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Wednesday, February 01, 2012 10:21:22 PM
2/1/2012 - * THIS IS NOW UPDATED AGAIN -- Ballots are out in the hands of many shareholders, the Equity Committee released a new Press Release today (2/1/2012 - see 3e ) and other updates -- see the "Revision History" -- This is version 1.5 and replaces all earlier versions.
~Updated: 2/1/12 -- TPS recommended that Preferreds (WAMPQ/WAMKQ) Vote "No" on the plan, but specified "You should make your own decision as to whether you will grant the demanded release" -- I had that wrong in v1.0-1.4. My apologies, and my correction here. And in the appropriate sections below.
You want ballots? Then read this... where to get them is below... but please READ IT ALL...
* WHY can't KCCLLC process shareholder votes directly?
* What happened if I did sent a vote/release to KCCLLC? -- see item #3e, 21c, 21d, 21e & 22c
As many know, Catz gets frustrated by "myth and lore" as well as the same question asked over and over and answered. So to those ends, I’m posting this. (see also #97)
Yes, it's long -- It needs to be to be fully informational and clear. But it's got dozens of the most common questions, and I hope, practical answers to them. IMHO, it's worth your time to read. Especially before you get confused, the answers here may very well un-confuse you. I hope.
I’ll update it from time to time with changes, corrections, etc. This is version 1.5 -- future versions will REPLACE this information with updated information.
Revision History:
Version 1.0 - Was posted on Jan 14, 2012 at 4:39pm - original version
Version 1.1 - Was posted on Jan 16, 2012 at 3:35pm - Items #32 through 42 were added. Also 3b, 5b, 10b, 10c, 31b were added/clarified, and minor edits on other items.
Version 1.2 - Was posted on Jan 19, 2012 at 1:55pm - Updated/added: Intro, Disclaimer, 4, 6, 6b, 8, 11, 11b, 12b, 20, 20b, 22b, 35, 36c, 40, 41b, 41c were added/clarified, and minor edits/tweaks on other items.
Version 1.3 - Was posted on Jan 20, 2012 at 3:07pm - Updated/added: Intro, 2b, 21b, 21c, 21d, were added/clarified, and minor edits/tweaks on other items.
Version 1.4 - Was posted on Jan 24, 2012 at 6:24pm - Updated/added: Intro, 1b, 2b, 3, 3b, 3c, 3d, 17, 41b, 97, 98, 99, were added/clarified, and minor edits/tweaks on other items.
Version 1.5 - Updated/added: Intro, 3, 3b, 3e, 5, 10b, 35, and minor edits/tweaks on other items.
Disclaimer: I am writing this with the best information that I believe, at the time it was written/posted. There are updates, as I learn more or have more clarity. This is not investment advice, nor is this to be taken, in any way, shape or form, as a personal liability. You should be consulting a professional, an accountant, a tax specialist, your broker/bank, a palm reading psychic, and/or anybody else professional you think you may need to make a full decision here. {See #27 below}
And specifically, if you see or believe something here is WRONG. Please let me know. I will issue a correction quickly and completely, to the best of my updated input and knowledge.
You and you alone are responsible for reading the entire Disclosure Statement, and the ballots, and making a personal choice. Do not rely in my input here for anything more than pure 'For your information' and accept that it may be totally or partially incorrect. I believe it NOT to be incorrect, but you must decide on your own.
You and you alone are responsible for ensuring that your vote is cast, and/or releases granted... Eg, Getting a ballot from your broker/bank. Returning it to the RIGHT PLACE {and if you are returning it to KCCLLC you are definitely WRONG}, ensuring it was cast appropriately, etc, etc. It's all your personal issue. Not mine. Not any online board.
In short, I owe you nothing if you rely on any of this. While I am doing this to be, I hope, "helpful", you are always responsible for your own investment choices, and that includes handling, yourself, your own DD (Due Diligence) and your own voting, etc.
1) If own any of the following WMI securities: WAMUQ (Common Stock) and/or WAMPQ and/or WAMKQ (Both are Preferred Stock), and/or WAHUQ (also known as the PIERS) -- will I need to vote, can I vote, etc?
Yes, all classes of WMI securities will vote this time. In the past commons (WAMUQ's) didn't vote. This time they do. AND NEED TO. See further.
And yes, absolutely you NEED to vote this time -- at least for releases, see further.
1b) What do you mean by "own"? I used to own shares bought before bankruptcy, but sold them. Or I bought shares after bankruptcy? -- {Known by many as pre-seizure and post-seizure shares}
"Own" means you "own" them right now, at the time of voting. Doesn't matter when they were purchased, decades, years ago or a few days ago - if you STILL own them on the day you vote, or the "day of record" (see below) then you are the beneficial owner of those shares.
2) I own multiple securities, or have multiple accounts, how many ballots do I need to fill in?
