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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)  

ý

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003

OR

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                             to                              


Commission File No. 1-12644


Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York   13-3261323
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)   identification no.)


350 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(Address of principal executive offices)


(212) 826-0100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

        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  ý     No  o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o     No  ý

        At August 12, 2003, there were 33,220,337 outstanding shares of Common Stock of the registrant (excludes 297,658 shares of treasury stock).






INDEX

 
   
  PAGE
PART I   FINANCIAL INFORMATION    

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

Condensed Unaudited Financial Statements
Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets—June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002

 

1

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income—Three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

2

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity—Six months ended June 30, 2003

 

3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

4

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5

Item 2.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

11

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

20

PART II

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

21

Item 6.

 

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

22

SIGNATURES

 

23

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

         FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 
  June 30,
2003

  December 31,
2002

 
ASSETS              
Bonds at market value (amortized cost of $2,999,595 and $2,615,173)   $ 3,269,906   $ 2,829,763  
Short-term investments     243,091     375,688  
Guaranteed investment contract bond portfolio at market value (amortized cost of $2,292,658 and $1,840,949)     2,287,560     1,827,312  
Guaranteed investment contract bond portfolio pledged as collateral at market value (amortized cost of $108,066)     102,428        
Guaranteed investment contract short-term investment portfolio     134,626     4,632  
   
 
 
  Total investments     6,037,611     5,037,395  
Cash     13,187     31,368  
Securitized loans     424,860     437,462  
Securities purchased under agreements to resell     20,000     90,000  
Deferred acquisition costs     261,249     253,777  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums     630,799     557,659  
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses     78,459     75,950  
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates     127,215     115,833  
Other assets     451,953     428,039  
   
 
 
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 8,045,333   $ 7,027,483  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTEREST AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY              
Deferred premium revenue   $ 1,641,271   $ 1,450,211  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses     237,885     223,618  
Guaranteed investment contracts     2,888,633     2,449,033  
Deferred federal income taxes     152,068     124,310  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     96,340        
Ceded reinsurance balances payable     64,178     79,870  
Notes payable     430,000     430,000  
Deferred compensation     94,684     83,031  
Minority interest     57,561     52,841  
Payable for securities purchased     124,331     10,490  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     220,188     255,709  
   
 
 
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTEREST     6,007,139     5,159,113  
   
 
 
Common stock (200,000,000 shares authorized; 33,517,995 issued; par value of $.01 per share)     335     335  
Additional paid-in capital     900,484     903,494  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of deferred income taxes of $85,972 and $66,270)     173,603     134,683  
Accumulated earnings     963,772     829,858  
Deferred equity compensation     23,445     23,445  
Less treasury stock at cost (297,658 shares held)     (23,445 )   (23,445 )
   
 
 
    TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY     2,038,194     1,868,370  
   
 
 
      TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTEREST AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 8,045,333   $ 7,027,483  
   
 
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1



FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,

  Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
 
  2003
  2002
  2003
  2002
 
Revenues:                          
  Net premiums written   $ 187,884   $ 125,186   $ 280,069   $ 220,427  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net premiums earned     88,158     77,053     168,248     146,751  
  Net investment income     37,776     35,100     74,309     68,498  
  Net realized gains     2,829     22,874     3,893     23,957  
  Guaranteed investment contract net interest income     11,949     5,143     19,906     8,175  
  Guaranteed investment contract net realized losses     (1,058 )         (1,096 )      
  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments     2,365     (16,470 )   2,140     (24,698 )
  Other income     451     1,036     1,627     1,182  
   
 
 
 
 
      TOTAL REVENUES     142,470     124,736     269,027     223,865  
   
 
 
 
 
Expenses:                          
  Losses and loss adjustment expenses     6,595     39,207     12,895     42,119  
  Interest expense     7,085     5,881     14,171     11,742  
  Policy acquisition costs     13,537     13,512     26,936     25,877  
  Guaranteed investment contract net interest expense     6,916     2,844     14,229     5,523  
  Other operating expenses     17,339     10,721     32,939     20,984  
   
 
 
 
 
      TOTAL EXPENSES     51,472     72,165     101,170     106,245  
   
 
 
 
 
Minority interest     (2,293 )   (2,155 )   (4,720 )   (4,215 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates     58     5,836     9,386     12,880  
   
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES     88,763     56,252     172,523     126,285  
Provision for income taxes     20,674     10,847     38,609     26,760  
   
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME     68,089     45,405     133,914     99,525  
   
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                          
  Unrealized gains on securities:                          
    Holding gains arising during period     38,703     40,435     41,398     34,920  
    Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income     2,152     16,779     2,478     17,555  
   
 
 
 
 
  Other comprehensive income     36,551     23,656     38,920     17,365  
   
 
 
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME   $ 104,640   $ 69,061   $ 172,834   $ 116,890  
   
 
 
 
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2



FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)

 
  Common
Stock

  Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  Accumulated
Other Comp-
rehensive
Income

  Accumulated
Earnings

  Deferred
Equity
Compen-
sation

  Treasury
Stock

  Total
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2002   $ 335   $ 903,494   $ 134,683   $ 829,858   $ 23,445   $ (23,445 ) $ 1,868,370  
Net income                       133,914                 133,914  
Capital issuance costs           (3,010 )                           (3,010 )
Net unrealized gain on investments, net of tax                 38,920                       38,920  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE, June 30, 2003   $ 335   $ 900,484   $ 173,603   $ 963,772   $ 23,445   $ (23,445 ) $ 2,038,194  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
  2003
  2002
 
Cash flows from operating activities:              
  Premiums received, net   $ 267,276   $ 221,449  
  Policy acquisition and other operating expenses paid, net     (103,881 )   (90,760 )
  Recoverable advances recovered     683     3,341  
  Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid, net     (1,490 )   (4,018 )
  Net investment income received     96,902     76,412  
  Federal income taxes paid     (39,320 )   (52,718 )
  Interest paid     (13,102 )   (9,233 )
  Interest paid on guaranteed investment contracts     (19,490 )   (12,347 )
  Other     15,914     10,896  
   
 
 
    Net cash provided by operating activities     203,492     143,022  
   
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:              
  Proceeds from sales of bonds     523,963     541,205  
  Proceeds from sales of guaranteed investment contract bonds     527,949        
  Purchases of bonds     (861,484 )   (671,825 )
  Purchases of guaranteed investment contract bonds     (1,009,110 )   (1,085,600 )
  Purchases of property and equipment     (677 )   (4,531 )
  Securities purchased under agreements to resell     70,000        
  Net decrease (increase) in guaranteed investment contract short-term investments     (129,994 )   224,640  
  Net decrease in short-term investments     133,006     8,927  
  Net decrease (increase) in other investments     32,811     (1,340 )
   
 
 
    Net cash used for investing activities     (713,536 )   (988,524 )
   
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:              
  Dividends paid           (11,709 )
  Capital issuance costs     (3,010 )      
  Proceeds from securities sold under agreements to repurchase     96,340     165,408  
  Repayment of guaranteed investment contracts     (546,087 )   (167,897 )
  Proceeds from issuance of guaranteed investment contracts     944,620     877,846  
   
 
 
    Net cash provided by financing activities     491,863     863,648  
   
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash     (18,181 )   18,146  
Cash at beginning of period     31,368     7,784  
   
 
 
Cash at end of period   $ 13,187   $ 25,930  
   
 
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

1.     ORGANIZATION AND OWNERSHIP

        Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (the Company) is an insurance holding company incorporated in the State of New York. The Company is primarily engaged (through its insurance company subsidiaries, collectively known as FSA) in the business of providing financial guaranty insurance on asset-backed and municipal obligations. The Company also offers guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) through its wholly owned subsidiaries, FSA Capital Markets Services LLC and FSA Capital Management Services LLC (collectively, CMS). The Company is an indirect subsidiary of Dexia S.A. (Dexia), a publicly held Belgian corporation.

2.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with instructions to Form 10-Q and, accordingly, do not include all of the information and disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These condensed consolidated statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have not been audited by independent accountants in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America but, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at June 30, 2003 and for all periods presented, have been made. The December 31, 2002 condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year. Certain prior-year balances have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation.

3.     LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES

        The Company establishes a case basis reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses for the present value of the estimated loss when, in management's opinion, the likelihood of a future loss on a particular insured obligation is probable and determinable at the balance sheet date. The estimated loss on a transaction is discounted using the then current risk-free rates ranging from 4.77% to 6.1%. For collateralized debt obligations, a case basis reserve is recorded to the extent that the overcollateralization ratio (non-defaulted collateral at par value divided by the debt insured) has fallen below 100% and there is a projected loss when calculating the present value of cash flows.

        The Company also maintains a non-specific general reserve, which is available to be applied against future additions or accretions to existing case basis reserves or to new case basis reserves to be established in the future. The general reserve is calculated by applying loss factors to the Company's total net par underwritten and discounting the result at the then current risk-free rates. The loss factors used for this purpose has been determined based upon an independent rating agency study of bond defaults and the Company's portfolio characteristics and history.

        Management of the Company periodically evaluates its estimates for losses and loss adjustment expenses and establishes reserves that management believes are adequate to cover the net present value of the ultimate net cost of claims.

5


4.     STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 133

        FSA has insured a number of credit default swaps that it intends, in each case, to hold for the full term of the agreement. It considers these agreements to be a normal extension of its financial guaranty insurance business, although they are considered derivatives for accounting purposes. These agreements are recorded at fair value. The Company believes that the most meaningful presentation of the financial statement impact of these derivatives is to reflect premiums as installments are received, to record losses and loss adjustment expenses as incurred and to record changes in fair value as incurred. The Company recorded $12.5 million and $23.7 million in net earned premium under these agreements for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively and $8.3 million and $15.3 million in net earned premium for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002, respectively. The changes in fair value, which were gains of $2.6 million and $4.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively, and losses of $0.5 million and $4.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002, respectively, were recorded in net realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and in other assets or liabilities. The losses or gains recognized by recording these contracts at fair value will be determined each quarter based upon market pricing of Super Triple-A (defined as having first-loss protection of 1.3 times the level required for a Triple-A rating) swap guarantees. The Company does not believe the fair value adjustments are an indication of potential claims under FSA's guarantees. The inception-to-date net unrealized loss was recorded in other liabilities and was $40.1 million and $44.2 million at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.

        Derivative instruments, which are primarily designated as fair-value hedges, are entered into to manage the interest rate exposure of the Company's GICs and GIC bond portfolio and are recorded at fair value. These derivatives generally include interest rate futures and interest rate swap agreements, which are primarily utilized to convert the Company's fixed-rate obligations on its GICs and GIC bond portfolio into floating-rate obligations. The gains and losses relating to these fair-value hedges are included in guaranteed investment contract net interest income and net interest expense, as appropriate, along with the offsetting change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged, in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2003, the Company recorded a net loss of $1.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2002, the Company recorded a net gain of $1.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively, relating to the ineffectiveness of these hedges. In addition, there are derivatives that were purchased for the purpose of hedging the interest rate risk on GICs that have not yet been designated to specific GICs and as a result hedge accounting is not permitted. The change in fair-value of these derivatives was a loss of $2.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and was recorded in net realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

5.     OUTSTANDING EXPOSURE

        The Company limits its exposure to losses from writing financial guarantees by underwriting investment-grade obligations, diversifying its portfolio and maintaining rigorous collateral requirements on asset-backed obligations, as well as through reinsurance. The principal amounts of insured obligations in the asset-backed insured portfolio are backed by the following types of collateral (in millions) at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002:

 
  Net of Amounts Ceded
  Ceded
 
  2003
  2002
  2003
  2002
Residential mortgages   $ 19,609   $ 23,379   $ 4,607   $ 5,480
Consumer receivables     15,593     19,454     5,108     5,954
Pooled corporate obligations     79,871     78,113     12,572     13,007
Investor-owned utility obligations     545     619     312     348
Other asset-backed obligations (1)     4,483     4,528     3,662     3,225
   
 
 
 
  Total asset-backed obligations   $ 120,101   $ 126,093   $ 26,261   $ 28,014
   
 
 
 

    (1)
    Excludes $3,010 million and $2,430 million, in 2003 and 2002, respectively, in "Net of Amounts Ceded" relating to FSA-insured GICs issued by CMS.

6


        Net of amounts ceded and ceded amounts are not necessarily reflective of the risk retained by FSA since FSA employs first loss reinsurance on a material portion of its asset-backed business.

        The principal amount of insured obligations in the municipal insured portfolio includes the following types of issues (in millions) at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002:

 
  Net of Amounts Ceded
  Ceded
Types of Issues

  2003
  2002
  2003
  2002
General obligation bonds   $ 61,127   $ 54,563   $ 18,986   $ 18,388
Housing revenue bonds     6,934     5,833     1,848     1,687
Municipal utility revenue bonds     27,431     23,442     13,827     13,468
Health care revenue bonds     6,005     5,970     6,625     6,683
Tax-supported (non-general obligation) bonds     30,203     27,556     12,773     12,391
Transportation revenue bonds     9,622     7,640     6,865     5,748
Other municipal bonds     13,559     12,173     6,755     5,761
   
 
 
 
  Total municipal obligations   $ 154,881   $ 137,177   $ 67,679   $ 64,126
   
 
 
 

6.     GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CONTRACTS

        As of June 30, 2003, the interest rates on these GICs were between 0.915% and 5.95% per annum.

        Payments due under these GICs, excluding mark-to-market adjustments and prepaid interest of $44.3 million, in the remainder of 2003 and each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter, based upon expected withdrawal dates, are as follows (in millions):

      Expected
Withdrawal Date

  Principal
Amount

2003   $ 109.6
2004     531.7
2005     593.0
2006     140.9
2007     562.2
2008     147.8
Thereafter     759.1
   
Total   $ 2,844.3
   

7.     SEGMENT REPORTING

        The Company operates in two business segments, financial guaranty and financial products. The financial guaranty segment is primarily in the business of providing financial guaranty insurance on asset-backed and municipal obligations. The financial products segment presently consists of the Company's GIC operations. The GICs provide for the return of principal and the payment of interest at a guaranteed rate. The following table is a summary of the financial information (in thousands) by segment as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002:

7


 
  For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
 
  Financial
Guaranty

  Financial
Products

  Inter-segment
Eliminations

  Total
Revenues:                        
  External   $ 262,095   $ 6,932   $     $ 269,027
  Inter-segment     2,916     11,995     (14,911 )    

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  External     77,668     23,502           101,170
  Inter-segment     11,995     2,916     (14,911 )    

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

180,014

 

 

(7,491

)

 

 

 

 

172,523

Segment assets

 

 

5,483,940

 

 

3,073,854

 

 

(512,461

)

 

8,045,333
 
  For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2002

 
  Financial
Guaranty

  Financial
Products

  Total
Revenues   $ 215,690   $ 8,175   $ 223,865
Expenses     94,913     11,332     106,245
Income (loss) before income taxes     129,442     (3,157 )   126,285

        The inter-segment assets are intercompany loans that are in the financial products investment portfolio. The inter-segment revenues relate to premiums charged by the financial guaranty segment for insuring GICs, and interest income and interest expense on the inter-segment loans.

8.     INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

        The Company owns a minority interest in Fairbanks Capital Holding Corp., the parent company of Fairbanks Capital Corp. (collectively with its parent, Fairbanks). Fairbanks is a servicer of single-family residential mortgage loans originated by unaffiliated third parties. Most of the mortgage loans serviced by Fairbanks are considered "sub-prime", reflecting the lower than "prime" credit quality of the borrower/homeowner. Fairbanks is owned 56.8% by The PMI Group Inc. and 29.8% by the Company, with the remainder owned by certain founders of Fairbanks. At June 30, 2003, the Company's interest in Fairbanks had a book value of $61.7 million, of which $7.5 million represented goodwill. The Company's equity in the earnings from Fairbanks for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 was $1.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively. The decrease in the Company's equity in the earnings of Fairbanks for the quarter was largely a result of restructuring and litigation settlement charges.

        Fairbanks' business is subject to regulation, supervision and licensing by various federal, state and local authorities, which have recently increased their focus on lending and servicing practices in the sub-prime lending industry. In October 2002, the Federal Trade Commission (the FTC) informed Fairbanks that it was investigating whether Fairbanks' loan servicing or other practices violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act or other laws enforced by the FTC. The Company understands that, in March 2003, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development initiated a criminal investigation into Fairbanks' servicing practices. Certain of Fairbanks' shareholders, including the Company, have received civil investigative demands from the FTC relating to their investments in Fairbanks and their knowledge of Fairbanks' servicing operations.

        Fairbanks is also subject to private litigation, including a number of putative class action suits, alleging violations of federal and/or state laws. The publicity surrounding sub-prime lending and servicing practices may result in the filing of other putative class action suits against Fairbanks.

        Fairbanks is highly leveraged and dependent upon credit facilities to make servicing and delinquency advances in the regular course of its business, to finance the acquisition of mortgage servicing rights and for other business purposes. In May 2003, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services downgraded their loan servicer rankings for Fairbanks from strong to below average. These actions constituted potential events of

8


default under Fairbanks' credit facilities, which led to a restructuring of and amendments to the credit facilities in June 2003.

        In order to address alleged violations of various federal and state laws, Fairbanks is reimbursing certain fees allegedly collected improperly, and is changing certain of its loan servicing practices, including the types and amounts of fees collected, without admitting any violations. Due to these developments, future income from Fairbanks' operations is expected to be reduced. While the impairment test done by the Company did not result in a write-down of the investment, future developments are uncertain due to the ongoing investigation and private litigation.

9.     CAPITAL RESOURCES

        In June 2003, $200.0 million of money market committed preferred trust securities (the CPS Securities) were issued by trusts created for the primary purpose of issuing the CPS Securities, investing the proceeds in high quality commercial paper and providing FSA with put options for selling to the trusts non-cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock (the Preferred Stock) of FSA. If a put option were to be exercised by FSA, the applicable trust would use the portion of the proceeds attributable to principal received upon maturity of its assets, net of expenses, and transfer such proceeds to FSA in exchange for Preferred Stock of FSA. FSA pays a floating put premium to the trusts. The cost of the structure was $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2003 and was recorded in equity. The trusts are vehicles for providing FSA access to new capital at its sole discretion through the exercise of the put options.

        The Company does not consider itself to be the primary beneficiary of the trusts under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" (FIN No. 46) because it does not retain the majority of the residual benefits or expected losses.

10.   RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, which is an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements". FIN No. 46 addresses consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs) which have one or both of the following characteristics: (i) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, which is provided through other interests that will absorb some or all of the expected losses of the entity; and (ii) the equity investors lack the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting rights or similar rights, the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity if they occur or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. The provisions of FIN No. 46 will be effective immediately for VIEs created after January 31, 2003 and for VIEs in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. For VIEs in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the interpretation is effective in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The implementation of FIN No. 46, will cause the Company to consolidate for financial reporting purposes, for the first time commencing in the third quarter of 2003, FSA Global Funding Limited (FSA Global) and Canadian Global Funding Corporation (Canadian Global). FIN No. 46 requires that, upon consolidation, the Company shall initially measure the VIE's assets, liabilities and minority interest at their carrying amounts under existing GAAP as if the entity had been consolidated from the time the Company was considered its primary beneficiary (or parent). Any differences upon consolidation will be reflected as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle is not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations of the Company. In addition, on July 1, 2003, the Company obtained control provisions of another VIE, Premier International Funding Co. (Premier), which will cause the Company to consolidate Premier beginning July 1, 2003. At June 30, 2003, FSA Global had total assets and total liabilities of approximately $9.6 billion and $9.6 billion, respectively. The foregoing assets and liabilities include assets and liabilities of $7.2 billion that will be eliminated with assets and liabilities of Premier, when consolidated. FSA Global had a net loss of approximately $0.1 million for the first half of 2003. FSA Global's net income is determined net of FSA Global's premium expense to FSA. For the six months ended June 30, 2003, FSA Global paid premiums to FSA of approximately $2.4 million. All amounts insured by FSA relating to FSA Global are included in the Company's outstanding exposure, included in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for June 30, 2003. As of June 30, 2003, there were no case basis reserves required for any transactions related to FSA Global. At June 30, 2003, Canadian Global had total assets of approximately $198.5 million, of which $97.6 million has been invested in GICs issued by CMS. As of June 30, 2003, the Company was carrying

9


gross and net case basis reserves of $17.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, against transactions refinanced by Canadian Global. The Company will continue to analyze the effects of FIN No. 46, considering the complexity of practical application to the Company's transactions.

11.   SUBSEQUENT EVENT

        On July 31, 2003, the Company issued $100.0 million of 5.60% Notes due July 15, 2103 and callable on or after July 31, 2008. Debt issuance costs of approximately $3.3 million will be amortized over the life of the Notes. The Company expects to use the proceeds of the new debt offering to discharge the indenture with respect to all of its outstanding 6.950% Senior Quarterly Income Debt Securities (Senior QUIDS) due November 1, 2098 during the third quarter of 2003, and to redeem all the outstanding Senior QUIDS on or about November 1, 2003. The Senior QUIDS are callable, without premium or penalty, on or after November 1, 2003.

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

        Management and investors consider the following measures important in analyzing the financial results of the Company: operating earnings and gross present value of originations (PV originations). However, neither of these measures is promulgated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and should not be considered a substitute for net income and gross premiums written.

2003 and 2002 Second Quarter Results

        The Company's second quarter 2003 net income was $68.1 million, compared with net income of $45.4 million for the same period in 2002. Operating earnings were $66.3 million for the second quarter of 2003, compared with $45.7 million for the second quarter of 2002. In the second quarter of 2003, net income was positively affected by $1.8 million of mark-to-market adjustments for pooled credit default swaps (CDS) under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" (SFAS No. 133). In the second quarter of 2002, net income was negatively affected by $0.3 million of mark-to-market adjustments for CDS under SFAS No. 133.

        In December 2002, the Company revised its definition of operating earnings from that used in prior periods. Operating earnings is now defined as net income before the after-tax effects of SFAS No. 133 mark-to-market adjustments for pooled CDS. For purposes of calculating operating earnings, pooled CDS are defined as FSA-insured credit default swaps that reference pools of financial obligations and require payments by the Company if losses exceed a defined deductible providing an investment-grade level of protection to the Company. Management considers operating earnings a key measure of normal operating results, as the SFAS No. 133 adjustments for each guaranteed CDS are expected to sum to zero over the life of the transaction. Operating earnings for 2002 disclosed in this discussion differ from those previously disclosed due to the revised definition of operating earnings.

        The table below shows a reconciliation of net income to operating earnings for the quarters ended June 30, 2003 and 2002:

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in millions)

 
Net Income   $ 68.1   $ 45.4  
Less mark-to-market of pooled CDS (1)     1.8     (0.3 )
   
 
 
Operating Earnings (1)   $ 66.3   $ 45.7  

    (1)
    Amounts are after-tax

        The Company employs two measures of gross premiums originated for a given period. Gross premiums written captures premiums collected in the period, whether collected up front for business originated in the period or in installments for business originated in prior periods. An alternative measure, gross present value of premiums written (PV premiums), reflects future installment premiums discounted to their present value, as well as upfront premiums, but only for business originated in the period. Business ceded through reinsurance placed by a third party is excluded from PV premiums. The Company considers PV premiums to be the better indicator of a given period's insurance origination activity because a substantial portion of the Company's premiums is collected in installments, a practice typical of the asset-backed business. To calculate PV premiums, management estimates the life of each transaction that has installment premiums and discounts the future installment premium payments. The present value of the future net interest margin from the Company's financial products business represents the present value of the difference between the estimated interest to be received on the investments of the Company's guaranteed investment contract (GIC) operations and the estimated interest to be paid on GICs issued over the estimated life of each transaction, giving effect to swaps and other derivatives which convert fixed-rate assets and liabilities to floating rates. PV premiums and the present value of the future net interest margin from the Company's financial products segment are collectively referred to as PV originations . The Company calculates the discount rate for PV originations as the average pre-tax yield on its investment portfolio for the previous three years. Accordingly, year-to-year comparisons of PV originations are affected by the application of different discount factors. The rate for both 2003 and 2002 was 5.91%. Management intends to revise the discount rate in future years according to the same formula, in order to reflect interest rate changes.

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        Gross premiums written increased 72.5% to $294.8 million in the second quarter of 2003 from $170.8 million for the second quarter of 2002. PV originations increased 65.5% to $330.9 million in the second quarter of 2003 from the second quarter result of $199.9 million in 2002.

        The table below shows the components of PV originations for the second quarter of 2003 and 2002:

 
  2003
  2002
 
  (in millions)

U.S municipal obligations (1)   $ 144.5   $ 74.9
U.S. asset-backed obligations (1)(2)     65.7     55.7
International obligations (1)     105.4     61.4
Financial products (3)     15.3     7.9
   
 
Total   $ 330.9   $ 199.9
   
 

        For the second quarter of 2003, the Company guaranteed a par amount of $15.8 billion of U.S. primary and secondary municipal obligations, an increase of 29.4% over the amount insured in the prior year's comparable period. FSA's U.S. municipal PV premium originations were $144.5 million for the quarter, up 92.9% from the $74.9 million produced in the second quarter of 2002. Average premium rates were strong, reflecting higher spreads and a healthy appetite for bond insurance.

        For the second quarter of 2003, the Company's U.S. asset-backed par originated was $4.5 billion, compared with $12.2 billion in the second quarter of last year, while asset-backed PV premiums increased 18.0%. While the decline in volume reflects FSA's selective approach to the collateralized debt obligation (CDO) and consumer receivable sectors in the current credit environment, FSA found increasing opportunities to insure transactions that met its underwriting standards at favorable returns. The average premium rate was boosted in part by premiums related to amendments of existing business.

        For the second quarter of 2003, the Company insured $2.7 billion par of international obligations, generating $105.4 million of PV premiums, versus $6.5 billion of par and $61.4 million of PV premiums in the second quarter of 2002. In the United Kingdom, the Company closed three infrastructure transactions. In the largest of these, the Company insured £515 million of public-private partnership bonds issued to finance improvements to the London Underground. The Company also completed a number of international asset-backed transactions. PV premiums increased despite the decline in par insured primarily because of a shift in the business mix. Long-tenor public infrastructure transactions represented a greater portion of par insured.

        Net premiums written were $187.9 million for the second quarter of 2003, an increase of 50.1% over the comparable period in 2002. Net premiums earned for the second quarter of 2003 were $88.2 million, compared with $77.1 million in the second quarter of 2002. Net premiums earned from refundings and prepayments were $7.5 million for the second quarter of 2003 and $7.0 million for the same period of 2002, contributing $4.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively, to after-tax earnings. Net premiums earned for the quarter grew 15.2% relative to the same period in 2002, if the effects of refundings and prepayments are eliminated.

        Net investment income was $37.8 million for the second quarter of 2003 and $35.1 million for the comparable period in 2002, an increase of 7.6%. The Company's effective tax rate on investment income was 9.6% for the second quarter of 2003, compared with 11.3% for the same period in 2002. In the second quarter of 2003, the Company realized $2.8 million in net capital gains, compared with $22.9 million for the same period in 2002. Capital gains and losses are generally a by-product of the normal investment management process and could vary substantially from period to period.

