Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 001-32195

 

 

LOGO

 

 

GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   33-1073076

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

6620 West Broad Street

Richmond, Virginia

  23230
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(804) 281-6000

(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  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer  x    Accelerated Filer  ¨
Non-accelerated Filer     ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

At November 3, 2008, 433,133,866 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

   3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and  2007 (Unaudited)

   3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2007

   4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September  30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)

   5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and  2007 (Unaudited)

   6

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   7

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

   27

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   103

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   104

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   105

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   106

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   134

Item 6. Exhibits

   135

Signatures

   136

 

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Nine months
ended September 30,
 
         2008             2007             2008             2007      

Revenues:

        

Premiums

   $ 1,735     $ 1,600     $ 5,161     $ 4,660  

Net investment income

     918       1,074       2,873       3,082  

Net investment gains (losses)

     (816 )     (48 )     (1,560 )     (118 )

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     331       249       845       726  
                                

Total revenues

     2,168       2,875       7,319       8,350  
                                

Benefits and expenses:

        

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     1,497       1,168       4,284       3,325  

Interest credited

     319       391       984       1,167  

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     515       540       1,594       1,524  

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     208       202       620       622  

Interest expense

     125       124       347       355  
                                

Total benefits and expenses

     2,664       2,425       7,829       6,993  
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (496 )     450       (510 )     1,357  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (238 )     111       (259 )     383  
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (258 )     339       (251 )     974  

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         —         —         15  

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         —         —         53  
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (258 )   $ 339     $ (251 )   $ 1,042  
                                

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share:

        

Basic

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.77     $ (0.58 )   $ 2.21  
                                

Diluted

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.76     $ (0.58 )   $ 2.16  
                                

Earnings (loss) per common share:

        

Basic

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.77     $ (0.58 )   $ 2.36  
                                

Diluted

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.76     $ (0.58 )   $ 2.32  
                                

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     433.1       441.1       433.2       440.5  
                                

Diluted

     433.1       445.6       433.2       449.8  
                                

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     (Unaudited)        

Assets

    

Investments:

    

Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value

   $ 48,724     $ 55,154  

Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value

     309       366  

Commercial mortgage loans

     8,447       8,953  

Policy loans

     1,822       1,651  

Other invested assets

     4,913       4,676  
                

Total investments

     64,215       70,800  

Cash and cash equivalents

     5,102       3,091  

Accrued investment income

     794       773  

Deferred acquisition costs

     7,681       7,034  

Intangible assets

     1,068       914  

Goodwill

     1,572       1,600  

Reinsurance recoverable

     16,763       16,483  

Other assets

     1,075       822  

Deferred tax asset

     194       —    

Separate account assets

     11,097       12,798  
                

Total assets

   $ 109,561     $ 114,315  
                

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

    

Liabilities:

    

Future policy benefits

   $ 28,017     $ 26,740  

Policyholder account balances

     35,565       36,913  

Liability for policy and contract claims

     4,776       3,693  

Unearned premiums

     5,345       5,631  

Other liabilities

     6,200       6,255  

Non-recourse funding obligations

     3,455       3,455  

Short-term borrowings

     78       200  

Long-term borrowings

     4,530       3,903  

Deferred tax liability

     —         1,249  

Separate account liabilities

     11,097       12,798  
                

Total liabilities

     99,063       100,837  
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Class A common stock, $0.001 par value; 1.5 billion shares authorized; 521 million shares issued as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007; 433 million and 436 million shares outstanding as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     1       1  

Additional paid-in capital

     11,484       11,461  
                

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

    

Net unrealized investment gains (losses)

     (2,963 )     (526 )

Derivatives qualifying as hedges

     761       473  

Foreign currency translation and other adjustments

     383       780  
                

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,819 )     727  

Retained earnings

     3,532       3,913  

Treasury stock, at cost (88 million and 85 million shares as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)

     (2,700 )     (2,624 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     10,498       13,478  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 109,561     $ 114,315  
                

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Amounts in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     Common
stock
   Additional
paid-in
capital
   Accumulated other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Retained
earnings
    Treasury
stock, at
cost
    Total
stockholders’
equity
 

Balances as of December 31, 2006

   $ —      $ 10,759    $ 1,157     $ 2,914     $ (1,500 )   $ 13,330  
                    

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     —        —        —         (54 )     —         (54 )

Comprehensive income (loss):

              

Net income

     —        —        —         1,042       —         1,042  

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities

     —        —        (788 )     —         —         (788 )

Derivatives qualifying as hedges

     —        —        (90 )     —         —         (90 )

Foreign currency translation and other adjustments

     —        —        418       —         —         418  
                    

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                 582  

Issuance of common stock

     1      600      —         —         —         601  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     —        —        —         —         (1,100 )     (1,100 )

Dividends to stockholders

     —        —        —         (123 )     —         (123 )

Stock-based compensation expense and exercises

     —        78      —         —         —         78  

Other capital transactions

     —        3      —         —         —         3  
                                              

Balances as of September 30, 2007

   $ 1    $ 11,440    $ 697     $ 3,779     $ (2,600 )   $ 13,317  
                                              

 

     Common
stock
   Additional
paid-in
capital
   Accumulated other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Retained
earnings
    Treasury
stock, at
cost
    Total
stockholders’
equity
 

Balances as of December 31, 2007

   $ 1    $ 11,461    $ 727     $ 3,913     $ (2,624 )   $ 13,478  
                    

Comprehensive income (loss):

              

Net income (loss)

     —        —        —         (251 )     —         (251 )

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities

     —        —        (2,437 )     —         —         (2,437 )

Derivatives qualifying as hedges

     —        —        288       —         —         288  

Foreign currency translation and other adjustments

     —        —        (397 )     —         —         (397 )
                    

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                 (2,797 )

Acquisition of treasury stock

     —        —        —         —         (76 )     (76 )

Dividends to stockholders

     —        —        —         (130 )     —         (130 )

Stock-based compensation expense and exercises

     —        23      —         —         —         23  
                                              

Balances as of September 30, 2008

   $ 1    $ 11,484    $ (1,819 )   $ 3,532     $ (2,700 )   $ 10,498  
                                              

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
 
         2008             2007      

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (251 )   $ 1,042  

Less income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         (15 )

Less gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         (53 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:

    

Amortization of fixed maturity discounts and premiums

     24       (32 )

Net investment losses (gains)

     1,560       118  

Charges assessed to policyholders

     (304 )     (291 )

Acquisition costs deferred

     (945 )     (1,054 )

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     620       622  

Deferred income taxes

     (253 )     217  

Purchases of trading securities and held-for-sale investments, net of proceeds from sales

     10       (145 )

Stock-based compensation expense

     18       33  

Change in certain assets and liabilities:

    

Accrued investment income and other assets

     188       (202 )

Insurance reserves

     1,771       2,389  

Current tax liabilities

     (151 )     163  

Other liabilities and other policy-related balances

     906       951  

Cash from operating activities—discontinued operations

     —         25  
                

Net cash from operating activities

     3,193       3,768  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from maturities and repayments of investments:

    

Fixed maturity securities

     3,489       4,505  

Commercial mortgage loans

     646       910  

Proceeds from sales of investments:

    

Fixed maturity and equity securities

     3,298       5,038  

Purchases and originations of investments:

    

Fixed maturity and equity securities

     (6,574 )     (10,370 )

Commercial mortgage loans

     (193 )     (1,343 )

Other invested assets, net

     (304 )     (998 )

Policy loans, net

     (171 )     (161 )

Payments for businesses purchased, net of cash acquired

     (20 )     —    

Cash received from sale of discontinued operations, net of cash sold

     —         514  

Cash from investing activities—discontinued operations

     —         103  
                

Net cash from investing activities

     171       (1,802 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of investment contracts

     6,307       5,844  

Redemption and benefit payments on investment contracts

     (7,869 )     (7,111 )

Short-term borrowings and other, net

     72       78  

Redemption of non-recourse funding obligations

     —         (100 )

Proceeds from issuance of non-recourse funding obligations

     —         790  

Repayment of long-term debt

     —         (500 )

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

     597       349  

Dividends paid to stockholders

     (130 )     (119 )

Stock-based compensation awards exercised

     5       29  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     (76 )     (1,100 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     —         600  

Cash from financing activities—discontinued operations

     —         (21 )
                

Net cash from financing activities

     (1,094 )     (1,261 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (259 )     (28 )
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     2,011       677  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     3,091       2,469  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 5,102     $ 3,146  
                

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(1) Formation of Genworth and Basis of Presentation

Genworth Financial, Inc. (“Genworth”) was incorporated in Delaware on October 23, 2003 in preparation for the corporate formation of certain insurance and related subsidiaries of the General Electric Company (“GE”) and an initial public offering of Genworth common stock, which was completed on May 28, 2004 (“IPO”). In connection with the IPO, Genworth acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of GE Financial Assurance Holdings, Inc. (“GEFAHI”). Prior to its IPO, Genworth was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GEFAHI, which was an indirect subsidiary of GE.

The accompanying condensed financial statements include on a consolidated basis the accounts of Genworth and our affiliate companies in which we hold a majority voting or economic interest, which we refer to as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” unless the context otherwise requires. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

We have the following three operating segments:

 

   

Retirement and Protection. We offer a variety of protection, wealth accumulation, retirement income and institutional products. Protection products include: life insurance, long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement insurance and a linked-benefits product that combines long-term care insurance with universal life insurance. Additionally, we offer wellness and care coordination services for our long-term care policyholders. Our wealth accumulation and retirement income products include: fixed and variable deferred and immediate individual annuities, group variable annuities offered through retirement plans, and a variety of managed account programs, financial planning services and mutual funds. Most of our variable annuities include a guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”). Some of our group and individual variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum benefit features such as guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits and certain types of guaranteed minimum income benefits. Institutional products include: funding agreements, funding agreements backing notes (“FABNs”) and guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”).

 

   

International. In Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, South Korea and multiple European countries, we are a leading provider of mortgage insurance products. We are the largest private mortgage insurer in most of our international markets. We also provide mortgage insurance on a structured, or bulk, basis which aids in the sale of mortgages to the capital markets and helps lenders manage capital and risk. Additionally, we offer services, analytical tools and technology that enable lenders to operate efficiently and manage risk. We also offer payment protection coverages in multiple European countries, Canada, South Korea and Mexico. Our lifestyle protection insurance (formerly referred to as payment protection insurance) products help consumers meet specified payment obligations should they become unable to pay due to accident, illness, involuntary unemployment, disability or death.

 

   

U.S. Mortgage Insurance. In the U.S., we offer mortgage insurance products predominantly insuring prime-based, individually underwritten residential mortgage loans, also known as “flow” mortgage insurance. We selectively provide mortgage insurance on a structured, or bulk, basis with essentially all of our bulk writings prime-based. Additionally, we offer services, analytical tools and technology that enable lenders to operate efficiently and manage risk.

We also have Corporate and Other activities which include debt financing expenses that are incurred at our holding company level, unallocated corporate income and expenses, eliminations of inter-segment transactions, the results of non-core businesses that are managed outside of our operating segments and our group life and health insurance business, which we sold on May 31, 2007.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S.

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments considered necessary by management to present a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2) Accounting Pronouncements

Recently adopted

Fair Value Measurements

As of January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, on January 1, 2008, we elected the partial adoption of SFAS No. 157 under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-2, which amends SFAS No. 157 to allow an entity to delay the application of this statement until January 1, 2009 for certain non-financial assets and liabilities. Under the provisions of the FSP, we will delay the application of SFAS No. 157 for fair value measurements used in the impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and eligible non-financial assets and liabilities included within a business combination. On October 10, 2008, we adopted FSP FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active. The FSP provides guidance and clarification on how management’s internal assumptions, observable market information and market quotes are considered when applying SFAS No. 157 in inactive markets. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See note 6 for additional disclosures about fair value measurements.

Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

As of January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This statement provides an option, on specified election dates, to report selected financial assets and liabilities, including insurance contracts, at fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value for designated items are reported in income in the current period. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not impact our consolidated financial statements as no items were elected for measurement at fair value upon initial adoption. We will continue to evaluate eligible financial assets and liabilities on their election dates. Any future elections will be disclosed in accordance with the provisions outlined in the statement.

Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39

As of January 1, 2008, we adopted FSP FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 39-1, Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39. This FSP amends FIN No. 39, Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts, to allow fair value amounts recognized for collateral to be offset against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments that are executed with the same counterparty under certain circumstances. The FSP also requires an entity to disclose the accounting policy decision to offset, or not to offset, fair value amounts in accordance with FIN No. 39, as amended. We do not, and have not previously, offset the fair value amounts recognized for derivatives with the amounts recognized as collateral. See note 5 for additional disclosures about the collateral positions related to derivative instruments.

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Not yet adopted

In September 2008, FASB issued FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4, Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161. The FSP requires certain disclosures by sellers of credit derivatives and requires additional disclosure about the current status of the payment/performance risk of guarantees. FSP FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 will be effective for us on October 1, 2008. We do not expect this FSP to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. This statement requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 will be effective for us on January 1, 2009. We do not expect SFAS No. 161 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations. This statement establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures certain items in a business combination, as well as disclosures about the nature and financial effects of a business combination. SFAS No. 141R will be effective for us on January 1, 2009 and will be applied to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the effective date. We do not expect SFAS No. 141R to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51. This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 will be effective for us on January 1, 2009 and will be applied prospectively as of the effective date. We do not expect SFAS No. 160 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

(3) Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average basic shares outstanding and by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
   Nine months
ended September 30,

(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

       2008             2007            2008             2007    

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

         

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.77    $ (0.58 )   $ 2.21

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         —        —         0.03

Gain on sale from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         —        —         0.12
                             

Basic earnings (loss) per common share(1)

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.77    $ (0.58 )   $ 2.36
                             

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

         

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.76    $ (0.58 )   $ 2.16

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         —        —         0.03

Gain on sale from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         —        —         0.12
                             

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share(1)

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.76    $ (0.58 )   $ 2.32
                             

Weighted-average shares used in basic earnings (loss) per common share calculations

     433.1       441.1      433.2       440.5

Potentially dilutive securities:

         

Stock purchase contracts underlying Equity Units

     —         —        —         4.2

Stock options, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights

     —         4.5      —         5.1
                             

Weighted-average shares used in diluted earnings (loss) per common share calculations

     433.1       445.6      433.2       449.8
                             

 

(1)

May not total due to whole number calculation.

(4) Discontinued Operations

Sale of Group Life and Health Insurance Business

On May 31, 2007, we completed the sale of our group life and health insurance business for gross cash proceeds of approximately $660 million. Accordingly, the business was accounted for as discontinued operations and its results of operations, financial position and cash flows are separately reported for all periods presented. The sale resulted in a gain on sale of discontinued operations of $53 million, net of taxes.

Summary operating results of discontinued operations were as follows for the periods indicated:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Three months ended
September 30, 2007
   Nine months ended
September 30, 2007

Revenues

   $ —      $ 318
             

Income before income taxes

   $ —      $ 24

Provision for income taxes

     —        9
             

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

   $ —      $ 15
             

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

(5) Investments and Derivative Instruments

Net Investment Gains (Losses)

The following table sets forth net investment gains (losses) for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007             2008             2007      

Available-for-sale securities:

        

Realized gains on sale

   $ 34     $ 3     $ 97     $ 11  

Realized losses on sale

     (167 )     (19 )     (202 )     (78 )

Impairments

     (577 )     (25 )     (1,316 )     (39 )

Trading securities

     (11 )     (4 )     (16 )     (3 )

Derivatives

     (90 )     —         (116 )     (4 )

Commercial mortgage loans

     —         (3 )     —         (5 )

Other

     (5 )     —         (7 )     —    
                                

Net investment gains (losses)

   $ (816 )   $ (48 )   $ (1,560 )   $ (118 )
                                

Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities

As of September 30, 2008, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Fixed maturity securities:

          

U.S. government, agencies and government sponsored entities

   $ 664    $ 18    $ (3 )   $ 679

Tax exempt

     2,561      39      (183 )     2,417

Government—non U.S.

     2,213      60      (47 )     2,226

U.S. corporate

     23,043      122      (2,427 )     20,738

Corporate—non U.S.

     12,651      53      (1,023 )     11,681

Mortgage and asset-backed

     12,699      81      (1,797 )     10,983
                            

Total fixed maturity securities

     53,831      373      (5,480 )     48,724

Equity securities

     315      25      (31 )     309
                            

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ 54,146    $ 398    $ (5,511 )   $ 49,033
                            

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

As of December 31, 2007, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Fixed maturity securities:

          

U.S. government, agencies and government sponsored entities

   $ 560    $ 36    $ (2 )   $ 594

Tax exempt

     2,165      87      (24 )     2,228

Government—non U.S.

     2,340      103      (11 )     2,432

U.S. corporate

     23,806      470      (713 )     23,563

Corporate—non U.S.

     12,803      141      (365 )     12,579

Mortgage and asset-backed

     14,428      134      (804 )     13,758
                            

Total fixed maturity securities

     56,102      971      (1,919 )     55,154

Equity securities

     341      34      (9 )     366
                            

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ 56,443    $ 1,005    $ (1,928 )   $ 55,520
                            

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair values of our investment securities, aggregated by investment type and length of time that individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of September 30, 2008:

 

     Less Than 12 Months    12 Months or More

(Dollar amounts in millions)

   Fair
value
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    # of
securities
   Fair
value
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    # of
securities

Description of Securities

               

Fixed maturity securities:

               

U.S. government, agencies and government sponsored entities

   $ 91    $ (3 )   13    $ —      $ —       —  

Tax exempt

     1,193      (109 )   375      201      (74 )   45

Government—non U.S.

     660      (36 )   181      50      (11 )   37

U.S. corporate

     10,337      (940 )   1,162      6,494      (1,487 )   604

Corporate—non U.S.

     5,485      (448 )   863      3,858      (575 )   435

Mortgage and asset-backed

     3,839      (375 )   481      5,929      (1,422 )   882
                                       

Subtotal, fixed maturity securities

     21,605      (1,911 )   3,075      16,532      (3,569 )   2,003

Equity securities

     142      (30 )   23      10      (1 )   4
                                       

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 21,747    $ (1,941 )   3,098    $ 16,542    $ (3,570 )   2,007
                                       

% Below cost—fixed maturity securities:

               

<20% Below cost

   $ 20,335    $ (1,330 )   2,778    $ 11,986    $ (1,283 )   1,279

20-50% Below cost

     1,235      (526 )   265      4,262      (1,841 )   607

>50% Below cost

     35      (55 )   32      284      (445 )   117
                                       

Total fixed maturity securities

     21,605      (1,911 )   3,075      16,532      (3,569 )   2,003
                                       

% Below cost—equity securities:

               

<20% Below cost

     94      (8 )   10      10      (1 )   4

20-50% Below cost

     48      (22 )   13      —        —       —  
                                       

Total equity securities

     142      (30 )   23      10      (1 )   4
                                       

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 21,747    $ (1,941 )   3,098    $ 16,542    $ (3,570 )   2,007
                                       

Investment grade

   $ 20,548    $ (1,785 )   2,737    $ 15,623    $ (3,311 )   1,827

Below investment grade

     1,164      (148 )   343      919      (259 )   180

Not rated—fixed maturity securities

     35      (8 )   18      —        —       —  
                                       

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 21,747    $ (1,941 )   3,098    $ 16,542    $ (3,570 )   2,007
                                       

The investment securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2008 consisted of 5,105 securities and accounted for unrealized losses of $5,511 million. Of these unrealized losses of $5,511 million, 92% were investment grade (rated AAA through BBB-) and 48% were less than 20% below cost. The securities less than 20% below cost were primarily corporate securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The amount of the unrealized loss on these securities was primarily attributed to widening credit spreads during 2008.

Of the 52% of unrealized losses that were more than 20% below cost, a majority were mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or more. With current

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

events in the credit markets, rating agencies have actively reviewed their credit quality ratings on these securities and these securities remain primarily investment grade. We have examined the performance of the underlying collateral and expect that our investments in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms with no adverse changes in cash flows.

Of the investment securities in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or more as of September 30, 2008, 724 securities were 20% or more below cost, of which 74 securities were also below investment grade (rated BB+ and below) and accounted for unrealized losses of $170 million. These securities, which were issued primarily by corporations in the communication, consumer cyclical, industrial and financial services industries and residential mortgage-backed securities, were current on all terms.

As of September 30, 2008, we expected to collect full principal and interest and we were not aware of any adverse changes in cash flows. We expect these investments to continue to perform in accordance with their original contractual terms and we have the ability and intent to hold these investment securities until the recovery of the fair value up to the cost of the investment, which may be at maturity. Accordingly, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2008. However, from time to time, we may sell securities in the ordinary course of managing our portfolio to meet diversification, credit quality, yield enhancement, asset-liability management and liquidity requirements.

In its letter to the FASB dated October 14, 2008, the SEC stated that, given the debt characteristics of hybrid securities, a debt impairment model could be used for filings subsequent to October 14, 2008, until the FASB further addresses the appropriate impairment approach. Included in the preceding table were securities that represent investments in hybrid instruments with gross unrealized losses of $274 million. Of this amount, $210 million has existed for a period exceeding twelve months. Of these unrealized losses, 100% were on securities that were investment grade and 53% were less than 20% below cost. The remaining securities had market values that were between 20% and 50% below cost.

Expectations that our investments in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on assumptions a market participant would use in determining the current fair value. It is at least reasonably possible that the underlying collateral of these investments will perform worse than current market expectations. Such events may lead to adverse changes in cash flows on our holdings of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities and potential future write-downs within our portfolio of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. Expectations that our investments in corporate securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms are based on evidence gathered through our normal credit surveillance process. Although we do not anticipate such events, it is at least reasonably possible that issuers of our investments in corporate securities will perform worse than current expectations. Such events may lead us to recognize potential future write-downs within our portfolio of corporate securities. It is also reasonably possible that such unanticipated events would lead us to dispose of those certain holdings and recognize the effects of any market movements in our financial statements.

As a result of the challenging market conditions, including expected further weakening in the economic environment subsequent to September 30, 2008, we have experienced continued volatility in the valuation of our fixed maturity securities including increases in our unrealized investment losses. We expect the volatility in the valuation of our fixed maturity securities to continue. This volatility may lead to additional impairments on our investment portfolio or changes regarding retention strategies for certain securities.

The preceding table includes gross unrealized losses on securities for which market activity indicated such securities have become other-than-temporarily impaired subsequent to September 30, 2008. These activities will result in additional impairments of up to $135 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Derivative Instruments

The fair value of derivative instruments is based upon either pricing obtained from market sources or pricing valuation models utilizing market inputs obtained from market sources. The following table sets forth our positions in derivative instruments and the fair values as of the dates indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008    December 31, 2007

(Amounts in millions)

   Notional
value
   Assets    Liabilities    Notional
value
   Assets    Liabilities

Interest rate swaps

   $ 25,763    $ 916    $ 115    $ 23,138    $ 740    $ 74

Foreign currency swaps

     759      63      9      759      33      14

Forward commitments

     —        —        —        2      —        —  

Equity index options

     1,643      256      —        979      127      —  

Credit default swaps

     610      3      8      10      —        —  

Financial futures

     269      —        —        106      —        —  
                                         

Total derivatives

   $ 29,044    $ 1,238    $ 132    $ 24,994    $ 900    $ 88
                                         

The fair value of derivative assets was recorded in other invested assets and the fair value of derivative liabilities was recorded in other liabilities. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the fair value presented in the preceding table included $300 million and $147 million, respectively, of derivative assets and $47 million and $23 million, respectively, of derivative liabilities that do not qualify for hedge accounting.

Swaps and purchased options with contractual maturities longer than one year are conducted within our credit policy constraints. Our policy permits us to enter into derivative transactions with counterparties rated “A2” by Moody’s and “A” by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) if the agreements governing such transactions require both us and the counterparties to provide collateral in certain circumstances. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we retained collateral of $693 million and $372 million, respectively, related to these agreements including over collateralization from certain counterparties. As of September 30, 2008, we provided collateral of $7 million. As of December 31, 2007, we provided no collateral. The fair value of derivative positions presented above was not offset by the respective collateral amounts retained or provided under these agreements. The amounts recognized for the obligation to return collateral retained by us and the right to reclaim collateral from counterparties was recorded in other liabilities and other assets, respectively.

During the third quarter of 2008, we terminated derivatives with certain counterparties that were subsidiaries of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., which filed for bankruptcy in September 2008. Certain terminated derivatives were included in qualifying hedge relationships until the date they were no longer effective. For those derivatives included in cash flow hedging relationships, the qualifying portion of the derivatives’ fair value will remain in other comprehensive income (loss) until the underlying hedged item affects income. Subsequent to the termination, we collected the cash collateral for the majority of the net derivative asset and recorded a receivable for the remaining uncollateralized portion within other assets, net of any estimated uncollectible amounts.

Subsequent to September 30, 2008, we terminated interest rate swaps with a notional value of $16.7 billion and a fair value of derivative assets of $971 million and a fair value of derivative liabilities of $40 million on the termination date. For the derivatives included in cash flow hedging relationships, the qualifying portion of the derivatives’ fair value will remain in other comprehensive income (loss) until the underlying hedged item affects income. In addition, we terminated equity index options with a notional value of $134 million and a fair value of

 

15


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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

derivative assets on the terminated date of $312 million. We also purchased and sold interest rate swaptions with a combined notional value of $11.2 billion at a net zero cost to mitigate interest rate exposure in our long-term care insurance business. We have also entered into derivative transactions to hedge future changes in equity markets.

(6) Fair Value Measurements

As defined in SFAS No. 157, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We hold fixed maturity and equity securities, trading securities, derivatives, embedded derivatives, securities held as collateral, separate account assets and certain other financial instruments, which are carried at fair value.

Fair value measurements are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. SFAS No. 157 requires all assets and liabilities carried at fair value to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

   

Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

   

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

 

   

Level 3—Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices such as exchange-traded derivatives and actively traded mutual fund investments.

Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using industry-standard pricing methodologies, models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various inputs, such as interest rate, credit spread and foreign exchange rates for the underlying financial instruments. All significant inputs are observable, or derived from observable, information in the marketplace or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Financial instruments in this category primarily include: certain public and private corporate fixed maturity and equity securities; government or agency securities; certain mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; securities held as collateral; and certain non-exchange-traded derivatives such as interest rate or cross currency swaps.

Level 3 is comprised of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on industry-standard pricing methodologies and internally developed models utilizing significant inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, readily available market information. In limited instances, this category may also utilize non-binding broker quotes. This category primarily consists of certain less liquid fixed maturity, equity and trading securities and certain derivative instruments where we cannot corroborate the significant valuation inputs with market observable data.

As of each reporting period, all assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability, such as the relative impact on the fair value as a result of including a particular input.

 

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Table of Contents

GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The vast majority of our fixed maturity and equity securities use Level 2 inputs for the determination of fair value. These fair values are obtained primarily from industry-standard pricing methodologies based on market observable information. Certain structured securities valued using industry-standard pricing methodologies utilize significant unobservable inputs to estimate fair value, resulting in the fair value measurements being classified as Level 3. We also utilize internally developed pricing models to produce estimates of fair value primarily utilizing Level 2 inputs along with certain Level 3 inputs. The internally developed models include matrix pricing where we discount expected cash flows utilizing market interest rates obtained from market sources based on the credit quality and duration of the instrument to determine fair value. For securities that may not be reliably priced using internally developed pricing models, we estimate fair value using indicative market prices. These prices are indicative of an exit price, but the assumptions used to establish the fair value may not be observable, or corroborated by market observable information, and represent Level 3 inputs.

The fair value of securities held as collateral is primarily based on Level 2 inputs from market information for the collateral that is held on our behalf by the custodian. The fair value of separate account assets is based on the quoted prices of the underlying fund investments and, therefore, represents Level 1 pricing.

The fair value of derivative instruments primarily utilizes Level 2 inputs. Certain derivative instruments are valued using significant unobservable inputs and are classified as Level 3 measurements. The classification of fair value measurements for derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation, was determined based on consideration of several inputs including: closing exchange or over-the-counter market price quotations; time value and volatility factors underlying options; foreign exchange rates; market interest rates; and non-performance risk. For product-related embedded derivatives, we also include certain policyholder assumptions in the determination of fair value.

The following table sets forth our assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008

(Amounts in millions)

   Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Investments:

           

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale

   $ 48,724    $ —      $ 42,903    $ 5,821

Equity securities, available-for-sale

     309      52      208      49

Other invested assets(a)

     3,454      —        3,046      408

Separate account assets

     11,097      11,097      —        —  
                           

Total assets

   $ 63,584    $ 11,149    $ 46,157    $ 6,278
                           

 

(a)

Includes derivatives, trading securities and securities held as collateral.

The following table sets forth our liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008

(Amounts in millions)

   Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Policyholder account balances(a)

   $ 275    $ —      $ —      $ 275

Other liabilities(b)

     132      —        129      3
                           

Total liabilities

   $ 407    $ —      $ 129    $ 278
                           

 

17


Table of Contents

GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

(a)

Represents the fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that were recorded at fair value.

(b)

Represents derivative instruments.

For assets carried at fair value, the non-performance of the counterparties is considered in the determination of fair value measurement for those assets. Similarly, the fair value measurement of a liability must reflect the entity’s own non-performance risk. Therefore, the impact of non-performance risk, as well as any potential credit enhancements (e.g., collateral), has been considered in the fair value measurement of both assets and liabilities.

The following tables present additional information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which we have utilized significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs to determine fair value as of and for the dates indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30, 2008
 

(Amounts in millions)

   Fixed maturity
securities,
available-for-sale
    Equity
securities,
available-for-sale
   Other
invested
assets(a)
    Total  

Beginning balance as of July 1, 2008

   $ 4,681     $ 9    $ 409     $ 5,099  

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):

         

Included in net income (loss)

     (256 )     —        58       (198 )

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (241 )     —        —         (241 )

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

     (6 )     15      (31 )     (22 )

Transfers in (out) of Level 3

     1,643       25      (28 )     1,640  
                               

Ending balance as of September 30, 2008

   $ 5,821     $ 49    $ 408     $ 6,278  
                               

Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income (loss) attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held as of the reporting date

   $ (249 )   $ —      $ 47     $ (202 )
                               

 

(a)

Includes certain trading securities and derivatives.

 

     Nine months
ended September 30, 2008
 

(Amounts in millions)

   Fixed maturity
securities,
available-for-sale
    Equity
securities,
available-for-sale
    Other
invested
assets(a)
    Total  

Beginning balance as of January 1, 2008

   $ 4,794     $ 30     $ 319     $ 5,143  

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):

        

Included in net income (loss)

     (754 )     1       74       (679 )

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (431 )     —         —         (431 )

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

     (264 )     (8 )     31       (241 )

Transfers in (out) of Level 3

     2,476       26       (16 )     2,486  
                                

Ending balance as of September 30, 2008

   $ 5,821     $ 49     $ 408     $ 6,278  
                                

Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income (loss) attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held as of the reporting date

   $ (748 )   $ —       $ 63     $ (685 )
                                

 

(a)

Includes certain trading securities and derivatives.

 

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Table of Contents

GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables present additional information about liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which we have utilized significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs to determine fair value as of and for the dates indicated:

 

     Three months ended
September 30, 2008

(Amounts in millions)

   Policyholder
account
balances(a)
   Other
liabilities(b)

Beginning balance as of July 1, 2008

   $ 78    $ —  

Total realized and unrealized (gains) losses:

     

Included in net (income) loss

     192      3

Included in other comprehensive (income) loss

     —        —  

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

     5   

Transfers in (out) of Level 3

     —        —  
             

Ending balance as of September 30, 2008

   $ 275    $ 3
             

Amount of total (gains) losses for the period included in net (income) loss attributable to the change in unrealized (gains) losses relating to liabilities still held as of the reporting date

   $ 193    $ 3
             

 

(a)

Includes product-related embedded derivatives.

(b)

Includes derivatives.

 

     Nine months ended
September 30, 2008

(Amounts in millions)

   Policyholder
account
balances(a)
   Other
liabilities(b)

Beginning balance as of January 1, 2008

   $ 34    $ —  

Total realized and unrealized (gains) losses:

     

Included in net (income) loss

     230      3

Included in other comprehensive (income) loss

     —        —  

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

     11   

Transfers in (out) of Level 3

     —        —  
             

Ending balance as of September 30, 2008

   $ 275    $ 3
             

Amount of total (gains) losses for the period included in net (income) loss attributable to the change in unrealized (gains) losses relating to liabilities still held as of the reporting date

   $ 232    $ 3
             

 

(a)

Includes product-related embedded derivatives.

(b)

Includes derivatives.

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on Level 3 assets and liabilities are primarily reported in either net investment gains (losses) within the consolidated statements of income or other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity based on the appropriate accounting treatment for the instrument.

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net, represent the activity that occurred during the period that results in a change of the asset or liability but does not represent changes in fair value for the instruments held at

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

the beginning of the period. Such activity primarily consists of purchases and sales of fixed maturity, equity and trading securities and purchases and settlements of derivative instruments.

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net, presented for policyholder account balances represent the issuances and settlements of product-related embedded derivatives where: issuances are characterized as the change in fair value associated with the product fees recognized that are attributed to the embedded derivative to equal the expected future benefit costs upon issuance; and settlements are characterized as the change in fair value upon exercising the embedded derivative instrument, effectively representing a settlement of the embedded derivative instrument. We have shown these changes in fair value separately based on the classification of this activity as effectively issuing and settling the embedded derivative instrument with all remaining changes in the fair value of these embedded derivative instruments being shown separately in the category labeled “included in net income (loss)” in the tables presented above. However, due to the characteristics of these embedded derivatives, the total change in fair value was reflected in net income (loss) for the period.

We review the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Changes in the observability of the valuation attributes may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications are reported as transfers in and out of Level 3 at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur.

The amount presented for unrealized gains (losses) for assets and liabilities still held as of the reporting date primarily represents impairments for available-for-sale securities, changes in fair value of trading securities and certain derivatives and changes in fair value of certain product-related embedded derivatives that exist as of the reporting date, which were recorded in net investment gains (losses).

As of September 30, 2008, we held investments in bank loans that were recorded at the lower of cost or fair value and were recorded in other invested assets. As of September 30, 2008, all bank loans were recorded at fair value, which was lower than their respective cost. Accordingly, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded $5 million and $8 million, respectively, of fair value loss adjustments which were included in net investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statement of income. Fair value for bank loans is determined using inputs based on market observable information and is classified as Level 2.

(7) Goodwill

During the third quarter of 2008, we completed our annual goodwill impairment analysis based on data as of July 1, 2008. As a result of this analysis, we recorded goodwill impairments related to our U.S. mortgage insurance and institutional businesses, as discussed further below. For all other of our reporting units, there were no charges to income as a result of our annual goodwill impairment testing. As a result of changes in the market environment during the third quarter of 2008, we performed an interim impairment analysis as of September 30, 2008. The interim impairment testing results did not result in any additional impairment of goodwill. We continue to evaluate current market conditions that may affect the fair value of our reporting units to assess whether any goodwill impairment exists. Continued deteriorating or adverse market conditions for certain businesses may have a significant impact on the fair value of our reporting units and could result in additional future impairments of goodwill.

In accordance with our annual goodwill impairment analysis during the third quarter of 2008, we performed the two-step impairment test for the U.S. mortgage insurance reporting unit. We determined fair value using an income approach based on discounted cash flows. Our analysis considered the current U.S. mortgage market conditions in the assessment of fair value. Recent operating losses and decreases in projected income have

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

negatively impacted the current fair value of the U.S. mortgage insurance business. As a result of our analysis, we determined the recorded goodwill associated with this reporting unit was not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a charge of $22 million to amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles for the write-off of the entire goodwill balance associated with our U.S. mortgage insurance business during the third quarter of 2008.

In accordance with our annual goodwill impairment analysis during the third quarter of 2008, we performed the two-step impairment test for the institutional reporting unit, included in our Retirement and Protection segment. We determined fair value using an income approach based on discounted cash flows. Our analysis considered current market conditions and the impact of those conditions on our institutional business. The recent increases in our credit spreads have negatively impacted this reporting unit’s ability to issue new business at competitive rates. Current credit market conditions make it difficult to determine when new business will be written at the historical volume and margins experienced in recent years. As a result of our analysis, we determined the recorded goodwill associated with this reporting unit was not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a charge of $12 million to amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles for the write-off of the entire goodwill balance associated with our institutional business during the third quarter of 2008.

Additionally, in September 2008, we amended the stock purchase agreement related to the acquisition of Liberty Reverse Mortgage, Incorporated in October 2007 for various provisions, including termination of the agreement to pay potential performance adjustments of up to $65 million.

(8) Deferred Acquisition Costs

We regularly review deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) to determine if it is recoverable from future income. Based on management’s current assessment of the claim loss development in the existing 2006 and 2007 books of business which may cause deterioration of expected future gross margins for the 2006 and 2007 book years, we determined that unamortized deferred acquisition costs related to our U.S. mortgage insurance business were not recoverable and consequently recorded a charge of $30 million to DAC during the third quarter of 2008.

As of September 30, 2008, we believe all of our other businesses have sufficient future income where the related DAC would be recoverable under adverse variations in morbidity, mortality, withdrawal or lapse rate, maintenance expense or interest rates that could be considered reasonably likely to occur.

(9) Commitments and Contingencies

(a) Litigation

We face the risk of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions in the ordinary course of operating our businesses, including class action lawsuits. Our pending legal and regulatory actions include proceedings specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which we operate. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against us may seek indeterminate amounts which may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, even if we ultimately prevail in the litigation, regulatory action or investigation, we could suffer reputational harm, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. At this time, it is not feasible to predict, nor to determine the ultimate outcomes of all pending investigations and legal proceedings, nor to provide reasonable ranges of potential losses.

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

As previously reported, between March and July 2008, we were named along with several other GIC industry participants as a defendant in several class action lawsuits alleging antitrust violations involving the sale of GICs to municipalities and seeking treble damages. In June 2008, the United States Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation consolidated the federal cases for pre-trial proceedings in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the case name In re Municipal Derivative Antitrust Litigation. As previously reported, in July 2008, we were named along with several other GIC industry participants as a defendant in two separate non-class action lawsuits brought by municipalities alleging fraud and violations of California’s antitrust laws relating to the sale of GICs to each municipality and seeking monetary damages: City of Los Angeles v. Bank of America, N.A., et al. (Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California, removed to the United States District Court for Central California) and City of Stockton v. Bank of America, N.A., et al. (Superior Court of San Francisco County, California, removed to United States District Court for Northern California). In September and October 2008, we were named along with several other GIC industry participants in three more non-class action lawsuits alleging fraud and violations of California’s antitrust laws relating to the sale of GICs and seeking monetary damages: County of San Diego v. Bank of America, N.A. et al. (Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California, removed to the United States District Court for Central California); County of San Mateo v. Bank of America, N.A., et al. (Superior Court of San Francisco, California, removed to the United States District Court for Northern California); and County of Contra Costa v. Bank of America, N.A., et al. (Superior Court of San Francisco, California, removed to the United States District Court for Northern California). We intend to defend the cases vigorously.

In August 2008, one of our subsidiaries, Genworth Life Insurance Company, received an industry-wide Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the Texas Attorney General’s Office seeking documents relating to our long-term care insurance business in Texas. We are cooperating with the Texas Attorney General’s Office in responding to the CID.

