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Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000950130-01-500354.txt : 20010329
<SEC-HEADER>0000950130-01-500354.hdr.sgml : 20010329
ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950130-01-500354
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K405
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 15
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20001231
FILED AS OF DATE: 20010328
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000874501
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SURETY INSURANCE [6351]
IRS NUMBER: 133621676
STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 10-K405
SEC ACT:
SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-10777
FILM NUMBER: 1581583
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: ONE STATE ST PLZ
CITY: NEW YORK
STATE: NY
ZIP: 10004
BUSINESS PHONE: 2126680340
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: ONE STATE ST PLZ
CITY: NEW YORK
STATE: NY
ZIP: 10004
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: AMBAC INC /DE/
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19930328
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>10-K405
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d10k405.txt
<DESCRIPTION>FORM 10-K FOR PERIOD ENDING 12/31/2000
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended Commission File Number
December 31, 2000 1-10777
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3621676
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
One State Street Plaza
New York, New York 10004
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(212) 668-0340
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 per share and
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___
---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant as of March 14, 2001 was $5,948,811,002 (based upon the closing price
of the Registrant's shares of the New York Stock Exchange on March 14, 2001,
which was $57.14). For purposes of this information, the outstanding shares of
Common Stock which were owned by all directors and executive officers of the
Registrant were deemed to be shares of Common Stock held by affiliates.
As of March 14, 2001, 105,652,028 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share, (net of 368,509 treasury shares) were outstanding.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year
ended December 31, 2000 are incorporated by reference into Parts II and IV
hereof. Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement dated March 28, 2001 in
connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 1, 2001 are
incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
PART I
Item 1. Business..................................................................... 1
Item 2. Properties................................................................... 27
Item 3. Legal Proceedings............................................................ 27
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a
Vote of Security Holders..................................................... 27
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common
Equity and Related Stockholder Matters....................................... 27
Item 6. Selected Financial Data...................................................... 27
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.......................................... 28
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures 28
About Market Risk............................................................
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................................. 28
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure.......................................... 28
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers
of the Registrant............................................................ 28
Item 11. Executive Compensation....................................................... 28
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management............................................. 28
Item 13. Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions......................................................... 29
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement
Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K........................................... 29
SIGNATURES ............................................................................. 35
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES............................................................ S-1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Part I
Item 1. Business.
GENERAL
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (the "Company"), headquartered in New York
City, is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide financial guarantee
products and other financial services to clients in both the public and private
sectors around the world. The Company was incorporated on April 29, 1991. The
Company provides financial guarantees for municipal and structured finance
obligations through its principal operating subsidiary, Ambac Assurance
Corporation ("Ambac Assurance"). Through its financial services subsidiaries,
the Company provides financial and investment products including investment
agreements, interest rate swaps, funding conduits, investment advisory and cash
management services, principally to its financial guarantee clients which
include municipalities and their authorities, school districts, health care
organizations and asset-backed issuers.
Ambac Assurance, which serves the global capital markets, is primarily
engaged in guaranteeing municipal and structured finance obligations and is the
successor to the founding financial guarantee insurance company, which wrote the
first bond insurance policy in 1971. Financial guarantee products written by
Ambac Assurance in both the primary and secondary markets guarantee payment when
due of the principal of and interest on the guaranteed obligation. In the case
of default on a guaranteed obligation, payments under the financial guarantee
policy may not be accelerated by the policyholder without Ambac Assurance's
consent. Ambac Assurance seeks to minimize the risk inherent in its financial
guarantee portfolio by maintaining a diverse portfolio which spreads its risk
across a number of criteria, including issue size, type of bond, geographic area
and obligor. As of December 31, 2000, Ambac Assurance's net financial guarantee
in force (after giving effect for reinsurance) was $418.4 billion. See
"Financial Guarantee in Force" below.
Ambac Credit Products L.L.C. ("ACP"), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Ambac Assurance, provides credit protection in the global markets in the form of
structured credit derivatives. These structured credit derivatives involve
private transactions with high quality counterparties. These contracts require
ACP to make payments upon the occurrence of certain defined credit events
relating to an underlying obligation (generally a fixed income obligation).
Structured credit derivatives issued by ACP are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance.
See "Business Segments -- Financial Guarantee" below and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis -- Risk Management" in the Company's 2000 Annual Report
to Shareholders for more detail about structured credit derivatives.
Ambac Assurance has earned triple-A ratings, the highest ratings
available from Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's
Ratings Services ("S&P"), Fitch, Inc. ("Fitch") and Rating and Investment
Information, Inc. ("R&I"). These ratings are an essential part of Ambac
Assurance's ability to provide credit enhancement. See "Rating Agencies" below.
The Company's investment agreement business ("IA Business"), conducted
through its subsidiary, Ambac Capital Funding, Inc. ("ACFI"), provides
investment agreements primarily to municipalities and their authorities,
structured finance obligations and
1
<PAGE>
international issuers. Investment agreements written by ACFI are insured by
Ambac Assurance, its triple-A financial guarantee affiliate. Investment
agreements are primarily used by issuers to invest bond proceeds until the
proceeds can be used for their intended purpose. The investment agreement
provides for the guaranteed return of principal invested, and for the payment of
interest thereon at a guaranteed rate. See "Investment Agreements" below.
The Company provides interest rate swaps through its subsidiary Ambac
Financial Services, L.P. ("AFSLP") primarily to states, municipalities and their
authorities, and other entities in connection with their financings. The
interest rate swaps provided by AFSLP are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance and
provide a financing alternative that may reduce an issuer's overall borrowing
costs and/or help manage their interest rate risk. See "Interest Rate Swaps"
below.
The Company provides investment advisory, cash management and fund
administration services through its subsidiary, Cadre Financial Services, Inc.
("Cadre"), and broker/dealer services through its subsidiary, Cadre Securities,
Inc. ("Cadre Securities"), primarily to school districts, hospitals and health
care organizations, and municipalities.
As a holding company, Ambac Financial Group, Inc. is largely dependent
on dividends from Ambac Assurance, its principal operating subsidiary, to pay
dividends on its capital stock, to pay principal and interest on its
indebtedness, to pay its operating expenses, and to make capital investments in
its subsidiaries. Dividends from Ambac Assurance are subject to certain
insurance regulatory restrictions. See "Insurance Regulatory Matters --Wisconsin
Dividend Restrictions" below and "Management's Discussion and Analysis --
Liquidity and Capital Resources" in the Company's 2000 Annual Report to
Stockholders.
Materials in this Form 10-K may contain information that includes or is
based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give the Company's
expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by
the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and
relate to future operating or financial performance.
Any or all of our forward-looking statements here or in other
publications may turn out to be wrong and are based on current expectations and
the current economic environment. The Company's actual results may vary
materially, and there are no guarantees about the performance of the Company's
stock. Among factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are:
(1) changes in the economic, credit or interest rate environment in the United
States and abroad; (2) the level of activity within the national and worldwide
debt markets; (3) competitive conditions and pricing levels; (4) legislative and
regulatory developments; (5) changes in tax laws; and (6) other risks and
uncertainties that have not been identified at this time. The Company undertakes
no obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if we
later become aware that it is not likely to be achieved. You are advised,
however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in the
Company's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
2
<PAGE>
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The following paragraphs describe the business operations of Ambac
Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (sometimes collectively referred to
as the "Company") for the Company's two reportable segments: Financial Guarantee
and Financial Services.
Financial Guarantee
Generally, financial guarantee insurance written by Ambac Assurance
guarantees to the holder of the underlying obligation timely payment of
principal and interest by the issuer on such obligation in accordance with its
original payment schedule. Accordingly, in the case of issuer default on the
guaranteed obligation, payments under the financial guarantee policy may not be
accelerated by the policyholder without Ambac Assurance's consent.
Financial guarantee insurance is a form of credit enhancement that
benefits both the issuer and the investor. Issuers benefit because their
securities are sold with a higher credit rating than securities of the issuer
sold without credit enhancement, resulting in interest cost savings and greater
marketability. In addition, for complex financings and obligations of issuers
that are not well known by investors, credit enhanced obligations receive
greater market acceptance than obligations without credit enhancement. Investors
benefit from greater marketability, secondary market price stability, active
credit surveillance and protection from loss associated with issuer default.
Structured credit derivatives written by ACP provide credit protection
in respect of specific financial obligations (primarily fixed income
obligations). The majority of the Company's structured credit derivative
contracts are partially hedged with various financial institutions or structured
with first loss protection. Such structuring mitigates the Company's risk of
loss and reduces the price volatility of these financial instruments. Should a
defined credit event occur, ACP would generally make a payment equivalent to the
difference between the par value and market value of the underlying obligation.
The Company derives financial guarantee revenues from: (i) premiums
earned over the life of the obligations guaranteed; (ii) net investment income;
(iii) net realized gains and losses from sales of investment securities; (iv)
certain structuring and other fees; and (v) revenue from credit derivative
transactions. Financial guarantee revenues were $565.4 million, $474.1 million
and $408.4 million in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2000
Annual Report to Stockholders.
Financial guarantee products are sold in three principal markets: the
U.S. municipal market, the U.S. structured finance and asset-backed market, and
the international market. Total gross par guaranteed for the years ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 was $71.3 billion, $73.3 billion and $61.5
billion, respectively.
3
<PAGE>
U. S. Municipal Market
Until 1993, Ambac Assurance was almost exclusively focused on the
municipal market in the United States. The U.S. municipal market includes
taxable and tax-exempt bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness issued
by states, political subdivisions (e.g., cities, counties, towns and villages),
water, sewer, electric and other utility districts, airports, higher educational
institutions, hospitals, transportation and housing authorities and other
similar authorities and agencies. Municipal obligations are generally supported
by either the taxing authority of the issuer or the issuer's or underlying
obligor's ability to collect fees or assessments for certain projects or public
services. More recently, the municipal market has expanded to include
structured, project finance and asset-backed bond issues for infrastructure
projects, sports stadiums, lease pools and other municipal purposes. This
portion of the market is growing and has become a focus for the Company in
recent years. The following table sets forth the volume of new issues of long-
term (longer than 12 months) municipal bonds and the volume of new issues of
insured long-term municipal bonds over the past ten years in the United States.
U.S. Long-Term Municipal Market
-------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Insured Bonds
Total Insured as Percentage
($ in Billions) Volume Volume of Total Volume
------ ------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1991................................................ $172.4 $ 51.9 30.1%
1992................................................ 234.7 80.8 34.4
1993................................................ 292.2 108.0 37.0
1994................................................ 165.0 61.5 37.3
1995................................................ 160.0 68.5 42.8
1996................................................ 185.0 85.7 46.3
1997................................................ 220.6 107.5 48.7
1998................................................ 286.2 145.1 50.7
1999................................................ 227.4 105.3 46.3
2000................................................ 193.0 78.8 39.6
</TABLE>
Source: Amounts, except for 2000, are based upon estimated data reported by The
Bond Buyer's 2000 Yearbook. The 2000 amounts are Ambac Assurance
estimates, compiled from industry sources including Securities Data
Company, Inc. and The Bond Buyer. Amounts represent gross par amounts
issued or insured, respectively, during such year.
The foregoing table illustrates the changes in the total volume and
insured volume of new issues of municipal bonds over the past ten years. Changes
in volume of municipal bond issuance during this period are primarily
attributable to changes in refunding activity related to the then-current
interest rate environment, along with relatively steady growth in the underlying
market. Insured volume, as a percentage of total volume, which had grown
consistently from 1990 through 1998, has now declined. The decline during 2000
is generally considered to have resulted from the combination of the relatively
high credit quality of issues that came to market during the period and the
firmness in premium pricing in the industry.
Ambac Assurance guaranteed gross par of $21.4 billion, $32.5 billion
and $33.9 billion in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, in the U.S. municipal
finance market.
In the U.S. municipal finance market, an issuer typically pays an
up-front premium to Ambac Assurance at the time the policy is issued. Premiums
are usually quoted as a percentage of the total amount of principal and interest
that is scheduled to become due during the life of the bonds.
4
<PAGE>
Proposed new municipal bond issues are submitted to Ambac Assurance by
issuers (or their investment bankers or financial advisors) to determine their
suitability for financial guarantee. Municipal bond issues are sold on either a
competitive or a negotiated basis. With respect to competitive issues, an issuer
will publish a notice of sale soliciting bids for the purchase of a proposed
issue of municipal bonds. Potential bidders on the bonds then form syndicates.
These syndicates then solicit a determination from some or all of the financial
guarantors whether an issue is suitable for financial guarantee and at what
premium rate and on what terms. The syndicate then determines whether to bid on
the issue with a financial guarantee (and if so, with which financial guarantor)
or without a financial guarantee. The issuer then generally selects the
syndicate with the lowest bid. In a negotiated offering, the issuer has already
selected an investment bank and that investment bank solicits premium quotes and
terms from the financial guarantors.
Ambac Assurance also provides guarantees on bonds outstanding in the
secondary market that are typically purchased by an institution to facilitate
the sale of municipal bonds in its portfolio or inventory. The guarantee
generally increases the sale price of bonds (typically by an amount greater than
the cost of the policy) and affords a wider secondary market and therefore
greater marketability to a given issue of previously issued bonds. As is the
case with new issues, the premium is generally payable in full at the time of
policy issuance. Ambac Assurance employs the same underwriting standards on
secondary market issues that it does on new municipal bond issues.
As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, net outstanding par exposure related
to municipal bond transactions was $180.3 billion and $173.0 billion,
respectively. See "Financial Guarantees in Force - Types of Bonds" below, for a
breakout of net outstanding par exposure by bond type.
U.S. Structured Finance and Asset-backed Market
Financial guarantees of securities in the U.S. structured finance and
asset-backed market are typically issued in connection with transactions in
which the securities being issued are secured by or payable from a specific pool
of assets. This pool of assets has an identifiable cash flow or market value and
is held by a special purpose issuing entity.
Asset-backed securizations may be supported by a broad range of assets
including mortgage-backed securities and home equity loans, credit card
receivables, trade receivables, auto loans, student loans and leases. Other
deals, called structured financings, include collateralized debt obligations
("CDOs"), collateralized bond obligations ("CBOs") and collateralized loan
obligations ("CLOs"), are typically backed by corporate, sovereign or
sub-sovereign debt.
Structured finance also encompasses credit enhancement for commercial
paper conduits ("conduits"). Conduits are used by issuers to efficiently fund
assets in the short-term commercial paper market. Typically sponsored by
financial institutions, customers sell financial assets such as trade
receivables to the conduits, which in turn issue commercial paper to fund the
purchase of the assets. In addition to providing program level enhancement
covering the entire conduit structure, Ambac Assurance may also provide a
financial guarantee against the default of a specific security sold into a
conduit.
5
<PAGE>
In general, structured finance and asset-backed obligations are payable
only from cash flow generated by a pool of assets and take the form of either
"pass-through" obligations, which represent interests in the related assets, or
"pay-through" obligations, which generally are debt obligations which are
collateralized by the related assets. Both types of obligations also generally
have the benefit of over-collateralization and/or other forms of credit
enhancement to mitigate credit risks associated with the related assets.
Unlike the municipal market in which a substantial portion of the deals
is bid competitively by the financial guarantors, the structured and
asset-backed market is essentially a negotiated one. The financial guarantor
will work directly with the investment bank or client to create an acceptable
structure. Consequently, in addition to the types of deals listed above,
structured finance will also include unique transactions and small market
niches.
The U.S. structured finance and asset-backed market in which Ambac
Assurance provides financial guarantees is broad and varied, comprising public
issues, private placements and asset-backed commercial paper ("ABCP"). The
increasing array of classes of assets securitized or guaranteed, and the recent
rapid development of the market, makes estimating the size of the aggregate U.S.
structured finance and asset-backed markets difficult. Three of the most
developed sectors of this market are public asset-backed, mortgage-backed
securities and ABCP. According to Asset-Backed Alert, volume in public
asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities combined totaled $339.9 billion,
$360.3 billion and $319.0 billion in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Approximately 21%, 21% and 19% of those markets were insured in 2000, 1999 and
1998, respectively. According to Merrill Lynch, total ABCP outstanding at
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 was approximately $624.0 billion, $521.0
billion and $392.0 billion, respectively.
Ambac Assurance guaranteed gross par of $30.4 billion, $33.4 billion
and $22.6 billion in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, in the U.S. Structured
Finance and Asset-backed market.
Premiums for structured finance and asset-backed policies are based on
a percentage of either principal or principal and interest insured. The timing
of the collection of structured finance and asset-backed premiums varies among
individual transactions; some being collected in a single payment at policy
inception date, and others being collected periodically (e.g., monthly,
quarterly or annually) from the cash flow generated by the underlying financial
assets.
As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, net outstanding par exposure related
to U.S. structured finance and asset-backed transactions was $64.7 billion and
$53.0 billion, respectively. See "Financial Guarantees in Force - Types of
Bonds" below, for a breakout of net outstanding par exposure by bond type.
International Market
Outside of the United States, structured and asset-backed issuers,
utilities, sovereign and sub-sovereign issuers, and other issuers are
increasingly using financial guarantee products, particularly in markets
throughout Western Europe. A number of
6
<PAGE>
important trends in international markets have contributed to this expansion. In
the United Kingdom, Australia and elsewhere, ongoing privatization efforts have
shifted the burden of funding from the government to public and private capital
markets, where investors may seek the security of financial guarantee products.
In Europe, Australia, Japan and the Emerging Markets, there is growing interest
in asset-backed securitization.
While the principles of securitization have been increasingly applied
in overseas markets, development in particular countries has varied due to the
sophistication of the local capital markets and the impact of legal and
financial regulatory requirements and accounting standards. It is anticipated
that securitization will continue to expand internationally, albeit at varying
rates in each country. Ambac Assurance insures a wide array of obligations in
the international markets including infrastructure finance, asset-backed and
structured transactions, utilities, and other obligations in selected
international markets.
Ambac Assurance's strategy in the international markets is to
strengthen its franchise in developed markets by focusing on high quality
infrastructure, structured finance, securitization, and utility finance
transactions, and in emerging markets by focusing on top tier future flow
transactions (structured transactions secured by offshore cash flows generated
from exports or payment remittances) and collateralized debt obligations.
In 1997, Ambac Assurance established a subsidiary in the United
Kingdom, Ambac Assurance UK Limited ("Ambac UK"), which is authorized to conduct
certain classes of general financial guarantee business in the United Kingdom.
Ambac UK is the Company's primary vehicle for directly issuing financial
guarantee policies in the United Kingdom and Europe. Ambac UK has entered into
net worth maintenance and reinsurance agreements with Ambac Assurance, which
support its triple-A ratings.
During 2000, Ambac Assurance entered into an alliance agreement in
Japan with Yasuda Fire and Marine ("Yasuda") and now occupies joint offices in
Japan with Yasuda Kasai Financial Guarantee Insurance Company, Limited ("YKFG"),
a Yasuda subsidiary and the first triple-A rated monoline financial guarantor in
Japan. Together, Ambac Assurance and YKFG will seek to significantly increase
the market for financial guarantees in Japan.
From 1995 to March 2000, Ambac Assurance and MBIA Insurance Corporation
("MBIA") marketed financial guarantees outside of the United States via an
unincorporated joint venture, MBIA.AMBAC International (the "Joint Venture").
Under the Joint Venture, financial guarantee policies were issued separately by
each of the companies. While retaining the right to act individually, each
company had the opportunity to reinsure up to 50 percent of the international
financial guarantee business written by the other company as part of the Joint
Venture. In March 2000, Ambac Assurance and MBIA announced the restructuring of
their Joint Venture arrangement. Post restructuring, Ambac Assurance and MBIA
have continued the reciprocal reinsurance arrangement for international
business. However, the companies now market and originate financial guarantees
independently. The Company believes that the restructuring of the Joint Venture
has not and will not result in any reduction in premiums written from
international business, although no assurances can be given that such a
reduction will not occur in the future.
While there is evidence that the volume of international structured
finance transactions has increased significantly in the recent past, unlike the
municipal and
7
<PAGE>
domestic asset-backed markets, there are few statistics that effectively track
volume in the global markets. There are several reasons for this, including the
varied nature of the deals coming to market, the early stages of development of
certain asset classes and the fact that many international deals are privately
placed.
Ambac Assurance guaranteed gross par of $19.5 billion, $7.4 billion and
$5.0 billion in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, in the international market.
Premiums for international policies are based on a percentage of either
principal or principal and interest guaranteed. The timing of the collection of
international structured finance and asset-backed premiums varies among
individual transactions; some being collected in a single payment at policy
inception date, and others being collected periodically (i.e., monthly,
quarterly or annually).
As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, net outstanding par exposure related
to international transactions was $31.3 billion and $14.3 billion, respectively.
See "Financial Guarantees in Force - Types of Bonds" below, for a breakout of
net outstanding par exposure by bond type.
Underwriting and Surveillance
Underwriting guidelines, policies and procedures have been developed by
Ambac Assurance's management with the intent that Ambac Assurance guarantee only
those obligations which, in the opinion of Ambac Assurance analysts, are of
investment grade quality with a remote risk of loss. However, losses may occur
from time to time and it is Ambac Assurance's policy to provide for loss
reserves that are adequate to cover potential losses. See "Losses and Reserves"
below.
The underwriting process involves review of structural, legal and
credit issues, including compliance with current Ambac Assurance underwriting
standards. These standards are reviewed periodically by management.
Additionally, the underwriting process often entails extensive on-site due
diligence covering the issuer and other parties to an insured transaction.
The decision to guarantee an issue is based upon such factors as the
issuer's ability to repay the bonds, the bond's security features and the bond's
structure, rather than upon an actuarial or statistical prediction of the
likelihood that the issuer will default on the underlying debt obligation.
Members of Ambac Assurance's underwriting staff review all requests for
guarantees. The underwriting process is designed to screen issues and begins
with a credit analysis by the primary analyst assigned to the issue. The credit
is then reviewed within the primary analyst's underwriting group. At a minimum,
the primary analyst's recommendation to qualify or reject an issue must be
approved by a concurring analyst and an underwriting officer. The number of
additional approvals required for a particular credit depends on Ambac
Assurance's aggregate exposure to the credit. In some cases, the complexity of
the credit or whether it is a new asset type are determining factors in the
approval/review process. For large, complex or new types of credits, the
underwriting decision must be approved by a credit committee comprised of senior
underwriting officers and an attorney, in addition to the analysts and
underwriting officer mentioned above.
8
<PAGE>
Ambac Assurance assigns internal ratings to individual exposures as
part of the underwriting process and at surveillance reviews. These internal
ratings, which represent Ambac Assurance's independent judgments, are based upon
underlying credit parameters similar to those used by rating agencies.
Municipal Underwriting:
----------------------
In addition to general underwriting standards, each asset class, and
bond type within asset class, has more specific underwriting criteria. For
example, the critical risk factors for municipal credits will include the credit
quality of the issuer, type of issue, the repayment source, the type of security
pledged, the presence of restrictive covenants, and the bond's maturity. Each
bond issue is evaluated in accordance with, and the final premium rate is a
function of, the particular factors as they relate to such issue.
Underwriting criteria that have been developed for each bond type
reflect the differences in, for example, economic and social factors, debt
management, project essentiality, financial management, legal and administrative
factors, revenue sources and security features.
Structured Finance Underwriting:
-------------------------------
Structured finance and asset-backed obligations generally entail two
forms of risks: asset risk, which relates to the amount and quality of asset
coverage; and structural risk, which relates to the extent to which the
transaction structure protects the interests of the investors, and therefore the
guarantor.
In general, the amount and quality of asset coverage required is
determined by the historical performance of the assets. The future performance
of the underlying pool of assets will generally determine whether the amount of
over-collateralization or other credit enhancement ultimately is sufficient to
protect investors, and therefore the guarantor, against adverse asset
performance. The ability of the servicer of the assets to properly service and
collect the underlying assets often is a factor in determining future asset
performance.
Structured and asset-backed securities are usually designed to protect
the investors, and therefore the guarantor, from the bankruptcy or insolvency of
the entity that originated the underlying assets as well as from the bankruptcy
or insolvency of the servicer of those assets. The servicer of the assets is
typically responsible for collecting cash payments on the underlying assets and
forwarding such payments, net of servicing fees, to the special purpose issuing
entity. Related issues that often arise concern whether the sale of the assets
by the originator to the issuer of the asset-backed obligations would be
respected in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the originator and
whether the servicer of the assets may be permitted or required to delay the
remittance to investors of any cash collections held by it or received by it
after the time it becomes subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings. In
addition, servicer risk is often present in these transactions. Generally,
servicer risk is the risk that poor performance at the servicer level
contributes to a decline in the collections of borrower payments in the
transaction. Ambac Assurance addresses these risks through its credit
underwriting guidelines, standards and procedures.
Within the mortgage-backed and home equity loan market, Ambac Assurance
seeks to work with higher quality, well-capitalized issuers. The issuers
typically originate or
9
<PAGE>
purchase first lien mortgages, home equity loans or home equity lines of credit,
which are in turn sold by the issuers in the form of asset-backed securities. In
considering whether to guarantee these securities, Ambac Assurance analyzes the
quality of the underlying assets, the structure of the securitization, the
experience and financial strength of the servicer of the underlying assets and
the credit quality of the issuer.
International Underwriting:
--------------------------
In the international markets, Ambac Assurance seeks to guarantee
transactions of the same high credit standards it applies in its U.S. business.
However, an understanding of the unique risks related to the particular country
and region that could impact the credit of the issuer is necessary. These risks
include legal and political environments, capital market dynamics, exposures to
foreign exchange, and the degree of governmental support. Ambac Assurance
monitors these risks carefully and addresses them through its credit
underwriting guidelines, country limits, standards and procedures.
Geographically, the markets receiving Ambac Assurance's primary
international focus have been the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, France and
certain parts of Latin America. In addition, Ambac has guaranteed transactions
in which the geographic risk is spread over multiple countries. The types of
international obligations guaranteed have primarily been CBOs, CLOs,
asset-backed securities, sovereign and sub-sovereign obligations, special
revenue and infrastructure obligations. Management believes that risk associated
with its international book of business is similar in risk type to its domestic
structured finance book of business and, in fact, international transactions may
include components of domestic exposure.
Pricing:
-------
Ambac Assurance determines premium rates on the basis of the bond type
and its perception of the risk it is assuming based on the credit strength of
the bond issue. Factors considered in pricing include term to maturity,
structure of the issue, and credit and market factors including security
features and other credit enhancement features. Additionally, the interest rate
spread between insured and uninsured obligations with characteristics similar to
those of the proposed bond issue is considered in the pricing process as well as
the cost and the projected return to Ambac Assurance. The premium rate for a new
issue also takes into account the benefits to be obtained by the issuer.
Surveillance and Remediation:
----------------------------
Surveillance groups and other credit professionals review the financial
guarantee portfolio for concentration of risk by (i) specific bond types; (ii)
geographic location; and (iii) size of issue. Surveillance analysts schedule and
execute regular and ad hoc reviews of credits in the book of business.
Risk-adjusted surveillance strategies have been developed for each bond type.
Review periods and scope of review vary by bond type based upon the risk
inherent in the nature of the credits. The focus of the surveillance review is
to determine credit trends and recommend appropriate classification and review
periods. The separate underwriting groups are also responsible for portfolio
surveillance which entails a broader examination of trends in specific asset
classes and bond types.
Surveillance of the credit quality of underlying reference obligations
in the Company's structured credit derivatives portfolio is performed on a
regular basis. Credit spreads, which act as a measure of the market's perception
of an issuer's credit quality, are monitored to identify potential problems. In
addition, published credit ratings and current news reports are monitored
regularly.
10
<PAGE>
Those issues that are either in default or have developed problems that
eventually may lead to a claim or loss are tracked closely by the appropriate
surveillance team. Internal and/or outside counsel reviews the documents
underlying any problem credit and an analysis is prepared outlining Ambac
Assurance's rights and potential remedies, the duties of all parties involved
and recommendations for corrective actions. This analysis, along with the
schedule of corrective actions, is reviewed in the regular remedial credit
meetings. Ambac Assurance also meets with issuers to reach agreement upon the
nature and the scope of the problem and to discuss the issuers' operating plans.
In many instances, Ambac Assurance, under the terms of the documents
governing the underlying obligation, has the ability, among other things, to
direct that audits be performed with respect to servicer and trustee contractual
responsibilities. Ambac Assurance would meet with the appropriate officials to
outline Ambac Assurance's concerns and rights. When the underlying economics so
indicate, Ambac Assurance may aid in a restructuring to improve the debt service
coverage.
The rating agencies also monitor the credits underlying Ambac
Assurance's financial guarantee in force and, in most cases, advise Ambac
Assurance of the credit rating each issue would receive if it were not insured.
Portfolio Risk Management Committee:
-----------------------------------
The Company has a Portfolio Risk Management Committee ("PRMC") which
has established various procedures and controls to monitor and manage credit
risk. The PRMC is comprised of senior credit professionals and senior management
of the Company. Its scope is enterprise-wide and its focus is on risk
measurement, risk/return optimization, and capital attribution in a portfolio
context. This committee works closely with the senior credit committees of each
underwriting group to assure that credit criteria are maintained, are
appropriate and are systematically and consistently applied.
Financial Guarantees in Force
Ambac Assurance underwrites and prices financial guarantees on the
assumption that the guarantee will remain in force until maturity of the
underlying bonds. Ambac Assurance estimates that the average life of its
guarantees on new issue par in force at December 31, 2000 was 10 years. The 10
year average life is determined by applying a weighted average calculation,
using the remaining years to maturity of each guaranteed bond, and weighting
them on the basis of the remaining par guaranteed. No assumptions are made for
prepayments or future refundings of guaranteed issues. Municipal bonds generally
have provisions that allow the issuer to prepay all or a portion of the
outstanding amount prior to maturity.
Ambac Assurance seeks to maintain a diversified financial guarantee
portfolio designed to spread its risk based on a variety of criteria, including
issue size, type of bond, geographic area and issuer.
As of December 31, 2000, the total net par amount of guaranteed bonds
outstanding was $276.3 billion.
11
<PAGE>
Types of Bonds
The table below shows the distribution by bond type of Ambac
Assurance's guaranteed portfolio as of December 31, 2000.
Guaranteed Portfolio by Bond Type
as of December 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% of Total Net
Net Par Amount Par Amount
Bond Type Outstanding Outstanding
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
($ In Millions)
U.S. Municipal Finance:
Lease and tax-backed revenue................................. $ 46,292 17%
General obligation........................................... 39,432 14
Utility revenue.............................................. 28,504 10
Health care revenue.......................................... 17,837 7
Investor-owned utilities..................................... 10,560 4
Transportation revenue....................................... 10,496 4
Higher education............................................. 9,603 3
Housing revenue.............................................. 7,146 3
Student loans................................................ 6,375 2
Other........................................................ 4,065 1
-------------------- -----------------
Total U.S. Municipal Finance............................. 180,310 65
-------------------- -----------------
U.S. Structured Finance:
Mortgage-backed and home equity............................. 38,215 14
Asset-backed and conduits................................... 22,121 8
Other....................................................... 4,324 2
-------------------- -----------------
Total Structured Finance................................. 64,660 24
-------------------- -----------------
Total Domestic........................................... 244,970 89
-------------------- -----------------
International: ...................................................
Structured credit derivatives.............................. 15,313 6
Asset-backed and conduits.................................. 8,595 3
Utilities.................................................. 1,803 1
Mortgage-backed and home equity............................ 1,364 -
Sovereign/sub-sovereign.................................... 1,123 -
Other...................................................... 3,084 1
-------------------- -----------------
Total International...................................... 31,282 11
-------------------- -----------------
Grand Total ......................................... $ 276,252 100%
==================== =================
</TABLE>
International transactions may include components of domestic exposure.
12
<PAGE>
The table below shows the percentage, by bond type, of new business
guaranteed by Ambac Assurance during each of the last five years.
New Business Guaranteed by Bond Type /(1)/
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Bond Type 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Municipal Finance:
Lease and tax-backed revenue 12% 9% 15% 17% 23%
General obligation............. 5 9 10 18 16
Utilities /(2)/................ 5 9 12 12 15
Transportation revenue......... 2 4 2 2 3
Student loans.................. 2 2 1 1 3
Higher education............... 1 3 2 3 3
Housing revenue................ 1 1 2 3 3
Health care revenue............ 0 4 8 8 7
Other.......................... 1 1 1 1 0
-------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total Municipal Finance...... 29 42 53 65 73
-------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
U.S. Structured Finance:
Mortgage-backed and home......
Equity..................... 21 30 22 18 12
Asset-backed and conduits..... 16 16 15 9 4
Other......................... 5 2 2 3 3
-------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total U.S. Structured Finance 42 48 39 30 19
-------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total Domestic .......... 71 90 92 95 92
-------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
International:
Structured credit derivatives 20 4 0 0 0
Asset-backed and conduits..... 6 4 4 1 6
Utilities..................... 1 0 1 1 0
Mortgage-backed and home......
Equity..................... 1 1 0 1 0
Sovereign/sub-sovereign....... 0 0 0 1 0
Other......................... 1 1 3 1 2
-------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total International......... 29 10 8 5 8
-------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Grand Total.................. 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
============== ============= ============== ============== =============
</TABLE>
(1) Stated as a percentage of total net par amounts guaranteed during such
year.
(2) Includes investor-owned utilities.
Issue Size
Ambac Assurance seeks a broad coverage of the market by guaranteeing
small and large issues alike. Ambac Assurance's financial guarantee exposure as
of December 31, 2000 reflects the historical emphasis on issues guaranteed with
an original par amount of less than $25 million in the municipal market.
However, with the entrance into the U.S. structured finance and international
markets in recent years, Ambac Assurance's emphasis has evolved towards larger
deals. The following table sets forth the distribution of Ambac Assurance's
guaranteed portfolio as of December 31, 2000, with respect to the original size
of each guaranteed issue:
13
<PAGE>
Original Par Amount Per Issue
as of December 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% of Total Net Par % of Total Net
Number of Number of Amount Par Amount
Original Par Amount Issues Issues Outstanding Outstanding
- ------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
($ In Millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $10 million........... 8,729 62% $ 24,601 9%
$10-25 million.................. 2,519 18 30,657 11
$25-50 million.................. 1,203 9 33,026 12
Greater than $50 million........ 1,576 11 187,968 68
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
14,027 100% $ 276,252 100%
================ ================ =============== ================
</TABLE>
Geographic Area
Ambac Assurance is licensed to write business in the U.S. and abroad.
As of December 31, 2000, the ten largest U.S. states, as measured by net par
amount outstanding, accounted for approximately 41% of Ambac Assurance's total
net par amount outstanding. The following table sets forth the geographic
distribution of Ambac Assurance's insured exposure as of December 31, 2000.
Guaranteed Portfolio by Geographic Area as of December 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Par % of Total Net
Amount Par Amount
Geographic Area Outstanding Outstanding
--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
($ In Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Domestic:
California......................................... $ 25,189 9%
New York........................................... 15,988 6
Pennsylvania....................................... 14,567 5
Florida............................................ 13,966 5
Texas.............................................. 9,342 3
New Jersey......................................... 8,021 3
Illinois........................................... 7,876 3
Ohio............................................... 7,156 3
Massachusetts...................................... 6,489 2
Michigan........................................... 5,740 2
Mortgage and asset-backed.......................... 60,336 22
Other states....................................... 70,300 26
----------------- ----------------
Total Domestic.................................. 244,970 89
----------------- ----------------
International:
United Kingdom..................................... 3,103 1
Australia.......................................... 1,382 1
Japan.............................................. 1,167 --
France............................................. 765 --
Mexico............................................. 608 --
Internationally diversified........................ 20,962 8
Other international................................ 3,295 1
----------------- ----------------
Total International............................. 31,282 11
----------------- ----------------
Grand Total..................................... $ 276,252 100%
================= ================
</TABLE>
Mortgage and asset-backed obligations include guarantees with multiple
locations of risk within the United States. Internationally diversified includes
structured credit derivatives and other guarantees with multiple locations of
risk globally. Many international transactions include components of domestic
exposure.
14
<PAGE>
Single Risk
Ambac Assurance has adopted underwriting and exposure management
policies designed to limit the net guarantees in force for any one credit. In
addition, Ambac Assurance uses reinsurance to limit net exposure to any one
credit. As of December 31, 2000, Ambac Assurance's net par amount outstanding
for its 20 largest credits, totaling $12.9 billion, was approximately 4.7% of
Ambac Assurance's total net par amount outstanding with no one credit
representing more than 1% of Ambac Assurance's total net par amount outstanding.
Ambac Assurance is also subject to certain regulatory limits and rating agency
guidelines on exposure to a single credit. See "Insurance Regulatory Matters"
and "Rating Agencies," below.
Underlying Ratings
The following table sets forth Ambac Assurance's financial guarantee
portfolio by underlying rating prior to being guaranteed by Ambac Assurance, as
of December 31, 2000:
Insured Portfolio by Underlying Rating /(1)/
as of December 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Par % of Total Net
Amount Par Amount
Rating Outstanding Outstanding
--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------
($ In millions)
<S> <C> <C>
AAA.................................................... $ 17,396 6%
AA..................................................... 40,016 14
A...................................................... 135,860 49
BBB.................................................... 82,432 30
BIG /(2)/................................................ 548 *1
----------------- ----------------
$ 276,252 100%
================= ================
</TABLE>
* less than
(1) Ratings represent Ambac Assurance internal ratings.
(2) Represents those bonds which have been categorized as "below
investment grade" by Ambac Assurance.
Losses and Reserves
Although there have been certain monetary defaults in bond issues of
substantial amounts, the incidence of monetary default on municipal bonds has
historically been infrequent. Based upon data reported by the Association of
Financial Guaranty Insurors, the percentage of insured municipal bonds
experiencing monetary defaults in recent years is low relative to the entire
municipal market. The relatively low incidence of municipal bond defaults may be
partially the result of safeguards developed over the years since the Great
Depression of the 1930's, when a great number of municipal defaults occurred.
Such safeguards include the imposition of issuer debt limits, greater
supervision by state governments of local debt administration, and more thorough
credit reviews by investment firms, rating agencies and institutional investors.
While these safeguards address many of the causes of earlier defaults, they may
be inadequate to prevent an increased level of defaults in the future caused by
presently unforeseen economic and other factors.
15
<PAGE>
Ambac Assurance's policy is to provide for loss and loss adjustment
expense reserves that are adequate to cover potential unidentified losses
inherent in the portfolio, as well as losses that may arise from guaranteed
obligations which are currently or imminently in monetary default. The active
credit reserve ("ACR") represents an estimate of unidentified losses from our
guaranteed obligations. As of December 31, 2000, Ambac Assurance's ACR was
$100.3 million. When a monetary default occurs or is imminent with respect to a
particular guaranteed obligation, a case basis reserve is established in an
amount that is sufficient to cover the present value of the anticipated
defaulted debt service payments over the expected period of default and the
estimated expenses associated with settling the claims, less estimated
recoveries under salvage or subrogation rights. In estimating the losses on
monetary defaults, Ambac Assurance makes its assessment based on the full term
of the guaranteed obligation. All or part of the case basis reserve may be
allocated from available ACR. Ambac Assurance's net case basis reserves totaled
$31.0 million at December 31, 2000.
