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Fair Value Measurements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements 7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC establishes a framework for measuring fair value and disclosures about fair value measurements.
Fair Value Hierarchy:
The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC specifies a fair value hierarchy based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect Company-based assumptions. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes model inputs into three broad levels as follows:
l
Level 1
 
Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 include US Treasury and other foreign government obligations traded in highly liquid and transparent markets, exchange traded futures contracts, variable rate demand obligations and money market funds.
 
 
 
l
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 in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 generally include investments in fixed income securities representing municipal, asset-backed and corporate obligations, certain interest rate swap contracts and most long-term debt of variable interest entities consolidated under the Consolidation Topic of the ASC.
 
 
 
l
Level 3
 
Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. Assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 include credit derivative contracts, certain uncollateralized interest rate swap contracts, equity interests in Ambac sponsored special purpose entities and certain investments in fixed income securities. Additionally, Level 3 assets and liabilities generally include loan receivables, and certain long-term debt of variable interest entities consolidated under the Consolidation Topic of the ASC.
The following table sets forth the carrying amount and fair value of Ambac’s financial assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, including the level within the fair value hierarchy at which fair value measurements are categorized. As required by the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Total Fair
Value
 
Fair Value Measurements Categorized as:
March 31, 2019:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal obligations
 
$
424,884

 
$
424,884

 
$

 
$
424,884

 
$

Corporate obligations
 
1,233,544

 
1,233,544

 

 
1,233,544

 

Foreign obligations
 
31,292

 
31,292

 
30,379

 
913

 

U.S. government obligations
 
100,429

 
100,429

 
100,429

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
256,285

 
256,285

 

 
256,285

 

Collateralized debt obligations
 
132,977

 
132,977

 

 
132,977

 

Other asset-backed securities
 
440,400

 
440,400

 

 
368,545

 
71,855

Fixed income securities, pledged as collateral:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government obligations
 
83,901

 
83,901

 
83,901

 

 

Short term investments
 
908,235

 
908,235

 
864,065

 
44,170

 

Other investments (1)
 
428,556

 
404,775

 
102,257

 

 
17,730

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
21,840

 
21,840

 
15,891

 
5,949

 

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps—asset position
 
73,218

 
73,218

 

 
19,107

 
54,111

Futures contracts
 
3,182

 
3,182

 
3,182

 

 

Other assets - equity in sponsored VIE
 
4,148

 
4,148

 

 

 
4,148

Other assets-Loans
 
10,124

 
12,187

 

 

 
12,187

Variable interest entity assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income securities: Corporate obligations
 
2,858,404

 
2,858,404

 

 

 
2,858,404

Fixed income securities: Municipal obligations
 
270,591

 
270,591

 

 
270,591

 

Restricted cash
 
3,254

 
3,254

 
3,254

 

 

Loans
 
4,375,761

 
4,375,761

 

 

 
4,375,761

Derivative assets: Currency swaps-asset position
 
59,228

 
59,228

 

 
59,228

 

Total financial assets
 
$
11,720,253

 
$
11,698,535

 
$
1,203,358

 
$
2,816,193

 
$
7,394,196

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long term debt, including accrued interest
 
$
3,320,562

 
$
3,324,313

 
$

 
$
2,942,229

 
$
382,084

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit derivatives
 
1,077

 
1,077

 

 

 
1,077

Interest rate swaps—asset position
 

 

 

 


 

Interest rate swaps—liability position
 
85,457

 
85,457

 

 
85,457

 

Futures contracts
 

 

 

 

 


Liabilities for net financial guarantees
written
 (2)
 
(839,056
)
 
509,830

 

 

 
509,830

Variable interest entity liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (includes $5,401,992 carried at fair value)
 
5,737,263

 
5,785,582

 

 
5,561,135

 
224,447

Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps—liability position
 
1,781,903

 
1,781,903

 

 
1,781,903

 

Total financial liabilities
 
$
10,087,206

 
$
11,488,162

 
$

 
$
10,370,724

 
$
1,117,438


 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Total Fair
Value
 
Fair Value Measurements Categorized as:
December 31, 2018:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal obligations
 
$
879,919

 
$
879,919

 
$

 
$
879,919

 
$

Corporate obligations
 
1,278,122

 
1,278,122

 