(b) Commitments

As of September 30, 2008, we were committed to fund $14 million in U.S. commercial mortgage loan investments and $400 million in limited partnership investments.

(10) Borrowings and Other Financings

Commercial Paper Facility

We have a $1.0 billion commercial paper program. The notes under the commercial paper program are offered pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 and may have a maturity of up to 364 days from the date of issue. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we had $78 million and $200 million, respectively, of commercial paper outstanding. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the weighted-average interest rate on commercial paper outstanding was 2.42% and 4.83%, respectively, and the weighted-average maturity was 39 days and 42 days, respectively.

On October 7, 2008, the Federal Reserve Board announced details regarding the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (“CPFF”), including that it would begin funding purchases of commercial paper on October 27, 2008. The CPFF is intended to improve liquidity in short-term funding markets and, thereby, increase the availability of credit for businesses and households. There can be no assurance as to what impact such actions will have on the financial markets, including the extreme levels of volatility currently being experienced. In October 2008, we were approved and participated in the CPFF. However, as a result of the downgrade of our holding company, we are no longer eligible to sell commercial paper to the facility, although the outstanding commercial paper that is currently held by CPFF will continue to be held until maturity.

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Revolving Credit Facilities

We have two $1.0 billion five-year revolving credit facilities that mature in May 2012 and August 2012. These facilities bear variable interest rates based on one-month LIBOR plus a margin. As of September 30, 2008, we had no borrowings under these facilities; however, we utilized $172 million of the commitment under these facilities for the issuance of a letter of credit primarily for the benefit of one of our U.S. mortgage insurance subsidiaries.

On October 5, 2008, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. (“LCP”), a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. LCP is a lender under our credit facilities and had committed to provide $70 million under each facility. We are uncertain whether LCP will fulfill its commitments under the credit facilities in light of its bankruptcy filing.

Long-term Senior Notes

In May 2008, we issued senior notes having an aggregate principal amount of $600 million, with an interest rate equal to 6.515% per year payable semi-annually, and maturing in May 2018 (“2018 Notes”). The 2018 Notes are our direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. We have the option to redeem all or a portion of the 2018 Notes at any time with proper notice to the note holders at a price equal to the greater of 100% of principal or the sum of the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest discounted at the then-current treasury rate plus an applicable spread.

Non-recourse Funding Obligations

As of September 30, 2008, we had $3.5 billion of fixed and floating rate non-recourse funding obligations outstanding backing additional statutory reserves. Of these obligations, $1.7 billion were guaranteed by third-party financial guaranty insurance companies and the interest rates on these obligations are subject to rate resets triggered by negative rating agency action on the third-party financial guaranty insurance companies that guarantee these obligations. In February 2008, the rate was reset from the December 2007 rate on $0.5 billion of the $1.7 billion of non-recourse funding obligations to the highest contractual margin to the related underlying index rate due to further downgrades on the third-party financial guaranty insurance company that guarantees these obligations. In June 2008, the maximum rate on the remaining $1.2 billion was contractually reset to the highest margin to the related underlying index rate due to the third-party financial guaranty insurance company that guarantees these obligations being downgraded and placed on negative outlook.

As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the weighted-average interest rates on our non-recourse funding obligations were 4.47% and 5.81%, respectively, reflecting the decline in the underlying index rate.

Commercial Mortgage Loan Repurchase Facility

In March 2007, Genworth Financial Commercial Mortgage Warehouse LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Genworth, entered into a $300 million repurchase facility maturing in March 2010. The sole purpose of this facility was to finance the purchase of commercial mortgage loans with the intent to securitize such loans in the future. This facility had a variable interest rate based on one-month LIBOR plus a margin. In February 2008, Genworth Financial Commercial Warehouse LLC terminated this facility and repaid all amounts outstanding.

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

(11) Income Taxes

The reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the effective income tax rate was as follows for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Nine months
ended September 30,
 
         2008             2007             2008             2007      

Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

Increase (reduction) in rate resulting from:

        

State income tax, net of federal income tax effect

   0.8     (0.4 )   0.8     0.1  

Effect of foreign operations

   7.4     (1.6 )   8.4     (3.0 )

Benefit of tax favored investments

   6.7     (7.5 )   5.7     (4.2 )

Interest on uncertain tax positions

   0.2     (0.9 )   3.0     0.2  

Non-deductible goodwill

   (2.5 )   —       (2.4 )   —    

Other, net

   0.4     0.1     0.3     0.1  
                        

Effective rate

   48.0 %   24.7 %   50.8 %   28.2 %
                        

The amounts previously presented in our third quarter of 2007 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been reclassified. In the third quarter of 2007, our rate reconciliation reflected the interim reporting impacts of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, in the category labeled “other.” Each item in the rate reconciliation has been revised to include the impacts of APB No. 28. This revision had no impact on the total effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.

The effective tax rate increased significantly from the prior year due to an expected full year loss in the current year compared to income for the prior year. Additional tax benefits for the year were recognized in the current quarter due to the increased proportion of the current year losses to the expected full year losses over the prior year income to the prior year expected full year income pursuant to APB No. 28.

(12) Certain Nontraditional Long-duration Contracts

Our variable annuity contracts provide a basic GMDB which provides a minimum account value to be paid upon the annuitant’s death. Some variable annuity contracts may permit contractholders to have the option to purchase through riders, at an additional charge, enhanced death benefits. Our separate account guarantees are primarily death benefits; we also have some guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits.

As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the total account value, net of reinsurance, of our variable annuities with death benefits, including both separate account and fixed account assets, was approximately $7,374 million and $6,872 million, respectively, with related GMDB exposure (or net amount at risk) of $883 million and $37 million, respectively.

The GMDB liability for our variable annuity contracts with death benefits, net of reinsurance, was $17 million and $8 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

(13) Segment Information

We conduct our operations in three operating business segments: (1) Retirement and Protection, which includes our wealth management (formerly referred to as managed money) products and services, retirement income products, institutional products, life insurance and long-term care insurance; (2) International, which includes international mortgage insurance and lifestyle protection insurance; and (3) U.S. Mortgage Insurance, which includes mortgage insurance-related products and services that facilitate homeownership by enabling borrowers to buy homes with low-down-payment mortgages. We also have Corporate and Other activities which include interest and other debt financing expenses, other corporate income and expenses not allocated to the segments, eliminations of inter-segment transactions and the results of non-core businesses that are managed outside of our operating segments. Our group life and health insurance business, which we sold in May 2007, was accounted for as discontinued operations and included in Corporate and Other activities.

We use the same accounting policies and procedures to measure segment income (loss) and assets as our consolidated net income (loss) and assets. Our chief operating decision maker evaluates segment performance and allocates resources on the basis of “net operating income (loss).” We define net operating income (loss) as income (loss) from continuing operations excluding after-tax net investment gains (losses) and other adjustments and infrequent or unusual non-operating items. We exclude net investment gains (losses) and infrequent or unusual non-operating items because we do not consider them to be related to the operating performance of our segments and Corporate and Other activities. A significant component of our net investment gains (losses) is the result of impairments, including changes in intent to hold securities to recovery, and credit-related gains and losses, the timing of which can vary significantly depending on market credit cycles. In addition, the size and timing of other investment gains (losses) are often subject to our discretion and are influenced by market opportunities, as well as asset-liability matching considerations. Infrequent or unusual non-operating items are also excluded from net operating income (loss) if, in our opinion, they are not indicative of overall operating trends. While some of these items may be significant components of net income (loss) in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we believe that net operating income (loss), and measures that are derived from or incorporate net operating income (loss), are appropriate measures that are useful to investors because they identify the income (loss) attributable to the ongoing operations of the business. However, net operating income (loss) is not a substitute for net income (loss) determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, our definition of net operating income (loss) may differ from the definitions used by other companies.

There were no infrequent or unusual non-operating items excluded from net operating income (loss) during the periods presented other than a $14 million after-tax expense recorded in the first quarter of 2007 related to our segment reorganization costs.

The following is a summary of revenues for our segments and Corporate and Other activities for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
   Nine months
ended September 30,

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007            2008             2007    

Revenues:

         

Retirement and Protection

   $ 1,308     $ 1,949    $ 4,427     $ 5,796

International

     703       711      2,262       1,922

U.S. Mortgage Insurance

     180       206      647       581

Corporate and Other

     (23 )     9      (17 )     51
                             

Total revenues

   $ 2,168     $ 2,875    $ 7,319     $ 8,350
                             

 

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GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following table reflects net operating income (loss) of our segments and Corporate and Other activities determined in accordance with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, and a reconciliation of net operating income (loss) of our segments and Corporate and Other activities to net income (loss) for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Nine months
ended September 30,
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007             2008             2007      

Retirement and Protection

   $ 178     $ 223     $ 490     $ 588  

International

     166       140       509       405  

U.S. Mortgage Insurance

     (121 )     39       (216 )     170  

Corporate and Other

     (3 )     (34 )     (107 )     (104 )
                                

Net operating income

     220       368       676       1,059  

Net investment gains (losses), net of taxes and other adjustments

     (478 )     (29 )     (927 )     (71 )

Expenses related to reorganization, net of taxes

     —         —         —         (14 )
                                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (258 )     339       (251 )     974  

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         —         —         15  

Gain on sale from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         —         —         53  
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (258 )   $ 339     $ (251 )   $ 1,042  
                                

The following is a summary of total assets for our segments and Corporate and Other activities as of the periods indicated:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Assets:

     

Retirement and Protection

   $ 90,548    $ 94,360

International

     11,372      11,892

U.S. Mortgage Insurance

     3,704      3,286

Corporate and Other

     3,937      4,777
             

Total assets

   $ 109,561    $ 114,315
             

 

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

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included herein.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

This report contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially due to global political, economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors and risks, including the following:

 

   

Risks relating to our businesses, including adverse capital and credit market conditions, downturns and volatility in equity and credit markets, downgrades in our financial strength or credit ratings, the impact of government actions on the financial markets, our ability to access current and future government support programs, interest rate fluctuations, the valuation of fixed maturity, equity and trading securities, defaults, downgrades or impairments of portfolio investments, goodwill impairments, the soundness of other financial institutions, our ability to access sources of liquidity, declines in risk-based capital, insufficiency of reserves, legal constraints on dividend distributions by subsidiaries, intense competition, availability and adequacy of reinsurance, defaults by counterparties, loss of key distribution partners, regulatory restrictions on our operations and changes in applicable laws and regulations, legal or regulatory investigations or actions, the failure or compromise of the security of our computer systems, and the occurrence of natural or man-made disasters or a pandemic;

 

   

Risks relating to our Retirement and Protection segment, including changes in morbidity and mortality, accelerated amortization of deferred acquisition costs and present value of future profits, reputational risks as a result of rate increases on certain in-force long-term care insurance products, medical advances such as genetic mapping research, unexpected changes in persistency rates, increases in statutory reserve requirements, and the failure of demand for long-term care insurance to increase as we expect;

 

   

Risks relating to our International segment, including political and economic instability, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, unexpected changes in unemployment rates, unexpected increases in mortgage insurance delinquency rates or severity of defaults, decreases in the volume of high loan-to-value international mortgage originations, increased competition with government-owned and government-sponsored enterprises offering mortgage insurance, changes in regulations, and growth in the global mortgage insurance market that is slower than we expect;

 

   

Risks relating to our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment, including the outcome of our review of strategic alternatives for the segment, increases in mortgage insurance delinquency rates or severity of defaults, deterioration in economic conditions or a decline in home price appreciation, the effect of the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on mortgage originations, the influence of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and a small number of large mortgage lenders and investors, decreases in the volume of high loan-to-value mortgage originations or increases in mortgage insurance cancellations, increases in the use of alternatives to private mortgage insurance (such as simultaneous second mortgages) and reductions by lenders in the level of coverage they select, increases in the use of reinsurance with reinsurance companies affiliated with our mortgage lending customers, increased competition with government-owned and government-sponsored enterprises offering mortgage insurance, changes in regulations, legal actions under the Real Estate Settlement Practices Act of 1974 (“RESPA”), and potential liabilities in connection with our U.S. contract underwriting services; and

 

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Other risks, including the possibility that in certain circumstances we will be obligated to make payments to General Electric Company (“GE”) under our tax matters agreement with GE even if our corresponding tax savings are never realized and our payments could be accelerated in the event of certain changes in control, and provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and our tax matters agreement with GE may discourage takeover attempts and business combinations that stockholders might consider in their best interests; and

 

   

Risks relating to our common stock, including the suspension of dividends and share price fluctuation.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Overview

Our business

We are a leading financial security company in the U.S. that specializes in targeted market segments with an expanding international presence. We have three operating segments: Retirement and Protection, International and U.S. Mortgage Insurance.

 

   

Retirement and Protection. We offer a variety of protection, wealth accumulation, retirement income and institutional products. Protection products include: life insurance, long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement insurance and a linked-benefits product that combines long-term care insurance with universal life insurance. Additionally, we offer wellness and care coordination services for our long-term care policyholders. Our wealth accumulation and retirement income products include: fixed and variable deferred and immediate individual annuities, group variable annuities offered through retirement plans, and a variety of managed account programs, financial planning services and mutual funds. Most of our variable annuities include a guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”). Some of our group and individual variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum benefit features such as guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) and certain types of guaranteed minimum income benefits. Institutional products include: funding agreements, funding agreements backing notes (“FABNs”) and guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”). For the three months ended September 30, 2008, our Retirement and Protection segment’s net loss was $225 million and net operating income was $178 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our Retirement and Protection segment’s net loss was $348 million and net operating income was $490 million.

 

   

International. In Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, South Korea and multiple European countries, we are a leading provider of mortgage insurance products. We are the largest private mortgage insurer in most of our international markets. We also provide mortgage insurance on a structured, or bulk, basis which aids in the sale of mortgages to the capital markets and helps lenders manage capital and risk. Additionally, we offer services, analytical tools and technology that enable lenders to operate efficiently and manage risk. We also offer payment protection coverages in multiple European countries, Canada, South Korea and Mexico. Our lifestyle protection insurance (formerly referred to as payment protection insurance) products help consumers meet specified payment obligations should they become unable to pay due to accident, illness, involuntary unemployment, disability or death. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, our International segment’s net income and net operating income were $142 million and $166 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our International segment’s net income and net operating income were $497 million and $509 million, respectively.

 

   

U.S. Mortgage Insurance. In the U.S., we offer mortgage insurance products predominantly insuring prime-based, individually underwritten residential mortgage loans, also known as “flow” mortgage insurance. We selectively provide mortgage insurance on a structured, or bulk, basis with essentially all of our bulk writings prime-based. Additionally, we offer services, analytical tools and technology that enable lenders to operate efficiently and manage risk. For the three months ended September 30, 2008,

 

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our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment’s net loss and net operating loss were $149 million and $121 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment’s net loss and net operating loss were $243 million and $216 million, respectively.

We also have Corporate and Other activities which include debt financing expenses that are incurred at our holding company level, unallocated corporate income and expenses, eliminations of inter-segment transactions, the results of non-core businesses that are managed outside of our operating segments and our group life and health insurance business, which we sold on May 31, 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, Corporate and Other activities had a loss from continuing operations and a net operating loss of $26 million and $3 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, Corporate and Other activities had a loss from continuing operations and a net operating loss of $157 million and $107 million, respectively.

Business trends and conditions

Our business is, and we expect will continue to be, influenced by a number of industry-wide and product-specific trends and conditions. The following discussion of business trends and conditions should be read together with the trends contained in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which described additional business trends and conditions.

General conditions and trends affecting our businesses

Financial and economic environment. As a financial security company, the stability of both the financial markets and global economies in which we operate impacts our sales and revenue growth and trends in profitability of our businesses. Global economic and financial market conditions have continued to deteriorate during 2008, with conditions materially worsening in many respects over the last two months. Recently, concerns over inflation, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market and a declining real estate market in the United States have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the markets going forward. These factors, combined with declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment, have precipitated an economic slowdown and fears of a possible recession. This has resulted in declining asset prices, lower interest rates, rating agency downgrades and increases in loan delinquency rates.

We believe that the challenging market conditions combined with slowing global economies have influenced, and will continue to influence, investment and spending decisions as both consumers and businesses adjust their risk profiles in response. This is evident in the slow down of mortgage originations and consumer lending. In addition, we may experience an elevated incidence of claims and lapses or surrenders of policies. Our policyholders may elect to defer paying or stop paying insurance premiums altogether. Other factors such as government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, and inflation also affect the business and economic environment. Ultimately, we may see an adverse impact on sales, revenues and profitability trends of certain insurance and investment products.

In response to these current market conditions, we have tightened underwriting guidelines and increased pricing in targeted markets and products. We have also adjusted our asset-liability management strategy in an attempt to reduce risk during the current economic and financial market conditions. We are also seeking to enhance our capital and liquidity as discussed under “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) into law in response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and continuing concern for the financial stability of investment banks and other financial institutions. Under the EESA, the U.S. Treasury has the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions, as well as invest directly into certain financial institutions, for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets. The U.S. government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken or are considering taking a variety of other actions to address the financial crisis. There can be no assurance as to what impact any of these actions will have on the financial

 

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markets, including the extreme levels of volatility currently being experienced. Continued volatility could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Volatility in credit and investment markets. Credit markets continue to experience extreme volatility resulting in reduced liquidity and widening credit spreads across asset classes associated with re-pricing of risk, as well as more credit downgrade events and increased probability of default. While these trends began mainly as a result of marketplace uncertainty arising from higher defaults in sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage loans, these trends have spread to other asset classes and financial sectors.

In connection with this uncertainty, we believe investors and lenders have retreated from many investments in asset-backed securities, including those associated with sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage loans, as well as types of debt investments with weak lender protections or those with limited transparency and/or complex features which hindered investor understanding. At the same time, investors shifted emphasis towards less risky investments, increasing the demand for investments such as U.S. Treasury instruments.

As economic conditions have deteriorated, lending criteria have tightened and interbank lending has become negatively impacted, resulting in significant declines in transaction volumes across most asset classes. It is difficult to determine how long these conditions will continue or when they do begin to improve how long it will take for market conditions to return to historically normal levels.

These credit market conditions contributed to an increase in net unrealized investment losses since December 31, 2007 of $4.2 billion, before tax and other offsets, in our $48.7 billion investment portfolio of fixed maturity securities reflecting the conditions discussed above. As a result of the economic downturn in 2008 within the financial services sector, we have seen an increase in corporate bankruptcies, financial restructurings and the number of companies defaulting on their debt obligations and a decline in performance of collateral underlying certain structured securities. These defaults and other performance factors resulting in declines in the value of our investment portfolio have contributed to substantially higher levels of impairments throughout 2008, including $577 million in the third quarter of 2008. In some cases, the combined shift in rating, valuations and outlook for certain securities has resulted in a change in intent of whether to hold these securities to recovery of value. As a result of the challenging market conditions and expected further weakening in the economic environment, we have continued to see increases in our unrealized investment losses subsequent to quarter end and expect to see further volatility in the valuation of these investments, as well as the potential for additional impairments on our investment portfolio or changes regarding retention strategies for certain securities. For example, certain securities that are less liquid have become more difficult to value and may be difficult to dispose of in the current environment. Although these economic conditions negatively impact our investment valuation, the underlying collateral continues to perform and default rates remain at historically low levels for many of the impacted asset classes.

We also believe, however, that the current credit environment provides us with opportunities to invest in select asset classes and sectors that may enhance our investment yields over time. See “—Investments and Derivative Instruments” for additional information on our investment portfolio.

The current credit market conditions resulted in an unfavorable liquidity environment for issuers of financial instruments including commercial paper, long-term debt and certain asset-backed securities. Credit spreads widened for many corporate issuers of commercial paper and long-term debt resulting in less favorable financing terms. This unfavorable liquidity environment impacted our ability to issue commercial paper during the third quarter of 2008. If these trends continue, it may be difficult for us to complete various financing or funding transactions at desired times or on attractive terms or at all.

In addition, on October 7, 2008, the Federal Reserve Board announced details regarding the Commercial Paper Funding Facility (“CPFF”), including that it would begin funding purchases of commercial paper on

 

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October 27, 2008. The CPFF is intended to improve liquidity in short-term funding markets and, thereby, increase the availability of credit for businesses and households. There can be no assurance as to what impact such actions will have on the financial markets, including the extreme levels of volatility currently being experienced. In October 2008, we were approved and participated in the CPFF. However, as a result of the downgrade of our holding company, we are no longer eligible to sell commercial paper to the facility, although the outstanding commercial paper that is currently held by CPFF will continue to be held until maturity.

See additional trends related to volatile credit markets in “—Trends and conditions affecting our segments.

Trends and conditions affecting our segments

Retirement and Protection

Wealth management (formerly referred to as managed money). Results of our wealth management business are impacted by demand for asset management products and related support services, investment performance and equity market fluctuations. Growth in the asset management industry has slowed in the current market environment. The volatility in the equity markets has negatively impacted our assets under management, net flows, the performance of certain mutual funds we offer and associated fee income. If the current market conditions continue, we expect to see further negative performance in these areas.

Retirement income. Results for our retirement income business are affected by investment performance, interest rate levels, slope of the interest rate yield curve, net interest spreads, equity market fluctuations, mortality, policyholder lapses and new product sales. Our competitive position within many of our distribution channels and our ability to retain business depends significantly upon product features, including current and minimum crediting rates on spread-based products relative to our competitors, surrender charge periods in our annuities, as well as guaranteed benefit features we offer in variable annuity products. We evaluate our competitive position based upon each of these features and actively manage our risk exposures through various strategies, including requiring prescribed investment allocations, active product price management and other risk management activities including reinsurance and hedging. Most of our variable annuities include a GMDB. Some of our group and individual variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum benefit features such as GMWB and certain types of guaranteed minimum income benefits, which require prescribed investment allocations. We do not offer any products with guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits.

We maintain a focus on our Income Distribution Series of variable annuity products and group retirement income offerings. We have seen a decline in defined benefit retirement plans in favor of defined contribution plans with more of the responsibility for retirement income planning falling on the individual. Additionally, U.S. savings rates are at historical lows. We believe these factors support long-term demand for individual and group retirement income products that provide various forms of guaranteed benefits with the opportunity to realize upside market performance. Our Income Distribution Series products provide the contractholder with the ability to receive a guaranteed minimum income stream that they cannot outlive, along with an opportunity to participate in market appreciation. However, through various techniques, these products are designed to reduce some of the risks that generally accompany traditional products with guaranteed living benefits. We are targeting individuals who are focused on building a personal portable retirement plan or are moving from the accumulation to the distribution phase of their retirement planning.

We are experiencing lower variable annuity sales and higher fixed annuity sales as a result of consumers seeking safety from recent market turbulence and uncertainty. Current market pressures are also increasing our expected claim costs, the cost and effectiveness of our hedging programs and the level of capital we may need to support these products.

We believe there may be further declines in equity markets and increased equity market volatility which will continue to negatively impact the cost and effectiveness of our GMWB hedging program. The significant declines and increased volatility in the equity markets have negatively impacted our results during the third quarter of 2008. Equity markets have experienced a sharp decline from the September 30, 2008 level and market volatility has increased dramatically. Continued equity market volatility could result in additional losses in our

 

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variable annuity products and associated hedging program which will challenge our ability to recover deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) on these products and lead to further write-offs of DAC.

Institutional. Results in our institutional business are affected by credit markets. Our ability to issue funding agreements, FABNs and GICs to institutional investors is primarily dependent upon the credit markets, market perception of credit and risk-based pricing and our credit rating and credit default swap levels. We view this business as opportunistic and, therefore, new origination activity may vary considerably from period to period.

The current credit market conditions have made the extension of the maturities of some of our institutional products less attractive to the holders compared to alternative products offering higher yields or more liquidity. As a result, certain FABN and funding agreement contractholders have elected not to extend the maturity of their contracts. Because we earn a spread between interest earned and interest credited on these institutional products, this non-extension reduces our revenues and profitability by reducing our institutional product liabilities. As of September 30, 2008, the holders of approximately $1.6 billion of contracts elected not to extend the maturity date on their contracts, and consequently these contracts will now mature over the next twelve months. In light of the ongoing turmoil in the credit and financial markets, we are not currently pursuing additional institutional product sales and expect increased outflows on these products.

In December 2007, we began issuing FABNs to retail investors and we are closely monitoring credit market conditions to determine when to issue FABNs into the retail market.

Life insurance. Results in our life insurance business are impacted by sales, mortality, persistency, investment yields and statutory reserve requirements. Additionally, sales of our products and persistency of our insurance in-force are dependent on competitive product features and pricing, distribution penetration and customer service. As a result of a competitive pricing environment and our discipline to achieve targeted returns, we experienced lower term life insurance sales. We anticipate this trend will continue as we maintain our pricing discipline and focus on middle market term life insurance sales. We also experienced lower persistency in term life insurance policies going into their post-level rate period (10 and 15 years after policy issue). We expect these trends to continue, in general, as we maintain pricing discipline in the current competitive pricing environment.

We have also experienced a shift in focus by our distributors from term life insurance to universal life insurance products. In response to this shift in focus by our distributors, we continue to expand our universal life insurance capabilities with an emphasis on middle market consumers.

Regulations XXX and AXXX require insurers to establish additional statutory reserves for term life insurance policies with long-term premium guarantees and certain universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantees, which increase the capital required to write these products. For term life and certain universal life insurance, we have implemented capital management actions, including the use of securitization transactions, to reduce the capital impact of these regulations. Several competitors have taken capital management actions similar to ours in response to Regulations XXX and AXXX. Recent market conditions adversely affected the availability of securitization transactions and created the need for us to pursue alternative approaches such as reinsurance and private financing transactions and we expect these conditions to continue. Together the ability to finance and effectiveness of financing these additional reserves may impact future life insurance sales and new business returns.

As of September 30, 2008, we had $3.5 billion of fixed and floating rate non-recourse funding obligations outstanding backing these additional statutory reserves. Of these obligations, $1.7 billion were guaranteed by third-party financial guaranty insurance companies and the interest rates on these obligations are subject to rate resets triggered by negative rating agency action on the third-party financial guaranty insurance companies that guarantee these obligations. During 2008, the rates on those $1.7 billion of non-recourse funding obligations were contractually reset to the highest margin to the related underlying index rates. We do not believe that these increases will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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As noted above, to maintain and optimize product returns, we may seek alternative financing approaches in the future depending upon market conditions. Recent market conditions have limited the capacity for these reserve funding structures. If capacity continues to be limited for a prolonged period of time, our ability to obtain new funding for these structures may be hindered, and as a result our ability to write additional business in a cost effective manner may be impacted. If we are unable to continue to implement these actions, we may be required to increase statutory reserves, incur higher operating costs than we currently anticipate, reduce our sales of these products or pursue alternative approaches, such as additional reinsurance and private funding transactions. We also may have to implement measures that may be disruptive to our business. For example, because term and universal life insurance are particularly price-sensitive products, any increase in premiums charged on these products in order to compensate us for the increased statutory reserve requirements or higher costs of reinsurance may result in a significant loss of volume and adversely affect our life insurance operations.

Long-term care insurance. Results of our long-term care insurance business are influenced by morbidity, persistency, investment yields, new product sales, expenses and reinsurance. In recent years, industry-wide first-year annualized premiums of individual long-term care insurance have either declined or grown moderately. Our sales growth over the past year reflects the breadth of our distribution and progress across multiple growth initiatives with an emphasis on broadening our product offerings. For example, we continued to experience sales growth in our Medicare supplement insurance and have expanded our product offerings to include linked-benefits products. The impact of lower termination rates, in particular lapse rates, on older issued policies, some with expiring reinsurance coverage, are causing higher benefits and other changes in policy reserves, resulting in lower net operating income for older blocks of business. In addition, the continued low interest rate environment may negatively impact our net operating income. In response to these trends, we intend to continue to pursue multiple growth initiatives, continue investing in case management improvements, maintain tight expense management, actively explore reinsurance and capital market solutions, execute investment strategies and, if appropriate, consider other actions to improve profitability of the overall block. During 2007 and 2008, we filed for state regulatory approvals for premium rate increases of between 8% and 12% on most of our block of older issued long-term care insurance policies and are currently in the process of implementing these rate increases.

International

International mortgage insurance. Results of our international mortgage insurance business are affected by changes in regulatory environments, employment and other economic and housing market trends, including interest rate trends, home price appreciation, mortgage origination volume, levels of mortgage delinquencies and movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Our international mortgage insurance business has continued to expand with favorable operating results because of its portfolio mix and favorable underwriting and risk characteristics. In many European countries, we have seen a slowdown in housing markets. For example, we believe the economic slowdown in Spain, Ireland and the U.K. has resulted in decreased home price appreciation, as well as lower mortgage insurance origination volume. Europe represents approximately 5% of our international mortgage insurance risk in-force. We have also seen a slowdown in housing market mortgage origination and home price appreciation levels in Canada, as well as in Australia. We believe there are indications that other international housing markets may reflect similar characteristics assuming they experience an economic slowdown.

While global economies are slowing, overall home price appreciation remains positive in most regions of Canada and Australia and unemployment has only seen modest increases. Canada and Australia comprise approximately 95% of our international mortgage insurance risk in-force with an estimated average effective loan-to-value ratio of 63%. In this environment, our international mortgage insurance business has expanded with favorable operating results. High-risk lending practices such as sub-prime and 100% loan-to-value lending are far less common in international markets than in the United States, and there is significantly less reliance on capital market funding for liquidity needs. We have also taken steps to tighten our underwriting requirements, increase prices in targeted areas or products and improve loss mitigation strategies in light of the slowing housing markets. We expect that our established international mortgage insurance business in Canada and Australia will

 

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contribute the majority of total revenues and profits of this business, while our entry into and growth in new international markets will be gradual in nature.

In July 2008, the Government of Canada announced adjustments to the rules for government guaranteed mortgages. For new government-backed mortgages originated on or after October 15, 2008, these new measures will limit the maximum amortization period to 35 years, establish a minimum down payment of five percent and establish a minimum credit score requirement of 600. However, the Government of Canada allows for up to three percent of an originator’s volume to fall below the 600 minimum credit score. We have incorporated these standards into our underwriting guidelines effective October 15, 2008. These changes have resulted in a minor reduction of mortgage originations.

In Australia, recent government actions, such as providing aid to first-time home buyers and interest rate cuts, are expected to help offset the impact of the slowing economy, decreasing home price appreciation and rising unemployment.

As a result of the expansion of our international mortgage insurance business in recent years, as of September 30, 2008, approximately 57% of our international risk in-force had not yet reached its anticipated highest claim frequency years, which are generally between the third and seventh year of the loan. We expect our loss experience on these loans will increase as these books of business continue to mature. As a result of slowing economic environments, we are anticipating increased losses in our international mortgage insurance businesses, particularly in the more recent vintages. These books of business, which have been some of our largest, will continue to mature in slowing economies giving rise to further increases in losses over the next two to three years. Our loss estimates are inherently subject to variation. Variations we consider reasonably likely to occur could include an increase in projected losses for our international mortgage insurance businesses of between 15% and 25% over the next three-year period. If changes at these levels were to occur, operating results could be negatively impacted by approximately $135 million to approximately $225 million over this same period. The potential for either additional adverse loss development or favorable loss development exists, which could further impact our business underwriting margins. We expect loss ratios in Canada to remain within our pricing expectations. However, in Australia, certain books of business with exposure to certain sub-markets around New South Wales have experienced loss ratios above our pricing expectations, and we expect this trend to continue.

Lifestyle protection insurance. Growth of our lifestyle protection insurance business is dependent on economic conditions, including consumer lending levels, client account penetration and the number of countries and markets we enter. Additionally, the types and mix of our products will vary based on regulatory and consumer acceptance of our products. Sales have increased in established regions outside of the U.K. and Ireland. At the same time, we saw a decline in consumer lending and lower single premium sales as a result of expected regulations regarding sales practices, which have resulted in a decline in sales for the U.K. and Ireland. Depending on the severity and length of these trends, we may experience additional sales declines in those two countries. Outside of the U.K. and Ireland, our lifestyle protection insurance business continues to show growth in Europe and other markets from increased penetration of existing relationships and the addition of new distribution relationships in existing and new countries.

U.S. Mortgage Insurance

Results of our U.S. mortgage insurance business are affected by employment and other economic and housing market trends, including interest rate trends, home price trends, mortgage origination volume and product mix and the levels and aging of mortgage delinquencies including seasonal trends.

The U.S. housing market is experiencing a material slowdown and we expect the decline to continue. Home price appreciation has turned negative in the majority of markets. We also expect unemployment levels to increase as the U.S. economy continues to slow in the remainder of 2008 and into 2009. In addition, delinquency and foreclosure levels remain high which contributed to the increased housing supply levels and has further pressured home prices downward resulting in defaults not being supported by adequate levels of embedded home price appreciation to buffer or offset losses. We believe this overall pressure on the housing market is adversely affecting the performance of our entire portfolio across all product lines in all markets, but with particular impact

 

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in certain states and product types, including A minus, Alt-A, adjustable rate mortgages (“ARMs”) and certain 100% loan-to-value loans. We anticipate that the difficult conditions in the financial markets are not likely to improve in the near future and ongoing volatility in these markets is likely.

The foregoing factors contributed to an increase in paid claims and an increase in loss reserves as a result of a significant increase in delinquencies and foreclosures in our more recent books of business, particularly those of 2005, 2006 and 2007. These trends are evident in all products across all regions of the country and particularly in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada, as well as in our A minus, Alt-A, ARMs and certain 100% loan-to-value products. In addition, throughout the U.S., we have experienced an increase in the average loan balance of mortgage loans, including on delinquent loans, as well as a significant decline in home price appreciation, which has turned negative in the majority of U.S. markets. Certain regions around the country, particularly surrounding the Great Lakes area of the upper Midwest, particularly Illinois and Minnesota, continue to experience an economic slowdown and have seen a more pronounced weakness in their housing markets, as well as declines in home prices. This slowdown and the resulting impact on the housing market are reflected in our increasing delinquencies. However, we believe that there may be a lag in the rate at which delinquent loans are going to foreclosure due to various local and lender foreclosure moratoria as well as servicer and court-related backlog issues. As these loans eventually go to foreclosure, our delinquency counts will be reduced and our paid claims will increase accordingly. We are also experiencing an increase in delinquencies and associated reserves relating to adjustable rate loans in our bulk business, particularly from the 2006 and 2007 books of business.

While over 90% of our primary risk in-force in the U.S. is considered prime, based on FICO credit scores of the underlying mortgage loans, continued low or negative home price appreciation, coupled with worsening economic conditions, is likely to cause further increases in our incurred losses and related loss ratio. As of September 30, 2008, approximately 70% of our U.S. risk in-force had not yet reached its anticipated highest claim frequency years, which are generally between the third and seventh year of the loan. Our 2005, 2006 and 2007 books of business are experiencing delinquencies and incurred losses substantially higher than those generated from previous book years we have written. Early loss development patterns from these book years indicate that we would expect a higher level of total losses generated from these books. Variations we consider reasonably likely to occur could include an increase in projected losses for the 2005 through 2007 books of our U.S. mortgage insurance business of between 4% and 7% over the next three-year period. If changes at these levels were to occur, operating results could be negatively impacted by approximately $85 million to $150 million over this same period. These amounts do not include additional reinsurance recoveries that could occur from our captive reinsurance arrangements. However, more adverse variation could result in additional negative impacts while favorable variations would result in improved margins. We expect future sales of our U.S. mortgage insurance business to reduce the likelihood of these adverse variations. Regardless of the ultimate loss development pattern on these books, we expect they will continue to generate significant paid and incurred losses throughout the remainder of 2008 and through the next two to three years and thus will continue to have a significant adverse impact on our operating results over these same periods.

Primary insurance in-force increased to $175.3 billion as of September 30, 2008, which represented an 11% increase as compared to December 31, 2007. In addition, net earned premiums have grown from $444 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to $558 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. These increases in primary insurance in-force and net earned premiums reflect an increase in our flow product writings as a result of increased demand for private mortgage insurance driven by growth in the conventional conforming mortgage market and a credit environment that causes investors to value mortgage insurance, as well as higher levels of persistency. We believe the private mortgage insurance penetration rate has increased from approximately 6% in 2006 to approximately 13% in the second quarter of 2008. However, we expect that weakness in housing markets and the lack of liquidity in the general credit markets will result in a smaller mortgage origination market in 2008 and 2009. This trend, together with the growth in the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) originations, may offset the increase in demand for private mortgage insurance to some extent.

 

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We participate in reinsurance programs in which we share portions of our premiums associated with flow insurance written on loans originated or purchased by lenders with captive reinsurance companies affiliated with these lenders in exchange for an agreed upon level of loss coverage if losses develop through specified threshold levels. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded a reinsurance recovery of $298 million where cumulative losses have exceeded the attachment points in several captive reinsurance arrangements, primarily related to the 2005, 2006 and 2007 books of business. We expect to record additional reinsurance recoveries throughout 2008 and into 2009 under these and other captive reinsurance arrangements as incurred losses display accelerated development on our books of business, particularly those of 2005, 2006 and 2007. In the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we saw worsening and early loss development trends, particularly for the 2006 and 2007 book years. If these trends continue over multiple years and are combined with further adverse development in home price appreciation and unemployment levels, coupled with limited borrower refinancing options and a reduction in delinquency cures, which impact both frequency and severity of claims, we could exhaust captive reinsurance tiers for certain individual captive lenders on certain book years or exhaust trust assets. Once the captive reinsurance or trust assets are exhausted, or if required funds in trust are no longer sufficient for payment of claims, we would be responsible for any additional losses incurred. In October 2008, we announced we will no longer participate in excess loss of captive reinsurance transactions as of January 1, 2009 and we will only consider participation in quota share reinsurance arrangements.

We have taken various actions to reduce our new business risk profile including underwriting guideline and pricing changes. In the second quarter of 2008, we announced a rate increase of approximately 20% on our flow product. We have also reduced maximum loan-to-value ratios with a particular focus on constraining loan-to-value levels in specified declining markets and, in some cases, have exited certain product lines. The number of identified declining markets has increased from 140 in the second quarter of 2008 to 178 to date. Our changes thus far have eliminated virtually all new insurance of A minus, Alt-A and 100% loan-to-value products. We believe these actions will improve our underwriting results on these and future books of business and will result in improved profitability on the 2008 and future books of new insurance written.

Our level of market penetration and eventual market size could also be affected by any actions taken by the GSEs or the FHA. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was enacted in July 2008. This legislation provides for changes to, among other things, the regulatory authority and oversight of the GSEs and the authority of the FHA including with respect to premium pricing, maximum loan limits, down payment requirements and reverse mortgages. In addition, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the largest purchasers and guarantors of mortgage loans in the United States. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were created by Congressional charter to ensure that mortgage lenders have sufficient funds to continue to finance home purchases. On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced a plan to place Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship under the authority of the FHFA. As a result, the number of mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could decrease. This could result in fewer mortgages being originated and, consequently, decrease the demand for private mortgage insurance, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the appointment of a conservator may increase the likelihood that the charters of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be changed by new federal legislation. Such changes may allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to reduce or eliminate the level of private mortgage insurance coverage that they use as credit enhancement.