The most recent three-year history of Ambac Assurance's loss reserves,
and losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred and paid, is detailed in the
table below:
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
($ In Thousands)
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at January 1,............. $121,475 $115,794 $103,345
Less: reinsurance recoverable............................................. 500 3,638 4,219
------------- ------------ -----------
Net reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at January 1,......... 120,975 112,156 99,126
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred.............................. 15,000 11,000 6,000
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid (net of salvage received)........ (4,621) (2,181) 7,030
---------- --------- -----------
Net reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at December 31,....... 131,354 120,975 112,156
Plus: reinsurance recoverable............................................. 1,091 500 3,638
---------- --------- -----------
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses at December 31, .......... $132,445 $121,475 $115,794
========== ========= ===========
</TABLE>
Management of Ambac Assurance believes that the reserves for losses and
loss adjustment expenses are adequate to cover the ultimate net costs of claims,
but the reserves are necessarily based on estimates and there can be no
assurance that the ultimate liability will not exceed such estimates. See Note 2
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2000 Annual
Report to Stockholders.
Competition
The financial guarantee business is highly competitive. Ambac
Assurance's principal competitors in the market for financial guarantees are
three other triple-A rated monoline insurance companies, Financial Guaranty
Insurance Company ("FGIC"), Financial Security Assurance Inc. ("FSA") and MBIA.
In addition, banks, multiline insurers and reinsurers, and lower rated financial
guarantee insurance companies represent additional participants in the broader
market. The principal competitive factors are: (i) premium rates; (ii)
conditions precedent to the issuance of a policy related to the structure and
security features of a proposed bond issue; (iii) the financial strength of the
guarantor; and (iv) the quality of service provided to issuers, investors and
other clients of the issuer. With respect to each of these competitive factors,
Ambac Assurance believes it is on at least equal footing with each of its
principal competitors.
16
<PAGE>
Financial guarantee insurance also competes domestically and
internationally with other forms of credit enhancement, including letters of
credit and guarantees (for example, mortgage guarantees where pools of mortgages
secure debt service payments) provided by banks and other financial
institutions, some of which are governmental agencies. Letters of credit are
most often issued for periods of less than 10 years, although there is no legal
restriction on the issuance of letters of credit having longer terms. Thus,
financial institutions and banks issuing letters of credit compete directly with
Ambac Assurance to guarantee short-term notes and bonds with a maturity of less
than 10 years.
In order to enter the financial guarantee market certain requirements
must be met, most restrictive of which is that a significant minimum amount of
capital is required of a financial guarantor in order to obtain financial
strength ratings by the rating agencies. In addition, under the New York law, a
monoline financial guarantor must have at least $75 million of paid-in capital
and surplus and maintain thereafter at least $65 million of policyholders'
surplus. A similar law in California imposes a $100 million minimum capital and
surplus requirement, with a maintenance requirement thereafter of $75 million.
Reinsurance
State insurance laws and regulations (as well as the rating agencies)
impose minimum capital requirements and single risk limits on financial
guarantee insurance companies, limiting the aggregate amount of insurance which
may be written and the maximum size of any single risk exposure which may be
assumed. Such companies can use reinsurance to diversify risk, increase
underwriting capacity, reduce additional capital needs, stabilize shareholder
returns and strengthen financial ratios. See "Insurance Regulatory Matters,"
below.
Ambac Assurance has facultative reinsurance agreements with certain
high quality reinsurers that allow Ambac Assurance to reduce its large risks, to
manage its portfolio of insurance by bond type and geographic distribution, and
to provide additional capacity for frequent bond issuers. Under these
agreements, portions of Ambac Assurance's interests and liabilities are ceded on
an issue-by-issue basis. A ceding commission is withheld to defray Ambac
Assurance's underwriting expenses. In addition, Ambac Assurance and MBIA have
entered into facultative reinsurance agreements whereby each company may
reinsure the other on international risks guaranteed.
As of December 31, 2000, Ambac Assurance had retained approximately 87%
of its gross financial guarantees in force of $480.6 billion and had ceded
approximately 13% to its reinsurers. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements in the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders.
As a primary financial guarantor, Ambac Assurance is required to honor
its obligations to its policyholders whether or not its reinsurers perform their
obligations under the various reinsurance agreements with Ambac Assurance. To
minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies, Ambac
Assurance evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers, prepares annual
written reviews of such reinsurers and monitors for concentrations of credit
risk. Ambac Assurance's current primary reinsurers are Ace Guaranty Re, American
Re, AXA Re Finance, Enhance Reinsurance Company, and MBIA.
17
<PAGE>
Rating Agencies
Moody's, S&P, Fitch and R&I periodically review the business and
financial condition of Ambac Assurance and other companies providing financial
guarantees. These rating agencies' reviews focus on the guarantor's underwriting
policies and procedures and the quality of the obligations guaranteed. The
rating agencies frequently perform assessments of the credits guaranteed by
Ambac Assurance to confirm that Ambac Assurance continues to meet the capital
allocation criteria considered necessary by the particular rating agency to
maintain Ambac Assurance's triple-A ratings. A rating by Moody's, S&P, Fitch or
R&I, however, is not a "market rating" or a recommendation to buy, hold or sell
any security. Ambac Assurance's ability to attract new business or to compete
with other triple-A rated financial guarantors, and its results of operations
and financial condition, would be materially adversely affected by any reduction
in its ratings.
Insurance Regulatory Matters
General Law
Ambac Assurance is licensed to do business as an insurance company in
all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the
territory of Guam. Ambac U.K., Ambac Assurance's wholly owned subsidiary, is
licensed to transact insurance in the United Kingdom. Ambac Assurance is subject
to the insurance laws and regulations of the State of Wisconsin (the "Wisconsin
Insurance Laws"), its state of incorporation, and the insurance laws and
regulations of other states in which it is licensed to transact business. Ambac
U.K. is subject to the insurance laws and regulations of the United Kingdom.
These laws and regulations, as well as the level of supervisory authority that
may be exercised by the various state insurance departments, vary by
jurisdiction. They generally require financial guarantors to maintain minimum
standards of business conduct and solvency, meet certain financial tests, file
certain reports with regulatory authorities, including information concerning
their capital structure, ownership and financial condition. They generally
require prior approval of certain changes in control of domestic financial
guarantors and their direct and indirect parents and the payment of certain
dividends and distributions. In addition, these laws and regulations require
approval of certain inter-corporate transfers of assets and certain transactions
between financial guarantors and their direct and indirect parents and
affiliates. They generally require that all such transactions have terms no less
favorable than terms that would result from transactions between parties
negotiating at arm's length. Ambac Assurance is required to file quarterly and
annual statutory financial statements in each jurisdiction in which it is
licensed. It is subject to single and aggregate risk limits and other statutory
restrictions concerning the types and quality of investments and the filing and
use of policy forms and premium rates. Additionally, Ambac Assurance's accounts
and operations are subject to periodic examination by the Office of the
Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin (the "Wisconsin
Commissioner") and other state insurance regulatory authorities. See Note 9 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2000 Annual Report
to Stockholders.
The Company believes that Ambac Assurance is in material compliance
with all applicable insurance laws and regulations.
18
<PAGE>
Insurance Holding Company Laws
Under the Wisconsin insurance holding company laws, any acquisition of
control of the Company and thereby indirect control of Ambac Assurance requires
the prior approval of the Wisconsin Commissioner. "Control" is 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 Wisconsin Commissioner, upon application,
determines otherwise. For purposes of this test, the Company believes that a
holder of common stock having the right to cast 10% of the votes which may be
cast by the holders of all shares of common stock of the Company would be deemed
to have control of Ambac Assurance within the meaning of the Wisconsin Insurance
Laws.
Pursuant to these laws, FMR Corp. obtained approval from the Wisconsin
Insurance Commissioner to acquire greater than 10% of the Company's outstanding
stock. As of December 31, 2000 their percentage of ownership was approximately
12.0%. In their request for approval from the Wisconsin Commissioner, FMR Corp.
disclaimed any present intention to exercise control over the Company or Ambac
Assurance or to control or attempt to control the management or operations of
the Company or Ambac Assurance.
The Wisconsin insurance holding company laws also require prior
approval by the Wisconsin Commissioner of certain transactions between Ambac
Assurance and companies affiliated with Ambac Assurance.
Wisconsin Dividend Restrictions
Pursuant to the Wisconsin Insurance Laws, Ambac Assurance may declare
dividends, subject to any restriction in its articles of incorporation, provided
that, after giving effect to the distribution, it would not violate certain
statutory equity, solvency, income and asset tests. Distributions to the
shareholder (other than stock dividends) must be reported to the Wisconsin
Commissioner. Extraordinary dividends must be reported prior to payment and are
subject to disapproval by the Wisconsin Commissioner. An extraordinary dividend
is defined as a dividend or distribution, the fair market value of which,
together with all dividends from the preceding 12 months, exceeds the lesser of:
(a) 10% of policyholders' surplus as of the preceding December 31; or (b) the
greater of: (i) statutory net income for the calendar year preceding the date of
the dividend or distribution, minus realized capital gains for that calendar
year; or (ii) the aggregate of statutory net income for the three calendar years
preceding the date of the dividend or distribution, minus realized capital gains
for those calendar years and minus dividends paid or credited and distributions
made within the first two of the preceding three calendar years.
During 2000, 1999 and 1998, Ambac Assurance paid to the Company cash
dividends on its common stock totaling $59.8 million, $52.0 million and $48.0
million, respectively. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
in the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders.
19
<PAGE>
New York Financial Guarantee Insurance Law
New York's comprehensive financial guarantee insurance law governs the
conduct of business of all financial guarantors licensed to do business in New
York, including Ambac Assurance. This law requires a financial guarantor to
contribute to a contingency reserve an amount equal to 50% of premiums as they
are earned on a statutory basis on policies written prior to July 1, 1989. With
respect to policies written on and after July 1, 1989, it must make
contributions over a period of 20 years for municipal bonds and 15 years for all
other obligations. Contributions continue until the contingency reserve for such
insured obligations equals the greater of 50% of premiums written for the
relevant category of insurance or a percentage of the principal guaranteed
(varying from 0.55% to 2.50%, depending upon the type of obligation guaranteed).
This reserve must be maintained for the periods specified above, except that
withdrawals by the guarantor may be permitted under specified circumstances in
the event that actual loss experience exceeds certain thresholds or if the
reserve accumulated is deemed excessive in relation to the guarantor's
outstanding guaranteed obligations. Financial guarantors are also required to
maintain case basis loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and unearned
premium reserves on bases established by the regulations.
The New York financial guarantee insurance law establishes single risk
limits applicable to all obligations issued by a single entity and backed by a
single revenue source. Such limits are specific to the type of insured
obligation (for example, municipal or asset-backed). The limits compare the
insured net par outstanding and average annual debt service, net of reinsurance
and collateral, for a single risk to the insurer's qualified statutory capital,
which is defined as the sum of the insurer's policyholders' surplus and
contingency reserves. As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, Ambac Assurance and its
subsidiaries were in compliance with these regulatory requirements.
Aggregate risk limits are also established on the basis of aggregate
net liability and policyholders' surplus requirements. "Aggregate net liability"
is defined as outstanding principal and interest of guaranteed obligations, net
of reinsurance and collateral. Under these limits, policyholders' surplus and
contingency reserves must at least equal a percentage of aggregate net liability
that is equal to the sum of various percentages of aggregate net liability for
various categories of specified obligations. The percentage varies from 0.33%
for municipal bonds to 4.00% for certain non-investment grade obligations.
Financial Guarantee Insurance Regulation in Other States
The Wisconsin insurance laws and regulations governing municipal bond
guarantors are similar to those in New York. Under the Wisconsin regulations,
Ambac Assurance must establish a contingency reserve in an amount equal to 50%
of net statutory earned premium on municipal bond financial guarantee policies.
This reserve must be maintained for 20 years. However, the regulations provide
that compliance with contingency reserve provisions under statutes in other
jurisdictions that result in greater contributions than under the Wisconsin
regulations is deemed to constitute compliance with the Wisconsin regulations.
The Wisconsin regulations also include certain single and aggregate risk
limitations. The average annual debt service for any single issue of municipal
bonds may not exceed 10% of Ambac Assurance's policyholders' surplus. In
addition, Ambac Assurance's cumulative net liability, defined as one-third of
one percent of the guaranteed unpaid principal and interest covered by current
municipal bond insurance policies, may not
20
<PAGE>
exceed its qualified statutory capital, which is defined as the sum of its
capital and surplus and contingency reserve.
California has financial guarantee insurance laws similar in structure
to those of New York. None of the risk limits established in California's
legislation with respect to business transacted by Ambac Assurance are more
stringent in any material respect than the corresponding provisions in the New
York financial guarantee insurance statute. California law requires a financial
guarantor to contribute to a contingency reserve an amount equal to 50% of
premiums as they are earned on a statutory basis on policies written prior to
July 1, 1989. With respect to policies written on and after July 1, 1989, it
must make contributions over a period of 20 years for municipal bonds and 15
years for all other obligations until the contingency reserve for such insured
obligations equals a percentage of principal outstanding (varying from 0.80% to
3.00%, depending upon the type of obligation guaranteed). This reserve must be
maintained for the periods specified above, except that withdrawals by the
financial guarantor may be permitted under specified circumstances in the event
that actual loss experience exceeds certain thresholds or if the reserve
accumulated is deemed excessive in relation to the financial guarantor's
outstanding insured obligations. Ambac Assurance's reported contingency reserve
is equal to the greater of the required reserve as calculated under New York and
California law.
In addition to the laws and regulations of New York, Wisconsin and
California, Ambac Assurance is subject to laws and regulations of other states
concerning the transaction of financial guarantees, none of which is more
stringent in any material respect than the New York financial guarantee
insurance statute.
Financial Services
The Company's Financial Services Segment provides financial and
investment products including investment agreements, interest rate swaps,
funding conduits, investment advisory and cash management services, principally
to its financial guarantee clients which include municipalities and their
authorities, school districts, health care organizations and asset-backed
issuers.
Financial services revenues are primarily derived from: (i) net
investment income; (ii) net swap revenues; (iii) fund management and advisory
revenues; and (iv) net realized gains and losses on sales of securities.
Excluding transactions with affiliates, total revenues were $53.6 million, $48.5
million and $32.4 million in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis" and Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements in the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders.
The principal competitive factors among providers of investment
agreements are: (i) contract interest rates; (ii) conditions precedent to the
issuance of a policy related to the structure and security features of a
proposed investment contract; (iii) the financial strength of the financial
guarantee provider; and (iv) the quality of service provided to issuers,
investors and other clients of the issuer. With respect to each of these
competitive factors, the Company believes that ACFI is on equal footing with
each of its principal competitors.
The principal competitive factors among providers of interest rate swap
contracts are: (i) pricing of contracts; (ii) the financial strength of the
financial guarantee provider;
21
<PAGE>
(iii) the ability to structure a complete financial package; and (iv) the
quality of service provided to issuers, investors and other clients of the
issuer. With respect to each of these competitive factors, the Company believes
that AFSLP is on equal footing with each of its principal competitors.
The principal competitive factors among providers of investment
advisory and cash management services are: (i) pricing of services; (ii)
investment returns; (iii) the ability to provide services tailored to customers'
needs; and (iv) the quality of service provided to customers. With respect to
each of these competitive factors, the Company believes that Cadre and Cadre
Securities are on equal footing with each of their principal competitors.
Investment Agreements
The principal purpose of ACFI is providing investment agreements,
including investment repurchase agreements, primarily to municipalities and
their authorities. Investment agreements are primarily used by municipal bond
issuers to invest bond proceeds until such proceeds can be used for their
intended purpose, such as financing construction. The investment agreement
provides for the guaranteed return of principal invested, as well as the payment
of interest thereon at a guaranteed rate and is rated triple-A by virtue of
Ambac Assurance's financial guarantee policy, which guarantees its payment
obligations.
ACFI manages its balance sheet to protect against a number of risks
inherent in its business including liquidity, market (principally interest
rate), credit, operational and legal risk. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis -- Risk Management" in the Company's 2000 Annual Report. ACFI is
managed with the goal of matching the payment schedule of the invested assets,
including hedges, to the payment schedule of the investment agreement
liabilities in order to minimize market and liquidity risk.
A source of liquidity risk is the ability of some counterparties to
withdraw moneys on dates other than those specified in the draw down schedule.
Liquidity risk is somewhat mitigated by provisions in certain of the municipal
investment agreements that limit an issuer's ability to draw on the funds and by
risk management procedures that require the regular re-evaluation and
re-projection of draw down schedules. Investments are restricted to fixed income
securities with a credit quality such that the overall minimum average portfolio
credit quality is maintained at Aa/AA. Based upon management's projections, ACFI
maintains funds invested in cash and cash equivalents to meet short-term
liquidity needs.
The following table sets forth the net payments due under ACFI's
settled investment agreements in each of the next five years ending December 31,
and the period thereafter, based on expected call dates:
22
<PAGE>
Investment Agreements Obligations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
($ In Thousands) Principal Amount /(1)/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
2001.......................................................................... $ 1,977,961
2002.......................................................................... 818,230
2003.......................................................................... 188,266
2004.......................................................................... 112,358
2005.......................................................................... 34,313
All later years............................................................... 1,059,889
-----------------------
$ 4,191,017
=======================
</TABLE>
(1) As of December 31, 2000, the interest rates on these agreements
ranged from 4.0% to 8.1%.
ACFI may use interest rate swap contracts in the normal course of
business for hedging purposes as part of its overall cash flow risk management.
Some of its interest rate swap agreements have been entered into with its
affiliate, AFSLP.
Interest rate swap contracts are agreements where ACFI agrees with
other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between
fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts or the difference between
different interest rate indices calculated by reference to an agreed upon
notional amount.
Interest Rate Swaps
AFSLP provides interest rate swaps primarily to states, municipalities
and their authorities, and other entities in connection with their financings.
In addition, AFSLP also provides interest rate swaps to certain affiliates.
AFSLP is subject to changes in the relationship between tax-exempt and taxable
interest rates, referred to as "basis risk." If actual or projected tax-exempt
interest rates change in relation to taxable rates, AFSLP may experience a
mark-to-market gain or loss. Since late 1995, most municipal interest rate swaps
transacted by AFSLP contain provisions that are designed to protect the Company
against certain forms of tax reform, thus mitigating its basis risk. The
interest rate swaps provided by AFSLP are guaranteed by Ambac Assurance through
policies that guarantee the obligations of AFSLP and its counterparties.
AFSLP is a limited partnership. Ambac Assurance, the sole limited
partner, owns a limited partnership interest representing 90% of the total
partnership interests of AFSLP. Ambac Financial Services Holdings, Inc. ("AFS
Holdings"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the sole general partner,
owns a general partnership interest representing 10% of the total partnership
interest in AFSLP.
In addition to basis risk, AFSLP manages a variety of other risks
inherent in its business, including credit, market, liquidity, operational and
legal. These risks are identified, measured, and monitored through a variety of
control mechanisms, which are in place at different levels throughout the
organization. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis -- Risk Management" in
the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders.
Investment Advisory and Cash Management
Cadre is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. As a
registered adviser, Cadre is subject to regulation in certain aspects of its
business, particularly with respect to
23
<PAGE>
investment advisory services provided to investment companies and clients. Cadre
provides investment advisory and administrative services to money market funds
that are primarily offered to qualified participants, including school
districts, health care service providers and municipalities.
Cadre Securities' principal business is the distribution of money
market funds to the education, health care and municipal sectors, as well as the
brokering of short-term fixed income securities trades on behalf of its clients.
It also serves as placement agent and dealer for securities issued by its
affiliates in private placement transactions. Cadre Securities is registered as
a broker-dealer with the SEC and with certain states that require such
registration, and it is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. As a registered broker-dealer, Cadre Securities is subject to the
net capital requirements of Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, which is designed to measure the general financial condition and
liquidity of a broker-dealer. In accordance with this rule, the ratio of
aggregate indebtedness to net capital ("net capital ratio") shall not exceed 15
to 1. At December 31, 2000, Cadre Securities had net capital of approximately
$1.2 million, which was $1.1 million in excess of its required net capital of
$100 thousand. The net capital ratio was 1.1 to 1.
At December 31, 2000, Cadre and Cadre Securities provided services to
approximately 2,700 clients with approximately $7.1 billion in assets.
Fees from the money market funds for which Cadre and Cadre Securities
perform services are based on percentages of the average daily net assets of
such funds. Cadre Securities receives fees for brokering short-term fixed income
securities trades by marking up the price of the securities purchased and sold
on behalf of clients. These fees are recorded upon execution of the trades
since, at that time, substantially all of Cadre Securities' obligations have
been fulfilled.
Investments and Investment Policy
As of December 31, 2000, the consolidated investments of the Company
had an aggregate fair value of approximately $8.3 billion and an aggregate
amortized cost of approximately $8.2 billion. These investments are managed
internally by officers of the Company, who are experienced investment managers.
All investments are effected in accordance with the general objectives and
guidelines for investments established by each subsidiary's Board of Directors.
These guidelines encompass credit quality, risk concentration and holding
period, and are periodically reviewed and revised as appropriate.
Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," the Company
has designated all investments as "available-for-sale" and reports them at fair
value. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a
component of "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)", in stockholders'
equity, net of tax.
As of December 31, 2000, Ambac Assurance's investment portfolio had an
aggregate fair value of approximately $4.3 billion and an aggregate amortized
cost of approximately $4.2 billion. Ambac Assurance's investment policy is
designed to achieve diversification of its portfolio and only permits investment
in investment grade fixed income securities, consistent with its goal to achieve
the highest after-tax, long-term return. This
24
<PAGE>
policy takes into consideration Ambac Assurance's desire for both current income
and long-term capital growth. Ambac Assurance is subject to limits on types and
quality of investments imposed by the insurance laws and regulations of the
States of Wisconsin and New York. In compliance with these laws, Ambac
Assurance's Board of Directors approves each specific investment transaction of
Ambac Assurance. See "Insurance Regulatory Matters - General Law," above.
As of December 31, 2000, ACFI's investment portfolio had an aggregate
fair value of approximately $4.0 billion and an aggregate amortized cost of
approximately $4.0 billion. ACFI's investment policy is designed to achieve the
highest after-tax return on equity, subject to minimum average quality ratings.
For further discussion, see "Investment Agreements," above.
The following tables provide certain information concerning the
investments of the Company:
Investments by Rating /(1)/
as of December 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% of Investment
Rating Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C>
AAA /(2)/......................................................................................... 74%
AA.............................................................................................. 14
A............................................................................................... 9
BBB............................................................................................. 1
BIG............................................................................................. *1
Not Rated....................................................................................... 2
-----------------
100%
=================
</TABLE>
(1) Ratings represent S&P classifications. If unavailable, Moody's rating is
used.
(2) Includes U.S. Treasury and agency obligations, which comprised
approximately 24% of the total investment portfolio.
* Less Than
Summary of Investments
As of December 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
------------------------------ ----------------------------- -----------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average
Investment Category Value Yield /(1)/(2)/ Value Yield /(1)/(2)/ Value Yield /(1)/(2)/
- ----------------------------------------------------- --------------- ----------- ---------------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
($ In Thousands)
Long-term investments:
Taxable bonds....................... $4,945,457 6.62% $6,001,199 6.28% $6,082,903 6.61%
Tax-exempt bonds.................... 3,119,044 5.77 2,737,272 5.78 2,539,379 6.13
------------- ------------- -------------
Total long-term investments...... 8,064,501 6.29 8,738,471 6.13 8,622,282 6.47
Short-term investments /(3)/: 253,519 6.30 220,896 5.56 119,528 5.69
------------- ------------- -------------
Total investments................ $8,318,020 6.30% $8,959,367 6.11% $8,741,810 6.45%
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
(1) Yields presented include assets held in the IA Business portfolio. Interest
expense on related investment agreements was $283.0 million, $299.5 million
and $263.6 million in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
(2) Yields are stated on a pre-tax basis, based on average amortized cost.
(3) Includes taxable and tax-exempt investments.
25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Investments by Security Type
As of December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
--------------------------- ------------------------ -------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average
Investment Category Value Yield/(1) (2)/ Value Yield/(1) (2)/ Value Yield/(1) (2)/
- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- -------------
($ In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Municipal obligations/(4/)............ $3,414,964 5.85% $2,962,939 5.80% $2,801,324 6.19%
Corporate securities................. 980,746 7.47 989,460 7.11 1,413,662 7.34
Foreign government obligations....... 35,370 6.08 19,044 6.22 21,765 4.16
U.S. government obligations.......... 72,709 6.08 62,479 6.10 122,896 5.80
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
(includes U.S. government
agency obligations)/(3)/.............. 3,560,712 6.39 4,704,549 6.08 4,262,635 6.36
----------- ----------- -----------
Total long-term investments....... 8,064,501 6.29 8,738,471 6.13 8,622,282 6.47
Short-term investments/(4)/.......... 253,519 6.30 220,896 5.56 119,528 5.69
----------- ----------- -----------
Total investments................. $8,318,020 6.30% $8,959,367 6.11% $8,741,810 6.45%
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
(1) Yields presented include assets held in the IA Business portfolio. Interest
expense on related investment agreements was $283.0 million, $299.5 million
and $263.6 million in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
(2) Yields are stated on a pre-tax basis, based on average amortized cost.
(3) The actual maturity dates of mortgage- and asset-backed securities are
uncertain because the underlying mortgages may be paid prior to the stated
maturity of such securities. This possibility of prepayment creates the risk
that the Company will be unable to replace such investments with securities
of comparable yield.
(4) Includes taxable and tax-exempt investments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Distribution of Investments by Maturity
as of December 31, 2000
Amortized Estimated
Maturity Cost Fair Value
- ---------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
($ In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less (1) ............ $ 383,124 $ 384,392
Due after one year through five years .. 388,782 399,150
Due after five years through ten years . 381,101 394,283
Due after ten years .................... 3,528,569 3,579,483
----------- -----------
4,681,576 4,757,308
Mortgage and asset-backed securities/(2)/ 3,553,794 3,560,712
----------- -----------
Total investments ...................... $8,235,370 $8,318,020
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
(1) Includes securities with a fair value of $130.9 million, which are
classified as long-term investments in the tables above but which mature
within one year.
(2) The actual maturity dates of mortgage and asset-backed securities are
uncertain because the underlying mortgages may be paid prior to the stated
maturity of such securities. This possibility of prepayment creates the risk
that the Company will be unable to replace such investments with securities
of comparable yield.
For further discussion, see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements in the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders.
Employees
As of December 31, 2000, the Company and its subsidiaries had 364
employees. None of the employees is covered by collective bargaining agreements.
The Company considers its employee relations to be satisfactory.
26
<PAGE>
Item 2. Properties.
The principal executive offices of the Company are located at One State
Street Plaza, New York, New York 10004. The telephone number is (212) 668-0340.
Ambac Assurance maintains its principal executive offices at One State
Street Plaza, New York, New York 10004, which consists of approximately 121,000
square feet of office space, under an agreement that expires on September 30,
2019.
Ambac UK maintains its principal offices at Hasilwood House, 60
Bishopsgate, London EC2N4BE, England, which consists of 7,100 square feet of
office space, under an agreement that expires in December 2006.
Cadre maintains its principal executive office at 905 Marconi Avenue,
Ronkonkoma, New York 11779. The Company owns the office building. It consists of
approximately 15,000 square feet of office space and storage.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
There are no material lawsuits pending, or to the knowledge of the
Company threatened, to which the Company or any of its majority-owned
subsidiaries is a party.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders.
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the
fourth quarter of 2000.
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information relating to the principal market on which the Company's
Common Stock is tradable, the high and low sales prices per share for each full
quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years, and the frequency and
amount of any cash dividends declared for the two most recent fiscal years is
set forth on page 56 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders and
such information is incorporated herein by reference. Information concerning
restrictions on the payment of dividends is set forth in Item 1 above under the
caption "Insurance Regulatory Matters - Wisconsin Dividend Restrictions." As of
March 14, 2001, there were 75 stockholders of record of the Company's Common
Stock, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Selected financial data for the Company and its subsidiaries for each of
the last five fiscal years is set forth under the captions "Financial
Highlights" and "Five Year Performance" on page 6, and pages 12 and 13,
respectively, of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. Such
information is incorporated herein by reference and should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto
contained on pages 35 through 54 of such Annual Report.
27
<PAGE>
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations is set forth under the same caption on pages 25 through 33 of the
Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. Such information is incorporated
herein by reference and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto contained on pages 35 through 54 of
such Annual Report.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk is set forth
under the caption Risk Management on pages 31 to 33 of the Company's 2000 Annual
Report to Stockholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference and
should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the
Notes thereto contained on pages 35 to 54 of such Annual Report.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The 2000 Consolidated Financial Statements, together with the Notes
thereto and the Independent Auditors' Report thereon, are set forth on pages 34
through 54 of the Company's 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders. Such information
is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure.
None.
Part III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
Information relating to the Company's directors and executive officers is
set forth on pages 7, 12, 13, 28 and 29 of the Company's 2001 Proxy Statement
and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information relating to compensation of the Company's directors and
executive officers is set forth on pages 9 and 10 and on pages 14 to 21 of the
Company's 2001 Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Information relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners
and management is set forth on pages 5 to 7 of the Company's 2001 Proxy
Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
28
<PAGE>
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
None.
Part IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) Documents filed as a part of this report:
1. Financial Statements
--------------------
The following consolidated financial statements included in the
2000 Annual Report to Stockholders are incorporated herein by
reference under Part II, Item 8:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page Number
In Annual Report
------------------
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report......................................... 34
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31,
2000 and 1999........................................................ 35
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of
The years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 .................... 36
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of
the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998..................... 37
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of
The years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998..................... 38
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................... 39-54
<CAPTION>
2. Financial Statement Schedules
-----------------------------
The financial statement schedules filed herein, which are the only
schedules required to be filed, are as follows:
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report (Page S-1)
Schedule I -- Summary of Investments Other Than Investments (Page S-2)
in Related Parties
Schedule II -- Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Pages S-3
(Parent Company Only) to S-7)
Schedule IV -- Reinsurance (Page S-8)
</TABLE>
29
<PAGE>
3. Exhibits
--------
The following items are annexed as exhibits:
Exhibit Number Description
- -------------- -----------
3.01 Conformed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
of the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware on July 11, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit 4.05
to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.)
3.02 Conformed Copy of the Certificate of Amendment to the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware on May 13, 1998. (Filed as Exhibit 4.04 to the
Company's Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30,
1998 and incorporated herein by reference.)
3.03 By-laws of the Company, as amended through January 28,
1998. (Filed as Exhibit 3.02 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.)
4.01 Definitive Engraved Stock Certificate representing shares
of Common Stock. (Filed as Exhibit 4.01 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997 and incorporated herein by reference.)
4.02 Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1991, between the Company
and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association),
Trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.01 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Reg. No. 33-59290) and
incorporated herein by reference.)
4.03 Indenture dated as of April 1, 1998, between the Company
and First Union National Bank, Trustee. (Filed as Exhibit
5.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April
1, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.)
4.04 Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2001, between the Company
and First Union National Bank, Trustee. (Filed as Exhibit
4.01 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3
(Reg. No. 333-57206) and incorporated herein by reference.)
4.05 Rights Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1996, between
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Citibank N.A., as Rights
Agent, including all exhibits thereto. (Filed as Exhibit 1
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated
February 27, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.)
4.06 Form of 9.38% Debenture due August 1, 2011. (Filed as
Exhibit 4.02 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Reg. No. 33-40385) and incorporated herein by reference.)
30
<PAGE>
4.07 Form of 7.50% Debenture due May 1, 2023. (Filed as Exhibit
4.06 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1998 and incorporated herein by
reference.)
4.08 Form of 7.08% Debenture due March 31, 2098. (Filed as
Exhibit 5.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated April 1, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.01* Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of
December 2, 1997, between the Company and Phillip B.
Lassiter. (Filed as Exhibit 10.01 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10.02* Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 1991 Stock Incentive Plan, as
amended as of December 2, 1997 (Filed as Exhibit 10.02 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.03* Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 1997 Equity Plan, amended as of
October 28, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit 10.03 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997 and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.04* Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 1991 Non-Employee Directors
Stock Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.09 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10.05* Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 1997 Non-Employee Directors
Equity Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-52449) and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10.06* Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 1997 Executive Incentive Plan,
amended as of January 1, 2000. (Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended June 30, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.07* Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for
Outside Directors, effective as of December 1, 1993 and
amended and restated as of October 26, 1999. (Filed as
Exhibit 10.26 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 1999 and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10.08* Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 1997 Equity Plan Senior Officer
Deferred Compensation Sub-Plan of the 1997 Equity Plan
effective as of October 26, 1999 (Filed as Exhibit 10.27 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended September 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by
reference.)
_____________________________
* Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement required to
be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.
---------
31
<PAGE>
10.09* Form of Amended and Restated Management Retention Agreement
dated as of December 2, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit 10.08 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.10* The Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Non-Qualified Savings
Incentive Plan (effective as of January 1, 1995). (Filed as
Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the period ended September 30, 1995, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10.11* Amendment Number 1 to the Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Non-
Qualified Savings Incentive Plan effective as of April 30,
1997. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10.12* Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Excess Benefits Pension Plan
(Amended and Restated as of January 1, 1994) (As amended
through October 25, 1995). (Filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
September 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.13* Amendment Number 1 to the Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
Benefits Pension Plan effective as of April 30, 1997. (Filed
as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein
by reference.)
10.14* Supplemental Pension Agreement between the Company and
Philip B. Lassiter dated April 30, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit
10.24 in the Company's Quarterly Report Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 1997, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10.15* Supplemental Pension Agreement between the Company and David
L. Boyle dated April 30, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit 10.25 in
the Company's Quarterly Report Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 1997, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.16* Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Supplemental Pension Plan
(Amended and Restated as of January 1, 1995) (As amended
through October 25, 1995). (Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
September 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.17* Amendment Number 1 to the Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
Supplemental Pension Plan effective as of April 30, 1997.
(Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.)
_____________________________
* Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement required to
be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.
---------
32
<PAGE>
10.18 Lease Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1992 between South
Ferry Building Company and Ambac Assurance Corporation.
(Filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1992 and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10.19 Amendment to Lease Agreement dated August 1, 1997 between
South Ferry Building Company and Ambac Assurance
Corporation. (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10.20 Tax Settlement Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1993, among
Citicorp, Citibank, N.A., Citicorp Financial Guaranty
Holdings, Inc., Ambac Financial Group, Inc., Ambac Assurance
Corporation, American Municipal Bond Holding Company and
Health Care Investment Analysts, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit
10.02 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3
(Registration No. 33-59290) and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10.21 Conformed copy of U.S. $150,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated
as of August 3, 1998 (the "BNS Credit Agreement") among the
Company and Ambac Assurance Corporation as the Borrowers,
Certain Commercial Lending Institutions as the Lenders,
Citibank, N.A., as the Documentation Agent, First National
Bank of Chicago, as the Co-Agent, and The Bank of Nova
Scotia, acting through its New York Agency, as the Arranger
and the Administrative Agent. (Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
June 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.)
10.22 First Amendment to the BNS Agreement dated August 3, 1999
(Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1999 and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10.23 Second Amendment to the BNS Agreement dated as of August 3,
2000.
10.24 $800,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated
December 2, 2000 between Ambac Assurance Corporation,
various banks, Bank of America, N.A. and Deutsche Bank AG
(New York Branch), as Co-Syndication Agents and the Bank of
New York as Administrative Agent.
10.25 First Extension of U.S. $50,000,000 Revolving Credit
Agreement, dated June 9, 2000 among Ambac Credit Products,
LLC, the banks, financial institutions and other
institutional lenders (the "Lenders") and The Bank of New
York, as Agent for the Lenders. (Filed as Exhibit 10.24 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended June 30, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.)
12.01 Statement re computation of ratios.
33
<PAGE>
13.01 Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2000. (Furnished for the information of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and not deemed "filed" as
part of this Form 10-K except for those portions that are
expressly incorporated by reference.)
21.01 List of Subsidiaries of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
24.01 Power of Attorney from Phillip B. Lassiter.
24.02 Power of Attorney from Michael A. Callen.
24.03 Power of Attorney from Renso L. Caporali.
24.04 Power of Attorney from Jill M. Considine.
24.05 Power of Attorney from Richard Dulude.
24.06 Power of Attorney from C. Robert J. Genader.
24.07 Power of Attorney from W. Grant Gregory.
24.08 Power of Attorney from C. Roderick O'Neil.
99.01 Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated
Financial Statements (with independent auditors' report
thereon) as of December 31, 2000 and 1999.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the fourth quarter of
--------
2000. However, on January 24, 2001, the Company filed a Current Report on Form
----
8-K with its January 24, 2001 press release containing unaudited financial
- ---
information and accompanying discussion for the three months ended December 31,
2000 and the year ended December 31, 2000. On March 19, 2001, the Company filed
a Current Report on Form 8-K containing consolidated financial statements (with
--------
independent auditors' report thereon) of Ambac Assurance Corporation and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 1999.
34
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
----------
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
Dated: March 28, 2001 By: /s/ Frank J. Bivona
--------------------------
________________________
Name: Frank J. Bivona
Title: Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
- --------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Phillip B. Lassiter* Chairman March 28, 2001
- ------------------------------
Phillip B. Lassiter and Chief Executive Officer
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Frank J. Bivona Vice Chairman, and March 28, 2001
- ------------------------------
Frank J. Bivona Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
Michael A. Callen* Director March 28, 2001
- ------------------------------
Michael A. Callen
Renso L. Caporali* Director March 28, 2001
- ------------------------------
Renso L. Caporali
Jill M. Considine* Director March 28, 2001
- ------------------------------
Jill M. Considine
Richard Dulude* Director March 28, 2001
- ------------------------------
Richard Dulude
Robert J. Genader* Director March 28, 2001
- ------------------------------
Robert J. Genader
W. Grant Gregory* Director March 28, 2001
- ------------------------------
W. Grant Gregory
C. Roderick O'Neil* Director March 28, 2001
- ------------------------------
C. Roderick O'Neil
</TABLE>
________________
* Frank J. Bivona, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this Annual
Report on Form 10-K on behalf of each of the directors and officers of the
Registrant after whose typed names asterisks appear pursuant to powers of
attorney duly executed by such directors and officers and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibits to this report.
By: /s/ Frank J. Bivona
--------------------------
Frank J. Bivona
Attorney-in-fact
35
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON SCHEDULES AND CONSENT
The Board of Directors
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.:
The audits referred to in our report dated January 22, 2001, included the
related financial statement schedules as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2000, included in
this Form 10-K. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such
financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.