 
1,278,122

 

Foreign obligations
 
30,834

 
30,834

 
29,922

 
912

 

U.S. government obligations
 
94,394

 
94,394

 
94,394

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
258,607

 
258,607

 

 
258,607

 

Collateralized debt obligations
 
131,356

 
131,356

 

 
131,356

 

Other asset-backed securities
 
442,443

 
442,443

 

 
370,372

 
72,071

Short term investments
 
430,331

 
430,331

 
304,880

 
125,451

 

Other investments (1)
 
391,217

 
367,315

 
71,108

 

 
16,266

Cash and cash equivalents
 
82,494

 
82,494

 
52,661

 
29,833

 

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps—asset position
 
59,468

 
59,468

 

 
12,008

 
47,460

Other assets - equity in sponsored VIE
 
4,516

 
4,516

 

 

 
4,516

Other assets-Loans
 
9,913

 
11,620

 

 

 
11,620

Variable interest entity assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed income securities: Corporate obligations
 
2,737,286

 
2,737,286

 

 

 
2,737,286

Restricted cash
 
999

 
999

 
999

 

 

Loans
 
4,287,664

 
4,287,664

 

 

 
4,287,664

Derivative assets: Currency swaps—asset position
 
66,302

 
66,302

 

 
66,302

 

Total financial assets
 
$
11,185,865

 
$
11,163,670

 
$
553,964

 
$
3,152,882

 
$
7,176,883

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long term debt, including accrued interest
 
$
3,304,737

 
$
3,259,966

 
$

 
$
2,909,272

 
$
350,694

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit derivatives
 
1,459

 
1,459

 

 

 
1,459

Interest rate swaps—liability position
 
71,861

 
71,861

 

 
71,861

 

Futures contracts
 
3,379

 
3,379

 
3,379

 

 


Liabilities for net financial guarantees written (2)
 
(718,388
)
 
558,824

 

 

 
558,824

Variable interest entity liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
5,268,596

 
5,268,596

 

 
5,051,504

 
217,092

Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps—liability position
 
1,712,062

 
1,712,062

 

 
1,712,062

 