        The provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses during the second quarter of 2003 was $6.6 million compared with $39.2 million in the second quarter of 2002. The decrease occurred primarily because reserves were increased by $31.0 million in the second quarter of 2002 to reflect adverse experience in the CDO market. Since the reserves are based upon estimates, there can be no assurance that the ultimate liability will not differ from such

12


estimates. The Company will continue, on an ongoing basis, to monitor these reserves and may periodically adjust such reserves, upward or downward, based on the Company's actual loss experience, its future mix of business and future economic conditions. At June 30, 2003, the general reserve totaled $89.5 million and the total losses and loss adjustment expense liability totaled $237.9 million.

        Total policy acquisition and other operating expenses were $30.9 million for the second quarter of 2003 compared with $24.2 million for the same period in 2002. Excluding the effects of refundings, total policy acquisition and other operating expenses were $29.5 million for the second quarter of 2003 compared with $22.8 million for the same period in 2002. Expenses increased primarily as a result of the lowering of the percentage of expenses deferred, based upon a study performed by the Company of its origination costs, and higher personnel costs.

        As of June 30, 2003, the Company's financial products group had recorded principal on GICs outstanding of $2,844.3 million. For the second quarters of 2003 and 2002, these transactions resulted in a net interest margin of $1.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

        A portion of FSA's business has been in the form of insured CDS referencing diversified pools of corporate obligations. Many of these require periodic adjustments to reflect an estimate of fair value under SFAS No. 133. These transactions have generally been underwritten with Triple-A or higher levels of credit protection before our guaranty. For the second quarter of 2003 and 2002, these mark-to-market adjustments resulted in a benefit to net income of $1.8 million and a net charge to income of $0.3 million, respectively. The gain or loss created by estimated fair value adjustments will rise or fall each quarter based on estimated market pricing of highly rated swap guarantees and is not expected to be an indication of potential claims under FSA's guaranty. Fair value is defined as the amount at which an asset or a liability could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties. The fair value is determined based upon quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, as is the case primarily with CDS on pools of assets, then the determination of fair value is based upon internally developed estimates. Management applies judgment when developing these estimates and considers factors such as current prices charged for similar agreements, performance of underlying assets, changes in internal shadow ratings, the level at which the deductible has been set and FSA's ability to obtain reinsurance for its insured obligations. Due to changes in these factors, the gain or loss from derivative instruments can vary substantially from period to period. Absent any claims under FSA's guaranty, any "losses" recorded in marking a guaranty to market will be reversed by an equivalent mark-to-market "gain" at or prior to the expiration of the guaranty. The gain recorded in the second quarter of 2003 was a reversal of losses recorded in prior periods. In addition, in the first half of 2002, FSA was party to a credit default swap referencing a highly diversified portfolio of 100 corporate names, with $10 million of exposure per name, to which the Company had first-loss exposure. For the second quarter of 2002, this transaction resulted in a $10.8 million after-tax charge to income as a result of marking the transaction to market. The Company terminated its exposure to this transaction in the third quarter of 2002. These amounts are included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

        Total equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates was $0.1 million and $5.8 million for the second quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decrease is primarily related to the equity earnings in Fairbanks Capital Holding Corp. The Company owns a minority interest in Fairbanks Capital Holding Corp., the parent company of Fairbanks Capital Corp. (collectively with its parent, "Fairbanks"). Fairbanks is a servicer of single-family residential mortgage loans originated by unaffiliated third parties. Most of the mortgage loans serviced by Fairbanks are considered "sub-prime", reflecting the lower than "prime" credit quality of the borrower/homeowner. Fairbanks is owned 56.8% by The PMI Group Inc. and 29.8% by the Company, with the remainder owned by certain founders of Fairbanks. At June 30, 2003, the Company's interest in Fairbanks had a book value of $61.7 million, of which $7.5 million represented goodwill. The Company's equity in the earnings from Fairbanks for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 was a loss of $1.7 million and income of $2.9 million, respectively. The decrease in the Company's equity in the earnings of Fairbanks for the quarter was largely a result of restructuring and litigation settlement charges.

        Fairbanks' business is subject to regulation, supervision and licensing by various federal, state and local authorities, which have recently increased their focus on lending and servicing practices in the sub-prime lending industry. In October 2002, the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") informed Fairbanks that it was investigating whether Fairbanks' loan servicing or other practices violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act or other laws enforced by the FTC. The Company understands that, in March 2003, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development initiated a criminal

13


investigation into Fairbanks' servicing practices. Certain of Fairbanks' shareholders, including the Company, have received civil investigative demands from the FTC relating to their investments in Fairbanks and their knowledge of Fairbanks' servicing operations.

        Fairbanks is also subject to private litigation, including a number of putative class action suits, alleging violations of federal and/or state laws. The publicity surrounding sub-prime lending and servicing practices may result in the filing of other putative class action suits against Fairbanks.

        Fairbanks is highly leveraged and dependent upon credit facilities to make servicing and delinquency advances in the regular course of its business, to finance the acquisition of mortgage servicing rights and for other business purposes. In May 2003, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services downgraded their loan servicer rankings for Fairbanks from strong to below average. These actions constituted potential events of default under Fairbanks' credit facilities, which led to a restructuring of and amendments to the credit facilities in June 2003.

        In order to address alleged violations of various federal and state laws, Fairbanks is reimbursing certain fees allegedly collected improperly, and is changing certain of its loan servicing practices, including the types and amounts of fees collected, without admitting any violations. Due to these developments, future income from Fairbanks' operations is expected to be reduced. While the impairment test done by the Company did not result in a write-down of the investment, future developments are uncertain due to the ongoing investigation and private litigation.

        The Company's effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2003 was 23.3% compared with 19.3% for the same period in 2002. In 2003 and 2002, the effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 35% due primarily to tax-exempt interest income and income from Financial Security Assurance International Ltd (FSA International). Although FSA International is subject to U.S. income taxes as a controlled foreign corporation, it nonetheless benefits from a lower overall effective tax rate than the Company's domestic insurance company subsidiaries.

2003 and 2002 First Six Months Results

        The Company's 2003 first half net income was $133.9 million, compared with net income of $99.5 million for the same period in 2002. Operating earnings were $131.1 million for the first half of 2003, compared with $102.7 million for the first half of 2002. In the first half of 2003, net income was positively affected by $2.8 million of mark-to-market adjustments for pooled CDS under SFAS No. 133. In the first half of 2002, net income was negatively affected by $3.2 million of mark-to-market adjustments for CDS under SFAS No. 133.

        The table below shows a reconciliation of net income to operating earnings for the first half of 2003 and 2002:

 
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in millions)

 
Net Income   $ 133.9   $ 99.5  
Less mark-to-market of pooled CDS (1)     2.8     (3.2 )
   
 
 
Operating Earnings (1)   $ 131.1   $ 102.7  
   
 
 

        Gross premiums written increased 34.5% to $424.4 million in the first half of 2003 from $315.4 million for the first half of 2002. PV originations increased 15.5% to $432.7 million in the first half of 2003 from the first half result of $374.7 million in 2002.

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        The table below shows the components of PV originations for the first half of 2003 and 2002:

 
  2003
  2002
 
  (in millions)

U.S municipal obligations (1)   $ 208.6   $ 150.5
U.S. asset-backed obligations (1)(2)     87.1     112.9
International obligations (1)     118.7     84.7
Financial products (2)     18.3     26.6
   
 
  Total   $ 432.7   $ 374.7
   
 

        For the first half of 2003, FSA insured $26.6 billion par amount of U.S. primary and secondary municipal obligations, an increase of 11.0% from the amount insured in the comparable period of the prior year. FSA's first half U.S. municipal PV premiums were $208.6 million, a 38.6% increase from U.S. municipal PV premiums in the first half of 2002.

        For the first half of 2003, the Company's U.S. asset-backed par originated was $6.6 billion, compared with $23.6 billion in the first half of last year. U.S. asset-backed PV premiums declined 22.9% to $87.1 million for the first half of 2003 as compared to the first half of 2002.

        For the first half of 2003, FSA insured $3.5 billion par of international obligations, generating $118.7 million of PV premiums, versus $11.6 billion of par and $84.7 million of PV premiums for the first half of 2002.

        Net premiums written were $280.1 million for the first half of 2003, an increase of 27.1% when compared with the comparable period result in 2002. Net premiums earned for the first half of 2003 were $168.2 million, compared with $146.8 million for the first half of 2002. Net premiums earned from refundings and prepayments were $11.9 million for the first half of 2003 and $9.3 million for the same period of 2002, contributing $6.0 million and $4.7 million, respectively, to after-tax earnings. Net premiums earned for the first half grew 13.8% relative to the same period in 2002, if the effects of refundings and prepayments are eliminated.

        Net investment income was $74.3 million for the first half of 2003 and $68.5 million for the comparable period in 2002, an increase of 8.5%. The Company's effective tax rate on investment income was 9.4% for the first half of 2003, compared with 11.1% for the same period in 2002. For the first half of 2003, the Company realized $3.9 million in net capital gains, compared with $24.0 million for the same period in 2002. Capital gains and losses are generally a by-product of the normal investment management process and could vary substantially from period to period.

        The provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses during the first half of 2003 was $12.9 million compared with $42.1 million in the first half of 2002.

        Total policy acquisition and other operating expenses were $59.9 million for the first half of 2003 compared with $46.9 million for the same period in 2002. Excluding the effects of refundings, total policy acquisition and other operating expenses were $57.3 million for the first half of 2003 compared with $44.9 million for the same period in 2002.

        For the first half of 2003 and 2002, the Company's financial products group produced a net interest margin of $2.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

        For the first half of 2003 and 2002, the mark-to-market adjustments for CDS resulted in a benefit to net income of $2.8 million and a net charge to income of $3.2 million, respectively. In addition, in the first half of 2002, FSA was party to a credit default swap referencing a highly diversified portfolio of 100 corporate names, with $10.0 million of exposure per name, to which the Company had first-loss exposure. For the first half of 2002, this transaction resulted in a $13.4 million after-tax charge to income as a result of marking the transaction to market. The Company terminated its exposure to this transaction in the third quarter of 2002 at a loss. These amounts are

15


included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

        The Company's effective tax rate for the first half of 2003 was 22.4% compared with 21.2% for the same period in 2002. In 2003 and 2002, the effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 35% due primarily to tax-exempt interest income and income from FSA International. Although FSA International is subject to U.S. income taxes as a controlled foreign corporation, it nonetheless benefits from a lower overall effective tax rate than the Company's domestic insurance company subsidiaries.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The Company's consolidated invested assets and cash at June 30, 2003, net of unsettled security transactions, was $5,914.5 million, compared with the December 31, 2002 balance of $5,027.2 million. These balances include the change in the market value of the investment portfolio, which had an unrealized gain position of $259.6 million at June 30, 2003 and $201.0 million at December 31, 2002.

        At June 30, 2003, the Company had, at the holding company level, an investment portfolio of $19.0 million available to fund the liquidity needs of its activities outside of its insurance operations. Because the majority of the Company's operations are conducted through FSA, the long-term ability of the Company to service its debt will largely depend upon the receipt of dividends or surplus note payments from FSA and upon external financings.

        FSA's ability to pay dividends is dependent upon FSA's financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, maintenance of FSA's ratings and other related factors, and is also subject to restrictions contained in the insurance laws and related regulations of New York and other states. Under the New York insurance law, FSA may pay dividends out of statutory earned surplus, provided that, together with all dividends declared or distributed by FSA during the preceding 12 months, the dividends do not exceed the lesser of (i) 10% of policyholders' surplus as of its last statement filed with the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York (the New York Superintendent) or (ii) adjusted net investment income during this period. FSA paid no dividends in the first half of 2003 or 2002. Based upon FSA's statutory statements for June 30, 2003, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends by FSA without regulatory approval over the following 12 months would be approximately $113.7 million.

        At March 31, 2003, the Company held $212.9 million of surplus notes of FSA. During the second quarter of 2003, FSA repaid $12.5 million of such surplus notes. At June 30, 2002, the Company held $200.4 million of FSA surplus notes. Payments of principal and interest on such notes may be made only with the approval of the New York Superintendent. FSA paid $4.7 million and $4.6 million in surplus note interest in the first half of 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        The Company paid no dividends in the first half of 2003. In the first half of 2002, the Company paid dividends of $11.7 million.

        FSA's primary uses of funds are to pay operating expenses and to pay dividends to, or principal of or interest on surplus notes held by, its parent. FSA's funds are also required to satisfy claims under insurance policies in the event of default by an issuer of an insured obligation and the unavailability or exhaustion of other payment sources in the transaction, such as the cash flow or collateral underlying the obligations. FSA seeks to structure asset-backed transactions to address liquidity risks by matching insured payments with available cash flow or other payment sources within the transactions. The insurance policies issued by FSA provide, in general, that payments of principal, interest and other amounts insured by FSA may not be accelerated by the holder of the obligation but are paid by FSA in accordance with the obligation's original payment schedule or, at FSA's option, on an accelerated basis. These policy provisions prohibiting acceleration of certain claims absent consent of the insurer are mandatory under Article 69 of the New York insurance law and serve to reduce FSA's liquidity requirements.

        FSA had a credit arrangement, aggregating $150.0 million at June 30, 2003, provided by commercial banks and intended for general application to transactions insured by FSA and its insurance company subsidiaries. At June 30, 2003, there were no borrowings under this arrangement, which expires April 23, 2004, unless extended.

        FSA has a standby line of credit in the amount of $325.0 million with a group of international banks to provide loans to FSA after it has incurred, during the term of the facility, cumulative municipal losses (net of any recoveries) in excess of the greater of $325.0 million or the average annual debt service of the covered portfolio multiplied by

16


5.00%, which amounted to $792.5 million at June 30, 2003. The obligation to repay loans made under this agreement is a limited recourse obligation payable solely from, and collateralized by, a pledge of recoveries realized on defaulted insured obligations in the covered portfolio, including certain installment premiums and other collateral. This commitment has a seven-year term that will expire on April 30, 2010 and contains an annual renewal provision subject to approval by the banks. No amounts have been utilized under this commitment as of June 30, 2003.

        In June 2003, $200.0 million of money market committed preferred trust securities (the CPS Securities) were issued by trusts created for the primary purpose of issuing the CPS Securities, investing the proceeds in high quality commercial paper and providing FSA with put options for selling to the trusts non-cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock (the Preferred Stock) of FSA. If a put option were to be exercised by FSA, the applicable trust would use the portion of the proceeds attributable to principal received upon maturity of its assets, net of expenses, and transfer such proceeds to FSA in exchange for Preferred Stock of FSA. FSA pays a floating put premium to the trusts. The cost of the structure was $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2003 and was recorded in equity. The trusts are vehicles for providing FSA access to new capital at its sole discretion through the exercise of the put options.

        The Company's financial products group has a $100 million line of credit with UBS AG, Stamford Branch, which expires December 12, 2003, unless extended. This line of credit provides an additional source of liquidity should there be unexpected draws on GICs issued by the Company. There were no borrowings under this arrangement as of June 30, 2003.

        In August 1994, FSA entered into a facility agreement with Canadian Global Funding Corporation (Canadian Global) and Hambros Bank Limited. Canadian Global was established to provide a source of liquidity to refinance FSA-insured transactions that experience difficulty in meeting debt service obligations. The amount of the facility is $186.9 million, of which $125.2 million was unutilized at June 30, 2003. The facility expires in 2004.

        Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) and Fitch Ratings each periodically assess the capital adequacy of FSA and other financial guarantors rated by them, and publish such assessments along with associated ratings confirmations or ratings changes. Given the importance of its ratings to its ongoing business, management of FSA considers the impact on rating agency capital adequacy an important factor in evaluating the types of risks it may insure and other activities it may pursue. In assessing the capital adequacy of a financial guarantor, rating agencies consider a number of factors, including claims-paying resources, "worst case" loss potential of the insured portfolio, and the quality and liquidity of the investment portfolio. Claims-paying resources include qualified statutory capital (policyholders' surplus and contingency reserves determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles), unearned premium reserves, loss reserves and the present value of future installment premiums, as well as credit allowed for recoveries of ceded losses from reinsurers and other capital support arrangements. The rating agencies base their estimates of "worst case" insured losses on evaluations of the default frequency and loss severity of individual insured risks in a period of severe economic stress. Credit allowed for reinsurance under these capital adequacy models is generally a function of the rating of the reinsurer providing the reinsurance, as well as any collateral provided by the reinsurer. Estimates of "worst case" losses and reinsurer ratings are subject to change by the rating agencies at any time. Any downgrade of reinsurers, increase in "worst case" loss estimates on insured transactions or other adverse changes in the factors that determine capital adequacy ratios may prompt the Company to augment FSA's paid-in capital and other capital support arrangements to maintain its rating agency capital adequacy and Triple-A ratings. In 2002 and 2003, a number of the reinsurers used by FSA were downgraded by one or more rating agencies and "worst case" loss estimates were generally increased in the CDO sector, including transactions in FSA's insured portfolio. Giving effect to these changes, FSA continues to satisfy the Triple-A standards of the rating agencies. FSA expects to augment its claims-paying resources from time to time to the extent management considers it appropriate to maintain sufficient rating agency capital adequacy.

        FSA-insured GICs subject the Company to risk associated with early withdrawal of principal allowed by the terms of the GICs. The majority of municipal GICs insured by FSA relate to debt service reserve funds and construction funds in support of municipal bond transactions. Debt service reserve fund GICs may be drawn unexpectedly upon a payment default by the municipal issuer. Construction fund GICs may be drawn unexpectedly when construction of the underlying municipal project does not proceed as expected. The proceeds of FSA-insured GICs may be invested in FSA-insured obligations, including FSA-insured securities issued to refinance poorly performing transactions. Most FSA-insured GICs allow for withdrawal of GIC funds in the event of a downgrade of FSA, typically below AA- by S&P or Aa3 by Moody's, unless the GIC provider posts collateral or otherwise enhances its credit. Some FSA-insured GICs also allow for withdrawal of GIC funds in the event of a downgrade of

17


FSA below A- by S&P or A3 by Moody's, with no right of the GIC provider to avoid such withdrawal by posting collateral or otherwise enhancing its credit. The Company manages this risk through the maintenance of liquid collateral and bank liquidity facilities.

        The Company has made no material commitments for capital expenditures as of June 30, 2003.

Variable Interest Entities

        Asset-backed and, to a lesser extent, municipal transactions insured by FSA may employ variable interest entities (VIEs) for a variety of purposes. A typical asset-backed transaction, for example, employs a VIE as the purchaser of the securitized assets and as the issuer of the obligations insured by FSA. FSA's participation is typically requested by the sponsor of the VIE or the underwriter, either via a bid process or on a sole source basis. VIEs are typically owned by transaction sponsors or charitable trusts, although FSA may have an ownership interest in some cases. FSA maintains certain contractual rights and exercises varying degrees of influence over VIE issuers of FSA-insured obligations. FSA also bears some of the "risks and rewards" associated with the performance of the VIE's assets, but in most situations FSA's financial guaranty policy will not expose it to significant variability due to the significant level of other credit protection. Specifically, as issuer of a financial guaranty insurance policy insuring the VIE's obligations, FSA bears the risk of asset performance (typically, but not always, after a significant depletion of overcollateralization, excess spread, a deductible or other credit protection). FSA's underwriting policy is to insure only obligations that are otherwise investment grade. In addition, the VIE typically pays a periodic premium to FSA in consideration of the issuance by FSA of its insurance policy, with the VIE's assets typically serving as the source of such premium, thus providing some of the "rewards" of the VIE's assets to FSA. VIEs are also employed by FSA in connection with "repackaging" of outstanding securities into new securities insured by FSA and with refinancing underperforming non-investment grade transactions insured by FSA. The degree of influence exercised by FSA over these VIEs varies from transaction to transaction, as does the degree to which "risks and rewards" associated with asset performance are assumed by FSA. While all transactions insured by FSA are included in the Company's outstanding exposure, and losses under these obligations are reflected in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for June 30, 2003, the assets and liabilities of these VIEs have not been consolidated with those of the Company for financial reporting purposes and are considered "off-balance sheet" obligations. Two such VIEs, Canadian Global and FSA Global Funding Limited (FSA Global), will be consolidated with the Company for financial accounting purposes beginning in the third quarter of 2003 under the consolidation guidance recently issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) under FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" (FIN No. 46). In addition, on July 1, 2003, the Company obtained control provisions of another VIE, Premier International Funding Co. (Premier), which will cause the Company to consolidate Premier beginning July 1, 2003.

        In August 1994, Canadian Global was capitalized with $180.6 million of debt securities (which were effectively converted to U.S. dollar LIBOR rate through a cross-currency swap with terms matching the underlying debt instrument) and $6.3 million in preferred equity sold to third-party investors. Under the agreement, FSA pays an annual fee to Canadian Global to compensate it for making its liquidity available and can arrange financing for transactions subject to certain conditions. When Canadian Global purchases an FSA-insured obligation, the new obligation is insured by FSA for a premium, and case basis reserves are established when required. As of June 30, 2003, FSA was carrying gross and net case basis reserves of $17.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, against transactions refinanced by Canadian Global. At June 30, 2003, Canadian Global had total assets of approximately $198.5 million, of which $97.6 million has been invested in a GIC issued by CMS.

        The Company owns 29% of the equity of FSA Global, a Cayman Islands domiciled issuer of FSA-insured notes and other obligations sold in international markets (generally referred to as medium term notes or "MTNs"). FSA Global issues securities at the request of interested purchasers in a process known as "reverse inquiry," which generally results in lower interest rates and borrowing costs than would apply to direct borrowings. FSA Global also issues securities in traditional private placements to institutional investors and to participants in lease financings in which Company affiliates may play a number of financing roles. FSA Global is managed as a "matched funding vehicle," in which the proceeds from the sale of FSA Global notes are invested in obligations chosen to provide cash flows substantially matched to those of the FSA Global notes (taking into account, in some cases, dedicated third- party liquidity). The matched funding structure minimizes the market risks borne by FSA Global and FSA. FSA Global raises funds in U.S. dollars at LIBOR-based floating borrowing rates and invests its funds in obligations insured by FSA, maturing prior to the maturity of the related FSA Global notes and paying a higher interest rate than the interest rate on the related FSA Global notes. At June 30, 2003, FSA Global had total assets and total liabilities of $9.6 billion and $9.6 billion, respectively. The foregoing assets and liabilities include assets and liabilities of $7.2 billion that will be eliminated with assets and liabilities of Premier, when both FSA Global and Premier are

18


consolidated with the Company. FSA Global had a net loss of approximately $0.1 million for the first half of 2003. FSA Global's net income is determined net of FSA Global's premium expense to FSA. For the six months ended June 30, 2003, FSA Global paid premiums to FSA of approximately $2.4 million. All amounts insured by FSA relating to FSA Global are included in the Company's outstanding exposure, included in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for June 30, 2003. As of June 30, 2003, there were no case basis reserves required for any transactions related to FSA Global.

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, which is an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements." FIN No. 46 addresses consolidation of VIEs that have one or both of the following characteristics: (i) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, which is provided through other interests that will absorb some or all of the expected losses of the entity; and (ii) the equity investors lack the direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting rights or similar rights, the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity if they occur or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur. The provisions for FIN No. 46 will be effective immediately for VIEs created after January 31, 2003 and for VIEs in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date. For VIEs in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the interpretation is effective in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. FIN No. 46 requires that, upon consolidation, the Company initially measure the VIEs' assets, liabilities and minority interest at their carrying amounts under existing GAAP as if the entity had been consolidated from the time the Company was considered its primary beneficiary (or parent). Any differences upon consolidation on July 1, 2003 will be reflected as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle is not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations of the Company. The Company will continue to analyze the effects of the standard, considering the complexity of practical application to the Company's transactions.

Subsequent Events

        On July 31, 2003, the Company issued $100.0 million of 5.60% Notes due July 15, 2103 and callable on or after July 31, 2008. Debt issuance costs of approximately $3.3 million will be amortized over the life of the Notes. The Company expects to use the proceeds of the new debt offering to discharge the indenture with respect to all of its outstanding 6.950% Senior Quarterly Income Debt Securities (Senior QUIDS) due November 1, 2098 during the third quarter of 2003, and to redeem all the outstanding Senior QUIDS on or about November 1, 2003 . The Senior QUIDS are callable, without premium or penalty, on or after November 1, 2003.

        On August 12, 2003, FSA, with the approval of the New York Superintendent, repaid $37.5 million of surplus notes to the Company.

Forward-Looking Statements

        The Company relies upon the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This safe harbor requires that the Company specify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Accordingly, forward-looking statements by the Company and its affiliates are qualified by reference to the following cautionary statements.

        In its filings with the SEC, reports to investors, press releases and other written and oral communications, the Company from time to time makes forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) projections of revenues, income (or loss), earnings (or loss), dividends, market share or other financial forecasts; (ii) statements of plans, objectives or goals of the Company or its management, including those related to growth in adjusted book value or return on equity; and (iii) expected losses on, and adequacy of loss reserves for, insured transactions. Words such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends" and "plans" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

        The Company cautions that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in forward-looking statements made by the Company. These factors include: (i) changes in capital requirements or other criteria of securities rating agencies applicable to financial guaranty insurers in general or to FSA specifically; (ii) competitive forces, including the conduct of other financial guaranty insurers in general; (iii) changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations applicable to the Company, its competitors or its clients; (iv) changes in accounting principles or practices that may result in a decline in securitization transactions; (v) an economic downturn or other economic conditions (such as a rising interest rate environment) adversely affecting transactions insured by FSA or its investment portfolio; (vi) inadequacy of loss reserves established by the Company; (vii) temporary or permanent disruptions in cash flow on FSA-insured structured transactions attributable to legal challenges to such structures; (viii) downgrade or default of

19


one or more of FSA's reinsurers; (ix) the amount and nature of business opportunities that may be presented to the Company; (x) market conditions, including the credit quality and market pricing of securities issued; (xi) capacity limitations that may impair investor appetite for FSA-insured obligations; (xii) market spreads and pricing on insured credit default swap exposures, which may result in gain or loss due to mark-to-market accounting requirements; (xiii) prepayment speeds on FSA-insured asset-backed securities and other factors that may influence the amount of installment premiums paid to FSA; (xiv) changes in the value or performance of strategic investments made by the Company; and (xv) other factors, most of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. In any event, such forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise such statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

        The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2003. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon and as of the date of the evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required. Such evaluation did not identify any change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

20



PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

        On May 16, 2003, the Company's shareholders executed a Written Consent of Shareholders in Lieu of Annual Meeting. Under the Written Consent, the Company's shareholders unanimously approved:

            (1)  the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors being fixed at ten, and the election of the following persons to serve as members of the Board of Directors of the Company until the later of the next annual meeting of shareholders or their successors having been duly elected and qualified:

        Robert P. Cochran
        Pierre Richard
        Dirk Bruneel
        Bruno Deletre
        Robert N. Downey
        Jacques Guerber
        David O. Maxwell
        Séan W. McCarthy
        Roger K. Taylor
        Rembert von Lowis;

            (2)  the approval of the selection by the Company's Board of Directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent public accountants of the Company to audit the accounts of the Company for the year 2003; and

            (3)  the approval of the Company's 1993 Equity Participation Plan, as amended, and the Company's Director Share Purchase Program.