We consent to the use of our reports incorporated by reference in the
registration statement (Nos. 333-43695 and 333-57206) on Form S-3, and the
registration statements (Nos. 33-47970, 33-63134, 33-47971, 33-44913 and 333-
52449) on Form S-8 of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
New York, New York
March 28, 2001
S-1
<PAGE>
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
Other Than Investments in Related Parties
December 31, 2000
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount at which
shown in the
Amortized Estimated balance sheet
Type of Investment Cost Fair Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. government obligations............................ $ 69,349 $ 72,709 $ 72,709
Municipal obligations.................................. 3,295,256 3,414,964 3,414,964
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities (includes U.S.
government agency obligations)......................... 3,553,794 3,560,712 3,560,712
Corporate obligations.................................. 1,027,211 980,746 980,746
Foreign government obligations......................... 36,241 35,370 35,370
Other.................................................. 253,519 253,519 253,519
-------------- ------------- ---------------
Total investments............................. $ 8,235,370 $ 8,318,020 $ 8,318,020
============== ============= ===============
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE>
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OF REGISTRANT (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
Condensed Balance Sheets
December 31, 2000 and 1999
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands Except Share Data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Assets:
Cash......................................................................... $ 288 $ 3
Investments in subsidiaries.................................................. 2,985,901 2,422,278
Fixed income securities, at fair value
(amortized cost of $7,245 in 2000 and $6,169 in 1999)...................... 7,038 5,695
Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value).................... 34,483 12,323
Other investments............................................................ 4,980 3,074
Current income taxes receivable.............................................. 3,412 1,913
Deferred income taxes receivable............................................. 17,923 17,516
Other assets................................................................. 9,609 17,650
----------- -----------
Total assets............................................................... $ 3,063,634 $ 2,480,452
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Debentures................................................................... $ 424,061 $ 423,995
Accrued interest payable..................................................... 10,348 6,797
Other liabilities............................................................ 33,111 31,210
----------- -----------
Total liabilities.......................................................... 467,520 462,002
----------- -----------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized shares -
4,000,000; issued and outstanding shares - none.............................. -- --
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized shares -
200,000,000 at December 31, 2000 and 1999; issued shares -
106,020,537 at December 31, 2000 and 70,680,384 at December
31, 1999..................................................................... 1,060 707
Additional paid-in capital...................................................... 533,558 525,012
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)................................... 45,154 (187,540)
Retained earnings............................................................... 2,035,209 1,713,446
Common Stock held in treasury at cost, 469,932 shares at December 31,
2000 and 722,592 at December 31, 1999........................................ (18,867) (33,175)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity................................................. 2,596,114 2,018,450
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................................. $ 3,063,634 $ 2,480,452
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
S-3
<PAGE>
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OF REGISTRANT (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
Condensed Statements of Operations
Three Years Ended December 31,
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999 1998
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Dividend income................................. $ 63,800 $ 52,000 $ 48,000
Interest and other income....................... 2,359 10,567 14,336
Net realized gains.............................. 8 797 2,507
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total revenues................................. 66,167 63,364 64,843
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Expenses:
Interest expense................................ 33,450 33,470 29,722
Operating expenses.............................. 6,669 6,506 6,815
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total expenses................................. 40,119 39,976 36,537
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income before income taxes and equity in
undistributed net income of subsidiaries....... 26,048 23,388 28,306
Federal income tax benefit........................... (18,088) (10,260) (6,274)
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income before equity in undistributed net income of
subsidiaries................................... 44,136 33,648 34,580
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries... 322,036 274,269 219,414
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net income........................................... 366,172 307,917 253,994
================ ================= =================
</TABLE>
S-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OF REGISTRANT (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
Condensed Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Three Years Ended December 31,
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
2000 1999 1998
------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Retained Earnings:
Balance at January 1 $ 1,713,446 $ 1,449,832 $ 1,262,740
Net income 366,172 $ 366,172 307,917 $ 307,917 253,994 $ 253,994
---------- ---------- -----------
Dividends declared - common stock (32,213) (29,366) (26,571)
Exercise of stock options (12,196) (14,937) (40,331)
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31 $ 2,035,209 $ 1,713,446 $ 1,449,832
------------ ------------ ------------
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(Loss):
Balance at January 1 $ (187,540) $ 159,313 $ 135,223
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities,
$373,291, ($552,645), and $36,476, pre-tax,
in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively)/(1)/ 234,178 (346,211) 23,889
Foreign currency gain (1,484) (642) 201
---------- ---------- -----------
Other comprehensive income (loss) 232,694 232,694 (346,853) (346,853) 24,090 24,090
------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------
Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 598,866 $ (38,936) $ 278,084
========== ========== ===========
Balance at December 31 $ 45,154 $ (187,540) $ 159,313
------------ ------------ ------------
Preferred Stock:
Balance at January 1 and December 31 $ -- $ -- $ --
------------ ------------ ------------
Common Stock:
Balance at January 1 $ 707 $ 707 $ 707
Stock split effected as dividend 353 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31 $ 1,060 $ 707 $ 707
------------ ------------ ------------
Additional Paid-in Capital:
Balance at January 1 $ 525,012 $ 519,305 $ 500,107
Exercise of stock options 8,899 5,707 19,198
Stock split effected as dividend (353) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31 $ 533,558 $ 525,012 $ 519,305
------------ ------------ ------------
Common Stock Held in Treasury at Cost:
Balance at January 1 $ (33,175) $ (33,067) $ (26,295)
Cost of shares acquired (23,618) (17,626) (52,738)
Shares issued under equity plans 37,926 17,518 45,966
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31 $ (18,867) $ (33,175) $ (33,067)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total Stockholders' Equity at December 31 $ 2,596,114 $ 2,018,450 $ 2,096,090
============ ============ ============
/(1)/ Disclosure of reclassification amount: 2000 1999 1999
---------------------------------
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period $230,985 $(351,412) $34,526
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains (losses) included
in net income (3,193) (5,201) 10,637
---------------------------------
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities $234,178 $(346,211) $23,889
=================================
</TABLE>
S-5
<PAGE>
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OF REGISTRANT (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Three Years Ended December 31,
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2000 1999 1998
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income...................................... $ 366,172 $ 307,917 $ 253,994
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed net income of
Subsidiaries................................... (322,036) (274,269) (219,414)
Gain on sale of investments..................... (8) (797) (2,507)
(Increase) decrease in current income
taxes receivable............................... (1,499) (2,942) 5,605
Decrease (increase) in other assets............. 8,041 5,936 (13,710)
Other, net...................................... (6,853) (5,188) (16,843)
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net cash provided by operating activities...... 43,817 30,657 7,125
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of bonds.................... -- 16,627 69,097
Proceeds from maturities of bonds............... 542 -- --
Purchases of bonds.............................. (1,615) (22,625) (206,430)
Change in short-term investments................ (22,160) 11,821 (10,552)
Other, net (1,894) (1,544) (1,489)
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities................................... (25,127) 4,279 (149,374)
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid.................................. (32,213) (29,366) (26,571)
Proceeds from issuance of debentures............ -- -- 193,700
Purchases of treasury stock..................... (23,618) (17,626) (52,738)
Proceeds from sale of treasury stock............ 37,926 17,518 45,966
Contribution to subsidiaries.................... (500) (5,575) (18,000)
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities................................... (18,405) (35,049) 142,357
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net cash flow........................................ 285 (113) 108
Cash at January 1............................... 3 116 8
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Cash at December 31............................. $ 288 $ 3 $ 116
================ ================= =================
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes................................... $ 75,000 $ 37,000 $ 60,000
================ ================= =================
Interest expense on debt....................... $ 33,848 $ 33,848 $ 30,072
================= ================= =================
</TABLE>
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. contributed fixed income securities to Ambac
Assurance Corporation amounting to $101,479 and $107,533 in April 1999 and
November 1999, respectively.
S-6
<PAGE>
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
OF REGISTRANT (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)
Note to Condensed Financial Information
The condensed financial information of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. for the years
ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and
Subsidiaries and the notes thereto. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted
for using the equity method of accounting.
S-7
<PAGE>
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ceded to Assumed from Percentage of
Gross Other Other Amount
Insurance Premiums Written Amount Companies Companies Net Amount Assumed to Net
- -------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998......... $ 333,652 $ 49,563 $ 27,359 $ 311,448 8.78 %
Year ended December 31, 1999......... $ 420,669 $ 61,845 $ 24,573 $ 383,397 6.41 %
Year ended December 31, 2000......... $ 440,111 $ 80,789 $ 42,971 $ 402,293 10.68 %
</TABLE>
S-8
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number Description
-------------- -----------
10.23 Second Amendment to the BNS Agreement dated as of
August 3, 2000.
10.24 $800,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement,
dated December 2, 2000 between Ambac Assurance
Corporation, various banks, Bank of America, N.A. and
Deutsche Bank AG (New York Branch), as Co-Syndication
Agents and the Bank of New York as Administrative
Agent.
12.01 Statement re computation of ratios.
13.01 Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2000. (Furnished for the
information of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and not deemed "filed" as part of this Form 10-K
except for those portions that are expressly
incorporated by reference.)
21.01 List of Subsidiaries of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
24.01 Power of Attorney from Phillip B. Lassiter.
24.02 Power of Attorney from Michael A. Callen.
24.03 Power of Attorney from Renso L. Caporali.
24.04 Power of Attorney from Jill M. Considine.
24.05 Power of Attorney from Richard Dulude.
24.06 Power of Attorney from Robert J. Genader.
24.07 Power of Attorney from W. Grant Gregory.
24.08 Power of Attorney from C. Roderick O'Neil.
99.01 Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements (with independent
auditors' report thereon) as of December 31, 2000 and
1999.
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.23
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>dex1023.txt
<DESCRIPTION>SECOND AMEND TO THE BNS AGRMT DATED AS OF 9/3/00
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.23
SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
This SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of August 3, 2000
(this "Second Amendment"), among AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. ("AMBAC
Financial"), AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION ("AMBAC Assurance"; together with AMBAC
Financial, the "Borrowers"), the various commercial lending institutions as are
or may become parties thereto (collectively, the "Lenders"), CITIBANK, N.A.
("Citibank"), as documentation agent (the "Documentation Agent"), BANK ONE, NA
("Bank One", formerly The First National Bank of Chicago), as co-agent (the
"Co-Agent"), and THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA ("BNS"), acting through its New York
Agency, as arranger and administrative agent (the "Administrative Agent") for
the Lenders.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Borrowers, the Lenders and the Agents are parties to
that certain Credit Agreement dated as of August 3, 1998 (as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the "Existing
Credit Agreement");
WHEREAS, the parties to the Existing Credit Agreement wish to amend
the Existing Credit Agreement as set forth below; and
WHEREAS, the Lenders have agreed, subject to the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth, to amend the Existing Credit Agreement as
provided below (the Existing Credit Agreement, as so amended by this Second
Amendment, being referred to as the "Credit Agreement");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements herein contained,
the parties hereto agree as follows:
PART I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Certain Definitions. The following terms (whether or not
underscored) when used in this Second Amendment shall have the following
meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to the singular and plural form
thereof):
"Borrowers" is defined in the preamble.
"Credit Agreement" is defined in the third recital.
"Existing Credit Agreement" is defined in the first recital.
<PAGE>
"Second Amendment" is defined in the preamble.
"Second Amendment Effective Date" is defined in Section 3.1.
"Lenders" is defined in the preamble.
SECTION 1.2. Other Definitions. Terms for which meanings are
provided in the Existing Credit Agreement are, unless otherwise defined herein
or the context otherwise requires, used in this Second Amendment with such
meanings.
PART II
AMENDMENT TO THE
EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT
Effective on (and subject to the occurrence of) the Second Amendment
Effective Date, the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended in accordance
with the terms of this Part II; except as so amended, the Existing Credit
Agreement and all Exhibits and Schedules shall continue in full force and effect
and are in all respects hereby ratified and confirmed.
SECTION 2.1. The definition of "Scheduled Commitment Termination
Date" in Section 1.1 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its
entirety to read as follows:
""Scheduled Commitment Termination Date" means, with respect to any
Lender, (a) August 3, 2001, or (b) as it may be extended from time in
accordance with Section 2.7 with respect to such Lender, the applicable
Extension Date."
PART III
CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS
SECTION 3.1. Second Amendment Effective Date. This Second Amendment
(and the amendments contained herein) shall become effective on August 3, 2000
(the "Second Amendment Effective Date"), provided that all of the conditions set
forth in this Section 3.1 have been satisfied.
SECTION 3.1.1. Execution of Counterparts. On or prior to the Second
Amendment Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received
counterparts of this Second Amendment, duly executed and delivered on behalf of
the Borrowers, all of the Lenders and the Agents.
SECTION 3.1.2. Delivery of Officer's Certificate. The Administrative
Agent shall have received from each Borrower, on the Second Amendment Effective
Date, a certificate, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereof and dated as
of the Second Amendment Effective Date, of an Authorized Officer of such
Borrower certifying that both before and after giving effect to this Second
Amendment: (i) the representations and warranties set forth in Article VI of the
Existing Credit Agreement shall be true and correct as if then made (unless
stated to relate
2
<PAGE>
solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties
shall be true and correct as of such earlier date) and (ii) no Default shall
have then occurred and be continuing.
PART IV
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 4.1. Cross-References. References in this Second Amendment
to any Section are, unless otherwise specified or otherwise required by the
context, to such Section of this Second Amendment.
SECTION 4.2. Loan Document Pursuant to Existing Credit Agreement.
This Second Amendment is a Loan Document executed pursuant to the Existing
Credit Agreement and shall be construed, administered and applied in accordance
with all of the terms and provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement.
SECTION 4.3. Successors and Assigns. This Second Amendment shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns.
SECTION 4.4. Counterparts. This Second Amendment may be executed by
the parties hereto in several counterparts, each of which when executed and
delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall constitute
together but one and the same agreement.
SECTION 4.5. Governing Law. THIS SECOND AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED
BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second
Amendment to be executed by their respective officers as of the day and year
first written above.
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ Robert W. Starr
-------------------------------------
Name: Robert W. Starr
Title: Managing Director and Treasurer
AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Robert W. Starr
-------------------------------------
Name: Robert W. Starr
Title: Managing Director and Treasurer
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, acting
through its New York Agency, as
Arranger, Administrative Agent and
Lender
By: /s/ Todd S. Meller
-------------------------------
Name: Todd S. Meller
Title: Managing Director
CITIBANK, N.A., as Documentation Agent and
Lender
By: /s/ Sandro Heim
-------------------------------
Name: Sandro Heim
Title: Vice President
BANK ONE, NA (formerly, The First National Bank
of Chicago), as Co-Agent and Lender
By: /s/ Gretchen Roetzer
-------------------------------------
Name: Gretchen Roetzer
Title: Assistant Vice President
4
<PAGE>
OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE
This Officer's Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 3.1.2 of
that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of August 3, 2000
(the "Second Amendment"), amending that certain Credit Agreement dated as of
August 3, 1998 (together with all amendments and other modifications, from time
to time made thereto, the "Credit Agreement"), among AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP,
INC., AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION, the various commercial lending institutions
as are or may become parties thereto, CITIBANK, N.A., as Documentation Agent,
BANK ONE, NA (formerly, The First National Bank of Chicago), as co-agent, and
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, acting through its New York Agency, as arranger and
Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used herein have
the meanings provided therefore in, or as designated pursuant to, the Second
Amendment.
The undersigned hereby certifies, represents and warrants on behalf
of each of AMBAC Financial Group, Inc. and AMBAC Assurance Corporation (the
"Borrowers") as follows:
Both before and after giving effect to the Second Amendment, the
representations and warranties of each of the Borrowers in the Existing
Credit Agreement are true and correct (unless stated to relate solely to
an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall
be true and correct as of such earlier date) and no Default has occurred
and is continuing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed my name as of the 3rd day of
August, 2000.
By: /s/ Robert W. Starr
-------------------------------------
Name: Robert W. Starr
Title: Managing Director and Treasurer
I, Anne G. Gill, Secretary of AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP and of AMBAC
ASSURANCE CORPORATION (the "Borrowers"), DO HEREBY CERTIFY that Robert W. Starr
was duly elected (or appointed) as an officer of each of the Borrowers holding
the office of Managing Director and Treasurer and the signature set forth above
in his genuine signature.
By: /s/ Anne G. Gill
-------------------------------
Name: Anne G. Gill
Title: Secretary
5
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.24
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>dex1024.txt
<DESCRIPTION>800 MILLION AMENDED & RESTATED CREDIT AGRMT
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.24
EXECUTION COPY
$800,000,000
AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
among
AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION,
VARIOUS BANKS,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., and
DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH,
as Co-Syndication Agents,
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Administrative Agent
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated as of December 2, 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BNY CAPITAL MARKETS INC.
Lead Arranger and Sole Book Runner
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
Section 1. Definitions and Principles Of Construction
Section 1.01. Defined Terms......................................1
Section 1.02. Principles of Construction........................15
Section 2. Amount and Terms of Credit
Section 2.01. The Loans.........................................15
Section 2.02. Amount of Each Borrowing..........................16
Section 2.03. Notice of Borrowing...............................17
Section 2.04. Disbursement of Funds.............................17
Section 2.05. Notes.............................................18
Section 2.06. Interest..........................................18
Section 2.07. Capital Adequacy..................................19
Section 3. Commitment Fees, Fees; and Terminations, Extensions and
Increases of Commitments and Contingent Commitments
Section 3.01. Fees..............................................19
Section 3.02. Voluntary Termination of Unutilized Commitments
and Unutilized Contingent Commitments.............20
Section 3.03. Mandatory Termination of Commitments and
Contingent Commitments 20
Section 3.04. Expiry Date.......................................21
Section 3.05. Increase of Commitments...........................22
Section 4. Prepayments; Payments
Section 4.01. Voluntary Prepayments.............................23
Section 4.02. Mandatory Prepayments.............................23
Section 4.03. Method and Place of Payment.......................24
Section 4.04. Net Payments......................................24
Section 4.05. Limitations on Sources of Payment.................26
Section 5. Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness
Section 5.01. Execution of Agreement; Notes.....................26
Section 5.02. No Default; Representations and Warranties........26
Section 5.03. Opinions of Counsel...............................26
Section 5.04. Corporate Documents; Proceedings..................27
Section 5.05. Security Agreement................................27
Section 5.06. Covered Portfolio, Etc............................27
Section 5.07. Adverse Change, Rating, Etc.......................28
Section 5.08. Litigation........................................28
Section 5.09. Fees, Etc.........................................28
Section 6. Conditions Precedent to All Credit Events
Section 6.01. Loss Threshold Incurrence Date....................29
i
<PAGE>
Section 6.02. Notice of Borrowing..............................29
Section 7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements
Section 7.01. Corporate Status.................................29
Section 7.02. Corporate Power and Authority....................29
Section 7.03. No Violation.....................................29
Section 7.04. Governmental Approvals...........................30
Section 7.05. Financial Statements; Financial Condition;
Undisclosed Liabilities, Etc.....................30
Section 7.06. Litigation.......................................31
Section 7.07. True and Complete Disclosure.....................31
Section 7.08. Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations..............31
Section 7.09. Tax Returns and Payments.........................32
Section 7.10. Compliance with ERISA............................32
Section 7.11. Capitalization...................................32
Section 7.12. Subsidiaries.....................................32
Section 7.13. Compliance with Statutes, Etc....................33
Section 7.14. Investment Company Act...........................33
Section 7.15. Public Utility Holding Company Act...............33
Section 7.16. Compliance with Insurance Law....................33
Section 7.17. Covered Portfolio................................34
Section 8. Affirmative Covenants
Section 8.01. Information Covenants............................34
Section 8.02. Books, Records and Inspections...................37
Section 8.03. Maintenance of Property, Insurance...............37
Section 8.04. Corporate Franchises.............................37
Section 8.05. Compliance with Statutes, Etc....................37
Section 8.06. ERISA............................................38
Section 8.07. Performance of Obligations.......................38
Section 8.08. Use of Proceeds..................................38
Section 8.09. Conduct of Business..............................38
Section 8.10. Underwriting Criteria............................38
Section 8.11. Collection of Pledged Recoveries and
Pledged Premiums.................................38
Section 8.12. Pledged Reserve Release Notice...................39
Section 8.13. Registry.........................................39
Section 9. Negative Covenants
Section 9.01. Liens............................................39
Section 9.02. Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc.......40
Section 9.03. Settlement Notes.................................41
Section 10. Events of Default
Section 10.01. Payments........................................41
Section 10.02. Representations, Etc............................41
Section 10.03. Covenants.......................................41
Section 10.04. Default Under Other Agreements..................42
ii
<PAGE>
Section 10.05. Bankruptcy, Etc..................................42
Section 10.06. ERISA............................................42
Section 10.07. Security Agreement...............................43
Section 10.08. Judgments........................................43
Section 10.09. Change of Control................................43
Section 11. The Agents
Section 11.01. Appointment......................................43
Section 11.02. Nature of Duties.................................44
Section 11.03. Lack of Reliance on Any Agent....................44
Section 11.04. Certain Rights of Each Agent.....................44
Section 11.05. Reliance.........................................45
Section 11.06. Indemnification..................................45
Section 11.07. Each Agent in Its Individual Capacity............45
Section 11.08. Resignation by an Agent..........................45
Section 12. Miscellaneous.
Section 12.01. Payment of Expenses, Etc.........................46
Section 12.02. Right of Setoff..................................46
Section 12.03. Notices..........................................47
Section 12.04. Benefit of Agreement.............................47
Section 12.05. No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative...................50
Section 12.06. Calculations; Computations.......................50
Section 12.07. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue.51
Section 12.08. Obligation to Make Payments in Dollars...........51
Section 12.09. Counterparts.....................................51
Section 12.10. Effectiveness....................................52
Section 12.11. Headings Descriptive.............................52
Section 12.12. Amendment or Waiver..............................52
Section 12.13. Survival.........................................52
Section 12.14. Exclusions from Covered Portfolio................53
Section 12.15. Waiver of Jury Trial.............................53
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE I Commitments and Contingent Commitments
SCHEDULE II Undisclosed Liabilities
SCHEDULE III Subsidiaries
SCHEDULE IV Reinsurance Agreements
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A Notice of Borrowing
EXHIBIT B-1 Municipal Tranche Note
iii
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B-2 Structured Tranche Note
EXHIBIT C Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement
EXHIBIT D-1 Opinion of Anne G. Gill, First Vice President, Secretary and
Assistant General Counsel of the Borrower
EXHIBIT D-2 Opinion of Shearman & Sterling, New York Special Counsel to
the Borrower
EXHIBIT D-3 Opinion of DeWitt Ross & Stevens, S.C., Wisconsin Special
Counsel to the Borrower
EXHIBIT E-1 Opinion of New York Counsel to a Bank Organized under U.S.
Federal or State Law
EXHIBIT E-2 Opinion of New York Counsel to a Bank Organized under Law
other than U.S. Federal or State Law
EXHIBIT E-3 Opinion of Counsel in the Home Jurisdiction to a Bank
Organized under Law other than U.S. Federal or State Law
EXHIBIT F Officers' Certificate of the Borrower
EXHIBIT G Assignment and Assumption Agreement
EXHIBIT H Section 4.04(b)(iii) Certificate
iv
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of December 2, 2000,
among AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION (the "Borrower"), a Wisconsin stock insurance
corporation, the Banks party hereto from time to time, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
and DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH, each acting in its capacity as a
Syndication Agent pursuant to Section 11 hereof (in such capacity, a
"Syndication Agent"), and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, acting in its capacity as
Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 11 hereof (in such capacity, the
"Administrative Agent").
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the Borrower, certain of the Banks and the Agents are
parties to the Original Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined);
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have agreed to amend and restate the
Original Credit Agreement as provided herein; and
WHEREAS, subject to and upon the terms and conditions herein set
forth, the Banks are willing to make available to the Borrower the credit
facility provided for herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:
Section 1. Definitions and Principles Of Construction.
Section 1.01. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the
following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally
applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):
"Administrative Agent" shall mean The Bank of New York, in its
capacity as Administrative Agent for the Banks hereunder, and shall include any
successor to the Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to Section 11.08.
"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person
(other than an individual) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or
under direct or indirect common control with, such Person; provided, however,
that an Affiliate of the Borrower shall include any Person that directly or
indirectly owns more than 5% of the Borrower and any officer or director of the
Borrower or any such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person
if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause
the direction of the management and policies of such other Person, whether
through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
"Agents" shall mean, collectively, the Administrative Agent and the
Syndication Agents.
"Agreement" shall mean this Amended and Restated Credit Agreement,
as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time.
"Applicable Margin" shall mean a percentage per annum equal to
1.50%.
<PAGE>
"Assignment and Assumption Agreement" shall mean any Assignment and
Assumption Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit G entered into
pursuant to the terms hereof.
"Authorized Officer" shall mean any president, senior vice president
and general counsel, chief financial officer or treasurer of the Borrower.
"Average Annual Debt Service", as of a specified date with respect
to an Insured Municipal Obligation, shall mean the applicable Retained
Percentage times the sum of (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of
such Insured Municipal Obligation, and (ii) the aggregate amount of interest
thereafter required to be paid on such Insured Municipal Obligation (giving
effect to all mandatory sinking fund payments or other regularly scheduled
required redemptions, prepayments or other retirement of principal), divided by
the number of whole and fractional years from the date of determination to the
latest maturity date of such Insured Municipal Obligation and, with respect to
the Covered Municipal Portfolio as of such date as specified, shall mean the sum
of the Average Annual Debt Service as of such date of all Insured Municipal
Obligations contained in the Covered Municipal Portfolio. In the event that an
Insured Municipal Obligation bears interest at a variable rate, the interest
thereon for purposes of the determination of Average Annual Debt Service shall
be calculated at the rate employed by the Borrower to compute average annual
debt service with respect to such Insured Municipal Obligation in accordance
with its customary business practices.
"Bank" shall mean each of the banks, financial institutions and
other institutional lenders listed on the signature pages hereof on the
Effective Date as well as any institution which becomes a Bank hereunder
pursuant to Section 3.05 or 12.04(b).
"Bankruptcy Code" shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.05.
"Base Rate" shall mean the higher of (i) 1/4 of 1% in excess of the
Federal Funds Rate and (ii) the Prime Lending Rate.
"Borrower" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of
this Agreement.
"Borrower's Rating" shall mean the Borrower's claims-paying rating.
"Borrowing" shall mean the borrowing of Municipal Tranche Loans or
Structured Tranche Loans on a given date.
"Business Day" shall mean any day except Saturday, Sunday and any
day which shall be in New York City a legal holiday or a day on which banking
institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to
close.
"Change of Control" shall mean and include the occurrence of any of
the following events: any Person, entity or "group" (within the meaning of
Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) other than any
Person, entity or "group" which, immediately prior to such event, was a
Subsidiary of the Parent (i) shall have acquired beneficial ownership of 20% or
more of any outstanding class of capital stock of the Parent or the Borrower
2
<PAGE>
having ordinary voting power in the election of directors, provided that any
Person, entity or group shall be permitted to acquire up to 25% of the
outstanding capital stock of any such class in a transaction approved before the
consummation of same by a majority of the directors of the Parent or the
Borrower or (ii) shall have obtained the power (whether or not exercised) to
elect the majority of the Board of Directors of the Parent or the Borrower.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.
Section references to the Code are to the Code, as in effect at the date of this
Agreement and any subsequent provisions of the Code, amendatory thereof,
supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.
"Collateral" shall mean all "Collateral" as defined in the Security
Agreement.
"Collateral Account" shall have the meaning provided in the Security
Agreement.
"Collateral Agent" shall have the meaning provided in the Security
Agreement.
"Commitment" shall mean a Municipal Tranche Commitment or a
Structured Tranche Commitment.
"Commitment Date" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.05.
"Commitment Fees" shall have the meaning provided in Section
3.01(a).
"Commitment Period" initially shall mean the period commencing on
the Effective Date and ending on the Expiry Date and, from and after the date of
any extension of the Expiry Date, shall mean the period commencing on the date
which is seven years prior to the Expiry Date and ending on the Expiry Date.
"Contingent Commitment" shall mean a Municipal Tranche Contingent
Commitment or a Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment.
"Contingent Obligation" shall mean, as to any Person, any obligation
of such Person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee any Indebtedness, leases,
dividends or other obligations ("primary obligations") of any other Person (the
"primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including,
without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent,
(i) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct
or indirect security therefor, (ii) to advance or supply funds (x) for the
purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (y) to maintain working
capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the
net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (iii) to purchase property,
securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the holder of any
such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of
such primary obligation or (iv) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder
of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided, however,
that the term Contingent Obligation shall not include endorsements of
instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business. The
amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the
stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such
Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum
reasonably anticipated
3
<PAGE>
liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is required to perform
thereunder) as determined by such Person in good faith.
"Covered Municipal Portfolio" shall mean and include each Insured
Municipal Obligation as of the Effective Date and each Insured Municipal
Obligation issued thereafter and prior to the Municipal Loss Threshold
Incurrence Date other than any Insured Municipal Obligation which is excluded
from the Covered Municipal Portfolio pursuant to Section 12.14.
"Covered Structured Portfolio" shall mean and include each Insured
Structured Obligation as of the Effective Date and each Insured Structured
Obligation issued thereafter and prior to the Structured Loss Threshold
Incurrence Date other than any Insured Structured Obligation which is excluded
from the Covered Structured Portfolio pursuant to Section 12.14.
"Credit Documents" shall mean this Agreement, each Note and the
Security Agreement.
"Credit Event" shall mean the making of any Loan.
"Cumulative Municipal Losses" for a specified period shall mean the
aggregate Municipal Losses of the Borrower determined cumulatively during such
period without regard to Pledged Municipal Recoveries.
"Cumulative Structured Losses" for a specified period shall mean the
aggregate Structured Losses of the Borrower determined cumulatively during such
period without regard to Pledged Structured Recoveries.
"Declining Bank" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.04.
"Default" shall mean any event, act or condition which with notice
or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.
"Defaulted Loan" shall mean, with respect to any Bank at any time,
the Loan or portion of any Loan required to be made by such Bank to the Borrower
pursuant to Section 2.01 at or prior to such time that has not been made by such
Bank as of such time.
"Defaulting Bank" means, at any time, any Bank that, at such time,
owes a Defaulted Loan.
"Department" shall mean the Insurance Department of the State of
Wisconsin.
"Dollars" and the sign "$" shall each mean freely transferable
lawful money of the United States.
"Effective Date" shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.10.
"Eligible Transferee" shall mean and include a commercial bank,
financial institution or other "accredited investor" (as defined in Regulation D
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder) assigned, or the parent
4
<PAGE>
of which is assigned, an unsecured senior debt rating (or shadow rating as
reflected in a letter) by each of Moody's and S&P.
"ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings
issued thereunder. Section references to ERISA are to ERISA, as in effect at the
date of this Agreement, and to any subsequent provisions of ERISA, amendatory
thereof, supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.
"ERISA Affiliate" shall mean any person (as defined in Section 3(9)
of ERISA) which together with the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries would be
deemed to be a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m)
or (o) of the Code.
"Event of Default" shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.
"Expiry Date" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.04.
"Extending Bank" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.04.
"Extension Request" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.04.
"Federal Funds Rate" shall mean for any period, a fluctuating
interest rate equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of
the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions with members of the Federal
Reserve System arranged by Federal Funds brokers, as published for such day (or,
if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any
day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such
transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal Funds
brokers of recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent.
"Fees" shall mean all amounts payable pursuant to or referred to in
Section 3.01.
"holder of any Note" shall mean any Federal Reserve Bank to which a
Bank has pledged its Note to the extent such Federal Reserve Bank has foreclosed
upon such Note.
"Increase Date" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.05.
"Increase Request" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.05.
"Increasing Bank" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.05.
"Increasing Extending Bank" shall have the meaning provided in
Section 3.04.
"Indebtedness" shall mean, as to any Person, without duplication,
(i) all indebtedness (including principal, interest, fees and charges) of such
Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or
services, (ii) the face amount of all letters of credit issued for the account
of such Person and all drafts drawn thereunder, (iii) all liabilities secured by
any Lien on any property owned by such Person, whether or not such liabilities
have
5
<PAGE>
been assumed by such Person, (iv) the aggregate amount required to be
capitalized under leases under which such Person is the lessee and (v) all
Contingent Obligations of such Person.
"Insurance Contracts" shall have the meaning provided in Section
7.16.
"Insured Municipal Obligation" shall mean any "municipal obligation
bonds", "special revenue bonds", "industrial development bonds" and "utility
first mortgage obligations" which the Borrower is permitted to insure under the
provisions of Section 6904(b)(1)(A), (B), (C) or (I) of the New York Insurance
Law (without regard to clause (J) thereof) as in effect on the date hereof
issued by the United States of America, a state thereof or the District of
Columbia, a municipality or governmental unit or other political subdivision of
the foregoing or any public agency or instrumentality thereof, to the extent
that the payment of principal thereof, together with interest thereon, or other
amounts due in respect thereof, is insured, reinsured or otherwise guaranteed by
the Borrower under any Insurance Contract or by Connie Lee Insurance Company
under any Insurance Contract in existence on the Effective Date.
"Insured Structured Obligation" shall mean any fixed income
securities of United States issuers payable by such issuers from pools of
mortgage loans, home equity loans and/or home equity lines of credit which are
secured primarily by Liens upon residential real estate, to the extent that the
payment of principal of such securities, together with interest thereon, or
other amounts due in respect thereof, is insured, reinsured or otherwise
guaranteed by the Borrower under any Insurance Contract.
"Lending Office" shall mean the office of the Administrative Agent
located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286 or such other office,
Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Administrative Agent as the Administrative Agent
may from time to time specify as such to the Borrower.
"Lien" shall mean any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment,
deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), preference,
priority or other security agreement of any kind or nature whatsoever
(including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement, any financing or similar statement or notice filed under the UCC or
any other similar recording or notice statute, and any lease having
substantially the same effect as any of the foregoing).
"Loan" shall mean a Municipal Tranche Loan or a Structured Tranche
Loan.
"Loss" shall mean a Municipal Loss or a Structured Loss.
"Majority Banks" shall mean at any time Banks owed at least 51% of
the aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding at such time or, if no
Loans are outstanding at such time, Banks holding at least 51% of the aggregate
Commitments at such time; provided, however, that if any Bank shall be a
Defaulting Bank at such time, there shall be excluded from the determination of
Majority Banks at such time (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Loans
owing to such Bank and outstanding at such time and (ii) the Commitment or
Commitments of such Bank at such time.
6
<PAGE>
"Majority Municipal Tranche Participants" shall have the meaning
provided in Section 12.04.
"Majority Structured Tranche Participants" shall have the meaning
provided in Section 12.04.
"Margin Stock" shall have the meaning provided in Regulation U of
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
"Master Agreement" shall have the meaning provided in the Security
Agreement.
"Moody's" shall mean Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
"Multiemployer Plan" shall mean any multiemployer plan as defined in
Section 4001(1)(3) of ERISA, which is contributed to by (or to which there is an
obligation to contribute of) the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower or an
ERISA Affiliate, and each such plan for the 5 year period immediately following
the latest date on which the Borrower, or a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or an
ERISA Affiliate contributed to or had an obligation to contribute to such plan.
"Municipal Collateral" shall have the meaning provided in the
Security Agreement.
"Municipal Contingent Loss Threshold Incurrence Date" shall mean the
date on which the Borrower has Cumulative Municipal Losses (net of recoveries
(excluding (i) proceeds of any Municipal Tranche Loans to the extent used to
reimburse the Borrower for the payment of Municipal Losses and (ii) the
aggregate amount of any and all recoveries paid or payable to any Person other
than the Borrower under reinsurance agreements, whether facultative or treaty,
and similar arrangements)) during the relevant Commitment Period equal to
$428,000,000 plus the greater of the amounts set forth in clauses (i) and (ii)
of the definition of "Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date" in this Section
1.01.
"Municipal Installment Premiums" shall mean any and all premiums
which are required to be paid or claimed to be required to be paid to or for the
account of the Borrower in respect of Insured Municipal Obligations in the
Covered Municipal Portfolio on a periodic basis rather than by payment in full
on the date of the effectiveness of the relevant Insurance Contract.
"Municipal Loss" shall mean at any time the aggregate sum of (i) the
amount paid by the Borrower at such time or required at such time to be paid by
the Borrower on claims under an Insurance Contract with respect to an Insured
Municipal Obligation in the Covered Municipal Portfolio by reason of the failure
by the issuer thereof or other obligor with respect thereto to pay insured
amounts on such Insured Municipal Obligations when due, plus (ii) Permitted
Municipal Reserves at such time minus (iii) amounts paid at such time or
reasonably expected by the Borrower at such time to be paid to the Borrower
under reinsurance agreements (whether facultative or treaty) and similar
arrangements with respect to the claims referred to in clause (i) above;
provided that, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term
"Municipal Loss" shall not include any damages or penalties required at such
time to be paid by the Borrower in respect of an Insurance Contract by reason of
the breach by the
7
<PAGE>
Borrower of its obligations thereunder or the cancellation or termination
thereof other than in accordance with its terms.
"Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date" shall mean the date on
which the Borrower has Cumulative Municipal Losses (net of recoveries (excluding
the aggregate amount of any and all recoveries paid or payable to any Person
other than the Borrower under reinsurance agreements, whether facultative or
treaty, and similar arrangements)) during the relevant Commitment Period equal
to the greater of (i) $450,000,000 and (ii) 5.00% of Average Annual Debt Service
on the Covered Municipal Portfolio as of such date.
"Municipal Tranche Bank" shall mean at any time any Bank that has a
Municipal Tranche Commitment at such time.
"Municipal Tranche Commitment" shall mean for each Municipal Tranche
Bank the amount set forth opposite such Municipal Tranche Bank's name in Part A
of Schedule I hereto directly below the column entitled "Municipal Tranche
Commitment" or, if such Municipal Tranche Bank has become a party hereto
pursuant to Section 12.04, set forth for such Municipal Tranche Bank in the
registry maintained by the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.13 as such Municipal
Tranche Bank's "Municipal Tranche Commitment", in each case as the same may be
(i) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 3.02 and/or 3.03 and (ii)
adjusted from time to time as a result of assignments to or from such Bank
pursuant to Section 3.04, 3.05 or 12.04.
"Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment" shall mean for each Part C
Bank the amount set forth opposite such Part C Bank's name in Part C of Schedule
I hereto directly below the column entitled "Municipal Tranche Contingent
Commitment" or, if such Part C Bank has become a party hereto pursuant to
Section 12.04, set forth for such Part C Bank in the registry maintained by the
Borrower pursuant to Section 8.13 as such Part C Bank's "Municipal Tranche
Contingent Commitment", in each case as the same may be (i) reduced from time to
time pursuant to Section 3.02 and/or 3.03 and (ii) adjusted from time to time as
a result of assignments to or from such Part C Bank pursuant to Section 3.04,
3.05 or 12.04.
"Municipal Tranche Loan" shall have the meaning provided in Section
2.01.
"Municipal Tranche Note" shall mean a promissory note of the
Borrower payable to the order of any Municipal Tranche Bank (or, if any Part C
Bank shall not be a Municipal Tranche Bank, payable to the order of such Part C
Bank) substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1, evidencing the Borrower's
obligation to pay the principal of, and interest on, the Municipal Tranche Loans
made by such Municipal Tranche Bank (or such Part C Bank, as the case may be).
"Municipal Tranche Settlement Note" shall have the meaning provided
in the Security Agreement.
"Net Remaining Par", as of a specified date with respect to an
Insured Structured Obligation, shall mean the applicable Retained Percentage
times the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Insured Structured
Obligation and, with respect to the Covered
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Structured Portfolio as of such date as specified, shall mean the sum of the Net
Remaining Par as of such date of all Insured Structured Obligations contained in
the Covered Structured Portfolio.
"Note" shall mean a Municipal Tranche Note or a Structured Tranche
Note.
"Notice of Borrowing" shall have the meaning provided in Section
2.03.
"Notice Office" shall mean the office of the Administrative Agent
located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, or such other office as
the Administrative Agent may hereafter designate in writing as such to the
Borrower.
"Obligations" shall mean all amounts owing to any Agent, the
Collateral Agent or any Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any
other Credit Document.
"Original Credit Agreement" shall mean the Amended and Restated
Credit Agreement dated as of December 2, 1998, among the Borrower, certain of
the Banks and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as administrative agent, as
modified, supplemented and amended from time to time prior to the date hereof.
"Parent" shall mean Ambac Financial Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
"Part B Bank" shall mean each Bank listed on Part B of Schedule I
hereto.
"Part C Bank" shall mean each Bank listed on Part C of Schedule I
hereto.
"Part D Bank" shall mean each Bank listed on Part D of Schedule I
hereto.
"Part E Bank" shall mean each Bank listed on Part E of Schedule I
hereto.