Total financial liabilities
 
$
9,643,706

 
$
10,876,147

 
$
3,379

 
$
9,744,699

 
$
1,128,069


(1)
Excluded from the fair value measurement categories in the table above are investment funds of $284,788 and $279,941 as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, which are measured using NAV per share as a practical expedient.
(2)
The carrying value of net financial guarantees written includes the following balance sheet items: Premium receivables; Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses; Deferred ceded premium; Subrogation recoverable; Insurance intangible asset; Unearned premiums; Loss and loss expense reserves; Ceded premiums payable, premiums taxes payable and other deferred fees recorded in Other liabilities.
Determination of Fair Value:
When available, Ambac uses quoted active market prices specific to the financial instrument to determine fair value, and classifies such items within Level 1. The determination of fair value for financial instruments categorized in Level 2 or 3 involves significant judgment due to the complexity of factors contributing to the valuation. Third-party sources from which we obtain independent market quotes also use assumptions, judgments and estimates in determining financial instrument values and different third parties may use different methodologies or provide different values for financial instruments. In addition, the use of internal valuation
models may require assumptions about hypothetical or inactive markets. As a result of these factors, the actual trade value of a financial instrument in the market, or exit value of a financial instrument position by Ambac, may be significantly different from its recorded fair value.
Ambac’s financial instruments carried at fair value are mainly comprised of investments in fixed income securities, equity interests in pooled investment funds, derivative instruments, certain variable interest entity assets and liabilities and interests in Ambac sponsored special purpose entities. Valuation of financial instruments is performed by Ambac’s finance group using methods approved by
senior financial management with consultation from risk management and portfolio managers as appropriate. Preliminary valuation results are discussed with portfolio managers quarterly to assess consistency with market transactions and trends as applicable. Market transactions such as trades or negotiated settlements of similar positions, if any, are reviewed to validate fair value model results. However, many of the financial instruments valued using significant unobservable inputs have very little or no observable market activity. Methods and significant inputs and assumptions used to determine fair values across portfolios are reviewed quarterly by senior financial management. Other valuation control procedures specific to particular portfolios are described further below.
We reflect Ambac’s own creditworthiness in the fair value of financial liabilities by including a credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”) in the determination of fair value. A decline (increase) in Ambac’s creditworthiness as perceived by market participants will generally result in a higher (lower) CVA, thereby lowering (increasing) the fair value of Ambac’s financial liabilities as reported.
Fixed Income Securities:
The fair values of fixed income investment securities are based primarily on market prices received from dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Because many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, pricing sources apply available market information through processes such as matrix pricing to calculate fair value. Such prices generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same and similar securities. In those cases, the items are classified within Level 2. For those fixed income investments where quotes were not available or cannot be reasonably corroborated, fair values are based on internal valuation models. Key inputs to the internal valuation models generally include maturity date, coupon and yield curves for asset-type and credit rating characteristics that closely match those characteristics of the specific investment securities being valued. Items valued using valuation models are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable. Longer (shorter) expected maturities or higher (lower) yields used in the valuation model will, in isolation, result in decreases (increases) in fair value. Generally, lower credit ratings or longer expected maturities will be accompanied by higher yields used to value a security. At March 31, 2019, approximately 8%, 90% and 2% of the fixed income investment portfolio (excluding variable interest entity investments) was valued using dealer quotes, alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency and internal valuation models, respectively. At December 31, 2018, approximately 8%, 90% and 2% of the fixed income investment portfolio (excluding variable interest entity investments) was valued using dealer quotes, alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency and internal valuation models, respectively.
Ambac performs various review and validation procedures to quoted and modeled prices for fixed income securities, including price variance analyses, missing and static price reviews, overall valuation analysis by portfolio managers and finance managers and
reviews associated with our ongoing impairment analysis. Unusual prices identified through these procedures will be evaluated further against alternative third party quotes (if available) and/or internally modeled prices, and the pricing source values will be challenged as necessary. Price challenges generally result in the use of the pricing source’s quote as originally provided or as revised by the source following their internal diligence process. A price challenge may result in a determination by either the pricing source or Ambac management that the pricing source cannot provide a reasonable value for a security or cannot adequately support a quote, in which case Ambac would resort to using either other quotes or internal models. Results of price challenges are reviewed by portfolio managers and finance managers.
Information about the valuation inputs for fixed income securities classified as Level 3 is included below:
Other asset-backed securities: These securities are a subordinated tranche of a resecuritization collateralized by Ambac-insured military housing bonds. The fair value of such securities classified as Level 3 was $71,855 and $72,071 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow approach with expected future cash flows discounted using a yield consistent with the security type and rating. Significant inputs for the valuation at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 include the following weighted averages:
March 31, 2019:
a. Coupon rate:
5.97%
b. Average Life:
16.11 years
c. Yield:
12.00%
 
