10-KPeriod: FY2008

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2008

Filed March 2, 2009For Securities:AIG

Summary

American International Group, Inc. (AIG) filed its 2008 10-K on March 2, 2009, detailing a year marked by unprecedented liquidity pressures and a critical reliance on government support. The company faced substantial challenges stemming from its AIG Financial Products (AIGFP) division's exposure to credit default swaps and its securities lending program, which led to significant collateral calls and liquidity demands. Despite a substantial cash position at the beginning of the third quarter of 2008, AIG's inability to access public markets for funding and rating agency downgrades necessitated an emergency intervention by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (NY Fed) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The report highlights the approval of a secured credit facility from the NY Fed, totaling $85 billion initially and later amended to $60 billion, along with a $40 billion issuance of Series D Preferred Stock to the Treasury. These measures were crucial for AIG's survival and its ongoing restructuring efforts, which involve divesting non-core businesses to repay the government's financial support. The filing underscores the severe impact of market conditions on AIG's financial results, including significant realized and unrealized losses, particularly from its AIGFP operations and other investments, leading to a substantial net loss for the year.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue-$6.84B
SG&A Expenses$20.83B
Interest Expense$15.71B
Net Income-$99.29B
Shares Outstanding (Basic)131.71M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)131.71M

Key Highlights

  • 1AIG experienced severe liquidity crises in the second half of 2008 due to collateral calls from its AIG Financial Products (AIGFP) credit default swap portfolio and securities lending program.
  • 2The company received critical financial support from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (NY Fed) through an $85 billion revolving credit facility (amended to $60 billion), and from the U.S. Department of the Treasury via a $40 billion Series D Preferred Stock issuance, essential for its continued operation.
  • 3The financial crisis and AIG-specific issues led to significant declines in investment valuations, resulting in substantial realized and unrealized losses, particularly from AIGFP's super senior credit default swap portfolio.
  • 4AIG reported a substantial net loss for the year 2008, heavily impacted by these market conditions and the write-downs associated with its financial products segment.
  • 5The company is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the divestiture of non-core businesses to repay its government obligations and stabilize its operations.
  • 6AIG's common stock experienced a dramatic decline in value throughout 2008, reflecting the market's concerns about the company's financial health.
  • 7Regulatory actions and heightened scrutiny from global regulators significantly impacted AIG's operations and its ability to conduct business in the ordinary course.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reasons for AIG's liquidity crisis were significant collateral calls related to its AIG Financial Products (AIGFP) super senior credit default swap portfolio and demands for the return of cash collateral under its U.S. securities lending program. These demands were exacerbated by downgrades from rating agencies.

AIG received substantial financial support from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (NY Fed) through an $85 billion revolving credit facility (later amended to $60 billion) and from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through a $40 billion issuance of Series D Preferred Stock. These measures were critical for AIG's survival and ongoing restructuring.

AIG Financial Products (AIGFP) had a significant negative impact on AIG's financial results. The company incurred substantial unrealized market valuation losses on its super senior credit default swap portfolio and faced large collateral posting demands due to the severe market conditions and credit events, contributing heavily to AIG's overall net loss for 2008.

AIG's strategy involves divesting non-core businesses and assets. The proceeds from these asset dispositions are contractually required to be applied as mandatory prepayments towards the repayment of the Fed Credit Facility, as well as to strengthen its overall capital position and liquidity.