3dog, we are equity holders in a company. The commons cannot be canceled on a whim. Our share price is reflective of the value of the company. If nothing is left over after debts are paid then the commons are worthless and are canceled. However, in WMI case there is more than enough equity left after debts are paid.
1. First most of the debt is not currently due. Remember we are in CH. 11 not liquidation.
2. We have $7B in reported assests.
3. NOL's worth $20B (hard dollar value at a 28% tax rate around $7B.
4. Lawsuits and damages equaling $25B-$50B.
The commons will not be canceled they will be worth quite a bit of money when all is said and done.