Ambac Financial (AMBC) Risk Factors

We rely on internally and externally developed complex financial models, including default models related to RMBS and a waterfall tool provided by a nationally recognized vendor for RMBS and student loan exposures, to project performance of our insured LFG obligations and similar securities in our investment portfolio. These models and tools assume various conditions, probability scenarios, facts and circumstances, and there can be no assurance that such models or tools accurately predict or measure the quantum of losses, loss reserves and timing of losses. Differences in the models and tools that we employ, uncertainties or flaws in these financial models and tools, or faulty assumptions inherent in these financial models and tools or those determined by management could lead to material changes in projected outcomes, and could include increased losses, loss reserves and/or credit impairments on the investment portfolio. Moreover, estimates of transaction performance depend in part on the interpretation of contracts and other bases of our legal rights. Such interpretations may prove to be incorrect or different interpretations may be employed by bond trustees and other transaction participants and, ultimately courts, which could lead to increased losses, loss reserves and/or investment impairments.

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves represent management estimates of what the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost. These estimates are developed using common and industry accepted actuarial techniques. Nevertheless, the process of estimating loss and loss adjustment expense reserves involves a high degree of judgment and is subject to a number of variables, which can be affected by internal and external events, such as changes in claims handling, changes in loss cost trends, catastrophic events and social inflation. Elevated social inflation trends are likely to continue. Social inflation, which includes increased litigation, partially supported by access to litigation financing; changes in social norms; an erosion of the public sentiment towards insurers' interpretation of coverage levels and limits; and increased damage awards by juries, may make it difficult for Everspan to estimate loss reserves, establish adequate product pricing, and maintain a strong competitive position with consumers. Moreover, the impact of catastrophic events may not be adequately reflected in claims reserves and, accordingly, could adversely impact results. Catastrophic losses are caused by wind and hail, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, severe freeze events, volcanic eruptions, terrorism, cyber attacks, civil unrest, and industrial accidents and other such events. We also face potential exposure to various types of new and emerging tort claims which were not known or anticipated when our insurance products were originally priced. The impact of many of these items on ultimate costs for claims and claim adjustment expense reserves could be material and is difficult to estimate.

In connection with Ambac's acquisition of insurance distribution businesses (MGA/Us and brokers), Ambac recorded the fair value of identifiable intangible assets (primarily related to distribution relationships) and goodwill. The intangible assets will be amortized over their remaining useful lives. The Company will test intangible assets for impairment if certain events occur or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. Goodwill will be tested for impairment annually or whenever events occur or circumstances change that may indicate impairment. Intangible asset and goodwill impairments are driven by a variety of factors, which could include, among other things, declining future cash flows of the acquired business as addressed in other risk factors related to the Insurance Distribution Business. Any intangible asset or goodwill impairment could adversely affect the Company's operating results and financial condition.

We expect to recover material amounts of claims payments through cash flows in the securitization structures of transactions that AAC insures. Realization of such expected recoveries is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the rights and defenses of other parties with interests that conflict with AAC's interests, the performance of the collateral and assets backing the obligations that AAC insures, the performance of servicers involved in securitizations in which AAC participates as insurer, as well as numerous regulatory, legal and compliance considerations and risks. Adverse developments with respect to any of the factors described above may cause our recoveries to fall below expectations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, including our capital and liquidity, and may result in adverse consequences such as impairing the ability of AAC to honor its financial obligations, particularly its surplus notes and preferred stock obligations; the initiation of rehabilitation proceedings against AAC; eliminating or reducing the possibility of AAC delivering value to AFG, through dividends or otherwise; and a significant drop in the value of securities issued or insured by AFG or AAC.

LFG loss reserves are established when management has observed credit deterioration in its insured credits. Loss reserves established with respect to our LFG insurance policies issued to beneficiaries are based upon estimates and judgments by management, including estimates and judgments with respect to the probability of default; the severity of loss upon default; management's ability to execute policy commutations, restructurings and other loss mitigation strategies; and estimated subrogation and other loss recoveries. The objective of establishing loss reserve estimates is not to, and our loss reserves do not, reflect the worst possible outcomes. While our reserving scenarios reflect a wide range of possible outcomes (on a probability weighted basis), reflecting the uncertainty regarding future developments and outcomes, our loss reserves may change materially based on future developments. As a result of inherent uncertainties in the estimates and judgments made to determine loss reserves, there can be no assurance that either the actual losses in our financial guarantee insurance portfolio will not exceed such reserves or that our reserves will not materially change over time as circumstances, our assumptions, or our models change. Catastrophic events, whether natural or man-made, including natural disasters and environmental and public health events that result in material disruption of economic activity, loss of human life or significant property damage, can have a materially negative impact on our financial and operational performance. Such stresses could result in liquidity strains or permanent losses. Public health crises and/or natural disasters can cause economic and financial disruptions that may adversely affect, our business and results of operations. Everspan may be exposed to losses arising out of unpredictable catastrophic events. These include natural catastrophes and other disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, windstorms, floods, wildfires, and severe winter weather. Catastrophes can also include man-made disasters, such as terrorist attacks and other destructive acts, war, political unrest, explosions, cyber-attacks, nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological events and infrastructure failures. A severe catastrophe or a series of catastrophes could result in losses exceeding Everspan's reinsurance protection and may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition. Changing weather patterns and climate change have added to the unpredictability, frequency and severity of weather-related catastrophes incurred by the property and casualty insurance industry in recent years. These changing weather patterns make it more difficult to predict and model catastrophic events, reducing our ability to accurately price exposure to such events and mitigate its risks. Catastrophic events may cause significant volatility in the markets in which we operate in addition to the global financial markets. Disruptions to these markets could result in a decline in business activity, increased claims, reduced underwriting capacity from insurance companies, reinsurers and other capital providers upon which our P&C businesses are reliant. Catastrophic events may also interrupt the operations of our agents and business partners that distribute our P&C insurance products. Profit commissions and contingent commissions related to certain of our P&C business lines may also be adversely impacted my catastrophic losses. Individually and/or collectively, these results may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.AAC insures the obligations of a number of issuers, such as municipalities and securitization vehicles, including those backed by consumer loans such as mortgages and student loans, that may be substantially affected by the prolonged economic effects of pandemics, other public health crises, environmental events or natural disasters. Municipalities and their authorities, agencies and instrumentalities, especially those dependent on narrow revenue streams flowing from particular