HAMILTON, Bermuda--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--In response to the change by Standard & Pooras Ratings Services (S&P) of the financial strength ratings of bond insurers Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. to AA- Stable Outlook from AA+ CreditWatch Negative, and the rating of Assured Guaranty Re Ltd. to AA- Stable Outlook from AA CreditWatch Negative, Dominic Frederico, President and Chief Executive Officer of Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE: AGO) (the Company or Assured Guaranty), made the following statement:
"This rating action is solely based on S&Pas new criteria for rating financial guaranty companies, as to which we have previously registered our concerns. Despite the higher capital standards, Assured Guaranty has maintained its ratings in the AA category by continuing to execute its capital enhancement strategies."
aThis rating action is solely based on S&Pas new criteria for rating financial guaranty companies, as to which we have previously registered our concerns. Despite the higher capital standards, Assured Guaranty has maintained its ratings in the AA category by continuing to execute its capital enhancement strategies.
aFurther, the Stable Outlook assigned to our ratings reflects S&Pas recognition of the quality of our insured portfolio, our underwriting discipline, risk management capabilities and strong competitive position. Our AA- Stable ratings result in us maintaining some of the highest S&P ratings for a company in the financial sector.
aWe are proud of our record of insuring timely payment of principal and interest when due, protecting the interests of investors and increasing the market liquidity for holders of our insured bonds while continuing to provide issuers broader market access and cost savings,a Mr. Frederico added.
Assured Guaranty Ltd. is a publicly traded (NYSE: AGO) Bermuda-based holding company. Its operating subsidiaries provide credit enhancement products to the U.S. and international public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets. More information on Assured Guaranty Ltd. and its subsidiaries can be found at [ www.assuredguaranty.com ].
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
Any forward-looking statements made in this press release reflect Assured Guarantyas current views with respect to future events and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those resulting from Assured Guarantyas inability to execute its strategies to enhance capital and/or mitigate its concentration risks; further actions that the rating agencies may take with respect to the financial strength ratings of Assured Guaranty; adverse developments in Assured Guarantyas insured portfolio; and other risks and uncertainties that have not been identified at this time, managementas response to these factors, and other risk factors identified in Assured Guarantyas filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made as of November 30, 2011. Assured Guaranty undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.