21


Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

        (a) Exhibits

99.1   Condensed consolidated financial statements of Financial Security Assurance Inc. ("FSA") for the six month period ended June 30, 2003.

99.2

 

Amendment No. 5 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2003, among FSA, the additional borrowers party thereto, various banks, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., The Bank of Nova Scotia, Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York and/or Cayman Islands Branch, KeyBank National Association and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as agent (providing, among other things, for The Bank of New York to become the successor Agent).

99.3

 

Fourth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 30, 2003 among FSA and FSA Insurance Company, the Banks party thereto and Bayerische Landesbank, acting through its New York Branch in its capacity as Agent.

99.4

 

Deferred Compensation Plan (amended and restated as of May 16, 2003).

99.5

 

Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003, between FSA and Sutton Capital Trust I.

99.6

 

Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003, between FSA and Sutton Capital Trust II.

99.7

 

Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003, between FSA and Sutton Capital Trust III.

99.8

 

Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003, between FSA and Sutton Capital Trust IV.

99.9

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.10

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.11

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.12

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

        (b) Reports on Form 8-K

            On April 8, 2003, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a current report on Form 8-K dated April 2, 2003, pursuant to which it furnished to the SEC (i) an Investor Relations Presentation intended primarily for fixed-income investors, entitled "Financial Security Assurance Investors' Overview dated April 2, 2003", and (ii) its Quarterly Operating Supplement for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2002; and stating that the Company was posting such documents to its website, http://www.fsa.com .

            On May 7, 2003, the Company filed with the SEC a current report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 2003, pursuant to which it furnished to the SEC (i) a press release announcing its first quarter 2003 results; (ii) the Company's current Quarterly Operating Supplement; and (iii) a quarterly letter from its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; and stating that the Company was posting such materials on May 5, 2003, to its website, http://www.fsa.com .

22



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

    FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD.

 

 

By

 

/s/  
JEFFREY S. JOSEPH       
August 13, 2003       Jeffrey S. Joseph
Managing Director & Controller (Chief Accounting Officer)

23



Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.
  Exhibit

99.1

 

Condensed consolidated financial statements of Financial Security Assurance Inc. ("FSA") for the six month period ended June 30, 2003.

99.2

 

Amendment No. 5 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2003, among FSA, the additional borrowers party thereto, various banks, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., The Bank of Nova Scotia, Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York and/or Cayman Islands Branch, KeyBank National Association and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as agent (providing, among other things, for The Bank of New York to become the successor Agent).

99.3

 

Fourth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 30, 2003 among FSA and FSA Insurance Company, the Banks party thereto and Bayerische Landesbank, acting through its New York Branch in its capacity as Agent.

99.4

 

Deferred Compensation Plan (amended and restated as of May 16, 2003).

99.5

 

Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003, between FSA and Sutton Capital Trust I.

99.6

 

Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003, between FSA and Sutton Capital Trust II.

99.7

 

Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003, between FSA and Sutton Capital Trust III.

99.8

 

Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003, between FSA and Sutton Capital Trust IV.

99.9

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.10

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.11

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.12

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

24




QuickLinks

INDEX
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Dollars in thousands)
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dollars in thousands)
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands)
FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
SIGNATURES
Exhibit Index

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

June 30, 2003

 



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

INDEX

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

The New York State Insurance Department recognizes only statutory accounting practices for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company, for determining its solvency under the New York Insurance Law, and for determining whether its financial condition warrants the payment of a dividend to its stockholders.  No consideration is given by the New York State Insurance Department to financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in making such determinations.

 



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

June 30,
2003

 

December 31,
2002

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds at market value (amortized cost of $2,990,157 and $2,597,599)

 

$

3,259,781

 

$

2,811,747

 

Short-term investments

 

235,592

 

364,565

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total investments

 

3,495,373

 

3,176,312

 

Cash

 

9,443

 

27,560

 

Securitized loans at cost

 

408,475

 

431,718

 

Deferred acquisition costs

 

261,249

 

253,777

 

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

 

630,799

 

557,659

 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

78,459

 

75,950

 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate

 

59,848

 

52,206

 

Other assets

 

247,006

 

206,458

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

5,190,652

 

$

4,781,640

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTEREST AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred premium revenue

 

$

1,641,271

 

$

1,450,211

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

237,885

 

223,618

 

Deferred federal income taxes

 

181,024

 

153,333

 

Ceded reinsurance balances payable

 

64,178

 

79,870

 

Notes payable to affiliate

 

407,613

 

431,360

 

Surplus notes

 

200,350

 

212,850

 

Minority interest

 

57,561

 

52,841

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

248,223

 

206,232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTEREST

 

3,038,105

 

2,810,315

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock (5,000.1 and 0 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding; par value of $1,000 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock (400 shares authorized, issued and outstanding; par value of $37,500 per share)

 

15,000

 

15,000

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

814,818

 

813,002

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (net of deferred income taxes of $89,489 and $70,889)

 

180,135

 

143,260

 

Accumulated earnings

 

1,142,594

 

1,000,063

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

2,152,547

 

1,971,325

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MINORITY INTEREST AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

$

5,190,652

 

$

4,781,640

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net premiums written

 

$

282,985

 

$

220,427

 

Net premiums earned

 

171,164

 

146,751

 

Net investment income

 

74,006

 

67,644

 

Net realized gains

 

4,615

 

24,077

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

 

4,195

 

(24,698

)

Other income

 

10,554

 

532

 

TOTAL REVENUES

 

264,534

 

214,306

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

 

12,895

 

42,119

 

Interest expense

 

14,946

 

3,604

 

Policy acquisition costs

 

26,936

 

25,877

 

Other operating expenses

 

26,756

 

19,914

 

TOTAL EXPENSES

 

81,533

 

91,514

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

(4,720

)

(4,216

)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate

 

7,641

 

3,522

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

185,922

 

122,098

 

Provision for income taxes

 

43,391

 

25,293

 

NET INCOME

 

142,531

 

96,805

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains on securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Holding gains arising during period

 

39,936

 

36,307

 

Less:  reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

 

3,061

 

17,630

 

Other comprehensive income

 

36,875

 

18,677

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

$

179,406

 

$

115,482

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums received, net

 

$

270,567

 

$

221,449

 

Policy acquisition and other operating expenses paid, net

 

(98,969

)

(89,958

)

Recoverable advances recovered

 

683

 

3,341

 

Loss and loss adjustment expenses paid, net

 

(1,490

)

(4,018

)

Net investment income received

 

68,497

 

64,055

 

Federal income taxes paid

 

(40,645

)

(45,477

)

Interest paid

 

(14,393

)

(4,562

)

Other, net

 

9,300

 

(3,856

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

193,550

 

140,974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales of bonds

 

502,385

 

525,741

 

Purchases of bonds

 

(828,076

)

(651,050

)

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(348

)

(4,440

)

Net decrease in short-term securities

 

129,366

 

5,752

 

Other investments, net

 

516

 

295

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(196,157

)

(123,702

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of surplus notes

 

(12,500

)

 

 

Capital issuance cost

 

(3,010

)

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

 

(15,510

)

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

(18,117

)

17,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at beginning of period

 

27,560

 

5,882

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at end of period

 

$

9,443

 

$

23,154

 

 


(a)                         In the first six months of 2003 and 2002, the Company received a tax benefit of $4,826 and $2,859, respectively, by utilizing its Parent’s losses.  These amounts were recorded as capital contributions.

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

 

1.             ORGANIZATION AND OWNERSHIP

 

Financial Security Assurance Inc. (the Company), a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (the Parent), is an insurance company domiciled in the State of New York.  The Company and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the business of providing financial guaranty insurance on asset-backed and municipal obligations.  In addition, the Company insures guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) issued by FSA Capital Markets Services LLC and FSA Capital Management Services LLC (collectively, CMS), wholly owned subsidiaries of the Parent.

 

2.             BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company and are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at June 30, 2003 and for all periods presented, have been made.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted.  These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s December 31, 2002 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.  The year-end condensed balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.  Certain prior-year balances have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation.

 

3.             LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES

 

The Company establishes a case basis reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses for the present value of the estimated loss when, in management’s opinion, the likelihood of a future loss on a particular insured obligation is probable and determinable at the balance sheet date.  The estimated loss on a transaction is discounted using the then current risk-free rates ranging from 4.77% to 6.1%.  For collateralized debt obligations, a case basis reserve is recorded to the extent that the overcollateralization ratio (non-defaulted collateral at par value divided by the debt insured) has fallen below 100%.

 

The Company also maintains a non-specific general reserve, which is available to be applied against future additions or accretions to existing case basis reserves or to new case basis reserves to be established in the future.  The general reserve is calculated by applying a loss factor to the Company’s total net par underwritten and discounting the result at the then current risk-free rates.  The loss factor used for this purpose has been determined based upon an independent rating agency study of bond defaults and the Company’s portfolio characteristics and history.

 

Management of the Company periodically evaluates its estimates for losses and loss adjustment expenses and establishes reserves that management believes are adequate to cover the net present value of the ultimate net cost of claims.

 

4



 

4.             STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 133

 

The Company has insured a number of credit default swaps that it intends, in each case, to insure for the full term of the swap agreements.  It considers these agreements to be a normal extension of its financial guaranty insurance business, although they are considered derivatives for accounting purposes.  These agreements are recorded at fair value.  The Company believes that the most meaningful presentation of the financial statement impact of these derivatives is to reflect premiums as installments are received, to record losses and loss adjustment expenses as incurred and to record changes in fair value as incurred.  The Company recorded $23.7 million and $15.3 million in net earned premium under these agreements for the first half of 2003 and 2002, respectively.  The changes in fair value, which were gains of $4.1 million and losses of $4.9 million for the first half of 2003 and 2002, respectively, were recorded in net realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and in other assets or liabilities.  The losses or gains recognized by recording these contracts at fair value will be determined each quarter based upon market pricing of Super Triple-A (defined as having first-loss protection of 1.3 times the level required for a Triple-A rating) swap guarantees.  The Company does not believe the fair value adjustments are an indication of potential claims under FSA’s guarantees.

 

5.             SECURITIZED LOANS AND NOTES PAYABLE TO AFFILIATE

 

In 2002, the Company exercised certain rights available under its financial guaranty policies and the indentures relating to certain loan-backed notes issued by trusts.  Those rights allowed the Company to accelerate the insured notes and pay claims under its insurance policies on an accelerated basis.  Refinancing vehicles reimbursed the Company in whole for its claims payment in exchange for an assignment of certain of the Company’s rights against the capital of the trusts.  The refinancing vehicles secured the funds to purchase the notes by issuing refinanced notes, with interest rates ranging from 2.898% to 5.718%.  These notes were purchased by FSA Asset Management LLC (AMC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent.  The Company maintains significant reinsurance, first loss and quota share, in respect of these transactions.

 

Principal payments due under these refinanced notes for the remainder of 2003 and each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter, are as follows (in millions):

 

Year

 

Principal
Amount

 

2003

 

$

 

2004

 

40.8

 

2005

 

37.1

 

2006

 

35.0

 

2007

 

33.0

 

2008

 

32.2

 

Thereafter

 

229.5

 

Total

 

$

407.6

 

 

6.             OUTSTANDING EXPOSURE

 

The Company limits its exposure to losses from writing financial guaranties by underwriting investment-grade obligations, diversifying its portfolio and maintaining rigorous collateral requirements on asset-backed obligations, as well as through reinsurance.  The principal amounts of insured obligations in the asset-backed insured portfolio are backed by the following types of collateral (in millions) at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002:

 

5



 

 

 

Net of Amounts Ceded

 

Ceded

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

Residential mortgages

 

$

19,609

 

$

23,379

 

$

4,607

 

$

5,480

 

Consumer receivables

 

15,593

 

19,454

 

5,108

 

5,954

 

Pooled corporate obligations

 

79,871

 

78,113

 

12,572

 

13,007

 

Investor-owned utility obligations

 

545

 

619

 

312

 

348

 

Other asset-backed obligations(1)

 

7,493

 

6,958

 

3,662

 

3,225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total asset-backed obligations

 

$

123,111

 

$

128,523

 

$

26,261

 

$

28,014

 

 


(1) Includes $3,010 million and $2,430 million, in 2003 and 2002, respectively, in “Net of Amounts Ceded” relating to FSA-insured GICs issued by CMS.

 

Net of amount ceded and ceded amounts are not necessarily reflective of the risk retained by FSA since FSA employs first loss reinsurance on a material portion of its asset-backed business.

 

The principal amount of insured obligations in the municipal insured portfolio includes the following types of issues (in millions) at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002:

 

 

 

Net of Amounts Ceded

 

Ceded

 

Types of Issues

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

General obligation bonds

 

$

61,127

 

$

54,563

 

$

18,986

 

$

18,388

 

Housing revenue bonds

 

6,934

 

5,833

 

1,848

 

1,687

 

Municipal utility revenue bonds

 

27,431

 

23,442

 

13,827

 

13,468

 

Health care revenue bonds

 

6,005

 

5,970

 

6,625

 

6,683

 

Tax-supported bonds (non-general obligation)

 

30,203

 

27,556

 

12,773

 

12,391

 

Transportation revenue bonds

 

9,622

 

7,640

 

6,865

 

5,748

 

Other municipal bonds

 

13,559

 

12,173

 

6,755

 

5,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total municipal obligations

 

$

154,881

 

$

137,177

 

$

67,679

 

$

64,126

 

 

7.    CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

In June 2003, $200.0 million of money market committed preferred trust securities (the CPS Securities) were issued by trusts created for the primary purpose of issuing the CPS Securities, investing the proceeds in high quality commercial paper and providing the Company with a put option for selling to the trust non-cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock (the Preferred Stock) of the Company.  If a put option were to be exercised by the Company, the applicable trust would use the portion of the proceeds attributable to principal received upon maturity of its assets, net of expenses, and transfer such proceeds to the Company in exchange for Preferred Stock of the Company.  The Company pays a floating put premium to the trusts.  The cost of the structure was $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2003 and was recorded in equity.  The trusts are vehicles for providing the Company access to new capital at its sole discretion through the exercise of the put option.

 

The Company does not consider itself to be the primary beneficiary of the trusts under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN No. 46) because it does not retain the majority of the residual benefits or expected losses.

 

8.    RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, which is an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements”.  FIN No. 46 addresses consolidation of VIEs which have one or both of the following characteristics: (i) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, which is provided through other interests that will absorb some or all of the expected losses of the entity; and (ii) the equity investors lack the

 

6



 

direct or indirect ability to make decisions about the entity’s activities through voting rights or similar rights, the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity if they occur or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity if they occur.  The provisions of FIN No. 46 will be effective immediately for VIEs created after January 31, 2003 and for VIEs in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date.  For VIEs in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the interpretation is effective in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.  The implementation of FIN No. 46, will require the Company to consolidate for financial reporting purposes, for the first time, FSA Global Funding Limited (FSA Global) and Canadian Global Funding Corporation (Canadian Global).  FIN No. 46 requires that, upon consolidation, the Company shall initially measure the VIE’s assets, liabilities and minority interest at their carrying amounts under existing GAAP as if the entity had been consolidated from the time the Company was considered its primary beneficiary (or parent).  Any differences upon consolidation will be reflected as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.  The cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle is not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations of the Company.  In addition, on July 1, 2003, the Company obtained control provisions of another VIE, Premier International Funding Co. (Premier), which will require the Company to consolidate Premier beginning July 1, 2003.  At June 30, 2003, FSA Global had total assets and total liabilities of approximately $9.6 billion and $9.6 billion, respectively.  The foregoing assets and liabilities include assets and liabilities of $7.2 billion that will be eliminated with assets and liabilities of Premier, when consolidated.  FSA Global had a net loss of approximately $0.1 million for the first half of 2003.  FSA Global’s net income is determined net of FSA Global’s premium expense to FSA.  For the six months ended June 30, 2003, FSA Global paid premiums to FSA of approximately $2.4 million.  All amounts insured by FSA relating to FSA Global are included in the Company’s outstanding exposure, included in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for June 30, 2003.  As of June 30, 2003, there were no case basis reserves required for any transactions related to FSA Global.  At June 30, 2003, Canadian Global had total assets of approximately $198.5 million, of which $97.6 million has been invested in GICs issued by CMS.  As of June 30, 2003, the Company was carrying gross and net case basis reserves of $17.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, against transactions refinanced by Canadian Global.  The Company will continue to analyze the effects of FIN No. 46, considering the complexity of practical application to the Company’s transactions.

 

9.    SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

On August 12, 2003, the Company, with the approval of the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York, repaid $37.5 million of surplus notes to the Parent.

 

7




 

Exhibit 99.2

 

AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of April 25, 2003, among Financial Security Assurance Inc. (“FSA”), the additional borrowers party hereto (together with FSA, the “Borrowers”), various banks (the “Banks”), ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (“ABN”), The Bank of Nova Scotia (“Scotia”), Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York and/or Cayman Islands Branch (“NordLB”), KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank” and, together with ABN, Scotia and NordLB, the “New Banks”) and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as agent (the “Agent”).  All capitalized terms defined in the hereinafter defined Credit Agreement shall have the same meaning when used herein unless otherwise defined herein.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Borrowers, the Banks and the Agent en­tered into a Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 1998 (as amended to date, the “Credit Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, each of the New Banks desires to become a Bank, and KeyBank desires to become the syndication agent, under the Credit Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Borrowers, the Banks and the Agent desire that The Bank of New York become the successor Agent with respect to the Credit Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, The Bank of New York desires to become the successor Agent with respect to the Credit Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend the Credit Agreement as herein provided;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1.    New Banks; Syndication Agent .  Upon execution and delivery of this Amend­ment by the parties hereto, each of the New Banks shall become a Bank, and KeyBank shall become the syndication agent, for all purposes of the Credit Agreement.

 

2.    Exiting Banks .  As of the open of business on April 25, 2003, neither Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale, New York Branch, nor Deutsche Bank AG, New York and Cayman Islands Branches (each an “Exiting Bank”), shall have any further obligations under, or be a Bank for purposes of, the Credit Agreement.  Each Exiting Bank shall, however, be entitled to receive its Commitment Commission to, but excluding, April 25, 2003, and any other amounts, if any, owing to it under the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, any indemnities it may be entitled to pursuant to Section 12.01 of the Credit Agreement at any time in the future.

 

3.    Successor Agent .  Effective upon the execution and delivery of this Amendment, Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, shall cease to be, and The Bank of New

 



 

York shall become, the Agent under the Credit Facility, all references in the Credit Facility or any Exhibit or Schedule thereto to “Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch” shall be deemed references to “The Bank of New York” and all references in any Exhibit to the address “31 West 52 nd Street, New York, New York 10019” shall be deemed references to the address “1 Wall Street, New York, New York 10286”.

 

4.    Amendments to the Credit Agreement .  (a) Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the defined term “Notice Office” and replacing it with the following:

 

“Notice Office” shall mean the office of the Agent located at 1 Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, Attention: Ms. Susan Baratta and Mr. David Trick, or such other office as the Agent may hereafter designate in writing as such to the other parties hereto.

 

(b)   Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the defined term “Payment Office” and replacing it with the following:

 

“Payment Office” shall mean the office of the Agent located at 1 Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, or such other office as the Agent may hereafter designate in writing as such to the other parties hereto.

 

(c)   The defined term “Prime Lending Rate” in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the words “Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch” each time they appear, and in each instance replacing them with the words “The Bank of New York”.

 

(d)   Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the defined term “Reference Banks” and replacing it with the following:

 

“Reference Banks” shall mean The Bank of New York, KeyBank National Association and WestLB AG.

 

(e)   The first sentence of Section 2.01(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the words “, but excluding,” immediately prior to the words “the Revolving Loan Expiry Date”.

 

(f)   The first sentence of Section 3.01(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 

FSA agrees to pay to the Agent for distribution to each Bank a commitment commission (the “Commitment Commission”) for the period from (and including) the Effective Date to (but excluding) the Expiry Date (or such earlier date as the Total Commitment shall have been terminated), computed at a rate equal to 0.125% per annum on the daily average Unutilized Commitment of such Bank.

 

(g)   The first sentence of Section 3.04(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 

2



 

The expiration of the Commitments of the Banks to make Revolving Loans shall be April 23, 2004 (the “Revolving Loan Expiry Date”); provided, however, that before (but not earlier than 60 days nor later than 30 days before) the Revolving Loan Expiry Date then in effect, FSA may make a written request (an “Extension Request”) to the Agent at its Notice Office and to each of the Banks that the Revolving Loan Expiry Date be extended by 364 days.

 

(h)   Section 10.03 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the word “on” the penultimate time it appears therein and replacing it with the word “or”.

 

(i)   Section 11.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the first sentence thereof in its entirety, and replacing it with the following:

 

The Banks hereby designate The Bank of New York as Agent to act as specified herein and in the other Credit Documents.

 

(j)   Section 12.03 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting the words “(with telephonic confirmation in the case of any notice to the Agent)” immediately following the word “telecopied” the first time it appears therein.

 

(k)   Section 12.04(c) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting the words “and payment of a $3,500 assignment fee to the Agent by the relevant assignor or assignee,” immediately following the words “subject to the restrictions of, Section 12.04(b),”.

 

(l)   Section 12.12 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding “FSA,” immediately following the words “in writing signed by”.

 

(m)   Schedule II of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with Exhibit A hereto attached.

 

(n)   Schedule III of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with Exhibit B hereto attached.

 

(o)   Exhibit A of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the addressee block in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

 

The Bank of New York, as Agent

1 Wall Street

New York, New York 10286

Attention:  Ms. Susan Baratta and Mr. David Trick

 

5.    Representations and Warranties .  In order to induce the Banks, the New Banks, the Agent and the successor Agent to enter into this Amendment, each Borrower hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(a)   no Default or Event of Default exists or will exist as of the date hereof and after giving effect to this Amendment; and

 

3



 

(b)   as of the date hereof, and after giving effect to this Amendment, all representations, warranties and agreements of such Borrower contained in the Credit Agreement will be true and correct in all material respects.

 

6.    GOVERNING LAW .  THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CHOICE OF LAW PROVI­SIONS THEREOF.

 

7.    Agreement Not Otherwise Amended .  This Amend­ment is limited precisely as written and shall not be deemed to be an amendment, consent, waiver or modification of any other term or condition of the Credit Agreement or any of the instruments or agreements referred to therein, or prejudice any right or rights which the Banks, the New Banks, the Agent, the successor Agent or any of them may now have or may have in the future under or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any of the instruments or agree­ments referred to therein.  Except as expressly modified hereby, the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.  Whenever the Credit Agreement is referred to in the Credit Agreement or any of the instruments, agreements or other documents or papers ex­ecuted and delivered in connection therewith, it shall be deemed to be a reference to the Credit Agreement as modified hereby.

 

8.    Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their re­spective duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Name:

Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

FSA INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Name:

Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

4



 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE
(U.K.) LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Bruce E. Stern

 

 

Name:

Bruce E. Stern

 

 

Title:

Senior Manager

 

 

 

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
individually and as successor Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Evan Glass

 

 

Name:

Evan Glass

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH,
as withdrawing Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Ruth Leung

 

 

Name:

Ruth Leung

 

 

Title:

Director

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Clinton M. Johnson

 

 

Name:

Clinton M. Johnson

 

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

 

 

 

ABN AMRO BANK N.V.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Neil R. Stein

 

 

Name:

Neil R. Stein

 

 

Title:

Group Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Michael DeMarco

 

 

Name:

Michael DeMarco

 

 

Title:

Assistant Vice President

 

5



 

 

KBC BANK N.V.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Robert Snauffer

 

 

Name:

Robert Snauffer

 

 

Title:

First Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Edward Eijlers

 

 

Name:

Edward Eijlers

 

 

Title:

Assistant Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Mary K. Young

 

 

Name:

Mary K. Young

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

NORDDEUTSCHE LANDESBANK
GIROZENTRALE, NEW YORK AND/OR
CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Georg L. Peters

 

 

Name:

Georg L. Peters

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Jan de Jonge

 

 

Name:

Jan de Jonge

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ J. W. Campbell

 

 

Name:

J. W.  Campbell

 

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

6



 

 

WESTLB AG, NEW YORK BRANCH

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Lillian Tung Lum

 

 

Name:

Lillian Tung Lum

 

 

Title:

Executive Director

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ David J. Sellers

 

 

Name:

David J. Sellers

 

 

Title:

Director

 

7



 

EXHIBIT A

 

SCHEDULE II

 

SCHEDULE OF COMMITMENTS

 

Bank

 

Commitment

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank of New York

 

$

25,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

KBC Bank N.V.

 

25,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

KeyBank National Association

 

25,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

WestLB AG, New York Branch

 

25,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

20,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

 

15,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York and/or Cayman Islands Branch

 

15,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

150,000,000

 

 



 

EXHIBIT B

 

SCHEDULE III

 

LENDING OFFICES

 

Bank

 

Bank Rate Office

 

Eurodollar Lending Office

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank of New York

 

1 Wall Street
New York, NY  10286

 

1 Wall Street
New York, NY  10286

 

 

 

 

 

KBC Bank N.V.

