UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 770-7000

 

 

 

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  þ      No  o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  o      No  þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  þ      No  o

 

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.   o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  o      No  þ

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and nonvoting common equity held by nonaffiliates of the registrant computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold of $26.46 as of June 30, 2008 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), was approximately $61,753,000,000.

 

As of January 30, 2009, there were outstanding 2,690,747,320 shares of Common Stock, $2.50 par value per share, of the registrant.

 

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Table of Contents

 

 

2    AIG 2008 Form 10-K

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

Part I

 

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

implications and noted that upon completion of its review, the agency could affirm AIG parent’s current rating of AA- or lower the rating by one to three notches. AIG understood that both S&P and Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) would re-evaluate AIG’s ratings early in the week of September 15, 2008. Also on Friday, September 12, 2008, AIG’s subsidiaries, International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) and American General Finance, Inc. (AGF), were unable to replace all of their maturing commercial paper with new issuances of commercial paper. As a result, AIG advanced loans to these subsidiaries to meet their commercial paper obligations.

 

The Accelerated Capital Raise Attempt

 

As a result of S&P’s action, AIG accelerated the process of attempting to raise additional capital and over the weekend of September 13 and 14, 2008 discussed potential capital injections and other liquidity measures with private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds and other potential investors. AIG kept the United States Department of the Treasury and the NY Fed informed of these efforts. AIG also engaged Blackstone Advisory Services LP to assist in developing alternatives, including a potential additional capital raise. Despite offering a number of different structures through this process, AIG did not receive a proposal it could act upon in a timely fashion. AIG’s difficulty in this regard resulted in part from the dramatic decline in its common stock price from $22.76 on September 8, 2008 to $12.14 on September 12, 2008. This decrease in stock price made it unlikely that AIG would be able to raise the large amounts of capital that would be necessary if AIG’s long-term debt ratings were downgraded.

 

AIG Attempts to Enter into a Syndicated Secured Lending Facility

 

On Monday, September 15, 2008, AIG was again unable to access the commercial paper market for its primary commercial paper programs, AIG Funding, ILFC and AGF. Payments under the programs totaled $2.2 billion for the day, and AIG advanced loans to ILFC and AGF to meet their funding obligations. In addition, AIG experienced returns under its securities lending programs which led to cash payments of $5.2 billion to securities lending counterparts on that day.

 

On Monday morning, September 15, 2008, AIG met with representatives of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan and the NY Fed to discuss the creation of a $75 billion secured lending facility to be syndicated among a number of large financial institutions. The facility was intended to act as a bridge loan to meet AIG parent’s liquidity needs until AIG could sell sufficient assets to stabilize and enhance its liquidity position. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan immediately commenced syndication efforts.

 

The Rating Agencies Downgrade AIG’s Long-Term Debt Rating

 

In the late afternoon of September 15, 2008, S&P downgraded AIG’s long-term debt rating by three notches, Moody’s downgraded AIG’s long-term debt rating by two notches and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) downgraded AIG’s long-term debt rating by two notches. As a consequence of the rating actions, AIGFP estimated that it would need in excess of $20 billion in order to fund additional collateral demands and transaction termination payments in a short period of time. Subsequently, in a period of approximately 15 days following the rating actions, AIGFP was required to fund approximately $32 billion, reflecting not only the effect of the rating actions but also changes in market values and other factors.

 

The Private Sector Solution Fails

 

By Tuesday morning, September 16, 2008, it had become apparent that Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan were unable to syndicate a lending facility. Moreover, the downgrades, combined with a steep drop in AIG’s common stock price to $4.76 on September 15, 2008, had resulted in counterparties withholding payments from AIG and refusing to transact with AIG even on a secured short-term basis. As a result, AIG was unable to borrow in the short-term lending markets. To provide liquidity, on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 both ILFC and AGF drew down on their existing revolving credit facilities, resulting in borrowings of approximately $6.5 billion and $4.6 billion, respectively.

 

Also, on September 16, 2008, AIG was notified by its insurance regulators that it would no longer be permitted to borrow funds from its insurance company subsidiaries under a revolving credit facility that AIG maintained with certain of its insurance subsidiaries acting as lenders. Subsequently, the insurance regulators required AIG to repay

 

 

4    AIG 2008 Form 10-K

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

any outstanding loans under that facility and to terminate it. The intercompany facility was terminated effective September 22, 2008.

 

Fed Credit Agreement

 

By early Tuesday afternoon on September 16, 2008, it was clear that AIG had no viable private sector solution to its liquidity issues. At this point, AIG received the terms of a secured lending agreement that the NY Fed was prepared to provide. AIG estimated that it had an immediate need for cash in excess of its available liquid resources. That night, AIG’s Board of Directors approved borrowing from the NY Fed based on a term sheet that set forth the terms of the secured credit agreement and related equity participation. Over the next six days, AIG elected Edward M. Liddy Director, Chairman and CEO, replacing Robert Willumstad in those positions, and negotiated a definitive credit agreement with the NY Fed and borrowed, on a secured basis, approximately $37 billion from the NY Fed before formally entering into the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2008 (as amended, the Fed Credit Agreement) between AIG and the NY Fed, which established the credit facility (Fed Facility).

 

On September 22, 2008, AIG entered into the Fed Credit Agreement in the form of a two-year secured loan and a Guarantee and Pledge Agreement (the Pledge Agreement) with the NY Fed. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the terms of and borrowings under the Fed Credit Agreement and subsequent amendments thereto.

 

AIG’s Strategy for Stabilization and Repayment of the Fed Facility

 

In October 2008, AIG announced a restructuring of its operations, which contemplated retaining its U.S. property and casualty and foreign general insurance businesses and a continuing ownership interest in certain of its foreign life insurance operations while exploring disposition opportunities for its remaining businesses. Proceeds from sales of these assets are contractually required to be applied as mandatory prepayments pursuant to the terms of the Fed Credit Agreement. Also in October 2008, AIGFP began unwinding its businesses and portfolios. AIGFP is now entering into new derivative transactions only to maintain its current portfolio, reduce risk and hedge the currency and interest rate risks associated with its affiliated businesses. As part of its orderly wind-down, AIGFP is also opportunistically terminating contracts. Due to the long-term duration of AIGFP’s derivative contracts and the complexity of AIGFP’s portfolio, AIG expects that an orderly wind-down of AIGFP will take a substantial period of time.

 

On November 9, 2008, AIG, the NY Fed and the United States Department of the Treasury announced a set of transactions that were implemented during the fourth quarter of 2008 pursuant to which, among other actions, AIG issued $40 billion of fixed-rate cumulative perpetual serial preferred stock (Series D Preferred Stock) to the United States Department of the Treasury, terminated $62 billion of credit default swaps written by AIGFP and resolved and terminated its U.S. securities lending program.

 

On March 2, 2009, AIG, the NY Fed and the United States Department of the Treasury announced agreements in principle to modify the terms of the Fed Credit Agreement and the Series D Preferred Stock and to provide a $30 billion equity capital commitment facility. The parties also announced their intention to take a number of other actions intended to strengthen AIG’s capital position, enhance its liquidity, reduce its borrowing costs and facilitate AIG’s asset disposition program.

 

See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of this strategy.

 

 

AIG 2008 Form 10-K    5

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Principal Business Units

 

The principal business units in each of AIG’s operating segments during 2008 are shown below. For information on AIG’s business segments, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

Financial Services

 

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC)

AIG Financial Products Corp. and AIG Trading Group Inc. and their respective subsidiaries

American General Finance, Inc. (AGF)

AIG Consumer Finance Group, Inc. (AIGCFG)

Imperial A.I. Credit Companies (A.I. Credit)

 

Asset Management

 

AIG SunAmerica Asset Management Corp. (SAAMCo)

AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies (collectively, AIG Investments)

AIG Private Bank Ltd. (AIG Private Bank) ²

AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp. (AIG Global Real Estate)

 

 

¹  On December 22, 2008, AIG entered into a contract to sell HSB Group, Inc., the parent company of HSB, to Munich Re Group for $742 million. Subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, AIG expects the sale to close by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

²  On December 1, 2008, AIG entered into a contract to sell AIG Private Bank to Aabar Investments PJSC for $328 million. Subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, AIG expects the sale to close by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

At December 31, 2008, AIG and its subsidiaries had approximately 116,000 employees.

