operations is negative, a net loss. Accordingly, since including dilutive shares would dilute the loss from continuing operations, no dilutive shares are included in any of the per share calculations. The following table provides a reconciliation of the common shares used for basic net income per share to the diluted shares used for diluted net income per share:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Basic weighted average shares outstanding 46,969,708 45,636,649 45,719,906
Effect of potential dilutive
shares (1):
Restricted stock units - - -
Performance stock units (1)
- - -
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 46,969,708 45,636,649 45,719,906
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the above reconciliation
Warrants - - 4,877,617
Restricted stock units 479,781 550,255 600,994
Performance stock units (1)
817,483 900,964 1,095,664
(1)Performance stock units are reflected based on the performance metrics through the balance sheet date. Vesting of these units is contingent upon meeting certain performance metrics. Although a portion of these performance metrics have been achieved as of the respective period end, it is possible that awards may no longer meet the metric at the end of the performance period.
16. INCOME TAXES
AFG files a consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return with its 80% or more owned domestic subsidiaries ("Consolidated Tax Subsidiaries"). Beat's US subsidiaries file separate U.S. Federal income tax returns as they are not directly owned by AFG for tax purposes. AFG and its Consolidated Tax Subsidiaries also file separate or combined income tax returns in various states, local and foreign jurisdictions. The following are the major jurisdictions in which Ambac and its subsidiaries, including it foreign subsidiaries, operate and the earliest tax years subject to examination:
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 89
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Jurisdiction Tax Year
United States 2010
New York State 2015
New York City 2018
United Kingdom 2020
Consolidated Pretax Income (Loss)
U.S. and foreign components of pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
U.S. $ (58,014) $ (24,221) $ (35,706)
Foreign (1,831) - -
Total $ (59,845) $ (24,221) $ (35,706)
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Current taxes
U.S. state and local $ 100 $ 431 $ (453)
Foreign 2,193 - -
Total current taxes 2,197 431 (453)
Deferred taxes
Domestic - (1,420) (9)
Foreign (3,121) - -
Total deferred taxes $ (3,121) $ (1,420) $ (9)
Provision for income taxes $ (924) $ (989) $ (462)
The total effect of income taxes on net income and stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Total income taxes charged to net income $ (924) $ (989) $ (462)
Income taxes charged (credited) to stockholders’ equity:
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities, including foreign exchange 144 918 335
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translations (1,922) - -
Valuation allowance to equity 1,778 (918) (335)
Total charged to stockholders’ equity: - - -
Total effect of income taxes $ (924) $ (989) $ (462)
Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Actual Income Tax Rate
The tax provisions for continuing operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) reflect effective tax rates differing from prevailing Federal corporate income tax rates. The following is a reconciliation of these differences:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Tax on income (loss) at statutory rate $ (12,567) 21 % $ (5,086) 21 % $ (7,498) 21 %
Changes in expected tax resulting from:
State only DTA and tax rate change 4,554 (8) % - - % (1,003) 3 %
Tax-exempt interest (4) - % (5) - % (14) - %
Foreign taxes 787 (1) % - - % - - %
State Income Taxes 79 - % 411 (2) % 367 (1) %
Outside tax basis difference 105,630 (177) % - - % - - %
Acquisition costs 2,017 (3) % 1,497 (6) % - - %
Valuation allowance (101,598) 170 % 1,602 (7) % 8,379 (24) %
Other, net 178 - % 592 (2) % (693) 2 %
Tax expense on income (loss) $ (924) 2 % $ (989) 1 % $ (462) (2) %
Unrecognized Tax Positions
The Company had no material unrecognized tax positions at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 90
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Deferred Income Taxes
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023, are presented below:
December 31, 2024 2023
Deferred tax liabilities:
Amortizable intangible $ 71,414 $ -
Outside basis difference 105,630 -
Deferred acquisition costs 9,474 7,531
Investments 3,568 -
Other 787 139
Total deferred tax liabilities 190,873 7,670
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforward 349,931 341,886
Unearned premium reserves 9,138 3,590
Loss reserves 1,102 162
State capital loss carryforward 3,096 7,650
Compensation 1,423 1,423
Investments - 1,072
Other 429 1,625
Subtotal deferred tax assets 365,119 357,408
Valuation allowance 244,381 349,738
Total deferred tax assets 120,738 7,670
Net deferred tax liability $ 70,135 $ -
The Company has adopted an accounting policy to classify the inside tax basis differences deferred tax assets and liabilities (i.e., inside basis differences) associated with the disposition of shares of a subsidiary as assets or liabilities held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, the Company has included net deferred tax liabilities of $20,382 and $19,138, respectively, in liabilities held for sale.
In accordance with the Income Tax Topic of the ASC, a valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. As a result of the risks and uncertainties associated with future operating results, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not generate sufficient U.S. federal, state and/or local taxable income to recover the deferred tax operating assets and therefore maintains a full valuation allowance on AFG's U.S. net deferred tax assets. The remaining net deferred tax liability of $70,135 is attributable to the amortizing intangible related to the acquisition of Beat and is classified in Deferred Taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
NOL & Investment Interest Carryforward
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has $1,663,087 of US NOLs if not utilized will begin expiring in 2030. Of the total NOLs $158,663 carry forward indefinitely.
17. EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Incentive Compensation - Stock Units and Cash
Employees, directors and consultants of Ambac are eligible to participate in Ambac’s 2024 Incentive Plan, which is the successor plan to the Ambac’s 2020 Incentive Plan and 2013 Incentive Plan, subject to the discretion of the Compensation Committee of Ambac’s Board of Directors. There are 4,350,000 1,475,000 and 4,000,000 shares of Ambac's common stock authorized for awards under the 2024 Plan, 2020 Plan and 2013 Plan, respectively. Awards may also be made under the 2024 Plan with respect to the shares that remained available for grant under the 2020 Plan. In addition, shares subject to outstanding awards granted under the 2020 Plan that subsequently terminate by expiration or forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of such shares become available for awards under the 2024 Plan.
On June 24, 2021, the Compensation Committee of Ambac's Board of Directors adopted the Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Executive Stock Deferral Plan (the “Stock Deferral Plan”). Under the Stock Deferral Plan, certain executives of AFG and its subsidiaries who are designated by the compensation committee as eligible to participate in the Stock Deferral Plan may elect to defer the settlement of all or a portion of the RSU and PSU (as defined below) awards that are granted to the executives to a future date(s) selected by the executive. Deferred awards under the Stock Deferral Plan (and any related dividend equivalents) will continue to be paid in shares of common stock of AFG, which will be issued under the relevant incentive compensation plan pursuant to which the underlying award was first granted, provided that any dividend equivalents credited on a participant’s deferred awards in respect of cash dividends paid by AFG will be paid to the participant in cash. The sale of AAC will trigger a change in control provision under the Stock Deferral Plan and immediately prior to closing all deferred shares will be settled in stock. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, RSU and PSU awards may be settled in cash based on the closing price of AFG's common stock on the last business day prior to the settlement date. The Stock Deferral Plan is not funded, and deferred awards under the Stock Deferral Plan are not segregated from the Company’s general assets.