On September 30, 2008, we announced we are examining a number of strategic alternatives regarding our U.S. mortgage insurance business, including a possible spin-off, to determine the optimal course for Genworth, our customers and stockholders. We have not made any decisions to date as to whether we will retain or divest that business. If we chose to divest that business, we cannot be sure that we will be able to complete a spin-off, attract interested third parties for a possible sale transaction or execute any other transaction involving this business. If a transaction were to occur, we also cannot be sure that its terms would be favorable to us or would have a material beneficial effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

On October 1, 2008, the U.S. government’s Hope for Homeowners program became effective. This program is designed to help drive a recovery of the housing market through principal write-downs and release of liens.

 

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This program may serve to mitigate losses on loans we insure although it is too early to tell what, if any, benefit may result from the program.

Ratings

Following our announcement on September 30, 2008 that we are examining a number of strategic alternatives for our U.S. mortgage insurance business, both Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) and Moody’s rating services issued press releases regarding their ratings for Genworth and our businesses. S&P lowered our U.S. and European mortgage insurance ratings one notch to “AA-” from “AA.” S&P’s ratings for our holding company and other insurance subsidiaries remained unchanged. S&P states that an insurer rated “AA” (Very Strong) has very strong financial security characteristics and is highly likely to have the ability to meet financial commitments. The “AA” range is the second-highest of the four ratings ranges that meet these criteria, and is the second-highest of nine financial strength rating ranges assigned by S&P, which range from “AAA” to “R.” A plus (+) or minus (-) shows relative standing in a rating category. Accordingly, the “AA-” rating is the fourth-highest of S&P’s 21 ratings categories. Moody’s indicated that it intended to review the appropriateness of our ratings.

On October 3, 2008, Fitch announced they would review the ratings appropriateness of our life insurance businesses. This also follows our announcement on September 30, 2008 that we will examine strategic alternatives related to our U.S. mortgage insurance business, as well as Fitch’s announcement on September 29, 2008, which changed the life insurance industry outlook from “stable” to “negative.” On October 21, 2008, Fitch downgraded our life insurance subsidiaries one notch to “A+” from “AA-.” In addition, Fitch removed our life insurance ratings from rating watch negative and placed them on negative outlook. Fitch states that “A” (Strong) rated insurance companies are viewed as possessing strong capacity to meet policyholder and contract obligations. The “A” rating category is the third-highest of eight financial strength rating categories, which range from “AAA” to “C.” The symbol (+) or (-) may be appended to a rating to indicate the relative position of a credit within a rating category. These suffixes are not added to ratings in the “AAA” category or to ratings below the “CCC” category. Accordingly, the “A+” rating is the fifth-highest of Fitch’s 21 ratings categories.

During the third quarter of 2008, we requested Fitch to withdraw ratings on our U.S. and international mortgage insurance businesses and on securities issued by our holding company. Accordingly we no longer solicit, or sponsor, those ratings.

On November 6, 2008, A.M. Best announced that they have placed our ratings under review with negative implications. This follows A.M. Best’s announcement on September 18, 2008, which changed their life insurance industry outlook from “stable” to “negative.”

On November 7, 2008, S&P affirmed the “AA-” counterparty and financial strength ratings our life insurance businesses and lowered our long-term counterparty credit and senior debt ratings to “A-” from “A.” The outlook on both is negative. The ratings on our mortgage insurance operations were unaffected by these rating actions. S&P also downgraded our commercial paper rating to “A-2” from “A-1.”

We believe that Moody’s will downgrade our debt ratings, senior debt to “Baa1” from “A2,” as well as the insurance financial strength ratings of our primary life insurance operating subsidiaries to “A1” from “Aa3” and the outlook on Genworth and our life insurance subsidiaries will be negative.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The accounting estimates discussed in this section are those that we consider to be particularly critical to an understanding of our consolidated financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on our ability to judge the effect of inherently uncertain matters on our financial results. For all of these policies, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as forecasted, and management’s best estimates may require adjustment.

 

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Valuation of investment securities. We hold fixed maturity and equity securities, trading securities, derivatives, embedded derivatives, securities held as collateral and certain other financial instruments, which are carried at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

Fair value measurements are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our view of market assumptions in the absence of observable market information. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. All assets carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

   

Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

   

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

 

   

Level 3—Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices such as exchange-traded derivatives and actively traded mutual fund investments.

Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using industry-standard pricing methodologies, models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various inputs, such as interest rate, credit spread and foreign exchange rates for the underlying financial instruments. All significant inputs are observable, or derived from observable, information in the marketplace or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Financial instruments in this category primarily include: certain public and private corporate fixed maturity and equity securities; government or agency securities; certain mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; securities held as collateral; and certain non-exchange-traded derivatives such as interest rate or cross currency swaps.

Level 3 is comprised of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on industry-standard pricing methodologies and internally developed models utilizing significant inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, readily available market information. In limited instances, this category may also utilize non-binding broker quotes. This category primarily consists of certain less liquid fixed maturity, equity and trading securities and certain derivative instruments where we cannot corroborate the significant valuation inputs with market observable data.

As of each reporting period, all assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability, such as the relative impact on the fair value as a result of including a particular input.

Our portfolio of fixed maturity securities is comprised primarily of investment grade registered securities. Estimates of fair values for these securities are obtained primarily from industry-standard pricing methodologies utilizing market observable inputs consistent with Level 2 inputs. For our less liquid securities, such as our privately placed securities, we utilize independent market data to employ alternative valuation methods commonly used in the financial services industry to estimate fair value. Based on the market observability of the inputs used in estimating the fair value, the pricing level is assigned.

Security pricing is applied using a hierarchy, or “waterfall” approach. The vast majority of our fixed maturity and equity securities use Level 2 inputs for the determination of fair value. These fair values are obtained primarily from industry-standard pricing methodologies utilizing market observable information, when

 

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available. Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, fair value is determined using industry-standard methodologies by applying available market information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like-securities, sector groupings, quotes from market participants and matrix pricing. Observable information is compiled and integrates relevant credit information, perceived market movements and sector news. Additionally, security prices are periodically back-tested to validate and/or refine models as conditions warrant. Market indicators and industry and economic events are also monitored as triggers to obtain additional data. For certain structured securities with limited trading activity, industry-standard pricing methodologies utilize adjusted market information, such as index prices or discounting market consistent expected future cash flows, to estimate fair value. These measures are not deemed observable for a particular security and results in the measurement being classified as Level 3.

Where specific market information is unavailable for certain securities, such as privately placed securities, internally developed pricing models produce estimates of fair value primarily utilizing Level 2 inputs along with certain Level 3 inputs. The internally developed models include matrix pricing. The pricing matrix begins with current treasury rates and uses credit spreads received from third-party sources to estimate fair value. The credit spreads incorporate the issuer’s industry or issuer-specific credit characteristics and the security’s time to maturity, if warranted. Remaining un-priced securities are valued using an estimate of fair value based on indicative market prices that include significant unobservable inputs not based on, nor corroborated by, market information, including the utilization of non-binding broker quotes.

In addition to this “waterfall” approach, we employ other valuation methods that we deem appropriate for certain externally managed funds.

The following table sets forth the fair value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio by pricing source as of the date indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008

(Amounts in millions)

   Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Fixed maturity securities:

           

Priced via industry standard pricing methodologies

   $ 40,688    $ —      $ 38,284    $ 2,404

Priced via indicative market prices

     2,044      —        —        2,044

Priced via internally developed models

     5,992      —        4,619      1,373
                           

Total fixed maturity securities

   $ 48,724    $ —      $ 42,903    $ 5,821
                           

Evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments on available-for-sale securities. One of the significant estimates related to available-for-sale securities is the evaluation of investments for other-than-temporary impairments. We regularly review our investments for other-than-temporary impairments. If a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale security is judged to be other-than-temporary, a charge is recorded to income equal to the difference between the fair value and cost or the amortized cost basis of the security.

The evaluation of impairments is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period net income (loss). The assessment of whether such impairment has occurred is based on management’s evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value at the individual security level. We deem an individual investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired when management concludes it is probable that we will not receive timely payment of the cash flows contractually stipulated for the investment. We regularly monitor our investment portfolio to ensure that investments that may be other-than-temporarily impaired are identified in a timely manner and that any impairment is charged against net income (loss) in the proper period. As part of our review process, the duration and severity of a decline in individual security values and credit risk characteristics are regularly monitored as potential impairment indicators. For all investments, with particular focus on those with impairment indicators, we assess market conditions, macroeconomic factors and industry developments in addition to investment-specific metrics in performing a credit assessment on the impacted investments.

 

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In its letter to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) dated October 14, 2008, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) stated that, given the debt characteristics of hybrid securities, a debt impairment model could be used for filings subsequent to October 14, 2008, until the FASB further addresses the approximate impairment approach. Included in the preceding table were securities that represent investments in hybrid instruments with gross unrealized losses of $274 million. Of this amount, $210 million has existed for a period exceeding twelve months. Of these unrealized losses, 100% were on securities that were investment grade and 53% were less than 20% below cost. The remaining securities had market values that were between 20% and 50% below cost.

For certain securitized financial assets with contractual cash flows, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests That Continued to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets, requires that we use current information to periodically update our best estimate of cash flows that a market participant would use in determining the current fair value of the security. If the fair value of a securitized financial asset is less than its cost or amortized cost and there has been a decrease in the present value of the estimated cash flows since the last revised estimate that is unrelated to simple changes in interest rates when considering both timing and amount, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third-party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral. Where possible, this data is benchmarked against third-party sources to ensure it is consistent with inputs a market participant would use in establishing the current fair value. In addition, projections of expected future cash flows may change based upon new information regarding the performance of the underlying collateral.

Securities not subject to EITF Issue No. 99-20 (“non-EITF Issue No. 99-20 securities”) that are in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment is present based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors. The primary factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value for non-EITF Issue No. 99-20 securities is other-than-temporary include: (a) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been or is expected to be less than cost or amortized cost, (b) the financial condition, credit rating and near-term prospects of the issuer and (c) whether the debtor is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments.

We also consider our intent and ability to retain a temporarily depressed security until recovery. We believe that our intent and ability to hold an investment, along with the ability of the investment to generate cash flows that have not changed adversely, are the primary factors in assessing whether an investment in an unrealized loss position is other-than-temporarily impaired.

Each quarter, during this analysis, we assert our intent and ability to retain until recovery those securities judged to be temporarily impaired. Once identified, these securities are systematically restricted from trading unless approved by management. Management will only authorize the sale of these securities based on predefined criteria that relate to events that could not have been foreseen. Examples of the criteria include, but are not limited to, the deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness, a change in regulatory requirements or a major business combination or major disposition. We may change our intent to retain certain securities until recovery for risk mitigation reasons based on investment-specific metrics such as deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness, recent pricing movements and current credit ratings. When we determine there has been a change of intent to hold a depressed security until recovery, an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized.

Deferred acquisition costs. DAC represents costs that vary with and are primarily related to the sale and issuance of our insurance policies and investment contracts which are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the related insurance policies. These costs include commissions in excess of ultimate renewal commissions, solicitation and printing costs, sales material and some support costs, such as underwriting and contract and policy issuance expenses. DAC is subsequently amortized to expense over the lives of the underlying contracts, in relation to the anticipated recognition of premiums or gross profits.

 

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The amortization of DAC for traditional long-duration insurance products (including guaranteed renewable term life, life-contingent structured settlements and immediate annuities and long-term care insurance) is determined as a level proportion of premium based on commonly accepted actuarial methods and reasonable assumptions about mortality, morbidity, lapse rates, expenses, and future yield on related investments, established when the contract or policy is issued. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires that assumptions for these types of products not be modified (or unlocked) unless recoverability testing deems them to be inadequate. Amortization is adjusted each period to reflect policy lapse or termination rates as compared to anticipated experience. Accordingly, we could experience accelerated amortization of DAC if policies terminate earlier than originally assumed.

Amortization of DAC for annuity contracts without significant mortality risk and for investment and universal life insurance products is based on expected gross profits. Expected gross profits are adjusted quarterly to reflect actual experience to date or for the unlocking of underlying key assumptions based on experience studies such as mortality, withdrawal or lapse rates, investment margin or maintenance expenses. The estimation of expected gross profits is subject to change given the inherent uncertainty as to the underlying key assumptions employed and the long duration of our policy or contract liabilities. Changes in expected gross profits reflecting the unlocking of underlying key assumptions could result in a material increase or decrease in the amortization of DAC depending on the magnitude of the change in underlying assumptions. Significant factors that could result in a material increase or decrease in DAC amortization for these products include material changes in withdrawal or lapse rates, investment spreads or mortality assumptions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, key assumptions were unlocked in our Retirement and Protection segment to reflect our current expectation of future investment spreads and mortality.

The amortization of DAC for mortgage insurance is based on expected gross margins. Expected gross margins, defined as premiums less losses, are set based on assumptions for future persistency and loss development of the business. These assumptions are updated for actual experience to date or as our expectations of future experience are revised based on experience studies. Due to the inherent uncertainties in making assumptions about future events, materially different experience from expected results in persistency or loss development could result in a material increase or decrease to DAC amortization for this business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, key assumptions were unlocked in our international and U.S. mortgage insurance products to reflect our current expectation of future persistency and loss projections.

The following table sets forth the increase (decrease) on amortization of DAC related to unlocking of underlying key assumptions by segment for the periods indicated:

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,

(Amounts in millions)

     2008        2007  

Retirement and Protection

   $ 9    $ 7

International

     2      —  

U.S. Mortgage Insurance

     5      2
             

Total

   $ 16    $ 9
             

The DAC amortization methodology for our variable products (variable annuities and variable universal life insurance) includes a long-term equity market average appreciation assumption of 8.5%. When actual returns vary from the expected 8.5% we assume a reversion to the expected return over a three- to five-year period. The assumed returns over this reversion to the expected return period are limited to the 85th percentile of historical market performance. Variation in equity market returns that could be considered reasonably likely would not have a material effect on the amortization of DAC.

We regularly review DAC to determine if it is recoverable from future income. For deposit products, if the current present value of estimated future gross profits is less than the unamortized DAC for a line of business, a

 

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charge to income is recorded for additional DAC amortization or for increased benefit reserves. For other products, if the benefit reserves plus anticipated future premiums and interest income for a line of business are less than the current estimate of future benefits and expenses (including any unamortized DAC), a charge to income is recorded for additional DAC amortization or for increased benefit reserves.

Based on management’s current assessment of the claim loss development in the existing 2006 and 2007 books of business which may cause deterioration of expected future gross margins for the 2006 and 2007 book years, we determined that unamortized deferred acquisition costs related to our U.S. mortgage insurance business were not recoverable and consequently recorded a charge of $30 million to DAC during the third quarter of 2008.

Although we believe all of our other businesses have sufficient future income, where the related DAC would be recoverable under adverse variations in morbidity, mortality, withdrawal or lapse rate, maintenance expense or interest rates that could be considered reasonably likely to occur. Continued equity market volatility could result in material losses in our variable annuity products and associated hedging program which will challenge our ability to recover DAC on these products and could lead to further write-offs of DAC.

Valuation of goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the amount paid to acquire a business over the fair value of its net assets at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to acquisition, goodwill could become impaired if the fair value of a reporting unit as a whole were to decline below the value of its individually identifiable assets and liabilities. This may occur for various reasons, including changes in actual or expected income or cash flows of a reporting unit or generation of income by a reporting unit at a lower rate of return than similar businesses.

Under U.S. GAAP, we test the carrying value of goodwill for impairment at least annually at the “reporting unit” level, which is either an operating segment or a business one level below the operating segment. Under certain circumstances, interim impairment tests may be required if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.

The determination of fair value for reporting units is primarily based on discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques, as appropriate. When available and as appropriate, we use comparative market multiples to corroborate discounted cash flow results. The discounted cash flows used to determine fair value are dependent on a number of significant management assumptions based on our historical experience and our expectations of future performance. Our estimates are subject to change given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance and cash flows, which are impacted by such things as policyholder behavior, competitor pricing, new product introductions and specific industry and market conditions. Additionally, the discount rate used in our discounted cash flow approach is based on management’s judgment of the appropriate rate for each reporting unit based on the relative risk associated with the projected cash flows.

During the third quarter of 2008, we completed our annual goodwill impairment analysis based on data as of July 1, 2008. As a result of this analysis, we recorded goodwill impairments related to our U.S. mortgage insurance and institutional businesses, as discussed further below. For all other of our reporting units, there were no charges to income as a result of our annual goodwill impairment testing. As a result of changes in the market environment during the third quarter of 2008, we performed an interim impairment analysis as of September 30, 2008. The interim impairment testing results did not result in any additional impairment of goodwill. We continue to evaluate current market conditions that may affect the fair value of our reporting units to assess whether any goodwill impairment exists. Continued deteriorating or adverse market conditions for certain businesses may have a significant impact on the fair value of our reporting units and could result in additional future impairments of goodwill.

In accordance with our annual goodwill impairment analysis during the third quarter of 2008, we performed the two-step impairment test for the U.S. mortgage insurance reporting unit. We determined fair value using an income approach based on discounted cash flows. Our analysis considered the current U.S. mortgage market conditions in the assessment of fair value. Recent operating losses and decreases in projected income have negatively impacted the current fair value of the U.S. mortgage insurance business. As a result of our analysis,

 

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we determined the recorded goodwill associated with this reporting unit was not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a charge of $22 million to amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles for the write-off of the entire goodwill balance associated with our U.S. mortgage insurance business during the third quarter of 2008.

In accordance with our annual goodwill impairment analysis during the third quarter of 2008, we performed the two-step impairment test for the institutional reporting unit included in our Retirement and Protection segment. We determined fair value using an income approach based on discounted cash flows. Our analysis considered current market conditions and the impact of those conditions on our institutional business. The recent increases in our credit spreads have negatively impacted this reporting unit’s ability to issue new business at competitive rates. Current credit market conditions make it difficult to determine when new business will be written at the historical volume and margins experienced in recent years. As a result of our analysis, we determined the recorded goodwill associated with this reporting unit was not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a charge of $12 million to amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles for the write-off of the entire goodwill balance associated with our institutional business during the third quarter of 2008.

Insurance liabilities and reserves. We calculate and maintain reserves for the estimated future payment of claims to our policyholders and contractholders based on actuarial assumptions and in accordance with industry practice and U.S. GAAP. Many factors can affect these reserves, including economic and social conditions, inflation, healthcare costs, changes in doctrines of legal liability and damage awards in litigation. Therefore, the reserves we establish are necessarily based on estimates, assumptions and our analysis of historical experience. Our results depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims experience is consistent with the assumptions we used in determining our reserves and pricing our products. Our reserve assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and, therefore, are inherently uncertain. We cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts that we will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments.

Insurance reserves differ for long- and short-duration insurance policies and annuity contracts. Measurement of long-duration insurance reserves (such as guaranteed renewable term life, whole life and long-term care insurance policies) is based on approved actuarial methods, and includes assumptions about expenses, mortality, morbidity, lapse rates and future yield on related investments. Short-duration contracts (such as lifestyle protection insurance) are accounted for based on actuarial estimates of the amount of loss inherent in that period’s claims, including losses incurred for which claims have not been reported. Short-duration contract loss estimates rely on actuarial observations of ultimate loss experience for similar historical events.

Estimates of mortgage insurance reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on notices of mortgage loan defaults and estimates of defaults that have been incurred but have not been reported by loan servicers, using assumptions of claim rates for loans in default and the average amount paid for loans that result in a claim. As is common accounting practice in the mortgage insurance industry and in accordance with U.S. GAAP, loss reserves are not established for future claims on insured loans that are not currently in default. Management reviews quarterly the loss reserves for adequacy, and if indicated, updates the assumptions used for estimating and calculating such reserves.

The establishment of our mortgage insurance loss reserves is subject to inherent uncertainty and requires judgment by management. The actual amount of the claim payments may vary significantly from the loss reserve estimates. Our estimates could be adversely affected by several factors, including a deterioration of regional or national economic conditions leading to a reduction in borrowers’ income and thus their ability to make mortgage payments, and a drop in housing values that could expose us to greater loss on resale of properties obtained through foreclosure proceedings. In considering the potential sensitivity of the factors underlying management’s best estimate of our U.S. and international mortgage insurance reserves for losses, it is possible that even a relatively small change in estimated claim rate or a relatively small percentage change in estimated claim amount could have a significant impact on reserves and, correspondingly, on results of operations. For example, a $1,000 change in the average severity reserve factor combined with a 1% change in the average claim rate reserve factor could change the reserve amount by approximately $65 million and approximately $25 million

 

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for our U.S. and international mortgage insurance businesses, respectively. Changes to our estimates could result in material changes to our operations, even in a stable economic environment. Adjustments to our reserve estimates are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the years in which the adjustments are made.

Unearned premiums. In our international mortgage insurance business, the majority of our insurance contracts are single premium. For single premium insurance contracts, we recognize premiums over the policy life in accordance with the expected pattern of risk emergence. We recognize a portion of the revenue in premiums earned in the current period, while the remaining portion is deferred as unearned premiums and earned over time in accordance with the expected pattern of risk emergence. If single premium policies are cancelled and the premium is non-refundable, then the remaining unearned premium related to each cancelled policy is recognized to earned premiums upon notification of the cancellation. The expected pattern of risk emergence on which we base premium recognition is inherently judgmental and is based on actuarial analysis of historical experience. Changes in market conditions could cause a decline in mortgage originations, mortgage insurance penetration rates or our market share, all of which could impact new insurance written. For example, a decline in flow new insurance written of $1.0 billion would result in approximately a $3 million reduction in earned premiums in the full first year. However, this decline would be partially offset by the recognition of earned premiums from established unearned premium reserves primarily from the last three years of business.

As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we had $5.3 billion and $5.6 billion, respectively, of unearned premiums, of which $3.2 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively, related to our international mortgage insurance business. We recognize international mortgage insurance unearned premiums over a period of up to 25 years, most of which are recognized between three and seven years from issue date. The recognition of earned premiums for our international mortgage insurance business involves significant estimates and assumptions as to future loss development and policy cancellations. These assumptions are based on our historical experience and our expectations of future performance, which are highly dependent on assumptions as to long-term macroeconomic conditions including interest rates, home price appreciation and the rate of unemployment. We periodically review our expected pattern of risk emergence and make adjustments based on actual experience and changes in our expectation of future performance with any adjustments reflected in current period income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2007, increases to earned premiums in our international mortgage insurance business as a result of adjustments made to our expected pattern of risk emergence and policy cancellation assumptions were $28 million and $45 million, respectively.

Our expected pattern of risk emergence for our international mortgage insurance business is subject to change given the inherent uncertainty as to the underlying loss development and policy cancellation assumptions and the long duration of our international mortgage insurance policy contracts. Actual experience that is different than assumed for loss development or policy cancellations could result in a material increase or decrease in the recognition of earned premiums depending on the magnitude of the difference between actual and assumed experience. Loss development and policy cancellation variations that could be considered reasonably likely to occur in the future would result in accelerated or decelerated recognition of earned premiums that would result in an increase in net income of up to $50 million or a decrease in net income of up to $25 million, depending on the magnitude of variation experienced. It is important to note that the variation discussed above is not meant to be a best-case or worst-case scenario, and therefore, it is possible that future variation may exceed the amounts discussed above.

In our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment, the majority of our insurance contracts have recurring premiums. We recognize recurring premiums over the terms of the related insurance policy on a pro-rata basis (i.e., monthly). Changes in market conditions could cause a decline in mortgage originations, mortgage insurance penetration rates and our market share, all of which could impact new insurance written. For example, a decline in new flow insurance written of $1.0 billion would result in approximately a $6 million reduction in earned premiums in the first full year. Likewise, if flow persistency declined on our existing insurance in-force by 10%, earned premiums would decline by approximately $63 million during the first full year, potentially offset by lower reserves due to policies no longer being in-force.

 

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The remaining portion of our unearned premiums relates to our lifestyle protection and long-term care insurance businesses where the underlying assumptions as to risk emergence are not subject to significant uncertainty. Accordingly, changes in underlying assumptions as to premium recognition we consider being reasonably likely for these businesses would not result in a material impact on net income.

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations and should be read in conjunction with “—Business trends and conditions.” For a discussion of our segment results, see “Results of Operations and Selected Financial and Operating Performance Measures by Segment.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
     Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008              2007          2008 vs. 2007  

Revenues:

           

Premiums

   $ 1,735      $ 1,600      $ 135      8 %

Net investment income

     918        1,074        (156 )    (15 )%

Net investment gains (losses)

     (816 )      (48 )      (768 )    NM (1)

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     331        249        82      33 %
                             

Total revenues

     2,168        2,875        (707 )    (25 )%
                             

Benefits and expenses:

           

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     1,497        1,168        329      28 %

Interest credited

     319        391        (72 )    (18 )%

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     515        540        (25 )    (5 )%

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     208        202        6      3 %

Interest expense

     125        124        1      1 %
                             

Total benefits and expenses

     2,664        2,425        239      10 %
                             

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (496 )      450        (946 )    NM (1)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (238 )      111        (349 )    NM (1)
                             

Net income (loss)

   $ (258 )    $ 339      $ (597 )    (176 )%
                             

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

Premiums. Premiums consist primarily of premiums earned on insurance products for individual life, long-term care, Medicare supplement, single premium immediate annuities and structured settlements with life contingencies, lifestyle protection and mortgage insurance policies.

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment increased $97 million primarily due to a $63 million increase in our retirement income business, a $29 million increase in our long-term care insurance business and a $5 million increase in our life insurance business.

 

   

Our International segment increased $15 million as a result of a $37 million increase in our international mortgage insurance business, offset by a decrease of $22 million in our lifestyle protection insurance business. The three months ended September 30, 2008 included an increase of $16 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

   

Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment increased $26 million.

 

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Net investment income. Net investment income represents the income earned on our investments.

 

   

Weighted-average investment yields decreased to 5.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 6.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in weighted-average investment yields was primarily attributable to lower yields on floating rate investments and reduced yields from holding higher cash balances to cover near term obligations and portfolio repositioning activities.

 

   

Net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 included a $31 million loss related to limited partnerships as compared to a $26 million gain in the three months ended September 30, 2007 reflecting equity method accounting changes on real estate partnerships. In addition, net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 included $3 million of investment income related to bond calls and commercial mortgage loan prepayments as compared to $14 million in the three months ended September 30, 2007.

 

   

The three months ended September 30, 2008 included $4 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates in our International segment.

Net investment gains (losses). Net investment gains (losses) consist of realized gains and losses from the sale or impairment of our investments, unrealized and realized gains and losses from our trading securities, non-qualifying derivatives, including embedded derivatives, changes in fair value of certain derivatives and related hedged items in fair value hedge relationships and hedge ineffectiveness on qualifying derivative instruments. We incurred $492 million of credit and/or cash flow related impairments and $85 million related to a change in intent to hold securities to recovery during the three months ended September 30, 2008. Of total impairments, $236 million related to securities backed by sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and $266 million related to certain financial services companies. Impairments related to financial services companies were a result of bankruptcies, receivership or concerns about the issuer’s ability to continue to make contractual payments. Net investment losses of $90 million from derivatives were primarily a result of the change in value of derivative instruments used for risk management of variable annuity guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits not fully offsetting the corresponding changes in the embedded liability during 2008. For further discussion of the change in net investment gains (losses), see the comparison for this line item under “—Investments and Derivative Instruments.”

Insurance and investment product fees and other. Insurance and investment product fees and other consist primarily of fees assessed against policyholder and contractholder account values, cost of insurance and surrender charges assessed on universal life insurance policies, advisory and administration service fees assessed on investment contractholder account values, broker/dealer commission revenues and other fees. Our Retirement and Protection segment increased $89 million largely driven by an $81 million increase in our institutional business and a $10 million increase from our life insurance business.

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves. Benefits and other changes in policy reserves consist primarily of benefits paid and reserve activity related to current claims and future policy benefits on insurance and investment products for life, long-term care and Medicare supplement insurance, structured settlements and single premium immediate annuities with life contingencies, lifestyle protection insurance and claim costs incurred related to mortgage insurance products.

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment increased $129 million attributable to an $80 million increase in our retirement income business, a $26 million increase in our life insurance business and a $23 million increase in our long-term care insurance business.

 

   

Our International segment increased $21 million as a result of an increase in our international mortgage insurance business of $32 million, offset by a decrease of $11 million in our lifestyle protection insurance business. The three months ended September 30, 2008 included an increase of $10 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

   

Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment increased $178 million.

 

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Interest credited. Interest credited represents interest credited on behalf of policyholder and contractholder general account balances. Interest credited related to our Retirement and Protection segment decreased $72 million primarily due to a $76 million decrease related to our institutional business and a $4 million decrease in our retirement income business, partially offset by an increase in our long-term care insurance business for $6 million.

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals. Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals, represent costs and expenses related to the acquisition and ongoing maintenance of insurance and investment contracts, including commissions, policy issuance expenses and other underwriting and general operating costs. These costs and expenses are net of amounts that are capitalized and deferred, which are costs and expenses that vary with and are primarily related to the sale and issuance of our insurance policies and investment contracts, such as first-year commissions in excess of ultimate renewal commissions and other policy issuance expenses.

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment increased $14 million primarily attributable to an increase of $7 million from our retirement income business, a $5 million increase in our life insurance business and an increase of $5 million in our long-term care insurance business, offset by a $2 million decrease in our wealth management business.

 

   

Our International segment decreased $27 million related to a $9 million decrease in our international mortgage insurance business and an $18 million decrease in our lifestyle protection insurance business. The three months ended September 30, 2008 included an increase of $6 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

   

Corporate and Other activities decreased $15 million.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles. Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles consists primarily of the amortization of acquisition costs that are capitalized, present value of future profits and capitalized software.

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment decreased $46 million primarily due to a decrease of $56 million from our retirement income business and a decrease of $9 million in our life insurance business, partially offset by $14 million increase in our institutional business and a $5 million increase in our long-term care insurance business.

 

   

Our International segment decreased $7 million related to a decrease in our lifestyle protection insurance business of $11 million offset by an increase in our international mortgage insurance business of $4 million.

 

   

Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment increased $58 million.

Interest expense. Interest expense represents interest related to our borrowings that are incurred at our holding company level and our non-recourse funding obligations and interest expense related to certain reinsurance arrangements being accounted for as deposits.

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment decreased $21 million primarily related to our life insurance business from a decrease in average floating rates paid on our non-recourse funding obligations.

 

   

Our International segment increased $13 million in our lifestyle protection insurance business from an increase in reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method.

 

   

Corporate and other activities increased $9 million.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 48.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 24.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2007. This increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the recognition of tax benefits on a pre-tax loss in the current year. In addition, the increase in lower taxed foreign income and tax favored investment benefits were recognized in the current quarter due to the increased proportion of current year losses to expected full year losses, as compared to

 

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the prior year income in proportion to the prior year expected full year income recorded under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting. This increase was partially offset by the impairment of non-deductible goodwill in the current quarter and reduced benefits attributable to favorable examination developments and changes in estimates. The three months ended September 30, 2008 included an increase of $1 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Net income (loss). The net loss in the third quarter of 2008 was largely the result of impairments recorded during the current quarter and losses incurred in our U.S Mortgage Insurance segment. For a discussion of our Retirement and Protection, U.S. Mortgage Insurance and International segments and Corporate and Other, see the “—Results of Operations and Selected Financial and Operating Performance Measures by Segment.” Included in net loss was an increase of $5 million, net of tax, attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated:

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
     Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007          2008 vs. 2007  

Revenues:

          

Premiums

   $ 5,161     $ 4,660      $ 501      11 %

Net investment income

     2,873       3,082        (209 )    (7 )%

Net investment gains (losses)

     (1,560 )     (118 )      (1,442 )    NM (1)

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     845       726        119      16 %
                            

Total revenues

     7,319       8,350        (1,031 )    (12 )%
                            

Benefits and expenses:

          

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     4,284       3,325        959      29 %

Interest credited

     984       1,167        (183 )    (16 )%

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     1,594       1,524        70      5 %

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     620       622        (2 )    —   %

Interest expense

     347       355        (8 )    (2 )%
                            

Total benefits and expenses

     7,829       6,993        836      12 %
                            

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (510 )     1,357        (1,867 )    (138 )%

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (259 )     383        (642 )    (168 )%
                            

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (251 )     974        (1,225 )    (126 )%

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         15        (15 )    (100 )%

Gain on sale from discontinued operations, net of taxes

     —         53        (53 )    (100 )%
                            

Net income (loss)

   $ (251 )   $ 1,042      $ (1,293 )    (124 )%
                            

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

Premiums

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment increased $141 million primarily due to an $81 million increase in our long-term care insurance business, a $36 million increase in our retirement income business and a $24 million increase in our life insurance business.

 

   

Our International segment increased $250 million as a result of a $169 million increase in our international mortgage insurance business and an increase of $81 million in our lifestyle protection insurance business. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included an increase of $142 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

   

Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment increased $114 million.

 

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Net investment income

 

   

Weighted-average investment yields decreased to 5.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 5.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in weighted-average investment yields was primarily attributable to lower yields on floating rate investments and reduced yields from holding higher cash balances to cover near term obligations and portfolio repositioning strategies.

 

   

Net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included a $36 million loss related to limited partnerships as compared to a $34 million gain in the three months ended September 30, 2007 reflecting equity method accounting changes on real estate partnerships. In addition, net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included $29 million of investment income related to bond calls and commercial mortgage loan prepayments as compared to $53 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

   

The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included $33 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates in our International segment.

Net investment gains (losses). We incurred $900 million of credit and/or cash flow related impairments and $416 million related to a change in intent to hold securities to recovery during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Of total impairments, $853 million related to securities backed by sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and $270 million related to certain financial services companies. Impairments related to financial services companies were a result of bankruptcies, receivership or concerns about the issuer’s ability to continue to make contractual payments. Net investment losses of $116 million from derivatives were primarily a result of the change in value of derivative instruments used for risk management of variable annuity guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits not fully offsetting the corresponding changes in the embedded liability during 2008. For further discussion of the change in net investment gains (losses), see the comparison for this line item under “—Investments and Derivative Instruments.”

Insurance and investment product fees and other

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment increased $116 million largely driven by an $81 million increase from our institutional business, a $16 million increase in our retirement income business, a $15 million increase in our wealth management business and a $4 million increase in our life insurance business.

 

   

Our International segment increased $4 million primarily related to our lifestyle protection insurance business. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included $4 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment increased $213 million attributable to a $102 million increase in our long-term care insurance business, a $70 million increase from our retirement income business and a $41 million increase in our life insurance business.

 

   

Our International segment increased $125 million as a result of an increase in our international mortgage insurance business of $97 million and an increase of $28 million in our lifestyle protection insurance business. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included an increase of $46 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

   

Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment increased $620 million.

Interest credited. Interest credited related to our Retirement and Protection segment decreased $183 million primarily due to an $165 million decrease related to our institutional business and a $34 million decrease in our retirement income business, offset by a $15 million increase in our long-term care insurance business.

 

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Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment increased $36 million primarily attributable to an increase of $16 million from our retirement income business, an increase of $14 million in our life insurance business and a $7 million increase in our wealth management business.

 

   

Our International segment increased $51 million related to a $17 million increase in our international mortgage insurance business and a $34 million increase in our lifestyle protection insurance business. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included an increase of $54 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

   

Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment increased $10 million.

 

   

Corporate and Other activities decreased $27 million.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment decreased $73 million due to a decrease of $91 million from our retirement income business, partially offset by an increase of $15 million in our institutional business, a $4 million increase in our long-term care insurance business and a $3 million decrease in our life insurance business.

 

   

Our International segment increased $20 million related to an increase in our international mortgage insurance business of $16 million and an increase in our lifestyle protection insurance business of $4 million. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included an increase of $13 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

   

Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment increased $62 million.

 

   

Corporate and Other activities decreased $11 million.

Interest expense.

 

   

Our Retirement and Protection segment decreased $29 million primarily related to our life insurance business from a decrease in average floating rates paid on our non-recourse funding obligations.

 

   

Our International segment increased $14 million in our lifestyle protection insurance business from an increase in reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method.

 

   

Corporate and other activities increased $7 million.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 50.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 28.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This increase in the effective tax rate was attributable to the recognition of tax benefits primarily driven by an increase in lower taxed foreign income on a pre-tax loss in the current year. This was partially offset by the impairment of non-deductible goodwill in the current year and reduced benefits attributable to favorable examination developments and changes in estimates. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included an increase of $18 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Net income (loss). The decrease in net income was largely the result of impairments recorded during 2008 and losses incurred in our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment. For a discussion of our Retirement and Protection, U.S. Mortgage Insurance and International segments and Corporate and other, see the “—Results of Operations and Selected Financial and Operating Performance Measures by Segment.” Included in net income was an increase of $48 million, net of tax, attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates. In the second quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of our group life and health insurance business. The sale resulted in a gain on sale of discontinued operations of $53 million, net of taxes.

 

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Earnings (loss) per share

The following table provides basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
   Nine months
ended September 30,

(Amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

       2008             2007            2008             2007    

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share:

         

Basic

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.77    $ (0.58 )   $ 2.21
                             

Diluted

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.76    $ (0.58 )   $ 2.16
                             

Earnings (loss) per common share:

         

Basic

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.77    $ (0.58 )   $ 2.36
                             

Diluted

   $ (0.60 )   $ 0.76    $ (0.58 )   $ 2.32
                             

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

         

Basic

     433.1       441.1      433.2       440.5
                             

Diluted

     433.1       445.6      433.2       449.8
                             

Weighted-average shares outstanding declined reflecting repurchases of 38.2 million shares since the beginning of the first quarter of 2007 through September 30, 2008. Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for both the 2008 and 2007 quarters reflect the effects of potentially dilutive securities including stock options, restricted stock units and other equity-based compensation. In May 2007, our Equity Unit holders purchased 25.5 million of newly issued shares of our common stock according to the stock purchase contract component of the Equity Units; therefore, the stock purchase contracts underlying Equity Units were only dilutive through May 2007. In May 2007, we repurchased 16.5 million shares of our common stock under an accelerated share repurchase transaction with a broker/dealer counterparty.

Results of Operations and Selected Financial and Operating Performance Measures by Segment

Our chief operating decision maker evaluates segment performance and allocates resources on the basis of “net operating income (loss).” We define net operating income (loss) as income (loss) from continuing operations excluding after-tax net investment gains (losses) and other adjustments and infrequent or unusual non-operating items. We exclude net investment gains (losses) and infrequent or unusual non-operating items because we do not consider them to be related to the operating performance of our segments and Corporate and Other activities. A significant component of our net investment gains (losses) is the result of impairments, including changes in intent to hold securities to recovery, and credit-related gains and losses, the timing of which can vary significantly depending on market credit cycles. In addition, the size and timing of other investment gains (losses) are often subject to our discretion and are influenced by market opportunities, as well as asset-liability matching considerations. Infrequent or unusual non-operating items are also excluded from net operating income (loss) if, in our opinion, they are not indicative of overall operating trends. While some of these items may be significant components of net income (loss) in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we believe that net operating income (loss), and measures that are derived from or incorporate net operating income (loss), are appropriate measures that are useful to investors because they identify the income (loss) attributable to the ongoing operations of the business. However, net operating income (loss) is not a substitute for net income (loss) determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, our definition of net operating income (loss) may differ from the definitions used by other companies. See note 13 in our “—Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for a reconciliation of net operating income (loss) of our segments and Corporate and Other activities to net income (loss).

Management’s discussion and analysis by segment also contains selected operating performance measures including “sales,” “assets under management” and “insurance in-force” or “risk in-force” which are commonly used in the insurance and investment industries as measures of operating performance.