 

125 West 55 th Street
New York, NY  10019

 

125 West 55 th Street
New York, NY  10019

 

 

 

 

 

KeyBank National
Association

 

127 Public Square
Cleveland, OH  44114

 

127 Public Square
Cleveland, OH  44114

 

 

 

 

 

WestLB AG, New York
Branch

 

1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY  10036

 

1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY  10036

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

One Liberty Plaza
New York, NY  10006

 

One Liberty Plaza
New York, NY  10006

 

 

 

 

 

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

 

208 South LaSalle Street
Suite 1500
Chicago, IL  60604

 

208 South LaSalle Street
Suite 1500  Chicago, IL  60604

 

 

 

 

 

Norddeutsche Landesbank
Girozentrale, New York
and/or Cayman Islands
Branch

 

NORD/LB New York Branch
1114 Avenue of the Americas
37 th Floor
New York, NY  10036

 

NORD/LB Cayman Islands Branch
1114 Avenue of the Americas
37 th Floor
New York, NY  10036

 




Exhibit 99.3

 

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED AND
RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (the “Fourth Amendment”) dated as of the 30th day of April, 2003 is entered into among FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC. (“FSA”) and FSA INSURANCE COMPANY (“FSAIC”) (each a “Borrower” and collectively, the “Borrowers”), the BANKS party hereto and BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK (formerly known as Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale), acting through its New York Branch in its capacity as Agent pursuant to Article XI of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale (now known as Bayerische Landesbank), in its capacity as Bank and as Agent, Financial Security Assurance Inc., Financial Security Assurance of Maryland Inc. and Financial Security Assurance of Oklahoma, Inc. have previously entered into that Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 1996 (the “1996 Credit Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale (now known as Bayerische Landesbank), in its capacity as Bank and as Agent, Financial Security Assurance Inc., Financial Security Assurance of Maryland Inc., Financial Security Assurance of Oklahoma, Inc., Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale and Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch (“RaboBank”) have entered into that First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 1997 (the “First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), thereby amending and restating the 1996 Credit Agreement, and that First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 1998 (the “First Amendment” which together with the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is herein referred to as the “1997 Credit Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale (now known as Bayerische Landesbank), acting through its New York Branch acting in its capacity as Bank (“BLB”) and as Agent (“Agent”), FSA and FSAIC, Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale, acting through its New York Branch (“Helaba”), RaboBank, Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (now known as WestLB AG), New York Branch (“WestLB”), Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch (“DB”), KBC Bank N.V. (“KBC”), First Union National Bank of North Carolina (“First Union”) and Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York Branch (“NordLB”) have entered into that Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 1999 (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), thereby amending and restating the 1997 Credit Agreement;

 



 

WHEREAS, FSA, FSAIC, the Agent, BLB, RaboBank, Helaba, WestLB, DB, KBC, First Union and NordLB entered into the First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 2000 (the “First Amendment”);

 

WHEREAS, FSA, FSAIC, the Agent, BLB, RaboBank, Helaba, WestLB, DB, KBC, First Union, NordLB, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, acting through its New York Branch (“LBBW”) and The Bank of New York (“BNY”) entered into the Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April  30, 2001 (the “Second Amendment”) to further amend the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement in order to terminate the commitment of First Union, to establish commitments by LBBW and BNY, to adjust the commitments of RaboBank and DB and to adjust the Contingent Commitments of the Part C Banks;

 

WHEREAS, FSA, FSAIC, the Agent, BLB, RaboBank, Helaba, WestLB, DB, KBC, NordLB, LBBW and BNY entered into the Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 30,2002 (the “Third Amendment”) to further amend the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement in order to amend the definition of Loss Threshold Amount and extend the Expiry Date; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to further amend the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as provided herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree to amend the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as follows:

 

SECTION 1.  AMENDMENTS .

 

1.1.  Loss Threshold Amount Definition .  The definition of Loss Threshold Amount in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting “$240 Million” in the second line and inserting “$325 Million” in its place.

 

1.2   Establishment of Commitment of The Bank of Nova Scotia .  The signature of The Bank of Nova Scotia, New York Agency (“Scotia”) attached hereto is hereby added to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement following the signature page thereto of BNY.  Scotia shall be a Bank under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with the commitment reflected in Schedule I thereto as hereby amended.

 

1.3.  Amendments to Commitments .  Schedule I to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is hereby deleted and in place thereof Schedule I hereto is inserted.  On the date hereof the Borrowers shall execute and deliver Notes in the form of Exhibits A, B, C, D, E, F and G hereto to BLB, Helaba, RaboBank, Scotia, WestLB, NordLB and DB respectively, such Notes constituting “Notes” under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.  Promptly following such delivery BLB, Helaba, RaboBank, WestLB, NordLB and DB shall return to the Borrowers the Notes previously made by the Borrowers in their favor pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

 

2



 

SECTION 2.  EXTENSION OF EXPIRY DATE .

 

By executing this Fourth Amendment each Bank agrees to extend the Expiry Date to April 30, 2010 and the Expiry Date is hereby so extended.

 

SECTION 3.  FULL FORCE AND EFFECT .

 

The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as heretofore amended, is hereby amended to the extent provided in this Fourth Amendment and, except as specifically provided herein, the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

 

SECTION 4.  DEFINITIONS .

 

All capitalized terms used in this Fourth Amendment and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as amended.

 

SECTION 5.  GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; VENUE .

 

(a)           This Fourth Amendment and the other Credit Documents and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder and thereunder shall be construed in accordance with and be governed by the law of the State of New York.  Any legal action or proceeding against any Borrower with respect to this Fourth Amendment or any other Credit Document may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or of the United States for the Southern District of New York, and, by execution and delivery of this Fourth Amendment, any Borrower hereby irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts.  The Borrowers irrevocably consent to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrowers at their addresses set forth opposite its signature below, such service to become effective 30 days after such mailing.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.05 of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, nothing herein shall affect the right of the Agent or any Bank under this Fourth Amendment to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any Borrower in any other jurisdiction.

 

(b)           Each Borrower hereby irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Fourth Amendment or any other Credit Document brought in the courts referred to in clause (a) above and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

3



 

SECTION 6.  HEADINGS .

 

Section headings in this Fourth Amendment are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not have any effect for purposes of interpretation or construction of the terms of this Fourth Amendment.

 

SECTION 7.  COUNTERPARTS .

 

This Fourth Amendment may be signed in any number of counterpart copies, but all such copies shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

SECTION 8.  REPRESENTATIONS .

 

Each party hereto hereby represents and warrants to the other that this Fourth Amendment has been duly authorized and validly executed by it and that the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as heretofore amended and as hereby amended constitutes its valid obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

SECTION 9.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT .

 

As conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Fourth Amendment, the Borrower shall:

 

(a)           execute and deliver to the Agent the Notes referred to herein in Section 1.3; and

 

(b)           pay an upfront fee in the amount of $21,250, for distribution by the Agent to the following Banks in the amounts set forth opposite the names of such Bank:

 

Bank

 

Upfront Fee

 

 

 

 

 

BLB

 

$

2,500

 

Helaba

 

$

1,250

 

WestLB

 

$

2,500

 

DB

 

$

6,250

 

NordLB

 

$

3,750

 

Scotia

 

$

5,000

 

 

SECTION 10.  EXPENSES.

 

FSA shall pay to the Agent the fees and expenses of counsel to the Agent in connection with this Fourth Amendment.

 

[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]

 

4



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Fourth Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date and year first written above.

 

 

BORROWERS:

 

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Joseph W. Simon

 

Name:

Joseph W. Simon

 

Title:

Managing Director and

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

FSA INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Joseph W. Simon

 

Name:

Joseph W. Simon

 

Title:

Managing Director and
Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

 

AGENT:

 

 

 

BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK, Acting
Through Its New York Branch

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Scott M. Allison

 

Name:

Scott M. Allison

 

Title:

First Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Robert J. Albano

 

Name:

Robert J. Albano

 

Title:

Vice President

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

 

BANKS:

 

 

 

BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK, Acting
Through Its New York Branch

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Scott M. Allison

 

Name:

Scott M. Allison

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Robert J. Albano

 

Name:

Robert J. Albano

 

Title:

Vice President

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

 

LANDESBANK HESSEN-THÜRINGEN
GIROZENTRALE, Acting Through
Its New York Branch

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Bill Dorante

 

Name:

Bill Dorante

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

Public Finance

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Irina Rakhlis

 

Name:

Irina Rakhlis

 

Title:

Credit Analyst

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

 

COÖPERATIEVE CENTRALE
RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK B.A.
“RABOBANK NEDERLAND”, New York
Branch

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Raymond K. Miller

 

Name:

Raymond K. Miller

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

 

CMT & Credit

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Angela R. Reilly

 

Name:

Angela R. Reilly

 

Title:

Executive Director

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK
BRANCH

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Ruth Leung

 

Name:

Ruth Leung

 

Title:

Director

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Clinton Johnson

 

Name:

Clinton Johnson

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

WESTLB AG, NEW YORK BRANCH

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Lillian Tung Lum

 

Name:

Lillian Tung Lum

 

Title:

Executive Director

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ David J. Sellers

 

Name:

David J. Sellers

 

Title:

Director

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

 

KBC BANK N.V.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Jean Pierre Diels

 

Name:

Jean Pierre Diels

 

Title:

First Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Eric Raskin

 

Name:

Eric Raskin

 

Title:

Vice President

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

 

NORDDEUTSCHE LANDESBANK
GIROZENTRALE, New York Branch

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Josef Haas

 

Name:

Josef Haas

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Stephen K. Hunter

 

Name:

Stephen K. Hunter

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

 

LANDESBANK BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG,
Acting Through Its New York Branch

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Ronald Bertolini

 

Name:

Ronald Bertolini

 

Title:

General Manager

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Robert F. O’Brien

 

Name:

Robert F. O’Brien

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Evan Glass

 

Name:

Evan Glass

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

[Signatures continued on following page]

 



 

[Signature page to Fourth Amendment]

 

Notice Address:

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, New York
Agency

The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

One Liberty Plaza

By

 

/s/ J. W. Campbell

New York, NY  10006

Name:

J. W. Campbell

Attn:

David Schwartzbard

Title:

Managing Director

 

Director

 

Telephone:

(212) 225-5221

 

Facsimile:

(212) 225-5090

 

 

 

 

And

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

One Liberty Plaza

 

New York, NY  10006

 

Attn:

Doina Levarda, Loan

 

 

Administration Officer

 

Telephone:

(212) 225-5239

 

Facsimile:

(212) 225-5145

 

 

 

 

Wire Transfer Instructions:

 

 

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia,

 

New York Agency

 

ABA:

026-002-532

 

Attn:

Loan Accounting

 

 



 

SCHEDULE I

 

COMMITMENTS

 

PART A

 

Name

 

Commitment

 

 

 

 

 

Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch

 

$

45,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale, New York Branch

 

35,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch

 

30,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

WestLB AG, New York Branch

 

45,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch

 

50,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

KBC Bank N.V.

 

25,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Landesbank Baden-Württemberg New York Branch

 

20,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank of New York

 

20,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York Branch

 

35,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

The Bank of Nova Scotia, New York Agency

 

20,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

325,000,000

 

 

PART B

 

Part B Banks

 

Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch

WestLB AG, New York Branch

KBC Bank N.V.

Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale

The Bank of New York

The Bank of Nova Scotia, New York Agency

 

I-1



 

PART C

 

Part C Banks and Contingent Commitments

 

Name

 

Contingent Commitment

 

 

 

 

 

Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch

 

$

33,750,000

 

 

 

 

 

Coöperatieve Centrale
Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A.,
“Rabobank  Nederland”, New York Branch

 

$

28,750,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

62,500,000

 

 

I-2



 

EXHIBIT A

 

NOTE

 

$78,750,000

 

New York, New York

 

 

April 30, 2003

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC. and FSA INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Borrowers”) hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK , (the “Bank”), in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds, at the office of Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch, as Agent, located at 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, on the Expiry Date (as defined in the Agreement referred to below) the principal sum of $45,000,000 constituting the Bank’s Commitment under the Agreement (defined below) plus $33,750,000 constituting the Bank’s Contingent Commitment under the Agreement or, if less, the then unpaid principal amount of all Loans (as defined in the Agreement) made by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement.

 

The Borrowers, jointly and severally, promise also to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof in like money at said office at the rates and at the times provided in Section 2.06 of the Agreement.

 

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Second Amended And Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1999, among the Borrowers and the Banks from time to time party thereto (including the Bank), and Bayerische Landesbank, acting through its New York Branch, as Agent (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”), and is entitled to the benefits thereof.  This Note is secured by the Security Agreement (as defined in the Agreement).  As provided in the Agreement, this Note is subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the Expiry Date, in whole or in part.

 

In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Agreement) shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on this Note may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Agreement.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Borrowers hereby waive presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note.

 

The Bank is authorized to record the date and amount of each Loan and each payment, prepayment and conversion with respect thereto on the grid attached hereto or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, and any such notation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information so recorded; provided that the failure to make any such notations shall not affect the validity of the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder.

 

THE PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWERS UNDER THIS NOTE ARE LIMITED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.05 OF THE AGREEMENT.

 



 

THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

THIS NOTE HAS BEEN DULY EXECUTED UNDER SEAL BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BORROWERS AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

FSA INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

A-2



 

GRID

 

Date

 

Amount
of Loan

 

Unpaid
Principal
Paid or
Prepaid

 

Principal
Amount
of Note

 

Notation
Made by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A-3



 

EXHIBIT B

 

NOTE

 

$35,000,000

 

New York, New York

 

 

April 30, 2003

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC. and FSA INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Borrowers”) hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of LANDESBANK HESSEN-THÜRINGEN GIROZENTRALE , (the “Bank”), in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds, at the office of Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch, as Agent, located at 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, on the Expiry Date (as defined in the Agreement referred to below) the principal sum of $35,000,000 constituting the Bank’s Commitment under the Agreement (defined below) or, if less, the then unpaid principal amount of all Loans (as defined in the Agreement) made by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement.

 

The Borrowers, jointly and severally, promise also to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof in like money at said office at the rates and at the times provided in Section 2.06 of the Agreement.

 

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Second Amended And Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1999, among the Borrowers and the Banks from time to time party thereto (including the Bank), and Bayerische Landesbank, acting through its New York Branch, as Agent (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”), and is entitled to the benefits thereof.  This Note is secured by the Security Agreement (as defined in the Agreement).  As provided in the Agreement, this Note is subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the Expiry Date, in whole or in part.

 

In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Agreement) shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on this Note may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Agreement.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Borrowers hereby waive presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note.

 

The Bank is authorized to record the date and amount of each Loan and each payment, prepayment and conversion with respect thereto on the grid attached hereto or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, and any such notation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information so recorded; provided that the failure to make any such notations shall not affect the validity of the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder.

 

THE PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWERS UNDER THIS NOTE ARE LIMITED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.05 OF THE AGREEMENT.

 



 

THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

THIS NOTE HAS BEEN DULY EXECUTED UNDER SEAL BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BORROWERS AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

FSA INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

B-2



 

GRID

 

Date

 

Amount
of Loan

 

Unpaid
Principal
Paid or
Prepaid

 

Principal
Amount
of Note

 

Notation
Made by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B-3



 

EXHIBIT C

 

NOTE

 

$58,750,000

 

New York, New York

 

 

April 30, 2003

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC. and FSA INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Borrowers”) hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of COÖPERATIEVE CENTRALE RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK B.A. “RABOBANK NEDERLAND” , New York Branch, (the “Bank”), in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds, at the office of Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch, as Agent, located at 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, on the Expiry Date (as defined in the Agreement referred to below) the principal sum of $30,000,000 constituting the Bank’s Commitment under the Agreement (defined below) plus $28,750,000 constituting the Bank’s Contingent Commitment under the Agreement or, if less, the then unpaid principal amount of all Loans (as defined in the Agreement) made by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement.

 

The Borrowers, jointly and severally, promise also to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof in like money at said office at the rates and at the times provided in Section 2.06 of the Agreement.

 

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Second Amended And Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1999, among the Borrowers and the Banks from time to time party thereto (including the Bank), and Bayerische Landesbank, acting through its New York Branch, as Agent (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”), and is entitled to the benefits thereof.  This Note is secured by the Security Agreement (as defined in the Agreement).  As provided in the Agreement, this Note is subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the Expiry Date, in whole or in part.

 

In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Agreement) shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on this Note may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Agreement.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Borrowers hereby waive presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note.

 

The Bank is authorized to record the date and amount of each Loan and each payment, prepayment and conversion with respect thereto on the grid attached hereto or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, and any such notation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information so recorded; provided that the failure to make any such notations shall not affect the validity of the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder.

 



 

THE PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWERS UNDER THIS NOTE ARE LIMITED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.05 OF THE AGREEMENT.

 

THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

THIS NOTE HAS BEEN DULY EXECUTED UNDER SEAL BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BORROWERS AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

FSA INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

C-2



 

GRID

 

Date

 

Amount
of Loan

 

Unpaid
Principal
Paid or
Prepaid

 

Principal
Amount
of Note

 

Notation
Made by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C-3



 

EXHIBIT D

 

NOTE

 

$20,000,000

 

New York, New York

 

 

April 30, 2003

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC. and FSA INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Borrowers”) hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA , New York Agency, (the “Bank”), in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds, at the office of Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch, as Agent, located at 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, on the Expiry Date (as defined in the Agreement referred to below) the principal sum of $20,000,000 constituting the Bank’s Commitment under the Agreement (defined below) or, if less, the then unpaid principal amount of all Loans (as defined in the Agreement) made by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement.

 

The Borrowers, jointly and severally, promise also to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof in like money at said office at the rates and at the times provided in Section 2.06 of the Agreement.

 

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Second Amended And Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1999, among the Borrowers and the Banks from time to time party thereto (including the Bank), and Bayerische Landesbank, acting through its New York Branch, as Agent (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”), and is entitled to the benefits thereof.  This Note is secured by the Security Agreement (as defined in the Agreement).  As provided in the Agreement, this Note is subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the Expiry Date, in whole or in part.

 

In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Agreement) shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on this Note may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Agreement.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Borrowers hereby waive presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note.

 

The Bank is authorized to record the date and amount of each Loan and each payment, prepayment and conversion with respect thereto on the grid attached hereto or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, and any such notation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information so recorded; provided that the failure to make any such notations shall not affect the validity of the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder.

 

THE PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWERS UNDER THIS NOTE ARE LIMITED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.05 OF THE AGREEMENT.

 



 

THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

THIS NOTE HAS BEEN DULY EXECUTED UNDER SEAL BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BORROWERS AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

FSA INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

D-2



 

GRID

 

Date

 

Amount
of Loan

 

Unpaid
Principal
Paid or
Prepaid

 

Principal
Amount
of Note

 

Notation
Made by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D-3



 

EXHIBIT E

 

NOTE

 

$45,000,000

 

New York, New York

 

 

April 30, 2003

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC. and FSA INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Borrowers”) hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of WESTLB AG , New York Branch, (the “Bank”), in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds, at the office of Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch, as Agent, located at 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, on the Expiry Date (as defined in the Agreement referred to below) the principal sum of $45,000,000 constituting the Bank’s Commitment under the Agreement (defined below) or, if less, the then unpaid principal amount of all Loans (as defined in the Agreement) made by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement.

 

The Borrowers, jointly and severally, promise also to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof in like money at said office at the rates and at the times provided in Section 2.06 of the Agreement.

 

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Second Amended And Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1999, among the Borrowers and the Banks from time to time party thereto (including the Bank), and Bayerische Landesbank, acting through its New York Branch, as Agent (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”), and is entitled to the benefits thereof.  This Note is secured by the Security Agreement (as defined in the Agreement).  As provided in the Agreement, this Note is subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the Expiry Date, in whole or in part.

 

In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Agreement) shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on this Note may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Agreement.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Borrowers hereby waive presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note.

 

The Bank is authorized to record the date and amount of each Loan and each payment, prepayment and conversion with respect thereto on the grid attached hereto or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, and any such notation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information so recorded; provided that the failure to make any such notations shall not affect the validity of the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder.

 

THE PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWERS UNDER THIS NOTE ARE LIMITED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.05 OF THE AGREEMENT.

 



 

THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

THIS NOTE HAS BEEN DULY EXECUTED UNDER SEAL BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BORROWERS AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

FSA INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

E-2



 

GRID

 

Date

 

Amount
of Loan

 

Unpaid
Principal
Paid or
Prepaid

 

Principal
Amount
of Note

 

Notation
Made by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E-3



 

EXHIBIT F

 

NOTE

 

$35,000,000

 

New York, New York

 

 

April 30, 2003

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC. and FSA INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Borrowers”) hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of NORDDEUTSCHE LANDESBANK GIROZENTRALE , New York Branch, (the “Bank”), in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds, at the office of Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch, as Agent, located at 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, on the Expiry Date (as defined in the Agreement referred to below) the principal sum of $35,000,000 constituting the Bank’s Commitment under the Agreement (defined below) or, if less, the then unpaid principal amount of all Loans (as defined in the Agreement) made by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement.

 

The Borrowers, jointly and severally, promise also to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof in like money at said office at the rates and at the times provided in Section 2.06 of the Agreement.

 

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Second Amended And Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1999, among the Borrowers and the Banks from time to time party thereto (including the Bank), and Bayerische Landesbank, acting through its New York Branch, as Agent (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”), and is entitled to the benefits thereof.  This Note is secured by the Security Agreement (as defined in the Agreement).  As provided in the Agreement, this Note is subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the Expiry Date, in whole or in part.

 

In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Agreement) shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on this Note may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Agreement.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Borrowers hereby waive presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note.

 

The Bank is authorized to record the date and amount of each Loan and each payment, prepayment and conversion with respect thereto on the grid attached hereto or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, and any such notation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information so recorded; provided that the failure to make any such notations shall not affect the validity of the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder.

 

THE PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWERS UNDER THIS NOTE ARE LIMITED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.05 OF THE AGREEMENT.

 



 

THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

THIS NOTE HAS BEEN DULY EXECUTED UNDER SEAL BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BORROWERS AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

FSA INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

F-2



 

GRID

 

Date

 

Amount
of Loan

 

Unpaid
Principal
Paid or
Prepaid

 

Principal
Amount
of Note

 

Notation
Made by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-3



 

EXHIBIT G

 

NOTE

 

$50,000,000

 

New York, New York

 

 

April 30, 2003

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC. and FSA INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Borrowers”) hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of DEUTSCHE BANK AG , New York Branch, (the “Bank”), in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds, at the office of Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch, as Agent, located at 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, on the Expiry Date (as defined in the Agreement referred to below) the principal sum of $50,000,000 constituting the Bank’s Commitment under the Agreement (defined below) or, if less, the then unpaid principal amount of all Loans (as defined in the Agreement) made by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement.

 

The Borrowers, jointly and severally, promise also to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof in like money at said office at the rates and at the times provided in Section 2.06 of the Agreement.

 

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Second Amended And Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1999, among the Borrowers and the Banks from time to time party thereto (including the Bank), and Bayerische Landesbank, acting through its New York Branch, as Agent (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”), and is entitled to the benefits thereof.  This Note is secured by the Security Agreement (as defined in the Agreement).  As provided in the Agreement, this Note is subject to voluntary prepayment and mandatory repayment prior to the Expiry Date, in whole or in part.

 

In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Agreement) shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued interest on this Note may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Agreement.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Borrowers hereby waive presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note.

 

The Bank is authorized to record the date and amount of each Loan and each payment, prepayment and conversion with respect thereto on the grid attached hereto or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, and any such notation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information so recorded; provided that the failure to make any such notations shall not affect the validity of the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder.

 

THE PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWERS UNDER THIS NOTE ARE LIMITED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4.05 OF THE AGREEMENT.

 



 

THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT .

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

THIS NOTE HAS BEEN DULY EXECUTED UNDER SEAL BY THE DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BORROWERS AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

FSA INSURANCE COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Name

 

 

Title

 

 

G-2



 

GRID

 

Date

 

Amount
of Loan

 

Unpaid
Principal
Paid or
Prepaid

 

Principal
Amount
of Note

 

Notation
Made by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G-3




Exhibit 99.4

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD.

 

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

 

 

Amended and Restated

 

as of May 16, 2003

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I

ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

1

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

1

 

 

 

ARTICLE III

PARTICIPATION

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

DEFERRAL ELECTIONS

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE V

CREDITING OF DEFERRAL AMOUNTS AND ACCRUAL OF INVESTMENT GAINS OR LOSSES

8

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI

COMMENCEMENT OF BENEFITS

9

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII

BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

11

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

MAINTENANCE AND VALUATION OF ACCOUNTS

11

 

 

 

ARTICLE IX

FUNDING

12

 

 

 

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

13

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WITHDRAWALS

14

 

 

 

ARTICLE XII

ADMINISTRATION

15

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

16

 

 



 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE HOLDINGS LTD.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

 

ARTICLE I

 

ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

 

1.1           Effective as of June 1, 1995, Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. established for the benefit of certain of its employees, certain employees of its affiliates or subsidiaries and certain members of its board of directors an unfunded plan by which an eligible employee or eligible director can elect to defer, respectively, receipt of all or a portion of his or her compensation or fees.  This plan was amended and restated as of July 10, 2002, November 14, 2002 and May 16, 2003.  This plan, as so amended and restated, is known as the Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

ARTICLE II

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms, when used herein, shall have the meaning assigned to them in this Article II.

 

2.1           The term “Account” shall mean a Participant’s individual account, as described in Article VIII of the Plan.

 

2.2           The term “Beneficiary” shall mean the person or persons designated by the Participant (including an individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company, corporation or any other entity), pursuant to Article VII of the Plan, to receive benefits under the Plan in the event of the Participant’s death.

 

2.3           The term “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

1



 

2.4           The term “Bonus” shall mean:  (i) bonus compensation payable in cash; (ii) bonus compensation payable in respect of an “Equity Bonus” awarded under the Equity Participation Plan; (iii) an amount payable pursuant to a “Performance Shares” award under the Equity Participation Plan; and (iv) any other incentive, performance related or other payment that, absent deferral pursuant to the Plan, would constitute taxable income to the Participant.

 

2.5           The term “Committee” shall mean the Human Resources Committee of the Board.

 

2.6           The term “Company” shall mean Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd., a New York corporation.

 

2.7           The term “Compensation” shall mean, in respect of any Year and in each case before any deductions for amounts deferred under the Plan: (i) in the case of an Eligible Employee, the total of his or her annual salary and Bonus with respect to such Year; and (ii) in the case of an Eligible Director, the total of his or her fees from the Company, or any direct or indirect subsidiary thereof, with respect to such Year.

 

2.8           The term “Deferral Amount” shall mean the amount of Compensation that a Participant defers under the terms of the Plan.

 

2.9           The term “Deferral Period” shall mean the period of time during which a Participant elects to defer the receipt of the Deferral Amount under the terms of the Plan.

 

2.10         The term “Deferred Compensation Plan Election Change Form” shall mean the form prescribed or accepted by the Committee by which a Participant may change a previous election of a Deferral Amount.

 

2.11         The term “Deferred Compensation Plan Election Form” shall mean the form prescribed or accepted by the Committee by which a Participant elects a Deferral Amount.

 

2



 

2.12         The term “Disability” shall mean, in the case of an Eligible Employee, a determination of such condition under the Participating Company’s long-term disability plan.  In the case of an Eligible Director, “Disability” shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Company’s long-term disability plan and the determination of this condition shall be made by the Committee.

 

2.13         The term “Eligible Director” shall mean any member of the Board, or any member of the board of directors of any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company, in each case who is not an employee of the Company or any of its subsidi­aries.

 

2.14         The term “Eligible Employee” shall mean any participant in the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and any other employee of a Participating Company as may be designated from time to time by the Committee as eligible to participate in the Plan.

 

2.15         The term “Equity Participation Plan” shall mean the Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. 1993 Equity Participation Plan, as amended from time to time.

 

2.16         The term “Participant” shall mean an Eligible Employee or Eligible Director who defers payment of Compensation under the terms of the Plan, including any former Eligible Employee or Eligible Director who is receiving or will become eligible to receive benefits under the Plan at a later date.

 

2.17         The term “Participating Company” shall mean, with respect to an Eligible Employee, the Company or any affiliate or subsidiary of the Company employing an Eligible Employee.

 

2.18         The term “Plan” shall mean the Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan, as set forth herein and as amended from time to time.

 

3



 

2.19         The term “Year” shall mean the initial period from June 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995 and each 12-month calendar year thereafter beginning with January 1, 1996.