The amount of stock-based compensation expense and corresponding after-tax expense from continuing operations are as follows.
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022
Restricted stock units $ 3,144 $ 3,462 $ 2,911
Performance awards 6,212 8,804 8,320
Total stock-based compensation
$ 9,356 $ 12,266 $ 11,231
Total stock-based compensation (after-tax) $ 9,356 $ 12,266 $ 11,231
Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)
RSUs can be awarded to certain employees for a portion of their STIP compensation, LTIP compensation, sign-on and special awards for exceptional performance or promotion. RSUs can
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 91
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
also be awarded to consultants as part of the consideration for their services. The LTIP, sign-on, consultant and special awards generally vest in equal installments over, or cliff-vest at the end of, a two to three year period. Such vesting is expressly conditioned upon continued service with Ambac through the applicable vesting date, although vesting may be accelerated in certain circumstances under the awards, including for terminations due to death, disability, eligible retirement, or involuntary termination by Ambac other than for cause.
As part of our director compensation program, RSUs are granted quarterly and vest one year from the grant date. These RSUs will not settle until the respective director’s termination from the Board of Directors or, if earlier, upon a change in control. All RSUs provide for accelerated vesting upon a change in control, death or disability or involuntary removal other than for cause (not including removal pursuant to a shareholder vote at a regularly scheduled annual meeting of shareholders). The sale of AAC will meet the requirements for a change in control and immediately prior to closing any unvested shares will vest and settle along with all previously deferred shares. Upon termination (other than for cause), the unvested RSUs shall partially vest as of the date of such termination in an amount equal to the number of then outstanding unvested RSUs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of calendar days which have lapsed since the grant date and the denominator of which shall be the number of calendar days from the grant date until the next regularly scheduled quarterly grant date pursuant to Ambac’s director compensation program.
As of December 31, 2024, 1,075,025 RSUs remained outstanding, of which (i) 467,705 units required future service as a condition to the delivery of the underlying shares of common stock and (ii) 608,853 units do not require future service and are deferred for future settlement. As of December 31, 2023, 1,036,339 RSUs remained outstanding, of which (i) 634,312 units required future service as a condition to the delivery of the underlying shares of common stock, and (ii) 402,027 units did not require future service and were deferred for future settlement.
A summary of RSU activity for 2024 is as follows.
Shares Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period 1,036,339 $ 15.75
Granted 250,992 14.28
Delivered or returned to plan (1)
(208,038) 14.67
Forfeited (4,268) 15.52
Outstanding at end of period 1,075,025 $ 15.62
(1) When restricted stock unit awards issued by Ambac become taxable compensation to employees, shares may be withheld to cover the employee’s withholding taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Ambac withheld 19,335 shares from employees that settled restricted stock units to meet the required tax withholdings.
Ambac’s closing share price on the grant date was used to estimate the fair value of the service condition based RSU on the
grant date. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of RSUs granted during 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $14.28, $15.72 and $12.48, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, there was $3,687 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested RSUs granted of which $494 will be transferred to the buyer upon close of AAC sale. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. The fair value for RSUs vested and delivered during the year ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $1,654, $4,646 and $3,861, respectively.
Performance Stock Awards ("PSUs")
PSUs are awarded to certain employees for a portion of their LTIP compensation and vest after 3 years from grant date. The actual number of shares payable at settlement is subject to performance metrics relative to the companies and segments of Ambac. Actual payout can range from 0% to 240% of the number of units granted. Under currently outstanding award agreements, performance will be evaluated as follows:
•In regards to Xchange, for the 2022 PSU awards, and Cirrata for the 2023 and 2024 PSU awards, (i) cumulative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization over the vesting period and (ii) for Cirrata 2023 and 2024 PSU awards, the aggregate of all premiums placed by Cirrata with any insurance carrier over the vesting period.
•In regards to Everspan: (i) for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 PSU awards, cumulative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization over the vesting period and (ii) for the 2023 and 2024 PSU award, cumulative direct or assumed premiums written (including any from Cirrata) and fronting fees over the vesting period.
•In regards to AAC: reductions in watch list and adversely classified credits, which is intended to reward participants for de-risking the financial guarantee insured portfolio.
•Relative Total Shareholder Return will cause the payout at the end of the performance period to be increased or decreased 20% for PSU awards granted 2022, 2023 and 2024, if AFG's stock performance compared to a peer group is at or above the 75th percentile or at or below the 25th percentile, respectively.
Pursuant to the LTIP award agreements if (i) a termination occurred prior to the last day of the performance period by reason of disability, an involuntary termination by the Company other than for “cause,” or "retirement," the recipient would be entitled to receive the PSU award at the end of the relevant performance period based on the satisfaction of the performance conditions related to such award at the end of the performance period, and (ii) a termination occurred prior to the last day of the performance period by reason of death, the beneficiaries of the recipient would be entitled to receive the number of PSUs that the recipient would have been entitled to receive at a 100% overall payout multiple regardless of the outcome of any of the performance conditions. The current performance awards shall be settled within 75 days after the end of the performance period, including those with partial or accelerated vesting,
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 92
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
subject to any deferrals made pursuant to the Stock Deferral Plan.
A summary of PSU activity for 2024 is as follows.
Shares Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period 1,019,071 $ 15.52
Granted (1)
371,877 15.94
Delivered (2)
(312,280) 10.02
Forfeited (20,017) 15.57
Performance adjustment (3)
204,860 18.67
Outstanding at end of period 1,263,511 $ -
(1) Represents performance share units at 100% of units granted for LTIP Awards.
(2) Reflects the number of performance shares attributable to the performance goals attained over the completed performance period and for which service conditions have been met. When performance stock unit awards issued by Ambac become taxable compensation to employees, shares may be withheld to cover the employee’s withholding taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Ambac withheld 24,431 of shares from employees that settled performance based restricted stock units to meet the required tax withholdings.
(3) Represents the number of additional shares issued for awards granted in 2021 as a result of actual performance during the performance period.
The weighted average grant date fair value per share of PSUs granted during 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $15.94, $17.72 and $13.44, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, there was $5,509 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the PSU portion of unvested performance awards of which $724 will be transferred to the buyer upon close of AAC sale. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years. The fair value for PSUs vested and delivered during the year ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $2,663, $7,665 and $4,620, respectively.