"Payment Office" shall mean the office of the Administrative Agent
located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, or such other office as
the Administrative Agent may hereafter designate in writing as such to the
Borrower.
"PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
established pursuant to Section 4002 of ERISA or any successor thereto.
"Permitted Liens" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.01.
"Permitted Municipal Reserves" shall mean at any time any and all
reserves established or maintained by the Borrower at such time which are deemed
necessary or prudent in the reasonable judgment of the management of the
Borrower by reason of the failure or anticipated failure by the issuer of an
Insured Municipal Obligation contained in the Covered Municipal Portfolio or
other obligor with respect thereto to pay such Insured Municipal Obligation when
due as reflected on the Borrower's books and which are or will be reported by
the Borrower in its statutory financial statements.
"Permitted Structured Reserves" shall mean at any time any and all
reserves established or maintained by the Borrower at such time which are deemed
necessary of prudent
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in the reasonable judgment of the management of the Borrower by reason of the
failure or anticipated failure by the issuer of an Insured Structured Obligation
contained in the Covered Structured Portfolio or other obligor with respect
thereto to pay such Insured Structured Obligation when due as reflected on the
Borrower's books and which are or will be reported by the Borrower in its
statutory financial statements.
"Person" shall mean any individual, partnership, joint venture,
firm, corporation, association, trust or other enterprise or any government or
political subdivision or any agency, department or instrumentality thereof.
"Plan" shall mean an employee pension benefit plan (other than a
Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the
minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code, which is maintained or
contributed to by (or to which there is an obligation to contribute of), or at
any time during the five calendar years preceding the date of this Agreement was
maintained or contributed to by (or to which there was an obligation to
contribute of), the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate.
"Pledged Municipal Premiums" shall mean, at any time on and after
the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date (i) any and all Municipal
Installment Premiums which are paid or payable to the Borrower at such time with
respect to defaulted Insured Municipal Obligations in the Covered Municipal
Portfolio minus (ii) the aggregate amount of such Municipal Installment Premiums
referred to in the next preceding clause (i) paid or payable to any Person other
than the Borrower at such time under reinsurance agreements (whether facultative
or treaty) and similar arrangements.
"Pledged Municipal Recoveries" shall mean, at any time on and after
the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, any and all moneys and other
payments, property and other consideration and compensation received or
receivable by or for the account of the Borrower at such time (excluding the
aggregate amount of any and all monies, payments, property, consideration and
compensation paid or payable to any Person other than the Borrower under
reinsurance agreements (whether facultative or treaty) and similar arrangements)
as repayment or reimbursement of, or otherwise in respect of or arising out of,
the payment of a claim by the Borrower under an Insurance Contract covering any
Insured Municipal Obligation in the Covered Municipal Portfolio (without regard
to whether such claim was paid from the proceeds of a Loan), whether from the
issuer thereof or any other Person including without limitation under or
pursuant to (i) such Insurance Contract, any reimbursement agreement, guaranty,
letter of credit, mortgage, security agreement, pledge agreement or other
contract, agreement or arrangement, (ii) any account or account receivable,
(iii) any compromise, settlement or similar arrangement, (iv) any voluntary
payment or gift, (v) any reinsurance of such Insured Municipal Obligation to the
extent that payment or expected payment under such reinsurance was not deducted
in determining the Municipal Loss attributed to the Borrower's payment or
required payment of such claim, (vi) any contractual, statutory, common law or
other right of subrogation, (vii) any realization upon any mortgage, security
interest or other Lien, (viii) any cause of action, whether sounding in tort,
contract or otherwise, and any judicial, arbitration or other proceeding by or
before any court, agency, tribunal, association or other governmental or private
body, or (ix) any other legal or equitable right or claim (whether or not
similar to the foregoing), less the out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including
without limitation
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attorneys' fees and court costs, reasonably incurred by the Borrower in
connection with the collection or other realization of such moneys and other
payments, property and other consideration and compensation.
"Pledged Municipal Reserves Account" shall mean an account
established with The Bank of New York in accordance with Section 3.01(c) of the
Security Agreement.
"Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds" shall mean at any time
the aggregate amount of proceeds of Municipal Tranche Loans borrowed hereunder
for the purpose of establishing or maintaining Permitted Municipal Reserves,
such proceeds to be deposited in the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account in
accordance with Section 3.01(c) of the Security Agreement.
"Pledged Municipal Reserves Release Notice" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 8.12.
"Pledged Municipal Reserves Repayment Date" shall mean the third
Business Day following the date on which the Borrower delivers the Pledged
Municipal Reserves Release Notice required by Section 8.12.
"Pledged Reserves Release Notice" shall mean a Pledged Municipal
Reserves Release Notice or a Pledged Structured Reserves Release Notice.
"Pledged Structured Premiums" shall mean, at any time on and after
the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date (i) any and all Structured
Installment Premiums which are paid or payable to the Borrower at such time with
respect to defaulted Insured Structured Obligations in the Covered Structured
Portfolio minus (ii) the aggregate amount of such Structured Installment
Premiums referred to in the next preceding clause (i) paid or payable to any
Person other than the Borrower at such time under reinsurance agreements
(whether facultative or treaty) and similar arrangements.
"Pledged Structured Recoveries" shall mean, at any time on and after
the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, any and all moneys and other
payments, property and other consideration and compensation received or
receivable by or for the account of the Borrower at such time (excluding the
aggregate amount of any and all monies, payments, property, consideration and
compensation paid or payable to any Person other than the Borrower under
reinsurance agreements (whether facultative or treaty) and similar arrangements)
as repayment or reimbursement of, or otherwise in respect of or arising out of,
the payment of a claim by the Borrower under an Insurance Contract covering any
Insured Structured Obligation in the Covered Structured Portfolio (without
regard to whether such claim was paid from the proceeds of a Loan), whether from
the issuer thereof or any other Person including without limitation under or
pursuant to (i) such Insurance Contract, any reimbursement agreement, guaranty,
letter of credit, mortgage, security agreement, pledge agreement or other
contract, agreement or arrangement, (ii) any account or account receivable,
(iii) any compromise, settlement or similar arrangement, (iv) any voluntary
payment or gift, (v) any reinsurance of such Insured Structured Obligation to
the extent that payment or expected payment under such reinsurance was not
deducted in determining the Structured Loss attributed to the Borrower's
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payment or required payment of such claim, (vi) any contractual, statutory,
common law or other right of subrogation, (vii) any realization upon any
mortgage, security interest or other Lien, (viii) any cause of action, whether
sounding in tort, contract or otherwise, and any judicial, arbitration or other
proceeding by or before any court, agency, tribunal, association or other
governmental or private body, or (ix) any other legal or equitable right or
claim (whether or not similar to the foregoing), less the out-of-pocket costs
and expenses, including without limitation attorneys' fees and court costs,
reasonably incurred by the Borrower in connection with the collection or other
realization of such moneys and other payments, property and other consideration
and compensation.
"Pledged Structured Reserves Account" shall mean an account
established with The Bank of New York in accordance with Section 3.01(d) of the
Security Agreement.
"Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds" shall mean at any time
the aggregate amount of proceeds of Structured Tranche Loans borrowed hereunder
for the purpose of establishing or maintaining Permitted Structured Reserves,
such proceeds to be deposited in the Pledged Structured Reserves Account in
accordance with Section 3.01(d) of the Security Agreement.
"Pledged Structured Reserves Release Notice" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 8.12.
"Pledged Structured Reserves Repayment Date" shall mean the third
Business Day following the date on which the Borrower delivers the Pledged
Structured Reserves Release Notice required by Section 8.12.
"Prime Lending Rate" shall mean the rate as announced by The Bank of
New York from time to time as its prime lending rate, the Prime Lending Rate to
change when and as such prime lending rate changes. The Prime Lending Rate is a
reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate
actually charged to any customer. The Bank of New York may make commercial loans
or other loans at rates of interest at, above or below the Prime Lending Rate.
"Replacement Bank" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.04.
"Reportable Event" shall mean an event described in Section 4043(c)
of ERISA with respect to a Plan as to which the 30-day notice requirement has
not been waived by the PBGC.
"Retained Percentage" of an Insured Municipal Obligation or an
Insured Structured Obligation, as the case may be, shall mean 100% minus the
aggregate percentage of the risk under Insurance Contracts with respect thereto
which has been ceded by the Borrower to other Persons under reinsurance
agreements (whether facultative or treaty) and similar arrangements.
"SEC" shall have the meaning provided in Section 8.01(f).
"Secured Parties" shall have the meaning provided in the Security
Agreement.
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"Security Agreement" shall have the meaning provided in Section
5.05.
"S&P" shall mean Standard & Poor's Corporation.
"Structured Collateral" shall have the meaning provided in the
Security Agreement.
"Structured Installment Premiums" shall mean any and all premiums
which are required to be paid or claimed to be required to be paid to or for the
account of the Borrower in respect of Insured Structured Obligations in the
Covered Structured Portfolio on a periodic basis rather than by payment in full
on the date of the effectiveness of the relevant Insurance Contract.
"Structured Loss" shall mean at any time the aggregate sum of (i)
the amount paid by the Borrower at such time or required at such time to be paid
by the Borrower on claims under an Insurance Contract with respect to an Insured
Structured Obligation in the Covered Structured Portfolio by reason of the
failure by the issuer thereof or other obligor with respect thereto to pay
insured amounts on such Insured Structured Obligations when due, plus (ii)
Permitted Structured Reserves at such time minus (iii) amounts paid at such time
or reasonably expected by the Borrower at such time to be paid to the Borrower
under reinsurance agreements (whether facultative or treaty) and similar
arrangements with respect to the claims referred to in clause (i) above;
provided that, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term
"Structured Loss" shall not include any damages or penalties required at such
time to be paid by the Borrower in respect of an Insurance Contract by reason of
the breach by the Borrower of its obligations thereunder or the cancellation or
termination thereof other than in accordance with its terms.
"Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date" shall mean the date on
which the Borrower has Cumulative Structured Losses (net of recoveries
(excluding the aggregate amount of any and all recoveries paid or payable to any
Person other than the Borrower under reinsurance agreements, whether facultative
or treaty, and similar arrangements)) during the relevant Commitment Period
equal to the greater of (i) $475,000,000 and (ii) 2.00% of Net Remaining Par on
the Covered Structured Portfolio as of such date.
"Structured Tranche Bank" shall mean at any time any Bank that has a
Structured Tranche Commitment at such time.
"Structured Tranche Commitment" shall mean for each Structured
Tranche Bank the amount set forth opposite such Structured Tranche Bank's name
in Part A of Schedule I hereto directly below the column entitled "Structured
Tranche Commitment" or, if such Structured Tranche Bank has become a party
hereto pursuant to Section 12.04, set forth for such Structured Tranche Bank in
the registry maintained by the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.13 as such
Structured Tranche Bank's "Structured Tranche Commitment", in each case as the
same may be (i) reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 3.02 and/or 3.03
and (ii) adjusted from time to time as a result of assignments to or from such
Bank pursuant to Section 3.04, 3.05 or 12.04.
"Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment" shall mean for each Part
E Bank the amount set forth opposite such Part E Bank's name in Part E of
Schedule I hereto directly
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below the column entitled "Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment" or, if such
Part E Bank has become a party hereto pursuant to Section 12.04, set forth for
such Part E Bank in the registry maintained by the Borrower pursuant to Section
8.13 as such Part E Bank's "Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment", in each
case as the same may be (i) reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 3.02
and/or 3.03 and (ii) adjusted from time to time as a result of assignments to or
from such Part E Bank pursuant to Section 3.04, 3.05 or 12.04.
"Structured Tranche Loan" shall have the meaning provided in Section
2.01.
"Structured Tranche Note" shall mean a promissory note of the
Borrower payable to the order of any Structured Tranche Bank (or, if any Part E
Bank shall not be a Structured Tranche Bank, payable to the order of such Part E
Bank) substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2, evidencing the Borrower's
obligation to pay the principal of, and interest on, the Structured Tranche
Loans made by such Structured Tranche Bank (or such Part E Bank, as the case may
be).
"Structured Tranche Settlement Note" shall have the meaning provided
in the Security Agreement.
"Subsidiary" shall mean, as to any Person, (i) any corporation more
than 50% of whose stock of any class or classes having by the terms thereof
ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the directors of such corporation
(irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any class or classes of
such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the
happening of any contingency) is at the time owned by such Person and/or one or
more Subsidiaries of such Person and (ii) any partnership, association, joint
venture or other entity in which such Person and/or one or more Subsidiaries of
such Person has more than a 50% equity interest at the time.
"Swiss Re" shall mean Swiss Re Financial Products Corporation.
"Syndication Agent" shall mean each of Bank of America, N.A., and
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, in its capacity as a Syndication Agent for
the Banks hereunder, and shall include any successor to such Syndication Agent
appointed pursuant to Section 11.08.
"Taxes" shall have the meaning provided in Section 4.04(a).
"UCC" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in
effect in the relevant jurisdiction.
"Unfunded Current Liability" of any Plan means the amount, if any,
by which the present value of the accrued benefits under the Plan as of the
close of its most recent plan year, determined in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 35, based upon the actuarial assumptions used
by the Plan's actuary in the most recent annual valuation of the Plan, exceeds
the fair market value of the assets allocable thereto, determined in accordance
with Section 412 of the Code.
"United States" and "U.S." shall each mean the United States of
America.
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"Unutilized Commitment" shall mean an Unutilized Municipal Tranche
Commitment or an Unutilized Structured Tranche Commitment.
"Unutilized Contingent Commitment" shall mean an Unutilized
Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment or an Unutilized Structured Tranche
Contingent Commitment.
"Unutilized Municipal Tranche Commitment" shall mean, for any
Municipal Tranche Bank, at any time, the Municipal Tranche Commitment of such
Bank at such time less the aggregate principal amount of all Municipal Tranche
Loans made by such Bank pursuant to Section 2.01(a) prior to such time.
"Unutilized Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment" shall mean, for
any Part C Bank, at any time, the Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment of
such Bank at such time less the aggregate principal amount of all Municipal
Tranche Loans made by such Bank pursuant to Section 2.01(b) prior to such time.
"Unutilized Structured Tranche Commitment" shall mean, for any
Structured Tranche Bank, at any time, the Structured Tranche Commitment of such
Bank at such time less the aggregate principal amount of all Structured Tranche
Loans made by such Bank pursuant to Section 2.01(c) prior to such time.
"Unutilized Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment" shall mean,
for any Part E Bank, at any time, the Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment
of such Bank at such time less the aggregate principal amount of all Structured
Tranche Loans made by such Bank pursuant to Section 2.01(d) prior to such time.
Section 1.02. Principles of Construction. All references to
sections, schedules and exhibits are to sections, schedules and exhibits in or
to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. The words "hereof", "herein" and
"hereunder" and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer
to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this
Agreement.
Section 2. Amount and Terms of Credit.
Section 2.01. The Loans. (a) Subject to and upon the terms and
conditions set forth herein, each Municipal Tranche Bank severally agrees, at
any time and from time to time prior to the Expiry Date, to make loans (such
loans, together with any loans made pursuant to Section 2.01(b), being each a
"Municipal Tranche Loan" and, collectively, the "Municipal Tranche Loans") to
the Borrower, provided, however, that the principal amount of any Municipal
Tranche Loan made by a Municipal Tranche Bank at any time pursuant to this
Section 2.01(a) shall not exceed the Unutilized Municipal Tranche Commitment of
such Municipal Tranche Bank at such time.
(b) In the event that (i) the Borrower requests a Borrowing under
Section 2.01(a), (ii) any Part B Bank shall fail to make on the date specified
in the Notice of Borrowing for such requested Borrowing any Municipal Tranche
Loan or any portion of a Municipal Tranche Loan required to be made by such Bank
hereunder representing such Bank's pro rata portion (in accordance with the
Municipal Tranche Commitment of such Bank and the
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aggregate Municipal Tranche Commitments of all of the Banks as in effect on such
date) of the amount of such requested Borrowing and (iii) the Municipal
Contingent Loss Threshold Incurrence Date shall have occurred on or prior to
such date, then each Part C Bank severally agrees to make a Municipal Tranche
Loan to the Borrower on such date in an amount equal to such Part C Bank's pro
rata portion (in accordance with the Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment of
such Part C Bank and the aggregate Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitments of
all of the Part C Banks as in effect on such date) of such Part B Bank's
Defaulted Loan, provided, however, that the principal amount of any Municipal
Tranche Loan made by a Part C Bank at any time pursuant to this Section 2.01(b)
shall not exceed the Unutilized Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment of such
Part C Bank at such time.
(c) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein,
each Structured Tranche Bank severally agrees, at any time and from time to time
prior to the Expiry Date, to make loans (such loans, together with any loans
made pursuant to Section 2.01(d), being each a "Structured Tranche Loan" and,
collectively, the "Structured Tranche Loans") to the Borrower, provided,
however, that the principal amount of any Structured Tranche Loan made by a
Structured Tranche Bank at any time pursuant to this Section 2.01(c) shall not
exceed the Unutilized Structured Tranche Commitment of such Structured Tranche
Bank at such time.
(d) In the event that (i) the Borrower requests a Borrowing under
Section 2.01(c) and (ii) any Part D Bank shall fail to make on the date
specified in the Notice of Borrowing for such requested Borrowing any Structured
Tranche Loan or any portion of a Structured Tranche Loan required to be made by
such Bank hereunder representing such Bank's pro rata portion (in accordance
with the Structured Tranche Commitment of such Bank and the aggregate Structured
Tranche Commitments of all of the Banks as in effect on such date) of the amount
of such requested Borrowing, then each Part E Bank severally agrees to make a
Structured Tranche Loan to the Borrower on such date in an amount equal to such
Part E Bank's pro rata portion (in accordance with the Structured Tranche
Contingent Commitment of such Part E Bank and the aggregate Structured Tranche
Contingent Commitments of all of the Part E Banks as in effect on such date) of
such Part D Bank's Defaulted Loan, provided, however, that the principal amount
of any Structured Tranche Loan made by a Part E Bank at any time pursuant to
this Section 2.01(d) shall not exceed the Unutilized Structured Tranche
Contingent Commitment of such Part E Bank at such time.
(e) Once repaid, Loans incurred hereunder may not be reborrowed.
Section 2.02. Amount of Each Borrowing. (a) The aggregate principal
amount of each Borrowing under Section 2.01(a) shall not (i) be less than
$2,000,000 and, if greater, shall be in an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and
(ii) exceed the lesser of (x) Cumulative Municipal Losses incurred after the
occurrence of the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date less the aggregate
principal amount of all Municipal Tranche Loans previously made and of all
Municipal Tranche Settlement Notes previously issued and (y) the aggregate
Unutilized Municipal Tranche Commitments of all Banks as in effect on the date
such Borrowing is made.
(b) The aggregate principal amount of each Borrowing under Section
2.01(c) shall not (i) be less than $2,000,000 and, if greater, shall be in an
integral multiple of $1,000,000 and (ii) exceed the lesser of (x) Cumulative
Structured Losses incurred after the occurrence of
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the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date less the aggregate principal
amount of all Structured Tranche Loans previously made and of all Structured
Tranche Settlement Notes previously issued and (y) the aggregate Unutilized
Structured Tranche Commitments of all Banks as in effect on the date such
Borrowing is made.
Section 2.03. Notice of Borrowing. Whenever the Borrower desires to
make a Borrowing hereunder, it shall give the Administrative Agent at its Notice
Office at least two Business Days' prior notice made hereunder, provided that
any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on a certain day only if
given before 12:00 Noon (New York time) on such day. Each such notice (each a
"Notice of Borrowing") shall be in the form of Exhibit A, appropriately
completed to specify the aggregate principal amount of the Municipal Tranche
Loans or Structured Tranche Loans to be made pursuant to such Borrowing, and the
date of such Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day).
Section 2.04. Disbursement of Funds. (a) No later than 11:00 A.M.
(New York time) on the date specified in each Notice of Borrowing, (i) each
Municipal Tranche Bank or Structured Tranche Bank, as the case may be, will make
available at the Payment Office of the Administrative Agent its pro rata portion
(in accordance with the Municipal Tranche Commitment or Structured Tranche
Commitment, as the case may be, of such Bank and the aggregate Municipal Tranche
Commitments or Structured Tranche Commitment, as the case may be, of all of the
Banks as in effect on such date) of the amount of the Borrowing requested to be
made on such date, in Dollars and in immediately available funds and (ii) the
Administrative Agent will make available to the Borrower the aggregate of the
amounts so made available by the Banks on such day at its Payment Office.
(b) In the event that any Part B Bank shall fail to make available
at the Payment Office of the Administrative Agent its pro rata portion (in
accordance with the Municipal Tranche Commitment of such Bank and the aggregate
Municipal Tranche Commitments of all of the Banks as in effect on such date) of
the amount of the Borrowing requested to be made in any Notice of Borrowing, at
or prior to 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date specified in such Notice of
Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall immediately notify each Part C Bank
that such Part B Bank has so defaulted and no later than 1:00 P.M. (New York
time) on such date (or, in the case of Swiss Re only, no later than 11:00 A.M.
(New York time) on the second Business Day next succeeding such date), (i) each
Part C Bank will make available at the Payment Office of the Administrative
Agent its pro rata portion (in accordance with the Municipal Tranche Contingent
Commitment of such Part C Bank and the aggregate Municipal Tranche Contingent
Commitments of all of the Part C Banks as in effect on such date) of such Part B
Bank's Defaulted Loan, in Dollars and in immediately available funds and (ii)
the Administrative Agent will make available to the Borrower the aggregate of
the amounts so made available by the Part C Banks on such day at its Payment
Office.
(c) In the event that any Part D Bank shall fail to make available
at the Payment Office of the Administrative Agent its pro rata portion (in
accordance with the Structured Tranche Commitment of such Bank and the aggregate
Structured Tranche Commitments of all of the Banks as in effect on such date) of
the amount of the Borrowing requested to be made in any Notice of Borrowing, at
or prior to 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date specified in such Notice of
Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall immediately
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notify each Part E Bank that such Part D Bank has so defaulted and no later than
1:00 P.M. (New York time) on such date, (i) each Part E Bank will make available
at the Payment Office of the Administrative Agent its pro rata portion (in
accordance with the Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment of such Part E Bank
and the aggregate Structured Tranche Contingent Commitments of all of the Part E
Banks as in effect on such date) of such Part D Bank's Defaulted Loan, in
Dollars and in immediately available funds and (ii) the Administrative Agent
will make available to the Borrower the aggregate of the amounts so made
available by the Part E Banks on such day at its Payment Office.
Section 2.05. Notes. The Borrower's obligation to pay the principal
of, and interest on, the Municipal Tranche Loans or Structured Tranche Loans
made by each Municipal Tranche Bank (or, if any Part C Bank shall not be a
Municipal Tranche Bank, made by such Part C Bank) or Structured Tranche Bank
(or, if any Part E Bank shall not be a Structured Tranche Bank, made by such
Part E Bank), respectively, shall be evidenced by a Municipal Tranche Note or
Structured Tranche Note, respectively, duly executed and delivered by the
Borrower with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith. Each Note
shall (i) be payable to the order of a Bank and be dated the Effective Date if a
Bank shall be a party hereto on the Effective Date or the effective date of the
Assignment and Assumption Agreement pursuant to which it becomes a party hereto
if such Bank shall become a party hereto after the Effective Date, (ii) be in a
stated principal amount equal to such Bank's Municipal Tranche Commitment or
Structured Tranche Commitment, as the case may be (plus, if such Bank shall be a
Part C Bank or a Part E Bank, such Bank's Municipal Tranche Contingent
Commitment or Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment, respectively) (or, if
any Part C Bank or Part E Bank shall not be a Municipal Tranche Bank or a
Structured Tranche Bank, respectively, such Bank's Municipal Tranche Contingent
Commitment or Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment, respectively) and be
payable in the principal amount of the Loans evidenced thereby, (iii) mature,
with respect to each Loan evidenced thereby, on the Expiry Date, (iv) bear
interest as provided in the appropriate clause of Section 2.06 in respect of the
Loans evidenced thereby and (v) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement
and be secured by the Security Agreement. Each Bank will note on its internal
records the amount of each Loan made by it and each payment in respect thereof
and will prior to any transfer of its Note endorse on the reverse side thereof
the outstanding principal amount of Loans evidenced thereby. Failure to make any
such notation shall not affect the Borrower's obligations in respect of such
Loans.
Section 2.06. Interest. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay interest in
respect of the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date the proceeds
thereof are made available to the Borrower until the maturity thereof (whether
by acceleration or otherwise) at a rate per annum which shall be equal to the
Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin.
(b) Overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue
interest in respect of each Loan and any other overdue amount payable by the
Borrower hereunder shall bear interest from the date payment thereof was due
until (but not including) the date of actual payment at a rate per annum equal
to 3.5% per annum in excess of the Base Rate in effect from time to time.
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(c) Accrued (and theretofore unpaid) interest shall be payable (i)
in respect of each Loan, quarterly in arrears on the first Business Day of each
March, June, September and December, and (ii) in respect of each Loan, on any
prepayment (on the amount prepaid), at maturity (whether by acceleration or
otherwise) and, after such maturity, on demand.
Section 2.07. Capital Adequacy. If any Bank determines at any time
that any applicable law or governmental rule, regulation, order or request
(whether or not having the force of law) concerning capital adequacy, or any
change in interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, central bank or comparable agency, will have the effect of increasing
the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Bank based
on the existence of its Commitment or Commitments and/or Contingent Commitment
or Contingent Commitments hereunder or its obligations hereunder, then the
Borrower shall pay to such Bank, upon its written demand therefor, such
additional amounts as shall be required to compensate such Bank for the
increased cost to such Bank as a result of such increase of capital; provided,
however, that the Borrower shall be required to pay to such Bank only such
additional amounts as shall be required to compensate such Bank for such
increased cost as shall accrue from and after the date of demand by such Bank.
In determining such additional amounts, such Bank will act reasonably and in
good faith and will use averaging and attribution methods which are reasonable,
provided that such Bank's determination of compensation owing under this Section
2.07 shall: (i) absent manifest error, be final and conclusive and binding on
all the parties hereto, and (ii) be subject to the proviso in the preceding
sentence. Each Bank, upon determining that any additional amounts will be
payable pursuant to this Section 2.07, will give prompt written notice thereof
to the Borrower, which notice shall show the basis for the calculation of such
additional amounts. The failure to give any such notice shall not be deemed to
be a waiver of any of the Borrower's obligations to pay additional amounts
pursuant to this Section 2.07, provided that the Borrower shall not be required
to pay any such amounts until it receives written notice from a Bank in
accordance with this Section 2.07. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, the Borrower shall have the right to unilaterally terminate the
Commitment or Commitments and/or Contingent Commitment or Contingent Commitments
of any Bank demanding additional amounts under this Section 2.07 sixty (60) days
after providing to such Bank a notice of termination. The Borrower shall,
concurrent with such termination, pay to such Bank the aggregate amount, if any
at such time, payable by the Borrower to such Bank under this Agreement.
Section 3. Commitment Fees, Fees; and Terminations, Extensions and
Increases of Commitments and Contingent Commitments.
Section 3.01. Fees. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the
Administrative Agent for distribution to the Banks pro rata in accordance with
their respective Unutilized Commitments a commitment fee (such commitment fee,
together with the commitment fee payable pursuant to Section 3.01(b), being the
"Commitment Fees") for the period from the Effective Date until the Expiry Date
(or such earlier date as the Commitments shall have been terminated) computed as
agreed in writing from time to time by the Borrower, the Municipal Tranche
Banks, the Structured Tranche Banks and the Administrative Agent; provided,
however, that any Commitment Fee accrued with respect to the Unutilized
Commitment or Commitments of a Defaulting Bank during the period prior to the
time such Bank became a Defaulting Bank and unpaid at such time shall not be
payable by the Borrower so long as such Bank shall be a
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Defaulting Bank except to the extent that such Commitment Fee shall otherwise
have been due and payable by the Borrower prior to such time; and provided
further that no Commitment Fee shall accrue on the Unutilized Commitment or
Commitments of a Defaulting Bank so long as such Bank shall be a Defaulting
Bank.
(b) The Borrower agrees to pay each Part C Bank and each Part E Bank
a Commitment Fee for the period from the Effective Date until the Expiry Date
(or such earlier date as the Contingent Commitment of such Part C Bank or such
Part E Bank shall have been terminated) computed as agreed in writing from time
to time by the Borrower and such Part C Bank or such Part E Bank.
(c) Accrued Commitment Fees shall be due and payable quarterly in
arrears on the first Business Day of each March, June, September and December of
each year and on the Expiry Date or upon such earlier date as the Commitments or
the Contingent Commitments, as the case may be, shall be terminated.
(d) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent such fees in
connection with the Credit Documents as may be agreed to from time to time
between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
Section 3.02. Voluntary Termination of Unutilized Commitments and
Unutilized Contingent Commitments. Upon at least five Business Days' prior
notice to the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office, the Borrower shall have
the right to terminate the Unutilized Commitments or the Unutilized Contingent
Commitments, or both, in whole or in part, in minimum aggregate amounts of
$5,000,000 (or, if greater, in integral multiples of $1,000,000) for the
Unutilized Commitments and the Unutilized Contingent Commitments, respectively,
provided that the Borrower shall concurrently satisfy its obligations, if any at
such time, under Section 3.01.
Section 3.03. Mandatory Termination of Commitments and Contingent
Commitments. (a) The Municipal Tranche Commitment or the Structured Tranche
Commitment, as the case may be, of each Municipal Tranche Bank or Structured
Bank, respectively, shall be permanently reduced on each date a Municipal
Tranche Loan or a Structured Tranche Loan, respectively, is made by such Bank
pursuant to Section 2.01(a) or Section 2.01(c), respectively, by the amount of
such Municipal Tranche Loan or such Structured Tranche Loan, respectively. The
Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment of each Part C Bank or the Structured
Tranche Contingent Commitment of each Part E Bank, as the case may be, shall be
permanently reduced on each date a Municipal Tranche Loan or a Structured
Tranche Loan, respectively, is made by such Bank pursuant to Section 2.01(b) or
Section 2.01(d), respectively, by the amount of such Municipal Tranche Loan or
such Structured Tranche Loan, respectively.
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Borrower
shall have the right to unilaterally terminate the Commitment or Commitments
and/or Contingent Commitment or Contingent Commitments of any Bank if, at any
time after the Effective Date if such Bank shall be a party hereto on the
Effective Date, or at any time after the effective date of the Assignment and
Assumption Agreement pursuant to which it becomes a party hereto if such
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Bank shall become a party hereto after the Effective Date pursuant to Section
3.04 or 12.04, or at any time after the Increase Date on which it becomes a
party hereto if such Bank shall become a party hereto after the Effective Date
pursuant to Section 3.05, the unsecured senior debt rating (or shadow rating as
reflected in a letter) of such Bank or its parent shall be downgraded by Moody's
or S&P, such termination to be effective sixty (60) days after providing to such
Bank a notice of termination. The Borrower shall, concurrent with such
termination, pay to such Bank the aggregate amount, if any at such time, payable
by the Borrower to such Bank under this Agreement.
(c) In addition to any other mandatory Commitment reductions
pursuant to this Section 3.03, the Commitment or Commitments and/or Contingent
Commitment or Contingent Commitments of any Bank which does not agree to extend
the Expiry Date pursuant to Section 3.04 shall each terminate in its entirety on
such Expiry Date then in effect.
(d) In addition to any other mandatory Commitment reductions
pursuant to this Section 3.03, the Commitment or Commitments and/or Contingent
Commitment or Contingent Commitments of each Bank shall each terminate in its
entirety on the Expiry Date.
Section 3.04. Expiry Date. (a) The expiration of the Commitments and
Contingent Commitments shall be December 2, 2007 (the "Expiry Date"); provided,
however, that before (but not earlier than 120 days nor later than 90 days
before) each anniversary of the Effective Date, the Borrower may make a written
request (an "Extension Request") to the Administrative Agent at its Notice
Office who shall forward a copy to each of the Banks that the Expiry Date be
extended by one calendar year. Such Extension Request shall include a
certification by a senior officer of the Borrower that no Default or Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing and all representations and warranties
contained herein and the other Credit Documents are true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the date of the Extension Request (it being
understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which expressly refers
by its terms to a specified date shall be required to be true only as of such
date). If by the date occurring 45 days next succeeding the Administrative
Agent's receipt of such Extension Request, any Bank agrees thereto in writing by
so indicating on counterparts of the Extension Request and delivering such
counterpart to the Borrower, "Expiry Date" as to such Bank shall mean the
December 2 occurring in the calendar year next succeeding the Expiry Date then
in effect, provided that any failure to so notify the Borrower shall be deemed
to be a disapproval by such Bank of the Borrower's Extension Request. The
Commitment or Commitments and/or Contingent Commitment or Contingent Commitments
of any Bank which does not so agree shall terminate upon the Expiry Date then in
effect. No Bank shall be obligated to grant any extension pursuant to this
Section 3.04 and any such extension shall be in the sole discretion of each
Bank. The Borrower shall pay to each Bank which does not so agree all amounts
owing under its Note or Notes and this Agreement on the effective date of the
termination of such Bank's Commitment or Commitments and, if applicable, such
Bank's Contingent Commitment or Contingent Commitments.
(b) If less than all of the Banks consent to an Extension Request
(each Bank that has not so consented being a "Declining Bank", and each other
Bank being an "Extending Bank"), the Borrower shall have the right to require
any Declining Bank to assign in full its rights and obligations under this
Agreement (i) to any one or more Extending Banks designated
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by the Borrower that have offered in their returned counterpart of the Extension
Request to increase their respective Commitments and/or Contingent Commitments
in an aggregate amount at least equal to the amount of such Declining Bank's
Commitment or Commitments and/or Contingent Commitment or Contingent Commitments
(each such Extending Bank being an "Increasing Extending Bank") and (ii) to the
extent of any shortfall in the aggregate amount of extended Commitments or
extended Contingent Commitments, to any one or more Eligible Transferees
designated by the Borrower that agree to assume all of such rights and
obligations (each such Eligible Transferee being a "Replacement Bank"), provided
that (1) such Declining Bank shall have received payment of all amounts owing
under its Note or Notes and this Agreement on the effective date of such
assignment, (2) such assignment shall otherwise have occurred in compliance with
Section 12.04 including, without limitation, clauses (iii) and (iv) of
subsection (b) thereof and (3) the effective date of such assignment shall be
the date specified by the Borrower and agreed to by the Replacement Bank or
Increasing Extending Bank, as the case may be, which date shall be on or prior
to the applicable Expiry Date.
Section 3.05. Increase of Commitments. (a) The Borrower may, at any
time but in any event not more than one time during any period of 12 consecutive
calendar months, make a written request (an "Increase Request") to the
Administrative Agent at its Notice Office (who shall forward a copy to each of
the Banks) that (i) the Municipal Tranche Commitments of the Municipal Tranche
Banks be increased by an aggregate amount, together with the aggregate amount by
which the Municipal Tranche Commitments of the Municipal Tranche Banks were
previously increased pursuant to this Section 3.05, not to exceed $50,000,000 in
excess of the aggregate amount of the Municipal Tranche Commitments as of the
date of this Agreement, (ii) the Structured Tranche Commitments of the
Structured Tranche Banks be increased by an aggregate amount, together with the
aggregate amount by which the Structured Tranche Commitments were previously
increased pursuant to this Section 3.05, not to exceed $35,000,000 in excess of
the aggregate amount of the Structured Tranche Commitments as of the date of
this Agreement, (iii) the Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitments of the Part C
Banks be increased by an aggregate amount, together with the aggregate amount by
which the Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitments of the Part C Banks were
previously increased pursuant to this Section 3.05, not to exceed $25,000,000 in
excess of the aggregate amount of the Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitments
as of the date of this Agreement, and (iv) the Structured Tranche Contingent
Commitments of the Part E Banks be increased by an aggregate amount, together
with the aggregate amount by which the Structured Tranche Contingent Commitments
of the Part E Banks were previously increased pursuant to this Section 3.05, not
to exceed $17,500,000 in excess of the aggregate amount of the Structured
Tranche Contingent Commitments as of the date of this Agreement. Such Increase
Request shall include a certification by a senior officer of the Borrower that
no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and all
representations and warranties contained herein and the other Credit Documents
are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of the
Increase Request (it being understood and agreed that any representation or
warranty which expressly refers by its terms to a specified date shall be
required to be true only as of such date). Any such increase in Commitments or
Contingent Commitments shall be effective as of a date (the "Increase Date")
specified in the related Increase Notice that is (A) prior to the Expiry Date
and (B) at least 10 days after the date of such Increase Notice. Each Increase
Notice shall specify the date by which Banks who wish to increase their
Commitments or Contingent Commitments, as the case may be, must consent to such
increase (the "Commitment Date"), which date shall be no
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later than five Business Days prior to the related Increase Date. Each Bank that
is willing to increase its Commitment or Commitments and/or Contingent
Commitment or Contingent Commitments, as the case may be (each an "Increasing
Bank"), shall notify the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Commitment Date
of the amount by which it is willing to increase its Commitment or Commitments
and/or Contingent Commitment or Contingent Commitments, as the case may be,
which amount shall not exceed the respective amount specified in the relevant
Increase Notice. No Bank shall be obligated to increase its Commitment or
Commitments and/or Contingent Commitment or Contingent Commitments pursuant to
this Section 3.05 and any such increase shall be in the sole discretion of each
Bank. If the Banks notify the Administrative Agent that they are willing to
increase the amount of their respective Commitments and/or Contingent
Commitments, as the case may be, by an aggregate amount that exceeds the amount
of the requested increase, the requested increase shall be allocated among the
Banks willing to participate therein ratably in accordance with the amount by
which they offered to increase their respective Commitments and/or Contingent
Commitments, as the case may be, on the Commitment Date.
(b) Promptly following each Commitment Date, the Administrative
Agent shall notify the Borrower as to the amount, if any, by which the Banks are
willing to participate in the requested increase. If the aggregate amount by
which the Banks are willing to increase their Commitments and/or Contingent
Commitments, as the case may be, on any such Commitment Date is less than the
requested amount, then any one or more Eligible Transferees designated by the
Borrower that agree to provide Commitments and/or Contingent Commitments for the
shortfall may become party to this Agreement by executing and delivering a
counterpart of this Agreement.
(c) On each Increase Date, each Eligible Transferee that accepts an
offer to participate in a requested Commitment increase in accordance with
Section 3.05(b) shall become a Bank party to this Agreement as of such Increase
Date and the Commitment or Commitments and/or Contingent Commitment or
Contingent Commitments, as the case may be, of each Increasing Bank shall be
increased as of such Increase Date by the amount or amounts set forth in its
notice delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 3.05(a)
(or by the amount allocated to such Bank pursuant to the last sentence of such
Section 3.05(a)).
Section 4. Prepayments; Payments.
Section 4.01. Voluntary Prepayments. The Borrower shall have the
right to prepay the Loans, without premium or penalty, in whole or in part from
time to time, provided that the Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at
its Notice Office at least three Business Days' prior notice of its intent to
prepay the Loans.
Section 4.02. Mandatory Prepayments. (a) On each Pledged Municipal
Reserves Repayment Date, an amount equal to 100% of the Pledged Municipal
Reserves Account Funds with respect to which the Borrower has delivered a
Pledged Municipal Reserves Release Notice as required by Section 8.12 shall be
applied as a mandatory prepayment of principal of outstanding Municipal Tranche
Loans.
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(b) On each Pledged Structured Reserves Repayment Date, an amount
equal to 100% of the Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds with respect to
which the Borrower has delivered a Pledged Structured Reserves Release Notice as
required by Section 8.12 shall be applied as a mandatory prepayment of principal
of outstanding Structured Tranche Loans.