Basically, for every different security, in different account, at a different broker -- is a separate ballot received from your broker. Multiple types of securities will be separate ballots. Multiple brokerages will also be separate ballots, etc. So you might be getting packets from a bunch of sources, or multiple packets.
Count them up. Cross reference. Make sure you got one for each.
And YES, you need to vote them (and release or 'opt out' of releasing) individually -- do not summarize the stuff. For each ballot you get, vote it separately. {And if separate brokers, be very accurate on returning a ballot, with only the shares you own at that brokerage, back to that broker only. Return the other ballots, with those share counts, to the other broker, etc.}
And YES, you are supposed to vote the same security the same way. If you hold WAMUQs in separate accounts, they all are supposed to be voted the same way. If you hold more than one type of security, say WAMUQs and WAMPQs, you can vote them differently.
2b) I'm not understanding what a "Beneficial" holder is, "Nominee", "Master" etc. Can you help?
Sure. Here are the terms being used:
Voting Nominee = Broker
Beneficial Holder = You
Master Ballot = Ballot that only the Broker can use, summary of all their client's votes.
Beneficial Ballot = Ballot that the Broker provides you, and you return to your Broker
3) When will I get my ballots?
Updated: Ballots have gone out from most "large / reputable" firms. If you don't have a ballot, then it is fine to obtain one -- you don't need the "actual" one mailed to you.
Obtain one FROM YOUR BROKER -- or if you want one, here it is -- but PLEASE READ THE REST OF THIS, otherwise you will make mistakes on your ballot and where you return it to. http://ninewinters.homestead.com/Wamu-Documents.html
HOWEVER -- you must also figure out how to PROPERLY return it to your broker. And don't just stop there. Make sure that your shares become "locked" (that's the golden key to making sure your votes were cast, and your release selections made).
By "properly return it to your broker" -- I specifically mean, if you aren't 100% sure, don't post about it -- CALL YOUR BROKER -- Speak specifically to their "Corporate Action" group -- NOT to the front-line person. Read this whole thing, please.
3b) NEVER EVER return a ballot to KCCLLC -- see later, the EC has a press release (on 2/1/2012) on this specific topic.
3c) Can I vote by phone? online? fax?
Same answer. Call your broker, ask for "Corporate Actions" department.
3d) What does the Disclosure Statement say about sending out the ballots?
The DS gives further info, As approved on January 13, 2012 - "page 14, item 20, The Debtors shall mail the Solicitation Packages within five (5) Business Days after the entry of this Order (the "Solicitation Date") to... and (i) all Equity Interest Holders. Five business days after 01-13-12 would be 01-23-12 by my count."
"page 19 item 36...The Voting Nominee shall provide each beneficial holder with the appropriate materials within two (2) Business Days after receipt of the Solicitation Packages."
Now, in this context, the Equity Interest Holder is actually, usually your Broker who holds your securities in "street name". They in turn need a few days to get your "Beneficial Ballot" to you.
3e) The Equity Committee -- again -- urges everyone to choose to vote and/or release --- they published a NEW press release as of 2/1/2012 -- http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/prnewswire/press_releases/Washington/2012/02/01/NY45530
It begins: "ATTENTION SHAREHOLDERS OF WASHINGTON MUTUAL, INC.
Shareholders Who Hold their Securities through a Bank or Broker
Must Return their Ballot to their Bank or Broker"
Please read it. Please. :)
4) What is the most recent set of dates regarding Disclosure Statement, Voting, POR Confirmation, etc.
The ever-changing and updated calendar is here -- http://www.my.calendars.net/wmi/ - {For newbies, this is an informal, but generally very accurate calendar maintained by shareholders, you may need to consult the documents filed with the court if you question any of the dates, etc}
Jan 13, 2012 the Disclosure Statement was approved - http://www.kccllc.net/documents/0812229/0812229120113000000000016.pdf - warning, it's huge -- 69mb and 1647 pages.
Feb 9, 2012 is the date that "Master Ballots" -- for voting FOR OR AGAINST the PLAN.... are due back from the BROKERS to KCCLLC. {Technically you don't have to release by this date, but most people WILL both "vote" on the plan, and choose to grant the releases} -- {But read further, your broker probably has an earlier date for shareholders to vote via them.}
Also, Feb 9, 2012, is the official "date of record" for those holding securities -- any trades after this are, IMHO, "Twilight Zone" trades -- see #31 below... (I'm also of the opinion that any further personal trades, once you vote through your broker, are also "Twilight Zone" trades -- see same #31 below.)
From the latest Disclosure Statement, PDF page #13 --
The Securities Record Date shall be set as the same date as the Voting and Election Deadline (i.e.: February 9, 2012) for determining which holders of Claims in Class 2 (Senior Notes Claims), Class 3 (Senior Subordinated Notes Claims), Class 14 (CCB-1 Guarantees Claims), Class 15 (CCB-2 Guarantees Claims), Class 16 (PIERS Claims), Class 19 (Preferred Equity Interests), and Class 22 (Common Equity Interests) are entitled to vote on the Plan, as well as for purposes of determining which holders in Class 21 (Dime Warrants) are entitled to make elections with respect to the Plan.