Postemployment Benefits
Ambac provides discretionary severance benefits. Severance benefits from continuing operations, were $416, $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Defined Contribution Plans
As a result of the acquisitions of All Trans and Capacity Marine effective November 1, 2022, and Beat effective July 31, 2024, Ambac has multiple savings incentive plans. Substantially all US employees are covered by one of these plans. The Plan sponsored by AFG includes employer matching contributions equal to 100% of the employees’ contributions, up to 3% of such participants’ compensation, as defined in the plan, plus 50% of contributions up to an additional 2% of compensation, subject to limits set by the Internal Revenue Code. Xchange and Riverton employees moved to this plan from a previous plan (Xchange during 2022 and Riverton during 2023). Employees of All Trans and Capacity Marine are included in a multiple employer plan that has discretionary contributions for which none were
made during Ambac's ownership of these entities. The plan for US employees of Beat includes employer matching contributions equal to 100% of the employees’ contributions, up to 5% of such participants’ compensation. UK employees of Beat have a defined contribution pension plan where employer contributes 10% of participants’ compensation of which the assets are held separately from those of the group in an independently administrated fund. The total cost of all the were $1,945, $676 and $379 for the years December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
18. LEASES
Ambac is the lessee and lessor under certain lease agreements further described below.
Lessee information
Ambac is the lessee in operating leases for corporate offices. Leases in effect at December 31, 2024, have remaining lease terms ranging from under 2 years to 8 years. Certain of these leases include early termination provisions which Ambac does not include in the determination of its lease liabilities and right-of-use assets unless exercise is considered reasonably certain.
Lease costs are included in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income (Loss). The components of lease costs, net of sub-lessor income, is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Operating lease cost $ 4,247 $ 3,904 $ 3,848
Short-term lease cost - 52 18
Variable lease cost 437 404 317
Sublease income (1,086) (1,124) (1,132)
Total lease cost $ 3,598 $ 3,236 $ 3,051
Ambac is required to make variable lease payments under certain leases which primarily relates to variable costs of the lessor, such as taxes, insurance, maintenance and electricity.
Supplemental information related to leases is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 4,432 $ 4,155 $ 4,123
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities (non-cash) 2,256 714 -
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
December 31, 2024 2023
Operating leases:
Operating lease right of use assets $ 18,107 $ 18,421
Operating lease liabilities 21,543 22,041
Weighted average remaining lease term:
Operating leases 5.1 years 6.1 years
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases 7.8 % 7.9 %
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 93
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
Operating lease right of use assets and operating lease liabilities are included in Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet.
Future undiscounted lease payments, gross of sublease receipts, to be made are as follows:
As of December 31, 2024 Operating
Leases
2025 $ 5,008
2026 5,135
2027 5,140
2028 5,016
2029 4,960
Thereafter 827
Total lease payments 26,086
Less: imputed interest (4,543)
Total $ 21,543
Lessor information
Ambac is the lessor in one operating sublease of corporate office space which has a remaining term of 5.0 years. There are no extension or termination provisions.
Future undiscounted lease payments to be received are as follows:
As of December 31, 2024 Operating
Leases
2025 $ 1,184
2026 1,286
2027 1,302
2028 1,318
2029 1,331
Thereafter -
Total lease receipts 6,421
19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company periodically receives various regulatory inquiries and requests for information with respect to investigations and inquiries that such regulators are conducting. The Company has complied with all such inquiries and requests for information.
The Company is involved from time to time in various routine legal proceedings, including proceedings related to litigation with present or former employees. Although such litigation is routine and incidental to the conduct of its business, such litigation can potentially result in large monetary awards when a civil jury is allowed to determine compensatory and/or punitive damages.
Everspan may be subject to disputes with policyholders regarding the scope and extent of coverage offered under Everspan's policies; be required to defend claimants in suits against its policyholders for covered liability claims; or enter into commercial disputes with its reinsurers, MGA/Us or third party claims administrators or other parties regarding their respective contractual obligations and rights. Under some circumstances, the results of such disputes or suits may lead to liabilities beyond those which are anticipated or reserved.
In the ordinary course of their businesses, certain of Ambac’s subsidiaries assert claims in legal proceedings against third parties to recover losses already paid and/or mitigate future losses. The amounts recovered and/or losses avoided which may result from these proceedings is uncertain, although recoveries and/or losses avoided in any one or more of these proceedings during any quarter or fiscal year could be material to Ambac’s results of operations in that quarter or fiscal year.
From time to time, Ambac is subject to allegations concerning its corporate governance, including the manner in which it exercises control and oversight of its subsidiaries, that may lead to litigation, including derivative litigation. While the monetary impacts of addressing such allegations outside of litigation may not be material, these charges may distract management and the Board of Directors from their principal focus on Ambac's business, strategy and objectives.
It is not reasonably possible to predict whether suits in addition to those described below will be filed or whether additional inquiries or requests for information will be made, and it is also not possible to predict the outcome of litigation, inquiries or requests for information. It is possible that there could be unfavorable outcomes in these or other proceedings. Legal accruals for litigation against the Company with losses that are probable and reasonably estimable are not material to the operating results or financial position of the Company. For the litigation matters the Company is defending that do not meet the “probable and reasonably estimable” accrual threshold and where no loss estimates have been provided below, management is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from unfavorable outcomes. Under some circumstances, adverse results in any such proceedings could be material to our business, operations, financial position, profitability or cash flows. The Company believes that it has substantial defenses to the claims described below and, to the extent that these actions proceed, the Company intends to defend itself vigorously; however, the Company is not able to predict the outcomes of these actions.
Litigation against Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
Dwight Jereczek and Stanley Elliott, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. MBIA Inc., Ambac Financial Group, Inc., Ambac Assurance Corporation, MBIA Insurance Corporation, and National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation (United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, filed on February 12, 2025) (the "COFINA Case"). This putative class action complaint is brought by alleged former holders of bonds issued by the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation (“COFINA”) allegedly insured by defendants under financial guaranty insurance policies. On behalf of themselves and all persons and entities that owned such bonds between October 19, 2018, and February 12, 2019, plaintiffs allege that, in connection with the restructuring of COFINA under Title III of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, defendants orchestrated a scheme to improperly use their role in the Title III process to alter contracts with insured COFINA bondholders, resulting in such bondholders receiving less than what they contracted for under the financial guaranty insurance policies. Plaintiffs assert claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment,
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 94
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
and bad faith refusal to pay first-party benefits under an insurance contract. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages with interest thereon, disgorgement of profits, a declaratory judgment of plaintiffs’ rights and defendants’ responsibilities, and a permanent injunction against violations of law. As of the date of this report, no summons has been issued or served on Ambac.