economic activities, such as sales taxes, may suffer disproportionately, from depressed revenues due to the lingering negative economic impact brought about by such events. In response to such events, the U.S. Federal government and State governments and their agencies may adopt policies or guidelines to provide emergency relief to consumers, such as limiting debt collection efforts, encouraging or requiring extensions, modifications or forbearance with respect to certain loans and fees, and establishing foreclosure and eviction moratoriums. These or similar types of emergency responses to future events may cause Ambac to experience higher losses in its insured portfolio.Future environmental or other public health events and natural disasters can result in significant potential liabilities for issuers, that increase the potential for default on obligations insured by AAC and Ambac UK.Further, we use internally developed and third-party vendor tools and models to assess exposure to losses, including catastrophic losses. The models assume various conditions and probability scenarios and may not accurately predict future losses or measure losses currently incurred. Limitations in these tools and models may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.The ultimate impact of a catastrophic event on insurers and their obligations, and the economy in general, is by its very nature uncertain, and will be determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the depth and duration of a particular crisis; the extent to which affected consumers, businesses, municipal entities and other debtors or sources of revenues recover from depressed economic circumstances, and the timelines for such recoveries; the level and efficacy of government intervention or support for municipal entities, consumers, businesses and the financial markets via emergency relief measures; the availability of insurance; the availability of cost-effective financing; management of public health crisis remediation efforts; the effectiveness of other public or private crisis management efforts, mitigation measures or support; and certain socio-economic variables, such as unemployment levels. Consequently, if following such catastrophic events we do not have sufficient resources or financial flexibility, receive adequate markets. Disruptions to these markets could result in a decline in business activity, increased claims, reduced underwriting capacity from insurance companies, reinsurers and other capital providers upon which our P&C businesses are reliant. Catastrophic events may also interrupt the operations of our agents and business partners that distribute our P&C insurance products. Profit commissions and contingent commissions related to certain of our P&C business lines may also be adversely impacted my catastrophic losses. Individually and/or collectively, these results may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. AAC insures the obligations of a number of issuers, such as municipalities and securitization vehicles, including those backed by consumer loans such as mortgages and student loans, that may be substantially affected by the prolonged economic effects of pandemics, other public health crises, environmental events or natural disasters. Municipalities and their authorities, agencies and instrumentalities, especially those dependent on narrow revenue streams flowing from particular economic activities, such as sales taxes, may suffer disproportionately, from depressed revenues due to the lingering negative economic impact brought about by such events. In response to such events, the U.S. Federal government and State governments and their agencies may adopt policies or guidelines to provide emergency relief to consumers, such as limiting debt collection efforts, encouraging or requiring extensions, modifications or forbearance with respect to certain loans and fees, and establishing foreclosure and eviction moratoriums. These or similar types of emergency responses to future events may cause Ambac to experience higher losses in its insured portfolio. Future environmental or other public health events and natural disasters can result in significant potential liabilities for issuers, that increase the potential for default on obligations insured by AAC and Ambac UK. Further, we use internally developed and third-party vendor tools and models to assess exposure to losses, including catastrophic losses. The models assume various conditions and probability scenarios and may not accurately predict future losses or measure losses currently incurred. Limitations in these tools and models may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. The ultimate impact of a catastrophic event on insurers and their obligations, and the economy in general, is by its very nature uncertain, and will be determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the depth and duration of a particular crisis; the extent to which affected consumers, businesses, municipal entities and other debtors or sources of revenues recover from depressed economic circumstances, and the timelines for such recoveries; the level and efficacy of government intervention or support for municipal entities, consumers, businesses and the financial markets via emergency relief measures; the availability of insurance; the availability of cost-effective financing; management of public health crisis remediation efforts; the effectiveness of other public or private crisis management efforts, mitigation measures or support; and certain socio-economic variables, such as unemployment levels. Consequently, if following such catastrophic events we do not have sufficient resources or financial flexibility, receive adequate measures of support or realize the appropriate level of economic recovery, our ultimate ability to operate could be materially impaired and we could suffer material permanent losses and therefore may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Counterparties that service aspects of our business may be similarly impacted and, if their operations are impaired due to a catastrophe, it may be difficult or costly to us to find alternatives to such servicing capabilities. We could realize losses from our cash and investment accounts if one of the financial institutions we use fail or is taken over by regulatorsWe maintain cash and investment accounts, including premium trust accounts, at depository institutions in amounts in excess of the limits insured by the FDIC. If one or more of these institutions were to fail or be taken over by federal regulators, our access to these funds could be limited and we could experience liquidity problems and potential financial losses. Our risk management policies and practices may not adequately identify significant risks.As described in Part I, Item 1, "Risk Management" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have established risk management policies and practices which seek to mitigate our exposure to credit risk in our legacy financial guarantee insured portfolio. Ongoing surveillance of credit risks in our legacy financial guarantee insured portfolio is an important component of our risk management process. These policies and practices in the past have not insulated us from risks that were unforeseen and which had unanticipated loss severity, and such policies and practices may not do so in the future. There can be no assurance that these policies and practices will be adequate to avoid future losses. If we are not able to identify significant risks, we may not be able to timely mitigate such risks, thereby increasing the amount of losses to which we are exposed. An inability to identify significant risks could also result in the failure to timely establish loss reserves that are sufficient in relation to such risks.We operate within an enterprise risk management ("ERM") framework designed to assess and monitor risks. However, no assurance can be given that we will effectively identify, review, monitor or manage all relevant risks. Nor can we provide assurance that our ERM framework will result in us accurately identifying all risks and adequately limiting our exposures based on our assessments. Any ineffectiveness in our controls or procedures or failure to manage these risks may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.We are subject to the risk of litigation and the outcome of proceedings we are or may become involved in could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, financial position, profitability or cash flows. AAC is defending or otherwise involved in various lawsuits relating to its LFG business. Please see Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidate Financial Statement included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for information on various proceedings. measures of support or realize the appropriate level of economic recovery, our ultimate ability to operate could be materially impaired and we could suffer material permanent losses and therefore may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Counterparties that service aspects of our business may be similarly impacted and, if their operations are impaired due to a catastrophe, it may be difficult or costly to us to find alternatives to such servicing capabilities.