Section 4.03. Method and Place of Payment. Except as otherwise
specifically provided herein, all payments under this Agreement or any Note
shall be made to the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 Noon (New York
time) on the date when due and shall be made in Dollars in immediately available
funds at the Administrative Agent's Payment Office. Whenever any payment to be
made hereunder or under any Note shall be stated to be due on a day which is not
a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding
Business Day and, with respect to payments of principal, interest shall be
payable at the applicable rate during such extension.
Section 4.04. Net Payments. (a) All payments made by the Borrower
hereunder or under any Note will be made without setoff, counterclaim or other
defense. Except as provided in Section 4.04(b) and Section 12.04(b), all such
payments will be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding
for, any present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, fees, assessments or
other charges of whatever nature now or hereafter imposed by any jurisdiction or
by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein with respect
to such payment (but excluding any tax imposed on or measured by the net income
or gross income or gross receipts of any Bank (other than withholding taxes or
taxes in lieu of withholding taxes) pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction (or
any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which the
principal office or lending office of such Bank is located or in which such Bank
is organized or in which such Bank is doing business through a branch or office
from which such jurisdiction treats a Loan as having been made) and all
interest, penalties or similar liabilities with respect thereto (collectively,
"Taxes"). If any Taxes are so levied or imposed, the Borrower agrees to pay the
full amount of such Taxes and such additional amounts as may be necessary so
that every payment of all amounts due hereunder or under any Note, after
withholding or deduction for or on account of any Taxes, will not be less than
the amount provided for herein or in such Note. The Borrower shall also
reimburse each Bank, upon its written request, which request shall show the
basis for calculation of such reimbursement, for taxes imposed on or measured by
the net income of such Bank pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction (or any
political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which its
principal office or lending office is located or in which such Bank is organized
or in which such Bank is doing business through a branch or office from which
such jurisdiction treats a Loan as having been made as it shall determine are
payable by it in respect of amounts paid to or on behalf of such Bank pursuant
to the preceding sentence. The Borrower will furnish to the applicable Bank
within 45 days after the date the payment of any Taxes is due pursuant to
applicable law certified copies of any tax receipts available to the Borrower
evidencing such payment by the Borrower. The Borrower will indemnify and hold
harmless each Bank, and reimburse each Bank upon its written request, for the
amount of any Taxes so levied or imposed and paid by such Bank.
(b) Each Bank which is not a United States person (as such term is
defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) for U.S. Federal income tax purposes
agrees (i) in the case of any such Bank that is a "bank" within the meaning of
Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code and
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which constitutes a Bank hereunder on the Effective Date, to provide to the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Effective Date two
original signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Form W-8ECI
(or any successor forms) certifying to such Bank's entitlement to an exemption
from United States withholding tax with respect to payments to be made under
this Agreement and under any Note, (ii) in the case of any such Bank that is a
"bank" within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, that, to the
extent legally entitled to do so, (x) with respect to a Bank that is an assignee
or transferee of an interest under this Agreement pursuant to Section 12.04(b)
(unless the respective Bank was already a Bank hereunder immediately prior to
such assignment or transfer), upon the date of such assignment or transfer to
such Bank, and (y) with respect to any such Bank, from time to time upon the
reasonable written request of the Borrower after the Effective Date, such Bank
will provide to the Borrower two original signed copies of Internal Revenue
Service Form W-8BEN or Form W-8ECI (or any successor forms) certifying to such
Bank's entitlement to an exemption from, or reduction in, United States
withholding tax with respect to payments to be made under this Agreement and
under any Note, (iii) in the case of a Bank other than a Bank described in
clause (i) or (ii) above on or prior to the Effective Date, to provide to the
Borrower (1) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H hereto (any
such certificate, a "Section 4.04(b)(iii) Certificate") and (2) two accurate and
complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or any
successor form), certifying to such Bank's legal entitlement at the date of such
certificate (assuming compliance by the Borrower with Section 8.13) to an
exemption from U.S. withholding tax under the provisions of Section 881(c) of
the Code with respect to payments to be made under this Agreement and (iv) in
the case of any such Bank (other than a Bank described in clause (i) or (ii)
above), (x) with respect to a Bank that is an assignee or transferee of an
interest under this Agreement pursuant to Section 12.04(b) (unless the
respective Bank was already a Bank hereunder immediately prior to such
assignment or transfer), upon the date of such assignment or transfer to such
Bank, and (y) with respect to any such Bank, from time to time upon the
reasonable written request of the Borrower after the Effective Date, to provide
to the Borrower such other forms as may be required in order to establish the
entitlement of such Bank to an exemption from withholding with respect to
payments under this Agreement and under any Note. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained in Section 4.04(a), but subject to the immediately
succeeding sentence, the Borrower shall be entitled, to the extent it is
required to do so by law, to deduct or withhold Taxes imposed by the United
States (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein)
from interest, fees or other amounts payable hereunder (without any obligation
to pay the respective Bank additional amounts with respect thereto) for the
account of any Bank which is not a United States person (as such term is defined
in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) for U.S. Federal income tax purposes and
which has not provided to the Borrower such forms required to be provided to the
Borrower pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 4.04(b). Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in the preceding sentence and except as set
forth in Section 12.04(b), the Borrower agrees to indemnify each Bank in the
manner set forth in Section 4.04(a) in respect of any amounts deducted or
withheld by it as described in the immediately preceding sentence as a result of
any changes after the Effective Date in any applicable law, treaty, governmental
rule, regulation, guideline or order, or in the interpretation thereof, relating
to the deducting or withholding of Taxes.
(c) If the Borrower pays an additional amount pursuant to Section
4.04 and a Bank receives any refund of tax or credit against its tax liabilities
as a result of such payment by
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the Borrower, such Bank shall pay to the Borrower an amount that such Bank
determines, in its reasonable judgment, is equal to the net tax benefit obtained
by such Bank as a result of such payment by the Borrower. Any such payment
required pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by
a schedule that sets forth the Bank's basis for its calculation of such net tax
benefit. Whether or not a Bank claims any refund or credit shall be in the sole
discretion of each Bank. Nothing in this Section 4.04(c) shall require a Bank to
disclose or detail its calculation of the amount of any tax benefit or any other
amount to the Borrower or any other Person (including, without limitation, any
tax return) other than the provision of the schedule referred to above.
Section 4.05. Limitations on Sources of Payment. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Agreement or of any other Credit Document, the
obligations of the Borrower to make payments of principal and interest on the
Loans and the Notes are limited recourse obligations of the Borrower payable
solely (a) in the case of the principal of and interest on the Municipal Tranche
Loans and the Municipal Tranche Notes, from the Pledged Municipal Recoveries,
the Pledged Municipal Premiums, the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds and
the other Municipal Collateral and (b) in the case of the principal of and
interest on the Structured Tranche Loans and the Structured Tranche Notes, from
the Pledged Structured Recoveries, the Pledged Structured Premiums, the Pledged
Structured Reserves Account Funds and the other Structured Collateral; and none
of the Agents, the Collateral Agent, any Bank or any other Person shall be
entitled to procure any money judgment against or to levy or foreclose upon or
attach any other assets or properties of the Borrower for payment of such
obligations; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall limit,
restrict or impair the Lien created by the Security Agreement or the right of
any Bank to exercise any of its rights herein or in any of the other Credit
Documents upon the occurrence of an Event of Default or otherwise, or to bring
suit and obtain a judgment against the Borrower (recourse thereon being limited
as to payment of principal and interest on the Loans and the Notes as provided
in this Section 4.05).
Section 5. Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness.
This Agreement shall become effective subject to the satisfaction
(or waiver by the Banks) of the following conditions:
Section 5.01. Execution of Agreement; Notes. The Borrower and each
Bank shall have signed a copy hereof (whether the same or different copies) and
shall have delivered the same to the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office
and there shall have been delivered to each Bank a Note or Notes executed by the
Borrower in the amount, maturity and as otherwise provided herein.
Section 5.02. No Default; Representations and Warranties. There
shall exist no Default or Event of Default and all representations and
warranties contained herein and in the other Credit Documents shall be true and
correct in all material respects with the same effect as though such
representations and warranties had been made on and as of the Effective Date.
Section 5.03. Opinions of Counsel. (a) The Administrative Agent
shall have received an opinion addressed to it and the Banks and dated the
Effective Date (i) from Anne G. Gill, Esq., First Vice President, Secretary and
Assistant General Counsel of the Borrower
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covering the matters set forth in Exhibit D-1, (ii) from Shearman & Sterling,
special New York counsel to the Borrower covering the matters set forth in
Exhibit D-2, (iii) from DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C., special Wisconsin counsel to
the Borrower covering the matters set forth in Exhibit D-3, and (iv) from
Sullivan & Worcester LLP, counsel to the Administrative Agent, in form and
substance satisfactory to it.
(b) Moody's, S&P and the Borrower shall have received an opinion
addressed to each of them and dated the Effective Date from counsel to each of
the Banks covering the matters set forth in the appropriate form or forms
attached hereto as Exhibits E-1, E-2, and E-3.
Section 5.04. Corporate Documents; Proceedings. (a) The
Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective
Date, signed by the President or any Vice President of the Borrower, and
attested to by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Borrower, in the
form of Exhibit F with appropriate insertions, together with copies of the
Restated Articles of Incorporation certified by the Superintendent of the
Department and Restated By-Laws of the Borrower and the resolutions of the
Borrower referred to in such certificate.
(b) All corporate and legal proceedings and all instruments and
agreements in connection with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement
and the other Credit Documents shall be satisfactory in form and substance to
the Administrative Agent, and it shall have received all information and copies
of all documents and papers, including records of corporate proceedings and
governmental approvals, if any, which the Administrative Agent reasonably may
have requested in connection therewith, such documents and papers where
appropriate to be certified by proper corporate or governmental authorities.
Section 5.05. Security Agreement. The Borrower shall have duly
authorized, executed and delivered an Amended and Restated Pledge and Security
Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C (as modified, supplemented or
amended from time to time, the "Security Agreement") covering the Collateral,
together with executed copies of proper financing statements to be filed under
the UCC of each jurisdiction as may be necessary or, in the opinion of the
Collateral Agent, desirable to perfect the security interests purported to be
created by the Security Agreement.
Section 5.06. Covered Portfolio, Etc. The Administrative Agent shall
have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date, signed by the President
or any Vice President of the Borrower, setting forth in reasonable detail as of
September 30, 2000 (i) each Insured Municipal Obligation in the Covered
Municipal Portfolio, each Insured Structured Obligation in the Covered
Structured Portfolio and each reinsurance agreement or similar arrangement which
covers any material amount of such Insured Municipal Obligations or such Insured
Structured Obligations, (ii) each default by the issuer of any such Insured
Municipal Obligation or Insured Structured Obligation or other obligor with
respect thereto which has formed or could form the basis of a claim under an
Insurance Contract, (iii) each default by any party to any such reinsurance
agreement or similar arrangement, (iv) each claim paid by the Borrower under any
Insurance Contract with respect to such Insured Municipal Obligations or Insured
Structured Obligations, (v) the Borrower's reasonable estimate as of September
30, 2000 of the Average Annual Debt Service on the Covered Municipal Portfolio
and the Net Remaining Par on the
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Covered Structured Portfolio, (vi) the Borrower's Cumulative Municipal Losses
and Cumulative Structured Losses (stating separately any Permitted Municipal
Reserves or Permitted Structured Reserves, as the case may be, included therein)
for the period from January 1, 1993 through September 30, 2000, and (vii) the
Borrower's reasonable estimate as of September 30, 2000 of Municipal Installment
Premiums payable with respect to the Covered Municipal Portfolio and Structured
Installment Premiums payable with respect to the Covered Structured Portfolio.
Section 5.07. Adverse Change, Rating, Etc. (a) Nothing shall have
occurred (and no Bank shall have become aware of any facts or conditions not
previously known) which such Bank shall reasonably determine has, or could
reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on the rights or
remedies of such Bank, or on the ability of the Borrower to perform its
obligations to such Bank or which has, or could reasonably be expected to have,
a materially adverse effect on the business, operations, property, assets,
liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower.
(b) All necessary governmental (domestic and foreign) and third
party approvals in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit
Documents and otherwise referred to herein or therein shall have been obtained
and remain in effect, and all applicable waiting periods shall have expired
without any action being taken by any competent authority which restrains,
prevents or imposes materially adverse conditions upon the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Credit Documents and otherwise referred to
herein or therein. Additionally, there shall not exist any judgment, order,
injunction or other restraint issued or filed or a hearing seeking injunctive
relief or other restraint pending or notified prohibiting or imposing materially
adverse conditions upon the making of the Loans.
(c) On the Effective Date, the Borrower's Rating assigned by Moody's
and S&P shall be Aaa and AAA, respectively.
Section 5.08. Litigation. No litigation by any entity (private or
governmental) shall be pending or threatened with respect to this Agreement or
any documentation executed in connection herewith or the transactions
contemplated hereby, or with respect to any material Indebtedness of the
Borrower or which any Bank shall determine could reasonably be expected to have
a materially adverse effect on the business, operations, property, assets,
liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower.
Section 5.09. Fees, Etc. (a) The Borrower shall have paid to the
Administrative Agent and to the Banks all costs, fees and expenses (including,
without limitation, legal fees and expenses) payable to the Administrative Agent
and/or the Banks to the extent then due.
(b) All of the certificates, legal opinions and other documents and
papers referred to in this Section 5, unless otherwise specified, shall have
been delivered to the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office.
Section 6. Conditions Precedent to All Credit Events.
The Obligation of the Banks to make Loans is subject, at the time of
each such Credit Event (except as hereinafter indicated), to the satisfaction of
the following conditions:
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Section 6.01. Loss Threshold Incurrence Date. (a) In the case of
Municipal Tranche Loans to be made under Section 2.01(a), the Municipal Loss
Threshold Incurrence Date shall have occurred at or prior to the time of each
such Credit Event.
(b) In the case of Municipal Tranche Loans to be made under Section
2.01(b), the Municipal Contingent Loss Threshold Incurrence Date shall have
occurred at or prior to the time of each such Credit Event.
(c) In the case of Structured Tranche Loans, the Structured Loss
Threshold Incurrence Date shall have occurred at or prior to the time of each
such Credit Event.
Section 6.02. Notice of Borrowing. (a) Prior to the making of each
Loan, the Administrative Agent shall have received a Notice of Borrowing meeting
the requirements of Section 2.03.
(b) The acceptance of the proceeds of each Credit Event shall
constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower to each Bank that the
Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, the Municipal Contingent Loss
Threshold Incurrence Date or the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, as
the case may be, has occurred.
Section 7. Representations, Warranties and Agreements.
In order to induce the Banks to enter into this Agreement, the
Borrower makes the following representations, warranties and agreements as of
the Effective Date, which shall survive the execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the Notes (it being understood and agreed that any representation
or warranty which expressly refers by its terms to a specified date shall be
required to be true and correct in all material respect only as of such date):
Section 7.01. Corporate Status. Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries (i) is a duly organized and validly existing corporation in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, (ii) has the
power and authority to own its property and assets and to transact the business
in which it is engaged and (iii) is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and
in good standing in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation
of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification.
Section 7.02. Corporate Power and Authority. The Borrower has the
corporate power to execute, deliver and perform the terms and provisions of each
of the Credit Documents to which it is party and has taken all necessary
corporate action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of
each of such Credit Documents. The Borrower has, or in the case of the Notes and
the Security Agreement, by the Effective Date will have, duly executed and
delivered each of the Credit Documents to which it is party, and each of such
Credit Documents constitutes or, in the case of the Notes and the Security
Agreement when executed and delivered, will constitute, its legal, valid and
binding obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms.
Section 7.03. No Violation. Neither the execution, delivery or
performance by the Borrower of the Credit Documents to which it is a party, nor
compliance by it with the terms and provisions thereof, nor the use of the
proceeds of the Loans (i) will contravene any provision
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of any law, statute, rule or regulation or any order, writ, injunction or decree
of any court or governmental instrumentality, (ii) will conflict or be
inconsistent with or result in any breach of any of the terms, covenants,
conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the
creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose) any Lien
(except pursuant to the Security Agreement) upon any of the property or assets
of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, credit agreement, loan agreement or any
other agreement, contract or instrument to which the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of its property or assets is bound
or to which it may be subject or (iii) will violate any provision of the
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries.
Section 7.04. Governmental Approvals. No order, consent, approval,
license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration
with (except as have been obtained or made prior to the Effective Date), or
exemption by, any governmental or public body or authority, or any subdivision
thereof, is required to authorize, or is required in connection with, (i) the
execution, delivery and performance of any Credit Document to which the Borrower
is a party or (ii) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of
any such Credit Document.
Section 7.05. Financial Statements; Financial Condition; Undisclosed
Liabilities, Etc. (a) The consolidated balance sheets of the Parent and its
Subsidiaries at December 31, 1999 and March 31, 2000, June 30, 2000 and
September 30, 2000 and the related consolidated statements, of operations and
cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year or period, as
the case may be, ended on such date and heretofore furnished to the
Administrative Agent present fairly, subject, in the case of such balance sheets
as at March 31, 2000, June 30, 2000 and September 30, 2000 and such statements
of operations and cash flows for the three, six and nine months then ended,
respectively, to year-end audit adjustments, the consolidated financial
condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries at such dates and the consolidated
results of operations of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the periods ended
on such dates. All such financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and practices consistently
applied, subject, in the case of such balance sheets as at March 31, 2000, June
30, 2000 and September 30, 2000 and such statements of operations and cash flows
for the three, six and nine months then ended, respectively, to year-end audit
adjustments. Since September 30, 2000, there has been no material adverse change
in the business, operations, property, assets or condition (financial or
otherwise) of the Parent or of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.
(b) The Borrower's annual statements and its financial statements as
filed with the Department for the years ended December 31, 1998 and December 31,
1999 and its quarterly statements and financial statements as filed with the
Department for the periods ended March 31, 2000, June 30, 2000 and September 30,
2000 heretofore furnished to the Administrative Agent present fairly, subject,
in the case of such financial statements as at March 31, 2000, June 30, 2000 and
September 30, 2000 and for the three, six and nine months then ended,
respectively, to year-end audit adjustments, the financial condition of the
Borrower as of the respective dates of such statements. Such annual and
quarterly statements and financial statements were prepared in accordance with
the statutory accounting principles set forth in the Wisconsin Insurance Law,
all of the assets described therein were the absolute property of the
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Borrower at the dates set forth therein, free and clear of any liens or claims
thereon, except as therein stated, and each such annual statement is a full and
true statement of all the assets and liabilities and of the condition and
affairs of the Borrower as of December 31 of the year covered thereby and of its
income and deductions therefrom for the year ended on such date. Since September
30, 2000, there has been no material adverse change in the business, operations,
property, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
(c) Except as fully reflected in the financial statements delivered
pursuant to Section 7.05(a), Section 7.05(b) or in Schedule II hereto, there
were as of the Effective Date no liabilities or obligations with respect to the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether or not due) which, either
individually or in aggregate, would be material to the Borrower or to the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Except as set forth in Schedule
II hereto, as of the Effective Date the Borrower does not know of any basis for
the assertion against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any liability
or obligation of any nature whatsoever that is not fully reflected in the
financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.05(a) and Section 7.05(b)
which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to
be material to the Borrower or to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.
Section 7.06. Litigation. There are no actions, suits or proceedings
pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened (i) with respect
to any Credit Document or (ii) that are reasonably likely to materially and
adversely affect the business, operations, property, assets or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole.
Section 7.07. True and Complete Disclosure. All factual information
(taken as a whole) heretofore or contemporaneously furnished by or on behalf of
the Borrower in writing to the Banks (including without limitation all
information contained in the Credit Documents) for purposes of or in connection
with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated herein is, and all other
such factual information (taken as a whole) hereafter furnished by or on behalf
of the Borrower in writing to the Banks will be, true and accurate in all
material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or certified
and not incomplete by omitting to state any fact necessary to make such
information (taken as a whole) not misleading at such time in light of the
circumstances under which such information was provided.
Section 7.08. Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations. All proceeds of
each Municipal Tranche Loan shall be used by the Borrower only to establish
and/or maintain Permitted Municipal Reserves in the Pledged Municipal Reserves
Account and/or to pay or reimburse itself for the payment of Municipal Losses in
respect of the Covered Municipal Portfolio; and all proceeds of each Structured
Tranche Loan shall be used by the Borrower only to establish and/or maintain
Permitted Structured Reserves in the Pledged Structured Reserves Account and/or
to pay or reimburse itself for the payment of Structured Losses in respect of
the Structured Portfolio. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used by
the Borrower to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others
for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock. Neither the making
of any Loan nor the use of the proceeds thereof
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will violate or be inconsistent with the provisions of Regulations T, U or X of
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
Section 7.09. Tax Returns and Payments. Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries has filed all tax returns required to be filed by it and has paid
all income taxes payable by it which have become due pursuant to such tax
returns and all other taxes and assessments payable by it which have become due,
other than those not yet delinquent and except for those contested in good faith
and for which adequate reserves have been established. Each of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries has paid, or has provided adequate reserves (in the good faith
judgment of the management of the Borrower) for the payment of, all federal and
state income taxes applicable for all prior fiscal years and for the current
fiscal year to the date hereof.
Section 7.10. Compliance with ERISA. Each Plan is in substantial
compliance with applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code; no Reportable Event
has occurred with respect to any Plan; no Plan has an accumulated or waived
funding deficiency or has applied for an extension of any amortization period
within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA; neither
the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any material liability to or on
account of a Plan or a Multiemployer Plan pursuant to Section 409, 502(i), 515,
4201, 4204, 4212, 4062, 4063, 4064 or 4069 of ERISA or Section 401(a)(29), 4971
or 4975 of the Code which has not been satisfied in full or expects to incur any
material liability under any of the foregoing sections with respect to any such
Plan or Multiemployer Plan; no condition exists which presents a material risk
to the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of incurring a material liability to or
on account of a Plan pursuant to the foregoing provisions of ERISA and the Code;
neither the Borrower nor any of its ERISA Affiliates is or has ever been a party
to, or is or has ever been required to make contributions to, or has terminated
any Multiemployer Plan; no Lien imposed under the Code or ERISA on the assets of
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate exists or is
likely to arise on account of any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; and the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries do not maintain or contribute to any employee welfare
benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) which provides benefits to
retired employees or other former employees (other than as required by Section
601 of ERISA) or any employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2)
of ERISA) the obligations with respect to which could reasonably be expected to
have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Borrower to perform its
obligations under this Agreement.
Section 7.11. Capitalization. On the Effective Date, the authorized
capital stock of the Borrower consists of (i) 40,000,000 shares of common stock,
$2.50 par value per share, of which 32,800,000 shares are issued and outstanding
and (ii) 285,000 shares of serial preferred stock, $1,000 par value per share,
of which no shares are issued and outstanding. All such outstanding shares have
been duly and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable. The Borrower
does not have outstanding any securities convertible into or exchangeable for
its capital stock or outstanding any rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or
any options for the purchase of, or any agreements providing for the issuance
(contingent or otherwise) of, or any calls, commitments or claims of any
character relating to, its capital stock.
Section 7.12. Subsidiaries. On the Effective Date, the corporations
listed on Schedule III are the only Subsidiaries of the Borrower. Schedule III
correctly sets forth, as of the
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Effective Date, the percentage ownership (direct and indirect) of the Borrower
in each class of capital stock of each of its Subsidiaries and also identifies
the direct owner thereof.
Section 7.13. Compliance with Statutes, Etc. Each of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations
and orders of, and all applicable restrictions imposed by, all governmental
bodies, domestic or foreign, in respect of the conduct of its business and the
ownership of its property (including applicable statutes, regulations, orders
and restrictions relating to environmental standards and controls), except such
noncompliances as would not reasonably be expected to have, in the aggregate, a
material adverse effect on the business, operations, property, assets or
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Section 7.14. Investment Company Act. Neither the Borrower nor any
of its Subsidiaries is an "investment company" within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Section 7.15. Public Utility Holding Company Act. Neither the
Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "holding company," or a "subsidiary
company" of a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of
a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company" within the meaning of the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.
Section 7.16. Compliance with Insurance Law. The Borrower is duly
licensed to transact business as a surety insurance corporation by the
Department and as a financial guaranty insurance corporation by the New York
Insurance Department and (a) has all other requisite federal, state and other
governmental licenses, authorizations, permits, consents and approvals to
conduct its insurance and other business as presently conducted and proposed to
be conducted in the States of Wisconsin and New York and each other jurisdiction
in which it writes or issues policies of insurance (including without limitation
any form of financial guaranty insurance, fidelity and surety insurance or
credit insurance), surety bonds, guaranties, contracts of reinsurance or other
undertakings similar to the foregoing (collectively, "Insurance Contracts") or
in which it conducts business, except for failures, if any, to have such
licenses, authorizations, permits, consents and approvals which singly or in the
aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the Borrower or the
ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any
of the other Credit Documents, (b) has made all filings of each of its forms of
Insurance Contracts and of its rates and charges with the Department and all
other federal, state and other administrative or governmental bodies required
for the use thereof and has obtained all requisite approvals thereof, except for
failures, if any, to file or to obtain such approvals which singly or in the
aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the Borrower or the
ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any
of the other Credit Documents, (c) has duly established and maintains all
reserves required under the New York Insurance Law, the Wisconsin Insurance Law
and the regulations of the Department thereunder and other applicable federal,
state and other laws, rules and regulations, except for failures, if any, to
maintain reserves which could not reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the
Borrower or the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents,
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(d) has duly filed all annual statements, financial statements and other
information and reports required to have been filed with the Department and each
other federal, state and other administrative or governmental body, except for
failures, if any, to file which singly or in the aggregate could not reasonably
be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets,
operations, property or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or
the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or
any of the Credit Documents, and (e) is in compliance (and has not received any
notice from the Department or similar administrative or governmental body or an
authorized representative thereof claiming that it is not in compliance) with
the Wisconsin Insurance Law and the regulations of the Department thereunder and
with all other applicable federal, state and other laws relating to its
insurance and other business, except with respect to failures, if any, to comply
which singly or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the business, assets, operations, property or
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or the ability of the
Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other
Credit Documents.
Section 7.17. Covered Portfolio. Substantially all of the Insured
Municipal Obligations in the Covered Municipal Portfolio and of the Insured
Structured Obligations in the Covered Structured Portfolio on the Effective Date
were insured by the Borrower under Insurance Contracts in the form or forms
heretofore supplied to the Administrative Agent in accordance with the
Borrower's underwriting criteria. The Borrower has no reason to believe that its
rights included among the Collateral are not valid and binding against the
obligors thereunder in accordance with their respective terms, except insofar as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other
similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and the
availability of equitable remedies, except for such Collateral which, in the
aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the right and ability of the Collateral Agent, in accordance with the Security
Agreement, to realize upon the Collateral as a whole. Schedule IV attached
hereto sets forth a listing, as of September 30, 2000, of the reinsurer and the
related amounts (both ceded par inforce and ceded principal and interest
inforce) of reinsured Insured Municipal Structured Obligations and Insured
Structured Obligations as of such date.
Section 8. Affirmative Covenants.
The Borrower covenants and agrees that on and after the Effective
Date and until the Commitments have terminated and the Loans and the Notes,
together with interest, Fees and all other obligations incurred hereunder and
thereunder, are paid in full:
Section 8.01. Information Covenants. The Borrower will furnish to
the Administrative Agent and, upon the request of any Bank addressed to the
chief financial officer or treasurer of the Borrower, to such Bank:
(a) Quarterly Parent Financial Statements. Within 60 days after the
close of each of the first three quarterly accounting periods in each
fiscal year of the Parent, the consolidated balance sheets of the Parent
and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarterly period
and the related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for
such quarterly period and for the elapsed portion of the fiscal year ended
with the last day of such quarterly period, in each case setting forth
comparative figures for the
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related periods in the prior fiscal year, all of which shall be certified
by the chief financial officer or treasurer of the Parent, subject to
year-end audit adjustments.
(b) Annual Parent Financial Statements. Within 120 days after the
close of each fiscal year of the Parent, the consolidated balance sheets
of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such
fiscal year and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and of cash flow for such fiscal year, in each case
setting forth comparative figures for the preceding fiscal year and
certified, in the case of the consolidated financial statements, by
independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing
reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
(c) Quarterly and Annual Borrower Financial Statements. Promptly,
and in any event within five Business Days after the filing thereof, a
copy of the annual statement for each calendar year and quarterly
statements for each calendar quarter as filed with the Department or other
then comparable agency of other applicable jurisdictions and the financial
statements of the Borrower for such calendar year or quarter prepared in
accordance with statutory accounting practices, accompanied by any and all
letters, reports and/or certifications prepared by public accountants
required to be filed with the Department or such other comparable agency,
certified by the chief financial officer or treasurer of the Borrower as
presenting fairly in accordance with statutory accounting principles
applied (except as specifically set forth therein) on a basis consistent
with prior periods, the information contained therein.
(d) Officer's Certificates. At the time of the delivery of the
financial statements provided for in Section 8.01(a), (b) and (c), a
certificate of the chief financial officer or treasurer of the Borrower
(i) listing the Insured Municipal Obligations in the Covered Municipal
Portfolio (and if the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date has
occurred identifying the Insurance Contracts with respect thereto) and
calculating in reasonable detail as of the date of such financial
statements (A) the Average Annual Debt Service on the Covered Municipal
Portfolio, (B) if such date is prior to the Municipal Loss Threshold
Incurrence Date, the Borrower's Cumulative Municipal Losses (stating
separately any Permitted Municipal Reserves included therein) for the
current Commitment Period, and (C) if such date is on or after the
occurrence of the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, (1) the date
of the occurrence thereof, (2) evidence of the occurrence thereof, (3) the
amount of Permitted Municipal Reserves as of the date of such financial
statements, and (4) the aggregate amount of Pledged Municipal Recoveries
received by or for the account of the Borrower during the current
Commitment Period on or prior to the date of such financial statements,
(ii) listing the Insured Structured Obligations in the Covered Structured
Portfolio (and if the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date has
occurred identifying the Insurance Contracts with respect thereto) and
calculating in reasonable detail as of the date of such financial
statements (A) the Net Remaining Par on the Covered Structured Portfolio,
(B) if such date is prior to the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence
Date, the Borrower's Cumulative Structured Losses (stating separately any
Permitted Structured Reserves included therein) for the current Commitment
Period, and (C) if such date is on or after the occurrence of the
Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, (1) the date of the occurrence
thereof,
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(2) evidence of the occurrence thereof, (3) the amount of Permitted
Structured Reserves as of the date of such financial statements, and (4)
the aggregate amount of Pledged Structured Recoveries received by or for
the account of the Borrower during the current Commitment Period on or
prior to the date of such financial statements, (iii) certifying
information with respect to reinsured Insured Municipal Obligations and
Insured Structured Obligations as of the date of such financial
statements, in a format comparable to Schedule IV attached hereto, (iv) to
the effect that, to the best of his knowledge, no Default or Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing or, if any Default or Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, specifying the nature and extent
thereof, and (v) listing the Losses occurring in the applicable period.
(e) Notice of Default or Litigation. Promptly, and in any event
within three Business Days, after an Authorized Officer obtains knowledge
thereof, written notice of (i) the occurrence of any event which
constitutes a Default or Event of Default, (ii) any litigation or
governmental proceeding (including, without limitation, any investigation
by or before the Department) pending (x) against the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries which could reasonably be expected to have a materially
adverse effect upon the business, operations, property, assets or
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or (y) with respect to any Credit Document, (iii) any other
event which could reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse
effect upon the business, operations, property, assets or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (iv)
any rating report received by the Borrower published by Moody's, S&P or,
if either Moody's or S&P no longer rates the claims-paying ability of the
Borrower, any other nationally recognized rating agency which, with the
consent of the Borrower, rates the creditworthiness of obligations insured
by the Borrower, (v) to the extent that Cumulative Municipal Losses during
the Commitment Period exceed $25,000,000, each Municipal Loss, including
without limitation, identification of the Insured Municipal Obligation
with respect to which such Municipal Loss occurred, (vi) to the extent
that Cumulative Structured Losses during the Commitment Period exceed
$25,000,000, each Structured Loss, including, without limitation,
identification of the Insured Structured Obligation with respect to which
such Structured Loss occurred, (vii) each default by the issuer of any
Insured Municipal Obligation in the Covered Municipal Portfolio or any
Insured Structured Obligation in the Covered Structured Portfolio or other
obligor with respect thereto which could form the basis of a claim under
an Insurance Contract and (viii) each default by any party to a
reinsurance agreement or similar arrangement with the Borrower which
covers any material amount of Insured Municipal Obligations in the Covered
Municipal Portfolio or Insured Structured Obligations in the Covered
Structured Portfolio; and, to the extent Cumulative Municipal Losses or
Cumulative Structured Losses during the Commitment Period are equal to or
less than $25,000,000, within 60 days after the close of each of the first
three accounting periods in each fiscal year of the Parent and within 120
days after the close of the fiscal year of the Parent, as appropriate,
written notice of each Municipal Loss or Structured Loss, as the case may
be, which occurred during such accounting period or fiscal year, as
appropriate, including, without limitation, identification of the Insured
Municipal Obligation or Insured Structured Obligation, as the case may be,
with respect to which such Loss occurred.
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(f) Other Reports and Filings. Promptly, copies of all financial
information, proxy materials and other information and reports, if any,
which the Parent and/or Borrower shall file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission or any governmental agencies substituted therefor (the
"SEC").
(g) Other Information. From time to time, such other information or
documents (financial or otherwise) as any Bank may reasonably request,
including, without limitation, information with respect to, and copies of,
any relevant reinsurance agreement.
Section 8.02. Books, Records and Inspections. The Borrower will, and
will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account
in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with generally accepted
and/or statutory accounting principles, as applicable, and all requirements of
law shall be made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business
and activities. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
permit officers and designated representatives of the Administrative Agent to
visit and inspect, under guidance of officers of the Borrower or such
Subsidiary, any of the properties of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, and to
examine the books of record and account of the Borrower or such Subsidiary and
discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower or such Subsidiary
with, and be advised as to the same by, its and their officers, all at such
reasonable times and intervals and to such reasonable extent as any Bank may
request.
Section 8.03. Maintenance of Property, Insurance. The Borrower will,
and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) keep all property useful and
necessary in its business in good working order and condition, (ii) maintain
with financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance on all its
property in at least such amounts and against at least such risks as is
consistent and in accordance with industry practice and (iii) furnish to the
Administrative Agent, upon its reasonable request, full information as to the
insurance carried.
Section 8.04. Corporate Franchises. The Borrower will, and will
cause each of its Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done, all things necessary
to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and its material
rights, franchises, licenses and patents; provided, however, that nothing in
this Section 8.04 shall prevent the withdrawal, lapse or termination by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any right, franchise, license or patent
or its qualification as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction or shall
prevent the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from taking any other action
where such withdrawal, lapse, termination or action could not reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, operations,
property, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Section 8.05. Compliance with Statutes, Etc. The Borrower will, and
will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all applicable statutes,
regulations and orders of, and all applicable restrictions imposed by, all
governmental bodies, domestic or foreign, in respect of the conduct of its
business and the ownership of its property (including applicable statutes,
regulations, orders and restrictions relating to environmental standards and
controls), except such noncompliances as could not reasonably be expected to
have, in the aggregate, a material adverse
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effect on the business, operations, property, assets or condition (financial or
otherwise) of the Borrower or of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.
Section 8.06. ERISA. Promptly after an Authorized Officer of the
Borrower has received notice or otherwise has knowledge thereof, the Borrower
shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a written notice describing in
reasonable detail the occurrence of any of the following: that a Reportable
Event has occurred; that an accumulated funding deficiency, within the meaning
of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, has been incurred or an
application may be or has been made to the Secretary of the Treasury for a
waiver or modification of the minimum funding standard (including any required
installment payments) or an extension of any amortization period under Section
412 of the Code or Section 303 or 304 of ERISA with respect to a Plan; that a
Plan has an Unfunded Current Liability giving rise to a Lien under ERISA; or
that the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliates will or may incur any material
liability (including any contingent or secondary liability) to or on account of
the termination of or withdrawal from a Plan or Multiemployer Plan under Section
4062, 4063, 4064, 4069, 4201, 4204 or 4212 of ERISA. Upon written request of the
Administrative Agent, the Borrower will deliver to each of the Banks a complete
copy of the annual report (Form 5500) of each Plan required to be filed with the
Internal Revenue Service.
Section 8.07. Performance of Obligations. The Borrower will, and
will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, perform all its obligations under the
terms of each mortgage, indenture, security agreement and other debt instrument
by which it is bound, except such non-performances as could not reasonably be
expected to have in the aggregate a material adverse effect on the business,
operations, property, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of the
Borrower or of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Section 8.08. Use of Proceeds. The Borrower will use the proceeds of
the Municipal Tranche Loans only to pay or reimburse itself for the payment of
Municipal Losses (including establishing and/or maintaining Permitted Municipal
Reserves in the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account) in respect of the Covered
Municipal Portfolio and the proceeds of the Structured Tranche Loans only to pay
or reimburse itself for the payment of Structured Losses (including establishing
and/or maintaining Permitted Structured Reserves in the Permitted Structured
Reserves Account) in respect of the Covered Structured Portfolio.
Section 8.09. Conduct of Business. The Borrower will and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to continue to engage in business of the same general
type as conducted by it on the Effective Date.
Section 8.10. Underwriting Criteria. The Borrower shall maintain its
criteria for underwriting Insurance Contracts substantially as heretofore in
effect.
Section 8.11. Collection of Pledged Recoveries and Pledged Premiums.
The Borrower shall at all times use its commercially reasonable efforts to
collect and otherwise realize upon all Pledged Municipal Recoveries, Pledged
Structured Recoveries, Pledged Municipal Premiums and Pledged Structured
Premiums in compliance with applicable law and in a commercially reasonable
manner.
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Section 8.12. Pledged Reserve Release Notice. The Borrower hereby
acknowledges and agrees that (a) if, at any time, it shall cease to maintain all
or any portion of Permitted Municipal Reserves in respect of which Pledged
Municipal Reserves Account Funds have been deposited in the Pledged Municipal
Reserves Account, the Borrower as promptly as possible (and in any event within
three Business Days) after it shall cease to maintain such Permitted Municipal
Reserves shall give written notice thereof (each such notice, a "Pledged
Municipal Reserves Release Notice") to the Administrative Agent and the
Collateral Agent which notice shall provide the amount of such Pledged Municipal
Reserves Account Funds that have been released and (b) if, at any time, it shall
cease to maintain all or any portion of Permitted Structured Reserves in respect
of which Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds have been deposited in the
Pledged Structured Reserves Account, the Borrower as promptly as possible (and
in any event within three Business Days) after it shall cease to maintain such
Permitted Structured Reserves shall give written notice thereof (each such
notice, a "Pledged Structured Reserves Release Notice") to the Administrative
Agent and the Collateral Agent which notice shall provide the amount of such
Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds that have been released.
Section 8.13. Registry. The Borrower hereby covenants that it shall
maintain a register on which it will record the Commitment from time to time of
each of the Banks, the Loans made by each of the Banks and each repayment in
respect of the principal amount of the Loans of each Bank. Failure to make any
such recordation, or any error in such recordation, shall not affect the
Borrower's obligations in respect of such Loans. Upon the request of the
Borrower, the Administrative Agent hereby agrees to use its reasonable efforts
to provide to the Borrower such information not otherwise available to the
Borrower, as the Borrower shall reasonably request from time to time in order to
enable it to fulfill its obligations pursuant to this Section 8.13. Without
limiting the Borrower's obligations hereunder, the Borrower shall indemnify any
Bank described in Section 4.04(b)(iii) for losses related to the withholding of
taxes, including any interest and penalties thereon arising as a result of the
Borrower's failure to comply with this Section 8.13.