{Commons = WAMUQ, Preferreds = WAMPQ/WAMKQ, Dime = DIMEQ}
Feb 16, 2012 is the Confirmation Hearing.
Feb 28, 2012 is the "Master Ballot" - "Release" deadline. PERIOD. {But read further, your broker probably has an earlier date for shareholders to vote via them.}
Feb 29, 2012 is the current 'assumed' date that Bankruptcy Exit would occur {eg, the Plan of Reorganization is executed}
--------------------
5) I want to read the Disclosure Statement, how can I do that?
It's here - as an OCR, http://www.scribd.com/doc/78208722 {It's also on KCCLLC in the original, official format} -- this may be a broken link now.
Another possible link for an OCR version is:
http://www.mediafire.com/?ttckd00tgov4q4i
The official, non-OCR link is here:
--- http://www.kccllc.net/documents/0812229/0812229120113000000000016.pdf
And your broker should, in the voting materials, provide you a copy -- hardcopy on paper, or more likely on CD.
5b) I specifically want to read the TPS Letter regarding Class 19, and the Equity Committee's letter and/or the Equity Committee's Q&A
TPS Letter - PDF Page 1220
EC Letter - PDF Page 1203
EC Q&A - PDF Page 1209
6) Why are there two dates for voting? What's the difference?
Feb 9th, is the date that voting for the plan is due back - FROM THE BROKERS. When you vote FOR or AGAINST the plan, that same ballot is also used to either grant or not grant the releases. {Opt Out left blank = grant releases and get NewCo shares, check the "Opt Out" box = do not grant releases, sue on your own, no NewCo shares}
Feb 28th, is the alternate date for giving Releases only - FROM THE BROKERS. Your vote on the plan wouldn't count. But you still could return the ballot, and either leave the Opt Out blank {to grant the release and still get NewCo shares} or check the Opt Out box and sue on your own, and no NewCo shares.
6b) Can I vote by the deadline, and decide later on granting my releases.
NO. Your voting ballot is also your method for granting or not granting releases. Once you send in a ballot, you have both voted on the plan, and will either have checked the "Opt Out" box or didn't check it.
7) Is my deadline the above dates?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. These are the dates for the BROKERS. Your broker will establish a date, earlier that you must have your votes back to them.
In other words, Feb 9th and 28th above are the magic dates. But YOU will likely, nearly guaranteed, have an earlier date than those due to the broker.
8} What date is that?
It's up to each broker. No singular answer. Typically 3-5 days earlier for each date. - {for US holders, using US brokers}
And I'm not sure, but I think/hope/believe that Overseas voters, or those who bought shares through a bank, that in turn bought through another broker, etc -- may likely have even a further "earlier" due date. And on top of that, remember postal delays if you are to return votes via postal mail. Consider registered services with date 'guarantees', especially if you have to send something overseas. Deadlines are DEADLINES.
In short, you need to know your SPECIFIC "earlier" date established by your bank/broker. And in my opinion, don't play games with cutting it close. Make your decision, sell or vote, and let it go.
9) When would we know whether the court approved the plan?
The POR Confirmation hearing is Feb 16th, and the proposed exit from Bankruptcy is Feb 29th. So we'd have to hear between those dates whether the court approves the plan.
10) If I vote against the plan, am I screwed?
No. A vote against the plan is just that you don't agree with the plan.
10b) What does the TPS say about voting "no" or "yes" to the plan? - {for preferreds - theirs, WAMPQ, WAMKQ)
The TPS Group is recommending that Class 19 (that's them {they hold REITS}, plus WAMPQ and WAMKQ - preferreds) vote AGAINST the plan - BUT DECIDE ON YOUR OWN whether to grant releases (updated 2/1/12) -- read the TPS "logic" behind that, if interested, in their "letter" in your packet, or read it early in the Disclosure Statement above.
~Updated: 2/1/12 -- TPS recommended that Preferreds (WAMPQ/WAMKQ) Vote "No" on the plan, but specified "You should make your own decision as to whether you will grant the demanded release" -- I had that wrong in v1.0-1.4. My apologies, and my correction here.
10c) What does the Equity Committee say about voting "no" or "yes" to the plan? - {The EC is recommending for both WAMUQ (Commons) and Preferreds (WAMPQ/WAMKQ)
The EC is recommending that all equity (Preferreds and Commons) vote FOR the plan, and grant releases. But the EC also talks about what happens if a class doesn't vote for the plan -- read their "logic" behind that, if interested, in their "letter" in your packet, or read it early in the Disclosure Statement above.
10d) Huh? TPS? "Trust Preferred Securities" - What's that?
If you've been around, you know. Otherwise, quickly, they hold another security, called REITS, never traded on 'tickers', etc. They have lost a ruling in court, and were 'deemed' to be the same as WAMPQ's (preferreds). They're fighting that. But for now, they are Class 19, along with WAMPQ and WAMKQ's.