The completion of the Sale and the other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of various conditions, which may not be satisfied in a timely manner or at all. If the Sale is not completed, we will not recoup the costs incurred in connection with negotiating the Sale and the other transactions. Our directors, executive officers and other employees will have expended extensive time and effort and will have experienced significant distractions from their work during the pendency of the Sale, and we will have incurred significant third-party transaction costs, in each case, without any commensurate benefit, which may have a material and adverse effect on our stock price and results of operations. Furthermore, if the Sale and the other transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement are not completed, the announcement of the termination of the Purchase Agreement may adversely affect our relationships with our customers, business partners and employees, which could have a material adverse impact on our ability to effectively operate our business, and we may be required to pay the Termination Fee of $22 million under certain circumstances, each of which could have further adverse effects on our business, results of operations and the trading price of AFG's common stock. Additionally, we intend to use the proceeds of the Sale to repay all or a portion of the debt used to fund the acquisition of 60% of the share capital of Beat Capital Partners Limited. If we do not consummate the Sale then we will need to repay or refinance such debt with other sources of funds, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all. An inability to repay the debt used to fund the acquisition of Beat from proceeds of the Sale or other sources, or an inability to refinance such debt on favorable terms or at all, may materially negatively affect our business and results of operations.In the absence of a full or partial sale of the LFG business, the Company plans to continue to actively run-off the LFG business. In that event, there could be no assurance that AFG would be able to realize residual value through receiving dividends from the continued run-off of AAC. In the absence of a sale, AFG's ability to realize residual value from AAC would depend upon, amongst other considerations, AAC's ability to satisfy all of its obligations that are senior to AFG's equity interests, including obligations to policyholders, surplus note holders and preferred stock holders. AAC's ability to satisfy all of its obligations that are senior to AFG's equity depends on a number of considerations, including its ability to recover losses previously paid; avoid material losses from litigation; mitigate losses from its insured portfolio, which is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including as a result of varying potential perceptions of the value of AAC's guarantees and securities; realize material value from its investment in Ambac UK; and repay and/or restructure its indebtedness in a timely manner such that accruing interest costs are manageable. Increased loss development in the LFG insured portfolio, or significant losses from litigation or other events or circumstances could prompt OCI to determine that it is in the best interests of policyholders to initiate rehabilitation proceedings with respect to AAC or to issue supervisory orders that impose restrictions on AAC, either preemptively or in response to any such event or circumstance. If OCI were to decide to initiate rehabilitation proceedings with respect to AAC, adverse consequences could result, including, without limitation and absent enforceable protective injunctive relief, the assertion of damages by counterparties, the acceleration of losses based on early termination triggers, and the loss of control rights in insured transactions. Any such consequences could reduce or eliminate any residual value of AAC for AFG. Additionally, the rehabilitator would assume control of all of AAC's assets and management of AAC. In exercising control, the rehabilitator would act solely for the benefit of policyholders, which could result in material adverse consequences for our security holders. Similar risks would arise if Ambac UK were to become subject to a proceeding to protect the interests of its policyholders, in which case AAC's ability to realize value from Ambac UK (and consequently AFG's ability to realize value from AAC) would diminish. If OCI were to issue supervisory orders imposing restrictions on AAC, AAC's ability to satisfy its obligations to policyholders or creditors, or its ability to deliver value to AFG, could be significantly constrained. Due to the foregoing considerations, the risk factors appearing below, and applicable legal and contractual restrictions described elsewhere herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, substantial uncertainty remains as to AAC's ability to pay dividends to AFG and the timing of any such dividends.The Purchase Agreement contains provisions that limit our ability to pursue alternatives to the Sale.The Purchase Agreement contains provisions that make it more difficult for us to sell AAC to any party other than Buyer. These debt with other sources of funds, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all. An inability to repay the debt used to fund the acquisition of Beat from proceeds of the Sale or other sources, or an inability to refinance such debt on favorable terms or at all, may materially negatively affect our business and results of operations. In the absence of a full or partial sale of the LFG business, the Company plans to continue to actively run-off the LFG business. In that event, there could be no assurance that AFG would be able to realize residual value through receiving dividends from the continued run-off of AAC. In the absence of a sale, AFG's ability to realize residual value from AAC would depend upon, amongst other considerations, AAC's ability to satisfy all of its obligations that are senior to AFG's equity interests, including obligations to policyholders, surplus note holders and preferred stock holders. AAC's ability to satisfy all of its obligations that are senior to AFG's equity depends on a number of considerations, including its ability to recover losses previously paid; avoid material losses from litigation; mitigate losses from its insured portfolio, which is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including as a result of varying potential perceptions of the value of AAC's guarantees and securities; realize material value from its investment in Ambac UK; and repay and/or restructure its indebtedness in a timely manner such that accruing interest costs are manageable. Increased loss development in the LFG insured portfolio, or significant losses from litigation or other events or circumstances could prompt OCI to determine that it is in the best interests of policyholders to initiate rehabilitation proceedings with respect to AAC or to issue supervisory orders that impose restrictions on AAC, either preemptively or in response to any such event or circumstance. If OCI were to decide to initiate rehabilitation proceedings with respect to AAC, adverse consequences