 
December 31, 2018:
a. Coupon rate:
5.97%
b. Maturity:
16.29 years
c. Yield:
12.00%
Other Investments:
Other investments primarily relate to investments in pooled investment funds. The fair value of pooled investment funds is determined using dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources when such investments have readily determinable fair values. When fair value is not readily determinable, pooled investment funds are valued using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share as a practical expedient as permitted under the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC. Refer to Note 8. Investments for additional information about such investments in pooled funds that are reported at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient.
Other investments also includes Ambac's equity interest in a non-consolidated VIE, which is carried under the equity method. Valuation of this equity interest is internally calculated using a discounted cash flow approach and is classified as Level 3.
Derivative Instruments:
Ambac’s derivative instruments primarily comprise interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and exchange traded futures contracts.
Fair value is determined based upon market quotes from independent sources, when available. When independent quotes are not available, fair value is determined using valuation models. These valuation models require market-driven inputs, including contractual terms, credit spreads and ratings on underlying referenced obligations, yield curves and tax-exempt interest ratios. The valuation of certain interest rate as well as all credit derivative contracts also require the use of data inputs and assumptions that are determined by management and are not readily observable in the market. Under the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC, Ambac is required to consider its own credit risk when measuring the fair value of derivatives and other liabilities. Additional factors considered in estimating the amount of any Ambac CVA on such contracts include collateral posting provisions, right of set-off with the counterparty, the period of time remaining on the derivative and the pricing of recent terminations. The fair value of credit derivative liabilities was reduced by $93 and $138 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, as a result of incorporating an Ambac CVA into the valuation model for these contracts. Interest rate swap liabilities are collateralized and are not adjusted with an Ambac CVA at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Interest rate swaps that are not centrally cleared are valued using vendor-developed models that incorporate interest rates and yield curves that are observable and regularly quoted. These models provide the net present value of the derivatives based on contractual terms and observable market data. Generally, the need for counterparty (or Ambac) CVAs on interest rate derivatives is mitigated by the existence of collateral posting agreements under which adequate collateral has been posted. Certain of these derivative contracts entered into with financial guarantee customers are not subject to collateral posting agreements. Counterparty credit risk related to such customer derivative assets is included in our fair value adjustments.
Ambac's remaining credit derivatives ("CDS") are valued using an internal model that uses traditional financial guarantee CDS pricing to calculate the fair value of the derivative contract based on the reference obligation's current pricing, remaining life and credit rating and Ambac's own credit risk. The model calculates the difference between the present value of the projected fees receivable under the CDS and our estimate of the fees a financial guarantor of comparable credit quality would charge to provide the same protection at the balance sheet date. Unobservable inputs used include Ambac's internal reference obligation credit ratings and expected life, estimates of fees that would be charged to assume the credit derivative obligation and Ambac's CVA. Ambac is party to only two remaining credit derivatives with internal credit ratings of AA or better at March 31, 2019. Ambac has not made any significant changes to its modeling techniques or related model inputs for the periods presented.
Financial Guarantees:
Fair value of net financial guarantees written represents our estimate of the cost to Ambac to completely transfer its insurance obligation to another market participant of comparable credit worthiness. In theory, this amount should be the same amount that another market participant of comparable credit worthiness would hypothetically charge in the market place, on a present value basis, to provide the same protection as of the balance sheet date. This fair value estimate
of financial guarantees is presented on a net basis and includes direct and assumed contracts written, net of ceded reinsurance contracts.
The fair value estimate of financial guarantees is computed by utilizing cash flows calculated at the policy level. For direct and assumed contracts, net cash flows for each policy includes future: (i) installment premium receipts, (ii) gross claim payments, and (iii) subrogation receipts. For ceded reinsurance contracts, net cash flows for each policy includes future: (i) installment ceded premium payments, (ii) ceding commission receipts, (iii) ceded claim receipts, and (iv) ceded subrogation payments. For each assumed or ceded reinsurance contract, the respective undiscounted cash flow components are aggregated to determine if we are in a net asset or net liability position. U.S. GAAP requires that the nonperformance risk of a financial liability be included in the estimation of fair value, which includes considering Ambac Assurance’s own credit risk. Accordingly, for each contract in a net liability position, we estimate the fair value using internally developed discount rates and market pricing that incorporate Ambac’s own credit risk and subsequently apply a profit margin. This profit margin represents what another market participant would require to assume the financial guarantee contracts. A profit margin was developed based on discussions with the third-party institutions with valuation expertise and discussions with industry participants. The discount rates used for contracts in a net liability position are derived from the rates implicit in the fair value of Ambac guaranteed securities with future cash flows that are highly dependent upon Ambac financial guarantee payments. For each contract in a net asset position, we estimate the fair value using a discount rate that is commensurate with a hypothetical buyer’s cost of capital.
This methodology is based on management’s expectations of how a market participant would estimate net cash flows. We are aware of a number of factors that may cause such fair or exit value to differ, perhaps materially. For example, since no financial guarantor with Ambac Assurance’s credit quality is writing or otherwise obtaining financial guarantee business (e.g. reinsurance or novation of policies from other insurers) we do not have access to observable pricing data points.
Long-term Debt:
Long-term debt includes Ambac Assurance senior surplus notes and junior surplus notes and the Ambac Note and Tier 2 Notes issued in connection with the Rehabilitation Exit Transactions. The fair values of senior surplus notes, the Ambac Note and Tier 2 Notes are classified as Level 2. The fair value of junior surplus notes are classified as Level 3.
Other Financial Assets and Liabilities:
The fair values of Loans and Ambac’s equity interest in Ambac sponsored VIEs are estimated based upon internal valuation models and are classified as Level 3.
Variable Interest Entity Assets and Liabilities:
The financial assets and liabilities of VIEs consolidated under the Consolidation Topic of the ASC consist primarily of fixed income securities, loans, derivative and debt instruments and are generally carried at fair value. These consolidated VIEs are securitization entities which have liabilities and/or assets guaranteed by Ambac Assurance or Ambac UK. The fair values of VIE debt instruments
are determined using the same methodologies used to value Ambac’s fixed income securities in its investment portfolio as described above. VIE debt fair value is based on market prices received from dealer quotes or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Such quotes are considered Level 2 and generally consider a variety of factors, including recent trades of the same and similar securities. For those VIE debt instruments where quotes were not available, the debt instrument fair values are considered Level 3 and are based on internal discounted cash flow models. Comparable to the sensitivities of investments in fixed income securities described above, longer (shorter) expected maturities or higher (lower) yields used in the valuation model will, in isolation, result in decreases (increases) in fair value liability measurement for VIE debt. VIE debt instruments considered Level 3 include fixed rate notes secured by various asset types, primarily European ABS. Information about the valuation inputs for the various VIE debt categories classified as Level 3 is as follows:
European ABS transactions: The fair value of such obligations classified as Level 3 was $224,447 and $217,092 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Fair values were calculated by using a discounted cash flow approach. The discount rates used were based on the rates implied from the third party quoted values for comparable notes from the same securitization entity. Significant inputs for the valuation at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 include the following weighted averages:
March 31, 2019:
a. Coupon rate:
2.20%
b. Maturity:
18.68 years
c. Yield:
3.05%
 