 

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Management regularly monitors and reports sales metrics as a measure of volume of new and renewal business generated in a period. Sales refers to (1) annualized first-year premiums for term life, long-term care and Medicare supplement insurance; (2) new and additional premiums/deposits for universal life insurance, linked-benefits, spread-based and variable products; (3) gross and net flows, which represent gross flows less redemptions, for our wealth management business; (4) written premiums and deposits, gross of ceded reinsurance and cancellations, and premium equivalents, where we earn a fee for administrative services only business, for lifestyle protection insurance; (5) new insurance written for mortgage insurance, which in each case reflects the amount of business generated during each period presented; and (6) written premiums, net of cancellations, for our Mexican insurance operations. Sales do not include renewal premiums on policies or contracts written during prior periods. We consider annualized first-year premiums, new premiums/deposits, deposits and net flows, written premiums, premium equivalents and new insurance written to be measures of our operating performance because they represent a measure of new sales of insurance policies or contracts during a specified period, rather than measures of our revenues or profitability during that period.

Management regularly monitors and reports assets under management for our wealth management business, insurance in-force and risk in-force. Assets under management for our wealth management business represent third-party assets under management that are not consolidated in our financial statements. Insurance in-force for our life insurance, international mortgage insurance and U.S. mortgage insurance businesses is a measure of the aggregate face value of outstanding insurance policies as of the respective reporting date. Risk in-force for our international and U.S. mortgage insurance businesses is a measure that recognizes that the loss on any particular mortgage loan will be reduced by the net proceeds received upon sale of the underlying property. We consider assets under management for our wealth management business, insurance in-force and risk in-force to be measures of our operating performance because they represent measures of the size of our business at a specific date, rather than measures of our revenues or profitability during that period.

These operating measures enable us to compare our operating performance across periods without regard to revenues or profitability related to policies or contracts sold in prior periods or from investments or other sources.

The following discussions of our segment results of operations should be read in conjunction with the “—Business trends and conditions.

 

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Retirement and Protection segment

Segment results of operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the results of operations relating to our Retirement and Protection segment:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007                     2008 vs. 2007              

Revenues:

        

Premiums

   $ 958     $ 861     $ 97     11 %

Net investment income

     730       893       (163 )   (18 )%

Net investment gains (losses)

     (702 )     (38 )     (664 )   NM (1)

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     322       233       89     38 %
                          

Total revenues

     1,308       1,949       (641 )   (33 )%
                          

Benefits and expenses:

        

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     1,048       919       129     14 %

Interest credited

     319       391       (72 )   (18 )%

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     234       220       14     6 %

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     50       96       (46 )   (48 )%

Interest expense

     38       59       (21 )   (36 )%
                          

Total benefits and expenses

     1,689       1,685       4     —   %
                          

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (381 )     264       (645 )   NM (1)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (156 )     64       (220 )   NM (1)
                          

Net income (loss)

     (225 )     200       (425 )   NM (1)

Adjustment to net income (loss):

        

Net investment (gains) losses, net of taxes and other adjustments

     403       23       380     NM (1)
                          

Net operating income

   $ 178     $ 223     $ (45 )   (20 )%
                          

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

The following table sets forth net operating income for the businesses included in our Retirement and Protection segment:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
   Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008            2007                    2008 vs. 2007              

Net operating income:

          

Wealth management

   $ 12    $ 11    $ 1     %

Retirement income

     15      82      (67 )   (82 )%

Institutional

     49      10      39     NM (1)

Life insurance

     63      81      (18 )   (22 )%

Long-term care insurance

     39      39      —       —   %
                        

Total net operating income

   $ 178    $ 223    $ (45 )   (20 )%
                        

Net operating income

 

   

Our wealth management business remained relatively flat as the decrease in average assets under management from the unfavorable impact due to the volatility in the equity markets was offset by lower asset-based expenses.

 

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Our retirement income business decreased $67 million primarily as a result of lower net investment income from lower yields on floating rate investments and negative valuation marks on limited partnership investments, as well as a reclassification in 2008 of embedded derivative costs related to our guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit products previously reported in net investment gains (losses). We also had an increase in reserves from unfavorable mortality and higher amortization from volatility in the equity markets in the current year. These decreases were partially offset by growth in our Income Distribution Series and spread-based annuity products. In addition, the prior year included a tax benefit from favorable examination developments and a change in estimate related to the 2006 tax provision that did not recur in the current year.

 

   

Our institutional business increased $39 million largely attributable to income from granting an early redemption request from an institutional customer for FABNs at a price discounted to contract value. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net investment income from lower yields and negative valuation marks on limited partnership investments. There was also a decline in assets under management mainly due to the current challenging market environment and an impairment charge of $12 million related to goodwill in the third quarter of 2008.

 

   

Our life insurance business decreased $18 million primarily from a decrease in net investment income from negative valuation marks on limited partnership investments and lower yields, offset by lower interest expense reflecting the decline in the underlying index rate and favorable mortality in our term life insurance products.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business remained flat as growth of the in-force and favorable performance of newer issued policies was partially offset by the unfavorable performance of older issued policies, lower investment income yield and negative valuation marks on limited partnership investments.

Revenues

Premiums

 

   

Our retirement income business increased $63 million primarily attributable to higher sales of life-contingent immediate annuities as these products have become more attractive in the current environment, partially offset by runoff of our life-contingent structured settlement annuities.

 

   

Our life insurance business increased $5 million mainly related to in-force growth of our term life insurance from new sales and renewal premiums, partially offset by lapses and lower experience rating refunds from reinsurance transactions with one of our reinsurers.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $29 million mainly attributable to growth in the in-force block from new sales and renewal premiums.

Net investment income

 

   

Our retirement income business decreased $43 million primarily as a result of lower investment yields. Net investment income in the current year included a $12 million loss related to limited partnerships as compared to a $13 million gain in the prior year reflecting equity method accounting changes on real estate partnerships. The decrease was also attributable to less investment income from bond calls and commercial mortgage loan prepayments in the current year.

 

   

Our institutional business decreased $88 million attributable to lower yields on floating rate investments and a decline in average invested assets. Net investment income in the current year included a $10 million loss related to limited partnerships as compared to a $1 million gain in the prior year reflecting equity method accounting changes on real estate partnerships.

 

   

Our life insurance business decreased $42 million mainly due to lower yields on the assets backing our non-recourse funding obligations supporting certain term and universal life insurance reserves. Net

 

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investment income in the current year included a $4 million loss related to limited partnerships as compared to a $13 million gain in the prior year reflecting equity method accounting changes on real estate partnerships.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $12 million largely as a result of an increase in average invested assets due to growth in the in-force block. This increase was partially offset by lower valuation marks on limited partnership investments and lower investment yields.

Insurance and investment product fees and other

 

   

Our retirement income decreased $2 million mainly due to a reclassification in 2008 of embedded derivative costs related to our guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit products previously reported in net investment gains (losses) and lower municipal GIC advisory fees. These decreases were partially offset by growth in our Income Distribution Series products. In addition, our spread-based products decreased from lower surrender fee income in the current year.

 

   

Our institutional business increased $81 million related to income from granting an early redemption request from an institutional customer for FABNs at a price discounted to contract value.

 

   

Our life insurance business increased $10 million mainly attributable to a reclassification adjustment to benefits and other changes in policy reserves related to our universal life insurance products from the prior quarter. The increase was also attributed to growth in our universal life insurance products.

Benefits and expenses

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

 

   

Our retirement income business increased $80 million largely related to growth in our life-contingent spread-based products and unfavorable mortality, partially offset by lower amortization of sales inducements as a result of higher net investment losses. Our fee-based products also increased related to our guaranteed minimum benefit liabilities for our variable annuity contracts driven by the unfavorable volatility in the equity markets.

 

   

Our life insurance business increased $26 million principally attributable to unfavorable reserve adjustments to reflect the underlying experience and a system implementation in the current year related to our universal life insurance products with death or other benefit features and higher mortality in universal life insurance as compared to prior year. There was also a reclassification adjustment from insurance and investment product fees and other related to our universal life insurance products from the prior quarter.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $23 million mainly as a result of the aging and growth of the in-force block. This increase was partially offset by a favorable reserve adjustment of $14 million in the current year related to updating our utilization factors compared to $9 million in the prior year.

Interest credited

 

   

Our retirement income business decreased $4 million from lower account values on fixed annuities associated with surrenders more than offsetting sales. Additionally, crediting rates were reset to lower rates as the fixed annuities reach the end of their initial crediting rate guarantee period.

 

   

Our institutional business decreased $76 million mainly attributable to the impact of lower interest rates on interest paid on our floating rate policyholder liabilities and a decrease in average outstanding liabilities.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $6 million as a result of growth in the account value of our corporate-owned life insurance product.

 

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Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

 

   

Our wealth management business decreased $2 million from lower average assets under management largely attributable to the unfavorable impact due to the volatility in the equity markets, as well as lower operating expenses.

 

   

Our retirement income business increased $7 million driven by growth in our Income Distribution Series and spread-based annuity products.

 

   

Our life insurance business increased $5 million primarily from higher expenses due to growth of our insurance in-force block of business.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $5 million due to growth in our insurance in-force.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

 

   

Our retirement income business decreased $56 million due to a decrease in amortization of deferred acquisition costs for our spread-based retail products as a result of higher net investment losses and favorable lapse rates in the current year. Our fee-based products also decreased from lower amortization as a result of unfavorable market impacts in addition to derivative losses related to our guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit products. These were partially offset by higher amortization attributable to volatility in the equity markets and growth in our Income Distribution Series products.

 

   

Our institutional business increased $14 million primarily related to an impairment charge of $12 million related to goodwill in the third quarter of 2008.

 

   

Our life insurance business decreased $9 million mainly driven by lower amortization of $15 million from a revision to estimated gross profit assumptions in our universal life insurance products in the current year as compared to $7 million in the prior year.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $5 million due to growth of the in-force block.

Interest expense. Interest expense in our life insurance business decreased $21 million primarily from a decrease in average floating rates paid on our non-recourse funding obligations reflecting the decline in the underlying index rate.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 40.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 24.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2007. This increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the recognition of tax benefits on a pre-tax loss in the current year. In addition, an increase in tax favored investment benefits was recognized in the current quarter due to the increased proportion of current year losses to expected full year losses, as compared to the prior year income in proportion to the prior year expected full year income recorded under APB No. 28. This increase was partially offset by the impairment of non-deductible goodwill in the current quarter and reduced benefits attributable to favorable examination developments and changes in estimates.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the results of operations relating to our Retirement and Protection segment:

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
     Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008              2007          2008 vs. 2007  

Revenues:

          

Premiums

   $ 2,763      $ 2,622      $ 141     5 %

Net investment income

     2,292        2,597        (305 )   (12 )%

Net investment gains (losses)

     (1,423 )      (102 )      (1,321 )   NM (1)

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     795        679        116     17 %
                            

Total revenues

     4,427        5,796        (1,369 )   (24 )%
                            

Benefits and expenses:

          

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     2,957        2,744        213     8 %

Interest credited

     984        1,167        (183 )   (16 )%

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     690        654        36     6 %

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     239        312        (73 )   (23 )%

Interest expense

     124        153        (29 )   (19 )%
                            

Total benefits and expenses

     4,994        5,030        (36 )   (1 )%
                            

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (567 )      766        (1,333 )   (174 )%

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (219 )      240        (459 )   (191 )%
                            

Net income (loss)

     (348 )      526        (874 )   (166 )%

Adjustment to net income (loss):

          

Net investment (gains) losses, net of taxes and other adjustments

     838        62        776     NM (1)
                            

Net operating income

   $ 490      $ 588      $ (98 )   (17 )%
                            

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

The following table sets forth net operating income for the businesses included in our Retirement and Protection segment:

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
   Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008            2007        2008 vs. 2007  

Net operating income:

           

Wealth management

   $ 35    $ 32    $ 3      9 %

Retirement income

     64      171      (107 )    (63 )%

Institutional

     65      34      31      91 %

Life insurance

     215      234      (19 )    (8 )%

Long-term care insurance

     111      117      (6 )    (5 )%
                         

Total net operating income

   $ 490    $ 588    $ (98 )    (17 )%
                         

Net operating income

 

   

Our wealth management business increased $3 million due to growth in average assets under management, partially offset by the impact of the unfavorable volatility in equity markets combined with higher asset-based expenses.

 

   

Our retirement income business decreased $107 million primarily as a result of lower net investment income from lower yields on floating rate investments and negative valuation marks on limited

 

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partnership investments, as well as a reclassification in 2008 of embedded derivative costs related to our guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit products previously reported in net investment gains (losses). We also had an increase in reserves from unfavorable mortality and higher amortization from volatility in the equity markets in the current year. These decreases were partially offset by growth in our Income Distribution Series and spread-based annuity products. In addition, the prior year included a tax benefit from favorable examination developments and a change in estimate related to the 2006 tax provision that did not recur in the current year.

 

   

Our institutional business increased $31 million largely attributable to income from granting an early redemption request from an institutional customer for FABNs at a price discounted to contract value. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net investment income from lower yields and negative valuation marks on limited partnerships. There was also a decline in assets under management mainly due to the current challenging market environment and an impairment charge of $12 million related to goodwill in the third quarter of 2008.

 

   

Our life insurance business decreased $19 million primarily from a decrease in net investment income from lower yields on assets backing our non-recourse funding obligations, partially offset by lower interest expense reflecting the decline in the underlying index rate and growth in the term and universal life insurance in-force. The current year also included unfavorable reserve adjustments.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business decreased $6 million primarily attributable to $10 million, net of tax, of favorable investment items in the prior year, partially offset by an update in factors associated with mortality notifications in the current year. Excluding these items, our long-term care insurance business was relatively flat as the favorable performance of newer issued policies was offset by the unfavorable performance of older issued policies, lower investment income yield and negative valuation marks on limited partnership investments.

Revenues

Premiums

 

   

Our retirement income business increased $36 million primarily attributable to higher sales of life-contingent immediate annuities as these products have become more attractive in the current environment, as well as improvements in wholesaler productivity levels and rate actions on certain immediate annuities. These increases were partially offset by runoff of our life-contingent structured settlement annuities.

 

   

Our life insurance business increased $24 million mainly related to in-force growth of our term life insurance from new sales and renewal premiums, partially offset by lapses and lower experience rating refunds from reinsurance transactions with one of our reinsurers.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $81 million mainly attributable to growth in the in-force block from new sales and renewal premiums.

Net investment income

 

   

Our retirement income business decreased $89 million primarily as a result of a decline in average invested assets and lower investment yields in our spread-based retail products. Net investment income in the current year included a $17 million loss related to limited partnerships as compared to a $17 million gain in the prior year reflecting equity method accounting changes on real estate partnerships. The decrease was also attributable to less investment income from bond calls and commercial mortgage loan prepayments in the current year.

 

   

Our institutional business decreased $186 million primarily attributable to lower yields on floating rate investments and a decline in average invested assets. Net investment income in the current year included

 

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a $10 million loss related to limited partnerships as compared to a $2 million gain in the prior year reflecting equity method accounting changes on real estate partnerships. The decrease was also attributable to less investment income from bond calls and commercial mortgage loan prepayments in the current year.

 

   

Our life insurance business decreased $62 million mainly due to lower yields on the assets backing our non-recourse funding obligations supporting certain term and universal life insurance reserves. Net investment income in the current year included a $1 million loss related to limited partnerships as compared to a $16 million gain in the prior year reflecting equity method accounting changes on real estate partnerships. The decrease was also attributable to less investment income from bond calls and commercial mortgage loan prepayments in the current year.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $34 million largely as a result of an increase in average invested assets due to growth in the in-force block. This increase was partially offset by $15 million less of investment income from bond calls and commercial mortgage prepayments, negative valuation marks on limited partnership investments in the current year and lower yields.

Insurance and investment product fees and other

 

   

Our wealth management business increased $15 million primarily as a result of growth in average assets under management, partially offset by the impact of the unfavorable volatility in equity markets on assets under management.

 

   

Our retirement income business increased $16 million mainly due to our fee-based products from growth of our Income Distribution Series products. This increase was partially offset by a reclassification in 2008 of embedded derivative costs related to our guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit products previously reported in net investment gains (losses) and lower municipal GIC advisory fees. In addition, our spread-based products decreased from lower surrender fee income in the current year.

 

   

Our institutional business increased $81 million due to income from granting an early redemption request from an institutional customer for FABNs at a price discounted to contract value.

 

   

Our life insurance business increased $4 million mainly attributed to growth of our universal life insurance products.

Benefits and expenses

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

 

   

Our retirement income business increased $70 million largely related to growth in our life-contingent spread-based products driven by growth in the in-force block and unfavorable mortality, partially offset by lower amortization of sales inducements as a result of higher net investment losses. Our fee-based products also increased related to our guaranteed minimum benefit liabilities for our variable annuity contracts driven by the unfavorable volatility in the equity markets.

 

   

Our life insurance business increased $41 million principally attributable to unfavorable reserve adjustments to reflect the underlying experience and a system implementation in the current year related to our universal life insurance products with death or other benefit features and higher mortality in universal life insurance as compared to prior year. In addition, the increase is driven by growth of our term life insurance in-force block and an increase in reserves related to a policy valuation system input correction in a small block of term life insurance policies in the current year.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $102 million mainly as a result of the aging and growth of the in-force block. Partially offsetting this increase was an $8 million update in factors associated with mortality notifications.

 

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Interest credited

 

   

Our retirement income business decreased $34 million largely from lower account values on fixed annuities associated with surrenders more than offsetting sales. Additionally, crediting rates were reset to lower rates as the fixed annuities reach the end of their initial crediting rate guarantee period.

 

   

Our institutional business decreased $165 million mainly attributable to the impact of lower interest rates on interest paid on our floating rate policyholder liabilities and a decrease in average outstanding liabilities.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $15 million due to growth in the account value of our corporate-owned life insurance product.

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

 

   

Our wealth management business increased $7 million attributable to higher asset-based expenses as a result of the growth of average assets under management.

 

   

Our retirement income business increased $16 million primarily driven by growth in our Income Distribution Series and spread-based annuity products.

 

   

Our life insurance business increased $14 million primarily from higher expenses from growth of our in-force business.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

 

   

Our retirement income business decreased $91 million attributable to a decrease in amortization of deferred acquisition costs for our spread-based retail products as a result of higher net investment losses and favorable lapse rates in the current year. Our fee-based products also decreased from lower amortization as a result of unfavorable market impacts in addition to derivative losses related to our guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit products. These were partially offset by higher amortization attributable to volatility in the equity markets and growth in our Income Distribution Series products.

 

   

Our institutional business increased $15 million primarily related to an impairment charge of $12 million related to goodwill in the third quarter of 2008.

 

   

Our life insurance business decreased $3 million driven by lower amortization of $15 million from a revision to estimated gross profit assumptions in our universal life insurance products in the current year as compared to $7 million in the prior year. This decrease was offset by continued growth of insurance in-force and a policy valuation system input correction in a small block of term life insurance policies in the current year.

 

   

Our long-term care insurance business increased $4 million due to growth in the in-force block, partially offset by the final purchase accounting adjustments in the prior year that accelerated amortization of the present value of future profits.

Interest expense. Interest expense in our life insurance business decreased $29 million primarily from a decrease in average floating rates paid on our non-recourse funding obligations reflecting the decline in the underlying index rate.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 38.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 31.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the recognition of tax benefits on a pre-tax loss in the current year, which was partially offset by the impairment of non-deductible goodwill in the current year and reduced benefits attributable to favorable examination developments and changes in estimates.

 

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Retirement and Protection selected financial and operating performance measures

Wealth management

The following table sets forth selected financial performance measures regarding our wealth management business as of or for the periods indicated:

 

     As of or for the three
months ended September 30,
    As of or for the nine
months ended September 30,
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007             2008             2007      

Assets under management, beginning of period

   $ 20,285     $ 20,683     $ 21,584     $ 17,293  

Gross flows

     1,230       1,665       3,915       5,136  

Redemptions

     (1,047 )     (567 )     (3,171 )     (1,492 )
                                

Net flows

     183       1,098       744       3,644  

Market performance

     (1,797 )     (119 )     (3,657 )     725  
                                

Assets under management, end of period

   $ 18,671     $ 21,662     $ 18,671     $ 21,662  
                                

Wealth management results represent Genworth Financial Wealth Management, Inc., Genworth Financial Advisors Corporation, Genworth Financial Trust Company and Capital Brokerage Corporation. On August 1, 2008, Genworth Financial Asset Management, Inc. merged into AssetMark Investment Services, Inc. with AssetMark Investment Services, Inc. being the surviving entity. AssetMark Investment Services, Inc. subsequently changed its name to Genworth Financial Wealth Management, Inc. on August 1, 2008.

The decrease in these assets was primarily due to unfavorable equity market performance in the current year. Gross flows continue to outpace redemptions; however, given the current market conditions, redemptions have increased significantly as gross flows have slowed during 2008.

 

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Retirement income

Fee-based retail products

The following table sets forth selected financial performance measures regarding our fee-based retail products as of or for the periods indicated:

 

     As of or for the three
months ended September 30,
    As of or for the nine
months ended September 30,
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007             2008             2007      

Income Distribution Series(1)

        

Account value, net of reinsurance, beginning of period

   $ 5,308     $ 3,361     $ 4,535     $ 2,402  

Deposits

     506       543       1,697       1,446  

Surrenders, benefits and product charges

     (115 )     (78 )     (332 )     (204 )
                                

Net flows

     391       465       1,365       1,242  

Interest credited and investment performance

     (327 )     152       (528 )     334  
                                

Account value, net of reinsurance, end of period

   $ 5,372     $ 3,978     $ 5,372     $ 3,978  
                                

Traditional variable annuities

        

Account value, net of reinsurance, beginning of period

   $ 2,278     $ 2,098     $ 2,345     $ 1,780  

Deposits

     92       133       305       412  

Surrenders, benefits and product charges

     (66 )     (48 )     (188 )     (145 )
                                

Net flows

     26       85       117       267  

Interest credited and investment performance

     (290 )     79       (448 )     215  
                                

Account value, net of reinsurance, end of period

   $ 2,014     $ 2,262     $ 2,014     $ 2,262  
                                

Variable life insurance

        

Account value, beginning of period

   $ 373     $ 408     $ 403     $ 391  

Deposits

     4       6       14       18  

Surrenders, benefits and product charges

     (15 )     (15 )     (35 )     (41 )
                                

Net flows

     (11 )     (9 )     (21 )     (23 )

Interest credited and investment performance

     (38 )     15       (58 )     46  
                                

Account value, end of period

   $ 324     $ 414     $ 324     $ 414  
                                

 

(1)

The Income Distribution Series products are comprised of our guaranteed retirement income deferred and immediate variable annuity products, including those variable annuity products with rider options that provide similar income features. These products do not include fixed single premium immediate annuities or deferred annuities, which may also serve income distribution needs.

Income Distribution Series

We experienced an increase in assets under management attributable to continued sales growth of our guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit rider, partially offset by unfavorable volatility in the equity markets.

Traditional variable annuities

In our traditional variable annuities, the decrease in assets under management was principally the result of the unfavorable volatility in the equity markets, partially offset by continued sales.

 

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Spread-based retail products

The following table sets forth selected financial performance measures regarding our spread-based retail products as of or for the periods indicated:

 

     As of or for the three
months ended September 30,
    As of or for the nine
months ended September 30,
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007             2008             2007      

Fixed annuities

        

Account value, net of reinsurance, beginning of period

   $ 12,130     $ 12,886     $ 12,073     $ 13,972  

Deposits

     514       184       1,283       535  

Surrenders, benefits and product charges

     (576 )     (815 )     (1,499 )     (2,495 )
                                

Net flows

     (62 )     (631 )     (216 )     (1,960 )

Interest credited

     106       113       317       356  
                                

Account value, net of reinsurance, end of period

   $ 12,174     $ 12,368     $ 12,174     $ 12,368  
                                

Single premium immediate annuities

        

Account value, net of reinsurance, beginning of period

   $ 6,781     $ 6,367     $ 6,668     $ 6,174  

Premiums and deposits

     280       247       759       745  

Surrenders, benefits and product charges

     (197 )     (241 )     (742 )     (715 )
                                

Net flows

     83       6       17       30  

Interest credited

     92       85       271       254  
                                

Account value, net of reinsurance, end of period

   $ 6,956     $ 6,458     $ 6,956     $ 6,458  
                                

Structured settlements

        

Account value, net of reinsurance, beginning of period

   $ 1,107     $ 1,088     $ 1,103     $ 1,011  

Premiums and deposits

     —         5       3       82  

Surrenders, benefits and product charges

     (15 )     (15 )     (42 )     (44 )
                                

Net flows

     (15 )     (10 )     (39 )     38  

Interest credited

     14       14       42       43  
                                

Account value, net of reinsurance, end of period

   $ 1,106     $ 1,092     $ 1,106     $ 1,092  
                                

Total premiums from spread-based retail products

   $ 181     $ 118     $ 459     $ 423  
                                

Total deposits on spread-based retail products

   $ 613     $ 318     $ 1,586     $ 939  
                                

Fixed annuities

Surrenders exceeded deposits as initial bonus crediting rates have begun to enter their rate reset period resulting in lower crediting rates. During 2008, the yield curve steepened and certain fixed annuities became more attractive relative to investment alternatives, such as certificates of deposit.

Single premium immediate annuities

The account value, net of reinsurance, increased primarily due to the positive net flows as this product has become more attractive in the current market environment compared to other products, such as certificates of deposits.

Structured settlements

We no longer solicit sales of this product as a result of a continued challenging and competitive long-term interest rate environment. However, we continue to service our existing block of business.

 

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Institutional

The following table sets forth selected financial performance measures regarding our institutional business as of or for the periods indicated:

 

     As of or for the three
months ended September 30,
    As of or for the nine
months ended September 30,
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007             2008             2007      

Account value, beginning of period

   $ 10,773     $ 11,515     $ 10,982     $ 10,483  

Deposits(1)

     558       323       1,937       2,152  

Surrenders and benefits(1)

     (2,149 )     (710 )     (3,975 )     (1,799 )
                                

Net flows

     (1,591 )     (387 )     (2,038 )     353  

Interest credited

     94       154       307       442  

Foreign currency translation

     (23 )     10       2       14  
                                

Account value, end of period

   $ 9,253     $ 11,292     $ 9,253     $ 11,292  
                                

 

(1)

“Surrenders and benefits” include contracts that have matured but are redeposited with us and reflected as deposits. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, there were no contracts that matured but were redeposited. For the three months ended September 30, 2007, contracts that matured but were redeposited and reflected under “Deposits” amounted to $100 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, contracts that matured but were redeposited and reflected under “Deposits” amounted to $295 million and $300 million, respectively.

The decrease in account values was primarily the result of scheduled maturities of GICs and FABNs outpacing new issuances. The current credit market conditions have made FABNs for large institutional investors less attractive compared to alternative products offering higher yields or more liquidity. The decrease in interest credited was driven by lower crediting rates on our floating rate products attributable to a decrease in interest rates compared to 2007.

See “—Trends and conditions affecting our segments” for further discussion of the impact of the current credit market condition on FABNs and funding agreements.

 

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Life insurance

The following table sets forth selected financial and operating performance measures regarding our life insurance business as of or for the periods indicated:

 

    Three months
ended September 30,
  Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
    Nine months
ended September 30,
  Increase (decrease)
and percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

      2008           2007               2008 vs. 2007                 2008           2007               2008 vs. 2007          

Term life insurance

               

Net earned premiums

  $ 237   $ 231   $ 6     3 %   $ 718   $ 691   $ 27     4 %

Annualized first-year premiums

    21     28     (7 )   (25 )%     69     86     (17 )   (20 )%

Universal and whole life insurance

               

Net earned premiums and deposits

  $ 136   $ 143   $ (7 )   (5 )%   $ 419   $ 420   $ (1 )   —   %

Universal life annualized first-year deposits

    12     15     (3 )   (20 )%     39     41     (2 )   (5 )%

Universal life excess deposits

    43     53     (10 )   (19 )%     132     142     (10 )   (7 )%

Total life insurance

               

Net earned premiums and deposits

  $ 373   $ 374   $ (1 )   —   %   $ 1,137   $ 1,111   $ 26     2 %

Annualized first-year premiums

    21     28     (7 )   (25 )%     69     86     (17 )   (20 )%

Annualized first-year deposits

    12     15     (3 )   (20 )%     39     41     (2 )   (5 )%

Excess deposits

    43     53     (10 )   (19 )%     132     142     (10 )   (7 )%

 

     As of September 30,    Percentage
change
 

(Amounts in millions)

   2008    2007    2008 vs. 2007  

Term life insurance

           

Life insurance in-force, net of reinsurance

   $ 491,032    $ 457,001       7 %

Life insurance in-force before reinsurance

     625,385      614,248       2 %

Universal and whole life insurance

           

Life insurance in-force, net of reinsurance

   $ 43,781    $ 41,638       5 %

Life insurance in-force before reinsurance

     51,043      50,737       1 %

Total life insurance

           

Life insurance in-force, net of reinsurance

   $ 534,813    $ 498,639       7 %

Life insurance in-force before reinsurance

     676,428      664,985       2 %

Term life insurance

The increase in term life insurance net earned premiums and insurance in-force was mainly due to growth of the in-force block of business as annualized first-year premiums exceeded lapses. Annualized first-year premiums decreased as we maintained our pricing discipline and focus on middle market.

Universal and whole life insurance

Annualized first-year deposits decreased as the overall universal life insurance market has declined. The in-force block was relatively flat as the growth in universal life insurance was offset by the continued runoff of our closed block of whole life insurance.

 

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Long-term care insurance

The following table sets forth selected financial and operating performance measures regarding our long-term care insurance business, which includes individual and group long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, a linked-benefits product (that combines universal life insurance and long-term care insurance product features), as well as several runoff blocks of accident and health insurance and corporate-owned life insurance for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
   Increase
(decrease) and
percentage change
    Nine months
ended September 30,
   Increase
(decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008            2007            2008 vs. 2007             2008            2007            2008 vs. 2007      

Net earned premiums:

                      

Long-term care

   $ 470    $ 444    $ 26    6 %   $ 1,372    $ 1,293    $ 79    6 %

Medicare supplement and other

     66      63      3    5 %     199      197      2    1 %
                                              

Total

   $ 536    $ 507    $ 29    6 %   $ 1,571    $ 1,490    $ 81    5 %
                                              

Annualized first-year premiums and deposits

   $ 64    $ 60    $ 4    7 %   $ 192    $ 166    $ 26    16 %
                                              

Net earned premiums increased primarily due to growth in the individual long-term care insurance and Medicare supplement in-force block from new sales.

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the increase in annualized first-year premiums and deposits was primarily attributable to growth in our Medicare supplement insurance, partially offset by a decrease in our linked-benefits product. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the increase in annualized first-year premiums and deposits was primarily attributable to growth in our Medicare supplement insurance, our linked-benefits product and individual long-term care insurance.

 

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International segment

Segment results of operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the results of operations relating to our International segment:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
   Increase
(decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007            2008 vs. 2007      

Revenues:

         

Premiums

   $ 587     $ 572    $ 15     3 %

Net investment income

     146       131      15     11 %

Net investment gains (losses)

     (37 )     —        (37 )   NM (1)

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     7       8      (1 )   (13 ) %
                         

Total revenues

     703       711      (8 )   (1 )%
                         

Benefits and expenses:

         

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     147       126      21     17 %

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     254       281      (27 )   (10 )%

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     87       94      (7 )   (7 )%

Interest expense

     19       6      13     NM (1)
                         

Total benefits and expenses

     507       507      —       —   %
                         

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     196       204      (8 )   (4 )%

Provision for income taxes

     54       65      (11 )   (17 )%
                         

Net income

     142       139      3     2 %

Adjustment to net income:

         

Net investment (gains) losses, net of taxes and other adjustments

     24       1      23     NM (1)
                         

Net operating income

   $ 166     $ 140    $ 26     19 %
                         

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

The following table sets forth net operating income for the businesses included in our International segment:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
   Increase
(decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008            2007            2008 vs. 2007      

Net operating income:

           

International mortgage insurance

   $ 126    $ 110    $ 16    15 %

Lifestyle protection insurance

     40      30      10    33 %
                       

Total net operating income

   $ 166    $ 140    $ 26    19 %
                       

Net operating income

 

   

The three months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $2 million and $3 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was driven by growth and seasoning of our insurance in-force in Canada and Australia.

 

   

The increase in our lifestyle protection insurance business was primarily associated with growth in Europe, a lower effective tax rate and continued expansion in new markets.

 

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Revenues

Premiums

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business increased $37 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business decreased $22 million.

 

   

The three months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $5 million and $11 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was driven primarily by the growth and seasoning of our international in-force block of business, primarily in Canada.

 

   

The decrease in our lifestyle protection insurance business was primarily attributable to a decrease in the U.K. from reduced levels of consumer lending and lower single premium sales pending anticipated clarifications of related new business regulations. In addition, we experienced a decrease from our runoff block of business and structured transactions. Reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method increased resulting in lower premiums. These decreases were partially offset by growth in Europe and continued expansion in new markets, largely in Poland and Mexico.

Net investment income

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business increased $6 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business increased $9 million.

 

   

The three months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $2 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for both our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was largely due to an increase in average invested assets associated with growth of the business. The increase was partially offset by a reclassification of fees associated with the government-mandated reserve for our Canadian mortgage insurance business in 2007.

 

   

The increase in our lifestyle protection insurance business was principally attributable to increased yields and additional reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method.

Benefits and expenses

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business increased $32 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business decreased $11 million.

 

   

The three months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $6 million and $4 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was primarily driven by higher losses in Canada from increased reserves per delinquency reflecting higher loan balances as large in-force books season in a slowing economic environment. There were also increased losses in Europe, particularly in Spain and Ireland, from higher delinquencies partially offset by a favorable reserve adjustment related to ongoing loss mitigation activities in Spain.

 

   

The decrease in our lifestyle protection insurance business was largely a result of a reserve adjustment related to our reinsurance block of business and an increase in reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method. These decreases were offset by an increase in claims primarily from growth in Europe, higher claims frequency in Spain, Italy and Ireland and aging of our structured transactions.

 

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Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business decreased $9 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business decreased $18 million.

 

   

The three months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $6 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our lifestyle protection insurance business.

 

   

The decrease in our international mortgage insurance business was primarily a result of a reclassification of fees associated with the government-mandated reserve for our Canadian mortgage insurance business which increased expenses in 2007.

 

   

The decrease in our lifestyle protection insurance business was largely attributable to a decrease in paid commissions driven by lower volume, particularly in the U.K., and a decrease in profit commissions driven by lower volumes in the U.K. and higher claims frequency in Spain, Italy and Ireland.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business increased $4 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business decreased $11 million.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was mainly related to an increase in amortization of deferred acquisition costs from the growth and seasoning of our insurance in-force.

 

   

The decrease in our lifestyle protection insurance business was largely attributable to a decrease in structured transactions and a decrease in the U.K. from reduced levels of consumer lending and an increase in reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method, partially offset by growth in Europe.

Interest expense. The increase was primarily due to reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method in our lifestyle protection insurance business.

Provision for income taxes. The effective tax rate decreased to 27.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 31.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to an increase in lower taxed foreign income and an unfavorable examination development in the prior year. The three months ended September 30, 2008 also included an increase of $1 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our lifestyle protection insurance business.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the results of operations relating to our International segment:

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007                   2008 vs. 2007            

Revenues:

        

Premiums

   $ 1,824     $ 1,574     $ 250     16 %

Net investment income

     432       332       100     30 %

Net investment gains (losses)

     (19 )     (5 )     (14 )   NM (1)

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     25       21       4     19 %
                          

Total revenues

     2,262       1,922       340     18 %
                          

Benefits and expenses:

        

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     470       345       125     36 %

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     785       734       51     7 %

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     287       267       20     7 %

Interest expense

     34       20       14     70 %
                          

Total benefits and expenses

     1,576       1,366       210     15 %
                          

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     686       556       130     23 %

Provision for income taxes

     189       155       34     22 %
                          

Net income

     497       401       96     24 %

Adjustment to net income:

        

Net investment (gains) losses, net of taxes and other adjustments

     12       4       8     200 %
                          

Net operating income

   $ 509     $ 405     $ 104     26 %
                          

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

The following table sets forth net operating income for the businesses included in our International segment:

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
   Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008            2007                2008 vs. 2007          

Net operating income:

           

International mortgage insurance

   $ 382    $ 311    $ 71    23 %

Lifestyle protection insurance

     127      94      33    35 %
                       

Total net operating income

   $ 509    $ 405    $ 104    26 %
                       

Net operating income

 

   

The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $35 million and $14 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was driven by growth and seasoning of our insurance in-force in Canada and Australia.

 

   

The increase in our lifestyle protection insurance business was primarily associated with growth in Europe and continued expansion in new markets.

 

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Revenues

Premiums

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business increased $169 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business increased $81 million.

 

   

The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $62 million and $80 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was driven primarily by the seasoning of our international in-force block of business and growth.

 

   

Excluding the effects of foreign exchange, our lifestyle protection insurance business was relatively flat as an increase from growth in Europe and new markets was partially offset by a decrease from our runoff block of business. Additionally, reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method increased resulting in lower premiums.

Net investment income

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business increased $70 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business increased $30 million.

 

   

The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $23 million and $10 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was largely due to an increase in average invested assets associated with growth of the business, as well as increased yields.

 

   

The increase in our lifestyle protection insurance business was principally attributable to an increase in average invested assets as a result of growth in new business, increased yields and an increase in reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method.

Insurance and investment product fees and other. The increase was primarily related to our lifestyle protection insurance business as a result of a $3 million increase attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Benefits and expenses

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business increased $97 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business increased $28 million.

 

   

The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $28 million and $18 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was primarily driven by higher delinquencies in Canada and higher reserves per delinquency reflecting higher loan balances as large in-force books season in a slowing economic environment. There were also increased losses in Europe, particularly in Spain and Ireland, from higher delinquencies. Partially offsetting these increases was the decline in losses in Australia as a result of lower reserves per delinquency and a favorable reserve adjustment related to ongoing loss mitigation activities in Spain.

 

   

The increase in our lifestyle protection insurance business was largely due to an increase in claim reserves resulting from maturity of structured transactions and growth in Europe. These increases were

 

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offset by a decrease in our reserves as a result of a reserve adjustment related to our reinsurance runoff block of business, an increase in reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method and lower paid claims due to a decrease in claim volume, particularly in the U.K.

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business increased $17 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business increased $34 million.

 

   

The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $7 million and $47 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was primarily driven by growth in our international businesses.

 

   

Excluding the effects of foreign exchange, our lifestyle protection insurance business decreased largely due to a decrease in profit commissions from lower volume and a shift to a more single premium business. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in paid commissions and operating expenses driven by growth of the business.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

 

   

Our international mortgage insurance business increased $16 million and our lifestyle protection insurance business increased $4 million.

 

   

The nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $4 million and $9 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

 

   

The increase in our international mortgage insurance business was mainly due to an increase in amortization of deferred acquisition costs from the growth and seasoning of our insurance in-force.

 

   

Excluding the effects of foreign exchange, our lifestyle protection insurance business decreased from reduced levels of consumer lending in the U.K., partially offset by growth in Europe.

Interest expense. The increase was primarily due to reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method in our lifestyle protection insurance business.