could result, including, without limitation and absent enforceable protective injunctive relief, the assertion of damages by counterparties, the acceleration of losses based on early termination triggers, and the loss of control rights in insured transactions. Any such consequences could reduce or eliminate any residual value of AAC for AFG. Additionally, the rehabilitator would assume control of all of AAC's assets and management of AAC. In exercising control, the rehabilitator would act solely for the benefit of policyholders, which could result in material adverse consequences for our security holders. Similar risks would arise if Ambac UK were to become subject to a proceeding to protect the interests of its policyholders, in which case AAC's ability to realize value from Ambac UK (and consequently AFG's ability to realize value from AAC) would diminish. If OCI were to issue supervisory orders imposing restrictions on AAC, AAC's ability to satisfy its obligations to policyholders or creditors, or its ability to deliver value to AFG, could be significantly constrained. Due to the foregoing considerations, the risk factors appearing below, and applicable legal and contractual restrictions described elsewhere herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, substantial uncertainty remains as to AAC's ability to pay dividends to AFG and the timing of any such dividends.

Cirrata financed its acquisition of Beat in part through the issuance of $150 million of new indebtedness, which is guaranteed by AFG (the "Credit Facility"). The debt incurred under the Credit Facility matures on July 31, 2025. The obligations of AFG and its subsidiaries under the Credit Facility are secured on a first-priority basis by (i) a pledge by AFG of all of the capital stock of Everspan Holdings, LLC and (ii) a pledge of all of the capital stock of Beat held by Cirrata and its subsidiaries. The Company intends to pay off the Credit Facility with the proceeds of the Sale (as defined below in "Risks Related to the Legacy Financial Guaranty Business"). In the event that the Sale did not occur,due to factors described elsewhere in these Risk Factors or for any other reason, the Company would need to seek to refinance the Credit Facility through the public or private credit markets. Alternatively the Company would seek to raise additional capital or restructure the debt. There is no guaranty that the Company could refinance or restructure the Credit Facility or raise additional capital at commercially reasonable terms or at all. In addition, if the Company were able to refinance or restructure the Credit Facility or raise additional capital it may incur a higher rate of interest or suffer more restrictive covenants, which could cause a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.Furthermore, raising additional capital through the issuance of equity would depend on market and economic conditions, dilute the ownership of existing stockholders and potentially diminish the ability of the Company to access the capital markets in the future. Moreover, raising additional capital through the sale of assets would depend on market and economic conditions; the availability of buyers; the requirements and conditions of local law, including regulatory restrictions; and other factors that may result in the Company or a party enforcing rights against the Company to be unable to receive proceeds sufficient to discharge the Company's obligations. Because of these and other factors beyond our control, the Company may be unable to pay or discharge the principal or interest on the indebtedness incurred under the Credit Facility on economic terms or at all, which would materially impair the value of the Company.The Credit Facility includes covenants that restrict our ability to manage capital resources by limiting, among other actions, the issuance of additional debt or capital stock; the creation of liens; the disposition of assets; engaging in transactions with affiliates; making restricted payments, including dividends and the purchase or redemption of capital stock; and making acquisitions and other investments. The Credit Facility also requires the prepayment of the borrowings thereunder with proceeds of certain debt or equity issuances and certain asset sales, including the Sale. These requirements will impact our financial and operational flexibility while the Credit Facility remains in place. The Company's substantial indebtedness could have other significant consequences for our financial condition and operational flexibility. For example, it could:- increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic, competitive and industry conditions;- limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes on satisfactory terms or at all;- require the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to the payment of interest on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and to fund the execution of key strategies;- limit or restrict the Company from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;- limit the Company's ability, or increase the costs, to refinance its indebtedness or repay indebtedness due to ongoing interest payment obligations; and- limit our ability to attract and retain key employees.While restrictive covenants in the Credit Facility may limit the amount of additional indebtedness the Company may incur, we additional capital or restructure the debt. There is no guaranty that the Company could refinance or restructure the Credit Facility or raise additional capital at commercially reasonable terms or at all. In addition, if the Company were able to refinance or restructure the Credit Facility or raise additional capital it may incur a higher rate of interest or suffer more restrictive covenants, which could cause a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, raising additional capital through the issuance of equity would depend on market and economic conditions, dilute the ownership of existing stockholders and potentially diminish the ability of the Company to access the capital markets in the future. Moreover, raising additional capital through the sale of assets would depend on market and economic conditions; the availability of buyers; the requirements and conditions of local law, including regulatory restrictions; and other factors that may result in the Company or a party enforcing rights against the Company to be unable to receive proceeds sufficient to discharge the Company's obligations. Because of these and other factors beyond our control, the Company may be unable to pay or discharge the principal or interest on the indebtedness incurred under the Credit Facility on economic terms or at all, which would materially impair the value of the Company. The Credit Facility includes covenants that restrict our ability to manage capital resources by limiting, among other actions, the issuance of additional debt or capital stock; the creation of liens; the disposition of assets; engaging in transactions with affiliates; making restricted payments, including dividends and the purchase or redemption of capital stock; and making acquisitions and other investments. The Credit Facility also requires the prepayment of