 

AIG’s Internet address for its corporate website is www.aigcorporate.com. AIG makes available free of charge, through the Investor Information section of AIG’s corporate website, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and Proxy Statements on Schedule 14A and amendments to those reports or statements filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a), 14(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). AIG also makes available on its corporate website copies of the charters for its Audit, Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation and Management Resources Committees, as well as its Corporate Governance Guidelines (which include Director Independence Standards), Director, Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officer Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Employee Code of Conduct and Related-Party Transactions Approval Policy. Except for the documents specifically incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K, information contained on AIG’s website or that can be accessed through its website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, AIG presents its operations in the way it believes will be most meaningful, as well as most transparent. Certain of the measurements used by AIG management are “non-GAAP financial measures” under SEC rules and regulations. Statutory underwriting profit (loss) is determined in accordance with accounting principles prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities. For an explanation of why AIG management considers this “non-GAAP measure” useful to investors, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

General Insurance Operations

 

AIG’s General Insurance subsidiaries are multiple line companies writing substantially all lines of property and casualty insurance and various personal lines both domestically and abroad and constitute the AIG Property Casualty Group (formerly known as Domestic General Insurance) and the Foreign General Insurance Group.

 

AIG Property Casualty Group is comprised of Commercial Insurance, Transatlantic, Personal Lines and Mortgage Guaranty businesses.

 

AIG is diversified both in terms of classes of business and geographic locations. In General Insurance, workers’ compensation business is the largest class of business written and represented approximately 11 percent of net premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2008. During 2008, 9 percent, 5 percent and 5 percent of the direct General Insurance premiums written (gross premiums less return premiums and cancellations, excluding reinsurance assumed and before deducting reinsurance ceded) were written in California, New York and Texas, respectively. No other state or foreign country accounted for more than five percent of such premiums.

 

The majority of AIG’s General Insurance business is in the casualty classes, which tend to involve longer periods of time for the reporting and settling of claims. This may increase the risk and uncertainty with respect to AIG’s loss reserve development.

 

Commercial Insurance

 

AIG’s primary property casualty division is Commercial Insurance. Commercial Insurance’s business in the United States and Canada is conducted through American Home, National Union, Lexington, HSB and certain other General Insurance company subsidiaries of AIG. During 2008, Commercial Insurance accounted for 47 percent of AIG’s General Insurance net premiums written.

 

Commercial Insurance writes substantially all classes of business insurance, accepting such business mainly from insurance brokers. This provides Commercial Insurance the opportunity to select specialized markets and retain underwriting control. Any licensed broker is able to submit business to Commercial Insurance without the traditional agent-company contractual relationship, but such broker usually has no authority to commit Commercial Insurance to accept a risk.

 

In addition to writing substantially all classes of business insurance, including large commercial or industrial property insurance, excess liability, inland marine, environmental, workers’ compensation and excess and umbrella coverages, Commercial Insurance offers many specialized forms of insurance such as aviation, accident and health,

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

equipment breakdown, directors and officers liability (D&O), difference-in-conditions, kidnap-ransom, export credit and political risk, and various types of professional errors and omissions coverages. Also included in Commercial Insurance are the operations of AIG Risk Management, which provides insurance and risk management programs for large corporate customers and is a leading provider of customized structured insurance products, and AIG Environmental, which focuses specifically on providing specialty products to clients with environmental exposures. Lexington writes surplus lines for risks on which conventional insurance companies do not readily provide insurance coverage, either because of complexity or because the coverage does not lend itself to conventional contracts. The AIG Worldsource Division introduces and coordinates AIG’s products and services to U.S.-based multinational clients and foreign corporations doing business in the U.S.

 

Transatlantic

 

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (Transatlantic) subsidiaries offer reinsurance capacity on both a treaty and facultative basis both in the United States and abroad. Transatlantic structures programs for a full range of property and casualty products with an emphasis on specialty risk. Transatlantic is a public company owned 58.9 percent by AIG and therefore is included in AIG’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Personal Lines

 

AIG’s Personal Lines operations provide automobile insurance through 21st Century Insurance, its direct marketing distribution channel, and the Agency Auto Division, its independent agent/broker distribution channel. It also provides a broad range of coverages for high net worth individuals through the AIG Private Client Group (Private Client Group). Coverages for the Personal Lines operations are written predominantly in the United States.

 

Mortgage Guaranty

 

The main business of the subsidiaries of United Guaranty Corporation (UGC) is the issuance of residential mortgage guaranty insurance, both domestically and internationally, that covers the first loss for credit defaults on high loan-to-value conventional first-lien mortgages for the purchase or refinance of one to four family residences.

 

On October 13, 2008, United Guaranty Residential Insurance Company (UGRIC) and United Guaranty Mortgage Indemnity Company (UGMIC) were downgraded from A+ to A- and placed on CreditWatch negative by S&P, and on February 13, 2009, UGRIC was downgraded from Aa3 to A3 and placed under review for possible downgrade by Moody’s. All U.S-based mortgage insurers are currently subject to a Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) remediation plan as a result of industry-wide rating agency downgrades. UGRIC and UGMIC continue to write new domestic first-lien mortgage insurance and remain eligible mortgage insurers with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

 

Foreign General Insurance

 

AIG’s Foreign General Insurance group writes both commercial and consumer lines of insurance which is primarily underwritten through American International Underwriters (AIU), a marketing unit consisting of wholly owned agencies and insurance companies. The Foreign General Insurance group also includes business written by AIG’s foreign-based insurance subsidiaries. The Foreign General Insurance group uses various marketing methods and multiple distribution channels to write both commercial and consumer lines insurance with certain refinements for local laws, customs and needs. AIU operates in Asia, the Pacific Rim, Europe, the U.K., Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. During 2008, the Foreign General Insurance group accounted for 32 percent of AIG’s General Insurance net premiums written.

 

Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Net Losses and Loss Expense Reserve Development

 

The reserve for net losses and loss expenses represents the accumulation of estimates for reported losses (case basis reserves) and provisions for losses incurred but not reported (IBNR), both reduced by applicable reinsurance recoverable and the discount for future investment income, where permitted. Net losses and loss expenses are charged to income as incurred.

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

The liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense (loss reserves) established with respect to foreign business are set and monitored in terms of the currency in which payment is expected to be made. Therefore, no assumption is included for changes in currency rates. See also Note 1(dd) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Management reviews the adequacy of established loss reserves utilizing a number of analytical reserve development techniques. Through the use of these techniques, management is able to monitor the adequacy of AIG’s established reserves and determine appropriate assumptions for inflation. Also, analysis of emerging specific development patterns, such as case reserve redundancies or deficiencies and IBNR emergence, allows management to determine any required adjustments.

 

The “Analysis of Consolidated Losses and Loss Expense Reserve Development” table presents the development of net losses and loss expense reserves for calendar years 1998 through 2008. Immediately following this table is a second table that presents all data on a basis that excludes asbestos and environmental net losses and loss expense reserve development. The opening reserves held are shown at the top of the table for each year-end date. The amount of loss reserve discount included in the opening reserve at each date is shown immediately below the reserves held for each year. The undiscounted reserve at each date is thus the sum of the discount and the reserve held.

 

The upper half of the table presents the cumulative amounts paid during successive years related to the undiscounted opening loss reserves. For example, in the table that excludes asbestos and environmental losses, with respect to the net losses and loss expense reserve of $25.29 billion at December 31, 2001, by the end of 2008 (seven years later) $36.35 billion had actually been paid in settlement of these net loss reserves. In addition, as reflected in the lower section of the table, the original undiscounted reserve of $26.71 billion was reestimated to be $46.69 billion at December 31, 2008. This increase from the original estimate generally results from a combination of a number of factors, including reserves being settled for larger amounts than originally estimated. The original estimates will also be increased or decreased as more information becomes known about the individual claims and overall claim frequency and severity patterns. The redundancy (deficiency) depicted in the table, for any particular calendar year, presents the aggregate change in estimates over the period of years subsequent to the calendar year reflected at the top of the respective column heading. For example, the deficiency of $107 million at December 31, 2008 related to December 31, 2007 net losses and loss expense reserves of $70.03 billion represents the cumulative amount by which reserves in 2007 and prior years have developed unfavorably during 2008.

 

The bottom of each table below presents the remaining undiscounted and discounted net loss reserve for each year. For example, in the table that excludes asbestos and environmental losses, for the 2003 year-end, the remaining undiscounted reserves held at December 31, 2008 are $15.40 billion, with a corresponding discounted net reserve of $14.36 billion.

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Analysis of Consolidated Losses and Loss Expense Reserve Development

 

The following table presents for each calendar year the losses and loss expense reserves and the development thereof including those with respect to asbestos and environmental claims. See also Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Operating Review — General Insurance Operations — Liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense.

 

 

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

The following table presents the gross liability (before discount), reinsurance recoverable and net liability recorded at each year-end and the reestimation of these amounts as of December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

The following table presents the gross liability (before discount), reinsurance recoverable and net liability recorded at each year-end and the reestimation of these amounts as of December 31, 2008:

 

 

The liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense as reported in AIG’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2008 differs from the total reserve reported in the Annual Statements filed with state insurance departments and, where appropriate, with foreign regulatory authorities. The differences at December 31, 2008 relate primarily to reserves for certain foreign operations not required to be reported in the United States for statutory reporting purposes. Further, statutory practices in the United States require reserves to be shown net of applicable reinsurance recoverable.