Litigation in Legacy Financial Guarantee Business
AAC is involved in litigation as described below as well as the COFINA Case described above. These actual and potential cases may continue after the AAC Sale is completed. Following completion of the AAC Sale, the Company will no longer have any exposure to the following matters, except with respect to the COFINA Case described above for so long as AFG remains a defendant in the case.
Current Litigation
Monterey Bay Military Housing, LLC, et al. v. Ambac Assurance Corporation, et al. (United States District Court, Southern District of New York, Case No. 1:19-cv-09193-PGG, transferred on October 4, 2019 from the United States District Court, Northern District of California, San Jose Division, Case No. 17-cv-04992-BLF, filed August 28, 2017). Plaintiffs, the corporate developers of various military housing projects, filed an amended complaint on October 27, 2017 against AAC, a former employee of AAC, and certain unaffiliated persons and entities, asserting claims for (i) violation of 18 U.S.C §§ 1962(c) and 1962(d) (civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) and conspiracy to commit civil RICO), (ii) breach of fiduciary duty, (iii) aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, (iv) fraudulent misrepresentation, (v) fraudulent concealment and (vi) conspiracy to commit fraud. The claims relate to bonds and debt certificates (insured by AAC) that were issued to finance the renovation and construction of housing at certain military bases. Plaintiffs allege that defendants secretly conspired to overcharge plaintiffs for the financing of the projects and directed the excess profits to themselves. Plaintiffs allege defendants generated these excess profits by supposedly charging inflated interest rates, manipulating “shadow ratings,” charging unnecessary fees, and hiding evidence of their alleged wrongdoing. Plaintiffs seek, among other things, compensatory damages, disgorgement of profits and fees, punitive damages, trebled damages and attorneys’ fees. AAC and the other defendants filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint on November 13, 2017. On July 17, 2018, the court granted AAC’s and the other defendants’ motion to dismiss the first amended complaint without prejudice. On December 17, 2018, Plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. On February 15, 2019, AAC and the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint. On September 26, 2019, the court issued a decision denying defendants’ motion to dismiss and sua sponte reconsidering its previous denial of defendants’ motion to transfer venue to the Southern District of New York (“SDNY”). On October 10, 2019, after the case was transferred to the SDNY, the defendants filed motions to vacate or reconsider the decision by the Northern District of California on the defendants’ motion to dismiss. On March 31, 2021, the court granted defendants’ motions for reconsideration and, upon
reconsideration, dismissed the claims against AAC and its former employee for breach of fiduciary duty and for aiding and abetting breach of AAC’s or its former employee’s fiduciary duty; dismissed two plaintiffs’ RICO claims against AAC and its former employee; and in all other respects denied defendants’ motions. Defendants served answers to the second amended complaint on April 21, 2021, asserting several affirmative defenses, including a defense for unclean hands focused on the plaintiffs’ failure to maintain the project properties and falsification of maintenance records. On May 24, 2021, plaintiffs moved to strike defendants’ unclean hands defenses. On September 14, 2021, Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave, to whom plaintiffs’ motion to strike was referred for a Report and Recommendation, issued an opinion and order denying plaintiffs’ motion. On April 6, 2022, certain co-defendants filed a motion to sever the plaintiffs’ claims and to dismiss all claims except for claims asserted by the Monterey Bay plaintiffs. On January 26, 2024, the court granted the parties leave to file motions for summary judgment; opening briefs were due March 22, 2024, while oppositions are due May 31, 2024 and replies on July 12, 2024. On February 29, 2024, the court denied co-defendants’ motion to sever plaintiffs’ claims. On March 22, 2024, defendants served opening motions for summary judgment against plaintiffs’ claims in their entirety on multiple grounds, and plaintiffs served cross-motions for summary judgment on defendants’ unclean hands defenses. The parties’ summary judgment motions were fully briefed as of July 12, 2024 and are currently awaiting a decision from the Court. On December 11, 2024, the Court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for oral argument on Defendants’ motions for summary judgment, stating that it would “notify the parties if it concludes that oral argument concerning the motions for summary judgment would be productive.”
In re National Collegiate Student Loan Trusts Litigation (Delaware Court of Chancery, Consolidated C.A. No. 12111, filed November 1, 2019). On November 1, 2019, AAC became aware of a new declaratory judgment action filed by certain residual equity interest holders (“NC Owners” or “Plaintiffs”) in fourteen National Collegiate Student Loan Trusts (the “Trusts”) against Wilmington Trust Company, the Owner Trustee for the Trusts; U.S. Bank National Association, the Indenture Trustee; GSS Data Services, Inc., the Administrator; and AAC. Through this action, Plaintiffs seek a number of judicial determinations. On January 21, 2020, the presiding Vice Chancellor entered an order consolidating the action with previously filed litigation relating to the Trusts. On February 13, 2020, AAC, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, and other parties filed declaratory judgment counterclaims. Several parties, including Plaintiffs and AAC, filed motions for judgment on the pleadings in support of their requested judicial determinations. On August 27, 2020, the Vice Chancellor issued an opinion addressing all of the pending motions for judgment on the pleadings, which granted certain of the parties’ requested judicial determinations and denied others. He deferred judgment on still other declarations pending further factual development. The Vice Chancellor entered a series of stays to facilitate good-faith settlement discussions, the most recent of which was entered on May 2, 2023, and stayed the matter through May 5, 2023. On February 21, 2025, the Administrator filed a status report stating
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 95
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
that certain parties continue to negotiate a resolution to some of the pending claims.
Ambac Assurance Corporation v. Bank of New York Mellon (United States District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 1:17-cv-03804, filed May 2, 2017). On May 2, 2017, AAC filed a complaint in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, against the trustee for the COFINA bonds, Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY”), alleging breach of fiduciary, contractual, and other duties for failing to adequately and appropriately protect the holders of certain AAC-insured senior COFINA bonds. On May 19, 2017, BNY filed a notice of removal of this action from New York state court to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On May 30, 2017, the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico entered an order in an adversary proceeding brought by BNY (No. 1:17-ap-00133) staying this litigation pending further order of the court. The COFINA Plan became effective on February 12, 2019, and, pursuant to the District Court’s confirmation order, this litigation was permitted to continue, with AAC’s claims against BNYM being limited to those for gross negligence, willful misconduct and intentional fraud. On November 17, 2021, the District Court denied as moot BNY's motion to transfer venue to the District of Puerto Rico and continued the stay of the action. On July 6, 2022, the District Court granted AAC’s motion to lift the stay and for leave to file a Second Amended Complaint (“SAC”). AAC filed its SAC on July 10, 2022, and on July 25, 2022, BNY moved to dismiss the SAC. On September 23, 2022, Ambac filed its opposition to BNY’s motion to dismiss, and on October 24, 2022, BNY filed its reply in support of its motion to dismiss. On September 12, 2024, the District Court entered an Order to Show Cause concerning the proper venue for the case, stating that it planned to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. After AAC and BNY filed a Joint Response to the Order to Show Cause on September 19, 2024, stating that they did not object to the transfer, the case was transferred to the District Court for the District of Puerto Rico on September 20, 2024. On September 24, 2024, the District Court granted BNY’s motion to dismiss in its entirety. On October 23, 2024, AAC filed a Notice of Appeal appealing the case to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. On December 9, 2024, AAC and BNY filed a joint stipulation to voluntarily dismiss the appeal with prejudice and, following such filing, the District Court entered its judgment ordering such dismissal.