the borrowings thereunder with proceeds of certain debt or equity issuances and certain asset sales, including the Sale. These requirements will impact our financial and operational flexibility while the Credit Facility remains in place. The Company's substantial indebtedness could have other significant consequences for our financial condition and operational flexibility. For example, it could: - increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic, competitive and industry conditions;- limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes on satisfactory terms or at all;- require the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to the payment of interest on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and to fund the execution of key strategies;- limit or restrict the Company from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;- limit the Company's ability, or increase the costs, to refinance its indebtedness or repay indebtedness due to ongoing interest payment obligations; and - limit our ability to attract and retain key employees. While restrictive covenants in the Credit Facility may limit the amount of additional indebtedness the Company may incur, we may obtain waivers of those restrictions and incur additional indebtedness in the future. In addition, if the Company incurred indebtedness, its ability to make scheduled payments on, or refinance, any such indebtedness may depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions or pay dividends, which in turn will depend on their future operating performance and contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of distributions or dividends to which they may be subject. There can be no assurance that any such dividends or distributions would be made. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with the Company's substantial leverage.Our P&C businesses rely on a limited number of retail and wholesale brokers to generate revenue and the loss of one or more of these key partners could adversely impact our results of operations and growth objectives. Our relationship with retail and wholesale brokers and other trading partners (collectively, "Brokers") are nonexclusive and may be discontinued at any time by either party. In addition, any of these parties may change the terms of our relationship which would cause our commission expense to increase. The loss of a Broker could reduce the number of submissions we receive which could result in reduced commission revenue. Our business could also be harmed if we fail to develop relationships with new Brokers or other sources of business.A reduction in the number of Brokers, whether as a result of the termination of relationships, consolidation or otherwise, may leave us more vulnerable to adverse changes in our relationships with other Brokers, particularly in geographies or lines of business where we offer insurance products through a relatively small number of Brokers.Revenues and cash flow will be adversely impacted by a decline in realization of installment premiums.A significant percentage of LFG premium revenue is attributable to installment premiums. The amount of installment premiums collected is declining along with the insured portfolio. The amount of installment premiums actually realized could be further reduced due to factors such as early termination of insurance contracts, new reinsurance transactions, accelerated prepayments of underlying obligations or insufficiency of cash flows (by the premium paying entity). The reduction in installment premiums will result in lower LFG revenues and cash flow in the future.We may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain third-party financing or raise additional third-party capital on acceptable terms, or at all.An inability to obtain third-party debt financing or raise additional third-party capital, when required by us or when business conditions warrant, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and could adversely impact our ability to achieve our strategic objectives. Our financial condition, the Risk Factors described elsewhere herein, as well as other factors, may constrain our financing abilities. Our ability to secure third-party financing will depend upon our future operating performance, regulatory conditions, the availability of credit generally, economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The market conditions and the may obtain waivers of those restrictions and incur additional indebtedness in the future. In addition, if the Company incurred indebtedness, its ability to make scheduled payments on, or refinance, any such indebtedness may depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions or pay dividends, which in turn will depend on their future operating performance and contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of distributions or dividends to which they may be subject. There can be no assurance that any such dividends or distributions would be made. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with the Company's substantial leverage.

We maintain cash and investment accounts, including premium trust accounts, at depository institutions in amounts in excess of the limits insured by the FDIC. If one or more of these institutions were to fail or be taken over by federal regulators, our access to these funds could be limited and we could experience liquidity problems and potential financial losses.

AAC and Ambac UK allocate a portion of their investment portfolios in below investment grade securities; equities and alternative assets, such as hedge funds. Investments in below investment grade securities, equities and alternative assets could expose AAC and/or Ambac UK to greater earnings volatility, increased losses and decreased liquidity in the investment portfolio.Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds(a)    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities - No matters require disclosure.(b)    Purchases of Equity Securities By the Issuer and Affiliated PurchasersWhen restricted stock unit awards issued by Ambac vest or settle, they become taxable compensation to employees. Shares may be withheld to cover the employee's portion of withholding taxes. In the third quarter of 2024, Ambac purchased shares from employees that settled restricted stock units to meet employee tax withholdings.Jul-2024Aug-2024Sep-2024Third Quarter 2024Total Shares Purchased (1)- - 863 863 Average Price Paid Per Share$- $- $10.83 $10.83 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan- - - - Maximum Dollar Value That may Yet be Purchased Under the Plan$- $- $- $- On March 29, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing up to $20 million in share repurchases, and on May 5, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $15 million share repurchase. This program expired on March 31, 2024. The following table shows shares repurchased by year.($ in millions, except per share)20232022TotalShares repurchased325,068 1,605,3161,930,384Total cost$4.5 $14.2 $18.7 Average purchase price per share$13.88 $8.86 $9.70 expose AAC and/or Ambac UK to greater earnings volatility, increased losses and decreased liquidity in the investment portfolio.