Section 9. Negative Covenants.
The Borrower covenants and agrees that on and after the Effective
Date and until the Commitments have terminated and the Loans and the Notes,
together with interest, Fees and all other obligations incurred hereunder and
thereunder, are paid in full:
Section 9.01. Liens. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any
of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon
or with respect to any Pledged Municipal Recoveries, Pledged Structured
Recoveries, Pledged Municipal Premiums, Pledged Structured Premiums, Pledged
Municipal Reserves Account Funds, Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds or
other Collateral, provided that the provisions of this Section 9.01 shall not
prevent the creation, incurrence, assumption or existence of the following
(Liens described below are herein referred to as "Permitted Liens"):
(a) the Liens in favor of the Secured Parties under the Security
Agreement or otherwise permitted thereunder;
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(b) inchoate Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or
levies not yet due or Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges
or levies being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for
which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles;
(c) Liens in respect of property or assets of the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries imposed by law, which were incurred in the ordinary
course of business and do not secure Indebtedness for borrowed money, such
as carriers', warehousemen's, materialmen's and mechanics' liens and other
similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business, which relate to
Indebtedness which has not been paid when due and payable in accordance
with its terms and which are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings, which proceedings have the effect of preventing the
forfeiture or sale of the property or assets subject to any such Lien; and
(d) Liens in respect of statutory preference or priorities granted
to certain claims under the Insurers Rehabilitation and Liquidation Act,
Chapter 645, Wisconsin Statutes.
Section 9.02. Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc. The
Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, wind up,
liquidate or dissolve its affairs or enter into any transaction of merger or
consolidation, or convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of (or agree to do
any of the foregoing at any future time) all or any substantial part of its
property or assets, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one or a series of
related transactions) all or substantially all of the property or assets (other
than purchases or other acquisitions of inventory, materials and equipment in
the ordinary course of business) of any Person, or permit any of its
Subsidiaries so to do any of the foregoing, except that:
(a) each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may in the ordinary
course of business sell or lease assets;
(b) any Subsidiary may wind up its affairs or liquidate or dissolve
into, and may consolidate or merge with or into, the Borrower or any other
Subsidiary of the Borrower;
(c) the assets or stock of any Subsidiary of the Borrower may be
purchased or otherwise acquired by the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of
the Borrower;
(d) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may purchase or
otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties or assets of
any Person (other than the Borrower) or acquire such Person by merger so
long as (w) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing
or would occur after giving effect thereto, (x) the consolidated net worth
(determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole
immediately after giving effect to such purchase, acquisition or merger is
at least equal to its consolidated net worth immediately prior to such
purchase, acquisition or merger and (y) such purchase, acquisition or
merger shall not result in any downgrading of the Borrower's Rating
assigned by Moody's or S&P from that in effect immediately prior to such
purchase,
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acquisition or merger and (z) the Borrower shall deliver to the
Administrative Agent a certificate of the chief financial officer or
treasurer of the Borrower stating that such purchase, merger or
acquisition complied with the conditions contained in this clause (d); and
(e) the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may convey, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of their respective properties or assets so long
as, immediately prior to the time of such disposition, the value of such
properties or assets being disposed of does not exceed 10% of the
aggregate value of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as such
assets are carried on the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries at such time.
Section 9.03. Settlement Notes. (a) The Borrower will not issue any
Municipal Tranche Settlement Note at any time (i) in an aggregate principal
amount in excess of Cumulative Municipal Losses incurred after the occurrence of
the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date less the aggregate principal amount
of all Municipal Tranche Settlement Notes previously issued and of all Municipal
Tranche Loans previously made and (ii) unless all of the Municipal Tranche Banks
and Part C Banks have consented to the material terms of the Master Agreement
under which such Municipal Tranche Settlement Note is to be issued, such consent
not to be unreasonably withheld.
(b) The Borrower will not issue any Structured Tranche Settlement
Note at any time (i) in an aggregate principal amount in excess of Cumulative
Structured Losses incurred after the occurrence of the Structured Loss Threshold
Incurrence Date less the aggregate principal amount of all Structured Tranche
Settlement Notes previously issued and of all Structured Tranche Loans
previously made and (ii) unless all of the Structured Tranche Banks and Part E
Banks have consented to the material terms of the Master Agreement under which
such Structured Tranche Settlement Note is to be issued, such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld.
Section 10. Events of Default.
Upon the occurrence of any of the following specified events (each
an "Event of Default"):
Section 10.01. Payments. The Borrower shall (i) default in the
payment when due of any principal of any Loan or any Note or (ii) default, and
such default shall continue unremedied for two or more Business Days, in the
payment when due of any interest on any Loan or any Note or any Fees or any
other amounts owing hereunder or under any Note; or
Section 10.02. Representations, Etc. Any representation, warranty or
statement made by or on behalf of the Borrower herein or in any other Credit
Document or in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove
to be untrue in any material respect on the date as of which made or deemed
made; or
Section 10.03. Covenants. The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
shall (i) default in the due performance or observance by it of any term,
covenant or agreement contained in Section 8.01(e), 8.08, 8.09, 8.10, 8.11, 8.12
or 9 hereof and such default shall
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continue unremedied for a period of 15 Business Days after written notice to the
Borrower by the Administrative Agent or Bank, or (ii) default in the due
performance or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement (other than
those referred to in Sections 10.01 and 10.02 and clause (i) of this Section
10.03) contained in this Agreement and such default shall continue unremedied
for a period of 30 days after written notice to the Borrower by the
Administrative Agent or any Bank; or
Section 10.04. Default Under Other Agreements. The Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries shall (i) default in any payment of any Indebtedness (other
than the Notes) with an outstanding principal balance in excess of $15,000,000
beyond the period of grace, if any, provided in the instrument or agreement
under which such Indebtedness was created or (ii) default in the observance or
performance of any agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness
beyond the grace period as provided therein (other than the Notes) or contained
in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any
other event shall occur or condition exist, the effect of any such default or
other event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such
Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders) to
cause any such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; or any
Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be declared to be
due and payable, or required to be prepaid other than by a regularly scheduled
required prepayment, prior to the stated maturity thereof; or
Section 10.05. Bankruptcy, Etc. The Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries shall commence a voluntary case concerning itself under Title 11 of
the United States Code entitled "Bankruptcy," as now or hereafter in effect, or
any successor thereto (the "Bankruptcy Code"); or an involuntary case is
commenced against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and the petition is
not controverted within 10 days, or is not dismissed within 60 days, after
commencement of the case; or a custodian (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code) is
appointed for, or takes charge of, all or substantially all of the property of
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries commences any other proceeding under any reorganization,
arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or
liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction whether now or hereafter in
effect relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or there is
commenced against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries any such proceeding
which remains undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 days, or the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of
relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; or the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries suffers any appointment of any custodian or
the like for it or any substantial part of its property to continue undischarged
or unstayed for a period of 60 days; or the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any corporate action
is taken by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for the purpose of effecting
any of the foregoing; or
Section 10.06. ERISA. (a) Any Plan shall fail to maintain the
minimum funding standard required for any plan year or part thereof or a waiver
of such standard or extension of any amortization period is sought or granted
under Section 412 of the Code, or the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates
has incurred or is likely to incur a liability to or on account of a Plan or
Multiemployer Plan under Section 4062, 4063, 4064, 4069, 4201, 4204 or 4212 of
ERISA, or the Borrower or any Subsidiary has incurred or is likely to incur
liabilities pursuant to one or
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more employee welfare benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) which
provide benefits to retired employees (other than as required by Section 601 of
ERISA), involving in the aggregate for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries a
liability of $10,000,000 or more at any time; (b) there shall result from any
such event or events the imposition of a Lien upon the assets of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries, the granting of a security interest, or a liability or
a material risk of incurring a liability, and (c) which Lien, security interest
or liability, in the opinion of the Banks, will have a material adverse effect
upon the business, operations, property, assets or condition (financial or
otherwise) of the Borrower or of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole; or
Section 10.07. Security Agreement. (i) The Security Agreement or any
provision thereof shall cease to be in full force and effect, or shall cease in
any material respect to give the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured
Parties, the Liens, rights, powers and privileges purported to be created
thereby, or (ii) the Borrower shall otherwise default in any material respect in
the due performance or observance of any term, covenant or agreement on its part
to be performed or observed pursuant to the Security Agreement and such default
shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after written notice to the
Borrower by the Administrative Agent or, in the event there is no Administrative
Agent, any Bank; or
Section 10.08. Judgments. One or more judgments or decrees shall be
entered against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving in the
aggregate for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries a liability (not paid or fully
covered by insurance) of $15,000,000 or more at any one time, and all such
judgments or decrees shall not have been vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded
pending appeal within 60 days after the entry thereof; or
Section 10.09. Change of Control. A Change of Control shall occur;
then, and in any such event, and at any time thereafter, if any Event of Default
shall then be continuing, the Administrative Agent may or shall upon direction
from the Majority Banks, by written notice to the Borrower, take the following
actions to the extent permitted below (provided, that, if an Event of Default
specified in Section 10.05 shall occur with respect to the Borrower, the result
which would occur upon the giving of written notice to the Borrower as specified
below shall occur automatically without the giving of any such notice): if any
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may
declare the principal of and any accrued interest in respect of all Loans and
the Notes and all obligations owing hereunder and thereunder to be, whereupon
the same shall become, forthwith due and payable without presentment, demand,
protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the
Borrower.
Section 11. The Agents.
Section 11.01. Appointment. The Banks hereby designate The Bank of
New York, as Administrative Agent (for purposes of this Section 11, the term
"Agent" shall also include The Bank of New York, in its capacity as Collateral
Agent pursuant to the Security Documents), and each of Bank of America, N.A. and
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as a Syndication Agent, to act as specified
herein and in the other Credit Documents. Each Bank hereby irrevocably
authorizes, and each holder of any Note by the acceptance of such Note shall
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be deemed irrevocably to authorize, each Agent to take such action on its behalf
under the provisions of this Agreement, the other Credit Documents and any other
instruments and agreements referred to herein or therein and to exercise such
powers and to perform such duties hereunder and thereunder as are specifically
delegated to or required of such Agent by the terms hereof and thereof and such
other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Each Agent may perform any of
its duties hereunder by or through its officers, directors, agents or employees.
Section 11.02. Nature of Duties. No Agent shall have any duties or
responsibilities except those expressly set forth in this Agreement and the
Security Agreement. Neither any Agent nor any of its officers, directors, agents
or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted by it or them
hereunder or under any other Credit Document or in connection herewith or
therewith, unless caused by its or their gross negligence or willful misconduct.
The duties of each Agent shall be mechanical and administrative in nature; no
Agent shall have by reason of this Agreement or any other Credit Document a
fiduciary relationship in respect of any Bank or the holder of any Note or any
other Secured Party; and nothing in this Agreement or any other Credit Document,
expressed or implied, is intended to or shall be so construed as to impose upon
any Agent any obligations in respect of this Agreement or any other Credit
Document except as expressly set forth herein or therein.
Section 11.03. Lack of Reliance on Any Agent. Independently and
without reliance upon any Agent, each Bank and the holder of each Note, to the
extent it deems appropriate, has made and shall continue to make (i) its own
independent investigation of the financial condition and affairs of the Borrower
in connection with the making and the continuance of the Loans and the taking or
not taking of any action in connection herewith and (ii) its own appraisal of
the creditworthiness of the Borrower and, except as expressly provided in this
Agreement, no Agent shall have any duty or responsibility, either initially or
on a continuing basis, to provide any Bank or any other Secured Party with any
credit or other information with respect thereto, whether coming into its
possession before the making of the Loans or at any time or times thereafter. No
Agent shall be responsible to any Bank or the holder of any Note or any other
Secured Party for any recitals, statements, information, representations or
warranties herein or in any document, certificate or other writing delivered in
connection herewith or for the execution, effectiveness, genuineness, validity,
enforceability, perfection, collectability, priority or sufficiency of this
Agreement or any other Credit Document or the financial condition of the
Borrower or be required to make any inquiry concerning either the performance or
observance of any of the terms, provisions or conditions of this Agreement or
any other Credit Document, or the financial condition of the Borrower or the
existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of Default.
Section 11.04. Certain Rights of Each Agent. If any Agent shall
request instructions from the Banks with respect to any act or action (including
failure to act) in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document,
such Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such act or taking such action
unless and until such Agent shall have received instructions from the Majority
Banks; and such Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so
refraining. Without limiting the foregoing, no Bank or the holder of any Note
shall have any right of action whatsoever against any Agent as a result of such
Agent acting or refraining from acting hereunder or under any other Credit
Document in accordance with the instructions of the Majority Banks.
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Section 11.05. Reliance. Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and
shall be fully protected in relying, upon any note, writing, resolution, notice,
statement, certificate, telex, teletype or telecopier message, cablegram,
radiogram, order or other document or telephone message signed, sent or made by
any Person that such Agent believed to be the proper Person, and, with respect
to all legal matters pertaining to this Agreement and any other Credit Document
and its duties hereunder and thereunder, upon advice of counsel selected by such
Agent.
Section 11.06. Indemnification. To the extent any Agent is not
reimbursed and indemnified by the Borrower, each Bank will reimburse and
indemnify such Agent for and against any and all liabilities, obligations,
losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, judgments, costs, expenses or
disbursements of whatsoever kind or nature which may be imposed on, asserted
against or incurred by such Agent in performing its duties hereunder or under
any other Credit Document, in any way relating to or arising out of this
Agreement or any other Credit Document; provided that no Bank shall be liable
for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties,
actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from such
Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Section 11.07. Each Agent in Its Individual Capacity. With respect
to its obligation to make Loans under this Agreement, each Agent shall have the
rights and powers specified herein for a "Bank" and may exercise the same rights
and powers as though it was not performing the duties specified herein; and the
term "Banks," "holders of Notes" or any similar terms shall, unless the context
clearly otherwise indicates, include each Agent in its individual capacity. Each
Agent may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind
of banking, trust or other business with the Borrower or any Affiliate of the
Borrower as if they were not performing the duties specified herein, and may
accept fees and other consideration from the Borrower for services in connection
with this Agreement and otherwise without having to account for the same to the
Banks.
Section 11.08. Resignation by an Agent. (a) Any Agent may resign
from the performance of all its functions and duties hereunder and/or under the
other Credit Documents at any time by giving 15 Business Days' prior written
notice to the Borrower and the Banks. In the case of the resignation by any
Agent, such resignation shall take effect upon the appointment of a successor
Agent pursuant to clause (b) or (c) below or as otherwise provided below.
(b) Upon any such notice of resignation by any Agent, the Banks
shall appoint a successor Agent hereunder or thereunder who shall be a
commercial bank or trust company reasonably acceptable to the Borrower (it being
understood and agreed that any Bank is deemed to be acceptable to the Borrower).
(c) If a successor Agent shall not have been so appointed within
such 15 Business Day period, the retiring Agent, with the consent of the
Borrower, shall then appoint a successor Agent who shall serve as Agent
hereunder or thereunder until such time, if any, as the Banks appoint a
successor Agent as provided above.
(d) If no successor Agent has been appointed pursuant to clause (b)
or (c) above by the 20th Business Day after the date such notice of resignation
was given by the retiring
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Agent, the retiring Agent may appoint any other Bank which agrees to such
appointment to act as successor Agent and if no Bank so agrees by the 30th
Business Day after the date such notice was given by the retiring Agent, the
retiring Agent's resignation shall become effective on such 30th Business Day
and the Banks shall thereafter perform all the duties of the retiring Agent
hereunder and/or under any other Credit Document until such time, if any, as the
Banks appoint a successor Agent as provided above.
Section 12. Miscellaneous.
Section 12.01. Payment of Expenses, Etc. The Borrower shall: (i)
whether or not the transactions herein contemplated are consummated, pay all
reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (x) of the Administrative Agent
(including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of
Sullivan & Worcester LLP, counsel for the Administrative Agent) in connection
with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other
Credit Documents and the documents and instruments referred to herein and
therein and any amendment, waiver or consent relating hereto or thereto and (y)
of the Agents and the Banks in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement
and the other Credit Documents and the documents and instruments referred to
herein and therein (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent and the Banks); (ii) pay
and hold each Bank harmless from and against any and all present and future
stamp and other similar taxes with respect to the foregoing matters and save
such Bank harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or
resulting from any delay or omission (other than to the extent attributable to
such Bank) to pay such taxes; and (iii) except as otherwise provided in Section
4.05, indemnify each Bank, its officers, directors, employees, representatives
and agents from and hold each of them harmless against any and all liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, judgments, suits, and
reasonable costs, expenses and disbursements incurred by any of them as a result
of, or arising out of, or in any way related to, or by reason of, any
investigation, litigation or other proceeding (whether or not such Bank is a
party thereto) related to the entering into and/or performance of this Agreement
or any other Credit Document or the use of the proceeds of any Loans hereunder
or the consummation of any transactions contemplated herein or in any other
Credit Document, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel incurred in connection with any such investigation,
litigation or other proceeding (but excluding any such liabilities, obligations,
losses, etc., to the extent incurred by reason of the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of the Person to be indemnified).
Section 12.02. Right of Setoff. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 4.05, in addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under
applicable law or otherwise, and not by way of limitation of any such rights and
to the extent permitted by applicable law, upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default, each Bank is hereby authorized at any time or from time to time,
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind to the Borrower
or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set
off and to appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or special), and
any other Indebtedness at any time held or owing by such Bank (including without
limitation by branches and agencies of such Bank wherever located) to or for the
credit or the account of the Borrower against and on account of the Obligations
and liabilities of the Borrower to such Bank under this Agreement or under any
of the other Credit Documents, and all other claims of any nature or description
arising out of or
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<PAGE>
connected with this Agreement or any other Credit Document, irrespective of
whether or not the Bank shall have made any demand hereunder and although said
Obligations, liabilities or claims, or any of them, shall be contingent or
unmatured, provided however that (i) except to the extent provided in the next
succeeding clause (ii), no Bank is authorized hereunder to take any of the
foregoing actions, nor shall any Bank exercise any other right of setoff or
bankers' lien or any other right now or hereafter granted under applicable law
with respect to the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account or any portion of the
Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds or any Collateral contained in the
Pledged Municipal Reserves Account or the Pledged Structured Reserves Account or
any portion of the Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds or any Collateral
contained in the Pledged Structured Reserves Account (each of the Agents, the
Collateral Agent and each Bank hereby waiving, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, any such right) and (ii) from and after receipt by the
Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent of any Pledged Municipal Reserves
Release Notice or Pledged Structured Reserves Release Notice, the Administrative
Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Bank is authorized to and may exercise, to
the extent permitted by applicable law, any of such foregoing actions or such
rights only with respect to the amount of Pledged Municipal Reserves Account
Funds or Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds, respectively, described in
such Pledged Municipal Reserves Release Notice or Pledged Structured Reserves
Release Notice and the other Municipal Collateral or Structured Collateral, as
the case may be, contained in the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account or the
Pledged Structured Reserves Account, respectively, in an amount equal to the
interest and other earnings on such Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds or
Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds, respectively.
Section 12.03. Notices. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in
writing (including telegraphic, telex, facsimile or cable communication) and
mailed, telegraphed, telexed, telecopied, cabled or delivered: if to the
Borrower, any Bank or any Agent, at its address listed opposite its name on the
signature page hereto; or, as to any Bank or any Agent, at such other address as
shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties
hereto and, as to each other party, at such other address as shall be designated
by such party in a written notice to the Borrower and the Agents. All such
notices and communications shall not be effective until received by the Agents
or the Borrower.
Section 12.04. Benefit of Agreement. (a) This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective
successors and assigns of the parties hereto; provided, however, that the
Borrower may not assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder
without the prior written consent of the Banks, and provided further that, no
Bank may transfer or assign its rights or obligations hereunder or under any of
the other Credit Documents, except as provided in this Section 12.04; provided
further that neither any Municipal Tranche Bank or Part C Bank nor any
Structured Tranche Bank or Part E Bank shall transfer, grant or assign any
participation under which the participant shall have rights to approve any
amendment to or waiver of this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents
(x) except to the extent such amendment or waiver (i) extends the final maturity
of any Municipal Tranche Loan or Note or any Structured Tranche Loan or Note,
respectively, other than in accordance with Section 3.04, or reduces the rate or
extends the time of payment of interest or Fees thereon, or reduces the
principal amount thereof, or increases the Municipal Tranche Commitment or
Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment or the Structured Tranche Commitment or
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Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment, respectively, of such Bank over the
amount thereof then in effect (it being understood that a waiver of any Default
or Event of Default shall not constitute a change in the terms of any Commitment
of any Bank), (ii) releases any material portion of the Municipal Collateral or
Structured Collateral, respectively, under the Security Agreement except as
shall be otherwise provided in any Credit Document, (iii) consents to the
assignment or transfer by the Borrower of any of its rights and obligations
under any Credit Document, (iv) amends the definition of Municipal Loss
Threshold Incurrence Date or Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date,
respectively, or, in the case of such Part C Bank, the definition of Municipal
Contingent Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, other than in each case to increase
the dollar amount or the percentage specified therein, (v) reduces the
percentage specified in the definition of Majority Municipal Tranche
Participants or Majority Structured Tranche Participants, respectively, or (vi)
amends, modifies or waives any provision of this Section 12.04 or (y) except to
the extent that a Municipal Tranche Bank or Part C Bank or a Structured Tranche
Bank or Part E Bank may permit its Majority Municipal Tranche Participants or
Majority Structured Tranche Participants, respectively, to approve any material
written amendment, modification, waiver or release of any other provision of
this Agreement or any other Credit Document which would, if effected, materially
adversely affect the interests of the participants in its Municipal Tranche
Commitment or Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment and its Municipal Tranche
Loans or in its Structured Tranche Commitment or Structured Tranche Contingent
Commitment and its Structured Tranche Loans, respectively. "Majority Municipal
Tranche Participants" and "Majority Structured Tranche Participants" for
purposes of this Section 12.04 shall each mean, with respect to each Municipal
Tranche Bank or Part C Bank or each Structured Tranche Bank or Part E Bank,
respectively, at any time participants of such Municipal Tranche Bank or Part C
Bank or of such Structured Tranche Bank or Part E Bank, respectively,
participating in at least 51% of the aggregate principal amount of Municipal
Tranche Loans or Structured Tranche Loans made by such Municipal Tranche Bank or
Part C Bank or by such Structured Tranche Bank or Part E Bank, respectively, and
outstanding at such time, or if no such Municipal Tranche Loans or Structured
Tranche Loans, respectively, are outstanding at such time, participants of such
Municipal Tranche Bank or Part C Bank or of such Structured Tranche Bank or Part
E Bank, respectively, participating in at least 51% of the Municipal Tranche
Commitment or Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment or of the Structured
Tranche Commitment or Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment, respectively, of
such Municipal Tranche Bank or Part C Bank or of such Structured Tranche Bank or
Part E Bank, respectively, at such time. In the case of any such participation,
the participant shall not constitute a "Bank" hereunder and shall not have any
rights under this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents (the
participant's rights against any Bank in respect of such participation to be
those set forth in the agreement executed by such Bank in favor of the
participant relating thereto) and all amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder
shall be determined as if such Bank had not sold such participation, except that
the participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.07 or 4.04 of
this Agreement to the extent that such Bank would be entitled to such benefits
if the participation had not been transferred, granted or assigned.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Municipal Tranche Bank or
Structured Tranche Bank may assign all or a portion of its Municipal Tranche
Commitment or Structured Tranche Commitment, respectively, and any Part C Bank
or Part E Bank may assign all or a portion of its Municipal Tranche Contingent
Commitment or Structured Tranche Contingent
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Commitment, respectively, and related outstanding rights and Obligations
hereunder to one or more Eligible Transferees, each of which assignees shall
become a party to this Agreement as a Municipal Tranche Bank or Structured
Tranche Bank, respectively, and/or, if applicable, a Part C Bank or a Part E
Bank, respectively, by execution of an Assignment and Assumption Agreement and
delivery of such Assignment and Assumption Agreement to the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500,
provided that (i) a new Municipal Tranche Note or Structured Tranche Note,
respectively, will be issued to such new Municipal Tranche Bank or Part C Bank
or such new Structured Tranche Bank or Part E Bank, respectively, in the stated
amount of its assumed Municipal Tranche Commitment and/or Municipal Tranche
Contingent Commitment or of its assumed Structured Tranche Commitment and/or
Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment, respectively, and to the assigning
Bank in the stated amount of the Commitment and/or Contingent Commitment, if
any, retained by it upon the request of such new Bank or assigning Bank and the
surrender of the Note previously issued to the assigning Bank (or the execution
and delivery to the Borrower of an indemnity satisfactory to the Borrower), such
new Notes to be in conformity with the requirements of Section 2.05 to the
extent needed to reflect the revised Commitments and, if applicable, Contingent
Commitments, (ii) unless such assignment is to an Affiliate of such assigning
Bank, and so long as no Default or Event of Default exists at the time of such
assignment, the Borrower shall have consented to such assignment, (iii) at the
time of such assignment, the new Bank or (except to the extent the new Bank is
an Affiliate of the assigning Bank) its parent shall have an unsecured senior
debt rating (or shadow rating as reflected in a letter) by each of Moody's and
S&P no lower than the unsecured senior debt rating (or shadow rating as
reflected in a letter) by each of Moody's and S&P of the assigning Bank or its
parent, (iv) in the case of any assignment of all or a portion of a Part C
Bank's or Part E Bank's Contingent Commitment, the new Part C Bank or Part E
Bank or its parent shall have, at the time of such assignment, an unsecured
senior debt rating (or shadow rating as reflected in a letter) by each of
Moody's and S&P of Aaa and AAA, respectively, (v) such assignment shall not
result in a downgrading of the Borrower's Rating by Moody's or S&P from that in
effect immediately prior to such assignment, (vi) the assigning Bank shall
provide notice of any such assignment to the Administrative Agent and the
Borrower and the Borrower shall provide notice of same to Moody's and S&P and
(vii) the new Bank shall deliver a legal opinion or legal opinions addressed to
each of the Borrower, Moody's and S&P dated the effective date of the applicable
assignment in the appropriate form or forms attached hereto as Exhibits E-1, E-2
or E-3. To the extent of any assignment pursuant to this Section 12.04(b), the
assigning Bank shall be relieved of its obligations hereunder with respect to
its assigned Commitment and/or Contingent Commitment. At the time of each
assignment pursuant to this Section 12.04(b) to a Person which is not already a
Bank hereunder and which is not a United States person (as such term is defined
in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) for Federal income tax purposes, the
respective assignee Bank shall, to the extent legally entitled to do so, provide
to the Borrower in the case of a Bank described in clause (ii) or (iv) of
Section 4.04(b), the forms described in such clause (ii) or (iv), as the case
may be. To the extent that an assignment of all or any portion of a Bank's
Commitment and/or Contingent Commitment and related outstanding Obligations
pursuant to this Section 12.04(b) would at the time of such assignment, result
in increased costs under Section 2.07 or 4.04 from those being charged by the
respective assigning Bank prior to such assignment, then the Borrower shall not
be obligated to pay such increased costs (although the Borrower shall be
obligated to pay any other increased costs of the type described above
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<PAGE>
resulting from changes in applicable law, or government rules, regulations,
orders or requests after the date of the respective assignment).
(c) Upon the execution and delivery of an Assignment and Assumption
Agreement in accordance with, and subject to the restrictions of, Section
12.04(b), the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent
that rights and obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents have
been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Assumption Agreement, have
the rights and obligations of a "Bank" hereunder and thereunder.
(d) Any Bank claiming any amounts payable pursuant to Section 4.04
shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with legal and regulatory restrictions
and subject to overall policy considerations of such Bank) to designate another
lending office for its Commitment or Commitments, Contingent Commitment or
Contingent Commitments or Loans or take such other action to minimize such
amounts, as may be reasonably requested by the Borrower, provided that such
designation is made or such other action is taken on such terms that such Bank
and its lending office suffer no economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage.
(e) Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or prohibit any Bank
from pledging its Loans and Notes hereunder to a Federal Reserve Bank in support
of borrowings made by such Bank from such Federal Reserve Bank.
(f) Each Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower of any change in
the location of its applicable lending office. In the event any Bank changes its
applicable lending office, such change shall be treated as an assignment to a
new Bank for purposes of Section 4.04(b) and so much of Section 12.04(b) as
relates to Section 4.04.
Section 12.05. No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No failure or delay
on the part of any Bank or the holder of any Note in exercising any right, power
or privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document and no course of
dealing between the Borrower and any Bank or the holder of any Note shall
operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document preclude
any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power
or privilege hereunder or thereunder. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein or in any other Credit Document, the rights, powers and remedies herein
or in any other Credit Document expressly provided are cumulative and not
exclusive of any rights, powers or remedies which any Bank would otherwise have.
No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to
any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or
constitute a waiver of the rights of any Bank or the holder of any Note to any
other or further action in any circumstances without notice or demand.
Section 12.06. Calculations; Computations. (a) The financial
statements to be furnished to the Banks pursuant to Section 8.01(a) and (b)
shall be made and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States and the financial statements to be furnished to
the Banks pursuant to Section 8.01(c) shall be made and prepared in accordance
with statutory accounting principles, in each case consistently applied
throughout the periods involved (except as set forth in the notes thereto or as
otherwise disclosed in writing by the Borrower to the Banks).
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(b) All computations of interest, Commitment Fees and Fees hereunder
shall be made on the basis of a year of 360 days for the actual number of days
(including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for
which such interest, Commitment Fees or Fees are payable.
Section 12.07. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue. (a)
This Agreement and the other Credit Documents and the rights and obligations of
the parties hereunder and thereunder shall be construed in accordance with and
be governed by the law of the State of New York. Any legal action or proceeding
against the Borrower with respect to this Agreement or any other Credit Document
may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or of the United States
for the Southern District of New York, and, by execution and delivery of this
Agreement, the Borrower hereby irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of
its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid
courts. The Borrower irrevocably consents to the service of process out of any
of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of
copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower
at its address set forth opposite its signature below, such service to become
effective 30 days after such mailing. Except as otherwise provided in Section
4.05, nothing herein shall affect the right of any Agent or any Bank under this
Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence
legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against the Borrower in any other
jurisdiction.
(b) The Borrower hereby irrevocably waives any objection which it
may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions
or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any other
Credit Document brought in the courts referred to in clause (a) above and hereby
further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court
that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in
an inconvenient forum.
Section 12.08. Obligation to Make Payments in Dollars. Subject to
the provisions of Section 4.05, the obligation of the Borrower to make payment
in Dollars of the principal of and interest on the Notes and any other amounts
due hereunder or under any other Credit Document to the Payment Office of the
Administrative Agent as provided in Section 4.03 shall not be discharged or
satisfied by any tender, or any recovery pursuant to any judgment, which is
expressed in or converted into any currency other than Dollars, except to the
extent such tender or recovery shall result in the actual receipt by the
Administrative Agent at its Payment Office of the full amount of Dollars
expressed to be payable in respect of the principal of and interest on the Notes
and all other amounts due hereunder or under any other Credit Document. Subject
to the provisions of Section 4.05, the obligation of the Borrower to make
payments in Dollars as aforesaid shall be enforceable as an alternative or
additional cause of action for the purpose of recovery in Dollars of the amount,
if any, by which such actual receipt shall fall short of the full amount of
Dollars expressed to be payable in respect of the principal of and interest on
the Notes and any other amounts due under any other Credit Document, and shall
not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other sums due under this
Agreement or under any other Credit Document.
Section 12.09. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate
counterparts, each of which when so
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executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall together
constitute one and the same instrument. A set of counterparts executed by all
the parties hereto shall be lodged with the Borrower and the Administrative
Agent.
Section 12.10. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective
on the date (the "Effective Date") on which the Borrower and the Banks shall
have signed a copy hereof (whether the same or different copies) and shall have
delivered the same to the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office and the
conditions set forth in (a) Section 5 (other than Section 5.03(b)) shall have
been satisfied or waived by the Banks, as evidenced by a written notice by the
Administrative Agent to the Borrower confirming that such conditions have been
satisfied and (b) Section 5.03(b) shall have been satisfied or waived by the
Borrower.
Section 12.11. Headings Descriptive. The headings of the several
sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and
shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this
Agreement.
Section 12.12. Amendment or Waiver. Neither this Agreement nor any
other Credit Document nor any terms hereof or thereof may be changed, waived,
discharged or terminated unless such change, waiver, discharge or termination is
in writing signed by the Majority Banks and the Agent; provided, however, that
no such change, waiver, discharge or termination shall, without the consent of
each Municipal Tranche Bank and Part C Bank or of each Structured Tranche Bank
and Part E Bank (other than any Municipal Tranche Bank, Part C Bank, Structured
Tranche Bank or Part E Bank, as the case may be, that is, at the time of the
proposed extension, release, amendment, reduction or consent, a Defaulting Bank)
(i) extend the final maturity of any Municipal Tranche Loan or Note or any
Structured Tranche Loan or Note, respectively, other than in accordance with
Section 3.04 or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest or
Fees thereon, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or increase the Municipal
Tranche Commitment or Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitment or the Structured
Tranche Commitment or Structured Tranche Contingent Commitment, as the case may
be, of such Bank over the amount thereof then in effect (it being understood
that a waiver of any Default or Event of Default shall not constitute a change
in the terms of any Commitment or Contingent Commitment of any Bank), (ii)
release any material portion of the Municipal Collateral or Structured
Collateral, respectively, under any Security Document except as shall be
otherwise provided in any Credit Document, (iii) amend, modify or waive any
provision of this Section 12.12, (iv) reduce the percentage specified in the
definition of Majority Banks, (v) consent to the assignment or transfer by the
Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under any Credit Document, (vi)
amend the definition of Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date or Structured
Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, respectively, or, in the case of such Part C
Bank, the definition of Municipal Contingent Loss Threshold Incurrence Date,
other than in each case increase the dollar amount or the percentage specified
therein or (vii) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 9.03(a) or
Section 9.03(b), respectively.
Section 12.13. Survival. All indemnities set forth herein including,
without limitation, in Sections 2.07, 4.04 and 12.01 shall survive the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the Notes and the making and repayment of the
Loans.
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Section 12.14. Exclusions from Covered Portfolio. In the event that
any Bank (or any participant to whom such Bank has transferred, granted or
assigned any participation in its rights and obligations hereunder and under the
other Credit Documents) is, or upon the occurrence of any contingency would be,
obligated under the terms of a line of credit, standby bond purchase agreement,
letter of credit, liquidity agreement or similar agreement or arrangement to
purchase any Insured Municipal Obligation or Insured Structured Obligation
listed in a certificate delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent
pursuant to Section 5.06 or 8.01(d), such Bank (or such participant) shall
promptly notify the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent shall
promptly notify the Borrower, that such Bank (or such participant) is or would
be so obligated to purchase such Insured Municipal Obligation or Insured
Structured Obligation. Upon delivery by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower
of any such notice with respect to an Insured Municipal Obligation or Insured
Structured Obligation, such Insured Municipal Obligation or Insured Structured
Obligation shall, effective upon delivery of such notice by the Administrative
Agent to the Borrower, be excluded from the Covered Municipal Portfolio or the
Covered Structured Portfolio, as the case may be.
Section 12.15. Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the Borrower, the
Agents and the Banks hereby irrevocably waives all right to trial by jury in any
action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based on contract, tort or
otherwise) arising out of or relating to any of the Credit Documents or the
actions of the Borrower, any Agent or any Bank in the negotiation,
administration, performance or enforcement thereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their duly authorized
officers to execute and deliver this Agreement as of the date first above
written.
Address: AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION
One State Street Plaza By /s/ Robert W. Starr
New York, New York 10004 -------------------
Attn: Robert W. Starr Name: Robert W. Starr
Telecopy: (212) 208-3108 Title: Managing Director and Treasurer
With a copy to:
Kevin Doyle, Managing Director
and General Counsel
Telecopy: (212) 208-3550
One Wall Street THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
New York, New York 10286 as Administrative Agent
Attn: Evan R. Glass By /s/ Evan R. Glass
Telecopy: (212) 809-9520 -----------------
Name: Evan R. Glass
Title: Assistant Vice President
By /s/ Louis DiFranco
------------------
Name: Louis DiFranco
Title: Client Executive
Address: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Co-Syndication Agent
901 Main Street, 66th Floor By /s/ Joan D'Amico
Dallas, Texas 75202 -------------------
Attn: Joan D'Amico Name: Joan D'Amico
Telecopy: (214) 209-3307 Title: Managing Director
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31 West 52nd Street DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH,
New York, New York 10019 as Co-Syndication Agent
Attn: John McGill
Telecopy: By /s/ John S. McGill / /s/ Ruth Leung
------------------------------------
Name: John S. McGill / Ruth Leung
Title: Director / Director
LANDESBANK BADEN - WURTTEMBERG,
as Lender
Address:
By /s/ Orly Watson
---------------
Name: Orly Watson
535 Madison Avenue Title: Deputy General Manager
New York, NY 10022-4212
Attn: Robert O'Brien By /s/ Robert F. O'Brien
Telecopy: (212) 584-1709 ----------------------
Name: Robert F. O'Brien
Title: Vice President
55
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COOPERATIEVE CENTRALE
RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK B.A.,
"RABOBANK NEDERLAND", NEW YORK
BRANCH,
as Lender
Address:
245 Park Avenue By /s/ Ian Reece
New York, NY 10167-0062 --------------
Attn: Angela R. Reilly Name: Ian Reece
Telecopy: (212) 309-5139 Title: Senior Credit Officer
By /s/ Angela R. Reilly
--------------------
Name: Angela R. Reilly
Title: Vice President
BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK GIROZENTRALE,
as Lender
Address:
560 Lexington Avenue By /s/ Scott M. Allison
New York, NY 10022 ---------------------
Attn: Scott M. Allison Name: Scott M. Allison
Telecopy: (212) 310-9993 Title: First Vice President
By /s/ John A. Wain
-----------------
Name: John A. Wain
Title: First Vice President
56
<PAGE>
WESTDEUTSCHE LANDESBANK GIROZENTRALE,
as Lender
Address:
1211 Avenue of the Americas By /s/ Lillian T. Lum
New York, NY 10036 -------------------
Attn: Lilian Tung Lum Name: Lillian T. Lum
Telecopy: (212) 852-6156 Title: Director
By /s/ Anne T. McKenna
--------------------
Name: Anne T. McKenna
Title: Associate Director
NORDDEUTSCHE LANDESBANK GIROZENTRALE,
as Lender
Address:
1114 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036 By /s/ Georg L. Peters
Attn: Georg L. Peters -------------------
Telecopy: (212) 812-6860 Name: Gerog L. Peters
Title: Vice President
By /s/ Henrich Holms
-----------------
Name: Henrich Holm
Title: Vice President
57
<PAGE>
FIRST UNION,
as Lender
Address:
1339 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor By /s/ Thomas Stitchberry
Philadelphia, PA 19107 ----------------------
Attn: Deirdre L. McAleer Name: Thomas Stitchberry
Telecopy: (215) 786-4114 Title: Senior Vice President
KBC BANK NV,
as Lender
Address:
New York Branch By /s/ Eric Raskin / /s/ Robert Snauffer
125 West 55th Street ----------------------------
New York, NY 10019 Name: Eric Raskin / Robert Snauffer
Attn: Patrick J. Owens Title: Assistant Vice President /
Telecopy: (212) 541-0793 First Vice President
LANDESBANK HESSEN-THUERINGEN
GIROZENTRALE,
as Lender
Address:
New York Branch By /s/ Bill Dorante / /s/ John A. Sarno
420 Fifth Avenue ------------------------------
New York, NY 10018-2729 Name: Bill Dorante / John A. Sarno
Attn: John A. Sarno Title: V.P. Public Finance / V.P.