 

The reserve for gross losses and loss expenses is prior to reinsurance and represents the accumulation for reported losses and IBNR. Management reviews the adequacy of established gross loss reserves in the manner previously described for net loss reserves.

 

For further discussion regarding net reserves for losses and loss expenses, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations — Segment Results — General Insurance Operations — Liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense.

 

Life Insurance & Retirement Services Operations

 

AIG’s Life Insurance & Retirement Services operations provide insurance, financial and investment-oriented products throughout the world. Insurance-oriented products consist of individual and group life, payout annuities (including structured settlements), endowment and accident and health policies. Retirement savings products consist generally of fixed and variable annuities.

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Foreign Life Insurance & Retirement Services

 

In its Foreign Life Insurance & Retirement Services businesses, AIG operates principally through ALICO, AIG Star Life, AIG Edison Life, AIA, Nan Shan and Philamlife. ALICO is incorporated in Delaware and all of its business is written outside the United States. ALICO has operations either directly or through subsidiaries in Europe, including the U.K., Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, South Asia and the Far East, with Japan being the largest territory. AIA operates primarily in China (including Hong Kong), Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Indonesia and India. The operations in India are conducted through a joint venture, Tata AIG Life Insurance Company Limited. Nan Shan operates in Taiwan. Philamlife is the largest life insurer in the Philippines. AIG Star Life and AIG Edison Life operate in Japan. Operations in foreign countries comprised 80 percent of Life Insurance & Retirement Services premiums and other considerations in 2008.

 

The Foreign Life Insurance & Retirement Services companies have over 350,000 full and part-time agents, as well as independent producers, and sell their products largely to indigenous persons in local and foreign currencies. In addition to the agency outlets, these companies also distribute their products through direct marketing channels, such as mass marketing, and through brokers and other distribution outlets, such as financial institutions in 2008.

 

Domestic Life Insurance and Domestic Retirement Services

 

AIG’s principal Domestic Life Insurance and Domestic Retirement Services operations include AGLA, AIG American General, AIG Annuity, USLIFE, VALIC and AIG SunAmerica. These companies utilize multiple distribution channels including independent producers, brokerage, career agents and financial institutions to offer life insurance, annuity and accident and health products and services, as well as financial and other investment products. The Domestic Life Insurance and Domestic Retirement Services operations comprised 20 percent of total Life Insurance & Retirement Services premiums and other considerations.

 

Reinsurance

 

AIG’s General Insurance subsidiaries worldwide operate primarily by underwriting and accepting risks for their direct account and securing reinsurance on that portion of the risk in excess of the limit which they wish to retain. This operating policy differs from that of many insurance companies that will underwrite only up to their net retention limit, thereby requiring the broker or agent to secure commitments from other underwriters for the remainder of the gross risk amount.

 

Various AIG profit centers, including Commercial Insurance, AIU and AIG Risk Finance, as well as certain Life Insurance subsidiaries, use AIRCO as a reinsurer for certain of their businesses. In Bermuda, AIRCO discounts reserves attributable to certain classes of business assumed from other AIG subsidiaries.

 

For a further discussion of reinsurance, see Item 1A. Risk Factors — Reinsurance; Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management — Insurance Risk Management — Reinsurance; and Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Insurance Investment Operations

 

A significant portion of AIG’s General Insurance and Life Insurance & Retirement Services revenues are derived from AIG’s insurance investment operations. The following table summarizes the investment results of the insurance operations:

 

 

 

 

 

AIG’s worldwide insurance investment policy places primary emphasis on investments in government and fixed income securities in all of its portfolios and, to a lesser extent, investments in high-yield bonds, common stocks, real estate, hedge funds and other alternative investments, in order to enhance returns on policyholders’ funds and generate net investment income. The ability to implement this policy is somewhat limited in certain territories as there may be a lack of attractive long-term investment opportunities or investment restrictions may be imposed by the local regulatory authorities.

 

Financial Services Operations

 

AIG’s Financial Services subsidiaries engage in diversified activities including aircraft leasing, capital markets, consumer finance and insurance premium finance. Together, the Aircraft Leasing, Capital Markets and Consumer Finance operations generate the majority of the revenues produced by the Financial Services operations. A.I. Credit also contributes to Financial Services results principally by providing insurance premium financing for both AIG’s policyholders and those of other insurers.

 

Aircraft Leasing

 

AIG’s Aircraft Leasing operations are the operations of ILFC, which generates its revenues primarily from leasing new and used commercial jet aircraft to foreign and domestic airlines. Revenues also result from the remarketing of commercial jet aircraft for ILFC’s own account, and remarketing and fleet management services for airlines and financial institutions. See also Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Capital Markets

 

Capital Markets is comprised of the operations of AIGFP, which engaged as principal in a wide variety of financial transactions, including standard and customized financial products involving commodities, credit,

 

 

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currencies, energy, equities and interest rates. AIGFP also invests in a diversified portfolio of securities and principal investments and engages in borrowing activities that involve issuing standard and structured notes and other securities and entering into guaranteed investment agreements (GIAs). Due to the extreme market conditions experienced in 2008, the downgrades of AIG’s credit ratings by the rating agencies, as well as AIG’s intent to refocus on its core businesses, AIGFP has begun to unwind its businesses and portfolios including those associated with credit protection written through credit default swaps on super senior risk tranches of diversified pools of loans and debt securities. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Outlook — Financial Services.

 

Consumer Finance

 

AIG’s Consumer Finance operations in North America are principally conducted through AGF. AGF derives most of its revenues from finance charges assessed on real estate loans, secured and unsecured non-real estate loans and retail sales finance receivables. In the second quarter of 2008, AGF ceased its wholesale originations (originations through mortgage brokers). In light of severe stress in the U.S. housing sector, AGF also closed 179 branch offices and reduced new loan originations in the fourth quarter of 2008.

 

AIG’s foreign consumer finance operations are principally conducted through AIGCFG. AIGCFG operates primarily in emerging and developing markets. AIGCFG has operations in Argentina, China, Brazil, Hong Kong, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, Taiwan, Thailand, India and Colombia. Through February 18, 2009, AIGCFG had entered into contracts to sell certain of its operations in Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines.

 

Asset Management Operations

 

AIG’s Asset Management operations comprise a wide variety of investment-related services and investment products. These services and products are offered to individuals, pension funds and institutions (including AIG subsidiaries) globally through AIG’s Spread-Based Investment business, Institutional Asset Management, and Brokerage Services and Mutual Funds business. Also included in Asset Management operations are the results of certain SunAmerica sponsored partnership investments.

 

Revenues and operating income (loss) for Asset Management are affected by the general conditions in the equity and credit markets. In addition, net realized gains (losses) and performance fee (carried interest) revenues are contingent upon various fund closings, maturity levels, investment management performance and market conditions.

 

Spread-Based Investment Business

 

AIG’s Spread-Based Investment business includes the results of AIG’s proprietary spread-based investment operations, the Matched Investment Program (MIP) and the Guaranteed Investment Contracts (GIC), which the MIP replaced. Due to the extreme market conditions experienced in 2008 and the downgrades of AIG’s credit ratings, the MIP is currently in run-off. As previously disclosed, the GIC has been in run-off since the inception of the MIP in 2006. No additional debt issuances are expected for either the MIP or GIC for the foreseeable future.

 

Institutional Asset Management

 

AIG’s Institutional Asset Management business, conducted through AIG Investments, provides an array of investment products and services globally to institutional investors, pension funds, AIG subsidiaries, AIG affiliates and high net worth investors. These products include traditional equity and fixed maturity securities, and a wide range of real estate, private banking and alternative asset classes. Services include investment advisory and sub-advisory services, investment monitoring and transaction structuring. Within the equity and fixed maturity asset classes, AIG Investments offers various forms of structured investments. Within the alternative asset class, AIG Investments offers hedge and private equity funds and fund-of-funds, direct investments and distressed debt investments. AIG Global Real Estate provides a wide range of real estate investment, development and management services for AIG subsidiaries, as well as for third-party institutional investors, pension funds and high net worth investors. AIG Global Real Estate also maintains a proprietary real estate investment portfolio through various joint venture platforms.

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

AIG expects to divest its Institutional Asset Management businesses consisting of investment services that are offered to third-party clients. The businesses offered for sale exclude those investment services providing traditional fixed income and shorter duration asset and liability management for AIG’s insurance company subsidiaries. AIG expects to continue relationships with the divested businesses for other investment management services used by those subsidiaries.

 

AIG Investments previously acquired alternative investments, primarily consisting of direct private equity and private equity fund investments, with the intention of “warehousing” such investments until the investment or economic benefit thereof could be transferred to a fund or other AIG-managed investment product. However, AIG Investments’ intended launch of such new products and funds has been indefinitely postponed. As a result of this decision, AIG will retain these investments with a net asset value of $1.1 billion at December 31, 2008 as proprietary investments until they can be divested. Unaffiliated investment commitments associated with these investments were approximately $720 million at December 31, 2008 and are expected to be funded over the next five years. AIG accounts for these investments based on the attributes of the investment using consolidation, equity or cost accounting methods, as appropriate.