11) If "opt out" of releases, am I screwed?
ABSOLUTELY. If you "opt out" of the releases, then you are saying that you are personally going to sue JPM, FDIC, etc. With your own money. "Opt out" also means no NewCo shares.
{To be very clear, you will be presented with an "Opt Out" check box. If you CHECK it, you're screwed out of NewCo shares. You probably, but it's your choice, want to leave it blank. You probably don't have enough monies to sue JPM or FDIC on your own.}
11b) If I do nothing, return no ballot, am I screwed?
ABSOLUTELY. That's probably the biggest point here being made.
12) Can I change my mind later, after I've voted with my broker?
Probably not. Ask your broker. I think absolutely not. {That may also include trades you do after you vote. See "Twilight Zone" trades #31}
12b) Can I send in my ballots or do my 'releases' after the bankruptcy is over?
Nope. You're screwed.
13) If I vote against the plan, but I grant releases am I screwed?
No. They have nothing to do with each other. Granting releases (NOT "opting out") is the deciding factor on whether you would get a distribution (NewCo shares), not whether you like the plan or not (and vote for or against the plan)
14) So how should I vote?
It's up to each investor. In general, investors probably want to 'give' the releases, but make their own decision on the "yes" or "no" on approving the plan. See above.
{But, of course, if you check the "Opt Out" box, you get no NewCo shares at all. You plan to sue yourself. Remember that.}
15) I've gotten ballots before (or FYI info for Commons), I've ignored them, it's just a pile of paperwork. Does it matter this time?
ABSOLUTELY it matters. If you don't grant the releases in time, then you get no NewCo stock. Period. You MUST actively return ballots with the release election to your broker, in time, and by the time schedule established by the BROKER, not what the Disclosure Statement says.
16) What do you mean by "grant releases in time"? Can't I just wait and give my releases later, say 6 months or a year from now?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. Due to IRS and Tax Law regulations, Releases must be granted by the day before exiting bankruptcy. And your broker will need a few days before then to process your release elections.
17) What happens if I don't properly vote, or don't grant releases by the deadline - that my broker establishes?
Those are two different questions, with two different outcomes.
a) If you don't vote - by the deadline your broker sets for voting - then simply your vote doesn't count because it doesn't exist. {However, when you vote, FOR or AGAINST the plan, you must also make the decision on releasing -- you can't vote and later decide to release... both at the same time}
b) If you don't release - by the deadline your broker sets for releasing - then you forfeit your shares in NewCo, and the overall pot of NewCo shares doesn't change -- but the distribution just got less number of people (shares released) in it - so they get more shares. And you don't get any.
c) If you don't release, you can sue on your own.
On the day of Bankruptcy Exit, "Current" shares become worthless... and NewCo shares are issued, only to those who released during (A) or (B).
18) I'm going to be out of town, in the hospital, planning my own kidnapping, climbing Mt. Everest, in Pongo-Pongo, and/or my dog ate my ballots, what happens?
You have been warned. Figure out an alternative.
19) Why can't I just not bother with the releases and get some 'default' here?
Because the laws require an "active" vote for a release. One can't, legally, be obligated to a release by default.
20) I have never gotten ballots before, or not in time, or I've just invested since the last voting and not sure if I'll be getting ballots, etc.
Once ballots start going out {it'll be obvious on the boards as people receive them} you should receive them as well. BUT, if you don't, you must IMMEDIATELY contact whomever holds your shares for you {that you get statements from, etc}, and give them KCCLLC's contact information and DEMAND -- over and over if required -- to be allowed to vote via the company that sold you the shares.
20b) I transferred my account between brokers. How does that work here?
In the rare case where you bought from "Broker A", but transferred your shares/account to "Broker B" -- it will be "Broker B" that needs to send you the ballot, take your votes, etc.
21) I don't want to do that. Seems like a hassle. I'll just download the ballots off the internet and mail them to KCCLLC.
Fine. Dumb idea. Won't work. Never has worked. Thank you for giving up your NewCo shares to me and the others. You absolutely have to return ballots, or vote, however the broker makes you do it via the broker. Period.
21b) Ah, I won't download them. I'll call or email KCCLLC and they'll send me ballots, right? That'll work right?
Yes and NO. Yes, KCCLLC will send you disclosure materials, which includes ballot information. HOWEVER, consider this "informational" stuff. To that end, you have ballots, but nothing to do with them but read them. You still have to figure out how to vote via your broker. And just because KCCLLC sent you something at your request, it does not mean that your broker will take it in that form. You absolutely must vote in the way your broker says. And once again, if you are remotely thinking of returning ballots back to KCCLLC you are dead wrong. They will not count, and you will not have voted, and you will not have granted releases, and you will not get any NewCo shares. And you can't just blindly mail-in your ballots, obtained from KCCLLC, to your broker -- they may or may not know what to do with them, and may have specified a different address, or a different method {phone, online, etc}.