 
December 31, 2018:
a. Coupon rate:
2.20%
b. Maturity:
18.93 years
c. Yield:
3.18%
VIE derivative asset and liability fair values are determined using valuation models. When specific derivative contractual terms are available and may be valued primarily by reference to interest rates, foreign exchange rates and yield curves that are observable and regularly quoted, the derivatives are valued using vendor-developed models. Other derivatives within the VIEs that include significant unobservable valuation inputs are valued using internally developed models. VIE derivative liability fair value balances at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were developed using vendor-developed models and do not use significant unobservable inputs.
The fair value of VIE assets are obtained from market quotes when available. Typically VIE asset fair values are not readily available from market quotes and are estimated internally. The consolidated VIEs are securitization entities in which net cash flows from assets and derivatives (after adjusting for financial guarantor cash flows and other expenses) will be paid out to note holders or equity interests. Internal valuations of VIE assets (fixed income securities or loans), therefore, are generally derived from the fair value of notes and derivatives, as described above, adjusted for the fair value of cash flows from Ambac’s financial guarantee. The fair value of financial guarantee cash flows include: (i) estimated future premiums discounted at a rate consistent with that implicit in the fair value of the VIE’s liabilities and (ii) internal estimates of future loss payments by Ambac discounted at a rate that includes Ambac’s own credit risk. Estimated future premium payments to be paid by the VIEs were discounted at a weighted average rate of 3.0% and 3.1% at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The value of future loss payments to be paid by Ambac to the VIEs was adjusted to include an Ambac CVA appropriate for the term of expected Ambac claim payments.
Additional Fair Value Information for Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value:
The following tables present the changes in the Level 3 fair value category for the periods presented in 2019 and 2018. Ambac classifies financial instruments in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy when there is reliance on at least one significant unobservable input to the valuation model. In addition to these unobservable inputs, the valuation models for Level 3 financial instruments typically also rely on a number of inputs that are readily observable either directly or indirectly. Thus, the gains and losses presented below include changes in the fair value related to both observable and unobservable inputs.
Level 3 - Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VIE Assets and Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Investments
 
Other
Assets
(1)
 
Derivatives
 
Investments
 
Loans
 
Long-term
Debt
 
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
72,071

 
$
4,516

 
$
46,001

 
$
2,737,286

 
$
4,287,664

 
$
(217,092
)
 
$
6,930,446

Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings
 
383

 
(368
)
 
8,187

 
66,919

 
88,281

 
(3,053
)
 
160,349

Included in other comprehensive income
 
(270
)
 

 

 
54,199

 
85,061

 
(4,302
)
 
134,688

Purchases
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements
 
(329
)
 

 
(1,154
)
 

 
(85,245
)
 

 
(86,728
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
71,855

 
$
4,148

 
$
53,034

 
$
2,858,404

 
$
4,375,761

 
$
(224,447
)
 