Potential Litigation
AAC’s estimates of projected losses for RMBS transactions consider, among other things, the RMBS transactions’ payment waterfall structure, including the application of interest and principal payments and recoveries, and depend in part on our interpretations of contracts and other bases of our legal rights. From time to time, bond trustees and other transaction participants have employed different contractual interpretations and have commenced, or threatened to commence, litigation to resolve these differences. From time to time AAC is also subject to allegations that it has failed to fulfill a contractual obligation or duty in respect of securities that it has issued. It is not possible to predict whether additional disputes will arise, nor the outcomes of any potential litigation. It is possible that there could be unfavorable outcomes in these or other disputes or proceedings and that our interpretations may prove to be incorrect, which could lead to changes to our estimate of loss reserves.
In the ordinary course of its businesses, AAC asserts claims in legal proceedings against third parties to recover losses already paid and/or mitigate future losses. The amounts recovered and/or losses avoided which may result from these proceedings is uncertain, although recoveries and/or losses avoided in any one or more of these proceedings during any quarter or fiscal year could be material to Ambac’s results of operations in that quarter or fiscal year.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 96
2024 Form 10-K
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
20. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Our unaudited quarterly results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are being included because of our held for sale treatment in the fourth quarter of 2024 resulting in reporting discontinued operations and are summarized in the table below.
2024 Quarters 2023 Quarters
($ in thousands) First Second Third Fourth First Second Third Fourth
Gross premiums written $ 96,422 $ 111,206 $ 115,154 $ 59,988 $ 51,823 $ 53,229 $ 77,499 $ 90,736
Net premiums written 26,247 32,289 32,754 (2,608) 9,187 9,120 24,768 36,750
Net premiums earned 25,579 27,054 27,441 18,931 6,995 7,785 12,187 24,945
Commission income 17,729 13,221 23,064 38,009 14,486 10,032 14,572 12,191
Program fees 2,567 3,328 3,622 3,989 1,485 2,076 2,415 2,461
Net investment income 3,640 3,763 3,488 3,557 2,881 3,027 3,663 3,588
Net investment gains (losses), including impairments - 4,535 (577) (4,455) 38 (20) - 1
Net gains (losses) on derivative contracts (48) (438) 6,545 (2,043) (175) (146) (27) 69
Other revenue (loss) 83 (426) 6,422 7,235 37 101 (5) 67
Losses and loss expenses (benefit) 19,355 23,024 20,421 9,826 4,659 5,739 9,509 16,805
Policy acquisition costs 4,424 5,399 5,993 7,850 1,399 1,351 1,956 5,851
Commission expense 9,822 7,888 9,499 13,667 7,597 6,021 8,455 7,392
General & administrative expense, including depreciation expense 18,050 28,336 44,681 40,444 11,839 17,117 17,914 21,193
Intangible amortization 1,139 1,139 6,423 8,901 967 966 1,079 1,139
Interest expense - - 3,745 5,634 - - - -
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (3,369) (14,719) (19,890) (20,943) (813) (8,725) (4,595) (9,099)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Ambac shareholders (4,070) (14,932) (18,117) (22,163) (1,482) (8,835) (5,026) (9,208)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations net of tax (including loss on disposal of $570,145 in 2024) 24,140 14,182 (9,387) (526,102) (35,876) (9,300) 66,190 7,169
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders $ 20,070 $ (750) $ (27,504) $ (548,265) $ (33,417) $ (13,132) $ 65,869 $ (15,688)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share attributable to Ambac shareholders
Basic $ (0.09) $ (0.33) $ (0.43) $ 0.70 $ (0.03) $ (0.20) $ (0.11) $ (0.10)
Diluted $ (0.09) $ (0.33) $ (0.43) $ 0.70 $ (0.03) $ (0.20) $ (0.11) $ (0.10)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share attributable to Ambac shareholders
Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.31 $ (0.20) $ (10.93) $ (0.70) $ (0.09) $ 1.55 $ (0.14)
Diluted $ 0.53 $ 0.31 $ (0.20) $ (10.93) $ (0.70) $ (0.09) $ 1.55 $ (0.14)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Ambac shareholders
Basic 0.44 (0.02) (0.63) (10.23) (0.73) (0.29) 1.44 (0.24)
Diluted 0.44 (0.02) (0.63) (10.23) (0.73) (0.29) 1.44 (0.24)
Net income (loss) attributable to Ambac shareholders $ 20,070 $ (750) $ (27,504) $ (548,265) $ (33,417) $ (13,132) $ 65,869 $ (15,688)
Adjustment for Redeemable NCI 53 (184) (2,402) 55,762 212 (294) 19 4,855
Numerator of basic and diluted EPS $ 20,123 $ (934) $ (29,906) $ (492,503) $ (33,205) $ (13,426) $ 65,888 $ (10,833)
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 97
2024 Form 10-K

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure - None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Ambac’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, including without limitation that information required to be disclosed by Ambac in its SEC filings is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Ambac’s Disclosure Committee assists the CEO and CFO in their responsibilities to design, establish, maintain and evaluate the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures. The Disclosure Committee is responsible for, among other things, the oversight, maintenance and implementation of the disclosure controls and procedures, subject to the supervision and oversight of the CEO and CFO. Ambac’s management, with the participation of its CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of Ambac’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 31, 2024 and, the CEO and CFO have concluded that at that date Ambac’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management of Ambac is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Ambac’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the CEO and CFO and overseen by Ambac’s Board of Directors to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of Ambac’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Ambac’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of Ambac; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Ambac; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection and remediation of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Ambac’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Ambac management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of Ambac’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Ambac management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.