21c) Ok, just exactly WHY can't I vote via and/or directly with KCCLLC?. This whole broker process seems stupid, complicated, etc?
The fundamental reason is that KCCLLC can't lock your shares and put them in the right DTC-election Contra-CUSIP account. PERIOD. Only your broker can.
A share voted, that cannot be placed into the DTC-election account, doesn't count as a vote or a "release". PERIOD.
21d) I still don't believe you. KCCLLC sent 'a friend' the ballots, you're not telling the truth.
A further followup with KCCLLC explains what they sent out. It isn't a "votable" ballot. It's informational only.
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=71117156
David Sharp (Director, Global Securities) at KCCLLC - "Do not, under any circumstances, send any of your ballots directly to KCC. They must be processed by {your broker}, or they will not be counted. "
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=71112752&txt2find=defective
Peter Walsh (KCCLLC) - "Your broker will issue a master ballot to KCC reflecting instructions that the broker has received from underlying accounts via the beneficial ballot. Any beneficial holder ballots sent directly to KCC will be defective." (A beneficial ballot is one from a shareholder) - defective means 'not accepted'
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=71119057
David Sharp (KCCLLC) again - "*IMPORTANT** -- If your securities are held at a bank/broker nominee, your ballot/election form must be delivered to your nominee in time to be processed in advance of the voting and election deadline(s). DO NOT RETURN YOUR BALLOT/ELECTION FORM DIRECTLY TO KCC. Your nominee MUST process your voting/election instructions in order for your vote/elections to be counted. " - (Nominee = your broker)
21e) I still don't believe you.
Fine. Call the color of the sky whatever you want to as well. And thank you, sincerely, for your NewCo shares. You just gave them to me.
22) My broker is clueless, etc.
Not our problem that you chose a clueless broker, or an uber-cheap one, etc. Or the broker you chose, turned out to be clueless. See the information about having them contact KCCLLC. The EC went as far as to issue a press release on this subject. Sorry to be blunt, but posting rants about this situation isn't helping you and a waste of time.
Here's the press release about it: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Equity-Committee-Provides-prnews-3530877012.html?x=0
Don't ignore this issue. It's real for many. And after-the-fact whining, or even current whining, isn't going to fix your problems.
Only YOU and your BROKER can fix any problems. Starting now is good. Starting immediately once you see folks have received ballots, and you didn't, is critical.
22b) I called the main broker number, spoke to a broker, they are totally clueless.
Keep in mind that at your Brokerage, who you will need to talk to is their "Corporate Action", "Corporate Reorganization", or even "that group you have that handles Proxy's" department. NOT the front-line people.
Front-line 'brokers' at the brokerage, won't know or care, etc. You need to get to the group, inside the brokerage, that deals with voting, proxy's, etc -- and this typically is called the "Corporate Action" group, but may have other names as noted.
22c) I'm really frustrated with my broker, they just aren't getting it - what can I try?
If you have to, arrange a three-way conference call with you, broker, and KCCLLC.
Have the EC Press release, your ballot, etc for reference -- fax/email it to them.
The EC's Press Release -- that is an 'official' explanation of what the Brokers must do. KCCLLC is the group they must "work with to do it" for you.
KCCLLC is the one that the Broker must interface with -- you will need to cause that interfacing to occur.
You also want to be dealing (the Q&A says this) with the brokerage's "Corporate Action", or "Corporate Reorg", or "that group that handles Proxy voting" department.
It's not the front-line folks.
23) I'll contact KCCLLC myself. Won't that work?
No. Won't work. Hasn't worked before. Best you might be able to do is to give KCCLLC the number of your bank/broker and have them call. But that's not the way it's supposed to work.
24) Why all this hassle?
Nothing is easy in bankruptcy. And nothing is easy for those who invest in bankrupt securities, especially overseas when using a bank who uses a broker, etc. It ought not to be this hard. But it is. Buck up and live with it, and do something to make sure you're able to vote, especially to grant releases.
25) What happens to my votes, especially for releases, if the Plan is not confirmed (approved)?
The Plan can be modified further, as long as your class isn't made "worse", then your votes count as-is. If a given class is made "worse" by a change in the plan, you get to vote again -- only those classes. Let's not take this hypothetical further -- it's really out there.
26) This is all too complicated for me, or English is not my primary language, I failed reading comprehension in school, I have a head injury, or otherwise.
Hire a professional. An accountant, a lawyer, etc. Don't ignore this.
27) What about getting my advice from an on-line forum of amateurs, who have funny aliases? Everything I read on the internet is 100% accurate right?
Bad Juju if you don't do your own Due Diligence. You really ought to read the Disclosure Statement, the ballots you receive, and contemplate. That's what they are there for. To "Disclose".
See my disclaimer above, and my signature below. Hire whomever you want, if needed, to help you. This is all IMHO -- In my humble OPINION.