 

Other Operations

 

AIG’s Other operations include interest expense, restructuring costs, expenses of corporate staff not attributable to specific business segments, expenses related to efforts to improve internal controls, corporate initiatives, certain compensation plan expenses and the settlement costs more fully described in Note 14(a) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Certain AIG subsidiaries provide insurance-related services such as adjusting claims and marketing specialized products. Several wholly owned foreign subsidiaries of AIG operating in countries or jurisdictions such as Ireland, Bermuda, Barbados and Gibraltar provide insurance and related administrative and back office services to affiliated and unaffiliated insurance and reinsurance companies, including captive insurance companies unaffiliated with AIG.

 

For additional information regarding the business of AIG on a consolidated basis, the contributions made to AIG’s consolidated revenues and operating income and the assets held by its General Insurance, Life Insurance & Retirement Services, Financial Services and Asset Management operations and Other operations, see Selected Financial Data, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Notes 1 and 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Locations of Certain Assets

 

As of December 31, 2008, approximately 39 percent of the consolidated assets of AIG were located in foreign countries (other than Canada), including $7.7 billion of cash and securities on deposit with foreign regulatory authorities. Foreign operations and assets held abroad may be adversely affected by political developments in foreign countries, including tax changes, nationalization and changes in regulatory policy, as well as by consequence of hostilities and unrest. The risks of such occurrences and their overall effect upon AIG vary from country to country and cannot easily be predicted. If expropriation or nationalization does occur, AIG’s policy is to take all appropriate measures to seek recovery of such assets. Certain of the countries in which AIG’s business is conducted have currency restrictions which generally cause a delay in a company’s ability to repatriate assets and profits. See also Item 1A. Risk Factors — Foreign Operations and Notes 1 and 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Regulation

 

AIG’s operations around the world are subject to regulation by many different types of regulatory authorities, including insurance, securities, investment advisory, banking and thrift regulators in the United States and abroad. AIG’s operations have become more diverse and consumer-oriented, increasing the scope of regulatory supervision and the possibility of intervention. In light of AIG’s liquidity problems in the third and fourth quarters of 2008, AIG and its regulated subsidiaries have been subject to intense review and supervision around the world. Regulators have taken significant steps to protect the businesses of the entities they regulate. These steps have included:

 

 

 

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These and other actions have made it challenging for AIG to continue to engage in business in the ordinary course. AIG does not expect these conditions to change until its financial situation stabilizes.

 

In 1999, AIG became a unitary thrift holding company within the meaning of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (HOLA) when the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) granted AIG approval to organize AIG Federal Savings Bank. AIG is subject to OTS regulation, examination, supervision and reporting requirements. In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over AIG and its subsidiaries. Among other things, this permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of AIG’s subsidiary savings association, AIG Federal Savings Bank.

 

Under prior law, a unitary savings and loan holding company, such as AIG, was not restricted as to the types of business in which it could engage, provided that its savings association subsidiary continued to be a qualified thrift lender. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (GLBA) provides that no company may acquire control of an OTS regulated institution after May 4, 1999 unless it engages only in the financial activities permitted for financial holding companies under the law or for multiple savings and loan holding companies. The GLBA, however, grandfathered the unrestricted authority for activities with respect to a unitary savings and loan holding company existing prior to May 4, 1999, so long as its savings association subsidiary continues to be a qualified thrift lender under the HOLA. As a unitary savings and loan holding company whose application was pending as of May 4, 1999, AIG is grandfathered under the GLBA and generally is not restricted under existing laws as to the types of business activities in which it may engage, provided that AIG Federal Savings Bank continues to be a qualified thrift lender under the HOLA.

 

Certain states require registration and periodic reporting by insurance companies that are licensed in such states and are controlled by other corporations. Applicable legislation typically requires periodic disclosure concerning the corporation that controls the registered insurer and the other companies in the holding company system and prior approval of intercorporate services and transfers of assets (including in some instances payment of dividends by the insurance subsidiary) within the holding company system. AIG’s subsidiaries are registered under such legislation in those states that have such requirements.

 

AIG’s insurance subsidiaries, in common with other insurers, are subject to regulation and supervision by the states and by other jurisdictions in which they do business. Within the United States, the method of such regulation varies but generally has its source in statutes that delegate regulatory and supervisory powers to an insurance official. The regulation and supervision relate primarily to approval of policy forms and rates, the standards of solvency that must be met and maintained, including risk-based capital, the licensing of insurers and their agents, the nature of and limitations on investments, restrictions on the size of risks that may be insured under a single policy, deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders, requirements for acceptability of reinsurers, periodic examinations of the affairs of insurance companies, the form and content of reports of financial condition required to be filed, and reserves for unearned premiums, losses and other purposes. In general, such regulation is for the protection of policyholders rather than the equity owners of these companies.

 

AIG has taken various steps to enhance the capital positions of the AIG Property Casualty Group companies. AIG entered into capital maintenance agreements with these companies that set forth procedures through which AIG will provide ongoing capital support. Also, in order to allow the AIG Property Casualty Group companies to record as an admitted asset at December 31, 2008 certain reinsurance ceded to non-U.S. reinsurers (which has the effect of maintaining the level of the statutory surplus of such companies), AIG obtained and entered into reimbursement agreements for approximately $1.6 billion of letters of credit issued

 

 

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by several commercial banks in favor of certain AIG Property Casualty Group companies and funded trusts totalling $2.9 billion. Finally, AIG has agreed to contribute capital to the AIG Property Casualty Group companies that hold shares of Transatlantic if, upon selling their Transatlantic shares they receive less than the shares’ statutory book value. The amount of the capital contribution would equal the difference between the aggregate statutory book value of the shares they sold and the aggregate cash proceeds they received in respect to those shares.

 

In the U.S., the Risk-Based Capital (RBC) formula is designed to measure the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory surplus in relation to the risks inherent in its business. Thus, inadequately capitalized general and life insurance companies may be identified. The U.S. RBC formula develops a risk-adjusted target level of statutory surplus by applying certain factors to various asset, premium and reserve items. Higher factors are applied to more risky items and lower factors are applied to less risky items. Thus, the target level of statutory surplus varies not only as a result of the insurer’s size, but also based on the risk profile of the insurer’s operations.

 

The RBC Model Law provides for four incremental levels of regulatory attention for insurers whose surplus is below the calculated RBC target. These levels of attention range in severity from requiring the insurer to submit a plan for corrective action to placing the insurer under regulatory control.

 

The statutory surplus of each of AIG’s AIG Property Casualty Group and U.S.-based Life Insurance subsidiaries exceeded their RBC minimum required levels as of December 31, 2008.

 

To the extent that any of AIG’s insurance entities would fall below prescribed levels of statutory surplus, it would be AIG’s intention to provide appropriate capital or other types of support to that entity.

 

A substantial portion of AIG’s General Insurance business and a majority of its Life Insurance business is conducted in foreign countries. The degree of regulation and supervision in foreign jurisdictions varies. Generally, AIG, as well as the underwriting companies operating in such jurisdictions, must satisfy local regulatory requirements. Licenses issued by foreign authorities to AIG subsidiaries are subject to modification or revocation by such authorities, and these subsidiaries could be prevented from conducting business in certain of the jurisdictions where they currently operate. A change in control of AIG, such as that resulting from the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock (described in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), or changes in the ownership of a regulated subsidiary that may result from a disposition of the subsidiary or the repayment of outstanding amounts under the Fed Facility with subsidiary preferred equity, may also trigger change of control requirements in jurisdictions around the world and result in other regulatory actions.

 

In addition to licensing requirements, AIG’s foreign operations are also regulated in various jurisdictions with respect to currency, policy language and terms, advertising, amount and type of security deposits, amount and type of reserves, amount and type of capital to be held, amount and type of local investment and the share of profits to be returned to policyholders on participating policies. Some foreign countries regulate rates on various types of policies. Certain countries have established reinsurance institutions, wholly or partially owned by the local government, to which admitted insurers are obligated to cede a portion of their business on terms that may not always allow foreign insurers, including AIG subsidiaries, full compensation. In some countries, regulations governing constitution of technical reserves and remittance balances may hinder remittance of profits and repatriation of assets.

 

See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Capital Resources and Liquidity — Regulation and Supervision and Note 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Competition

 

AIG’s businesses operate in highly competitive environments, both domestically and overseas. Principal sources of competition are insurance companies, banks, investment banks and other non-bank financial institutions.