Under guidelines established by the SEC, companies are permitted to exclude certain acquisitions from their first assessment of internal control over financial reporting following the date of acquisition. Based on those guidelines, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of Ambac Financial Group Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2024 excluded certain processes of Beat Capital Partners Limited which were not integrated into the Company’s existing internal control over financial reporting environment at December 31, 2024. The excluded Beat Capital Partners Limited processes represented approximately 1% of the Company's total assets and approximately 17% of the Company’s total revenues, respectively.
Based on its evaluations, Ambac's management have concluded that, as of December 31, 2024, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria articulated in the 2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework, excluding the above noted processes of Beat Capital Partners Limited. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Ambac’s internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Ambac expects to complete the assessment of the design of Beat's internal controls over financial reporting by July 31, 2025. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2024 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
In the last fiscal quarter, none of our directors or executive officers adopted, terminated, or modified any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, or any non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement. No other matters require disclosure.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 98
2024 Form 10-K
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information relating to AFG’s executive officers and directors, including its audit committee and audit committee financial experts, will be in AFG’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which will be filed within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the “2025 Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.
Ambac has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which promotes management’s commitment to integrity and expresses Ambac’s standards for ethical behavior by providing guidelines for handling business situations appropriately. This code can be found on Ambac’s website at www.ambac.com on the “Environmental, Social & Governance” page under "Governance Documents." Ambac will disclose on its website any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer. Ambac’s corporate governance guidelines and the charters for the committees of the Board of Directors are also available on our website under the “Governance Documents” page.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information relating to Ambac’s executive officer and director compensation will be in the 2025 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners of AFG’s common stock and information relating to the security ownership of AFG’s management, as well as information related to equity compensation plans, will be in the 2025 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information relating to Ambac with respect to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence will be in the 2025 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information relating to principal accountant fees and services will be in the 2025 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as a part of this report:
1. Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 above are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. Financial Statement Schedules
The financial statement schedules filed herein, which are the only schedules required to be filed, are as follows:
Page
Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Description Form Filing Date Exhibit Number Filed Herewith
(3) Articles of Incorporation and bylaws:
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
10-Q
08/04/24
3.1
3.2 Amended By-Laws of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
8-K 01/27/23 2.1
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 99
2024 Form 10-K
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Description Form Filing Date Exhibit Number Filed Herewith
(4) Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures:
4.1 Description of Capital Stock
8-A
05/01/13
4.2 Specimen form of common stock certificate
8-A 05/01/13 4.1
4.3 Fiscal Agency Agreement, dated as of July 19, 2010, by and between the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon, as fiscal agent
10-K 03/03/14 4.10
4.4 Form of Surplus Note due June 7, 2020 issued by the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation.(included in Exhibit 4.3)
4.5 Fiscal Agency Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2010, by and between Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon, as fiscal agent
8-K 06/08/10 10.3
4.6 Amendment dated as of October 3, 2014 to Fiscal Agency Agreement dated as of June 7, 2010 by and between Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon, as fiscal agent
10-Q 11/09/15 4.1
4.7 Form of Warrant Agreement to be entered into at the closing of the sale of Ambac Assurance Corporation to funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
8-K 06/05/24 4.1
(10) Material contract and management compensation plans and arrangements:
10.1 Ambac Financial Group, Inc.'s Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan
10-Q 08/11/14 10.1
10.2 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for directors
X
10.3 Closing Agreement between Ambac Financial, Group, Inc. and Commissioner of Internal Revenue, dated April 30, 2013
8-K 05/03/13 10.2
10.4 Form of Expense Sharing and Cost Allocation Agreement among Ambac Assurance Corporation, Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates
10-K 03/01/23 10.5
10.5 Lease, dated as of March 1, 2011, by and between One State Street, LLC and Ambac Assurance Corporation
10-K 03/16/11 10.34
10.6 Settlement Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2010, by and among Ambac Assurance Corporation, Ambac Credit Products LLC, Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and the parties listed on Schedule A thereto
10-Q 11/15/10 10.1
10.7 Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Severance Pay Plan (Applicable to termination on or after December 16, 2021)
10-K 02/24/22 10.10
10.8 Lease Modification dated as of September 8, 2015 to the Lease dated as of March 1, 2011, by and between One State Street, LLC and Ambac Assurance Corporation
10-K 02/29/16 10.27
10.9 Employment Agreement dated as of November 1, 2016 by and among Ambac Financial Group, Inc., Ambac Assurance Corporation and David Trick
10-Q 11/03/16 10.2
10.10 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated August 3, 2020 by and among Ambac Financial Group, Inc, Ambac Assurance Corporation and Claude LeBlanc.
10-Q 08/06/20 10.2
10.11 Employment Agreement dated as of January 4, 2017 by and among Ambac Financial Group, Inc., Ambac Assurance Corporation and Stephen Ksenak
8-K 01/06/17 10.1
10.12 Second Amended Plan of Rehabilitation of the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance Corporation dated September 25, 2017, and effective as of February 12, 2018
10-K 02/28/18 10.38
10.13 Order Granting the Rehabilitator’s Motion to Further Amend the Plan of Rehabilitation and confirming the Second Amended Plan of Rehabilitation, as amended, Case No. 10-CV-1576 (Dane County, Wisconsin) dated January 22, 2018
10-K 02/28/18 10.39
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 100
2024 Form 10-K
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Description Form Filing Date Exhibit Number Filed Herewith
10.14 Preferred Stock Repurchase and Support Agreement dated as of June 22, 2018, by and among Ambac Assurance Corporation (“AAC”), Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and the holders of one or more series of the AAC’s outstanding Auction Market Preferred Shares
8-K 06/25/18 10.1
10.15 SUBLEASE dated as of January 30, 2019, between Advance Magazine Publishers Inc. (D/B/A CONDE NAST), and Ambac Assurance Group Corporation
10-K 03/02/20 10.45
10.16 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan
Def 14A 04/15/20 Ex. B
10.17 Purchase Agreement, by and among, Ambac Assurance Corporation, Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and certain funds or accounts affiliated with or managed by CVC Credit Partners, LLC, CVC Credit Partners Investment Management Limited and EJF Capital LLC, dated as of January 19, 2021
8-K 01/25/21 1.01
10.18 Executive Stock Deferral Plan dated June 24, 2021
8-K 06/30/21 10.1
10.19 Settlement Agreement and Release dated as of October 6, 2022 by and among Bank of America Corporation and certain affiliates and Ambac Assurance Corporation (Portions of this exhibit have been omitted in reliance on Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10)(iv))
10-K 03/01/23 10.34
10.20 Settlement Agreement and Release dated as of December 29, 2022 by and among Nomura Credit & Capital, Inc. and Ambac Assurance Corporation. (Portions of this exhibit have been omitted in reliance on Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10)(iv))
10-K 03/01/23 10.35
10.21 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. LeBlanc, Trick and Ksenak
10-Q 05/10/22 10.1
10.22 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. Barranco, Eisman, McGinnis and Ms. Smith.