Provision for income taxes. The effective tax rate decreased to 27.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 27.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to an increase in lower taxed foreign income. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 also included increases of $13 million and $5 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates for our international mortgage and lifestyle protection insurance businesses, respectively.

International selected financial and operating performance measures

International mortgage insurance

The following tables set forth selected financial and operating performance measures regarding our international mortgage business as of or for the dates indicated:

 

     As of September 30,    Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

   2008    2007            2008 vs. 2007          

Primary insurance in-force

   $ 464,600    $ 461,900    $ 2,700    1 %

Risk in-force

     148,000      146,800      1,200    1 %

 

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    Three months
ended September 30,
  Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
    Nine months
ended September 30,
  Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

  2008   2007       2008 vs. 2007         2008   2007       2008 vs. 2007      

New insurance written

  $ 21,300   $ 36,200   $ (14,900 )   (41 )%   $ 63,600   $ 108,900   $ (45,300 )   (42 )%

Net premiums written

    306     452     (146 )   (32 )%     843     1,202     (359 )   (30 )%

Net premiums earned

    245     208     37     18 %     745     576     169     29 %

Primary insurance in-force and risk in-force

Our businesses in Australia, New Zealand and Canada currently provide 100% coverage on the majority of the loans we insure in those markets. For the purpose of representing our risk in-force, we have computed an “effective” risk in-force amount, which recognizes that the loss on any particular loan will be reduced by the net proceeds received upon sale of the property. Effective risk in-force has been calculated by applying to insurance in-force a factor that represents our highest expected average per-claim payment for any one underwriting year over the life of our businesses in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, this factor was 35%.

Primary insurance in-force and risk in-force remained relatively flat as slowing originations markets in Canada and Australia decreased new insurance written. Our international mortgage insurance primary insurance in-force included a decrease of $41.3 billion attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates as of September 30, 2008.

New insurance written

New insurance written decreased attributable to declining new business in Europe where we are taking a more conservative stance, slowing originations markets in Canada and Australia and lower bulk new insurance written in Canada and Australia. The three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $0.6 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively, attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Net premiums written and net premiums earned

Most of our international mortgage insurance policies provide for single premiums at the time that loan proceeds are advanced. We initially record the single premiums to unearned premium reserves and recognize the premiums earned over time in accordance with the expected pattern of risk emergence. As of September 30, 2008, our unearned premium reserves decreased to $3.2 billion, including a decrease of $251 million attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates, from $3.3 billion as of September 30, 2007.

Net premiums written decreased primarily due to a decrease in new insurance written in our international mortgage insurance business driven by slowing originations markets in Canada and Australia. The three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $5 million and $64 million, respectively, attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Net premiums earned increased primarily from the seasoning of our international in-force block of business and growth. The three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $5 million and $62 million, respectively, attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

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Loss and expense ratios

The following table sets forth the loss and expense ratios our international mortgage business for the dates indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease)     Nine months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease)  
     2008     2007     2008 vs. 2007     2008     2007     2008 vs. 2007  

Loss ratio

   40 %   32 %   8 %   37 %   31 %   6 %

Expense ratio

   22 %   16 %   6 %   26 %   15 %   11 %

The loss ratio is the ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to net premiums earned. The expense ratio is the ratio of general expenses to net premiums written. In our business, general expenses consist of acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals, and amortization of deferred acquisition cost and intangibles.

The increase in the loss ratio was attributable to higher incurred losses in Canada primarily from the seasoning of large books of insurance in-force in a slowing economic environment and increased losses from higher delinquencies in Europe, particularly in Spain and Ireland.

The increase in the expense ratio was primarily attributable to a decrease in net premiums written.

Delinquent loans

The following table sets forth the number of loans insured, the number of delinquent loans and the delinquency rate for our international mortgage insurance portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Primary insurance

    

Insured loans in-force

   2,926,312     2,789,750  

Delinquent loans

   19,991     14,821  

Percentage of delinquent loans (delinquency rate)

   0.68 %   0.53 %

Flow loans in-force

   2,387,502     2,263,132  

Flow delinquent loans

   18,397     13,843  

Percentage of flow delinquent loans (delinquency rate)

   0.77 %   0.61 %

Bulk loans in-force

   538,810     526,618  

Bulk delinquent loans(1)

   1,594     978  

Percentage of bulk delinquent loans (delinquency rate)

   0.30 %   0.19 %

 

(1)

Includes loans where we were in a secondary loss position for which no reserve was established due to an existing deductible. Excluding these loans, bulk delinquent loans were 1,149 and 646 as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

Primary flow and bulk loans in-force increased largely as a result of our continued growth in our international business. Delinquent loans increased from higher delinquencies in Europe, particularly in Spain and Ireland, and as a result of seasoning of our insurance in-force in a slowing economic environment.

 

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International mortgage insurance loan portfolio

The following table sets forth selected financial information regarding the effective risk in-force of our international mortgage insurance loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007(1)

Loan-to-value ratio

     

95.01% and above

   $ 32,997    $ 30,270

90.01% to 95.00%

     33,328      33,894

80.01% to 90.00%

     31,863      32,965

80.00% and below

     49,794      54,268
             

Total

   $ 147,982    $ 151,397
             

 

(1)

The amounts previously presented in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K have been revised to include capitalized premiums in the calculation of loan-to-value ratios. The revision had no impact on total risk in-force.

Lifestyle protection insurance

The following table sets forth selected financial and operating performance measures regarding our lifestyle protection insurance business and other related consumer protection insurance products for the periods indicated:

 

    Three months
ended September 30,
  Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
    Nine months
ended September 30,
  Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

      2008           2007             2008 vs. 2007               2008           2007               2008 vs. 2007          

Lifestyle protection insurance gross written premiums, premium equivalents and deposits

  $ 613   $ 654   $ (41 )   (6 )%   $ 1,973   $ 2,108   $ (135 )   (6 )%

Mexico operations gross written premiums

    23     19     4     21 %     64     56     8     14 %

Net earned premiums

    342     364     (22 )   (6 )%     1,079     998     81     8 %

Gross written premiums, premium equivalents and deposits

Gross written premiums, premium equivalents and deposits, gross of ceded reinsurance and cancellations, decreased mainly attributable to a decline in the U.K. market and new business regulations, partially offset by increased sales growth in Europe and continued market penetration in new markets. The three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $23 million and $160 million, respectively, attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

Net earned premiums

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in the U.K. from reduced levels of consumer lending and lower single premium sales as a result of pending anticipated clarifications of related new business regulations. In addition, we experienced a decrease in our runoff block of business and structured transactions. Reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method increased resulting in lower premiums. These decreases were partially offset by growth in Europe and continued expansion in new markets, largely in Poland and Mexico.

 

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, excluding the effects of foreign exchange, our lifestyle protection insurance business was relatively flat as an increase from growth in Europe and new markets was partially offset by a decrease from our runoff block of business. Additionally, reinsurance arrangements accounted for under the deposit method increased resulting in lower premiums.

The three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 included increases of $11 million and $80 million, respectively, attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates.

U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment

Segment results of operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the results of operations relating to our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007             2008 vs. 2007      

Revenues:

        

Premiums

   $ 185     $ 159     $ 26     16 %

Net investment income

     36       38       (2 )   (5 )%

Net investment gains (losses)

     (45 )     1       (46 )   NM (1)

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     4       8       (4 )   (50 )%
                          

Total revenues

     180       206       (26 )   (13 )%
                          

Benefits and expenses:

        

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     301       123       178     145 %

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     33       30       3     10 %

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     68       10       58     NM (1)
                          

Total benefits and expenses

     402       163       239     147 %
                          

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (222 )     43       (265 )   NM (1)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (73 )     3       (76 )   NM (1)
                          

Net income (loss)

     (149 )     40       (189 )   NM (1)

Adjustment to net income (loss):

        

Net investment (gains) losses, net of taxes and other adjustments

     28       (1 )     29     NM (1)
                          

Net operating income (loss)

   $ (121 )   $ 39     $ (160 )   NM (1)
                          

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

Net operating income (loss)

Our U.S. mortgage insurance segment had a net operating loss in the third quarter of 2008 mainly as a result of a significant increase in incurred losses, which was partially offset by reinsurance credit under our lender captive reinsurance arrangements. The increase in reserves was attributable to higher delinquencies of underlying mortgage loans during 2008, as well as a slowdown in the rate at which those delinquencies progress to foreclosure, and higher paid claims. These losses were partially offset by an increase in premiums from the growth of our primary insurance in-force block and an income tax benefit for the third quarter of 2008. In addition, we had a write-down of deferred acquisition costs and an impairment charge related to goodwill.

 

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Revenues

Premiums increased primarily driven by a growth in demand for flow private mortgage insurance and higher persistency of our in-force block. Our flow persistency rose to 88% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 82% in the prior year.

Benefits and expenses

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves increased due to higher incurred losses as a result of a $94 million net change in reserves and an $83 million increase in paid claims. The increase in reserves continues to be driven by higher delinquencies and foreclosures, as well as continued deterioration of the underlying cure rates associated with certain delinquencies offset in part by loss mitigation efforts, as well as policy coverage rescissions. There has been a continued increase in the number of delinquencies that progress to foreclosure, particularly in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada, resulting in a strengthening of reserves in the 2006 and 2007 books of business. This remains evident across all of our products, particularly our A minus, Alt-A, ARMs and certain 100% loan-to-value products. The increase in paid claims was attributable to an increase in average claim payments reflecting higher loan balances in more recent book years and higher claim counts, particularly in the Southeast, South Central and Pacific regions. These increases were offset by a reinsurance credit of $169 million under our captive reinsurance arrangements. We continued to experience an increase in delinquencies and associated reserves relating to adjustable rate loans in our bulk business, particularly from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 books of business.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles increased due to a $30 million write-down of deferred acquisition costs, a $5 million acceleration of amortization of deferred acquisition costs and an impairment charge of $22 million related to goodwill during the third quarter of 2008. See “Critical Accounting Estimates” for additional information.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 32.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 7.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2007. This increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the recognition of tax benefits on a pre-tax loss in the current year. In addition, an increase in tax favored investments benefits was recognized in the current quarter due to the increased proportion of current year losses to expected full year losses, as compared to the prior year income in proportion to the prior year expected full year income recorded under APB No. 28. This increase was partially offset by the impairment of non-deductible goodwill in the current quarter.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the results of operations relating to our U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment:

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007             2008 vs. 2007      

Revenues:

        

Premiums

   $ 558     $ 444     $ 114     26 %

Net investment income

     109       111       (2 )   (2 )%

Net investment gains (losses)

     (43 )     1       (44 )   NM (1)

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     23       25       (2 )   (8 )%
                          

Total revenues

     647       581       66     11 %
                          

Benefits and expenses:

        

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     855       235       620     NM (1)

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     106       96       10     10 %

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     88       26       62     NM (1)
                          

Total benefits and expenses

     1,049       357       692     194 %)
                          

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (402 )     224       (626 )   NM (1)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (159 )     53       (212 )   NM (1)
                          

Net income (loss)

     (243 )     171       (414 )   NM (1)

Adjustment to net income (loss):

        

Net investment (gains) losses, net of taxes and other adjustments

     27       (1 )     28     NM (1)
                          

Net operating income (loss)

   $ (216 )   $ 170     $ (386 )   NM (1)
                          

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

Net operating income (loss)

Our U.S. mortgage insurance segment had a net operating loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 mainly as a result of a significant increase in incurred losses, which was partially offset by reinsurance credit under our lender captive reinsurance arrangements. The increase in reserves was attributable to higher delinquencies of underlying mortgage loans during 2008, as well as the rate at which those delinquencies progress to foreclosure, and higher paid claims. These losses were partially offset by an increase in premiums from the growth of our primary insurance in-force block and an income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. In addition, we had a write-down of deferred acquisition costs and an impairment charge related to goodwill during the third quarter of 2008.

Revenues

Premiums increased primarily driven by an increase in demand for flow private mortgage insurance and higher persistency of our in-force block. Our flow persistency rose to 84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 78% in the prior year.

Benefits and expenses

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves increased due to higher incurred losses as a result of a $439 million net change in reserves and a $181 million increase in paid claims. The increase in reserves continues to be driven by higher delinquencies and foreclosures, as well as continued deterioration of the underlying cure rates associated with certain delinquencies offset in part by loss mitigation efforts, as well as policy coverage rescissions. There has been a continued increase in the number of delinquencies that progress to foreclosure, particularly in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada resulting in a strengthening of reserves in the 2006 and

 

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2007 books of business. This remains evident across all of our products, particularly our A minus, Alt-A, ARMs and certain 100% loan-to-value products. The increase in paid claims was attributable to an increase in average claim payments reflecting higher loan balances in more recent book years and higher claim counts, particularly in the Southeast, South Central and Pacific regions. These increases were offset by a reinsurance credit of $298 million under our captive reinsurance arrangements. We continued to experience an increase in delinquencies and associated reserves relating to adjustable rate loans in our bulk business, particularly from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 books of business.

Acquisition and operating expenses increased primarily as a result of business growth.

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles increased due to a $30 million write-down of deferred acquisition costs, a $5 million acceleration of amortization of deferred acquisition costs and an impairment charge of $22 million related to goodwill during the third quarter of 2008. See “Critical Accounting Estimates” for additional information.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 39.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 23.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the recognition of tax benefits on a pre-tax loss in the current year, which was partially offset by the impairment of non-deductible goodwill in the current year.

U.S. Mortgage Insurance selected financial and operating performance measures

The following tables set forth selected financial and operating performance measures regarding our U.S. mortgage insurance business as of or for the dates indicated:

 

     As of September 30,    Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

   2008    2007        2008 vs. 2007      

Primary insurance in-force

   $ 175,300    $ 144,800    $ 30,500    21 %

Risk in-force

     36,900      28,500      8,400    29 %

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
   Increase
(decrease) and
percentage change
    Nine months
ended September 30,
   Increase
(decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008            2007            2008 vs. 2007         2008    2007    2008 vs. 2007  

New insurance written

   $ 6,500    $ 16,100    $ (9,600 )   (60 )%   $ 36,300    $ 51,300    $ (15,000 )   (29 )%

Net premiums written

     193      167      26     16 %     609      459      150     33 %

Primary insurance in-force and risk in-force

Primary insurance in-force and risk in-force increased primarily as a result of flow new insurance written despite a tightening of domestic and global credit markets and lending guidelines impacting mortgage originations. Our flow persistency increased to 84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 78% in the prior year. We believe that increased persistency combined with moderate growth of new insurance written will lead to growing levels of insurance in-force.

New insurance written

New insurance written decreased during the three months ended September 30, 2008 primarily driven by the substantial decline in overall mortgage originations as a result of a weak housing market and the lack of mortgage credit liquidity. In addition, tighter mortgage insurance guidelines and mortgage lender underwriting

 

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standards have contributed to a decline in market penetration. Our bulk writings have also decreased as a result of a slowing economy. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the decrease is primarily a result of bulk writings that occurred in 2007 that did not recur in the current period.

Net premiums written

Net premiums written increased principally from growth in primary insurance in-force and higher policy persistency.

Loss and expense ratios

The following table sets forth the loss and expense ratios our U.S. mortgage insurance business for the dates indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease)     Nine months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease)  
     2008     2007     2008 vs. 2007     2008     2007     2008 vs. 2007  

Loss ratio

   163 %   78 %   85 %   154 %   53 %   101 %

Expense ratio

   53 %   24 %   29 %   32 %   27 %   5 %

The loss ratio is the ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to net premiums earned. The expense ratio is the ratio of general expenses to net premiums written. In our business, general expenses consist of acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals, and amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles.

The increase in the loss ratio was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of delinquencies, including the rate at which those delinquencies progress to foreclosure, and higher reserves per delinquency associated with higher loan balances, as well as an increase in paid claims. This was a result of further weakening in home prices, combined with an increase in unemployment and loss development in certain states with high median-priced homes that we insure, primarily in the Southeast, South Central and Pacific regions.

The expense ratio increased as a result of an increase in amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles as a result of a write-down of deferred acquisition costs and an impairment charge related to goodwill, primarily offset by increased premiums written primarily from growth in primary insurance in-force and favorable policy persistency. Excluding the effects of these third quarter of 2008 items, the expense ratio would have been 23%.

 

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Delinquent loans

The following table sets forth the number of loans insured, the number of delinquent loans and the delinquency rate for our U.S. mortgage insurance portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007     September 30, 2007  

Primary insurance

      

Insured loans in-force

   1,033,789     963,218     905,412  

Delinquent loans

   71,558     40,959     30,756  

Percentage of delinquent loans (delinquency rate)

   6.92 %   4.25 %   3.40 %

Flow loans in-force

   854,465     769,481     715,970  

Flow delinquent loans

   57,985     35,489     27,609  

Percentage of flow delinquent loans (delinquency rate)

   6.79 %   4.61 %   3.86 %

Bulk loans in-force

   179,324     193,737     189,442  

Bulk delinquent loans(1)

   13,573     5,470     3,147  

Percentage of bulk delinquent loans (delinquency rate)

   7.57 %   2.82 %   1.66 %

A minus and sub-prime loans in-force

   108,028     109,262     100,512  

A minus and sub-prime delinquent loans

   19,583     12,863     9,632  

Percentage of A minus and sub-prime delinquent loans (delinquency rate)

   18.13 %   11.77 %   9.58 %

Pool insurance

      

Insured loans in-force

   21,233     19,081     21,118  

Delinquent loans

   509     428     442  

Percentage of delinquent loans (delinquency rate)

   2.40 %   2.24 %   2.09 %

 

(1)

Includes loans where we were in a secondary loss position for which no reserve was established due to an existing deductible. Excluding these loans, bulk delinquent loans were 6,038 as of September 30, 2008, 2,404 as of December 31, 2007 and 1,338 as of September 30, 2007.

We have seen a significant increase in delinquency and foreclosure levels as the U.S. continues to experience an economic slowdown and weakness in its housing markets. There has also been a significant increase in delinquencies and foreclosures in our more recent books of business, particularly those of 2006 and 2007 and to some extent 2005. These trends are especially evident in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada, as well as in our A minus, Alt-A, ARMs and certain 100% loan-to-value products. We are also experiencing an increase in delinquencies relating to adjustable rate loans in our bulk business, particularly from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 books of business.

 

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Primary insurance delinquency rates differ from region to region in the U.S. at any one time depending upon economic conditions and cyclical growth patterns. The two tables below set forth our primary delinquency rates for the various regions of the U.S. and the ten largest states by our risk in-force as of the dates indicated.

 

     Percent of primary
risk in-force as of
September 30, 2008
    Delinquency rate  
     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
    September 30,
2007
 

By Region:

        

Southeast(1)

   23 %   9.35 %   5.48 %   4.05 %

South Central(2)

   17     5.70 %   3.63 %   2.97 %

Northeast(3)

   13     5.55 %   3.99 %   3.49 %

Pacific(4)

   12     9.17 %   3.51 %   2.19 %

North Central(5)

   11     5.68 %   3.71 %   3.14 %

Great Lakes(6)

   8     7.13 %   5.60 %   4.86 %

Plains(7)

   6     3.86 %   2.87 %   2.57 %

Mid-Atlantic(8)

   5     5.90 %   3.23 %   2.65 %

New England(9)

   5     5.70 %   3.81 %   2.95 %
            

Total

   100 %   6.92 %   4.25 %   3.40 %
            

 

(1)

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

(2)

Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah.

(3)

New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

(4)

Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

(5)

Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.

(6)

Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.

(7)

Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

(8)

Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

(9)

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

 

     Percent of primary
risk in-force as of
September 30, 2008
    Delinquency rate  
       September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
    September 30,
2007
 

By State:

        

Florida

   8 %   16.10 %   7.04 %   4.38 %

Texas

   7 %   4.86 %   3.80 %   3.41 %

California

   6 %   11.88 %   4.24 %   2.35 %

New York

   6 %   4.29 %   3.18 %   2.79 %

Illinois

   5 %   6.88 %   4.06 %   3.42 %

North Carolina

   4 %   5.28 %   4.16 %   3.65 %

Georgia

   4 %   7.93 %   5.91 %   4.65 %

Pennsylvania

   4 %   5.92 %   4.73 %   4.23 %

New Jersey

   4 %   7.62 %   4.51 %   3.79 %

Arizona

   3 %   10.13 %   3.77 %   2.48 %

 

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Corporate and Other

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the results of operations relating to Corporate and Other activities:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

         2008                 2007                       2008 vs. 2007              

Revenues:

        

Premiums

   $ 5     $ 8     $ (3 )   (38 )%

Net investment income

     6       12       (6 )   (50 )%

Net investment gains (losses)

     (32 )     (11 )     (21 )   (191 )%

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     (2 )     —         (2 )   NM (1)
                          

Total revenues

     (23 )     9       (32 )   NM (1)
                          

Expenses:

        

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     1       —         1     NM (1)

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     (6 )     9       (15 )   (167 )%

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     3       2       1     50 %

Interest expense

     68       59       9     15 %
                          

Total benefits and expenses

     66       70       (4 )   (6 )%
                          

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

     (89 )     (61 )     (28 )   (46 )%

Benefit for income taxes

     (63 )     (21 )     (42 )   (200 )%
                          

Loss from continuing operations

     (26 )     (40 )     14     35 %

Adjustment to loss from continuing operations:

        

Net investment (gains) losses, net of taxes and other adjustments

     23       6       17     NM (1)
                          

Net operating loss

   $ (3 )   $ (34 )   $ 31     91 %
                          

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

Net operating loss

The net operating loss decreased principally from a higher income tax benefit and a decrease in operating expenses from lower unallocated expenses, partially offset by an increase in interest expense. The increase in the income tax benefit was related to tax benefits allocated to Corporate and Other activities. The increase in interest expense was related to the additional debt issuance in the second quarter of 2008.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

The following table sets forth the results of operations relating to Corporate and Other activities:

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease) and
percentage change
 

(Amounts in millions)

         2008                 2007                       2008 vs. 2007              

Revenues:

        

Premiums

   $ 16     $ 20     $ (4 )   (20 )%

Net investment income

     40       42       (2 )   (5 )%

Net investment gains (losses)

     (75 )     (12 )     (63 )   NM (1)

Insurance and investment product fees and other

     2       1       1     100 %
                          

Total revenues

     (17 )     51       (68 )   (133 )%
                          

Expenses:

        

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

     2       1       1     100 %

Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals

     13       40       (27 )   (68 )%

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs and intangibles

     6       17       (11 )   (65 )%

Interest expense

     189       182       7     4 %
                          

Total benefits and expenses

     210       240       (30 )   (13 )%
                          

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

     (227 )     (189 )     (38 )   (20 )%

Benefit for income taxes

     (70 )     (65 )     (5 )   (8 )%
                          

Loss from continuing operations

     (157 )     (124 )     (33 )   (27 )%

Adjustments to loss from continuing operations:

        

Net investment (gains) losses, net of taxes and other adjustments

     50       6       44     NM (1)

Expenses related to reorganization, net of taxes

     —         14       (14 )   (100 )%
                          

Net operating loss

   $ (107 )   $ (104 )   $ (3 )   (3 )%
                          

 

(1)

We define “NM” as not meaningful for increases or decreases greater than 200%.

Net operating loss

The increase in the net operating loss was primarily attributable to an increase in the income tax benefit primarily driven by a higher pre-tax loss which was partially offset by a decrease in tax expenses allocated to Corporate and Other activities. The decrease in operating expenses was related to lower unallocated expenses. The prior year included non-operating expenses related to reorganization of $13 million pre-tax impairment of internal-use software and $8 million pre-tax severance and other employee termination related expenses. The increase in interest expense was related to the additional debt issuance in the second quarter of 2008.

 

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Investments and Derivative Instruments

Investment results

The following tables set forth information about our net investment income for each component of our investment portfolio for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease)  
     2008     2007         2008 vs. 2007      

(Amounts in millions)

   Yield     Amount     Yield     Amount     Yield     Amount  

Fixed maturity securities—taxable

   5.5 %   $ 715     6.1 %   $ 821     (0.6 )%   $ (106 )

Fixed maturity securities—non-taxable

   4.7 %     29     4.8 %     26     (0.1 )%     3  

Commercial mortgage loans

   5.8 %     123     6.4 %     142     (0.6 )%     (19 )

Equity securities

   5.0 %     5     13.4 %     6     (8.4 )%     (1 )

Other invested assets

   (3.0 )%     (11 )   15.7 %     37     (18.7 )%     (48 )

Policy loans

   9.4 %     43     9.0 %     36     0.4 %     7  

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

   2.6 %     36     3.6 %     28     (1.0 )%     8  
                              

Gross investment income before expenses and fees

   5.2 %     940     6.2 %     1,096     (1.0 )%     (156 )

Expenses and fees

   (0.1 )%     (22 )   (0.1 )%     (22 )   —   %     —    
                              

Net investment income

   5.1 %   $ 918     6.1 %   $ 1,074     (1.0 )%   $ (156 )
                              

 

     Nine months
ended September 30,
    Increase (decrease)  
     2008     2007         2008 vs. 2007      

(Amounts in millions)

   Yield     Amount     Yield     Amount     Yield     Amount  

Fixed maturity securities—taxable

   5.5 %   $ 2,194     6.0 %   $ 2,387     (0.5 )%   $ (193 )

Fixed maturity securities—non-taxable

   4.6 %     80     4.8 %     77     (0.2 )%     3  

Commercial mortgage loans

   6.2 %     402     6.3 %     406     (0.1 )%     (4 )

Equity securities

   9.2 %     25     14.5 %     20     (5.3 )%     5  

Other invested assets

   2.4 %     25     10.8 %     69     (8.4 )%     (44 )

Policy loans

   9.3 %     122     9.1 %     106     0.2 %     16  

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

   3.0 %     102     4.3 %     87     (1.3 )%     15  
                              

Gross investment income before expenses and fees

   5.5 %     2,950     6.0 %     3,152     (0.5 )%     (202 )

Expenses and fees

   (0.2 )%     (77 )   (0.1 )%     (70 )   (0.1 )%     (7 )
                              

Net investment income

   5.3 %   $ 2,873     5.9 %   $ 3,082     (0.6 )%   $ (209 )
                              

Yields for fixed maturity and equity securities are based on amortized cost and cost, respectively. Yields for securities lending activity, which is included in other invested assets, are calculated net of the corresponding securities lending liability. All other yields are based on average carrying values.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the decrease in overall investment yields was primarily attributable to lower yields on floating rate investments supporting floating rate policyholder liabilities and non-recourse funding obligations. Additionally, we are holding higher cash balances to cover near term obligations and portfolio repositioning strategies which have resulted in reduced yields on our investment portfolio. Also attributing to decreased yields were lower valuation marks on limited partnership investments.

 

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The following table sets forth net investment gains (losses) for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30,
    Nine months
ended September 30,
 

(Amounts in millions)

       2008             2007             2008             2007      

Available-for-sale securities:

        

Realized gains on sale

   $ 34     $ 3     $ 97     $ 11  

Realized losses on sale

     (167 )     (19 )     (202 )     (78 )

Impairments

     (577 )     (25 )     (1,316 )     (39 )

Trading securities

     (11 )     (4 )     (16 )     (3 )

Derivatives

     (90 )     —         (116 )     (4 )

Commercial mortgage loans

     —         (3 )     —         (5 )

Other

     (5 )     —         (7 )     —    
                                

Net investment gains (losses)

   $ (816 )   $ (48 )   $ (1,560 )   $ (118 )
                                

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

   

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, net investment losses increased principally as a result of an increase in impairments. We incurred $492 million of credit and/or cash flow related impairments and $85 million related to a change in intent to hold securities to recovery. Total impairments included $236 million related to securities backed by sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and $266 million related to certain financial services companies. Impairments related to financial services companies were a result of bankruptcies, receivership or concerns about the issuer’s ability to continue to make contractual payments.

 

   

Net investment losses from derivatives were primarily a result of the change in value of derivative instruments used for risk management of variable annuity guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits not fully offsetting the corresponding changes in the embedded liability during 2008.

 

   

The aggregate fair value of securities sold at a loss during the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $748 million and $1,114 million, respectively, which was approximately 83% and 97%, respectively, of book value. The loss on sales of securities in the three months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily driven by the higher interest rate environment, including the widening of credit spreads.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

   

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net investment losses increased principally as a result of an increase in impairments. We incurred $900 million of credit and/or cash flow related impairments and $416 million related to a change in intent to hold securities to recovery. Total impairments included $853 million related to securities backed by sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities and $270 million related to certain financial services companies. Impairments related to financial services companies were a result of bankruptcies, receivership or concerns about the issuer’s ability to continue to make contractual payments.

 

   

Net investment losses from derivatives were primarily a result of the change in value of derivative instruments used for risk management of variable annuity guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits not fully offsetting the corresponding changes in the embedded liability during 2008.

 

   

The aggregate fair value of securities sold at a loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $1,569 million and $3,608 million, respectively, which was approximately 90% and 97%, respectively, of book value. The loss on sales of securities in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily driven by the higher interest rate environment, including the widening of credit spreads.

 

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Derivative instruments primarily consist of changes in the fair value of non-qualifying derivatives, including embedded derivatives, changes in fair value of certain derivatives and related hedged items in fair value hedge relationships and hedge ineffectiveness on qualifying derivative instruments.

Investment portfolio

The following table sets forth our cash, cash equivalents and invested assets as of the dates indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  

(Amounts in millions)

   Carrying value    % of total     Carrying value    % of total  

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:

          

Public

   $ 35,491    51 %   $ 39,896    54 %

Private

     13,233    19       15,258    21  

Commercial mortgage loans

     8,447    12       8,953    12  

Other invested assets

     4,913    8       4,676    6  

Policy loans

     1,822    3       1,651    2  

Equity securities, available-for-sale

     309    —         366    1  

Cash and cash equivalents

     5,102    7       3,091    4  
                          

Total cash, cash equivalents and invested assets

   $ 69,317    100 %   $ 73,891    100 %
                          

For a discussion of the change in cash, cash equivalents and invested assets, see the comparison for this line item under “—Consolidated Balance Sheets.”

We hold fixed maturity and equity securities, trading securities, derivatives, embedded derivatives, securities held as collateral and certain other financial instruments, which are carried at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See note 6 in our “—Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding fair value measurement and classification of fair value measurements into level categories. As of September 30, 2008, approximately 12% of our investment holdings recorded at fair value were based on significant inputs that were not market observable and were classified as Level 3 measurements.

The following table sets forth our investments that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the date indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008

(Amounts in millions)

   Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Investments:

           

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale

   $ 48,724    $ —      $ 42,903    $ 5,821

Equity securities, available-for-sale

     309      52      208      49

Other invested assets(a)

     3,454      —        3,046      408
                           

Total investments

   $ 52,487    $ 52    $ 46,157    $ 6,278
                           

 

(a)

Includes derivatives, trading securities and securities held as collateral.

Other invested assets presented above only include collateral that is held in the form of securities with any remaining collateral balance representing cash.

 

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The following tables present additional information for investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which we have utilized significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs to determine fair value as of and for the dates indicated:

 

     Three months
ended September 30, 2008
 

(Amounts in millions)

   Fixed maturity
securities,
available-for-sale
    Equity
securities,
available-for-sale
   Other
invested
assets(a)
    Total  

Beginning balance as of July 1, 2008

   $ 4,681     $ 9    $ 409     $ 5,099  

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):

         

Included in net income (loss)

     (256 )     —        58       (198 )

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (241 )     —        —         (241 )

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

     (6 )     15      (31 )     (22 )

Transfers in (out) of Level 3

     1,643       25      (28 )     1,640  
                               

Ending balance as of September 30, 2008

   $ 5,821     $ 49    $ 408     $ 6,278  
                               

Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income (loss) attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held as of the reporting date

   $ (249 )   $ —      $ 47     $ (202 )
                               

 

(a)

Includes certain trading securities and derivatives.

 

     Nine months
ended September 30, 2008
 

(Amounts in millions)

   Fixed maturity
securities,
available-for-sale
    Equity
securities,
available-for-sale
    Other
invested
assets(a)
    Total  

Beginning balance as of January 1, 2008

   $ 4,794     $ 30     $ 319     $ 5,143  

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):

        

Included in net income (loss)

     (754 )     1       74       (679 )

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     (431 )     —         —         (431 )

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

     (264 )     (8 )     31       (241 )

Transfers in (out) of Level 3

     2,476       26       (16 )     2,486  
                                

Ending balance as of September 30, 2008

   $ 5,821     $ 49     $ 408     $ 6,278  
                                

Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in net income (loss) attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held as of the reporting date

   $ (748 )   $ —       $ 63     $ (685 )
                                

 

(a)

Includes certain trading securities and derivatives.

As included in the Level 3 tables above for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the fair value of fixed maturity securities classified as Level 3 measurements decreased by $497 million and $1,185 million, respectively, primarily as a result of a decrease in fair value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The sale of securities classified as Level 3 also contributed to the decrease in fixed maturity securities classified as Level 3. Offsetting these decreases was an increase, or net transfer in, of securities where the fair value measurement was classified as Level 3 as of September 30, 2008 but was not previously classified as Level 3. The change in classification primarily resulted from a change in the observability of inputs for certain mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities based on the lack of market observable inputs for these securities.

 

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During the current period, market inputs changed for certain structured securities valued using industry-standard pricing methodologies. The current market conditions for these securities have resulted in little, or no, trading activity or other market observable data and requires the use of significant unobservable inputs to estimate fair value. Accordingly, these resulting fair value measurements have been classified as Level 3.

Fixed maturity and equity securities

We diversify our fixed maturity securities by security sector. The following table sets forth the fair value of our fixed maturity securities by sector as well as the percentage of the total fixed maturity securities that each security sector comprised as of the dates indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  

(Amounts in millions)

   Fair value    % of
total
    Fair value    % of
total
 

U.S. government, agencies and government sponsored entities

   $ 679    1 %   $ 594    1 %

Tax exempt

     2,417    5       2,228    4  

Government—non U.S.

     2,226    5       2,432    4  

U.S. corporate

     20,738    43       23,563    43  

Corporate—non U.S.

     11,681    24       12,579    23  

Mortgage-backed(1)

     7,391    15       8,525    15  

Asset-backed(1)

     3,592    7       5,233    10  
                          

Total fixed maturity securities

   $ 48,724    100 %   $ 55,154    100 %
                          

 

(1)

As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we had $3,609 million and $4,902 million, respectively, of residential mortgage-backed securities included in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, of which $798 million and $1,486 million, respectively, were securities collateralized by sub-prime residential mortgage loans and $650 million and $1,449 million, respectively, were securities collateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans.

As of September 30, 2008, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Fixed maturity securities:

          

U.S. government, agencies and government sponsored entities

   $ 664    $ 18    $ (3 )   $ 679

Tax exempt

     2,561      39      (183 )     2,417

Government—non U.S.

     2,213      60      (47 )     2,226

U.S. corporate

     23,043      122      (2,427 )     20,738

Corporate—non U.S.

     12,651      53      (1,023 )     11,681

Mortgage and asset-backed

     12,699      81      (1,797 )     10,983
                            

Total fixed maturity securities

     53,831      373      (5,480 )     48,724

Equity securities

     315      25      (31 )     309
                            

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ 54,146    $ 398    $ (5,511 )   $ 49,033
                            

 

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As of December 31, 2007, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Fixed maturity securities:

          

U.S. government, agencies and government sponsored entities

   $ 560    $ 36    $ (2 )   $ 594

Tax exempt

     2,165      87      (24 )     2,228

Government—non U.S.

     2,340      103      (11 )     2,432

U.S. corporate

     23,806      470      (713 )     23,563

Corporate—non U.S.

     12,803      141      (365 )     12,579

Mortgage and asset-backed

     14,428      134      (804 )     13,758
                            

Total fixed maturity securities

     56,102      971      (1,919 )     55,154

Equity securities

     341      34      (9 )     366
                            

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ 56,443    $ 1,005    $ (1,928 )   $ 55,520
                            

Changes in gross unrealized gains (losses) in our fixed maturity securities portfolio from December 31, 2007 through September 30, 2008 were primarily a result of continued widening credit spreads in 2008, particularly in corporate securities in the finance and insurance sector, as well as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities attributable to marketplace uncertainty arising from higher defaults in sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage loans.

As of September 30, 2008, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities collateralized by sub-prime residential mortgage loans were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Rating:

          

AAA

   $ 300    $ —      $ (46 )   $ 254

AA

     276      1      (96 )     181
                            

Subtotal

     576      1      (142 )     435

A

     278      —        (114 )     164

BBB

     74      1      (30 )     45

BB

     129      —        (67 )     62

B

     91      —        (34 )     57

CCC and lower

     38      3      (6 )     35
                            

Total sub-prime securities

   $ 1,186    $ 5    $ (393 )   $ 798
                            

 

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As of December 31, 2007, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities collateralized by sub-prime residential mortgage loans were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Rating:

          

AAA

   $ 808    $ 2    $ (51 )   $ 759

AA

     478      —        (149 )     329
                            

Subtotal

     1,286      2      (200 )     1,088

A

     466      —        (147 )     319

BBB

     85      —        (13 )     72

BB

     6      —        (1 )     5

B

     2      —        —         2
                            

Total sub-prime securities

   $ 1,845    $ 2    $ (361 )   $ 1,486
                            

Our sub-prime securities were principally backed by first lien mortgages. We did not have any exposure to interest margin deals, highly leveraged transactions or collateralized debt obligation-squared investments.

As of September 30, 2008, the fair value of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities collateralized by sub-prime residential mortgage loans by vintage and fair value level were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Vintage:

           

2004 and prior

   $ 211    $ —      $ —      $ 211

2005

     266      —        —        266

2006

     240      —        —        240

2007

     81      —        —        81
                           

Total sub-prime securities

   $ 798    $ —      $ —      $ 798
                           

As of September 30, 2008, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities collateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Rating:

          

AAA

   $ 480    $ —      $ (106 )   $ 374

AA

     178      —        (66 )     112
                            

Subtotal

     658      —        (172 )     486

A

     161      —        (69 )     92

BBB

     55      3      (21 )     37

BB

     12      —        (5 )     7

B

     11      1      (1 )     11

CCC and lower

     16      2      (1 )     17
                            

Total Alt-A securities

   $ 913    $ 6    $ (269 )   $ 650
                            

 

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As of December 31, 2007, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities collateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Rating:

          

AAA

   $ 746    $ 1    $ (28 )   $ 719

AA

     462      3      (42 )     423
                            

Subtotal

     1,208      4      (70 )     1,142

A

     328      —        (54 )     274

BBB

     42      —        (11 )     31

B

     1      —        —         1

CCC and lower

     1      —        —         1
                            

Total Alt-A securities

   $ 1,580    $ 4    $ (135 )   $ 1,449
                            

Gross unrealized losses in our sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities as of September 30, 2008 were primarily a result of continued widening credit spreads during 2008 as a result of marketplace uncertainty arising from higher defaults in sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage loans. As of September 30, 2008, we expect these investments to continue to perform in accordance with their original contractual terms and we have the ability and intent to hold these securities until the recovery of the fair value up to our cost basis, which may be at maturity.