 

ARTICLE III

 

PARTICIPATION

 

3.1           Each Eligible Employee and each Eligible Director shall become a Participant, as of the date specified in Section 3.2, by electing a Deferral Amount in accordance with Section 4.1.

 

3.2           An Eligible Employee or Eligible Director shall become a Participant in the Plan as of the date a Deferral Amount is credited to his or her Account and shall remain a Participant until the complete distribution of the Participant’s Account, subject to Article VII hereof.

 

3.3           Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee shall be authorized to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that the Plan is and remains at all times an unfunded deferred compensation arrangement for a select group of management or highly compensated employees, within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

DEFERRAL ELECTIONS

 

4.1           Except with respect to the initial Year, in December of each Year, each Eligible Director then serving and each Eligible Employee then employed at a Participating Company shall have the right to determine his or her Deferral Amount for the next Year, subject to the limitations set forth in this Article IV.  With respect to the initial Year, the election of a Deferral Amount by an Eligible Employee, or by an Eligible Director, can be made within thirty days after the effective date of the Plan but only with respect to Compensation for services rendered

 

4



 

subsequent to the election.  Subject to Section 4.3, such Deferral Amount shall reduce the amount that is to be paid to the Participant for the Year of reference.  With respect to an Eligible Employee, a separate election for a Year may be made with respect to salary payable in that Year and with respect to a Bonus payable for that Year, including a separate election with respect to any amount payable in respect of “Performance Shares” or “Equity Bonuses”, or any other component of Bonus, as the case may be, awarded pursuant to the Equity Participation Plan.  Prior to the commencement of any Year, the Chief Executive Officer or the Committee may provide, by notice to Eligible Employees, that salary or other specified components of compensation do not qualify for deferral under the Plan for that Year.

 

4.2           An Eligible Employee or Eligible Director who does not elect a Deferral Amount in December of any Year (or on or prior to June 30, 1995 with respect to the initial Year) will not be permitted to make such an election until the following December, effective for the following Year.

 

4.3           No deferral agreement with respect to a Year shall provide for a Deferral Amount of less than $5,000 for such Year; provided, however, that an election by an Eligible Employee with respect to salary or Bonus may be conditioned upon the amount of the Eligible Employee’s salary or Bonus (or component thereof) awarded.

 

4.4           Any election of a Deferral Amount shall be effected by the execution of a valid Deferred Compensation Plan Election Form, timely filed with the Company, and shall be irrevocable for the Year with respect to which the election is made.

 

4.5           Each validly executed and timely filed Deferred Compensation Plan Election Form shall be effective solely with respect to the specified Year.  An Eligible Director or

 

5



 

Eligible Employee who wishes to elect a Deferral Amount with respect to a succeeding Year must make a separate and timely election for such Year.

 

4.6           An election with respect to a Deferral Amount for a Year must specify the Deferral Period applicable to that Deferral Amount.  With respect to a Deferral Amount for any Year, the Participant may elect a Deferral Period of a specific number of years, provided that in no event may the number of years be less than three (3).  Alternatively, the Participant may elect a Deferral Period which ends on his or her termination of employment or directorship, as the case may be, or the earlier or later of such termination or a specified number of years pursuant to the preceding sentence.  A Participant may elect a different Deferral Period for each Year’s Deferral Amount or for any specified portion of any Year’s Deferral Amounts.  A Participant may elect to extend, but not shorten, a previously elected Deferral Period at any time at least 12 months before the end of such previously elected Deferral Period by the execution of a valid Deferred Compensation Plan Election Change Form, timely filed with the Company.  If such previously elected Deferral Period ended upon termination of employment or directorship, then a Deferred Compensation Plan Election Change Form shall only be effective in respect of Deferral Amounts that would not otherwise have been distributed at least 12 months after the filing of such Form.

 

4.7           Each deferral election also must specify the payment option that will apply for the Deferral Amount, or any portion thereof, for that Year, and earnings credited on that amount.  The normal form of payment shall be a lump sum payment.  A Participant may elect that the distribution be made in installments payable over a specified number of years, not longer than 15 years; provided, however, that in no event may installment payments be elected over a number of years that is more than the Participant’s life expectancy or the life expectancy of the designated primary Beneficiary, whichever is greater.  If a Participant elects the installment payment option,

 

6



 

the Participant also must elect whether installments should be made annually, quarterly or monthly.  Different payment options may be elected with respect to the Deferral Amount, or any portion thereof, for each Year, and earnings credited on such amount.  At any time at least 12 months before the end of a Deferral Period, a Participant may make the following changes to the payment option previously elected with respect to the Deferral Amount corresponding to such Deferral Period:

 

(a)           a Participant who previously elected a lump sum payment with respect to a Deferral Amount may select an installment payment option described in this Section 4.7 of the Plan; and

 

(b)           a Participant who previously elected an installment payment option described in this Section 4.7 with respect to a Deferral Amount may select a different  installment payment option described in this Section 4.7 which provides for the payment of the Deferral Amount over a longer, but not a shorter, period of time.

 

Any such change in payment options shall be made by the execution of a valid Deferred Compensation Plan Election Change Form, timely filed with the Company.  If such previously elected Deferral Period ended upon termination of employment or directorship, then a Deferred Compensation Plan Election Change Form shall only be effective in respect of Deferral Amounts that would not otherwise have been distributed at least 12 months after the filing of such Form.

 

4.8           Anything in Section 4.6 or 4.7 to the contrary notwithstanding, on his or her Deferred Compensation Plan Election Form the Participant may elect that in the event of his or her death or Disability any Deferral Period or form of distribution election otherwise applicable to a Deferral Amount is nullified and: (i) distribution shall be made after the date of Disability or death; and (ii) distribution of his or her entire Account, or of any Deferral Amount, shall be made

 

7



 

either in a lump sum or in installments payable over a specified number of years, not longer than 15.  Unless otherwise elected pursuant to the preceding sentence, in the event of the Participant’s death or Disability, payment of a Participant’s Account shall be made in the form of a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable following the date of death or Disability.  Any election made pursuant to this Section 4.8 may be changed at any time prior to death or Disability by the execution of a valid Deferred Compensation Plan Election Change Form, timely filed with the Company.

 

ARTICLE V

 

CREDITING OF DEFERRAL AMOUNTS AND
ACCRUAL OF INVESTMENT GAINS OR LOSSES

 

5.1           All deferral amounts will be withheld from the electing Participant’s Compensation and credited on the Company’s books in the Account maintained in such Participant’s name.

 

5.2           Each month, the balance of each Participant’s Account shall be credited with earnings or investment gains and losses as provided below.  The Committee may establish procedures permitting Participants to designate one or more investment benchmarks specified by the Chief Executive Officer or the Committee for the purpose of determining the earnings or investment gains and losses to be credited or debited to a Participant’s Account.  Investment benchmarks so specified may be made available to all Participants or selected Participants as the Chief Executive Officer or the Committee may designate.  The Committee shall have the sole discretion to make such rules as it deems desirable with respect to the administration of any such investment benchmark procedures, including rules permitting the Participant to change the designation of investment benchmarks to be used to measure the value of the Account.  The Committee, however, retains the discretion at any time to change the investment benchmarks

 

8



 

available to Participants, including any investment benchmarks previously specified by the Chief Executive Officer, or to discontinue the investment benchmark procedure.  If the Committee fails to implement an investment benchmark procedure or discontinues such procedure, or if the Participant fails to designate properly an investment benchmark, the Participant’s Account shall be credited with earnings at a rate determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, utilizing whatever factors or indicia it deems appropriate; provided, however, that the rate of return on a Participant’s Account in such circumstances shall not be less than the Chase Bank prime rate plus one percent. Nothing in this Article V or in the Committee’s rules shall give a Participant the right to require the Company or a Participating Company to acquire any asset for the Account of the Participant, and if the Company or a Participating Company acquires any asset, or causes a trustee on its behalf to acquire any asset, to permit it to satisfy its obligations to pay the Participant’s Deferral Amount, the Participant shall have no right or interest in any such asset, which shall be held by the Company or the Participating Company subject to the rights of all unsecured creditors of the Company or the Participating Company.  The rights of the Participant with respect to any designation of one or more investment benchmarks for measuring the value of any Account hereunder shall be expressly subject to the provisions of Article IX of the Plan.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

COMMENCEMENT OF BENEFITS

 

6.1           At the end of the Deferral Period selected by a Participant with respect to each Deferral Amount or, if applicable, termination of employment with a Participating Company or of status as an Eligible Director, the amount credited with respect to such Deferral Amount shall be distributable to such Participant in the form of payment selected, commencing as soon as administratively practicable.

 

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6.2           Notwithstanding Section 6.1, each Participant’s Account shall be distributed in accordance with Section 4.8 in the event of the Participant’s death or Disability.

 

6.3           Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the right, but shall not be required, to distribute all or any portion of a Participant’s benefits under the Plan in the form of any investment or security chosen by the Participant at any time as an investment benchmark for measuring the value of his or her Account pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Plan.

 

6.4           If the Participant or the Participant’s Beneficiary is entitled to receive any benefits hereunder and is in his or her minority, or is, in the judgment of the Committee, legally, physically or mentally incapable of personally receiving and receipting any distribution, the Committee may make distributions to a legally appointed guardian or to such other person or institution as, in the judgment of the Committee, is then maintaining or has custody of the payee.

 

6.5           After all benefits have been distributed in full to the Participant or to the Participant’s Beneficiary, all liability under the Plan to such Participant or to his or her Beneficiary shall cease.

 

6.6           To the extent required by law in effect at the time payments are made, the Company or other Participating Company shall withhold from payments made hereunder the minimum taxes required to be withheld by the federal or any state or local government, or such greater withholding amount as a Participant or the Participant’s Beneficiary may designate.

 

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ARTICLE VII

 

BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

 

The Participant may, at any time, designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries to receive the benefits payable in the event of his or her death (and may designate a successor Beneficiary or Beneficiaries to receive any benefits payable in the event of the death of any other Beneficiary).  Each Beneficiary designation shall become effective only when filed in writing with the Company during the Participant’s lifetime on a form prescribed or accepted by the Company (a “Beneficiary Designation Form”).  The filing of a new Beneficiary Designation Form will cancel any Beneficiary Designation Form previously filed.  If no Beneficiary shall be designated by the Participant, or if the designated Beneficiary or Beneficiaries shall not survive the Participant, payment of the Participant’s Account shall be made to the Participant’s estate.  If a Participant designated that payments be made in installments and did not designate a successor Beneficiary, the Beneficiary of such Participant may submit a Beneficiary Designation Form in respect of himself or herself and the provisions of the Plan shall apply to such Beneficiary as if the Beneficiary were the Participant hereunder.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

MAINTENANCE AND VALUATION OF ACCOUNTS

 

8.1           The Company shall establish and maintain a separate bookkeeping Account on behalf of each Participant.  The value of an Account as of any date shall equal the Participant’s Deferral Amounts theretofore credited to such Account plus the earnings and investment gains and losses credited to such Account in accordance with Article V of the Plan through the day preceding such date and less all payments made by the Company to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary or Beneficiaries through the day preceding such date.

 

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8.2           Each Account shall be valued by the Company as of each December 31 or on such more frequent dates as designated by the Company.  Accounts also may be valued by the Company as of any other date as the Company may authorize for the purpose of determining payment of benefits, or any other reason the Company deems appropriate.

 

8.3           The Company shall submit to each Participant, within 60 (sixty) days after the close of each Year, a statement in such form as the Company deems desirable setting forth the balance standing to the credit of each Participant in his or her Account, including Deferral Amounts, earnings and investment gains or losses and Deferral Periods.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

FUNDING

 

9.1           The benefits contemplated hereunder may be paid directly by the Company, any other Participating Company or through any trust established by the Company hereunder to assist in meeting its obligations.  Nothing contained herein, however, shall create any obligation on the part of the Company or any other Participating Company to set aside or earmark any monies or other assets specifically for payments under the Plan.

 

9.2           Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, interest or claims in any specific property or assets of the Company or any other Participating Company, nor shall they be beneficiaries of, or have any rights, claims or interests in, any funds, securities, life insurance policies, annuity contracts, or the proceeds therefrom, owned or which may be acquired by the Company.  Such funds, securities, policies or other assets shall not be held in any way as collateral security for the fulfillment of the obligations under the Plan.  Any and all of

 

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such assets shall be, and remain, for purposes of the Plan, the general unpledged, unrestricted assets of the Company or Participating Company, as the case may be.

 

9.3           The obligation under the Plan shall be merely that of an unfunded and unsecured promise of the Company, or Participating Company pursuant to the succeeding sentence, to pay money in the future.  By action of its board of directors, any Participating Company may assume joint and several liability with the Company with respect to any obligations under the Plan for Eligible Employees or Eligible Directors of the Participating Company.

 

ARTICLE X

 

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

10.1         The Board, or its duly authorized delegates, may at any time amend the Plan in whole or in part; provided, however, that no amendment shall be effective to decrease the accrued benefits or rights of any Participant under the Plan.  Written notice of any such amendment shall be given to each Participant.

 

10.2         The Board may at any time terminate the Plan; provided, however, that such termination shall not decrease the accrued benefits or rights of any Participant under the Plan.  Upon any termination of the Plan under this Section 10.2, each Participant shall cease to make deferrals under the Plan, and all amounts shall prospectively cease to be deferred for the balance of such Year.  Accounts shall be maintained and distributed pursuant to such terms, at such times and upon such conditions as were effective immediately prior to the termination of the Plan; provided, however, that the Committee, in its discretion, may direct that all benefits payable under the Plan be distributed in the form of a lump sum distribution following the Plan’s termination.

 

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ARTICLE XI

 

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WITHDRAWALS

 

11.1                            Subject to the provisions set forth herein, a Participant may withdraw up to 100% (one hundred percent) of his or her Account balance as necessary to satisfy immediate and heavy financial needs of the Participant which the Participant is unable to meet from any other resource reasonably available to the Participant.  The amount of such hardship withdrawal may not exceed the amount required to meet such need.

 

11.2                            (a)            Upon written application, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant a withdrawal to the Participant for any of the following unforeseen financial hardships:

 

(i)            unusual medical expenses incurred by the Participant for the Participant or his or her dependents;

 

(ii)           threat of foreclosure upon or eviction from the Participant’s primary residence; or

 

(iii)          any other situation which the Committee shall deem to constitute financial hardship.

 

(b)                                  The Participant shall be required to furnish evidence of purpose and need to the Committee on forms prescribed by or acceptable to the Company.

 

11.3                            For purpose of determining the Participant’s Account under this Article XI, the earnings and investment gains and losses credited to the Participant’s Account shall be determined pursuant to Section 5.2 as if the Participant had terminated employment with the Company as of the date of the relevant hardship withdrawal distribution made hereunder.

 

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11.4         Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, upon written application of a Participant, the Committee may, in the case of financial hardship, authorize the cessation of deferrals by such Participant.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

12.1         The administration of the Plan shall be vested in the Committee.

 

12.2         The Committee shall have general charge of the administration of the Plan and shall have full power and authority to make its determinations effective.  All decisions of the Committee shall be by a vote of the majority of its members and shall be final and binding unless the Board shall determine otherwise.  Members of the Committee, whether or not Eligible Employees or Eligible Directors, shall be eligible to participate in the Plan while serving as a member of the Committee, but a member of the Committee shall not vote or act upon any matter which relates solely to such member as a Participant.  The Committee may delegate to any agent or to any sub-committee or member of the Committee its authority to perform any act hereunder, including, without limitation, those matters involving the exercise of discretion, provided that such delegation shall be subject to revocation at any time by the Committee.

 

12.3         In addition to all other powers vested in it by the Plan, the Committee shall have power to interpret the Plan, to establish and revise rules and regulations relating to the Plan and to make any other determinations that it believes necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.  The Committee shall have absolute discretion and all decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the exercise of its authority (including, without limitation, any interpretation of the Plan) shall be final and binding, in the absence of arbitrary or capricious action, on all persons and shall be accorded the maximum deference permitted by law.

 

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12.4         The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee against any and all claims, loss, damage, expense or liability arising from any action or failure to act with respect to the Plan to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

13.1         Neither the establishment of the Plan, nor any modification thereof, nor the creation of an Account, nor the payment of any benefits shall be construed:  (a) as giving the Participant, Beneficiary or other person any legal or equitable right against the Company unless such right shall be specifically provided for in the Plan or conferred by affirmative action of the Company in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan; or (b) as giving an Eligible Employee the right to be retained in the service of a Participating Company or to continue as a member of the Board or the board of directors of any Participating Company, and the Participant shall remain subject to discharge or removal to the same extent as if the Plan had never been established.

 

13.2         No interest of any Participant or Beneficiary hereunder shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s Beneficiary.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to rules comparable to those applicable to qualified domestic relations orders, as determined by the Committee, the Committee may direct a distribution prior to any distribution date otherwise described in the Plan, to an alternate payee (as defined under the rules applicable to qualified domestic relations orders).

 

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13.3         All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter, as the identity of the person or persons may require.  As the context may require, the singular may be read as the plural and the plural as the singular.

 

13.4         Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Committee under the Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to the principal office of the Company, directed to the attention of each of the President and the General Counsel of the Company.  Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of receipt.

 

13.5         Should any provision of the Plan or any rule or procedure thereunder be deemed or held to be unlawful or invalid for any reason, such fact shall not adversely affect the other provisions of the Plan, or any rule or procedure thereunder, unless such invalidity shall render impossible or impractical the functioning of the Plan, and, in such case, the appropriate parties shall immediately adopt a new provision or rule or procedure to take the place of the one held illegal or invalid.

 

13.6         Any dispute, controversy or claim between the Company and any Participant, Beneficiary or other person arising out of or relating to the Plan shall be settled by arbitration conducted in the City of New York, in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in force and New York law.  In any dispute or controversy or claim challenging any determination by the Committee, the arbitrator(s) shall uphold such determination in the absence of the arbitrator’s finding of the presence of arbitrary or capricious action by the Committee.  The arbitration decision or award shall be final and binding upon the parties.  The arbitration shall be in writing and shall set forth the basis therefor.  The parties hereto shall abide by all awards rendered in such arbitration proceedings, and all such awards may be enforced and executed upon in any court having jurisdiction over the party against whom

 

17



 

enforcement of such award is sought.  Each party shall bear its own costs with respect to such arbitration, including reasonable attorneys’ fees; provided, however, that:  (i) the fees of the American Arbitration Association shall be borne equally by the parties; and (ii) if the arbitration is resolved in favor of the Participant, Beneficiary or other person asserting a claim under the Plan, such person’s cost of the arbitration and the fees of the American Arbitration Association shall be paid by the Company.

 

13.7         Nothing contained herein shall preclude a Participating Company from merging into or with, or being acquired by, another business entity.

 

13.8         The liabilities under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor or assign of the Company, or of another Participating Company that has assumed liability pursuant to Section 9.3, and upon any purchaser of substantially all of the assets of the Company or such Participating Company.  Subject to Section 10.2, this Plan shall continue in full force and effect after such an event, with all references to the “Company” or a “Participating Company” herein referring also to such successor, assignor or purchaser, as the case may be.

 

13.9         The Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York to the extent they are not preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

 

13.10       The titles of the Articles in the Plan are for convenience of reference only, and, in the event of any conflict, the text rather than such titles shall control.

 

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Exhibit 99.5

 


 

PUT OPTION AGREEMENT

 

 

between

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

and

 

 

SUTTON CAPITAL TRUST I

 

 

Dated June 23, 2003

 


 



 

Preamble

 

This Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003 (this “ Agreement ”), is by and between Financial Security Assurance Inc., a New York domestic stock insurance corporation ( FSA ), and Sutton Capital Trust I (the Trust ), a Delaware statutory trust.

 

Recitals

 

WHEREAS, FSA is authorized to issue 500.01 shares of non-cumulative, redeemable, perpetual preferred stock, par value $1,000 per share, designated as “ Series A Perpetual Preferred Shares ,” which shares have not been and will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Preferred Stock ); and

 

WHEREAS, FSA and the Trust desire to enter into a binding agreement pursuant to which FSA will have the right to sell, at its option, the Preferred Stock to the Trust, and the Trust will have an obligation to purchase the Preferred Stock upon FSA ’s exercise of its option and upon the other terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                        Definitions; Interpretation

 

1.1                                  The words herein ,” hereof and hereunder and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, clause or other subdivision, and references to Sections refer to Sections of this Agreement except as otherwise expressly provided.

 

1.2                                  In this Agreement:

 

Agreement has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Auction Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Auction Rate has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Broker-Dealer has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Business Day has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

CPS Securities has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Declaration means the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust governing the Trust, dated as of the date hereof, as the same may be amended or restated from time to time.

 



 

Delayed Auction has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Period has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Rate has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Put Option Premium has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

 

Distribution Payment Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Distribution Period has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Dividend ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Eligible Assets has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Expense Reimbursement Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

“Fixed Rate Distribution Event” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Fixed Rate Election ” means an election by FSA to pay Dividends on the Preferred Stock at the rate described in clause (iii) of the definition of “Dividend Rate” set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

FSA has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Holder has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Liquidation Preference ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Maximum Rate ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Overnight Rate of Return means the rate earned on the interest and on the principal of the Eligible Assets during the period from each Auction Date until the related Distribution Payment Date and during any Delayed Auction Period, which shall be equal to the Federal Funds Effective Rate then in effect.

 

 

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Preferred Stock has the meaning set forth above in the Recitals.

 

Preferred Stock Payment Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

 

Preferred Stock Purchase Price has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

 

Put Notice means a written notice substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A .

 

Put Option Premium has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Put Option Premium Certificate has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

 

Redemption Price ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Restated Charter ” means the Restated Charter of FSA , a copy of which is attached hereto as Annex C .

 

Stated Yield ” means all amounts of interest (including accreted interest) and other payments due and payable (upon maturity or otherwise) on the principal amount of the Eligible Assets (excluding any repayment of principal) held by the Trust during a Distribution Period, plus the amount of interest to be earned based on the Overnight Rate of Return, as calculated on or prior to 11:00 a.m. on the Auction Date for each respective Distribution Period.

 

Tax Matters Partner ” has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Trust has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Trustee ” has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

In this Agreement, any reference to a “ company ” shall be construed so as to include any corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity, wheresoever incorporated or established.

 

1.3            In this Agreement, save where the contrary is indicated, any reference to:

 

(a)                                   this Agreement or any other agreement or document shall be construed as a reference to this Agreement or, as the case may be, such other agreement or document as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, varied, novated or supplemented in accordance with its terms; and

 

(b)                                  a statute shall be construed as a reference to such statute as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended or re-enacted.

 

1.4            In this Agreement, any definition shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

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2.              Put Option; Term

 

2.1            In consideration of the payment of the Put Option Premium, the Trust hereby grants to FSA the right to cause the Trust to purchase the Preferred Stock on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

 

2.2            The put option created hereby shall remain in effect and be exercisable at any time prior to termination of this Agreement.

 

2.3            This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of any of the following events:

 

(a)                                   FSA delivers a written notice to the Trust while the Trust is holding Eligible Assets, stating that FSA is electing not to pay the Put Option Premium for the next succeeding Distribution Period that follows the notice by at least three (3) Business Days and indicating the Distribution Payment Date on which the termination shall become effective (delivery of such a termination notice by FSA shall be irrevocable);

 

(b)                                  FSA fails to pay the Put Option Premium or the Delayed Put Option Premium, if any, for a Distribution Period on the related Distribution Payment Date, and such failure has not been cured within five (5) Business Days;

 

(c)                                   FSA exercises the put option;

 

(d)                                  the aggregate face amount of the Trust’s CPS Securities is less than $20,000,000;

 

3.              Exercise of Put Option; Redemption.

 

3.1            The Trust agrees that it shall, upon exercise of the put option as provided in Section 3.2, purchase the Preferred Stock from FSA for a purchase price equal to the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, which Preferred Stock Purchase Price shall be payable on the Preferred Stock Payment Date in accordance with Section 4.

 

3.2            (a)           FSA may exercise the put option at any time by delivering (i) a Put Notice to the Trustee, specifying a payment date (the “ Preferred Stock Payment Date ”), which shall be the next succeeding Distribution Payment Date after the date on which the Put Notice is delivered to the Trustee and (ii) the Expense Reimbursement Agreement to the Trust in the form attached hereto as Annex D (the “ Expense Reimbursement Agreement ”), in either case not more than fifteen (15) days but not less than ten (10) days prior to the next succeeding scheduled Distribution Payment Date.

 

(b)                                  On the Preferred Stock Payment Date, after payment of the Put Option Premium by FSA to the Trust and payment of the distribution amount by the Trust to the Holders of the CPS Securities, in each case for the immediately preceding Distribution Period, FSA shall issue and deliver to the Trust, or its designee, Preferred Stock with an aggregate Liquidation Preference equal to the proceeds attributable to principal received upon the maturity of the Trust’s Eligible Assets

 

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(and, if applicable, liquidation of defaulted Eligible Assets), net of fees and expenses of the Trust and after any principal is returned to Holders of the CPS Securities pursuant to Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto.  The Preferred Stock shall be delivered free and clear of any defect in title, together with all transfer and registration documents (or all notices, instructions or other communications) as are necessary to convey title to the Preferred Stock to the Trust (or its nominee).

 

(c)                                   For the avoidance of doubt, (1) any cash received by the Trust as interest or other payments earned on the principal amount of the Eligible Assets (net of fees and expenses and excluding any repayment of principal) and not previously distributed to the Holders of CPS Securities shall be distributed to the Holders of CPS Securities prior to payment by the Trust of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, and shall not be used to purchase shares of Preferred Stock; and (2) the aggregate Liquidation Preference of Preferred Stock purchased from FSA shall be reduced by the amount, if any, by which the aggregate face amount of CPS Securities is reduced as a result of losses of principal of or interest on Eligible Assets as required by Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto.

 

4.              Payments

 

4.1            On the Preferred Stock Payment Date, after payment of the Put Option Premium by FSA to the Trust and payment of the distribution amount by the Trust to the Holders of the CPS Securities, in each case for the immediately preceding Distribution Period, the Trust will deliver to FSA the proceeds attributable to principal received upon the maturity of the Trust’s Eligible Assets (and, if applicable, liquidation of defaulted Eligible Assets), net of fees and expenses of the Trust and after any principal is returned to Holders of CPS Securities pursuant to Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto (the “ Preferred Stock Purchase Price ”).

 

4.2            Payment by the Trust of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price shall be made on or prior to 3:00 p.m. on the Preferred Stock Payment Date and to the account of FSA specified in the Put Notice.

 

4.3            Payment of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price by the Trust shall be made as provided in Section 4.1 and Section 4.2 without setoff, claim, recoupment, deduction or counterclaim; provided , however , that if FSA exercises its put option under Section 3 hereof at any time that it has failed to pay all or a portion of the Put Option Premium, and such failure has not been cured on or before the Preferred Stock Payment Date, the Trust shall be entitled to setoff against the Preferred Stock Purchase Price such unpaid portion of the Put Option Premium.