10-Q 05/10/22 10.2
10.23 Form of 2022 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. LeBlanc, Trick and Ksenak
10-Q 05/10/22 10.3
10.24 Form of 2022 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. Barranco, Eisman, McGinnis and Ms. Smith
10-Q 05/10/22 10.4
10.25 Employment Agreement dated as of October 5, 2023, by and among Ambac Financial Group, Inc., Ambac Assurance Corporation and R. Sharon Smith
8-K 10/06/23 10.1
10.26 Employment Agreement dated as of October 5, 2023, by and among Ambac Financial Group, Inc., Ambac Assurance Corporation and Daniel McGinnis
10-Q 11/07/23 10.2
10.27 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. LeBlanc, Trick and Ksenak.
10-Q 05/09/23 10.1
10.28 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. Barranco, Eisman, McGinnis and Ms. Smith.
10-Q 05/09/23 10.2
10.29 Form of 2023 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. LeBlanc, Trick and Ksenak.
10-Q 05/09/23 10.3
10.30 Form of 2023 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. Barranco, Eisman, McGinnis and Ms. Smith.
10-Q 05/09/23 10.4
10.31 Stipulation and Order - Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin, in the Matter of Ambac Assurance Corporation effective as of February 22, 2024
10-K 02/27/24 10.38
10.32 2024 Incentive Compensation Plan
Def 14A 04/26/24 Appendix A
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 101
2024 Form 10-K
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Description Form Filing Date Exhibit Number Filed Herewith
10.33 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. LeBlanc, Trick, Ksenak, McGinnis and Ms. Smith.
10-Q 05/06/24 10.1
10.34 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. Barranco and Eisman.
10-Q 05/06/24 10.2
10.35 Form of 2024 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. LeBlanc, Trick, Ksenak, McGinnis and Ms. Smith.
10-Q 05/06/24 10.3
10.36 Form of 2024 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Messrs. Barranco and Eisman.
10-Q 05/06/24 10.4
10.37 Stock Purchase Agreement, by and between Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and American Acorn Corporation, dated as of June 4, 2024.
8-K 06/05/24 2.2
10.38 Shareholders’ Agreement by and among Ambac Financial Group, Inc., Cirrata V LLC, Beat Capital Partners Limited and the sellers set forth therein, dated as of August 1, 2024 . 8-K 08/02/24 10.1
10.39 Credit Agreement, by and between Ambac Financial Group, Cirrata V LLC, Cirrata Group, LLC, Cirrata V UK Ltd and UBS AG, dated as of August 1, 2024.
8-K 08/02/24 10.2
10.40 Share Purchase Agreement, by and among Ambac Financial Group, Inc., Cirrata V LLC, Beat Capital Partners Limited and the sellers set forth therein, dated as of June 4, 2024.
8-K 06/05/24 2.2
10.41 Form of Investor Rights Agreement to be entered into at the closing of the sale of Ambac Assurance Corporation to funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
8-K 06/05/24 10.2
10.42 Form of Shareholders’ Agreement by and among Ambac Financial Group, Inc., Cirrata V LLC, Beat Capital Partners Limited and the sellers set forth therein.
8-K 06/05/24 10.4
10.43 Commitment Letter dated June 4, 2024, by UBS AG, Stamford Branch and UBS Securities LLC to Cirrata V LLC.
8-K 06/05/24 10.5
(19) Insider Trading Policy
19.1 Ambac Insider Trading Policy
X
(97) Recoupment Policy
97.1 Ambac Financial Group, Inc. - Recoupment Policy 10-K 02/27/24 97.1
(99) Additional exhibits
99.1 Second Modified Fifth Amended Plan of Reorganization of Ambac Financial Group, Inc., effective as of May 1, 2013
10-K 03/03/14 99.3
Other exhibits, filed or furnished, as indicated:
21.1 List of Subsidiaries of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
X
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
X
24.1 Power of Attorney for directors of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
X
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) Promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
X
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) Promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
X
32.1++ Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
X
101.INS XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 102
2024 Form 10-K
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit Description Form Filing Date Exhibit Number Filed Herewith
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
++ Furnished herewith.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 103
2024 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE I
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Summary of Investments
Other Than Investments in Related Parties
December 31, 2024
Type of Investment
($ in thousands) Cost Estimated
Fair Value
Amount at Which
Shown in the
Balance Sheet
Municipal obligations $ 14,646 $ 14,083 $ 14,083
Corporate obligations 92,990 89,192 89,192
U.S. government obligations 41,706 40,995 40,995
Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,475 2,446 2,446
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 2,127 2,101 2,101
Collateralized debt obligations 3,131 3,142 3,142
Other asset-backed securities 5,049 5,061 5,061
Short-term 127,588 127,601 127,601
Other(1)
28,170 7,499 28,118
Total $ 317,882 $ 292,120 $ 312,739
(1) Excluded from the estimated fair value amount are equity securities with a carrying value of $20,618 as of December 31, 2024, that do not have readily determinable fair values and are carried on the balance sheet at cost, less impairment, and adjusted to fair value when observable price changes in identical or similar investments from the same issuer occur, as permitted under the Investments - Equity Securities Topic of the ASC, and an equity method investment of $177 as of December 31, 2024.
See the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 104
2024 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE II
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Financial Information
Of Registrant (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Balance Sheets
($ in thousands, except share data) December 31, 2024 2023
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $0 and $14,045)
$ - $ 13,920
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost of $64,439 and $155,687)
64,439 155,688
Other investments 28,117 18,317
Total investments (net of allowance for credit losses of $0 and $0)
92,556 187,925
Cash and cash equivalents 9,981 250
Investment in subsidiaries 737,692 1,150,195
Investment income due and accrued 269 545
Other assets 22,703 26,258
Total assets $ 863,201 $ 1,365,173
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and other liabilities
6,294 3,515
Total liabilities 6,294 3,515
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized shares; issued and outstanding shares-none
- -
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 130,000,000 shares authorized; issued shares: 48,875,167 and 46,659,144
489 467
Additional paid-in capital 331,007 291,761
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (188,436) (160,046)
Retained earnings 742,185 1,246,049
Treasury stock, shares at cost: 2,368,194 and 1,463,774
(28,339) (16,573)
Total Ambac Financial Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity 856,906 1,361,658
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 863,201 $ 1,365,173
The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the following notes.