As of September 30, 2008, the fair value of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities collateralized by Alt-A residential mortgage loans by vintage and fair value level were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Vintage:

           

2004 and prior

   $ 159    $ —      $ —      $ 159

2005

     287      —        —        287

2006

     138      —        —        138

2007

     66      —        —        66
                           

Total Alt-A securities

   $ 650    $ —      $ —      $ 650
                           

As of September 30, 2008, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our commercial mortgage-backed securities were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Rating:

          

AAA

   $ 3,656    $ 19    $ (296 )   $ 3,379

AA

     734      —        (138 )     596
                            

Subtotal

     4,390      19      (434 )     3,975

A

     598      1      (132 )     467

BBB

     246      5      (63 )     188

BB

     60      —        (10 )     50

B

     16      —        (4 )     12

CCC and lower

     5      —        (2 )     3

In or near default

     1      —        —         1
                            

Total commercial mortgage-backed securities

   $ 5,316    $ 25    $ (645 )   $ 4,696
                            

 

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As of December 31, 2007, the amortized cost or cost, gross unrealized gains (losses) and fair value of our commercial mortgage-backed securities were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Amortized
cost or
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair
value

Rating:

          

AAA

   $ 3,771    $ 44    $ (69 )   $ 3,746

AA

     717      —        (41 )     676
                            

Subtotal

     4,488      44      (110 )     4,422

A

     494      1      (46 )     449

BBB

     297      5      (25 )     277

BB

     57      4      (3 )     58

B

     23      5      (1 )     27

CCC and lower

     30      1      (2 )     29

In or near default

     1      —        —         1
                            

Total commercial mortgage-backed securities

   $ 5,390    $ 60    $ (187 )   $ 5,263
                            

As of September 30, 2008, the fair value of our commercial mortgage-backed securities by vintage and fair value level were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Vintage:

           

2004 and prior

   $ 2,327    $ —      $ 2,183    $ 144

2005

     626      —        574      52

2006

     1,001      —        785      216

2007

     742      —        561      181
                           

Total commercial mortgage-backed securities

   $ 4,696    $ —      $ 4,103    $ 593
                           

As of September 30, 2008, the fair value of all mortgage-backed and asset backed securities not collateralized by sub-prime residential mortgage loans, Alt-A residential mortgage loans or commercial mortgage loans by vintage and fair value level were as follows:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Vintage:

           

2004 and prior

   $ 1,118    $ —      $ 749    $ 369

2005

     786      —        523      263

2006

     1,288      —        941      347

2007

     1,400      —        710      690

2008

     247      —        239      8
                           

Total other mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities

   $ 4,839    $ —      $ 3,162    $ 1,677
                           

 

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The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair values of our investment securities, aggregated by investment type and length of time that individual investment securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of September 30, 2008:

 

     Less Than 12 Months    12 Months or More

(Dollar amounts in millions)

   Fair
value
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    # of
securities
   Fair
value
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    # of
securities

Description of Securities

               

Fixed maturity securities:

               

U.S. government, agencies and government sponsored entities

   $ 91    $ (3 )   13    $ —      $ —       —  

Tax exempt

     1,193      (109 )   375      201      (74 )   45

Government—non U.S.

     660      (36 )   181      50      (11 )   37

U.S. corporate

     10,337      (940 )   1,162      6,494      (1,487 )   604

Corporate—non U.S.

     5,485      (448 )   863      3,858      (575 )   435

Mortgage and asset-backed

     3,839      (375 )   481      5,929      (1,422 )   882
                                       

Subtotal, fixed maturity securities

     21,605      (1,911 )   3,075      16,532      (3,569 )   2,003

Equity securities

     142      (30 )   23      10      (1 )   4
                                       

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 21,747    $ (1,941 )   3,098    $ 16,542    $ (3,570 )   2,007
                                       

% Below cost—fixed maturity securities:

               

<20% Below cost

   $ 20,335    $ (1,330 )   2,778    $ 11,986    $ (1,283 )   1,279

20-50% Below cost

     1,235      (526 )   265      4,262      (1,841 )   607

>50% Below cost

     35      (55 )   32      284      (445 )   117
                                       

Total fixed maturity securities

     21,605      (1,911 )   3,075      16,532      (3,569 )   2,003
                                       

% Below cost—equity securities:

               

<20% Below cost

     94      (8 )   10      10      (1 )   4

20-50% Below cost

     48      (22 )   13      —        —       —  
                                       

Total equity securities

     142      (30 )   23      10      (1 )   4
                                       

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 21,747    $ (1,941 )   3,098    $ 16,542    $ (3,570 )   2,007
                                       

Investment grade

   $ 20,548    $ (1,785 )   2,737    $ 15,623    $ (3,311 )   1,827

Below investment grade

     1,164      (148 )   343      919      (259 )   180

Not rated—fixed maturity securities

     35      (8 )   18      —        —       —  
                                       

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 21,747    $ (1,941 )   3,098    $ 16,542    $ (3,570 )   2,007
                                       

The investment securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2008 consisted of 5,105 securities and accounted for unrealized losses of $5,511 million. Of these unrealized losses of $5,511 million, 92% were investment grade (rated AAA through BBB-) and 48% were less than 20% below cost. The securities less than 20% below cost were primarily corporate securities and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The amount of the unrealized loss on these securities was primarily attributed to widening credit spreads during 2008.

Of the 52% of unrealized losses that were more than 20% below cost, a majority were mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or more. With current events in the credit markets, rating agencies have actively reviewed their credit quality ratings on these securities and these securities remain primarily investment grade. We have examined the performance of the underlying collateral and expect that our investments in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will continue to perform in accordance with their contractual terms with no adverse changes in cash flows.

 

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Of the investment securities in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or more as of September 30, 2008, 724 securities were 20% or more below cost, of which 74 securities were also below investment grade (rated BB+ and below) and accounted for unrealized losses of $170 million. These securities, which were issued primarily by corporations in the communication, consumer cyclical, industrial and financial services industries and residential mortgage-backed securities, were current on all terms.

In its letter to the FASB dated October 14, 2008, the SEC stated that, given the debt characteristics of hybrid securities, a debt impairment model could be used for filings subsequent to October 14, 2008, until the FASB further addresses the approximate impairment approach. Included in the preceding table were securities that represent investments in hybrid instruments with gross unrealized losses of $274 million. Of this amount, $210 million has existed for a period exceeding twelve months. Of these unrealized losses, 100% were on securities that were investment grade and 53% were less than 20% below cost. The remaining securities had market values that were between 20% and 50% below cost.

As of September 30, 2008, we expected to collect full principal and interest and we were not aware of any adverse changes in cash flows. We expect these investments to continue to perform in accordance with their original contractual terms and we have the ability and intent to hold these investment securities until the recovery of the fair value up to the cost of the investment, which may be at maturity. Accordingly, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2008. However, from time to time, we may sell securities in the ordinary course of managing our portfolio to meet diversification, credit quality, yield enhancement, asset-liability management and liquidity requirements.

As a result of the challenging market conditions, including expected further weakening in the economic environment subsequent to September 30, 2008, we have experienced continued volatility in the valuation of our fixed maturity securities including increases in our unrealized investment losses. We expect the volatility in the valuation of our fixed maturity securities to continue. This volatility may lead to additional impairments on our investment portfolio or changes regarding retention strategies for certain securities.

The preceding table includes gross unrealized losses on securities for which market activity indicated such securities have become other-than-temporarily impaired subsequent to September 30, 2008. These activities will result in additional impairments of up to $135 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Other invested assets

The following table sets forth the carrying values of our other invested assets as of the dates indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  

(Amounts in millions)

   Carrying value    % of total     Carrying value    % of total  

Securities lending collateral

   $ 1,674    34 %   $ 2,397    51 %

Derivatives

     1,238    25       900    19  

Limited partnerships

     716    15       632    14  

Derivatives counterparty collateral

     693    14       372    8  

Short-term investments

     266    5       77    2  

Trading securities

     222    5       254    5  

Other investments

     104    2       44    1  
                          

Total other invested assets

   $ 4,913    100 %   $ 4,676    100 %
                          

Securities lending decreased as a result of a decline in demand for the program. Our investments in derivatives and derivative counterparty collateral increased as a result of an increase in market values driven by the current interest rate environment. Limited partnerships increased primarily from new partnership investments and calls on outstanding commitments. The increase in other investments was driven by increased activity in bank loans.

 

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Derivative instruments

The fair value of derivative instruments is based upon either prices obtained from market sources or pricing valuation models utilizing market inputs obtained from market sources. The following table sets forth our positions in derivative instruments and the fair values as of the dates indicated:

 

     September 30, 2008    December 31, 2007

(Amounts in millions)

   Notional value    Assets    Liabilities    Notional value    Assets    Liabilities

Interest rate swaps

   $ 25,763    $ 916    $ 115    $ 23,138    $ 740    $ 74

Foreign currency swaps

     759      63      9      759      33      14

Forward commitments

     —        —        —        2      —        —  

Equity index options

     1,643      256      —        979      127      —  

Credit default swaps

     610      3      8      10      —        —  

Financial futures

     269      —        —        106      —        —  
                                         

Total derivatives

   $ 29,044    $ 1,238    $ 132    $ 24,994    $ 900    $ 88
                                         

The fair value of derivative assets was recorded in other invested assets and the fair value of derivative liabilities was recorded in other liabilities. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the fair value presented in the preceding table included $300 million and $147 million, respectively, of derivative assets and $47 million and $23 million, respectively, of derivative liabilities that do not qualify for hedge accounting.

The increase in the notional value of derivatives was primarily a result of entering into an additional $2.4 billion of interest rate swaps to swap fixed rate assets or liabilities into floating rate assets or liabilities and $600 million of credit default swaps. In addition, we had increases in forward starting interest rate swaps with a notional value of $215 million to hedge the cash flows of forecasted transactions related to our long-term care insurance business. We also entered into $664 million of equity index options and $163 million in financial futures to hedge risk embedded in certain retirement income products.

Subsequent to September 30, 2008, we terminated interest rate swaps with a notional value of $16.7 billion and a fair value of derivative assets of $971 million and a fair value of derivative liabilities of $40 million on the termination date. For the derivatives included in cash flow hedging relationships, the qualifying portion of the derivatives’ fair value will remain in other comprehensive income (loss) until the underlying hedged item affects income. In addition, we terminated equity index options with a notional value of $134 million and a fair value of derivative assets on the terminated date of $312 million. We also purchased and sold interest rate swaptions with a combined notional value of $11.2 billion at a net zero cost to mitigate interest rate exposure in our long-term care insurance business. We have also entered into derivative transactions to hedge future changes in equity markets.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Total assets. Total assets decreased $4.7 billion from $114.3 billion as of December 31, 2007 to $109.6 billion as of September 30, 2008.

 

   

Cash, cash equivalents and invested assets decreased $4.6 billion primarily due to an increase in net unrealized investment losses on our fixed maturity securities portfolio of $4.2 billion due to a generally higher interest rate environment, including the widening of credit spreads. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $2.0 billion as we are holding cash to meet scheduled maturities in the fourth quarter of 2008. We also had increases from derivatives activity and short-term investments, partially offset by a decrease in our securities lending program.

 

   

Deferred acquisition costs increased $0.6 billion associated with the growth of our insurance in-force.

 

   

The deferred tax asset increased $0.2 billion primarily due to lower deferred taxes as a result of an increase in unrealized investment losses. These decreases were partially offset by increased deferred taxes from the current year provision.

 

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Separate account assets decreased $1.7 billion primarily as a result of unfavorable market performance of the underlying securities.

Total liabilities. Total liabilities decreased $1.7 billion from $100.8 billion as of December 31, 2007 to $99.1 billion as of September 30, 2008.

 

   

Our policyholder-related liabilities increased $0.7 billion largely attributable to growth of our insurance in-force.

 

   

Long-term borrowings increased $0.6 billion from the issuance of senior notes in the second quarter of 2008.

 

   

The deferred tax liability decreased $1.2 billion as we now have a deferred tax asset primarily due to lower deferred taxes from an increase in unrealized investment losses.

 

   

Separate account liabilities decreased $1.7 billion primarily as a result of unfavorable market performance of the underlying securities.

Total stockholders’ equity. Total stockholders’ equity decreased $3.0 billion from $13.5 billion as of December 31, 2007 to $10.5 billion as of September 30, 2008.

 

   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) decreased $2.6 billion primarily attributable to an increase in net unrealized investment losses. Net unrealized investment losses, net of tax and other adjustments, increased $2.4 billion to $3.0 billion driven primarily by a generally higher interest rate environment in 2008 including the widening of credit spreads. Derivatives qualifying as hedges, net of tax, also increased primarily attributable to changes in interest rates that impact the fair value of our forward starting interest rate swaps. Also, during the third quarter of 2008, the U.S. dollar strengthened against other currencies resulting in lower foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

   

We purchased $0.1 billion of treasury stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity and capital resources represent our overall financial strength and our ability to generate cash flows from our businesses, borrow funds at competitive rates and raise new capital to meet our operating and growth needs.

Genworth Financial and subsidiaries

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended September 30:

 

(Amounts in millions)

   2008     2007  

Net cash from operating activities

   $ 3,193     $ 3,768  

Net cash from investing activities

     171       (1,802 )

Net cash from financing activities

     (1,094 )     (1,261 )
                

Net increase in cash before foreign exchange effect

   $ 2,270     $ 705  
                

Our principal sources of cash include sales of our products and services, income from our investment portfolio and proceeds from sales of investments. As an insurance business, we typically generate positive cash flows from operating activities, as premiums collected from our insurance products and income received from our investments exceed policy acquisition costs, benefits paid, redemptions and operating expenses. These positive cash flows are then invested to support the obligations of our insurance and investment products and required capital supporting these products. Our cash flows from operating activities are affected by the timing of

 

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premiums, fees and investment income received and expenses paid. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily the result of an increase in other liabilities and policy-related balances associated with timing of settlements.

In analyzing our cash flow we focus on the change in the amount of cash available and used in investing activities. Changes in cash from investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily the result of a decrease in purchases of investments and originations of commercial mortgage loans as we have held and are building higher cash balances to cover potential near term obligations and could further reposition our investment portfolio as necessary. We issued no non-recourse funding obligations during the nine months of 2008, which also contributed to the change in investing activities.

Changes in cash from financing activities primarily related to the issuance of, and redemptions and benefit payments on, investment contracts, the issuance and acquisition of debt and equity securities, the issuance and repayment of borrowings and non-recourse funding obligations, as well as dividends to our stockholders and other capital transactions. Total cash used for stock repurchases was $76 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to $1,100 million in the nine months ending September 30, 2007. Cash from financing activities in 2008 also included net redemptions on investment contracts of $1,562 million principally associated with normal maturities. There were no issuances of non-recourse funding obligations during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. In May 2008, we issued senior notes having an aggregate principal amount of $600 million. See note 10 in our “—Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information.

We engage in certain securities lending transactions for the purpose of enhancing the yield on our investment securities portfolio, which require the borrower to provide collateral, consisting of cash and government securities, on a daily basis, in amounts equal to or exceeding 102% of the fair value of the applicable securities loaned. We maintain effective control over all loaned securities and, therefore, continue to report such securities as fixed maturity securities in the consolidated balance sheets. Cash and non-cash collateral, such as a security, received by us on securities lending transactions is reflected in other invested assets with an offsetting liability recognized in other liabilities for the obligation to return the collateral. Any cash collateral received is reinvested by our custodian based upon the investment guidelines provided within our agreement. The reinvested cash collateral is primarily invested in U.S. and foreign government securities, U.S. government agency securities, and highly rated asset-backed and corporate debt securities, all of which have maturity dates of less than three years. The fair value of securities loaned under the securities lending program was $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2008. As of September 30, 2008, the fair value of collateral held under the securities lending program was $1.7 billion and the offsetting obligation to return collateral of $1.7 billion was included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

We have a repurchase program in which we sell an investment security at a specified price and agree to repurchase that security at another specified price at a later date. Repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at the amounts at which the securities will be subsequently reacquired, including accrued interest, as specified in the respective agreement. The market value of securities to be repurchased is monitored and collateral levels are adjusted where appropriate to protect the counterparty against credit exposure. Cash received is invested in fixed maturity securities. As of September 30, 2008, the fair value of securities pledged under the repurchase program was $872 million and the offsetting repurchase obligation of $799 million was included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Genworth Financial, Inc.—holding company

We conduct all our operations through our operating subsidiaries. Dividends from our subsidiaries and permitted payments to us under our tax sharing arrangements with our subsidiaries are our principal sources of cash to pay stockholder dividends and to meet our holding company obligations, including payments of principal

 

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and interest on our outstanding indebtedness. Other principal sources of cash include proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities, including commercial paper and sales of assets. We also have two $1.0 billion five-year revolving credit facilities.

Our primary uses of funds at our holding company level include payment of general operating expenses, payment of principal, interest and other expenses related to holding company debt, payment of dividends on our common and preferred stock, amounts we owe to GE under the Tax Matters Agreement, contributions to subsidiaries, and, potentially, acquisitions.

Our holding company had $786 million and $357 million of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

In the third quarter of 2008, we declared common stock dividends of $43 million which were paid in the fourth quarter of 2008. In the second quarter of 2008, we declared common stock dividends of $44 million which were paid in the third quarter of 2008. In the first quarter of 2008, we declared common stock dividends of $43 million which were paid in the second quarter of 2008.

On November 30, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, authorizing the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of our common stock through the end of 2009. During the first quarter of 2008, we repurchased 3.3 million shares at a weighted-average price of $22.95. There were no repurchases during the second and third quarters of 2008. As of September 30, 2008, the remaining repurchase capacity under the stock repurchase program was $900 million.

In November 2008, to enhance our liquidity and capital position in the current challenging markets, our Board of Directors decided to suspend the payment of dividends on our common stock and suspend repurchases of our common stock under our stock repurchase program indefinitely. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on many factors including our receipt of dividends from our operating subsidiaries, our financial condition and net income, the capital requirements of our subsidiaries, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, our credit and financial strength ratings and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. We cannot assure you when, whether or at what level we will resume paying dividends on our common stock. The resumption of our stock repurchase program will also be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on similar factors.

Regulated insurance subsidiaries

The liquidity requirements of our regulated insurance subsidiaries principally relate to the liabilities associated with their various insurance and investment products, operating costs and expenses, the payment of dividends to us, contributions to their subsidiaries, payment of principal and interest on their outstanding debt obligations and income taxes. Liabilities arising from insurance and investment products include the payment of benefits, as well as cash payments in connection with policy surrenders and withdrawals, policy loans and obligations to redeem funding agreements under applicable put option provisions.

Our insurance subsidiaries have used cash flows from operations and investment activities to fund their liquidity requirements. Our insurance subsidiaries’ principal cash inflows from operating activities are derived from premiums, annuity deposits and insurance and investment product fees and other income, including commissions, cost of insurance, mortality, expense and surrender charges, contract underwriting fees, investment management fees, and dividends and distributions from their subsidiaries. The principal cash inflows from investment activities result from repayments of principal, investment income and, as necessary, sales of invested assets.

Our insurance subsidiaries maintain investment strategies intended to provide adequate funds to pay benefits without forced sales of investments. Products having liabilities with longer durations, such as certain life insurance and long-term care insurance policies, are matched with investments having similar estimated lives

 

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such as long-term fixed maturity securities and commercial mortgage loans. Shorter-term liabilities are matched with fixed maturity securities that have short- and medium-term fixed maturity securities. In addition, our insurance subsidiaries hold highly liquid, high-quality short-term investment securities and other liquid investment grade fixed maturity securities to fund anticipated operating expenses, surrenders, and withdrawals. As of September 30, 2008, our total cash, cash equivalents and invested assets were $69.3 billion. Our investments in privately placed fixed maturity securities, commercial mortgage loans, policy loans, limited partnership interests and select mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are relatively illiquid. These asset classes represented approximately 38% of the carrying value of our total cash, cash equivalents and invested assets as of September 30, 2008.

During 2005, certain of our domestic life insurance subsidiaries transferred primarily foreign-issued investment securities to an affiliated special purpose entity (“SPE”) that is consolidated in our financial statements and whose sole purpose is to securitize these investment securities and issue secured notes to various affiliated insurance companies. The securitized investments are owned in their entirety by the SPE and, therefore, are not available to satisfy the claims of our creditors. These securitized investments provide collateral to the notes issued by the SPE to the insurance companies. The value of those securities as of September 30, 2008 was $1.1 billion.

Capital resources and financing activities

We have two $1.0 billion five-year revolving credit facilities that mature in May 2012 and August 2012. These facilities bear variable interest rates based on a one-month LIBOR plus margin. As of September 30, 2008, we utilized $172 million of the commitment under these facilities for the issuance of a letter of credit primarily for the benefit of one of our U.S. mortgage insurance subsidiaries. These two facilities contain minimum consolidated net worth requirements. Consolidated net worth, as defined in these agreements, means all amounts that would be included on a consolidated balance sheet of the borrower and its subsidiaries under stockholders’ equity, excluding accumulated non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity, also referred to as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), or “AOCI.” On October 5, 2008, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. (“LCP”), a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. LCP is a lender under our credit facilities and had committed to provide $70 million under each facility. We are uncertain whether LCP will fulfill its commitments under the credit facilities in light of its bankruptcy filing.

In May 2008, we issued senior notes having an aggregate principal amount of $600 million, with an interest rate equal to 6.515% per year payable semi-annually, and maturing in May 2018 (“2018 Notes”). The 2018 Notes are our direct, unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. We have the option to redeem all or a portion of the 2018 Notes, at any time with proper notice to the note holders at a price equal to the greater of 100% of principal or the sum of the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest discounted at the then-current treasury rate plus an applicable spread.

As of September 30, 2008, we had $3.5 billion of fixed and floating rate non-recourse funding obligations outstanding backing additional statutory reserves. Of these obligations, $1.7 billion were guaranteed by third-party financial guaranty insurance companies and the interest rates on these obligations are subject to rate resets triggered by negative rating agency action on the third-party financial guaranty insurance companies that guarantee these obligations. During 2008, the rates on those $1.7 billion of non-recourse funding obligations were contractually reset to the highest margin to the related underlying index rates. We may issue additional non-recourse funding obligations from time to time to help satisfy our statutory reserve requirements.

In March 2007, Genworth Financial Commercial Mortgage Warehouse LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Genworth, entered into a $300 million repurchase facility maturing in March 2010. The sole purpose of this facility was to finance the purchase of commercial mortgage loans with the intent to securitize such loans in the future. This facility had a variable interest rate based on one-month LIBOR plus a margin. In February 2008, Genworth Financial Commercial Warehouse LLC terminated this facility and repaid all amounts outstanding.

 

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As of September 30, 2008, our institutional business in our Retirement and Protection segment had outstanding $7.5 billion of FABNs and funding agreements, of which $1.8 billion offer contractholders the option to make an election to extend the maturity date of the contract. The current credit market conditions have made these types of institutional products less attractive compared to alternative products offering higher yields or more liquidity. As of September 30, 2008, the holders of $1.6 billion of contracts elected not to extend the maturity date on their contracts, and consequently, these contracts will now mature over the next twelve months.

As of September 30, 2008, we had approximately $1.9 billion of floating rate funding agreements, which are deposit-type products that generally credit interest on deposits at a floating rate tied to an external market index. Purchasers of funding agreements include money market funds, bank common trust funds and other short-term investors. Certain funding agreements may contain “put” provisions, through which the contractholder has an option to terminate the funding agreement for any reason after giving notice within the contract’s specified notice period, which is generally 90 days or 180 days. However, of the $1.9 billion aggregate amount outstanding as of September 30, 2008, none had put option features.

As of September 30, 2008, we had approximately $1.4 billion of GICs outstanding. Substantially all of these contracts allow for the payment of benefits at contract value to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) plans prior to contract maturity in the event of death, disability, retirement or change in investment election. We carefully underwrite these risks before issuing a GIC to a plan and historically have been able to effectively manage our exposure to these benefit payments. Our GICs typically credit interest at a fixed interest rate and have a fixed maturity generally ranging from two to six years. Contracts provide for early termination by the contractholder but are subject to an adjustment to the contract value for changes in the level of interest rates from the time the GIC was issued plus an early withdrawal penalty.

Capital and liquidity plans in the current market environment

During 2008, the capital and credit markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption. In the last two months, the volatility and disruptions have intensified significantly with a severity and speed that was not anticipated. This has been driven by, among other things, heightened concerns over conditions in the U.S. housing and mortgage markets, the availability and cost of credit, the health of U.S. and global financial institutions, a decline in business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment. During the last two months alone, among many other events, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed under federal conservatorship, Lehman Brothers Holding Inc. filed for bankruptcy, Merrill Lynch and Wachovia were both sold to other banks, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley became bank holding companies subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve, various government support programs were passed and rejected, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average had its largest single day point increase and decrease. All of these events contributed to, or in some cases were caused by, the unprecedented market conditions.

The recent market conditions have also adversely impacted our capital and liquidity plans, results of operations and financial position. The severe economic downturn and extreme volatility in capital and credit markets disrupted our plans or certain options in the third quarter to generate liquidity and capital for our operations through issuances of commercial paper and other debt and hybrid securities, sales of investment securities (without realizing material losses), and entering into certain types of reinsurance arrangements that provide additional capital at our insurance subsidiaries. For example, certain reinsurance arrangements nearing completion that were contemplated and in progress during the last weeks of the quarter were placed on hold or terminated by the counterparties in light of adverse investment market conditions. In addition, during the third quarter, we incurred significant investment losses as a result of impairments, changes in intent to hold securities to recovery, and credit-related losses. As discussed below, we are pursuing a variety of strategies to meet the liquidity and capital raising challenges in the current market environment or under various future market scenarios.

Our investment losses in the third quarter were recorded in both our financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP and the financial statements prepared by our regulated insurance subsidiaries under U.S. and

 

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applicable foreign statutory accounting principles (our “statutory results”). Our statutory results are used in a variety of ways by insurance regulators and by rating agencies that assign ratings to our holding company and our insurance subsidiaries.

Our life insurance subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital (“RBC”) standards and other minimum statutory capital and surplus requirements imposed under the laws and regulations of their respective states of domicile.

All of our life insurance subsidiaries have RBC ratios that exceed the minimum levels required by applicable insurance regulations. However, the impairments in our investment portfolio during the three months ended September 30, 2008 would have had a material adverse impact on the RBC ratios of our life insurance subsidiaries had our holding company not strengthened the capital levels of those subsidiaries. In particular, in connection with the preparation of our statutory financial statements for the third quarter, our holding company contributed $500 million of additional capital to certain of our life insurance subsidiaries. We do not believe any of our other insurance subsidiaries currently require any material capital contributions to maintain their current financial strength ratings. Following the contribution to certain of our life insurance subsidiaries, the holding company would have had $286 million of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2008.

In order to enhance the holding company’s liquidity to meet its obligations when they come due (including the repayment of $600 million and $500 million of senior notes that mature in May and June 2009, respectively) and to be able to provide additional capital to our life or other insurance subsidiaries to the extent they require it in the future and the holding company determines it appropriate to do so, we are actively pursuing a plan that includes various options to increase our liquidity and capital levels or flexibility. The plan includes the suspension of the payment of dividends on common stock indefinitely (unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise), reducing sales of certain insurance products (to relieve capital requirements, to reflect the economic environment and our risk requirements, and to optimize profitability) and reducing operating expenses. In order to provide us with increased flexibility to address market challenges and developments, our plan also includes potentially considering pursuing additional reinsurance transactions, accessing our credit lines, accessing the debt markets should these become more available, the sale of assets, pursuing other transactions that provide statutory capital to our insurance subsidiaries, or if market conditions and other factors allow, issuing one or more types of equity securities. In addition, as previously announced we have undertaken a review of strategic alternatives for our U.S. mortgage insurance business.

We believe that we will be able to successfully complete one or more of the liquidity and capital enhancing actions described above, and that those actions and/or borrowings under our revolving credit facilities (if needed), together with anticipated cash flow from operations will provide us with sufficient liquidity to meet our anticipated future funding needs. However, we cannot be sure that our funding needs will not unexpectedly increase materially and suddenly, as a result of further general market deterioration, events specific to our operations or otherwise, or that we will be able to successfully implement our plan or with the targeted results or

 

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in the time frames needed. Downgrades by one or more of the rating agencies of the financial strength ratings of our insurance company subsidiaries and/or the credit ratings of our holding company before we have had an opportunity to implement our plan or thereafter could cause us to narrow the scope of our business and/or have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For a discussion of the risks associated with implementing our plan and downgrades of our ratings (including those recently announced), see “Risk Factors.”

Contractual obligations and commercial commitments

We enter into obligations to third parties in the ordinary course of our operations. However, we do not believe that our cash flow requirements can be assessed based upon an analysis of these obligations. The most significant factor affecting our future cash flows is our ability to earn and collect cash from our customers. Future cash outflows, whether they are contractual obligations or not, also will vary based upon our future needs. Although some outflows are fixed, others depend on future events. Examples of fixed obligations include our obligations to pay principal and interest on fixed rate borrowings. Examples of obligations that will vary include obligations to pay interest on variable-rate borrowings and insurance liabilities that depend on future interest rates and market performance. Many of our obligations are linked to cash-generating contracts. These obligations include payments to contractholders that assume those contractholders will continue to make deposits in accordance with the terms of their contracts. In addition, our operations involve significant expenditures that are not based upon “commitments.” These include expenditures for income taxes and payroll.

In May 2008, we issued senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $600 million. See note 10 in our “—Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2009, we have approximately $1.1 billion of debt maturing.

The current credit market conditions have made the extension of the maturities of some of our institutional products less attractive to the holders compared to alternative products offering higher yields or more liquidity. As of September 30, 2008, the holders of $1.6 billion of contracts elected not to extend the maturity date on their contracts, and consequently these contracts will now mature over the next twelve months. Additionally, we have $1.0 billion of funding agreements scheduled to mature in the next twelve months.

Except as discussed above, there have been no material additions or changes to our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as set forth in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2008.

Securitization Entities

There were no off-balance sheet securitization transactions in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 or 2007.

New Accounting Standards

For a discussion of recently adopted and not yet adopted accounting standards, see note 2 in our “—Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss of fair value resulting from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity prices. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying financial instruments are traded.

Since the third quarter of 2007, credit markets have experienced reduced liquidity, higher volatility and widening credit spreads across asset classes, mainly the result of marketplace uncertainty arising from higher defaults in sub-prime and Alt-A mortgage loan collateral underlying residential mortgage-backed securities. See “—Business trends and conditions” and “—Investments and Derivative Instruments” in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion of the current market conditions.

 

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In the third quarter of 2008, the U.S. dollar strengthened against the currencies in our principal international locations (Canada, Australia and Europe). This has resulted in lower levels of reported revenues, net income (loss), assets, liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our U.S. dollar consolidated financial statements. See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussions on the impact changes in foreign currency rates have had during the quarter. During October 2008, the U.S. dollar strengthened considerably against the Australian and Canadian dollars, as well as the U.K. pound sterling and Euro. If foreign exchange rates remain at the current levels throughout the fourth quarter of 2008, it could have a material impact on our fourth quarter financial results and would be limited to the translation of our foreign currencies into the U.S. dollar with no impact on our international cash flows.

There were no other material changes in these risks since December 31, 2007.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2008, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of Genworth’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting During the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We face a significant risk of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions in the ordinary course of operating our businesses, including the risk of class action lawsuits. Our pending legal and regulatory actions include proceedings specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which we operate. In our insurance operations, we are, have been, or may become subject to class actions and individual suits alleging, among other things, issues relating to sales or underwriting practices, payment of contingent or other sales commissions, bidding practices in connection with our management and administration of a third party’s municipal GIC business, claims payments and procedures, product design, product disclosure, administration, additional premium charges for premiums paid on a periodic basis, denial or delay of benefits, charging excessive or impermissible fees on products, recommending unsuitable products to customers, our pricing structures and business practices in our mortgage insurance business, such as captive reinsurance arrangements with lenders and contract underwriting services, violations of the RESPA or related state anti-inducement laws, and breaching fiduciary or other duties to customers. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against us may seek very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, which may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. In our investment-related operations, we are subject to litigation involving commercial disputes with counterparties. We are also subject to litigation arising out of our general business activities such as our contractual and employment relationships. We are also subject to various regulatory inquiries, such as information requests, subpoenas, books and record examinations and market conduct and financial examinations, from state, federal and international regulators and other authorities. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, even if we ultimately prevail in the litigation, regulatory action or investigation, we could suffer significant reputational harm, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Except as set forth below, there were no material developments during the quarter in any of the legal proceedings identified in Part I, Item 3 of our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in Part II, Item 1 of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended June 30, 2008 and March 31, 2008.

As previously reported, between March and July 2008, we were named along with several other GIC industry participants as a defendant in several class action lawsuits alleging federal antitrust violations involving the sale of GICs to municipalities and seeking treble damages. In June 2008, the United States Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation consolidated the federal cases for pre-trial proceedings in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the case name In re Municipal Derivative Antitrust Litigation. Also as previously reported, in July 2008, we were named along with several other GIC industry participants as a defendant in two separate non-class action lawsuits brought by municipalities alleging fraud and violations of California’s antitrust laws relating to the sale of GICs to each municipality and seeking monetary damages: City of Los Angeles v. Bank of America, N.A., et al. (Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California, removed to the United States District Court for Central California) and City of Stockton v. Bank of America, N.A., et al. (Superior Court of San Francisco County, California, removed to the United States District Court for Northern California). In September and October 2008, we were named along with several other GIC industry participants in three more non-class action lawsuit brought by municipalities alleging fraud and violations of California’s antitrust laws relating to the sale of GICs and seeking monetary damages: County of San Diego v. Bank of America, N.A., et al. (Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California, removed to the United States District Court for Central California); County of San Mateo v. Bank of America, N.A., et al. (Superior Court of San Francisco, California, removed to the United States District Court for Northern California); and County of Contra Costa v. Bank of America, N.A., et al. (Superior Court of San Francisco, California, removed to the United States District Court for Northern California). We intend to defend the cases vigorously.

 

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In August 2008, one of our subsidiaries, Genworth Life Insurance Company, received an industry-wide Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the Texas Attorney General’s Office seeking documents relating to our long-term care insurance business in Texas. We are cooperating with the Texas Attorney General’s Office in responding to the CID.

We cannot ensure that the identified investigations and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, it is possible that related investigations and proceedings may be commenced in the future, and we could become subject to further investigations and have lawsuits filed against us. In addition, increased regulatory scrutiny and any resulting investigations or proceedings could result in new legal precedents and industry-wide regulations or practices that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Given the current market conditions and volatility impacting our businesses, we have updated and restated the risk factors contained in Item 1A. of our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should carefully consider the following risks. These risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition, cause the trading price of our common stock to decline materially or cause our actual results to differ materially from those expected or those expressed in any forward looking statements made by us or on our behalf. These risks are not exclusive, and additional risks to which we are subject include, but are not limited to, the risks of our businesses described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008 and in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Risks Relating to Our Businesses

Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our access to capital and may affect our ability to meet liquidity or refinancing requirements in the future.

During 2008, the capital and credit markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption. In recent weeks, the volatility and disruption have reached unprecedented levels. As a result, access to capital and credit markets (including short- and long-term debt markets and equity markets) and to other available forms of financing and liquidity, including reinsurance transactions, has been significantly impaired for us and for many other companies. In the current market, our liquidity needs could increase materially and rapidly for a variety of reasons, many of which are outside of our control. For example, some of our insurance and investment products entitle holders to surrender their policies or withdraw funds prior to maturity, for any reason and on limited notice, in exchange for specified cash amounts (although these may be subject to specified withdrawal penalties). In addition, we may require additional funds to invest in our insurance subsidiaries in the event that their regulatory capital levels decline below desired levels as a result of future impairments of investment securities or other conditions. The principal sources of our liquidity are premiums and deposits collected from our insurance and investment products, the margin generated from in-force business, and cash flow or sales proceeds from our investment portfolio. Other key sources of liquidity and funding include a variety of short- and long-term financing instruments, including commercial paper, repurchase agreements, reinsurance transactions and our credit facilities.

In the event the sources outlined above do not satisfy our needs, we would have to seek additional funding, which may potentially include the generation of proceeds from the sale of assets (including assets in our investment portfolio or blocks of business), the incurrence of debt, or the issuance of equity securities. The availability of additional funding will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, regulatory considerations, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to the financial services industry, the level of activity and availability of reinsurers or acquirers of assets, our credit ratings and credit capacity, the degree to which equity issuance would dilute current stockholders, and the performance of and outlook for our business (including investor perceptions of the likelihood that we will incur material investment losses in the future). Market conditions may make it difficult to obtain funding or complete asset sales to generate additional liquidity, especially on short notice. Our access to funding may be further impaired if our credit or financial strength ratings are negatively impacted.

 

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Current market conditions also have exerted significant downward pressure on the price of our common stock, which could impact our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional equity related securities, or to obtain stockholder approval (if required) for the issuance of equity securities. If we were to issue equity or equity related securities, such securities could take various forms including convertible or hybrid debt, common stock, preferred stock, and/or warrants. Preferred stock would have terms that are more favorable than our common stock. Any issuance of equity securities could dilute the interests of our existing stockholders and adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. Our subsidiaries are also subject to insurance laws and regulations, as well as other federal and state laws and regulations, which would require us to seek regulatory approval for an issuance of additional equity in certain circumstances, including if we issue material amounts of voting stock. If required, a review by insurance regulators could be time consuming and there is no assurance that approval would be granted.

Continued downturns and volatility in equity and credit markets and the global economy would materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally, both in the United States and elsewhere around the world. The stress experienced by global capital markets that began in the second half of 2007 continued and substantially increased during the third quarter of 2008. Recently, concerns over the availability and cost of credit, inflation, the U.S. mortgage market, the stability of banks and other financial institutions, and a declining real estate market in the United States have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the markets going forward. These factors, combined with volatile oil prices, declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment, have precipitated an economic slowdown and fears of a possible significant and long recession.

Factors such as lack of consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our business. In an economic downturn like the current one, which is characterized by higher unemployment, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment and lower consumer spending, the demand for certain financial and insurance products may be adversely affected. In addition, we may experience an elevated incidence of claims and lapses or surrenders of policies, and some of our policyholders may choose to defer paying insurance premiums or stop paying insurance premiums altogether.

Domestic and international equity and credit markets have been experiencing heightened volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the mortgage and credit markets particularly affected. These events and the continuing market upheavals have had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and also because such events influence customer behavior. Our revenues have declined and could continue to decline in the event that there are significant additional impairments in our investment portfolio or the equity markets erode the profitability of our retirement income product lines impacted by those markets.

Downturns and volatility in equity markets may discourage purchases of separate account products, such as variable annuities, that have returns linked to the performance of the equity markets and may cause some existing customers to withdraw cash values or reduce investments in those products. In addition, if the performance of the underlying mutual funds in the separate account experience downturns and volatility for a long period of time, the payment of any living benefit guarantee available in certain variable annuity products may have an adverse effect on us, because more payments will be required to come from our general account assets, than from contractholder separate account investments. Continued equity market volatility could result in additional losses in our variable annuity products and associated hedging program which will challenge our ability to recover DAC on these products and could lead to further write-offs of DAC.

Our revenues and returns from our mutual fund wrapped and separately managed account products and services could also be impacted by downturns and volatility in equity markets. Because these products and services generate fees generally from the value of assets under management, a decline in the equity markets

 

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could reduce our revenues by reducing the value of the investment assets we manage. Downturns in equity markets could also lead to an increase in liabilities associated with secondary guarantee features, such as guaranteed minimum benefits on separate account products, where we have equity market risk exposure.