 

The insurance industry in particular is highly competitive. Within the United States, AIG’s General Insurance subsidiaries compete with approximately 3,400 other stock companies, specialty insurance organizations, mutual companies and other underwriting organizations. AIG’s Life Insurance & Retirement Services subsidiaries compete in the United States with approximately 2,100 life insurance companies and other participants in related financial services fields. Overseas, AIG’s subsidiaries compete for business with the foreign insurance operations of large U.S. insurers and with global insurance groups and local companies in particular areas in which they are active.

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

As a result of the reduction of the credit ratings of AIG and its subsidiaries, uncertainty relating to AIG’s financial condition and AIG’s asset disposition plan, AIG’s businesses have faced and continue to face intense competition to retain existing customers and to maintain business with existing customers and counterparties at historical levels. Further, AIG has been and continues to be at a significant disadvantage in soliciting new customers. AIG expects these difficult conditions to continue for the foreseeable future.

 

Competition is also intense for key employees. The announced asset dispositions, decline in AIG’s common stock price and uncertainty surrounding AIG’s financial condition have adversely affected AIG’s ability to retain key employees and to attract new employees. While AIG has granted retention awards and taken other steps to retain its key employees, no assurance can be given that these actions will be successful.

 

For a further discussion of the risks of AIG’s disadvantage in soliciting new customers and losing key employees, see item 1A. Risk Factors — Employees.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of AIG

 

All directors of AIG are elected for one-year terms at the annual meeting of shareholders. All executive officers are elected to one-year terms, but serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

 

Except as hereinafter noted, each of the executive officers has, for more than five years, occupied an executive position with AIG or companies that are now its subsidiaries. There are no arrangements or understandings between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which the executive officer was elected to such position. Prior to joining AIG in September 2008, Mr. Liddy served at the private equity investment firm of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. during 2008. From January 1999 until his retirement in April 2008, Mr. Liddy served as Chairman of the Board of The Allstate Corporation (Allstate), the parent of Allstate Insurance Company. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of Allstate from January 1999 to December 2006 and President from January 1995 to May 2005. Ms. Reynolds was President and Chief Executive Officer of Safeco Corporation from January 2006 to September 2008 and Chairman from May 2008 to September 2008. Previously, Ms. Reynolds served as President and Chief Executive Officer of AGL Resources, an Atlanta-based energy holding company, from 2000 to 2005 and Chairman from 2002 to 2005. From January 2000 until joining AIG in May 2004, Dr. Frenkel served as Chairman of Merrill Lynch International, Inc. Prior to joining AIG in September 2006, Ms. Kelly served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of MCI/WorldCom. Previously, she was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Sears, Roebuck and Co. from 1999 to 2003. From June 2004 until joining AIG in May 2007, Mr. Kaslow was a managing partner of QuanStar Group, LLC (an advisory services firm), and, from January 2002 until May 2004, Mr. Kaslow was Senior Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Vivendi Universal (an entertainment and telecommunications company).

 

 

AIG 2008 Form 10-K    19

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Set forth below is information concerning the directors and executive officers of AIG as of February 18, 2009.

 

 

 

20    AIG 2008 Form 10-K

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

 

The consequences of these conditions have been more severe for AIG than for other insurers. Since the third quarter of 2008, AIG’s principal sources of liquidity have been the Fed Facility and issuances of commercial paper under the Commercial Paper Funding Facility established by the NY Fed (CPFF). Authorization for the CPFF to accept new issuances of commercial paper is set to expire on October 30, 2009, with all outstanding issuances under the program maturing by January 2010. Since mid-September 2008, AIG has had no access to funding in public markets.

 

Certain of AIG’s in-force and new business products in its life insurance businesses provide minimum benefit guarantees and crediting rates. Low interest rates driven by recessionary or deflationary environments could result in a negative spread between the yield produced by AIG’s investment portfolios and the underlying costs of these products. While potentially providing short-term benefits, long-term profitability of the business could be negatively affected by this negative spread and the volume and value of new business could be adversely affected by low interest rate environments.

 

Credit and Financial Strength Ratings

 

Adverse ratings actions regarding AIG’s long-term debt ratings by the major rating agencies would require AIG to post a substantial amount of additional collateral payments pursuant to, and/or permit the termination of, derivative transactions to which AIGFP is a party, which could further adversely affect AIG’s business and its consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Additional obligations to post collateral or the costs of assignment, termination or obtaining alternative credit could exceed the amounts then available under the Fed Facility.   In the third quarter of 2008, S&P, Moody’s, Fitch and A.M. Best Company (A.M. Best) each downgraded the credit ratings of AIG Inc. and most of the Insurer Financial Strength Ratings of AIG’s insurance operating subsidiaries. In particular, S&P downgraded AIG’s long-term debt rating by three notches, Moody’s downgraded AIG’s long-term debt rating by two notches, Fitch downgraded AIG’s long-term debt rating by two notches and A.M. Best downgraded AIG’s issuer credit rating from a+ to bbb and most of AIG’s Insurer Financial Strength Ratings from A+ to A.

 

Subsequent to the rating actions referred to above, the following rating actions were taken:

 

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

 

Credit ratings estimate a company’s ability to meet its obligations and may directly affect the cost and availability to that company of unsecured financing and its eligibility for certain government sponsored funding programs such as the CPFF, as discussed below. In the event of a further downgrade of AIG’s long-term senior debt ratings, AIGFP would be required to post additional collateral and AIG or certain of AIGFP’s counterparties would be permitted to elect early termination of contracts.

 

It is estimated that as of the close of business on February 18, 2009, based on AIGFP’s outstanding municipal GIAs, secured funding arrangements and financial derivative transactions (including AIGFP’s super senior credit default swap portfolio) at that date, a one-notch downgrade of AIG’s long-term senior debt ratings to Baa1 by Moody’s and BBB+ by S&P would permit counterparties to make additional collateral calls and permit either AIGFP or the counterparties to elect early termination of contracts, resulting in up to approximately $8 billion of corresponding collateral postings and termination payments, a two-notch downgrade to Baa2 by Moody’s and BBB by S&P would result in approximately $2 billion in additional collateral postings and termination payments, and a three-notch downgrade to Baa3 by Moody’s and BBB- by S&P would result in approximately $1 billion in additional collateral and termination payments.

 

The actual amount of collateral that AIGFP would be required to post to counterparties in the event of such downgrades, or the aggregate amount of payments that AIG could be required to make, would depend on market conditions, the fair value of outstanding affected transactions and other factors prevailing at the time of the downgrade. If AIG is unable to secure sufficient additional funding through the Fed Facility or otherwise, AIG could become insolvent.

 

ILFC is a party to two Export Credit Agency (ECA) facilities that require ILFC to segregate security deposits and maintenance reserves related to aircraft financed under these facilities into separate accounts in the event of a downgrade in ILFC’s credit ratings. In October 2008, Moody’s downgraded ILFC’s debt ratings, and ILFC was subsequently notified by the trustees under its ECA facilities that it would be required to segregate security deposits and maintenance reserves totaling approximately $260 million in separate accounts. Further downgrades would impose additional restrictions under these facilities, including the requirement to segregate rental payments and would require prior consent to withdraw funds from the segregated account.

 

For a further discussion of AIG’s liquidity, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Capital Resources and Liquidity — Liquidity.

 

A downgrade in the short-term credit ratings of the commercial paper programs of certain AIG affiliates could make these issuers ineligible for participation in the CPFF.   AIG Funding and affiliates Curzon Funding LLC and Nightingale Finance LLC currently obtain financing through participation in the CPFF. As of February 18, 2009, AIG Funding, Curzon Funding LLC and Nightingale Finance LLC had $6.1 billion, $6.8 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, outstanding under the CPFF. However, in the event of a downgrade of the short-term credit ratings applicable to the commercial paper programs of these issuers, they may no longer qualify for participation in the CPFF and would likely have significant difficulty obtaining access to alternative sources of liquidity. AIG’s subsidiary, ILFC, participated in the CPFF at December 31, 2008, but on January 21, 2009, S&P downgraded ILFC’s short-term debt rating and, as a result, ILFC lost access to the CPFF. The CPFF purchases only U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper (including asset-backed commercial paper) that is rated at least A-1/P-1/F1 by a major nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) or, if rated by multiple major NRSROs, is rated at least A-1/P-1/F1 by two or more major NRSROs. Accordingly, these AIG entities will lose access to the CPFF if:

 

 

Adverse rating actions could result in further reductions in credit limits extended to AIG and in a decline in the number of counterparties willing to transact with AIG or its affiliates.   To appropriately manage risk, AIG needs trading counterparties willing to extend sufficient credit limits to purchase and sell securities, commodities and

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

other assets, as well as to conduct hedging activities. To the extent that counterparties are unwilling to trade with or to extend adequate credit limits to AIG or its subsidiaries, AIG could be exposed to open positions or other unhedged risks, resulting in increased volatility of results and increased losses.