AAC is highly leveraged. AAC's ability to make payments on and/or refinance its surplus notes and to fund its operations will depend on its ability to generate substantial operating cash flow and on the performance of the LFG insured portfolio. AAC's cash flow generation will depend on receipt of premiums, investment returns, and dividends and capital distributions from Ambac UK, offset by policyholder claims, commutation payments, reinsurance premiums, costs and potential losses from litigation, operating and loss adjustment expenses, and interest expense, all of which may be subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and many of which may be event-driven. There is substantial risk that AAC may not have the financial resources necessary to pay its surplus notes in full due to risks associated with its cash flow, insured portfolio, and other liabilities, as discussed elsewhere in these Risk Factors. If AAC cannot pay its obligations from operating cash flow, it will have to take actions such as selling assets, restructuring or refinancing its surplus notes or seeking additional capital. Any of these remedies may not, if necessary, be effected on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. The value of assets to be sold will depend on market and economic conditions; the availability of buyers; the requirements and conditions of local law, including regulatory restrictions; and other factors that may result in AAC or a party enforcing rights against AAC to be unable to receive proceeds sufficient to discharge AAC's obligations. Furthermore, the ability of creditors or claimants to realize upon any assets, may also be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency law limitations or similar limitations applicable in insurance company rehabilitation or liquidation proceedings. Because of these and other factors beyond our control, AAC may be unable to pay or discharge the principal or interest on its surplus notes, which would impair AAC's value and the value of AFG. Surplus note principal and interest payments cannot be made without the approval of the OCI, which OCI will grant or withhold in its sole discretion. OCI's determinations about whether and when to authorize surplus note payments could materially impact the Company's financial position. Ambac can provide no assurance as to when surplus note principal and interest payments will be made. If OCI does not approve payments on or the acquisition of surplus notes over time, the ongoing accretion of interest on the notes may impair AAC's ability to extinguish the notes in full. Surplus notes are subordinated in right of payment to policyholder and other claims. AAC's substantial indebtedness could have other significant consequences for our financial condition and operational flexibility. For example, it could: - increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic, competitive and industry conditions;- limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes on satisfactory terms or at all;- require AAC to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to the payment of surplus notes, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and to fund the execution of key strategies, including the return of capital to AFG;- limit or restrict AFG from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;- limit AAC's ability, or increase the costs, to refinance surplus notes or repay surplus notes due to ongoing interest accretion; and- limit our ability to attract and retain key employees.Despite current indebtedness levels, we may incur additional debt. While restrictive covenants in certain of our contracts may limit the amount of additional indebtedness AAC may incur, we may obtain waivers of those restrictions and incur additional indebtedness in the future. In addition, if Ambac incurred indebtedness, its ability to make scheduled payments on, or refinance, any such indebtedness may depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions or pay dividends, which in turn will depend on their future operating performance and contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of distributions or dividends to which they may be subject. There can be no assurance that any such dividends or distributions would be made. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with AAC's substantial leverage.Our inability to realize the expected recoveries included in our financial statements could adversely impact our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our securities.We expect to recover material amounts of claims payments through cash flows in the securitization structures of transactions that AAC insures. Realization of such expected recoveries is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the rights and defenses of other parties with interests that conflict with AAC's interests, the performance of the collateral and assets backing the obligations that AAC insures, the performance of servicers involved in securitizations in which AAC participates as insurer, as well as numerous regulatory, legal and compliance considerations and risks. Adverse developments with respect to any of the factors described above may cause our recoveries to fall below expectations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, including our capital and liquidity, and may result in adverse consequences such as impairing the ability of AAC to honor its financial obligations, particularly its surplus notes and preferred stock obligations; the initiation of rehabilitation proceedings against AAC; eliminating or reducing the possibility of AAC delivering value to AFG, through dividends or otherwise; and a significant drop in the value of securities issued or insured by AFG or AAC.The composition of the securities in our investment portfolio may expose us to greater risk than before we invested in alternative assets.AAC and Ambac UK allocate a portion of their investment portfolios in below investment grade securities; equities and alternative assets, such as hedge funds. Investments in below investment grade securities, equities and alternative assets could - require AAC to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to the payment of surplus notes, thereby reducing the funds available for operations and to fund the execution of key strategies, including the return of capital to AFG;- limit or restrict AFG from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;- limit AAC's ability, or increase the costs, to refinance surplus notes or repay surplus notes due to ongoing interest accretion; and - limit our ability to attract and retain key employees. Despite current indebtedness levels, we may incur additional debt. While restrictive covenants in certain of our contracts may limit the amount of additional indebtedness AAC may incur, we may obtain waivers of those restrictions and incur additional indebtedness in the future. In addition, if Ambac incurred indebtedness, its ability to make scheduled payments on, or refinance, any such indebtedness may depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions or pay dividends, which in turn will depend on their future operating performance and contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of distributions or dividends to which they may be subject. There can be no assurance that any such dividends or distributions would be made. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with AAC's substantial leverage.

Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement and Stipulation and Order, AAC must seek prior approval by OCI of certain corporate actions. The Settlement Agreement and Stipulation and Order also include covenants that restrict the operations of AAC which (i) in the case of the Settlement Agreement, remain in force until the surplus notes that were issued pursuant to the Settlement Agreement have been redeemed, repurchased or repaid in full, and (ii) in the case of the Stipulation and Order, remain in place until the OCI decides to relax such restrictions. Certain of these restrictions may be waived with the approval of holders of surplus notes and/or OCI. If we are unable to obtain the required consents under the Settlement Agreement and/or the Stipulation and Order, AAC may not be able to execute its planned business strategies. In addition, OCI's Runoff Capital Framework and decisions based thereon are expected to affect AAC's ability to reduce financial leverage at AAC, pay dividends to AFG, and/or make payments on surplus notes or AMPS. OCI has certain enforcement rights with respect to the Settlement Agreement and Stipulation and Order, and retains full discretion over the design of, and assumption utilized in, OCI's Runoff Capital Framework and the implications thereof. Disputes may arise over the interpretation of such agreements or instruments, the exercise or purported exercise of rights thereunder, the determinations made thereunder, or the performance of or failure or purported failure to adhere to the terms thereof. Any such dispute could have material adverse effects on AAC, and the Company more broadly, whether through litigation, administrative proceedings, supervisory orders, failure to execute transactions sought by management, interference with corporate strategies, objectives or prerogatives, inefficient decision-making or execution, forced realignment of resources, increased costs, distractions to management, strained working relationships or otherwise. Such effects would also increase the risk that OCI would seek to initiate rehabilitation proceedings or issue supervisory orders against AAC. We use analytical models and tools to help project performance of our insured LFG obligations and our investment portfolio, but actual results could differ materially from model and tool outputs and related analyses.We rely on internally and externally developed complex financial models, including default models related to RMBS and a waterfall tool provided by a nationally recognized vendor for RMBS and student loan exposures, to project performance of our insured LFG obligations and similar securities in our investment portfolio. These models and tools assume various conditions, probability scenarios, facts and circumstances, and there can be no assurance that such models or tools accurately predict or measure the quantum of losses, loss reserves and timing of losses. Differences in the models and tools that we employ, uncertainties or flaws in these financial models and tools, or faulty assumptions inherent in these financial models and tools or those determined by management could lead to material changes in projected outcomes, and could include increased losses, loss reserves and/or credit impairments on the investment portfolio. Moreover, estimates of transaction performance depend in part on the interpretation of contracts and other bases of our legal rights. Such interpretations may prove to be incorrect or different interpretations may be employed by bond trustees and other transaction participants and, ultimately courts, which could lead to increased losses, loss reserves and/or investment impairments.Regulatory uncertainty in relation to Ambac UK's capital position could adversely affect the value of Ambac UK and affect our securityholders.Ambac UK is required to meet certain minimum capital requirements under applicable regulatory capital rules ("Solvency II"). Ambac UK exceeded the required capital thresholds as of December 31, 2023.However, there remains a risk that market movements impacting its investments or adverse credit developments impacting loss reserving requirements within its insured portfolio could result in the capital position becoming deficient once again. Actions of the PRA and FCA could reduce the value of Ambac UK realizable by AAC, which would adversely affect our securityholders. Ambac's international business is operated by Ambac UK, which is regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority ("PRA") for prudential purposes and the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") for conduct purposes. The terms of Ambac UK's regulatory authority are now restricted and Ambac UK is in run-off. Among other things, Ambac UK may not write any new business, and, with respect to any entity within the Ambac group of affiliates, commute, vary or terminate any existing financial guaranty policy, transfer certain assets, or pay dividends, without the prior approval of the PRA. The PRA and FCA act generally in the interests of Ambac UK policyholders and will not take into account the interests of AAC or the securityholders of Ambac when considering whether to provide any such approval. Accordingly, determinations made by the PRA and FCA, in their capacity as Ambac UK's regulators, could potentially result in adverse consequences for our securityholders and also reduce the value realizable by AAC for Ambac UK.

An inability to obtain third-party debt financing or raise additional third-party capital, when required by us or when business conditions warrant, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and could adversely impact our ability to achieve our strategic objectives. Our financial condition, the Risk Factors described elsewhere herein, as well as other factors, may constrain our financing abilities. Our ability to secure third-party financing will depend upon our future operating performance, regulatory conditions, the availability of credit generally, economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The market conditions and the macroeconomic conditions that affect our business could have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure third-party financing on favorable terms, if at all.If third-party financing is not available when needed, or is available on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to take advantage of business opportunities, respond to competitive pressures or effectively and efficiently manage our balance sheet, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.Changes in prevailing interest rate levels and market conditions could adversely impact our business results and prospects.Increases in prevailing interest rate levels can adversely affect the value of our investment portfolio and, therefore, our financial strength. In the event that investments must be sold in order to pay claims, to pay debt obligations, to meet collateral posting requirements or to meet other liquidity needs, such investments would likely be sold at discounted prices. Additionally, increasing interest rates would have an adverse impact on the legacy financial guarantee insured portfolio. For example, increasing interest rates could result in higher claim payments in respect of defaulted obligations that bear floating rates of interest. Higher interest rates can also lead to increased credit stress on consumer asset-backed transactions (as the securitized assets supporting a portion of these exposures are floating rate consumer obligations), slower prepayment speeds and resulting "extension risk" relative to such consumer asset-backed transactions in the LFG insured and investment portfolios, and decreased refinancing activity.Decreasing interest rates could result in early terminations of financial guarantee insurance policies in respect of which AAC and Ambac UK are paid on an installment basis and do not receive a termination premium, thus reducing premium earned for these transactions. Decreases in prevailing interest rates may also limit growth of, or reduce, investment income and may increase collateral requirements related to AAC's residual legacy customer interest rate swap portfolio.Our investment portfolios may also be adversely affected by credit rating downgrades, ABS and RMBS prepayment speeds, foreign exchange movements, spread volatility, and credit losses.Our risk to changes in interest rates and market conditions could be magnified in the event that the US or UK were to enter into an economic recession. While interest rates may decline during a recession, credit and liquidity risks would be expected to increase which may cause us to experience losses in our investment portfolios and/or insured portfolios. These losses may have a material adverse affect on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly if any economic rescission were prolonged. Risks Related to the Legacy Financial Guaranty BusinessThe sale of the common stock of Ambac Assurance Corporation is subject to various closing conditions, and may not be completed as anticipated, or at all.The closing of the sale of all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Ambac Assurance Corporation, a Wisconsin macroeconomic conditions that affect our business could have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure third-party financing on favorable terms, if at all. If third-party financing is not available when needed, or is available on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to take advantage of business opportunities, respond to competitive pressures or effectively and efficiently manage our balance sheet, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Acquisitions have been an important contributor of growth in the Insurance Distribution business and we believe that additional acquisitions will be important to future growth, building further operational scale and diversifying our sources of revenue. Failure to successfully identify and complete acquisitions likely would result in us achieving slower growth and less operating scale. Moreover, the failure of acquisition targets to achieve anticipated revenue and earnings levels could result in slower than anticipated growth and result in intangible asset or goodwill impairment charges.