 

5.              Put Option Premium

 

5.1            In consideration for the Trust’s agreement to purchase the Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, FSA will pay to the Trust, in US dollars, on each

 

5



 

Distribution Payment Date during which the put option remains in effect and is exercisable as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, the “ Put Option Premium, ” in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Auction Rate on the CPS Securities for the respective Distribution Period less the excess of (i) the Stated Yield for such Distribution Period over (ii) the expenses of the Trust for such Distribution Period, provided that such amount shall be annualized and expressed as an annual rate with respect to the face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding on the date the Put Option Premium is determined, (B) the aggregate face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding at the time the Put Option Premium is calculated and (C) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the actual number of calendar days in the respective Distribution Period, and the denominator of which will be 360 days.

 

The Put Option Premium for each Distribution Period will be calculated on the Auction Date.

 

If as a result of losses of principal of or interest on Eligible Assets there is a Delayed Auction, FSA will pay to the Trust, in US dollars, on each Distribution Payment Date during which the put option remains in effect and is exercisable as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, the “ Delayed Put Option Premium, ” in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Delayed Auction Rate on the CPS Securities for the Delayed Auction Period less the excess of (i) the Stated Yield for such Delayed Auction Period over (ii) the expenses of the Trust for such Delayed Auction Period, provided that such amount shall be annualized and expressed as an annual rate with respect to the face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding on the date the Put Option Premium is determined, (B) the aggregate face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding at the time the Delayed Put Option Premium is calculated and (C) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the actual number of calendar days in the respective Delayed Auction Period, and the denominator of which will be 360 days.

 

The Delayed Put Option Premium for each Delayed Auction Period will be calculated on the Delayed Auction Date.

 

5.2                                  The amount of the Put Option Premium shall be calculated by the Trustee and delivered in writing (the Put Option Premium Certificate ) to FSA prior to 5:00 p.m. on each Auction Date.  The amount of the Delayed Put Option Premium shall be calculated by the Trustee and delivered in writing (the Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate ) to FSA prior to 5:00 p.m. on the Delayed Auction Date.  The Put Option Premium Certificate, and any Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate, also shall set forth the Eligible Assets held by the Trust, the Stated Yield on each Eligible Asset, any fees to be incurred or accrued by the Trustee on behalf of the Trust and the computation of the Put Option Premium, or the Delayed Put Option Premium, as the case may be, in each case for the respective Distribution Period and the Delayed Auction Period, respectively, and shall be in the form attached hereto as Annex B .

 

5.3                                  FSA has five (5) Business Days to cure any failure to pay when due the Put Option Premium or Delayed Put Option Premium, if any; provided that the Put Option Premium during such cure period will be set at the Maximum Rate then in effect.

 

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6.              Obligations Absolute

 

6.1            The Trust acknowledges that, provided FSA has complied with the terms of this Agreement, the obligations of the Trust undertaken under this Agreement are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional irrespective of any circumstances whatsoever, including any defense otherwise available to the Trust, in equity or at law, including, without limitation, the defense of fraud, any defense based on the failure of FSA to disclose any matter, whether or not material, to the Trust or any other person, and any defense of breach of warranty or misrepresentation, and irrespective of any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of an insurer, surety or guarantor under any and all circumstances.  The enforceability and effectiveness of this Agreement and the liability of the Trust, and the rights, remedies, powers and privileges of FSA under this Agreement shall not be affected, limited, reduced, discharged or terminated, and the Trust hereby expressly waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any defense now or in the future arising by reason of:

 

(a)                                   the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of all or any part of the Declaration;

 

(b)                                  any action taken by FSA ;

 

(c)                                   any change in the direct or indirect ownership or control of FSA or of any shares or ownership interests thereof; and

 

(d)                                  any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of or for the Trust;

 

provided , however , that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6.1, the Trust shall have no further obligations under this Agreement after the termination of this Agreement.  In addition, the breach of any covenant made in this Agreement by the Trust shall not terminate this Agreement or limit the rights of FSA hereunder.

 

6.2            For the avoidance of doubt, no failure or delay by FSA in exercising its rights hereunder shall operate as a waiver of its rights hereunder (except as specifically provided in this Agreement, including, without limitation, in respect of the notice periods and payment dates set forth in Section 3.2(a)) and, subject to the termination of this Agreement not having occurred, FSA may continue to exercise its rights hereunder at any time.

 

7.              Covenants

 

7.1            FSA hereby covenants and agrees that, at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement, it shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights, terms and preferences of the Preferred Stock, whether by operation of merger, reorganization or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Trust, and it will not register the Preferred Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on or before the Put Option Payment Date.

 

7.2            The Trust hereby covenants and agrees that, at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement, it shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights, terms and

 

7



 

preferences of the CPS Securities, whether by operation of merger, reorganization or otherwise, and it will not register the CPS Securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

7.3            FSA hereby covenants and agrees that any Preferred Stock delivered to the Trust shall rank, at the time of delivery, (a) senior to the common stock of FSA and (b) senior to or pari passu with the most senior preferred shares of FSA then authorized by its Restated Charter or then issued and outstanding; provided that this covenant may be amended with the consent of FSA and at least a majority of the face amount of the CPS Securities.

 

7.4            FSA hereby covenants and agrees that if FSA’s financial strength rating is lowered while this Agreement remains effective, FSA shall provide written notice to the Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, of such lowered rating.

 

8.              This Agreement to Govern

 

If there is any inconsistency between any provision of this Agreement and any other agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail to the extent of such inconsistency but not otherwise.

 

9.              Representations and Warranties

 

9.1            The Trust represents and warrants to FSA that, as of the date hereof:

 

(a)                                   the Trust is duly organized and validly existing under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and has the power and authority to own its assets and to conduct the activities which it conducts;

 

(b)                                  its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate (1) any law to which it is subject, (2) any of its constitutional documents or (3) any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or its assets;

 

(c)                                   it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

 

(d)                                  it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all necessary consents, registrations and the like of or with any government or other regulatory body or authority applicable to this Agreement;

 

(e)                                   its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable at law;

 

(f)                                     it is not in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default, litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in the context of this Agreement;

 

8



 

(g)                                  it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity, effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that any document be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or elsewhere;

 

(h)                                  each of the above representations and warranties will be correct and complied with in all respects during the term of this Agreement;

 

(i)                                      no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other regulatory authority is required for the consummation by the Trust of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

 

(j)                                      assuming compliance with the transfer restrictions with respect to the CPS Securities set forth in the Declaration, the Trust is not required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

9.2            FSA represents and warrants to the Trust that, as of the date hereof:

 

(a)                                   it is duly organized and validly existing as a domestic stock insurance corporation under the laws of the State of New York and has the power and authority to own its assets and to conduct its activities;

 

(b)                                  its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate (1) any law to which it is subject, (2) any of its constitutional documents or (3) any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or its assets;

 

(c)                                   it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

 

(d)                                  it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all necessary consents, registrations and the like of or with any government or other regulatory body or authority applicable to this Agreement;

 

(e)                                   its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable at law;

 

(f)                                     it is not in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default, litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in the context of this Agreement;

 

(g)                                  it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity, effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that any document be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or elsewhere;

 

9



 

(h)                                  each of the above representations and warranties will be correct and complied with in all respects during the term of this Agreement;

 

(i)                                      no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other regulatory authority is required for the consummation by FSA of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the sale of the Preferred Stock to the Trust, pursuant to the terms hereof, need not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and

 

(j)                                      as of the Put Option Payment Date, the Preferred Stock will be duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Trust, pursuant to this Agreement, and, when issued and delivered by FSA, pursuant to this Agreement, against payment of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable; the Preferred Stock will conform in all respects to the terms of the Preferred Stock set forth in the Restated Charter of FSA attached hereto as Annex C ; and the Preferred Stock will not be subject to preemptive or other similar rights.

 

10.            Severability

 

10.1                            Any provision of this Agreement which is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction may be severed from the other provisions of this Agreement without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate or render illegal or unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

11.            Notices

 

11.1          Each communication to be made hereunder shall be deemed to have been given (i) five (5) days after deposit of such communication with a reputable national courier service addressed to such party at its address specified below (or at such other address as such party shall specify to the other party hereto in writing) or (ii) when transmitted by facsimile to such party at its facsimile number specified below (or at such other facsimile number as such party shall specify to the other party hereto in writing):

 

If to FSA at:

 

Financial Security Assurance Inc.
350 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:  Treasurer
Facsimile:  (212) 339-0897

 

Copy to:  General Counsel

Telephone: (212) 339-3482

Facsimile:  (212) 339-0840

 

10



 

If to the Trust at:

 

The Bank of New York (Delaware)
P.O. Box 6973
White Clay Center
Route 273
Newark, Delaware 19714
Attention:  Kristine Gullo
Facsimile:  (302) 283-8279

 

Copies to:

 

The Bank of New York
Corporate Trust Division
100 Church Street, 8 th Floor
New York, New York 10286
Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group
Facsimile:  (212) 437-6155

 

In the case of any event under Sections 2.3, 7.3 or 14 of the Agreement, FSA shall give notice to:

 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services at:

 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. at:

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

99 Church Street

New York, New York 10007

 

12.            Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts each of which when executed and delivered shall constitute an original, but all the counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

13.            Benefit of Agreement and Disclaimer

 

This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of each party hereto and its successors and assigns and transferees; provided that neither party hereto may transfer its rights and obligations hereunder, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

11



 

14.                                  Amendment and Assignment

 

14.1                            This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any respect, nor may any provision be waived, without the written agreement of both parties.  No waiver by one party of any obligation of the other hereunder shall be considered a waiver of any other obligation of such party.

 

14.2                            Neither the Trust nor FSA may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any other person, except that FSA may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to another person as a result of a merger of FSA with another person or as a result of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of FSA to another person if the other person expressly assumes all of the rights and obligations of FSA under this Agreement; and immediately following the merger or sale of substantially all of its assets, the rating of the substitute preferred stock or the unsecured debt obligations of the other person is at least as high as the credit rating of the Preferred Stock or the general unsecured debt obligations of FSA, as the case may be (or if no such ratings exist, the financial strength rating of FSA) immediately prior to the merger or sale.

 

15.                                  Governing Law

 

15.1                            THIS AGREEMENT SHALL IN ALL RESPECTS BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES.

 

16.                                  Jurisdiction

 

16.1                            Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in respect of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement ( Proceedings ).  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Proceedings in the courts of the State of New York and any claim that any Proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.  Each of the Trust and FSA agrees that it shall at all times have an authorized agent in the State of New York upon whom process may be served in connection with any Proceedings, and each of the Trust and FSA hereby authorizes and appoints the Trustee to accept service of all legal process arising out of or connected with this Agreement in the State of New York and service on such person (or substitute) shall be deemed to be service on the Trust or FSA, as the case may be.  Except upon such a substitution, the Trust and FSA shall not revoke any such authority or appointment and shall at all times maintain an agent for service of process in the State of New York.  If for any reason such person shall cease to act as agent for the service of process, the Trust and FSA shall promptly appoint another such agent, and shall forthwith notify each other of such appointment.  The submission to jurisdiction reflected in this paragraph shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of any person to take Proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction, nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if and to the extent permitted by law.

 

12



 

17.                                  Limitation of Liability

 

17.1                            It is expressly understood that (a) this Agreement is executed and delivered by The Bank of New York (Delaware), not individually or personally but solely as Trustee, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it under the Declaration, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Trust, is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by The Bank of New York (Delaware), but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Trust, and (c) under no circumstances shall The Bank of New York (Delaware) be personally liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Trust, under this Agreement or the other related documents.

 

18.                                  Tax Confidentiality Waiver

 

18.1                            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement all persons may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the federal income tax treatment of the CPS Securities, any fact relevant to understanding the federal tax treatment of the CPS Securities, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) relating to such federal tax treatment other than the name of any of the parties referenced herein or information that would permit identification of any of the parties referenced herein.

 

13



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Put Option Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

SUTTON CAPITAL TRUST I,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

The Bank of New York (Delaware), not in
its individual capacity but solely as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ William T. Lewis

 

 

Name:

William T. Lewis

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Name:

Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

14



 

ANNEX A

 

Form of Put Notice

 

To:                               Sutton Capital Trust I
c/o Bank of New York (Delaware)
P.O. Box 6973
502 White Clay Center Route
273 Newark, Delaware 19714

 

with a copy to:

 

The Bank of New York
100 Church Street, 8 th Floor
New York, New York 10286
Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group

 

Date:

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We refer to the put option agreement dated as of June 23, 2003 (as heretofore amended, the Put Option Agreement ) entered into between us and you. Terms defined therein shall have the same respective meanings herein.

 

This notice is the notice for the purposes of Section 3.2(a) of the Put Option Agreement.  We hereby require you to pay the Preferred Stock Purchase Price on the Preferred Stock Payment Date, which shall be [         ], to the following account:

 

[             ]

 

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

 

 

for and on behalf of

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 



 

ANNEX B

 

Put Option Premium Certificate/
Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate
Financial Security Assurance Inc.
Put Option Premium/Delayed Put Option Premium for the
Non-Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual
Preferred Stock of
Financial Security Assurance Inc.

 

 

1.       Distribution Period:  [first day of Period]-[last day of Period]:  [number of days in period – generally 28]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.       Auction Rate determined for the Distribution Period on [insert Auction Date].

 

0.000000

%

$

 (0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.        Eligible Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Ratings

 

Purchase Price

 

Yield to Maturity

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Applicable Federal Funds Effective Rate:  0.00%

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Broker-Dealer Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

Trustee and Custodian Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Investment Manager Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 



 

8.

Tax Matters Partner Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Servicing Agent Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.

Rating Agency Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

Tax Fees. Including preparation of returns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

Other Fees and Expenses for the Distribution Period, if any [specify such Fees and Expenses, if any]

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

Computation of Put Premium Due on [insert Distribution Payment Date] by 11:00 a.m. New York Time:

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

The Investment Manager is in compliance with the Investment Management Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

ANNEX C

 

Restated Charter of
Financial Security Assurance Inc.

 



 

ANNEX D

 

Expense Reimbursement Agreement

 




Exhibit 99.6

 

 


 

PUT OPTION AGREEMENT

 

 

between

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

and

 

 

SUTTON CAPITAL TRUST II

 

 

Dated June 23, 2003

 


 



 

Preamble

 

This Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003 (this “ Agreement ”), is by and between Financial Security Assurance Inc., a New York domestic stock insurance corporation ( FSA ), and Sutton Capital Trust II (the Trust ), a Delaware statutory trust.

 

Recitals

 

WHEREAS, FSA is authorized to issue 500.01 shares of non-cumulative, redeemable, perpetual preferred stock, par value $1,000 per share, designated as “ Series B Perpetual Preferred Shares ,” which shares have not been and will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Preferred Stock ); and

 

WHEREAS, FSA and the Trust desire to enter into a binding agreement pursuant to which FSA will have the right to sell, at its option, the Preferred Stock to the Trust, and the Trust will have an obligation to purchase the Preferred Stock upon FSA ’s exercise of its option and upon the other terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                        Definitions; Interpretation

 

1.1                                  The words herein ,” hereof and hereunder and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, clause or other subdivision, and references to Sections refer to Sections of this Agreement except as otherwise expressly provided.

 

1.2                                  In this Agreement:

 

Agreement has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Auction Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Auction Rate has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Broker-Dealer has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Business Day has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

CPS Securities has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Declaration means the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust governing the Trust, dated as of the date hereof, as the same may be amended or restated from time to time.

 



 

Delayed Auction has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Period has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Rate has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Put Option Premium has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

 

Distribution Payment Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Distribution Period has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Dividend ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Eligible Assets has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Expense Reimbursement Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

“Fixed Rate Distribution Event” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Fixed Rate Election ” means an election by FSA to pay Dividends on the Preferred Stock at the rate described in clause (iii) of the definition of “Dividend Rate” set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

FSA has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Holder has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Liquidation Preference ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Maximum Rate ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Overnight Rate of Return means the rate earned on the interest and on the principal of the Eligible Assets during the period from each Auction Date until the related Distribution Payment Date and during any Delayed Auction Period, which shall be equal to the Federal Funds Effective Rate then in effect.

 

 

2



 

Preferred Stock has the meaning set forth above in the Recitals.

 

Preferred Stock Payment Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

 

Preferred Stock Purchase Price has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

 

Put Notice means a written notice substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A .

 

Put Option Premium has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Put Option Premium Certificate has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

 

Redemption Price ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Restated Charter ” means the Restated Charter of FSA , a copy of which is attached hereto as Annex C .

 

Stated Yield ” means all amounts of interest (including accreted interest) and other payments due and payable (upon maturity or otherwise) on the principal amount of the Eligible Assets (excluding any repayment of principal) held by the Trust during a Distribution Period, plus the amount of interest to be earned based on the Overnight Rate of Return, as calculated on or prior to 11:00 a.m. on the Auction Date for each respective Distribution Period.

 

Tax Matters Partner ” has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Trust has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Trustee ” has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

In this Agreement, any reference to a “ company ” shall be construed so as to include any corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity, wheresoever incorporated or established.

 

1.3            In this Agreement, save where the contrary is indicated, any reference to:

 

(a)                                   this Agreement or any other agreement or document shall be construed as a reference to this Agreement or, as the case may be, such other agreement or document as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, varied, novated or supplemented in accordance with its terms; and

 

(b)                                  a statute shall be construed as a reference to such statute as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended or re-enacted.

 

1.4            In this Agreement, any definition shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

3



 

2.                                        Put Option; Term

 

2.1                                  In consideration of the payment of the Put Option Premium, the Trust hereby grants to FSA the right to cause the Trust to purchase the Preferred Stock on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

 

2.2                                  The put option created hereby shall remain in effect and be exercisable at any time prior to termination of this Agreement.

 

2.3                                  This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of any of the following events:

 

(a)                                   FSA delivers a written notice to the Trust while the Trust is holding Eligible Assets, stating that FSA is electing not to pay the Put Option Premium for the next succeeding Distribution Period that follows the notice by at least three (3) Business Days and indicating the Distribution Payment Date on which the termination shall become effective (delivery of such a termination notice by FSA shall be irrevocable);

 

(b)                                  FSA fails to pay the Put Option Premium or the Delayed Put Option Premium, if any, for a Distribution Period on the related Distribution Payment Date, and such failure has not been cured within five (5) Business Days;

 

(c)                                   FSA exercises the put option;

 

(d)                                  the aggregate face amount of the Trust’s CPS Securities is less than $20,000,000;

 

3.                                        Exercise of Put Option; Redemption.

 

3.1                                  The Trust agrees that it shall, upon exercise of the put option as provided in Section 3.2, purchase the Preferred Stock from FSA for a purchase price equal to the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, which Preferred Stock Purchase Price shall be payable on the Preferred Stock Payment Date in accordance with Section 4.

 

3.2                                  (a)           FSA may exercise the put option at any time by delivering (i) a Put Notice to the Trustee, specifying a payment date (the “ Preferred Stock Payment Date ”), which shall be the next succeeding Distribution Payment Date after the date on which the Put Notice is delivered to the Trustee and (ii) the Expense Reimbursement Agreement to the Trust in the form attached hereto as Annex D (the “ Expense Reimbursement Agreement ”), in either case not more than fifteen (15) days but not less than ten (10) days prior to the next succeeding scheduled Distribution Payment Date.

 

(b)                                  On the Preferred Stock Payment Date, after payment of the Put Option Premium by FSA to the Trust and payment of the distribution amount by the Trust to the Holders of the CPS Securities, in each case for the immediately preceding Distribution Period, FSA shall issue and deliver to the Trust, or its designee, Preferred Stock with an aggregate Liquidation Preference equal to the proceeds attributable to principal received upon the maturity of the Trust’s Eligible Assets

 

4



 

(and, if applicable, liquidation of defaulted Eligible Assets), net of fees and expenses of the Trust and after any principal is returned to Holders of the CPS Securities pursuant to Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto.  The Preferred Stock shall be delivered free and clear of any defect in title, together with all transfer and registration documents (or all notices, instructions or other communications) as are necessary to convey title to the Preferred Stock to the Trust (or its nominee).

 

(c)                                   For the avoidance of doubt, (1) any cash received by the Trust as interest or other payments earned on the principal amount of the Eligible Assets (net of fees and expenses and excluding any repayment of principal) and not previously distributed to the Holders of CPS Securities shall be distributed to the Holders of CPS Securities prior to payment by the Trust of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, and shall not be used to purchase shares of Preferred Stock; and (2) the aggregate Liquidation Preference of Preferred Stock purchased from FSA shall be reduced by the amount, if any, by which the aggregate face amount of CPS Securities is reduced as a result of losses of principal of or interest on Eligible Assets as required by Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto.

 

4.                                        Payments

 

4.1                                  On the Preferred Stock Payment Date, after payment of the Put Option Premium by FSA to the Trust and payment of the distribution amount by the Trust to the Holders of the CPS Securities, in each case for the immediately preceding Distribution Period, the Trust will deliver to FSA the proceeds attributable to principal received upon the maturity of the Trust’s Eligible Assets (and, if applicable, liquidation of defaulted Eligible Assets), net of fees and expenses of the Trust and after any principal is returned to Holders of CPS Securities pursuant to Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto (the “ Preferred Stock Purchase Price ”).

 

4.2                                  Payment by the Trust of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price shall be made on or prior to 3:00 p.m. on the Preferred Stock Payment Date and to the account of FSA specified in the Put Notice.

 

4.3                                  Payment of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price by the Trust shall be made as provided in Section 4.1 and Section 4.2 without setoff, claim, recoupment, deduction or counterclaim; provided , however , that if FSA exercises its put option under Section 3 hereof at any time that it has failed to pay all or a portion of the Put Option Premium, and such failure has not been cured on or before the Preferred Stock Payment Date, the Trust shall be entitled to setoff against the Preferred Stock Purchase Price such unpaid portion of the Put Option Premium.

 

5.                                        Put Option Premium

 

5.1                                  In consideration for the Trust’s agreement to purchase the Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, FSA will pay to the Trust, in US dollars, on each

 

5



 

Distribution Payment Date during which the put option remains in effect and is exercisable as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, the “ Put Option Premium, ” in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Auction Rate on the CPS Securities for the respective Distribution Period less the excess of (i) the Stated Yield for such Distribution Period over (ii) the expenses of the Trust for such Distribution Period, provided that such amount shall be annualized and expressed as an annual rate with respect to the face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding on the date the Put Option Premium is determined, (B) the aggregate face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding at the time the Put Option Premium is calculated and (C) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the actual number of calendar days in the respective Distribution Period, and the denominator of which will be 360 days.

 

The Put Option Premium for each Distribution Period will be calculated on the Auction Date.

 

If as a result of losses of principal of or interest on Eligible Assets there is a Delayed Auction, FSA will pay to the Trust, in US dollars, on each Distribution Payment Date during which the put option remains in effect and is exercisable as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, the “ Delayed Put Option Premium, ” in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Delayed Auction Rate on the CPS Securities for the Delayed Auction Period less the excess of (i) the Stated Yield for such Delayed Auction Period over (ii) the expenses of the Trust for such Delayed Auction Period, provided that such amount shall be annualized and expressed as an annual rate with respect to the face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding on the date the Put Option Premium is determined, (B) the aggregate face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding at the time the Delayed Put Option Premium is calculated and (C) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the actual number of calendar days in the respective Delayed Auction Period, and the denominator of which will be 360 days.

 

The Delayed Put Option Premium for each Delayed Auction Period will be calculated on the Delayed Auction Date.

 

5.2                                  The amount of the Put Option Premium shall be calculated by the Trustee and delivered in writing (the Put Option Premium Certificate ) to FSA prior to 5:00 p.m. on each Auction Date.  The amount of the Delayed Put Option Premium shall be calculated by the Trustee and delivered in writing (the Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate ) to FSA prior to 5:00 p.m. on the Delayed Auction Date.  The Put Option Premium Certificate, and any Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate, also shall set forth the Eligible Assets held by the Trust, the Stated Yield on each Eligible Asset, any fees to be incurred or accrued by the Trustee on behalf of the Trust and the computation of the Put Option Premium, or the Delayed Put Option Premium, as the case may be, in each case for the respective Distribution Period and the Delayed Auction Period, respectively, and shall be in the form attached hereto as Annex B .

 

5.3                                  FSA has five (5) Business Days to cure any failure to pay when due the Put Option Premium or Delayed Put Option Premium, if any; provided that the Put Option Premium during such cure period will be set at the Maximum Rate then in effect.

 

6



 

6.                                        Obligations Absolute

 

6.1                                  The Trust acknowledges that, provided FSA has complied with the terms of this Agreement, the obligations of the Trust undertaken under this Agreement are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional irrespective of any circumstances whatsoever, including any defense otherwise available to the Trust, in equity or at law, including, without limitation, the defense of fraud, any defense based on the failure of FSA to disclose any matter, whether or not material, to the Trust or any other person, and any defense of breach of warranty or misrepresentation, and irrespective of any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of an insurer, surety or guarantor under any and all circumstances.  The enforceability and effectiveness of this Agreement and the liability of the Trust, and the rights, remedies, powers and privileges of FSA under this Agreement shall not be affected, limited, reduced, discharged or terminated, and the Trust hereby expressly waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any defense now or in the future arising by reason of:

 

(a)            the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of all or any part of the Declaration;

 

(b)            any action taken by FSA ;

 

(c)            any change in the direct or indirect ownership or control of FSA or of any shares or ownership interests thereof; and

 

(d)            any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of or for the Trust;

 

provided , however , that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6.1, the Trust shall have no further obligations under this Agreement after the termination of this Agreement.  In addition, the breach of any covenant made in this Agreement by the Trust shall not terminate this Agreement or limit the rights of FSA hereunder.

 

6.2                                  For the avoidance of doubt, no failure or delay by FSA in exercising its rights hereunder shall operate as a waiver of its rights hereunder (except as specifically provided in this Agreement, including, without limitation, in respect of the notice periods and payment dates set forth in Section 3.2(a)) and, subject to the termination of this Agreement not having occurred, FSA may continue to exercise its rights hereunder at any time.

 

7.                                        Covenants

 

7.1                                  FSA hereby covenants and agrees that, at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement, it shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights, terms and preferences of the Preferred Stock, whether by operation of merger, reorganization or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Trust, and it will not register the Preferred Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on or before the Put Option Payment Date.

 

7.2                                  The Trust hereby covenants and agrees that, at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement, it shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights, terms and

 

7



 

preferences of the CPS Securities, whether by operation of merger, reorganization or otherwise, and it will not register the CPS Securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

7.3            FSA hereby covenants and agrees that any Preferred Stock delivered to the Trust shall rank, at the time of delivery, (a) senior to the common stock of FSA and (b) senior to or pari passu with the most senior preferred shares of FSA then authorized by its Restated Charter or then issued and outstanding; provided that this covenant may be amended with the consent of FSA and at least a majority of the face amount of the CPS Securities.

 

7.4            FSA hereby covenants and agrees that if FSA’s financial strength rating is lowered while this Agreement remains effective, FSA shall provide written notice to the Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, of such lowered rating.

