The payment of $3.95 billion represents the single largest cash payment AIG has made to the credit facility and is the largest reduction in the credit facility's principal balance since AIG placed AIA Group Limited (AIA) and American Life Insurance Co. (ALICO) into Special Purpose Vehicles last December and exchanged preferred equity interests in AIA and ALICO for a $25 billion reduction in the balance outstanding on the credit facility.
The payment also reduces the size of the FRBNY credit line available to AIG from approximately $34 billion to approximately $30 billion.
"This is continuing tangible evidence of AIG's progress in repaying the American taxpayers," said AIG President and CEO Robert Benmosche. "AIG is getting stronger every day. We still have more work to do, but we will finish the job and make sure we repay the American taxpayers."
Benmosche notes the progress AIG and its subsidiaries have made during the last year. "ILFC has demonstrated today further progress in stabilizing its finances and buttressing ILFC's balance sheet," he says. "Closing on the ALICO transaction remains on track and we continue to work diligently on the initial public offering for AIA. Our insurance businesses are profitable; client retention rates have stabilized; and surrender rates have improved to normal levels. We are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel."
With the repayment, AIG's total principal and interest owed on the credit facility is approximately $21 billion. AIG anticipates the repayment will trigger an accelerated amortization of the prepaid commitment fee asset, resulting in an approximately $650 million pre-tax charge being taken by AIG.