Ambac's assessment of acquisitions often includes an estimate of the value of revenue, expense and operating synergies that may be created from the acquisition. If due to market, economic, technological, cultural, regulatory or other reasons Ambac is not able to fully realize expected synergies or its valuation of such synergies otherwise proves incorrect, we may not realize the full expected value of an acquisition, which in turn may lead to lower than expected profits, material adverse results from operations and/or a weakened financial condition.

The value of AFG's common stock depends in part upon the ability of Ambac to generate earnings apart from the LFG business. Ambac is planning to further develop and expand its Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance and Insurance Distribution businesses. Such plans may involve additional acquisitions of assets or existing businesses and the development of businesses through new or existing subsidiaries. Currently, it is not possible to fully predict the future prospects or other characteristics of such businesses. We may not be able to successfully identify opportunities, attract specialized underwriting and other talent, and operationalize new Insurance Distribution businesses in a timely or cost-efficient manner. While we expect to conduct business, financial and legal due diligence in connection with the evaluation of any future business or acquisition opportunities, there can be no assurance our due diligence will identify every matter that could have a material adverse effect on us. Efforts to pursue certain business opportunities may be unsuccessful or require significant financial or other resources, which could have a negative impact on our growth plans, operating results and financial condition. To implement our growth strategy, we must be able to meet our capital needs, expand our systems and our internal controls effectively, allocate our human resources optimally, identify and hire qualified employees and effectively integrate any acquisitions we make in our effort to achieve growth. No assurance can be given that Ambac will successfully execute its plans for new business, generate any earnings or value from new businesses or be able to successfully integrate any such business into our current operating structure. The failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.Our ability to successfully manage ongoing organizational changes could impact our business results, where the level of costs and/or disruption may be significant and change over time, and the benefits may be less than we originally expect.Should changes in Ambac's circumstances or financial condition or in the political, economic and/or legal environment occur, there can be no assurance that all or any part of our strategy and/or initiatives will not be abandoned or amended to take account of such changes. Any such adjustment or abandonment may have a material adverse effect on our securities.Risks Related to the Company's BusinessWe are subject to reputational harm if companies with which we do business engage in negligent or fraudulent behaviors and damage to our reputation could materially adversely impact our business.Our business depends on contractual and working relationships with insurance distribution partners, insurance carriers, reinsurers, policy holders and beneficiaries, third party administrators, and other agents and counterparties. We could suffer material financial loss, reputational harm and/or a loss of business prospects if a business partner, agent or counterparty engages in negligent or fraudulent conduct, whether directly in our relationship with them or indirectly as a result of their conduct in other business relationships.Ambac may be adversely impacted by P&C industry market cycles.Ambac's P&C businesses are subject to market cycles. Premium pricing in the commercial property and casualty insurance markets has been historically based on underwriting capacity of insurance carriers, general economic conditions, inflation, and other factors. In recent years, we have been in a "hard" market whereby carriers have been raising rates. However, we have observed that in certain lines of business the rate of pricing increase has slowed or begun to decrease. If carriers lower premium rates more broadly this would be referred to as a "softening" or "soft" market. Given that Ambac generates revenue from both insurance premiums and commissions that are based on insurance premiums, our revenues are affected by the cyclicality of the markets in which we operate. If we enter a soft or acquisition opportunities, there can be no assurance our due diligence will identify every matter that could have a material adverse effect on us. Efforts to pursue certain business opportunities may be unsuccessful or require significant financial or other resources, which could have a negative impact on our growth plans, operating results and financial condition. To implement our growth strategy, we must be able to meet our capital needs, expand our systems and our internal controls effectively, allocate our human resources optimally, identify and hire qualified employees and effectively integrate any acquisitions we make in our effort to achieve growth. No assurance can be given that Ambac will successfully execute its plans for new business, generate any earnings or value from new businesses or be able to successfully integrate any such business into our current operating structure. The failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to successfully manage ongoing organizational changes could impact our business results, where the level of costs and/or disruption may be significant and change over time, and the benefits may be less than we originally expect. Should changes in Ambac's circumstances or financial condition or in the political, economic and/or legal environment occur, there can be no assurance that all or any part of our strategy and/or initiatives will not be abandoned or amended to take account of such changes. Any such adjustment or abandonment may have a material adverse effect on our securities.