• Most Popular
  • Most Shared

UPDATE 1-MBIA says downgrade may force $7.5 bln payments

Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:55pm EDT

Stocks

   

(Adds detail)

Stocks  |  Bonds  |  Global Markets

NEW YORK, June 20 (Reuters) - MBIA,(MBI.N) a bond insurer, said on Friday it may need to put up nearly $7.5 billion to meet collateral posting requirements and potentially pay off obligations after losing its top "AAA" rating from Moody's Investors Service.

The world's largest bond insurer said it will need $2.9 billion to cover potential termination payments under insurance investment contracts known as guaranteed investment contracts.

MBIA will also need to post about $4.5 billion in collateral under these contracts as a result of the downgrade, the company said in a statement.

MBIA said it has $15.2 billion of assets available to satisfy these requirements.

On Thursday, Moody's cut MBIA Insurance five notches to "A2," the sixth highest investment grade, and MBIA Inc was cut five notches to "Baa1," three steps above junk, from "Aa2."

Standard & Poor's downgraded MBIA two notches from "AAA" to "AA" on June 5.

Demand for MBIA insurance wraps has effectively dried up on concerns over losses it will take from insuring risky residential mortgage-backed debt.

MBIA has said it retained at the holding company level $900 million in capital that had been previously earmarked for its bond insurance arm as it reevaluates its options.

(Reporting by Elinor Comlay)



More from Reuters

Joint Terminal Attack Controller SSgt Clinton J. Herbison, a U.S. Airman from the 817 Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron (EASOS) takes a break during a night mission near Honaker Miracle camp at the Pesh valley of Kunar Province August 12, 2009. Credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Pictures of the Year

A look at the best photos of 2009.  Slideshow 

    The Dalai Lama jokes with a nasal spray after being asked his opinion on the swine flu during a press conference after his first lecture in Lausanne, Switzerland, August 4, 2009. REUTERS/ Valentin Flauraud

    What a wacky year it's been...

    Um, what's up the Dalai Lama's nose? "Oddly Enough" editor Bob Basler rounds up the goofiest photos of the year.  Full Article 

    A caution sign is seen next to a stock board at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in Sydney September 5, 2008. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz
    Political Risk in 2010:

    Don't say we didn't warn you

    With the financial crisis (mostly) in the past, U.S. investors are eying a fresh start to the coming year. Here's a look at what speedbumps lie ahead.  Full Article