See the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 105
2024 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE II
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Financial Information
Of Registrant (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Revenues:
Investment income $ 7,262 $ 9,298 $ 10,389
Other income (415) 6 (81)
Net gains on derivative contracts 3,910 (348) 935
Net investment gains (losses), including impairments (498) 55 (13,664)
Total revenues 10,259 9,011 (2,421)
Expenses:
General and administrative expenses 41,519 21,597 17,435
Total expenses 41,519 21,597 17,435
Income (loss) before income taxes and net income (loss) of subsidiaries (31,260) (12,586) (19,856)
Federal income tax provision (benefit) (1,748) (1,193) (462)
Income (loss) before net income (loss) of subsidiaries (29,512) (11,393) (19,394)
Net income (loss) of subsidiaries (526,937) 15,026 541,773
Net income (loss) $ (556,449) $ 3,633 $ 522,379
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax:
Net income (loss) $ (556,449) $ 3,633 $ 522,379
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $1,295, $2,095 and $(6,264)
(939) 51,184 (225,341)
Gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $-, $- and $-
(22,156) 40,132 (84,520)
Credit risk changes of fair value option liabilities, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(118), $177 and $79
(356) (88) 340
Changes to postretirement benefit, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $-, $- and $-
(4,939) 1,569 (933)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (28,390) 92,797 (310,454)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ambac Financial Group, Inc. $ (584,839) $ 96,430 $ 211,925
The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the following notes.
See the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 106
2024 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE II
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Financial Information
Of Registrant (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statement of Stockholders' Equity
($ in thousands) Total Preferred
Stock
Common
Stock
Additional Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Common
Stock Held
in Treasury,
at Cost
Balance at January 1, 2022 $ 1,038,105 $ - $ 465 $ 256,906 $ 57,611 $ 726,054 $ (2,931)
Total comprehensive income (loss) 210,794 (310,454) 521,248
Stock-based compensation 17,408 17,408
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan (3,568) (5,446) 1,878
Cost of shares repurchased (14,217) (14,217)
Changes to redeemable NCI 2,504 - - - - 2,504 -
Cost of warrants acquired 172 - - 172 - - -
Issuance of common stock 2 - 2 - - - -
Purchase of Ambac Assurance auction market preferred shares 1,131 - - - - 1,131 -
Balance at December 31, 2022 1,252,331 - 467 274,486 (252,843) 1,245,491 (15,270)
Total comprehensive income (loss) 96,430 - 92,797 3,633 -
Stock-based compensation 17,275 17,275
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan (4,665) (7,872) 3,207
Cost of shares repurchased (4,510) (4,510)
Changes to NCI 4,797 4,797
Balance at December 31, 2023 1,361,658 - 467 291,761 (160,046) 1,246,048 (16,573)
Total comprehensive income (loss) (584,839) (28,390) (556,449)
Stock-based compensation 8,995 8,995
Cost of shares (acquired) issued under equity plan (701) (634) (67)
Cost of shares repurchased (11,699) (11,699)
Changes to NCI 54,264 - - 1,044 - 53,220 -
Issuance of common stock 29,229 - 22 29,207 - - -
Balance at December 31, 2024 $ 856,906 $ - $ 489 $ 331,007 $ (188,436) $ 742,185 $ (28,339)
The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the following notes.
See the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 107
2024 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE II
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Financial Information
Of Registrant (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flow
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (556,449) $ 3,632 $ 522,380
Adjustments to reconcile net income loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Net (income) loss of subsidiaries 526,937 (15,027) (541,773)
Amortization of bond premium and discount - - (7,378)
Net investment gains (losses), including impairments 498 (55) 13,664
Increase (decrease) in current income taxes payable (1,970) (1,674) (809)
Share-based compensation 8,361 9,404 11,962
(Increase) decrease in other assets and liabilities 7,817 (4,660) 40,976
Distributions received from majority owned subsidiaries 10,739 8,032 5,760
Other, net 1,814 2,392 1,109
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (1,755) 2,044 45,891
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales and matured bonds 5,000 - 68,205
Purchases of bonds - (795) (750)
Change in short-term investments 91,249 19,676 (51,069)
Change in other investments (1,749) (2,715) (4,213)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 94,500 16,166 12,173
Cash flows from financing activities:
Capital contribution to subsidiaries (70,817) (16,050) (42,420)
Cost of shares acquired (11,699) (4,510) (14,217)
Net cash (used in) financing activities (82,516) (20,560) (56,637)
Net cash flow 9,731 (2,350) 1,427
Cash at beginning of period 250 2,600 1,173
Cash at end of period $ 9,981 $ 250 $ 2,600
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes $ - $ - $ -
Non-cash financing activity:
Ambac common stock issued as partial consideration to acquire Beat $ 29,229 $ - $ -
The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the following notes.
See the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 108
2024 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE II
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Financial Information
Of Registrant (Parent Company Only)
Notes to Condensed Financial Information
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
The condensed financial information of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (“AFG” or the “Registrant”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of AFG Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries and the notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
AFG, headquartered in New York City, is an insurance holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware on April 29, 1991.
Income Taxes
AFG files a consolidated U.S. Federal income tax return with its 80% or greater owned U.S. subsidiaries. Beat's US subsidiaries file separate U.S. Federal income tax returns as they are not directly owned by AFG for tax purposes. AFG and its subsidiaries also file separate or combined income tax returns in various states, local and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has $1,663,087 of NOLs, which if not utilized will begin expiring in 2030, and $158,663 of NOLs that carryforward indefinitely.
Discontinued Operations
On June 4, 2024, AFG entered into a stock purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with American Acorn Corporation (the “Buyer”), a Delaware corporation owned by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., pursuant to which and subject to the conditions set forth therein, AFG will sell all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of AAC owned by AFG to the Buyer for aggregate consideration of $420,000 in cash, and will issue to the Buyer a warrant to purchase AFG common stock representing 9.9% of the fully diluted shares of AFG’s common stock as of March 31, 2024, pro forma for the issuance of the Warrant (the "AAC Sale"). The terms of the AAC Sale as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement provide that, at the closing of the AAC Sale (the “Closing”), Buyer will acquire complete ownership of the common stock of AAC and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Ambac UK. For further information, see Note 5. Discontinued Operation included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 109
2024 Form 10-K
SCHEDULE III
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Supplementary Insurance Information
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
Segment Deferred Acquisition Costs Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves Unearned Premium Earned Premiums Net Investment Income Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Benefit) Amortization of Deferred Amortization Costs Other Operating Expenses Net Written Premiums
Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance 8,572 349,062 182,446 99,005 6,399 72,626 23,666 17,806 88,682
Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance 10,960 197,089 154,878 51,911 3,795 36,712 10,557 16,452 79,824
Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance 3,362 89,907 85,415 13,869 1,605 9,071 2,535 13,205 28,554
See the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.