Telecopy: (212) 703-5256 Portfolio Manager
58
<PAGE>
LLOYDS TSB,
as Lender
Address:
575 Fifth Avenue By /s/ Thea Watkins
17th Floor -----------------
New York, NY 10017 Name: Thea Watkins
Attn: Thea Watkins Title: Asst. Director Structured Finance
Telecopy: (212) 930-5098
By /s/ Michelle White
---------------------
Name: Michelle White
Title: Asst. V.P. Structured Finance
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
as Lender
Address:
270 Park Avenue, 20th Floor By /s/ Marybeth Mullen
New York, NY 10017 -------------------
Attn: Marybeth Mullen Name: Marybeth Mullen
Telecopy: (212) 270-0670 Title: Vice President
BARCLAYS BANK PLC,
as Lender
Address:
222 Broadway By /s/ Richard Herder
New York, NY 1003 -------------------
Attn: Richard H. Herder Name: Richard Herder
Telecopy: (212) 412-5610 Title: Director
59
<PAGE>
CAJA MADRID,
as Lender
Address:
Torre Caja Madrid By /s/ Carlos Alonso / /s/ Jose Luis Garcia
P.O. de la Castellana, 189 ----------------------------------------
28046 Madrid, Spain Name: Carlos Alonso / Jose Luis Garcia
Attn: Paul Barrabes Title: Head of International Network /
Telecopy: (3491) 423-95-93 Head of Origination
DGZ - DEKA BANK DEUTSCHE
KOMMUNALBANK,
Address: as Lender
International Finance By /s/ Dr. Nikolaus Hasslinger /
Taunusanlage 10 /s/ Stephan Wagner
D-60329 Frankfurt au Main -----------------------------
Germany Name: Dr. Nikolaus Hasslinger/
Attn: Stephan Wagner Stephan Wagner
Telecopy: (4969) 7147-2171 Title: Senior VP / Senior VP
SWISS RE FINANCIAL PRODUCTS
CORPORATION
as Lender
Address:
55 East 52nd Street By /s/ Frank T. Buziak
New York, New York 10055 --------------------
Attn: Stephen Kruft Name: Frank T. Buziak
Title: Director
By /s/ Prakash Shimpi
------------------
Name: Prakash Shimpi
Title: President & CEO
60
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE I
PART A
Commitments
Municipal Structured
Tranche Tranche
Name Commitment Commitment
- ---- ---------- ----------
Landesbank Baden - Wurttemberg $100,000,000 --
The Bank of New York 48,400,000 $50,000,000
Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen - 55,000,000 25,000,000
Boerenleenbank B.A., "Rabobank
Nederland", New York Branch
Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale 50,000,000 25,000,000
Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale 44,000,000 25,000,000
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch 66,000,000 --
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale 29,400,000 15,000,000
Bank of America, N.A. 26,400,000 15,000,000
First Union 25,800,000 10,000,000
KBC Bank NV 34,400,000 --
Landesbank Hessen - Thueringen 35,000,000 --
Girozentrale
Lloyds TSB 17,600,000 15,000,000
The Chase Manhattan Bank 26,400,000 --
Barclays Bank Plc 22,000,000 --
Caja Madrid 22,000,000 --
DGZ - Deka Bank Deutsche Kommunalbank 17,600,000 --
------------ ------------
Total $620,000,000 $180,000,000
61
<PAGE>
PART B
Part B Banks
The Bank of New York
Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
Bank of America, N.A.
First Union
KBC Bank NV
Lloyds TSB
The Chase Manhattan Bank
Barclays Bank Plc
Caja Madrid
DGZ - Deka Bank Deutsche Konmunalbank
PART C
Part C Banks/Municipal Tranche Contingent Commitments
Municipal Tranche
Name Contingent Commitment
---- ---------------------
Swiss Re Financial Products Corporation $172,000,000
Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale 20,000,000
-----------
Total $192,000,000
62
<PAGE>
PART D
Part D Banks
The Bank of New York
Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
Bank of America, N.A.
First Union
Lloyds TSB
PART E
Part E Banks/Structured Tranche Contingent Commitments
Structured Tranche
Name Contingent Commitment
---- ---------------------
Cooperative Centrale Raiffeisen $66,500,000
Boerenleenbank B.A., "Rabobank
Nederland", New York Branch
-----------
Total $66,500,000
63
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
Undisclosed Liabilities
None
64
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE III
Subsidiaries
Jurisdiction
of
Incorporation Borrower's
Name of or Owner(s) of Equity Percentage
Subsidiary Organization Interests Therein Ownership
- ---------- ------------ ----------------- ---------
Ambac Credit Delaware Ambac Assurance 100%
Products, LLC Corporation
Ambac Credit UK Ambac Credit Products, 100%
Products Limited LLC
Connie Lee Delaware Ambac Assurance 100%
Holdings, Inc. Corporation
Connie Lee Insurance Wisconsin Connie Lee Holdings, 100%
Company Inc.
Ambac Assurance UK UK Ambac Assurance 100%
Limited Corporation
Ambac Private Delaware Ambac Assurance 100%
Holdings, LLC Corporation
Ambac Financial Delaware Ambac Assurance 90%
Services, L.P. Corporation (Ambac
Financial Services
Holdings, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary
of Ambac Financial
Group, Inc. owns the
other 10%)
Ambac Financial Delaware Ambac Financial 100%
Products, Inc. Services, L.P.
65
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE IV
Reinsurance Agreements
Ambac Assurance Corporation
Ceded Par Inforce and Ceded P&I Inforce
for Insured Municipal Obligations
As of September 30,2000
($ millions)
================================================================================
Ceded Par Ceded P & I
Inforce Inforce
======= =======
ERC/Aachen 867.4 1,417.4
American - Re Insurance Company 1,859.6 3,542.0
AXA Re Finance 6,326.4 10,746.7
Capital Reinsurance Company 6,943.0 11,740.0
Enhance Reinsurance Company 9,125.3 15,923.9
Ram Reinsurance Company Ltd. 420.7 783.3
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group plc 776.8 1,259.6
Other 110.1 233.4
------- --------
TOTAL 26,429.2 45,646.3
66
<PAGE>
Ambac Assurance Corporation
Ceded Par Inforce and Ceded P&I Inforce
for Insured Structured Obligations
As of September 30,2000
($ millions)
================================================================================
Ceded Par Ceded P & I
Inforce Inforce
======= =======
American - Re Insurance Company 579.4 579.4
AXA Re Finance 703.1 703.1
Capital Reinsurance Company 395.2 395.2
Enhance Reinsurance Company 309.9 309.9
Ram Reinsurance Company Ltd. 299.9 299.9
Yasuda 84.0 84.0
------- -------
TOTAL 2,371.5 2,371.5
67
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
NOTICE OF BORROWING
[Date]
The Bank of New York,
as Administrative Agent
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10286
Attention: o
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, Ambac Assurance Corporation (the "Borrower"), refers to
the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 2, 2000 (as
modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"; the
terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the Borrower,
various Banks from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as
Co-Syndication Agent, Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as Co-Syndication
Agent, and you, as Administrative Agent for such Banks, and hereby give you
notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement, that the
undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that
connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the
"Proposed Borrowing") as required by Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement:
(i) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is
___________,200_.(1)
(ii) The aggregate principal amount of the Proposed Borrowing is
$_______, consisting of [Municipal Tranche/Structured Tranche] Loans.
(iii) [Schedule 1 hereto contains a description of the
[Municipal/Structured] Loss which the proceeds of the Loan will be applied
to pay, including (a) identification of the Insured [Municipal/Structured]
Obligation which has given rise to such [Municipal/Structured] Loss, (b)
the amount of such [Municipal/Structured] Loss, (c) the amount of the
Permitted [Municipal/Structured] Reserves, if any, being established with
respect to such [Municipal/Structured] Loss and (d) the amount of Pledged
[Municipal/Structured] Premiums, if any, hereafter payable to the Borrower
in respect of such Insured [Municipal/Structured] Obligation.](2)
(iv) [Schedule 1 hereto contains a description of the Permitted
[Municipal/Structured] Reserve which the proceeds of the Loan will be
applied to establish, including (a) an identification of the Insured
[Municipal/Structured] Obligation which is in default or is anticipated to
be in default, (b) the amount of such default, and (c) the amount of
Pledged [Municipal/Structured] Premiums, if any, hereafter payable to the
Borrower in respect of such Insured [Municipal/Structured] Obligation.](2)
- ----------
1 Shall be a Business Day at least two business Days after the date hereof.
2 Include one version of subparagraph (iii).
2 Include one version of subparagraph (iii).
A-1
<PAGE>
The undersigned hereby certifies that the [Municipal/Structured]
Loss Threshold Incurrence Date has occurred on or prior to the date of this
Notice of Borrowing.
Very truly yours,
AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION
By _________________________________
Name:
Title:
A-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B-1
MUNICIPAL TRANCHE NOTE
$___________ New York, New York
________ __, 200_
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION, a Wisconsin stock
insurance corporation (the "Borrower"), hereby promises to pay to the order of
___________ (the "Bank"), in lawful money of the United States of America in
immediately available funds, at the office of The Bank of New York, as
Administrative Agent, located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, on
the Expiry Date (as defined in the hereinafter defined Credit Agreement) the
principal sum of ___________ DOLLARS ($_______) or, if less, the then unpaid
principal amount of all Municipal Tranche Loans (as defined in the Credit
Agreement) made by the Bank pursuant to the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower promises also to pay interest on the unpaid principal
amount hereof in like money at such office at the rates and at the times
provided in Section 2.06 of the Credit Agreement.
This Municipal Tranche Note is one of the Municipal Tranche Notes
referred to in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 2,
2000 (as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, the "Credit
Agreement"), among the Borrower, various Banks from time to time party thereto
(including the Bank), Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agent, Deutsche
Bank AG, New York Branch, as Co-Syndication Agent, and The Bank of New York, as
Administrative Agent, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. This Municipal
Tranche Note is secured by the Security Agreement (as defined in the Credit
Agreement). As provided in the Credit Agreement, this Municipal Tranche Note is
subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the Expiry
Date, in whole or in part.
In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement)
shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on this
Municipal Tranche Note may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and
with the effect provided in the Credit Agreement.
Except as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, the Borrower
hereby waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind in connection
with this Municipal Tranche Note.
The Bank is authorized to record the date and amount of each
Municipal Tranche Loan and each payment and prepayment with respect thereto on
the grid attached hereto or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached
hereto and made a part hereof, and any such notation shall constitute prima
facie evidence of the accuracy of the information so recorded; provided,
however, that the failure to make any such notation shall not affect the
validity of the Borrower's obligations hereunder.
THE PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWER UNDER THIS MUNICIPAL TRANCHE
NOTE ARE LIMITED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.05 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.
B-1-1
<PAGE>
THIS MUNICIPAL TRANCHE NOTE IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE PROVISIONS OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.
THIS MUNICIPAL TRANCHE NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Municipal Tranche
Note to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer on the date
first above written.
AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION
By _________________________________
Title:
B-1-2
<PAGE>
LOAN AND REPAYMENT SCHEDULE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount of Amount of Unpaid
Municipal Principal Principal Maturity Interest Notation
Date Tranche Loan Repayment Balance Date Rate Made By
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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B-1-3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B-2
STRUCTURED TRANCHE NOTE
$___________ New York, New York
________ __, 200_
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION, a Wisconsin stock
insurance corporation (the "Borrower"), hereby promises to pay to the order of
___________ (the "Bank"), in lawful money of the United States of America in
immediately available funds, at the office of The Bank of New York, as
Administrative Agent, located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, on
the Expiry Date (as defined in the hereinafter defined Credit Agreement) the
principal sum of ___________ DOLLARS ($_______) or, if less, the then unpaid
principal amount of all Structured Tranche Loans (as defined in the Credit
Agreement) made by the Bank pursuant to the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower promises also to pay interest on the unpaid principal
amount hereof in like money at such office at the rates and at the times
provided in Section 2.06 of the Credit Agreement.
This Structured Tranche Note is one of the Structured Tranche Notes
referred to in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 2,
2000 (as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, the "Credit
Agreement"), among the Borrower, the various Banks from time to time party
thereto (including the Bank), Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agent,
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as Co-Syndication Agent, and The Bank of New
York, as Administrative Agent, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. This
Structured Tranche Note is secured by the Security Agreement (as defined in the
Credit Agreement). As provided in the Credit Agreement, this Structured Tranche
Note is subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the
Expiry Date, in whole or in part.
In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement)
shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on this
Structured Tranche Note may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and
with the effect provided in the Credit Agreement.
Except as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, the Borrower
hereby waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind in connection
with this Structured Tranche Note.
The Bank is authorized to record the date and amount of each
Structured Tranche Loan and each payment and prepayment with respect thereto on
the grid attached hereto or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached
hereto and made a part hereof, and any such notation shall constitute prima
facie evidence of the accuracy of the information so recorded; provided,
however, that the failure to make any such notation shall not affect the
validity of the Borrower's obligations hereunder.
THE PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWER UNDER THIS STRUCTURED
TRANCHE NOTE ARE LIMITED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.05 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.
B-2-1
<PAGE>
THIS STRUCTURED TRANCHE NOTE IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE PROVISIONS OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.
THIS STRUCTURED TRANCHE NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Structured Tranche
Note to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer on the date
first above written.
AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION
By _________________________________
Title:
B-2-2
<PAGE>
LOAN AND REPAYMENT SCHEDULE
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Structured Principal Principal Maturity Interest Notation
Date Tranche Loan Repayment Balance Date Rate Made By
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B-2-3
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COPY
AMENDED AND RESTATED PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
between
AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
as Collateral Agent
Dated as of December 2, 2000
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.........................................................1
1.01. Defined Terms...................................................1
SECTION 2. SECURITY INTERESTS..................................................5
2.01. Grant of Security Interests.....................................5
2.02. Power of Attorney...............................................6
SECTION 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COLLATERAL ACCOUNTS AND PLEDGED RESERVES
ACCOUNTS, ETC..........................................................6
3.01. Establishment...................................................6
3.02. Deposits........................................................7
3.03. Investment of Funds Deposited in the Collateral Accounts
and Pledged Reserves Accounts...................................8
3.04. Transfers from the Collateral Accounts and Pledged
Reserves Accounts...............................................9
SECTION 4. GENERAL REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS..................11
4.01. Necessary Filings; Consents....................................11
4.02. No Liens.......................................................11
4.03. Other Financing Statements.....................................11
4.04. Chief Executive Office.........................................12
SECTION 5. SPECIAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING RECEIVABLES; CONTRACT RIGHTS;
INSTRUMENTS...........................................................12
5.01. Additional Representations and Warranties......................12
5.02. Maintenance of Records.........................................12
5.03. Direction to Account Debtors; Contracting Parties; Etc.........12
5.04. Modification of Terms; Etc.....................................13
5.05. Collection.....................................................14
5.06. Instruments....................................................14
SECTION 6. PROVISIONS CONCERNING ALL COLLATERAL...............................14
6.01. Protection of Collateral Agent's Security......................14
6.02. Further Actions................................................14
6.03. Financing Statements...........................................14
SECTION 7. REMEDIES UPON OCCURRENCE OF EVENT OF DEFAULT.......................15
7.01. Remedies; Obtaining the Collateral upon Default................15
7.02. Remedies; Disposition of the Collateral........................16
7.03. Waiver of Claims...............................................16
7.04. Application of Proceeds........................................17
7.05. Remedies Cumulative............................................18
7.06. Discontinuance of Proceedings..................................18
7.07. The Pledged Reserves Accounts..................................18
(i)
<PAGE>
Page
----
SECTION 8. MISCELLANEOUS......................................................19
8.01. Notices........................................................19
8.02. Waiver; Amendment..............................................19
8.03. Obligations Absolute...........................................19
8.04. Successors and Assigns.........................................20
8.05. Headings Descriptive, Etc......................................20
8.06. Governing Law..................................................20
8.07. Assignor's Duties..............................................20
8.08. Termination; Partial Release; Release..........................20
8.09. Counterparts...................................................21
8.10. Limitations on Sources of Payment..............................21
8.11. Access to Information..........................................21
ANNEX A Schedule of Existing Financing Statements
(ii)
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of
December 2, 2000, between AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION (the "Assignor") and THE
BANK OF NEW YORK, as Collateral Agent acting in the manner and extent described
herein and in Section 11 of the Credit Agreement defined below (the "Collateral
Agent") for the ratable benefit of the banks, financial institutions and other
institutional lenders (the "Banks") party from time to time to the Credit
Agreement and for the benefit of the counterparties of the Assignor (the "Credit
Derivative Counterparties") party from time to time to the Master Agreement (as
hereinafter defined) and the other Secured Parties (as hereinafter defined).
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the Assignor has entered into the Amended and Restated
Credit Agreement dated as of December 2, 2000, among the Assignor, various
Banks, Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agent, Deutsche Bank AG, New
York Branch, as Co-Syndication Agent, and The Bank of New York, as
Administrative Agent (as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time,
the "Credit Agreement"), and from time to time and under the circumstances
described therein incur Loans under the Credit Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Assignor has entered or may enter into the Master
Agreement (as hereinafter defined) and from time to time and under the
circumstances described therein may issue Settlement Notes (as hereinafter
defined) under the Master Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Assignor and the Collateral Agent are parties to the
Original Security Agreement (as hereinafter defined);
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the occurrence of the
Effective Date of the Credit Agreement that the Assignor and the Collateral
Agent shall have amended and restated the Original Security Agreement as
provided herein; and
WHEREAS, the Assignor desires to execute this Agreement to satisfy
the condition described in the preceding paragraph;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the benefits to the Assignor,
the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Assignor
hereby makes the following representations and warranties to the Collateral
Agent and hereby covenants and agrees with the Collateral Agent for the ratable
benefit of the Secured Parties (as hereinafter defined), and hereby amends and
restates the Original Security Agreement as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
1.01. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized
terms used herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Credit
Agreement. In addition, unless
<PAGE>
otherwise defined herein or in the Credit Agreement, terms defined in Article 8
or 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of New York are used
in this Agreement as such terms are defined in such Article 8 or 9. The
following terms shall have the following meanings (such definitions to be
equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):
"Agreement" shall mean this Amended and Restated Security Agreement,
as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time.
"Assignor" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of
this Agreement.
"Banks" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of
this Agreement.
"Collateral" shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.01(b).
"Collateral Agent" shall have the meaning provided in the first
paragraph of this Agreement.
"Contract" shall mean a Municipal Contract or a Structured Contract.
"Contract Rights" shall mean Municipal Contract Rights or Structured
Contract Rights.
"Credit Agreement" shall have the meaning provided in the
Preliminary Statements.
"Credit Derivative Counterparties" shall have the meaning provided
in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
"Instrument" shall mean a Municipal Instrument or a Structured
Instrument.
"Master Agreement" shall mean the ISDA Master Agreement and Schedule
to be entered into by the Assignor and the Credit Derivative Counterparties, as
modified, supplemented and amended from time to time.
"Municipal Chattel Paper" shall mean any and all chattel paper
evidencing, constituting, securing or relating to any Pledged Municipal
Recovery, Pledged Municipal Premium or Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds.
"Municipal Collateral" shall have the meaning provided in Section
2.01(a).
"Municipal Collateral Account" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.01(a).
"Municipal Contract Rights" shall mean all rights of the Assignor
(including, without limitation, all rights to payment) under each Municipal
Contract.
2
<PAGE>
"Municipal Contracts" shall mean all contracts between the Assignor
and one or more additional parties evidencing, constituting, securing or
relating to any Pledged Municipal Recovery, Pledged Municipal Premium or Pledged
Municipal Reserves Account Funds.
"Municipal Documents" shall mean any and all documents evidencing,
constituting, securing or relating to any Pledged Municipal Recovery, Pledged
Municipal Premium or Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds.
"Municipal General Intangibles" shall mean any and all general
intangibles evidencing, constituting, securing or relating to any Pledged
Municipal Recovery, Pledged Municipal Premium or Pledged Municipal Reserves
Account Funds.
"Municipal Instrument" shall mean any and all instruments
evidencing, constituting, securing or relating to any Pledged Municipal
Recovery, Pledged Municipal Premium or Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds.
"Municipal Obligations" shall mean: (a) all indebtedness,
obligations and liabilities (including, without limitation, guarantees and other
contingent liabilities) of the Assignor to any and all of the Secured Parties
relating to the Municipal Tranche Loans or the Municipal Tranche Settlement
Notes and arising under or in connection with any Transaction Document; (b) any
and all sums advanced by the Collateral Agent or the Banks in order to preserve
the Municipal Collateral or preserve its security interest in the Municipal
Collateral; and (c) in the event of any proceeding for the collection or
enforcement of any indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of the Assignor
referred to in clause (a), after an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the reasonable expenses of re-taking, holding, preparing for sale or
lease, selling or otherwise disposing or realizing on the Municipal Collateral,
or of any exercise by the Collateral Agent of its rights hereunder, together
with reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs.
"Municipal Receivables" shall mean each and every account, now or
hereafter owned by the Assignor evidencing, constituting, securing or relating
to any Pledged Municipal Recovery, Pledged Municipal Premium or Pledged
Municipal Reserves Account Funds.
"Municipal Tranche Settlement Amount" shall mean, with respect to
any Credit Derivative Counterparty, any amount paid by such Credit Derivative
Counterparty to the Assignor under the Master Agreement with respect to any
Municipal Tranche Loan to the extent such Municipal Tranche Loan constitutes a
Defaulted Loan.
"Municipal Tranche Settlement Note" shall mean a promissory note of
the Assignor payable to the order of any Credit Derivative Counterparty,
evidencing the Assignor's obligation to pay the Municipal Tranche Settlement
Amounts delivered by such Credit Derivative Counterparty and to pay interest
thereon as provided therein.
"Original Security Agreement" shall mean the Security Agreement
dated as of December 2, 1993, between the Assignor and Deutsche Bank AG, New
York Branch, as collateral agent, as modified, supplemented and amended from
time to time prior to the date hereof.
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"Permitted Investments" shall have the meaning provided in Section
3.03(a).
"Pledged Municipal Reserves Account" shall have the meaning provided
in Section 3.01(c).
"Pledged Structured Reserves Account" shall have the meaning
provided in Section 3.01(d).
"Receivable" shall mean a Municipal Receivable or a Structured
Receivable.
"Secured Parties" shall mean the Agents, the Banks, the Collateral
Agent and the Credit Derivative Counterparties.
"Settlement Note" shall mean a Municipal Tranche Settlement Note or
a Structured Tranche Settlement Note.
"Structured Chattel Paper" shall mean any and all chattel paper
evidencing, constituting, securing or relating to any Pledged Structured
Recovery, Pledged Structured Premium or Pledged Structured Reserves Account
Funds.
"Structured Collateral" shall have the meaning provided in Section
2.01(b).
"Structured Collateral Account" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.01(b).
"Structured Contract Rights" shall mean all rights of the Assignor
(including, without limitation, all rights to payment) under each Structured
Contract.
"Structured Contracts" shall mean all contracts between the Assignor
and one or more additional parties evidencing, constituting, securing or
relating to any Pledged Structured Recovery, Pledged Structured Premium or
Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds.
"Structured Documents" shall mean any and all documents evidencing,
constituting, securing or relating to any Pledged Structured Recovery, Pledged
Structured Premium or Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds.
"Structured General Intangibles" shall mean any and all general
intangibles evidencing, constituting, securing or relating to any Pledged
Structured Recovery, Pledged Structured Premium or Pledged Structured Reserves
Account Funds.
"Structured Instrument" shall mean any and all instruments
evidencing, constituting, securing or relating to any Pledged Structured
Recovery, Pledged Structured Premium or Pledged Structured Reserves Account
Funds.
"Structured Obligations" shall mean: (a) all indebtedness,
obligations and liabilities (including, without limitation, guarantees and other
contingent liabilities) of the Assignor to any and all of the Secured Parties
relating to the Structured Tranche Loans or the Structured Tranche Settlement
Notes and arising under or in connection with any Transaction
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Document; (b) any and all sums advanced by the Collateral Agent or the Banks in
order to preserve the Structured Collateral or preserve its security interest in
the Structured Collateral; and (c) in the event of any proceeding for the
collection or enforcement of any indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of the
Assignor referred to in clause (a), after an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, the reasonable expenses of re-taking, holding,
preparing for sale or lease, selling or otherwise disposing or realizing on the
Structured Collateral, or of any exercise by the Collateral Agent of its rights
hereunder, together with reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs.
"Structured Receivables" shall mean each and every account, now or
hereafter owned by the Assignor evidencing, constituting, securing or relating
to any Pledged Structured Recovery, Pledged Structured Premium or Pledged
Structured Reserves Account Funds.
"Structured Tranche Settlement Amount" shall mean, with respect to
any Credit Derivative Counterparty, any amount paid by such Credit Derivative
Counterparty to the Assignor under the Master Agreement with respect to any
Structured Tranche Loan to the extent such Structured Tranche Loan constitutes a
Defaulted Loan.
"Structured Tranche Settlement Note" shall mean a promissory note of
the Assignor payable to the order of any Credit Derivative Counterparty,
evidencing the Assignor's obligation to pay the Structured Tranche Settlement
Amounts delivered by such Credit Derivative Counterparty and to pay interest
thereon as provided therein.
"Transaction Documents" shall mean the Credit Documents, the Master
Agreement and the Settlement Agreement Notes.
SECTION 2. SECURITY INTERESTS
2.01. Grant of Security Interests. (a) As security for the prompt
and complete payment and performance when due of all of its Municipal
Obligations, the Assignor does hereby pledge, assign and transfer unto the
Collateral Agent, and does hereby grant to the Collateral Agent for the ratable
benefit of the Secured Parties a continuing security interest in, all of the
right, title and interest of the Assignor in, to and under all of the following,
whether now existing or hereafter from time to time acquired: (i) each and every
Pledged Municipal Recovery, (ii) each and every Pledged Municipal Premium, (iii)
any and all Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds, (iv) each and every
Municipal Receivable; (v) all Municipal Contracts, together with all Municipal
Contract Rights arising thereunder; (vi) the Municipal Collateral Account and
the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account and all monies, securities and
instruments deposited or required to be deposited in such accounts and all
investments from time to time therein; (vii) all other Municipal General
Intangibles, Municipal Chattel Paper, Municipal Documents and Municipal
Instruments; and (viii) all proceeds and all additions, replacements and
substitutions relating to or of any and all of the foregoing (all of the above,
collectively, the "Municipal Collateral").
(b) As security for the prompt and complete payment and performance
when due of all of its Structured Obligations, the Assignor does hereby pledge,
assign and transfer unto the Collateral Agent, and does hereby grant to the
Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the
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Secured Parties a continuing security interest in, all of the right, title and
interest of the Assignor in, to and under all of the following, whether now
existing or hereafter from time to time acquired: (i) each and every Pledged
Structured Recovery, (ii) each and every Pledged Structured Premium, (iii) any
and all Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds, (iv) each and every
Structured Receivable; (v) all Structured Contracts, together with all
Structured Contract Rights arising thereunder; (vi) the Structured Collateral
Account and the Pledged Structured Reserves Account and all monies, securities
and instruments deposited or required to be deposited in such accounts and all
investments from time to time therein; (vii) all other Structured General
Intangibles, Structured Chattel Paper, Structured Documents and Structured
Instruments; and (viii) all proceeds and all additions, replacements and
substitutions relating to or of any and all of the foregoing (all of the above,
collectively, the "Structured Collateral" and, together with the Municipal
Collateral, the "Collateral").
2.02. Power of Attorney. The Assignor hereby constitutes and
appoints the Collateral Agent its true and lawful attorney, irrevocably, with
full power after the occurrence of an Event of Default (in the name of the
Assignor or otherwise) to act, require, demand, receive, compound and give
acquittance for any and all monies and claims for monies due or to become due to
the Assignor under or arising out of the Collateral, to endorse any checks or
other instruments or orders in connection therewith and to file any claims or
take any action or institute any proceedings which the Collateral Agent may deem
to be necessary or advisable in the premises, which appointment as attorney is
coupled with an interest.
SECTION 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COLLATERAL ACCOUNTS AND PLEDGED RESERVES
ACCOUNTS, ETC.
3.01. Establishment. (a) The Collateral Agent has established in its
own name an account (Account No. 8900444894) for purposes of this Agreement
(such account and any subaccounts thereunder from time to time, the "Municipal
Collateral Account"). All Municipal Collateral to the extent constituting cash
proceeds (other than Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds) will be deposited
in the Municipal Collateral Account. Subject to the provisions of this
Agreement, the Municipal Collateral Account shall be under the sole dominion and
control of the Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have the sole
right to make withdrawals from the Municipal Collateral Account and to exercise
all rights with respect to the Municipal Collateral from time to time therein.
All Municipal Collateral to the extent constituting cash proceeds (other than
Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds) delivered to or held by or on behalf
of, and not released by, the Collateral Agent pursuant hereto shall be held in
the Municipal Collateral Account in accordance with the provisions hereof.
(b) The Collateral Agent has established in its own name an account
(Account No. 8900444908) for purposes of this Agreement (such account and any
subaccounts thereunder from time to time, the "Structured Collateral Account").
All Structured Collateral to the extent constituting cash proceeds (other than
Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds) will be deposited in the Structured
Collateral Account. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Structured
Collateral Account shall be under the sole dominion and control of the
Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have the sole right to make
withdrawals from the Structured Collateral Account and to exercise all rights
with respect to the Structured Collateral from time
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to time therein. All Structured Collateral to the extent constituting cash
proceeds (other than Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds) delivered to or
held by or on behalf of, and not released by, the Collateral Agent pursuant
hereto shall be held in the Structured Collateral Account in accordance with the
provisions hereof.
(c) The Collateral Agent has established in its own name an account
(Account No. 8900444916) for purposes of this Agreement (such account and any
subaccounts thereunder from time to time, the "Pledged Municipal Reserves
Account"). All Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds shall be deposited in
the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account. Except as otherwise provided herein, the
Pledged Municipal Reserves Account shall be under the sole dominion and control
of the Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have the sole right to
make withdrawals from the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account. All Pledged
Municipal Reserves Account Funds delivered to, or held by or on behalf of, and
not released by, the Collateral Agent pursuant hereto shall be held in the
Pledged Municipal Reserves Account in accordance with the provisions hereof.
(d) The Collateral Agent has established in its own name an account
(Account No. 8900444924) for purposes of this Agreement (such account and any
subaccounts thereunder from time to time, the "Pledged Structured Reserves
Account"). All Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds shall be deposited in
the Pledged Structured Reserves Account. Except as otherwise provided herein,
the Pledged Structured Reserves Account shall be under the sole dominion and
control of the Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have the sole
right to make withdrawals from the Pledged Structured Reserves Account. All
Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds delivered to, or held by or on behalf
of, and not released by, the Collateral Agent pursuant hereto shall be held in
the Pledged Structured Reserves Account in accordance with the provisions
hereof.
3.02. Deposits. (a) From and after the Municipal Loss Threshold
Incurrence Date, the Assignor will cause all Pledged Municipal Recoveries to the
extent constituting cash proceeds received by it from and after the Municipal
Loss Threshold Incurrence Date to be promptly (and in any event within one
Business Day) following receipt thereof by the Assignor to be deposited into the
Municipal Collateral Account and prior to such deposit any such cash proceeds
will be held by the Assignor in trust and for the ratable benefit of the Secured
Parties.
(b) From and after the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date,
the Assignor will cause all Pledged Structured Recoveries to the extent
constituting cash proceeds received by it from and after the Structured Loss
Threshold Incurrence Date to be promptly (and in any event within one Business
Day) following receipt thereof by the Assignor to be deposited into the
Structured Collateral Account and prior to such deposit any such cash proceeds
will be held by the Assignor in trust and for the ratable benefit of the Secured
Parties.
(c) From and after the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, the
Assignor will cause all Pledged Municipal Premiums to the extent constituting
cash proceeds received by it from and after the Municipal Loss Threshold
Incurrence Date to be promptly (and in any event within one Business Day)
following receipt thereof by the Assignor to be deposited into the Municipal
Collateral Account and prior to such deposit any such cash proceeds will be held
by the Assignor in trust and for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties.
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(d) From and after the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date,
the Assignor will cause all Pledged Structured Premiums to the extent
constituting cash proceeds received by it from and after the Structured Loss
Threshold Incurrence Date to be promptly (and in any event within one Business
Day) following receipt thereof by the Assignor to be deposited into the
Structured Collateral Account and prior to such deposit any such cash proceeds
will be held by the Assignor in trust and for the ratable benefit of the Secured
Parties.
(e) The Assignor hereby irrevocably instructs the Collateral Agent
to deposit any and all Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds and all Pledged
Structured Reserves Account Funds directly into the Pledged Municipal Reserves
Account or Pledged Structured Reserves Account, as applicable, on the date a
Loan in respect of such Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds or Pledged
Structured Reserves Account, as applicable, is made.
3.03. Investment of Funds Deposited in the Collateral Accounts and
Pledged Reserves Accounts. (a) Until the date on which all Municipal Obligations
(other than Municipal Obligations relating to indemnities to the extent
indemnity claims have not been requested or previously requested at the time the
other Municipal Obligations are paid in full) have been paid in full, and so
long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent
will from time to time, at the request of the Assignor, invest funds on deposit
in the Municipal Collateral Account and Pledged Municipal Reserves Account in
such investments as the Assignor instructs in writing, or in the absence of such
request or instruction, in accordance with its customary practice (investments
permitted under this Section 3.03, are herein called "Permitted Investments")
in: (i) direct and general obligations of the United States Government or any
agency thereof and obligations guaranteed by the United States Government, due
within six months from the date of purchase and payable in the United States of
America in dollars of the United States of America, (ii) certificates of deposit
of, or demand or time deposits in, or money market funds of a commercial bank or
financial institution rated Aa or P-1 or equivalent or better by Moody's and AA
or A-1 or equivalent or better by S&P, and (iii) commercial paper rated at least
A-1 or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof
by Moody's and maturing within 90 days after the date of acquisition of such
commercial paper.
(b) Until the date on which all Structured Obligations (other than
Structured Obligations relating to indemnities to the extent indemnity claims
have not been requested or previously requested at the time the other Structured
Obligations are paid in full) have been paid in full, and so long as no Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent will from time to
time, at the request of the Assignor, invest funds on deposit in the Structured
Collateral Account and Pledged Structured Reserves Account in such Permitted
Investments as the Assignor instructs in writing, or in the absence of such
request or instruction, in accordance with its customary practice.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 3.03 or in Section
3.04, all proceeds of Permitted Investments (and any instruments evidencing
same), shall be held in the Municipal Collateral Account, the Structured
Collateral Account, the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account or the Pledged
Structured Reserves Account (as applicable) as part of the Collateral. All such
investments shall be made in the name of the Collateral Agent. Subject to
Sections 4.05 and 11.02 of the Credit Agreement, all risk of loss in respect of
investments made pursuant to this Section 3.03 shall be on the Assignor.
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3.04. Transfers from the Collateral Accounts and Pledged Reserves
Accounts. (a) The Collateral Agent shall transfer immediately available funds to
the Administrative Agent on each date principal of a Municipal Tranche Loan is
required to be paid pursuant to Section 3.04 of the Credit Agreement or pursuant
to a Municipal Tranche Note or a Municipal Tranche Settlement Note or interest
thereon is required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.06 of the Credit Agreement
or pursuant to a Municipal Tranche Settlement Note an amount equal to the lesser
of (i) the credit balance of the Municipal Collateral Account on such date and
(ii) the aggregate amount of such principal and/or interest required to be paid
on such date in payment for the account of the Assignor of such principal and
interest.
(b) The Collateral Agent shall transfer immediately available funds
to the Administrative Agent on each date principal of a Structured Tranche Loan
is required to be paid pursuant to Section 3.04 of the Credit Agreement or
pursuant to a Structured Tranche Note or Structured Tranche Settlement Note or
interest thereon is required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.06 of the Credit
Agreement or pursuant to a Structured Tranche Settlement Note an amount equal to
the lesser of (i) the credit balance of the Structured Collateral Account on
such date and (ii) the aggregate amount of such principal and/or interest
required to be paid on such date in payment for the account of the Assignor of
such principal and interest.
(c) Promptly upon receipt of any written instruction of the Assignor
on any Business Day during regular business hours, the Collateral Agent shall
transfer to the Administrative Agent immediately available funds in an amount
equal to the lesser of (i) the credit balance of the Municipal Collateral
Account or the Structured Collateral Account, as applicable, on such Business
Day and (ii) the amount of (x) Fees relating to Municipal Tranche Commitments or
Structured Tranche Commitments, respectively, when due and payable on such
Business Day pursuant to Section 3.01 of the Credit Agreement or (y) any
prepayment of Municipal Tranche Loans, or Municipal Tranche Settlement Notes, in
the case of the funds transferred from the Municipal Collateral Account, or
Structured Tranche Loans, or Structured Tranche Settlement Notes, in the case of
funds transferred from the Structured Collateral Account, to be made on such
Business Day pursuant to Section 4.01 of the Credit Agreement, in payment for
the account of the Assignor of such Fees or the amount of such prepayment, as
applicable.
(d) Prior to the date of the first borrowing of Municipal Tranche
Loans and so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Assignor may from time to time on any Business Day during
regular business hours instruct the Collateral Agent to transfer immediately
available funds in an amount equal to all or a portion of the credit balance in
the Municipal Collateral Account to the Assignor, and prior to the date of the
first borrowing of Structured Tranche Loans and so long as no Default or Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Assignor may from time to time on
any Business Day during regular business hours instruct the Collateral Agent to
transfer immediately available funds in an amount equal to all or a portion of
the credit balance in the Structured Collateral Account to the Assignor, in each
case as determined below. Any such instruction (i) shall contain a certification
by an Authorized Officer of the Assignor that (x) no Default or Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing and (y) and to the best of such Authorized
Officer's knowledge, there is no reasonable likelihood that the initial
Borrowing of Municipal Tranche Loans or Structured Tranche Loans, as applicable,
shall occur within three months of the date of such instruction and (ii) shall
specify
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the amount requested to be so transferred. Notwithstanding the delivery of any
such instruction, it is hereby expressly acknowledged by the parties hereto that
the initial Borrowing of Municipal Tranche Loans or Structured Tranche Loans, as
applicable, shall occur on any day on which the conditions to the occurrence of
such Borrowing are satisfied or waived in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
Promptly upon receipt of any such instruction on any Business Day, the
Collateral Agent shall transfer to the Assignor on such Business Day (at such
account as the Assignor shall specify in such instruction) immediately available
funds in an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the credit balance of the
Municipal Collateral Account or Structured Collateral Account, as applicable, on
such Business Day and (b) the amount specified in such instruction. Any transfer
to the Assignor made pursuant to this Section 3.04(d) shall be made free and
clear of any pledge or security interest hereunder.