 

8.              This Agreement to Govern

 

If there is any inconsistency between any provision of this Agreement and any other agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail to the extent of such inconsistency but not otherwise.

 

9.              Representations and Warranties

 

9.1            The Trust represents and warrants to FSA that, as of the date hereof:

 

(a)                                   the Trust is duly organized and validly existing under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and has the power and authority to own its assets and to conduct the activities which it conducts;

 

(b)                                  its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate (1) any law to which it is subject, (2) any of its constitutional documents or (3) any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or its assets;

 

(c)                                   it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

 

(d)                                  it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all necessary consents, registrations and the like of or with any government or other regulatory body or authority applicable to this Agreement;

 

(e)                                   its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable at law;

 

(f)                                     it is not in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default, litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in the context of this Agreement;

 

8



 

(g)                                  it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity, effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that any document be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or elsewhere;

 

(h)                                  each of the above representations and warranties will be correct and complied with in all respects during the term of this Agreement;

 

(i)                                      no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other regulatory authority is required for the consummation by the Trust of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

 

(j)                                      assuming compliance with the transfer restrictions with respect to the CPS Securities set forth in the Declaration, the Trust is not required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

9.2            FSA represents and warrants to the Trust that, as of the date hereof:

 

(a)                                   it is duly organized and validly existing as a domestic stock insurance corporation under the laws of the State of New York and has the power and authority to own its assets and to conduct its activities;

 

(b)                                  its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate (1) any law to which it is subject, (2) any of its constitutional documents or (3) any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or its assets;

 

(c)                                   it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

 

(d)                                  it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all necessary consents, registrations and the like of or with any government or other regulatory body or authority applicable to this Agreement;

 

(e)                                   its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable at law;

 

(f)                                     it is not in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default, litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in the context of this Agreement;

 

(g)                                  it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity, effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that any document be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or elsewhere;

 

9



 

(h)                                  each of the above representations and warranties will be correct and complied with in all respects during the term of this Agreement;

 

(i)                                      no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other regulatory authority is required for the consummation by FSA of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the sale of the Preferred Stock to the Trust, pursuant to the terms hereof, need not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and

 

(j)                                      as of the Put Option Payment Date, the Preferred Stock will be duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Trust, pursuant to this Agreement, and, when issued and delivered by FSA, pursuant to this Agreement, against payment of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable; the Preferred Stock will conform in all respects to the terms of the Preferred Stock set forth in the Restated Charter of FSA attached hereto as Annex C ; and the Preferred Stock will not be subject to preemptive or other similar rights.

 

10.            Severability

 

10.1          Any provision of this Agreement which is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction may be severed from the other provisions of this Agreement without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate or render illegal or unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

11.            Notices

 

11.1          Each communication to be made hereunder shall be deemed to have been given (i) five (5) days after deposit of such communication with a reputable national courier service addressed to such party at its address specified below (or at such other address as such party shall specify to the other party hereto in writing) or (ii) when transmitted by facsimile to such party at its facsimile number specified below (or at such other facsimile number as such party shall specify to the other party hereto in writing):

 

If to FSA at:

 

Financial Security Assurance Inc.
350 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:  Treasurer
Facsimile:  (212) 339-0897

 

Copy to:  General Counsel

Telephone: (212) 339-3482

Facsimile:  (212) 339-0849

 

10



 

If to the Trust at:

 

The Bank of New York (Delaware)
P.O. Box 6973
White Clay Center
Route 273
Newark, Delaware 19714
Attention:  Kristine Gullo
Facsimile:  (302) 283-8279

 

Copies to:

 

The Bank of New York
Corporate Trust Division
100 Church Street, 8 th Floor
New York, New York 10286
Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group
Facsimile:  (212) 437-6155

 

In the case of any event under Sections 2.3, 7.3 or 14 of the Agreement, FSA shall give notice to:

 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services at:

 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. at:

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

99 Church Street

New York, New York 10007

 

12.                                  Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts each of which when executed and delivered shall constitute an original, but all the counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

13.                                  Benefit of Agreement and Disclaimer

 

This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of each party hereto and its successors and assigns and transferees; provided that neither party hereto may transfer its rights and obligations hereunder, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

11



 

14.                                  Amendment and Assignment

 

14.1                            This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any respect, nor may any provision be waived, without the written agreement of both parties.  No waiver by one party of any obligation of the other hereunder shall be considered a waiver of any other obligation of such party.

 

14.2                            Neither the Trust nor FSA may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any other person, except that FSA may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to another person as a result of a merger of FSA with another person or as a result of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of FSA to another person if the other person expressly assumes all of the rights and obligations of FSA under this Agreement; and immediately following the merger or sale of substantially all of its assets, the rating of the substitute preferred stock or the unsecured debt obligations of the other person is at least as high as the credit rating of the Preferred Stock or the general unsecured debt obligations of FSA, as the case may be (or if no such ratings exist, the financial strength rating of FSA) immediately prior to the merger or sale.

 

15.                                  Governing Law

 

15.1                            THIS AGREEMENT SHALL IN ALL RESPECTS BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES.

 

16.                                  Jurisdiction

 

16.1                            Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in respect of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement ( Proceedings ).  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Proceedings in the courts of the State of New York and any claim that any Proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.  Each of the Trust and FSA agrees that it shall at all times have an authorized agent in the State of New York upon whom process may be served in connection with any Proceedings, and each of the Trust and FSA hereby authorizes and appoints the Trustee to accept service of all legal process arising out of or connected with this Agreement in the State of New York and service on such person (or substitute) shall be deemed to be service on the Trust or FSA, as the case may be.  Except upon such a substitution, the Trust and FSA shall not revoke any such authority or appointment and shall at all times maintain an agent for service of process in the State of New York.  If for any reason such person shall cease to act as agent for the service of process, the Trust and FSA shall promptly appoint another such agent, and shall forthwith notify each other of such appointment.  The submission to jurisdiction reflected in this paragraph shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of any person to take Proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction, nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if and to the extent permitted by law.

 

12



 

17.                                  Limitation of Liability

 

17.1                            It is expressly understood that (a) this Agreement is executed and delivered by The Bank of New York (Delaware), not individually or personally but solely as Trustee, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it under the Declaration, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Trust, is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by The Bank of New York (Delaware), but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Trust, and (c) under no circumstances shall The Bank of New York (Delaware) be personally liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Trust, under this Agreement or the other related documents.

 

18.                                  Tax Confidentiality Waiver

 

18.1                            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement all persons may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the federal income tax treatment of the CPS Securities, any fact relevant to understanding the federal tax treatment of the CPS Securities, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) relating to such federal tax treatment other than the name of any of the parties referenced herein or information that would permit identification of any of the parties referenced herein.

 

13



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Put Option Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

SUTTON CAPITAL TRUST II,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

The Bank of New York (Delaware), not in
its individual capacity but solely as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ William T. Lewis

 

 

Name:

William T. Lewis

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Name:

Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

14



 

ANNEX A

 

Form of Put Notice

 

To:                               Sutton Capital Trust II
c/o Bank of New York (Delaware)
P.O. Box 6973
502 White Clay Center Route
273 Newark, Delaware 19714

 

with a copy to:

 

The Bank of New York
100 Church Street, 8 th Floor
New York, New York 10286
Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group

 

Date:

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We refer to the put option agreement dated as of June 23, 2003 (as heretofore amended, the Put Option Agreement ) entered into between us and you. Terms defined therein shall have the same respective meanings herein.

 

This notice is the notice for the purposes of Section 3.2(a) of the Put Option Agreement.  We hereby require you to pay the Preferred Stock Purchase Price on the Preferred Stock Payment Date, which shall be [         ], to the following account:

 

[             ]

 

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

 

 

for and on behalf of

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 



 

ANNEX B

 

Put Option Premium Certificate/
Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate
Financial Security Assurance Inc.
Put Option Premium/Delayed Put Option Premium for the
Non-Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual
Preferred Stock of
Financial Security Assurance Inc.

 

1.      Distribution Period:  [first day of Period]-[last day of Period]:  [number of days in period – generally 28]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.      Auction Rate determined for the Distribution Period on [insert Auction Date].

 

0.000000

%

$

 (0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.      Eligible Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Ratings

 

Purchase Price

 

Yield to Maturity

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Applicable Federal Funds Effective Rate:  0.00%

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Broker-Dealer Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

Trustee and Custodian Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Investment Manager Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 



 

8.

Tax Matters Partner Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Servicing Agent Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.

Rating Agency Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

Tax Fees. Including preparation of returns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

Other Fees and Expenses for the Distribution Period, if any [specify such Fees and Expenses, if any]

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

Computation of Put Premium Due on [insert Distribution Payment Date] by 11:00 a.m. New York Time:

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

 0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

The Investment Manager is in compliance with the Investment Management Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

ANNEX C

 

Restated Charter of
Financial Security Assurance Inc.

 



 

ANNEX D

 

Expense Reimbursement Agreement

 




Exhibit 99.7

 

 


 

PUT OPTION AGREEMENT

 

 

between

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

and

 

 

SUTTON CAPITAL TRUST III

 

 

Dated June 23, 2003

 


 



 

Preamble

 

This Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003 (this “ Agreement ”), is by and between Financial Security Assurance Inc., a New York domestic stock insurance corporation ( FSA ), and Sutton Capital Trust III (the Trust ), a Delaware statutory trust.

 

Recitals

 

WHEREAS, FSA is authorized to issue 500.01 shares of non-cumulative, redeemable, perpetual preferred stock, par value $1,000 per share, designated as “ Series C Perpetual Preferred Shares ,” which shares have not been and will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Preferred Stock ); and

 

WHEREAS, FSA and the Trust desire to enter into a binding agreement pursuant to which FSA will have the right to sell, at its option, the Preferred Stock to the Trust, and the Trust will have an obligation to purchase the Preferred Stock upon FSA ’s exercise of its option and upon the other terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                        Definitions; Interpretation

 

1.1                                  The words herein ,” hereof and hereunder and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, clause or other subdivision, and references to Sections refer to Sections of this Agreement except as otherwise expressly provided.

 

1.2                                  In this Agreement:

 

Agreement has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Auction Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Auction Rate has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Broker-Dealer has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Business Day has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

CPS Securities has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Declaration means the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust governing the Trust, dated as of the date hereof, as the same may be amended or restated from time to time.

 



 

Delayed Auction has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Period has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Rate has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Put Option Premium has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

 

Distribution Payment Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Distribution Period has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Dividend ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Eligible Assets has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Expense Reimbursement Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

“Fixed Rate Distribution Event” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Fixed Rate Election ” means an election by FSA to pay Dividends on the Preferred Stock at the rate described in clause (iii) of the definition of “Dividend Rate” set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

FSA has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Holder has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Liquidation Preference ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Maximum Rate ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Overnight Rate of Return means the rate earned on the interest and on the principal of the Eligible Assets during the period from each Auction Date until the related Distribution Payment Date and during any Delayed Auction Period, which shall be equal to the Federal Funds Effective Rate then in effect.

 

 

2



 

Preferred Stock has the meaning set forth above in the Recitals.

 

Preferred Stock Payment Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

 

Preferred Stock Purchase Price has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

 

Put Notice means a written notice substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A .

 

Put Option Premium has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Put Option Premium Certificate has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

 

Redemption Price ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Restated Charter ” means the Restated Charter of FSA , a copy of which is attached hereto as Annex C .

 

Stated Yield ” means all amounts of interest (including accreted interest) and other payments due and payable (upon maturity or otherwise) on the principal amount of the Eligible Assets (excluding any repayment of principal) held by the Trust during a Distribution Period, plus the amount of interest to be earned based on the Overnight Rate of Return, as calculated on or prior to 11:00 a.m. on the Auction Date for each respective Distribution Period.

 

Tax Matters Partner ” has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Trust has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Trustee ” has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

In this Agreement, any reference to a “ company ” shall be construed so as to include any corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity, wheresoever incorporated or established.

 

1.3                                  In this Agreement, save where the contrary is indicated, any reference to:

 

(a)                                   this Agreement or any other agreement or document shall be construed as a reference to this Agreement or, as the case may be, such other agreement or document as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, varied, novated or supplemented in accordance with its terms; and

 

(b)                                  a statute shall be construed as a reference to such statute as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended or re-enacted.

 

1.4                                  In this Agreement, any definition shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

3



 

2.                                        Put Option; Term

 

2.1                                  In consideration of the payment of the Put Option Premium, the Trust hereby grants to FSA the right to cause the Trust to purchase the Preferred Stock on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

 

2.2                                  The put option created hereby shall remain in effect and be exercisable at any time prior to termination of this Agreement.

 

2.3                                  This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of any of the following events:

 

(a)                                   FSA delivers a written notice to the Trust while the Trust is holding Eligible Assets, stating that FSA is electing not to pay the Put Option Premium for the next succeeding Distribution Period that follows the notice by at least three (3) Business Days and indicating the Distribution Payment Date on which the termination shall become effective (delivery of such a termination notice by FSA shall be irrevocable);

 

(b)                                  FSA fails to pay the Put Option Premium or the Delayed Put Option Premium, if any, for a Distribution Period on the related Distribution Payment Date, and such failure has not been cured within five (5) Business Days;

 

(c)                                   FSA exercises the put option;

 

(d)                                  the aggregate face amount of the Trust’s CPS Securities is less than $20,000,000;

 

3.                                        Exercise of Put Option; Redemption.

 

3.1                                  The Trust agrees that it shall, upon exercise of the put option as provided in Section 3.2, purchase the Preferred Stock from FSA for a purchase price equal to the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, which Preferred Stock Purchase Price shall be payable on the Preferred Stock Payment Date in accordance with Section 4.

 

3.2                                  (a)           FSA may exercise the put option at any time by delivering (i) a Put Notice to the Trustee, specifying a payment date (the “ Preferred Stock Payment Date ”), which shall be the next succeeding Distribution Payment Date after the date on which the Put Notice is delivered to the Trustee and (ii) the Expense Reimbursement Agreement to the Trust in the form attached hereto as Annex D (the “ Expense Reimbursement Agreement ”), in either case not more than fifteen (15) days but not less than ten (10) days prior to the next succeeding scheduled Distribution Payment Date.

 

(b)                                  On the Preferred Stock Payment Date, after payment of the Put Option Premium by FSA to the Trust and payment of the distribution amount by the Trust to the Holders of the CPS Securities, in each case for the immediately preceding Distribution Period, FSA shall issue and deliver to the Trust, or its designee, Preferred Stock with an aggregate Liquidation Preference equal to the proceeds attributable to principal received upon the maturity of the Trust’s Eligible Assets

 

4



 

(and, if applicable, liquidation of defaulted Eligible Assets), net of fees and expenses of the Trust and after any principal is returned to Holders of the CPS Securities pursuant to Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto.  The Preferred Stock shall be delivered free and clear of any defect in title, together with all transfer and registration documents (or all notices, instructions or other communications) as are necessary to convey title to the Preferred Stock to the Trust (or its nominee).

 

(c)                                   For the avoidance of doubt, (1) any cash received by the Trust as interest or other payments earned on the principal amount of the Eligible Assets (net of fees and expenses and excluding any repayment of principal) and not previously distributed to the Holders of CPS Securities shall be distributed to the Holders of CPS Securities prior to payment by the Trust of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, and shall not be used to purchase shares of Preferred Stock; and (2) the aggregate Liquidation Preference of Preferred Stock purchased from FSA shall be reduced by the amount, if any, by which the aggregate face amount of CPS Securities is reduced as a result of losses of principal of or interest on Eligible Assets as required by Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto.

 

4.                                        Payments

 

4.1                                  On the Preferred Stock Payment Date, after payment of the Put Option Premium by FSA to the Trust and payment of the distribution amount by the Trust to the Holders of the CPS Securities, in each case for the immediately preceding Distribution Period, the Trust will deliver to FSA the proceeds attributable to principal received upon the maturity of the Trust’s Eligible Assets (and, if applicable, liquidation of defaulted Eligible Assets), net of fees and expenses of the Trust and after any principal is returned to Holders of CPS Securities pursuant to Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto (the “ Preferred Stock Purchase Price ”).

 

4.2                                  Payment by the Trust of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price shall be made on or prior to 3:00 p.m. on the Preferred Stock Payment Date and to the account of FSA specified in the Put Notice.

 

4.3                                  Payment of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price by the Trust shall be made as provided in Section 4.1 and Section 4.2 without setoff, claim, recoupment, deduction or counterclaim; provided , however , that if FSA exercises its put option under Section 3 hereof at any time that it has failed to pay all or a portion of the Put Option Premium, and such failure has not been cured on or before the Preferred Stock Payment Date, the Trust shall be entitled to setoff against the Preferred Stock Purchase Price such unpaid portion of the Put Option Premium.

 

5.                                        Put Option Premium

 

5.1                                  In consideration for the Trust’s agreement to purchase the Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, FSA will pay to the Trust, in US dollars, on each

 

5



 

Distribution Payment Date during which the put option remains in effect and is exercisable as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, the “ Put Option Premium, ” in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Auction Rate on the CPS Securities for the respective Distribution Period less the excess of (i) the Stated Yield for such Distribution Period over (ii) the expenses of the Trust for such Distribution Period, provided that such amount shall be annualized and expressed as an annual rate with respect to the face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding on the date the Put Option Premium is determined, (B) the aggregate face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding at the time the Put Option Premium is calculated and (C) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the actual number of calendar days in the respective Distribution Period, and the denominator of which will be 360 days.

 

The Put Option Premium for each Distribution Period will be calculated on the Auction Date.

 

If as a result of losses of principal of or interest on Eligible Assets there is a Delayed Auction, FSA will pay to the Trust, in US dollars, on each Distribution Payment Date during which the put option remains in effect and is exercisable as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, the “ Delayed Put Option Premium, ” in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Delayed Auction Rate on the CPS Securities for the Delayed Auction Period less the excess of (i) the Stated Yield for such Delayed Auction Period over (ii) the expenses of the Trust for such Delayed Auction Period, provided that such amount shall be annualized and expressed as an annual rate with respect to the face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding on the date the Put Option Premium is determined, (B) the aggregate face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding at the time the Delayed Put Option Premium is calculated and (C) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the actual number of calendar days in the respective Delayed Auction Period, and the denominator of which will be 360 days.

 

The Delayed Put Option Premium for each Delayed Auction Period will be calculated on the Delayed Auction Date.

 

5.2                                  The amount of the Put Option Premium shall be calculated by the Trustee and delivered in writing (the Put Option Premium Certificate ) to FSA prior to 5:00 p.m. on each Auction Date.  The amount of the Delayed Put Option Premium shall be calculated by the Trustee and delivered in writing (the Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate ) to FSA prior to 5:00 p.m. on the Delayed Auction Date.  The Put Option Premium Certificate, and any Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate, also shall set forth the Eligible Assets held by the Trust, the Stated Yield on each Eligible Asset, any fees to be incurred or accrued by the Trustee on behalf of the Trust and the computation of the Put Option Premium, or the Delayed Put Option Premium, as the case may be, in each case for the respective Distribution Period and the Delayed Auction Period, respectively, and shall be in the form attached hereto as Annex B .

 

5.3                                  FSA has five (5) Business Days to cure any failure to pay when due the Put Option Premium or Delayed Put Option Premium, if any; provided that the Put Option Premium during such cure period will be set at the Maximum Rate then in effect.

 

6



 

6.                                        Obligations Absolute

 

6.1                                  The Trust acknowledges that, provided FSA has complied with the terms of this Agreement, the obligations of the Trust undertaken under this Agreement are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional irrespective of any circumstances whatsoever, including any defense otherwise available to the Trust, in equity or at law, including, without limitation, the defense of fraud, any defense based on the failure of FSA to disclose any matter, whether or not material, to the Trust or any other person, and any defense of breach of warranty or misrepresentation, and irrespective of any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of an insurer, surety or guarantor under any and all circumstances.  The enforceability and effectiveness of this Agreement and the liability of the Trust, and the rights, remedies, powers and privileges of FSA under this Agreement shall not be affected, limited, reduced, discharged or terminated, and the Trust hereby expressly waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any defense now or in the future arising by reason of:

 

(a)                                   the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of all or any part of the Declaration;

 

(b)                                  any action taken by FSA ;

 

(c)                                   any change in the direct or indirect ownership or control of FSA or of any shares or ownership interests thereof; and

 

(d)                                  any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of or for the Trust;

 

provided , however , that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6.1, the Trust shall have no further obligations under this Agreement after the termination of this Agreement.  In addition, the breach of any covenant made in this Agreement by the Trust shall not terminate this Agreement or limit the rights of FSA hereunder.

 

6.2                                  For the avoidance of doubt, no failure or delay by FSA in exercising its rights hereunder shall operate as a waiver of its rights hereunder (except as specifically provided in this Agreement, including, without limitation, in respect of the notice periods and payment dates set forth in Section 3.2(a)) and, subject to the termination of this Agreement not having occurred, FSA may continue to exercise its rights hereunder at any time.

 

7.                                        Covenants

 

7.1                                  FSA hereby covenants and agrees that, at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement, it shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights, terms and preferences of the Preferred Stock, whether by operation of merger, reorganization or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Trust, and it will not register the Preferred Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on or before the Put Option Payment Date.

 

7.2                                  The Trust hereby covenants and agrees that, at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement, it shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights, terms and

 

7



 

preferences of the CPS Securities, whether by operation of merger, reorganization or otherwise, and it will not register the CPS Securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

7.3                                  FSA hereby covenants and agrees that any Preferred Stock delivered to the Trust shall rank, at the time of delivery, (a) senior to the common stock of FSA and (b) senior to or pari passu with the most senior preferred shares of FSA then authorized by its Restated Charter or then issued and outstanding; provided that this covenant may be amended with the consent of FSA and at least a majority of the face amount of the CPS Securities.

 

7.4                                  FSA hereby covenants and agrees that if FSA’s financial strength rating is lowered while this Agreement remains effective, FSA shall provide written notice to the Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, of such lowered rating.

 

8.                                        This Agreement to Govern

 

If there is any inconsistency between any provision of this Agreement and any other agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail to the extent of such inconsistency but not otherwise.

 

9.                                        Representations and Warranties

 

9.1                                  The Trust represents and warrants to FSA that, as of the date hereof:

 

(a)                                   the Trust is duly organized and validly existing under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and has the power and authority to own its assets and to conduct the activities which it conducts;

 

(b)                                  its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate (1) any law to which it is subject, (2) any of its constitutional documents or (3) any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or its assets;

 

(c)                                   it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

 

(d)                                  it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all necessary consents, registrations and the like of or with any government or other regulatory body or authority applicable to this Agreement;

 

(e)                                   its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable at law;

 

(f)                                     it is not in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default, litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in the context of this Agreement;

 

8



 

(g)                                  it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity, effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that any document be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or elsewhere;

 

(h)                                  each of the above representations and warranties will be correct and complied with in all respects during the term of this Agreement;

 

(i)                                      no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other regulatory authority is required for the consummation by the Trust of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

 

(j)                                      assuming compliance with the transfer restrictions with respect to the CPS Securities set forth in the Declaration, the Trust is not required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

9.2                                  FSA represents and warrants to the Trust that, as of the date hereof:

 

(a)                                   it is duly organized and validly existing as a domestic stock insurance corporation under the laws of the State of New York and has the power and authority to own its assets and to conduct its activities;

 

(b)                                  its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate (1) any law to which it is subject, (2) any of its constitutional documents or (3) any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or its assets;

 

(c)                                   it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

 

(d)                                  it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all necessary consents, registrations and the like of or with any government or other regulatory body or authority applicable to this Agreement;

 

(e)                                   its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable at law;

 

(f)                                     it is not in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default, litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in the context of this Agreement;

 

(g)                                  it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity, effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that any document be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or elsewhere;

 

9



 

(h)                                  each of the above representations and warranties will be correct and complied with in all respects during the term of this Agreement;

 

(i)                                      no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other regulatory authority is required for the consummation by FSA of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the sale of the Preferred Stock to the Trust, pursuant to the terms hereof, need not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and

 

(j)                                      as of the Put Option Payment Date, the Preferred Stock will be duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Trust, pursuant to this Agreement, and, when issued and delivered by FSA, pursuant to this Agreement, against payment of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable; the Preferred Stock will conform in all respects to the terms of the Preferred Stock set forth in the Restated Charter of FSA attached hereto as Annex C ; and the Preferred Stock will not be subject to preemptive or other similar rights.

 

10.                                  Severability

 

10.1                            Any provision of this Agreement which is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction may be severed from the other provisions of this Agreement without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate or render illegal or unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

11.                                  Notices

 

11.1                            Each communication to be made hereunder shall be deemed to have been given (i) five (5) days after deposit of such communication with a reputable national courier service addressed to such party at its address specified below (or at such other address as such party shall specify to the other party hereto in writing) or (ii) when transmitted by facsimile to such party at its facsimile number specified below (or at such other facsimile number as such party shall specify to the other party hereto in writing):

 

If to FSA at:

 

Financial Security Assurance Inc.
350 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:  Treasurer
Facsimile:  (212) 339-0897

 

Copy to:  General Counsel

Telephone: (212) 339-3482

Facsimile:   (212) 339-0849

 

10



 

If to the Trust at:

 

The Bank of New York (Delaware)
P.O. Box 6973
White Clay Center
Route 273
Newark, Delaware 19714
Attention:  Kristine Gullo
Facsimile:  (302) 283-8279

 

Copies to:

 

The Bank of New York
Corporate Trust Division
100 Church Street, 8 th Floor
New York, New York 10286
Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group
Facsimile:  (212) 437-6155

 

In the case of any event under Sections 2.3, 7.3 or 14 of the Agreement, FSA shall give notice to:

 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services at:

 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. at:

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

99 Church Street

New York, New York 10007

 

12.                                  Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts each of which when executed and delivered shall constitute an original, but all the counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

13.                                  Benefit of Agreement and Disclaimer

 

This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of each party hereto and its successors and assigns and transferees; provided that neither party hereto may transfer its rights and obligations hereunder, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

11



 

14.                                  Amendment and Assignment

 

14.1                            This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any respect, nor may any provision be waived, without the written agreement of both parties.  No waiver by one party of any obligation of the other hereunder shall be considered a waiver of any other obligation of such party.

 

14.2                            Neither the Trust nor FSA may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any other person, except that FSA may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to another person as a result of a merger of FSA with another person or as a result of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of FSA to another person if the other person expressly assumes all of the rights and obligations of FSA under this Agreement; and immediately following the merger or sale of substantially all of its assets, the rating of the substitute preferred stock or the unsecured debt obligations of the other person is at least as high as the credit rating of the Preferred Stock or the general unsecured debt obligations of FSA, as the case may be (or if no such ratings exist, the financial strength rating of FSA) immediately prior to the merger or sale.

 

15.                                  Governing Law

 

15.1                            THIS AGREEMENT SHALL IN ALL RESPECTS BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES.