 

A downgrade in the Insurer Financial Strength ratings of AIG’s insurance companies could prevent the companies from writing new business and retaining customers and business.   Insurer Financial Strength ratings are an important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. Insurer Financial Strength ratings measure an insurance company’s ability to meet its obligations to contract holders and policyholders, help maintain public confidence in a company’s products, facilitate marketing of products and enhance a company’s competitive position.

 

Further downgrades of the Insurer Financial Strength ratings of AIG’s insurance companies may prevent these companies from offering products and services or result in increased policy cancellations or termination of assumed reinsurance contracts. Moreover, a downgrade in AIG’s credit ratings may, under credit rating agency policies concerning the relationship between parent and subsidiary ratings, result in a downgrade of the Insurer Financial Strength ratings of AIG’s insurance subsidiaries.

 

Liquidity

 

AIG parent’s ability to access funds from its subsidiaries is severely limited.   As a holding company, AIG parent depends significantly on dividends, distributions and other payments from its subsidiaries to fund payments due on AIG’s obligations, including its debt securities. Further, the majority of AIG’s investments are held by its regulated subsidiaries. In light of AIG’s current financial situation, many of AIG’s regulated subsidiaries have been significantly restricted from making dividend payments, or advancing funds, to AIG, and AIG expects these restrictions to continue. AIG’s subsidiaries also are limited in their ability to make dividend payments or advance funds to AIG because of the need to retain funds to conduct their own operations. These factors may hinder AIG’s ability to access funds that AIG may need to make payments on its obligations, including those arising from day-to-day business activities.

 

AIG parent’s ability to support its subsidiaries is limited.   Historically, AIG has provided capital and liquidity to its subsidiaries to maintain regulatory capital ratios, comply with rating agency requirements and meet unexpected cash flow obligations. AIG’s current limited access to liquidity may reduce or prevent AIG from providing support to its subsidiaries. If AIG is unable to provide support to a subsidiary having an immediate capital need, the subsidiary could become insolvent or, in the case of an insurance subsidiary or other regulated entity, could be seized by its regulator.

 

A significant portion of AIG’s investments are illiquid and are difficult to sell, or to sell in significant amounts at acceptable prices, to generate cash to meet AIG’s needs.   AIG’s investments in certain securities, including certain fixed income securities and certain structured securities, direct private equities, limited partnerships, hedge funds, mortgage loans, flight equipment, finance receivables and real estate are illiquid. These asset classes represented approximately 31 percent of the carrying value of AIG’s total cash and invested assets at December 31, 2008. In addition, the steep decline in the U.S. real estate market and the current disruption in the credit markets have materially adversely affected the liquidity of other AIG securities portfolios, including its residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities portfolios. If AIG requires significant amounts of cash on short notice in excess of anticipated cash requirements or is required to post or return collateral in connection with AIGFP’s derivative transactions, then AIG may have difficulty selling these investments or terminating these transactions in a timely manner or may be forced to sell or terminate them at unfavorable values.

 

If AIG fails to maintain compliance with the continued listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the NYSE may initiate suspension and de-listing procedures, which will have a material adverse effect on the liquidity of AIG’s common stock.   AIG’s common stock and other securities are listed on the NYSE. AIG is subject to the NYSE’s continued listing requirements, including, among other things, the requirement that AIG maintain an average closing price equal to at least $1.00 over each consecutive 30-day trading period. The share price of AIG’s common stock has declined significantly since the third quarter of 2008, and recently has begun to close below $1.00. AIG has not been informed of any non-compliance by the NYSE, but there is no assurance that AIG will be able to maintain compliance with the NYSE’s continued listing standards or that, in the event of non-compliance, the NYSE will not take action to suspend and de-list AIG’s securities from trading. A de-listing would

 

 

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have a significant adverse effect on the liquidity of AIG’s common stock, making it more difficult and expensive for AIG to raise additional capital.

 

Fed Facility and Series D Preferred Stock

 

The Fed Credit Agreement and the Series D Preferred Stock require AIG to devote significant resources to debt repayment and preferred stock dividends for the foreseeable future, thereby significantly reducing capital available for other purposes.   AIG is required to repay the five-year Fed Facility primarily from the proceeds of sales of assets, including businesses. The amount available under the Fed Facility is permanently reduced by the amount of such repayments as they are made. In addition, the $40 billion liquidation preference of the Series D Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (Series D Preferred Stock) issued to the United States Department of the Treasury accumulates dividends at 10 percent per year. These dividends, and the dividends on any other series of preferred stock issued by AIG, are not deductible for tax purposes.

 

AIG’s significant obligations require it to dedicate all of its proceeds from asset dispositions and a considerable portion of its cash flows from operations to the repayment of the Fed Facility, thereby reducing the funds available for investment in its businesses. Moreover, because AIG’s debt service and preferred stock dividend obligations are very high, AIG may be more vulnerable to competitive pressures and have less flexibility to plan for or respond to changing business and economic conditions.

 

A further inability to effect asset sales in accordance with its asset disposition plan or to do so at acceptable prices could result in AIG not being able to repay its borrowings under the Fed Facility. See Capital Resources and Liquidity Requirements — Asset Disposition Plan for a discussion of AIG’s asset disposition plan.

 

Borrowings available to AIG under the Fed Facility may not be sufficient to meet AIG’s funding needs and additional financing may not be available or could be prohibitively expensive.   Additional collateral calls, continued high surrenders of annuity and other policies, further downgrades in AIG’s credit ratings or a further deterioration in AIGFP’s remaining super senior credit default swap portfolio could cause AIG to require additional funding in excess of the borrowings available under the Fed Facility. In that event, AIG would be required to find additional financing and new financing sources. In the current business environment such financing could be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain and, if available, very expensive, and additional funding from the NY Fed, United States Department of the Treasury or other government sources may not be available. If AIG is unable to obtain sufficient financing to meet its capital needs, AIG could become insolvent.

 

Borrowings under the Fed Facility are subject to the NY Fed being satisfied with the collateral pledged by AIG.   A condition to borrowing under the Fed Facility is that the NY Fed be satisfied with the collateral pledged by AIG (including its value). It is possible that the NY Fed may determine that AIG’s collateral is insufficient to permit a borrowing for many reasons including:

 

 

Such a determination could limit AIG’s ability to borrow under the Fed Facility.

 

AIG must sell or otherwise dispose of significant assets to service the debt under the Fed Facility.   AIG must make asset dispositions to repay the borrowings under the Fed Facility. A continued delay or inability to effect these dispositions at acceptable prices and on acceptable terms could result in AIG being unable to repay the Fed Facility by its maturity date.

 

While AIG has adopted an asset disposition plan, as discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity — Asset Disposition Plan, this plan may not be successfully executed due to, among other things:

 

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

 

Further, AIG may be unable to negotiate favorable terms in connection with asset sales, including with respect to price. As a result, AIG may need to modify its asset disposition plan to sell additional or different assets.

 

If AIG is not able to repay the Fed Facility from the proceeds of asset dispositions and cannot otherwise repay the Fed Facility in accordance with its terms, an event of default would result. In such an event, the NY Fed could enforce its security interest in AIG’s pledged collateral. In addition, an event of default or declaration of acceleration under the Fed Credit Agreement could also result in an event of default under other agreements. In such an event, AIG would likely not have sufficient liquid assets to meet its obligations under such agreements.

 

The Fed Credit Agreement includes financial and other covenants that impose restrictions on AIG’s financial and business operations.   The Fed Credit Agreement requires AIG to maintain a minimum aggregate liquidity level and restricts AIG’s ability to make certain capital expenditures. The Fed Credit Agreement also restricts AIG’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, merge, consolidate, sell assets, enter into hedging transactions outside the normal course of business, or pay dividends. These covenants could restrict AIG’s business and thereby adversely affect AIG’s results of operations.

 

Moreover, if AIG fails to comply with the covenants in the Fed Credit Agreement and is unable to obtain a waiver or amendment, an event of default would result. If an event of default were to occur, the NY Fed could, among other things, declare outstanding borrowings under the Fed Credit Agreement immediately due and payable and enforce its security interest in AIG’s pledged collateral. In addition, an event of default or declaration of acceleration under the Fed Credit Agreement could also result in an event of default under AIG’s other agreements.

 

AIG’s results of operations and cash flows will be materially and adversely affected by a significant increase in interest expense and preferred stock dividends paid.   AIG expects its results of operations in 2009 and in future periods to be significantly adversely affected by the recognition of interest expense on borrowings under the Fed Facility and by the payment of significant preferred stock dividends. In addition, the prepaid commitment fee asset of $23 billion associated with the Series C Preferred Stock (described below) was capitalized and is being amortized through interest expense over the term of the Fed Facility, which is five years.

 

The Series D Preferred Stock accrues dividends, payable if, as and when declared, at a rate of 10 percent per annum, or $4 billion, on the $40 billion of liquidation preference, which are not tax deductible.