(e) Promptly upon receipt of a copy of a Pledged Municipal Reserves
Release Notice or Pledged Structured Reserves Release Notice on any Business Day
during regular business hours, the Collateral Agent shall transfer to the
Administrative Agent on such Business Day immediately available funds in an
amount equal to the lesser of (i) the credit balance of the Pledged Municipal
Reserves Account or Pledged Structured Reserves Account, respectively, on such
Business Day and (ii) the sum of (A) the amount of Pledged Municipal Reserves
Account Funds or Pledged Structured Reserves Funds, respectively, set forth in
the related Pledged Reserves Release Notice to be applied to the Assignor's
Obligations to prepay Municipal Tranche Loans or Structured Tranche Loans,
respectively, under Section 4.02 of the Credit Agreement in payment for the
account of the Assignor of such Obligations plus (B) an amount equal to the
interest and other earnings on such Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds or
Pledged Structured Reserves Funds, respectively, to be applied to the Assignor's
Obligations to pay interest on Municipal Tranche Loans or Structured Tranche
Loans, respectively, under Section 2.06 of the Credit Agreement in payment for
the account of the Assignor of such Obligations.
(f) From time to time, the Assignor may apply Pledged Municipal
Reserves Account Funds and other Municipal Collateral contained in the Pledged
Municipal Reserves Account to Municipal Losses, and from time to time, the
Assignor may apply Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds and other
Structured Collateral contained in the Pledged Structured Reserves Account to
Structured Losses. In the event that the Assignor shall so apply any Pledged
Municipal Reserves Account Funds, Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds
and/or any such other Collateral, it shall give written notice to the Collateral
Agent and the Administrative Agent thereof. Any such notice shall (i) set forth
in reasonable detail (x) the relevant Insured Municipal Obligation or Insured
Structured Obligation, as applicable, (y) the default by the issuer of the
relevant Insured Municipal Obligation or Insured Structured Obligation, as
applicable, and (z) the amount of the Municipal Loss or Structured Loss, as
applicable, relating to such Insured Municipal Obligation or Insured Structured
Obligation, as applicable, to which such Pledged Municipal Reserves Account
Funds and/or other Municipal Collateral or Pledged Structured Reserves Account
Funds and/or other Structured Collateral shall be applied and (ii) shall contain
a representation, warranty and covenant that promptly upon receipt of any
Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds or Pledged Structured Reserves Account
Funds released in accordance with this Section 3.04(e), the Assignor shall apply
the same to the Municipal Loss or Structured Loss, as applicable, described in
such request. Notwithstanding the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default,
the Collateral Agent shall
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transfer to the Assignor promptly following receipt of any such notice on any
Business Day during regular business hours, in immediately available funds and
at such account as the Assignor shall specify in such instructions, an amount
equal to the lesser of (i) the credit balance of the Pledged Municipal Reserves
Account or Pledged Structured Reserves Account, as applicable, on such Business
Day and (ii) the amount set forth in such notice. Any transfer to the Assignor
made pursuant to this Section 3.04(f) shall be made free and clear of any pledge
or security interest hereunder.
(g) Any instruction given by the Assignor to the Collateral Agent
pursuant to Sections 3.04(a) through (f) inclusive shall be deemed to have been
given on a certain Business Day only if it is received by the Collateral Agent
on or prior to 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on such Business Day. In the event that
the Collateral Agent receives any such instruction after 1:00 p.m. (New York
time) on any Business Day, such instruction shall be deemed to have been given
on the immediately succeeding Business Day.
SECTION 4. GENERAL REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS
The Assignor represents, warrants and covenants, which
representations, warranties and covenants shall survive execution and delivery
of this Agreement, as follows:
4.01. Necessary Filings; Consents. Upon the proper filing of the
financing statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.05 of the Credit Agreement
and from and after the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date or Structured
Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, as applicable, the pledge, assignment and
delivery of the Municipal Collateral or Structured Collateral, as applicable,
and the security interest granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to this
Agreement in and to such Collateral will constitute a valid and enforceable
perfected first priority security interest therein (except that the Collateral
may be subject to Permitted Liens) and will be entitled to all the rights,
priorities and benefits afforded by the Uniform Commercial Code or other
relevant law to perfected security interests. No consent of any party and no
consent, license, permit, approval or authorization, exemption by, notice or
report to, or registration, filing or declaration which has not already been
made or obtained is required to be obtained by the Assignor in connection with
the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement.
4.02. No Liens. The Collateral arising from time to time will be
free from any Lien or other right, title or interest of any Person (other than
Permitted Liens), and the Assignor reasonably shall defend the Collateral
against all claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming the same or
any interest therein adverse to the Collateral Agent or the Banks.
4.03. Other Financing Statements. There is no financing statement
(or similar statement or instrument of registration under the law of any
jurisdiction) covering or purporting to cover any interest of the Assignor of
any kind in the Collateral except as disclosed in Annex A and so long as the
Commitments have not been terminated or any of the Obligations remain unpaid,
the Assignor will not execute or authorize to be filed in any public office any
financing statement (or similar statement or instrument of registration under
the law of any jurisdiction) or
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statements relating to the Collateral, except financing statements filed or to
be filed in respect of and covering the security interests granted hereby by the
Assignor.
4.04. Chief Executive Office. The chief executive office of the
Assignor is located at One State Street Plaza, New York, New York 10004. The
Assignor will not move its chief executive office except to such new location as
the Assignor may establish in accordance with the last sentence of this Section
4.04. The Assignor shall not establish a new chief executive office until (i) it
shall have given to the Collateral Agent not less than 45 days' prior written
notice of its intention so to do, clearly describing such new location and
providing such other information in connection therewith as the Collateral Agent
may reasonably request and (ii) with respect to such new location, it shall have
taken all action, satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, to maintain the security
interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral intended to be granted hereby
at all times fully perfected and in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. SPECIAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING RECEIVABLES; CONTRACT
RIGHTS; INSTRUMENTS
5.01. Additional Representations and Warranties. As of the time when
each of its Receivable arises, the Assignor shall be deemed to have represented
and warranted that such Receivable, and all records, papers and documents
relating thereto (if any) are genuine and in all respects what they purport to
be, and that all papers and documents (if any) relating thereto (i) will
evidence true and valid obligations, enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms and (ii) will be in compliance and will conform with all
applicable federal, state and local laws and applicable laws of any relevant
foreign jurisdiction.
5.02. Maintenance of Records. The Assignor will keep and maintain at
its own cost and expense satisfactory and complete records of its Receivables
and Contracts, including, but not limited to, records of all payments received,
all credits granted thereon, and all other dealings therewith, and the Assignor
will make the same available to the Collateral Agent for inspection, at the
Assignor's own cost and expense, at any and all reasonable times upon reasonable
demand. The Assignor shall, at its own cost and expense, deliver all tangible
evidence of its Receivables and Contract Rights (including, without limitation,
all documents evidencing the Receivables and all Contracts) and such books and
records to the Collateral Agent or to its representatives (copies of which
evidence and books and records may be retained by the Assignor) at any
reasonable time upon its reasonable demand. If the Collateral Agent so directs,
the Assignor shall legend, in form and manner reasonably satisfactory to the
Collateral Agent, books, records and documents of the Assignor evidencing or
pertaining to the Receivables or Contracts with an appropriate reference to the
fact that the Receivables and Contracts have been assigned to the Collateral
Agent and that the Collateral Agent has a security interest therein.
5.03. Direction to Account Debtors; Contracting Parties; Etc. (a)
Upon the occurrence or continuance of an Event of Default after the Municipal
Loss Threshold Incurrence Date provided that the Collateral Agent so directs,
the Assignor agrees (i) to instruct account debtors to make all payments on
account of the Municipal Receivables and Municipal Contracts to be made directly
to the Municipal Collateral Account and (ii) that the Collateral Agent may, at
its option, directly notify the obligors with respect to any Municipal
Receivables and/or under
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<PAGE>
any Municipal Contracts to make payments with respect thereto as provided in the
preceding clause (i). Without notice to or assent by the Assignor, the
Collateral Agent may apply any or all amounts then in, or thereafter deposited
in, the Municipal Collateral Account in the manner provided in Section 7.04 of
this Agreement. The costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) of
collection, whether incurred by the Assignor or the Collateral Agent, shall be
borne by the Assignor.
(b) Upon the occurrence or continuance of an Event of Default after
the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date provided that the Collateral Agent
so directs, the Assignor agrees (i) to instruct account debtors to make all
payments on account of the Structured Receivables and Structured Contracts to be
made directly to the Structured Collateral Account and (ii) that the Collateral
Agent may, at its option, directly notify the obligors with respect to any
Structured Receivables and/or under any Structured Contracts to make payments
with respect thereto as provided in the preceding clause (i). Without notice to
or assent by the Assignor, the Collateral Agent may apply any or all amounts
then in, or thereafter deposited in, the Structured Collateral Account in the
manner provided in Section 7.04 of this Agreement. The costs and expenses
(including attorneys' fees) of collection, whether incurred by the Assignor or
the Collateral Agent, shall be borne by the Assignor.
5.04. Modification of Terms; Etc. (a) From and after the Municipal
Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, the Assignor shall not rescind or cancel any
indebtedness evidenced by any Municipal Receivable or under any Municipal
Contract, or modify in any material respect any term thereof or make any
adjustment with respect thereto, or extend or renew the same, or compromise or
settle any dispute, claim, suit or legal proceeding relating thereto, or sell
any Municipal Receivable or Municipal Contract, or interest therein, without the
prior written consent of the Collateral Agent, except, prior to the occurrence
of an Event of Default, the Borrower may take any action described above to the
extent such action is (i) in accordance with its ordinary course of business,
(ii) in accordance with its sound business judgment, or (iii) commercially
reasonable. From and after the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, the
Assignor will duly fulfill all obligations on its part to be fulfilled under or
in connection with the Municipal Receivables and Municipal Contracts and will do
nothing to materially impair the rights of the Collateral Agent in the Municipal
Receivables or Municipal Contracts.
(b) From and after the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date,
the Assignor shall not rescind or cancel any indebtedness evidenced by any
Structured Receivable or under any Structured Contract, or modify in any
material respect any term thereof or make any adjustment with respect thereto,
or extend or renew the same, or compromise or settle any dispute, claim, suit or
legal proceeding relating thereto, or sell any Structured Receivable or
Structured Contract, or interest therein, without the prior written consent of
the Collateral Agent, except, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default,
the Borrower may take any action described above to the extent such action is
(i) in accordance with its ordinary course of business, (ii) in accordance with
its sound business judgment, or (iii) commercially reasonable. From and after
the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, the Assignor will duly fulfill
all obligations on its part to be fulfilled under or in connection with the
Structured Receivables and Structured Contracts and will do nothing to
materially impair the rights of the Collateral Agent in the Structured
Receivables or Structured Contracts.
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<PAGE>
5.05. Collection. Without limiting the rights of the Assignor with
respect to the Receivables and Contracts as set forth in Section 5.04, the
Assignor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be collected
from the account debtor named in each of its Receivables or obligor under any
Contract, as and when due (including, without limitation, amounts which are
delinquent, such amounts to be collected in accordance with generally accepted
lawful collection procedures) any and all amounts owing under or on account of
such Receivable or Contract, and apply forthwith upon receipt thereof all such
amounts as are so collected to the outstanding balance of such Receivable or
under such Contract.
5.06. Instruments. If the Assignor owns and acquires possession of
any Municipal Instrument from and after the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence
Date or any Structured Instrument from and after the Structured Loss Threshold
Incurrence Date, the Assignor will within 10 days notify the Collateral Agent
thereof, and upon request by the Collateral Agent promptly deliver such
Instrument to the Collateral Agent appropriately endorsed to the order of the
Collateral Agent as further security hereunder.
SECTION 6. PROVISIONS CONCERNING ALL COLLATERAL
6.01. Protection of Collateral Agent's Security. (a) From and after
the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date, the Assignor will do nothing to
materially impair the rights of the Collateral Agent in the Municipal
Collateral.
(b) From and after the Structured Loss Threshold Incurrence Date,
the Assignor will do nothing to materially impair the rights of the Collateral
Agent in the Structured Collateral.
6.02. Further Actions. The Assignor will, at its own expense, make,
execute, endorse, acknowledge, file and/or deliver to the Collateral Agent from
time to time such lists, descriptions and designations of its Collateral,
vouchers, invoices, schedules, confirmatory assignments, conveyances, financing
statements, transfer endorsements, powers of attorney, certificates, reports and
other assurances or instruments and take such further steps relating to the
Collateral and other property or rights covered by the security interest hereby
granted, which the Collateral Agent deems reasonably appropriate or advisable to
perfect, preserve or protect its security interest in the Collateral.
6.03. Financing Statements. The Assignor agrees to assign and
deliver to the Collateral Agent such financing statements, in form acceptable to
the Collateral Agent, as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably
request or as are necessary or desirable in the opinion of the Collateral Agent
to establish and maintain a valid, enforceable, first priority security interest
in the Collateral as provided herein and the other rights and security
contemplated herein, all in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code as
enacted in any and all relevant jurisdictions or any other relevant law. The
Assignor will pay any applicable filing fees and related expenses. The Assignor
authorizes the Collateral Agent to file any such financing statements without
the signature of the Assignor where permitted by applicable law.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 7. REMEDIES UPON OCCURRENCE OF EVENT OF DEFAULT
7.01. Remedies; Obtaining the Collateral upon Default. Except as
otherwise provided in Section 7.07 hereof or otherwise expressly provided herein
or in any other Credit Document, the Assignor agrees that, if any Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, then and in every such case,
subject to any mandatory requirements of applicable law then in effect, the
Collateral Agent, in addition to any rights now or hereafter existing under
applicable law, shall have all rights as a secured creditor under the Uniform
Commercial Code or other applicable law in all relevant jurisdictions and may:
(a) personally, or by agents or attorneys, immediately retake
possession of the Collateral or any part thereof, from the Assignor or any
other Person who then has possession of any part thereof with or without
notice or process of law, and for that purpose may enter upon the
Assignor's premises where any of the Collateral is located and remove the
same and use in connection with such removal any and all services,
supplies, aids and other facilities of the Assignor; and
(b) instruct the obligor or obligors on any agreement, instrument or
other obligation (including, without limitation, the Receivables)
constituting the Collateral to make any payment required by the terms of
such instrument or agreement directly to the Collateral Agent; and
(c) withdraw all monies, securities and instruments in the Municipal
Collateral Account or the Structured Collateral Account (including any
Permitted Investment) for application to the Municipal Obligations or
Structured Obligations, as applicable; and
(d) sell, assign or otherwise liquidate, or direct the Assignor to
sell, assign or otherwise liquidate, any or all of the Collateral or any
part thereof, and take possession of the proceeds of any such sale or
liquidation; and
(e) take possession of the Collateral or any part thereof, by
directing the Assignor in writing to deliver the same to the Collateral
Agent at any place or places designated by the Collateral Agent, in which
event the Assignor shall at its own expense:
(i) forthwith cause the same to be moved to the place or
places so designated by the Collateral Agent and there delivered to
the Collateral Agent,
(ii) store and keep any Collateral so delivered to the
Collateral Agent at such place or places pending further action by
the Collateral Agent as provided in Section 7.02, and
(iii) while the Collateral shall be so stored and kept,
provide such guards and maintenance services as shall be necessary
to protect the same and to preserve and maintain them in good
condition;
it being understood that the Assignor's obligation so to deliver the
Collateral in its possession is of the essence of this Agreement and that,
accordingly, upon application to
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<PAGE>
a court of equity having jurisdiction, the Collateral Agent shall be
entitled to a decree requiring specific performance by the Assignor of
such obligation.
7.02. Remedies; Disposition of the Collateral. Except as otherwise
provided in Section 7.07 hereof or otherwise expressly provided herein or in any
other Credit Document, any Collateral repossessed by the Collateral Agent under
or pursuant to Section 7.01, and any other Collateral whether or not so
repossessed by the Collateral Agent, may be sold, assigned, leased or otherwise
disposed of under one or more contracts or as an entirety, and without the
necessity of gathering at the place of sale the property to be sold, and in
general in such manner, at such time or times, at such place or places and on
such terms as the Collateral Agent may, in compliance with any mandatory
requirements of applicable law, determine to be commercially reasonable. Any of
the Collateral may be sold, leased or otherwise disposed of, in the condition in
which the same existed when taken by the Collateral Agent or after any overhaul
or repair which the Collateral Agent shall determine to be commercially
reasonable. Any such disposition which shall be a private sale or other private
proceeding permitted by such requirements shall be made upon not less than 10
days' written notice to the Assignor specifying the time at which such
disposition is to be made and the intended sale price or other consideration
therefor, and shall be subject, for the 10 days after the giving of such notice,
to the right of the Assignor or any nominee of the Assignor to acquire the
Collateral involved at a price or for such other consideration at least equal to
the intended sale price or other consideration so specified. Any such
disposition which shall be a public sale permitted by such requirements shall be
made upon not less than 10 days' written notice to the Assignor specifying the
time and place of such sale and, in the absence of applicable requirements of
law, shall be by public auction (which may, at the Collateral Agent's option, be
subject to reserve), after publication of notice of such auction not less than
10 days prior thereto in two newspapers in general circulation in New York City.
To the extent permitted by any such requirement of law, the Collateral Agent may
bid for and become the purchaser of the Collateral or any item thereof, offered
for sale in accordance with this Section 7.02 without accountability to the
Assignor (except to the extent of surplus money received as provided in Section
7.04). If, under mandatory requirements of applicable law, the Collateral Agent
shall be required to make disposition of the Collateral within a period of time
which does not permit the giving of notice to the Assignor as hereinabove
specified, the Collateral Agent need give the Assignor only such notice of
disposition as shall be reasonably practicable in view of such mandatory
requirements of applicable law.
7.03. Waiver of Claims. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, THE ASSIGNOR HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE
LAW, NOTICE AND JUDICIAL HEARING IN CONNECTION WITH THE COLLATERAL AGENT'S
TAKING POSSESSION OR THE COLLATERAL AGENT'S DISPOSITION OF ANY OF THE
COLLATERAL, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY AND ALL PRIOR NOTICE AND HEARING
FOR ANY PREJUDGMENT REMEDY OR REMEDIES AND ANY SUCH RIGHT WHICH ASSIGNOR WOULD
OTHERWISE HAVE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OR ANY STATUTE OF THE UNITED STATES OR OF
ANY STATE, and the Assignor hereby further waives, to the extent permitted by
law:
(a) all damages occasioned by such taking of possession except any
damages which are the direct result of the Collateral Agent's gross
negligence or willful misconduct;
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<PAGE>
(b) all other requirements as to the time, place and terms of sale
or other requirements with respect to the enforcement of the Collateral
Agent's rights hereunder; and
(c) all rights of appraisement, valuation, stay, extension or
moratorium now or hereafter in force under any applicable law in order to
prevent or delay the enforcement of this Agreement or the absolute sale of
the Collateral or any portion thereof, and the Assignor, for itself and
all who may claim under it, insofar as it or they now or hereafter
lawfully may, hereby waives the benefit of all such laws.
Any sale of, or the grant of options to purchase, or any other realization upon,
any Collateral shall operate to divest all right, title, interest, claim and
demand, either at law or in equity, of the Assignor therein and thereto, and
shall be a perpetual bar both at law and in equity against the Assignor and
against any and all Persons claiming or attempting to claim the Collateral so
sold, optioned or realized upon, or any part thereof, from, through and under
the Assignor.
7.04. Application of Proceeds. (a) The proceeds of any Municipal
Collateral obtained pursuant to Section 7.01 or disposed of pursuant to Section
7.02 shall be applied as follows:
(i) to the payment of any and all expenses and fees (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by the Collateral Agent in obtaining,
taking possession of, removing, insuring, repairing, storing and disposing
of Municipal Collateral and any and all amounts incurred by the Collateral
Agent in connection therewith;
(ii) next, any surplus then remaining to the payment of the
Municipal Obligations in the following order of priority:
(A) all interest accrued and unpaid,
(B) the principal amount owing on the Municipal Tranche Loans
and Municipal Tranche Settlement Notes,
(C) the Fees relating to Municipal Tranche Commitments then
owing to the Banks or the Administrative Agent, and
(D) all other Municipal Obligations then owing;
(iii) if the Municipal Tranche Commitment relating to Municipal
Tranche Commitments is then terminated and no other Municipal Obligation
or Structured Obligation, as applicable, is outstanding, any surplus then
remaining shall be paid to the Assignor, subject, however, to the rights
of the holder of any then existing Lien of which the Collateral Agent has
actual notice (without investigation).
(b) The proceeds of any Structured Collateral obtained pursuant to
Section 7.01 or disposed of pursuant to Section 7.02 shall be applied as
follows:
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(i) to the payment of any and all expenses and fees (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by the Collateral Agent in obtaining,
taking possession of, removing, insuring, repairing, storing and disposing
of Structured Collateral and any and all amounts incurred by the
Collateral Agent in connection therewith;
(ii) next, any surplus then remaining to the payment of the
Structured Obligations, in the following order of priority:
(A) all interest accrued and unpaid,
(B) the principal amount owing on the Structured Tranche Loans
and Structured Tranche Settlement Notes,
(C) the Fees relating to Structured Tranche Commitments then
owing to the Banks or the Administrative Agent, and
(D) all other Structured Obligations then owing;
(iii) if the Structured Tranche Commitments are then terminated and
no other Structured Obligation is outstanding, any surplus then remaining
shall be paid to the Assignor, subject, however, to the rights of the
holder of any then existing Lien of which the Collateral Agent has actual
notice (without investigation).
7.05. Remedies Cumulative. No failure or delay on the part of the
Collateral Agent in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under
any other Credit Document and no course of dealing between the Assignor and the
Collateral Agent shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any other
Credit Document preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder. Except as
otherwise expressly provided herein or in any other Credit Document, the rights,
powers and remedies herein or in any other Credit Document expressly provided
are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, powers or remedies which the
Collateral Agent would otherwise have. No notice to or demand on the Assignor in
any case shall entitle the Assignor to any other or further notice or demand in
similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the
Collateral Agent or the holder of any Note to any other or further action in any
circumstances without notice or demand.
7.06. Discontinuance of Proceedings. In case the Collateral Agent
shall have instituted any proceeding to enforce any right, power or remedy under
this Agreement by foreclosure, sale, entry or otherwise, and such proceeding
shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason or shall have been
determined adversely to the Collateral Agent, then and in every such case the
Assignor and the Collateral Agent and each holder of any of the Municipal
Obligations or Structured Obligations shall be restored to their former
positions and rights hereunder with respect to the Collateral subject to the
security interest created under this Agreement, and all rights, remedies and
powers of the Collateral Agent shall continue as if no such proceeding had been
instituted.
7.07. The Pledged Reserves Accounts. (a) Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained herein, the Collateral Agent shall not exercise any
remedies provided
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hereunder with respect to the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account or any of the
Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds or other Municipal Collateral in the
Pledged Municipal Reserves Account so long as such Pledged Municipal Reserves
Account Funds and/or such Municipal Collateral are applied to pay Municipal
Losses in accordance with Section 3.04 hereunder or are maintained as Permitted
Municipal Reserves. Upon receipt of a Pledged Municipal Reserves Release Notice,
the Collateral Agent shall be free to exercise any and all remedies and its
other rights hereunder with respect to any and all Pledged Municipal Reserves
Account Funds described in such Pledged Municipal Reserves Release Notice and
the other Municipal Collateral contained in the Pledged Municipal Reserves
Account in an amount equal to the interest and other earnings on the amount of
such Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the
Collateral Agent shall not exercise any remedies provided hereunder with respect
to the Pledged Structured Reserves Account or any of the Pledged Structured
Reserves Account Funds or other Structured Collateral in the Pledged Structured
Reserves Account so long as such Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds
and/or such Collateral are applied to pay Structured Losses in accordance with
Section 3.04 hereunder or are maintained as Permitted Structured Reserves. Upon
receipt of a Pledged Structured Reserves Release Notice, the Collateral Agent
shall be free to exercise any and all remedies and its other rights hereunder
with respect to any and all Pledged Structured Reserves Account Funds described
in such Pledged Structured Reserves Release Notice and the other Structured
Collateral contained in the Pledged Structured Reserves Account in an amount
equal to the interest and other earnings on the amount of such Pledged
Structured Reserves Account Funds.
SECTION 8. MISCELLANEOUS
8.01. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall
be made at the addresses, in the manner and with the effect provided in Section
12.03 of the Credit Agreement.
8.02. Waiver; Amendment. This Agreement may be changed, waived,
discharged, or terminated only by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against which enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination is
sought.
8.03. Obligations Absolute. Subject to Section 4.05 of the Credit
Agreement and Section 8.10 hereof, the obligations of the Assignor under this
Agreement shall be absolute and unconditional and shall remain in full force and
effect without regard to, and shall not be released, suspended, discharged,
terminated or otherwise affected by, any circumstance or occurrence whatsoever,
including, without limitation: (i) any renewal, extension, amendment or
modification of, or addition or supplement to or deletion from, any of the
Credit Documents or any other instrument or agreement referred to therein, or
any assignment or transfer of any thereof; (ii) any waiver, consent, extension,
indulgence or other action or inaction under or in respect of any such
instrument or agreement or this Agreement or any exercise or non-exercise of any
right, remedy, power or privilege under or in respect of this Agreement or any
other Credit Document; (iii) any furnishing of any additional security to the
Collateral Agent or any
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<PAGE>
acceptance thereof or any sale, exchange, release, surrender or realization of
or upon any security by the Collateral Agent; or (iv) any invalidity,
irregularity or unenforceability of all or part of the Municipal Obligations or
Structured Obligations or of any security therefor.
8.04. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective successors and
assigns of the parties hereto; provided, however, that the Assignor may not
assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the Secured Parties. All agreements, statements,
representations and warranties made by the Assignor herein or in any certificate
or other instrument delivered by the Assignor or on its behalf under this
Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Secured Parties
and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other
Credit Documents regardless of any investigation made by the Secured Parties or
on their behalf.
8.05. Headings Descriptive, Etc. The headings of the several
sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and
shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this
Agreement. The provisions of Section 1.02 of the Credit Agreement shall apply to
this Agreement as if the reference therein to "Agreement" were to this
Agreement.
8.06. Governing Law. This Agreement and the rights and obligations
of the parties hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and be governed
by the law of the State of New York, except to the extent that the validity or
perfection of the security interest hereunder, or remedies hereunder, in respect
of any particular Collateral are governed by the laws of a jurisdiction other
than the State of New York.
8.07. Assignor's Duties. Subject to Section 4.05 of the Credit
Agreement and Section 8.10 hereof, it is expressly agreed, anything herein
contained to the contrary notwithstanding, that the Assignor shall remain liable
to perform all of the obligations, if any, assumed by it with respect to the
Collateral and the Collateral Agent shall not have any obligations or
liabilities with respect to any Collateral by reason of or arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement, nor shall the Collateral Agent be required or
obligated in any manner to perform or fulfill any of the obligations of the
Assignor under or with respect to any Collateral.
8.08. Termination; Partial Release; Release. After the termination
of the Commitments, and when all Municipal Obligations and Structured
Obligations have been paid in full, this Agreement shall terminate, and the
Collateral Agent, at the request and expense of the Assignor, will execute and
deliver to the Assignor the proper instruments (including Uniform Commercial
Code termination statements on form UCC-3) acknowledging the termination of this
Agreement, and will duly assign, transfer and deliver to the Assignor (without
recourse and without any representation or warranty) such of the Collateral as
may be in possession of the Collateral Agent (including the credit balances of
the Municipal Collateral Account, the Structured Collateral Account, the Pledged
Municipal Reserves Account and the Pledged Structured Reserves Account) and has
not theretofore been sold or otherwise applied or released pursuant to this
Agreement.
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8.09. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each
of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which
shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
8.10. Limitations on Sources of Payment. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement or of any other Credit Document, the obligations of
the Assignor to make payments of principal and interest on the Loans, Notes and
Settlement Notes are limited recourse obligations of the Assignor payable solely
(a) in the case of Municipal Tranche Loans, Municipal Notes and Municipal
Tranche Settlement Notes, from the Pledged Municipal Recoveries, the Pledged
Municipal Premiums, the Pledged Municipal Reserves Account Funds and the other
Municipal Collateral and (b) in the case of Structured Tranche Loans, Structured
Tranche Notes and Structured Tranche Settlement Notes, from the Pledged
Structured Recoveries, the Pledged Structured Premiums, the Pledged Structured
Reserves Account Funds and the other Structured Collateral, and none of the
Secured Parties or any other Person shall be entitled to procure any money
judgment against or to levy or foreclose upon or attach any other assets or
properties of the Assignor for payment of such obligations; provided, however,
that nothing herein contained shall limit, restrict or impair the Lien created
by this Agreement or the right of any Secured Party to exercise any of its
rights herein or in any of the other Credit Documents upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default or otherwise, or to bring suit and obtain a judgment against
the Assignor (recourse thereon being limited as to payment of principal and
interest on the Loans, Notes and Settlement Notes as provided in this Section
8.10).
8.11. Access to Information. The Collateral Agent shall maintain at
its address set forth opposite its name on the signature pages hereof copies of
the certificates delivered by the Assignor to the Administrative Agent pursuant
to Sections 5.06 and 8.01(d) of the Credit Agreement and of any notices
delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Assignor pursuant to Section 12.14
of the Credit Agreement, including the listings of the Insured Municipal
Obligations in the Covered Municipal Portfolio or Insured Structured Obligations
in the Covered Structured Portfolio from time to time, the date, if any, on
which the Municipal Loss Threshold Incurrence Date or Structured Loan Threshold
Incurrence Date, respectively, has occurred and the other information set forth
in such certificates. The Collateral Agent shall make such copies available for
inspection during regular business hours on any Business Day at such address,
upon reasonable notice, by any Person requesting information concerning the
Collateral or the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.
Address: AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION
One State Street Plaza
New York, New York 10004
Attn: Robert W. Starr By /s/ Robert W. Starr
Telecopy: (212) 208-3108 --------------------------------------
Name: Robert W. Starr
Title: Managing Director and Treasurer
With a copy to:
Kevin Doyle
Managing Director and General Counsel
Telecopy: (212) 208-3550
Address: THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Collateral Agent
One Wall Street, 17th Floor
New York, New York 10286 By /s/ Evan R. Glass
Attn: Evan R. Glass --------------------------------------
Telecopy: (212) 809-9520 Name: Evan R. Glass
Title: Assistant Vice President
By /s/ Louis DiFranco
--------------------------------------
Name: Louis DiFranco
Title: Client Executive
22
<PAGE>
ANNEX A
TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT
SCHEDULE OF EXISTING FINANCING STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Location Secured Party/ies Original Date Filed Description of Collateral
-------- ----------------- ------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1. New York Deutsche Bank AG, December 15, 1993 Municipal Collateral
New York Branch
2. Wisconsin Deutsche Bank AG, December 15, 1993 Municipal Collateral
New York Branch
</TABLE>
-1-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D-1
[Opinion of General Counsel
of the Borrower]
December __, 2000
To the Banks listed on Schedule I
hereto and to The Bank of New York,
as Administrative Agent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am First Vice President, Secretary and Assistant General Counsel
of Ambac Assurance Corporation, a Wisconsin stock insurance corporation (the
"Borrower"), and have acted as counsel to the Borrower in connection with the
preparation, execution and delivery of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
dated as of December 2, 2000 (the "Credit Agreement"), among the Borrower and
each of you, the Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of
December 2, 2000 (the "Security Agreement"), between the Borrower and the
Collateral Agent and each of the Notes executed and delivered by the Borrower on
the date hereof (collectively, the "Notes"). Unless otherwise indicated,
capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the
respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.
In connection with this opinion, I have examined and am familiar
with originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction,
of such documents and corporate records, certificates of public officials and
officers of the Borrower and agreements, instruments and other documents,
including, without limitation, the Credit Agreement, the Security Agreement and
the Notes executed on or before the date hereof, as I have deemed necessary as a
basis for the opinions set forth herein. As to questions of fact material to
such opinions, I have relied, when relevant facts were not independently
verified by me, to the extent I deemed appropriate, upon certificates of the
Borrower or its officers, or of public officials.
In addition, I have also assumed the genuineness of all signatures
(other than as to the Borrower), the authenticity of all documents submitted to
me as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted
to me as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals
of such copies.
Based upon the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:
1. Each of the Borrower and each Subsidiary of the Borrower (i) is a
duly organized and validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws
of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, (ii) has the corporate power and
authority to own its property and assets and to transact the business in which
it is engaged and (iii) is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and is in
good standing in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business requires
such
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<PAGE>
qualification except where the failures to be so qualified, singly or in the
aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the business, operations, property, assets, liabilities, or condition (financial
or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
2. The Borrower has the corporate power and authority to execute,
deliver and perform the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement, the
Security Agreement and each of the Notes and has taken all necessary corporate
action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of the Credit
Agreement, the Security Agreement and each of the Notes. The Borrower has duly
executed and delivered the Credit Agreement, the Security Agreement and each of
the Notes.
3. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of
the Credit Agreement, the Security Agreement or the Notes, nor compliance by it
with the terms and provisions thereof, (i) will contravene any provision of any
statutory law, rule or regulation applicable to the Borrower or any order, writ,
injunction or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality, the
contravention of which (A) would prevent the Credit Agreement, the Security
Agreement or the Notes in any way from constituting the legal, valid, binding
and enforceable obligation of the Borrower or (B) could reasonably be expected
to have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, property, assets,
liabilities, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (ii) will conflict with or result in any breach
of any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of or constitute a
default under, or, except for the Liens created by the Security Agreement,
result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose)
any Lien upon any of the property or assets of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries
pursuant to the terms of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, credit
agreement or loan agreement, or any other material agreement, contract or
instrument, to which the Borrower or any Subsidiaries of the Borrower or any of
its property or assets is bound or to which it may be subject or (iii) will
violate any provision of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Restated
By-Laws of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.
4. No order, consent, approval, license, authorization or validation
of, or filing, recording or registration with (except as have been obtained or
made prior to the Effective Date), or exemption by, any governmental or public
body or authority, or any subdivision thereof, is required to authorize, or is
required in connection with, (i) the execution, delivery and performance by the
Borrower of the Credit Agreement, the Security Agreement or any of the Notes or
(ii) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of the Credit
Agreement, the Security Agreement or any of the Notes.
5. The Borrower is in compliance with the New York Insurance Law,
the Wisconsin Insurance Law and the regulations of the Department thereunder and
with all other applicable federal, state and other laws, rules and regulations
relating to its insurance and other business, except with respect to failures,
if any, to comply which singly or in the aggregate (i) do not have a material
adverse effect on the business, operations, property, assets, liabilities or
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or the ability of the
Borrower to perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement, the Security
Agreement or any of the Notes and (ii) would not prevent the Credit Agreement,
the Security Agreement or any of the Notes in any way from constituting the
legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Borrower.
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6. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Borrower are fully paid and non-assessable and issued to, and held of record by
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and subject to no liens. There are no options or
similar rights of any Person to acquire any such capital stock or any other
capital stock of the Borrower.
I am qualified to practice law in the State of New York. I do not
purport to express any opinion herein as to the laws of any jurisdiction other
than the laws of the State of New York, the corporation law of the State of
Wisconsin and the federal laws of the United States of America. With respect to
all matters governed by Wisconsin Law, I have relied upon the opinion, dated the
date hereof of DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C. delivered to you pursuant to Section
5.03(a)(iii) of the Credit Agreement.
A copy of the opinion letter may be delivered by each of you to any
Eligible Transferee in connection with and at the time of any assignment and
delegation by any of you as a Bank to such Eligible Transferee of a portion of
your Loans and Commitment or Commitments in accordance with the provisions of
the Credit Agreement, and such Eligible Transferee may rely on the opinions
expressed above with respect to the Credit Agreement as if this opinion letter
were addressed and delivered to such Eligible Transferee on the date hereof.
This opinion letter speaks only as of the date hereof. I expressly
disclaim any responsibility to advise you or any other Person who is permitted
to rely on any opinion expressed herein as specified in the next preceding
paragraph of any development, circumstance or change of any kind, including any
change of law or fact that may occur after the date of this opinion letter even
though such development, circumstance or change may affect the legal analysis, a
legal conclusion or any other matter set forth in or relating to this opinion
letter. Accordingly, any Bank relying on this opinion letter at any time should
seek advice of its counsel as to the proper application of this opinion letter
at such time.
Very truly yours,
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<PAGE>
List of Banks
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D-2
[Opinion of New York
Special Counsel to
the Borrower]
December __, 2000
To the Banks listed on Schedule A
hereto and to The Bank of New York,
as Administrative Agent
Ambac Assurance Corporation
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 5.03(a)(ii) of
the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 2, 2000 (the
"Credit Agreement"), among Ambac Assurance Corporation, a Wisconsin stock
insurance corporation (the "Company"), the Banks listed on Schedule A hereto,
Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agent, Deutsche Bank AG, New York
Branch, as Co-Syndication Agent, and The Bank of New York, as Administrative
Agent. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement
are used herein as therein defined.
We have acted as special New York counsel to the Company in
connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement,
the Notes executed and delivered by the Company on the date hereof (for purposes
of this opinion, the "Notes") and the Security Agreement (collectively, for
purposes of this opinion, the "Credit Documents").
In that connection, we have examined (a) counterparts of each of the
Credit Documents and (b) copies of UCC-1 financing statements and the schedules
attached thereto (collectively, the "Financing Statements") to be filed under
the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect on the date hereof in the State of New
York (the "UCC"), each naming the Company as debtor and the Collateral Agent as
secured party, which Financing Statements are to be filed in the offices in the
State of New York noted on Schedule B hereto (collectively, the "Filing
Offices").
In addition, we have examined the originals, or copies certified or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other agreements, documents
and instruments as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions
expressed below. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, we have,
when relevant facts were not independently established by us, relied upon
certificates of the Company or of officers of the Company. In our examination of
the agreements, documents and instruments referred to above, we have assumed,
without
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<PAGE>
independent investigation (a) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due
authorization, of each of the documents referred to above by all parties
thereto, (b) the authenticity of all such documents submitted to us as originals
and (c) the conformity to originals of all such documents submitted to us as
copies.
In addition, we have assumed, without independent investigation,
that (i) the Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under
the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has full power and
authority (corporate and otherwise) to execute, deliver and perform each Credit
Document and to grant the security interest in the Collateral purported to be
granted by the Security Agreement, (ii) the execution, delivery and performance
by the Company of the Credit Documents, and the grant by the Company of the
security interest in the Collateral purported to be granted by the Security
Agreement, (A) have been duly authorized by all necessary action) (corporate or
otherwise), (B) do not contravene the certificate of incorporation, bylaws or
other constituent documents of the Company, (C) do not, except with respect to
Generally Applicable Law (as defined below and as to which we make no
assumption), violate any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company and
(D) do not conflict with, or constitute a default under, any agreement, document
or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is otherwise bound,
(iii) except with respect to Generally Applicable Law (as to which we make no
assumption), no authorization, approval, consent or other action by, and no
notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or regulatory body or any
other Person is required for the due execution, delivery or performance by the
Company of the Credit Documents or the grant by the Company of the security
interest in the Collateral purported to be granted by the Security Agreement or,
if any such authorization, approval, consent, action, notice or filing is
required therefor, it has been duly obtained or made and is in full force and
effect and (iv) the Company may not be a debtor under the United States
Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended. Finally, we have assumed, without
independent investigation, that the Credit Agreement is the legal, valid and
binding obligation of each of the Agents and Banks, and the Security Agreement
is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Collateral Agent, enforceable
against such parties in accordance with their respective terms.
For purposes of this opinion letter, the term "Generally Applicable
Law" means federal law