 

16.                                  Jurisdiction

 

16.1                            Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in respect of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement ( Proceedings ).  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Proceedings in the courts of the State of New York and any claim that any Proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.  Each of the Trust and FSA agrees that it shall at all times have an authorized agent in the State of New York upon whom process may be served in connection with any Proceedings, and each of the Trust and FSA hereby authorizes and appoints the Trustee to accept service of all legal process arising out of or connected with this Agreement in the State of New York and service on such person (or substitute) shall be deemed to be service on the Trust or FSA, as the case may be.  Except upon such a substitution, the Trust and FSA shall not revoke any such authority or appointment and shall at all times maintain an agent for service of process in the State of New York.  If for any reason such person shall cease to act as agent for the service of process, the Trust and FSA shall promptly appoint another such agent, and shall forthwith notify each other of such appointment.  The submission to jurisdiction reflected in this paragraph shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of any person to take Proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction, nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if and to the extent permitted by law.

 

12



 

17.                                  Limitation of Liability

 

17.1                            It is expressly understood that (a) this Agreement is executed and delivered by The Bank of New York (Delaware), not individually or personally but solely as Trustee, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it under the Declaration, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Trust, is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by The Bank of New York (Delaware), but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Trust, and (c) under no circumstances shall The Bank of New York (Delaware) be personally liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Trust, under this Agreement or the other related documents.

 

18.                                  Tax Confidentiality Waiver

 

18.1                            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement all persons may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the federal income tax treatment of the CPS Securities, any fact relevant to understanding the federal tax treatment of the CPS Securities, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) relating to such federal tax treatment other than the name of any of the parties referenced herein or information that would permit identification of any of the parties referenced herein.

 

13



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Put Option Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

SUTTON CAPITAL TRUST III,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

The Bank of New York (Delaware), not in
its individual capacity but solely as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ William T. Lewis

 

 

Name:

William T. Lewis

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Name:

Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

14



 

ANNEX A

 

Form of Put Notice

 

To:                               Sutton Capital Trust III
c/o Bank of New York (Delaware)
P.O. Box 6973
502 White Clay Center Route
273 Newark, Delaware 19714

 

with a copy to:

 

The Bank of New York
100 Church Street, 8 th Floor
New York, New York 10286
Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group

 

Date:

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We refer to the put option agreement dated as of June 23, 2003 (as heretofore amended, the Put Option Agreement ) entered into between us and you. Terms defined therein shall have the same respective meanings herein.

 

This notice is the notice for the purposes of Section 3.2(a) of the Put Option Agreement.  We hereby require you to pay the Preferred Stock Purchase Price on the Preferred Stock Payment Date, which shall be [         ], to the following account:

 

[             ]

 

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

 

 

for and on behalf of

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 



 

ANNEX B

 

Put Option Premium Certificate/
Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate
Financial Security Assurance Inc.
Put Option Premium/Delayed Put Option Premium for the
Non-Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual
Preferred Stock of
Financial Security Assurance Inc.

 

1.       Distribution Period:  [first day of Period]-[last day of Period]:  [number of days in period – generally 28]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.       Auction Rate determined for the Distribution Period on [insert Auction Date].

 

0.000000

%

$

 (0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.       Eligible Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Ratings

 

Purchase Price

 

Yield to Maturity

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Applicable Federal Funds Effective Rate:  0.00%

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Broker-Dealer Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

Trustee and Custodian Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Investment Manager Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 



 

8.

Tax Matters Partner Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Servicing Agent Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.

Rating Agency Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

Tax Fees. Including preparation of returns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

Other Fees and Expenses for the Distribution Period, if any [specify such Fees and Expenses, if any]

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

Computation of Put Premium Due on [insert Distribution Payment Date] by 11:00 a.m. New York Time:

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

The Investment Manager is in compliance with the Investment Management Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

ANNEX C

 

Restated Charter of
Financial Security Assurance Inc.

 



 

ANNEX D

 

Expense Reimbursement Agreement

 




Exhibit 99.8

 

 


 

PUT OPTION AGREEMENT

 

between

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

and

 

SUTTON CAPITAL TRUST IV

 

Dated June 23, 2003

 


 



 

Preamble

 

This Put Option Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2003 (this “ Agreement ”), is by and between Financial Security Assurance Inc., a New York domestic stock insurance corporation ( FSA ), and Sutton Capital Trust IV (the Trust ), a Delaware statutory trust.

 

Recitals

 

WHEREAS, FSA is authorized to issue 500.01 shares of non-cumulative, redeemable, perpetual preferred stock, par value $1,000 per share, designated as “ Series D Perpetual Preferred Shares ,” which shares have not been and will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Preferred Stock ); and

 

WHEREAS, FSA and the Trust desire to enter into a binding agreement pursuant to which FSA will have the right to sell, at its option, the Preferred Stock to the Trust, and the Trust will have an obligation to purchase the Preferred Stock upon FSA ’s exercise of its option and upon the other terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                        Definitions; Interpretation

 

1.1                                  The words herein ,” hereof and hereunder and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, clause or other subdivision, and references to Sections refer to Sections of this Agreement except as otherwise expressly provided.

 

1.2                                  In this Agreement:

 

Agreement has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Auction Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Auction Rate has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Broker-Dealer has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Business Day has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

CPS Securities has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Declaration means the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust governing the Trust, dated as of the date hereof, as the same may be amended or restated from time to time.

 



 

Delayed Auction has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Period has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Auction Rate has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Delayed Put Option Premium has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

 

Distribution Payment Date has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Distribution Period has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached to the Declaration as Appendix A.

 

Dividend ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Eligible Assets has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Expense Reimbursement Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

“Fixed Rate Distribution Event” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Fixed Rate Election ” means an election by FSA to pay Dividends on the Preferred Stock at the rate described in clause (iii) of the definition of “Dividend Rate” set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

FSA has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Holder has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Liquidation Preference ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Maximum Rate ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Overnight Rate of Return means the rate earned on the interest and on the principal of the Eligible Assets during the period from each Auction Date until the related Distribution Payment Date and during any Delayed Auction Period, which shall be equal to the Federal Funds Effective Rate then in effect.

 

 

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Preferred Stock has the meaning set forth above in the Recitals.

 

Preferred Stock Payment Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

 

Preferred Stock Purchase Price has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

 

Put Notice means a written notice substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A .

 

Put Option Premium has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.

 

Put Option Premium Certificate has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

 

Redemption Price ” has the meaning set forth in the Restated Charter.

 

Restated Charter ” means the Restated Charter of FSA , a copy of which is attached hereto as Annex C .

 

Stated Yield ” means all amounts of interest (including accreted interest) and other payments due and payable (upon maturity or otherwise) on the principal amount of the Eligible Assets (excluding any repayment of principal) held by the Trust during a Distribution Period, plus the amount of interest to be earned based on the Overnight Rate of Return, as calculated on or prior to 11:00 a.m. on the Auction Date for each respective Distribution Period.

 

Tax Matters Partner ” has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

Trust has the meaning set forth above in the Preamble.

 

Trustee ” has the meaning set forth in the Declaration.

 

In this Agreement, any reference to a “ company ” shall be construed so as to include any corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity, wheresoever incorporated or established.

 

1.3            In this Agreement, save where the contrary is indicated, any reference to:

 

(a)                                   this Agreement or any other agreement or document shall be construed as a reference to this Agreement or, as the case may be, such other agreement or document as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, varied, novated or supplemented in accordance with its terms; and

 

(b)                                  a statute shall be construed as a reference to such statute as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended or re-enacted.

 

1.4            In this Agreement, any definition shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

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2.              Put Option; Term

 

2.1            In consideration of the payment of the Put Option Premium, the Trust hereby grants to FSA the right to cause the Trust to purchase the Preferred Stock on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

 

2.2            The put option created hereby shall remain in effect and be exercisable at any time prior to termination of this Agreement.

 

2.3            This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of any of the following events:

 

(a)                                   FSA delivers a written notice to the Trust while the Trust is holding Eligible Assets, stating that FSA is electing not to pay the Put Option Premium for the next succeeding Distribution Period that follows the notice by at least three (3) Business Days and indicating the Distribution Payment Date on which the termination shall become effective (delivery of such a termination notice by FSA shall be irrevocable);

 

(b)                                  FSA fails to pay the Put Option Premium or the Delayed Put Option Premium, if any, for a Distribution Period on the related Distribution Payment Date, and such failure has not been cured within five (5) Business Days;

 

(c)                                   FSA exercises the put option;

 

(d)                                  the aggregate face amount of the Trust’s CPS Securities is less than $20,000,000;

 

3.              Exercise of Put Option; Redemption.

 

3.1            The Trust agrees that it shall, upon exercise of the put option as provided in Section 3.2, purchase the Preferred Stock from FSA for a purchase price equal to the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, which Preferred Stock Purchase Price shall be payable on the Preferred Stock Payment Date in accordance with Section 4.

 

3.2                                  (a)                                   FSA may exercise the put option at any time by delivering (i) a Put Notice to the Trustee, specifying a payment date (the “ Preferred Stock Payment Date ”), which shall be the next succeeding Distribution Payment Date after the date on which the Put Notice is delivered to the Trustee and (ii) the Expense Reimbursement Agreement to the Trust in the form attached hereto as Annex D (the “ Expense Reimbursement Agreement ”), in either case not more than fifteen (15) days but not less than ten (10) days prior to the next succeeding scheduled Distribution Payment Date.

 

(b)                                  On the Preferred Stock Payment Date, after payment of the Put Option Premium by FSA to the Trust and payment of the distribution amount by the Trust to the Holders of the CPS Securities, in each case for the immediately preceding Distribution Period, FSA shall issue and deliver to the Trust, or its designee, Preferred Stock with an aggregate Liquidation Preference equal to the proceeds attributable to principal received upon the maturity of the Trust’s Eligible Assets

 

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(and, if applicable, liquidation of defaulted Eligible Assets), net of fees and expenses of the Trust and after any principal is returned to Holders of the CPS Securities pursuant to Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto.  The Preferred Stock shall be delivered free and clear of any defect in title, together with all transfer and registration documents (or all notices, instructions or other communications) as are necessary to convey title to the Preferred Stock to the Trust (or its nominee).

 

(c)                                   For the avoidance of doubt, (1) any cash received by the Trust as interest or other payments earned on the principal amount of the Eligible Assets (net of fees and expenses and excluding any repayment of principal) and not previously distributed to the Holders of CPS Securities shall be distributed to the Holders of CPS Securities prior to payment by the Trust of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, and shall not be used to purchase shares of Preferred Stock; and (2) the aggregate Liquidation Preference of Preferred Stock purchased from FSA shall be reduced by the amount, if any, by which the aggregate face amount of CPS Securities is reduced as a result of losses of principal of or interest on Eligible Assets as required by Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto.

 

4.                                        Payments

 

4.1                                  On the Preferred Stock Payment Date, after payment of the Put Option Premium by FSA to the Trust and payment of the distribution amount by the Trust to the Holders of the CPS Securities, in each case for the immediately preceding Distribution Period, the Trust will deliver to FSA the proceeds attributable to principal received upon the maturity of the Trust’s Eligible Assets (and, if applicable, liquidation of defaulted Eligible Assets), net of fees and expenses of the Trust and after any principal is returned to Holders of CPS Securities pursuant to Section 6.01(g) of the Declaration and Section 6(b) of the General Terms of the CPS Securities attached thereto (the “ Preferred Stock Purchase Price ”).

 

4.2                                  Payment by the Trust of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price shall be made on or prior to 3:00 p.m. on the Preferred Stock Payment Date and to the account of FSA specified in the Put Notice.

 

4.3                                  Payment of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price by the Trust shall be made as provided in Section 4.1 and Section 4.2 without setoff, claim, recoupment, deduction or counterclaim; provided , however , that if FSA exercises its put option under Section 3 hereof at any time that it has failed to pay all or a portion of the Put Option Premium, and such failure has not been cured on or before the Preferred Stock Payment Date, the Trust shall be entitled to setoff against the Preferred Stock Purchase Price such unpaid portion of the Put Option Premium.

 

5.                                        Put Option Premium

 

5.1                                  In consideration for the Trust’s agreement to purchase the Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, FSA will pay to the Trust, in US dollars, on each

 

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Distribution Payment Date during which the put option remains in effect and is exercisable as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, the “ Put Option Premium, ” in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Auction Rate on the CPS Securities for the respective Distribution Period less the excess of (i) the Stated Yield for such Distribution Period over (ii) the expenses of the Trust for such Distribution Period, provided that such amount shall be annualized and expressed as an annual rate with respect to the face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding on the date the Put Option Premium is determined, (B) the aggregate face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding at the time the Put Option Premium is calculated and (C) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the actual number of calendar days in the respective Distribution Period, and the denominator of which will be 360 days.

 

The Put Option Premium for each Distribution Period will be calculated on the Auction Date.

 

If as a result of losses of principal of or interest on Eligible Assets there is a Delayed Auction, FSA will pay to the Trust, in US dollars, on each Distribution Payment Date during which the put option remains in effect and is exercisable as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, the “ Delayed Put Option Premium, ” in an amount equal to the product of (A) the Delayed Auction Rate on the CPS Securities for the Delayed Auction Period less the excess of (i) the Stated Yield for such Delayed Auction Period over (ii) the expenses of the Trust for such Delayed Auction Period, provided that such amount shall be annualized and expressed as an annual rate with respect to the face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding on the date the Put Option Premium is determined, (B) the aggregate face amount of the CPS Securities outstanding at the time the Delayed Put Option Premium is calculated and (C) a fraction, the numerator of which will be the actual number of calendar days in the respective Delayed Auction Period, and the denominator of which will be 360 days.

 

The Delayed Put Option Premium for each Delayed Auction Period will be calculated on the Delayed Auction Date.

 

5.2                                  The amount of the Put Option Premium shall be calculated by the Trustee and delivered in writing (the Put Option Premium Certificate ) to FSA prior to 5:00 p.m. on each Auction Date.  The amount of the Delayed Put Option Premium shall be calculated by the Trustee and delivered in writing (the Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate ) to FSA prior to 5:00 p.m. on the Delayed Auction Date.  The Put Option Premium Certificate, and any Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate, also shall set forth the Eligible Assets held by the Trust, the Stated Yield on each Eligible Asset, any fees to be incurred or accrued by the Trustee on behalf of the Trust and the computation of the Put Option Premium, or the Delayed Put Option Premium, as the case may be, in each case for the respective Distribution Period and the Delayed Auction Period, respectively, and shall be in the form attached hereto as Annex B .

 

5.3                                  FSA has five (5) Business Days to cure any failure to pay when due the Put Option Premium or Delayed Put Option Premium, if any; provided that the Put Option Premium during such cure period will be set at the Maximum Rate then in effect.

 

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6.              Obligations Absolute

 

6.1            The Trust acknowledges that, provided FSA has complied with the terms of this Agreement, the obligations of the Trust undertaken under this Agreement are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional irrespective of any circumstances whatsoever, including any defense otherwise available to the Trust, in equity or at law, including, without limitation, the defense of fraud, any defense based on the failure of FSA to disclose any matter, whether or not material, to the Trust or any other person, and any defense of breach of warranty or misrepresentation, and irrespective of any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of an insurer, surety or guarantor under any and all circumstances.  The enforceability and effectiveness of this Agreement and the liability of the Trust, and the rights, remedies, powers and privileges of FSA under this Agreement shall not be affected, limited, reduced, discharged or terminated, and the Trust hereby expressly waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any defense now or in the future arising by reason of:

 

(a)                                   the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of all or any part of the Declaration;

 

(b)                                  any action taken by FSA ;

 

(c)                                   any change in the direct or indirect ownership or control of FSA or of any shares or ownership interests thereof; and

 

(d)                                  any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of or for the Trust;

 

provided , however , that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6.1, the Trust shall have no further obligations under this Agreement after the termination of this Agreement.  In addition, the breach of any covenant made in this Agreement by the Trust shall not terminate this Agreement or limit the rights of FSA hereunder.

 

6.2            For the avoidance of doubt, no failure or delay by FSA in exercising its rights hereunder shall operate as a waiver of its rights hereunder (except as specifically provided in this Agreement, including, without limitation, in respect of the notice periods and payment dates set forth in Section 3.2(a)) and, subject to the termination of this Agreement not having occurred, FSA may continue to exercise its rights hereunder at any time.

 

7.              Covenants

 

7.1            FSA hereby covenants and agrees that, at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement, it shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights, terms and preferences of the Preferred Stock, whether by operation of merger, reorganization or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Trust, and it will not register the Preferred Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on or before the Put Option Payment Date.

 

7.2            The Trust hereby covenants and agrees that, at all times prior to the termination of this Agreement, it shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights, terms and

 

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preferences of the CPS Securities, whether by operation of merger, reorganization or otherwise, and it will not register the CPS Securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

7.3            FSA hereby covenants and agrees that any Preferred Stock delivered to the Trust shall rank, at the time of delivery, (a) senior to the common stock of FSA and (b) senior to or pari passu with the most senior preferred shares of FSA then authorized by its Restated Charter or then issued and outstanding; provided that this covenant may be amended with the consent of FSA and at least a majority of the face amount of the CPS Securities.

 

7.4            FSA hereby covenants and agrees that if FSA’s financial strength rating is lowered while this Agreement remains effective, FSA shall provide written notice to the Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, of such lowered rating.

 

8.              This Agreement to Govern

 

If there is any inconsistency between any provision of this Agreement and any other agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail to the extent of such inconsistency but not otherwise.

 

9.              Representations and Warranties

 

9.1            The Trust represents and warrants to FSA that, as of the date hereof:

 

(a)                                   the Trust is duly organized and validly existing under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and has the power and authority to own its assets and to conduct the activities which it conducts;

 

(b)                                  its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate (1) any law to which it is subject, (2) any of its constitutional documents or (3) any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or its assets;

 

(c)                                   it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

 

(d)                                  it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all necessary consents, registrations and the like of or with any government or other regulatory body or authority applicable to this Agreement;

 

(e)                                   its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable at law;

 

(f)                                     it is not in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default, litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in the context of this Agreement;

 

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(g)                                  it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity, effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that any document be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or elsewhere;

 

(h)                                  each of the above representations and warranties will be correct and complied with in all respects during the term of this Agreement;

 

(i)                                      no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other regulatory authority is required for the consummation by the Trust of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

 

(j)                                      assuming compliance with the transfer restrictions with respect to the CPS Securities set forth in the Declaration, the Trust is not required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

9.2            FSA represents and warrants to the Trust that, as of the date hereof:

 

(a)                                   it is duly organized and validly existing as a domestic stock insurance corporation under the laws of the State of New York and has the power and authority to own its assets and to conduct its activities;

 

(b)                                  its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate (1) any law to which it is subject, (2) any of its constitutional documents or (3) any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or its assets;

 

(c)                                   it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

 

(d)                                  it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all necessary consents, registrations and the like of or with any government or other regulatory body or authority applicable to this Agreement;

 

(e)                                   its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable at law;

 

(f)                                     it is not in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default, litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in the context of this Agreement;

 

(g)                                  it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity, effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that any document be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or elsewhere;

 

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(h)                                  each of the above representations and warranties will be correct and complied with in all respects during the term of this Agreement;

 

(i)                                      no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other regulatory authority is required for the consummation by FSA of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the sale of the Preferred Stock to the Trust, pursuant to the terms hereof, need not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and

 

(j)                                      as of the Put Option Payment Date, the Preferred Stock will be duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Trust, pursuant to this Agreement, and, when issued and delivered by FSA, pursuant to this Agreement, against payment of the Preferred Stock Purchase Price, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable; the Preferred Stock will conform in all respects to the terms of the Preferred Stock set forth in the Restated Charter of FSA attached hereto as Annex C ; and the Preferred Stock will not be subject to preemptive or other similar rights.

 

10.            Severability

 

10.1          Any provision of this Agreement which is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction may be severed from the other provisions of this Agreement without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not invalidate or render illegal or unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

11.            Notices

 

11.1          Each communication to be made hereunder shall be deemed to have been given (i) five (5) days after deposit of such communication with a reputable national courier service addressed to such party at its address specified below (or at such other address as such party shall specify to the other party hereto in writing) or (ii) when transmitted by facsimile to such party at its facsimile number specified below (or at such other facsimile number as such party shall specify to the other party hereto in writing):

 

If to FSA at:

 

Financial Security Assurance Inc.
350 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:  Treasurer
Facsimile:  (212) 339-0897

 

Copy to:  General Counsel

Telephone: (212) 339-3482

Facsimile:  (212) 339-0849

 

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If to the Trust at:

 

The Bank of New York (Delaware)
P.O. Box 6973
White Clay Center
Route 273
Newark, Delaware 19714
Attention:  Kristine Gullo
Facsimile:  (302) 283-8279

 

Copies to:

 

The Bank of New York
Corporate Trust Division
100 Church Street, 8 th Floor
New York, New York 10286
Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group
Facsimile:  (212) 437-6155

 

In the case of any event under Sections 2.3, 7.3 or 14 of the Agreement, FSA shall give notice to:

 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services at:

 

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. at:

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

99 Church Street

New York, New York 10007

 

12.                                  Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts each of which when executed and delivered shall constitute an original, but all the counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

13.                                  Benefit of Agreement and Disclaimer

 

This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of each party hereto and its successors and assigns and transferees; provided that neither party hereto may transfer its rights and obligations hereunder, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

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14.                                  Amendment and Assignment

 

14.1                            This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any respect, nor may any provision be waived, without the written agreement of both parties.  No waiver by one party of any obligation of the other hereunder shall be considered a waiver of any other obligation of such party.

 

14.2                            Neither the Trust nor FSA may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any other person, except that FSA may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to another person as a result of a merger of FSA with another person or as a result of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of FSA to another person if the other person expressly assumes all of the rights and obligations of FSA under this Agreement; and immediately following the merger or sale of substantially all of its assets, the rating of the substitute preferred stock or the unsecured debt obligations of the other person is at least as high as the credit rating of the Preferred Stock or the general unsecured debt obligations of FSA, as the case may be (or if no such ratings exist, the financial strength rating of FSA) immediately prior to the merger or sale.

 

15.                                  Governing Law

 

15.1                            THIS AGREEMENT SHALL IN ALL RESPECTS BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES.

 

16.                                  Jurisdiction

 

16.1                            Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in respect of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement ( Proceedings ).  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Proceedings in the courts of the State of New York and any claim that any Proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.  Each of the Trust and FSA agrees that it shall at all times have an authorized agent in the State of New York upon whom process may be served in connection with any Proceedings, and each of the Trust and FSA hereby authorizes and appoints the Trustee to accept service of all legal process arising out of or connected with this Agreement in the State of New York and service on such person (or substitute) shall be deemed to be service on the Trust or FSA, as the case may be.  Except upon such a substitution, the Trust and FSA shall not revoke any such authority or appointment and shall at all times maintain an agent for service of process in the State of New York.  If for any reason such person shall cease to act as agent for the service of process, the Trust and FSA shall promptly appoint another such agent, and shall forthwith notify each other of such appointment.  The submission to jurisdiction reflected in this paragraph shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of any person to take Proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction, nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if and to the extent permitted by law.

 

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17.                                  Limitation of Liability

 

17.1                            It is expressly understood that (a) this Agreement is executed and delivered by The Bank of New York (Delaware), not individually or personally but solely as Trustee, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it under the Declaration, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Trust, is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by The Bank of New York (Delaware), but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Trust, and (c) under no circumstances shall The Bank of New York (Delaware) be personally liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Trust, under this Agreement or the other related documents.

 

18.                                  Tax Confidentiality Waiver

 

18.1                            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement all persons may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the federal income tax treatment of the CPS Securities, any fact relevant to understanding the federal tax treatment of the CPS Securities, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) relating to such federal tax treatment other than the name of any of the parties referenced herein or information that would permit identification of any of the parties referenced herein.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Put Option Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

SUTTON CAPITAL TRUST IV,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

The Bank of New York (Delaware), not in
its individual capacity but solely as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ William T. Lewis

 

 

Name:

William T. Lewis

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Name:

Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

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ANNEX A

 

Form of Put Notice

 

To:                               Sutton Capital Trust IV
c/o Bank of New York (Delaware)
P.O. Box 6973
502 White Clay Center Route
273 Newark, Delaware 19714

 

with a copy to:

 

The Bank of New York
100 Church Street, 8 th Floor
New York, New York 10286
Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group

 

Date:

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We refer to the put option agreement dated as of June 23, 2003 (as heretofore amended, the Put Option Agreement ) entered into between us and you. Terms defined therein shall have the same respective meanings herein.

 

This notice is the notice for the purposes of Section 3.2(a) of the Put Option Agreement.  We hereby require you to pay the Preferred Stock Purchase Price on the Preferred Stock Payment Date, which shall be [         ], to the following account:

 

[             ]

 

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

 

 

for and on behalf of

 

FINANCIAL SECURITY ASSURANCE INC.

 



 

ANNEX B

 

Put Option Premium Certificate/
Delayed Put Option Premium Certificate
Financial Security Assurance Inc.
Put Option Premium/Delayed Put Option Premium for the
Non-Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual
Preferred Stock of
Financial Security Assurance Inc.

 

 

1.      Distribution Period:  [first day of Period]-[last day of Period]:  [number of days in period – generally 28]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.      Auction Rate determined for the Distribution Period on [insert Auction Date].

 

0.000000

%

$

 (0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.      Eligible Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuer

 

Ratings

 

Purchase Price

 

Yield to Maturity

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Applicable Federal Funds Effective Rate:  0.00%

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Broker-Dealer Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

Trustee and Custodian Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Investment Manager Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 



 

8.

Tax Matters Partner Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Servicing Agent Fee

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.

Rating Agency Fees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

Tax Fees. Including preparation of returns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

Other Fees and Expenses for the Distribution Period, if any [specify such Fees and Expenses, if any]

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

Computation of Put Premium Due on [insert Distribution Payment Date] by 11:00 a.m. New York Time:

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

$

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

The Investment Manager is in compliance with the Investment Management Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

ANNEX C

 

Restated Charter of
Financial Security Assurance Inc.

 



 

ANNEX D

 

Expense Reimbursement Agreement

 




Exhibit 99.9

 

I, Robert P. Cochran, Chief Executive Officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd., certify that:

 

1.                I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ending June 30, 2003 of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd.;

 

2.                Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.                Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.                The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)           Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)           Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(c)           Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.      The registrant’s other certifying officers(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)           All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)           Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:

August 13, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Robert P. Cochran

 

 

Name:  Robert P. Cochran

 

Title:  Chief Executive Officer

 




Exhibit 99.10

 

I, Joseph W. Simon, Chief Financial Officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd., certify that:

 

1.                I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ending June 30, 2003 of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd.;

 

2.                Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.                Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.                The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)           Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)           Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(c)           Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.      The registrant’s other certifying officers(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)           All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)           Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date:

August 13, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Name:  Joseph W. Simon

 

Title:  Chief Financial Officer

 




EXHIBIT 99.11

 

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003, of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert P. Cochran, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

1.                                        The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2.                                        The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

By:

  /s/  Robert P. Cochran

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 August 13, 2003

 

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 




EXHIBIT 99.12

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003, of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Joseph W. Simon, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

1.                                        The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2.                                        The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

By:

/s/  Joseph W. Simon

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 August 13, 2003

 

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.