28) My tin foil hat, that talks to me, says the box for "opt out", that I plan to leave blank, is going to be checked by some nefarious alien {hired by Rosen}, what do I do about that?
Consider voting on-line and/or via phone {they record that stuff} if your broker allows it. On-line voting will give you a confirmation of your votes. If you are required to mail it in, and your tin foil hat is worried about it, then write on the ballot "I did not check the 'opt out' box, and I do not want it 'checked' for me"... and/or write a notarized letter, etc. Make photocopies. Ask your broker to call you back and verify your intentions, etc, etc... Whatever it takes for your tin foil nature to feel better about things.
Some shareholders have brokers that, through past experiences, also include being able to go into the local branch of your broker, and vote in-person -- they record it using their computer, make the appropriate elections, hand you a copy of your votes, and you can ensure it that way. Remember, each broker sets up THEIR own way to conduct the "beneficial ballot" elections. You MUST use their method or methods they provide you.
In short, you must talk to your broker to calm your tin-foil.
29) What happens when I vote my shares with my broker?
Your shares are supposed to be 'locked' (fixed) from trading at that point. The broker is supposed to move them to what is technically called a Contra-CUSIP -- like a 'tag' for indicating how you voted. That stays 'locked' until the plan is approved and executed, and NewCo shares are issued.... or the plan doesn't get approved {see above}
30) What happens if my shares don't get locked when I vote?
I'd be darned worried. That's a huge red flag and I'd be asking my broker post-haste why not.
Seeing your shares "locked" in your account is a GOOD THING, it means your vote was cast and properly handled by your broker.
31) I want to play games during the "Twilight Zone" period -- playing trading games after the various 'voting periods' -- selling or buying shares, etc, etc. What happens with those shares?
By definition, the "Twilight Zone" brings mysterious, and unanticipated outcomes. You are on your own if you play such games. Nobody can be for sure. ("Twilight Zone" -- it's an American-ism... from the TV show of the late 1950s to early 1960s -- ergo, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twilight_Zone }
The Twilight Zone dealt with bizarre and non-expected circumstances, as a story line.
"Each episode (156 in the original series) is a mixture of self-contained drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, or horror, often concluding with a macabre or unexpected twist."
31b) Screw that. I'm determined to play with "Twilight Zone" trades.
If you're determined to delay your personal voting because you want to play games in the market, by the skin-of-your-teeth, and/or you want vote and then buy or sell more shares and hope you and your broker can figure that all out, be my guest. I think it's quite a dancing act for you and your broker.
If you are STILL determined to play games in the "Twilight Zone" -- then you better read the DS very closely, and digest it, especially the first 30 pages or so. And you better know the difference between a "Master Ballot" and a "Beneficial Ballot", and you better know your Brokers deadlines for voting, their procedures (if any) for changing a vote or quantity of securities after you vote - buy and/or sell, etc... and (like above says) why the dates are different between what the DS says and what your broker will say, and what the DS says about what does and doesn't count for voting, and you better know what all the terms they are using mean, and understand all the exceptions, etc they mention. Go for it. Once again, you have been warned.
"page 25. Ballots and Election Forms that won't be counted."
"page 27. Item 53. Treatment of claims or equity interests for shares not tendered or blocked"
32) How long, after bankruptcy exit, will my NewCo stocks be private and possibly untradeable?
Nobody knows. Even the EC doesn't know. While we think that they may be tradeable on the "pinks" again, shortly after. That may not be true.
The EC has warned as such.
In their Q&A from 1/6/2012 - Docket 9350 --
http://www.kccllc.net/documents/0812229/0812229120106000000000006.pdf
Q: Will the stock of Reorganized WMI be tradable immediately upon emergence?
A: This will depend on a number of factors, including requirements imposed by the SEC upon emergence from bankruptcy. The new Board of Directors will evaluate the options available with regard to trading markets and determine what is in the best interests of the reorganized company. The stock will not immediately be listed on a nationally recognized stock exchange and may not ever be so listed. Reorganized WMI may be able to have its stock quoted on the OTCBB and/or the "OTC-Pink", subject to meeting certain eligibility requirements. Subject to the restrictions on transfer contained in the articles of incorporation discussed above and complying with applicable securities laws, the stock should be transferable if quoted on the OTCBB on OTC-Pink.
So, in other words, NewCo stock may not be liquid and immediately tradable. And how long that exists is unknown.
33) Why would a holder of multiple different classes vote, on the Plan (POR), each class differently? {a holder of WAMUQ (commons), and/or WAMPQ/WAMKQ (Preferreds) and/or WAHUQ (PIERS) }
You might "like" how a given class is treated in the plan for one class, and not "like" how it's treated for other classes you hold.
It's a personal decision. This is what the "Disclosure Statement" is about. It is to clarify, or disclose what each class would be affected by if/when the Plan (POR) is confirmed.
But regardless, a decision about voting against Releases is different, and affects even if you vote "against" a plan.