 

Controlling Shareholder

 

Following the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock to the AIG Credit Facility Trust, a trust for the sole benefit of the United States Treasury, the Trust, which is overseen by three independent trustees, will hold a controlling interest in AIG. AIG’s interests and those of AIG’s minority shareholders may not be the same as those of the Trust or the United States Treasury.   In accordance with the Fed Credit Agreement, in early March 2009, AIG expects to issue 100,000 shares of Series C Perpetual, Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, par value $5.00 per share and at an initial liquidation preference of $5.00 per share (the Series C Preferred Stock), to the AIG Credit Facility Trust, a trust for the sole benefit of the United States Treasury (together with its trustees, the Trust) established under the AIG Credit Facility Trust Agreement dated as of January 16, 2009 (as it may be amended from time to time, the Trust Agreement). The Trust will hold the Series C Preferred Stock for the sole benefit of the United States Treasury. The Series C Preferred Stock is entitled to:

 

 

The dividends payable on and the total voting power of (i) the shares of common stock underlying the Series C Preferred Stock, (ii) the 53,798,766 shares of common stock underlying the warrants issued to the United States Department of the Treasury on November 25, 2008 and (iii) the shares of common stock underlying the warrants to be issued to the United States Department of the Treasury in connection with the capital commitment facility will

 

 

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American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

not exceed 79.9 percent of the aggregate dividends payable on and the voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock, treating the Series C Preferred Stock as converted.

 

The Series C Preferred Stock will remain outstanding even if the Fed Facility is repaid in full or otherwise terminates. In addition, upon shareholder approval and the filing with the Delaware Secretary of State of certain amendments to AIG’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Trust can convert at its option all or a portion of the Series C Preferred Stock into common stock.

 

As a result of its ownership of the Series C Preferred Stock, the Trust will be able, subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement and the Series C Preferred Stock, to elect all of AIG’s directors and will be able, to the extent permitted by law, to control the vote on substantially all matters, including:

 

 

Moreover, the Trust’s ability to prevent any change in control of AIG could also have an adverse effect on the market price of the common stock.

 

The Trust may also, subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement and applicable securities laws, transfer all, or a portion of, the Series C Preferred Stock to another person or entity and, in the event of such a transfer, that person or entity could become the controlling shareholder.

 

Possible future sales of Series C Preferred Stock or common stock by the Trust could adversely affect the market for AIG common stock.   Pursuant to the Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2009, between the Trust and AIG (the Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement), AIG has agreed to file a shelf registration statement that will allow the Trust to publicly sell Series C Preferred Stock or any shares of common stock it receives upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock. In addition, the Trust could sell Series C Preferred Stock or shares of common stock without registration under certain circumstances, such as in a private transaction. Although AIG can make no prediction as to the effect, if any, that such sales would have on the market price of common stock, sales of substantial amounts of Series C Preferred Stock or common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of common stock. If the Trust sells or transfers shares of Series C Preferred Stock or common stock as a block, another person or entity could become AIG’s controlling shareholder.

 

Change of Control

 

The issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock may have adverse consequences for AIG and its subsidiaries with regulators and contract counterparties.   The issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock will result in a change of control of AIG. A change of control of AIG triggers notice, approval and/or other regulatory requirements in many of the more than 130 countries and jurisdictions in which AIG and its subsidiaries operate. AIG has undertaken a worldwide review of the regulatory requirements arising in connection with the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock, and has worked to achieve material compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. In this connection, AIG has submitted notices to regulators in the jurisdictions where its principal businesses are located, and currently has no knowledge that any regulator intends to impose any penalties or take any other actions as a result of the change in control of AIG in a manner that would be adverse in any material respect to AIG. However, in light of the large number of jurisdictions in which AIG and its subsidiaries operate and the complexity of assessing and addressing the regulatory requirements in each of the relevant jurisdictions, AIG has not been able to obtain all regulatory consents or approvals that may be required in connection with the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock. Accordingly, no assurances can be provided that the failure to obtain all required consents or approvals will not have a material adverse effect on AIG’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

AIG and its subsidiaries are also parties to various contracts and other agreements that may be affected by a change of control of AIG. Although AIG believes the change of control arising from the issuance of the Series C

 

 

AIG 2008 Form 10-K    27

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

Preferred Stock will not result in a breach of any material contract or agreement, no assurances can be given that AIG’s counterparties to such contracts and agreements will not claim that breaches have occurred. If AIG were to be found to have breached any material contract or agreement, its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

 

Concentration of Investments and Exposures

 

Concentration of AIG’s investment portfolios in any particular segment of the economy may have adverse effects.   AIG results of operations have been adversely affected and may continue to be adversely affected by a concentration in residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities. AIG also has significant exposures to financial institutions and, in particular, to money center and global banks. These types of concentrations in AIG’s investment portfolios could have an adverse effect on the investment portfolios and consequently on AIG’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. While AIG seeks to mitigate this risk by having a broadly diversified portfolio, events or developments that have a negative effect on any particular industry, asset class, group of related industries or geographic region may have a greater adverse effect on the investment portfolios to the extent that the portfolios are concentrated. Furthermore, AIG’s ability to sell assets relating to such particular groups of related assets may be limited if other market participants are seeking to sell at the same time.

 

Concentration of AIG’s insurance and other risk exposures may have adverse effects.   AIG seeks to manage the risks to which it is exposed as a result of the insurance policies, derivatives and other obligations that it undertakes to customers and counterparties by monitoring the diversification of its exposures by exposure type, industry, geographic region, counterparty and otherwise and by using reinsurance, hedging and other arrangements to limit or offset exposures that exceed the limits it wishes to retain. In certain circumstances, or with respect to certain exposures, such risk management arrangements may not be available on acceptable terms, or AIG’s exposure in absolute terms may be so large that even slightly adverse experience compared to AIG’s expectations may cause a material adverse effect on AIG’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

Casualty Insurance Underwriting and Reserves

 

Casualty insurance liabilities are difficult to predict and may exceed the related reserves for losses and loss expenses.   AIG has announced that it intends to focus its resources on its core property and casualty insurance businesses while selling other businesses to repay the borrowing under the Fed Credit Agreement. As a result, AIG expects to become more reliant on these businesses.

 

Although AIG annually reviews the adequacy of the established liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense, there can be no assurance that AIG’s loss reserves will not develop adversely and have a material adverse effect on AIG’s results of operations. Estimation of ultimate net losses, loss expenses and loss reserves is a complex process for long-tail casualty lines of business, which include excess and umbrella liability, D&O, professional liability, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, general liability, products liability and related classes, as well as for asbestos and environmental exposures. Generally, actual historical loss development factors are used to project future loss development. However, there can be no assurance that future loss development patterns will be the same as in the past. Moreover, any deviation in loss cost trends or in loss development factors might not be discernible for an extended period of time subsequent to the recording of the initial loss reserve estimates for any accident year. Thus, there is the potential for reserves with respect to a number of years to be significantly affected by changes in loss cost trends or loss development factors that were relied upon in setting the reserves. These changes in loss cost trends or loss development factors could be attributable to changes in inflation or in the judicial environment, or in other social or economic phenomena affecting claims, such as the effects that the recent disruption in the credit markets could have on reported claims under D&O or professional liability coverages. For a further discussion of AIG’s loss reserves see also Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Segment Results — General Insurance Operations — Liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense.

 

 

28    AIG 2008 Form 10-K

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Catastrophe Exposures

 

The occurrence of catastrophic events could adversely affect AIG’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.   The occurrence of events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, pandemic disease, acts of terrorism and other catastrophes could adversely affect AIG’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations, including by exposing AIG’s businesses to the following:

 

 

Reinsurance

 

Reinsurance may not be available or affordable.   AIG subsidiaries are major purchasers of reinsurance and utilize reinsurance as part of AIG’s overall risk management strategy. Reinsurance is an important risk management tool to manage transaction and insurance line risk retention and to mitigate losses that may arise from catastrophes. Market conditions beyond AIG’s control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance purchased by AIG subsidiaries. For example, reinsurance may be more difficult to obtain after a year with a large number of major catastrophes. Accordingly, AIG may be forced to incur additional expenses for reinsurance or may be unable to obtain sufficient reinsurance on acceptable terms, in which case AIG would have to accept an increase in exposure risk, reduce the amount of business written by its subsidiaries or seek alternatives.

 

Reinsurance subjects AIG to the credit risk of its reinsurers and may not be adequate to protect AIG against losses.   Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer liable to the AIG subsidiary to the extent the risk is ceded, it does not relieve the AIG subsidiary of the primary liability to its policyholders. Accordingly, AIG bears credit risk with respect to its subsidiaries’ reinsurers to the extent not mitigated by collateral or other credit enhancements. A reinsurer’s insolvency or inability or refusal to make timely payments under the terms of its agreements with the AIG subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on AIG’s results of operations and liquidity. For additional information on AIG’s reinsurance, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management — Reinsurance.