The market for fixed income instruments has experienced significantly decreased liquidity, increased price volatility, numerous credit downgrade events and an increased probability of default. Securities that are less liquid are more difficult to value and have been hard to dispose of in the current environment. In addition, issuers of the fixed-income securities and commercial mortgage loans that we own may default on principal and interest payments if there are downturns and volatility in credit markets. The economic downturn has caused significant declines in the value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio and could lead to a higher rate of default on our fixed-income securities which, in turn, could adversely affect our results of operations.

As a result of market conditions, investors and lenders have retreated from many investments in asset-backed securities, including those associated with sub-prime and Alt-A residential mortgage loans, as well as types of debt investments with weak lender protections or those with limited transparency and/or complex features which hindered investor understanding. At the same time, investors shifted emphasis towards less risky investments, increasing the demand for U.S. Treasury instruments. The current credit market conditions have resulted in an unfavorable liquidity environment for issuers of financial instruments including commercial paper, long-term debt and asset-backed securities. In addition, the downturn has an adverse effect on our ability to efficiently access capital markets for capital management purposes, including the issuance of fixed and floating rate non-recourse funding obligations for purposes of supporting our term and universal life insurance products. If credit markets remain tight for a prolonged period, this is likely to have a continuing adverse impact on our profitability, liquidity and access to funding opportunities.

Investors in certain of our institutional products may choose to not exercise maturity extension options or may choose to elect early termination provisions in favor of investment alternatives offering higher returns or different liquidity features in light of the current or future downturns, volatility in credit markets or their own current cash needs. Because we earn a spread between interest earned and interest credited on these products, earlier-than-anticipated maturities could reduce our revenues and profitability and may cause us to liquidate underlying investments earlier than anticipated, which could result in investment losses, depending on market conditions at the time, or use other available sources of cash.

A downgrade or a potential downgrade in our financial strength or credit ratings could result in a loss of business and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Financial strength ratings, which various rating agencies publish as measures of an insurance company’s ability to meet contractholder and policyholder obligations, are important to maintaining public confidence in our products, the ability to market our products and our competitive position. Credit ratings, which rating agencies publish as measures of an entity’s ability to repay its indebtedness, are important to our ability to raise capital through the issuance of debt and to the cost of such financing.

Our principal life insurance companies currently have financial strength ratings of “A+” (Superior) from A.M. Best , “AA-” (Very Strong) from S&P, “Aa3” (Excellent) from Moody’s and “A+” (Strong) from Fitch. Our mortgage insurance companies currently have financial strength ratings of “AA-” (Very Strong) for the United States and Europe and “AA” (Very Strong) for Canada and Australia from S&P, “Aa3” (Excellent) from Moody’s, and, for Canada, “AA” (Superior) from Dominion Bond Rating Service (“DBRS”). The “A+” rating is the second-highest of A.M. Best’s 15 ratings. The “AA” and “AA-” ratings are the third- and fourth-highest of S&P’s 21 ratings categories, respectively. The “Aa3” rating is the fourth-highest of Moody’s 21 ratings categories. The “A+” rating is the fifth-highest of Fitch’s 21 ratings categories. The “AA” rating is the second-highest of DBRS’s ten ratings categories.

 

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The major rating agencies recently issued press releases regarding their credit and financial strength ratings for our holding company and our subsidiaries. On September 4, 2008, S&P placed the “AA-” credit ratings of the surplus notes issued by River Lake Insurance Company III, one of our subsidiaries, on negative watch and downgraded the subordinated debt issued by River Lake Insurance Company IV, another one of our subsidiaries, from “BBB” to “BBB-” and left it on negative watch.

Following our announcement on September 30, 2008 that we are examining a number of strategic alternatives for our U.S. mortgage insurance business, Moody’s placed all of our ratings on review for possible downgrade. S&P lowered our U.S. and European mortgage insurance financial strength ratings one notch to “AA-” from “AA.” S&P’s credit ratings for our holding company and financial strength ratings for our insurance subsidiaries remained unchanged. S&P states that an insurer rated “AA” (Very Strong) has very strong financial security characteristics and is highly likely to have the ability to meet financial commitments.

On October 3, 2008, Fitch placed all of our ratings on CreditWatch negative following its announcement on September 29, 2008, which changed the life insurance industry outlook from “stable” to “negative.” On October 21, 2008, Fitch downgraded our credit ratings to “A-” from “A+” and the financial strength ratings of our life insurance subsidiaries to “A+” from “AA-.” In addition, Fitch removed our financial strength ratings from CreditWatch negative and placed them on negative outlook. Fitch states that “A” (Strong) rated insurance companies are viewed as possessing strong capacity to meet policyholder and contract obligations.

On November 6, 2008, A.M. Best announced that they have placed our ratings under review with negative implications. This follows A.M. Best’s announcement on September 18, 2008, which changed their life insurance industry outlook from “stable” to “negative.”

On November 7, 2008, S&P affirmed the “AA-” counterparty and financial strength ratings our life insurance businesses and lowered our long-term counterparty credit and senior debt ratings to “A-” from “A.” The outlook on both is negative. The ratings on our mortgage insurance operations were unaffected by these rating actions. S&P also downgraded our commercial paper to “A-2” from “A-1.”

We believe that Moody’s will downgrade our debt ratings, senior debt to “Baa1” from “A2,” as well as the insurance financial strength ratings of our primary life insurance operating subsidiaries to “A1” from “Aa3” and the outlook on Genworth and our life insurance subsidiaries will be negative.

A ratings downgrade could occur for a variety of reasons, including reasons specifically related to our company, generally related to our industry or the broader financial services industry or as a result of changes by the rating agencies in their methodologies or rating criteria. A downgrade in any of our financial strength or credit ratings (including those recently announced), the announcement of a potential downgrade, or customer concerns about the possibility of a downgrade, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These direct or indirect effects could include:

 

   

reducing new sales of insurance products, annuities and other investment products;

 

   

requiring us to modify some of our existing products or services to remain competitive, or introduce new products or services;

 

   

adversely affecting our relationships with key distributors, independent sales intermediaries and our dedicated sales specialists, including the loss of exclusivity under certain agreements with our independent sales intermediaries;

 

   

materially increasing the number or amount of policy surrenders and withdrawals by contractholders and policyholders;

 

   

requiring us to post additional collateral or terminate contracts under the terms of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association agreements with derivative counterparties, or to provide support in the form of collateral, capital contributions or letters of credit under the terms of certain of our reinsurance, securitization and other agreements;

 

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adversely affecting our ability to obtain reinsurance or obtain it on reasonable pricing terms; and

 

   

increasing our cost of borrowing.

In addition, if our mortgage insurance companies’ financial strength ratings decrease below the thresholds established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, we may not be able to insure mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac currently require maintenance of a rating by at least two out of three listed rating agencies (S&P, Fitch and Moody’s) of at least “AA-”/”Aa3” (as applicable); otherwise additional limitations or requirements may be in the case of Fannie Mae or will be in the case of Freddie Mac imposed for eligibility to insure loans purchased by the GSEs. In February 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac temporarily suspended automatic imposition of the additional requirements otherwise applicable upon a ratings downgrade below the above-described requirements, subject to certain specified conditions, including submitting a complete remediation plan for approval.

As of December 31, 2007, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchased the majority of the flow loans we insured in the U.S. An inability to insure mortgage loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or their transfer of our existing policies to an alternative mortgage insurer, would have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

There can be no assurance as to the impact on the financial markets of the U.S. government’s plan to purchase large amounts of illiquid, mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions.

On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed the EESA into law in response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and continuing concern for the financial stability of investment banks and other financial institutions. Under the EESA, the U.S. Treasury has the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions, as well as invest directly into certain financial institutions, for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets. The U.S. government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken or are considering taking a variety of other actions to address the financial crisis. There can be no assurance as to what impact any of these actions will have on the financial markets, including the extreme levels of volatility and limited availability of credit currently being experienced. Continued volatility could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to access any of the U.S. government’s recently adopted or future financial support programs.

The U.S. government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies have recently adopted and, in the future may adopt, a variety of programs to provide financial support to companies in the face of the challenging markets. The programs are evolving rapidly and many of the important details have not yet been decided. We currently are reviewing our eligibility to participate in various programs and have not yet received financial support under any of the programs. We currently cannot predict whether we will be eligible to participate in various programs, what the terms of participation will be or whether we will elect to participate in any programs that we may be eligible for other than our participation in the CPFF as described elsewhere in this report. However, we are currently ineligible for participation in the CPFF due to our recent downgrade by S&P.

Interest rate fluctuations could adversely affect our business and profitability.

Over the past several months, interest rates have continued to decrease significantly. Our insurance and investment products are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and expose us to the risk that falling interest rates will reduce our “spread,” or the difference between the returns we earn on the investments that support our obligations under these products and the amounts that we must pay policyholders and contractholders. Because we may reduce the interest rates we credit on most of these products only at limited, pre-established intervals, and because some contracts have guaranteed minimum interest crediting rates, declines in interest rates have, and will continue to, adversely affect the profitability of these products.

 

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During periods of increasing market interest rates, we may offer higher crediting rates on interest-sensitive products, such as universal life insurance and fixed annuities, and we may increase crediting rates on in-force products to keep these products competitive. In addition, rapidly rising interest rates may cause increased policy surrenders, withdrawals from life insurance policies and annuity contracts and requests for policy loans, as policyholders and contractholders shift assets into higher yielding investments. Increases in crediting rates, as well as surrenders and withdrawals, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our term life and long-term care insurance products also expose us to the risk of interest rate fluctuations. The pricing and expected future profitability of these products are based in part on expected investment returns. Over time, term life and long-term care insurance products generally produce positive cash flows as customers pay periodic premiums, which we invest as we receive them. Low interest rates, like those we are currently experiencing, reduce our ability to achieve our targeted investment margins and may adversely affect the profitability of our term life and long-term care insurance products.

In both the U.S. and international mortgage markets, rising interest rates generally reduce the volume of new mortgage originations. A decline in the volume of new mortgage originations would have an adverse effect on our new mortgage insurance written. Rising interest rates also can increase the monthly mortgage payments for insured homeowners with ARMs which could have the effect of increasing default rates on ARM loans and thereby increasing our exposure on our mortgage insurance policies. This is particularly relevant in our international mortgage insurance business, where ARMs are the predominant mortgage product. ARMs also have increased as a percentage of the U.S. mortgage loans that we insure.

Declining interest rates historically have increased the rate at which borrowers refinance their existing mortgages, thereby resulting in cancellations of the mortgage insurance covering the refinanced loans. Declining interest rates historically also have contributed to home price appreciation, which may provide borrowers in the U.S. with the option of canceling their mortgage insurance coverage earlier than we anticipated when pricing that coverage. These cancellations could have an adverse effect on our results from our mortgage insurance business. However, under current market conditions, we are in a period of home price depreciation in a majority of markets. Consequently, some borrowers in the U.S. do not have sufficient equity to allow refinancing of existing higher rate ARMs for lower rate mortgage loans, an action that would typically result in the cancellation of existing mortgage insurance coverage. Many of these borrowers are now contributing to higher delinquencies and foreclosures because they are not able to meet the reset higher rate monthly payments due under the terms of the underlying ARMs. These developments have had an adverse impact on our U.S. mortgage insurance business.

Interest rate fluctuations also could have an adverse effect on the results of our investment portfolios. During periods of declining market interest rates like those we are currently experiencing, the interest we receive on variable interest rate investments decreases. In addition, during those periods, we are forced to reinvest the cash we receive as interest or return of principal on our investments in lower-yielding high-grade instruments or in lower-credit instruments to maintain comparable returns. Issuers of fixed-income securities also may decide to prepay their obligations in order to borrow at lower market rates, which exacerbates the risk that we may have to invest the cash proceeds of these securities in lower-yielding or lower-credit instruments. Additionally, recent volatility and uncertainty in the sub-prime residential market has resulted in increased mortgage interest rates and delinquency rates. These developments have had an adverse impact on our U.S. mortgage insurance business, as well as our investments in securities backed by sub-prime residential mortgage loans. See “—A deterioration in economic conditions or a decline in home price appreciation may adversely affect our loss experience in mortgage insurance.”

 

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Our valuation of fixed maturity, equity and trading securities may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions which are subject to differing interpretations and could result in changes to investment valuations that may materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

Fixed maturity, equity and trading securities and short-term investments are reported at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. They represent the majority of our total cash, cash equivalents and invested assets. Our portfolio of fixed maturity securities consists primarily of investment grade registered securities. During periods of market disruption including periods of volatile asset pricing, credit-spread volatility, illiquidity and reduced transparency of market participant valuation inputs, certain of our securities, such as our Alt-A and sub-prime mortgage-backed securities, become difficult to value. There may be certain asset classes that were in active markets with significant observable data that become illiquid due to the current financial environment. In these cases, valuing securities may require more subjectivity and management judgment. As a result, valuations may include inputs and assumptions that are less observable or require greater estimation, as well as valuation methods that are more sophisticated or require greater estimation, thereby resulting in values which are less certain and may vary significantly from the value at which the investments may be ultimately sold. The methodologies, estimates and assumptions we use in valuing our securities evolve over time and are subject to different interpretation (including based on developments in relevant accounting literature), all of which can lead to changes in the value of our securities. Rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported within our consolidated financial statements, and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases in value may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Defaults, downgrades or other events impairing the value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio may reduce our income.

We are subject to the risk that the issuers or guarantors of fixed maturity securities we own may default on principal and interest payments they owe us. As of September 30, 2008, the fixed maturity securities of $48.7 billion in our investment portfolio represented 70% of our total cash, cash equivalents and invested assets. The current economic downturn has caused the value of our fixed maturity securities portfolio to decline and resulted in a net loss. This trend may continue. With the ongoing economic uncertainty impacting the credit quality of certain issuers or guarantors, certain of our investments and therefore our results of operations and financial position have been adversely affected. As a result, we recognized $577 million and $1,316 million of impairments in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.

Any event reducing the value of our investment portfolio other than on a temporary basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Levels of write-downs or impairment are impacted by our assessment of the financial condition of the issuer, whether or not the issuer is paying its principal and interest obligations and our intent and ability to hold securities which have declined in value until recovery. If we determine to reposition or realign portions of the portfolio where we determine not to hold certain securities in an unrealized loss position to recovery, then we will incur an other-than-temporary impairment charge.

We may be required to recognize additional impairments in the value of our goodwill, which would increase our expenses and reduce our U.S. GAAP profitability.

Goodwill represents the excess of the amount we paid to acquire our subsidiaries and other businesses over the fair value of their net assets at the date of the acquisition. Under U.S. GAAP, we test the carrying value of goodwill for impairment at least annually at the “reporting unit” level, which is either an operating segment or a business one level below the operating segment. Goodwill is impaired if the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole is less than the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, plus the carrying value of goodwill, at the date of the test. For example, goodwill may become impaired if the fair value of a reporting unit as a whole were to decline by an amount greater than the decline in the value of its individually identifiable assets and liabilities. This may occur for various reasons, including changes in actual or expected

 

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income or cash flows of a reporting unit or generation of income by a reporting unit at a lower rate of return than similar businesses. If any portion of our goodwill becomes impaired, we would be required to recognize the amount of the impairment as non-cash expense in the current period.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded non-cash charges of $22 million and $12 million, respectively, to write-off the entire goodwill balance associated with our U.S. mortgage insurance and institutional businesses. We continue to evaluate current market conditions that may affect the fair value of our reporting units to assess whether any goodwill impairment exists. Continued or deteriorating adverse market conditions for certain businesses may have a significant impact on the fair value of our reporting units and could result in additional future impairments of goodwill.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

We routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of its counterparty or client. For example, we hedge various business risks using derivative instruments, including options, interest rate and currency swaps with a number of counterparties. If our counterparties fail or refuse to honor their obligations, our hedges of the related risk will be ineffective. Such failure could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We manage our credit risk by requiring certain financial institutions to post collateral. However, this may be ineffective when the collateral posted by a financial institution cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to it. We also have exposure to various financial institutions in the form of equity investments and unsecured debt instruments. There can be no assurance that any such losses or impairments to the carrying value of its financial assets would not have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We also entered into letters of credit with financial institutions to fund the statutory reserves of our term and universal life insurance products. If these financial institutions fail to honor these letters of credit, we could experience a significant reduction in capital, which in turn, could materially adversely affect our ability to write new business and operate our insurance businesses and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

An inability to access our credit facilities could result in a reduction in our liquidity and lead to downgrades in our credit and financial strength ratings.

We have a $1.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility that matures in May 2012 and a $1.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility that matures in August 2012. These facilities bear variable interest rates based on one-month LIBOR plus a margin. As of September 30, 2008, we utilized $172 million of the commitment under these facilities primarily for the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of one of our U.S. mortgage insurance subsidiaries.

We rely on our credit facilities as a potential source of liquidity. The availability of these facilities could be critical to our credit and financial strength ratings and our ability to meet our obligations as they come due, particularly in the current market when alternative sources of credit are tight. The credit facilities contain various affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, including covenants requiring us to maintain a specified minimum consolidated net worth (as defined in the facilities), to conduct our business in certain specified ways, to comply with applicable laws and not to engage in certain fundamental changes to our business (including disposition of a business segment or assets above a certain threshold). Consolidated net worth, as defined in these agreements, means all amounts that would be included on a consolidated balance sheet of the borrower and its subsidiaries under stockholders’ equity, excluding accumulated non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity, also referred to as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), or “AOCI.” Our right to make borrowings under these facilities is subject to the fulfillment of certain important conditions, including our compliance with all covenants. Our failure to comply with the covenants in the credit facilities or fulfill the conditions to borrowings would restrict our ability to access these credit facilities when needed and, consequently, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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On October 5, 2008, LCP, a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. LCP is a lender under our credit facilities and had committed to provide $70 million under each facility. We are uncertain whether LCP will fulfill its commitments under the credit facilities in light of its bankruptcy filing.

A decline in our risk-based capital could result in a decline in our ratings, increased scrutiny by state insurance regulators and an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Our insurance company subsidiaries are subject to RBC standards and other minimum statutory capital and surplus requirements imposed under the laws of their respective states of domicile. The RBC standards, which are based upon the RBC Model Act adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the “NAIC”), require our insurance company subsidiaries to report their results of RBC calculations annually to the state departments of insurance and the NAIC. Changes in statutory accounting principles relating to RBC calculations could adversely impact our ability to meet minimum RBC and statutory capital and surplus requirements. In addition, defaults or impairments in our investment portfolio and a decline in the results of operations of our insurance subsidiaries, like those we have experienced recently, have had an adverse impact on our RBC levels, in response to which we have contributed capital from our holding company to the life insurance subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that the life insurance company subsidiaries will not need additional capital or that we will be able to provide it to maintain the targeted RBC levels to support their business operations.

The failure of our insurance subsidiaries to meet applicable RBC requirements or minimum statutory capital and the surplus requirements could subject our insurance company subsidiaries to further examination or corrective action imposed by state insurance regulators, including limitations on their ability to write additional business, state supervision or seizure or liquidation. A decline in our RBC also could cause rating agencies to downgrade the financial strength ratings of our insurance subsidiaries, which would have an adverse impact on our ability to write new business. Certain actions by state insurance regulators or rating agencies could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If our reserves for future policy claims are inadequate, we may be required to increase our reserve liabilities, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We calculate and maintain reserves for estimated future payments of claims to our policyholders and contractholders in accordance with U.S. GAAP and industry accounting practices. We release these reserves as those future obligations are extinguished. The reserves we establish necessarily reflect estimates and actuarial assumptions with regard to our future experience. These estimates and actuarial assumptions involve the exercise of significant judgment. Our future financial results depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual future experience is consistent with the assumptions we have used in pricing our products and determining our reserves. Many factors can affect future experience, including economic and social conditions, inflation, healthcare costs, policyholder persistency (resulting in adverse claims experience), and changes in doctrines of legal liability and damage awards in litigation. Therefore, we cannot determine with precision the ultimate amounts we will pay for actual claims or the timing of those payments.

We regularly monitor our reserves. If we conclude that our reserves are insufficient to cover actual or expected policy and contract benefits and claims payments, we would be required to increase our reserves and incur income statement charges for the period in which we make the determination, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and put additional strain on our available liquidity. We recently increased our loss reserves significantly for our U.S. mortgage insurance business as a result of an increase in delinquencies, along with an increase in the average loan balance of mortgage loan delinquencies. See “—Risks Relating to Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance Segment” below.

 

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As a holding company, we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us to pay dividends and to meet our obligations.

We act as a holding company for our insurance subsidiaries and do not have any significant operations of our own. Dividends from our subsidiaries and permitted payments to us under our tax sharing arrangements with our subsidiaries are our principal sources of cash to pay stockholder dividends and to meet our obligations. These obligations include our operating expenses and interest and principal on our current and any future borrowings. These obligations also include amounts we owe to GE under the Tax Matters Agreement. If the cash we receive from our subsidiaries pursuant to dividend payment and tax sharing arrangements is insufficient for us to fund any of these obligations, or if a subsidiary is unable to pay dividends to us, we may be required to raise cash through the incurrence of debt, the issuance of additional equity or the sale of assets. However, given the current conditions in the equity and credit markets, there can be no assurance that we would be able to raise cash by these means.

The payment of dividends and other distributions to us by each of our insurance subsidiaries is regulated by insurance laws and regulations. In general, dividends in excess of prescribed limits are deemed “extraordinary” and require insurance regulatory approval. In addition, insurance regulators may prohibit the payment of ordinary dividends or other payments by our insurance subsidiaries to us (such as a payment under a tax sharing agreement or for employee or other services) if they determine that such payment could be adverse to our policyholders or contractholders. The ability of our insurance subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders, are also subject to various guidelines established by the rating agencies for us to maintain our ratings.

Intense competition could negatively affect our ability to maintain or increase our market share and profitability.

Our businesses are subject to intense competition. We believe the principal competitive factors in the sale of our products are product features, price, commission structure, marketing and distribution arrangements, brand, reputation, financial strength ratings and service.

Many other companies actively compete for sales in our retirement and protection markets, including other major insurers, banks, other financial institutions, mutual fund and asset management firms and specialty and capital markets providers. In addition, alternative products that leverage the capital markets could compete with traditional insurance products and reduce our market share. The principal direct and indirect competitors for our U.S. and, increasingly, international mortgage insurance businesses include other private mortgage insurers, structured transactions in the capital markets, other financial instruments designed to manage credit risk, such as credit default swaps and credit linked notes, lenders who forego mortgage insurance, or self-insure, on loans held in their portfolios, and lenders that provide mortgage reinsurance through captive mortgage reinsurance programs. Further, we also compete with governmental and quasi-governmental agencies, including in the U.S., the FHA and to a lesser degree, the Veteran’s Administration (“VA”), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In Canada and some European countries, our mortgage insurance business competes directly with government entities, which provide comparable mortgage insurance. Government entities with which we compete typically do not have the same capital requirements and do not have the same profit objectives as we do.

In many of our product lines, we face competition from competitors that have greater market share or breadth of distribution, offer a broader range of products, services or features, assume a greater level of risk, have lower profitability expectations or have higher financial strength ratings than we do. Many competitors offer similar products and use similar distribution channels. The substantial expansion of banks’ and insurance companies’ distribution capacities and expansion of product features in recent years have intensified pressure on margins and production levels and have increased the level of competition in many of our business lines. Consolidation among banks, insurance companies and other financial services companies could also have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations if the surviving entity requires more favorable

 

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terms than we had previously been offering to one or more of the combined companies or if it elects not to continue to do business with us following the consolidation.

Reinsurance may not be available, affordable or adequate to protect us against losses.

As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we have historically purchased reinsurance for certain risks underwritten by our various business segments. The availability and cost of reinsurance protection are impacted by our operating and financial performance as well as market conditions beyond our control. For example, continued volatility in the equity markets and the related impacts on asset values required to fund liabilities, have materially reduced the availability of reinsurance and made it much more costly when it is available, as reinsurers have been less willing to take on credit risk in a volatile market. Accordingly, we may be forced to incur additional expenses for reinsurance or may not be able to obtain sufficient new reinsurance on acceptable terms, which could adversely affect our ability to write future business or obtain statutory capital credit for new reinsurance.

If the counterparties to our reinsurance arrangements or to the derivative instruments we use to hedge our business risks default or fail to perform, we may be exposed to risks we had sought to mitigate, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We use reinsurance and derivative instruments to mitigate our risks in various circumstances. Reinsurance does not relieve us of our direct liability to our policyholders, even when the reinsurer is liable to us. Accordingly, we bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers. We cannot assure you that our reinsurers will pay the reinsurance recoverable owed to us now or in the future or that they will pay these recoverables on a timely basis. A reinsurer’s insolvency, inability or unwillingness to make payments under the terms of its reinsurance agreement with us could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Prior to the completion of our initial public offering (the “IPO”), we ceded to Union Fidelity Life Insurance Company (“UFLIC”) substantially all of our in-force structured settlements block of business, variable annuity business and the long-term care insurance assumed from MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, formerly known as The Travelers Insurance Company, as of December 31, 2003. UFLIC has established trust accounts for our benefit to secure its obligations under the reinsurance arrangements, and General Electric Capital Corporation (“GE Capital”), an indirect subsidiary of GE, has agreed to maintain UFLIC’s risk-based capital above a specified minimum level. If UFLIC becomes insolvent notwithstanding this agreement, and the amounts in the trust accounts are insufficient to pay UFLIC’s obligations to us, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

In addition, we use derivative instruments to hedge various business risks. We enter into a variety of derivative instruments, including options, interest rate and currency swaps with a number of counterparties. If our counterparties fail or refuse to honor their obligations under the derivative instruments, our hedges of the related risk will be ineffective. This failure could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our focus on key distribution relationships may expose us to reduced sales in the future should a key distribution partner terminate its relationship with us.

Although we distribute our products through a wide variety of distribution models, we do maintain relationships with key distribution partners. These distribution partners are an integral part of our business model. As capital, credit and equity markets continue to experience extreme volatility, we are at risk that key distribution partners may merge, change their distribution model affecting how our products are sold, or terminate their distribution contract with us. In addition, distributors may elect to reduce or terminate their distribution relationships with us in light of our recent results, adverse developments in our business, adverse rating agency actions or concerns about market-related risks. Any termination or material change in relationship with a key distribution partner could have a material adverse affect on our future sales for one or more product lines.

 

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Our insurance businesses are heavily regulated, and changes in regulation may reduce our profitability and limit our growth.

Our insurance operations are subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations. State insurance laws regulate most aspects of our U.S. insurance businesses, and our insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the insurance departments of the states in which they are domiciled and licensed. Our international operations are principally regulated by insurance regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions in which they are domiciled.

State laws in the U.S. grant insurance regulatory authorities broad administrative powers with respect to, among other things:

 

   

licensing companies and agents to transact business;

 

   

calculating the value of assets to determine compliance with statutory requirements;

 

   

mandating certain insurance benefits;

 

   

regulating certain premium rates;

 

   

reviewing and approving policy forms;

 

   

regulating unfair trade and claims practices, including through the imposition of restrictions on marketing and sales practices, distribution arrangements and payment of inducements;

 

   

establishing statutory capital and reserve requirements and solvency standards;

 

   

fixing maximum interest rates on insurance policy loans and minimum rates for guaranteed crediting rates on life insurance policies and annuity contracts;

 

   

approving changes in control of insurance companies;

 

   

restricting the payment of dividends and other transactions between affiliates; and

 

   

regulating the types, amounts and valuation of investments.

State insurance regulators and the NAIC regularly reexamine existing laws and regulations applicable to insurance companies and their products. Changes in these laws and regulations, or in interpretations thereof, can be made for the benefit of the consumer at the expense of the insurer and thus could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our mortgage insurance business is subject to additional laws and regulations. For a discussion of the risks associated with those laws and regulations, see “—Risks Relating to Our International Segment” and “—Risks Relating to Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance Segment.”

Legal and regulatory investigations and actions are increasingly common in the insurance business and may result in financial losses and harm our reputation.

We face a significant risk of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions in the ordinary course of operating our businesses, including the risk of class action lawsuits. Our pending legal and regulatory actions include proceedings specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which we operate. In our insurance operations, we are, have been, or may become subject to class actions and individual suits alleging, among other things, issues relating to sales or underwriting practices, payment of contingent or other sales commissions, claims payments and procedures, product design, product disclosure, administration, additional premium charges for premiums paid on a periodic basis, denial or delay of benefits, charging excessive or impermissible fees on products, recommending unsuitable products to customers, our pricing structures and business practices in our mortgage insurance business, such as captive reinsurance arrangements with lenders and contract underwriting services, violations of RESPA or related state anti-inducement laws and breaching fiduciary or other duties to customers. In our investment-related operations, we are subject to litigation

 

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involving commercial disputes with counterparties. We are also subject to litigation arising out of our general business activities such as our contractual and employment relationships. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against us may seek very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, which may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. We are also subject to various regulatory inquiries, such as information requests, subpoenas and books and record examinations, from state, federal and international regulators and other authorities. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, even if we ultimately prevail in the litigation, regulatory action or investigation, we could suffer significant reputational harm, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

For further discussion of current investigations and proceedings in which we are involved, see “Item 3—Legal Proceedings” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as updated by the disclosures in “Part II – Item 1 – Legal Proceedings” herein and in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended June 30, 2008 and March 31, 2008. We cannot assure you that these investigations and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. It is also possible that we could become subject to further investigations and have lawsuits filed or enforcement actions initiated against us. In addition, increased regulatory scrutiny and any resulting investigations or proceedings could result in new legal precedents and industry-wide regulations or practices that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our computer systems may fail or their security may be compromised, which could damage our business and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is highly dependent upon the effective operation of our computer systems. We rely on these systems throughout our business for a variety of functions, including processing claims and applications, providing information to customers and distributors, performing actuarial analyses and maintaining financial records. Despite the implementation of security and back-up measures, our computer systems may be vulnerable to physical or electronic intrusions, computer viruses or other attacks, programming errors and similar disruptive problems. The failure of these systems for any reason could cause significant interruptions to our operations, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We retain confidential information in our computer systems, and we rely on sophisticated commercial technologies to maintain the security of those systems. Anyone who is able to circumvent our security measures and penetrate our computer systems could access, view, misappropriate, alter, or delete any information in the systems, including personally identifiable customer information and proprietary business information. In addition, an increasing number of states and foreign countries require that customers be notified if a security breach results in the disclosure of personally identifiable customer information. Any compromise of the security of our computer systems that results in inappropriate disclosure of personally identifiable customer information could damage our reputation in the marketplace, deter people from purchasing our products, subject us to significant civil and criminal liability and require us to incur significant technical, legal and other expenses.

The occurrence of natural or man-made disasters or a pandemic could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We are exposed to various risks arising out of natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, and man-made disasters, including acts of terrorism and military actions and pandemics. For example, a natural or man-made disaster or a pandemic could lead to unexpected changes in persistency rates as policyholders and contractholders who are affected by the disaster may be unable to meet their contractual obligations, such as payment of premiums on our insurance policies, deposits into our investment products, and mortgage payments on loans insured by our mortgage insurance policies. They could also significantly increase our mortality and morbidity experience above the assumptions we used in pricing our insurance and investment products. The continued threat of terrorism and ongoing military actions may cause significant volatility in global

 

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financial markets, and a natural or man-made disaster or a pandemic could trigger an economic downturn in the areas directly or indirectly affected by the disaster. These consequences could, among other things, result in a decline in business and increased claims from those areas, as well as an adverse effect on home prices in those areas, which could result in increased loss experience in our mortgage insurance business. Disasters or a pandemic also could disrupt public and private infrastructure, including communications and financial services, which could disrupt our normal business operations.

A natural or man-made disaster or a pandemic could also disrupt the operations of our counterparties or result in increased prices for the products and services they provide to us. For example, a natural or man-made disaster or a pandemic could lead to increased reinsurance prices and potentially cause us to retain more risk than we otherwise would retain if we were able to obtain reinsurance at lower prices. In addition, a disaster or a pandemic could adversely affect the value of the assets in our investment portfolio if it affects companies’ ability to pay principal or interest on their securities. See “—We may face losses if there are significant deviations from our assumptions regarding the future persistency of our insurance policies and annuity contracts” and “—A deterioration in economic conditions or a decline in home price appreciation may adversely affect our loss experience in mortgage insurance.”

Risks Relating to Our Retirement and Protection Segment

We may face losses if morbidity rates, mortality rates or unemployment rates differ significantly from our pricing expectations.

We set prices for our insurance and some annuity products based upon expected claims and payment patterns, using assumptions for, among other things, morbidity rates, or likelihood of sickness, and mortality rates, or likelihood of death, of our policyholders and contractholders. The long-term profitability of these products depends upon how our actual experience compares with our pricing assumptions. For example, if morbidity rates are higher, or mortality rates are lower, than our pricing assumptions, we could be required to make greater payments under long-term care insurance policies and annuity contracts than we had projected. Conversely, if mortality rates are higher than our pricing assumptions, we could be required to make greater payments under our life insurance policies and annuity contracts with guaranteed minimum death benefits than we had projected.

The risk that our claims experience may differ significantly from our pricing assumptions is particularly significant for our long-term care insurance products. Long-term care insurance policies provide for long-duration coverage and, therefore, our actual claims experience will emerge over many years after pricing assumptions have been established. For example, changes in socio-demographics and behavioral trends may have an adverse impact on our future loss trends. Moreover, long-term care insurance does not have the extensive claims experience history of life insurance, and as a result, our ability to forecast future claim rates for long-term care insurance is more limited than for life insurance.

We may be required to accelerate the amortization of deferred acquisition costs and the present value of future profits, which would increase our expenses and reduce profitability.

DAC represents costs which vary with and are primarily related to the sale and issuance of our insurance policies and investment contracts that are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the related insurance policies and investment contracts. These costs include commissions in excess of ultimate renewal commissions, solicitation and printing costs, sales material and some support costs, such as underwriting and contract and policy issuance expenses. Under U.S. GAAP, DAC is subsequently amortized to income, over the lives of the underlying contracts, in relation to the anticipated recognition of premiums or gross profits. In addition, when we acquire a block of insurance policies or investment contracts, we assign a portion of the purchase price to the right to receive future net cash flows from existing insurance and investment contracts and policies. This intangible asset, called the present value of future profits (“PVFP”), represents the actuarially estimated present value of future cash flows from the acquired policies. We amortize the value of this intangible asset in a manner similar to the amortization of DAC.

 

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Our amortization of DAC and PVFP generally depends upon anticipated profits from investments, surrender and other policy and contract charges, mortality, morbidity and maintenance expense margins. Unfavorable experience with regard to expected expenses, investment returns, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals or lapses may cause us to increase the amortization of DAC or PVFP, or both, or to record a charge to increase benefit reserves.

We regularly review DAC and PVFP to determine if they are recoverable from future income. If these costs are not recoverable, they are charged to expenses in the financial period in which we make this determination. For example, if we determine that we are unable to recover DAC from profits over the life of a block of insurance policies or annuity contracts, or if withdrawals or surrender charges associated with early withdrawals do not fully offset the unamortized acquisition costs related to those policies or annuities, we would be required to recognize the additional DAC amortization as an expense in the current period. Continued equity market volatility could result in additional losses in our variable annuity products and associated hedging program which will challenge our ability to recover DAC on these products and could lead to further write-offs of DAC.

Our reputation in the long-term care insurance market may be adversely affected by the rate actions currently being implemented on our in-force long-term care insurance products and by any rate actions we may take in the future.

Although the terms of all our long-term care insurance policies permit us to increase premiums during the premium-paying period, prior to our announced rate increase on July 26, 2007, we had not increased premiums on any in-force long-term care insurance policies issued by us. During 2007 and 2008, we filed for state regulatory approvals for premium rate increases of between 8% and 12% on most of our block of older issued long-term care insurance policies and are currently in the process of implementing these rate increases. We cannot predict how our existing policyholders, agents and competitors will react to our rate actions in the long-term. In addition, these rate actions, and any future rate action we may take, could limit our ability to continue to market and sell new long-term care insurance products and our ability to retain existing policyholders, agent attrition, independent channel market share and morbidity trends may be impacted by the market/consumer perception and existing competitors’ differentiation strategy.

Medical advances, such as genetic research and diagnostic imaging, and related legislation could adversely affect the financial performance of our life insurance, long-term care insurance and annuities businesses.

Genetic research includes procedures focused on identifying key genes that render an individual predisposed to specific diseases, such as particular types of cancer and other diseases. Other medical advances, such as diagnostic imaging technologies, also may be used to detect the early onset of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. We believe that if individuals learn through medical advances that they are predisposed to particular conditions that may reduce life longevity or require long-term care, they will be more likely to purchase our life and long-term care insurance policies or not to permit existing polices to lapse. In contrast, if individuals learn that they lack the genetic predisposition to develop the conditions that reduce longevity or require long-term care, they will be less likely to purchase our life and long-term care insurance products but more likely to purchase certain annuity products. In addition, such individuals that are existing policyholders will be more likely to permit their policies to lapse.

If we were to gain access to the same genetic or medical information as our prospective policyholders and contractholders, then we would be able to take this information into account in pricing our life and long-term care insurance policies and annuity contracts. However, there are a number of legislative and regulatory actions and proposals that make, or could make, genetic and other medical information confidential and unavailable to insurance companies. Pursuant to these legislative and regulatory actions and proposals, prospective policyholders and contractholders would only disclose this information if they chose to do so voluntarily. These factors could lead us to reduce sales of products affected by these legislative and regulatory actions and proposals and could result in a deterioration of the risk profile of our portfolio, which could lead to payments to our policyholders and contractholders that are higher than we anticipated.

 

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Medical advances also could lead to new forms of preventative care. Preventative care could extend the life and improve the overall health of individuals. If this were to occur, the duration of payments under certain of our annuity products likely would increase, thereby reducing net income in that business.

We may face losses if there are significant deviations from our assumptions regarding the future persistency of our insurance policies and annuity contracts.

The prices and expected future profitability of our insurance and deferred annuity products are based in part upon expected patterns of premiums, expenses and benefits, using a number of assumptions, including those related to persistency, which is the probability that a policy or contract will remain in-force from one period to the next. The effect of persistency on profitability varies for different products. For most of our life insurance and deferred annuity products, actual persistency that is lower than our persistency assumptions could have an adverse impact on profitability, primarily because we would be required to accelerate the amortization of expenses we deferred in connection with the acquisition of the policy or contract. For our universal life insurance policies, increased persistency that is the result of the sale of policies by the insured to third parties that continue to make premium payments on policies that would otherwise have lapsed, also known as life settlements, could have an adverse impact on profitability because of the higher claims rate associated with settled policies.

For our long-term care insurance and some other health insurance policies, actual persistency in later policy durations that is higher than our persistency assumptions could have a negative impact on profitability. If these policies remain in-force longer than we assumed, then we could be required to make greater benefit payments than we had anticipated when we priced these products. This risk is particularly significant in our long-term care insurance business because we do not have the experience history that we have in many of our other businesses. As a result, our ability to predict persistency for long-term care insurance is more limited than for many other products. Some of our long-term care insurance policies have experienced higher persistency than we had assumed, which has resulted in adverse claims experience.

Because our assumptions regarding persistency experience are inherently uncertain, reserves for future policy benefits and claims may prove to be inadequate if actual persistency experience is different from those assumptions. Although some of our products permit us to increase premiums during the life of the policy or contract, we cannot guarantee that these increases would be sufficient to maintain profitability. Moreover, many of our products do not permit us to increase premiums or limit those increases during the life of the policy or contract. Significant deviations in experience from pricing expectations regarding persistency could have an adverse effect on the profitability of our products.