34) If I vote for or against the plan, what is that really meaning?
Voting for or against the plan, barring a really strange situation where every 'impaired' class votes against -- is really just an "indication" to the court of how that class feels...
That's really all the "vote" on the plan means. -- {Read further}
The court, needs only "one impaired class" (and there are many) voting yes to approve the plan. Doesn't mean they will, but that's the legal requirement, one "impaired" class voting for the plan.
Every prior vote has met that requirement. Eg, in every prior vote, at least one impaired class said "yes" to the plan (POR).
So, my opinion is, that voting YES or NO on the plan is just giving the court an "indication" on how you feel.
But granting releases -- that's different -- you either get or don't (regardless of your vote on the plan) -- based on your "opt out" of releases -- some NewCo shares. Again, this assumes that this plan is confirmed (approved) -- this plan is supported by the EC.
For the technical record, if every single impaired class does vote NO, then the court cannot approve the plan. That seems bizarrely implausible here. The court can, as they have already before, deny a plan anyway because something they don't like. This one seems railroaded for approval, but that's just my opinion. So votes for/against the plan are just indications -- IMHO.
35) Huh? Can you make that just a little more clear?
Ugh. One last try.
You have two things to do (well, three)
0) Figure out how to vote via your broker. That's most important.
1) Select "Vote For" or "Vote Against" the plan -- there will be two check boxes - this is straight forward. Pick one. See earlier here what each means. And read the disclosure statement for full, ahem, "disclosure".
2) Decide to live with the releases. Or decide to 'Opt Out' and sue on your own. If you want to sue on your own, then CHECK the "Opt Out" box. BUT BUT BUT, if like many, you want to grant the releases, then you simply leave the "Opt Out" box blank. The ballot has big bold letters all over the place saying this. So I'm just being redundantly redundant, again.
In other words, just returning the ballot is your indication that you approve of the releases, and get NewCo shares. Only if you specifically check the "Opt Out" box, are you saying you will sue on your own, and are voluntarily giving up the NewCo shares. {Ok, that's probably the 10th time or more here that it's been said. And the forms you get say it over and over and in big bold letters too...}
{And finally, once again, you must LEAVE THE "OPT OUT" box BLANK -- if you want any NewCo shares}
For perfect clarity, here are the FIVE possibilities:
~Updated: 2/1/12 -- TPS recommended that Preferreds (WAMPQ/WAMKQ) Vote "No" on the plan, but specified "You should make your own decision as to whether you will grant the demanded release" -- I had that wrong in v1.0-1.4. My apologies, and my correction here.
The recommendation from the EC: (For both WAMUQ and WAMPQ/KQ holders)
-- 1) Vote FOR the Plan and leave the "Opt Out" blank -- you are indicating you are accepting the plan, and are releasing, and get NewCo shares if the plan is confirmed.
The recommendation from TPS on the plan- and choosing to Release: (for WAMPQ/KQ holders) -- and grant releases
-- 2) Vote AGAINST the plan {recommended by TPS} and leave the "Opt Out" blank -- you are indicating that you do not accept the plan, but are releasing, but you still do get NewCo shares if the plan is confirmed. TPS doesn't make a recommendation on the Release.
The 'hard core' - I hate everything and will personally sue everybody -- also The recommendation from TPS on the plan - but WITH choosing NOT TO Release:
-- 3) Vote AGAINST the plan and check the "Opt Out" box -- you are indicating you do not accept the plan, and are refusing any NewCo shares so you can sue on your own - and are not granting releases. TPS doesn't make a recommendation on the Release.
The I can't read and will pick the dumbest option:
-- 4) Vote FOR the plan and check the "Opt Out" box -- you are indicating you accept the plan, and are refusing any NewCo shares so you can sue - and are not granting releases. -- this combination makes no sense, but you could do it.
The I am lazy and don't mind being screwed:
-- 5) Don't do anything, don't return anything, don't vote, don't bother. You neither are voting for or against the plan. HOWEVER, because you didn't do anything, you didn't give releases, and you get no NewCo shares. You can sue on your own.
36) I'm in the United States, or a United States Citizen, will I have to also fill out an IRS W9 form?
Most likely, yes. Past votes of classes where there may have been a distribution, did have SOME of the brokers requiring - in addition to the ballot - an IRS W9 form as well. Read VERY CLOSELY the instructions you get from the broker on this, and if it applies to you. If the broker says you must, then you MUST. If you are unsure, as always, check with your broker, a tax professional, and/or an accountant, etc.
36b) I'm allergic to W9's, my broker already has mine, W9's don't apply to me, I think W9's are communist plots, etc.
Fine. If your broker wants one, then you ask THEM what happens if you don't provide it. In short, if my broker wants one, even if I've already given him one before -- if he asks for it again, I'm giving it to him. I will not be risking that my ballot is delayed or otherwise not counted because I was playing coy with my broker asking for the W9 to be filled out again. A W9 is pretty simple, just your Social Security Number {if an individual} on a piece of IRS paperwork.
