Banking, finance, and taxes

Goldman Sachs Values Bond Insurers (ABK, MBI, SCA)

Goldman Sachs issued an interesting note on the various bond insurers, although some of this data may have been put out yesterday.  The firm is listing three scenario valuation assumptions for:

  • Ambac Financial (NYSE: ABK)
  • MBIA Inc. (NYSE: MBI)
  • Security Capital Assurance (NYSE: SCA)

It is also listing these valuations under three different scenarios:

  1. "run-off scenario" where the insurers won’t raise enough capital to satisfy ratings agencies and where they may struggle to write new business.
  2. "ongoing concern scenario" assumes a capital raise in-line with losses with no added book value and a derivative mark-down.
  3. "bailout scenario" as best case where the firms receive capital injections sufficient to operate as is.

        GOLDMAN SACHS VALUATIONS
STOCK    Run-Off      Ongoing Concern        Bailout
ABK              $15                    $10                           $35
MBI               $6                       $14                          $48
SCA              $0                      $1.50                        $13

Yesterday’s closing prices were ABK $13.70…. MBI $16.61…… SCA $3.79.

Jon C. Ogg
January 24, 2008

Credit Card Companies Are Doing Something Nuts

Credit card companies are at war. The biggest issuers are handing out free rewards and benefits to win the best customers.

It’s possible to find cards paying unlimited 1.5%, 2%, and even more today. That’s free money for qualified borrowers, and the type of thing that would be crazy to pass up. Those rewards can add up to thousands of dollars every year in free money, and include other benefits as well.

We’ve assembled some of the best credit cards for users today.  Don’t miss these offers because they won’t be this good forever.

 

Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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