 

Policyholder Behavior

 

AIG’s policyholders, agents and other distributors of AIG’s insurance products have expressed significant concerns in the wake of announcements by AIG of adverse financial results. AIG expects that these concerns will be exacerbated by the announcement of AIG’s 2008 results.   Many of AIG’s businesses depend upon the financial stability (both actual and perceived) of AIG’s parent company. Concerns that AIG or its subsidiaries may not be able to meet their obligations have negatively affected AIG’s businesses in many ways, including:

 

 

Continued economic uncertainty, additional adverse results or a lack of confidence in AIG and AIG’s businesses may cause AIG customers, agents and other distributors to cease or reduce their dealings with AIG, turn to competitors or shift to products that generate less income for AIG. Although AIG has announced its intent to refocus its business and certain AIG subsidiaries are rebranding themselves in an attempt to overcome a perception of instability, AIG cannot be sure that such efforts will be successful in attracting or maintaining clients.

 

 

AIG 2008 Form 10-K    29

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Foreign Operations

 

Foreign operations expose AIG to risks that may affect its operations, liquidity and financial condition.   AIG provides insurance, investment and other financial products and services to both businesses and individuals in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. A substantial portion of AIG’s General Insurance business and a majority of its Life Insurance & Retirement Services business is conducted outside the United States. Operations outside the United States, particularly those in developing nations, may be affected by regional economic downturns, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, political upheaval, nationalization and other restrictive government actions, which could also affect other AIG operations.

 

The degree of regulation and supervision in foreign jurisdictions varies. Generally, AIG, as well as its subsidiaries operating in such jurisdictions, must satisfy local regulatory requirements. Licenses issued by foreign authorities to AIG subsidiaries are subject to modification and revocation. Thus, AIG’s insurance subsidiaries could be prevented from conducting future business in certain of the jurisdictions where they currently operate. Adverse actions from any single country could adversely affect AIG’s results of operations, liquidity and financial condition depending on the magnitude of the event and AIG’s net financial exposure at that time in that country.

 

Employees

 

Because of the decline in the value of equity awards previously granted to employees and the uncertainty surrounding AIG’s asset disposition program, AIG may be unable to retain key employees, including individuals critical to the execution of its disposition plan.   AIG relies upon the knowledge and talent of its employees to successfully conduct business. The decline in AIG’s common stock price has dramatically reduced the value of equity awards previously granted to its key employees. Also, the announcement of proposed asset dispositions has resulted in competitors seeking to hire AIG’s key employees. AIG has implemented retention programs to seek to keep its key employees, but there can be no assurance that the programs will be effective. A loss of key employees could reduce the value of AIG’s businesses and impair its ability to effect a successful asset disposition plan.

 

A loss of key employees in AIG’s financial reporting process could prevent AIG from making required filings, preparing financial statements and otherwise adversely affect its internal controls.   AIG relies upon the knowledge and experience of the employees involved in these functions for the effective and timely preparation of required filings and financial statements and operation of internal controls. If these employees depart, AIG may not be able to replace them with individuals having comparable knowledge and experience.

 

The limitations on incentive compensation contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 may adversely affect AIG’s ability to retain its highest performing employees.   On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law. The Recovery Act contains restrictions on bonus and other incentive compensation payable to the five executives named in a company’s proxy statement and the next twenty highest paid employees of companies receiving TARP funds. Historically, AIG has embraced a pay-for-performance philosophy. Depending upon the limitations placed on incentive compensation by the final regulations issued under the Recovery Act, it is possible that AIG may be unable to create a compensation structure that permits AIG to retain its highest performing employees. If this were to occur, AIG’s asset disposition plan, businesses and results of operations would be adversely affected, perhaps materially.

 

Conflicts of interest may arise as AIG implements its asset disposition plan.   AIG relies on certain key employees to operate its businesses during the asset disposition period, to provide information to prospective buyers and to maximize the value of businesses to be divested. The successful completion of the asset disposition plan could be adversely affected by any conflict of interests between AIG and its employees arising as a result of the asset disposition process.

 

Employee error and misconduct may be difficult to detect and prevent and may result in significant losses.   Losses may result from, among other things, fraud, errors, failure to document transactions properly or to obtain proper internal authorization or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, both generally, and during the asset disposition process. There have been a number of highly publicized cases involving fraud or other misconduct by employees in the financial services industry in recent years, and AIG runs the risk that employee misconduct could occur. It is not always possible to deter or prevent employee misconduct and the controls that AIG has in place to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases.

 

 

30    AIG 2008 Form 10-K

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Regulation

 

AIG is subject to extensive regulation in the jurisdictions in which it conducts its businesses, and recent regulatory actions have made it challenging for AIG to continue to engage in business in the ordinary course.   AIG’s operations around the world are subject to regulation by different types of regulatory authorities, including insurance, securities, investment advisory, banking and thrift regulators in the United States and abroad. AIG’s operations have become more diverse and consumer-oriented, increasing the scope of regulatory supervision and the possibility of intervention. In light of AIG’s liquidity issues beginning in the third quarter of 2008, AIG and its regulated subsidiaries have been subject to intense review and supervision around the world. Regulators have taken significant steps to protect the businesses of the entities they regulate. These steps have included:

 

 

AIG does not expect these conditions to change unless its financial situation stabilizes.

 

Adjustments to Life Insurance & Retirement Services Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

 

Interest rate fluctuations, increased surrenders and other events may require AIG subsidiaries to accelerate the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC) which could adversely affect AIG’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.   DAC represents the costs that vary with and are related primarily to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance and annuity contracts. When interest rates rise or customers lose confidence in a company, policy loans and policy surrenders and withdrawals of life insurance policies and annuity contracts may increase as policyholders seek to buy products with perceived higher returns or more stability, requiring AIG subsidiaries to accelerate the amortization of DAC. To the extent such amortization exceeds surrender or other charges earned upon surrender and withdrawals of certain life insurance policies and annuity contracts, AIG’s results of operations could be negatively affected.

 

DAC for both insurance-oriented and investment-oriented products, as well as retirement services products is reviewed for recoverability, which involves estimating the future profitability of current business. This review involves significant management judgment. If the actual emergence of future profitability were to be substantially lower than estimated, AIG could be required to accelerate its DAC amortization and such acceleration could adversely affect AIG’s results of operations. For a further discussion of DAC, see also Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Estimates and Notes 1 and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Risk Management

 

AIG is exposed to a number of significant risks, and AIG’s risk management policies, processes and controls may not be effective in mitigating AIG’s risk exposures in all market conditions and to all types of risk.   The major risks to which AIG is exposed include credit risk, market risk, including credit spread risk, operational risk, liquidity risk and insurance risk. Given continued capital markets volatility, persistent risk aversion, inadequate liquidity in the markets of many asset classes, combined with AIG’s weakened financial condition, AIG may not have adequate risk management policies, tools and processes and AIG may not have sufficient access to the markets and trading counterparties to effectively implement risk mitigating strategies and techniques. This environment could materially and adversely affect AIG’s consolidated results of operations, liquidity or financial condition, result in regulatory action or litigation or further damage AIG’s reputation. For a further discussion of AIG’s risk management process and controls, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management.

 

 

AIG 2008 Form 10-K    31

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

Operational risks of asset dispositions.   AIG is exposed to various operational risks associated with the dispositions of subsidiaries and the resulting restructuring of AIG at the business and corporate levels. These risks include the ability to deconsolidate systems and processes of divested operations without adversely affecting AIG, the ability of AIG to fulfill its obligations under any transition separation agreements agreed upon with buyers, the ability of AIG to downsize the corporation as dispositions are accomplished and the ability of AIG to continue to provide services previously performed by divested entities.

 

AIGFP wind-down risks.   An orderly and successful wind-down of AIGFP’s businesses and portfolios is subject to numerous risks, including market conditions, counterparty willingness to transact, or terminate transactions, with AIGFP and the retention of key personnel. An orderly and successful wind-down will also depend on the stability of AIG’s credit ratings. Further downgrades of AIG’s credit ratings likely would have an adverse effect on the wind-down of AIGFP’s businesses and portfolios.

 

Use of Estimates

 

If actual experience differs from management’s estimates used in the preparation of financial statements, AIG’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition could be adversely affected.   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the application of accounting policies that often involve a significant degree of judgment. AIG considers that its accounting policies that are most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions, and therefore viewed as critical accounting estimates, are those described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Estimates. These accounting estimates require the use of assumptions, some of which are highly uncertain at the time of estimation. For example, recent market volatility and declines in liquidity have made it more difficult to value certain of AIG’s invested assets and the obligations and collateral relating to certain financial instruments issued or held by AIG, such as AIGFP’s super senior credit default swap portfolio. Additionally, the recoverability of deferred tax assets depends in large part on assumptions about future profitability. These estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and current facts and circumstances. Therefore, actual results could differ from these estimates, possibly in the near term, and could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

 

 

American International Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries

Part II