$
7,138,755

The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date
 
$

 
$
(368
)
 
$
8,096

 
$
66,919

 
$
88,281

 
$
(3,053
)
 
$
159,875

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
808,557

 
$
5,979

 
$
60,808

 
$
2,914,145

 
$
11,529,384

 
$
(2,757,688
)
 
$
12,561,185

Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings
 
35,184

 
(358
)
 
(9,375
)
 
(69,026
)
 
(202,588
)
 
159,985

 
(86,178
)
Included in other comprehensive income
 
(52,508
)
 

 

 
110,644

 
423,892

 
(103,877
)
 
378,151

Purchases
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements
 
(713,603
)
 

 
(1,525
)
 

 
(192,357
)
 
5,064

 
(902,421
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
77,630

 
$
5,621

 
$
49,908

 
$
2,955,763

 
$
11,558,331

 
$
(2,696,516
)
 
$
11,950,737

The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date
 
$

 
$
(358
)
 
$
(9,481
)
 
$
(69,026
)
 
$
(202,588
)
 
$
159,985

 
$
(121,468
)
(1)
Other assets carried at fair value and classified as Level 3 relate to an equity interest in an Ambac sponsored VIE.
 
The tables below provide roll-forward information by class of investments and derivatives measured using significant unobservable inputs.
Level 3 - Investments by Class:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
Other Asset
Backed
Securities
 
Non-Agency
RMBS
 
Total
Investments
 
Other Asset
Backed
Securities
 
Non-Agency
RMBS
 
Total
Investments
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
72,071

 
$

 
$
72,071

 
$
72,540

 
$
736,017

 
$
808,557

Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings
 
383

 

 
383

 
457

 
34,727

 
35,184

Included in other comprehensive income
 
(270
)
 

 
(270
)
 
(370
)
 
(52,138
)
 
(52,508
)
Purchases
 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances
 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements
 
(329
)
 

 
(329
)
 
(306
)
 
(713,297
)
 
(713,603
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
71,855

 
$

 
$
71,855

 
$
72,321

 
$
5,309

 
$
77,630

The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 - Derivatives by Class:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
Interest
Rate Swaps
 
Credit
Derivatives
 
Total
Derivatives
 
Interest
Rate Swaps
 
Credit
Derivatives
 
Total
Derivatives
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
47,460

 
$
(1,459
)
 
$
46,001

 
$
61,374

 
$
(566
)
 
$
60,808

Total gains/(losses) realized and unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings
 
7,714

 
473

 
8,187

 
(9,029
)
 
(346
)
 
(9,375
)
Included in other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases
 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances
 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements
 
(1,063
)
 
(91
)
 
(1,154
)
 
(1,419
)
 
(106
)
 
(1,525
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
54,111

 
$
(1,077
)
 
$
53,034

 
$
50,926

 
$
(1,018
)
 
$
49,908

The amount of total gains/(losses) included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date
 
$
7,714

 
$
382

 
$
8,096

 
$
(9,029
)
 
$
(452
)
 
$
(9,481
)
 
Invested assets and VIE long-term debt are transferred into Level 3 when internal valuation models that include significant unobservable inputs are used to estimate fair value. All such securities that have internally modeled fair values have been classified as Level 3.
Derivative instruments are transferred into Level 3 when the use of unobservable inputs becomes significant to the overall valuation.
There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 for the periods presented. All transfers between fair value hierarchy Levels 1, 2 and 3 are recognized at the beginning of each accounting period.
Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) relating to Level 3 assets and liabilities included in earnings for the affected periods are reported as follows:
 
 
Net
Investment
Income
 
Net Gains
(Losses) on
Derivative
Contracts
 
Income
(Loss) on
Variable
Interest
Entities
 
Other
Income
or (Loss)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gains or losses included in earnings for the period
 
$
383

 
$
8,187

 
$
152,147

 
$
(368
)
Changes in unrealized gains or losses relating to the assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date
 

 
8,096

 
152,147

 
(368
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gains or losses included in earnings for the period
 
$
35,184

 
$
(9,375
)
 
$
(111,629
)
 
$
(358
)
Changes in unrealized gains or losses relating to the assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date
 

 
(9,481
)
 
(111,629
)
 
(358
)