36c) FYI -- update -- regarding the W9's -- the KCC info for the Class 22 (Commons) 'Beneficial' ballot says:
"4. COMPLETE AND SIGN THE IRS FORM W-9 OR W-8 REQUESTED..."
So, W9 is for United States folks, W8 is for international folks.
The form should be included in the voting materials [or a substitute equivalent], but if not, it's here.
W9: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
W8: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8ben.pdf
37) I'm not in the US or a US Citizen, will I have to also fill out some sort of form similar to an IRS W9?
I do not know for sure. But since this is a US-based security and some of the preliminary documents I've read talks about foreign holders filing a W8, it's seems likely. {W8 link above). That's definitely a case-by-case, and country-by-country issue. I can't help you. Talk to your broker and read your voting packet closely. Even if I had answers, it's likely to be such a long table of permutations (citizen or not, which country, citizen of country x living in country y, etc, etc) that it's just bound to be wrong.
38) What about this 70/30% split of NewCo stock between Preferreds and Commons? Is that in stone?
See item #10. Read the TPS letter and the EC's Q&A. It is very clear in both, that the 70/30% is up to the court. It is a proposed split.
Also read Bankruptcy Code Section 1129(b)(2)(C), as TPS claims it is also applicable here.
39) Will the 70/30% split change?
WILL is subjective, up to the court. CAN it change, is factual -- yes it can. The plan specifically grants such flexibility to the court.
40) When will we know if this split changes?
My opinion is that the most likely way is going to be through the Court's Opinion and Ruling on the plan. See #9 above. It's also possible that during the Plan Confirmation Hearing that the court may give an indication, and/or flat out agree or disagree with the arguments to change the percentage split. We don't know for sure when the court will make the indication.
41) But that makes no sense. Am I really supposed to vote, and/or decide on giving my release - while not knowing if the percentage is changing?
Yea. Buck up. That's the way the plan is written.
41b) What kind of stupid logic is that, that I am voting before knowing if the split percentage is going to change?
The logic, to some degree, is that the plan 'proposes' 70/30% and then seeks the "class" input to "indicate" if the various classes affected agree or disagree (primarily Preferreds class - at 70%, and Commons class at 30%). The method the court has, to "indicate", comes through the classes voting whether they agree/disagree with such a split. So, that's the logic behind having to vote first, before the court makes a final decision. See the TPS letter and the EC Q&A to explain it further.
41c) Is the "vote", regarding the split, binding on the court? Eg, if say, preferreds follow the TPS advice and vote against the plan, does that automatically make the court have to change the split?
Well, the TPS letter says probably, EC Q&A infers it's not automatic. But remember each (TPS & EC) have their own view of this situation, and each wants it their way. And honestly it's not clear what the court must do, if anything, on this subject. I suspect the court does have flexibility either way.
42) Wait a second, you mean if I hold commons and the court does something {outrageous?} like 100/0%, and I get nothing -- and I've already released everybody? What about that?
The court has already said that you can't release {or be bound by one} if you don't get a distribution. That said, that's not legal advice, or any suggestion either way. So with this one, consult a professional if you have concerns -- see my disclaimer above.
------------------ and now for the non-voting/ballot Q&A stuff ------------------
97) Who are you? Why did you write this? What's your motive? You work for one of the parties involved in this case right? Are you right about all of this?
I'm an engineer. I work daily with root-cause analysis, so reading PORs, DSs, and filings and culling out the "root" issues in them is second nature to me. It's just like me working with hundred page engineering documents and cutting it down to a page or three of task-list items for my team. I wrote this because I hate to see folks screwed. And the potential here for just that is HUGE. I care. My motive is nothing else. No hidden meaning, nor intention. And no, I do not work for, or have any relation to any of the parties in this case. I am a simple, individual, independent investor like yourself. And yes, I do have cats.
Regarding being 'right' about all of this. I think I am. And where I am not sure, or sharing an OPINION it also says so. I'll make public corrections and apologies if I have any of this wrong. If anybody has any questions on how I arrived at a certain item, let me know and I'll direct you to the documents where I got the information from.
98) Are you a pre or post seizure holder?
Both. I still hold my pre-seizure shares, and have added and averaged down. So I have been involved here since the seizure and for the last 3 years.
99) I only skimmed this. What happens now if I post a question that you have already answered?
You get full wrath and scorn from me and from others. And I hope they just reply with "See Catz #xx" and are not nice to you either.
My attitude is this. If I spent the time to research and write it.... it's not asking much for you to spend the time to read it. After-all, it's here to help you.
-------------------------------------------------
That's it for now. Look for an updated version later. This is Version 1.5
...Catz
Disclosure: Catz owns all securities -- WAMUQ, WAMPQ, WAMKQ, WAHUQ, and DIMEQs. This is written, intentionally as 'agnostic' to all the securities.
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