Regulations XXX and AXXX may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations by requiring us to increase our statutory reserves for term and universal life insurance or incur higher operating costs.

The Model Regulation entitled “Valuation of Life Insurance Policies,” commonly known as “Regulation XXX,” requires insurers to establish additional statutory reserves for term life insurance policies with long-term premium guarantees. In addition, Valuation of Life Insurance Policies Regulation, as clarified by Actuarial Guideline 38 (more commonly known as “Regulation AXXX”) requires insurers to establish additional statutory reserves for certain universal life insurance policies with secondary guarantees. Virtually all of our newly issued term and universal life insurance products are now affected by Regulations XXX and AXXX, respectively.

In response to this regulation, we have increased term and universal life insurance statutory reserves and changed our premium rates for term life insurance products. We also have implemented reinsurance and other capital management actions to mitigate the capital and tax impact of Regulations XXX and AXXX. However, we cannot assure you that there will not be regulatory, tax or other challenges to the actions we have taken to date. The result of those potential challenges could require us to increase statutory reserves or incur higher operating

 

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and/or tax costs. Any change to or repeal of Regulation XXX or AXXX could reduce the competitive advantage of our reinsurance and capital management actions and could adversely affect our market position in the life insurance market.

In light of the current downturn in the credit markets and the increased spreads on asset-backed debt securities, we also cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to implement actions to mitigate the impact of Regulation XXX or AXXX on future sales of term and universal life insurance products. Recent market conditions have limited the capacity or increased prices for these reserve funding structures. If capacity continues to be limited for a prolonged period of time, our ability to obtain new funding for these structures may be hindered, and as a result our ability to write additional business in a cost effective manner may be impacted. If we are unable to continue to implement these actions, we may be required to increase statutory reserves, incur higher operating costs than we currently anticipate, reduce our sales of these products or pursue alternative approaches, such as reinsurance and private funding transactions. We also may have to implement measures that may be disruptive to our business. For example, because term and universal life insurance are particularly price-sensitive products, any increase in premiums charged on these products in order to compensate us for the increased statutory reserve requirements or higher costs of reinsurance may result in a significant loss of volume and adversely affect our life insurance operations.

If demand for long-term care insurance either declines or remains flat, we may not be able to execute our strategy to expand our long-term care insurance business.

We have devoted significant resources to developing our long-term care insurance business and our growth strategy relies partly upon continued growth of the sale of this product. In recent years, industry sales of individual long-term care insurance have varied. In some years, sales have declined while in other years sales have grown moderately. Annualized first-year premiums for individual long-term care insurance achieved a historical high in 2002 at approximately $1.0 billion and decreased by 38% to approximately $630 million in 2007, according to LIMRA International. We believe this decrease was due primarily to decisions by several providers to cease offering long-term care insurance, to raise premiums on in-force policies and/or to introduce new products with higher prices. These actions resulted in decreased purchases of long-term care insurance products and have caused some distributors to reduce their sales focus on these products. Our individual long-term care insurance sales and our annualized first-year premiums have remained relatively flat in recent periods. If the market for long-term care insurance continues to remain flat, we may be unable to realize our growth strategy in this area and our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our International Segment

We have significant operations internationally that could be adversely affected by changes in political or economic stability or government policies where we operate.

We have a presence in more than 25 countries around the world. Global economic and regulatory developments could affect our business in many ways. For example, our operations are subject to local laws and regulations, which in many ways are similar to the state laws and regulations outlined above. Many of our international customers and independent sales intermediaries also operate in regulated environments. Changes in the regulations that affect their operations also may affect our business relationships with them and their ability to purchase or to distribute our products. These changes could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, compliance with applicable laws and regulations is time consuming and personnel-intensive, and changes in these laws and regulations may increase materially our direct and indirect compliance and other expenses of doing business, thus having an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Local economic conditions, including inflation, recession and currency fluctuations, as discussed above, also affect our international businesses. Political changes, some of which may be disruptive, can interfere with our customers and all of our activities in a particular location. Attempts to mitigate these risks can be costly and are not always successful.

 

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Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and international securities markets could negatively affect our profitability.

Our international operations generate revenues denominated in local currencies. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, 26%, 24% and 21%, respectively, of our revenues, excluding net investment gains (losses), and 67%, 43% and 35%, respectively, of our income from continuing operations, excluding net investment gains (losses), were generated by our international operations. We generally invest cash generated by our international operations in securities denominated in local currencies. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, approximately 13% and 12%, respectively, of our invested assets were held by our international operations and were invested primarily in non-U.S.-denominated securities. Although investing in securities denominated in local currencies limits the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuation on local operating results, we remain exposed to the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates as we translate the operating results of our foreign operations into our financial statements. We currently do not hedge this exposure, and as a result, period-to-period comparability of our results of operations is affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. For example, our net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2007, included $5 million and $52 million, respectively, net of tax, due to the favorable impact of changes in foreign exchange rates. In addition, because we derive a significant portion of our income from non-U.S.-denominated revenue, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent the dollar value of non-U.S.-denominated revenue is reduced due to a strengthening U.S. dollar. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the U.S. dollar strengthened materially versus certain local currencies in which we have international operations.

Our investments in non-U.S.-denominated securities are subject to fluctuations in non-U.S. securities and currency markets, and those markets can be volatile. Non-U.S. currency fluctuations also affect the value of any dividends paid by our non-U.S. subsidiaries to their parent companies in the U.S.

We may face losses if unemployment rates differ significantly from our pricing expectations.

We set prices for our lifestyle protection insurance based upon expected claims and payment patterns. These expectations reflect our assumptions regarding unemployment levels. The long-term profitability of these products depends upon how our actual experience compares with our pricing assumptions. If unemployment levels are higher than our pricing assumptions, the claims frequency could be higher for our lifestyle protection insurance business than we had projected.

Our claims expenses would increase and our results of operations would suffer if the rate of defaults on mortgages covered by our mortgage insurance increases or the severity of such defaults exceeds our expectations.

As in the U.S., a deterioration in economic conditions internationally may increase the likelihood that borrowers in a given country will not have sufficient income to pay their mortgages, and can also adversely affect home values, which increases our risk of loss. A decline in home prices, whether or not in conjunction with deteriorating economic conditions, would also increase our risk of loss. A substantial economic downturn or decline in home price appreciation could have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We also may be particularly affected by economic downturns or declines in recent significant home price appreciation in areas where a large portion of our business is concentrated.

A significant portion of our international mortgage insurance risk in-force consists of loans with high loan-to-value ratios, which generally result in more and larger claims than loans with lower loan-to-value ratios.

Mortgage loans with higher loan-to-value ratios typically have claim incidence rates substantially higher than mortgage loans with lower loan-to-value ratios. In Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the risks of having a portfolio with a significant portion of high loan-to-value mortgages are greater than in the U.S. and Europe

 

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because we generally agree to cover 100% of the losses associated with mortgage defaults in those markets, compared to percentages in the U.S. and Europe that are typically 12% to 35% of the loan amount.

Although mortgage insurance premiums for higher loan-to-value ratio loans generally are higher than for loans with lower loan-to-value ratios, the difference in premium rates may not be sufficient to compensate us for the enhanced risks associated with mortgage loans bearing higher loan-to-value ratios.

Our international mortgage insurance business is subject to substantial competition from government-owned and government-sponsored enterprises, and this may put us at a competitive disadvantage on pricing and other terms and conditions.

Like our U.S. mortgage insurance business, our international mortgage insurance business competes with government-owned and government-sponsored enterprises. In Canada, we compete with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (“CMHC”), a Crown corporation owned by the Canadian government. In Europe, these enterprises include public mortgage guarantee facilities in a number of countries. Like government-owned and government-sponsored enterprises in the U.S., these competitors may establish pricing terms and business practices that may be influenced by motives such as advancing social housing policy or stabilizing the mortgage lending industry, which may not be consistent with maximizing return on capital or other profitability measures. In the event that a government-owned or sponsored entity in one of our markets determines to reduce prices significantly or alter the terms and conditions of its mortgage insurance or other credit enhancement products in furtherance of social or other goals rather than a profit motive, we may be unable to compete in that market effectively, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “—We compete with government-owned and government-sponsored enterprises in our U.S. mortgage insurance business, and this may put us at a competitive disadvantage on pricing and other terms and conditions.”

We compete in Canada with the CMHC, which is owned by the Canadian government and, as a sovereign entity, provides mortgage lenders with 100% capital relief from bank regulatory requirements on loans that it insures. In contrast, lenders receive only 90% capital relief on loans we insure. CMHC also operates the Canadian Mortgage Bond Program, which provides lenders the ability to efficiently guaranty and securitize their mortgage loan portfolios. If we are unable to effectively distinguish ourselves competitively with our Canadian mortgage lender customers, under current market conditions or in the future, we may be unable to compete effectively with the CMHC as a result of the more favorable capital relief it can provide or the other products and incentives that it offers to lenders. In addition, in light of current market conditions, the increased capital relief offered by CMHC could make it difficult for us to compete with CMHC.

In South Korea, we compete with Seoul Guaranty Insurance Company, which formerly was a private sector insurer that nationalized by the Government of South Korea but which still offers its products commercially, including mortgage insurance products which compete directly with those we offer.

Present conditions in the international financial markets could lead other countries to nationalize our competitors or establish competing governmental agencies, which would further limit our competitive position in international markets and, therefore, materially affect our results of operations.

Changes in regulations could affect our international operations significantly and could reduce the demand for mortgage insurance.

In addition to the general regulatory risks that are described above under “—Our insurance businesses are heavily regulated, and changes in regulation may reduce our profitability and limit our growth,” we are also affected by various additional regulations relating particularly to our international mortgage insurance operations.

The Canadian Department of Finance has informed us that they intend to review the guarantee agreement we have with the Canadian government and have targeted completion of this review by the end of 2008. Although we believe the Canadian government will preserve the guarantee in order to maintain competition in

 

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the Canadian mortgage industry, we cannot be sure what, if any, changes will be made to the terms of the guarantee. In the second quarter of 2008, the aggregate cap for all Canadian licensed mortgage insurers guaranteed polices was increased to CDN $250 billion, which facilitates our ongoing ability to offer mortgage insurance products under the guarantee. The failure of the Canadian government to maintain the guarantee on terms similar to the current guarantee could have an adverse effect on our ability to offer mortgage insurance products in Canada and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In July 2008, the Government of Canada announced adjustments to the rules for government guaranteed mortgages. We have incorporated these adjustments into our underwriting guidelines effective October 15, 2008. These new standards have resulted in a modest reduction to the size of the high ratio insured marketplace in Canada.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (“APRA”) regulates all financial institutions in Australia, including general, life and mortgage insurance companies. APRA also determines the minimum regulatory capital requirements for depository institutions. APRA’s current regulations provide for reduced capital requirements for certain depository institutions that insure residential mortgages with an “acceptable” mortgage insurer for all non-standard mortgages and for standard mortgages with loan-to-value ratios above 80%. APRA’s regulations currently set out a number of circumstances in which a loan may be considered to be non-standard from a depository institution’s perspective.

Under rules adopted by APRA effective January 1, 2008, in connection with the revisions to a set of regulatory rules and procedures governing global bank capital standards that were introduced by the Basel Committee of the Bank for International Settlements, known as Basel II, certain approved deposit-taking institutions (“ADIs”) in Australia are now required to hold less capital on high loan-to-value mortgage loans and will receive a capital incentive for using mortgage insurance, but at a reduced level, and potentially limited to the higher risk portions of their loan portfolios, when compared to previous regulations in Australia. The rules also provide that ADIs would need to acquire mortgage insurance coverage levels lower than existing requirements in order to obtain these reduced capital incentives. Accordingly, lenders in Australia may be able to reduce their use of mortgage insurance for high loan-to-value ratio mortgages, or limit their use to the higher risk portions of their portfolios, which may have an adverse affect on our Australian business.

We believe the Basel II framework may encourage the growth of international mortgage insurance by facilitating its recognition as an approved credit risk mitigant and enabling banks to therefore reduce the capital they must allocate for loans covered by a mortgage insurance policy. Basel II has been designed to reward banks that have developed effective risk management systems by allowing them to hold less capital than banks with less effective systems. Basel II was finalized and issued in June 2004; however, its adoption and implementation by individual countries internationally and in the U.S. is ongoing. Therefore, we cannot predict the benefits that ultimately will be provided to lenders, or how any such benefits may affect the opportunities for the growth of mortgage insurance. If countries implement Basel II in a manner that does not reward lenders for using mortgage insurance as a credit risk mitigant on high loan-to-value mortgage loans, or if lenders conclude that mortgage insurance does not provide sufficient capital incentives, then we may have to revise our product offerings to meet the new requirements and our results of operations may be adversely affected.

If the European and other mortgage insurance markets continue grow at rates that are below our expectations, we will not be able to execute our strategy to expand our business into these markets.

We have devoted resources to marketing our mortgage insurance products in Europe and other parts of the world. Our targeted growth strategy depends partly upon the development of favorable legislative and regulatory policies throughout Europe that support increased homeownership and provide capital relief for institutions that insure their mortgage loan portfolios with private mortgage insurance. In furtherance of these policies, we have collaborated with certain government agencies to develop bank regulatory capital requirements that provide incentives to lenders to implement risk transfer strategies such as mortgage insurance, as well as governmental policies that encourage homeownership as a wealth accumulation strategy for borrowers with limited resources to make large down payments. We have invested, and we will continue to invest, appropriate resources to advocate

 

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such a regulatory environment at certain national and regional levels. However, if legislative and regulatory agencies fail to adopt these policies, then these markets for high loan-to-value lending and mortgage insurance may not expand as we currently anticipate, and our targeted growth strategy in those markets may not be successful.

Risks Relating to Our U.S. Mortgage Insurance Segment

Current activities related to our review of strategic alternatives for our U.S. mortgage insurance business may negatively impact our operating results.

On September 30, 2008, we announced that we were exploring strategic alternatives regarding our U.S. mortgage insurance business, including a possible spin-off to our stockholders, to determine the optimal course for our company, our customers and our stockholders. We have not made any decisions to date as to whether we will retain or divest that business. If we chose to divest that business, we cannot be sure that we will be able to complete a spin-off, attract interested third parties for a possible sale transaction or execute any other transaction involving this business. If a transaction were to occur, we also cannot ensure that its terms would be favorable to us or would have a material beneficial effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

If the review of strategic alternatives continues for a significant amount of time, there are risks that customers, employees and stockholders may react negatively to the uncertainty of the process or to any decision we reach not to pursue a transaction. That negative reaction could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Following our announcement of our strategic review, the rating agencies took various actions with respect to our credit and financial strength ratings. See “—A downgrade or a potential downgrade in our financial strength or credit ratings could result in a loss of business and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.” The rating agencies stated that these actions were taken partly because a spin-off of our U.S. mortgage insurance business would result in reduced diversification of our business portfolio and because our ratings are supported by the resources and cash flows of our mortgage insurance operations. The disposition of our U.S. mortgage insurance business could result in further downgrades to our ratings, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. On the other hand, retaining the business in the current market and while it is underperforming compared to its historic performance could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and make it more difficult to pursue certain other strategic alternatives.

Our claims expenses and loss reserves have increased in recent periods and could continue to increase if the rate of defaults on mortgages covered by our mortgage insurance continues to increase, and in some cases we expect that paid claims and loss reserves will increase.

During 2007 and 2008, we have experienced an increase in paid claims and increases in loss reserves as a result of a significant increase in delinquencies and foreclosures in our more recent books of business, particularly those of 2005, 2006 and 2007. This was evident in all products across all regions of the country and particularly in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada, as well as in our A minus, Alt-A, ARMs and certain 100% loan-to-value products. In addition, throughout the U.S., we have experienced an increase in the average loan balance of mortgage loans, including on delinquent loans, as well as a significant decline in home price appreciation, which has turned negative in the majority of U.S. markets. Certain regions around the country, particularly surrounding the Great Lakes area of the upper Midwest continue to experience an economic slowdown and have seen a more pronounced weakness in their housing markets, as well as a decline in home prices.

The foregoing factors have contributed to an increase in our incurred losses and loss reserves. While over 90% of our primary risk in-force in the U.S. is considered prime, based on FICO credit scores of the underlying mortgage loans, continued low or negative home price appreciation, coupled with worsening economic

 

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conditions, is likely to cause further increases in our incurred losses and related loss ratios. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, approximately 70% of our U.S. mortgage insurance risk in-force had not yet reached its anticipated highest claim frequency years, which are generally between the third and seventh year of the loan. As a result, we expect our loss experience will increase as policies continue to age. If the claim frequency on the risk in-force significantly exceeds the claim frequency that was assumed in setting premium rates, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would be adversely affected.

Our premium rates vary with the perceived risk of a claim on the insured loan, which takes into account factors such as the loan-to-value ratio, our long-term historical loss experience, whether the mortgage provides for fixed payments or variable payments, the term of the mortgage, the borrower’s credit history and the level of documentation and verification of the borrower’s income and assets. Our ability to properly determine eligibility and accurate pricing for the mortgage insurance we issue is dependent upon our underwriting and other operational routines. These routines may vary across the jurisdictions in which we do business. Deficiencies in actual practice in this area could have an adverse impact on our results. We establish renewal premium rates for the life of a mortgage insurance policy upon issuance, and we cannot cancel the policy or adjust the premiums after the policy is issued. As a result, we cannot offset the impact of unanticipated claims with premium increases on policies in-force, and we cannot refuse to renew mortgage insurance coverage. The premiums we agree to charge upon writing a mortgage insurance policy may not adequately compensate us for the risks and costs associated with the coverage we provide for the entire life of that policy.

Certain types of mortgages have higher probabilities of claims. These include “Alt-A” loans, loans with an initial “Interest Only” payment option and other “non-traditional” loans that we have insured in prior years, including A minus loans and 100% loan-to-value products. Alt-A loans are originated under programs in which there is a reduced level of verification or disclosure of the borrower’s income or assets and a higher historical and expected default rate than standard documentation loans. Standard documentation loans include loans with reduced or different documentation requirements that meet specifications of GSE approved underwriting systems with historical and expected delinquency rates consistent with our standard portfolio. The Interest Only payment option allows the borrower flexibility to pay interest only or pay interest and as much principal as desired, during an initial period of time. A minus loans generally are loans where the borrowers have FICO credit scores between 575 and 660, and where the borrower has a blemished credit history. A material portion of our Alt-A and Interest Only loans was written in 2005 through 2007. At the end of 2007, we began to adopt changes to our underwriting guidelines to substantially eliminate new insurance on these loans. However, the new guidelines only affect business written after those guidelines became effective. Business written before the effectiveness of those guidelines was insured in accordance with the guidelines in effect at time of the commitment, even though that business would not meet the new guidelines. Although historical information is limited, we believe that Alt-A and Interest Only loans written prior to the adoption of the new guidelines may pose a higher risk of claims due to features such as deferred amortization of the loan on “Interest Only” product. If defaults on Alt-A or Interest Only or other “non-traditional” loans are higher than the assumptions we made in pricing our mortgage insurance on those loans, then we would be required to make greater claims payments than we had projected, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

A deterioration in economic conditions or a decline in home price appreciation may adversely affect our loss experience in mortgage insurance.

Losses in our mortgage insurance business generally result from events, such as reduction of income, unemployment, divorce, illness and inability to manage credit and interest-rate levels that reduce a borrower’s ability to continue to make mortgage payments. The amount of the loss we suffer, if any, depends in part on whether the home of a borrower who defaults on a mortgage can be sold for an amount that will cover unpaid principal and interest and the expenses of the sale. A deterioration in economic conditions generally increases the likelihood that borrowers will not have sufficient income to pay their mortgages and can also adversely affect housing values, which increases our risk of loss. A decline in home price appreciation, whether or not in conjunction with deteriorating economic conditions, may also increase our risk of loss.

 

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Throughout the U.S., we have experienced an increase in paid claims and an increase in loss reserves as a result of a significant increase in delinquencies and foreclosures in our more recent books of business, particularly those of 2005, 2006 and 2007. These trends are evident in all products across all regions of the country and particularly in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada, as well as in our A minus, Alt-A, ARMs and certain 100% loan-to-value products. In addition, throughout the U.S., we have experienced an increase in the average loan balance of mortgage loan delinquencies. Certain regions around the country, particularly surrounding the Great Lakes area of the upper Midwest, continue to experience an economic slowdown and have seen a more pronounced weakness in their housing markets, as well as declines in home prices. This slowdown and the resulting impact on the housing market are reflected in our increasing delinquencies. However, we believe that there may be a lag in the rate at which delinquent loans are going to foreclosure due to various local and lender foreclosure moratoria as well as servicer and court-related backlog issues. As these loans eventually go to foreclosure, our delinquency counts will be reduced and our paid claims will increase accordingly. We are also experiencing an increase in delinquencies and associated reserves relating to adjustable rate loans in our bulk business, particularly from the 2006 and 2007 books of business.

The conservatorship of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae may limit the number of mortgages originated which, in turn could affect our results of operations.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the largest purchasers and guarantors of mortgage loans in the United States. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were created by Congressional charter to ensure that mortgage lenders have sufficient funds to continue to finance home purchases. On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the FHFA announced a plan to place Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship under the authority of the FHFA. As a result, the number of mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could decrease. This could result in fewer mortgages being originated and, consequently, decrease the demand for private mortgage insurance, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the appointment of a conservator may increase the likelihood that the charters of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be changed by new federal legislation. Such changes may allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to reduce or eliminate the level of private mortgage insurance coverage that they use as credit enhancement, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and a small number of large mortgage lenders exert significant influence over the U.S. mortgage insurance market.

Our mortgage insurance products protect mortgage lenders and investors from default-related losses on residential first mortgage loans made primarily to home buyers with high loan-to-value mortgages—generally, those home buyers who make down payments of less than 20% of their home’s purchase price. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchased approximately 57% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, and approximately 44% and approximately 28% for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, of all the mortgage loans originated in the U.S., according to statistics published by Inside Mortgage Finance. We believe the increase in the percentage of mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has increased the market size for flow private mortgage insurance during 2007. Changes by the GSEs in underwriting requirements or pricing terms on mortgage purchases could affect the market size for private mortgage insurance. Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s charters generally prohibit them from purchasing any mortgage with a face amount that exceeds 80% of the home’s value, unless that mortgage is insured by a qualified insurer or the mortgage seller retains at least a 10% participation in the loan or agrees to repurchase the loan in the event of default. As a result, high loan-to-value mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac generally are insured with private mortgage insurance. These provisions in Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s charters create much of the demand for private mortgage insurance in the U.S. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also subject to regulatory oversight by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Administration (“HUD”) and the FHFA. As of September 30, 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchased the majority of the flow mortgage loans that we insured. As a

 

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result, a change in the charter provisions or other statutes or regulations relating to their purchase or guarantee activity could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Increasing consolidation among mortgage lenders, including the impact of recently announced transactions, will continue to result in significant customer concentration for U.S. mortgage insurers. As a result of this significant concentration, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the largest mortgage lenders possess substantial market power, which enables them to influence our business and the mortgage insurance industry in general. Although we actively monitor and develop our relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and our largest mortgage lending customers, a deterioration in any of these relationships, or the loss of business from any of our key customers, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, if the Federal Home Loan Banks reduce their purchases of mortgage loans, purchase uninsured mortgage loans or use other credit-enhancement products, this could have an adverse affect on our financial condition and results of operations.

A decrease in the volume of high loan-to-value home mortgage originations or an increase in the volume of mortgage insurance cancellations could result in a decline in our revenue.

We provide mortgage insurance primarily for high loan-to-value mortgages. Factors that could lead to a decrease in the volume of high loan-to-value mortgage originations include:

 

   

a change in the level of home mortgage interest rates;

 

   

a decline in economic conditions generally, or in conditions in regional and local economies;

 

   

the level of consumer confidence, which may be adversely affected by economic instability, war or terrorist events;

 

   

declines in the price of homes;

 

   

adverse population trends, including lower homeownership rates;

 

   

high rates of home price appreciation, which in times of heavy refinancing affect whether refinanced loans have loan-to-value ratios that require mortgage insurance; and

 

   

changes in government housing policy encouraging loans to first-time home buyers.

Many of these factors have emerged in the current economic downturn. A decline in the volume of high loan-to-value mortgage originations would reduce the demand for mortgage insurance and, therefore, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, a significant percentage of the premiums we earn each year in our U.S. mortgage insurance business are renewal premiums from insurance policies written in previous years. We estimate that approximately 78% and 85% of our U.S. gross premiums written in each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, were renewal premiums. As a result, the length of time insurance remains in-force is an important determinant of our mortgage insurance revenues. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and many other mortgage investors in the U.S. generally permit a homeowner to ask his loan servicer to cancel his mortgage insurance when the principal amount of the mortgage falls below 80% of the home’s value. Factors that tend to reduce the length of time our mortgage insurance remains in-force include:

 

   

declining interest rates, which may result in the refinancing of the mortgages underlying our insurance policies with new mortgage loans that may not require mortgage insurance or that we do not insure;

 

   

significant appreciation in the value of homes, which causes the size of the mortgage to decrease below 80% of the value of the home and enables the borrower to request cancellation of the mortgage insurance; and

 

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changes in mortgage insurance cancellation requirements under applicable federal law or mortgage insurance cancellation practices by mortgage lenders and investors.

Our U.S. policy persistency rates increased from 46% for the year ended December 31, 2003 to 73% and 79% for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and 84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. A decrease in persistency in the U.S. generally would reduce the amount of our insurance in-force and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. However, higher persistency on certain products, especially A minus, Alt-A ARMs and certain 100% loan-to-value loans, could have an adverse effect if claims generated by such products continue to increase.

The amount of mortgage insurance we write could decline significantly if alternatives to private mortgage insurance are used or lower coverage levels of mortgage insurance are selected.

There are a variety of alternatives to private mortgage insurance that may reduce the amount of mortgage insurance we write. These alternatives include:

 

   

origination of mortgages consisting of two simultaneous loans, known as “simultaneous seconds,” comprising a first mortgage with a loan-to-value ratio of 80% and a simultaneous second mortgage for the excess portion of the loan, instead of a single mortgage with a loan-to-value ratio of more than 80%. The volume of simultaneous second loans decreased substantially during 2007 due to reduced liquidity in the secondary mortgage market.

 

   

using government mortgage insurance programs, including those of the FHA and the VA;

 

   

holding mortgages in the lenders’ own loan portfolios and self insuring;

 

   

using programs, such as those offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, requiring lower mortgage insurance coverage levels;

 

   

originating and securitizing loans in mortgage-backed securities whose underlying mortgages are not insured with private mortgage insurance or which are structured so that the risk of default lies with the investor, rather than a private mortgage insurer; and

 

   

using credit default swaps or similar instruments, instead of private mortgage insurance, to transfer credit risk on mortgages.

A decline in the use of private mortgage insurance in connection with high loan-to-value home mortgages for any reason would reduce the demand for flow mortgage insurance.

We cede a portion of our U.S. mortgage insurance business to mortgage reinsurance companies affiliated with our mortgage lending customers, and this could reduce our profitability.

We, like other mortgage insurers, offer opportunities to our mortgage lending customers that are designed to allow them to participate in the risks and rewards of the mortgage insurance business. Many of the major mortgage lenders with which we do business have established captive mortgage reinsurance subsidiaries. These reinsurance subsidiaries assume a portion of the risks associated with the lender’s insured mortgage loans in exchange for a percentage of the premiums. In most cases, our reinsurance coverage is an “excess of loss” arrangement with a limited band of exposure for the reinsurer. This means that we are required to pay the first layer of losses arising from defaults in the covered mortgages, the reinsurer indemnifies us for the next layer of losses, and we pay any losses in excess of the reinsurer’s obligations. The effect of these arrangements historically has been a reduction in the profitability and return on capital of this business to us. We have advised each captive reinsurer with whom we do business under an excess of loss arrangement that effective January 1, 2009 we will reinsure only on a quota share basis. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, approximately 33% of our U.S. primary new risk written was subject to captive mortgage reinsurance as compared to approximately 56% in for the year ended December 31, 2007. U.S. mortgage insurance premiums ceded to these

 

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reinsurers were $142 million, $164 million and $136 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. U.S. mortgage insurance loss reserves ceded to these reinsurers were $300 million, $3 million and $2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. These arrangements can either favorably or unfavorably affect our profitability within a given calendar year depending upon whether or not the reinsurer’s layer of coverage is attaching and whether or not there are sufficient assets in the captive trust available for payment of claims, thereby covering some portion of losses.

We compete with government-owned and government-sponsored enterprises in our U.S. mortgage insurance business, and this may put us at a competitive disadvantage on pricing and other terms and conditions.

Our U.S. mortgage insurance business competes with government-owned and government-sponsored enterprises, including the FHA and, to a lesser degree, the VA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as local and state housing finance agencies.

Those competitors may establish pricing terms and business practices that may be influenced by motives such as advancing social housing policy or stabilizing the mortgage lending industry, which may not be consistent with maximizing return on capital or other profitability measures. In addition, those governmental enterprises typically do not have the same capital requirements that we and other mortgage insurance companies have and therefore may have financial flexibility in their pricing and capacity that could put us at a competitive disadvantage in some respects. In the event that a government-owned or sponsored entity in one of our markets determines to reduce prices significantly or alter the terms and conditions of its mortgage insurance or other credit enhancement products in furtherance of social or other goals rather than a profit or risk management motive, we may be unable to compete in that market effectively, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in regulations that affect the U.S. mortgage insurance business could affect our operations significantly and could reduce the demand for mortgage insurance.

In addition to the general regulatory risks that are described above under “—Our insurance businesses are heavily regulated, and changes in regulation may reduce our profitability and limit our growth,” we are also affected by various additional regulations relating particularly to our mortgage insurance operations.

U.S. federal and state regulations affect the scope of our competitors’ operations, which has an effect on the size of the mortgage insurance market and the intensity of the competition in our mortgage insurance business. This competition includes not only other private mortgage insurers, but also U.S. federal and state governmental and quasi-governmental agencies, principally the FHA, and to a lesser degree, the VA, which are governed by federal regulations. Increases in the maximum loan amount that the FHA can insure, and reductions in the mortgage insurance premiums the FHA charges, can reduce the demand for private mortgage insurance. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 temporarily raised the FHA loan limits, in some cases up to the GSE limits, including the limits for loans in high-cost areas of the country. In addition, the HUD secretary was granted discretionary authority to raise such limits an additional $100,000. The FHA has also streamlined its down-payment formula and made FHA insurance more competitive with private mortgage insurance in areas with higher home prices. These and other legislative and regulatory changes could cause demand for private mortgage insurance to decrease.

We believe the revisions to Basel II may also encourage growth of U.S. mortgage insurance. Basel II adoption in the U.S. is ongoing. Therefore, we cannot predict the benefits that ultimately will be provided to lenders, or how any such benefits may affect the opportunities for the growth of mortgage insurance. If the U.S. implements Basel II in a manner that does not reward lenders for using mortgage insurance as a credit risk mitigant on high loan-to-value mortgage loans, or if lenders conclude that mortgage insurance does not provide

 

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sufficient capital incentives, then we may have to revise our product offerings to meet the new requirements and our results of operations may be adversely affected.

Our U.S. mortgage insurance business, as a credit enhancement provider in the residential mortgage lending industry, also is subject to compliance with various federal and state consumer protection and insurance laws, including RESPA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”), the FHA, the Homeowners Protection Act, the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and others. Among other things, these laws prohibit payments for referrals of settlement service business, require fairness and non-discrimination in granting or facilitating the granting of credit, require cancellation of insurance and refund of unearned premiums under certain circumstances, govern the circumstances under which companies may obtain and use consumer credit information, and define the manner in which companies may pursue collection activities. Changes in these laws or regulations could adversely affect the operations and profitability of our mortgage insurance business. For example, HUD was considering a rule that would exempt certain mortgages that provide a single price for a package of settlement services from the prohibition in RESPA against payments for referrals of settlement service business. If mortgage insurance were included among the settlement services that, when offered as a package, would be exempt from this prohibition, then mortgage lenders would have greater leverage in obtaining business concessions from mortgage insurers.

In May 2002, the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) amended its capital regulations to remove the 80% loan-to-value standard from the definition of “qualifying mortgage loan,” instead incorporating the federal Interagency Guidelines for Real Estate lending, which do not contain an explicit loan-to-value standard but provide that an institution should require credit enhancement for a loan with a loan-to-value equal to or exceeding 90%. The capital regulations assign a lower risk weight to qualifying mortgage loans than to non-qualifying loans. As a result, these amended regulations no longer penalize OTS-regulated institutions for retaining loans that have loan-to-value ratios between 80% and 90% without credit enhancements. Other regulators, including the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, also do not explicitly refer to a loan-to-value standard but do refer to the Interagency Guidelines.

Our U.S. mortgage insurance business could be adversely affected by legal actions under RESPA.

RESPA prohibits paying lenders for the referral of settlement services, including mortgage insurance. This precludes us from providing services to mortgage lenders free of charge, charging fees for services that are lower than their reasonable or fair market value, and paying fees for services that others provide that are higher than their reasonable or fair market value. In addition, RESPA prohibits persons from giving or accepting any portion or percentage of a charge for a real estate settlement service, other than for services actually performed. A number of lawsuits, including some that were class actions, have challenged the actions of private mortgage insurers, including our company, under RESPA, alleging that the insurers have provided or received products or services at improperly set prices in return for the referral of mortgage insurance. We and several other mortgage insurers, without admitting any wrongdoing, reached a settlement in these cases. Certain lenders have also been sued in class action lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege that captive reinsurance transactions with lender-affiliated reinsurers relating to mortgage insurance violate RESPA. We cannot predict whether plaintiffs will institute new litigation against private mortgage insurers, including us, seeking damages or relief under RESPA. In addition, U.S. federal and state officials are authorized to enforce RESPA and to seek civil and criminal penalties, and we cannot predict whether these proceedings might be brought against us or other mortgage insurers. Any such proceedings could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Potential liabilities in connection with our U.S. contract underwriting services could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We offer contract underwriting services to many of our mortgage lenders in the U.S., pursuant to which our employees and contractors work directly with the lender to determine whether the data relating to a borrower and a proposed loan contained in a mortgage loan application file complies with the lender’s loan underwriting

 

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guidelines or the investor’s loan purchase requirements. In connection with that service, we also compile the application data and submit it to the automated underwriting systems of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which independently analyze the data to determine if the proposed loan complies with their investor requirements.

Under the terms of our contract underwriting agreements, we agree to indemnify the lender against losses incurred in the event that we make material errors in determining whether loans processed by our contract underwriters meet specified underwriting or purchase criteria, subject to contractual limitations on liability. As a result, we assume credit and interest rate risk in connection with our contract underwriting services. Worsening economic conditions, a deterioration in the quality of our underwriting services or other factors could cause our contract underwriting liabilities to increase and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Although we have established reserves to provide for potential claims in connection with our contract underwriting services, we have limited historical experience that we can use to establish reserves for these potential liabilities, and these reserves may not be adequate to cover liabilities that may arise.

Other Risks

We have agreed to make payments to GE based on the projected amounts of certain tax savings we expect to realize as a result of the IPO. We will remain obligated to make these payments even if we do not realize the related tax savings and the payments could be accelerated in the event of certain changes in control.

Under the Tax Matters Agreement, we have an obligation to pay GE a fixed amount over approximately the next 15 years. This fixed obligation, the estimated present values of which were $358 million and $360 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, equals 80% (subject to a cumulative $640 million maximum amount) of the tax savings projected as a result of the IPO. Even if we fail to generate sufficient taxable income to realize the projected tax savings, we will remain obligated to pay GE, and this could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We could also, subject to regulatory approval, be required to pay GE on an accelerated basis in the event of certain changes in control of our company.

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and our Tax Matters Agreement with GE may discourage takeover attempts and business combinations that stockholders might consider in their best interests.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include provisions that may have anti-takeover effects and may delay, deter or prevent a takeover attempt that our stockholders might consider in their best interests. For example, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws:

 

   

permit our Board of Directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock;

 

   

limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors;

 

   

limit the ability of stockholders to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors;

 

   

limit the ability of stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders and take action by written consent; and

 

   

impose advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations of directors to be considered at stockholder meetings.

Under our Tax Matters Agreement with GE, if any person or group of persons other than GE or its affiliates gains the power to direct the management and policies of our company, we could become obligated immediately to pay to GE the total present value of all remaining tax benefit payments due to GE over the full term of the agreement. The estimated present value of our fixed obligation as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was $358 million and $360 million, respectively. Similarly, if any person or group of persons other than us or our affiliates gains effective control of one of our subsidiaries, we could become obligated to pay to GE the total

 

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present value of all such payments due to GE allocable to that subsidiary, unless the subsidiary assumes the obligation to pay these future amounts under the Tax Matters Agreement and certain conditions are met. The acceleration of payments would be subject to the approval of certain state insurance regulators, and we are obligated to use our reasonable best efforts to seek these approvals. This feature of the agreement could adversely affect a potential merger or sale of our company. It could also limit our flexibility to dispose of one or more of our subsidiaries, with adverse implications for any business strategy dependent on such dispositions.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

The Board of Directors has decided to suspend dividends on our common stock until further notice.

We have paid quarterly dividends on our common stock since our initial public offering in May 2004. In November 2008, to enhance our liquidity and capital position in the current challenging environment, the Board of Directors decided to suspend the payment of dividends on our common stock indefinitely. We cannot assure you when, whether or at what level we will resume paying dividends on our common stock.

Our share price will fluctuate.

Stock markets in general, and our common stock in particular, have experienced significant price and volume volatility over the past year. The market price and volume of our common stock may continue to be subject to significant fluctuations due not only to general stock market conditions but also to a change in sentiment in the market regarding our industry generally, as well as our operations, business prospects, liquidity and capital positions. In addition to the risk factors discussed above, the price and volume volatility of our common stock may be affected by:

 

   

operating results for future periods that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors;

 

   

operating and securities price performance of companies that investors consider to be comparable to us;

 

   

announcements of strategic developments, acquisitions and other material events by us or our competitors; and

 

   

changes in global financial markets and global economies and general market conditions, such as interest or foreign exchange rates, availability of credit, equity prices and the value of financial assets.

Stock price volatility and a decrease in our share price could make it more difficult for us to raise equity capital or, if we are able to raise equity capital, could result in substantial dilution to our existing stockholders.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On November 30, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, authorizing the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of our common stock through the end of 2009. There were no repurchases during the third quarter of 2008. As of September 30, 2008, the remaining repurchase capacity under the stock repurchase program was $900 million.

In November 2008, to enhance our liquidity and capital position in the current challenging markets, our Board of Directors decided to suspend repurchases of our common stock under our stock repurchase program indefinitely. The resumption of our stock repurchase program will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

12    Statement of Ratio of Income to Fixed Charges
31.1    Certification of Michael D. Fraizer
31.2    Certification of Patrick B. Kelleher
32.1    Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code—Michael D. Fraizer
32.2    Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code—Patrick B. Kelleher

 

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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.

 

   

GENWORTH FINANCIAL, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: November 10, 2008

   
  By:  

/s/    AMY R. CORBIN        

   

Amy R. Corbin

Vice President and Controller

(Duly Authorized Officer and

Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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