Assured Guaranty(US:AGO)2026-02-27 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - At year-end 2025, the company achieved new per-share highs for adjusted book value at $186.43, adjusted operating shareholders' equity at $126.78, and shareholders' equity at $125.32 [5] - Adjusted operating income per share increased to $9.08 in 2025 from $7.10 in 2024, representing a 28% increase [19][20] - Fourth quarter 2025 adjusted operating income was $109 million or $2.32 per share, an 83% increase from $66 million or $1.27 per share in the fourth quarter of 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The present value of new business production (PVP) totaled $286 million in 2025, with significant contributions from all three financial guarantee underwriting groups [5] - The company guaranteed over $27 billion of municipal par, a 16% increase from 2024, and achieved a 15-year high in new issue insured par sold, representing 58% of the market [11] - The U.S. public finance segment originated $206 million in PVP, with a 19% increase in the second half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. municipal market experienced a second consecutive year of record issuance, driving strong demand for municipal bond insurance [10] - The company saw a 240% year-over-year increase in U.S. public finance secondary insured par written, totaling approximately $2 billion [11] - Non-U.S. public finance and global structured finance originations contributed $80 million in PVP for 2025, with strong performance in the U.K. and European markets [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on sustainable long-term growth and has successfully expanded its U.S. municipal secondary market business [5] - The acquisition of Warwick Re Limited, renamed Assured Life Reinsurance, diversifies revenue sources and leverages the company's strengths in credit and structured finance [8] - The company aims to enhance its investment returns and has seen significant growth in alternative investments, achieving a fair value of over $1 billion by year-end 2025 [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of the U.S. public finance market and the potential for continued growth in 2026 [26] - The company remains optimistic about its position in the annuity reinsurance market and is actively pursuing new business opportunities [24] - Management highlighted the resilience of the business model, which has been demonstrated during financial crises and other challenging economic conditions [9] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 12% of its common shares outstanding at the end of 2024, totaling $500 million, and increased its quarterly dividend per share by 12% [6][24] - The alternative investments segment generated a year-over-year increase of 33% in pre-tax adjusted operating income for 2025 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on issuance in triple B credits and outlook for 2026 - Management noted a positive trend in the fourth quarter and a strong start in the first quarter of 2026, with several transactions already closed in U.S. public finance and infrastructure finance in Europe [26] Question: Outlook on U.K. utilities and Brightline - Management provided an update on U.K. utilities, indicating a focus on Thames as the only problematic exposure, and expressed confidence in the recovery of Brightline due to strong subordination below their position [28][30] Question: Exposure in alternative investments and private credit - Management clarified that while they are invested in the CLO market, they do not have direct exposure to private credit and remain confident in the health of their portfolio [35] Question: Capital allocation between annuity reinsurance and stock buybacks - Management indicated that capital management opportunities, including stock buybacks, will be assessed based on market conditions and opportunities in the life and annuity sector [37]